indofinmusic Reviews

A Bloody Aria (2006)

blend of violence and dark humor

[6/10 · 4 March 2008]

A Bloody Aria is a disturbing look into the ongoing cycle of violence and bullying in Korea. It has no hero or even anti-hero, only protagonists and victims often one in the same. The story begins with a professor driving with a former student taking her to a remote destination with malintentions. A chain of events come into play bringing forth several other "country folk" characters that will lead to a tension filled explosion of violence linked to bullying and institutions such as the military.

The film is primarily a bleak revenge flick with offbeat characters and dark humor. The director conveys his views on violence in Korea through bullying and the circle that evolves from it. Filmed primarily in one location the story is still engaging for the simple fact you have no idea how these characters are going to react next. However, the film seems to think it's a little more clever than it is involving the twists that come into fruition. I figured one major twist out within the first 15 minutes of the film and the other large twist was hard to believe or at least hard to believably comprehend the character's actions and emotions. Some of the subplots such as the rat poison and introduction of a gun fall flat. I enjoyed the film despite its flaws and look forward to what this director brings next.

I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK (2006)

this is how rom-coms should be done

[9/10 · 4 March 2008]

Park Chan-Wook's latest is similar to the directorial styles of his well known films such as Oldboy, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, and Joint Security Area (If you don't know these titles, you need to become familiar quickly). So is the screen filled with beautiful images full of color and life? You betcha… however… the content of the film is a far cry from the Vengeance Trilogy. Park's new film is more of a love story, odd as can be, but still a love story at heart. So if you're expecting Oldboy 2… don't bother.

This is a romantic comedy of sorts, but not a light one. Park does dive into some serious subject matter. The film revolves around it's lead actress Im Su-jeong (who you may recognize from the wonderful horror; Tale Of Two Sisters). She plays the part of a sad girl in a mental institution where most of the film is played out and believes she is a cyborg who refuses to eat. As her health deteriorates, an interest is acquired by another patient played by pop star Bi (Rain). What ensues is a melancholic turned lovely tale of two characters dealing with their past finding each other in the most odd of circumstances.

This is not played out like a typical rom com; I.E. machine guns coming out of Im's fingers blowing away all the nurses. This is a sad yet amusing love story told like nobody besides Park could tell it. The story is touching, sad and funny. The visuals, effects and set designs are simply beautiful. Again, if you're looking for a blood filled, revenge story this is not for you. If you're looking for a non typical romantic comedy with style to spare then this is it. There's someone for everyone..... even if she may have machine guns as fingertips.

Mechenosets (2006)

super"hero" movie for adults

[8/10 · 4 March 2008]

What happens when the average joe finds out he has supernatural powers? The premise may sound familiar. The Watchmen? Unbreakable? However, the Russian sci-fi action flick, The Sword Bearer, is far from the standard stock.

The story revolves around a man named Sasha who as a boy was shunned from society, his peers and family due to a supernatural power that he possess. When he wishes or his anger allows, a sword extends from his arm piercing his own skin. Very wolverinish? Maybe... but that's not the interesting part of this film. Shunned all his life and driven by anger (and a temper he does have) our "hero" returns to his home town to turn his life around or find a reason to. The only thing he encounters here is trouble when an encounter with an old flame's new boyfriend leaves him bloodied on the ground. This is where the vengeance and anger comes into play. This is a man you do not want to cross and from this point the mafia and the police are on his tail. He meets a girl and falls in love instantly as does she and this is really what the movie is about.

The film is highly impressionistic with bold colors and noir overtones spliced with short yet extreme action sequences. This is art house at it's core, beautifully filmed with such attention to details in every scene over gruesome sci-fi action. It's this odd mash that interests me so much in this film. The directors approach for this genre is refreshing focusing on the emotional journey of Sasha and not a straight action film. Don't worry though, the action is there and plenty of it. However, much of these sequences show only implied violence with pictures of the horrific aftermath. This is not to say that action is not shown. These scenes are here and are fantastic (especially the ending where we see Sasha's full powers unleashed in desperation). The director chooses to imply the violence of many scenes to keep the focus on the character's emotional struggle at hand. This is a tragic love story and a refreshing entry into the genre.

The Warlords (2007)

War Is Hell

[9/10 · 4 March 2008]

Last night I had the opportunity to view one of the best films i've seen in a very long time. One that stays with you far after the closing credits. One that requires time after viewing to untie all the knots in your stomach.

Peter Chan's "The Warlords" is a period epic in every sense of the word. Chan covers a lot of ground here depicting war and the consequences thereof consisting of his anti-war sentiments. It tells the story of three "brothers" played brilliantly by Jet Li (Fearless), Andy Lau (Infernal Affairs) and Takeshi Kaneshiro (House Of Flying Daggers) who make a pact of brotherhood to one another that consists of killing anyone who harms one of the brothers and killing any brother who harms another brother as they lead an army through war after war taking over city after city.

It's incredible to watch the thought process of making vital decisions during a battle or within their own army to defy humanity for the "greater good". It shows the internal and external struggle of these decisions by opposing points of view. The emotions felt by these men translate in any language and leave you emotionally drained after watching the film through to its tragic end.

The cinematography is outstanding, the budget is huge, the directing brilliant and the war scenes brutal as can be. We're talking decapitations, gushing blood, limbs sliced off and a man being blown up by a cannonball. Chan is delivering a truth in the brutality of war rather than dressing it up to keep (most of it) realistic.

War is hell.... and this film will take you there and back. Highest recommendation.