Reviews

"This is my prisoner"

If Sergio Leone had been a woman, Indonesian, and used motorcycles instead of horses, he might have made something like Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts. Thankfully, Mouly Surya is a woman and she created this beautifully shot, unflinching look at a woman alone who faced a gang of bandits in a desolate landscape with only her wits and courage. Contrary to the title, Marlina wasn’t a murderer except perhaps in the eyes of the men in the film.

Widow Marlina lives in a remote area tending her livestock. Unwanted guests come in the form of 7 bandits intent on stealing her animals and raping her. Two of the bandits leave with the animals---they were the lucky ones. The next day Marlina sets out walking carrying the leader’s head in a bag with the intention of reporting the incident to the police. Nothing goes easily on the long journey into town and the return trip home, especially with the remaining two bandits searching for her.

When I researched this film in order to submit it to the MDL DB, the words revenge, redemption, and murderer were thrown around by reviewers and in the film’s description. After watching the film, I wanted to ask these people, “did we watch the same thing?” If a man knew he was about to be gang raped and murdered and defended himself would anyone be saying he was vengeful or a murderer? Would he need redemption and forgiveness? Not. A. Chance. I was so proud of Marlina when her friend asked if she wanted to go to church and confess her sins, Marlina replied, “I have no sins to confess.” No, girl. You did not. And her friend, Novi, would understand Marlina’s “sins” before the credits rolled. Marlina may have seen Markus’ headless body following her playing his musical instrument as she traveled to the police department, but it certainly wasn’t out of guilt and the tactic wasn’t used for very long. It actually came across humorously.

Despite a sexual assault, this was not a sexploitation film. And despite defending herself, Marlina was not a kung fu badass. She was a woman who used her wits to protect herself and also tried to do the right thing. When she attempted to report the crimes committed against her, she ran into officials who couldn’t have cared less and would have gone after her if they knew all that happened.

Director Mouly Surya and her cinematographer Yunus Pasolang provided incredible cinematography. The bare, endless rolling hills showed just how isolated Marlina was. This was not an action-packed, fast moving film. The story unfolded at a deliberate pace slow enough that the viewer traveled the long trails and experienced the excruciatingly suspenseful perils with Marlina. I also enjoyed the headings for each act. Setting the mood was a lovely blend of Ennio Morricone* inspired western score and Indonesian music.

Marsha Timothy gave Marlina a gravitas and vulnerability with few spoken words. Dea Panendra as the very pregnant Novi at first came across as a thoughtless airhead, but when thrown into the thick of things Dea displayed a greater acting range as her character faced dire circumstances. Which brings up another thing that women have no control over. With her baby long overdue, Novi’s husband and mother-in-law were convinced it was a sign she’d been unfaithful as the baby might be breech.

Marlina the Murder in Four Acts was a western with a decidedly feminine slant. It was also gorgeous to look at and listen to. Marlina might not have been a gun toting or sword-wielding superwoman, but how many people do you know who could not only protect themselves but wander through the countryside with their “prisoner” in a burlap sack?

6 August 2024




*Composer for such Sergio Leone movies as “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” and “For a Few Dollars More”

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Sweet, heartwrenching story

Went in knowing it was a sad movie but wow I did not expect it to be such a tearjerker.

The story is unbelievably portrayed phenomenally, and whilst it isn’t complex, it really plays with your emotions. The cinematography and ost added a lot to the movie and made it even emotional.

Ren Nagase and Natsuki Deguchi played their roles so well that I can heavily feel the emotions they portrayed.

While there is a lot to be wanted from their story, I think the movie did a fantastic job as is. They were each other’s hero’s.

There is more focus on their emotions rather than the typical visual romance and I really love that.

I definitely have more appreciation for flowers as sentimental gifts - especially for gerberas after watching this movie.

The ending is one of my favorite aspects and favorite side character.

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Entertaining and not that scary

When it comes to horror genre, I love to watch the taiwanese ones and this movie got my attention.

Althought it was not that scary as I thought (and I was watching it during nightime), it was still engaging/interesting, entertaining and somehow heartwarming. Oh and of course, some sad /small emotional moments.

