Korean Dramas have been low in subtitling recently. That means I couldn’t watch anything. Aside from a few KPop ventures like Younha & Nell, there’s really not much to do online. So I remembered I had a few unfinished serials (rather I discontinued watching them). One of them is GINTAMA. I chose to continue Gintama over Naruto and Bleach because I really don’t need to follow the manga to follow the series, plus it’s hilarious.
I was so happy when I found this film (with English subtitle) at a torrent tracker. Early this morning, I watched this Korean movie and I wasn’t particularly pleased. I already expected the movie to be dark, so that didn’t bother me. What bothered me the most was the language. Joe Odagiri spoke Japanese and the rest Korean and for some reason, all characters can understand each other. It seemed to me that production gave up on the language barrier and totally ignored it hoping the audience can make themselves understand. Uhmmm… not me!
The particular symbolism used weren’t too familiar to me which is the other shortcoming on my behalf. A few touches of gothic humor gave me a few shortlived laughters. Odagiri’s acting, however, was brilliant. Especially the part when he almost went crazy, it was superb. Both actors did not fail my expectations in their craft. Lee Ran was a perfect character for Lee Na Young.
If not for the acting prowess of Odagiri and Lee, I would have trashed the film. It was artisitc, but filled with loopholes and unrealism.
It’s very rare to find an actor with superb acting skills. My taste in films often does not agree with the public. I have no background in films, but I’m pretty firm in my belief of what a good film comprises of. My choice in watching a movie or a serial is greatly influenced by the cast. If my taste in a piece is unusual, I think that my taste in actors is more unusual. My favorite actor of all time is Jason Lee. Not so many elite moviegoers would even have him in their top-100. (more…)
I’m so excited for this Korean film to come out on torrent (oopps!) Starring the two of my most favored actors — Joe O-dagiri (Shinobi) and Lee Na Young (Somebody Special), I have to see the film. The big screen release is early October, so a subtitled DVD quality should be out early next year. This will be another tear-jerker and depressing movie, but it’s the substance that matters including the excellent acting that I will be expecting from the two. This will be the second O-dagiri piece I’ll be seeing and it’s been a while since Lee made a project. If you want to know why I’m expecting the best of this, check the stream below.
It’s Independence Day weekend and for those who will be staying home (like me) during the long weekend, I am recommending the films below. They are all foreign films (not if you’re Japanese or Korean). I have them as part of my tiny DVD collection. They aren’t new. They’re about at least 3 years old already and I’m guessing that most of my readers have not seen them yet. I’m a huge fan of martial arts films especially the ninja and samurai. That’s not the only reason why I’m recommmending them, however. These films possess deeper meaning. I have found those meanings in my own perception. It’s up to you to find for yourself.
Okay, before the night passes, let me make an entry. I won’t be commenting on a subject because I’ve realized that I’ve been onto a single subject and that’s the movies. I should get out more… Soon, that time will come [my dear once-in-a-blue-moon reader should know]. Anyway, I’ll record my day so that I can compare it with my gloomy Sunday last week. (more…)
Tonight, before going to bed I thought I’d post an entry on a very interesting Korean film I just saw. It’s called Somebody Special. It’s a romantic comedy about a baseball player trying to find the meaning of love and a girl who has been in love with him since they were young. The story does not interest me, rather it’s the humor. Though many have said that romance and comedy blended really well in the movie (and I agree), the humor has the upperhand. It’s not a simple funny humor, rather it’s a laugh-out-loud humor delivered subtly yet obvious. Finally a paradox from me.
I found this film while searching for Lee Na Young’s works. I like Na Young’s acting because she’s eccentric. She’s vulnerable, yet strong and I think she’s the only actress who can do what she does with her tongue (no malicious intent).
It’s very rare to find an actor with superb acting skills. My taste in films often does not agree with the public. I have no background in films, but I’m pretty firm in my belief of what a good film comprises of. My choice in watching a movie or a serial is greatly influenced by the cast. If my taste in a piece is unusual, I think that my taste in actors is more unusual. My favorite actor of all time is Jason Lee. Not so many elite moviegoers would even have him in their top-100. (more…)
Tonight, before going to bed I thought I’d post an entry on a very interesting Korean film I just saw. It’s called Somebody Special. It’s a romantic comedy about a baseball player trying to find the meaning of love and a girl who has been in love with him since they were young. The story does not interest me, rather it’s the humor. Though many have said that romance and comedy blended really well in the movie (and I agree), the humor has the upperhand. It’s not a simple funny humor, rather it’s a laugh-out-loud humor delivered subtly yet obvious. Finally a paradox from me.