Reviews

First of all let me tell you why I paid attention to this film. Chen Kaige!!! Jang Dong Gun!!! Hiroyuki Sanada!!! Cecilia Cheung!!! I am definitely a big fan. There is some East Asian fusion going on here and I like it! This film was more than a worthy vehicle for these Mega Stars from China, Japan, and Korea. Too bad many people don't think so.

I grew up watching Hiroyuki Sanada in "Shogun's Ninja" and loved him as the swordsman in "Last Samurai". Jang Dong Gun is definitely it for Korean film stars. "TaeGukGi" is a masterpiece and I loved "Chingoo". Cecilia Cheung has a special place in my heart after "Failan" and "Running on Karma" among many others. As for Chen Kaige, my heroes are great film makers, and "Life on a String" and "Farewell My Concubine" are just burned into my memory. They all have achieved greatness in my book.

I was thrilled to see Jang Dong Gun and didn't recognize him until he spoke. That piqued my curiosity but I was hooked as soon as I saw the plot unfold when the Goddess made her predictions for the Child and the General. I loved the characters. Each had their issues to deal with in life and they all headed towards destiny and evolved in the process. I saw interesting messages of honor, sacrifice and personal evolution as well as second chances and retribution. I also saw vivid costumes, wire choreography and of course cg. The camera techniques were very nice and some scenes are definitely vivid and graceful. Mostly, I just felt the star power and they didn't disappoint. Props to Hiroyuki Sanada for his bravado and vulnerability. He stole the show. Jang Dong Gun is always cool somehow. His super powered, innocent, slave character was very likable. His expressions while running super speed would pump me up. They also played with his appearance often to make him seem haggard and then very regal and then back again to haggard. Cecilia Cheung did her turn as seductress and tormented lover very nice and I'm glad it wasn't Zhang Ziyi. Come on guys. Don't wear her out like that. Variety is the spice of life.

OK, check it out if you aren't nit picky and just want to kick back and enjoy a light fantasy with some serious international star power. If you are romantic of course you'll like it but if you are stuck in reality maybe not. Cheers.

Did you know that George Lucas was inspired to make "Star Wars" from a Japanese film called "Hidden Fortress"? Bet some of the reviewers here didn't. Why get all bent out of shape when the person who made "Blade Runner" did the same thing. Every film maker is inspired by someone else's work.

OK, the action and visuals are nice. The characters are very mechanical and they don't go deep into them so the movie seemed more focused on action and CGI. There were some slow spots between the action and the characters really didn't pull me in much. Yes, there is plenty of borrowing from Blade Runner but it didn't bother me much. Hollywood borrows plenty as well. I don't get upset about it. Without sampling there would be no Hip-Hop or Star Wars.

If you like action, sci-fi, and CGI and don't need a lot of character development, give it a go.

I guess it's a tribute that everyone brings up "My Sassy Girl" as a sort of standard for this particular genre. If you haven't seen it yet, give it a go.

As for 100 Days with Mr Arrogant it's a fair way to waste some time. Funny thing is the movie was better when they focused on the lowbrow, physical comedy at the start. The romantic resolution was a little forced and predictable--more formulaic than original. Originality is hard to come by nowadays anywhere, so I at least hope for good execution and nice production. The leads do look nice and the comedy and production were the strong points to me. Just a little diversionalong the way and no way near as magic as "My Sassy Girl"

Let me describe it by analogy. You get the torture of Miike's Audition. Also, the mystery of Angelheart i.e. "Who is Louis Cipher?" Throw in the mind trip of Vanilla Sky and a lot of angst and then you get even more than you expected.

It grips you and never lets go as the mystery unfolds in a very fun, violent, kinetic ride that turns into the darkest, twisted tale of revenge gone haywire. Be warned-- get ready to be shocked out of your comfort zone as the schlock turns to psychological horror that makes your conscience cringe as you end up feeling violated.

