Reviews

A World of Deviant, Horrible People!

The film strives to be inspirational and sentimental, but it comes up short on both. In the beginning, we find ourselves cheering and rooting for Loh Kiwan, hoping that he can find a better life than the one he’s been living in North Korea and China.

Loh Kiwan emigrates to Belgium with the hope of starting a new life. He has only the money his mother left him as well as whatever money were obtained by selling her corpse. In Belgium, we find that Kiwan has traded one bad situation for another. He has to wait several months before he can apply for asylum. He’s beaten up by thugs, and he has his wallet stolen by Marie, another North Korean defector who has been living in Belgium with her father. Marie is a rather disgusting woman who smokes, does drugs, and finds herself in the clutches of a ruthless underworld Belgian gang. Of course, it’s hard to sympathize with a woman as immature and cowardly as Marie is. After all, she made her world what it is, while Kiwan is trying to change his.

Kiwan finds himself sleeping in public bathrooms or anywhere he can find shelter against the bitter winter cold. After a time, he finally finds himself a job in a slaughterhouse. Once again, a former North Korean defector vows to help him, only to betray him when he needs her help the most. It seems that Kiwan can’t seem to catch a break anywhere. The Belgian government requires proof that he’s a North Korean defector since many Chinese have used that in order to gain residence in the country.

Meanwhile, Marie is an expert marksman with guns, and she’s used by the Belgian gang boss to earn money and help him pay off his debt. Caught up in the world of drugs and violence, Marie doesn’t see anything changing. A typical rebellious daughter, who doesn’t know the truth about her own mother’s death, uses it as an excuse for her pathetic life.

In the end, we wonder just who is saving whom. We initially believe that Marie will help Kiwan, but in the end, it’s pretty much the reverse as Kiwan finally helps Marie escape the horrible underworld, but at the price of leaving the country.

The story is based upon a book written by Marie about Loh Kiwan. I’d be interested in finding out how much of this film is fact or dramatized. The film could have been so much better. While it’s brutal in its honesty, its attempt to be romantic and sentimental fail. Marie is hardly appealing in any way, shape, or form, and the ultimate hero of the story is Kiwan for finding some way to keep on going, even after the beatings, the betrayals, and being in a country where very little ever goes right for him. Kiwan is clearly made of sterner stuff, and he’s a far stronger person than Marie could ever hope to be. Marie is simply petulant and cowardly.

Peformances were very good in this film. It’s just too bad that it wasn’t nearly as inspirational as it could have been. It certainly doesn’t paint a very good picture of Belgium as a country either. Given his limited funds, Kiwan isn’t able to simply leave and go somewhere else until the end when he finally meets Marie in Madagascar, which is where the film ends. Ironically, it’s also the only scene in the film where there is actual sunlight. It’s almost as if the rest of the world is dark, gray, and bleak. Unfortunately, most of this film is that way too. Overall, the film was a disappointment, which is a shame given the story and performances.

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weird but also cute?

Okay so this is actually so ridiculous but I some how really also love it?The beginning was very rough but for some reason I kept watching. It was actually pretty cute and I enjoyed it a lot. It’s a very simple story that I think is misunderstood because people will drop it by only watching the beginning.

Synopsis of the story
The story starts off very weird with a what seems to be just a perverted girl who has a hugh crush on the handsome popular guy. She has a social media page that is dedicated to posting fantasies about her and this handsome popular guy. pretty weird start?
*******MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD********
However you see them start to interact with each other in multiple weird but oddly cute scenes. We start to realize throughout that they are just two lonely souls. In the ML case just wants someone to see the real him and like him for who he really is and in the FL case just wants someone to love and to feel seen with. Very simple but heartwarming story that I think is maybe misunderstood. I think this would have done better if it was a 12 episode drama or anime. But plz give it a shot very enjoyable short cute movie?

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You can feel the pain through her eyes.

The movie portrays the cruelty of bullying and its impact on the victims.
After watching the movie, you wonder why or how the kids can be so cruel, how it is possible it is still happening nowdays.

The acting is just incredible, and you can feel the pain through the main female's eyes. I love the relationship she has with ML and how he is always there to protect her.

I am happy to see they got a happy ending after everything they've been through, although it may not reflect real-life scenarios. It gives you a sense of hope.

This movie will leave a lasting impression on you.

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A Surprising Gem that Redefines Expectations

When I heard the movie is available on Netflix, I decided to watch it with no expectations — after all, it’s a GMMTV production, just another Thai idol movie full of pretty faces.

But I found myself wrong!! I completely captivated by the movie!!

Despite being the third remake after the original version, the story unfolds with a sense of raw authenticity that immediately draws you in, and this is largely thanks to the compelling performances by Yaya and Bright. Both actors bring a natural, unpolished quality to their roles, which feels refreshing and genuine. Yaya, in particular, does an outstanding job of building a dynamic connection with Bright on screen, creating a unique chemistry that, while awkward at moments, adds depth to the narrative. It’s evident that Yaya manages to pull Bright out of his comfort zone, encouraging him to explore a broader emotional range and add more nuance to his performance.

