Tag Archives: Crime

Dirty Money (2024) ☆☆(2/4): A clumsy genre product

Posted on October 19, 2024 by kaist455

I do not mind watching movies about unlikable characters, but South Korean thriller film “Dirty Money” did not engage me at all. The movie is not only utterly contrived but also quite mediocre in terms of story and characters, and … Continue reading →

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Suzhou River (2000) ☆☆☆(3/4): A gritty and bitter urban tale of romantic obsession

Posted on October 13, 2024 by kaist455

Chinese film “Suzhou River”, whose 4k restoration version was somehow released in South Korean theaters a few days ago, is a gritty and bitter urban tale of romantic obsession. Like many of other contemporary Chinese arthouse films, the movie requires … Continue reading →

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Joker: Folie à Deux (2024) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Joker in Love – and Repentance

Posted on October 2, 2024 by kaist455

Todd Phillips’ new film “Joker: Folie à Deux” is something bound to happen after all the controversies caused by his previous film “Joker” (2019). Like Martin Scorsese made a sort of apology in “The King of Comedy” (1982) after “Taxi … Continue reading →

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Wolfs (2024) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Two fixers stuck with each other

Posted on October 1, 2024 by kaist455

“Wolfs”, which was released on Apple TV+ in a few days ago, works best whenever it simply focuses on whatever is exchanged between its two charismatic star actors. Having actually worked together more once in several notable films, they constantly … Continue reading →

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Band of Outsiders (1964) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): When Godard was really cool

Posted on September 29, 2024 by kaist455

Jean-Luc Godard was at the height of his artistic creativity when he was young and bold in the 1960s. After making a huge milestone spot in the cinema history with his great film “Breathless” (1960), he gave us a number … Continue reading →

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Thelma (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): One spirited old lady

Posted on September 21, 2024 by kaist455

The most marvelous thing about “Thelma” is how its lead actress makes the movie more special in addition to being perfectly cast for her titular role. Although she is soon going to have the 95th birthday, June Squibb has been … Continue reading →

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I, the Executioner (2024) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Same as before

Posted on September 13, 2024 by kaist455

South Korean film “I, the Executioner”, which is the sequel to director/co-writer Ryoo Seung-wan’s 2015 film “Veteran” (It is simply released as “Veteran 2” today in South Korean theaters, by the way), attempts to excite and entertain audiences as much … Continue reading →

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Rebel Ridge (2024) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A guy rides into a town…

Posted on September 10, 2024 by kaist455

Netflix film “Rebel Ridge”, which was released on last Friday, is a rare thriller film which actually captivated me from the beginning to the end. While it seems a rather typical genre piece at first, the movie slowly but masterfully … Continue reading →

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Love Lies Bleeding (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): A lesbian crime noir film on steroid

Posted on July 20, 2024 by kaist455

“Love Lies Bleeding” is a little crime noir film which tries some interesting variation on its genre elements. As its two different female main characters pull or push each other in their dangerous erotic liaison, the movie occasionally jolts us … Continue reading →

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Fancy Dance (2023) ☆☆☆(3/4): A family matter

Posted on July 15, 2024 by kaist455

“Fancy Dance”, which was released on Apple TV+ in last month, is a little family drama revolving around one flawed Native American woman’s struggle over her urgent family matter. While occasionally reminiscent of many other similar American independent films such … Continue reading →

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