This week's post is a day late and one film more than promised.
This week's films:
Hur Jin-ho's A Good Rain Knows
(a.k.a. Season of Good Rain)
Starring South Korean Actor Jung Woo-sung and Chinese Actress Gao Yuan-yuan, Hur's latest film is multi-lingual. What began as one-third of the omnibus film Chengdu, I Love You, was transformed into a feature-length film due to the amount of footage Director Hur had shot, and, presumably, very much liked.
Jung and Gao play old friend, and perhaps something more, that are reunited when Jung's character visits Chengdu, China on a business trip. What follows is a semi-tragic love story set a year after the horrific earthquake that took a heavy toll upon Chengdu.
Something I found neat, is that the characters converse in Korean, Chinese, and English. I, like Director Hur, very much liked the footage shot for his latest release; and am glad it was made into a feature film.
Breck Eisner's The Crazies
A mediocre horror flick that should be credited for being one of the better American horror films released in the last few years.
Noh Young Seok's Daytime Drinking
A bit like a film from Hong Sangsoo, Daytime Drinking engages while it semingly meanders to a finish. It may not be quite as good as a film directed by Hong Sangsoo, but it is a very enjoyable film.
Hong Sangsoo's Virgin Stripped Bare By Her Bachelors
A film from the aforementioned South Korean Director Hong Sangsoo. For me, the name of the director is enough to signify its quality and importance in the world of cinema. For those unfamiliar with Hong's works, see this film, and all of his films.
Hong Sangsoo's Woman On the Beach
Another film from Hong Sangsoo. Like all his films, Woman On the Beach is very, very good. Besides being what I can only describe as an important, or perhaps even a necessary, film; Woman On the Beach is one of my favorite of Hong's films. Easily one of the best films ever made. Ever, ever, ever, ever, ever. Ever.
Francis Ng's Tracing Shadow
A really fun martial arts fantasy flick from Hong Kong Actor/Director Francis Ng.
Mamoru Hosoda's The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
When I read about the planned live-action version of The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, I was intrigued. What I read also made me want see the original Anime film first. I'm glad I did. It is one of the best Japanese Anime films I've seen. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a very likeable film.
King Hu's Painted Skin (1993)
The first filmic adaptation of Pu Song-ling's Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio to be named Painted Skin. King Hu's version stars Adam Cheng, Joey Wong, Sammo Hung, and Lam Ching-ying. Like A Chinese Ghost Story, Painted Skin is an old school Hong Kong martial arts fantasy film that may seem a bit dated by today's standards, but is still an enjoyable film.
Gordon Chan's Painted Skin (2008)
The newest adaptation of Pu Song-ling's Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio to be named Painted Skin is a very different film from King Hu's. Gordan Chan's film has, of course, more sophisticated special effects. It also sports an impressive cast, with Donnie Yen, Vicki Zhao Wei, Zhou Xun, and Aloys Chen. In addition to the differences mentioned above, Chan's film is different plot-wise. However, both films are fun to watch, and feel like Hong Kong films made in the 80's and 90's.
Andrew Lau's The Storm Riders
Speaking of Hong Kong films made in the 90's...Andrew Lau's The Storm Riders was another adaptation, adapted from a comic of the same name. The special effects haven't held up, though they were state-of-the-art at the time, but The Storm Riders was, and is, a great fantasy action epic.
The Pang Brothers' The Storm Warriors
An abysmal follow-up to Andrew Lau's The Storm Riders. The lead actors (Ekin Cheng and Aaron Kowk) are the same as the previous film, but that and the source material are the only similarities between the two films. The films is an over-stuffed mess of computer effects excess and little else. I can help but wonder how good it would have been if Lau had directed instead of the uninspired Pang Brothers.
Check back in a week for my thoughts on ten, or eleven, more films.
24 July, 2010
16 July, 2010
Looking Up
Things are getting back on track here at Very and absolutely and extremely. For at least the next eleven weeks, in an effort to get caught up "thoughts-wise" on over a hundred films that I've yet to post about my thoughts on, I'm going to post my thoughts on ten films a week. That is a lot of thought(s).
This week's films:
Jean-Luc Godard's Passion
Pretentious and unnecessary.
Wong Kar-wai's My Blueberry Nights
Wong's English-language debut isn't nearly as good as his prior films, but I like My Blueberry Nights more and more each time I view it.
François Truffaut's Two English Girls
In 1962, Truffaut made, Jules and Jim, a film about a woman in love with two men. In 1971, he essentially made that film again, in the form of Two English Girls; albeit the second time it was a man that was torn between his love for two women. I don't love either film, but they are both interesting works from a great director.
Grigori Chukhrai's The Forty-first
Chukhrai's first film, and an excellent drama. I really liked it.
Grigori Chukhrai's Ballad of A Soldier
Chukhrai's second film, an excellent drama, and one of my favorite films in all of filmdom.
Grigori Chukhrai's Clear Skies
Chukhrai's third film, and an excellent drama. I really liked it.
Hong Sangsoo's The Power of Kangwon Province
Not as good as some other films from South Korean Director Hong Sangsoo, but it is still a very good film.
Johnnie To's The Longest Nite
Listed as directed by another director; rumoured to have been directed by Hong Kong Cinema Crime Drama Master Johnnie To; believed by me to have been directed by said HK Cinema Crime Drama Master. An excellent neo-noir that stars top HK actors Tony Leung and Lau Ching-wan. If you haven't seen The Longest Nite, you should.
Patrick Leung Pak-Kin's Beyond Hypothermia
Another HK Crime Drama flick that stars Lau Ching-wan. Also, it is good.
Johnnie To's Where A Good Man Goes
Yet another HK Crime Drama that stars Lau Ching-wan. Like the two listed above this, it is very good.
