Yearly Archives: 2018

Our Kind of Traitor (2016) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A middling adaptation of John le Carré novel

Posted on August 6, 2018 by kaist455

“Our Kind of Traitor”, which is based on the novel of the same name by John le Carré, engaged me to some degrees but then eventually disappointed me. Although this is a fairly watchable espionage thriller film with some good … Continue reading →

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Maborosi (1995) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): The remarkable debut work from Hirokazu Kore-eda

Posted on August 4, 2018 by kaist455

“Maborosi”, the first feature film of Hirokazu Kore-eda, is a haunting work of serene beauty and aching sadness. Phlegmatically observing how its heroine keeps going on with her life which is irreversibly changed by one devastating incident, the movie intimately … Continue reading →

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Disobedience (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): A somber drama of love and faith

Posted on July 30, 2018 by kaist455

Good adult drama is something we do not encounter everyday, and I am glad to report to you that “Disobedience”, the latest film of Chilean filmmaker Sebastián Lelio, is an engaging adult drama to be appreciated for its mood, storytelling, … Continue reading →

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Shoplifters (2018) ☆☆☆1/2 (3.5/4): As they live as a family

Posted on July 28, 2018 by kaist455

Gentle and sensitive in its thoughtful storytelling, Japanese film “Shoplifters” is another masterful work from Hirokazu Kore-eda, one of the most humane filmmakers in our time. Calmly observing its main characters’ shabby but happy daily life, the movie generates numerous … Continue reading →

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Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): Cruise in another impossible mission

Posted on July 25, 2018 by kaist455

“Mission: Impossible – Fallout” did its job as spectacularly and exhilaratingly as we can expect from it. Again, the movie puts its hero into a series of breathtaking action sequences as he and his few trusted colleagues try to accomplish … Continue reading →

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Illang: The Wolf Brigade (2018) ☆☆(2/4): Heavy is the body that wears the armour

Posted on July 25, 2018 by kaist455

Watching South Korean film “Illang: the Wolf Brigade” was a grim and ponderous experience. Although there are a number of well-made action sequences, the movie does not provide enough fun and interest to hold my attention despite its supposedly intriguing … Continue reading →

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The Tale (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): How differently she remembers

Posted on July 23, 2018 by kaist455

Memory can be deceptive at times, and HBO film “The Tale” explorers that tricky aspect through its heroine’s painful emotional journey into her past. As she comes to realize how unreliable her memories are, she comes to see more of … Continue reading →

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Hannah (2017) ☆☆(2/4): Drab, dreary, and hollow

Posted on July 22, 2018 by kaist455

It took some time for me to appreciate the distinctive presence of Charlotte Rampling. As far as I remember, I noticed her for the first time through her supporting turn in “Angel Heart” (1987), and then I came to see … Continue reading →

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Paterno (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): His rapid fall from grace

Posted on July 22, 2018 by kaist455

Joe Paterno’s rapid fall from grace during his final year can be regarded as a cautionary tale about how one’s achievements of lifetime can be so quickly tarnished and ruined by a single scandal. He dedicated himself to his profession … Continue reading →

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Yi Yi (2000) ☆☆☆1/2 (3.5/4): As they live day by day

Posted on July 21, 2018 by kaist455

Edward Yang’s last film “Yi Yi”, which was recently released in South Korean movie theaters, is a calm, thoughtful meditation on life. Although it surely demands considerable patience from you considering its long running time (173 minutes) and leisurely narrative … Continue reading →

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