I really like everything, from the begining to the end, I was not bored although some things got on my nerves a little bit (or rather some behaviors from certains characters) and that, some parts were a bit predictable...In addition, I just felt that the second part was a bit weaker than I expected but still, I enjoyed it.

I do think, sometimes I just feel it's a funny horror movie but at the same time, it was getting serious, a weird feeling but I liked it.

So this movie was an easy-watch that keep you entertaining but you might feel bored if you have high expectations and that you want more on the horror part (such as jumpscares but I have to admit, I had a few jumpscares but I laughed it off because that was silly of me).

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Dreams Rekindled: A Story of Loss and New Beginnings

I watched a beautiful movie on Netflix, a co-production between Taiwan and Japan, starring Greg Hsu and Kaya Kiyohara. I would give the movie a solid 9/10.

Let's start with the cinematography and camerawork. The film features stunning shots of Taiwan and Japan's scenery, with elegant camera angles that provide a breathtaking experience. It takes you through the bustling streets of Tainan and the snowy mountains of Japan. One of the most unforgettable scenes is when Jimmy meets a kindred spirit on a subway. They exit a long tunnel and find themselves in a snow-filled wonderland, leaving Jimmy in awe and imprinting the moment deeply in his mind. It’s the kind of experience that transcends simply taking a photo with a camera.

The characters are exceptional as well. We see Jimmy’s growth from a tardy but energetic youth with a bright future to a jaded game developer at a crossroads. Kiyohara's enigmatic charm shines as she dances around a karaoke bar, injecting life into the people around her.

The story is exceptionally well-paced and told, juxtaposing a vibrant and cute slice-of-life adventure in Taiwan with the tragic, melodramatic ending typical of J-dramas. When the reveal happens, you can’t help but feel a strong sense of loss and contemplation about what could have been. As the memories start unraveling from Kiyohara's perspective, I personally couldn’t help but bawl my eyes out.

In conclusion, I feel this movie is a masterpiece—a truly excellent love story that marries the best of both Taiwanese and Japanese cinema.

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I think this was a fun movie to watch. The beginning was unclear to me at first because I watched the movie in auto-generated English subtitles, but I understood a gist of the movie. The cinematography is really different than the American comedy movies I've watched so seeing it very beautifully visualize the "comedy" and punchlines is very unique. Usually American comedy movies are jarring and very quick paced including whippans and constant zoom ins and out. However, with this film, it's slow paced and uses the cinematography well to emphasize a point. It's like you're a part of the office group. There is some plot holes here and there within its narrative, but this movie is definitely for people who want a lighthearted movie. The acting was really good as well seeing how each characters react to certain situations, so that's what makes the movie funny.

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Suprisingly Liked It Alot ...

i really loved this j - movie alot, i haven't had much luck in the past finding a j - movie that i enjoyed especially on netlfix but i'm happy to have come across this one. there was nothing wrong about this movie and i hope to come across more movies like this in the future, so if yall have anuy recommendations on any movies like this (with a bit more romance) than i would love to hear what yall have. anyways, here's my rating's for all the categories.

Story: i really liked the story, u could say it's basic but i loved how they executed it. it wasn't scary at all but the doll and the girl combining into that THING was a bit creepy but even so i watched it for the time looping and the days resetting. i LOVE concepts like that where they have to start the day over like the movie " happy death day ". i just always find it interesting the concept ... no matter what genre goes with it.

Acting/Casting: the acting was solid noting special but nothing bad either. i liked it and i loved the casting. everyone was good looking, it's important that a cast is good looking ... idk i can't get into a movie if the main casting isn't good looking but i'm happy to see that it was, especially Maeda Gordon (he's cute!!). anyways if you are looking for a movie with a good-looking cast and an interesting plot line than this is it.

Rewatch Value: I think in the future i'll watch it again, that is if i remember but i think it would be nice to watch it with someone. i think that would be fun, but i'll eventually watch it about one more time though idk when that will be haha.

THIS IS THE GO TO DRAMA FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN TIME LOOPING AND WANTS A DRAMA WITH A GOOD VISUAL CAST !!

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Simply wonderful

Ann Hui took a subject that could have been melodramatic and maudlin and handled it with subtlety and quiet grace. A Simple Life gave a glimpse into Hong Kong nursing homes and the challenges of caring for and taking care of the elderly. Andy Lau and Deanie Ip had a beautiful chemistry as boss/surrogate son and maid/surrogate mom.

