Reviews

A jewel of the Pinku Eiga aesthetic with stories of hidden obsessions and explicit desire

Hisayasu Satô, known as one of the four demons of the Pinku Eiga (ピンク映画, literally "pink film"), a subgenre of Japanese exploitation cinema, with notable impact in the 1960s and until the end of the 20th century for its erotic themes and marginal settings, is a filmmaker known for making incredibly sordid films about ultraviolence, isolation, loneliness, existentialism, obsession, alienation, perversion, voyeurism and perverse and explicit sexual content.
Recognized worldwide for films such as 'Hunters' Sense of Touch', 'Splatter: Naked Blood', 'Lolita Vibrator Torture', 'Train: Dirty Behavior de Molester' and 'Brain Sex', among others, 'Bondage Ectasy' (陶酔遊戯), from 1989, is one of his best films, but not as personal as 'Muscle'.
Famous for his "sledgehammer" cinematographic style and his "guerrilla shooting technique", he filmed countless films under the Pinku Eiga aesthetic, emerging as a response to the strict regulations of the film industry and as a bold exploration of sexuality and social taboos.
Although often associated with eroticism and nudity, the Pinku Eiga films go far beyond the superficial, offering a provocative look at human psychology and the complexities of Japanese society at the time, a kind of response to cinema traditional, by introducing subversive and political elements, which managed to establish a connection with the French New Wave through directors such as Masao Adachi, responsible for 'A gushing prayer' (1971), who was a collaborator of Nagisa Oshima.
The Pinku Eiga films frequently featured marginalized characters and extreme situations, offering a raw, unvarnished view of Japanese society at the time. This directness and cinematic audacity resonated both in that country and abroad, turning his works into a cultural phenomenon with a lasting legacy.
With low budgets, another of the characteristics of this subgenre, Hisayasu Satô's films were filmed in times of social and political turbulence, and they challenged conventional norms and became a form of expression for filmmakers who sought to break creative barriers and explore new narrative territories.
Scripted by Yumeno Shiro, 'Bondage Ectasy', a Pinku Eiga film with a gay theme, is characterized by its bold use of color, visual composition and symbolism, using the image in a provocative way to convey subversive messages and explore themes such as desire, repression, obsession and alienation.
Themes of loneliness, power and existentialism are mixed with the typical pinku themes of sex and violence in a way that only Hisayasu Satô could achieve.
The film follows an anonymous man, played by Shotaro Sawada, a young man who sees his sexual life altered after the physical and mental torture and humiliation he receives from his boss and co-workers in an office.
But this will not be the only reason for her unhappiness: her boyfriend, played by Osamu Fukuda, does not have much time to dedicate to him due to his absence both for work reasons and because he is always accompanied by his lover, a young woman, played by actress Setsuhiko Kobayashi. The three soon find themselves involved in a kind of love triangle based on sadomasochism.
After receiving a beating from his boss and having an unexpected sexual encounter with his absent boyfriend and former fencing partner, something reawakens in our young office worker. While reading Metamorphoses by Franz Kafka, the main character has recurring dreams of turning into an insect in a dream sequence and sees her boyfriend and their mutual lover as they really are. On the other hand, he observes various sexual acts of captive men with the presence of sadomasochism.
Coupled with an unsatisfying sexual event with the woman with whom he lives the love triangle, we don't have to look far to find meaning in his world of dreams and fantasies.
The exploitation that forms obsession is a manifestation that is present in the deepest internal fantasies of our protagonist.
Turned into an insect, the character also realizes that he can control those who ingest him while occupying his new body. While all of this may seem complicated and strange, Satô is able to weave the story in a way that distinguishes the film not only from his preceding work, but from the Pinku Eiga aesthetic as a whole.
The synopsis will make many believe that it is simply a pink movie with a touch of Kafka's novel. However, Satô seems to be more interested in the work of someone like De Sade.
The sleaze in 'Bondage Ecstasy' is evident from the first to the last scenes of the film. Graphic and rough sex, sadomasochism and voyeurism are present in virtually every frame of the film and create an often uncomfortable viewing experience.
While the film does not rely on effects at all, the effects present, properly adjusted to the tone and purpose of the feature film, are also very well done and much better than one would expect considering its low budget.
Another technical section to highlight is the music. The soundtrack never takes center stage, but rather reflects the tone of the film.
'Bondage Ecstasy' manages to generate reactions of disgust in some viewers, and admiration in many others. However, no one can deny the power of the film and Satô's legacy. This film is essential for all Pinku Eiga fans and for anyone interested in seeing how sexual exploitation and cinema belonging to this aesthetic can touch the sky.
Despite being filmed on video, like most of Satô's film work, the cinematography and direction demonstrate the maturity and consolidation of the Japanese director. This is evident during the segments in which the protagonist is an insect.
Towards the end of the film, 'Bondage Ecstasy' takes a turn and what initially feels claustrophobic opens up as the viewer literally becomes a fly on the wall as they see the lives of Sawada's acquaintances, those people who torture him and humiliate.
It is incredible how from a grainy VHS quality film with an extreme emphasis on aesthetics over characters and plot there is so much luminosity. Sato's work in photographing male bodies is magnificent, in an erotic way, without feeling disgusting, everything is vaguely uncomfortable but above all intimate and exciting. The Japanese filmmaker films the best combination of philosophy and softcore porn that I can imagine and at least have seen.
Each sexual gesture is strangely erotic, full of transgression, violent and pleasurable, establishing a hierarchy between a boss and his subordinate, who like to enjoy the pleasures and dangers of sadomasochism.
On the other hand, the chemistry between the two main actors goes beyond the physical sphere, but is emotional, psychological and fully satisfying.
The film portrays sexual domination that metamorphoses (becomes an insect) into the condition of society (specifically workers) and capitalism in Japan.
However, the viewer cannot classify 'Bondage Ecstasy' as a mere sexual film. The segments where Sawada's character transforms into an insect are powerful in a strange way. A man trampled by the members of the society of which he is a part has the opportunity to witness how the people who have humiliated, tormented and tortured him physically and mentally live, to discover that they are not very different from him and also struggle with your own personal hell.
From this new position, the character played by Sawada can take revenge by controlling them for brief moments. In this way, the protagonist receives a new vision of his life and, in a way, gains power.
While this power initially appears to be a positive thing, it soon begins to erode his soul until he comes to the conclusion that he is no better than his tormentors.
The film, which culminates in a graphic scene of violence, leaves the viewer with a disturbing feeling that is difficult to overcome. 'Bondage Ecstasy' is haunting, depressing and at the same time beautiful, and the emotions it evokes in the viewer never seem artificial.

