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2/10
"What have you done?!" - Say it at least once god damn it.
6 February 2015
This is the first time I'm writing a negative review on IMDb and as you can see, I am terribly disappointed.

This might be one of the worst films I've ever seen in my entire life. A perfect example of an absolute trash. It seems, that the director's biological limitations have rendered him incapable of thinking as a decent human; Someone has to apologize on his behalf, for being dealt such a hand. Sadly, it does not end there. He came up with a terrible idea:

"I'd love to make movies!".

I agree, that I'm compromised enough to be unable to speak objectively over this matter, but some of the facts must be mentioned.

First of all, imagery and technical parts of the film are quite good. Even beautiful I must say. I really liked the part, where the main character buys high amounts of mineral water, only to replace said water with VODKA. (Or whatever you call it.) The scene keeps repeating in a grim way. One of the best portrayals of depressive apathy. It was very inspiring and beautiful.

Presentation is eerie enough to keep you interested and sadly, that might be the worst part of the movie. Story-wise it is so "girl-ish" and compromised, that I swear it was almost unbearable to sit through. Some of the scenes made me feel so awkward, that I could not help myself but think about stopping it. Overly melodramatic, intimate, sick and disgusting relationships which are presented in a sexually curious, but at the same time ruptured teenager's suicidal "emo-vomitting" of a spectrum, were too much for me.

The film tries to set you on an empathetic accord towards the little girl, and in a way it manages to do it, but it is at the cost of spitting you in the face: I guarantee you will feel both awkward and insulted after watching this abomination.

Bae Doona and Sae-Ron Kim were cool/OK. Truth be told, I've never liked Doona. At all. But this time she did really well. Well, at least she was likable for me. Mostly, actors in Korean films are better than average. This case is not an exception. Too bad that the story was so unbearably sick that performances just happen to add up to the horror. Keep in mind, this is not a failure of a film. I am pretty sure that it managed to do what was initially planned, but sadly the planning part is the main atrocity here.

If you want to see an unconventional film, with disgusting and sick characters who's existences are not justified, but rather disfigured in this gigantic mass of stupid sexual awkwardness, sadness and idiotic presentations of "valued empathy"; If you want to see a movie, where subjective ideals of a retarded scriptwriter transform into "undeniable" but at the same time disabled, illogical and irritatingly childish truth; If you want to see a piece, which is atmospherically psychopathic, yet unimaginably blatant and elective, then watch this utter trash.

Though, I wholeheartedly suggest to never even think of viewing this insult of a movie.
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Barbie (2011)
8/10
Break the dolls. Throw away the bags. Flag.
30 May 2014
It is very hard to review this film and trust me, it is even harder to stay calm while it lasts... Urge to either correct, or punish some atrocious acts by the characters was so strong, that I felt irritated during the movie... I guess it is a good thing.

As you could have guessed, this is a very intense tragedy, (not the contemporary meaning of the word.) which tries to justify some unimaginably inhuman acts by the characters. That being said, I was surprised to realize that in the end, story makes sure to leave no room for such "justifications" whatsoever.

Some of the themes might look familiar to the viewer.

Listed:

Life is hard; Two sisters; Mentally challenged father; Complete a**hole of an uncle; A dream.

Generic eh? NOT QUITE. It's the opposite! Not sure how Mr. Sang-woo Lee achieved this, but I don't think that the same effect can be experienced elsewhere.

Acting and story are superb. While the film is slow and lighthearted, it still keeps on to the idea of punching the viewer in the face, and for me it happened in a very theatrical manner.

The thing is that, both the imagery and the story are very humane, slightly beautiful and immensely simple. I am pretty sure that the most horrifying, unbearable and mildly disgusting part of it, is the fact that it's VERY VERY

SIMPLE.

Cinematography compliments the mood perfectly. While mostly it's generic "daily life" shots, there are moments which are so graphical, (I don't mean violence) that somehow i got the feeling that the operator was mocking the viewer.

In the end, I feel that this might be one of the best movies in its genre (if such exists). Shove the melodrama aside, prepare to be violently gutted, and enjoy the pure awesomeness of a human behavior which is called: "I am not human anymore."

Definite recommend for everyone who wants to see something original in a simplistic, and almost theatrical way.

-------------------------------------------------------

+10 for Lee cheon-hee, actor who plays the role of an uncle guy.
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7/10
Did not know who Kaige Chen was. Now I know that guy.
15 December 2013
It appears that, surfing through the styles and methods of cinematography mostly end up as either disgusting, or shallow. It is most entertaining in a way to see some amazing ideas disgruntled by those so called "innovations"... This one though... Well I've never seen anything like this before. It is very refreshing.

Truth be told, i review movies on IMDb only when i feel other people left something out, and in this case, users are not the only ones. It is amazing how little does the imagery and marketing of this film help people like the movie. In my case, (considering that i was not familiar with Chen Kaige at all.) the poster almost made me skip this one out. (it is really really retarded.) Though i'm glad i did not.

