Reviews

Family is whoever is there now

I wish I could explain thoroughly how this movie makes you feel.

The movie's highlight and message is a wonderful message. Family is something that we acquire and doesn't necessarily need to be blood related. I think this resonated beautifully in the movie. We have many different characters come together all due to the strong performance of Miyazawa Rie. Her character is the glue that holds these characters together. I thought her beautiful but quiet strength was a real highlight of the movie. It never strayed into melodramatic territory. Although that one gut punch scene with her and Azumi, that was hard. The movie has a bunch of different types of emotional scenes that will affect people differently but I found it all to be similar to a coming of age story.

Futaba's character was so well balanced. I think once you learn about her own backstory it makes her struggle through the movie so much more powerful. There was a grace about how she carried herself but a slight playfulness. Not to mention her slightly brash nature. I thought she was a well rounded character. I do wonder how they would balance with her young costar. The young Azumi was expertly played by Sugisaki Hana. Her scenes showed a lot of vulnerability and strength. I think most of us can relate to her growing pains. We experience through Azumi: Bullying, anxiety and emotional distress caused by school and then the weight of her loved ones diagnosis. Her eternal struggle to emote her feelings and the opposing force of her mother pushing her to act, It was all very moving. I enjoyed her progression in the movie into her own person.

Ayuko, the little sister played a nice roll in the dynamic of the family as an outsider. I felt her story needed some more plot as she was somewhat just there. I understood her character was meant to be like that but I needed more for her to truly resonate in the story. What we did get of her in the story was heartbreaking. Joe Odagiri's character, how should I put this? He isn't really around, but simultaneously has an effect on all the characters without even doing anything do to his character's progression. I would of liked more exposition on his character's reasons for coming back or why he did what he did. I think that's why we had carefree but distraught Takumi introduced. In a way it mirrored Kazuhiro and that was important for Futaba's acceptance of Kazuhiro in the end.

The cinematography was quiet and well framed. Body language played a part in any scene were the four of them were together. There was a particular scene with Ayuko after her big emotional scene that I thought was a simple yet affective shot involving a simple light pillar and her eyes. It was a clever way of showing a silver lining to hardships. The scene with Azumi and Kimie was also a scene stealer. It was probably my favorite scene in the entire movie. The soundtrack was nothing notable however the ambient piano allowed the movie to have a light an airy atmosphere.

Despite the movie's feeling of loss, I think the movie somehow maintained a sense of hope. I felt like it never allowed things to linger and every setback came with a win. I think it's message is important to people to consider. We don't always know how long we have on this earth, so we want to be able to know those we leave behind will be ok. Our family we create, they help you stay grounded and support you as your base.

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Not Scary! A STORY OF COMPETITION, JEALOUSY, FRIENDSHIP n OBSESSIVE LOVE!!

After watching the first three movies, I'm convinced that this Franchise is more of Psychological Horror.
They are sad stories with Human Emotions Dominating, while Supernatural, Ghost Elements are just side tracks to attract horror genre lovers 🤦🏻‍♀️😂
(Also Only the last 30-40 mins is the interesting part n need to bear the first one hour chaos! 😂🤦🏻‍♀️🙄)

I remember watching few of these in my younger years n all these years, had an impression that they are Scary Horrors, Silly Me! 🤭
But now as an adult, re-watched n I don't find any scary horror element in this😂.
The human emotions n the reasons why Living turn Ghosts are the Actual Scary Elements!! 😂

****
Like the first two movies in this franchise, even here, First 1 hour is spent on forming the base n background to the horror part of the story.
The last 40 minutes is where the horror part starts n that is the only interesting part in the movie🤷🏻‍♀️

Though unrelated, the first two movies have a bit of confusing n chaotic editing and direction, Clearly this movie is different from those two in those aspects, which is a positive point for this movie.

The plot is Good.
Direction is different n Good.
Editing is Good but a bit confusing at times.
The execution of this plot, the story telling / narration is straight forward (chronological) n direct to the point, unlike the first two movies that go back n forth between the past n present (Non Linear Narration)

Not a Scary horror!

