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.
I will recommend more films later on.
SHINOBI — The movie contains one of the greatest fight scenes ever shown on film. The hero and heroin possess amazing powers and the fit the actors portraying the characters. Probably one aspect of the movie that made me love it is the cinematography. Amazing, amazing, amazing.
AZUMI I — The first of the two. The history of Azumi; how she became. An excellent display of swordplay. I’m a huge fan of the ways of samurai. I’m a man who adores perfection through simplicity and the samurai way of life is that. Simple, precise, perfect. The pretty face of Azumi is a plus.
AZUMI II — The second installation. The continuation of Azumi’s journey towards cleansing. Aagain, contains a great display of swordplay. Unlike most sequels, this one did not disappoint me. Azumi still looking good especially with a cloak (that’s when she really kicks ass).
SHADOWLESS SWORD — This is a Korean film that I can proudly recommend. Korean films are becoming better and could probably replace Hollywood. The film contains another excellent display of swordplay. A must see.
July 4th, 2008
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.
When I was half awake at around 6AM, I sent a text message to the wife. Just letting her know I’m alive and kicking and of course how much I miss her [senti]. Then I went back to sleep. A couple of hours later, I woke up for good and finished the movie I was watching last night - “Nomad (The Warrior)”. Afterwards, I checked my email and the usual stuff I do online. I cooked some instant noodles for a brunch to fill my hungry stomach, washed the dishes and took a shower. I then went to the corner store to buy four (4) bottles of Yoohoo - it’s my latest addiction. I’m surprised it doesn’t give me the loose bowel movement (wow, I dared write it). Went back home and watched a Korean movie called “The Restless” - awesome! Then I watched the Yankee game against the O’s. I’m very superstitious when it comes to my sports team, so everytime Andy pitches, I didn’t watch. Rather, I tried to put myself to sleep. The result? Andy was perfect through the fifth inning. Anyway, the Yanks eventually won - finally! I waited for my father so that I can take the van to the movie theater. I was so hungry that I went out again to the Filipino store to get some food. When I came back my father arrived. I ate quickly and left for the 5:30 show. It was the “Forbidden Kingdom” which is horrible. If you care for your ten bucks, don’t watch it. After that I went home and chowed down some junks.
That’s about it for today…nothing interesting, but at least not gloomy.
April 20th, 2008
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).
March 17th, 2008
Finally, I had the time and resources to watch this movie. I did not bother watch the series, nor have an intention to. The reason being that firstly, I don’t like the theme of the story and secondly, I don’t like the lead actress in the series. The movie, however, is an exception because of Song Hae Gyo (there are countless spelling in the web, but I chose this for no reason other than it’s easy to pronounce). I will not elaborate on the story because I’m not Korean and I don’t have the background of the story. All I can say is that Song Hae Gyo did her part as Hwang Jin Yi [only from what I know of the character] wonderfully in this motion picture. Not only was she stunningly beautiful, her acting did not fail. I’ve been wanting to see this film even before it was released, but it took me this long to finally see it. I’m not disappointed. It made me watch Full House again.
February 18th, 2008
I woke up with a good morning smile on my face, but it was ruined. It was ruined after watching a Korean film Lovers’ Concerto. Essentially, it is a story of friendship that ended with eternal separation. Like most Korean films, Lovers’ Concerto has a fragile sense to it with two terminally ill characters who eventually died leaving a friend alone reminiscing their past lives. Just thinking about the film, listening to the last letters pushes my gut deep down inside of me. Do not watch this film if you are physically or emotionally alone because it will hit you hard where it hurts.
February 17th, 2008
