Reviews

Watch it as a Prequel to 2025 Drama & for Ji Chang Wook ❤️

Saw this movie & writing this review in 2024: This film is a pure blockbuster action-thriller, with focus on car chases, fight scenes, slow-motions, explosions etc. There is not much on the mystery (of the real killer - it revealed very early on), logic/reason behind their action is not impactful/suspensefully revealed, or any time given on any characters' development.
I assumed it to be a psychological mystery/thriller given the synopsis of the drama but was disappointed on that front.

JCW is a treat to watch as always with his looks and acting as a game addict turned action hero. But my expectation were otherwise set - so this was an okay movie for me. I'm expecting things to be better now that the reboot will be out in 2025, played again by JCW. It will also have EXO's DO & other famous cast members, so hoping for the scale to be larger, more detailed and antagonist to be revealed with a twist (psycho character played by DO would be great too!)

VERDICT - Can Pass, unless one wants to know the original story like me, before watching the Fabricated City drama in 2025.

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1 hour 30 minutes of awful CGI and sweaty ass leng feng

Okay so I wrote the original review for this and that's in quotes and the rest is an analysis of what I am saying and wolf warrior diplomacy. If you are not my IR teacher, the movie sucked, and don't waste your time, if you are, keep reading. 6/10.

Through its chaotic narrative and heavy-handed portrayal of nationalism, Wolf Warrior serves as a cinematic reflection of "Wolf Warrior Diplomacy," China’s assertive and often combative approach to international relations. YAY IR!

I think that Wolf Warrior Diplomacy reflects China's increasingly aggressive stance in international relations, like said previously, shifting from a hide your strength, bide your time shit to one that unapologetically asserts China's interests. This combative diplomatic style became very prominent after this shity-ass movie., hence the name Wolf Warrior Diplomacy. This is seen through Leng Feng’s character and the film’s portrayal of Western antagonists and Chinese drug dealers.

"The Westerners just dropped like 6 bodies, holy fuck," really just goes to show how the film portrays Westerners as lawless aggressors who really just fight to fight, positioning them as stark antagonists to Chinese protagonists (even though Leng was also dropping bodies). The choice aligns perfectly with Wolf Warrior Diplomacy’s strategy, portraying China as a moral or better authority protecting its people from foreign threats while challenging Western dominance (which they didn't really do in the movie, but this is what they were trying to get at).

Do it for your country (patriotism and the sacrifice trope): The film’s constant reinforcement of patriotism, I fight for China" stickers, heavy use of "traitors will damn their ancestors," and Leng Feng’s courage, really align with the ideology that Wolf Warrior Diplomacy promotes: unwavering loyalty to China. Despite there the fact there is "no plot, just bad CGI and Leng Feng fucking sweating" and I think this constant "sweating" because that's all he even does, emphasizes the physical and emotional sacrifice tied to Chinese patriotism in Wolf Warrior. Leng Feng’s heroic willingness to endure any hardship for his country mirrors the message that Wolf Warrior Diplomacy wants to send, China will go to great lengths to protect its interests and citizens, regardless of the cost.

Power: I think the film highlights advanced technology and exaggerated battle scenes, "Very aggressive, shooting up the drug place," with Leng Feng and others using a "sniper," and "some of the worst battle scenes," and "a rocket launcher on the boat," intending to highlight China’s military might but in the end just showing how bad their CGI is. Through this portrayal, Wolf Warrior aims to solidify China’s image as a formidable power, just as Wolf Warrior Diplomacy seeks to assert China's technological and military advancements on the global stage.

Gender and heroism: "The women are in charge and not on the battlefield," suggesting that the film might be attempting to subtly support China’s traditional gender roles, positioning men like Leng Feng as rugged protectors and women as reserved, contributing in supportive roles and shitty ass love interests that only love leng when he steps on a landmine. Although this choice is more subtle, it feeds into the film’s underlying theme of loyalty and sacrifice, with men like Leng Feng enduring personal trauma, as seen when he “carries his fallen comrade in the rain like a badass.”

Western villains and Chinese virtue: The movie’s cartoonish portrayal of Westerners as unscrupulous drug dealers and antagonists serves to further enforce the Wolf Warrior Diplomacy narrative, painting China as a victim of Western interference and aggression. The demonization of the West and the glorification of Chinese courage serve to rally patriotic sentiment, both within China and among its global allies.