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Horror and Mystery interwoven in faith and religious practices

Hoon Payon is a movie that delves into the psychological depths of grief and the struggle of a man to find the whereabouts of his brother. Throughout the movie there is an eerie atmosphere and you tend to question about the motivations of each of the characters.

The movie starts with Tham (Phuwin) entering in to a small village in search for his brother. There he learns that his brother has fled after murdering the abbot and is nowhere to be found. While he stays in the village to get to the bottom of his brother’s disappearance, he encounters strange customs and the monks’ reverence to a bizarre deity. What follows are series of deaths and further disappearances and Tham’s own life at risk.

The film's greatest strength lies in its atmospheric storytelling. The haunting ambiance, coupled with the subdued performances, creates a palpable sense of dread. The director skillfully builds tension, allowing the horror to unfold gradually, rather than relying on cheap jump scares. The constant fear of someone lurking in the corner while eerie occurrences happening around you invokes an unnerving feeling.

The characters in the film are mysterious and complex. Along with our main characters Tham, we have Te, an autistic man who is loving and caring to all but is also a victim of bullying. We also meet Jes, who sculpts statues that are used by villagers in the last rites for the dead and monk Kla who dislikes Tham and constantly butts heads with him. Tham tries to navigate through the multiple characters to learn about his brother and escape from these supernatural occurrences.

In conclusion, Hoon Payon is a horror film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. While it may not be a perfect film, it succeeds in creating a chilling atmosphere and exploring the complexities of human emotion and blind faith

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Balancing Act: Horror and Humor in Pee Nak 4

Pee Nak 4 successfully rekindles the magic of its predecessor, delivering a thrilling blend of horror and comedy. The plot, the performance and the emotions make this movie a must-watch for people who enjoyed the previous Pee Nak series. Pee Nak 4 brings together the exceptional characters of handsome Tho Min Jun (Mean), troubled Noht (Tar) and the chaotic duo Balloon (Aim) and First (James)
The movie revolves around our main character Tho Min Jun who returns to his ancestral place to rebuild a temple. The task proves to be difficult as it is haunted by a malevolent ghost who is closely connected to Tho Min Jun. To put the ghost to rest, Tho Min Jun joins hands with his friends Noht, Balloon and First and what follows is a fight to survive. The movie is a series of mishaps and investigations leading to the final unraveling of the mystery behind the ghost.
The movie's visual effects are commendable, especially considering the genre. The CGI is believable and enhances the overall atmosphere. However, the editing could be smoother in certain sequences.
The dynamic between the main characters, particularly the comedic duo of Balloon and First, is a standout. Their on-screen chemistry injects much-needed humor into the often tense atmosphere. However, while the film excels in generating laughs, the horror elements could have been amplified. Some jump scares feel predictable, and the build-up to truly terrifying moments could be more pronounced.
In conclusion, the movie's blend of humor and scares, coupled with its engaging characters, makes it a worthwhile watch. Waiting for the inevitable next installment in this series

