Nothing Ventured...

Creepy (2016)

2021-10-17T11:29:00.003-06:00

((summary taken from Rotten Tomatoes))

A retired detective is asked to investigate an old missing family case.

Download: Watch on ROKU

My Rating:

I expected to like this: The plot sounded interesting, and with such an evocative title, in the very least, I hoped to be thoroughly creeped out. And at first, I was. Half way through the film, however, the plot started to derail, and everything stopped making sense. It quickly devolved from a tense mystery thriller to a hot, confused mess - instead of biting my nails, I began rolling my eyes and groaning at the absurdity of these characters and the nonsensical plot.

That's not to say it didn't have its good points: The acting was PHENOMENAL, particularly Teruyuki
Kagawa as Nishinio. He truly was creepy and did an excellent job putting viewers on edge. Also, the atmosphere was suitably unsettling and managed to stay that way throughout a majority of the film. It was a decent watch, but personally, plot and character are important to me, so the underwhelming shift/twist in the story was a huge let-down that I couldn't overlook.

Normally, I wouldn’t be so harsh in a review, but since this film was judged so highly in ratings and online reviews - which is the main reason I chose to watch it - I feel obliged to present an alternate viewpoint for the more casual viewer, those who are unfamiliar with this particular director, and have none of his past works to compare it to.

Because my main gripe is an important one:

NOTHING MADE SENSE

SPOILERS

There is so much here to unpack, I’m just going to address each part/issue individually.

THE WONDER DRUG

This was such a cop out. I still don't understand its purpose or even why/how it worked. Why couldn’t they give us a normal serial killer, one who used intimidation, threats, fear, and manipulation to control his victims? Why take away his power, and everything that makes him intriguing and creepy, and turn him into a simple drug pusher instead? Because honestly, this drug made absolutely no sense. How could it work so quickly? Why did it have mind-controlling capabilities? Why did it work sometimes, but not ALL the time? And if it was imperfect, why didn’t the victims fight back?

As for its backstory: How did Nishinio even get his hands on it? Did he create it himself? Steal it from somewhere? Or was this a drug that existed naturally in this film’s world, but they just forgot to tell us?

The fact that none of these questions can be explained it ridiculous. You can’t just jump genres like that mid-movie without explanation. You can’t go from an intriguing atmospheric mystery/police thriller, to a film about a lazy killer who uses a magical drug to make people kill their own families. (Kinda. Sometimes.)

Just NO. Do better.

YASUKO

Why did they ruin her character? She started out so interesting and relatable - a lonely housewife who just wants to connect with her new neighbors, who is continually (and unwittingly) putting herself into danger with her need to be friendly and neighborly. I was looking forward to seeing her in peril, or in the very least, to see her serve as a catalyst to return her husband to his field of passion: Criminal Psychology.

But instead, none of that happened. Rather than keep her under constant threat, or use her as a potential victim whose safety we are constantly in fear for… they turned her into some confusing puppet who becomes one of the killer’s underlings thanks to the aforementioned “wonder drug”. She loses her personality and everything that made her interesting in the first place.

Which, again, makes no sense. Even when drugged, she still maintains some of her humanity. This is clear when she helps dispose of the “wife’s” body, and is shown to be horrified by what she’s doing, something
you can tell she's doing reluctantly... so even if the drug is “working” it’s clearly not working completely. Which begs the question, during a moment of lucidity, why didn’t she go to her husband? Why did she go along with everything? Why is the drug so important when it only seems to work off/on? And how did she get hooked on that drug in the first place when she was so weary of Nishino from the start?

And then there’s Yasuko’s husband. How did Koichi never notice those marks on her arm? From the very beginning, we’re given no indication that their marriage is strained, or that they’re unhappy. In fact, his very first interaction with Nishino seems to show the opposite: He knows his wife pretty well. He knows she’s not nosy, or pushy, or the type to overstep boundaries, and he knows everything Nishino tells him about her is a lie. He’s so unimpressed, actually, that he even dismisses the warning out of hand, and suggests she keeps her distance from their neighbors after all. It’s that interaction which first sours him against Nishino, and eventually leads to having Nogami investigate him.

And yet, we’re supposed to believe that a criminal psychologist, who’s already wary of his creepy new neighbor, wouldn’t notice his wife’s odd behavior? He wouldn’t think it’s strange that at bedtime she’s wearing long sleeves in summer? That she shivers from withdrawal, suddenly needs a fan all the time, and randomly stares into space? I know he’s preoccupied with the cold case he’s looking into, but even then, we’re shown he notices when something’s off about her… so the fact that he dismisses it, and doesn’t address it again, seems out of character and written for convenience rather than anything else.

SAKI/THE COLD CASE

Honestly, from the very beginning, nothing about how these events unfold, make sense: Why was Saki so quick to trust Koichi and Nogami? I mean, their initial meeting was literally them chasing her and grabbing her threateningly after seeing her at her old house. (Need I point out how convenient all of this was too?? Koichi learning about the case from his colleague, his old partner asking for his help with that very same cold-case, coincidentally spotting the sole witness outside the old crime scene). And yet, somehow, all of this leads to them gaining her trust?? Okay lol. Besides, I have no idea why they were so quick to believe anything she said, anyway, since she was known as an unreliable witness. Especially since it had been 6 years since the incident so her memory couldn’t have been the greatest. So every time she had a “break-through” I didn’t understand why they were so quick to believe her. Particularly when her revelations made absolutely no sense.

Revelation #1: She remembered both her parents talking to someone on the phone, on separate occasions, and without any reason or proof, came to the conclusion that it was the same person. Revelation #2: She recalls that her brother, who was in high school, came home several times drunk, and again, without proof, assumes he was forced to drink. But not only that, he was supposedly forced by the same person who her parents had been talking to on the phone… because, reasons? LOL

Revelation #3: She recalls a strange man staring up at her, and after realizing it was her next door neighbor… assumes HE was the person her parents were speaking to on the phone before they disappeared. Again, without any justification or reason. That’s the conclusion she comes to simply because the story needs to progress, and they need the audience to make the connection with what Koichi and Yasuko are currently experiencing.

And yet, two seasoned detectives take her “spontaneous memories” as gospel, and don’t bother to question anything she tells them. So in the end, all this does is give us more questions: Was she involved in her parents murder, like Mio, but forgot? Did she block her memories in order to protect herself? Did she truly never meet her neighbor? And if she did, how did she get away? Why was she spared? Was it even the same killer, or just a coincidence? Why didn’t she recognize Nishino’s picture?

In the end, the cold case didn’t tie in as neatly as I would have liked, and resolved nothing. We assume it was the same situation, since the houses were positioned similarly, but it’s never outright confirmed.

MIO

How was Nishino

able to control her without the use of his special magical-mind-controlling drug?? Why did she go along with him if she wasn’t drugged like the others? Why didn’t she go to the police? She already proved she was uncomfortable with her situation by refusing to shoot her mother, and even confided to Koichi several times about her situation… only for him to do nothing. So why wouldn’t she
get help? She went to school everyday, so it’s not like she was being monitored or watched. Just what kind of power did Nishino wield? Was it more than the magical drug? Was he somehow able to mind-control people even when they were out of his sight?

His ability to control people, even without the drug, makes no sense, not unless it’s based in the supernatural… and yet, we’re given no real indication that it is. Not when people are constantly shown rebelling against him.

THE NEIGHBOR

She served no purpose. Was she meant to support the idea that supernatural stuff was actually going on? Is that why she was able to tell Koichi that Nishino was a monster who had no heart? Or was she just crazy? Either way, her death was silly and her existence served no purpose, other than to show the Takakuras that all their neighbors are creepy and unfriendly, and to use her as a convenient tool when it came to hiding the dead officer’s body.

THE POLICE

Like horror movies from the 80s, all of these cops were SO inept. Why would they go running into a serial killer's house without back-up, or without alerting others? Why would a trained officer, after falling into a trap, willingly grab the killer's hand to be pulled out? Did he honestly think he was there to save him lol? And why would the police believe the word of some creepy nobody over an experienced ex-detective/professor? Every scene they were in was silly and pointless and didn't contribute to the plot at all.

THE ENDING

WHY? Why would Nishino try to kill Max after going on and on about how much he liked dogs? And when he decided to kill it, why have Koichi do it instead of Yasuko? It’s clear Koichi isn’t completely under his control yet, since he was still handcuffed to the car. Why take such a risk? Did he just have an overinflated sense of worth? Was his ego too big for his own good? And how did he survive as long as he did as a killer, when he was so terrible at it lol? This ending was just stupid, and I have no idea why they worked so hard to establish this new “family” when it was destroyed before it could even be properly formed.

THE MESSAGE

I have no idea what message this movie was trying to convey…??

Don’t be nice to your neighbors if they act creepy. Be a recluse, it’s safer. Don’t do drugs - they're bad. Families are forged IN blood not BY blood. Get a dog, it may inadvertently save your life.

I have no clue. Shouldn't we walk away with something?

END OF SPOILERS

With so much potential and build-up, I was honestly upset that they dropped the ball so hard. It’s as if the writer and director were so focused on their vision of that final scene, they forgot that everything leading up to it needed to make sense as well.

The only people I would recommend this film to are fans of the director or fans of these actors. For those who like mysteries, detective stories, or serial killer thrillers… I’d encourage you to look elsewhere. There are so many better films out there in this genre that deserve a watch.

Frankly, I don't understand the amount of praise this one has garnered. Sure, it has moments that are creepy, but so do a TON of other films. I don't know, maybe I'm missing something...

Hwayugi / A Korean Odyssey (20 Episodes)

2020-12-30T08:01:00.249-07:00

((summary taken from Viki))

When a human woman can give great powers to any demon who devours her, how can she stay safe?

Jin Sun Mi (Oh Yeon Seo) is a successful real estate CEO who has the ability to exorcise demons from bad-luck properties. But to the demons living on Earth, she is known as Sam Jang, who carries the irresistible scent of a lotus flower and can give great powers to anyone who eats her.

When Sun Mi was a young girl, Son Oh Gong (Lee Seung Gi), a trouble-making deity, tricked her into releasing him from a castle where he was imprisoned and made a contract with her to always appear and protect her whenever she called out his name. But he tricked her again by removing her memory of his name. In modern times, Son Oh Gong freeloads off of Woo Hwi (Cha Seung Won), another deity known as Woo Ma Wang who works as the CEO of an entertainment company and enjoys more fame and adoration than some of the celebrities in his company.

Son Oh Gong is intent on finding Sam Jang so that he can eat her and become the most powerful god. His friend, top idol star P.K (Lee Hong Ki), wants just a nibble for himself. When Song Oh Gong realizes that Sam Jang is Sun Mi, he at first protects her from attacks from other demons to save her for himself. But with the help of Woo Ma Wang, will Sun Mi find a way to force Son Oh Gong to serve as her protector?

This is based (loosely) on the famous Chinese novel, Journey to the West.

Watch Online: Netflix

My Rating:

Lee Seung-gi was one of my first k-drama crushes. I first discovered him in season one of the variety show One Night, Two Days, and then proceeded to binge every one of his dramas after that (and fell even more in love with him). After he entered the military to complete his mandatory service, I waited TWO YEARS for his return to drama-land.

And THIS was his comeback project!!

As a huge fan of the Hong Sisters, I could not have been happier, especially since his turn in My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox was absolutely terrific and boasted one of my favorite OTPs ever.

So needless to say, I went into this series expecting to love it, and despite a couple of bumps, I'd say it succeeded. Of course, I'm well aware that my bias colored the experience somewhat, so if you're not a huge fan of any of these actors, or of the Hong Sisters in general, you might not appreciate this show as much as I did.

If that's the case, I'd suggest you watch something else because you may end up disappointed.

However, if you're a fan of either of these things, then you're in for a treat! In true Hong Sisters fashion, the characters and the humor are top-notch. As usual, they manage to blend a perfect combination of humor, romance, action, and comedy into a pretty dark and intriguing plot. I mean, how often do you get a zombie in a fridge? Or a quirky bull-god who also happens to be a judge on a reality show? A slipper that smells like lotus flowers? Two petty, warring gods that continuously mess with each others statues? And all of this, around a doomsday/prophesy conflict which has you invested right from the start.

This show may have its flaws, but humor is certainly not one of them.

And neither is romance.

If you're looking for something swoon-worthy and complex, you can't go wrong when it comes to Sun Mi and Oh Gong's love story. It's not typical at all - in fact, it begins with Oh Gong trying to eat her haha. However, once he does fall in love, he falls hard, and watching him try to prove his sincerity despite the complications his bracelet brings, is one of the sweetest things about this series that puts it above the rest. I absolutely ADORED these two, and they were my favorite OTP the year this aired. Hands down.

(But again, maybe that was my bias showing lol).

It's clear the romance works so well because the characters are all so interesting and diverse. Obviously, I can't gush about Son Oh Gong enough: That character was made for Lee Seung-gi. He's dangerous, clever, romantic, protective, handsome etc, etc. To be honest, I wasn't blown away by Oh Yeon Seo's portrayal of Sun-mi, even though I absolutely loved and enjoyed her character. I found her very easy to sympathize with and enjoyed how feisty and brave she could be. Her backstory was especially touching, and she had a vulnerability I really connected with. I've enjoyed her acting in other series, so I'm not quite sure what was off about her portrayal here (maybe it was how restrained she came across?) either way, I couldn't help but wonder how the series would have been with another actress in that part. She wasn't bad, per se, but I admit I expected better.

However, one thing the Hong Sisters nailed were the side-characters. They were all so funny and ridiculous that you can't help but cheer for their zany little family of misfits. Cha Seung Won, in particular, was PHENOMENAL as Woo Hwi. If you're not a fan of Lee Seung-gi, you can easily watch it for him and not be disappointed. He had SO MUCH FUN portraying that character that it really comes across on-screen. And the zombie girl was PERFECTION.

If colorful characters are something you look for in dramas, then Hwayugi has you covered.

Now, for it's flaws.

Honestly, I loved everything about it. The side-stories with the "ghost of the week" were fun and quite touching, and I enjoyed the doomsday-plot and felt like there were always high stakes. However, I can't talk about Hwayugi without touching upon its ending.

For me, I was okay with it, but I know a lot of others took issue and were disappointed... if you want a little more explanation, please see the spoilers below. Otherwise, feel free to skip and read my review's conclusion.

SPOILERS

I know a lot of fans were upset by the ending, but I didn't really have a problem with it. I understand the disappointment (who doesn't like a straight-forward happily-ever-after?) but considering this was based loosely on an ancient Chinese novel, with pre-existing characters that have a history all their own, I could understand and appreciate how it was left open-ended. There is something charming about knowing these characters live on, and still have quite a few adventures awaiting them.

Because let's be real... we all know Son Oh Gong is going to go and turn the underworld upside down to get her back.

It would have been nice to see it, of course, and to have a better closing scene than him "driving into the sunset" but it is what it is.

Goblin's ending I despised with a passion, but at least Hwayugi left us with a kick-ass hero hell-bent on rescuing his lady-love from hell. And that's something I can get behind!

END OF SPOILERS

The only reason this series didn't get a higher score was because of the lackluster ending. I didn't hate it, but I felt like they could have taken it just a small step further. Heck, they could have reused their promo-clips, and it would have been PERFECT. Plus, it wouldn't have cost anything extra, and they had the time.

In the end, I would sum up the ending as lazy. I didn't think it was particularly bad. Just lacking.

But if perfect endings are your thing, and it's what makes-or-breaks a show for you, then I would potentially look elsewhere. However, if you're more interested in characters and a kick-ass love story, then well, in my humble opinion you can't go wrong with Hwayugi. There's a reason I've watched this entire show twice... and I very rarely ever re-watch dramas. :)

I also made quite a few MVs to this series, so if you want a glimpse into its world, enjoy! ❤️

After you've finished, you can enjoy this reimagining of the ending ^_^

7 SEEDS (Part 1)

2019-06-28T21:33:00.004-06:00

((summary adapted from Wikipedia))

When a catastrophic future is predicted by astronomers, world leaders meet and develop a backup plan for human survival called the Seven Seeds project. Each country will cryonically preserve a number of healthy men and women, allowing them to survive the devastation of the impact until a computer determines that Earth is once again habitable.

In Japan, five groups of survivors are scattered across the country, named, Winter, Spring, Summer A, Summer B, and Autumn. Each group consists of seven members as well as an adult guide who has knowledge of the project, and is trained in wilderness survival. Since most of the "seeds" are not told what will happen before they're put in cryonic preservation, they awaken to find themselves amidst a hostile environment bare of any human life, their entire world irrevocably changed. Now, completely alone, they're forced to depend on themselves for survival.

Watch or Download: NETFLIX

My Rating:

I'm approaching this review as someone who adores this author, who's read the entire manga, and has been anticipating this adaptation from its inception. So beware, I may be a bit bias towards certain things compared to people who are going into this blind and approaching this story for the very first time.

So let's get to it.

If you've seen the trailer, then you already know that the animation is absolutely stunning. There was obviously a lot of care put into styling the background and the scenery, from the way water glistens off leaves and rocks, to every shrub and blade of grass - so in that way, at least, they really managed to capture the beauty (and terror) of this new alien world. Especially with the use of bright colors, and how green and lush everything appears, which makes sense considering plants have overtaken the Earth thanks to the absence of humans. The contrast really is breathtaking.

I just wish the same could be said for the character designs.

