Kore-O Reviews

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)

Bloody beautiful vamp anime!

[6/10 · 22 December 2005]

D is one tough Vampire Hunter. So is the movie. Vampire Hunter D, definitely has the action and gore to satisfy action fans, but the plot and character development somehow falls flat. It's definitely a solid movie, and probably a must see, if you're a fan of Vampire films, but for everyone else, it probably does not live up the hype except for the visual galore. The story is kind of predictable, and sort of lacks originality, but on the other hand it has the strength and focus in it's action sequences to even it out. In the end, it's a decent flick. Well Worth watching if you like vampires, but for everyone else, you might want to consider if this is the action anime for you.

6/10

Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (1999)

Quality Anime Brigade.

[7/10 · 22 December 2005]

Jin-Roh, is a very impressive movie from a technical stand point. What is perhaps, most impressive about it, is the plot twists as well as the story. Jin-Roh gives new meaning to the word "Betrayel". It's truly a frightening movie from that point of view. It has a strange artistic look to it. It doesn't seem very Japanese. It's much to dark, gloomy and depressing. The action is far and in between, but when it comes, it is very good. The plot is not the most important thing about the movie. It's more the relationship between the characters. I guess, to be fair, the weakest aspect of Jin-Roh, is definitely that it can feel very slow and stretched out. It has this calm and gritty feel to it, but when things start to happen, the viewer sits on the edge of their seats and wait what will happen.

Jin-Roh is betrayal in a movie. It's a very unique anime that totally goes away from the anime mainstream, which makes it difficult to compare it to anything actually. And while it may be slow and a bit at drag at time, it's definitely worth watching, just for the sake of it.

7/10

Scarface (1983)

The best gangster movie of all time.

[9/10 · 22 December 2005]

Tony Montana. He is the hardest man to have ever appeared on the big screen. He is the toughest anti-hero of all time. This is Al Pacino's biggest role. The role he was born to play. Scarface is an gangster epic, taking place in the early 1980s in Miami. Tony Montana, is a Cuban coming to the United States looking for money, and glory. One of the most frightening things about Scarface is how true it tells the story, of failed integration in the Western world. It's a perfect example of exactly WHY so many foreigners decides to become criminals. Perhaps thats the biggest point of Scarface.

But besides that, the movie gave birth to one of the most memorable characters ever, Tony Montana. Each second that Al, is on screen, he captures the audience. He really makes the viewer think that he is the good guy, even though he is a cold and cynical killer. Oliver Stones harsh script, is certainly not for all ages. Scarface is much more though than just flashy blood and a lot of cursing. Scarface, along with Michael Mann's 1984 cult classic Cop TV series, Miami Vice, represents the 80s through cinema. In the colorful streets of Miami, with the warm sun, the neon lights, the flashy suit, the big hair and the crazy disco pop music, the 80s is brought to life. It's the decade everyone loves to hate. It's that decade that makes you smile. The cheesy and materialistic decade, that yet was innocent and a time full of joy. In a way, the setting of Miami reinforces the cynical aspect of Tonys behavior. It's dark, bloody and gritty in a bright and colorful world.

"I always tell the truth. Even when I lie." - Tony. Thats right Tony. You mates, better go out and buy the DVD, because Scarface is one you just HAVE to own. It's a fact of life.

9/10

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

Kingdom of expectations.

[7/10 · 22 December 2005]

I had unrealistic high expectations for Kingdom of Heaven. Gladiator was one of my favorite movies of all time, so it was natural for me to expect a lot from the legendary movie maker. Kingdom of Heaven takes place during the 12th Centurys first crusade. It's really about the legendary fight over Jerusalem, even though Balian's(Orlando Bloom) story has it's place as well. Orlando does a fine job I think. He by no means have the charisma of Russel Crowe, but he still does a fine job. I definitely don't think he is such a pansy as he was in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Black Hawk Down or Pirates of the Carribiaen.

The action is intense. We get to see beautiful sword fights, huge catapults and lots of brutality as well as huge fights, between the Christian armies and the Muslim armies. Ghassan Massoud's(Saladin) performance truly stands out. So does King Baldwin's(Edward Norton). They carry a lot of the movie, even though Liam Nesson and Jeremy Irons, both also give solid performances. All in all, Kingdom of Heaven, is not the next Gladiator, however it is an entertaining historical epic.

