nfabjoy
Somewhere in Africa
A passable Zombie movie that you can watch if you hate scary movies
As far as Zombie movies go - this is a good one .As far as movies go - this is an okay movie.
#Alive has a great introduction and really compelling acting from Yoo Ah In , His acting chops really made the movie feel full and really well lived in even though he was the only human for the duration of the movie.
What brings this movie down is its failed logic and lousy set pieces. Theres not much to get or learn from this at all. Its barely emotional and does little to move the viewer. Not to mention that it is not scary.
However, it is passable and I was able to finish it , albeit in two sittings. Ha!
I wouldn't jump to recommend this movie . Its not special enough but if you are someone who wants to dip their toes into the genre then this is the safest option OR if you are an avid fan of the zombie genre - then go for it ! Though I must warn it is no Train to Busan .
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This drama is ELITE
Powerful, stirring, brilliant—you name it, Six Flying Dragons is it.JUST WATCH is the only justice I can give a show of such brilliance.
"It explores the tensions between pragmatism and idealism, caution and action, ruthlessness and moral rectitude" with great story telling and screen play greatly depicting the urgency of the times .
It truly is an EPIC that astounds in cinematography , cast , screenplay and production.One would find the most geneorous character portraits and most delicate writing treated with reverence and imbued with deep reflection.
I personally loved the insights and moral instruction offered in SFD. Every great thing requiring a certain sacrifice was a trope spun on its head . What is victory ? What is a loss ? Were also deeply explored. It also pondered the mechanics of villainy in great art . That , perhaps , the most noble people with zero greed in their hearts are the most dangerous because they cannot compromise for a greater principle and lack empathy and pity for the common man as their views are rooted in elitist sense of self ? Or maybe its the ones with the most persuasive tongues that are the violent ones? Or that people with darkness and resentment in their hearts have a much needed push and pull to be moral characters with great empathy. What ever insights you pick up on ,what is for sure is that there is no endorsement of path .What is right is history .
JUST WATCH . Epic sword fights and epic relationships ensue.
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Not the most emotionally evocative movie nor entertaining.
I believe that movies and dramas do not necessarily have to be entertaining to be good and vice versa. Just because something is entertaining does not automatically equate it to being good too.In that vein- Il Mare is not at all entertaining but it is technically good and sound on all fronts . The story is groundbreaking , original and unique. The cinematography is sublime and the romantic conviction is strong and timed. It is truly a well told love story but ultimately, kinda boring.
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An intense yet feel good drama
The premise of While You Were Sleeping really caught my eye as I have some experience on dreams and precognition so the emotional connection to the drama was quite solidified . However , bias aside, this drama did so well in world building and being very elemental . The fact that it is a legal drama with romantic and fantasy elements made this drama thrilling and very full bodied.The full bodied nature of the drama meant everything was well fleshed out. The stories of everyone from the guy in school , the lawyer in the firm, the prosecutors to the intimate relationships were highly generous and very rewarding . It almost came across as a slice of life drama which I highly appreciated . The creation of an ensemble of likeable characters made the WYWS world feel full and very much lived in, and that’s probably the thing I liked most about While You Were Sleeping.The pathos illustrated made the characters likeable and easy to relate to and seeing them making hard decisions in the best way they knew how was a great continuity and relatable factor for the audience.There was also enough external conflict in highly villainous characters to keep it exciting and spicy too.Not to mention that this drama is HILARIOUS as well.
As for the romance business - it was all very pleasant and warm.In fact -the romance displayed here will go down as one of my personal faves in Kdrama land because of the ease that it was. It was not angst ridden and the understanding they had for each other was highly rewarding . Everything was so pleasantly soft even with the second male lead!
However , on the flip side ,the main element is not widely explained but I forgave that because it really isn’t about the intricacies of the plot but its really about the character growth born from the main element.
As for the acting and cast all I can muster is that there are 3 VERY hot male leads in Lee Jong Suk , Jung Hae In and Lee Sang Yeob that make this drama VERY easy on the eyes . A hot villain in Lee Sang Yeob ? Yes please!
Ahem , on a serious note though -the supporting cast was flawless and a standing ovation is in order for the very sweet portrayal of Han Woo Tak by the commendable Jung Hae In . I thoroughly enjoyed his restrained yet thoughtful enactment of Woo Tak and quite frankly - I will follow Jung Hae In wherever he goes and thats that.As for Lee Jung Suk - he was okay ( I never find him spectacular ) whilst Suzy Bae is not horrendous at all as some like to say. Though , its very obvious that the two could have been more emotive because Jung Hae In really showed them up . Just saying.
Now for music - its the softest ost out there that perfectly exemplifies the romance. The music also did well in atmosphere modulation too. I particularly loved Suzy Bae' s songs but essentially - the OST is very good .