In the manga, Yumi Tamura's distinct art style could capture the subtlest of emotions with the use of wide, expressive eyes, and fluid art. When a character cried, you felt it. Here, with the anime, I'm not sure if it's due to the blandness of the character-style or just the constraints of the story, but emotion doesn't hit quite as hard as it should. They almost feel washed out against the grandness of the background, and barely resemble their manga-counterparts. Even the dogs, who are characters in their own right, don't carry the same emotional weight as they do in the manga. That, and going back to the character designs, I have no idea what they were thinking when they decided to add random streaks of color to their hair that "pops" out of nowhere. I've never wanted a magical eraser as badly as I did while watching these 12 episodes.

One thing I did appreciate, however, was how they didn't hold back when it came to the darker aspects of the series. They showed much more blood and death than I expected them to, and because of that, the stakes always felt high, and the world, dangerous - just like its supposed to.

There was just one tinyyyyy issue that kept the story from reaching its true potential.

THE PACING

IS

TERRIBLE.

Rather than take their time and let the viewers get to know and appreciate these characters, they rush through 16 volumes/83 chapters, in like, twelve episodes. That's like cramming more than an entire volume into thirty minutes!

It. Just. Shouldn't. Be. Done.

As viewers, it's impossible not to feel how forced and rushed everything is. There's barely time to pause and breathe, and take everything in, before they send us hurtling into the next major catastrophe. So getting attached to these characters is nearly impossible since you're never with any of them long enough to actually see what makes them so endearing and so memorable - all we get are brief flashes of insight which barely skims the surface. Even Team Winter's flashbacks didn't do their story justice. This frustrates me on soooo many levels because I've already spent that time with these characters, and I know how amazing every single one of them is . . . so to see them restricted to one bland line or stereotype was insulting and incomprehensible to me. Especially since every one of them transforms and grows throughout the course of their journey, yet with the rate we're going, we'll be lucky to see growth from even a handful.

I'm not sure why this decision was made, since anime is known for its lengthy seasons and 7 Seeds would have definitely benefited from that kind of time and commitment, even if it was only one season more. So it pains and infuriates me to see how they took such a special, powerful, and inspirational story, and ruined it by forcing it into a tiny, constrained box.

That's not the way 7 Seeds was supposed to be experienced!

Even the beautiful, touching moments felt rushed and hurried. Maria's inspirational song is the perfect example - right when I started getting teary eyed and drawn into the moment, we were yanked forcefully back into the story before I was even emotionally ready (and of note: in the English Dub she was still singing in Japanese. I actually watched the whole series subbed, but seriously? You couldn't find an English voice-actor who could sing beautifully? Not one?). But honestly, there's so much to be gained from a lingering shot, a musical note, or an emotional beat... yet instead of giving us those moments, all we get are brief flashes of brilliance, of potential, before it's ripped away as we're pushed onwards to the next understated beat.

It's mind-numbingly stupid and I don't understand it.

But hey, at least the voice-actors and scenery were decent?

One thing I will say about this adaptation though, is that even a mediocre adaptation is better than no adaptation at all. At least this way, it exposes people to characters and a story that may inspire them to seek out the source material. And honestly, if this series manages to convince just one person to go out and read the manga, then it's done its job.

So if you aren't familiar with the manga or Yumi Tamura's work (I can't recommend Basara enough), and still found the story and these characters intriguing, then do yourself a favor and go read the manga that inspired it all. I promise you won't be disappointed, and then you can see for yourself what made this story so memorable and powerful.

That being said, despite my gripes, I still plan to stick around for Part 2, simply because I love these characters and this story, and I want to support the source material in any way that I possibly can. My only hope is that those who came into this series blind weren't chased away by the crazy fast pace, and confusing writing, and stick around long enough to see it to its conclusion.

Unless they mess that up too.

Shopping King Louis (16 Episodes)

2016-11-13T13:11:00.001-07:00

((summary is taken from AsianWiki))

A romance takes place between Kang Ji-Sung (aka, Louis) and Go Bok-Shil. Louis is from a rich family, but he has lost his memory. Go Bok-Shil is a woman with a heart like an angel. Louis learns about true love after meeting Go Bok-Shil.

Watch or Download: HULU, VIKI

My Rating:

Before I really dive into this review, I feel like a small disclaimer is in order: This is by no means a perfect drama. The plot tends to be a bit ridiculous at times (hello, talking consumer goods and perfect, rich man-child), but once you get past the silly initial set-up, these characters and their story are golden.

More than anything else, Shopping King Louis is a romance. The plot (what there is of it) is centered around these two characters and the crazy cast of acquaintances they meet in the big city. What sets this apart from a normal rom-com, however, is the likeability of both protagonists. Louis is not your typical chaebol: He's not cold or cruel or obsessed with money and status, and Bok-shil isn't your typical "Candy"/Cinderella type either. They're both sweet and innocent and just a little bit dim... but in the most endearing way. You can't help falling in love with them, and watching them fall in love with each other is one of the most beautiful, heartwarming sights that you'll ever see.

The actors completely NAILED their roles. Seo In-guk really embodies the character of Louis, to the point where even his mannerisms and expressions take on a personality of their own. Even when he’s being frustrating or dumb, he’s so imbued with warmth and heart, that just like Bok-shil, it’s impossible to stay angry with him for long. Louis is the equivalent of an adorable puppy. Even after tearing the house apart and peeing all over the furniture, he’ll look at you with those big, brown eyes, and all your anger just melts away.

And Bok-Shil is no exception. Nam Ji-hyun imbues her with warmth and innocence, and the search for her brother gives her a nice vulnerability that makes her easy to connect with. Both characters are fantastic on their own, but when they're together, they truly shine and the cuteness goes on overdrive. If Louis were the equivalent of a lonely puppy, then these two together are two cute, frolicking kittens. I could watch them for days and days and never get bored. The chemistry between them was absolutely perfect, and the kiss scenes (of which there were many) are beautifully shot and framed and romantic as hell.

Plus, as far as the plot goes, there was something refreshing about watching a drama with very little angst. It was a nice, breezy watch, and I never feared that the writer didn’t know what he/she was doing. And because of that, I was able to enjoy this series from the very beginning right until the end. I can’t remember the last time I watched a drama that managed to sustain that kind of interest throughout its entire run… usually, when they start strong, they peter off towards the end, but Louie kept me obsessed through every single episode. And that ending had me squeeing and grinning and then crying because I just wanted to watch this couple being adorable forever. Honestly, I'm still sad that it's over.

Also, I just have to say that I love how there aren’t your typical “villains” in this story. All the drama comes from human nature, and unpredictability, because people are naturally flawed… not because they’re serial killers, or evil, or unredeemable. And in a story about a lost chaebol, where the plot usually devolves into office politics, that change alone was quite refreshing. It’s always fun to walk away from a drama and realize that you liked all the characters, not just the main ones. And Louis had a ton of wacky, hilarious personalities to draw from, which made even the little side stories amusing.

At its heart, Louie may be a fantastic romance, but it's also a great story about family: the ones you're born into, and the ones that you find in the most unlikely of places.

So, if you're looking for high drama, lots of angst or a realistic, gritty universe, look elsewhere. However, if you’re looking for something light and fun, if you want a drama that's sweet, hilarious, and will have you crying, cheering, swooning and laughing, then you can’t go wrong with Louis. I dare you not to fall in love with them too!

The Wailing (2016)

2016-07-30T13:16:00.002-06:00

((summary taken from Asia Torrents))

A stranger arrives in a little village and soon after a mysterious sickness starts spreading. A policeman is drawn into the incident and is forced to solve the mystery in order to save his daughter.

Download: N/A

My Rating:

In all honestly, this movie probably deserves a higher rating than I actually gave it, but Infinity Challenge and 1N2D have been parodying and referencing it for so long now, that by the time I finally got around to seeing it, my expectations were so high, they were through the roof and headed towards the moon.

The way they described it, I had expected something scary . . . vengeful ghosts, creepy characters, scary settings, and lots and lots of jump-scares. And when I finally sat down to watch it, that's what I was looking forward to - I was in the mood to be scared, to jump at every sound, to cover my eyes, scream, and to shut off my mind. Yet it wasn't that type of horror movie at all. It was grisly, disturbing, and did a great job of making me guess what was going on . . . but it wasn't frightening. I wasn't scared.

So if you're looking for something like what I described above, set this one aside for now, and watch it when you're actually in the mood to put your brain to the test - when you're ready and willing to be frustrated, when you're more than happy to find yourself questioning every scene and trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together (though no matter how hard you try, they still won't fit). Perhaps then you'll be able to appreciate it for the type of horror movie it is, and can give it the extra star that I couldn't bring myself to, because one thing I've learned when it comes to approaching movies, is that sometimes expectations can make all the difference.

So avoid my mistakes: don't go in expecting this to be something it's not.

If you're curious about the acting, it was top-notch (something I've come to expect from these kinds of movies) and the tone and atmosphere were suitably creepy and dark. A little *too* dark, in fact, which made it a bit hard to see at times. But the ambience and cinematography were excellent, so if that sort of thing is important to you, you won't be disappointed on that front.

Story-wise, when I was finished, I found there were quite a few parts of the movie I didn't understand, so I'll try to explain some of the popular theories below, so you don't have to search all over the internet like I did for closure. I won't be able to answer everything (nor am I really motivated to), but hopefully it'll help you make sense of some of the more puzzling aspects of the film. Of which there were many.

So if you don't want to be spoiled, run away while you can. You can always read this after you've finished watching it. ^_^

SPOILERS

First of all, this isn't your typical ghost story. If anything, it's The Exorcist, with lots of emphasis on possession and religious overtones thrown in to make you question everything you see. To drive the point home further, it opens with a quote from the bible (which, unhelpfully, was not translated in the version I watched. Thanks, translators).

Courtesy of Luke 24:37-39:

They were startled and frightened,

thinking they saw a ghost.

He said to them, "Why are you troubled,

and why do doubts rise in your minds?

Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself!

Touch me and see; a ghost does not have

flesh and bones, as you see I have."

I really wish this quote had been translated because it really ties together an important theme for this film: Namely, faith. Not only does it bring into question "doubt" which is something the protagonist struggles with throughout the entire film, but considering this is Jesus speaking after rising from the grave, it mirrors the young woman who confronts the protagonist at the very end of the film, asking him to trust her on faith alone - something he fails to do. The rooster crowing three times is meant to parallel a similar conversation in the bible, when Jesus told Peter that by the time the rooster crowed, he'd deny him three times. The similarities are obvious, yet the audience is kept in the dark same as him, right until the Japanese man is actually shown to be the devil incarnate.

Whether he was always the devil, or only took on the role once he was killed and thrown from the cliff, remains one area of contention. Though personally, I tend to believe he was always evil, and that he was simply placing himself in a position that would make the villagers sin, so that he could damn their souls and steal them later through the photographs he took. One thing to notice though are the clothes the characters wear. All the "evil" characters are dressed in dark colors, while Jong-goo begins the film in his bright white police uniform, but once sin starts to take hold, he changes into darker clothes as well.

As for the "helpful" shaman, we're given several clues early on to alert us to the fact that he isn't who he claimed to be. For one thing, he drives on the left side of the road, just like the Japanese do, and for another, his undergarments are of the Japanese-variety, and apparently not something a Korean would ever have reason to wear; shaman or no. That, and during his bombastic ritual, he breaks a totem pole (known as jangseung), which are considered protective charms for a village meant to frighten away demons. And though he claimed the crow in the jar was placed there as a curse, it's quite possible it was placed there for the very opposite reason, as a means of protection, since in Korean lore, crows are considered symbols of the sun, and represent divine intervention in earthly, human affairs. They don't have the dark connotations they often evoke in Western culture.

Of course, how that shaman was connected to the "devil" is also up for debate. Some people think they were partners and working together, while others believe they were working independently, and were fighting over control of the villagers souls. I tend to believe the latter, since he appeared to do some real damage during his exorcism, and feuding shaman are more believable than the devil teaming up with some puny human.

Returning to the young woman in the white dress, it's quite possible she wasn't just some random ghost, but the village's guardian spirit - someone tasked with watching over and protecting the village as best she could. That's why she forced the evil shaman away and made him simultaneously bleed and vomit blood - not because she was evil or meant to be feared, but because she knew he meant the family harm and was trying to protect them. That would also explain her interest in the villagers, and her constant presence but lack of identity.

As for the sin the protagonist committed (which the ghost alludes to) I tend to lean towards the gluttony/sloth explanation. Not only are they considered two of the seven deadly sins, but the very first scene we're shown of Jong-goo, he's partaking in both: he chooses to eat rather than to fulfill his responsibility as a police officer, and when he finally does arrive at the crime scene, we're shown this is far from the first time he's been late to work. Not to mention, for someone with such an important job, tasked with defending and protecting the weak, he's portrayed as almost bumbling and ineffective, and even takes on the sin of wrath when he confronts the Japanese stranger at his home, killing his dog.

Another popular theory is that his sin is a result of his xenophobia, or his willingness to blame the foreigner for the unexplainable sickness plaguing the town. The only problem I have with this theory is that his concerns seem to be legitimate (not to mention, they're proven true), and unlike his partner who is quick to jump to that conclusion from the start, he actually does attempt to do some legitimate police work before blindly blaming the "new guy in town". I actually believe that sin fits his partner better, though I suppose in the very least, it's a testament to treat everyone fairly and to keep an open mind. That, and don't put your trust in false gods.

Over all, this was a clever, disturbing movie, and definitely worth a watch. I just wish I hadn't gone into it with certain expectations that tainted the experience for me.

END OF SPOILERS

Chinese Paladin 1 (34 Episodes)

2015-03-26T05:36:00.001-06:00

((summary HEAVILY edited from Drama Wiki))

Li Xiao Yao (Hu Ge) is an orphan who lives with his Aunt, whose considered a lazy trouble maker by many. When his Aunt falls ill, he's instructed to travel to a mystical island to retrieve the antidote to save her. Once there, he runs into Zhao Ling'er (Liu Yi Fei), a young and naive girl who claims Xiao Yao's the savior who rescued her many years before. Though he's confused and denies it, he quickly falls in love with her, and they get married at the insistent prodding of her nanny/grandmother. Soon after, however, the island is attacked by the same mysterious men who sent Xiao Yao there to retrieve the antidote, and Ling'er is forced to send him away in order to protect him.

Once home, Xiao Yao quickly awakens to find his Aunt healthy, but after a sudden confrontation with the men who attacked the island, his memory is stolen, and he forgets all about Ling'er and their subsequent marriage. Though the two are easily reunited, to stay together they must battle not only their own crippling self-doubts, but demons and monsters, the evil Lunar Sect, and the cruel hand of destiny itself.

Watch or Download: Youtube

My Rating:

I'm not sure if this is a rating everyone would agree with, but for me, something about this drama touched me in a way Chinese Paladin 3 never managed to. Perhaps after watching that series first, my expectations were much lower, so they had no where to go but up . . . yet aside from a fairly slow beginning, I was glued to my screen from beginning to end.

Honestly, I loved everything about it. The characters. The relationships. The music. The writing, the directing, even the dreamy, muted colors they used to blanket their shots. It felt old and ancient to me, like a video recording you find a decade later that's all the more memorable because of its grainy, understated quality. Or maybe I was so willing to give it a chance because I read so many criticisms online, comparing it against its sequel, that I felt almost protective of it. Like, it couldn't be that bad.

But before you read any further, I should caution you that this review will be chock full of spoilers, especially regarding the ending. I was going to try and make it spoiler-free, but there's just so much depth and substance in this story and its characters, I couldn't stop myself from exploring it all!

Also, this review is strictly on the drama series, not the video game it's based on, and it's completely my own interpretation. That means a lot of what I say is probably wrong, so don't use this review to win an argument, or leave a message saying I don't know what I'm talking about - this is me admitting you're probably right. ;)

So proceed at your own risk.

One thing I felt this drama did exceptionally well was in the way it depicted all the different forms of love, not just the romantic kind. The student/master bond, especially, was touching and beautiful and spanned several different relationships. In fact, it's interesting that while every single one of them was depicted differently, the bonds they shared were equally deep and meaningful. Xiao Yao's relationship with Drunken Sword may have been silly and playfully antagonistic, but the pain at losing him was just as great as Tang Yu's grief at losing General Shi. The latter's relationship may have been more traditional, respectful and restrained, yet because they also shared a god-father/god-son bond, their connection ran even deeper than that (and deeper still, considering the "failed" role General Shi played in the antagonist's upbringing). Likewise, Xiao Yao's dynamic with Seven was more friendly and haughty since they began as friends, yet losing him was all the more bitter and painful because their relationship was multidimensional; he lost a friend, an ally, and a disciple.

Which is to say, the death scenes were all extremely well-done. That's not normally something I'd praise a show for, but it's really impossible to discuss Chinese Paladin without bringing it up. All of the characters may have started dropping like flies, but every single death lingered and was felt deeply. Though it's not strange to find yourself growing angry when a character you love dies, it's all the more frustrating when their death doesn't serve a dramatic purpose or make sense to the overall plot; oftentimes, it's like they're killing them just to manipulate us emotionally, to wring tears simply because they can. But that didn't feel like the case here. We're shown quite clearly and repeatedly that there IS a purpose behind every loss, that it is possible to be happy - physically and spiritually - if you can let go of what's holding you back. Sometimes it's anger. Sometimes it's fear, resentment, greed, or regret. And sometimes it's love.

