Category Archives: Movies

Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022) ☆☆☆(3/4): Another nice encore

As watching “Downton Abbey: A New Era”, I was reminded again that I liked and enjoyed its numerous main characters more than I thought. Sure, that popular TV drama series preceding it was more or less than a friendly soap … Continue reading

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Top Gun: Maverick (2022) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Now that’s a real cinematic entertainment

We really have to admire and appreciate the enduring star quality of Tom Cruise, who is soon going to have the 60th birthday but has steadily given us a series of entertaining films during last several decades. To be frank … Continue reading

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Lightyear (2022) ☆☆☆(3/4): A simple lightweight fun from Pixar

“Lightyear”, the latest animation feature film from Pixar Studios, is as funny and lightweight as you can expect. Although it is merely a spin-off story derived from “Toy Story” (1995), the film generates enough charm and spirit from its rather … Continue reading

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Gyeong-ah’s Daughter (2022) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Her daughter is in trouble…

I often braced myself while watching South Korean film “Gyeong-ah’s Daughter”, a somber but undeniably powerful drama about one certain serious social gender issue in our digital era. As observing how its two different main characters respectively struggle with the … Continue reading

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Hustle (2022) ☆☆☆(3/4): A low-key sports drama starring Adam Sandler (No Kidding)

As many of you know, Adam Sandler is actually a good actor who can be quite serious and compelling whenever he gets a chance for that. In Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Punch Drunk Love” (2002), he got the first opportunity for … Continue reading

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The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): Before his big match

Finnish film “The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Mäki”, which was belatedly released in South Korean theaters on this Thursday, is a modest drama film revolving around one real-life professional boxer who attempted on the World Boxing Association … Continue reading

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Sister J (2020) ☆☆☆(3/4): As he and others endure for more than 10 years

South Korean documentary film “Sister J” gives a dry but sensitive glimpse into the longtime struggle of one ordinary man who fought along with his colleagues for more than 10 years. As shown in the documentary, they really tried hard … Continue reading

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Unboxing Girl (2021) ☆☆☆(3/4): The trouble with her crummy boss

South Korean independent film “Unboxing Girl” is often difficult to watch in many of its absurdly exasperating moments. Mainly revolving around its heroine’s very unlucky office romance, the movie has a lot to show and tell about sexism and gender … Continue reading

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Broker (2022) ☆☆☆(3/4): Bringing Up Baby

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film “Broker” is an interesting trial to admire. Like his previous film “The Truth” (2019), the movie attempts to transplant his own style and storytelling to a country outside Japan, and it is mildly engaging to observe … Continue reading

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Missing Yoon (2021) ☆☆☆(3/4): Imitation of Life

Here is a little South Korean film which somehow made me care much more than expected. I must confess that I initially observed its two different main characters with mere pity and annoyance, but “Missing Yoon” gradually let me understand … Continue reading

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