OVERALL- The whole drama was really about the effect that people have on other people, and recognising that no matter how small a decision seems to you, it could alter someone else’s life irrevocably. I found that quite poignant about WYWS that I I highly recommend this watch.
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Inside Men: The Original
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A total first rate movie
I discovered this movie after I read a very comprehensive article on MDL from a fellow user.I have always been very much interested in pieces that depict corruption and upper class ills that result in social tragedies. I find them intriguing and when they are done well, they usually become my favourite pieces of television and film in the end. I like them because these types usually present humans in their most empathetic that is :liable to make mistakes ,prone to corruptible personality elements and people that tragically get caught up or even worse ; giving into the throes of villainy. If you are like me and enjoy these aspects - then one can watch and perhaps endure this 3hr first rate movie called Inside Men.
Its title is practically the movie and its heroes are your anti heroes . No one is really good in this movie or pure as snow. The villains are particularly socially nasty and the protagonists are just looking to survive in the cut throat world that they find themselves in . Its got political aspects to it as well.
The acting was amazing especially from Lee Byung Hun whom I have just discovered and I am pleased to know that he made award history with his role scooping up three prestigious film awards in one season!Jo Seung Woo who was co lead came in with some slow burning pathos that blows you away in the end . Baek Yoon Shik also came in slow burning though that quickly turns to something seething. The crowning moment was definitely the acting.
Though the movie is quite nearly perfect- I do wish its dialogue was more quick , pregnant and pronounced to match with the overall quality of the movie. One does not go away with the idea that they have watched something profoundly dynamic but rather something flawless albeit with no charm.
Therefore - I would not be surprised if one may find this a watch like Argo also known as "this is a good movie that is also boring".Its the only film that comes to mind to explain this vibe. Some loooooooove Argo and others have misgivings . I hope you like Inside Men when you watch!
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Really liked the beginning then it got so tedious
I do not know where it went particularly wrong but what I do know is that at the halfway mark - I lost utter interest .To start with the positive , the premise of the show is great and worth a starting of the show. The brilliant AI Robot and the circumstances surrounding his creation were really captivating story points. Where it went wrong for me was the very quick resolve of the situations in the world of Are You Human Too? It kinda got rid of its angst and X Factor that it could have had going for it . Every great piece of screen play has great tension and pull and the writers were adamant in getting rid of it at all costs which I thought had a purpose but then served as BORING.
So ? Everyone KNOWS EVERYTHING, what is the point and you are telling me we have 10 more eps to go???? Doing what ?
Then , the female characters in the brilliant Mom scientist and the kicking ass bodyguard just all became weeping heaps despite the strong backgrounds. Honestly , I was exhausted .
Then there was the obsessive second female lead who also seemed to have a rather strong intellectual pursuit and she was bogged down to a literal bedside BUT we were introduced to her running PR of a whole conglomerate! AAARGH
The plot twists seemed forced too like they were correcting their past mistake in resolving everything too quickly by eps 5 so they cheaply threw in some pointless plot twists.
And the last gripe was the romance . Just a no from me. Badly presented . Badly done . Kang So Bong was just not written to deliver.
And no - I do not think that this show had any brilliant commentary on being human and being a robot as most people suppose.
Overall - I really tried but the points listed were just too overwhelming for me to continue.
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Strong start but weak progression
Love in the Moonlight is one of those dramas that are considered gateway dramas for most. I can see why and how it can make for a good first start in saegeuks , cross dress and just overall first k drama. It's approachable, youthful and cute.Be that as it may, it's not great and watches tiredly.
At first, it's lively balance of comedy, politics and romance was pretty well done that you will be tuning in for next 10 eps like I did. The female lead is tenacious, spunky and witty and she is surrounded by a cute crown prince and two very strong mysterious men who encompass the crown prince's friend group. The story surrounding why she cross dresses will pique your interest, so will the court intrigues surrounding the Premier and his dastardly tricks and some uprising that occurred before the show started. BUT even with all that, it got boring, wearisome and tiring.
I believe it's down to underwriting the main leads who just became puddles of their former glorious selves. The female lead lost her spunk and the main lead lost his grace. In fact, he became less understandable and pricklier which I found confusing. The trope for the prickly male lead is prickly in the first half and soft and self-sacrificing in the second half? No? Well, apparently, it's a no.
It even had some great and reflective quotes going for it but then they started saying some really cringe things. I did not like that inconsistency too.
The direction and editing were also annoying. There were so many pauses and focuses on their faces as they were staring at NOTHING. It got infuriating, I just dropped it.