Wishing stairs track in the movie, is very well done.
Liked the supernatural mystery of it - 29th step appears only if ur wish is strong n if appears, ur wish will come true 👌🏻

More than the Haunting of the Ghost, I find this theme of Wishing stairs, that thought of 29th step itself, as more scary 😂 👌🏻

**** The story / Characters:
High school girls, Gal besties but one loves beyond friendship, while the other doesn't deny or accept openly. So, this is an implied love relationship 🤷🏻‍♀️
Anyways, it's clear that they are atleast close buddies 👌🏻

These two main lead actresses acted well 👌🏻

There is another character (3rd gal), who is a secret admirer of one of the main leads.
(So it's a love triangle? 🤔)
Her role gives unclear impressions:
She is bullied by her classmates, have her own issues like weight troubles etc n she acts very hyper all the time.
So, Is she Hyper bcz of the bullying or her personal issues or it's her usual nature? 🤷🏻‍♀️
Also It's unclear whether her character has any mental issues or just over exaggerated acting by the actress to express sad when bullied n shy when she confronts her crush🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

This makes me think that she (3rd gal) is more weird n scary than the ghost😂🤦🏻‍♀️

At some point, looked like a psycho obsessive lover killings (3rd gal) than a possessed person killings (3rd gal being possessed by her crush, the Ghost) 😂
(later in the story, it's made clear that it's the second one🤷🏻‍♀️)

***
There are few unclear points.
For eg, What's with the glass pieces in ballet shoes, who n why they did is not clear ( unclear bcz of bad lighting/cinematography or bad print?😂🤦🏻‍♀️)

****
Overall, THIS IS A STORY OF COMPETITION, JEALOUSY, FRIENDSHIP n OBSESSIVE LOVE!

There is no suspense or scary part in this, like in usual horror movies.
Even the bgm didn't bring the horror effect (like in the first movie) 🤷🏻‍♀️
The Haunting scenes doesn't give much horror vibe.
Instead IT'S A SAD STORY OF THE GIRLS! 🙄

THE CLIMAX IS GOOD, THE HORROR CONTINUES!!

****
My Rating is 6 / 10
(For the good plot, for the sad story of the gals n their acting n for the direct linear narration, unlike the first two movies👌🏻)

Would have been More, if the First One Hour of the movie would have Utilised Better

****
Check out my Reviews for other movies in this Franchise ☺️

Till now, in this franchise, Liked movies in the order:
1 > 3 > 2

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The Heartbreakening Struggle For Self Acceptance Duo To Social Pressure

This 12-minute short film takes us on an intimate and heartbreaking journey through the life of a transgender individual, exploring the intense struggles that often accompany self-acceptance. The film's main character, a young woman who has yet to fully embrace her identity, experiences bullying in a way that many can relate to, especially when the smallest actions, such as dropping a lipstick, can trigger a painful wave of rejection. The film beautifully captures the weight of these moments, where something as simple as a misplaced item becomes a symbol of deeper societal judgment.

The lead character’s internal conflict is depicted through a tender relationship with an enigmatic figure, a girl who may represent her true self, an imaginary friend, or perhaps both—a subtle commentary on how complex and fluid gender identity can feel for many. As the film progresses, the lead’s mental health deteriorates, giving a raw glimpse into the despair and confusion that can arise when one is disconnected from their authentic self. The narrative touches deeply on depression, isolation, and the crippling fear of rejection, but also on the importance of seeking help.

The final tribute to Yook Woo Dang (1984–2003) adds another layer of poignancy. By dedicating the film to him, the filmmakers not only honor his memory but also shed light on the often-overlooked intersection of mental illness, depression, and LGBTQ+ struggles.

About Yook Woo Dang:
Yook Woo Dang was a South Korean man whose life was tragically cut short in 2003. Known for his activism in both LGBTQ+ and mental health awareness, his passing resonated deeply within his community. Yook’s struggles with mental health were compounded by societal pressure, and his life story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of visibility and support for marginalized individuals. He had been vocal about the struggles of growing up with a gender identity that was misunderstood and how these challenges were exacerbated by mental illness.
His tragic death sparked conversations around the need for more compassion, understanding, and accessibility for individuals facing mental health challenges, particularly in the context of gender identity. This film’s dedication to Yook Woo Dang is a touching tribute to his life, one that highlights the impact of both societal expectations and the personal demons that can affect one's sense of self.
I hope this review captures the essence of the film and honors the memory of Yook Woo Dang appropriately. If you'd like to talk more about the film or your feelings after watching it, feel free to share.

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BLOOD DOESN'T MAKE FAMILY. LOVE DOES

I CRIED I CRIED AND I CRIED !!!!!!!!! PREPARED YOUR TISSUES BEFORE WATCHING THIS I'M GIVING Y'ALL WARNING.
Then starts the journey of 2 strangers. How they became attached to each other. How they became each other's comforts, and at the end how they became each other's family.😭
Jeong Seo Yeon, who played a seven-year-old Eun Hye, is impressive. Many of you know her from the famous 2020 kdrama (Flower of evil). She moved Jae Sik’s heart and deeply affected the audience with her outstanding acting talent. One will be amazed how wonderfully she acted that deaf - blind role at her age

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I loved it and I would personally recommend it to everyone.

