Category Archives: Movies

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : Deadpan Vampires in Artistic Ennui

Posted on January 19, 2014 by kaist455

 Eternity is a dreadfully boring concept, but Jim Jarmusch’s new film “Only Lovers Left Alive” tickled me with the languid ennui of its vampire characters, and it is definitely a lot more entertaining than those tedious Twilight movies. The life … Continue reading →

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August: Osage County (2013) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : An average chocolate box movie

Posted on January 18, 2014 by kaist455

 I have several personal terms/nicknames defining certain types of movies, and one of them is ‘chocolate box movie’. In my definition, chocolate box film is usually packed with a bunch of good actors who respectively have each own scene to … Continue reading →

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Frozen (2013) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A familiar recipe with sparkling icing

Posted on January 17, 2014 by kaist455

 Disney animation film “Frozen” is made with usual ingredients which can be expected from Disney animations based on fairy tales, and they have done it well while doing some different things within its conventions. Like other spunky princesses in recent … Continue reading →

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12 Years a Slave (2013) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : A harrowing look at the brutalities of slavery

Posted on January 12, 2014 by kaist455

 Based on a harrowing real-life story reflecting countless inhumane atrocities committed under the American slavery during the 19th century, “12 Years a Slave” honestly and bravely faces its dark historical subject, and it will give you an unforgettable experience which … Continue reading →

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Dallas Buyers Club (2013) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A small fight against AIDS

Posted on January 11, 2014 by kaist455

 Sometimes people are changed through sudden incidents in their lives, and the life of Ron Woodroof, the real-life hero of “Dallas Buyers Club”, was particularly dramatic. After finding that he became an AIDS patient, his life was turned upside down … Continue reading →

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Saving Mr. Banks (2013) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A spoonful of medicine behind Mary Poppins

Posted on January 11, 2014 by kaist455

 As a dramatized version of the real-life story behind a beloved classic film, “Saving Mr. Banks” is as pleasant and gentle as it wants to be. It becomes sentimental at times, but its warm sincerity feels genuine, and it is … Continue reading →

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The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : Goodfellas on Wall Street

Posted on January 11, 2014 by kaist455

“You sharpen the human appetite to the point where it can split atoms with its desire; you build egos the size of cathedrals; fiber-optically connect the world to every eager impulse; grease even the dullest dreams with these dollar-green, gold-plated … Continue reading →

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American Hustle (2013) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : That ‘70s Hustle

Posted on January 9, 2014 by kaist455

 “American Hustle” dances along with a bunch of colorful characters roaming around their groovy era, and it does its dance as long as it can under its cheerful tone. Even when we are not entirely sure about who is conning … Continue reading →

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Scenery (2013) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : Their lives and dreams in Seoul

Posted on January 6, 2014 by kaist455

Just by simply observing and listening, “Scenery” gives us an experience both familiar and alien. As introducing a group of various foreign workers in Seoul one by one, this calm, quiet documentary looks around the various hidden corners here and … Continue reading →

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No (2012) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : How they made people say ‘No’

Posted on January 1, 2014 by kaist455

 While sharply reminding us that political campaigns are essentially advertisements promising their political products to voters, “No”, an engaging movie about the national plebiscite of 1988 in Chile, tells us a fictional story of how one clever campaign strategy effectively … Continue reading →

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