Chinese Paladin may begin with Qing'er and her daughter, but at its core, it's about Xiao Yao's personal journey, about the consequences he faces by refusing to let Ling'er go. The moment he picked up a sword and began learning martial arts, he started down the hero's path - down the path of a paladin. Yet just like Drunken Sword, Xiao Yao never grasped the importance of his role, never understood the significance of dao, of sacrifice. Though one's destiny is predestined to an extent, it's implied here that it can be changed, which is what Saint Sword appeared to be doing by locking Ling'er away in the demon tower. Had Xiao Yao not acted so rashly, had he only considered Saint Sword was acting in their best interest, their fate may not have ended so tragically; likewise, if Ling'er had kept her word and gave him up, she would've saved him greater heartbreak down the road, as well as protected all their friends. Good intentions, however, can only get you so far. Even when Xiao Yao had the chance to travel back in time to fix things, he failed to heed Nu Wa's warning, revealing his name and showing Ling'er his face. By mistakenly thinking he'd outsmarted fate by dropping her off on another island, he set in motion the original events which led to their predicament in the first place.

I'm no expert on Taoism, but this entire series seemed to be based on the concept of yin and yang, of duality and opposites. Love may be a great and powerful thing, but this drama seems to be saying it's not everything. If love truly conquered all, then there would be no balance, and without balance, there would only be chaos. Sword Saint and Qing'er perfectly embody this concept. Despite how epic and "destined" their love supposedly was, they managed to achieve true happiness and enlightenment by finding greater purpose outside their feelings for one another. For someone like Drunken Sword, a person who obsesses over missed opportunities and clings desperately to the past, only regret and emptiness await them.

Also, in a strange twist of fate, in the present it's Ah Nu and Tang Yu who end up in possession of the jade pendant, which technically makes them the "fated" couple. It's their love the head priest chose to test, and it's their love which ultimately stops the villain when they combine the pendant and make their wish. Ling'er and Xiao Yao's love may have been genuine, but it wasn't the ultimate representation of destined love; as individuals, they were meant for something greater.

Ultimately, the lesson Xiao Yao needed to learn from his Master was that letting go is also a form of love, and that sometimes the only way to protect the people you care about is to say goodbye. Having failed to do so, Xiao Yao pays the ultimate price by losing everyone he loves, including Ling'er - leaving only his daughter, and the "glory" that comes with being a paladin. It is a ridiculously sad ending, but in many ways, I think it's a fitting one. Too often, movies tend to overindulge heroes by granting them happiness with very little consequence, yet sometimes heroism requires sacrifice and pain - it doesn't (and shouldn't) always end with "happily ever after." Basically, Chinese Paladin is the anti-thesis of the hero's journey, where everything can and will go wrong.

Of course, something so depressing and tragic isn't for everyone, but then again, maybe that's part of its appeal . . . there's something cathartic about tragedies. If there wasn't, Shakespeare never would've penned so many!

So if you're fan of of this type of story, need a good cry, or are ready to leap into the world of ancient Chinese dramas, I couldn't recommend this drama enough. It may not leave you feeling particularly happy, but I can guarantee you'll leave feeling something.

Nine: Nine Time Travels (20 Episodes)

2014-12-01T14:10:00.004-07:00

((summary taken from Drama Wiki))

Park Sun Woo (Lee Jin Wook) is given nine chances to travel back in time to solve a crime that happened 20 years ago. However, this is not without consequences as his involvement in the past effects the lives of many, including his own.

Watch or Download: Dramafever, HULU, viki

My Rating:

I love time travel.

What I love even more is a time travel story that's done well. Nine, unlike many of its predecessors, managed this feat in a fascinating, compelling way, without getting tangled up in its own conceit. Here, everything was planned so well, so minutely, that even the method of time travel became a character in its own right . . . with the incense sticks there were rules, and heaven help the fool who was stupid enough to wrangle with time, and not expect consequences.

And oh boy, those consequences. . .

Aside from the amazing cast, directing, music, story (need I go on?) that was one of the things I truly appreciated about this series. This drama did not pull punches - the twists and turns came hard and they came fast, and though some of them could be seen a mile away, the ones that came out of nowhere really hit hard. Like, OMG-I-can't-believe-they-just-did-that hard. This was an intelligent, suspenseful roller-coaster ride, one that had me on the edge of my seat one minute, then bawling, laughing, and swooning the next. And the best part?

The ending.

With a story that starts with the main character having a brain tumor, there's really no guarantee a happy ending's in the future (particularly when you're dealing with a drama, rather than a romantic comedy) yet when the credits rolled, I couldn't have been more satisfied. Looking through one lens, it may seem bittersweet, but it's a hard-won victory; and all the more satisfying because it feels earned. These characters were so likeable, sympathetic, and selfless (such a terrific, adorable OTP) you can't help but cheer and root for them.

I know there's been a lot of speculation concerning the ending, so I decided to address it here, because nothing is more frustrating than finishing a series and having questions. And though this is my own interpretation (aided by fellow fans/theories I read on various forums), use this as a signpost, not as the gospel truth.

So, without further ado:

Spoilers.

First, I think it's necessary to straighten out the intersecting time-lines, since they can confuse the bigger picture. For me, I used Sun-woo's brother as the main marker, since it was his life that he was trying to fix/save all along.

Basically, there are four main realities:

1. his brother died
2. his brother married
3. his brother the philanthropic
4. his brother died (but was saved)

The first three realities are the ones our "original" Sun-woo experienced. This ranges from the first episode (when he claimed his brother's body) to the final moments when he gets stuck back in 1993, and killed. From then on, the fourth reality begins (the most recent one); the one where young Sun-woo grows up to become his future self.

This is where the bittersweet part comes in: We never get to see "original" Sun-woo succeed. Like he said, those nine incense sticks were an extension of his life-force . . . once he used them all up, he'd essentially used up his "nine lives", and then the future had to reset itself. All those people couldn't have lived with conflicting realities anyway, so even if he had succeeded, something would've had to give in the end.

So in the final episode, it's not exactly a reset.

His life is now a blank-canvas, with nothing per-ordained about it.

However, it's important to remember that THIS Sun-woo is still aware of time-travel (even if he's never experienced it), and though the people in his life were influenced by this phenomena - Young-min, having seen him die; his brother, having met his future-self; his friend, having learned from young Sun-woo - they have no way of knowing what it all means.

I think it's that uncertainty, that mystery, which is what propels Sun-woo's brother back to Nepal in the fourth reality (the scene we begin with in Episode 1). Unlike his third incarnation, HE doesn't have all the answers. He doesn't know why his brother grows up to look just like the man who saved their family - and I think that's why he's still a wanderer, why he still finds himself in the Himalayas, dying on the mountain. Like his original self, he learns about time travel, about the incense sticks, and goes searching for them. The only thing that's changed is his motivation (I don't think he retrieved the incense in order to save his father; instead, I think he did it because he knew Sun-woo would need them).

You can see Jung-woo's fate is taking a similar path to the first one, thanks to the meeting they have in the final episode. It all lines up: The date, the red-hiking jacket on the chair, the fact that he's once again heading for Nepal, and how he casually mentions how similar his brother looks to the man who saved them (as though insinuating he knows they're the same). However, what truly convinced me, is the way Jung-woo greets Sun-woo in the coffee shop: "It's been a long time." That's the same thing Sun-woo tells him after saving him in the credits.

I think, in the fourth reality, Jung-woo died again in an effort to deliver the incense to Sun-woo (not realizing he no longer needed them). However, this time, when Sun-woo recovered his brother's body, and found the incense stick, he knew what to do with it. He waited 20 years, and in 2032, in December, he returned to save his brother (which is why he looks noticeably older, and why his greeting held much more weight). It HAS been a long time; twenty years in fact.

And from there, their future's must have reset for the very last time.

Just the fact that Sun-woo was alive long enough to wait twenty years to save him though, shows that his future was happy after all: he didn't die in the past like he had feared, and considering he was headed to see Min-young on the plane, and had decided to love her, despite the danger, you know it was a happy ending after all.

So he saved his brother, got the girl, and got to be a brave hero. Not bad for a teenager who had to have his life saved by his super-awesome-future-self. He truly became the man he was meant to be, and we all got to experience the journey right along with him.

He may not be the Sun-woo we started with, but he became the same Sun-woo we knew and loved; and who can complain about that. ^_^

End of Spoiler.

I did honestly go back and forth between whether this deserved a 4.5 or 5 stars . . . but in the end, I really couldn't find a fault egregious enough to warrant a half-star drop. Even though I know many people complained about the cartoonish nature of the villain . . . that was an acting issue more than problems with the writing, and for me, writing wins hands down every time. Plus, I personally like my villains nasty and horrible, since that just makes them easier to despise!

Also, the first few episodes are a little slow, but in a drama that requires a strong background, and mythos to go with it, I think a little build-up is necessary - and the slow build-up just makes the actual story that much more intense when it gets going. After all, you have to climb the roller coaster to get to the terrifying drops!!

That being said, this is in no way a perfect drama. It was just perfect to me, lol. Plus, it didn't hurt that it's the type of show you could watch more than once, and still find something new.

Oh! And rumor has it that there's going to be an American remake (into a television series), so you better hurry and watch the original before our country manages to screw it up!

So yes, if it wasn't clear already, watch this. Watch this now!!

What Happened in Bali (20 Episodes)

2014-06-08T09:19:00.000-06:00

((summary taken from Aistaz Asian Movies))

Lee Soo-jung (Ha Ji Won) is a travel agent who is seeking her good luck in Bali after a harsh and unforgiving childhood. She meets Jae-min (Jo In Sung), Kang In-wook (So Ji Sup), and Young-joo (Park Ye Jin) in Bali, three seemingly perfect people entangled in a triangle of love. When Lee Soo-jung finds herself back in Seoul, her desire for success leads her to seek Jae-min for a job, unwittingly setting off a course of events that further complicate the love triangle.

What Happened in Bali is a drama that reveals the inner materialistic desires of people. It reflects upon the sometimes ugly (but truthful) side of man where nothing matters more than money.

Watch or Download: Dramafever, Avistaz Asian Torrents

My Rating:

Oh. So that's what happened in Bali.

hahaha.

First, I should preface this review with a very important fact: I watched this drama solely for its ending. Not that I knew how it would end, mind you, but Bali is one of those drama's you always hear people talking about, and after ten years, curiosity finally got the better of me and I sat down for a marathon. So to be fair, I went into this series with certain expectations, wanting a melodrama that would bring the tears and angst, and leave me an emotional wreck at the end.

What I got instead, was a bland drama with a kick-ass finale, and little else to recommend it.

Not that it was bad, per se. I just found the story and the characters a bit dry and uninspired, and the plot a rehash of the poor girl/rich boy trope I've already seen a million times before (this IS from 2004 though, so I can't exactly blame the drama for that).

My main issue, I think, is that What Happened in Bali is basically about a group of indecisive, annoying characters who can't make up their minds when it comes to love. And in a drama that's toted a "romance" you kind of expect the romance to be epic . . . especially when it's such a strong driving force behind such extreme character motivations. So despite delivering on the WTF-front ending-wise, I never truly connected or became invested in any of these characters, so the Big Shock pretty much lost all its impact. By that point, I was expecting and wanting everyone to hurry up and die so I could move on to my next drama already.

For that, I think the fault lies mainly with our heroine, Soo-jung - a character who spends the ENTIRE drama waffling back and forth between which guy she likes. Normally, I have no problem with a character who struggles to realize she's in love (heck, one of my favorite pairings are ones who start off hating each other, only to fall in love despite themselves) but when you get to the point where even the AUDIENCE can't tell who the OTP is, you've got a problem: How can we root for an epic love, if we don't know who it is we're supposed to be rooting for? And why should we care when (and if) it fails?

On the bright-side, Ha Ji-won acted the hell out of the character like she does every role she's given, so fans won't be disappointed on that score. But even so, I still found it impossible to sympathize, or even like Soo-jung, who was starring in her own version of Hamlet's tragedy. Indecision is not cute, especially when it drags on for over twenty hours. Not to mention, none of the relationships in this series were healthy or positive in any way, shape, or form. It was dysfunction all the way - and I hesitate to call that romance or even love. It's dark, gritty, and "real"; only the boring kind of real, where you just want to slap your friend for being stupid and stringing guys along. But if that's your kind of thing, feel free to dive right in!

What Bali did have going for it though, was some terrific acting (why, hello there, Jo In-sung), an intriguing finale, gorgeous (but brief) Bali scenery, and a surprisingly dark take on the common Cinderella story. Except, you know, here, Cinderella is less the innocent, maligned servant, and more the materialistic, desperate step-sister, longing for a fairy godmother of her own.

On an unrelated note, there is one thing about the plot that I wanted to address. It's not about the ending, so the spoiler below is very minor, but it's an inconsistency that really bothered me all the same.

Spoiler.

I still don't understand why Jae-min's family was so pushy and annoying about the whole wedding issue - why force a marriage that was clearly doomed from the start? If they were financially dependent on the merging of the two families, I could understand . . . but it wasn't until In-wook double-crossed them at the end, after Jae-min was already married, that money even became an issue. And it's not like they were trying to uphold their family's reputation or anything - we already know that the eldest brother is divorced, so clearly, if they cared that much, they never would've allowed that divorce to happen in the first place (which also made the father's reaction overblown and ridiculous later on, seeing as how an older son with kids divorcing, is much more unacceptable than a second son, with no such ties, asking for the same thing). And since it was Young-joo who called the engagement off the first time around, they could've easily avoided a scandal by making it seem like an amiable split, or by releasing the blackmail photos if she refused to play along.

Point is, it's not like Jae-min is some pariah who couldn't find another woman to marry, and even if their families were close, Young-Joo is hardly the only rich-girl in Seoul. Why force them together when both made it abundantly clear that they wanted out? I know there are a million reasons to give, like stubbornness, the tabloid scandals, etc . . . but I just couldn't shake the feeling that it was done simply because the writer NEEDED Jae-min to be married. And to me, that's just lazy writing.

End of Spoiler.

You know, on second thought, I think I will add a spoiler about the ending. By this point, you can find it after doing a quick google search anyway, so it's not like its super-duper-secret or anything. And for all I know, that may be the only reason anyone even bothered reading this review. . .

So if you actually do decide to check out this drama after all, here's your chance to bail while you can. The ending is about to be ruined, and you are about to be very, very angry with me.

Three.

Two.

One.

Spoiler (ENDING).

In-wook convinces Soo-jung to run away with him to Bali. Because, gee, nobody would ever think of looking for the criminal "mastermind" there.

Meanwhile, Jae-min's annoying secretary puts all these stupid lies in his head - claiming that Soo-jung was in on In-wook's plan all along, that she intentionally approached Jae-min for that purpose, and that she was only ever using him to avert suspicion. Considering how coincidental all her run-ins with In-wook seemed, it's not too surprising that Jae-min buys it. Soon after, he follows the couple to Bali (because apparently everyone already knows where the embezzler is hiding, lol).

Tracking them down to a nice hotel by the sea, he watches them secretly, and sees what he thinks is a happy couple enjoying the fruits of their deception. Leaving, he hunts down some shady guy and hands him a wad of money for nefarious purposes (although, technically, didn't his father cut off all his credit-cards, so how's he affording all of this anyway?)

Back to the happy couple, they're lying in bed after having had sex. In-wook is suddenly very perceptive, and tells her he knows she's not really "with" him, that she left her heart back in Seoul (because apparently only sleeping with both guys holds the key to unlocking that pesky question); it's at that point that the couple notice Jae-min standing at the foot of their bed with a gun, not having heard their conversation. Or he did, and that just added a whole new level of What-the-fuckery.

So, he shoots In-wook dead, and then shoots Soo-jung . . . but not before Soo-jung uses her last breath to tell him she loves him. Shocked and guilt-ridden, Jae-min goes to the beach at sunset and shoots himself in the head. Nothing happens to Young-joo, because let's face it, nobody cared about her anyway.

The end.

End of Spoiler.

As dark as that was, oddly enough, it did fit with the theme and the tone. I just wish the characterizations and the lead-up could've been handled better to make the payoff more worthwhile. But more importantly, I wish there had been a romance I could get behind (no matter how messed up it was), and a character I could honestly cheer for, instead of cursing at.

What I got instead was a mediocre drama with middling characters, and a fascinating ending.

Of course, I'm in the minority here, since I know a lot of people loved this drama, at least that's what the ratings seemed to attest to. But if you're like me, and tempted to watch this only because of the ending . . . save yourself the time and trouble, and read the spoiler above instead. I just saved you twenty hours of boredom and frustration. You're welcome. ;)

End Of Animal (2011)

2013-06-21T05:09:00.002-06:00

((summary taken from Aistaz Asian Movies))

On a cold winter day, Sun-Yeong (Lee Min-Ji) rides a taxi and heads to her hometown to give birth. Her mother still lives there. A strange man in a baseball cap (Park Hae-Il) then hops into the taxi and starts speaking gibberish. The man is also rude, borrowing money and a lighter from Sun-Yeong. The odd man pretends to know everything about Sun-Yeong and the taxi driver. He then starts a countdown and when he reaches zero the world seems to stop.

Watch or Download: Dramacrazy , Avistaz Asian Torrents

My Rating:

I should warn you straight away: Don't go into this film expecting to be spoon-fed answers because all you'll get for your trouble is frustration, anger, and even more unanswered questions. What this film does manage to do well however, is worm its way into your mind, forcing you to puzzle together all the bits and pieces of this apocalyptic tale that doesn't quite feel all that apocalyptic. . . like me, even if you initially walk away unimpressed, certain questions may continue to haunt you long after the credits roll, forcing you to reevaluate what you just watched.

That being said, if you hate those kind of films, this one clearly isn't for you!