OVERALL: There are far better youthful saegeuks out there that one can watch. i.e Moon Embracing the Sun . Sungkwan Scandal etc
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Everyone is right in their own way about this show
This show really conflicts me.Firstly - its a fresh take on a rom com and it actually wears well for a drama that is almost 10 years old. Its fun , snappy , sexy and jazzy. Enough to pull you in. It has your very OTT silliness with a great balance of seriousness. It becomes strikingly clear that there is a sound commentary on family trauma etc. So when people praise this drama for its high emotional IQ- it is very much deserved.
Now , for the conflict - the ride to resolve was highly aggravating. The female lead and the second male lead contributed to this aggravating ride. Furthermore , the story exposition was just off. Too much unnecessary suffering for the female lead . She took waaaaay too many emotional L’s and the concept of her whole self sacrificial schtick went on for far too long . Sure there is more than meets the eye with this drama and that is enough currency to watch but I felt the exchange rate was not fair . I didn't truly get my money’s worth though it pushed valiantly on.
So in the end , I watched on fast forward until an eventual drop to an indifference of even seeing how it ended.
Overall- would I recommend ? No . But for those who like their rom coms to have a spin , a realism and maybe even a sexy , there may be something for you.
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The best version of all them and the best in the Japanese series
Hana Yori Dango 2 is up , up , up there In the most searingly romantic things I have come across. No kidding and no blasphemy but this iteration personally is the best one out there .1. This is the most truthful depiction of the comics tbf . I count it as the best version of the male protagonist too . He is flawed and realistically human .
2. This is the best female protagonist. She’s spunky till the end and has the “tough weed energy” that is not feminised out of her like they do in the other adaptations . She also has her equal share in love declarations that are very heart rendering too . She definitely carried the romantic weight equally . You don’t really see that much in the other adaptations
3. The F4 have very strong compelling character portraits as individuals compared to other adaptations. *if it counts for anything : the cast is waaaaaay better looking than most adaptations. It may not be the flashiest one out of all of them but they are more appropriately cast in terms of age and appearance .
4. The male leads corporation has a very good story of its own with full bodied characters and intrigues that are well spun.
5. The antagonists in this adaptation have great full circle moments that make them very compelling in the end .
6. The obstacles against love , as is synonymous with this series are of course many but never come across as gratuitous and banal . In fact, they add a lot of entertainment, relationship depth for all involved and peeling of layers . Speaking of obstacles, the second male lead romance is deftly dealt with in the Japanese version. In some versions , notably the Korean one , it seems the second lead is waaaay more deserving of getting with her than the lead himself . Other adaptations don’t handle the fact that the second male lead is indeed her first love but not her forever love. They rely too heavily on the trope of “first love” when that’s really not it . In fact , it’s because she knew she loved the male lead that she could say that indeed , her first love must have been the second male lead . But she would have never reached that substantial realization without truly loving and most importantly , knowing she loved the male lead.
7. The most important reason for me and why it triumphs over all the other ones is that it’s so ROMANTIC! I can compare it to the feeling one gets when they watch the Keira Knightley Pride Prejudice ! Absolutely squealing in joy at the sweet romance displayed !
Overall : love this drama ! I even cried at the end and I don’t really cry at happy endings but this was so sweet and romantic . If you are a fan of Boys over Flowers - this is a must watch but you must watch the first one !
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Er is iets met die 1 procent
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An amazing rom com
Something about 1 percent hits all the right boxes. It's a contract relationship done right, it is very funny, very romantic and a drama with a message. It hit a home run on everything a drama should hit.The chemistry between the two leads is also scintillating and very refreshing in the land of open-eyed kisses. Moreover, the business element of the drama was adequate without overpowering the romance. I particularly loved how we did not go through the angst purgatory stage that romance dramas like to delve in . Everything still just flowed even when there was that tension.
The music was also very good and the supporting cast all had very compelling story lines. Usually in dramas like this, the support cast are just fillers but not in Something about 1 Percent.
The message was also solid . "Someone's 1% can be someone elses 99% of luck"so be kind. Essentially.
Did I mention that the chemistry is SIZZLING ????
I definitely recommend this drama.
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A melo that is a bit meh
Took me a really long time to write this review because I have been contemplating whether I liked it or not and my conclusion is that its meh.I can totally see why this drama commands top marks . Its a super mature watch . It depicts life . It depicts unconditional love and depicts dignified poverty . Its super compelling with beautiful relationships of a familial nature .The two leads were phenomenal .It actually had something to say . I loved all that about it and thats why its gets 7 top marks as a watch.
As for the remaining three marks- the acting and writing had to pull it through over the meh mark to the brilliant mark and unfortunately , it did not have the capacity for that . Certain components of the cast over acted such as the two mature female leads and Ahn Ji Hoon was awful . In fact, what was the point of his character as the distant nephew/son in law in the first place?
Conversations were repetitive and drawn out . Sentiments did not evolve but instead found themselves in predictable and sappy territory. Which was disappointing because this show had portrayed itself as highly mature and clean but that was not the finished product.