Check back in a week for my thoughts on ten more films. I promise more information, words, and comas (my favorite of the punctuation marks).
This week's films:
Jean-Luc Godard's Passion
Pretentious and unnecessary.
Wong Kar-wai's My Blueberry Nights
Wong's English-language debut isn't nearly as good as his prior films, but I like My Blueberry Nights more and more each time I view it.
François Truffaut's Two English Girls
In 1962, Truffaut made, Jules and Jim, a film about a woman in love with two men. In 1971, he essentially made that film again, in the form of Two English Girls; albeit the second time it was a man that was torn between his love for two women. I don't love either film, but they are both interesting works from a great director.
Grigori Chukhrai's The Forty-first
Chukhrai's first film, and an excellent drama. I really liked it.
Grigori Chukhrai's Ballad of A Soldier
Chukhrai's second film, an excellent drama, and one of my favorite films in all of filmdom.
Grigori Chukhrai's Clear Skies
Chukhrai's third film, and an excellent drama. I really liked it.
Hong Sangsoo's The Power of Kangwon Province
Not as good as some other films from South Korean Director Hong Sangsoo, but it is still a very good film.
Johnnie To's The Longest Nite
Listed as directed by another director; rumoured to have been directed by Hong Kong Cinema Crime Drama Master Johnnie To; believed by me to have been directed by said HK Cinema Crime Drama Master. An excellent neo-noir that stars top HK actors Tony Leung and Lau Ching-wan. If you haven't seen The Longest Nite, you should.
Patrick Leung Pak-Kin's Beyond Hypothermia
Another HK Crime Drama flick that stars Lau Ching-wan. Also, it is good.
Johnnie To's Where A Good Man Goes
Yet another HK Crime Drama that stars Lau Ching-wan. Like the two listed above this, it is very good.
Check back in a week for my thoughts on ten more films. I promise more information, words, and comas (my favorite of the punctuation marks).
22 May, 2010
Best of '09, Again
Back in March of this year, I posted my picks for the best films of 2009. At the time, I chose eleven films to represent the year. Now, I have augmented the list with two films from '09 that I have only recently viewed. I highly recommend all of the films listed.
The list:
Wai Ka-fai's Written by
Kathryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker
Park Chan-wook's Thirst
Lu Chuan's City of Life and Death
Hong Sangsoo's Like You Know It All
Herman Yau's Split Second Murders
Hur Jin-ho's A Good Rain Knows
Corneliu Porumboiu's Police, adjective
Boo Ji-young's Sisters On the Road
John Woo's Red Cliff
Sam Raimi's Drag Me To Hell
Lone Scherfig's An Education
Nicolas Winding Refn's Bronson
The list:
Wai Ka-fai's Written by
Kathryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker
Park Chan-wook's Thirst
Lu Chuan's City of Life and Death
Hong Sangsoo's Like You Know It All
Herman Yau's Split Second Murders
Hur Jin-ho's A Good Rain Knows
Corneliu Porumboiu's Police, adjective
Boo Ji-young's Sisters On the Road
John Woo's Red Cliff
Sam Raimi's Drag Me To Hell
Lone Scherfig's An Education
Nicolas Winding Refn's Bronson
30 April, 2010
Something to Look Forward to, '010
Time for a post about three films I'm looking forward to seeing.
On with the films:
Love In A Puff
Directed by Edmond Pang Ho-cheung, starring Miriam Yeung and Shawn Yue.
What it is:
The latest feature from Edmond Pang Ho-cheung.
Why I'm excited:
He's one of my favorite directors. I've at least liked all of his films, and I've really enjoyed most, including Isabella, which is one of my favorite films. He hasn't released a new film since '07, so I can't wait for Love In A Puff to come out on dvd. If that weren't enough (it is), Pang has another feature, Dream Home, coming out this year as well. It's a good year.
Go Lala Go!
Directed by Xu Jinglei, starring Xu Jinglei, other people.
What it is:
The latest, and fourth, film from Actress-Writer-Director-Super-Blogger Xu Jinglei.
Why I'm excited:
Xu is one of my favorite directors. Her second feature, Letter From An Unknown Woman, is one of my favorite stories by Author Stefan Zweig, and an excellent film. Xu followed up her touching debut, My Father & I, with the Zweig adaptation, and then followed with her third feature, Dreams may come.
Back in July of '08, during this blog's infancy, I wrote the following about Xu's third film:
"Director/Writer/Actress/Super-Blogger Xu Jinglei's third feature , Dreams May Come is an amazing film, in which nothing really happens. Xu stars as an actress in a television series, who goes to the series' director's hotel room to tell him she wants to quit the show. What follows is roughly 100 minutes of conversation, during which both characters comment on how they see themselves, each other, and the world.
Its a deceptively simple film that manages to engage and even enthrall, in spite of the seemingly pretentious concept. I had been looking forward to seeing this film for a long time, having liked Xu's first film, My Father and I, and loved her second film, Letter From an Unknown Woman. Fortunately, my high expectations were exceed, and I was treated to one of the best films I've seen this year, and probably ever."
It is safe to say I'm a pretty big fan of Xu's work. So it's fairly obvious that I'd be excited to see her latest film.
Crossing Hennessey
Directed by Ivy Ho, starring Jacky Cheung and Tang Wei.
What it is:
Ivy Ho's second feature film.
Why I'm excited:
Back when I posted the first "Something to Look Forward to" I listed Ho's debut feature, Claustrophobia, as one of the films I was looking forward to seeing. As with her first film, Ho is taking on the writing duties in addition to sitting in the director's chair. For Crossing Hennessey, she re-teams with July Rhapsody star Jacky Cheung. She also works with Tang Wei, who was propelled high into the world of film following her great performance in Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution."