But if you do enjoy films that force you to think outside the box, here are some reasons you might consider giving this one a try: The premise is intriguing, and the first ten minutes had me eager to find out what was going to happen next. Even the atmosphere and setting were sufficiently creepy, and the diverse group of characters Sun-Yeong meets along her journey are all fascinating in their own right (even if they are all detestable). In particular I like how baseball cap man keeps in contact with the radio, a constant reminder that things aren't normal, no matter how run-of-the-mill they may initially appear.

I also like the fact that most of the characters don't seem to realize the world has ended. Usually, in this type of movie, it's all about the struggle to survive, coming to grips with your mortality, and reconnecting with others you meet along the way. Here, it's like the characters are walking along that same path, but since they're unaware of how dire the situation is, the point at which they'd normally become "heroes" is irrevocably compromised. Rather than band together, the darker sides of their personalities take hold and they adopt the selfish mentality "every man for himself", becoming animals in their own right - fighting for survival at the expense of their companions, forgetting in essence what makes them human. It's disturbing to watch every single one of them begin flawed but relatively normal, only to morph into something dark and sinister - the worse parts of humanity coming to the fore.

Of course, that's not to say this movie is without its flaws. The pacing is noticeably sluggish, making it feel longer than it needs to be, and the ending never truly lives up to the opening's potential: It's such a fascinating setup, but a lack of payoff makes you feel cheated in the end when nothing clearly gets explained. Not to mention the fact that the heroine is naive and frustrating, so it's hard to cheer for someone who continuously makes the wrong choice even when informed by an apparent psychic what not to do. I think that's one of my biggest complaints actually: the writer/director tried so hard to show the dark underbelly of humanity during the apocalypse, that he failed to make us care about any of the characters. And if we don't care about them, why should we care what happens to them?

And to be frank, most casual viewers might find the plot a bit off-putting and boring. I admit to liking it a lot more after I had time to sit back and process than when I was actually watching it. It's more of a character study than an action-packed End of the World thriller, and that will turn a lot of people off.

In conclusion, I've written below my own personal interpretation of what may have happened in this film . . . not because I think I know all the answers, but because nothing irritates me more than wasting two hours of my life on a film that's "open to interpretation" yet nobody bothers to explain their own. Just be aware that I'm no expert and watch movies for my own enjoyment, so take everything I say with a grain of salt.

And if you haven't watched it yet but are intrigued, feel free to come back and read the spoilers after finishing, because seriously, wrong answers are still better than no answers at all, right? ;)

Spoilers.

The biggest questions I had after finishing this movie were the following: Who's the man in the baseball cap and what purpose does he serve? What the heck was going on in the diner? What exactly happened to cause the End of the World, and what were the monsters terrorizing the countryside. What purpose did Sun-Yeong's baby serve, and how does the title tie into everything?

Starting from the beginning, I think the howling/animal sounds were the "angels" the man in the baseball cap warned them about right before the apocalypse occurred: "the angels will descend. White, with huge fangs and claws." Judging from the very brief glimpse we got of the monster growling behind Sun-Yeong, I'm guessing his description is spot on, and that a flying "angel" is what bicycle man mistook for a white pheasant when he was sitting in the taxi with the driver.

(I'm assuming those angels are also what killed the man who went in search of Sun-Yeong's cellphone, and later on, his evil bully of a girlfriend.)

I have two theories as to why all of this is occurring.

One, it's portraying the rapture as foretold in Christian doctrine, where all believers are taken to heaven to be reunited with God, while the sinners are left on Earth as punishment for their lack of faith. I'm not religious myself, but I'm assuming that "angels" were sent to eradicate what remained of humanity, which explains why all the characters Sun-Yeong meets along her journey are so despicable and evil - they were "godless" which is why they were able to turn bad so quickly. This is why it's called End of Animal - all that's left of humanity are the lowest of the low - the wild, uncivilized, and those who treat others unjustly. In this scenario then, the man in the baseball cap would either be Christ, or responsible for fathering Christ, which is why the rapture occurs right before his birth: It's heralding the lord's second coming.

In any case, in both scenarios, it would explain why he knew everything that was about to happen, and why it was necessary to impregnate Sun-Yeong.

That's also why the angels wouldn't harm her: She was doing God's work (albeit unknowingly), and was under his protection. What's going to happen to her now that the baby's been claimed though, I have no idea . . . I can't imagine them using a Christian for a vessel and then exiling her to Earth, which means Sun-Yeong must have been an animal all along (she was a bit promiscuous and adulterous, and didn't think twice before sleeping with a stranger). Perhaps that's why he was so careful to make sure she understood sleeping with him was her choice, and went out of his way not to influence her decision. And then there's the scene when she's listing her needs: It's interesting that they were all superficial and materialistic, and that she didn't mention her own baby once - nor did she seem all that upset when it was taken away. And let's not forget she killed and ate a dog after going hungry for only a day or two . . . if the baby was that important, and all the "psychic" left for her to eat before giving birth was a candy bar, I'm fairly certain such drastic action wasn't necessary, lol.

As for scenario number two (the one I'm personally leaning towards) it's also possible that the man in the baseball cap was actually the Devil. One thing we know for sure is that he is unfailingly honest - ridiculously, bluntly so. So when Bicycle man asks who he is, and he answers jokingly God, only to admit he's kidding, I take him at his word. Besides, the arrival of the anti-Christ is a popular archetype in film, and the perfect catalyst for the End of the World (not to mention red is often associated with the Devil).

And it's not so odd that he would love such depraved people and take pleasure in saying so . . . he's famously depraved himself. And just the way he spoke to people, the way he chastised them for really strange mishaps (not paying the 16 year old for sex, not being assertive and selfish enough, wasting a bullet on his paralyzed mother) seems much more in line with the Devil than with Christ. Not to mention how he shrugged off Christianity while talking with the taxi driver in favor of Buddhist temples . . . since hell is depicted as fire and brimstone, it makes sense that clean air would be a bit of a luxury, as would organic food. If he was supposed to represent Christ or God, taking all the Christians to heaven and then snubbing their own religion in favor of Buddhism wouldn't make much sense. . .

In any case, no matter who he may be, I'm certain his main purpose was always to impregnate someone with his child. In the diner, during the ladder game, it's clear he chose only females in the restaurant as targets (evidenced by where they were sitting), so he was likely choosing the future mother of his child. So regardless of his identity, the child was always meant to set-off the apocalypse . . . Sun-Yeong was just the vassal.

Okay, that's all I've got. I know it doesn't explain everything, but at least it's a start.

If you have any interpretations of your own, feel free to leave them in the comments below!! I'd love to hear them. ^_^

Spoilers finished.

Pisces (2000)

2011-01-15T11:06:00.005-07:00

((summary taken from MyAsianCinema))

For Aeryeon (played by veteran actress Lee Miyeon), a video shop owner, her only friends are movies and a couple of tropical fish she raises in the shop. The other joy of hers is to select quality videos for her customers, which is interpreted as part of her effort to overcome solitude. Then one day comes attractive and handsome Dongseok, a lover of French movies and music. From that time on, she waits for him every day. She hears from him that he composes music and prepares to release an album in order to make a debut as a singer, but has been rejected many times by producers. Although she confesses her love to him, he says he has a girlfriend to marry. Aeryeon meets Dongseok’s girlfriend and tells her, “You can meet other boyfriends than Dongseok. But for me, Dongseok is the only lover. Please leave him.”

Pisces is the 12th sign of the zodiac, represented by two fish, and believed to affect the character and life of people born between Feb. 21 and March 20. For the people of Pieces, love never stops, even at the face of rejection. If it stops, it is not love. The color of blue and yellow appears alternately in this film, with jazz music as the backdrop. The film has something that touches viewers’ heartstring, more so than other films of its kind. Newcomer director Kim Hyeongtae superbly portrays the psychology of a female character abandoned by her love.

Download: Asia Torrents , My Asian Cinema

My Rating:

Honestly, I think I missed something.

I've read the movie description, read viewer comments . . . and I couldn't disagree with them more. This movie is about a love that is SO obsessive, so unhealthy, that it literally made me uncomfortable to watch. It's a HORRIBLE love that should never see the light of day - Pisces, or no.

My problem? The ending ruined it.

Below, I'm going to start a rant that is filled with spoilers. . . so in case you want to go into this film completely blind, look away now.

Spoilers start now.

Okay . . . I just don't understand how people can be touched by the big revelation in the video tape (aka, that she knew him before opening the video store). First of all, by this point, she's proven beyond a doubt that she's crazy. If a guy had pulled all the crap that she did, we'd be cheering at the end when the stalkee finally stabs him with a knife. So, really, what did it prove? Besides the fact that she was crazy from the very beginning, and that everything we knew about her was possibly a lie...

Case in point: The narrator (Ae-ryun) is unreliable. In order to move her shop so close to his apartment, she would've had to research where he lives. And are we to believe, considering the depth of her obsession, that she simply stopped at his address? The fish, the movies, the music, Kurt Cobain - how much of that was *her* and how much was her simply trying to impress him? It made me question whether or not we really knew her at all. Was the sweet, unassuming shop-owner we met at the beginning the REAL Ae-ryun, or was it the fearless, no-nonsense, crazy girl who'd walk calmly through traffic without a second glance? Because the end made me think it's the latter. And my sympathy and connection was with the *former*. The fact is we just don't know.

And in the final scene, when Dong-suk storms to her video store... I didn't get the impression that he was there for some big love-confession, but rather, had realized their entire relationship was based on a lie. He was there to *confront* her about it, and to hear the truth from her directly - not ask her out on a date. The end then, is sad not because their love couldn't be, but because she was unable to move on. She succumbed to her insanity, and chose to cling to the one "perfect" moment in their past; just like the movie she had recommended in the beginning. Sad, maybe. But only tragic for her poor brother - the one she REALLY left behind.

So... ARE we supposed to sympathize with her plight? Because honestly, as harsh as it sounds, I don't. I felt more sympathy for the poor fish she crushed, and I don't even like fish! And yet, if this movie had ended WITHOUT the big pointless twist, I might have actually felt bad for her. Yes, love DOES make people do crazy things... but there are some lines you just don't cross, and Ae-ryun crossed them all.

*deep breath*

Okay, end rant. Spoilers finished.

The film's saving grace is that it does do an excellent job of playing with the zodiac, and embodying the romantic spirit of Pisces. In fact, it would be interesting to see how ALL the zodiac signs would've handled a similar situation had they been in her place. Who knows, maybe my lack of sympathy comes from the Taurus in me, and the fact that a stubborn bull would hardly go to such lengths when pursuing a guy. My movie-version would've been much shorter: "You don't like me? Okay, then. I'll move on. Have a nice life."

And yet, the film almost depends too strongly on the Pisces-centric theme: something that's lost on most casual viewers like me, who have no knowledge or understanding of zodiac-driven-character-traits. Besides, it's not like one particular sign can truly sum up an entire group of people: This could've easily existed without the zodiac reference, and the end-result would've been the same. At its core, it's nothing but a simple, overemotional, unrealistic tragedy.

Maybe it's just me . . . but in my romances, I like having a character that's easy to cheer for. And in this movie, I just didn't get it.

Poetry (시)

2010-11-06T09:33:00.038-06:00

((summary taken from AsianMediaWiki))

An elderly lady in her 60's (played by Jeong-hee Yun) works as a caregiver for a disabled man & raises her grandson alone. She has to endure the onset of Alzheimer's disease and also learns that her grandson was one of the attackers of a junior high school girl that committed suicide. Through all of this and to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a poet the elderly woman starts to take a poetry class and composes poems ...

Download: Asia Torrents , Yellow Cinema

My Rating:

This was a brilliant film.

Before I start raving though, I should probably throw in the standard disclaimer that not everyone will enjoy this. For one thing, it's more art-house than popcorn-cinema, and has plenty of awards to back it up. So if you're looking for action, thrills, or romance, you're not going to find it here.

What you WILL find is an extremely strong character-driven story, with heart, depth, and a beauty that manages to be both understated and pronounced - through the use of lighting, dialogue, and cinematography. Another interesting element is how this movie doesn't include a soundtrack. Instead, it relies entirely on natural sounds like birds, traffic, rain, running water, a church choir, etc . . . yet it fits so flawlessly into the film that it's virtually unnoticeable (I didn't realize it myself until after the movie was over.)

But the main draw of course is the story: From the very beginning, it draws you in and never really lets you go. . .

Even though the plot itself may be common and predictable (especially the role the grandson plays in the girl's suicide) the way it eventually unfolds is not. Though the grandmother is a fully-realized character, most of her inner turmoil and dialogue is hidden from the viewer, leaving us to question her own motives and state of mind until the end. We know she sympathizes with the girl (and of the guilty party, she seems to be the only one who does) but what she intends to do about it remains a mystery. Oftentimes we're made to wonder if her lapse in memory is a result of her worsening Alzheimer's, or simply a construct of her poetic soul (personally, I'm inclined to believe the latter, though it's more than likely a little of both.)

One of my favorite scenes was when she found the crushed apricots on the way to talk to the victim's mother. Though she was supposed to bring up the hush money that would help save her grandson, she became so entranced by the image of the apricots that she completely forgot why she had sought the woman out in the first place . . . and even after remembering, she kept right on walking away; as though afraid to bring up such an ugly topic after such a pleasant encounter. It was a wonderful compliment to the earlier scene, when she walked out of the cafe to look at the flowers after learning of her grandson's transgression. Though her worsening Alzheimer's could be to blame, it's also possible that it was just a coping mechanism and a way for her to escape; a way to remind herself that there was still beauty in the world, and that poetry was one way of bringing it to the surface. . .

Mi-ja (the grandmother) is so easy to care and sympathize with, that's it's easy to watch the story unfold completely through her eyes. Her approach to poetry is so pure and innocent; it's a wonderful contrast to the upheaval her grandson's actions create. I really love how she doesn't let her pain color her words and make them harsh and dark - instead, she focuses on the beauty in the world, rather than condemning it. I LOVE where she ultimately finds inspiration for her poem, and how rewarding the outcome is because of it - especially in a world where the truth can be so easily buried by money, and corruption is encouraged rather than condemned. In the end, everything really comes together, and there isn't a single wasted scene, character, or line of dialogue.

I'd like to think that most people can relate to Poetry on a very basic level, even if it's something as simple as recalling a beautiful memory in the past, or admiring the beauty of nature that we never took the time to notice before. It's about love, regret, and longing - and finding the poet in all of us, no matter how difficult the journey may be.

So really, watch this. Just make sure you have a tissue handy - cause if you're anything like me, you're going to need it. ;)

Death Bell 2: Bloody Camp

2010-10-09T13:36:00.007-06:00

((summary taken from Asia Torrents))

Death Bell 2: Bloody Camp / Gosa 2

Se-hee is haunted by her step sister Tae-yeon who used to be a promising swimmer but suddenly killed herself in a swimming pool 2 years ago. During the summer vacation, she joins the study camp at school for upcoming college entrance exam with other 30 elite students. On the first night, when Se-hee finds a riddling passage scribbled in the desk, she soon sees a dead girl’s body hung upside down. Then the TV monitors are on and the students watch another friend crushed by his bike in the corridor. Since then, the succession of cruel killings occurs whenever they fail to answer the given questions in time. Meanwhile, the hidden truth behind Tae-yeon’s suicide is slowly revealed and terrified students struggle to undo the puzzle before they become the next victim.

Download: Asia Torrents , Jdramas at Livejournal

My Rating:

While I'll admit to liking this Death Bell installment a bit more than the first, in many ways it still suffers from the same problems that plagued its predecessor: For one thing, there's nothing new here that hasn't been done before. The plot is tired and cliche, and once again takes a promising premise (brilliant kids racing against a clock to save their classmates) and reduces it to a predictable and disappointing revenge flick.

Sure, it's okay as far as revenge films go . . . but it's definitely no Kill Bill or Oldboy.

The problem, I think, is that this franchise has no idea how to make an intriguing villain. Rather than be original, they just keep combining and borrowing different elements from other genres: We get the angry, vengeful ghost, the evil slasher-killer, and the wronged human who's out for revenge. It's like forming a supreme killing machine with Jigsaw (Saw) The Bride (Kill Bill), and Samara (The Ring) . . . though Samara's function is just to look creepy.

In Death Bell, they have all the right ingredients . . . but they just won't put them together.

That's really the only thing preventing it from being brilliant instead of mediocre. Just give the ghost the power, make those kids actually play the game, and reveal the reasons for the test through their various puzzles and deaths. It'll heighten the tension, increase the scares, and make the mystery all the more compelling (there's a reason the best part of these movies are when the kids are banding together to solve a "test"). If they spent more time on those scenes, and less attention on flashbacks, cheap chills, and unnecessary character bonding and emoting, we'd all be a lot happier.

There's not much more to say about this film: If you've already seen Death Bell 1, then you should expect more of the same from its sequel. Look forward to a less confusing plot (even if it's still utterly ridiculous and far-fetched) and enjoy the idiotic separation of ghost and psycho.

Hopefully with the next sequel (and I'd bet money there will be many more of those to come) I get the Death Bell I've always dreamt of. :)

And if not, I'll pray it keeps improving bit-by-bit. Who knows, maybe next time I'll be able to give it a whopping four stars! *gasp*

The Housemaid (2010)

2010-09-18T08:30:00.015-06:00

((summary taken from Asia Torrents))

The Housemaid (2010) / Hanyo

Warning : Contains Adult Content

Poor divorcee Eun Yi, gladly signs on to work as a nanny and housemaid for a wealthy, upper-crust family. In her naive eyes, the rich and handsome Hoon (Lee Jung Jae, Typhoon), his pregnant wife Hae Ra (Seo Woo, Paju), and adorable daughter (Ahn Seo Hyun) make the picture-perfect family. But that myth is soon shattered when the domineering Hoon finds his way to her bed. Their torrid affair upsets the balance of the household, unleashing a cruel power struggle as Hae Ra, her mother (Park Ji Young), and the head housekeeper (Yoon Yeo Jung) all answer with their own calculated measures.

