Author Archives: kaist455

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) ☆☆☆☆(4/4): A boy and his alien friend

Posted on September 7, 2025 by kaist455

Steven Spielberg’s 1982 film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”, which was re-released in selected theaters in South Korea in this week, is a pure cinematic magic to behold even though more than 40 years passed since it came out. On the surface, … Continue reading →

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Roman Holiday (1953) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): One free day of a princess

Posted on September 5, 2025 by kaist455

William Wyler’s 1953 film “Roman Holiday”, which is being shown in selected theaters in South Korea, is a witty and charming work absolutely tailor-made for its lead actress. Here is an exceptional actress whose charm and presence have never been … Continue reading →

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The Ugly Stepsister (2025) ☆☆☆(3/4): The stepsister’s grotesque struggle for beauty

Posted on September 5, 2025 by kaist455

“The Ugly Stepsister” is a twisted mix of horror and comedy which will alternatively amuse and unnerve you from the beginning to the end. Inspired by one of the most famous fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm, the movie is … Continue reading →

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3670 (2025) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A double minority

Posted on September 4, 2025 by kaist455

Good movies can be a vivid window to the lives of others different from us in one way or another, and South Korean independent film “3670” is one of such excellent examples. Closely and sensitively following the personal drama of … Continue reading →

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The Final Semester (2024) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Before he graduates

Posted on September 4, 2025 by kaist455

South Korean film “The Final Semester” follows a plain teenager boy about to enter what may define the rest of his life. Still not knowing well what he really wants for his life, he simply follows what he is expected … Continue reading →

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Fight or Flight (2024) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A flight full of killers

Posted on September 2, 2025 by kaist455

“Fight or Flight” is one of those goofy action thriller films which do not take themselves seriously while having some outrageous fun with their utterly silly story premise. Although it is rather deficient in terms of story and character, the … Continue reading →

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The Thursday Murder Club (2025) ☆☆☆(3/4): A little cozy murder mystery

Posted on September 1, 2025 by kaist455

Netflix film “The Thursday Murder Club”, which was released on last Thursday, is a little cozy murder mystery revolving around a small group of old amateur sleuths. While this is another your average Netflix product, it has enough wit and … Continue reading →

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The War of the Roses (1989) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A divorce war with no compromise

Posted on August 31, 2025 by kaist455

Is there any divorce comedy film as dark, cynical, and vicious as Danny DeVito’s 1989 film “The War of the Roses”? The main pleasure of this particularly nasty classic comedy movie is how uncompromising it is with a number of … Continue reading →

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Together (2025) ☆☆☆(3/4): A couple’s sticky issue

Posted on August 31, 2025 by kaist455

I enjoyed “Together” more than expected. I already knew a bit about what it is about, so there is not much surprise for me, but this modest horror film turns out to have more wit, style, and substance for handling … Continue reading →

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Huesera: The Bone Woman (2022) ☆☆☆(3/4): Does she really want this?

Posted on August 28, 2025 by kaist455

“Huesera: The Bone Woman” is a creepy supernatural horror film about a young pregnant woman under one sinister influence. Quite reminiscent of a number of recent female body horror films associated with pregnancy, the movie distinguishes itself via its distinctive … Continue reading →

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