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Jaewoo
Reviews
Love Story (1970)
Insanely Amazing Film
This is the greatest romantic film of all time, by a wide margin. This movie hits the heart like a cupid's arrow. Somehow, this movie makes you feel like YOU are living through the love of your life, and it will last only an hour and a half. You sense this from the very beginning and you begin to relish every second of its undeniable charm and power as like you would enjoy a virtuoso concert. This movie was released around the time I was born and I regret every year which I didn't see it. Never have I been more captivated by the characters and their chemistry. Their dialogues are both authentic and hilarious. There is not a single misplaced sentence which suffocates the flow of the film. Instead, the witty charms of the characters makes them irresistible. In effect, the audience falls in love with the characters, and wishes the story will never end, despite its obvious ending. Put this together with outstanding acting and unforgettable music, and you have a film that hits the heart like no other. The film feels like a passionate love relationship which you know will not last.
Musa (2001)
frustratingly bad
Someone insulted the Korean movie industry by stating this is one of Korea's best films. I must be honest, I couldn't get myself to see the entire movie, which is a rarity for me. By the time I decided to stop torturing myself the following had occurred in the movie.
1)The tempermental and rebellious "hero" who has a serious self control problem gets the entire ancient Korean Caravan in trouble with his psychotic propensity towards violence. The Caravan saves themselves and the hero with cunning and wit. 2)The "hero" puts the entire Caravan in jeopardy again by cutting off the head of one of the merchants. This time many Caravan members die but they still escape relatively intact. 3)The Caravan finds a way to escape from their dire situation but the "hero" puts an end to their salvation by doing something totally stupid and irrational. Again, the great leadership, solidarity, and fighting ability of the Caravan saves them from disaster.
By this time, I began to beg someone to have the senses to kill the "hero" who was getting everyone else killed with his irresponsible actions. Instead of languishing in frustration, I decided to use my remote control.
The "hero" is played by Jung Woo Sung, one of the worst, and yet one of the most popular, actors in Korea. The only characters he usually plays are the silent rebellious types who act angry all the time, probably to hide his lack of acting ability.
This was the most expensive movie made in Korea (few films have surpassed it since). Yet it was a box office bomb, and with a good reason.
Chingoo (2001)
One of Korea's all time greats
This move does not cross the east/west cultural barrier very well. I am not sure if non-asians can fully understand the confucian harshness and its effects on the Korean society. Nonetheless, like all great movies, this movie strikes at both the heart and the mind in unison.
It intrigues our intellect with subtleties. It leaves us to wonder why the characters behave the way they do. Why must one friend murder an another? It isn't always clear. Why does one friend chooses an another friend as his favorite? No can be sure. Yet there are reasons.
It moves our emotions because the movie is about the true meaning of friendship. It is loyalty above all else, even to the point of forgiving and understanding a friend who murders an another. Among friends, there is no hatred or bitterness, only forgiveness, understanding, and support.
The acting is second to none. Both the lead and the supporting actors won the best acting awards at an international film festival. When the murderous and treacherous friend becomes himself murdered, it is a profoundly sad moment. Then we realize that we have come to love and care for the characters, despite their flaws, because we come to respect them as human beings capable of deep and profound friendship unlike any other.
Finally, the director did an incredible job of enhancing the allure of the main female character. Her on stage lip lyncing performance as the lead singer of a high school band was shot beautifully. Understandably, all the characters fall in love with her at that moment, and so does the audience.
Reality Bites (1994)
Movie for Gen Xers and 20's crowd
If you are a Gen-Xer, this movie will grab your heart. Each of the 5 main characters have something we all can identify with. Plus the movie accentuates the struggles of a typical college grad of the early to mid 90's. Most of us can totally identify with the character who struggles to find a job without any experience, and the job would have paid $400/week if she was lucky to land one. Plus, the movie talks about how the "Big Gulp" from 7-11 changed our lives (no doubt), when we were living with roommates to make ends meet, and getting a BMW was the ultimate dream (still is for most recent college grads). Who hasn't sat all day endlessly watching TV while being depressed about his/her life? Maybe you too has called the Psychic Hotline to get advice on love matters. Remember when AIDS was BIG? (yes, even bigger issue than today). How about being confused with your love life and just life in general? Yes, it is all contained in this film. I am the exact age of the characters in the film (23 yr old back in 1994), and watching this film for the first time as a 33 year old brought back some cherished old memories. It was especially nostalgic for me since I lived through virtually moment in this film which further reminded me that a success is a journey, not a destination. Finally, Winona Ryder has never before or since looked more beautiful
Shichinin no samurai (1954)
Most overrated movie of all time
This movie is routinely rated as one of the top 10 movies of all time. Now that is a tall order so I decided to rent it, and I don't remember the last time I was more disappointed with a movie.