Moreover . the pacing was just a bit off . Most things were a slow burn and then all at once all of a sudden .
Overall: Not a bad watch . Not a top tier watch though but it does enough to go the long haul.
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It’s passable
First Time is a nice enough movie but not particularly a favourite.Why ?
Firstly - it was a bit of a strenuous watch for me and consisted of an unforgivable start . It was slow and not in a luxuriant way but rather in a lack of ingenuity way . However, I did appreciate the nuance of the story and it did actually pick up at the 40 min mark to the point where I actually wanted to see how it ended . Big points for that but there was really no huge treat to reward those other 40 mins that I can’t let pass.
As for the acting - it was actually good but not memorable . I did not have an aftertaste of them at all but this is because of the storytelling. It’s not their fault . Both are highly popular and acclaimed actors and it shows as they were able to give some fire to this unlit bonfire .
The music was actually in no way memorable nor heightening . There was the guitar piece and that was supposed to be poignant but it all fell flat and that’s the storytelling’s fault . Shame.
Rewatch value is particularly non existent. I cannot possibly go through that 40 mins for sentiment so nah .
As for the overall - it was a passable movie . Not too good but also not that bad . In all honesty the hype surrounding this movie and its lauding reviews is the actors charm . So - if you like these actors (as most people on MDL do ) then go for it . As for me - it was okay albeit not great .
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Shogun was... alright
Shogun was a decent watch, though not one that left me eagerly anticipating a second season. The show’s portrayal of feudal Japan was interesting, with an obvious dedication to capturing the cultural and historical essence of the time, which I appreciated. The production value was high, and visually, it was quite immersive, with detailed sets and costumes that effectively transported viewers to a different era.However, despite these strengths, the pacing often felt sluggish, and it sometimes struggled to maintain momentum. Some characters, while well-acted, lacked the depth needed to truly connect with viewers, making it harder to stay fully invested in their journeys. The story had moments of intrigue but didn’t consistently deliver, and there were points where I found myself waiting for it to pick up or offer something unexpected.
Overall, while Shogun had its strong points, it didn’t capture my interest in a way that would bring me back for another season. It’s worth a watch if you’re interested in historical dramas, but it ultimately left me wanting a bit more in terms of both narrative depth and engagement.
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Saved by a stellar supporting cast and supporting story
Alchemy of Souls offers a really compelling fantasy world with impressive world-building and a particularly stellar supporting cast that carries much of the show's weight. While the main leads often feel bland and uninspired making me wonder at one point why they even had a romantic story line , the supporting characters more than make up for it, bringing depth and nuance to the story.To be really honest , most of the episodes have a repetitive feel, with similar set pieces and stakes, making the middle of the series drag a bit. However, the drama really picks up in the last few episodes, delivering an engaging finale that redeems some of the earlier pacing issues. It’s a bit like those singers who mumble through the verses but nail the chorus—slow to start, but worth it in the end. I kind of resent the drama for this but I did enjoy the dramatic whiplash in the last 5 episodes.
One of the more intriguing aspects of the series is its exploration of power and morality. The drama delves into how those in power construct the logic and rules of what is considered right. When they fall, the next group does the same, raising the question: what truly defines logic and righteousness? The show suggests that if your rule serves the best interests of a large collective, then your logic is justified. But only for now- I particularly loved how the drama leaves you pondering the true nature of power and justice.
All in all, Alchemy of Souls is a solid fantasy drama with enough strengths to outweigh its flaws, and it’s easy to see why it’s garnered the hype it has.
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Cinema that marries intelligence with emotional depth
The Spy Gone North offers a very finely crafted cinematic experience, blending nuanced storytelling with deeply emotional undertones that resonate long after the screen fades to black.Set against the backdrop of a politically charged era, the film masterfully navigates the complex landscape of the National Intelligence Service's shenanigans as well as the intricate and often tense relations between North and South Korea. This is espionage storytelling at its finest—deciding to forego the typical high-octane action sequences for a more intellectually stimulating and magnanimous approach. The screenplay is a work of art in itself, demanding the viewer's undivided attention; a momentary lapse of looking at that Whatsapp message could mean missing a crucial piece of the intricate narrative puzzle.
The performances are nothing short of stellar, with the cast delivering their roles with a compelling authenticity that adds depth to the already rich narrative. Complemented by a great musical score, the film not only entertains but also provokes thought, making a significant statement that lingers .
In summary, "The Spy Gone North" is not just an exceptional film within its genre but stands as a formidable entry in the espionage genre. It holds its own alongside classics like "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," and I fully believe it has the makings of a future cult classic. This film is a must-watch for aficionados of the genre and anyone who appreciates cinema that marries intelligence with emotional depth
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