Author Archives: kaist455

Mahjong (1996) ☆☆☆(3/4): A bunch of materialistic lads in Taipei, 1996

Taiwanese filmmaker Edward Yang’s 1996 film “Mahjong”, whose recent 4K restoration version happens to be released in South Korean theaters in this week, is a bleak comedy about a bunch of rather unpleasant lads in Taipei. As phlegmatically but starkly … Continue reading

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Good News (2025) ☆☆☆(3/4): A South Korean disaster black comedy from Netflix

South Korean Netflix film “Good News”, which was released two days ago, is a disaster black comedy film loosely inspired by a real-life hijacking incident in March 1970. While it is clear from the beginning that most of its story … Continue reading

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Journeys in Math and Genetics (2025) ☆☆(2/4): Looking for his biological father

South Korean film “Journeys in Math and Genetics” is so formulaic from the beginning to the end that I hardly cared about its story and characters during my viewing. While this is certainly intended to be an earnest coming-of-age drama, … Continue reading

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Home Behind Bars (2025) ☆☆☆(3/4): Meeting the daughter of an inmate

South Korean film “Home Behind Bars” is a somber but touching human drama about one seasoned female prison guard gradually discovering that she does have a heart to feel. Leisurely following her emotional journey involved with one particular inmate and … Continue reading

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The Perfect Neighbor (2025) ☆☆☆(3/4): One neighborhood dispute

Netflix documentary film “The Perfect Neighbor”, which was incidentally released yesterday, focuses on one small neighborhood dispute which led to a devastating outcome for everyone involved with that. Mainly driven by a series of archival footage clips, it does not … Continue reading

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Weapons (2025) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): After they are gone…

“Weapons” is a creepy horror thriller film which works best if you do not know a lot about the story and characters before watching it. After drawing your attention with a substantial amount of creepiness and anxiety on the screen, … Continue reading

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The Nature Man (2022) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Two YouTubers stuck in a remote place

To be frank with you, the most impressive part of South Korean independent film “The Nature Man” is its end credits. You will instantly see that its director did a lot of stuffs during the production of the film, and … Continue reading

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Annie Hall (1977) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Keaton still shines despite that

Several years ago, one South Korean critic said that it is a shame that we cannot enjoy Woody Allen’s 1977 film “Annie Hall” like we did for many years. Sure, the movie itself is still very witty, funny, and touching … Continue reading

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Reds (1981) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): An epic left-wing period drama by Warren Beatty

While revisiting Warren Beatty’s 1981 film “Reds” at last night, I observed how it stays focused on ideas and emotions behind its grand and ambitious attempt to illustrate the life and career of its real-life left-wing American journalist hero. Yes, … Continue reading

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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle (2025) ☆☆☆(3/4): A lot of actions in the middle of infinity

Japanese animation feature film “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle”, which is still being shown in South Korean theaters despite being released in two months ago, keeps things rolling during its rather long running time (155 minutes), and I … Continue reading

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