Category Archives: Movies

You Were Never Really Here (2017) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Brutal and feverish

Posted on April 10, 2018 by kaist455

Often brutal and feverish, Lynne Ramsay’s new film “You Were Never Really Here” grabs our attention right from the very beginning with its vivid, striking mix of unnerving character study and grim noir thriller. Firmly sticking itself to its deeply … Continue reading →

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6 Balloons (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): A problematic day with her addict brother

Posted on April 9, 2018 by kaist455

Movies about addiction are usually uncomfortable to watch, and “6 Balloons”, which is currently available on Netflix, is no exception. As closely observing its heroine’s problematic relationship with her addict brother, the movie gives us several unflinching moments which will … Continue reading →

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First Match (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): Wrestling for her father

Posted on April 6, 2018 by kaist455

“First Match”, which is currently available on Netflix, initially draws our attention through its supposedly unconventional promise. Here is a young girl who has struggled a lot in her tough environment, and it is often poignant to observe how she … Continue reading →

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The Death of Stalin (2017) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A political satire set in the Soviet era

Posted on April 2, 2018 by kaist455

Some black comedies dare to generate laughs from dark, ghastly subjects, and “The Death of Stalin” is one of such interesting cases. Focusing on the human absurdities and inhuman horrors inside one of the most infamous totalitarian regimes in the … Continue reading →

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Ready Player One (2018) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Ready for entertainment?

Posted on March 29, 2018 by kaist455

Steven Spielberg’s new film “Ready Player One” is an exhilarating eye candy stuffed with various goodies to enjoy and appreciate. Although this is not something as sublime as Spielberg’s great blockbuster films such as “Jaws” (1975) and “Raiders of the … Continue reading →

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The Greatest Showman (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): Schmaltzy but energetic

Posted on March 27, 2018 by kaist455

“The Greatest Showman” is willing to bet almost everything on song and dance as throwing itself into its saccharine show business story which is supposedly inspired by the life and career of P.T. Barnum, an infamous showman known for promoting … Continue reading →

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Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): More Jaegers – and more Kaijus

Posted on March 26, 2018 by kaist455

“Pacific Rim: Uprising” is as good as you can expect from a conventional but serviceable blockbuster product. While it is not as ambitious or spirited as its predecessor, the movie provides enough amount of action to entertain you, and I … Continue reading →

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

Posted on March 25, 2018 by kaist455

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

Posted on March 24, 2018 by kaist455

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

Posted on March 23, 2018 by kaist455

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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