It was more powerful than I expected. The accolades are not without merit. A reviewer called it a masterpiece and got me curious but boy did I pay a price for that curiosity. Ouch. You'll see.

Choi Min-Shik is amazing. He plays macho-psycho really well. I was hyped at the start thinking he was going to kick butt throughout the whole movie but it end up being so much more. I'm still recovering from watching it 4 hours ago. Whew!

Possible Spoilers*** First of all, major praise goes to Jang Dong Gun's riveting performance. He captured the essence of a nation divided, the immorality of war as your own folks become your enemies, and love for your brother regardless of the situation of the world and/or personal vendetta. The transformation he undergoes and the madness of war he evokes and invokes leaves quite an impact garnering notice.

I knew I was in for something as soon as I saw the archaeological dig of a battlefield starting the film as a grandfather's story is slowly drawn out. The flashback sequence between two brothers is heartwarming as you see the elder brother watching over and sacrificing for his younger sibling and the bond that they have. Being an only child, I wish I had a brother like that. Then the war hits and everything turns upside down as the gut wrenching begins.

The haunting thing about this movie is that the enemy is your own people and they speak your own language and share the same ancestors and genetics. What's more you kill your own kin because of circumstance in a situation of kill or be killed. The simmering conflict between the two brothers deserves special attention because it will hit home as the core message of the movie is made by it. The film made me think of what my parents and grandparents lived through.

-About Saving Private Ryan. To me they were worlds apart in situation, meaning and focus but similar in execution and structure. Just as Saving Private Ryan spoke so resounding to its audience, Taegukgi does the same for its own.

Spoilers*** It's great to watch a family go through and grow from the drug phase that so many people experience in life. Even dad was in on it and breaks your heart. They might have used the wrong approach to put pressure on an addict and put him on the spot like they did but dad's gonna come around eventually. He probably never got to be free in his life like he said and the drugs phase is hitting him in middle age instead of adolescence. Hopefully he doesn't fall off the edge or hit rock bottom. Maybe, just maybe, he needs to let off some steam and find himself. Wonder if he did meth or crack as well because he sure seems like it.

It was very helpful to see the son go through a cat scan and visibly see the effects of his drug use. Very heartening to see that he decided to stop. Good to watch with people who might be at risk or already deep into drugs. Drug dealers, cops, raves and a family will keep you interested enough to wonder how they all are at the end.

Did you like her in Failan(Gut wrenching!)? How about Running on Karma(So sweet!)? Don't forget King of Comedy(Whoa!). Well, she is so real and struggling in this one that you just gotta give it to her. She's still beautiful even when portraying desperation. The bonding between her, Lau Ching-Wan and the little boy captures the essence of a family coming together after falling apart from previous ties. Painful to watch at times but well worth it in the end. Is that her singing during the credits?

Lau-Ching Wan comes across so noble in this one as he just can't resist the urge to be the hero coming to the rescue and really melting away the past. You're rooting for him so strong to get the girl and he just makes such the wonderful dad/problem solver. Excellent performances by the leads.

Very ambitious film making! Loved the Day of the Dead invocation and the artwork is real psychedelic. You get a tale of friendship, coming of age, gang initiation, prison drama, drug dealing, and even Sun Tzu's art of war going on throughout.

I was mesmerized as a young man watching this and just like little Juanito couldn't resist the temptation to be like the older boys I couldn't resist either. Nothing like a little ambition and a bunch of drugs, crime and violence to get the juices flowing.

I wonder if the people who hate on the movie ever tasted a little bit of the life portrayed in the movie. Yes, people live with poverty and joblessness as well as get incarcerated, involved in gangs, drug dealing and addiction. Some of the hardest thugs do end up becoming soldiers and cops.

Street slang sounds just like the dialog in the movie. Loud, in your face and to the point with much attitude and machismo behind it. As such the cliches don't bother me and they are very effective in getting the message accross. The tribal brotherhood in the movie was very intoxicating since I was steeped in it as a young man and still carry that inside. Maybe some viewers are not used to the Mexican perspective and would be more comfortable if the whites and the blacks were not so marginalized but it's usually the other way around in so many films so why not try a different perspective.