The story of the movie is VERY VERY VERY unique. I'm sure that this kind of storytelling is nowhere else to be found. Though the plot is very complex and filled with "hidden" symbolism, the flow of the movie is lighthearted, easygoing and even "eye candy/entertaining"... But don't let it fool you. There is a gigantic drama hidden beneath those "sweets", which perfectly manages to hit you like a loaded truck... Given the fact that the film is about emotions, love and personal attitudes, it is BEYOND belief, how the hell did Mr Chen manage to NOT turn this into a mainstream "DOLLY" trash. The story in the beginning is very simple, but you will be amazed how brutal and complex it gets with seemingly "little things" in the end...

Actors and actresses are selected well. Their actual "greatness" comes not from their "heavy" and dramatic moments, but in an "overall" characteristics which are stretched through some crazy salad of coincidences and hidden "fate" element. Deep character study indeed, it just shows very little of that "depth", thus making it even more enigmatic.

The only thing i did not like in the movie was music, which did not stand out at all. (except for some parts which were total ripoff of some famous musical scores) but later i realized that it fits very well. I might be compromised by the story in a way that i am not critical towards the other aspects anymore, but i felt like mentioning all this.

I am not gonna comment on camera work and other technical matters for some obvious reasons.

I most proudly advise ANYONE who loves complex yet simple movies to see this one. Do not follow the steps of those who were blown away by ridiculous marketing and promotions of this film. This is a wonderful movie with a powerful message, which will most likely MAKE you remember itself.
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The Unjust (2010)
7/10
Far from drama, yet still manages to do it.
30 June 2013
I decided to review this title, because of the other reviewers who did not give the film what it deserves.

As someone said: this is a crime film, without clearly "good" or "bad" characters. Sometimes it's a bit hard to follow the plot, but I don't think it's a problem. When you finish watching the movie, all will be clear.

The movie is gripping, ruthless and satirical. There are some very funny moments and one will find cynicism in almost EVERY SCENE. Modern grotesque, great plot and AMAZING performances from the leads are the pros of this film. You will most likely be gutted by both the complexity and "charisma" of those 3 main characters.

Pay attention to why is this movie titled: "The Unjust".

I absolutely recommend this to everyone. Though it lacks the "tricks" of cinematography, it's still very stylish in plot and powerful in execution. Pure entertainment.
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One Perfect Day (2013 Video)
7/10
Lacks everything. Is everything. Raw Power.
20 May 2013
Personally i despise romantic comedies, because mostly they fail to deliver cinematic experiences, which might be the only reason i ever watch movies.

That being said, it was really hard for me to decide whether to watch this one, or not, and i am very happy that i did! (In my case, director + retarded crybaby friend made me do it.)

Truth be told, after the very first minute the film manages to suck you in with it's lightness and slender approach. Not that it ignites one's interest as a phoenix fire, but honestly, you'll be entertained enough to sit through. And sitting through this one is pure pleasure. Unforgettable atmosphere!

The movie actually is quite funny, and though the main character is a complete idiot, the presence of some pretty girls and professionally set scenery, will "help" you love the film.

Can't say much about the actors/actresses, their "ACTING" does not really come to one's mind after watching this film. What is magical in here, is the professional and "spot on" directing. Catching some amazing nuances in scenes will assure you that the creator of this movie is not an amateur.

Movie is simple, one sided, and epic in it's script. A very humane, magical and provokingly ruthless conclusion of a choppy eye-candy.

"In the end we are all what we are... Never more, ALWAYS LESS!"

Whether you are a fan of "Serious" (Pfff...) film making or pure entertainment, this one's recommended. Great piece of fun.
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Rough Cut (2008)
9/10
A giant Truck that Crushes Your Expectations into Little Pieces of Regret!
16 July 2012
First of all, I'd love to point out that I've seen all the 3 films of this director and this was the last one I saw.

When i got the glimpse of the faces of the two actors, I though This would be a predictable ''there is a problem'', ''gangster'' film. Nevertheless I watched it for the sake of the director.

(I highly recommend his two other films. Both are very very awesome.)

When the film was over, i was left speechless, shocked and regretfully happy inside my heart.

This film goes over the humane problems and unfolds all the rigid and complex architecture of attitudes in two people: a gangster and an actor.

Acting, script/Story/plot, scenes, originality: all 10/10. This film is a masterpiece and is Highly Recommended to anyone who appreciates complex and masterful directing. Just watch it. Pure awesomeness. You will not forget this.
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Noe (1991)
3/10
Watchable
12 April 2011
I may be the only person in the world who watched this film. I don't know what to say really.

Film is old, so if you like old classics, you may like it, but this film is far from being good.

Every aspect of this film is boring as hell.

It has some powerful scenes, but still, its inappropriate for children, due to songs about Jewish people.

Shooting is poor, cast is poor, even trees in backgrounds are stationed poorly.

The only positive thing in this movie is almost legendary performance of Nika Yavelashvili. His mimics contain such depth, that i personally broke down crying during the river jump scene. Even though whole film is trash, I'd suggest it for the sake of a single actor.

P.S. His son is now learning at the university as a janitor. For further information you might want to ask him about the movie. Good Luck.
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