Tag Archives: Real-life story

Hacksaw Ridge (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): A pacifistic medic struggling in a brutal war movie

Posted on February 10, 2017 by kaist455

“Hacksaw Ridge” is rather interesting for its ironic contradiction. While evoking those sincere old-fashioned Hollywood war films such as Howard Hawks’ “Sergeant York” (1941) on one side, the movie is also far more brutal and sanguinary than them on the … Continue reading →

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Lion (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A long way to his hometown

Posted on February 3, 2017 by kaist455

Based on one remarkable real-life story, “Lion” tries to tug at our heartstrings, and it succeeds with several powerful moments during its first half. Although it stumbles a bit during the second half which is more conventional in comparison, the … Continue reading →

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Jackie (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): Who is Jackie?

Posted on January 31, 2017 by kaist455

Calmly examining the formation of that lasting public image of Jacqueline Kennedy, “Jackie” works as a compelling observation on a woman who happened to be in the middle of one of the darkest historical moments in the 20th American history. … Continue reading →

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Deepwater Horizon (2016) ☆☆(2/4): Lots of mud, water, oil, and fire

Posted on January 30, 2017 by kaist455

When I heard the news about the explosion on Deepwater Horizon for the first time, I was about to begin the first day of the 2010 Eberfest along with my critic friends and acquaintances. I thought it was just a … Continue reading →

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Snowden (2016) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4): The Snowden Files

Posted on January 27, 2017 by kaist455

As a story about one famous real-life whistleblower, Oliver Stone’s new film “Snowden” often feels redundant despite some fascinating parts. While its subjects are certainly relevant especially at this point, the movie does not have many things to surprise or … Continue reading →

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Hidden Figures (2016) ☆☆☆(3/4): Three black female figures in NASA

Posted on January 22, 2017 by kaist455

Based on the remarkable professional careers of three real-life figures who worked in NASA in the early 1960s, “Hidden Figures” confidently moves forward along with its three main characters. While never overlooking how things were hard and difficult for them and … Continue reading →

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Loving (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): On their quiet love and struggle

Posted on December 10, 2016 by kaist455

I admire the simple but profound storytelling of “Loving”. At first, the movie looks conventional on the surface, but then it slowly reveals itself as an intimate and sensitive portrayal of one plain relationship between two ordinary good people who … Continue reading →

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Southside with You (2016) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4): One day of Barack and Michelle in Chicago

Posted on December 10, 2016 by kaist455

“Southside with You” is a small, humble drama about one day experienced by two people who would become one of the most famous couples in the world. I had no idea on how much the movie is close to what … Continue reading →

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O.J.: Made in America (2016) ☆☆☆☆(4/4): See O.J. run and rise – and fall

Posted on December 7, 2016 by kaist455

Documentary film “O.J.: Made in America” is not only impressive for its ambitious scope but also remarkable for its revealing insight. Besides its detailed examination of the dramatic rise and fall of O.J. Simpson, the documentary also provides us an … Continue reading →

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Almost Holy (2015) ☆☆☆(3/4): A gritty, tough shepherd in Ukraine

Posted on November 15, 2016 by kaist455

Documentary film “Almost Holy”, currently available on Netflix, gives us a darkly complex portrayal of a man of the cloth determined to fight against evil in his own unorthodox way. As the documentary shows more of the gritty, uncomfortable sides … Continue reading →

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