Monthly Archives: November 2017

The Lure (2015) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A Polish musical film with two man-eating mermaids

Deliberately weird and whimsical, Polish musical movie “The Lure” is destined to be a cult film. While it provides several lively musical sequences to delight you, it is also a dark horror melodrama about two beautiful but lethal mermaids, and … Continue reading

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Dancesport Girls (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): Dancing high school girls and their good teacher

South Korean documentary film “Dancesport Girls” is filled with genuine positive spirit. Here are a bunch of high school girls who simply enjoy themselves as preparing for their big moment to come, and it is really fun to watch them … Continue reading

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A Quiet Passion (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): The life and poetry of Emily Dickinson

While she is now regarded as one of the great American poets during the 19th century, Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) did not get much recognition during her lifetime. Although she wrote nearly 1,800 poems, only a few of them were published … Continue reading

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The Sweet Hereafter (1997) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A cold but harrowing tale of loss and grief

There is one haunting monologue scene in Atom Egoyan’s “The Sweet Hereafter”, one of the saddest films I have ever seen. One of its main characters recollects one eventful summer day he experienced a long time ago, and he vividly … Continue reading

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Mudbound (2017) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A tale of two families in Mississippi

Filled with so much of the sense of life and location, “Mudbound”, which is currently available on Netflix while getting a limited theatrical release in US, makes a vivid, powerful impression on us. Right from its very first scene, it … Continue reading

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Battle of the Sexes (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): Feminism Vs. Sexism

“Battle of the Sexes” is a mild but entertaining comedy drama which closely looks at an amusing sports event between two contrasting real-life figures. Although it sometimes feels a bit unfocused, the movie works as an engaging tale while supported … Continue reading

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A Ghost Story (2017) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): An atypical ghost story

“A Ghost Story” is not your average ghost story. Although it may initially look ridiculous due to its rather goofy premise, the movie slowly comes to engage us as its unconventional narrative rolls along with its ghost hero, and it … Continue reading

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Room No.7 (2017) ☆1/2(1.5/4): Witless and toothless

Watching South Korean film “Room No.7” was one of the most tedious experiences I have ever had during recent years. As a comedy, the movie is not funny at all, and, as far as I can remember, the audiences around … Continue reading

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Justice League (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): DCEU on recovery (sort of)

While it is basically a 2-hour teaser, “Justice League” is a little better than expected. Although there are several glaring flaws due to its problematic storytelling, it is thankfully not as ponderous and joyless as that bloated mess called “Batman … Continue reading

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The B-Side: Elsa Dorfman’s Portrait Photography (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): Her ‘B-photos’

As watching Errol Morris’ latest documentary film “The B-Side: Elsa Dorfman’s Portrait Photography”, which is currently available on Netflix, I came to reflect on the fact that I have never used Polaroid or any other instant camera before. Sure, I … Continue reading

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