Ah Tao has been serving the Leung family for 60 years going back to the Leung grandmother matriarch. She continues to work for Roger, the Leung son residing in Hong Kong-cooking, cleaning, and even nursing him after a heart attack. Roger is a film producer who often travels for his job yet he always knows an exquisite meal and sympathetic ear will be waiting for him when he returns home. On his latest trip Ah Tao has a stroke. Unwilling to be a burden she retires and decides to enter a nursing home. Roger checks the place out and tells her he will be visiting her. Unlike the sons of other residents, he keeps his word.

Ah Tao had always taken pride in serving Roger and his family. The role of being provided for was an unfamiliar and uncomfortable one. Though she often refused money, the sight of Roger visiting caused her eyes to light up. During the first scene of the film no words passed between them as Roger ate, now when he arrived, they ate together, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company. Never ashamed of her, he called her his aunt when she accompanied him to a movie premiere.

The view into the nursing home was difficult. Ah Tao’s room was little more than a cubicle with a curtain for a door. She was around people in varying states from vegetative, with dementia, or still quite mobile. As people came and went, she knew one day she too would leave and not come back. Death was no stranger to the home. Ah Tao was feisty and generous, not letting anyone put her down. Even as her body deteriorated, her spirit soared. Though Roger doted on her, he never fussed over her, giving her the space and dignity she required. Deannie Ip gave a wonderfully complex performance as Ah Tao dealt with her health issues, adapted to life in the nursing home, and the change in her relationship with Roger. Lau’s Roger calmly accepted his role of caregiver without complaint as his character showed how much the older woman had come to mean to him.

Director Hui could have taken the easy path and attempted to manipulate the audience’s feelings. There was no hysterical crying or deep soul wrenching conversations. Instead, she portrayed Ah Tao’s health and future matter of factly. No evil nursing home personnel or family members tried to take advantage of her or come between her and Roger. Instead, the film focused on the universal challenges of growing older-facing deteriorating health, the financial and emotional costs, and how different families reacted to those challenges. In this slice of life, Ah Tao and Roger effortlessly displayed the ease of two people who loved and respected each other. At 2 hours the slow, character driven story might have been too long in someone else’s hands, but Ann Hui allowed her actors to shine as their characters showed the importance of loyalty and devotion especially in the difficult times in this touching film.

5 August 2024

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not awful, but not good

Could've been worse, but definitely also could've been a lot better. The story wasn't terrible but it wasn't particularly engaging either. I was only moderately entertained the whole time - enough not to turn it off, but not enough to really recommend it.

The music and visuals are somewhat decent, though the effects are pretty bad. The acting is okay, not great. There isn't even much to say about this movie except that somehow, I've seen worse, so it still gets a 6.5 from me.

Needs more mermaid content though, for a movie with mermaid in the title. Now THAT was the real disappointment.

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Relates to my life experience.

I really liked this movie, most of all I can really relate to the story of this movies. I've had really similar experience as shown in the movie, the only difference is that ML and FL both got a happy ending in the movie whereas in my case well you would've already guessed it.We do still keep in touch, and she is happy with her ML so, I guess it's all good...
While watching the movie I could actually see myself in Joon soo and I felt that my feelings were being portrayed by him towards her, how hurtful it was and how much I wanted her to respond to me , recognise my efforts , see me in a different light but not everything goes like the dramas in real life.
We have been friends for about eight years now and I think I have sorted out my feelings but I don't actually know.
So, this movie showed me the happy ending that I always wanted but was never able to reach to it.

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lindo drama

Conforme eu fui assistindo e ficando feliz com a estrutura familiar apesar de tudo, eu ficava muito mais apreensivo esperando algo de ruim acontecer e quando aconteceu, eu quebrei.

vou bater eternamente na tecla que de família é quem te oferece amor e não quem somente compartilha seu sangue. é cruelmente lindo a maneira que a família aqui se relaciona, cada um com background horrível com uma segunda chance de provar um pouco da felicidade. é muito claro a maneira como cada membro se importava com o outro ao ponto de suportar e de se submeter a situações não convencionais para o bem estar de todo mundo. se tratando do koreeda eu já sabia que essa seria uma obra que mexeria no coração e realmente ele sabe trabalhar em um drama como ninguém!!