Although I wasn't blow away with Ivy Ho's Claustrophobia the first time I viewed the film, subsequent viewings proved to be much more engaging. After seeing it a few times, I came to appreciate Ho's ability as a director. So, I'm pretty excited about seeing her newest film.
Check back relatively soon for more thoughts from me about film(s).
On with the films:
Love In A Puff
Directed by Edmond Pang Ho-cheung, starring Miriam Yeung and Shawn Yue.
What it is:
The latest feature from Edmond Pang Ho-cheung.
Why I'm excited:
He's one of my favorite directors. I've at least liked all of his films, and I've really enjoyed most, including Isabella, which is one of my favorite films. He hasn't released a new film since '07, so I can't wait for Love In A Puff to come out on dvd. If that weren't enough (it is), Pang has another feature, Dream Home, coming out this year as well. It's a good year.
Go Lala Go!
Directed by Xu Jinglei, starring Xu Jinglei, other people.
What it is:
The latest, and fourth, film from Actress-Writer-Director-Super-Blogger Xu Jinglei.
Why I'm excited:
Xu is one of my favorite directors. Her second feature, Letter From An Unknown Woman, is one of my favorite stories by Author Stefan Zweig, and an excellent film. Xu followed up her touching debut, My Father & I, with the Zweig adaptation, and then followed with her third feature, Dreams may come.
Back in July of '08, during this blog's infancy, I wrote the following about Xu's third film:
"Director/Writer/Actress/Super-Blogger Xu Jinglei's third feature , Dreams May Come is an amazing film, in which nothing really happens. Xu stars as an actress in a television series, who goes to the series' director's hotel room to tell him she wants to quit the show. What follows is roughly 100 minutes of conversation, during which both characters comment on how they see themselves, each other, and the world.
Its a deceptively simple film that manages to engage and even enthrall, in spite of the seemingly pretentious concept. I had been looking forward to seeing this film for a long time, having liked Xu's first film, My Father and I, and loved her second film, Letter From an Unknown Woman. Fortunately, my high expectations were exceed, and I was treated to one of the best films I've seen this year, and probably ever."
It is safe to say I'm a pretty big fan of Xu's work. So it's fairly obvious that I'd be excited to see her latest film.
Crossing Hennessey
Directed by Ivy Ho, starring Jacky Cheung and Tang Wei.
What it is:
Ivy Ho's second feature film.
Why I'm excited:
Back when I posted the first "Something to Look Forward to" I listed Ho's debut feature, Claustrophobia, as one of the films I was looking forward to seeing. As with her first film, Ho is taking on the writing duties in addition to sitting in the director's chair. For Crossing Hennessey, she re-teams with July Rhapsody star Jacky Cheung. She also works with Tang Wei, who was propelled high into the world of film following her great performance in Ang Lee's "Lust, Caution."
Although I wasn't blow away with Ivy Ho's Claustrophobia the first time I viewed the film, subsequent viewings proved to be much more engaging. After seeing it a few times, I came to appreciate Ho's ability as a director. So, I'm pretty excited about seeing her newest film.
Check back relatively soon for more thoughts from me about film(s).
28 March, 2010
Amusement
Once again, I've fallen behind in my reviewing/providing snarky, short descriptions of the films I've seen. The following films will receive painfully short descriptions, so that I might get a bit caught up on the over fifty films I've yet to post. Here goes:
Tale of Cinema
South Korean Director Hong Sangsoo's 6th feature film, Tale of Cinema, is an engaging film that, like all of Hong's work, features a simple plot and complex characterization. It's also very good.
Vampires
What can I say about John Carpenter's Vampires? It's enjoyable if one has been drinking. Heavily.
Days of Being Wild
Wong Kar-wai's first foray into cinematic romance. Few films have captured love and it's pangs as beatifully as Wong's second feature, and of those few films, most were directed by Wong.
Dreams may come
Little happens in director/actress/super-blogger Xu Jinglei's third feature, but the conversation between the two main characters that comprises the film is far more insightful than the premise would suggest. A wonderful film, from an incredible director.
Woman Is the Future of Man
The fifth film from Director Hong Sangsoo, Woman Is the Future of Man is what one would expect from Hong, a great film that affects more than seems possible.
Police, adjective
A Romanian film about choices. One of my favorite films of 2009.
Yesterday
An unispired serial killer/sci-fi flick that manages to entertain, despite being somewhat convoluted.
Avatar
A waste of time and money.
Nightwatch
Danish Director Ole Bornedal's American remake of his Danish film, Nattevagten. A decent horror flick that fails to impress as much as the original.
Nattevagten
Shocking and frightening, Bornedal's original Nightwatch film, Nattevagten, is one of the finest horror films created.
The Death of Mr. Lazarescu
A great black comedy from Romania about healthcare that goes beyond complaining and points out the ugly side of humanity.
À bout de souffle
Jean-Luc Godard's first and finest film, À bout de souffle (a.k.a. Breathless) helped usher in La Nouvelle Vague, and showed audiences that all one needs for a good story, is a girl and a gun. A great director doesn't hurt.
Seven Samurai
Akira Kurosawa's samurai epic. Duh.
Scandal
Like much of Kurosawa's work, Scandal was astonishing upon it's release, and still is today.
I Live In Fear
Kurosawa's film about living in fear of nuclear holocaust is 55 years old, and, like Scandal, still terribly relevant.
The Idiot
Akira Kurosawa's filmic version of Fyodor Dostoyevsky's The Idiot is, much like the source material, a great work. Unfortunately, the studio cut the 265 mintue film down to 166 minutes, and the missing 99 minutes are most likely lost forever.
