If you ask me to describe myself, I will say I am just one of those amateur critics who have watched lots of movies every year. I know many names of great directors or actors or other legendary technicians. I know some technical terms. I know when and how to apply around 40% of them in my reviews and I recently learned what the hell master shot is. I know what David Bordwell means to other serious critics but I read only one of his books, “Film History: An Introduction”. Sadly, there was only vol. 1 in my campus library but it was very intriguing to know from that book that they also had movie critics during silent movie.
Somehow, I’m usually capable of recognizing good movies. I am passionate about them and I love to talk with people about them. When I frequented bars in those alcoholic days, my topic for strangers were movies (and books, sometimes). I talked with bartenders and other customers about old movies and new movies of the week shown in our local theaters. I’m still in feedback learning stage in case of moviegoing. I know my limits and I have been struggling with them.
2010 is the year of uncertainty to me and time is short for me now. At least, I was able to enjoy Oscar, Chicago, and Ebertfest during that short period, and then I will move on to whatever I will have to do. I am not so proud of myself. I have messed up a lot while living my life, but it has provided me lots of good things. I have been lucky to have good parents and enjoy lots of movies and books under their protection. And also lucky to get acquainted with Mr. Ebert and his far-flung correspondents and other prolific bloggers and to express my opinion about movies freely. I have lots of doubts, but I will go on.
Seongyong's Private Place 
A wistful self introduction!
Hello, I’m Tiko from Indonesia.
You have a quite unique introduction by saying “I’m not proud of my self.” 😀
Why, hello Seongyong! Ever since your articles were first posted on Roger Ebert’s site, I have been consistently impressed with your literary acumen. I also blog about films, although I try and focus on films that are overlooked or under-appreciated. I would greately appreciate it if you would look around my site, leave a comment, and tell me what you think!
I also would be eternally grateful if you would recommend some films that you feel are criminally under-appreciated. My blog address is:
http://forgottenclassicsofyesteryear.blogspot.com/
Thank you!
I would like to say I seem to be at a similar stage in life and possibly have lots in common with interests in film and industry. I seem to have high expectations for myself so I’m not that proud of my self either, but I like to think I have a lot to be proud of too… Nice to meet You.
Hi – came across your website via Roger Ebert. I was wondering – how did you manage to get the great critic’s notice? Did you email or tweet him one of your reviews? Or did he just come across your blog?
Great writing btw! Enjoyed your Leaves of Grass piece.
SC: I frequently left comments in his blog, and he noticed me and other wonderful writers.
Damn, you are almost as ugly as bad critic!
SC: Thanks a lot.
Yes I also watch the films all over the world and I also like to talk about those movies in my every day life.
SC: But there is always harsh reality we have to cope with…
An English critic from Korea <>
Very touching. Your tone remind me of Walker Percy’s The Moviegoer. Although, a creative pastiche of it over the long run is better for everyone than a faithful adaptation!
SC: Thanks for your kind comment.
I appreciate your honesty – with yourself. Yes, we don’t always tuck in the edges of our life so tidily. It’s more frayed and unkempt than we’d like. But today’s a new day.
The way you think about movies is how I do books. Here are some thoughts that springboard off a Korean novel:
http://aholisticjourney.wordpress.com/2013/05/12/the-invisible-woman-who-whipped-her-son/
SC: I’ll read it later, but thanks anyway.
I love what you are doing. Keep it up!
SC: Thank you.
DO NOT WORRY, LET LIFE REVEAL ITSELF OVER TIME
REGRETS ARE FOR ANOTHER DAY..WHEN WISDOM HAS ARRIVED..WHEN WE ARE OLD
DO NOT WORRY
THOMAS CRANE
SC: Thank you for your kind support.
Hi! I just came in your wordpress site through searching some movies. I am Korean and I also write a lot of reviews in my blog but I am quite surprised to see all your reviews written in English. I’ve been thinking about writing my movie reviews in English to share with foreigners but I felt my English skills wouldn’t let me to write all that long article like I write in Korean, and somehow I found your blog. I wonder you are currently living in Korea or somewhere overseas.
SC: I am currently living in South Korea.
Hi! I just found you in twitter because you commented on djuna’s retweet. I know that is a weird way to find people online but I really like your blog!
SC: Thanks for your kind comment.
Hi! I found your blog through twitter and I like your review style.
SC: Thank you.
Nice blog you have! I love reading your post, hope we can get acquainted in this blogosphere.
Cheers!
