Tag Archives: Father and son

The Godfather (1972) ☆☆☆☆(4/4): A masterpiece you can’t possibly refuse

Francis Ford Coppola’s 1972 film “The Godfather”, which happened to be re-released in selected South Korean theaters several weeks ago, is a masterpiece you cannot possibly refuse. As compellingly illustrating the transfer of a criminal power from one generation to … Continue reading

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28 Years Later (2025) ☆☆☆(3/4): Danny Boyle back in Zombieland

Danny Boyle’s latest film “28 Years Later” reminds me again that he is a filmmaker who has rarely repeated himself. Yes, he is back in that post-apocalyptic world explored in “28 Days Later” (2002), and we are surely served with … Continue reading

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Life Is Beautiful (1997) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): As a clown as well as a father

I cannot help but marvel at what is so cheerfully, masterfully, and touchingly done in Roberto Benigni’s 1997 Oscar-winning film “Life Is Beautiful”, which was re-released in South Korean theaters early in this month. This is a very special film … Continue reading

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The Iron Claw (2023) ☆☆☆(3/4): It’s a tough family business…

What a tragically pathetic family the Von Erichs are. While they attained some fame and recognition in their sports field, whatever they achieved during that short period came with a lot of pain and misery, Sean Durkin’s latest film “The … Continue reading

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Arcadian (2024) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): In their arcadian post-apocalyptic world

“Arcadian” tries to tackle its very familiar genre territory, and I like its earnest attempt to some degree. Yes, the overall result is still basically another typical post-apocalyptic horror drama film which does not break any new ground in my … Continue reading

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The Animal Kingdom (2023) ☆☆☆(3/4): When people are turning into animals

French film “The Animal Kingdom” is a modest but intriguing SF drama with enough style and substance to interest and then engage us. Although it is rather a bit too vague about its story premise, the movie stays focused on … Continue reading

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Exhibiting Forgiveness (2024) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Facing his old trauma and abuser again

“Exhibiting Forgiveness” looks into the deep trauma of a man still haunted and tormented by his abused childhood. When that painful past of his suddenly returns to him, he has no choice but to face and deal with those old … Continue reading

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Debt (2023) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A little comedy about debt

When I saw South Korean independent comedy film “Debt” early in this morning, two audiences sitting behind me, who were incidentally the only other audiences in the screening besides me, frequently chuckled from the beginning to the end. I wish … Continue reading

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Ultraman Rising (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): Bringing up baby

Netflix animation film “Ultraman Rising”, which was released a few weeks ago, is as silly and serious as it can be. Based on a famous Japanese superhero franchise, the film tries a cheerful mix of comedy, action, and drama, and … Continue reading

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Promise (2023) ☆☆☆(3/4): A boy missing his departed mother

South Korean documentary film “Promise” is a seemingly simple but undeniably poignant personal diary from a filmmaker father and his sensitive 9-year-old boy still missing his departed mother a lot. While wisely avoiding any cheap sentimentalism via its calm and … Continue reading

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