Thirst
Bong Joon-ho's vampiric drama is one of the best vampire films ever made, and one of my favorite films from 2009.
The Substitute
An excellent horror-drama from Danish Director Ole Bornedal.
Fong Sai-yuk
Classic Hong Kong Cinema.
Next time, I'll share my thoughts on a few films that I'm looking forward to seeing.
Tale of Cinema
South Korean Director Hong Sangsoo's 6th feature film, Tale of Cinema, is an engaging film that, like all of Hong's work, features a simple plot and complex characterization. It's also very good.
Vampires
What can I say about John Carpenter's Vampires? It's enjoyable if one has been drinking. Heavily.
Days of Being Wild
Wong Kar-wai's first foray into cinematic romance. Few films have captured love and it's pangs as beatifully as Wong's second feature, and of those few films, most were directed by Wong.
Dreams may come
Little happens in director/actress/super-blogger Xu Jinglei's third feature, but the conversation between the two main characters that comprises the film is far more insightful than the premise would suggest. A wonderful film, from an incredible director.
Woman Is the Future of Man
The fifth film from Director Hong Sangsoo, Woman Is the Future of Man is what one would expect from Hong, a great film that affects more than seems possible.
Police, adjective
A Romanian film about choices. One of my favorite films of 2009.
Yesterday
An unispired serial killer/sci-fi flick that manages to entertain, despite being somewhat convoluted.
Avatar
A waste of time and money.
Nightwatch
Danish Director Ole Bornedal's American remake of his Danish film, Nattevagten. A decent horror flick that fails to impress as much as the original.
Nattevagten
Shocking and frightening, Bornedal's original Nightwatch film, Nattevagten, is one of the finest horror films created.
The Death of Mr. Lazarescu
A great black comedy from Romania about healthcare that goes beyond complaining and points out the ugly side of humanity.
À bout de souffle
Jean-Luc Godard's first and finest film, À bout de souffle (a.k.a. Breathless) helped usher in La Nouvelle Vague, and showed audiences that all one needs for a good story, is a girl and a gun. A great director doesn't hurt.
Seven Samurai
Akira Kurosawa's samurai epic. Duh.
Scandal
Like much of Kurosawa's work, Scandal was astonishing upon it's release, and still is today.
I Live In Fear
Kurosawa's film about living in fear of nuclear holocaust is 55 years old, and, like Scandal, still terribly relevant.
The Idiot
Akira Kurosawa's filmic version of Fyodor Dostoyevsky's The Idiot is, much like the source material, a great work. Unfortunately, the studio cut the 265 mintue film down to 166 minutes, and the missing 99 minutes are most likely lost forever.
Thirst
Bong Joon-ho's vampiric drama is one of the best vampire films ever made, and one of my favorite films from 2009.
The Substitute
An excellent horror-drama from Danish Director Ole Bornedal.
Fong Sai-yuk
Classic Hong Kong Cinema.
Next time, I'll share my thoughts on a few films that I'm looking forward to seeing.
21 March, 2010
Best of '09
My picks for the best films of 2009:
Wai Ka-fai's Written by
Kathryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker
Park Chan-wook's Thirst
Lu Chuan's City of Life and Death
Hong Sangsoo's Like You Know It All
Herman Yau's Split Second Murders
Hur Jin-ho's A Good Rain Knows
Corneliu Porumboiu's Police, adjective
Boo Ji-young's Sisters On the Road
John Woo's Red Cliff
Sam Raimi's Drag Me To Hell
Wai Ka-fai's Written by
Kathryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker
Park Chan-wook's Thirst
Lu Chuan's City of Life and Death
Hong Sangsoo's Like You Know It All
Herman Yau's Split Second Murders
Hur Jin-ho's A Good Rain Knows
Corneliu Porumboiu's Police, adjective
Boo Ji-young's Sisters On the Road
John Woo's Red Cliff
Sam Raimi's Drag Me To Hell
08 March, 2010
Almost There
This post was originally going to be a list of films that I consider to be the best of 2009. However, there is at least one film left that I have yet to see that may change my list. So, I'm going to hold off on my best of list post for about a week so I can see the film. Until then, enjoy my thoughts on two South Korean films about hopeful athletes.
Take Off -(Director's Cut)
Directed by Kim Yong-hwa, starring Ha Jung-woo, Sung Dong-il, Kim Ji-suk, Kim Dong-wook, Choi Jae-hwan, and Lee Jae-eung.
An immensely enjoyable, fictionalized account of the formation of South Korea's ski jump team, and their efforts to enter the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.
Forever the Moment
Directed by Lim Soon-rye, starring Kim Jung-eun, Moon So-ri, and Uhm Tae-woong.
I'm too lazy to re-review this film, so please enjoy the following thoughts, which I posted last March:
"Following the completion of the regular season of Women's Handball in South Korea, a group of veteran players are forced to evalute their lives. Though they won the league championship, their team has been disbanded, and there are hard feelings amongst the women, as some have been selected to play for the national team in the Summer Games, while most have not. And, for some, handball must take a back seat to the trials and tribulations of life.
Once those selected arrive at training camp, they have to deal with a seemingly unkind and uncaring coach. Having played with her players on previous national teams, the coach is seen as unworthy, and is treated as such. However, she soon wins the players over with her kindness and strength, only to be replaced as coach by another former player, who is also her ex-fiance.
With the encouragement of her former players, she joins the team as a playe herself, and they all help each other sort out personal affairs in preparation for the Summer Games. Unfortunately, being mentally ready and in good physical shape may not be enough, as the new coach has a chip on his shoulder, and a strong distaste for the veteran players. Facing the start of the Summer Games, the players and the coach must come to believe in themselves, and each other, in order to compete for gold.
