Category Archives: Movies

Second Life (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): As she is running from herself

Posted on May 19, 2019 by kaist455

South Korean independent film “Second Life” is a sad, melancholic story about one young girl desperately running from herself via her constant lies. Although its heroine is not particularly likable to say the least, the movie observes her dishonest behaviors … Continue reading →

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Juror 8 (2019) ☆☆☆(3/4): Eight Jurors and One Judge

Posted on May 19, 2019 by kaist455

South Korean film “Juror 8” is a familiar but enjoyable courtroom comedy drama which delivers its points well while also entertaining its audiences enough. Although it is instantly reminiscent of other similar films such as Sidney Lumet’s “12 Angry Men” … Continue reading →

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Suspiria (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): Self-indulgent but interesting anyway

Posted on May 17, 2019 by kaist455

Luca Guadagnino’s latest film “Suspiria”, which is the remake of Dario Argento’s classic horror film of the same name, boldly attempts to present its own style and substance. Although its attempt is not wholly successful, it is still an interesting … Continue reading →

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Miss & Mrs. Cops (2019) ☆☆☆(3/4): A good start for two female cops

Posted on May 17, 2019 by kaist455

At first, I did not have much expectation on South Korean comedy film “Miss & Mrs. Cops”, which did not look that fresh or interesting to me when I came across its trailer a few weeks ago. However, after hearing … Continue reading →

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Fighting with My Family (2019) ☆☆☆(3/4): A wrestler and her family

Posted on May 13, 2019 by kaist455

“Fighting with My Family” often made me cringe for good reasons, but I enjoyed its sweet funny moments nonetheless. As the story about a young female wrestler reaching for her dream of joining World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), the movie gives … Continue reading →

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A Haunting Hitchhike (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): In an unkind world

Posted on May 12, 2019 by kaist455

South Korean film “A Haunting Hitchhike” is the gloomy story of a young teenage girl struggling with harsh aspects of her unkind world. She simply hopes that things will get better for her, but she only finds herself facing more … Continue reading →

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The Great Buster: A Celebration (2018) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): The Great Stone Face

Posted on May 12, 2019 by kaist455

As far as I remember, I only watched a few works of Buster Keaton (Shame on me!), but those films were more than enough to show me that he was an extraordinary silent movie star to be appreciated and admired. … Continue reading →

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Diane (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): As she takes care of others

Posted on May 11, 2019 by kaist455

“Diane”, which won three awards including the one for Best Narrative Feature at the Tribeca Film Festival in last year and was recently shown at the Jeonju International Film Festival in this week, is a little character drama about one … Continue reading →

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To Dust (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): A deadpan Jewish comedy on body decomposition

Posted on May 9, 2019 by kaist455

As watching “To Dust”, a little comedy film which won the Narrative Audience Award at the Tribeca Film Festival in last year, I was reminded of that memorable quote from Errol Morris’ great documentary “Gates of Heaven” (1978): “Death is … Continue reading →

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Monrovia, Indiana (2018) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Americana observed by Frederick Wiseman

Posted on May 7, 2019 by kaist455

I still remember well when I was going to Urbana-Champaign, Illinois by train during one morning of 2010 April. As the train passed through a number of rural regions of Illinois, my eyes were frequently fixed on roads, plains, and … Continue reading →

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