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Reviews
Taeksi woonjunsa (2017)
A heartfelt, brutal reality of recent history
Although the film is expertly directed and written, and contains yet another impressive performance by Song Kang-ho and many other familiar faces of the Korean film industry, its significance lies more in its telling of our world's all too recent history of political corruption and government-fueled massacre in the city of Gwang-ju, South Korea in May of 1980.
The film may also be relevant today in the US, when tensions between people and the government over the needless deaths of individuals at the hands of police officers have caused major riots and protests across the country. This film begs the question of credibility in what the government tells it's people.
While traveling in South Korea, I practically stumbled across the memorial in Gwang-ju, and was amazed to find that it happened so recently. Young people NEED to know that stuff like this still happens, that it's not simply dates we read about in "ancient" history. Please do not let the gore and brutality of the film deter you from watching. It is that way for a reason. The reality of our world is bloody and cruel, but this film also gives us a glimpse of hope; that there are some willing to give there lives for a just cause, and through the perspective of these characters, we are carried through an amazingly heartfelt film-watching experience.
Can I Get a Witness Protection? (2016)
An indie, quirky, Christian comedy with some heart
Although a low budget production that could've benefitted from a couple more rewrites, it's cute, fun, and great for families within its target audience. However, it misses an opportunity to reach out to a wider audience; one that may benefit more from its message. This is partly to do with its lighthearted tone and characters, and while one of the movie's highlights is not taking itself too seriously, the audience may also be left with the same notion. The actor who plays Jack is charming and fun to watch, and the movie has some funny one-liners. Would reccomend to older Christians and sheltered youth but not to those hungry for something to expand their horizons on what it means to be a Christian from an Atheist's perspective, which I felt was a missed opportunity. The concept is great though, and given the resources would work much better as a television series.