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Confusing, awkward and sometimes questionable, but has a few interesting ideas

Well, that was a very odd viewing experience. It felt like a confusing hybrid of a sentimental arthouse film and science fiction drama. But whatever it was trying to do, it didn't really work. The constant shifting between stories and lack of development made the narratives seem unnatural. During the more emotional scenes, I was either busy wondering why characters were acting the way they were (mostly Park Bogum), or what exactly the character was (Gong Yoo), or why the AI were even capable of these emotions in the first place. Perhaps that stopped me from feeling emotionally connected.

Also, what exactly is the movie trying to say? It sometimes hinted at how exploitative the service was, both financially and emotionally, and how there was an obvious lack of restrictions on the service (Imo, creating an AI replica of a comatose person without their consent is completely unethical). This was interesting, but they never delve into any of these issues. Then at other times it implies that the AI, being programmed with the person's old memories and having created new ones, essentially become... almost another living being(?) deserving of love(??) That's questionable at best, if you ask me.

There was also something mildly awkward throughout the entire movie, which might have been the visuals which sometimes looked like advertisements, or the odd music placements at some places. So yeah, sadly I think it's yet another unsuccessful attempt at science fiction from SK.

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20th Century Girl Review - ZyKuu

This one cut deep into the heart. A must recommend for anyone who loves romance and sad endings. This film is the definition of K-Trauma. The two main leads Bo-ra and Woon-ho were a perfect pairing and their chemistry was incredible. There were a couple intense scenes between Bo-ra and Woon-ho that lead to me being very emotional. One scene in particular was so saddening that I began crying, and this was due to the reason that every single aspect of this scene was perfectly orchestrated. In addition, the performances by both actors during these climatic moments were heartfelt and as a viewer made you feel empathetic towards them. The choice of OST was precise as I felt that the music played behind each scene heavily emphasized the magnitude of each moment, especially during the most saddening scenes. Overall this was a phenomenal film that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

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Wonderland" - A Captivating Journey through Loss and Connection

Pros and cons: "Wonderland" is an amazing Korean movie drama that explores the idea of reconnecting with loved ones after they have passed away. The film presents a unique and creative way to deal with loss and grief, showing how technology can help people stay connected with those they've lost. The story is both imaginative and emotional, highlighting the challenges and benefits of this advanced system. The cast does an outstanding job, bringing their characters to life and making the audience feel deeply for them. The scenes where characters interact with their deceased loved ones are particularly touching and powerful.

However, the movie has one main flaw. The beginning is quite confusing because it jumps straight into the characters' lives without explaining the system that allows them to communicate with the deceased. This makes it hard to follow the plot until about halfway through. A clearer introduction to the system at the start would have made the movie much easier to understand. , "Wonderland" is a touching and creative movie with a unique concept and a great cast. Although it starts off confusing, it delivers a powerful and emotional experience that stays with you after watching it.

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DONT WATCH IF U CRY EASY

To be honest, this started out so cutely like it was a pretty casual condensed drama. I really thought the ending would circulate around the fact the the ML and FL do long distance then he comes back but NO. I fast forward to my girl Bo-ra getting ghosted but then she gets invited to an exhibit. I really thought that she would finally meet up with Woon-ho but then no i saw a death year. I WAS LIKE OH HELL TO THE NAH THIS BOY DIDN'T JUST DIE. SPOILER he did. AND it was so unexplained like whatttt. I had to google and ppl are saying he had an accident on the way to the airport and things like that. Nonetheless, i cried buckets and it made me actually upset. 1. because of the sheer sadness of it. and 2. because literally who expected that punch in the heart and 3. the most unclear situation. Lowkey, it seemed like the end was a bit rushed but the vhs was so cute i cried for a good 10 mins. To sum up, its a pretty good watch but I dont like watching sad endings. I watched it for the hype and I prolly wouldn't watch it if i knew how it ended. ♡qualifiedkdramer♡

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Tesoura com tesoura

Vei, simplesmente perfeito, o melhor filme da vida isso sem dúvida alguma. Plot Twist atrás de plot twist, já reassisti tantas vezes que nem dá pra contar. É uma das melhores se não a melhor produção sáfica da história. TE AMK A CRIADA!!

