Tag Archives: Real-life story

The Theory of Everything (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4): The Theory of Love, so to speak.

Needless to say, the life of Dr. Stephen Hawking is an inspiring story to tell. When he was about to begin his promising academic career, he was diagnosed to have Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and it was assumed that he … Continue reading

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Whistle Blower (2014) ☆☆☆(3/4) : Against a big national lie

 South Korean film “Whistle Blower” gave me and other audiences an odd experience to talk about. Although it emphasizes that its story is entirely fictional, I and others knew too well that it was inspired by a big academic scandal … Continue reading

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The Missing Picture (2013) ☆☆☆(3/4) : Memories of a genocide

 The documentary film “The Missing Picture” attempts an unconventional approach for its grim historical subject. Mainly through its simple but delicate presentation of clay figurine dioramas, it conveys to us the personal memories of pain and horror from one of … Continue reading

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Manshin (2013) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : A shaman with ten thousands spirits

 South Korean documentary “Manshin” vividly presents the cultural value in Korean shamanic rituals through its haunting images which lingered on my mind for a long time after watching it. Looking around the long, dramatic life story of a woman who … Continue reading

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The Monuments Men (2014) ☆☆1/2(2.5/4) : Saving artworks during World War II

  As the biggest war during the 20th century, World War II still has many interesting stories to be told even after so many books and movies about it came out, and the story told in “The Monuments Men” is … Continue reading

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Philomena (2013) ☆☆☆(3/4): A long road to her lost son

 Any sensible person would feel angry about what happened to Philomena Lee, a woman who was unjustly treated just because of a small innocent mistake during her adolescent years. When she found herself getting pregnant after one passionate encounter with … Continue reading

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Another Family (2013) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A promise to be kept for his daughter

 Inspired by a real-life story, South Korean film “Another Family” is a little better than you might expect from a melodrama about family love, terminal illness, infuriating injustice, and a long, tearful struggle for justice. Although I could not help … Continue reading

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Renoir (2012) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A model and two artists

  While he was lucky enough to enjoy artistic success when he was alive, Pierre-Auguste Renoir(1841-1919), a French painter who was one of the prominent impressionists during the late 19th century, unfortunately got a serious health problem during his later … Continue reading

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12 Years a Slave (2013) ☆☆☆1/2(3.5/4) : A harrowing look at the brutalities of slavery

 Based on a harrowing real-life story reflecting countless inhumane atrocities committed under the American slavery during the 19th century, “12 Years a Slave” honestly and bravely faces its dark historical subject, and it will give you an unforgettable experience which … Continue reading

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Saving Mr. Banks (2013) ☆☆☆(3/4) : A spoonful of medicine behind Mary Poppins

 As a dramatized version of the real-life story behind a beloved classic film, “Saving Mr. Banks” is as pleasant and gentle as it wants to be. It becomes sentimental at times, but its warm sincerity feels genuine, and it is … Continue reading

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