Reviews of films and movies.
Build and Zero-One rival each other as my favorite Kamen Rider seasons. But with the latter still fresh in my mind and me craving for even more, it has the slight edge. Needless to say, I was beyond excited to be able to watch Kamen Rider Zero-One: REALxTIME (劇場版 仮面ライダーゼロワン リアルタイム), the first of several (!) post-series movies. And it absolutely delivered.
Lee Isaac Chung’s 2020 film Minari is a captivating slice of life story. Following a Korean family as they move to rural Arkansas in the 1980s, Minari brings to life a uniquely immigrant story while also being a universal and relatable story about family, community and the American dream.
It’s always a nice treat when you go into a film expecting one thing and it ending up being something completely different. But in a great way. That’s the 2011 Korean film Always (오직 그대만/Only You). The film is a romantic drama that hits every mark and delivers a roller coaster of emotions powered by wonderful performances and sizzling chemistry from stars So Ji Sub and Han Hyo Joo.
Montage (몽타주) may have been ahead of its time. The 2013 suspense-thriller was released in theaters. But its thematic elements would be seen many times over in television series over the years. In that sense, the two-hour film is the perfect alternative if you’re looking a quicker roller coaster than a typical 16-episode drama.
The 2017 film A Stray Goat (눈발) is a fascinating, melancholic and timely film. Dealing with some of the harsh realities of today’s society, the film offers up a pensive slice of life in a real and blunt way.
The 2019 film My Bossy Girl (너의 여자친구) is a fluffy romantic comedy done right. An irresistibly charming couple and the right amount of depth turn out to be the perfect recipe for a thoroughly engaging and warm-hearted story of self-confidence, selflessness and the innumerable value of the connections people have with one another.
The 2018 film Stand By Me (덕구/Deok-Goo) is an absolutely terrific character-driven slice of life story. Steller performances from veteran Lee Soon Jae and the young Jung Ji Hoon power the simple, but emotional and relatable film.
FNC’s new six-member group P1Harmony made a very impactful debut with “Siren” in November. And since then, I’ve slowly, but surely become a fan of theirs. In reading up about them and getting to know more about them, I learned they actually starred in a film to gear up for their debut. I decided to check it out. And let me tell you, I was absolutely shocked.
Our 30 Minute Sessions (サヨナラまでの30分/30 Minutes Until Goodbye) doesn’t reinvent the wheel. And it doesn’t have to. The 2020 film treads familiar territory, but does it well. With its strong cast, excellent soundtrack and careful direction, the film is an affecting story of healing, purpose and friendship.
Peninsula (반도), the 2020 sequel to worldwide hit Train to Busan, is an adrenaline rush of an action film. But fans of the predecessor may want to set aside any expectations about this film. Peninsula is a very different movie, yet enjoyable enough in its own right.