Author Archives: kaist455

The Velvet Underground (2021) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Todd Haynes’ dazzlingly idiosyncratic music documentary

Posted on December 10, 2021 by kaist455

Todd Haynes’ documentary film “The Velvet Underground”, which was released on Apple+ two months ago, takes an idiosyncratic approach to its main subject, and the result is quite interesting to watch. Although I must confess that I only know a … Continue reading →

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Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): That forgotten summer of Harlem, 1969

Posted on December 9, 2021 by kaist455

You all probably know about the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, but most of you have probably never heard about the Harlem Cultural Festival, which was incidentally also held during the summer of 1969 just like Woodstock. Mainly based on … Continue reading →

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Titane (2021) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): You’ll have to see it for yourself

Posted on December 8, 2021 by kaist455

Julia Ducournau’s new film “Titane”, which won the Palme d’Or when it had a premiere at the Cannes Film Festival several months ago and then was recently selected as the French entry for Best International Film Oscar, is wild, provocative, … Continue reading →

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The Rescue (2021) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A vivid and gripping presentation of one risky rescue

Posted on December 7, 2021 by kaist455

Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s new documentary film “The Rescue”, which was released on Disney+ in last week, is a vivid and gripping presentation of one risky rescue which drew lots of public attention around the world at that … Continue reading →

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The Beta Test (2021) ☆☆☆(3/4): He had it coming, you know

Posted on December 7, 2021 by kaist455

“The Beta Test” is a vicious and morbid black comedy which often goes wild with its edgy sense of black humor to our horror, embarrassment, and amusement. Mainly revolving around one very unlikable Hollywood dude who surely deserves all those … Continue reading →

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Belfast (2021) ☆☆☆(3/4): Branagh’s little personal work set in Belfast, 1969

Posted on December 6, 2021 by kaist455

Kenneth Branagh’s new film “Belfast” is a little likable coming-of-age drama which looks into its hero’s small world with considerable affection and a bit of bittersweet nostalgia. While often recognizing the alarming social tumult surrounding him and many others in … Continue reading →

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Nine Days (2020) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Before Life

Posted on December 6, 2021 by kaist455

“Nine Days” is a little thought-provoking drama film which willingly delves into those familiar matters of life. After initially quite intrigued by its offbeat fantasy setting, I willingly followed its simple but thoughtful narrative as often admiring a number of … Continue reading →

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The Card Counter (2021) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): The Gambler in the room

Posted on December 6, 2021 by kaist455

Paul Schrader’s new film “The Card Counter” is another compelling character study which deserves to be mentioned along with many of his notable works. Just like “American Gigolo” (1980) or “First Reformed” (2017), the movie presents an austere but intense … Continue reading →

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Wild Indian (2021) ☆☆☆(3/4): When the past returns to him

Posted on December 6, 2021 by kaist455

“Wild Indian” is a calm but unnerving thriller about two different Indigenous American men who come to face their old dark childhood secret in the past. As slowly rolling its story and characters to the expected narrative point, the movie … Continue reading →

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The Summits of Gods (2021) ☆☆☆(3/4): Following after a mountaineer

Posted on December 5, 2021 by kaist455

At first, Netflix animation film “The Summits of Gods”, which was released a few days ago, draws our attention for its odd combination. Although it is based on a Japanese manga series of the same name written and illustrated by … Continue reading →

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