sun_jot Reviews

One Child Nation (2019)

Riveting though only one side of the story with prejudice

[3/10 · 30 August 2019]

Riveting though it seems the documentary focuses on only one side of the story. And blaming a lot problems on one-child policy is simply not right.

1. Gender balance. Before the one child policy people tend keep giving birth unless there is a boy. Decision making affects the rate too. That's why my father had 5 sisters 1 brother and my mother has 3 sisters and 1 brother. You do the math. That contributes to the balance but it's not that kind of balance you really want. After the one-child, it is mainly abortion that reverts the ratio although China had strict laws forbidden people check gender fetus during the one child policy.

2. Abandonment. Children were abandoned in rural areas of China. Parents tend to keep boys and abandon girls. It has been that for centuries maybe. It was mainly due to the fact that the family does not have enough resources to feed everyone. The doc did not mention the children death rate before the one-child policy. My father had 6 siblings and that does not include 4 were dead from suffering illness in early age. Giving up a girl was a way to keep the family alive and yes it is very wrong. People should have just stopped giving births to that many children (male can be workers and bring fortune in old time China). The was less abandonment due to that reason after the policy. Also note that abandonment happened but it was not anyway close to a norm.

3. Forced abortion. The law strictly forbids forcing abortion during one child policy. The documentary does not mention that yet brings some voices to force an impression. If you notice, a lot of the voices are from the narratives or started with " I heard.." There has been forced abortions in the past 40 years in a singular digit reported and were deemed wrong and crimeful even in China. If you search BBC reports, you find that "there was not enough evidence to support it". I do believe there has been cases of forced abortion. The people who work at the local office used extreme means to guarantee a job and that action was very wrong.

3. Twins count as one birth it's not against the policy so in the movie the girl talked about how she got separated from her twin sister. It's entirely irrelevant to the one-child policy.

4. GDP in China now is 80 times that in 1979 when the one- child policy started 40 years ago.

5. There will be other issues like lack of medical resources and abandonment without the one child policy. One child policy is like a two sided blade. Without the policy, China would have added 300 million people in population and that's almost the entire population of the states. Poverty was imminent.

I am not trying to speak up for the one child policy. I was born in 1980s just like the director herself. While wishing that I had a brother or sister, I grew up without noticing any change to our lives caused by the policy. We were the happy generation because we witnessed the tremendous improvement in our life. Now my wife and I (without any siblings) have four parents and two kids to take care of and that's a lot of pressure. We sometimes need cousins to help on looking after our parents when we are away. That's the biggest impact if you ask us as the generation of one-child. But one child policy is already in the past, isn't it?

Ready Player One (2018)

Best movie this year! hands down!

[10/10 · 31 March 2018]

I am a gamer so maybe I am biased. But as a gamer one can be really picky towards a movie themed around games. To be honest I have not seen a decent movie that's about games (one I can think of is Wreck-it ralph but that's a cartoon..).

This film rocks!!! It pays tribute to a lot of familiar memories I carried since I was a child. I can't list them all and I don't want to spoil anything. Mr. Spielberg surprised me truly this time. It reminds me of the old time when I sat in a theatre and smiled like an idiot, immersed in the film and amazed by movie magic. Thank you Mr. Spielberg (I once doubted that you would ever make another good movie...). And thank the cast, they did a wonderful job. I have no complaint. I just love this film.

Again I am a guy in his late 30s who go to work every day, play some video games and enjoy family time. The memories of being a kid and the excitement of seeing new gadgets has long gone. But I found those in this film. It's nice to be young again.

Thanks to my wife who dragged me to the theater today.

Black Panther (2018)

Dull and disappointed

[4/10 · 22 February 2018]

I agree with a lot of people here who stated that the movie was much hyped. I understand we need to boost the new holly-black-wood. But where is the true sense of good films? The thing is that this movie makes me wonder whether I would watch the next Marvel film. It's really that tip-over point. At least I am tired of going in cinema and watch bland heroes.