The movie is around 3hours long. The storyline is highly predictable and the characters are cliche. The action sequence are the lamest of any movie you will ever see. I think I have seen 10 year olds fight more fiercely than the characters of the film.
The photography is choppy and the storytelling is very deliberate. Considering the plot is extremely simple, it is agonizing to watch the plot unfold into its most obvious conclusion.
The conclusion of the movie, you guessed it, is that the 7 Samuraris saves the day by defeating bunch of bandits. As far as characters, there is the tough guy, intellectual guy, leader guy, rich guy, drunk guy, skilled fighter guy, and the coward guy. They are the Samurai equivalent of the Seven Dwarfs or N'Sync.
Magnificent Seven, which is the western copy of this movie, is way better, and that film is no where near a top 10 movie.
Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
Much better than expected
Besides the Mickey Rooney's caricature of a Japanese man, the movie is deliciously warm, charming, and infinitely likeable. The theme of the movie is that we can never have chance for happiness unless we belong to someone, and the committment which precedes such belonging takes courage, taking risks, and abandoning freedom. One of the underrated aspect of this film is its music. Who can forget "Moonriver" and the chorus melody when Holly goes to Tiffany's with Paul (Fred)? I found myself watching this film over and over again and wanting to actually meet the characters.
Per un pugno di dollari (1964)
Main point of the movie: righteousness is an ACT
I think people are missing the point of this film when they focus on the action sequence. The underlying theme of the entire movie is one of self sacrifice for what is right and just.
It is wrong to conclude that main the character (clint eastwood) pits the two gangs against each other for the money. If that is the case, then why does he give it ALL away to Marisol, to whom he owes NO obligation or favors, at the risk of his own life?
Fortunately for the viewers, Marisol does ask why. His answer is "..because...I used to know someone like you..and there was no one to help.." (probably referring to his own mother whom he was powerless to rescue from the raping bandits). That one line says EVERYTHING about his past, his motivation, and the theme of the movie.
The director goes to great length to convince the viewer the man with no name has no morals. In fact, he seems downright evil and greedy, as he constantly says "I don't work for cheap" and seems to be ready for hire for any sordid duties asked of him for the right price. Only in the very brief and defining moment of the movie (when he rescues Marisol, her son, and her husband) we see him as he truly is. Unlike most westerns, the man does not waste words preaching righteousness, he lets his actions speak for themselves.
It is the moral subtlety of this movie which makes it great.
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
The problem, of course, is choice
The problem, of course, is choice, a choice to see this convoluted sequel to the great original. As if predestined, I was left with the question of "why", because I had already made a choice to watch this movie.
After watching this movie, I was left with more choice. Do I choose to watch it again because I had no idea what the hell NEO and the Architect was talking about? Again, I had already made the choice, but I was left with the question of "why" do I want to watch this increasingly befuddling piece of philosophical movie with dialect straight out of 18th century philosophical text.
During the second viewing, I was left with an another choice. Do I walk out of the movie theater door or do I fall asleep? Will Zion NOT be destroyed if I fell asleep? This time, I went against my predestined choices, and watched the movie to the end against my destiny. Fate, as I would have it, is not always predetermined. Unfortunately, I had to again watch the horrible scene between NEO and the architect. And again, I had no idea what the hell they were talking about.
But this did not stop myself from asking "why"? Why did I spend total of $19.50 to watch it twice? Will watching it third time answer the question "why"? So, as if predetermined, I watched it again. This time in iMax nonetheless. Then it struck me, I then understood "Why". I watched the movie for 3rd time because that's how many times it took me to understand what the hell NEO and the Architect was talking about. Then I had an epiphany, the movie had predestined viewers like me to watch it at least twice because they purposely made all dialect and plots impossibly difficult to understand with one viewing.
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)
Action Sequences are too bland
James Cameron is a GREAT director of action sequences. In T2, the action sequences were VERY meticulously done. For example, when John Connor (Edward Furlong) flees to the LA flood channels on a motorcycle to escape the T1000, James Cameron focuses his Camera on the obviously exhausted and perplexed John Connor, who FEELS he is safe, but James Cameron then performs his magic and let's the audience HEAR the semi truck squealing its wheels and then BAM!, BOTH the audience and John Connor are shocked to see the truck leaping off the bridge at a close proximity to John Connor. In effect, James Cameron creates DRAMA in his action sequences which makes the audience ENJOY the action despite its foregone conclusion.
In the T3, there is no drama in all of its action. EVERYONE knows John Connor will live and T100 will prevail over the more sophisticated TX. The challenge is make it interesting to the audience despite the obvious. In this, the T3 fails.
I saw this movie as a high budget action adventure with a nice plot, but nothing more. It certainly doesn't compare well against the T2.
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)
Special Effects Saves the film
This movie leaves many questions unanswered.
