AKA PU-239. A gem of a movie that deserves much more attention than (unfortunately) it's going to get. Honestly, I can't find any faults in this movie. OK, maybe, the mobster characters are a little bit over the top, but just a little, and it's a good thing. More entertaining. The script has obviously been written by someone who knows what he's talking about. Writing, acting, directing are all superb. It's the first intelligent "Russian" movie coming from Hollywood in ages. Too bad, not many people will see it due to the total lack of marketing from HBO. I got to watch it by accident while doing thoughtless channel flipping. Glad, I did.
Reviews
4 Reviews
Stranger Than Fiction
(2006)
A nice little movie that's bigger than life!
7 July 2007
I leave comments almost never (too lazy, I guess). But this movie was such an unexpected surprise with a brilliant script, fantastic acting and beautiful cinematography that I just felt I had to! Take it from someone who does not normally enjoy films without a lot of actions -- this one you gotta see! Oh, and Will Ferell? I knew he was a funny guy, but I could never believe he was such a tremendous actor. He is completely different in this movie; nothing from slapstick, in your face, comedy he's known for. In fact, I was reluctant to see this movie because of him. Boy, was I wrong! I think this film is perfect. Can't find any fault in it. Just make sure you understand it's not really a comedy. Enjoy!
Oldboy
(2003)
High rating rightfully deserved this time! Oldboy is...
24 April 2005
...stylish, suspenseful, cruel and gut-wrenching, yet incredibly beautiful with fantastic camera-work, great acting, tight script and powerful execution. Fight scenes are masterfully done; very realistic and fresh after all that "wire-foo" clichés from HK. Korean filmmakers rarely disappoint in general, but even so, this movie stands out as a true masterpiece. The only reason I didn't give it a 10, is that there was a couple of moments which were hard to follow, but it could be something with translation. Just be warned, you'll need a strong stomach to watch this movie.
Oh, and did I mention beautiful and captivating music score? I guess, I did now. Watch the film, you won't be disappointed!
Oh, and did I mention beautiful and captivating music score? I guess, I did now. Watch the film, you won't be disappointed!
Beyond the Limits
(2003)
What a Wild Ride!
18 October 2003
Gee, where to begin? This movie is very bizarre and unique; it's not the plot that makes it unique, however, because the plot is quite simple. On one side of equation, there is a misterious... well, item, and on another side, there are people who get tortured and killed right and left in different and quite imaginative ways, because somebody wants this item very, very much.
So, like I said, the plot is simple, but the execution is quite sophisticated. The movie consists of 2 barely connected parts and takes us through modern and Medievil times, and then there is someone who combines the whole story and tells it to (you guessed it) a beautiful, female reporter.
So, how bizarre is it? Here is my take on this very unusual movie:
1. "Beyond the Limits" is one of the most violent, gory films I've ever seen in my entire life (and I've seen quite a few!)!
2. It's also THE MOST CREATIVE and professionally done gorefest I've ever seen.
3. Notwithstanding the previous comment, acting and dialogs in the first vignette are atrocious and over-the-top - totally B-movie material. At this point you will get confused, since you've been told this is not a B-movie (stay assured, it isn't, just wait for the second part). Besides, murders and tortures are so well done, you will forgive the filmmakers for this acting fiasco, guaranteed.
4. Since they didn't have enough money to hire professional actors for entire duration of the movie (just guessing here:), the second vignette is where the director makes it up to you in this department. I think it's flawless. Acting is terrific, and fight scenes will take your breath away.
5. The outline plot is subtle, and the end scene, albeit very strong, doesn't make too much of a sense, which, I must say, is perfect for this movie. The ending, somehow, reminded me of the ending of "Ronin" (with Robert De Niro).
6. The film had to have a fairly good budget, if only for all those special effects having been made so well, but obviously, not enough money went into marketing, which can explain why no one on this side of Atlantic ever heard of this movie, which is sad, sad, sad...
Final Thoughts.
The only reason, I don't call this movie a horror masterpiece is because of the laughable acting in the 1st part. Overall, I'll say, if you like the genre and have a strong stomach, find and see this movie -you'll be glad you did! 7 out of 10.
So, like I said, the plot is simple, but the execution is quite sophisticated. The movie consists of 2 barely connected parts and takes us through modern and Medievil times, and then there is someone who combines the whole story and tells it to (you guessed it) a beautiful, female reporter.
So, how bizarre is it? Here is my take on this very unusual movie:
1. "Beyond the Limits" is one of the most violent, gory films I've ever seen in my entire life (and I've seen quite a few!)!
2. It's also THE MOST CREATIVE and professionally done gorefest I've ever seen.
3. Notwithstanding the previous comment, acting and dialogs in the first vignette are atrocious and over-the-top - totally B-movie material. At this point you will get confused, since you've been told this is not a B-movie (stay assured, it isn't, just wait for the second part). Besides, murders and tortures are so well done, you will forgive the filmmakers for this acting fiasco, guaranteed.
4. Since they didn't have enough money to hire professional actors for entire duration of the movie (just guessing here:), the second vignette is where the director makes it up to you in this department. I think it's flawless. Acting is terrific, and fight scenes will take your breath away.
5. The outline plot is subtle, and the end scene, albeit very strong, doesn't make too much of a sense, which, I must say, is perfect for this movie. The ending, somehow, reminded me of the ending of "Ronin" (with Robert De Niro).
6. The film had to have a fairly good budget, if only for all those special effects having been made so well, but obviously, not enough money went into marketing, which can explain why no one on this side of Atlantic ever heard of this movie, which is sad, sad, sad...
Final Thoughts.
The only reason, I don't call this movie a horror masterpiece is because of the laughable acting in the 1st part. Overall, I'll say, if you like the genre and have a strong stomach, find and see this movie -you'll be glad you did! 7 out of 10.
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