Godzilla (2014)

Finally a movie does Godzilla justice

[10/10 · 16 May 2014]

Firstly, to those who complain about the movie making Godzilla a hero, you certainly know nothing about the history of this creature. For the past 60 years, Godzilla has lived in Japan winning fans for its/his unique characteristics, his manlike personalities and his act to save the human mankind. Secondly, I applaud the director for making the Godzilla from the 1998 film look like a joke. The 2014 version is a movie created for Godzilla fans and that's why it gets the praise. If you enjoyed the movie Cloverfield like I did, and if you heard of Godzilla and expect nothing like a romance movie or a documentary film. You should go see this movie.

True Detective (2014– )

The story can't get any better

[10/10 · 16 February 2014]

No spoiler ahead.

I know it's a little early for me to say that the story can't get any better of the show. It's only episode 4 now. But I have good faith in its writing and I can already see the grand finale of everything coming. In fact I am confident because of how the show is structured. I like this style. Everything is set up already before shooting starts and the story will end in one season. New script with new story and new actors will be applied at the beginning of the second season (and I hope there are more to come).

The show has a bit of everything and is good to many tastes. I, myself as a avid suspense novel fan, can't shake off the feeling that this show was adapted from a famous novel, a distinguished one. Although I know it's not. And that's how well I like it.

I am glad that there aren't many television to my favorite now still showing and here is still one.

Prometheus (I) (2012)

This is not an alien film, those who fail to see this sure will be disappointed

[10/10 · 11 June 2012]

One of the things I learned these few years from movie going experiences is that I should never have much expectation of what the plot could be or what the movie should be about. Prometheus is not a film about Aliens and it's only remotely related to the alien film that you saw with the big round ship and mother alien. Now if you enjoy sci-fi novels and TV-shows from the old time, you probably will enjoy this film greatly like I did. I was in awe with how many details Prometheus had to offer in the film. None of the other sci-fi movies in recent years had done so well in depicting space-shuttle, high tech and alien planet, making them very much so believable (and fascinating). Avatar was a good film but it felt more towards a fantasy film rather than sci-fi.

And another thing is that a good sci-fi novel/film does not need to explain itself head to toe. Leaving things open and questions unanswered (for the reader/audience to fill and answer) is good strategy in my mind. Some of the negative reviews I read here pretty much all complained about the character behaviors and misclassified mythology. Some of the questions people asked actually are implicitly answered in the film. With a second viewing I am sure the questions might be answered. Rather than say to your face hey this is what's going on, the film makes you think and makes your own Hamlet.

All in all, it's great sci-fi movie in my opinion, the best sci-fi film I have seen in last decade I must say. Give it a try and leave off the ideas of going to see another alien films (don't we have enough of them already?). The movie is called Prometheus and I assure you this will be a unique experiences and will be worth your time especially if you are die-hard sci-fi fan.

CJ7 (2008)

It's kid movie, but a pretty good one

[8/10 · 3 February 2008]

Stephen Chow has brought many good films and never let die hard fans down for once. Yet I find it pretty hard to comment on this new work from Chow esp. after 3 year long waiting. There was plenty of joy while watching it, but it's not what I expected. If I have to summarize , then probably tiny bit slapstick + kiddish scenes + Chinese ET + family theme = CJ7

If you love shaolin soccer and kungfu hustle, you may feel very different about CJ7, even disappointed, because it feels almost nothing like a Chow movie, except for some very funny jokes. Sure you will still laugh at few scenes where dark humor or hard jokes fly around. The story is no longer serious or ambitious, it's simply about a kid who discovered a new alien cute friend and learned the meaning of life.

After many years, I think Stephen Chow finally can sit down and build a story of his own without worrying about film market or what other people may think.This time he is not even the leading actor in this film. No Kungfu, no strange costumes, no play-like-a-fool jokes, it's pure imagination for kids, maybe one of Chow's dream when he was a child.

I don't plan to spoil any more details , but I have to warn those who haven't seen this movie but very looked forward to seeing it. It's a movie that aims for young audience and it's not any movie like shaolin soccer or kungfu hustle(well, some part still yes, same enjoyable maybe). If you don't mind watching a family/feel good movie, or specially you have children to go with, don't hesitate to see it. It will be worth the one and half hour of your life.

You will not laugh like an idiot, but I am sure you will still smile like a fool.

Surf's Up (2007)

Surprisingly good

[9/10 · 21 June 2007]

I hate to say I enjoy animations so much, but I gotta say yeah! this movie made my day. Surf's up is not a pure animation film for kids. I feel it's more for adults or maybe youth I mean.