As far as the acting goes I think everyone was having fun playing angry, powertripping badasses so I was having fun right along with all three main characters and the rest of the supporting cast. Just a real macho movie. That's how I like em.

Hey, Lighten up angry folks. It's just a movie. Did you have fun enjoying it like me?

If you like martial arts, superheroes, and are intrigued by the power of mythology here's your ticket. Cecilia Cheung and Andy Lau shine like usual for you loyal fans. Loved the element of examining Karma which is lacking so much in the consequence ignoring messages of late. The gradually unraveling storyline and visual games will keep you thinking and will draw you back to examine the movie again and again.

The transitions are nice to take in as they travel from city to country and through past lives and the present. They hop along nicely from place to place to keep the story going. Andy Lau is funny as the beefcake parody and Cecelia Cheung is so herself as the unassuming pretty girl with the crush on the muscleman/superhero/monk.

I believe that people inclined to study Karma probably know more about it than the film covers so enough said on that. I'd recommend meditation, serious study and training with an expert over any film designed for entertainment.

The Asian aesthetic, over the top action, charismatic stars, creativity and a penchant for the fantastic are why I love so much of Hong Kong and Mainland Cinema and this is a fine example. More HK blockbusters please!!!

Sang Min is the typical young college man and a wanna be playboy and Bo Eun is a darling little high school sweetie who has a crush on her school's pretty boy jock. They are like brother and sister since their families go back to their grandfathers' friendship. Grand dad makes Sang Min and Bo Eun marry to uphold a promise he made to his best friend to tie their families together. They both disagree for practical reasons but old grand dad still has some tricks up his sleeve and the love story begins...

High school teen and college twenty something collide in sweet and funny little twists and turns. What seems so irrational to unknowing youngsters is plain for the elders to see. Although the premise of youthful marriage maybe unusual for some, the film is a really innocent and charming love story. You'll fall in love with Sang Min and Bo Eun and you'll appreciate the love you have. The leads do a great job and the supporting cast is highlighted by the Homeroom teacher who has plenty of humorous run ins with Sang Min. 8/10

You'll fall in love with this family. This amazing cast is one no Hollywood production could match. Sometimes real life is more interesting than any big budget Hollywood blockbuster.

The children are endearing as much as it is heartbreaking to see their hardship. You will cry your eyes out at seeing how much they go through and deal with in life. If you know anyone who feels sorry for themselves they need to see this.

I cannot judge their mother to be in it just for the money since you couldn't give me enough to go through all that she does. I could see the love they had for each other in every frame. It was nice to learn so much about such a family and their unique and often overlooked plight.

If anyone is going to put this on the market reserve me a copy!

Whew! What a great film! The symbolism of the Landscape as well as the floating temple on the river of life and the surrounding nature will hit you so may ways.

The title is on point as the four seasons of life replay themselves each time you see the boy monk grow to a man. The generations pass and lessons are relearned. Penance for past sins and the way of the world are so eloquently expressed as elder monk passes on the wisdom to the junior monk.

The wisdom of age is applied to the folly of youth so simple and direct just like the zen stories you've read. The calligraphy on the deck of the temple as penance for sin is so deep I just recalled my old master as he would show me zen the same way as the elder monk did in the movie.

Visually it evokes real meditation in retreat from the world. No city lights, no traffic jams just a floating temple on a secluded river. Ahhh so peaceful...

I was directed to this film after reading a review of "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring Again", directed by Ki Duk Kim which is highly recommended as well.

The love scenes in Samsara are gorgeous to behold and the female love/sex interests are very seductive. Monk Tashi is very well portrayed as so human and fallible as he leaves the monastery to pursue sex or worldly life. He was raised in the monastery so as his sexuality awakened he had to find out for himself. He rationalized that even Buddha was married before he was enlightened and so Tashi felt he should be able to know this too before he devoted himself to monkhood. Little does he know what is in store for this desire he has to experience...

