Reviews

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.

Leia Mais

"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

Leia Mais

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 )

Leia Mais

It wasn’t what they tried to make it be

Understanding that this was a short film, I really was not expecting much.

It was a look at the stereotypical gay club lifestyle and hook up culture. But it also wasn’t that.

They tried too hard with this short film, trying to tell a story of connections once sex is removed from the equation. A story of two men learning about one another and finding a bit of themselves in the process.

I think if this had a bit more time to fully round out their development, it would be much better. As is, we are left with doubt and confusion and an open ending.

The actors didn’t make their characters interesting (no real expressions even) and the fact that we had to have two separate scenes with food in one night was unnecessary (time filler?).

The gritty filter on the filming made the scenes and the actors look dirty instead of artistic.

I personally have no interest in ever watching again.

Leia Mais

Bitterly average HK gangster flick

Born out of director Chang Cheh's desire to make anything other than another period martial arts piece, Chinatown Kid doesn't quite live up to its status as a classic in the Shaw Brothers' library of works. Utilising the standard martial arts framework as a backdrop to an entertaining, though exceptionally lightweight, examination of the pitfalls often experienced by Chinese citizens abroad and the circumstances which can divide even the staunchest heart. Chang's direction is decent, Alexander Fu Sheng's performance is fabulous and the music gets the job done but the whole film doesn't quite come together as neatly as I'd like thanks to its barebones script and long-winded runtime, it doesn't exactly tread over new ground either. While Chinatown Kid includes a little bit of everything and then some; from comedy to gangsterism and kung fu to big shoot-outs, it ultimately fails to connect the dots and ends up as a relatively average affair with occasional strong points of contention.

Leia Mais

THIS IS THE BEST KOREAN MOVIE I HAVE EVER WATCHED!

This is my first time leaving a review. I'm not really the type of person who makes reviews after watching a drama, but this one is exceptional. ✨

First, I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in making this film-the actors, the crew, the staff, and the director. Your work has created something truly wonderful. (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)

I was particularly struck by Gong Yoo's appearance. I missed seeing him in a drama, and his performance was a welcome return. ?

Choi Woo Shik also impressed me greatly. I've been a fan since "The Witch," and his talent continues to shine. ?

Park Bo Gum, with his mesmerizing puppy eyes?, was another highlight. His performance captivated me and added so much to the drama.?✨

Bae Suzy, the nation's first love, once again proved her incredible acting skills. Her visuals and performance were stunning. She's always been my favorite actress. ❣?

The dynamic between Park Bo-gum and Suzy was a major strength of the film. Their on-screen partnership felt natural and compelling, making me wish for more projects featuring them together in the future. ?

The actors brought their characters to life beautifully, and the storyline was deeply engaging. It explores the fascinating and somewhat unsettling concept of AI, highlighting how we might cling to the memory of loved ones even after they are gone.

I understand the desire to hold on to memories, even if they're not real. It makes me reflect on my own loved ones. Life teaches us to let go because holding on can lead to more pain.

Yet, I believe we will reunite with those we've lost in Heaven, as promised by God. By believing, repenting, and accepting Him as our Lord & Savior, we find hope through faith and grace. ?✨

Tang Wei's performance was especially moving. The airport scene was heartbreaking and powerful. The realization of being gone and accepting it was portrayed with such depth. ?

The young girl's longing for her mother was profoundly touching. Her innocence and hope broke my heart. ?

I highly recommend this film for its emotional depth and the standout performances of the actors. It's a moving experience that will leave a lasting impression. ??

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this masterpiece. ??☺

Leia Mais

A realistic movie about love!

I wouldn't say it's a romantic movie, even tho you could interpret the story in two different ways, the message remains the same. Two women love each other till the end! It doesn't matter if they're only friends or lovers, these are just labels. This movie basically perfect, because it shows that relationships are not easy and simple, it's complex, and you have to work hard to maintain it.

What I love about this movie is that it's not about the guy, it's 100% about the girls' POV. As much as they love each other, they're always messing up something, but they never leave each other.

In the end, they're basically become the same person. It was like Miso not only finished her art, but Ha Eun's life as well.

The story isn't finished, you have to guess what happened with Jin Woo and his daughter. Who knows, maybe he will raise her with Miso, or just meet the girl once in a while. But I don't think that matters.

At the end of the day, this is about Miso and Ha Eun, and how much they love each other.

Like the title says: They're soulmates.

Leia Mais

Lackluster at best

What could have been a great movie ended up being disappointing.