Based on true events, Forever the Moment tells the filmic tale of the South Korean Women's Handball Team's preparation for, and participation in, the 2004 Summer Games. There's drama, determination, sweat, and, you guessed it, handball. While cinematic depictions of sports teams overcoming adversity are hardly a rarity, Forever the Moment does manage to go beyond standard fare, eschewing over-the-top high-impact action-oriented scenes for touches of drama and, dare I say, humanity. Suffice it to say, Forever the Moment is very good."
Take Off -(Director's Cut)
Directed by Kim Yong-hwa, starring Ha Jung-woo, Sung Dong-il, Kim Ji-suk, Kim Dong-wook, Choi Jae-hwan, and Lee Jae-eung.
An immensely enjoyable, fictionalized account of the formation of South Korea's ski jump team, and their efforts to enter the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.
Forever the Moment
Directed by Lim Soon-rye, starring Kim Jung-eun, Moon So-ri, and Uhm Tae-woong.
I'm too lazy to re-review this film, so please enjoy the following thoughts, which I posted last March:
"Following the completion of the regular season of Women's Handball in South Korea, a group of veteran players are forced to evalute their lives. Though they won the league championship, their team has been disbanded, and there are hard feelings amongst the women, as some have been selected to play for the national team in the Summer Games, while most have not. And, for some, handball must take a back seat to the trials and tribulations of life.
Once those selected arrive at training camp, they have to deal with a seemingly unkind and uncaring coach. Having played with her players on previous national teams, the coach is seen as unworthy, and is treated as such. However, she soon wins the players over with her kindness and strength, only to be replaced as coach by another former player, who is also her ex-fiance.
With the encouragement of her former players, she joins the team as a playe herself, and they all help each other sort out personal affairs in preparation for the Summer Games. Unfortunately, being mentally ready and in good physical shape may not be enough, as the new coach has a chip on his shoulder, and a strong distaste for the veteran players. Facing the start of the Summer Games, the players and the coach must come to believe in themselves, and each other, in order to compete for gold.
Based on true events, Forever the Moment tells the filmic tale of the South Korean Women's Handball Team's preparation for, and participation in, the 2004 Summer Games. There's drama, determination, sweat, and, you guessed it, handball. While cinematic depictions of sports teams overcoming adversity are hardly a rarity, Forever the Moment does manage to go beyond standard fare, eschewing over-the-top high-impact action-oriented scenes for touches of drama and, dare I say, humanity. Suffice it to say, Forever the Moment is very good."
27 February, 2010
Opened Up
This time, I provide brief descriptions for South Korean Director Hong Sangsoo's Turning Gate and Kathryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker, point out some of the flaws of Paranormal Activity, provide praise for South Korean films Possessed and A Million, and complain about Ditto and The Doll Master. Enjoy.
Turning Gate
(a.k.a. On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate)
Directed by Hong Sangsoo, starring Kim Sang-Kyung, Chu Sang-Mi, Ye Ji-Won, and Kim Hak-Sun.
In January of '09 I wrote:
"Turning Gate is a great film about self relfection, with strong performances, and assured direction. Most definitely worth seeing."
I think that nicely sums up Hong Sangsoo's Turning Gate.
The Hurt Locker
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, and Brian Geraghty.
An incredibly intense film from one of the best directors. I highly recommended it.
Paranormal Activity
Directed by Oren Peli, starring Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat.
Several people urged me to see Parnormal Activity in theaters, but I just didn't find the time. I finally watched it on dvd, and I was neither scared, nor impressed. Not only was Paranormal Activity an inappropriately titled film (as little paranormal activity occurs), it was also damn near unwatchable. I can't recall any other film that bored me as much as Paranormal Activity. It's a poorly directed, horrendously acted mess of a film.
Possessed
(a.k.a. Living Death; a.k.a. Faith)
Directed by Lee Yong-joon, starring Nam Sang-mi, Shim Eun-kyung, Ryu Seung-ryong, and Kim Bo-yeon.
In a word, excellent. Possessed is a clever thriller in which demonic possession and religious faith are put under the proverbial microscope. At times frightening and thought-provoking, Possessed is creepy goodness.
A Million
Directed by Jo Min-ho, starring Shin Min-ah, Park Hae-il, and Park Hee-soon.
A group of strangers (which appears to be almost entirely comprised of assholes) is lured to the middle of nowhere and forced to survive while being hunted by a lunatic. A Million isn't revelatory in any way, but it is well acted, and at times intense. For a survival horror flick, A Million is better than average.
Ditto
Directed by Kim Jong-kwon, written by Jang Jin and Kim Jong-kwon, starring Kim Ha-neul, Yoo Ji-tae, Ha Ji-won, and Park Yong-woo.
Two love-lorn college students from different times find each other via a malfunctioning ham radio.
The first time I watched Ditto, the dvd stopped working with twenty minutes left. Up to that point in the film, I enjoyed most of what had transpired. A couple weeks later (after buying another dvd of Ditto), I re-watched it with the ending. While it was nice to be able to see the complete film, I think it was better without the ending, which wrapped things up in an unsatisfying manner. Despite a less than spectacular finish, Ditto is a decent film.
The Doll Master
Directed by Jeong Yong-gi.
A forgettable and disjointed horror flick where dolls come to life. The Doll Master is an okay time waster, but that's about it.
Check back soon for my picks for the best films of '09.
Turning Gate
(a.k.a. On the Occasion of Remembering the Turning Gate)
Directed by Hong Sangsoo, starring Kim Sang-Kyung, Chu Sang-Mi, Ye Ji-Won, and Kim Hak-Sun.
In January of '09 I wrote:
"Turning Gate is a great film about self relfection, with strong performances, and assured direction. Most definitely worth seeing."