What truly stands out in "Love You To Debt" is the surprising balance between lighthearted moments and deeper, more meaningful themes. The film explores the complexities of relationships and personal growth, and the chemistry between the two leads feels both sincere and relatable. There’s a certain charm in how their characters interact, highlighting the awkwardness and unpredictability of real-life connections. Even though it is the third remake, the film brings a fresh perspective and a new energy that makes it feel just as original and engaging as the first. It’s a testament to the director’s vision and the actors' talent that this version stands out on its own.

For Bright, this film could serve as a critical portfolio piece that helps him break away from his well-known persona as a BL (Boys' Love) actor and his idol image from "F4 Thailand." His performance in this role demonstrates his versatility and range, showing that he is capable of much more than the types of roles he has previously been associated with. This could be a significant step in expanding his horizons and paving the way for more diverse and challenging roles in the future, which would be highly beneficial for his acting career - if he wants to.

The film would likely have been even more successful had it been released before "Lahn Mah" and prior to any controversy surrounding the lead actor’s (Bright) personal life. It's unfortunate that such a trivial matter — his dating life — overshadowed his talent on screen. If not for the social media drama, this movie had all the ingredients to become a potential blockbuster.

The film is further elevated by its strong technical elements. The editing is sharp, ensuring a smooth narrative flow that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Additionally, the soundtrack plays a significant role in enhancing the emotional undertone of the story. In particular, the song "นะหน้าทอง" by โจอี้ ภูวศิษฐ์ (JOEY PHUWASIT) resonates beautifully with the film's themes and adds another layer of depth to the viewing experience.

Overall, "Love You To Debt" is a surprisingly heartfelt and engaging film that blends good acting, genuine chemistry, and solid production values. It's a delightful watch that leaves a lasting impression, proving that sometimes the best discoveries are the ones you least expect — even if they come as the third version of a familiar story.

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World's longest training arc

Offset by the longest training montage known to man, Liu Chia-Liang's trend-setting classic, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin mythologises the true story of a monk who took his martial teaching out of the temple and into the secular world and in turn boiling the revenge drama down to almost abstract levels, one that is often heralded as one of the most influential martial arts films of all time. Leung directs this movie masterfully, making fabulous use of the epic and colourful surroundings while the exceptionally choreographed fights fill the frame. The acting is great all around with Gordon Liu more than carrying his weight but the show is really stolen by Lo Leih's villainous turn as General Tien. The music is nothing overly special but works for the film. Ultimately, it's hard to fault The 36th Chamber of Shaolin regarding its technical and landmarking achievements for the kung fu genre, although granted it does take a little bit too long to get going but once it starts, it doesn't stop.

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The last scene is just wow!

Oh my, the last scene is SO beautiful! This movie is beautifully done- gosh, this is one high quality BL, seriously.

It's not as lighthearted as the poster seems to be, yet it's luckily not as dark as I thought it'd be

it somehow has deep dark theme underlying, yet it's not too heavy to watch. Yes, its emotional and all but beautiful

I really LOVE the scene that's being shown in the poster- one of the sweetest and cutest romantic scene!! So pure and innocent. Also, love the subtle way they say love to each other, such as the last scene

It's a really nice movie- with lots of little hints here and there. I love both actors, especially the one who played Su min. And I can't believe the other ML is the same guy who is in Fiery Priest!!!

Highly recommend this show!

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Surprisingly Candid

This old BL was exceptionally good. The story line was confusing at times especially when Su Min continued to reject Jae Min. Jae Min's instant infatuation and continued pursuit was touching. Once they became a couple their love was poignant. Considering the year this was filmed and in an ultra conservative nation the development of the entire script was realistic and explicit without actually showing a great deal. Definitely not a movie for minors, but adults should be able to handle the down to earth dialogue and sexual actions. I have to assume the ending was meant to be profound in some way, but Jae Min putting his hand on Su Min's privates in view of the policeman kind of seemed strange. Again, I can only assume since communicating wasn't the main couples strong suit that the gesture was meant to be one of reconciliation and acceptance of their tabu relationship. I'm glad neither lead died and apparenting their relationship would continue.

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linda história

rindo que eles se conheceram porque um deles tava afim de fazer banheirão!!!!


Esses dias eu estava pensando em umas coisas que conversa muito com uns dos discursos no final do filme que é sobre ser uma pessoa velha e lgbtqia+. De quanto na mídia como na vida real não parece ter muito espaço para essas pessoas que não seja em um lugar vexatório. é uma virada de chave quando você percebe que pra ter acesso a determinados direitos pessoas anteriores tiveram que abrir mão de muita coisa. o número de homens gays que construíram uma família para se encaixar em um padrão é meio assustador e só de pensar na ideia de viver uma vida inteira presa nesse padrão fico em pânico. Passar anos da sua vida com medo e vivendo na sombra de algo para ter uma galera mais nova tirando sarro de você aproveitando fragmentos de uma vida que você poderia ter tido é um desrespeito sem tamanho.