In conclusion, Wolf Warrior is a cinematic extension of Wolf Warrior Diplomacy, playing out China's diplomatic assertiveness through Leng Feng’s unwavering loyalty, the starkly portrayed Western villains, and the message that China will always defend its own. For viewers, this blend of nationalism, anti-Western sentiment, and gritty action encapsulates the ideological shift that Wolf Warrior Diplomacy represents, even if the film itself is lowkey bogged down by the "no plot, just bad CGI." This style aims not only to entertain but also to inspire a sense of national pride, through a sweat-soaked, action-heavy spectacle that was so terrible that I will never get that 1 hour and 30 minutes back. Do not watch this shit. Okay bye!

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Action adventure.

Other people are correct in saying that this is similar to John Wick.

I loved this movie!! It was so cool how she had no mercy; she was just so cool. A really good movie, with a good plot and nice cinematography. The bloody fight and chase scenes were so cool! All the flashback scenes of Ok Ju and Min Hee were so sweet and cute to watch, furthermore rooting for the main character to get revenge. I do wish we saw more of their lives (Ok Ju and the high school student) after everything happened. Other than that, I really enjoyed this movie and definitely recommend!

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Guardians, Old Souls, & Outlaw Gods °6.7° °good f/u to AwtG2W°

Rated 85 on AWiki, AwtG49 is a 2018, 141-minute continuation of Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds. It picks up right where the first left off.

As the flick starts out, we learn that one of the Guardians has to go on trial for crimes that he committed while protecting our protagonist in the first film. (Who knew the Afterlife was so litigious? It's Hell, indeed). The other reapers are tasked with collecting a soul that's been protected well past his death date by an outlaw god, Sung Joo Shin (played by the adorable Ma Dong-Seok). God-Sung won't let the old man die before his orphan grandson graduates from school. Speaking of orphans, Korean features aren't kind to them and this trend continues here, sadly.

AwtG2W follows Kim Ja-Hong, a fireman who dies in the line of duty. When he reaches the Gate of the Afterlife, where he can be reincarnated after completing seven trials: betrayal, violence, filial piety, murder, indolence, deceit, and injustice.

Much of the cast here is the same as AwtG2W. Why mess with excellence? Cha Tae-Hyun (Narco-Saints, Assassination,1987: When the Day Comes) is the lead, Kim Ja-Hong. Cha Tae Hyun (Team Bulldog: Off-duty Investigation, Moving) portrays Kim Ja Hong. The dolorous Ju Ji Hoon (Kingdom-8.3, Blood Free-8.5, Team Bulldog: Off-duty Investigation) is Hae Won Maek. Kim Hyang Gi (Innocent Witness, Salon De Nabi) plays Duk Choon, and the wonderful Ma Dong Seok (The Bros-7.4, Train to Busan-7.8, The Roundup, Bad Guys) plays outlaw deity Sung Joo Shin. Lee Jung Jae, the lead of Squid Game, portrays King Yum Ra God of Death. The screenwriter/director is Kim Yong Hwa (200 Pounds Beauty-6.5, The Moon).

AwtG49 is, all-around, more of the same. Same strengths, same weaknesses. Its biggest deductions come from a failure to fully explore its potential emotional range. The fighting is excellent with a particularly grand battle scene. The cinematography is beautiful. It's a great movie-night-movie.

If you enjoy fantasy, even though China is often guilty of sub-standard special effects, they still put out the best stuff in the world. Anyone who enjoys the AwtG films should like Douluo Continent-9.4 and Handsome Siblings-8.7 even more.


QUOTE〰

Those who meet must part at some point.


Re-watch? It's not unlikely

Age 14+ Language: PG-13 language, probably less than 5 occurrences.


In order of ~lite&trite~ to ~heavy&serious~ you may also like:

Crash Landing On You 9.1;
Oh My Ghost 10;
It's Okay Not To Be Okay 9;
My Mister 9.5;

Period -
C: Overlord 8.4,
Under the Power 8.6,
The Rebel Princess 9.1,
The Sword and the Brocade 8.6 (in ancient Chinese opera style),
The Rise of Phoenixes 9
K:
My Only Love Song 8.7 excellent comedy;
Mr. Queen 8.5;
My Sassy Girl 8.5; Saimdang-8.5,
The King's Affection 8.3;
Mr. Sunshine 9

Fantasy
K: Alchemy of Souls-8.3,

C: Love Between Fairy & Devil 8.9;
Ancient Love Poetry 8.6;
Love and Redemption 10

Thrills -
C: Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber 9-Kung-fu!;
K:
Mystic Pop-up Bar-8.2, K2 8; Uncanny counter season-1 only °S1-8.4 S2-4,
Private Lives 8.1;
Sisyphus 8;
Tunnel 8.1; Train to Busan-7.8,
Signal 8.6;
The Man From Nowhere 8.9,
Black 9;
Squid Game 8.4;
Kingdom 8.3;
Sweet Home 8.4

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Unique & Emotional Tale of Life, Death and Light Bulbs!

