Author Archives: kaist455

Goodnight Mommy (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4): Are you really our mommy?

Posted on October 2, 2016 by kaist455

Creepy, insidious, and disturbing in its cold, austere approach, Austrian film “Goodnight Mommy” is definitely not a pleasant experience in contrast to its innocuous title. As its decidedly baffling first half sets the unnerving undertone around the isolated background of … Continue reading →

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The Lovers and the Despot (2016) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Kidnapped by their North Korean fan

Posted on September 25, 2016 by kaist455

I and most South Korean people are familiar with a bizarre real-life story presented in documentary film “The Lovers and the Despot”. It was one of the most infamous things committed by the North Korean dictatorship during last 66 years, … Continue reading →

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Can I Pull This Off?

Posted on September 24, 2016 by kaist455

As many of you know, I came out of my closet a few days ago. Not long after my essay was posted at my blog page, numerous online friends of mine and many others read it and then gave me … Continue reading →

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Out of the Closet step by step

Posted on September 21, 2016 by kaist455

On August 26th, 2016, I did something I had not felt any need to do during nearly 20 years. I told some of colleagues at my workplace that I am gay, and that was the beginning of what I have … Continue reading →

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Where to Invade Next (2015) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Moore Invasion

Posted on September 19, 2016 by kaist455

Michael Moore’s documentaries are not exactly ‘neutral’ or ‘unbiased’, but he has always presented his messages in not only entertaining but also enlightening ways. Sure, he is sometimes unfair to his targets to be criticized or ridiculed while also being … Continue reading →

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The Shallows (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): Blake Lively Vs. Shark

Posted on September 18, 2016 by kaist455

“The Shallows” is an efficiently terrifying thriller about one of the worst circumstances which may come upon you while you are alone at sea. Considering other similar films such as “Open Water” (2003), its tense marine survival drama is not … Continue reading →

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A Tale of Love and Darkness (2015) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Looking at her from the distance

Posted on September 18, 2016 by kaist455

Israeli film “A Tale of Love and Darkness” is frequently frustrating in its distant attitude toward its sad, depressing human tale. Here is a woman who has probably been quite unhappy throughout her gray, melancholic life which has not given … Continue reading →

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Café Society (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): ….And life goes on anyway

Posted on September 17, 2016 by kaist455

As I was watching Woody Allen’s new movie “Café Society” during this Friday evening, I was reminded again of how many of Allen’s recent films have been less anxious compared to his earlier movies. While his characters struggle with their … Continue reading →

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The Queen of Crime (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): Here comes Detective Mom

Posted on September 14, 2016 by kaist455

As a mystery thriller, South Korean film “The Queen of Crime” is pretty simple on the whole, but it is equipped with a brash, colorful heroine to remember. She may not be very smart as the detective character of the … Continue reading →

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Worst Woman (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Her Worst Day

Posted on September 13, 2016 by kaist455

First, I must tell you that the young heroine of South Korean film “Worst Woman” is not as awful as you may surmise from its title. She merely happens to have a messy day which comes to throw her into … Continue reading →

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