A highly anticipated remake of Kim Ki Young's 1960 classic, which is widely regarded as one of the best Korean films ever made.

((This review will contain spoilers))

Download: Asia Torrents
(this is the only version I've found that has the correct subs uploaded)

My Rating:

To be honest, when I was watching this, I wasn't very impressed. My mind kept revolting against the changes they made, and how different it was from the original. It was difficult to see all the roles being reversed, and finding myself having to cheer for the "villain" when in the original, you were cheerfully anticipating her demise. In this way, much of the story was almost unrecognizable.

And yet, somehow, surprisingly enough, by the end it all came together beautifully.

It took me awhile to get drawn in, but once I was able to separate this film from its predecessor, and view it on its own merits, I began to really enjoy the clever changes and the additional conflicts the secondary characters brought to the table. Aside from the affair, very little is actually derived from the classic 60's version.

Of course, the acting and directing were PHENOMENAL: every shot is beautifully framed, and any fan of Lee Jung-jae (who was hot as hell) should watch it for the fan-service alone, lol. Really though, you have to give the writer and director props for completely reinventing the story and not riding the coat-tails of its insanely popular source material. They took a leap of faith, and in the end, I think it really paid off.

I do, however, have one major complaint: I really dislike how they portrayed the housemaid as a hapless victim, rather than an unhinged psychopath or home-wrecker. Here, it's understandable, since the moral and tone is completely different from the 60s version, and such a heartless character wouldn't be fitting.

But they tried SO hard to make her likable, that in the end, she didn't feel real or genuine. We're told repeatedly that she's sweet, innocent, and naive . . . and yet, after he makes the first move, she's an eager and willing participant, who shows no concern whatsoever over how her actions affect the mother and child she's caring for. In fact, it isn't until the affair and pregnancy are discovered that she finally shows any signs of guilt ("I should've thought of madam... I did a horrible thing.") DUH, idiot! For someone who's so good-hearted, it sure took you long enough!

And yes, the husband had a part to play in it too, but we're never meant to sympathize with him. So why should I care when it all blows up in her face? If I was the wife, I would've smacked her too!

As terrible as it sounds, I almost wish the husband had raped her. At least then we would've had some fantastic motivation for her revenge, a much better representation of the poor vs rich dichotomy, and a truly inspired ending to tie it all together.

Instead, I can't help but think that none of them are blameless, least of all the housemaid . . . which makes the ending lose most of its punch. It would've been more powerful if the lines of right/wrong hadn't been quite so blurred.

Still though, I liked it. There's something amusing about the fact that nobody really learned anything, and that their lives will continue in much the same vein as before. The rich family will keep right on being rich entitled snobs (though the daughter may eventually break away from the herd), while the elderly housekeeper will probably retire with her prosecutor son, who owes his success to that same family she constantly cursed.

If anything, the ending makes the parallels between the original and this remake all the more glaring. Where before, the moral was for men to be wary of cheating; here, it's like there is no moral, lol. Go on and cheat men. If you're lucky, she'll go crazy and off herself. ;)

In conclusion: Great movie, though not nearly as good as its predecessor. Of course, remakes rarely are.

Aoi Tori (Blue Bird)

2010-08-07T03:21:00.044-06:00

((summary taken from aznv.tv))

Aoi Tori / The Blue Bird / 青い鳥

With the start of a new school term, there is no longer any sign of Noguchi, the bullied student who attempted suicide, and everything seems to have returned to normal. But stuttering substitute teacher Murauchi (Abe Hiroshi) gives a swift kick to this guise of normalcy by bringing Noguchi's desk back to the classroom, and stammering "good morning" to his empty chair everyday. His gesture becomes a pointed and painful daily reminder to both the school staff and his troubled students, especially guilt-ridden Shinichi (Hongo Kanata) who participated in the torment of Noguchi.

Download: Jdramas at Livejournal
Watch Online: Aznv.TV , DramaCrazy

My Rating:

I've always been fascinated with the phenomena of school bullying (actually, any form of bullying, really) so perhaps I was a bit bias going into this film, but personally, I loved it.

I think it definitely helps that this is a movie most people can relate to. After all, nearly everyone has experienced bullying in one form or another--whether they were the perpetrator, the victim, or merely a silent observer. One thing I think Blue Bird does really well, is to explore the issue without coming off as too preachy or over-the-top (though I read some critics disagree.) For the average viewer though, I thought it balanced everything just right, and was honest and straight-forward in its approach.

It's beautifully shot, and doesn't feel like a single scene or line of dialogue is wasted or out of place: The music, lyrics, dialogue, even the class-readings all have an important part to play in the overarching theme. Some of the comments I've read described it as a bit slow or boring . . . but I didn't feel that way at all. Though again, it could have more to do with my ability to get sucked into the story because of my interest in the subject matter, and less to do with the film's actual pacing. So to be fair, I should state that it might not be as easy to watch for other viewers.

But either way, it brought me to tears several times, so they must have been doing something right.

As for the acting: Hiroshi Abe was brilliant as always, and continues to be one of my favorite Japanese actors of all time (I just fell in love with him in Trick.) Here, he plays the character with dignity and heart, and there's never a moment when you're not cheering for him or the lesson he's trying to impart. The boys playing the students did a wonderful job as well. In particular, I was impressed by the actor who played the bullied student (despite the fact that he only had one real speaking scene.) Yet, that moment in the classroom just broke my heart. You could literally feel his despair and hurt betrayal.

For some reason, I really enjoyed the female teacher too, and what she was able to bring to the story. In her own way, she appears to be coping with the near-suicide right along with the students, and seems genuine in her desire to help. Case in point, one of the ways the school chooses to deal with the bullying issue, is to have the students write a reflection essay that is five pages minimum, and revised if necessary. For me, her soft-spoken line really stood out: "Why does it always have to be five-pages?" I love how ridiculous the whole scenario seems (as if the length of the essay will really change things) and yet, nobody has a more suitable solution. I think it says a lot about how desensitized people can get to punishment, and that there's no sure-fire-way to measure repentance and regret. True closure comes when problems are faced head-on, and dealt with through humility and understanding . . . something, thankfully, that at least a few of the students are able to grasp by the end of the movie.

If I had any issues at all, it was that Murauchi's motivations are never truly explained (or else, not explicitly stated.) From the class-picture he kept in his book, I assumed he was Noguchi's teacher at the new school he transferred too, and that perhaps Noguichi successfully committed suicide by jumping off the school's roof. As depressing as the idea is, I actually thought it would be a very poignant way to end the film, while adding another dimension to the significance of his desk, and Murauchi's insistence that he not be forgotten. In the end though, there's really nothing to back this theory up, since we're only ever given hints, and no concrete evidence to support it. Still, the lack of clarification doesn't take anything away from the film itself, and would've only served to make an already strong movie, even stronger.

So, to sum up: I would definitely recommend this film. It's a beautiful examination of guilt, blame, and responsibility, dealing with a serious and fascinating subject; one I hope to see addressed more often in future films.

Akai Ito MOVIE: (Red Thread)

2010-02-20T09:59:00.028-07:00

((summary taken from AsianMediaWiki))

Mei has been in love with Yuya all her life. They've grown up together. But when they reach their second year of middle school, Yuya suddenly professes his love for her older sister, Haruna.

Struggling to rebound from her decade-long crush, Mei finds comfort in the close camaraderie of her school friends, Taka, Mia, Yuri, Natsu, Mitsu and Sara and then meets a reticent and gentle-natured boy named Atsushi. The two begin to realize that they share many things in common that seem to transcend mere coincidence: the same birthday (February 29th, 1992) and a previous encounter when they were both 8. Feeling a bond of fate, they grow closer.

But destiny can have a dark side to it, too, and a shocking revelation from both of their pasts compels Atsushi to pull away from Mei. The devastating separation then unleashes a wave of misfortune upon Mei: the death of a loved one, drug addiction and domestic violence. As circumstances seek to take control of her life, Mei struggles to maintain her faith in the tenuous thread of destiny that will reunite her with her true love.

Download: Jdramas at Livejournal
Watch Online: Aznv.TV , DramaCrazy

My Rating:

Umm... first thought?

Was this based off a badly written fanfic, lol?

First of all, I have to clarify that this review is ONLY concerning the movie and not the 11-episode drama series (since I've only seen the movie).

Now then, the red-thread-of-fate idea is one of my all time favorite plot-devises (I don't think there's a more romantic or beautiful notion out there than destiny and soulmates). So, to be fair, maybe my expectations were a bit high... but either way, I didn't feel like this story or these characters delivered on what they promised.

When it came down to it, I felt like Mei and Atsushi weren't good representations of what soulmates and destiny is all about. The Korean Dramas, Delightful Girl Choon Hyung and Soulmates do a much better job of this--heck, even Sailor Moon does, lol. In fact, I could name a dozen Japanese/Korean/Chinese movies that fit this concept much better (The Chinese movie, Turn Left, Turn Right, comes to mind first). But when you make the red-thread-of-fate the entire focus of a movie/drama... you sure as heck better be able to back it up.

Here, I was never convinced. (I've seen my fair share of dramas where two people fall in love" as children and meet again as "adults"... so it takes more than that and a shared birthday to convince me it's destiny).

Honestly, I had so many problems with this movie, I don't even know where to begin. First, I realize this is basically a condensed version of the drama... but all it succeeded in doing was making me thankful I didn't waste 11 hours watching the entire series. The story was bland and slow, the characters were boring, the drama felt exaggerated and forced, and there was no chemistry between the main actors.

It was a bit like watching Paris Hilton and Carrot-top pretending to be Romeo and Juliet...

Okay, so maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but to put it simply, I did NOT feel anything for the "destined" couple. Both of their characters came off flat (as did their acting) and their willingness to let other people walk all over them was frustrating and tiring to watch. Plus, the reason behind their tortured "fate-is-so-cruel" separation was not grand or terrible (at all); it wasn't nearly enough to instill the kind of heartache (but-but they BELONG together! NOOOO!) their continued separation should've caused. So during that scene at the end, I felt absolutely nothing. I seriously shrugged, and thought, "oh well. They'll find someone else. And if not, who cares."

I'm sure the fact that it took place in Middle School/High School didn't help either. I mean, I realize teens in Japan have a lot of pressure, and many DO have to deal with terrible issues... but seriously, here, it was overkill. It was like the writer was determined to pile every single tragedy he/she could think of onto Mei, so that she could win the award for best "damsel-in-distress". All they needed was a rape and an abortion storyline, and they would have covered everything (oh? you mean there IS a rape-scene in the drama? Well then, that just proves my point...)

In conclusion: If you're tempted to watch the movie to avoid having to invest the time and energy into the drama, I wouldn't recommend it. The movie is just too terribly flawed on its own, and if anything, damages the drama as a result. If I hadn't watched this, I might have actually given the drama a try, and might have even enjoyed it (the story and chemistry issues may not have been a problem with the change in pacing). But now, after having watched the movie, I no longer want to.

I'm sure the only people who would enjoy this are those who are already fans of the drama, or one of the main actors. So consider yourself warned!

What's Up Fox? (16 Episodes)

2009-12-06T16:21:00.030-07:00

EPISODE 01-16

((summary taken from dramawiki))

Single 33 year-old Go Byeong Hee works as a reporter for a sex magazine. She wants more romance and a more respectable life but isn't sure how to get it. 24-year-old Park Chul Su, mechanic and world traveler, is the younger brother of Byeong Hee's best friend. He's a free spirit and not concerned with what the world thinks.

One night the two old family friends get drunk and wake up in bed together. Go Byeong Hee wants to forget it ever happened, especially since a good marriage prospect has just made an appearance. Unfortunately for her Chul Su has other ideas....

Funny, quirky, and often unusually risque by Korean drama standards, What's Up Fox? is an enjoyable romp from start to finish. Don't miss out.

(From the writer of My Name is Kim Sam Soon).

Download: Jdramas at Livejournal , SilentRegrets
Watch Online: Aznv.TV , MySoju , DramaFever

My Rating:

Follow your heart . . . just be happy.

Honestly, I'm not sure what it is about this drama that made me love it as much as I do. It's not exactly phenomenal or anything, and I realize it's the type of drama that most people will either love or hate . . . but for me, even after the credits rolled, I had trouble putting Byeong Hee and Chul Su behind me: I just loved this couple to death. This was in large part due to the wonderful acting and chemistry between its main leads. For once, I found an actor and actress I could really enjoy on equal footing . . . I loved Ko Hyun Jung's character just as much as Chun Jung Myung's (usually I fall in love with the male lead, and become somewhat indifferent to the female, lol).

So what is it about this couple that made me love them so much?

I think it's because it had one of my favorite drama tropes: hot guy obsessively purses girl, while using adorable, childish, jealous antics to win her over (I just love a guy who knows what he wants and will do anything in order to achieve it. Unless of course he's the second male-lead . . . in which case, I despise him with every fiber of my being). And finally, a rare series where the actors and crew actually *know* how to film a kiss scene (there's only so much happy swirly camera angles, and tightly closed lip-locks I can take).

This was definitely a more "mature" take on love and relationships . . . and a much welcome change to the luke-warm romances I've been watching this past year (as much as I loved them overall).

One thing about this drama that worked really well was how realistic the plot felt. All of the "drama" that does unfold is established almost immediately in the very first episode, then explored and expanded upon throughout the rest of the series. By this, I mean the overlying plot points: Byeong Hee's "problem", her past relationship with Chul Su, the ever present age-gap, the potential love rivals, their families, etc. There are some surprises thrown in of course, but for the most part it was nice having a general knowledge of where the plot was headed, without fear of "oh no--incureable illness!" or "holy crap--another birth secret?!" And for once, I wasn't forced to wait 16 episodes for my OTP to get together . . . the plot hit a crescendo and didn't dip, but kept steadily rising right till the end. Plus, this series had already finished airing when I started watching, so I got to marathon the episodes back-to-back without the hassle of having to wait.

I found the characters all likable, and enjoyed how they showed the relationships through the varying age gaps. I even found the storyline with the younger sister and her older "boyfriend" interesting (not creepy, like it probably should have been) . . . and the dynamic between the mother and the younger male employee was fascinating to watch unfold: I could go on and on about the implications of the mother's behavior towards her employee, and what that might say about herself, and her relationship with her daughters . . . but I won't.

As always though, what truly hooked me was watching the relationship between Beong Hee and Chul Soo grow and develop--which, oddly enough--is also what seemed to turn the most people off. If you're uncomfortable with two people dating and falling in love who are 9 years apart (24 and 33) I would definitely steer clear of this series. However, if you're like me and are open-minded about that sort of thing, I think you'll fall in love right along with them. Both actors do a really great job of portraying the uncertainty, the longing, the giddiness, and jealousy that comes with being in love. (And for once, it isn't through the eyes of a teacher-student relationship).

The editing and music were especially strong.: the soundtrack had a lot of variety, and when used, didn't feel like it was randomly thrown in just to enhance a certain scene (the ending song in particular was fantastic!). It was a nice change from other series of this genre which tend to popularize one or two songs and play them over and over again (something I'm presently experiencing with H.I.T., the series Ko Hyun Jung did following this one). Here, this was never a problem. More than once, I'd notice a song in the background, and sigh in relief that it was new and catchy.

Also, I really liked this director. Oftentimes, I'll only take note of a director's work if it's poorly done (BOF -- washed out kiss scene anyone??), but here I was impressed repeatedly, especially the way he/she handled the more intimate scenes (maybe because I had the recently aired You're Beautiful to compare it against). He didn't rely on cheap tricks or lots of camera motion--something I'm eternally thankful for, lol.

Of course, that's not to say this drama was without its flaws: certain things could have been better explained or elaborated upon.

For instance, though I had no problem with the relationship between BH and CS personally, I could see how others might have had issues with their romance. And yet, this problem could have been easily rectified one of two ways: either include more flashbacks, or downplay/eliminate the "brotherly" aspect of their original relationship. The few flashbacks we're given of Chul-Su already addressed this to a point (he obviously didn't see her as another sister) but it would have been nice to see something solely from Byeong Hee's perspective, especially since she's the one who has the most trouble accepting his feelings in the first place. Part of the reason, I think, is that she feels she had a bit of help in raising him (something I feel is probably exaggerated, since there's no real evidence, and his parents died when he was much older).

I think a clever reply to this would have been to give us more evidence of what REALLY happened when they were younger (kind of like what they did in 18 vs 29). To off-play the age vs maturity card, show *him* taking care of her: she falls asleep, show little CS covering her with a blanket; she's sick, show little CS making and bringing her soup; show his sister teasing him about the crush he has on her friend, ect, etc. Little things like that scattered throughout the series would have made the developments later on much more acceptable, and would have shown how someone's perceptions can be wrong (he took care of her just as much as she claimed to take care of him). It would have been cute if it was a bookend that occurred at the end of every episode . . . after all, the few flashbacks we *were* given were wonderful.

Also, it greatly annoyed me that the whole "deja vu" thing went nowhere: I kept expecting them to tie it in somehow with flashbacks of their youth, but they never did . . . if there was ever any real significant between that and the plot, I totally missed it. Oh! And it would have been nice to learn more about the employee Byeong Hee's mother hired . . . every time he was on, I had a feeling he was hiding something; that there was more to him than meets the eye. But nothing significant ever came of it, aside from the fact that she reminded him of his mother (I thought maybe his wife had died, or that there was a significant age difference when they'd married as well, etc).