I think that nicely sums up Hong Sangsoo's Turning Gate.
The Hurt Locker
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, and Brian Geraghty.
An incredibly intense film from one of the best directors. I highly recommended it.
Paranormal Activity
Directed by Oren Peli, starring Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat.
Several people urged me to see Parnormal Activity in theaters, but I just didn't find the time. I finally watched it on dvd, and I was neither scared, nor impressed. Not only was Paranormal Activity an inappropriately titled film (as little paranormal activity occurs), it was also damn near unwatchable. I can't recall any other film that bored me as much as Paranormal Activity. It's a poorly directed, horrendously acted mess of a film.
Possessed
(a.k.a. Living Death; a.k.a. Faith)
Directed by Lee Yong-joon, starring Nam Sang-mi, Shim Eun-kyung, Ryu Seung-ryong, and Kim Bo-yeon.
In a word, excellent. Possessed is a clever thriller in which demonic possession and religious faith are put under the proverbial microscope. At times frightening and thought-provoking, Possessed is creepy goodness.
A Million
Directed by Jo Min-ho, starring Shin Min-ah, Park Hae-il, and Park Hee-soon.
A group of strangers (which appears to be almost entirely comprised of assholes) is lured to the middle of nowhere and forced to survive while being hunted by a lunatic. A Million isn't revelatory in any way, but it is well acted, and at times intense. For a survival horror flick, A Million is better than average.
Ditto
Directed by Kim Jong-kwon, written by Jang Jin and Kim Jong-kwon, starring Kim Ha-neul, Yoo Ji-tae, Ha Ji-won, and Park Yong-woo.
Two love-lorn college students from different times find each other via a malfunctioning ham radio.
The first time I watched Ditto, the dvd stopped working with twenty minutes left. Up to that point in the film, I enjoyed most of what had transpired. A couple weeks later (after buying another dvd of Ditto), I re-watched it with the ending. While it was nice to be able to see the complete film, I think it was better without the ending, which wrapped things up in an unsatisfying manner. Despite a less than spectacular finish, Ditto is a decent film.
The Doll Master
Directed by Jeong Yong-gi.
A forgettable and disjointed horror flick where dolls come to life. The Doll Master is an okay time waster, but that's about it.
Check back soon for my picks for the best films of '09.
21 February, 2010
Hong Kong Quad
This time, it's all Hong Kong films, with Kung Fu Chefs, Poker King, Rebellion, and The First 7th Night.
Kung Fu Chefs
Directed by Ken Yip, starring Sammo Hung, Vanness Wu, Cherrie Ying,
An enjoyable time-waster with plenty of cooking related kung-fu, and the always Cherrie Ying. Those looking for a really funny paraody of the television cooking craze should check-out Stephen Chow's God of Cookery.
Poker King
Directed by Chan Hing-kai and Janet Chun, starring Louis Koo, Lau Ching-wan, Stephy Tang, Cherrie Ying, Josie Ho, Jo Koo, Wong Yau-nam, Kama, and Lam Suet.
A silly psuedo-parady of poker and it's popularity. Louis Koo and Lau Ching-wan manage to pull off another amusing HK comedy due to their acting ability and chemistry. The rest of the cast performs ably as well.
Rebellion
Directed by Herman Yau, starring Shawn Yue, Elanne Kong, Chapman To, and Ada Choi.
Rebellion isn't the best of Herman Yau's films, but it's one of four of his films released in '09. For a triad pic, Rebellion isn't bad, it just isn't special enough to be considered really good.
The First 7th Night
Directed by Herman Yau, starring Gordon Lam Ka-tung, Michelle Ye, Julian Cheung, Eddie Cheung, Fung Hark-on, and Tony Ho.
My favorite of the four Herman Yau films released in 2009. Back in July of '09, I wrote:
"I liked so many things about the film, but I especially enjoyed Gordon Lam's performance, and the story upon it's conclusion.I hope that this is just the first in a series of 7th Night films, as the title suggests. Yau's directed is superb, and the film turned out to be far more thoughtful and interesting than I expected."
After having watched The First 7th Night again, I still feel that way. For those that want to know and don't, the four films from Director Herman Yau that were released in 2009 were (in no particular order): The First 7th Night, Turning Point, Split Second Murders, and Rebellion.
That's it for now. Check back soon for my thoughts on Turning Gate, The Hurt Locker, Paranormal Activity, Possessed, A Million, Ditto, and The Doll Master.
Kung Fu Chefs
Directed by Ken Yip, starring Sammo Hung, Vanness Wu, Cherrie Ying,
An enjoyable time-waster with plenty of cooking related kung-fu, and the always Cherrie Ying. Those looking for a really funny paraody of the television cooking craze should check-out Stephen Chow's God of Cookery.
Poker King
Directed by Chan Hing-kai and Janet Chun, starring Louis Koo, Lau Ching-wan, Stephy Tang, Cherrie Ying, Josie Ho, Jo Koo, Wong Yau-nam, Kama, and Lam Suet.
A silly psuedo-parady of poker and it's popularity. Louis Koo and Lau Ching-wan manage to pull off another amusing HK comedy due to their acting ability and chemistry. The rest of the cast performs ably as well.
Rebellion
Directed by Herman Yau, starring Shawn Yue, Elanne Kong, Chapman To, and Ada Choi.
Rebellion isn't the best of Herman Yau's films, but it's one of four of his films released in '09. For a triad pic, Rebellion isn't bad, it just isn't special enough to be considered really good.
The First 7th Night
Directed by Herman Yau, starring Gordon Lam Ka-tung, Michelle Ye, Julian Cheung, Eddie Cheung, Fung Hark-on, and Tony Ho.
