Category Archives: Movies

Drive (2024) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A kidnapping on live 

Posted on May 13, 2025 by kaist455

South Korean film “Drive” drives along a rather predictable course without surprising me that much. While reminiscent of many other similar thriller films out there, the movie is frequently hampered by thin characterization and contrived plot, and I can only … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Novocaine (2025) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Numb and painless, shall we say

Posted on May 9, 2025 by kaist455

“Novocaine” is a one-joke comedy action film which goes too long and violent in my humble opinion. While it generates some funny moments from its exaggerated comic story premise, the movie is also often blatantly violent as its hero endures … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Count of Monte Cristo (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): He returns for revenge…

Posted on May 8, 2025 by kaist455

Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” is actually a useful guidebook on how to execute a revenge on your mortal enemy as precisely and efficiently as possible. Besides patiently waiting for the right time and the right … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Problemista (2023) ☆☆☆(3/4): A quirky surreal immigration comedy

Posted on May 7, 2025 by kaist455

I must confess that “Problemista”, which is currently available on Netflix in South Korea, was an acquired taste for me. At first, I was baffled a lot by its colorfully quirky comic style coupled with a heap of surrealistic absurdity, … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Joy (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): A story behind IVF

Posted on May 7, 2025 by kaist455

Netflix film “Joy”, which was released several months ago, is a mild but sincere drama about the development of in vitro fertilization. Mainly via the viewpoint of a certain real-life female figure who surely deserves more attention, the movie touchingly … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever (2025) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): His extreme attempt on longevity

Posted on May 6, 2025 by kaist455

I observed Netflix documentary film “Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever” with some conflicted feelings. Here is a man extremely dedicated to staying young and healthy as long as possible, and the documentary closely and fascinatingly examines … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Thunderbolts* (2025) ☆☆☆(3/4): A bunch of losers

Posted on May 3, 2025 by kaist455

“Thunderbolts*”, the latest product from Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), attempts to bring more fun and excitement to its franchise, and that succeeds to some degree. While this is basically a very familiar mix between “The Avengers” (2012) and “Suicide Squad” … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Happyend (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): The defiance during their last high school year

Posted on May 1, 2025 by kaist455

Japanese film “Happyend” observes a group of high school kids showing some spirit and defiance during the last year at their school. While they try to go further for more fun and freedom day by day, they are also often … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

The Old Woman with the Knife (2025) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Old but lethal

Posted on May 1, 2025 by kaist455

South Korean film “The Old Woman with the Knife” looks promising at first but ends up being quite bland and middling to my disappointment. While it is carried to the end by the strong performance from its lead actress at … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (2024) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A family funeral

Posted on April 29, 2025 by kaist455

Runagno Nyoni’s second feature film “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” is about a family funeral of one middle-class Zambian family. Mainly following one of the younger family members, the movie gradually reveals the secrets and traumas suppressed inside this family, … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , | 1 Comment