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Time restriction playing dirty

The concept is great for this movie, plus the excellent artists in it could have made this an interesting watch but I think with this kind of concept, it should have been a mini series to be able to tell the story clearly. It started right in the core and went on halfway without me understanding how the system works for these family. Then there is a character that until the end, I wasn't sure who he was until after reading some articles online about this movie. Even then, am still not sure because it didn't make sense to me still. (talking about the guy appearing beside Bai Li supposedly her dead husband but how come during the emergency computer problem, woosik and that girl called out to him for help?) Maybe someone can enlighten me.
I plan to watch again hoping I will catch parts I missed that might explain this movie better.

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"Like a velvet chair in a dusty saloon...square peg, round hole, a runaway with nowhere to go"

Every once in a while, you come across a hidden gem. Yellow Rose was just such a gem, a little independent film directed by Diane Paragas and starring theater actress Eva Noblezada. This film was a story of coming of age, social commentary, young love, heartache, familial love, and resiliency all rolled up in a song. Noblezada’s acting and singing were a revelation.

Rose Garcia and her mom live in the rundown Texas motel where her mom works. Rose’s room is dedicated to the worship of country music right down to her Dolly Parton candle. Strumming her deceased dad’s guitar she creates and sings songs, a vital inner sanctuary where she can pour out her feelings. What Rose doesn’t know is that her mom has not been able to resolve their legal status and they are on ICE’s radar (Immigration & Customs Enforcement). After going to a Texas dancehall with a friend to hear aged country singer Dale Watson perform, Rose returns home, only to be devastated as she watches her mother being arrested by ICE. Her friend Elliott helps her flee which sets Rose on the path to seeking a safe place to stay.

Yellow Rose alternated between heartbreaking scenes and uplifting heartfelt scenes. Noblezada had true screen presence. I found her performance captivating as she displayed Rose’s vulnerability and resiliency. She sang several poignant songs with a clear and ethereal voice. Dale Watson played himself as a hard drinking faded singer who still had a fire in his soul for music---even if it was at a chicken bingo event. Filipina actress Princess Punzalan had the integral role of Rose’s mother, Priscilla. Lea Salonga who starred in Miss Saigon and was the singing voice for at least two Disney princesses played Rose’s Aunt Gail who had made painful compromises on her road to assimilation.

Rose was dubbed Yellow Rose at a school talent show by the other kids when she sang a country song. The name was a play on the state song of Texas and undoubtedly with racist undertones. This seventeen-year-old braved loving a music genre often associated with whiteness. People of color are not always welcomed into the club even though their contributions have been around for decades. (Thank you, Beyoncé, for helping to also set the record straight!) Despite the struggles she and her mother dealt with and a possible future without her mother by her side, Texas was the only home she knew. Rose was willing to stay and fight for her dream regardless of having to walk the path alone.

This film didn’t only focus on immigration concerns, though Priscilla’s time in detention was dehumanizing. Dale helped Rose to trust herself and use her experiences to energize her creativity. There was also the push-pull of Rose seeking more independence from her conservative mother. Little did she know she’d be thrown into the deep end of the pool when her mother was arrested.

Paragas found a way to balance Rose’s love of country music and the dangers of living as an undocumented worker. While she showed the heartache of a family being split up, she never chose to go full melodrama. In the same way that the people living without citizenship in the country were humanized, so were the citizens who sheltered Rose. The latter must have been difficult to write as dangerous as the rhetoric is and the political climate in some areas for illegal immigrants. Paragas managed to avoid the white savior trope as well. Even with assistance from newly made friends, Rose’s persistence, talent, and capableness were what propelled her to keep moving forward whatever the future might hold. The writing for Yellow Rose may have been oversimplified in places, but what this film wasn't lacking was heart.

“I won’t go quietly into the night,
And I’ll sing till the light of day”

27 July 2024

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heartwarming film that will surely touch everyones heart

it amazing film as expected from Billkin I've watched his first show named I Told Sunset About You and I expected a lot I already know he's a phenomenal actor so I didn't need to worry much

tip: bring lots of tissues, and enjoy the film

— story
I think this is a story that will touch everyone especially if you are from Southeast Asia like me it's very relatable the movie hits the softest spot of everyone in their family especially your grandma I love the dynamics between M ( billkin ) and her Ahma ( Usha Seamkhum )
I also love how they show the everyday life of Thai people It is very close to my heart as a Filipino myself the traditions and everything they do and how we care for our elderly especially when they are old and sick

( about family relationships, sacrifices, culture, traditions,)

— acting
very good as expected from gdh love the acting from billkin and the ahma (Usha Seamkhum) and also tontawan actually everyone

— music
Wow just wow the music is perfect made me cry more

— rewatch value
i would watch it again with the whole family

so go on and definitely watch this film worth every time and money! ( made everyone cry in the theater teens and adults and parents )

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