7/10

Man on Fire (2004)

Buy Man on Fire on DVD, or Denzel will break your legs.

[9/10 · 22 December 2005]

Every once in a while(about once in a decade) a movie comes along that makes what seem like just another film with car explosions and people getting shot full of holes, like an stinky cheese, turn into an true action epic. I will confess something. Man on Fire made me cry like a little schoolgirl. It's an epic and emotional film, that can't do anything besides growing on you. Denzel plays the tough macho bodyguard alcoholic with a harsh past full of regret and death. His client, Samuel, played by Mark Anthony(a surprisingly very good performance, even though I dislike his music) wants him to protect their daughter, Pita(Dakota Fanning) in the harsh Mexico. While their relationship starts off stiff, Denzel can't do nothing but eventually dry up, to the cute and life-happy Pita.

But as in any good action movie, the bad guys just can't keep their fingers of the cookie jar. The premise or plot Tony Scotts latest, is nothing new or even surprising, but it's incredible powerful execution makes up for it. Harry Greg-Williams amazing score, helps keeping the movie very intense and deep.

This is without a doubt, the best Tony Scott movie ever. With this, he is getting very close to Ridley Scott, who has long mastered the concept of epic films. This is a movie you definitely should be seeing. It has everything you could want. Amazing music, great acting, competent directing and stunning action.

9/10

Princess Mononoke (1997)

One of the most epic Animes of all time.

[9/10 · 22 December 2005]

Based on old Japanese mythology and folklore, in ages past, Mononoke-Hime, tells the tail of the young prince, Ashitaka, who in the beginning of the film confronts a vicious demon. Even though he defeated the demon, he was cursed. To try and save himself, he decided to travel west, to try and lift the curse, so he wouldn't die. And that is the beginning of Hayao's biggest masterpiece, Mononoke-Hime is about. Though it also has tons of other themes as well. It's a movie with a very strong point and very solid believable characters. You will truly want to care about, what happens to them.

The movie is full of action, beautiful hand drawn and colorful animation as well as stunning music and excellent voice acting. Of course, the Japanese voices are far superior to the English one, based on my personal preference. One of the things that Mononoke does best, is to tell the story in an epic way. We get to see animal gods and different points of view, from one conflict, without it seeming childish or stupid. This movie, is of my all time favorites. You just have to watch it. It's a true work of art. A hallmark in Animation and movies in general.

9/10

Oldboy (2003)

Oh Dae-Su is my favorite hero...

[9/10 · 22 December 2005]

After watching this movie, I felt out jumping out the window and hurt some random people with a steel hammer, just because of sheer excitement. I don't know about you're social life's, but in mine that is a pretty uncommon feeling. I can't say that I have ever had that feeling before, and I don't mean that in any negative way(except for does who were to get hit by my mighty steel hammer). Oldboy is extreme, provoking and over the top. It's a typical revenge story, but it just gets so much more under your skin, than something like Kill Bill.

Even if you're one of does people who don't like foreign movies, you shouldn't pass the chance of seeing Oldboy. It does something that Hollywood wouldn't dare in ten million years. No matter who you are, I guarantee you, that you will at the very worst, have absolutely appreciated, having had the chance to see this unique movie. If you don't, then you are welcome to hit me with a big steel hammer.

9/10

Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (2001)

Quality Anime that should be knocking' in you're DVD player.

[9/10 · 22 December 2005]

To say that I'm a fan of Cowboy Bebop would be an underestimate. But the truth is that I actually got interested in Cowboy Bebop after seeing this movie. I had never watched the series before, so I had no idea, what to expect. But boy, it was beautiful.

To me, Cowboy Bebop reminds me of why I feel so sorry for people who won't give anime a chance. I honestly don't believe that ANYONE, no matter what kind of movie they are into, are able to seriously dislike Cowboy Bebop. The humor, the the stylish art, the well told story and utterly interesting, deep and complex characters help this world move all of it's own. You should give this a chance, no matter who you are. It's really that good, and this movie is no different. Starting out in the old Bebop fashion, it tells the tail, of the hunt of another bounty for the Bebop crew. This is the last time we will ever see Spike, Jet, Edward, Faye and Ein. Don't miss it, for the world, or I'll personally be knocking on you're door.