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An anti-romance between two very broken people who “complete” each other

6/10 is my rating. This is a 2020 Japanese Romantic Drama with a run time of 3 hours and 52 minutes. Known under the Japanese title "Honki no Shirushi: Geijoban". This is an adaptation of a 2000 era manga by Fukada Koji that originally aired as a 10 episode mini-series.

First I provide a unique synopsis then review.

Synopsis

Tsuji Kazumichi (Win Morisaki) is in upper management at a business that sells toys and fireworks. His daily existence is very calm, ordinary and too predictable and he has several casual relationships. His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters a troubled woman and saves her from tragedy. While he could have turned away after his heroic act he is drawn to the little bit of chaos that surrounds the beautiful and intriguing stranger. What follows is a tumultuous, and at times dangerous, romantic interlude that leaves them both forever changed. Prior to his encounter with Hayama Ukiyo (Kaho Tsuchimura) he spiced up his existence with romantic interludes with a couple of his office co-workers. He has a flirty relationship with his 24 year old Minako (Fukunaga Akari) and allows his more steady friends with benefits co-worker, the older woman, Ms. Naoko Hosokowa (Kei Ishibashi) to play housewife.

Review

This film was ranked among the top foreign films so I thought it would be heart-warming or at least an emotionally compelling romance. But you wind up asking yourself what you just watched. Early you may form an impression of Ukiyo as a damsel in distress and Tsuji as a knight in shining armor but that does not characterize either of them well. So you start out thinking you are watching one kind of movie and, mid-way, you realize it is not what you originally thought. It is an emotional ride but not, in my opinion, in a good way. I would not watch it again nor would I recommend it to anyone that likes romances or dramas on the lighter side. It has been termed an anti-romance and I would agree with that assessment. Some people like the darker content, exploring difficult topics, and/or experiencing many different realities. If you are okay with weighty emotional content and fractured personalities, you may like it. It just wasn't for me. I avoid these types of movies when I can as I am an empath, so I absorb a lot of the emotions. Which is okay when it evokes light-hearted emotions but not so good when it elicits darker emotions.

Spoilers

From the title you might think that Tsuji is going to move from the rather shallow relationships he has been participating in, to a deeper, more genuine connection. But you would be wrong. Actually, the bond between Tsuji and Ukiyo is toxic as neither of them turn out to be as noble as they first seem. They play this long push and pull game that is often as frustrating as it is un-nurturing. There is nothing wholesome or heart warming about the two of them together. I do not like dramas or sad movies and this is very dramatic and it is actually sad to see two people who are broken in so many ways bring out some of the worst aspects of each other. The movie attempts to show that only the two can truly understand one another as they come from a similar mental place but, from a psychological perspective, that type of relationship is always unhealthy.

The portrayal is the main characters are the users, but a closer examination reveals that the other people take advantage of the vulnerability of the two. This is alluded to when others say Tsuji is "too nice" and how Ukiyo is always compliant and apologetic. Tsuji and Ukiyo are both damaged in that they do not know themselves well, allow themselves to be steered by people and events, and are not happy in their current lives.

#TheRealThing #WinMorisaki. #KahoTsuchimura #FukunagaAkari.

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it took me 2 tries to finish cuz it was so long, tho the 1st half was too much talk and 2nd half too much action

for me, I was in it for BYH, I'm glad he's winning awards and praise for this, he wasn't portrayed as an evil villain demon, his character was a strategist, war is like a game and sport, there is a thrill in mind games, tho war is pure evil with ppl who don't want it are the ones fighting it and the ones who want it are safe in their castles..
so anyway, I teared up on the battle, it was balanced well in who had the upper hand and it was always heartbreaking when the tables turned. japan is wrong for attacking 1st, but did their soldiers have a say? sure even if 50% and even 90% were psychos, is death the only option for the ones forced to continue the flame of war

that being said, I do prefer historicals like this, doesn't have to be based on real events, breaking away from palace politics is nice. which just shows, in people on the same country/side also want war to gain what they want and they drag the rest with them,,

annnyyway, BYH and his adorable cheeks had more presence and charisma than almost all of the rest ;D

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