My favorite of the four Herman Yau films released in 2009. Back in July of '09, I wrote:
"I liked so many things about the film, but I especially enjoyed Gordon Lam's performance, and the story upon it's conclusion.I hope that this is just the first in a series of 7th Night films, as the title suggests. Yau's directed is superb, and the film turned out to be far more thoughtful and interesting than I expected."
After having watched The First 7th Night again, I still feel that way. For those that want to know and don't, the four films from Director Herman Yau that were released in 2009 were (in no particular order): The First 7th Night, Turning Point, Split Second Murders, and Rebellion.
That's it for now. Check back soon for my thoughts on Turning Gate, The Hurt Locker, Paranormal Activity, Possessed, A Million, Ditto, and The Doll Master.
13 February, 2010
Sooner or Later
I'm 33 films behind, so it's short descriptions for this post.
The Day A Pig Fell Into the Well
Directed by Hong Sangsoo, starring Kim Eui-sung, Jo Eun-suk, Lee Eung-kyung, and Park Jin-song.
South Korean Director Hong Sangsoo's directorial debut is an incredible film. I highly recommend it.
The Housemaid
Directed by Kim Ki-young, starring Kim Jin-kyu, Ju Jeung-ryu, and Lee Eun-sim.
Kim Ki-young's The Housemaid is an interesting thriller that feels a bit like a Hitchcock film.
Blazing Saddles
Directed by Mel Brooks, starring Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Harvey Korman, Madeline Kahn, Slim Pickens, and Mel Brooks.
Mel Brooks makes funny films.
Bandhobi
Directed by Shin Dong-il, starring Baek Jin-hee, and Mahbub Alam Pollob.
Director Shin's third film, Bandhobi, failed to impress me. Just like in his sophomore feature, My Friend & His Wife, Shin's ability isn't as fresh or crisp as it was in his first film, Host & Guest.
I Wish I Had A Wife
Directed by Park Heung-sik, starring Jeon Do-yeon, and Sol Kyung-Gu.
A charming rom-com that features an excellent performance from lead actress Jeon Do-yeon.
Like You Know It All
Directed by Hong Sangsoo, starring Kim Tae-woo, co-starring Ko Hyun-jung, Uhm Ji-won, Ha Jung-woo.
One of Hong Sangsoo's latest films, Like You Know It All is a fine piece of art. The direction is top notch and the actors are all outstanding. I particularly enjoyed Ha Jung-woo's supporting role.
Iri
Directed by Zhang Lu, starring Yoon Jin-suh, and Uhm Tae-woong.
Not an easy film to watch, Iri follows the fractured lives of a pair of siblings as they struggle to cope with every day life. Iri is a complicated film that is both depressing and hopeful.
Invictus
Directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Morgan Freeman, and Matt Damon.
Clint Eastwood made yet another really good film.
Up In the Air
Directed by Jason Reitman, starring George Clooney, Anna Kendrick, Vera Farmiga, and Jason Bateman.
Jason Reitman's third film, Up In the Air, is better than his previous films, Thank You For Smoking and Juno; both of which were good.
Check back soon for my thoughts on Kung Fu Chefs, Poker King, Rebellion, The First 7th Night, Turning Gate, The Hurt Locker, Paranormal Activity, Possessed, and A Million.
The Day A Pig Fell Into the Well
Directed by Hong Sangsoo, starring Kim Eui-sung, Jo Eun-suk, Lee Eung-kyung, and Park Jin-song.
South Korean Director Hong Sangsoo's directorial debut is an incredible film. I highly recommend it.
The Housemaid
Directed by Kim Ki-young, starring Kim Jin-kyu, Ju Jeung-ryu, and Lee Eun-sim.
Kim Ki-young's The Housemaid is an interesting thriller that feels a bit like a Hitchcock film.
Blazing Saddles
Directed by Mel Brooks, starring Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Harvey Korman, Madeline Kahn, Slim Pickens, and Mel Brooks.
Mel Brooks makes funny films.
Bandhobi
Directed by Shin Dong-il, starring Baek Jin-hee, and Mahbub Alam Pollob.
Director Shin's third film, Bandhobi, failed to impress me. Just like in his sophomore feature, My Friend & His Wife, Shin's ability isn't as fresh or crisp as it was in his first film, Host & Guest.
I Wish I Had A Wife
Directed by Park Heung-sik, starring Jeon Do-yeon, and Sol Kyung-Gu.
A charming rom-com that features an excellent performance from lead actress Jeon Do-yeon.
Like You Know It All
Directed by Hong Sangsoo, starring Kim Tae-woo, co-starring Ko Hyun-jung, Uhm Ji-won, Ha Jung-woo.
One of Hong Sangsoo's latest films, Like You Know It All is a fine piece of art. The direction is top notch and the actors are all outstanding. I particularly enjoyed Ha Jung-woo's supporting role.
Iri
Directed by Zhang Lu, starring Yoon Jin-suh, and Uhm Tae-woong.
Not an easy film to watch, Iri follows the fractured lives of a pair of siblings as they struggle to cope with every day life. Iri is a complicated film that is both depressing and hopeful.
Invictus
Directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Morgan Freeman, and Matt Damon.
Clint Eastwood made yet another really good film.
Up In the Air
Directed by Jason Reitman, starring George Clooney, Anna Kendrick, Vera Farmiga, and Jason Bateman.
Jason Reitman's third film, Up In the Air, is better than his previous films, Thank You For Smoking and Juno; both of which were good.
Check back soon for my thoughts on Kung Fu Chefs, Poker King, Rebellion, The First 7th Night, Turning Gate, The Hurt Locker, Paranormal Activity, Possessed, and A Million.
16 January, 2010
Through the Cloudy Sky
The Message
Directed by Chen Kuo-fu, starring Li Bing-bing, Zhou Xun, Zhang Han-yu, and Huang Xiao-ming.