SC: I am looking forward to that.
Just discovered your blog recently and love the work you do here. Thanks for that. It will inspire my movie consumption in the future
Good luck with your private life as well. Everyone deserves to be happy, the way he / she wants. Everyone should accept that.
SC: Thanks for your kind words. I will welcome your opinions if you are willing to give me.
Thank you. For movies I usually dont use many words. This is my way of recommending them:
http://neunmalsechs.blogsport.eu/listen/filme/filmkurzkritiken/
Maybe you find something that you have not seen yet.
SC: I’ve just checked. Thanks again, and I will check your site sometimes for, well, curiosity.
Hi Seongyong, I’m an independent filmmaker based out of Chicago. How can I send you film for possible review? Look forward to your thoughts and great work with your blog!
Best,
James
SC: I think you should contact several numerous minor/major critics in Chicago first. I am sure they will give more exposure to your film than me.
Hi Seongyong, by coincidence or ..destiny.. I found your blog and greatly appreciate it. I may not so literate and well-wise but I certainly can see beauty in language and mind. Things happen for a reason .. your place ..and your reviews provide fruit of thought and knowledge for those who may lack of, like me, who is in a far away place.
Thanks for what you have done. I will visit more.
Narawadee
SC: I’d love to hear your opinions on my reviews.
I went through some of your reviews and writing. I am not an intellectual, so I can only give you an honest feeling of what come to my mind — one sentence : “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder” . Your words, and so are you, have your own kind of unique beauty. I don’t mean to be flowery ..but if so, then ..I’m willingly give you flowers just to brighten your days.
SC: Thank you for your kind words.
Dear Seongyong,
Hope this message finds you well.
I’m a Malaysian film director currently residing in Beijing, China. I’ve a directorial debut short film (The Story of 90 Coins) which I would like to share with you.
The film is currently getting about 50+ accolades from international film festivals; which includes the Best Foreign Short & Best Actress at Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards, Best Drama & Best Cinematography at Los Angeles Film Awards, Best Foreign Short Film at Ukrainian International Short Film Festival, Rising Star Awards at Canada International Film Festival, an Official Finalist at London Film Awards, among others.
Below is the relevant info on my short film.
a) Short film streaming link: http://www.vimeo.com/143267832/
b) Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/thestoryof90coins/
c) IMDb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5182914/
Hope you’re interested in sharing it on your site or writing something about it. Thank you.
SC: Thanks. I will check it as soon as possible.
Thank you very much. Hope you’ll like my short film and perhaps a review for it on your blog site or on my IMDB page. Thank you.
SC: I forgot your message for months. Damn it. I will really check your short film.
Hello SC, hope you did manage to find time to check out my short film. Thank you.
SC: I saw it a few months ago, and I had a fairly nice time. Thank you.
How does one add you to our film release schedule for films. I am a film distributor and PR would love to be able to get you private screener links and such.
SC: Thanks for your offer, but my hands are already full of movies to be reviewed.
Good intro
Thanks for the reviews but just wondering, have u watched classic japanese films? (Not just Akira Kurosawa amd Yasujiro Oju) but many other Great Japanese Directors such names as Masahiro Shinoda, Shohei Imamura, Yasuzo Masumura, Kaneto Shindo, so on, After watching classic Japanese films, its a different movie world, and how the modern korean movies are influenced and the 80s HK movies
SC: Thanks for reminding me of that.
Dear sir,
I’m a Syrian Journalist interested in communicate with you about an Investigative report I’m working on. Is it possible to send you an email with my request? And if so, on which email address I can contact you?
Best regards,
Husam Alkatlaby
I enjoyed your review of the original “The Vanishing”. Thankfully, I never saw the remake. The original movie was excellent and a a master class in suspense and foreboding.
SC: I envy you.
There is something in your honesty about describing yourself, which pulled out my respect and intrigue. So I decided to read more of your film reviews. Do you have an Insta account with reviews as well? Thanks.
SC: I have an Instagram account, but I do not post reviews there.
Hi,
I am glad I found your page..I watch alot of movies myself, sometimes for the odd mundane details, a little like Audrey Tatou from Amelie. Was looking for a new movie to watch and came across your review for the Taste of Money which was a good read. Not sure why but I find your writing relatable, honest and amusingly sarcastic at times. I appreciate your work and hope you keep going.
P.S. taking your last line as personal motivation 🙂 Need it nowadays.
SC: I hope you will enjoy some other reviews of mine.