This is one movie where you will cry. That's for sure. I have recently watched it and now I am asking myself why haven't I watched it before. First of all, the characters. All the characters are admirable. What is really noticeable that with the presence of innocence of the girl Ye Seung which also means Jesus, all the inmates change somehow from rustic to gentle, from heartless to humane. They have all travelled a path which is not forceful but with innocence that exceeds from their old self.
Secondly, the story. Oh! the story. What a writer! What a screenplay! What a script! What a concept! To tell the truth, from the beginning, I thought there would be something obvious. The father will be released and all that. But when the verdict of death came, I was constantly on tears. I was seriously crying. This movie is enough to make a grown man cry.

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"I'm invincible now!!...what a way to go"

When Wong Kar Wai’s Ashes of Time was running over budget, the rumor is that he produced a quickie comedy starring his Ashes actors in order to make a fast buck on Lunar New Year. If you are looking for anything to make sense, you won’t find it here. Hong Kong slapstick fans will be in hog heaven. While parts of the film worked for me it dragged on way too long.

Normally, I’d give a brief synopsis of the film here, but there really wasn’t enough of a coherent story to do that. Tony Leung Chiu Wai played the main bad guy who was beaten, poisoned, and stabbed along the way. He spent much of the film with swollen lips and ears. Tony Leung Ka Fei played an Indian prince looking for his one true love so that he could obtain immortality. The object of his desire was less than thrilled. Jacky Cheung played the Beggar King who was in love with Joey Wong’s Su Qiu who was in love with Leslie Cheung’s Yao Shi who was in love with Brigitte Lin’s “Third Princess.” Carina Lau was dressed as the man Chou Po Tang/Zhou Bo Tong, a disciple of Kenny Bee’s late Wang Chon Yang, believing that the princess killed him. There were cross dressing and gender bending relationships, some played for laughs and others not. Talking monsters including a gorilla, a dinosaur, and a large “sparrow” joined the strange menagerie also populated by giant centipedes.

I found some of the bits funny but others went on and on and on and on and on… There were several lengthy song and dance numbers. The martial arts fights were done for a laugh. Most were furiously over-cranked or slowed down to almost a standstill. The fights featured a great deal of wire work, smoke, and explosions.

The Eagle Shooting Horses looked low budget and hastily made with a great deal of improv. If you are a fan of slapstick this is the ticket. And I have to say it was the first time I ever saw anyone play soccer with a floating head.

21 March 2025

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In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to choose your line.

So much was happening, but also nothing was happening, and how is that even possible?

If we talk about the actual events, this is a 40 minutes movie at best. Exorcism, chat, death, chat, exorcism, chat, exorcism - more or less the plot. But if we take into consideration the topics introduced in said chats - that's a one semester lecture for you. Lack of faith in the men of faith. The misogyny in church and the lack of equality between men and women. Nuns doing tarot readings? Sure. Also power team of nuns and schaman doing exorcisms. I guess. Then we have illness, I guess shame, but that was no explained at all. One could say this was a women empowerment movie, but was it really? And then the whole final sequences, as beautiful as it was, it was also painfully dumb.

Even Song Hye Kyo was a hit or miss depending on the scene. Her nonchalant and confident scenes were great, but every time she tried to be more angry domineering and scream it just felt painfully flat. I feel like at least for some lines, if they switched her raised voice to really chilling whisper with the music going quiet, it would have far more impact.

Moon Woo Jin did amazing job holding back laughter, because that performance was just ridiculous. In a good way. It was exactly what the director and writer wanted, that's clear.

Lee Jin Wook was there, acted like an asshole. Was gone. He is not the main role, that I can tell you, and Jeon Yeo Been while definitely more prominent, had to somehow deliver character that brought nothing on the screen.

What's good? The movie was beautiful. Quite a few breathtaking scenes and good use of special effects.

Overall, pass - in both senses of the world. I'm not mad I watched it, it passed. But also, don't waste your time, pass.

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The human obsession of justifying

I've never been that big of a fan of movies in the past. I've always found them to be too short for me to get invested in, unlike dramas. But I'm now noticing that a movie, like this one, seems to have a stronger/more clear message in it. At least for me it did. This movie portrays very well the problem I have with religions. To quote the psychiatrist: "Things like the devil and monsters are created by humans to justify themselves."
When someone else does something bad, they are the devil's spawn, but if you yourself do something bad, that must've been God's will. Of course, complete nonsense.
I was going to give this a 7/10 at first, but that quote alone made me change it to an 8/10. Great movie, incredible acting.