If the "ghosts" are not invaders then how come they "kill" humans? What does the destruction of THEIR planet has to do with the spirit of the earth? What the do they want from us???? How does their 8th freaken spirit mesh with GAIA??? What makes each of the 8 spirits truly special other then they are alive? How come that eagle is never one of the spirits???? Why would "ghosts" would want to invade the civilian cities so badly if they are not invaders????
What is the Final Fantasy? There isn't even a real finality to this movie.
The special effects of this movie is dazzling. Unfortunately, it is apparent the producers believed the special effects alone will carry this movie, and it did, BARELY. The plot leaves all intelligent questions unanswered. I don't think it is because the movie is trying to be cryptic. The movie simpy doesn't have a plot which makes sense.
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001)
Special Effects Saves the film
This movie leaves many questions unanswered.
If the "ghosts" are not invaders then how come they "kill" humans? What does the destruction of THEIR planet has to do with the spirit of the earth? What the do they want from us???? How does their 8th freaken spirit mesh with GAIA??? What makes each of the 8 spirits truly special other then they are alive? How come that eagle is never one of the spirits???? Why would "ghosts" would want to invade the civilian cities so badly if they are not invaders????
What is the Final Fantasy? There isn't even a real finality to this movie.
The special effects of this movie is dazzling. Unfortunately, it is apparent the producers believed the special effects alone will carry this movie, and it did, BARELY. The plot leaves all intelligent questions unanswered. I don't think it is because the movie is trying to be cryptic. The movie simpy doesn't have a plot which makes sense.
Gladiator (2000)
Hopelessly Overrated
I cannot believe this picture won the Best Picture Oscar. Now I am completely convinced that the OSCAR is given for political/economic reasons than artistic/merit reasons.
The film does a poor job of telling a dumb story. Yeah a slave gladiator takes over the greatest empire on earth by Killing Caesar in a duel front of spectators. How likely is that? The film tries its best to try to convince that it is plausible, but that's what makes this film hilariously bad.
The fighting scenes were poorly choreographed. The Tigers lounges out, it seems, only when the director wants them to, not when the gladiator should be trounced by it.
The special effects in this movie were not special. In fact, it has ALL been done before much BETTER in other films. What is so spectacular about developing a virtual colisum when we can create a virtual dinosaurs, cities, creatures, etc etc???
A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)
One of the Great Films
***Spoilers Ahead*** This film asks at least two fundamental questions:
1)When we make our creation love us, do we have a moral obligation to love back?
2)Does an ability to feel (love, hate, jealous, anger, happiness etc) and dream (fantasize, desire, wish etc) make one human?
The film asks these two questions in the future where AI and realistic human robots are possible. David is the first AI which is designed to both feel and dream.
Everyone, as a child, had a deep sense of longing and love for their mother, and felt insecure and helpless when separated from her. It is the strongest love and bond that exists among humans. This bond between a mother and child is developed in the first 45 minutes of the film. But a question remain, can David really "love" his "mother?" Does this make him more than a mere machine?
To answer this question, the film leaves David abandoned and takes the audience into a "flesh fair." In the Flesh Fair, the film becomes purposefully violent to dehumanize the AI as mere machines that can be sliced, cut down, melted, and destroyed without much thought or guilt. But when David pleads for his life with horror and fear, he becomes "human" to the people in the flesh fair and to the movie audience.
David's sole objective is to love his mother, and like a real human, hope to be loved in return. Unlike a real boy, however, David never loses his desire. 2000 years later, David realizes his dream of meeting his "mother." Even meeting her for only one day makes David happier than he has ever been.
Finally, when the "mother" tells David she loves him and ALWAYS have, David become a "real boy" who loves and is loved in return like a "real boy" would be. Perhaps, that is what REALLY makes us human.
The Mummy Returns (2001)
Patricia Valasquez stole the movie
This movie is worthless except for Patricia Valsquez(Egyptian lover of the Mummy). She is absolutely stunning in this film and shows she has a very strong film "presence" unlike any other actress I have ever seen except for Marilyn Monroe.
Despite other weak characters, her character comes alive with magnetic film persona and draws in the audience from the weak plot which the movie is based upon.
I hope this film really launches her career give her a momentum because I think she has a real bright future ahead as an actress.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Get real, it wasn't that good
First, the awesome special effects and acting of Neeson, McGregor, and Portman saved the movie from being one of the greatest flops in history.
The movie had that cheesy 70's feel; just check out the gun Queen Amidala uses, it is straight out of Flash Gordon. The Battle scenes (not the Sabre duel scenes) were a joke. Lucas should have consulted with combat experts. Only 7 year kids would have been excited. But even they, who are used to the great modern day movie action sequences, were probably bored.
The pod race scene doesn't even come close to the horse race in Ben-Hur that Lucas obviously tried to emulate. Like all other scenes, the pod race is oblivious to the viewer's emotions, it tries to impress the audience only special effects, and not with special characters and drama.
Jinsoo