Tag Archives: Period drama

Flowers of Shanghai (1998) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Distant but exquisite anyway

Posted on February 15, 2026 by kaist455

Hou Hsiao-hsien’s 1998 film “Flowers of Shanghai”, which was released in South Korean theaters in last week, often requires some patience from you for good reasons. As your average arthouse movie, it is slow, distant, and opaque in terms of … Continue reading →

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The King’s Warden (2026) ☆☆(2/4): A king comes to his village…

Posted on February 7, 2026 by kaist455

South Korean film “The King’s Warden” often tries too hard for laughs and then tears, and I do not like that much. Based on the real-life relationship between one plain common man and a tragically deposed king of the Joseon … Continue reading →

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Isle of Snakes (2023) ☆☆☆(3/4): On a strange and beautiful isle

Posted on November 9, 2025 by kaist455

South Korean independent film “Isle of Snakes”, which was released in local theaters a few years after it was premiered at the 2023 Busan International Film Festival, alternatively baffled and intrigued me. While simply starting with three broad characters stuck … Continue reading →

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The Girl with the Needle (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): A Seamstress’ tale

Posted on February 19, 2025 by kaist455

“The Girl with the Needle”, which was recently Oscar-nominated for Best International Film, is a stark and unnerving period drama about one unfortunate woman who happens to be under a very gloomy circumstance. As she struggles for life in one … Continue reading →

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The Piano Lesson (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): The family trouble with a piano

Posted on November 25, 2024 by kaist455

Netflix film “The Piano Lesson”, which was released on last Friday, is about a little but complex family issue surrounding one old piano. Although it feels rather contrived during its second half as veering off a bit from what has … Continue reading →

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Pedro Páramo (2024) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Walking into a ghost town

Posted on November 17, 2024 by kaist455

Netflix film “Pedro Páramo”, which was released a few weeks ago, is often terrific to watch for its undeniably haunting visual moments, but it is also frequently frustrating in terms of story and character. While its period background looks impeccable … Continue reading →

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Gladiator II (2024) ☆☆(2/4): A ponderous sequel without much fun

Posted on November 14, 2024 by kaist455

Ridley Scott’s latest film “Gladiator II”, a sequel to his Oscar-winning film “Gladiator” (2000), is a ponderous sequel which does not provide anything fun and new to enjoy. Sure, “Gladiator” is not exactly a great film, so it seems easy … Continue reading →

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Uprising (2024) ☆☆☆(3/4): A bitter and brutal period drama

Posted on October 28, 2024 by kaist455

South Korean Netflix film “Uprising”, which was released a few weeks ago, is a bitter and brutal period drama about an intense class conflict in the background of a big historical war in Korea during the 16th century. While it … Continue reading →

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Chevalier (2022) ☆☆☆(3/4): The story of a black musician in the 18th century France

Posted on June 19, 2023 by kaist455

“Chevalier”, which is currently available on Disney+ in South Korea, is the story about one fascinating real-life black musician who deserves to be known more for good reasons. Although it is basically a conventional period drama, the movie still engages … Continue reading →

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Mr. Malcolm’s List (2022) ☆☆☆(3/4): A little romantic scheme against his list

Posted on February 17, 2023 by kaist455

“Mr. Malcolm’s List” is a witty and charming variation of Jane Austen novels with some modern touches a la recent Netflix TV series “Bridgerton”. While often reminiscent of Austen’s several novels including, yes, “Pride and Prejudice”, the movie has a … Continue reading →

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