The interview line is interesting and totally fresh. Altho this movie feels a bit like incredible+ cars (esp. the key concept delivered), the movie is more entertaining than CARs and even Incredibles. I had a pleasant time in theater.

Okay, the story is predictable. So are most of the plots from animation movies. The thing so great about the movie is it's been "shot" from different angles and totally fresh way of telling stories.

Go to see the movie before it's too late!

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

I have to say

[10/10 · 1 October 2004]

It's been a long time since I saw the movie and I still have it as the best memory when I sit in front of TV and enjoy the magic of a magnificent movie.

Yesterday, we had a discussion on a Chinese movie board about which is the best movie in history. The answer was Shawshank's Redemption. It's a movie delivering good sense of hope in life and the best story to inspire people truly from inside. I feel I gotta say something about it again when it's the time of 10 years anniversary for such a great movie.

Many people are still talking about whether it should have got above Forest Gump in 1995 Oscar. I personally think it's reasonable for Forest Gump winning Oscar. But I think there is one actor who should have won a supporting actor : James Whitmore who acted old Brook in the movie. I don't know why, but his character impacted me the most. Esp. when he got free and began narrate the letter he wrote to his prison folks. I am a young man and did not have enough experience in life, but I felt something there, strongly, something that made me moved to tears. The director did great jobs in this sense, bringing quite a few characters who are far yet close to us. They have weakness and doubt in life just like we did in our lives. Everyone make mistakes, some are small which can be ignored, some are so big that even a life time sentence does not judge enough. But they are common. the thing is what you realize in life: Incarnation or refreshment.

I cant say how much the movie changed my life. This might be the only movie so far to change my life ever. But I can say I became a better person after this. (I am not saying I was a bad guy , keke). And I will think about hopes no matter how bad are the situations. The movie is pure magic.

I saw the movie with my mom, who usually does not see Hollylwood movies. But this is the second movie which did not make her sleep.(keke, the other one was Titanic) I did not expect anything more from the movie , yet it ended as a magic night for me.

I can keep going on and on talking about how great the movie was. And I think the reason for those people who do not enjoy the movie that much is because they already know or expect too many things before seeing it. I am sorry that nowadays there are not so good movies around in Hollywood and I hope I can find another magic one soon.

I will buy the coming DVD and put in my shelf. I hope someday I can let my son see it and tell him how important hope is.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Remarkable

[10/10 · 11 January 2004]

I have never made any comments in English or posted any here. But I really hope to see the movie get higher rating and I really feel need to write down how I love the movie.

As a child,I was nowhere living in any surrounding of western tales. I had no idea where the story of LOR would go when I had the first sight on the 1st episode TFOR.I didnt even understand the most fundamental questions: why need Frodo go to destroy the ring, why it's him not others, and why frodo could resist the power while others cant. The story was totally 'exotic' for me. But still, I was so attracted by the scenes and braveness, united spirit, loveness showing by the picture.

Now comes the third one and the best movie ever may I say. It is even much better than all I can imagine. I watched the movie in a theatre late night with only 2 other movie viewers sitting far behind. It was quiet and no one would have seen me shedding tears along the movie going. Yes, I choked and was so moved. The only other movie which did the same thing to me was Shawshank's redemption, which was once in the no.1 place of my favorite movie list. Now it's taken by LOR3.

Lor2 was considered as one movie with less compassion and moving moments. For lor3, there are so many touching scenes that any few of them would be enough to gain my full respect for the filming groups. No one can complain being given too much, right?

The picture is describing an ideal world. but why not? We are living in a busy and wearing world, what is the chance for us to be a warrior or some small man who can gain the highest respect from others, like hobbits. The original story must be good. But I am still sure I would enjoy the movie much more than reading the novel itself. Thank the filming groups and the ones who performed the film. It was and will be a memorable 3-hour-time in my life.

The character I liked the best is Sam(performed by Sean Astin).Sean played the role vividly and delivered so well the deep meaning of friendship and loyalty. No doubt, he deserves an Oscar for best supporter role.

The story ends and I feel sad at the same time coz there is no lor4 for the next December. I will watch the movie again and again, along with the other two.

Life becomes meaningful. Thank movies.