Author Archives: kaist455

Test Pattern (2019) ☆☆☆(3/4): The Night After

Posted on May 2, 2021 by kaist455

“Test Pattern” is undeniably compelling in its modest but harrowing presentation of race and gender issues. During its first half, it simply and sweetly observes the relationship development between two very different people, but its disturbing opening shot already showed … Continue reading →

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The Courier (2020) ☆☆☆(3/4): One British businessman turned into a spy

Posted on April 29, 2021 by kaist455

“The Courier”, which was simply released as “The Spy” yesterday in South Korean theaters, is a modest but engaging drama which is based on one of many interesting real-life stories from the Cold War era. Mainly revolving around one ordinary … Continue reading →

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Stowaway (2021) ☆☆1/2 (2.5/4): Three astronauts and a stowaway

Posted on April 25, 2021 by kaist455

Netflix film “Stowaway”, which was released on last Thursday, attempts to do pretty familiar stuffs in the middle of the space. While it works to some degree thanks to its competent direction and the solid performances from its few main … Continue reading →

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My prediction on the 93rd Annual Academy Awards

Posted on April 23, 2021 by kaist455

The Oscar season of this year, which is understandably lengthened due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, is probably the most leisurely one I have ever experienced during last 10 years. In last year, I was often exhausted as hurriedly checking … Continue reading →

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Lingua Franca (2019) ☆☆☆(3/4): An intimate transgender immigrant drama

Posted on April 21, 2021 by kaist455

I always cherish movies showing and transporting us into the lives of different people, and “Lingua Franca”, which was released on Netflix in US in last August, is one of such good movies. Mainly revolving around the urban daily life … Continue reading →

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Yes, God, Yes (2019) ☆☆☆(3/4): The little sexual awakening of one Christian girl

Posted on April 20, 2021 by kaist455

“Yes, God, Yes” is a little coming-of-age comedy film which turns out to be more considerate and thoughtful than you may expect from its very title. While surely generating some good laughs from its adolescent Christian heroine’s gradual sexual awakening, … Continue reading →

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The Man Who Sold His Skin (2020) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A refugee who becomes, uh, art

Posted on April 20, 2021 by kaist455

“The Man Who Sold His Skin”, which was nominated for Best International Film Oscar in last month, tries to balance itself between two very different plot elements. At first, it begins as a serious refugee drama, and then it enters … Continue reading →

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Pinocchio (2019) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): The creepy and bizarre version of a famous fairy tale

Posted on April 20, 2021 by kaist455

Matteo Garrone’s latest film “Pinocchio” is creepy and bizarre without much sense of fun and enchantment. While it is quite impressive to say the least in technical aspects (It was recently nominated for Best Costume and Best Makeup Oscar, by … Continue reading →

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She Dies Tomorrow (2020) ☆☆☆(3/4): Before tomorrow comes

Posted on April 19, 2021 by kaist455

“She Dies Tomorrow” is very convincing and thought-provoking in handling its rather preposterous story premise. While it takes some time in building up its story and characters during its first part, it eventually comes to us as quite an engaging … Continue reading →

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The Power (2021) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Her first night shift

Posted on April 19, 2021 by kaist455

“The Power” is a little spooky horror film shrouded in creepy darkness. While it has several effective moments to be appreciated, the movie often falters in case of handling its two different kinds of horrors in addition to being hampered … Continue reading →

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