Outbreak!

Contagion

Directed by Stephen Soderbergh, starring Marion Cottilard, Matt Damon, Cowboy Curtis (a.k.a. Laurence Fishburne), Jude Law, Gwyneth Palthrow, Kate Winslet, Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Ehle, Elliott Gould and Chin Han.

An unknown virus quickly spreads threatening the existence of the Human Race.

The above sentence pretty much covers what happens in Contagion. While it isn't a groundbreaking film, it does present the threat of a global viral outbreak in a serious, believable manner, with an impressive cast. Other than that, there isn't much to say about Contagion. It's good, not great, but better than the average Hollywood blockbuster. For Hong Kong Cinema fans, the Josie Ho cameo is a nice treat.

Check back soon, as I'll be gushing about the newest film adaptation of Jane Eyre.

The Yellow Sea

The Yellow Sea Directed by Na Hong-jin, starring Ha Jung-woo and Kim Yoon-seok.

Ha Jung-woo stars as a man struggling to make a living in the Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Yaniban, on the Chinese side of the border between China-Russia-North Korea. When Kim Yoon-seok's character approaches him with an offer: kill a man in South Korea for him, and he will give him enough money to get out of debt and start a new life. Ha's character agrees, and goes to South Korea to look for his missing wife, as well. While in the process of murder and spousal search, he runs afoul of the police, gangsters and winds up in over his head in every way possible.

The Yellow Sea is the second feature from South Korean Director Na Hong-jin. Na's debut, The Chaser, was one of the most exciting thrillers I've ever seen. So, my expectations for The Yellow Sea we high, to say the least. Thankfully, Na's skill at telling a tense thriller haven't waned since his debut. The Yellow Sea is an extremely tense and exciting film, and it's one of the best released in 2011. I can't wait to see what Na Hong-jin makes next.

New

As forewarned, a new post is here. Not a whole lot of update this time. I am currently narrowing down my picks for the best films of 2011, and should have those listed quite soon. Along with that list, I'll have a review for each film, so I'm working on those, as well. Until then, keep up with my film viewing on Twitter @monkeytailor.

Woops

I forgot to update, again. Sorry, October. Expect an update this week, as I will be watching Matthew Leutwyler's newest film, The River Why.

Feel free to follow me @monkeytailor on Twitter for more timely film thoughts.

Vroom, vroom

Going for a third viewing of Nicolas Winding Refn's "Drive." I'll post my thoughts on it and a few other films this week.

"Drive Time"

I'm watching a trio of films (Drive, Warrior and Straw Dogs) in theater today. I'll post my thoughts on them later this week. For now, follow my tweets about the films all day @monkeytailor.

Prizefighter

This time, another film I'm looking forward to seeing. Also, I ramble a bit about filmic excitement. Enjoy.


Kim Ki-duk's Amen

Just after having his (then) newest film, Arirang, released, Kim Ki-duk has another new film touring the festival circuit. The synposis for said film, Amen, is as follows: "the bizarre, disturbing journey of a young Korean girl who comes to Europe to search for someone she has to follow to Venice and Avignon. A mysterious character who hides behind a gas mask follows her everywhere and harasses her all the time." It reads like an interesting film, and knowing Kim's previous works, I'm sure it will be intriguing, if nothing else.

Releasing another film hot on the trail of his documentary, Arirang, means Kim is a busy man. Such an incredible director being back at work with a quick succession of films following a self-imposed exile from the world of cinema is exciting.

When I look at this year's releases, with two films (Arirang, Amen) from Kim, a new film (The Day He Arrives) from Hong Sangsoo and a second (untitled) in production, two films (The River Why, Answers to Nothing) being released by Director Matthew Leutwyler, and a bevy of films from many other top directors, I can't help but feel extremely excited. This year and 2012 may be the best years for quality films in...ever.


Kim Ki-duk's Filmography:
Crocodile
Wild Animals
Birdcage Inn
The Isle
Real Fiction
Address Unknown
Bad Guy
The Coast Guard
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter...And Spring
Samaritan Girl
3-iron
The Bow
Time
Breath
Dream
Arirang
Amen