Tag Archives: Criminal

Galveston (2018) ☆☆☆(3/4): A familiar crime drama better than expected

Posted on November 12, 2018 by kaist455

“Galveston” is a crime drama which is quite familiar but turns out to be better than expected. While being bleak and seedy as demanded, the movie generates some genuinely poignant moments as rolling its two main characters along its leisurely … Continue reading →

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Brawl in Cell Block 99 (2017) ☆☆☆(3/4): Inexorable descent into sheer brutality

Posted on June 10, 2018 by kaist455

While delivering a fair share of remorseless violence to shock you, “Brawl in Cell Block 99” patiently takes its time before delivering that, and I sort of appreciate its slow but inexorable descent into sheer brutality. While some of those … Continue reading →

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Inside Men (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): They are all together…

Posted on November 22, 2015 by kaist455

I watched South Korean thriller film “Inside Men” with bitter amusement on some of its darkest moments. Although it is a work of fiction as emphasized in its end credits, its dark, uncomfortable picture of power and corruption is not … Continue reading →

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Seven Psychopaths (2012) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : Screenplay work in criminal process

Posted on September 26, 2014 by kaist455

 “Seven Psychopaths” is about one funny screenplay writing process which is cheerfully juxtaposed with absurd humor and striking violence to shock you and then amuse you. As we follow its convoluted plot, it becomes apparent to us that it is … Continue reading →

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Starred Up (2013) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : He finally meets his match – his dad

Posted on August 28, 2014 by kaist455

 While it is a mix of familiar elements to be expected from its main subjects, “Starred Up” is a compelling mix to watch none the less. Mainly through its violent young antihero with issues, it transfers us into a harsh, … Continue reading →

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Point Blank (2010) ☆☆☆(3/4) : Passable but efficient

Posted on April 27, 2014 by kaist455

As revisiting French action thriller film “Point Blank”, I thought about how familiar a certain thriller premise is. In many thriller films like this one, an ordinary guy suddenly finds himself being blackmailed to do something not so good while … Continue reading →

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Drug War (2012) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : A treacherous game amidst cops and criminals

Posted on August 3, 2013 by kaist455

Good thrillers grip my attention at some point around the beginning and never let it go until the end credit. In case of Johnnie To’s crime noir thriller “Drug War”, it was one of its early scenes. A cop chases … Continue reading →

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Eye in the Sky (2007) ☆☆☆(3/4) : See everything – remember everything

Posted on July 30, 2013 by kaist455

Early in this month, I watched South Korean thriller film “Cold Eyes”, and I was excited by its thrilling story about the secret surveillance police team and the professional criminals they chase after. While being a well-made genre film with … Continue reading →

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The Place Beyond the Pines (2012) ☆☆☆(3/4) : Three life stories in Schenectady, NY

Posted on July 25, 2013 by kaist455

 “The Place Beyond the Pines” attempts to present us three life stories together in its intimate and wide approach. While not all of its elements work well and its last act is relatively unsatisfying, it is an engaging drama about … Continue reading →

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Spring Breakers (2012) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : And then it becomes no fun to them

Posted on July 11, 2013 by kaist455

 “Spring Breakers” is a gaudy exercise in callousness and recklessness. All these girls in the movie want is to get out of their boredom, and they certainly get it when they arrive in St. Petersburg, Florida. While usually wearing bikinis … Continue reading →

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