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Review of City Demon: A Whirlwind of Action and Revenge

Many have spoken about City Demon, and opinions are divided. Some reviews claim that the film's only redeeming quality is its action sequences, while others criticize the excessive amount of content compressed into two hours. Some have even declared that the movie, as a whole, is not good. But here I am to say something different: City Demon is a brutal, thrilling, and emotionally devastating masterpiece that deserves more recognition than it has received.

From the beginning, the story plunges into a whirlwind of tragedy and violence that gives no respite. Imagine this: a serial killer is about to leave his life of crime behind to dedicate himself entirely to his family. But his attempt at redemption is violently shattered when a group of five people murders his wife and shoots his daughter, leaving her on the brink of death. As if fate could not be crueler, Skata, our protagonist, is also attacked and left in a coma. But the story does not end there; on the contrary, it is just beginning.

As the movie unfolds, the pieces of this bloody and vengeful story come together in a narrative that leaves you breathless. It is not just about spectacular fight scenes and there are plenty of those, as watching a single man take on 40 enemies is a moment that etches itself into your memory but also about pain, suffering, abandonment, and the eternal struggle between remembering your family or losing yourself in the darkness of vengeance. City Demon is not just another action film; it is a story of legacy, of how the thirst for justice can pass from one generation to the next. Even after Skata's death, his daughter picks up the torch of his rage, turning revenge into her sole purpose.

The deaths, precisely choreographed fights, and high-stakes situations give this film a unique appeal that cannot be ignored. Some may see it as a mindless spectacle of violence, but for those who can look deeper, City Demon is an intense and well-crafted film a symphony of chaos and emotion that, far from being forgotten, deserves recognition as one of the most impactful action movies of its time.

So, no matter what the critics say, my opinion is clear: City Demon is an experience that must be lived.

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Completely missed the mark in terms of romance & chemistry - disappointing

Unfortunately, I did not adhere at all to the romantic aspects of this rom-com...There was so comedic moments that I enjoyed but also a lot that felt flat to me and after the chaotic introduction to the main characters, I never went on board with any kind of romantic feelings they had for each other.

I blame mostly the story itself rather than the cast as I like a lot Kang Ha Neul and even more Jung So Min...On paper, this pairing looked so good but in reality, their chemistry was very average mainly because of the set up of their characters themselves...In any case, that suck that I was unable to enjoy any of their skinship as I was truly confuse at why those two characters would ever fall back in love...It was really unconvincing.

It is also disappointing how unlikeable most of the side characters were... The only exception were the mother and sister of the female lead (respectively played by Jo Min Su and Hwang Se In) who were both the most enjoyable part of the movie with a great comedic timing.

I would not recommend this rom-com unless you are a fan of one of the cast members. I feel that really the romance was completely lacking with an ending that felt like a cope out. There were some fun scenes that I enjoyed but some comedic aspects felt also strange in the context of the story.

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Better than expected

This was better than I was expecting!! All the actors did a great job, especially RJY & SMJ, they did amazing at portraying the insanity of their characters.

SHB did really good too especially when it came to the scenes where she had to show how she felt in 2 minds regarding following her professional duty or going with her personal emotions.

The plot was paced well; I didn’t lose interest. And we saw more depth as the story unfolded. I appreciate how the background music fit appropriately with the scenes.

Overall I’d say this is decent, it’s worth watching especially if you’re into the thriller genre.

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What is love ?

The movie is based on the French film L'inconnue. I hadn't watched the French version, so I discovered the story completely anew. When the movie began, the start was very unexpected, and I thought I had selected the wrong film.

Riku, a young student aspiring to be a writer, meets Minami during university. Minami dreams of becoming a singer. At first sight, they fall in love, and we witness a sweet love story unfold. Eight years later, Riku has become a famous writer, with Minami's support. However, Minami hasn't achieved her dream of becoming a famous singer. As a result, Riku's mindset changes. He becomes famous, but in doing so, he forgets the gratitude he once had for his wife, who has supported him from the start. The next day, he wakes up in a parallel world where he has never met Minami, and she is now a famous singer.

It’s a beautiful and heartfelt story about love and dreams. I highly recommend this movie.

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Making the unbelievable believable

Insane suspense and foreshadowing for a crime film that comes with its very own unique twist of beliefs, and that irony thrown onto religious worshippers is just top class technique that makes even the unbelievable believable, as if we are all bound to these complicated crossroads of destiny by default. The cinematography and sound was so well handled, although the pacing of the story might lack a little of those solid punches, but that one-take closing sequence really redeemed its strength for the overall execution of the plot, and the director has successfully done such a divine work once again.

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