Tag Archives: Real-life figure

Sister J (2020) ☆☆☆(3/4): As he and others endure for more than 10 years

South Korean documentary film “Sister J” gives a dry but sensitive glimpse into the longtime struggle of one ordinary man who fought along with his colleagues for more than 10 years. As shown in the documentary, they really tried hard … Continue reading →

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American Underdog (2021) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): A standard underdog story – and that is all

“American Underdog” is a standard underdog story which neither overachieves nor underachieves. While I appreciate its earnest handling of story and characters to some degree, the movie does not have enough life or personality to distinguish itself from those countless … Continue reading →

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Eiffel (2021) ☆☆(2/4): Shouldn’t it focus more on the tower itself?

French film “Eiffel” is supposed to be about the story behind that historical steel tower in Paris, but it turns out to focus more on a rather plain and uninteresting romance tale which is entirely fictional in fact. No, I … Continue reading →

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Homeroom (2021) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): The class of 2020

You may wonder about how the story of Hulu documentary film “Homeroom” could have been different if it had not been for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. During its first half, the documentary effortlessly immerses us into the lives and activities … Continue reading →

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Hommage (2021) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Her journey of restoring a film

South Korean film “Hommage” reminds me again of that considerable gap between me and many old South Korean films in the past. Like many other audiences, I usually regard them as something no more than inconsequential artifacts, but, regardless of … Continue reading →

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Becoming Cousteau (2021) ☆☆☆(3/4): Meet Jacques Cousteau

Documentary film “Becoming Cousteau”, which is currently available on Disney+ here in South Korea, looks into the life and career of Jacques Cousteau, a famous French marine explorer who brought considerable innovation into marine exploration in addition to making those … Continue reading →

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The Survivor (2021) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): A boxer who survived

Barry Levinson’s new film “The Survivor”, which was released on HBO Max a few weeks ago, patiently and thoughtfully presents the guilt and trauma of one Holocaust survivor. While never sentimental or exploitative in its stark depiction of the evil … Continue reading →

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Operation Mincemeat (2021) ☆☆☆(3/4): One fantastic deception operation

“Operation Mincemeat”, which was released on Netflix in US while released in theaters in case of South Korea a few days ago, is a standard World War II drama movie which does its job a bit better than expected. Although … Continue reading →

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The Sparks Brothers (2021) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): Going their way together

Edgar Wright’s music documentary film “The Sparks Brothers” looks broadly over the long, illustrious career of Ron and Russel Mael, two musician brothers who have been steadily active in their pop and rock band Sparks. To be frank with you, … Continue reading →

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Firebird (2021) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): Their forbidden romance during that grim period

“Firebird” is an old-fashioned tale of two gay lovers limited and suffocated by the grim oppression of their society. While it does not bring anything particular new to its genre territory unlike many notable predecessors such as “Brokeback Mountain” (2005), … Continue reading →

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