Stories that tip-toe around life and death always draw my attention. I often wonder what will happen to us after death or what if our loved ones who have passed away see us/be proud of what we are doing with life now. Which is why the upcoming Korean drama based on the same webtoon as this Chinese film has been on high priority for me since long. But I was really curious on the plot and therefore gave in to my urges - as I thought I'll get to know the story in a shorter time since it is a movie.
And while I was prepared for an emotional ride and life lessons - the movie still captivated me with its unique narration, analogy, acting and hauntingly beautiful music score.

➥ POSITIVES | ✦ Unique Narration and Symbolism ✦ Emotional Impact ✦ Acting ✦ Cinematography ✦ Music ✦
The narrative delicately explores life and death, portraying poignant character journeys and deeply capturing human emotions. Innovative storytelling and symbolic light bulbs distinguish the film, initially misleading viewers into thinking it's a horror mystery before revealing deeper layers. Exceptional acting, cinematography, and music harmoniously amplify the emotional impact, connecting the audience to the characters' stories

➥ NEGATIVES | ✦ Predictability ✦ Pacing ✦ Length ✦
Having seen similar stories, I found the plot somewhat predictable, and while well-executed, it didn't deeply impact me. The latter part of the film (main leads' story) dragged slightly, and I ended up skipping forward in some parts, which lessened the overall experience. Additionally, the film felt too short to fully explore its themes, suggesting it might have worked better as a drama series.

➥ VERDICT | Despite some predictability and pacing issues which are more from a personal preference - the movie is a compelling watch that effectively pulls on the heartstrings. I recommend it, but be sure to have tissues handy.

➥ Note: Korean Drama Adaption | Given the movie felt short, I am eagerly awaiting the Korean adaption that will be a drama. Given how good the Chinese movie was and the fact that some of my favorite actors are in the lead role - I already have high expectations from it. I hope it will be more emotional, detailed and end up being a masterpiece of 2024. It would definitely be a good way to end the year, from a drama standpoint.

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Mind Bendingly good ... literally

WOW this was a surprise masterpiece ... a beautiful feast for the eyes and ears and mind ... the script was so psychologically intriguing and fascinating 🙌 I have seen the anime and I really liked it too but I will just write about this movie as if it were a stand alone production.

The effects were brilliant from the galaxy in the sky to the golden dragon to the dream world ... it was beautifully done I thought. I loved the cinematography ... the different angles taken, the contrast between the often muted, blurry and dark gloomy backgrounds, which were 'lit' up by such vibrantly luminous colours in the costumes... the beautiful ultramarine blues, permanent roses and rich cadmium oranges ... as well as the luscious quinacridone gold rays of light that broke through the gloominess. It was so visually delicious. The costumes of the female characters were beautiful and exotic looking and I loved seeing their lovely black hair loose, the length of which nearly fell to the ground ... a beautiful combination that oozed a exotic kind of simplicity.

I loved the theatrical stage feel to many of the scenes ... it worked beautifully with the imagery and various sound effects from the natural surroundings and from the music and also just from the 'silence'. I loved hearing the sounds of bare feet walking and running of the wooden floor boards, the rustle of the long robes, the silence that was broken by the ethereal sounds of the flute ... calming, mysterious and hauntingly beautiful. I loved those kind of kabuki sounds when that 'demon' person was dancing his curse on a stage. It was a wonderful auditory feast.

I loved the 'old' kind of lore presented in this movie ... it was as if it predated the sort of yokai and oni I see in anime and manga. This was so fascinating especially when contrasted against the cool level headed observation and logic of Abe Seimei. The symbolism was profound ... how it linked to the incredible power of the mind and it's 'blind spots'. The way those old masters took advantage of those weak spots to manipulate and perpetuate their power base. It was a covert old school craft of misdirection, manipulation and social engineering ... taking advantage of not only how the mind works but also of people's egoic weakness and desires. This was really brilliant.

I liked Seimei's character and Kento did a good job with it. I liked the kind of cool arrogance he had in contrast to the foolery of all the apprentices and their masters. I liked his value system regarding the trickery and the perpetuation of superstition just to keep their power base and social and political hierarchy.