With great acting, a compelling tale, and excellent production values, The Message should have been a really good film. Unfortunately, Director Chen's attempts to infuse the film with stylish elements proves more silly than innovative, and undermines the tension. The Message ends up an interesting, though underwhelming, tale of espionage.
Guns & Talks
Directed by Jang Jin, starring Shin Hyun-jun, Won Bin, Shin Ha-kyun, Jung Jae-young, Jung Jin-young, and Kong Hyo-jin.
It's more talks than guns, and the talks tend to drag a bit as a group of hitmen wax philosophically. An entertaining time-killer.
Ditto
Directed by Kim Jong-kwon, written by Jang Jin and Kim Jong-kwon, starring Kim Ha-neul, Yoo Ji-tae, Ha Ji-won, and Park Yong-woo.
Two love-lorn college students from different times find each other via a malfunctioning ham radio. A engaging film that I enjoyed until the last twenty minutes, when the dvd stopped working properly. Sadly, I didn't receive any messages from a love-lorn woman via the malfunctioning disc. Look for further thoughts from me on Ditto after I watch my newly purchased dvd of it.
Check back soon for my thoughts on The Day A Pig Fell Into the Well, The Housemaid, Blazing Saddles, Bandhobi, and I Wish I Had A Wife.
Directed by Chen Kuo-fu, starring Li Bing-bing, Zhou Xun, Zhang Han-yu, and Huang Xiao-ming.
With great acting, a compelling tale, and excellent production values, The Message should have been a really good film. Unfortunately, Director Chen's attempts to infuse the film with stylish elements proves more silly than innovative, and undermines the tension. The Message ends up an interesting, though underwhelming, tale of espionage.
Guns & Talks
Directed by Jang Jin, starring Shin Hyun-jun, Won Bin, Shin Ha-kyun, Jung Jae-young, Jung Jin-young, and Kong Hyo-jin.
It's more talks than guns, and the talks tend to drag a bit as a group of hitmen wax philosophically. An entertaining time-killer.
Ditto
Directed by Kim Jong-kwon, written by Jang Jin and Kim Jong-kwon, starring Kim Ha-neul, Yoo Ji-tae, Ha Ji-won, and Park Yong-woo.
Two love-lorn college students from different times find each other via a malfunctioning ham radio. A engaging film that I enjoyed until the last twenty minutes, when the dvd stopped working properly. Sadly, I didn't receive any messages from a love-lorn woman via the malfunctioning disc. Look for further thoughts from me on Ditto after I watch my newly purchased dvd of it.
Check back soon for my thoughts on The Day A Pig Fell Into the Well, The Housemaid, Blazing Saddles, Bandhobi, and I Wish I Had A Wife.
10 January, 2010
Happiness; In '010
Filmically, I began '010 with one of my favorite films, Hur Jin-ho's Happiness.
Happiness
Directed by Hur Jin-ho, starring Hwang Jung-min, Im Soo-jung, and Kong Hyo-jin.
Being my favorite Hur Jin-ho film, starring one of my favorite actors (Hwang Jung-min), and one of my favorite actresses (Kong Hyo-jin), Happiness is a film I've seen a few times. Back in June of '09, I wrote:
"Happiness is a lovely film about two terminally ill people that meet in a sanatorium, and their struggle to live and love. While the description may sound sappy, the film isn't. With Hur's direction and Hwang and Im's acting, Happiness is one of the finest films I've seen. The mixture of humor, romance, and drama is top notch, and leaves one clamoring for more."
For some reason (I'm pretty sure alcohol is to blame), I failed to mention the wonderful acting from Kong Hyo-jin in the above post from June, 2009. I'd like to rectify that with the following statement: Kong Hyo-jin's acting in Hur Jin-ho's Happiness is wonderful.
I suppose I could provide more information about the film, (perhaps, one day, I will) but for now, I think the above re-post of the paragraph from last June will suffice.
Check back soon for my thoughts on The Message, Guns & Talks, Ditto, The Day A Pig Fell Into the Well, The Housemaid, Blazing Saddles, Bandhobi, Like You Know It All, I Wish I Had A Wife, A Million, Possessed, Rebellion, Poker King, The Hurt Locker, and a few others. 2010 is going to be a busy year.
Happiness
Directed by Hur Jin-ho, starring Hwang Jung-min, Im Soo-jung, and Kong Hyo-jin.
Being my favorite Hur Jin-ho film, starring one of my favorite actors (Hwang Jung-min), and one of my favorite actresses (Kong Hyo-jin), Happiness is a film I've seen a few times. Back in June of '09, I wrote:
"Happiness is a lovely film about two terminally ill people that meet in a sanatorium, and their struggle to live and love. While the description may sound sappy, the film isn't. With Hur's direction and Hwang and Im's acting, Happiness is one of the finest films I've seen. The mixture of humor, romance, and drama is top notch, and leaves one clamoring for more."
For some reason (I'm pretty sure alcohol is to blame), I failed to mention the wonderful acting from Kong Hyo-jin in the above post from June, 2009. I'd like to rectify that with the following statement: Kong Hyo-jin's acting in Hur Jin-ho's Happiness is wonderful.
I suppose I could provide more information about the film, (perhaps, one day, I will) but for now, I think the above re-post of the paragraph from last June will suffice.
Check back soon for my thoughts on The Message, Guns & Talks, Ditto, The Day A Pig Fell Into the Well, The Housemaid, Blazing Saddles, Bandhobi, Like You Know It All, I Wish I Had A Wife, A Million, Possessed, Rebellion, Poker King, The Hurt Locker, and a few others. 2010 is going to be a busy year.
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