9/10

Brothers (2004)

A little tragic tale, in a country called Afghanistan.

[6/10 · 22 December 2005]

Susanne Bier, is a very beloved director in Denmark. Her movie "Den Eneste Ene", is one of the most popular danish movies ever, in Denmark. A self-claimed classic.

Her latest movie, Brødre(Brothers) is set in Denmark. We get to know a little danish family, and get to witness the story of when the man of the family have to go to war. The biggest flaw of Brothers, perhaps is that it never really takes off. Not as a war movie, nor as a drama. It stay in a quite cohesive mix between the two. While it certainly has a good point and heart, and while it is quite shocking, Brothers never really manage to truly capture the spirit of a truly good movie about war.

What is interesting though, is the changing psychology behavior of the characters we get to see, and how they change. Danish filmmakers are not experienced with this kind of movie or theme, so it is to be expected that the movie feels rusty and all over the floor. Much like Danish current politician's, and the hole discussions about Denmarks place in Afghanistan and Iraq. It's a pretty solid movie though. It's good enough to watch. It's just not great. It never really gets intense enough, and that's to bad, because it has the the right premise, not just the muscle to put it into effect.

6/10

Akira (1988)

Every Anime fan have to start from a certain place.

[8/10 · 22 December 2005]

I was probably around 8, when I first saw Akira. It was my step dad who asked me if I was interested in watching this Japanese cartoon. I expected something like, my favorite children movies like The Lion King or The Land before Time.

Akira however, was something else. At the time I was to young to understand English, since it was a second language for me. But I remember what kind of an affect it had on me. It was brutal, it was hard, it was edgy. The drums and Neo Tokyo lights flew through my little body as butter, as I witnessed death, gore and sadistic killings. Something my pure and innocent eyes had never seen before. And yet I was strangely excited. I was never tough as a kid. I was a afraid of the dark and often had nightmares about all kinds of things. But Akira, despite it's mature nature, just had me in awe. When I finally re-saw it many years later, when I was an old teenager, I was still in awe.

Akira is simply a wonderful and entertaining sci-fi movie. It was what introduced me to anime, and innovation in a hole new way. If you want to start watching anime or see, what all the fuss is about, then Akira is a good place to start. Even though it's over 17 years old today, it is still a fantastic and visually stunning animation. Even if you don't appreciate animation you owe it to yourself, to check it out. It has spectacular action, motorcycle-chase-sequences, mad scientists and tons of blood and shooting.

8/10

Wonderful Days (2003)

A big BANG for Korean animation.

[9/10 · 22 December 2005]

Wonderful Days, is a flawed masterpiece. In it's about 90 minutes running time, it's incredible larger-than-life ambitious story takes place in a galore of beautiful images and sound.

Images and sound. This is what Wonderful Days is about. It's a living proof of animation being art. Everything from the supreme art direction to the very detailed CGI to the hauntingly and tear jacking soundtrack. The story is were it's flawed. It's like, Wonderful Days tries to tell tons of stories. It is simply not enough for the time, the movie lasts. That's not to say that it's bad. The love story between the two main characters, the story about human civilization being at it's end and about the sufferings of the lower classes, is something we have seen hundreds of times before in Animation and Anime.

Wonderful Days does not have the philosophy and soul searching elements of Ghost in the Shell, nor is it as hip or as revolutionary as Akira, but it TRULY does stand on it's own legs. It depends on how you look at it. YOU as a viewer have to decide, if you want to let the images and music tell the story, or try to compare it to the top Japanese movies. It's masterpiece in it's own right. It just depend on which way you look at it. It's full of action, interesting characters and again... Some of the most beautiful CGI and animation ever. I personally consider this MUCH better than some similar movies like Appleseed, GITS1 and 2 and FF7: Advent Children. Wonderful days is a large step in the right direction for Korean animation. Go see this movie. Appreciate it for what it is.

9/10