It was interesting to me that in spite of that he still took the role of Artificer .... in thinking about why he did that, I see method in his choice ... there are many manipulators out there that can, and do, wreak havoc among the populace ... by taking this position and therefore putting himself in line to work with the emperor ... his is like a Yin to their Yang ... a counterweight balance. Nice ◝(ᵔ‿ᵔ)◜

I really liked this little movie ... it was jam packed with all sorts of wonderful things ... and is definitely rewatchable. I really enjoyed it and it was a 10/10 movie experience for me as it kept me engaged mentally, visually and auditorily ﾟ:･*･:(๑ᵔᴗᵔ)･:*:･ﾟ

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The zombies aren't to be feared.......

as much as the monster, the father. Outside is a movie based on a family's struggle, and the decline of said family against the backdrop of a zombie outbreak.

The father's childhood trauma, and subsequent c-PTSD, and his knowledge of his wife's 'secret' with his older brother is the core of the storyline.

His wife is the mother to 2 sons, the latter of which, is the father's biological son. The wife warily navigates her husband's animosity towards her.

By just over the halfway point in the movie, the father has already sabotaged his family thrice. Deliberately withholding info and lying about said info, and burning a map his brother had left with him of the possible Camp the wife and oldest son had mentioned earlier. When that 'scene' during the Christmas dinner is shown the viewer knows the father has completely lost all reasoning and is on the edge of madness.

The movie is about the family. Their relationships with one another. It isn't about the zombies. The family's failed struggle IS the basis of Outside. The movie could have survived without the zombie outbreak as a plot/plots. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone unless they're into intense family dynamics that aren't resolved amicably.

ps. The focus on the father's 'item' from his father was especially poignant. Time, for the father, once he was back in his childhood home, had stood still.

pss. The zombies shown on screen were much better portrayed than the movie poster, and yes, they can talk. Their utterances rasped with their concerns or fears in their zombie state.

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[The given categories for the star ratings do not fit at all for a documentary, so feel free to ignore them. I wish it were possible to post a review without them, but here we are.]

In "Sumodo - The Successors of Samurai" the director is allowed to enter two prestigious sumo "stables" (that's the word given by the subtitles in JFF Theater) to film the daily lives of sumo wrestlers. He films them during training and during downtime -- I was amazed at how close the director got to the wrestlers, and how open they were with him about their hopes and struggles.
Given that Sumo wrestlers do see themselves as the successors of Samurai (which is historically not quite unreasonable, as the documentary explains), and that Japanese society is not known for people openly speaking about their inner world, this is quite the feat!
(The film team is even invited to a wedding.)

Because of the closeness, the documentary is able to show us both the exterior of Sumo (the history, the stables' PR and, of course, the competitions) and the workings "behind the scenes". This documentary could have been a film focused on the fights, on the powerful bodies and the excitement of the tournaments -- it is that, but it is tempered by what we learn about the people -- real people with profound thoughts, with feelings, with bodies that sometimes fail; people who continuously push their boundaries and strive for perfection, even if it means to endure pain and suffering.

I started without any real knowledge about the sport -- the documentary was still easy to follow and I learned a lot. Since it's made for a Japanese audience, there are some things left unexplained, but it's still an educating watch.
If you have the chance to watch it, then I recommend to do so!

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Trial By Afterlife °7.2° °good°

It opens at the close, for our ML, a fireman who dies while heroically saving a girl's life. The next thing he knows, he's walking toward the Gate of the Afterlife, where he can be reincarnated after completing seven trials: betrayal, violence, filial piety, murder, indolence, deceit, and injustice.

AwtG2W, a 2017 239-minute release that is rated 86 on AWiki, is about these trials in conjunction with static from the living world as his family's drama continues to play out. It's a review of the hard decisions he had to make in his life, and it's quite moving, in spots. Along with his two grim reapers guides he barely escapes a couple of the trials. Quick thinking, and a look at things from another angle keep him from sinking to the bottom. (‘All you cared about was money? You are guilty!’ ‘Wait, he only cared about money because he had to provide for his mother and brother!’ ‘Not guilty, then.’)

The acting is seamless. Cha Tae-Hyun (Narco-Saints, Assassination,1987: When the Day Comes) is the lead, Kim Ja-Hong. Cha Tae Hyun (Team Bulldog: Off-duty Investigation, Moving) plays Kim Ja Hong. The somber Ju Ji Hoon (Kingdom-8.3, Blood Free-8.5, Team Bulldog: Off-duty Investigation) is Hae Won Maek. Kim Hyang Gi (Innocent Witness, Salon De Nabi) is Duk Choon. The Screenwriter & Director is Kim Yong Hwa (200 Pounds Beauty-6.5, The Moon).

