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Reviews
Somebody (2022)
Not your average K-Drama
If you are looking for a feel-good Korean drama, then stop here.
It is one of the most intense, riveting programs that has come from the Korean drama pantheon. Yes, there is nudity, but I couldn't really grasp its story line without it.
I wish Amazon hadn't froze my screen, but the man playing the villain is so detestable. The girl playing Kim Sum plays a convincing person afflicted with Asperger's Syndrome that you as the viewer are brought into her world whether you ask for it or not.
I give it two thumbs up and I recommend it, just be prepared for the ride of your life.
Amazon request 600 words or more so all I can say is "Watch It!"
Saikojiman Gwaenchanha (2020)
Forbidden Fruit
I am a male American, used to American movies, dialect, and character plots, but never in my life have I seen an actress with a steaming sexuality as Ye-ji Seo's character. I would see her as Eve in the garden.
My wife and I thoroughly enjoy Kdramas, but with this one I should keep my comments to myself.
I really appreciate Kdramas that are not about silly youthfulness, and trading characters, or yet traveling into time. That is an over used plot line that cannot go further, but this drama, being a suspenseful, somewhat erotic in a safe nature, and well acted, fits my love for the Korean film industry.
The actors of both the protagonist and his autistic brother has a feel of real brotherhood and compassion. A word that does not any longer fit our lexicon. Refreshing to see.
Watch it!
The Sentence (2018)
WHAT???!!!
She's doing the time and one of the last conversations her and her husband had was something akin to anything but heroic. She was venting, looking for a modicum of compassion and sympathy. Ah, but the Iceman cometh.
A great documentary which left me coming away than an even deeper hatred of society. I hope one day justice will come from someone's heart and not the clinical letter of the law.
Was It Love (2020)
Maybe Korean writers are getting tired
"Was It Love" does indeed have its charming moments, but when our protagonist Song Ji Hyo, may quickly become Korea's scream queen. Yes, being under debt is by no means fun, but the premise of her owing someone else's debt doesn't let this really get off the ground. It's entertainment too be sure, but "Crash Landing On You" "Memories Of The Alhambra" "Mister Sunshine" and quite a well written drama "My Mister" all have characters that are believable.
I have started my need for Korean drama fix's when I first saw "Crash Landing On You" which I told my wife " . . . just watch ONE episode with me and if you don't like it, then fine, I won't bother you any more." Now after watching a list of 23 dramas (together with my wife) we have come to outrageous opinions of what we think Korean culture is. You eat a lot in Korea (huge mouthfuls.) You all seem to have a propensity for drinking. (We would like to find Soju so maybe we can be addicted.) And last but not least, Korean actors seem to cry copious amounts of tears at the drop of a hat. Of what training did they receive? I seriously ask that. Korean women are beautiful and the men are handsome so that maybe provides me excuses to keep watching. When you are in the middle of no where in Kansas, these dramas provide an escape, so I thank the Korean film industry and also to Netflix for having the foresight to air these.
Sarangeui bulsachak (2019)
Better the second time around
On one of my nights of sleepless not filtering in and allowing me to catch some Zzzz'z I thought I would take ROKU and wake up Netflix. Now I know I am an old goat of nearly 68, when I layed eyes on Ye-jin Son, the Yoon Se-Ri character, I was smitten. Just a most gorgeous woman in these days pop creations bombarding us from all sides, it takes me to need a foreign movie to capture me and hold my attention for over 4 to 5 hours straight! I told my wife that she needed to watch Crash Landing On You. It is in Korean, but subtitles are well easy to read. This movie offers it all. Greedy siblings, a corrupt N Korean officer and some FANTASTIC scores being played. Well as luck would have it, I told my wife all I required her to watch was the first episode. Today was an off day for her and we took in 6 episodes. I am peppered with questions, and there is a new, rabid fan in our home. Too boot, the acting is much better than the pinheads we are used to in the states. Do yourself a favor. Take the one episode trick test and I guarantee you'll be hooked.
The Silence (2019)
Not Silent Enough
This, far and away, has to be one of the worst films made. When I think of Netflix upping their rates and in the last 2 movies I have seen, I am beginning to wish for an apocalypse to happen. (Fortunate Man was the other.)
There is no explanation what-so-ever about that cult that suddenly appears, and why weren't THEY devoured by the Pterodactyls? (Hey Pee Wee)
The ending had all the moments of listening to your vacuum when you snag a pair of undies. It SUCKED!
Mr. Tucci, the only conclusion I can come to is that you must really needed to make a house payment.
Efter brylluppet (2006)
One of my top 5 in movies
This collision of worlds is so beautifully crafted. Rolf Lassgard plays the subtle rich, controlling husband who may be used to being the playground bully to all that is within his circle of family and co-workers. There is a method to his madness, but as the movie comes to its conclusion, it made this grown man cry. Rolf Lassgard owns this role as Jorgen. Mads Mikkelsen, Sidse Babett Knudsen all play their rolls in this movie to a "T".
I only hope the remake that is coming out can do it justice.
The Byrd Who Flew Alone: The Triumphs and Tragedy of Gene Clark (2013)
The BIG why?
I'm soon to be 62 and it was a real fortunate time in my life to know Beatlemania and following with the DC5, and others of the British Invasion, but when the Byrds answered the call with Tambourine Man, I was hooked.
It wasn't till much later in life that I got to know Gene's music. Both Dillard & Clark and Allison Krausse/Robert Plant.
I began delving into songs like "Through The Morning, Through The Night" and I wasn't even aware that it was the same man who wrote and sang I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better.
The enigma that began to show itself over and over again with the deaths of Gram Parsons, Hendrix, etc. making me ask the question; Why? That culture that consumed so many lives, a mix of decadence, drugs and fame, all being a cruel mistress who doesn't care a whit of one's accomplishments and notoriety. We see it still with the Lohan's and Biebers to this day.
This DVD certainly hit dead on straight, watching a life spiral down and crash. It felt like watching a train crash in slow motion, much like the Gram Parsons DVD. You want there to be a good ending, but its not to be.
Thank you to the Four Sons production team who put this together. The many, many interviews showed us a very vulnerable man.