The tale is more of the excursion of a Monk and his experience of marriage, sex and emotions that arise than of his enlightenment. He found out what he had to know and paid the price. The film is lush with Tibetan style dress, architecture and landscapes. The love scenes are a treat for the eyes and the lead actors are very convincing yet more subtle than raw.

Check out "Kundun" and "Razor's Edge"(Bill Murray)and "Master of Zen" as well if you are interested in drama as well as spirituality.

Just like Tampopo made fun of so many genres the Resurrection of The Little Match Girl is the modern incarnation. Video games, Matrix themes, wacky characters abound in a dimension hopping adventure that comes from everywhere. HK action and Wire Fu with Matrix graphics and Music Video FX make for a very busy film that goes all over the place and doesn't let up. I can see why it might have tanked in Korea because the story is really over the top and the characters aren't developed as much as the FX and Gun fighting craziness.

I didn't know what to expect so I couldn't stop watching because it was unpredictable and all over the place. Being a fan of over the top violence and unusual narratives I came away thinking this was ambitious and gets and A+ for effort. Forgot the story but did get swept away by the goofy fun and visuals.

Red Sorghum. Red is for blood. Blood/Wine coursing through your veins. Blood Pumping Love in your heart and Courage as well. Blood of your loved ones killed in war. Blood of your enemies. Blood of your Brothers. I get it now. I remember his masterful use of color. Just like how he retells the stories in different colors for "Hero". This is how I felt after watching "Red Sorghum."

Gong Li is stunning as usual. Check out Zhang Yimou as Brother Lohan. He displays such dignity. Muscle Man quite often steals the show with his bravado. The songs are uplifting and beautiful to hear. The scenery takes you away and the fields of sorghum are alive and pulling you in like Nature Herself.

While gutwrenching like his other movies, the characters in this one are especially endearing in their loyalty to each other. What more can I say. Poetry brought to life.

My friend an I were holding our stomachs and laughing so hard tears were coming out. If you liked "God of Cookery", "Forbidden City Cop", "Shaolin Soccer" or any of Stephen Chow's movies you're gonna love this, even though it is not one of his films. Takes me back to all the fun stuff that was coming out of HK a decade ago. Sure some things get lost in translation but if that was a problem for you then you might not like it. If you're into Hong Kong goofiness and slapstick period pieces you'll eat this up. The silly plot twists and gender misunderstandings make for some funny and awkward moments that keep your attention and the timing is spot on to tickle the funny bone. Great for laughs.

A friend of mine who grew up in Korea recommended this movie to me a couple years ago. He said it "reminded him of friends he had when he was young." I thought about that and remembered my friends who I watched my first porno with and who fought by my side win or lose and who I parted ways with sometimes on not so good terms. I ended up thanking him because the movie is a treasure trove of memories of coming of age. It reminded me of elder brothers who showed me honor in martial arts and gangsta life and my close friends who went their separate ways. Just like my friend said it reminded me of friends and growing up.

10/10. Great story. Great Acting. Great Characters. Stylish Violence. Well produced. Awesome Gangsta Drama. Right up there with "Failan" for impact.

This movie made me unable to enjoy other movies for a while.

Yo!!! I would have been the same as Kang Jae should I have experienced all that he had in life. A loser in the game of life finds redemption in a girl he just helped get paperwork for immigration purposes by a paper marriage. While everyone puts him down, she was the one person who appreciated what he did for her even though it was just matter of fact to him.

Now Failan is the angel I always hoped to find in life but I'll settle for a movie version until the real one comes. She'll sweep you off your feet with her innocent charm and her tragic plight. The gratitude she displays is so strong that she mesmerizes us all from the letters that she writes to Kang Jae.

The movie starts off in Kang Jae's seedy world yet turns into something poetic and and heartbreaking that will singe you in its unfolding. Failan is for those who appreciate the bittersweet. Enjoy.