Category Archives: Movies

Hotel Artemis (2018) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A problematic evening at one exclusive hotel

Posted on May 13, 2021 by kaist455

“Hotel Artemis”, which I watched just for my inconsequential curiosity at last night, is a pretty familiar genre stuff for seasoned moviegoers like me. While I enjoyed its noirish mood and some solid performances from its engaging main cast members, … Continue reading →

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The Boy from Medellín (2020) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A superstar back in his hometown

Posted on May 9, 2021 by kaist455

Documentary film “The Boy form Medellín”, which was released on Amazon Prime two days ago, presents a close look into one eventful week surrounding J Balvin, a Colombian raggaeton singer which has been quite popular around the world during last … Continue reading →

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Happy Children (2020) ☆☆☆(3/4): A mild but likable children drama

Posted on May 5, 2021 by kaist455

South Korean film “Happy Children” may not be as cheery as its very title suggets, but it is still a likable children drama to be admired for several good reasons. As often buoyed by the unadorned acting of its wonderful … Continue reading →

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Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021) ☆☆☆(3/4): Between fire and killers

Posted on May 5, 2021 by kaist455

Taylor Sheridan’s new film “Those Who Wish Me Dead”, which is released today in South Korean theaters before released in US on next Friday, literally burns slowly at first then blazes toward its expected finale. Although this is basically a … Continue reading →

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The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) ☆☆☆(3/4): One wacky family adventure

Posted on May 5, 2021 by kaist455

Animation feature film “The Mitchells vs. the Machines”, which was released on Netflix on last Friday, is wacky, speedy, and colorful from the beginning to the end, and it may be pretty dizzy and exhausting for some of you. As … Continue reading →

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The Disciple (2020) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): An observation of artistic struggle

Posted on May 4, 2021 by kaist455

Indian film “The Disciple”, which was released on Netflix in last Friday, calmly observes its musician hero’s seemingly endless artistic struggle, and that is often quite more absorbing and sublime than you may expect. While giving us a vivid and … Continue reading →

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Breaking Fast (2020) ☆☆☆(3/4): A romance during Ramadan

Posted on May 2, 2021 by kaist455

“Breaking Fast” is a modest but engaging queer film to be appreciated for several good reasons. While it is essentially your average conventional romantic comedy film, the movie colors its familiar plot with interesting cultural elements via its gay Muslim … Continue reading →

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Shiva Baby (2021) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Her accumulating troubles at a shiva

Posted on May 2, 2021 by kaist455

Emma Seligman’s debut feature film “Shiva Baby” is often sharply and painfully funny to say the least. Mainly revolving around one young woman who suddenly finds herself in a very awkward situation during one Jewish ritual meeting full of neighbors … Continue reading →

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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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