But really, in the grand scheme of things, these are all small complaints, and ways I felt they could have strengthened/contributed to an already tightly woven story. I even loved the realistic way they handled the ending, even if it did leave me wanting more (in any other drama, I might have been angry--but here, I felt it fit perfectly, especially considering their ages and the opposition they were facing).

In conclusion: I LOVED this drama. It's definitely going in my top 5. So if you want to watch an uplifting, romantic, funny, mature drama about following your heart . . . you can't go wrong with What's Up Fox? ^_^

Hana Kimi ~ Hotties Paradise (Japan)

2009-11-15T05:47:00.058-07:00

EPISODE 01-12 & Special Episode

((summary taken from dramawiki, edited by me))

Hanazakari no Kimi Tachi E / ikimen paradise

Based on the popular manga of the same name by Nakajo Hisaya, Horikita plays the protagonist Ashiya Mizuki, a Japanese American living in the U.S. who one day sees the young athlete Sano Izumi (Oguri) compete in the high jump on television. She begins to idolize him, and after learning of his desire to give up the high jump, decides to move to Japan and attend the same school.

However, Izumi goes to an all-boys school, so Mizuki disguises herself as a boy to achieve her dream of being with her idol. But can she convince Sano to return to the track team? And how long can she possibly keep her gender a secret? And then, there's Nakatsu: the hot-blooded soccer player who finds himself strangely drawn to Mizuki, despite his penchant for liking women... what's a straight guy to do when he starts fearing he's falling for a man?

(This is the second adaptation of Hana Kimi: In 2007, Taiwan did their own version)

Download: Jdramas at Livejournal , SilentRegrets
Watch Online: Aznv.TV , MySoju , DramaCrazy

My Rating:

I'll admit: I was very bias before starting this drama. As a HUGE fan of the manga as well as the Taiwanese version, I was reluctant to give it a fair shot, since the beginning was so comical, exaggerated, and ridiculous. Not to mention that Sano comes off as one huge emo-whiner. And the fact that they used the sub text, "Hotties Paradise" makes me want to gag.

However, I finally decided to give it a shot after seeing a music video for Nakatsu, played by Ikuta Toma (WATCH IT HERE). Honestly, he's the main reason I stuck with this till the end, despite some of its more cringe-worthy moments. And it's saving grace was that its ending (episode 12--not the special).

But in all honesty, it wasn't that bad. Despite my love for Hana Yori Dango, I've never been a huge Oguri Shun fan (or Horikita Maki, for that matter), but their acting did grow on me after awhile; and they filled their roles as well as can be expected. But what I really ended up loving was the actors behind the second-stringers: Nakatsu, Nanba Minami, Oscar, Tennoji, Nakao, Kayashima, etc... there is such an eccentric cast of characters, that it's hard not to be drawn in by all of them. And if nothing else, you can tell they had a lot of fun filming this. ^_^

Overall, I still feel that Taiwan's version did a better job of capturing the "heart" of the manga. It almost felt that the Japanese producers were afraid to really embrace the concept, so had to continuously put up disclaimers of how insanely unreal this scenario is . . . when they should have just accepted it, and stopped whining.

A prime example is Makino's motivations for entering the school. In the manga, she didn't HAVE a great reason (which for me, was always part of her zaniness and charm): she saw her idol had quit jumping, and joined his school in order to find out why. And yet here, they make her reasons seem almost *too* selfless and self-sacrificing: like she's a martyr, who has taken on the burden of her idol's accident squarely on her two shoulders *gag*. And I wouldn't have a problem with that . . . if they hadn't tried so blatantly to overcompensate. I mean, why even bother giving her a reason for such a crazy stunt, if you're just going to undermine it right away by saying "this is too extreme; it'll never happen"??

The beginning starts off as almost a straight-on joke: everything is nonsensical, and not meant to be taken seriously . . . but then, at certain parts, it'll change directions, and try to be dramatic and touching. And really, it was the dramatic and touching moments that really worked for me (despite my love for the insanity that was Oscar, lol). Episode 12 was really well done, and made me feel for all the characters . . . but then, you place that besides scenes from earlier episodes (the treasure hunt) and it's like two different shows mashed together. I'm still not sure what the point of the special episode was . . . other than to rework episode 7 and 12 in a slightly different ways, while showcasing Nakatsu's popularity.

I REALLY wish they had stuck with the manga ending for the special: have Sano move to America to be with Mizuki (something he hinted at in Episode 12, but went nowhere). And then have them return to Japan together to attend their friend's marriage.

I guess my main gripe, is that I wish this had been a bit more like Nodame Cantabile: In that drama, they KNEW their story was insane, and their characters unhinged... but you could feel the care that went into them, and that, beneath it all, they were still humans with flaws and fears. (Plus, it didn't hurt that all of the actors were top-notch performers). In Hana Kimi (Japan) it just felt like something was missing. Like everything was a bit half-assed in the beginning, and at the end, they *finally* decided to get serious. When all was said and done, all I could think was:

This drama was good . . . but it wasn't *that* good.

The acting was decent . . . but it could have been better.

The story was funny . . . but some plot-lines were stupid and redundant.

The romance was sweet . . . but slow . . . and ultimately, I found myself rooting for the doomed pair.

I can understand the appeal of this drama (it's one of my favorite mangas, after all). But I admit to being a bit dumbfounded by its popularity: I can't see it even comparing to Hana Yori Dango, or Nodame. And as an adaptation, it falls very short of its Taiwanese counterpart . . . especially in regards to the romance and love triangle.

For me, Toma's version of Nakatsu is what drew me to this series . . . so I'll definitely be checking out more of his dramas in the future.

And I know I might have been a bit harsh with this drama... but I really did enjoy it. It was a nice distraction while I waited for Liar Game 2 to begin, and for new episodes of You're Beautiful and Iris to air. I actually do think a lot of people will like it . . . however, try and look past its source-material, and enjoy it for what it is: a nonsensical bit of fun, that doesn't bother to take itself too seriously. ^_^

In its defense, I would have given it 4 stars, if I hadn't had the manga and the Taiwanese drama to compare it against. So, if you're going to read the manga, read it after watching the drama . . . it'll make the changes less difficult to bear.

Shining Inheritance (28 Episodes)

2009-10-17T08:29:00.037-06:00

EPISODE 01-28

((summary taken from dramawiki, edited by me))

Brilliant Legacy / 인생은 아름다워 / Chanranhan Yusan

Go Eun Sung's life is similar to Cinderella's. After her father died, her step-mother took away all of her assets, and her Autistic younger brother, Eun Woo, suddenly disappears without a trace. Despite this, Eun Sung preservers and works really hard to fulfill her dreams. When the rich CEO of a food company suffers amnesia and can't remember who she is, Eun Sung takes her in and cares for her.

However, Eun Sung doesn't know that she's the grandmother of Sun Woo Hwan, a man she's constantly clashed with . . . or that Hwan is the man her step-sister loves. Will the two be able to put aside their bickering long enough to realize how they truly feel about one another? Or will they remain enemies till the very end?

(Shining Inheritance had an average rating of 30% during its run, and because of its success, was given a two episode extension. And Han Hyo Joo and Lee Seung Ki both received Hot Drama Star Awards at the 2009 MNET 20s Choice Awards.)

Download: Jdramas at Livejournal , SilentRegrets
Watch Online: DramaFever , MySoju , DramaCrazy

My Rating:

This was a fantastic drama. Even three months later, I'm still surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The romance, pacing, music, drama, acting . . . it was all top notch. Looking back, I have trouble thinking of even one flaw (though I'm sure there were some).

Actually, if I had one complaint, I'd say that it's the fact that the romance took so long to really get going (I couldn't even make a decent music video until 17-18 episodes in). However, it's a small gripe, because the story was still engaging without it, and the impact wouldn't have been as great if the fantastic build-up hadn't been there. Still, waiting for any actual progress as it aired was a royal pain, lol. Though when it finally happened, it made it that much sweeter. ^_^

One thing I really enjoyed was getting to watch the characters change and mature throughout the series, Hwan in particular. At the beginning, he's a spoiled, immature, stuck-up brat, who's nearly impossible to like. However, he gets 28 episodes worth of growth, and we get to see the entire process as it happens . . . by the end, it's impossible not to fall for him. It's like he's an entirely different person. Yet the change is believable and well earned--all the more so, because we were there to see it happen from beginning to end.

Also, any fan of fairy tales (or Cinderella in particular) will enjoy the modern twists to the story. (And honestly, who DOESN'T want to see the evil-stepmother "get hers" in the end?!) Just knowing it was coming eventually, made it all the more satisfying to watch. And Eun Sung was SO likable, it was hard not to cheer for her. She was a strong, sympathetic heroine; kind and trusting (but not naively so). She seemed like a really good person, and one I wouldn't mind befriending in the real world (loyal to her friends, but not afraid to smack them upside the head for saying/doing something stupid). Actually, she was the way I wanted the character Jandi from Boys Over Flowers to be more like. (Willing to stand up for herself--not constantly in need of saving or comfort). Eun Sung went through hell--and she became a stronger person because of it. Plus, she could pull off the "cute and adorable" vibe just as easily as the tear-driven, angsty, "woe is me, my life sucks" AND make them both believable. Besides, she was consistent, something Jandi was not.

Thankfully, the writer of THIS drama knew what she was doing.

I really appreciated how the drama didn't seem to drag. I thought it was very well paced, and did a great job of making the predictable unpredictable (even with the title, I never saw the twist with the grandmother coming, lol). And sure, the main story may be familiar (evil step mother, love quadrangle, family obligation, etc, etc), the way it was executed was not. Honestly, from the very beginning, I was hooked--I even liked the characters that threatened my beloved OTP: The chemistry between all four of them was fantastic.

Also, the emphasis on family love was really touching, especially the bond between Eun Sung, her brother, and her father . . . I like how the grandmother connects to all of them (she really does seem like a fairy-godmother, doesn't she?). For once, it wasn't just the romance that drove this drama, but a combination of many different elements, all of which were woven naturally into the story and fit together perfectly.

I loved it, and I think most people out there will love it too. Unless, of course, you have no soul. =p

The Quiz Show (Season 1)

2009-08-16T09:55:00.021-06:00

EPISODE 01-12

((summary taken from dramawiki))

ザ・クイズショウ / The Quiz Show

The Quiz Show features tormented characters in twelve episodes, with one common thread – the mysterious relationship between the deviant Producer and enigmatic Host of The Quiz Show. The Producer and the Host are both introduced in each episode in a dark asylum, the Producer looking put-together and strong, the Host, ill-looking and without his memory. This short opening flashes into the dream-like set of “The Quiz Show.” Each week a new contestant comes to play on the game show – little do they know that a dark secret deep within their past will be tested throughout the game.

Each contestant highlights one of the Seven Deadly Sins – pride, gluttony, wrath, greed, sloth, lust and envy. They hide their public image behind an unforgivable sin they have committed. As they are asked questions from the Host, seven questions in total, the contestants are slowly forced to reveal details of their sins – will they lie under the pressure, or will the truth of their irrepressible acts set them free?

Download: Jdramas at Livejournal , SilentRegrets
Watch Online: MySoju , DramaCrazy

My Rating:

Since Galileo fell below expectations, I was determined to find something more Liar Game-esque, rather than searching for something that combined Trick AND Liar Game. Luckily, I discovered The Quiz Show.

It was exactly what I was looking for.

I was hooked within minutes. There aren't many shows that introduce a main character by showing him in a stark white room, obviously disturbed -- only to show him later that day as a lively, energetic game-show host. I'm still not sure if he was in some kind of insane asylum, or a hospital -- but the whole idea was really intriguing. I loved how he'd still be "out of it" seconds until the show went on air. At that moment, it was like some light switched on, and he was a completely different person.

For some odd reason, he kind of reminded me of Brook, the afro-music loving-skeleton from One Piece.

This series had everything I loved: quirky characters, an engaging plot, mystery/suspense, lots of unexpected twists. I loved the guy who played the host... it was fun watching his personality shift and change, and watching the mystery be revealed, piece by piece. And since each episode was only a half-hour, time really flew by. Every scene seemed important and necessary for the plot, so there was no dragging, no random scenes. It was a tightly scripted show.

I actually saw the first two episodes of Season 2 before watching all of Season 1 (Season 2 features a different cast and contestants). However, I was surprised by how closely Season 2 resembles Season 1. Honestly, it was more like watching a remake -- not a continuation of a popular series. Even though there were different contestants, their occupations and/or wishes are so similar it was ridiculous. That's not to say they didn't change anything. Instead of having the host be at odds with the producer, they changed it to the director -- and the contestants are no longer content to sit there and be interrogated, forcing the crew to keep convincing/tricking them to return. Of course, only 2 episodes have aired at the time of this review, so maybe it'll pick up.

But right now, it's like watching Season 1 all over again, but with a different cast (I'll admit, I do have a soft-spot for Arashi, so enjoyed seeing Sho in the position of host). However, the changes are just too insignificant to matter.

Here are some of the similarities:

SPOILERS

~Begins in an insane asylum
~Game Show host suffers from memory lost
~Contestants connected to his past

~Season 1, Contestant 1: washed up musician, accused of murdering his manager
~Season 2, Contestant 1: washed up musician, accused of murdering his bandmate

~Season 1, Contestant 2: aspiring manga-artist, gave up her dream because her boyfriend died, wishes to get her manga published
~Season 2, Contestant 2: popular writer, reveals she didn't really write those books, wants to get her own book published

END OF SPOILERS

It's an exciting drama, but I think it's something you need to watch for yourself. Though if you liked Liar Game, I think you'll like this one too. I plan to watch all of Season 2 when it's done airing... hopefully, they include enough interesting twists.

Galileo (10 Episodes + Movie)

2009-08-16T07:31:00.111-06:00

EPISODE 01-10
Movie: Suspect X

((summary taken from wikipedia))

Galileo / ガリレオ

Kaoru Utsumi, a rookie detective who has just been reassigned to the criminal division, finds her investigation of her first murder case stalled by the seemingly supernatural phenomenons surrounding the event. She seeks help from Shunpei Kusanagi, a senior detective at the police headquarter, who introduces her to his college buddy and an associate professor at Teito University, Manabu Yukawa.

Yukawa is a tall, handsome, brilliant but eccentric scientist who is interested in nothing but physics, while Utsumi is a hot-blooded detective with a strong sense of justice. Together, the odd pair solves many difficult and seemingly impossible crimes with their individual talents.

(The drama is based on a novel series by Higashino Keigo, who won the prestigious Naoki Prize in 2006. Fukuyama Masaharu also wrote the music and lyrics for the theme song.)

Cast: Fukuyama Masaharu, Shibasaki Kou, Kitamura Kazuki
Genre: Mystery, Crime, Detective
Theme song: KISS Shite by KOH+

TV RATING: 3.5 stars
MOVIE RATING: 4.5 stars

(Sorry, for some reason the icon I normally use is screwing the template up on this post, so I had to go without.)

I originally watched Galileo because I read on a forum that it was a lot like Trick and Liar Game, two of my favorite Japanese dramas. Well, it was nothing like Liar Game... but I could see some obvious similarities to Trick. However, for me, it just didn't hold the same appeal.

I really liked Yukawa-sensei: A young, handsome, genius physicist who doesn't believe in supernatural phenomenon. Several of his "trademarks" however, seemed a little too contrived. Like, his tendency to work out a huge pointless equation with ridiculous urgency whenever he's made a break through; the way he's very precise in placing a hand over the bridge of his nose, fingers splayed, one he's done; how he ALWAYS has to tell Detective Uehara to do her job (because she's obviously incompetent). He was an interesting enough character on his own -- he didn't need the silly gimmicks.

As for Detective Uehara... I could take her or leave her. I found her a pretty standard character, without anything to really seperate her from the female-cop variety in past dramas. And seriously... she wasn't even much of a cop. I mean, what cop looks at 3 different causes of death, and DOESN'T notice that they were all killed in water?! I wish they had made her semi-intelligent and not so completely reliant on Uehara.

As for the cases, honestly, they were kind of boring and repetitive. Most of them followed a similar pattern (seeing something suspicious before the crime was committed; a witness seeing something they couldn't possibly have seen). The only things different were the ways they proved how the crime was committed. And seriously, most criminals are way too stupid to try such outlandish methods. They'd ALL need to be physicists to pull it off. And not all of them were.

The movie, however was WONDERFUL. Probably because they FINALLY focused on developing the characters . . . especially the villain, who was sympathetic and interesting. Plus, they didn't use a lot of the silly tricks they did in the series (and thankfully) Professor Yukawa was missing all his stupid signature moves, the same ones I complained had bogged down the series. The absence of them in the movie, just seems to reinforce how pointless and unnecessary they truly were!

But even with the absence of the useless gimmicks, I REALLY loved all the twists that went along with the plot, and how they made us care for the suspects. The plot and characters really seemed movie-specific, and didn't come off as some cheap tv-series knock-off. The "trick" was clever and new, and I didn't feel like I was watching something I'd already seen before (which was one of the dramas main faults).

Really, this movie was everything I wish the series had been. Honestly, I don't know if I could recommend this drama to just anyone. But the movie . . . definitely.

Koukou Debut (MANGA)

2009-04-06T03:41:00.059-06:00

13 Volumes - 52 Chapters

((summary taken from wikipedia & onemanga.com))

Koukou Debut / 高校デビュー / High School Debut

Haruna Nagashima devoted all her time and energy to softball in middle school, and now that she's made her high school debut she's decided to give her all to a new goal: Getting a boyfriend and falling in love. However, she has one small problem. Since she never paid any attention to fashion in middle school she has no idea how to go about attracting a boyfriend. A chance encounter with Yoh Komiyama, a handsome and popular boy from her school, provides her with the opportunity she needs. If he coaches her on how to become attractive, surely she can find herself a boyfriend! Due to Haruna's persistence, Yoh eventually agrees to coach her, but only on one condition: if she promises not to fall in love with him.

A one-chapter short story called "Enren Debut" ("Long-Distance Love Debut") was released soon after the manga finished it's run. It takes place shortly before Koukou Debut's original ending.

Author/Artist: Kawahara Kazune
Genre: Comedy, romance, school life, shoujo
Status: Complete, August 2008

My Rating:

High School Debut is easy to love. The main character, Haruna, is adorable and endearing, while Yoh is cool, quiet and surprisingly sweet. The plot may sound predictable and overused, but the characters are so entertaining and fun, that the 52 chapters fly by before you even realize that you're almost at the end.

And sure, you can tell what's going to happen just by reading the description... but here, part of the fun is seeing how the characters get there, not whether or not they do. And honestly, I loved how it wasn't all about drama and angst. Even when you think the drama is building, that misery is on its heels... it would go out with a whimper, and be all the more hilarious (and sweet) because of it. Really, many of the problems these characters face are all in their heads: its a result of their own poor choices, and a tendency to make mountains out of molehills. In the end, it's a nice reminder that sometimes the biggest impediment to a relationship isn't incurable diseases, back-stabbing friends, and crazy exes... but your own insecurities and fears.

I LOVED Haruna's character. Sure, she may be a tough tomboy with no fashion sense... but she's loyal, optimistic, funny, naive, and sweet. That's one reason why I loved the ending so much (though I know some people complained about it). For me, it summed up everything Kawahara Kazune was trying to say: That no matter what your flaws, there's someone out there who will love you despite them, and that it's okay to be yourself.

What I loved most about Haruna and Yoh's relationship, is that Yoh was able to love Haruna for who she was, horrible clothes and all. He didn't care if she looked weird or scary while pitching; he admired her perseverance and her good heart. Because of her, he was able to open up to people and become a better person. They each compliment the other perfectly.

Besides, Haruna doesn't need to know how to dress herself. She'll always have Yoh to help her. ^_^

On a personal level, one thing I really loved about this manga, was that it made me feel really nostalgic: It reminded me of series from the past, like Kodomo No Omocha, Marmalade Boy, Peach Girl, Imadoki, Hana Kimi. All series that I read online, and loved so much that I actually went out and bought the entire series--something I intend to do with High School Debut when the official translations are finally released.

For me, I loved this.

Boys Before Flowers (25 Episodes)

2009-04-01T06:34:00.042-06:00

EPISODE 01-25

((summary taken from aznv.tv and wikipedia))

Boys Before Flowers / 꽃보다 남자 / Boys Over Flowers / Kgotboda Namja

Geum Jan Di is an average girl who is admitted to the prestigious Shinhwa High School after stopping a bullied student from committing suicide. Once there, she learns that the school is run by a group of rich and good-looking boys called "F4" (Flower 4) who seem to enjoy humiliating and tormenting others. If someone opposes them, they're issued a red card in their locker and become the target of bullying by the entire student body.

When Jan Di's friend, Oh Min Ji, accidentally gets ice cream on the leader of the F4's shoes, Jan Di sticks up for her and ends up receiving a red card herself. Soon after, she declares war on the leader of F4, Goo Jun Pyo.

((This is the Korean drama adaptation of the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango. It is the equivalent of Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden and Japan's Hana Yori Dango. This is the third televised version to air.))

Directed by: Jun Ki Sang
Cast: Koo Hye Sun, Lee Min Ho, Kim Hyun Joong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon

My Rating:

I've always been a fan of Hana Yori Dango, no matter what form it took: I fell in love with the manga, enjoyed the anime, and adored both the Taiwanese and Japanese live-action versions. In fact, Meteor Garden was the second drama I ever watched and is ultimately what got me hooked on Asian dramas. So needless to say, I went into Korea's recent adaptation expecting to enjoy it. I mean, how could they screw up a drama when the script and plot are basically handed to you on a silver platter...?

Unfortunately, the writer of Boys Over Flowers found a way.

I'm not saying the drama itself was particularly bad: There were parts of it I enjoyed a great deal. But as far as adaptations go, I found this version to be sorely lacking. Here's why.

First, the characters.

Geum Jan Di/Makino Tsukushi: In adaptations, some changes are acceptable and understandable given the right context (I love how they gave Jan Di a passion for swimming) but one thing that should be required is consistency. Here, there was none. One moment Jan Di would be the kick-ass, no-nonsense girl I looked up to in the manga--and the next, she'd be a weepy, whiny, damsel in distress. It's like she'd lose her backbone for 2 or 3 episodes, and then suddenly grow it back.

One important characteristic of the original Makino that I missed was her initial reluctance to fall in love with Domyouji. In BBF, Jan Di seems to fall in love with him almost immediately (even if she doesn't realize it because of her confused feelings for Ji Hoo). Part of what I loved about Meteor Garden, was the subtle and natural way their relationship progressed. It takes Shan Cai almost an entire season to even admit that she likes him. In BBF, they rush the romance to get to the angst, and then drag it for all its worth.
In the end, I had the same questions Jan Di did: what DID Jun Pyo see in her?

In the other versions, that question never once crossed my mind--it just seemed so obvious. Here, I wasn't so sure. I felt like Jan Di and Jun Pyo could've both found someone else and been fine, just like Jun Pyo's sister Joon Hee. They may think back on it with regret, but I think they could have found happiness with someone else if they had to.
For me, what it came down to was that Jan Di didn't have the same "Makino" vibe like the other adaptations had. And I can't even blame the actress... she could look cute and tough, while still looking vulnerable and sad. It's just the way the character was written that made her seem so inconsistent: I really wish they had kept her assertive like in the first couple of episodes, and not so wishy-washy and dubious towards the end.

Goo Jun Pyo/Domyouji Tsukasa: Jun Pyo was the same way. His character was much more consistent than Jan Di's... but they toned his personality down so much in the Korean version, that they took away a lot of what made his character so appealing in the first place. The main thing I loved about Hana Yori Dango, was watching Domyouji--the cold, violent, poessessive plutocrat--find love, and allowing that love to change him into a better (and happier) person. Honestly, here, that change wasn't a huge leap. He's a little less stupid, a LOT less violent, his unwavering devotion to Jan Di is a lot less overpowering... and honestly, he didn't seem any worse than the other F3. It was easy to love him: most of the time, he came off like a harmless dog barking behind a fence. Jan Di would've seemed strange if she hadn't swooned over him.
The saving grace was that Lee Min Ho is an AMAZING actor, and he really made you care about Jun Pyo . But again, I wonder how much more amazing this drama would have been had Jun Pyo been a little more like the character he's based upon.

Yoon Ji Hoo/Hanazawa Rui: I know that many people will disagree with me on this point, and that I'm probably exaggerating things... but since this is my own personal review, I figured I might as well call it like I see it: His character annoyed the crap out of me! Somehow, throughout the course of the series, he ended up becoming much more important than he was supposed to be. It's like the writer took his character and gave him a freaking halo. And what was with the random musical performances scattered throughout the episodes? I know Ji Hoo's actor is actually a singer, and that in the manga he plays the violin, but it got really annoying after awhile, especially since they placed such an emphasis on it: There would be a problem, and Ji Hoo's solution would be to grab his guitar/violin/piano and strum a tune. Yes, music soothes the soul, but seriously!
But what bothered me the most was how they turned him into Jan Di's personal savior. If she was upset, he was there. If she was depressed, here comes Ji Hoo. If she wanted to be alone, here's Ji Hoo sitting near by, just in case she needs a tissue.
MAKINO IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE THAT WEAK.
And I never could understand why they placed such an emphasis on the Jun Pyo/Jan Di/Ji Hoo love triangle in the first place. Honestly, there are enough outside forces to move the plot along without it, especially when its already been done, and we know the outcome. I would have preferred that they focus more on Jun Pyo trying to win over Jan Di; on Jan Di fighting against her feelings for Jun Pyo; of them fighting together against his mother; etc, etc.
I'm almost positive that the writer had some huge crush on Rui and was a Rui/Makino shipper. Why else would she include so many pointless scenes of them "together" that are usually only found between canon couples in Korean dramas. It's like she broke every rule in the book, just so she could fulfill her stupid Makino/Rui fantasies. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if there were more JH/JD scenes than there were of JP/JD.

On the other hand, I did enjoy his back story, and like how they gave his character some purpose and depth... in the manga and OTHER dramas, I always felt bad for him. At least, here they gave him something, even if it wasn't a mutual romance.

If you couldn't tell by now, my biggest complaint was with the script and the writer. As a hard-core Domyouji/Makino shipper... I am still furious at the way she handled their romance. From episode 18-22 the story drags like crazy, and emphasis is given to the alternate pairings (Rui/Makino and Domyouji/Shigeru). At this point, I was seriously afraid the writer had gone crazy and forgot who the canon couple was supposed to be... it was ridiculous and unnecessary, and could have been used in a much better way than it was. The fiancee arc dragged for much too long. In every other version, I like Rui and Shigeru, even when they threatened my beloved canon... but in Boys Before Flowers, I started to despise them both and just wanted them off the screen.
Luckily, the scenes with Jun Pyo and Jan Di were all perfect--it's the only reason I really stuck with this drama till the end. The two had amazing chemistry, and every scene they shot together was very sweet (even if their story was mishandled). If the script had given them something more to work with, it would have been wonderful.
This drama's saving grace was its ending. Honestly, if they had tried to end it any other way, I would have given this drama a 1 and cursed the writer and PD for life. Thankfully, the final two episodes brought back a lot of what was missing from the middle episodes; it was like a return to the original story, with our beloved characters actually acting like themselves. It was refreshing and made me forgive most of the travesty that was the horrible second half (even if it didn't make me forget). Plus, I loved how they resolved the Soujiro/Yuki storyline. And the location shots were really breathtaking.

In conclusion: strong actors and great location shots are great, but if it doesn't have a strong script to back it up, I get lost and frustrated pretty easily. For a regular drama, I'd say this was entertaining and a good way to waste some hours. But as an adaptation for a popular manga series... it left a lot to be desired.

PD Kim, and horrible writer: MAJOR FAIL.
Everyone else: you did great.

Suicide Club/ Sucide Circle

2009-01-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

Warning: This is NOT your typical horror film. Suicide Club is disturbing, thought-provoking, and not for the casual movie-goer or thrill-seeker: If you go into this expecting to be frightened or constantly jumping out of your seat, you're bound to be disappointed. And confused. Both of which are terrible combinations.

This review is basically an attempt to clear up some misconceptions, confusion, and general questions viewers may have experienced after watching this film. I don't claim to be an expert--FAR FROM IT--but since this is one of my favorite Japanese horror films, I wanted to at least attempt to explain what it is about this movie that I find so engaging. I really think its one of those movies that deserves (and probably needs) a second look. Without it, many people have a tendency to process what's only on the surface, and miss what the director is truly trying to say--about Japan, technology, suicide, and society in general.

So from here on out, spoilers will be unavoidable.

Download: MyAsianCinema , SilentRegrets , AM-Addiction
Watch Online: Aznv.TV , DramaCrazy

My Rating:

Small Disclaimer: I'm not brilliant enough to have gleaned all of this information myself. Some of it is from my own personal interpretations, while other theories are what I've gathered from various sites on the web (via forums, reviews, comments, general discussions, etc). If you disagree with any of these points, feel free to leave a tasteful comment, or hit the back-button. Personally, I don't think there's one "correct" interpretation for ANYTHING that appears in this movie: I think each scene and/or character can be understood in many different ways. Ultimately, the way you choose to view it is entirely up to you.

Now let's get started.

Two quick facts you should probably know about Japan that will make understanding this film that much easier.

First of all, Japan is very well known for having a high suicide rate: Out of all industrialized society, Japan tops among the highest (in 2006, it was rated 9th in the world). The problem became so troubling that the government even released a "nine-step plan" in 2007 to help combat the problem (wikipedia).

Even in Japan's colorful past, suicide was not uncommon: the practice is ingrained into the very culture itself. Dating back to the samurai, it was once considered an honorable way to die, and was carried out in a ritualistic fashion (seppuku/harakiri). But even more interesting is a form of suicide known as funishi (憤死, indignation death), a method of self-annihilation that was used to express dissatisfaction or protest in the past (wikipedia).

The point is, there can be many different motivations behind the act itself. When watching Suicide Club, it's important to take this into consideration: what is motivating the people in this movie? Is it simply a form of brainwashing? An evil plot orchestrated by singing delinquents? Or is more going on here than meets the eye. . .?

Personally, I tend to lean towards the latter.

Fact number 2: compared to the West, Japan's mindset is very group-oriented, not individualized like here in in the US: "Human fulfillment comes from close association with others . . . they are part of an interdependent society, beginning in the family and later extending to larger groups such as neighborhood, school, playground, community, and company; dependence on others is a natural part of the human condition" (wikipedia).

In the East, importance is placed on the "we" not so much the "me". However, there is a generation gap that has been steadily growing in Japan, as more and more of the country finds itself getting swept up in the culture of the West, leaving behind the values and beliefs that were once important in sustaining the country.

I'm generalizing these issues of course, but viewing these basic principles through the lens of the film, may help in understanding the tension between the two cultures, and how the West has impacted the basic structure of Japan; particularly in regards to its youth.

Ultimately what this movie is trying to do is to show Japan's deteriorating sense of "self": In its own identity, in the lack of communication and connection among its citizens, and the role technology, the West, and adults have (and will continue to play) in its deterioration. Genesis, and what he symbolizes, is an example of one of the things Sono Sion feels is to blame for the current unsavory 'trends' in his country. . .

It may seem that the West has a natural ability to "connect" with oneself, since it's practically what our entire society is build-upon. However, in Suicide Club, this connection is depicted as undesirable and unnatural: something that can arguably be seen in Genesis and his den of pleasures. Consider the setting and the music: a bowling alley, a rock song, and a strong allusion to the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

These are indicative of influences from the West, all of which are the setting for one of the most disturbing and terrible scenes in the entire film. And yet, Genesis is a prime example of someone who IS connected to themselves--to a horrifying, alarming level. He is the extreme, and evidence of what can happen when one takes that connection too far. He is so out of touch with society, that all he cares about is fame and creating social upheaval. He uses the anonymity of the internet to find victims, while promoting his own twisted version of the "suicide club"--taking credit for something he really had no hand in beginning.

Of course, the West isn't the only thing to blame. Part of the problem is technology.

Dessert's song, Mail Me, addresses this concern in a clever way--citing the problem, but candy-coating it within in the lyrics of a sugary pop-song (the spelling of the name Dessart is no accident). People have become so dependent on technology, that they've started losing that connection within themselves: rather than speak face-to-face, they converse using email, phones, computers, faxes. . . this problem is really exemplified with Kuroda and his family.

From the very beginning, we're shown just how out of touch with his children Kuroda's become: the only interaction he has with them throughout the entire film is through the internet site his son finds in relation to the suicides, and the performance of Dessert on television that his daughter watches at dinner. But these connections was artificial at best--he is so caught up in his work, that he doesn't even process the danger until it's too late (his son's tattoo, his daughter's blood soaked greeting). His entire family was able to connect to themselves and to each other, but he wasn't. In the end, he didn't sever his connection in any meaningful way--he did it in a moment of desperation, depression, and self-blame.

Interestingly enough, the nurses at the beginning were meant to symbolize this reliance on technology as well: In a scene that was cut, the missing nurse actually "faxes" herself using the fax-machine. But because of time restraints and the importance of Kuroda, it was deemed unnecessary and left out in the final version. (However, part of it can apparently be seen in some of the DVD trailer clips).

Another major contribution to the deterioration of Japan's sense of self, is in the form of its impressionable youth. In Japanese culture, children are considered very important to the growth and future of society (they even have a holiday dedicated to children: "childrens day"). Not to say that children aren't valued in other countries, but in Japan, the generation gap between the traditional adults, and the more "Westernized" youth is becoming a growing concern: it's addressed in the media, in literature, and reflected in society itself. "Most young Japanese are turned inward, focused upon themselves, their technological toys, and their clothes . . . parents seem willfully humorless and clueless about how to handle them" (Psychology Today, December 2009).

But that's not the only concern: the need to "follow the crowd" is more appealing than ever. Dessert's second song, Puzzle, addresses this very issue. It tells of the pressures people feel trying to "belong", and what can happen when they take that need to the extreme, looking for it in superficial ways, rather than creating meaningful bonds meant to last. Dessert makes it clear what it's in store for those trying to fit in forcefully . . . and the kids on the roof are the perfect example.

The suicide jump began as a joke, but when just one of them was serious, the rest were dragged right along for the ride. And really, isn't that often what happens with trends? People blindly follow the herd? Even the ones who initially let go, end up following through with it in the end (one of them is dragged to his death unwillingly). That's why there was no bag or roll of skin left behind. None of these students truly "connect" with themselves. Like Kuroda, they severed their connection falsely; perverting the idea of a "Suicide Club" to fit their own needs (much like Genesis tried to claim the idea as his own). They're part of the problem plaguing society, not a solution. It's just like the chief of police fears: if word got out about a suicide club, kids all over the country would be eager to join in--no matter how idiotic the notion. Togetherness and a sense of community is undeniably important, but the notion can be dangerous if taken too far (just like Genesis represents the extreme on the other side of the scale). Having a healthy balance then--with yourself, your family, your friends--is what's truly important.