The special effects are excellent (they are almost overdone) and the sets are beautiful. The Gate of the Afterlife scene is jammed with extras, creating a sprawling feel. The chase scenes are mad-good. There are no flaws. Despite its strengths, AwtG2W does not take our spirits and emotions along for the full ride. I liked this film quite a bit, but I didn't /love/ it. It's a fantasy thriller - a big budget one, and it's visually spectacular. At the same time, it is a simple tale of afterlife excitement with the message to not give up. Per Wiki, it is based on the webtoon series by Joo Ho-min & inspired by Joseon dynasty Buddhist paintings and early Buddhist texts of the Ten Kings of Hell.

Maybe it won't put your emotions through a trial, but it isn't dumbed-down in the least, either. “A sin that has been forgiven in the real world will not be judged in the afterlife,” one judge says. Would that were true. Work on forgiveness. I find that I cannot forgive without divine assistance, but the release of anger and hatred does enhance peace. It is something we can all work on to make the world less of a hell. AwtG2W has the right combination of fun, excitement, and depth to make it a good weekend watch for a family with teens&older as it reinforces the best ideals. None of us wants to be found guilty of betrayal, violence, filial impiety, murder, indolence, deceit, and injustice, afterall, do we?



〰 QUOTE 〰

Can we think about it while we run?

〰 IMHO 〰

RATINGS
Directing 7
Writing 6.5
Acting 7.7
Art 8.4
Sound & music 6
Ending 8 and it continues….

LEVELS
Warmth 5
Action/ Excitement 7.8
Laughs 2
Tears 6
Fright 4
Tension/Anxiety 3
Gore 2
Thought provocation 4
Snores 0

Re-watch? Down the road… maybe


Age 14+ Language: scattered R-rated - $h!+ × 3, B@$+@rd, F💣 × 2, Pr!(k, Pu$$y

In order of ~lite&trite~ to ~heavy&serious~ you may also like:

Modern Day:
Mad For Each Other 7.8 ~silly fun;
My Secret Romance 7 (if you ff thru overdone flashbacks);
A Witch's Love 7.8;
Love to Hate You 8.9;
Her Private Life 8;
Touch your heart 8.2;
Romance is a bonus book 7.9;
Boys Over Flowers 8 ~ melodrama to the max;
Crash Landing On You 9.1;
Oh My Ghost 10;
It's Okay Not To Be Okay 9;
Love Struck in the City 7.3;
Hospital Playlist 9;
My Mister 9.5;
More Than Friends 8;
I'll See You When the Weather is Fine 9;
Something in the Rain 9

Historical/Period:
My Only Love Song 8.7 ~ excellent comedy;
Live Up To Your Name 7.6;
Mr. Queen 8.5;
My Sassy Girl / Yeopgijeogin Geunyeo 8.5;
Saimdang 8.5;
The King's Affection 8.3;
Mr. Sunshine 9

Try a Chinese historical fantasy romcom: The Romance of Tiger and Rose 9.8

Action/Sci-fi/fantasy:
K2 8;
Private Lives 8.1;
Sisyphus 8;
Tunnel 8.1;
Signal 8.6;
Black 9;
Squid Game 8.4;
Kingdom 8.3;
Sweet Home 8.4

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"Life is nothing but tragedy."

'Redlife' centers on two storylines that later on intersect in a tragic twist. The idea is not groundbreaking, but this film doesn't shy away from portraying the harsh realities of poverty and slum life. There’s a cleverly woven underlying theme of street gang, crime, drug use, girls' love, and prostitution, making it an intriguing watch for those seeking a glimpse into the gritty side of Bangkok.

Although the actors’ performances and the character arcs are commendable, the main plot falls a bit flat. The story of Ter and Som seems unpolished, with some noticeable plot holes that hinder its impact. Though it feels more like a melodrama, it lacks those poignant moments and depth that challenge you to reflect deeply on the hardship the characters are going through. The ending is rather confusing. Despite the flaws, this film has decent cinematography, depicting the sympathetic insight into the lives of the less fortunate in good visual detail.

If you're up for a mildly thrilling cinematic experience with some tragic stories, this film might be your cup of tea. For me, it's a one-time watch. I like the bleak/dark concept, but this film fails to deliver it well and make it impressive.

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