The premise was good, the trailer looked okay and seeing the cast made me feel hyped for the movie.
Acting was well done by the cast and the music was good as well. That is where the amazing points end for me.

The idea of AI as a replacement for people we have lost or cannot meet seems to hit close to home. Especially if you think about all the AI-advancements that have been made as lof late. The fact that this raises many ethical questions is also very true. At first, it seemed like the movie would touch on those ethical questions, but sadly it didn't.

At some points it even seemed like the movie was trying to make us feel 'sorry' for the AI. Completely disregarding that it is AI, not a real person.

I don't know how to explain properly, but it felt like the movie briefly touched on something that could have been good, but was afraid to properly touch those subjects. It left us with a beautiful lackluster surface level movie, without diving deep into anything at all.

Perhaps if this had been a 12 or 16 episodes series, they would have been able to write a more in-depth script.

I would say you can watch it if you are a fan of the cast, but don't expect anything great. Even if you would put this at the back while doing something else, you wouldn't miss much.

Leia Mais

Pee Nak 4 - The Wait Is Over, & The Wait for Pee Nak 5 Begins

The 4th installment in the Pee Nak franchise takes Tho Min Jun back to the countryside home of his childhood. His mother has asked him to restore the local temple, and his friends Balloon, First, and Noht travel with him. What awaits him though is, of course, complicated by a ghost and childhood promises.

Mike Phontharis Chotkijsadarsopon has once more delivered a fabulous blend of horror, comedy, and gay cattiness. Once again, wholesome messages and both Buddhist folklore and beliefs are woven in beautifully.

TW: Bullying, Self-Deletion, Vengefulness, Death, Jump-scares, Ableism

Leia Mais

Not everyone gets a second chance at life...

I really enjoyed this movie. It has some of my favorite veteran actors in it. I found it heart-warming and heart-breaking at the same time. I'm so glad was a movie and not a series, the length was perfect.

I know the Granny was not supposed to be likeable, but she annoyed the heck out of me. Once she became her younger self, but still retained the same attitudes, it was really funny to watch. I loved the grandson, he seemed to be the only one that cared for Granny.

I would have loved to have seen the family's reaction when she reverted back to her usual self after the blood transfusion, but, for me, that was the only thing that was missing.

The young version of the Granny had the voice, attitude and mannerisms down perfectly. I loved how they modeled her after Audrey Hepburn, her hairstyles and her fashion. And can we talk about the music? The songs were just beautiful.

And I'm sorry, you simply can't go wrong with a cameo by Kim Soo Hyun!

This was a very fun movie, which made me wonder about what choices I would have made in her situation. I'm so glad I finally watched this.

Leia Mais

Yeah, I was not prepered for this!

At all!!! I thought, I this is going to be a fun teen comedy with some cheesy romance, but no, it was more mature than I expected. The writing was fantastic, the actors are great, and if you lived as a teen in the 90s you'll feel the nostalgia. Okay, technically I was only 13 in 2000, but still.?

Anyway, at first I was afraid, they might do a lame love triangle or even quadruple, but no, they managed this whole romance story in the best possible way.

I'm not sure what can I say more without spoiling it, but DON'T READ ANYTHING ABOUT THIS MOVIE BEFORE YOU WATCH IT!

Leia Mais

SO MANY EMOTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am more of a kdrama person but I will watch a few movies here and there~

Honestly, this movie has SUCH a great storyline, profound meaning, yet includes shallow humor!! It did an AMAZING job of just being SO REAL (realistic in terms of life and just how relatable situations could be).

Acting was hilarious and absolutely portrayed their characters remarkably!

This was such a HUGE roller coaster of emotions of anger, sadness, happiness, butterflies, humor, and just again - ah yes this is life, this type of stuff actually happens.

Just being able to relate to how important timing is, how words/actions can really alter and be life changing, and things just don't always go as planned (in fact, almost never as planned).

Without spoiling, I think the ending was bittersweet.

AND FOR THOSE SAYING THE FL WAS SO SELFISH - nahhh BE SO FOR REAL. She had made the right choice of high self respect/value. (EVEN if I wanted a different ending and agree with many of you).

She had to do what she had to do, bc of her past too remember. In the end, they both bloomed from their tenure of a relationship and honestly, I could see why it ended the way it did...

But I did LOVE the ML... he did an AMAZING job of "I want my man too look at me the way he does" type LOL!!

Overall, would totally recommend this movie!! Great storyline, acting, and really found myself laughing a lot!!

Leia Mais