Tag Archives: Adolescence

Esper’s Light (2024) ☆☆(2/4): Their little online fantasy world

Posted on November 9, 2025 by kaist455

 In my inconsequential opinion, I am not an ideal audience for South Korean independent film “Esper’s Light”. While it is probably one of the most singular South Korean films of this year, I often felt distant and confused for more … Continue reading →

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How to Have Sex (2023) ☆☆☆(3/4): A female coming-of-age tale about sex

Posted on December 4, 2024 by kaist455

British film “How to Have Sex” will strike you hard at first while its adolescent heroine and her two female friends go wild for some fun and excitement. As clearly reflected by the very title of the film, they are … Continue reading →

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Didi (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): His suburban summer in 2008

Posted on September 12, 2024 by kaist455

“Didi” is a coming-of-age tale which feels both specific and universal. While its adolescent hero and his family background are quite specific, but his emotional struggles with not only his family but also himself are universal to say the least, … Continue reading →

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We’re All Going to the World’s Fair (2021) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): An elusive horror drama of online dysphoria

Posted on August 13, 2024 by kaist455

Jane Schoenbrun’s first feature film “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” alternatively baffled and fascinated me. On one hand, I was fascinated with its interesting storytelling approach which clearly shows its director’s distinctive personality and talent. On the other … Continue reading →

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Mean Girls (2024) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): It’s a musical this time…

Posted on July 1, 2024 by kaist455

2024 film “Mean Girls” has a rather complex history just like the recent movie version of “The Color Purple” (1985). It is the movie adaptation of the acclaimed Broadway musical of the same name, which is inspired by the 2004 … Continue reading →

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Inside Out 2 (2024) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): More emotions to come

Posted on June 13, 2024 by kaist455

Pixar animation film “Inside Out 2”, which is the sequel to Oscar-winning animation film “Inside Out” (2015), shows us that Pixar still has it. While it is another fantasy adventure into the state of mind just like its predecessor, the … Continue reading →

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Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023) ☆☆☆(3/4): An enjoyable adaptation of Judy Blume’s classic middle-grade novel

Posted on October 24, 2023 by kaist455

“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.”, the adaptation of the iconic middle-grade novel of the same name by Judy Blume, has enough sincerity and sensitivity besides being a witty coming-of-age dramedy film to enjoy. While it may look relatively … Continue reading →

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You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023) ☆☆☆(3/4): A mildly pleasant product from the Sandler family

Posted on September 2, 2023 by kaist455

Probably because I am a South Korean nerd who was mostly occupied with getting good grades except when reading a book or watching a movie, many of American coming-of-age drama or comedy films feel like alien stories from very different … Continue reading →

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Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken (2023) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): The tale of a Kraken girl

Posted on July 29, 2023 by kaist455

Animation feature film “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kragen” might have felt a bit more refreshing if it came out a few years earlier at least. During my viewing, I was reminded of several other recent animation films including “Luca” (2020) and … Continue reading →

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Anything’s Possible (2022) ☆☆☆(3/4): The conventional romance of a transgender girl

Posted on July 25, 2022 by kaist455

Billy Porter’s debut feature film “Anything’s Possible”, which was released on Amazon Prime in last week, is a conventional coming-of-age romantic comedy revolving around one transgender high school girl. While it is pretty safe and predictable in terms of story … Continue reading →

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