Monthly Archives: October 2015

The Lobster (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4) : To be or not to be a lobster

“The Lobster”, which received the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival early in this year, is another dark, weird, and ruthless comedy from Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, who previously struck us with his offbeat black comedy film “Dogtooth” (2009). … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Amour Fou (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : “Would you care to die with me?”

When they meet each other for the first time, they have no idea of how they would influence each other’s fate. As pulling or pushing each other, they are slowly moved toward to a certain destination waiting for them from … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The Exclusive: Beat the Devil’s Tattoo (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): A scoop beyond his control

Around the ending of John Ford’s classic film “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962), one supporting character says, “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.” In case of South Korean film “The Exclusive: Beat the Devil’s Tattoo”, the … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Mr. Holmes (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): The Detective’s Last Case

Since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “A Study in Scarlet” was published in 1887, Sherlock Holmes has been one of the immortal literary characters along with Tarzan and James Bond. He has been portrayed by many plays, movies and TV series … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Dope (2015) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : Three Geeks in the Bottoms

“Dope” wants to do many things. At first, it unfolds a coming-of-age comedy drama about three adolescent kids struggling in their rough neighbourhood, and then it tries to be a crime story accompanied with drug and shooting, and then it … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Paper Towns (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): Looking for his gone girl

When she suddenly comes closer to him, he is happy for that. When she is gone then, he is determined to see her again. “Paper Towns” is often predictable, but it handles its story and characters with sincerity and care … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Me and Earl and Dying Girl (2015) ☆☆(2/4): Sweet and quirky and pretentious

“Me and Earl and Dying Girl” is one of those superficially whimsical American independent films often shown at the Sundance Film Festival, and I constantly groaned and grumbled throughout its running time. Brandishing its deliberately quirky style and mood, the … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Beasts of No Nation (2015) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Into the heart of darkness

“Beasts of No Nation” strikes us hard with intense moments both gut-wrenching and devastating. It is chilling to watch its little young hero being turned into a little savage creature of war, and it is also heartbreaking to see him … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Ingrid Bergman: In Her Own Words (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4) : Bergman in her own view

You cannot help but admire the life and career of Ingrid Bergman, one of the greatest actresses representing the Golden Age of Hollywood. Although she came to Hollywood as a young unknown newcomer from Sweden, she quickly rose to stardom, … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

The Advocate : A missing body (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): A trouble with his case

South Korean film “The Advocate: A Missing Body”, which is released as “Angry Lawyer” in South Korea, feels like an expensive TV pilot episode right from its opening title scene. First, we are introduced to a hero with considerable reputation … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment