I didn't expect anything from this film, even I was pessimistic at first because the set and the cinematography have a typical tv drama vibe.

It turns out, this film is not just an ordinary zombie flick, as soon as I realized the zombies in this movie are "different" where they still can think, it just they can't resist the urge to kill, have sex, and any other things that violate the norms of life and human rights. Basically it's when humans have lost their conscience completely and proudly show it to the world, it shows by their horrifying actions & expressions, especially their gaze.

What made me amazed and fell in love was that this film did not hesitate to show a high level of bloody violence, it is horrifying but satisfying for zombie fan. The massacre scene on the train, which will not be forgotten by me anytime soon, really pushed the brutality of this film to the extreme level; I was like other passengers, confused, scared, shocked when I saw there's a man who stabbed some people out of nowhere, the reaction from that action was so chaos and raises the tension of this movie. The tension, the violence, they managed to keep it at a high level until the end and it was very satisfying. Chop chop chop without cut is a pleasure (in movies).

This film certainly has messages or satire to convey to ordinary people and the government in the midst of a pandemic that is still not completely over. Starting from how indifferent people are to health protocols and sometimes how unclear the presence of government officials in handling these cases, etc.

That's all I want to type, absolutely one of the best zombie movie I've watched.

Thanks.

Lire davantage

The concept is similar to Frequency (2000), where 2 people from the past and future can talk across time, on Frequency using radio, and on the Call using a cell phone. And I can't help myself comparing the two even though the stories are different but there are some that are similar.

The Call is honestly got its story very well structured. The first half pretty much binds me to the characters; The second half brought my emotions up and down with its drama but to be honest, I'm already bored with drama material from South Korea, it's still effective but now I'm starting to dislike it. The third half starts to become pure thriller, then hmm ... okay, until here I realized, I have to start watching less Korean films.

So in the end, I got mixed feelings, I neither love it or hate it, but sure this is worth to watch.

Lire davantage

Without a doubt, The Medium is absolutely one of the most creepiest film I watched last year.

As a person who was born in Southeast Asia, it's no stranger to shamanism, regardless of whether you have used his services or not, but at least you must have heard stories or seen people who are victims of shamanic practices. I myself belong to the group who have only seen people affected by this shaman's witchcraft, the victims are from my own family but thankfully my brother has recovered.

With that experience, the film feels relatable and it's easier for me to follow the plot, moreover, I often hear this type of story when hanging out with friends and will never get bored.

The film itself tells about a group of Thai documentary team traveling to the northeast part of Thailand, Isan to document the daily life of a local medium, Nim, who is possessed by the spirit of Bayan. Bayan is an ancestral God and has been possessing women in Nim's family for generations.

Then later the film will focus on Nim's niece, Ming. After a lot of strange things happen to Ming, Nim is initially convinced Bayan wishes Ming to succeed Nim, but it turns out not to be what the characters and even me expected.

This film is well-construct, in the first 1 hour, we are stuffed with information about the characters from Nim's shamanism to the misfortunes that always happen to the Noi family, while setting the atmosphere and tension which will really serve as provisions for the last 1 hour.

In the last 1 hour Banjong gradually started trying to scare, especially with Ming who was possessed by an evil spirit who was described as so wicked because it was said that all kinds of spirits entered Ming's body, so yeah she really pushed as a nightmare source here. They also include a Paranormal Activity-style segment before exorcising Ming which honestly gives me goosebumps. But the peak moment is when the exorcism begins, all I can say is that confidence is turned to despair.

Kudos to all the cast, they are really did a good job as a medium for transmitting fear, especially Narilya Gulmongkolpech as Ming, started as cute good looking girl (I thought I fall for her in funeral scene) to creepy-sick looking girl (WTF, I shocked), her appearance change which is also accompanied by a change in her acting from a cheerful girl to a scary girl, I honestly think she is really cool, deserve to be praise.

Banjong Pisanthanakun, undeniably that he is indeed a director who is good at making films; from horror, romance to comedy genres. It's a shame that in the past 5 years he has only directed 2 titles. We need more from you Mr. Banjong.

The only thing I don't like from this film was the cameraman of this documentary team seems weird, they did take pretty good shot but did the documentary cameraman have to keep shooting even though someone in front of him needed help? or what's a little annoying here is when the cameraman is asked by a monk or someone to just check on Ming's aunt's son but he hesitates and doesn't even help that someone prevent the aunt from doing **Confidential**.

Overall, a pretty good found footage horror films, also from asia. Nice.

Lire davantage

You had a crush, you found out your crush already in relationship, WTF you're going to do about it? Normal people probably just go on with their lives, waiting for a chance that probably will come someday, but not for Kimura Ai, she's going to sabotage it.

Kimura Ai, a young, brave, egocentric, and aggressive girl; I believe that after learning that her crush, Tatoe, had a girlfriend, she became obsessed with this thing she thought of as love, allowing her feelings to control her and turning her into a "very" irresponsible person to those around her and even to herself.
The way Ai tries to sabotage Tatoe's relationship with his girlfriend, Miyuki, is by approaching and befriending her.

"Thank you for teaching me how it feels like to be touched. If only you could be patient with me, even if it's out of self-regard, even for a split second. If that means you're opening your heart to me... I'll cherish that moment forever."

I love this film for how it made me feel, how compelling the story was, how beautiful the visuals are, how great the actors' performances are, etc. and this film kinda reminds me of The Half of It, this GL thing that gave me butterflies, even though in here would be realize late but the moment Ai and Miyuki is there and very intimate.

Anna Yamada's performance was very good, her expression, and how she showed Kimura Ai's desperation to be loved was so good, and why the hell she could be this kawaii, if I'm Tatoe, this film could be over in 30 minutes, because if she confessed her feelings, I'd accept them right away, and I'd be a simp for my queen, Yamada-sama 4eva.
Like the others, I also want to mention Haruka Imoe; she's really did a great job. She and Anna always have that intimate scene, and she as Miyuki, can keep up with Ai's aggression, resulting in the most beautiful kiss and sex scenes in Japanese films I've watched.

I think that's all I wanted to type. Thanks.

Lire davantage

Marry a good person, that's the most important thing.

I thought it would be like Late Spring (1949) and yeah in the first part it's has the same feeling, but after it reaches the second part this film has it own taste, with family problem, and Noriko's family disapproval with her love or future choice make it more hotter than the previous film which feels more intimate.

I must say I like this film, this film has more moment that can make me laugh, and with more family member, i can felt the drama. Like when Noriko's gone home after visit Ken's house, then she's telling her family about her decision, the reaction from family, makes me feel connected because she wants to marry a widower, and I've seen one of my family member who still "virgin" marrying a widower, the conflict, the tears I've seen that, and I think Noriko's Love Story maybe end up well.

I don't know what to say anymore, but so far I really enjoy Yasujiro Ozu's films.

Lire davantage

Last night, I think I watched this film in the most perfect possible time to watch a horror movie.
I caught flu, it was heavy rain, probably something to do with Herman storm cmiiw, then I turn off the light in my bedroom and left the window opened, the thunder sounds so clear and it's cold, so i put on jacket to balance the temperature and finally watched it.

Basically about a bookclub who reads banned books in a strict era of Taiwan's martial law era, then one day because of a simp, they messed up. They could make this story as torture porn but they pursue the supernatural, psychological horror way and I like it.

I love how this film goes, the nightmare realm was so dark, strange, decayed and serve something feels like dark fantasy with the ghost that much more like a monster.
There's a flashback to normal realm, this is when they tried to gather pieces of memory and let us know what's actually happened, even though to be frank, the story is so predictable but the way they craft it in strange horror way is what made me keep watch it.

Despite the predictability, I love the nightmare segment, would love to watch something strange like that in other film.

Lire davantage

At first it was very shallow but as time went on it got more and more interesting.

The bride character who commits suicide is the center of this film, where there will be 9 stories that show 9 other characters' perspectives on the bride fateful incidents.

1. The Waiter
After the opening, this film start from perspective of a young man waiter who keeps the bride's panties and she absolutely not like it.
Not scary, but enough as a warm-up.

2. The New Tenant
The perspective of this character in my opinion strengthen the horror atmosphere and a little bit depressing vibe.
There is a jumpscare but it's not scary enough.

3. Friend
It made me understand a little about the origin that caused the bride to commit suicide.
This friend is an idiot.

4. The Lover
This character's perspective made me understand why he wanted to leave the bride even though he used the wrong method.

5. The Maid
I like the perspective of this character the most because I finally realized that all perspectives can be connected and made relax a little bit by watching the granny who wants to win the lottery with the help of the spirit of the bride.

6. Mother
The mother's perspective turns into dramatic direction, it feels so gloomy, this is also answered about what actually happened to the Lover ending.

7. The Gloom
The bride who has died, in order her soul to be in peace, her family got her married ritual to a guy.
Got me thinking "If only... she's choose the right guy"

8. Old Soldier
The bride's mother fell into deep sadness and now involves the father, ended with a fairly depressing ending.

9. Old Dog
It feels like bonus story or chapter in a series or videogame, so I don't really think this film need this guy perspective, because everything was already clear.

No regret after watching this film.

Lire davantage

"I like this ending" - Bua

Diaw, a script writer who visits hospital for his mother, also had a deadline for a movie project, but he got writer's block, at least in the beginning; then a girl named Bua showed up and expressed interest in his script; then she read every story while they showed us the live action.

I feel like each of these stories is like Diaw's progress in responding to this thing called a Happy Ending: as he didn't like happy ending, he thinks no one knows how someone's life will end and no one always get happy ending. Each time Bua finished reading the script, she came up with a comment, criticism, and piece of advice that somehow fit the state of the film at the time and actually helped the film to get better as the duration goes, and satisfying in the end.

The stories itself is typical Thai rom-com; it's funny, heartfelt, sad, and so on, but as I said earlier, two or three of the stories in the script are crappy because of how Diaw handles the ending, but the fourth, and his own, is good.

The other thing that makes me like this film is the cast. This film has so many familiar faces that have grown fondly on me, and as someone who hasn't watched Thai film/show lately, I'm so thrilled to see them, especially the Hormones The Series graduates and my baby, Mintira. I miss them so much.

I think that's all I want to type. Thanks.

Lire davantage

A film that makes my heart hurt, placing small children who are still innocent in the care of adults who are clearly not entirely good because it all starts from lust & jealousy that finally sparks fire.

It just hurt to see the kids to go through the "hell", and everything happened because men stupidity to fall into lust, especially when they in good financial situation, it's great that you take the responsibility but what makes it complicated because the situation is Sokichi having an affair with Kikuyo who gives birth to 3 children in their 7 years of relationship, all of that makes his legitimate wife, Oume falls into a deep pain in seeing her husband having children with other women while he and Sokichi do not have children which resulting in jealousy and delegated as anger towards the children, that's what I think.

What happened next was inner upheaval, seeing the 3 children experienced heinous thing done by those adults I've mention above, and it's clearly making me sad, furious, etc. -_-

The ending clearly shows "there's no way back" for everything the adults did or simply it's the opposite of "he's too stupid", and it's a relief.

Lire davantage

This movie had me for a while at the beginning, when Li Ronan asked me or we the viewer to memorize an insignia and chant an incantation, which got me thinking, "Is it a real deal?" The viewer who is easily influenced by something might be scared to death when they hear Ronan's request.

When I found out that this film was from Asia, I thought I could relate to what the film would tell, but apparently not, this was like another horror film about people who came to a cult, then ran away while bringing a curse, and had to return to the cult (to what they thought) to end the curse. I'm not too concerned about it, though.

In my opinion, as a Found Footage film, this film has a decent execution, has a few tense moments that make goosebumps and shock, but there are shortcomings, like this film that I don't think has an adequate atmospheric foundation to supply help to make horror sequences feel impactful, relying solely on jumpscare to raise the levels of horror; sometimes this film also has a shot that does not come from Renon's camera and it is annoying.

I heard many who compared this film with The Medium, but honestly I prefer The Medium, which has a relateable material for me who live in Southeast Asia and succeed in providing authentic despair experience.

Instead of The Medium, I remembered Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin while I watch this film. The thing that makes me remember PA:NOK is the characters accompanies a character to go to the village of the character who turns out to be a cult nest; the creature that is worshiped lives in somekind of hole (PA:NOK - bottom of a pit; this film: tunnel); PA:NOK is more open that they use 3rd person POV which in my opinion are more acceptable than giving unclear shots that are not from Renon's camera.

Not bad, especially maybe for those who have never watched this kind of film probably would think this film is very good. That's it. Thanks.

Lire davantage

I've been planning to watch this movie ever since I finished Nobuo Nakagawa's Jigoku as part of 3 themed films and titled Hell/Jigoku that I want to watch.

Focusing on the sins of infidelity and incest (probably murder also), then how these sins affect life and give pain to the living and the dead.

This film really gave me goosebumps since the opening, it really emphasized that they didn't play around with this sinful act plus it was supported by a very slick story with poignant, emotional and desiring dialogues.

This film has a bizzare atmosphere, it's hard to explain it but because of the atmosphere, the sins that Miho/Aki, Unpei, Shima, Ryuzo, Yukio and Kumi made me nervous even more, because this film takes the theme of sin & hell so what they do in this world must be punished in hell, not too different from the hell described by my religion.

I've read some other user reviews, some say this film is a revenge story, after thinking about it, there's some truth in it, Miho takes revenge in the form of her daughter, Aki, by dragging the person who hurt Miho to go to hell, not just killing them but 'take them to hell'.
But I was more focused on the sin that was carried while watching this film, a good decision to make infidelity and incest the main sin, the director, Tatsumi Kumashiro, is used to making pink films so no doubt about 'those kind of scene' and the final result is that this film is like a big upgrade, has a solid story, actors who act very well, then this film really has visuals that are astonishing, the production design is top-notch.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, there are two moments that hit me hard as a human who still commits sins everyday, 1.) When Ryuzo who has become bone sheds tears, as if representing the torment of the grave (he should be buried) is exists; 2.) When Shima who had entered hell was tortured, until her body was destroyed but later her body was intact again so that she would be tortured until she is clean from sin.

I think that's all I want to say after watching this film, some of which I wrote based on my beliefs so sorry if it feels sadistic but it is what it is, so that we as human beings become good human beings regardless of life there are many choices but being good people without doing anything weird and sinful is the best choice.
If we have committed many sins, we can repent so that our sins are forgiven, just believe that God will forgive all our mistakes and then we live on a good path for the rest of our lives.

Thank you.

Lire davantage

"Before you decided to come here to see me, you've thought it over already? It's like riding on the back of a tiger, you never know when it will turn around and bite. I'm just warning you all. Things of this nature, once tried, it will stick with you 'till the day you die. Understand?" - Shaman

What is certain is that this is much better in all aspects than the first film, from the story, the atmosphere, to the special effects, etc. making this sequel superior to its predecessor.

The story really facilitates so that witchcraft can become the main focus, making the characters have a grudge against each other to the point of using the services of a shaman to do witchcraft, even all the characters in this film are not good people, all evil, make their death feel appropriate as a form of karma as the shaman says.

The practical effects are also very intentional, making this film almost look like body horror. I would like to give applause to this department because their work looks very good, looks real and the way they play with human bodies and skin, made my body ache. There is one of the most epic scenes in this film, showing the enormity of this witchcraft, which is when many geckos come out of the back of one of the characters and of course he immediately dies; as someone who doesn't like reptiles, this scene makes me uncomfortable but at the same time amazed because it's really cool.

The shaman's words are firmly adhered to in this film.

Deserve 5-stars because I satisfied.

Lire davantage

5 stars for getting butterflies flying in my stomach, also with its great production value.

The story was kinda weird, I could say that the relationship between Erika (Fumi Nikaido) and Kyouya (Kento Yamazaki) was toxic but delivered lightly, typical shoujo genre. What makes me bond with Erika and Kyouya is because they are often together even though it is quite annoying because Kyouya thinks Erika is just his dog. Meanwhile, Erika hopes for more, this is shown by her very sweet attention and treatment to Kyouya and makes me fall in love with Fumi Nikkaido myself. Fumi-san was just so kawaiii and make my heart doki-doki.

What makes me thinking to give this film 5-star is what I've type above "the production value", usually when I watch japanese manga live action high school romance it's either gonna be bland and flat or exaggerating everything, but this Okami Shojo is right in the middle, balanced.

I love all the settings: the school, Ayumi's house, Kyouya's apartment, Kobe, even just the street. The environment doesn't feel dull, has a great scenery, life inside it was not quiet or weird, just like what it is should be in real life.

The cinematography was top notch, they make useful of all the settings, take a lot of great shot from it, like my favorite one when Erika talk to Kyouya about dating in free time later after school trip, while they're sitting between the pillars in front of the door of a building and DOP taking shot of Erika and Kyouya from inside the building when the door opened and at that moment I realized that this film production team is no joke, it's simple but picturesque.

After that I remember the one take shot at beginning when Erika with her friend, Ayumi, tailing Kyouya to get the pictures of him and then the girls's runaway, I watch it again and it feels so satisfying. Also I realize how great the camera movement throughout the film, truly looks like a real pro. I take a note of the cinematographer name, his name is Yasushi Hanamura, well done.

Next is the sound, they put a perfect song or music for every scene, not just using orchestral sound but a lot of english fun song that I find it rare in japanese film. All the emotion of the characters, whether it's sad or happy it can radiate more with the help of music.

Then the actors, they played all the characters very well, especially Fumi Nakaido and Kento Yamazaki, as one of the thing that makes this film works.

Overall, a very good film imo. I have a lot to say in my mind but hard to put it in to words, so that's it. Thank you.

Lire davantage

The best thing I ever did is to love you..

Rewatch for the Fifth Time in the last 5 years. But this is the first time I watch it after make Letterboxd account, so I'm gonna review it.

It's still one of the greatest romance film I've ever watch, every aspect in this film is perfect that the remake can't even close this masterpiece.

The sense of nostalgia, friendship chemistry is shown very well that I feel connected as I feel related with the characters because I experience the same thing while I was still a high schooler.

What is certain is that Giddens Ko managed to adapt his book to the big screen very well. Also the actors and actress acted really well and also played a role in building this film. The soundtracks was so good like the Those Bygone Years, i cried like crazy when the songs played in the flashback scenes at the end.

Now, cause I've watch the remake, I'm gonna mention the things that makes this TW version great.
First, every aspects feel balanced, romance and the friendship cooked side by side, so when his friendship is released, the romance can be crushed well; not like the JP that pushing the friendship too much and when the romance takes over, it becomes lame.
Second, TW version feel more like a romcom so it can be enjoyed by everyone not like the JP that I think gonna work if it choose to take the artsy direction, it's calm and slow that when the comedy show up, it feels awkward cause it's not dark comedy.
Third, the acting from the cast of the TW more natural and not exaggerating, the JP version is otherwise.

That's all I think about this film. Masterpiece.

Lire davantage

Family is everything, the most important and valuable thing in life.

The first part of the film really did a great job connecting me with the old couple Shukichi and Tomi.

Their journey to Tokyo to see their children, but they're kinda push them away, although the children intentions are good to sent them to Atami in hopes of giving the old folks time to calm their minds, but their reason "busy" makes me feel mad, also the old folks didn't felt calm cause you know.. If you have watched it.

Glad there's Noriko, the center of this film Trilogy, she's became a widow here because her husband died in war. Noriko is the only one in Tokyo who treat the old couple very well like she's the real daughter / children of them, even though their relationshis is only in-laws, and in fact, Noriko's belong to freedom.

The old folks "real children" is like a reflection, they're selfish and unable or unwilling to pay attention to their parent, and there are so many children who still behave like that today.

An outpouring session between Mother and Noriko makes my heart squezeed. Noriko's kindness combined with Mother's warmth, a moment that could be the beginning of tears when watching this film.

Then later at the end there is a moment where the father gives a speech to Noriko, words that any parent will say to a person who has married their child and this moment broke my tears, it's warm.

Overall it's the best from Noriko Trilogy.

Lire davantage