Category Archives: Movies

Birdman (2014) ☆☆☆1/2 (3.5/4): A quirky backstage comedy of existential crisis

 As a quirky backstage comedy of existential crisis, “Birdman” flies with style while also being grounded in substance. Presenting its interesting story of life and performance in a technically challenging way we have never encountered before, it attempts a risky … Continue reading

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Whiplash (2014) ☆☆☆☆(4/4) : Driven and played with blood, tear, and sweat

 Intense and stupefying as mercilessly and powerfully playing our heart like those poor drums on the screen, “Whiplash” knocks us out with its tremendous energy coming from the tumultuous battle of two clashing will powers which is not only unpredictable … Continue reading

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Still Alice (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : Fading away from others – and herself

 When we meet the heroine of “Still Alice” at first, she looks satisfied with her life which has been fairly good to her. She is an academic researcher on the top of her field, and she has a husband who … Continue reading

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Foxcatcher (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : Bound for Hollow Glory

 Always maintaining its reticent attitude with the sense of doom, “Foxcatcher” is quietly examines its stranger-than-fiction story which can be interpreted as a morbid American tragedy of ambition and madness. It demands us considerable patience at times mainly because of … Continue reading

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Nightcrawler (2014) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : The Secret of His Twisted Success

 “Nightcrawler” is both chilling and fascinating in its sardonic observation of its very unlikable hero who is disturbingly singled-minded in his ruthless pursuit of success. When he happens to come across a possible way for success, he instantly sets himself … Continue reading

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Predestination (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : That tricky paradox of time travel

  “Predestination” is a minor surprise to be admired for its clever handling of one classic science fiction idea which always intrigues us for that mind-boggling paradox inside it. You will certainly see through almost every cog inside its plot … Continue reading

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Pride (2014) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : Together they stood

 “Pride” is a crowd-pleasing comedy film inspired by a real-life story of one unlikely alliance between two social groups who could not possibly be more different from each other. There seemed to be nothing common between these two groups at … Continue reading

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Paddington (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A furry, cuddly family movie

  To be frank with you, I am not that familiar with Paddington Bear, which has been a very popular British character since he was created by Michael Bond in 1958. I think I saw him when I visited a … Continue reading

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Unbroken (2014) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : An old-fashioned biopic for Oscar season

  It goes without saying that Louis Zamperini, the hero of “Unbroken”, had an interesting life worthwhile to be told. While he initially drew lots of attention as a young promising Olympic distant runner through his athletic talent, he served … Continue reading

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The Drop (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A quiet man behind the bar

 The hero of “The Drop” is a quiet, reticent guy who does not draw others’ attention a lot as silently going through his mundane daily life. He is usually nice and generous to his customers, and he looks like a … Continue reading

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