Author Archives: kaist455

Mr. Holmes (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): The Detective’s Last Case

Posted on October 26, 2015 by kaist455

Since Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “A Study in Scarlet” was published in 1887, Sherlock Holmes has been one of the immortal literary characters along with Tarzan and James Bond. He has been portrayed by many plays, movies and TV series … Continue reading →

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Dope (2015) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : Three Geeks in the Bottoms

Posted on October 25, 2015 by kaist455

“Dope” wants to do many things. At first, it unfolds a coming-of-age comedy drama about three adolescent kids struggling in their rough neighbourhood, and then it tries to be a crime story accompanied with drug and shooting, and then it … Continue reading →

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Paper Towns (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): Looking for his gone girl

Posted on October 24, 2015 by kaist455

When she suddenly comes closer to him, he is happy for that. When she is gone then, he is determined to see her again. “Paper Towns” is often predictable, but it handles its story and characters with sincerity and care … Continue reading →

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Me and Earl and Dying Girl (2015) ☆☆(2/4): Sweet and quirky and pretentious

Posted on October 24, 2015 by kaist455

“Me and Earl and Dying Girl” is one of those superficially whimsical American independent films often shown at the Sundance Film Festival, and I constantly groaned and grumbled throughout its running time. Brandishing its deliberately quirky style and mood, the … Continue reading →

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Beasts of No Nation (2015) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Into the heart of darkness

Posted on October 23, 2015 by kaist455

“Beasts of No Nation” strikes us hard with intense moments both gut-wrenching and devastating. It is chilling to watch its little young hero being turned into a little savage creature of war, and it is also heartbreaking to see him … Continue reading →

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Ingrid Bergman: In Her Own Words (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4) : Bergman in her own view

Posted on October 20, 2015 by kaist455

You cannot help but admire the life and career of Ingrid Bergman, one of the greatest actresses representing the Golden Age of Hollywood. Although she came to Hollywood as a young unknown newcomer from Sweden, she quickly rose to stardom, … Continue reading →

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The Advocate : A missing body (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): A trouble with his case

Posted on October 19, 2015 by kaist455

South Korean film “The Advocate: A Missing Body”, which is released as “Angry Lawyer” in South Korea, feels like an expensive TV pilot episode right from its opening title scene. First, we are introduced to a hero with considerable reputation … Continue reading →

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The Visit (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4) : An odd, creepy week with grandparents

Posted on October 17, 2015 by kaist455

“The Visit” is as good as its two main characters wish. They hope to shoot something special with their cameras, and then they sort of get their wish as they become more aware of a certain sinister undertone around their … Continue reading →

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An (2015) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : Would you like her pancake?

Posted on October 13, 2015 by kaist455

Japanese film “An”, which is also known as “Sweat Red Bean Paste”, is a lightweight drama about life, nature, and, yes, those sweet pancakes called dorayaki. While it is nice to get some glimpses of how this simple Japanese confection … Continue reading →

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Southpaw (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): A predictable sports melodrama galvanized by Gyllenhaal

Posted on October 11, 2015 by kaist455

To be frank with you, “Southpaw” brings nothing new to its genre as dutifully following many familiar conventions of its genre. First, we have a tough boxer riddled with personal demons, and we already know he must confront them sooner … Continue reading →

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