Category Archives: Movies

Being There (1979) ☆☆☆☆(4/4): Still being there

Although more than 35 years have passed since it came out, “Being There”, which is based on Jerzy Kosiński’s novel of the same name, remains as a brilliant satire with timeless insights on media and celebrity. Gently strolling along with … Continue reading

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Microhabitat (2017) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): As she sticks to her simple pleasures

Alternatively funny and melancholic, South Korean comedy film “Microhabitat” presents an unconventional heroine to remember. Here is a young, resourceful woman determined to stick to her simple pleasures as much as she can, and the movie is often amusing as … Continue reading

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The Midwife (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): A midwife and her father’s mistress

While it is basically a conventional drama, French film “The Midwife” is an enjoyable experience for several good reasons. Yes, its story is predictable at times, but its two contrasting main characters are vivid and engaging enough to hold our … Continue reading

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The Remnants (2017) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): The aftermath of the Yongsan Tragedy

South Korean documentary film “The Remnants” closely looks into the bitter aftermath of one tragic incident which shocked the whole nation at that time. What happened in Yongsan district of Seoul during the early of January 20th, 2009 was indeed … Continue reading

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BPM (Beats Per Minute) (2017) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Their dynamic fight against AIDS epidemic

French film “BPM (Beats Per Minute)”, which is released here in South Korea as “120 BPM”, gives us a vivid glimpse into the activities of the Paris chapter of AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) in the early 1990s. … Continue reading

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Annihilation (2018) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Into the alien land of annihilation

“Annihilation” is something we do not see everyday: a smart, intelligent SF film packed with mood and ideas. While it may require some patience from you due to not only its glacial narrative pacing but also the baffling ambiguity surrounding … Continue reading

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Logan Lucky (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): Can they be lucky?

Steven Soderbergh’s new film “Logan Lucky” is entertaining for its slick efficiency and laid-back fun. While cheerfully bouncing from one amusing moment to another along with colorful silliness, it works as a smart, lively heist flick which turns out to … Continue reading

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Two Doors (2012) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A sobering documentary on Yongsan Tragedy

South Korean documentary film “Two Doors” reminds me again of how terrible and infuriating the Yongsan Tragedy was. In the early morning of January 19th, 2009, the police attempted to suppress a group of evictees who simply demanded fair treatment, … Continue reading

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Only the Brave (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): Against the fires

While thoroughly conventional in many aspects, “Only the Brave” works better than expected. The movie indeed is your typical human drama based on a real-life story, but it is engaging nonetheless thanks to its earnest storytelling and solid performances, and … Continue reading

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Disturbing the Peace (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Combatants for the Peace

Documentary film “Disturbing the Peace” looks into the unlikely solidarity between two different groups of people jointly pursuing the idea of peace in their violent world which has been torn by conflict for many years. As frequently going back and … Continue reading

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