Of course, the children aren't the ones truly to blame: according to Suicide Club, it's the adults who hold that honor. They're the clueless, the absent, the helpless--the ones who are compounding the problem, rather than seeking solutions. It's the children who are actually trying to FIX things . . . but can mass genocide truly solve anything? It's one answer (as morbid and disturbing as that seems) but we're given a hint that it's not the only one. . .

In the auditorium, the children make a big deal out of this one line: When rain dries, clouds form.

Midori no Saru made an interesting point in a forum I read: "Obviously it refers to the fact that what we see as misfortune or depression is really part of the process. When we enjoy dry weather it is because the cloud is forming in preparation for rain. All natural processes, including life itself, depend on instability to function. That instability creates a fluctuation that we depend on. So, sadness, misfortune, and even the economic situations that create misfortune (Japan has been going through a major economic depression for the last 10 years) are part of the processes that create happier times. Bad times and good times are two sides of the one essence, and both are needed for each to exist" (mandiapple.com).

Another interpretation, could be the literal one: Rain may dry up, but as long as there are clouds forming, rain can and will fall again (in it's own way, it's like a never-ending circle). If you look at it that way, then suicide can arguably be viewed in much the same way, especially considering that most Japanese believe in reincarnation, and follow the Buddhist or Shinto religions. Their "connections" may be gone, but they still survive on some plane of existence--perhaps in someone's memory, or in the thoughts of those they've left behind. It's the reason they were all able to leave so cheerfully--with a smile and a wave. Suicide, for them, wasn't the end. It was the beginning.

The song Genesis sings is actually very poignant in this sense, though he twists its meaning into something ugly for his own purposes: "Because the dead shine all night long" can alternatively mean that death has the ability to bring light and enlightenment even after someone's gone. Like Joan of Arc, if someone dies for a purpose, then their death isn't viewed as a waste--their intentions live on long after their gone. These suicides were not motivated out of selfish, or hopeless reasons. It was one way they sought to fix what was plaguing society--expounded by the connected skin that was left in their wake.

The pieces of skin sewn together are meant to signify society's attempt to reclaim what was lost--to finally reconnect. Whenever the bag was left, it was meant to represent those people who were able to make worthwhile connections--who came to terms with their own identities, and sought a solution. The children in the auditorium sum it up best: Everyone, in some way, is seeking a connection within themselves. The question then becomes: in what ways are you connected? And once you're aware of this connection, what do you do with it? Some repair it (Genesis is in DESPERATE need of this), others sever it (Kuroda, the cop, is very out of touch with himself and his family). Or some choose to sever the connection within themselves completely (the suicides).

And yet, the little boy is right: There is no Suicide Club. The girl-band Dessert exists in order to bring this connection to a person's consciousness; in essence, to wake people up. There are problems here, they're trying to tell them--and they're saying it in the only way people seem capable of listening. It's telling that their message was conveyed through the use of music, pop-culture, the internet, and the media--all of which are also to blame for society's current state. Like I mentioned earlier, if you listen to the lyrics in all of their songs, it explains what those problems are: "Mail Me"--technology, "Puzzle"--stress, peer pressure, fitting in, "Live As You Please"--people giving up; not living life to its fullest. Even the band itself is ambiguous: the spelling of its name is constantly changing with each song, revealing an underlying theme behind each pronunciation. "Dessart/Mail Me", "Dessret/Puzzle", "Dessert/Live"

(Dessert--something tasty, but bad for you; Desert--to abandon or leave, empty and barren; Dessret--death art/death threat).

However, what people choose to do with the knowledge Dessert gives them (if they choose to acknowledge it at all), and with their connections to themselves and others, is entirely their own choice. The suicides came about because people were seeking solutions in the only way they knew how: through death, by placing their hopes in the future. And yet, Dessert's final song addresses an alternate solution to the one people have been choosing: "live as you please". Make the most out of the life you're given--light yourself up with life, love, and memories.

That's why the ending at the subway is so significant: Mitsuko chooses to go on living, despite the fact that death, ultimately, is the quick and easy solution. Of course, living with this decision can be daunting (just look at her resigned expression after she boards the train). However, nobody said it would be easy. Dessert even addresses the problems facing this choice in their farewell song: "it may be a lot of work, but it's a lot of fun to." Mitsuko did have fun times with her boyfriend . . . we see this in the pictures he had in his room, in the quiet, subtle ways she remembers him . . .

And some day, she will have happy memories like those again. Like Dessert sings: "As we go, we'll forget the pain. We'll find life again." Just like all the others who choose to walk this path, the reward in the end will be worth it.

Hopefully the sacrifice of all those that came before have brought to the surface the fact that there *are* problems, and that, as a society, they can no longer turn a blind eye to them (like the captain of the police, who didn't even acknowledge that the suicides were a problem to begin with). Perhaps society will become more connected because of these tragedies and will begin valuing life, themselves, and their families once again. It's all about 'stopping to smell the roses' and not taking life for granted; of finding a balance--with yourself, and those around you.

And if 54 high school students jumping in front of a train isn't enough to get your attention . . . what is?

In conclusion: If you love a movie that will make you think and forces you to question everything it is you're watching, then I'm pretty confident that you'll enjoy this too. Just be prepared to be open-minded--then you won't be disappointed. ^_^

Theories

The coughing boy: (Kuroda receives a call several times from a young boy who coughs at the end of each sentence). As far as I can figure, this was another way to reinforce the lack of communication and understanding between adults and children. The coughs are intentional on the child's part (in the auditorium--if it is the same boy--he spoke clearly). So this could either be a symbolic gesture, meant to illustrate the halting/troubled relationship between Kuroda and his family, or to exemplify the difficulty people have in communicating in general. After all, this entire dialogue takes place over a phone, not face-to-face . . . which is essentially what Dessert is rallying against in the first place.

The "ghost" nurses: (When the night guard is patrolling the hospital, he sees the two ghost forms of the nurses). I think it might have something to do with the concept of people living on after their deaths--tying in the whole concept of what Genesis touches on in his death song, as well as the rain and cloud analogy the children later allude to. This is the impact the suicides are meant to have . . . that just because someone's "gone" doesn't mean they're forgotten. The dead literally shine all night long, leaving behind a message that lingers long after they're gone.

The Websites/The Bat: From what I can gather (pure conjecture on my part), the kids in the auditorium were also responsible for the website with the red and white dots: The internet was just another way for them to reach out, beyond the music and the media.

Besides, in a way, isn't the internet a mini-cult in its own right? It has its own culture and following--something The Bat is meant to represent (a culture, within a culture--where the disconnection runs so deep, that they can no longer be themselves, but make up fake names to hide behind). I think The Bat would have eventually figured out the truth behind the suicides, much like Mitsuko and Kuroda's son did . . . however, since she volunteered to help the police, Genesis kidnapped her before she could get that far.

Children/Bunnies (submitted by Eveline): On the surface, I think they were meant to signify innocence and rebirth, like Eveline stated in her original question. But even more than that, it's a direct juxtaposition for Genesis's actions in the bowling alley, when he put animals in bags, and stomped on them. In that instance, sacrifices were made with no regard for life (human, or otherwise), and personal fame/glory remained the sole motivator. And yet, on the children's "grand stage" chicks and animals roam freely, and the "sacrifice" is a willing participant who knows what he/she is giving up. They're motivated by a worthy, selfless cause (repairing society), and likewise, harbor no regrets.

Any other questions/comments/concerns? Leave a comment, and I'll be sure to add it here and take a stab at answering it. (I claim no accuracy though). ^_^

And tell me . . . do you think you're connected?

Lyrics

Mail Me
Mail me. Hurry and hit the send key.
Can't you see? I've waited patiently.
Mail me. To my phone or PC, I'm
ready to tell you that I'm standing by.
Mail me. I want to let you know that as
friends go, yours is the best hello.
Mail me. I'm sure you never knew, how I
feel about you, this is real, I need to...
...hear from you right now or I'll die.

Puzzle
The world is
The world is
A jigsaw puzzle.
Somewhere there's a fit for you,
A place where your
Puzzle piece belongs.
Don't fit you say?
Then make it so.
There's nowhere for my piece to go.
Find a place that lasts forever.
Perhaps I'd better say "so long."
WOAH!

Because the Dead
Time and time again
The sky is blue.
And yet it's strange how people
Seem to always fall in love.
An unfamiliar yellow dog
Keeps grinning as it
Tears us from the ones we love.
Because the dead
Because the death
Because the dead
Shine all night long.
I want to die
As beautifully as Joan of Arc
Inside a Bresson film.
Lesson one,
Apply the shaving cream
And smile as you then slowly
Slice away the heart.
Because the dead
Because the death
Because the dead
Shine all night long.
Feel the warmth of the spring rain
As it gently moistens down a cheek
That's streaked
With dried up tears.
A guiless boy but five years old
Stares blankly in the face of death
While the heart
Is cut and torn away.
Because the dead
Because the death
Because the dead
Shine all night long.
Sayonara
If a gentle melody
Rises to your ears,
Stop the world revolving
And let the music swell.
Someday we shall meet again,
So wipe away those tears.
Now it's time to bid you all
A pleasant farewell.
Now it's time to bid you all
A pleasant farewell.
Now it's time to say goodbye,
I hope you all are well.

Live As You Please
Little did we know,
how little do we ever really know.
Every day we're pressing the keys
That executes a million commands.
If only you would say exactly
What is on your mind,
And tell me how you really feel.
Maybe I can lend a helping hand.
Scary it's true
But loads of fun too.
To open up and feel the brand of life
for each and every one.
Light yourself with life.
Light yourself with love.
Light yourself with memories.
All it takes is just a little
Heart and courage on your part.
Turn around yourself and take it.
Once again right from the start.
Though you may feel
Out of touch at times,
Or fear an evil spell
Has your life in hand.
If by some chance, you share
The feelings that I have for you
Come occupy the chasm of my heart.
Together we can
Shed light on the dark.
Scary it's true
But we'll be happy, too.
Now do you really want
To say goodbye
And leave me high and dry?
Light yourself with life.
Light yourself with love.
Light yourself with memories.
As we go, we'll forget the pain
We'll find life again.
As we go, we'll forget the pain
We'll find life again.

My Mighty Princess

2008-12-01T06:30:00.027-07:00

((summary taken from azntv))

무림여대생 / Murim yeodaesaeng

Hailing from a celebrated martial arts family, So Hui (Shin Min Ah) is the darling of the martial arts community with her superhuman strength and high-flying prowess. But being a martial arts prodigy isn't much help when it comes to getting handsome brooding hockey player Jun Mo (Yoo Gun) to notice her.

Much to the dismay of her father (Choi Jae Seong) and longtime friend Il Young (Ohn Joo Wan), So Hui decides to quit martial arts and join the college hockey team. While So Hui's pining after Jun Mo who's pining after an older woman, fighting breaks out in the martial arts community as a decades-long conflict comes to a head. So Hui may be the only person who can subdue the evil Black Tiger and solve the mystery surrounding the strife.

My Sassy Girl director Kwak Jae Yong strikes again with the delightful romantic action comedy. Taking Kwak's sassy-heroine formula to another level with Hong Kong-style wirework, My Mighty Princess delivers action, laughter, and pure popcorn entertainment.

Directed by: Jae-young Kwak
Cast: Min-a Shin, Ju-wan On, Geon Yu

My Rating:

I'm a huge fan of martial arts comedies (as any fan of Ranma 1/2 can tell you), so of course I loved this (enter slight bias here). The martial arts were awesome, and I liked the originality of the plot (and it had very cool stunt work and special effects). I especially liked the big battle at the end, as well as the first big fight with the four older "masters." Of course it wasn't perfect... but I'll address the biggest problem I had with it later (and I bet it's not what you're expecting).

First, I really liked how they combined the ancient with the modern. At first, I was a little uncertain what time-period this was supposed to be set in (with the flashbacks to ideal Wuxia-land--or where ever that place was) but eventually I grew to like the uncertainty. It made me feel like I was watching a classic martial arts film, with dashes of modernity thrown in for fun (though I'm sure I'm alone in this opinion, lol). Plus, I like how it highlighted the tension between tradition and youthful rebellion, and how people are still naturally drawn to the conventions of custom, no matter how much they try to escape it. That's what I personally really liked about the ending... it brings our main characters back to the beginning, and forces them to confront what they've been fighting against all along (though, really, they didn't put up that much of a fight, haha).

However, I wish it hadn't come quite so late into the film.

In the end it would have been nice to see how the incident at the end changes the characters and forces them to grow... but unfortunately we're shown very little of the aftereffects of the battle. I would love to see a sequel, but I'm sure that's not going to happen seeing as how this took about 2 1/2 years just to come out.

Oddly enough, the one thing that prevented me from giving this five stars was the love triangle.

As much as I loved her friend Il Young, I don't like how they made his character seem so goofy, and well, fruity. I actually thought he was supposed to be her gay best friend... though it was probably my own mistake. He was hilarious and cute, but because of my aforementioned assumption, I never pictured him as a serious contender for So Hui's affections. Plus, he seems more interested in motorcycles and being used as comic fodder--not as possible relationship material. And I know how the goofy-best friend thing works (I LOVE Love At First Fight) so I'm not sure if it was just because of the actor playing him or what, but there you go...

Il Young's intentions become clear much too late, so I found it hard to forget my first impressions and completely get behind them as a couple... which is sad, because I couldn't really see her with the hockey player either. However, many of my favorite parts in the movie came through Il-Young's actions (doing laundry, trying to climb up the building, "camouflage"). Plus, he was cute. It seemed like they didn't quite know what to do with his character though (unlike the other main characters). His revelation at the end (and his transformation into an awesome bad-ass who could kick butt) should have come sooner. If we'd been introduced to him doing something martial-artsy, my opinion might have been different. Plus I liked him better with short hair (but that's just me being difficult). Still, he was hilarious.

As for the main character: I really like Shin Mi-Na's portrayal of So Hui. She could do the cute, innocent boy-crazy stalker to perfection AND throw a punch and handle a sword like no other. Actually, I don't think there's a movie or drama she's been in that I haven't liked. She's one of my favorite Korean actresses (which is pretty impressive when you consider all the Korean actresses I don't like, lol). I LOVED her character.

Bottom line: if you like martial arts-oriented comedies, then you'll love this. I did. Just remind yourself that Il Young actually likes her, and you should clear the hurdle I stumbled over quite easily. ^_^

Yi San (77 Episodes)

2008-11-19T10:28:00.088-07:00

EPISODE 01-77

((summary taken from wikipedia))

이산-정조대왕 (李祘-正祖大王) / Yi San - King Jeong Jo

Yi San dramatizes the life of Korea's King Jeong Jo, the 22nd ruler of the Joeson Dynasty. Jeong Jo is remembered in Korean history for his sympathy with the plight of the common man.

It begins in Jeong Jo's early years, when he befriends two children working in the Palace (Sung Song Yeon and Dae Su). However, due to corruption in the government, the two are expelled from their positions and forced to flee.

Years later, they are finally reunited with Jeong Jo, whose position as Crown Prince is constantly being threatened by palace intrigue. As for his love life: Jeong Jo falls in love with his childhood friend Song Yeon, who is the daughter of a deceased artist, and not of noble birth.

While the show does deviate from the historical record in a number of ways, it's representation of court life during the Joseon Dynasty appears to be based on contemporary sources.

Cast: Lee Seo Jin, Han Ji Min, Park Eun Hye, Lee Jong Soo, Lee Soon Jae, Kyun Mi Ri, Sung Hyun Ah, Kim Yeo Jin, Lee Ip Sae, Ji Sang Ryul
Directed by: Kim Geun-Hong, Lee Byeong-Hoon

My Rating:

I feel a little guilty only giving this ambitious drama 4 stars... but when I compared it to other series of its kind (Damo, Jewel in the Palace) I just couldn't bring myself to give it higher.

The problem I had with Yi San is an obvious one: it's 77 episodes, and it feels like it.

They could have easily cut this series in half if they wanted in (or at least stopped before 60). I think I even read someplace that it initially had less episodes, but kept getting extended because of its popularity. If that was the case, I'd be curious to see how much better it would have been had they stuck to their original number of intended episodes.

My problem? It was the exact same thing over and over again, only with a different "threat" each time: Evil people plan to assasinate the prince, prince is saved, evil people plan to discredit the prince, prince is discredited for an episode, prince is proven innocent soon after, prince then discredits one of the evil people; repeat cycle (except later, prince becomes king).

It was like watching a little kid stick their hand in a fire. They get burned, but insist on doing it again, and again, and again... and rather than getting punished, they just keep getting their hand slapped and learn nothing. You'd think they'd learn after the third or fourth time... but noooo.

But everything else was terrific: the setting, the costumes, the acting, directing, and music.

I love the actors they chose for the kids. Once they became adults, I could still see the kids through the actions and mannerisms of the adults: Dae Su and Jeong Ju especially. There were certain looks they'd get that would just SCREAM their younger counterparts, and I was amazed at how similar they became. It really was like I was watching them as grownups, not just actors. And that doesn't happen very often for me, so I really appreciated that.

And strangely enough, my favorite character ended up being a side-character, Hong Gook Young. He was just awesome. I'm not sure why I ended up liking him so much... but I did. Even more so than Yi San and Dae Su for some reason (Though Dae Su was second).

So in conclusion: only watch Yi San if you're a fan of period dramas, or a huge follower of one of the main actors. If you're not a fan of really long series that tend to drag and repeat, you may want to steer clear.