Enfim, o filme é lindo. É muito bonita toda construção da relação dos personagens que acontece durante a obra. Os momentos de felicidade são genuínos e te faz vibrar pelos dois!

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At first I didn't understand anything, at the end it seemed like the beginning.

This was the most confusing movie I've ever seen in my entire life. I spent the entire movie with my eyebrows furrowed, trying to understand what was going on. The synopsis has nothing to do with the movie! When I read it, I thought it was an exciting and normal romance, but this is completely out of the "normal" standard.

The lead actress's acting was great. I mean, she totally fooled me. Her mind was like mine during the movie: confused.

Anyway, based on the synopsis, the movie had everything to be great, but I just wasted my time watching it. If you are a lover of movies that make your head explode: this is a great movie.
I just wish you good luck watching it.

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Cute family movie. Simple. Predictable. But not in a bad way.

8.5/10 is my rating. This is a 2008 Soith Korean comedy drama movie with a run time of 108 minutes.

First I provide a unique synopsis then review

Synopsis

Nam Hyeon-soo (Cha Tae-hyun) is enjoying his 30 something life with some remaining fame from being a teen idol turned radio show host. He revels in his single bachelorhood. His talk show is enhanced by the story of a young woman named Hwang Jeong-nam (Park Bo-young) shares stories of her life as a young single mother who hopes to meet her biological father. Little does Hyeon-soo know that when he is encouraging the young mother to bravely meet her father that he’s encouraging her to meet him himself. It is all rebuild when Jeon-nam shows up at Hyeon-soo’s place with her young son, Ki-dong (Wang Seok-hyeon) in tow. Hyeon-soo at first vehemently denies she could be his daughter until Jeon-nam/Jae-in tells him her mother’s name and it turns out it was his first love and a woman he had intimate relationships with (Jae-in was originally using her deceased mother’s name but starts going by her own name). Despite her father at first discouraging her lest the scandal around her birth be revealed, Jae-in realizes her dream of becoming a singer. With public exposure, Ki-dong's father Park Sang-yoon (Im Ji-kyu) finds Jae-in. Hyeon-soo slowly realizes that he actually enjoys being a father and grandfather. Despite his early worries, when it is discovered he has a child and grandchild it does not have the career ending consequences he feared.

Review

If you’re looking for a quick watch, mostly feel good family drama, then this fits the bill. One of my favorite aspects of this is the relationship between the grandson and grandfather. There is no strong, romantic component to it. It’s good particularly if you take it within the context of the time frame it was produced. I would not seek it out to rewatch it, but I would watch it if somebody else had it on again. I recommend it for those that like any of the actors as it is enjoyable to see them acting at younger ages. It ends happy and is happy through most of the show..

Spoilers

I am such a fan of series. I am often to say with movies. It would’ve been better if it had been done in a series format there was so much that could’ve been into deeper. I would’ve liked to have seen more on the relationship that developed between the daughter and father, never portrayed them having a super relationship. He seem to grow to really like her, but they were never those warm fuzzy moments where they talked about how they felt about each other.

Spent a lot of the movie being frustrated with the mail lead because he was so concerned about optics. I know that’s the reality a lot of times when someone finds out they have a child they didn’t know about particularly after was verified. I was like dude you have an actual daughter and a grandson, it would’ve been best if he had found a way to bring it out to people and let them know a positive way

I also really wanted to see the daughters career takeoff even more than it did. It was like OK. You got to sing a little, but it didn’t really show her game thing or anything like that that would’ve made it even more enjoyable.

I love that there was some focus on the grandson and the grandfather‘s relationship because that was super cute. What was he probably my grandson to accept it it came out, but he never really touted it himself. That would’ve made it a level better.

#ScandalMakers. #ChaeTaeHyun #ParkBoYoung #WangSeokHyeon. #ImJiKyu

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There were no Dinos or Monster Birds here

Taking the formula established by the success of Jaws and combining it with the domestic kaiju film, Legend of Dinosaurs and Monster Birds had a decent amount of potential but ultimately shot itself right in the explosive tank before it could fully realise that. The DNA of the film feels ripped right from Nessie, the tragically cancelled collaboration between Toho and Hammer, with climate anomalies and seismic activity reviving prehistoric reptiles to terrorise the residents around a legendarily monster-haunted lake. One of those creatures is a Plesiosaurus with the film even referring to poor Nessie at a few points during its runtime, Toei was evidently listening at the walls of Toho studios one summer day. Director Junji Kurata seems to have failed to fundamentally grasp the premise of a huge monster operating by stealth and picking off its victims individually in secret, regardless, his direction is nonetheless passable. The film doesn't allow you to bond with the characters, there's little reason to care for them beyond their base archetypes, however, the actors all turn in decent performances at least. The ill-fitting and often hilariously juxtaposed music by Masao Yagi is usually the film's talking point, combining a catchy mixture of disco, funk, and jazz. Despite a healthy dosing of gory violence and some great effects work, Legend of Dinosaurs and Monster Birds is a really outlandish film, odd and sometimes surreal, it's at least capable of keeping your interest from beginning to end.

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