Category Archives: Movies

Matangi/Maya/M.I.A. (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): An intimate and dynamic portrait of M.I.A.

Posted on January 20, 2019 by kaist455

Documentary film “Matangi/Maya/M.I.A.”, which received the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award when it was shown at the Sundance Film Festival early in last year, is an intimate and dynamic portrait of one renowned female musician who is not only … Continue reading →

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Boy Erased (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): A restrained drama on gay conversion therapy program

Posted on January 20, 2019 by kaist455

“Boy Erased” intends to give us a close look into the horror of gay conversion therapy program, and it mostly succeeds as sticking to its restrained but sobering storytelling approach. Although I think it could be angrier and edgier on … Continue reading →

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Blaze (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): Inside Blaze Foley

Posted on January 20, 2019 by kaist455

Ethan Hawke’s “Blaze” is as melancholic and poignant as you can expect from a movie based on the life and career of a rather obscure real-life country musician. While thankfully free of genre conventions and clichés, the movie freely rolls … Continue reading →

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Brexit (2019) ☆☆☆(3/4): Behind Brexit

Posted on January 19, 2019 by kaist455

When I encountered the trailer of British TV movie “Brexit”, I wondered whether it was too early to make a film about Brexit. After all, Britain and its government and people are still struggling with the ongoing consequence of that … Continue reading →

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The Hate U Give (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): She won’t be quiet at all

Posted on January 19, 2019 by kaist455

“The Hate U Give”, which is based on the novel of the same name by Angie Thomas, handles a timely subject with earnest care and compassion. Through the intimate human story of a young girl who becomes a lot more … Continue reading →

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What They Had (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): As they are losing her

Posted on January 19, 2019 by kaist455

Calmly observing one family struggling with their difficult personal matter, “What They Had” gives us an intimate drama packed with small but effective emotional moments which let us understand and emphasize with its main characters. As one of them is … Continue reading →

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The Underdog (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): Another solid South Korean animation film to watch

Posted on January 18, 2019 by kaist455

South Korean animation feature film “The Underdog” is something to be appreciated for several good reasons. While distinguishing itself as one of few notable South Korean animation feature films during recent years, the film is also equipped with good story … Continue reading →

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Mirai (2018) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): This willful boy may need another lesson

Posted on January 18, 2019 by kaist455

Japanese animation feature film “Mirai” is a passable piece of work a bit too mild and shallow to impress me enough. Although it provides a number of lovely visual moments as we can expect from a well-made cell animation film, … Continue reading →

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The Favourite (2018) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A queen and her two ladies

Posted on January 17, 2019 by kaist455

Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest film “The Favourite”, which received the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice International Film Festival in last year, is a delightfully edgy period comedy drama film to be savored. While it is relatively less dark and bizarre … Continue reading →

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Vice (2018) ☆☆1/2 (2.5/4): The scattershot portrayal of Dick Cheney’s life and career

Posted on January 17, 2019 by kaist455

“Vice”, which is intends to give us a funny, scathing look into Dick Cheney’s life and career, turns out to be middling at best and plodding at worst. While it is at least anchored by one of the most committed … Continue reading →

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