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.
27 February, 2010
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.
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