Monthly Archives: December 2025

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) ☆☆☆(3/4): Michael Caine as Scrooge – with the Muppets

There is a good reason why Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella “A Christmas Carol” has been a classic work to be remembered and cherished by many of us. Above all, this is a striking ghost story with chilly and spooky qualities … Continue reading

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Santosh (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): Her complicated case

“Santosh”, a Hindi-language film which was incidentally selected as the British entry for Best International Film Oscar in last year (It was subsequently included in the December shortlist, by the way), is a dry but engaging police procedural drama. As … Continue reading

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Vermiglio (2024) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): In a small mountain village

“Vermiglio”, which was selected as the Italian submission to Best International Film Oscar in last year (It was later included in the December shortlist, by the way), is an immersive experience to remember. Slowly and patiently developing the mood and … Continue reading

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Tampopo (1985) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): For making a perfect bowl of ramen

Japanese filmmaker Juzo Itami’s 1985 film “Tampopo”, whose 4k remastered version is currently being shown in South Korean theaters, is a first-rate food movie filled with a lot of wit and charm to be savored and then appreciated. While cheerfully … Continue reading

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SAVE (2025) ☆☆☆(3/4): Meeting her lifesaver again

South Korean film “SAVE” follows the relationship between two women who cannot possibly be different from each other. Right from the beginning, we can clearly see where their story is heading, but the movie did a solid job of bringing … Continue reading

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Sound of Falling (2025) ☆☆☆(3/4): Sound of female despairing

“Sound of Falling”, which was selected as the German submission to Best International Film Oscar in this year and then was included in the shortlist several days ago, is quite subtle and elusive about what it is about. This may … Continue reading

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This Is Spinal Tap (1984) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Still endearingly outrageous and hilarious

Rob Reiner’s 1984 comedy film “This Is Spinal Tap” still amuses me a lot for many good reasons. While keeping its attitude as straight as possible via its ground-breaking mockumentary style, the movie has a lot of fun with many … Continue reading

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Between the Two of Us (2024) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Disability and pregnancy

South Korean film “Between the Two of Us” is a sincere but flawed drama about one young pregnant woman with a disability. While it is fairly engaging to observe how much she is anxious and pressured due to her increasingly … Continue reading

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Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) ☆☆1/2 (2.5/4): Mostly in the same water again

James Cameron’s new film “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is a rare letdown from the filmmaker who has not disappointed us for more than 40 years. Again, we are surely served with a lot of spectacular visual elements and thrilling actions, … Continue reading

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10 movies of 2025 – and more: Part 3

Now here are 11 South Korean films of this year.

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