Author Archives: kaist455

The Fall (2006) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A glorious folly of striking images

Tarsem’s 2006 film “The Fall”, whose 4K remastered version will be released in South Korean theaters on Christmas, is a glorious folly of striking images to behold. Loosely based on the screenplay of the 1981 Bulgarian film “Yo Ho Ho”, … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Time to Be Strong (2024) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Their aimless little trip in Jeju Island

South Korean independent film “Time to Be Strong”, which is incidentally the 15th movie project of the National Human Rights Commission in South Korea, is a somber but haunting character drama about three young people feeling lost and desperate in … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Carry-On (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): An efficient genre variation inside the airport

Netflix film “Carry-On”, which was released in last week, is a familiar but efficient genre variation to enjoy. Yes, this is surely influenced by many other thriller films ranging from “Die Hard 2” (1990) to “Nick of Time” (1995), but … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Before he became the king

Barry Jenkins’ new film “Mufasa: The Lion King” is something bound to happen sooner or later. After winning two Oscars via “Nomadland” (2020), Chloé Zhao moved on to making a Marvel Cinematic Universe flick called “Eternals” (2021). After getting a … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Lion King (2019) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): An unnecessary live action version

2019 film “The Lion King” is a product not so necessary in many aspects just like many of other live action versions of Disney animation films during last several years. When I watched its trailer in 2019, I was not … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Small Things Like These (2024) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): He can’t possibly ignore what he saw…

“Small Things Like These” presents a somber but intense drama about one ordinary person who happens to face a very difficult moment of choice. He can simply look away from an ongoing injustice in his little town, but he also … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Tokyo Godfathers (2003) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Three homeless people and a baby

It did not take much time for me to get engaged and then entertained more in Satoshi Kon’s animation feature film “Tokyo Godfathers”, which is still a charmingly quirky holiday genre mix even after more than 20 years. Mainly revolving … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Hidden Face (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): A twisted erotic triangle

South Korean film “Hidden Face”, which is the remake of the 2011 Colombian film “The Hidden Face”, an erotic mystery thriller which turns out to be naughtier than it seems at first. Like many thriller films, the movie surely depends … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Exhibiting Forgiveness (2024) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Facing his old trauma and abuser again

“Exhibiting Forgiveness” looks into the deep trauma of a man still haunted and tormented by his abused childhood. When that painful past of his suddenly returns to him, he has no choice but to face and deal with those old … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World (2023) ☆☆☆(3/4): Another barbed satire from Radu Jude

Radu Jude’s new movie “Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World” is a dry but undeniably sharp black comedy which patiently takes its time for building up its comic momentum. Although you may be daunted by … Continue reading

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , | 1 Comment