Well, I do love Damage, the movie which I watched it over several times and analyzed it intensively. The part of their BDSM sexual themes in this series demonstrated more logical approach to the story. It's not in the movie which made me wonder how the fatal attraction came from. It's a light fair of BDSM nothing too shocking but giving explanations of the mutral attractions between each other if I may say. Of course, Jeremy Irons and Juliette Binoche's performance is irreplaceable in Damage. I wish they could find actors like them to make this series. Damaged people are dangerous because they know how to survive. It implicates both of them.
Reviews
98 Reviews
The Kindness of Strangers
(2019)
It grew on me as the story went on
24 April 2022
When I started watching the first time, I was bored by the uninspired storyline and quitted after first few minutes. Then a few weeks later, I picked it up again and surprisingly I finished it. So I decided to review it.
Well, domestic abuse is not a subject to be treated lightheaded. But if this is not the main story line then it should be a sub plot. It could not be all cheers and feeling good even in worst situations. However, there were some not so cliche moments which griped my attentions and was enough for me to finish watching it. Besides, Bill Nighy was there to draw me back in. But I will not go back to watch it again.
Well, domestic abuse is not a subject to be treated lightheaded. But if this is not the main story line then it should be a sub plot. It could not be all cheers and feeling good even in worst situations. However, there were some not so cliche moments which griped my attentions and was enough for me to finish watching it. Besides, Bill Nighy was there to draw me back in. But I will not go back to watch it again.
Propaganda to lure sophisticated audiences but fail
21 January 2022
I am an immigrant who grew up under the authoritarian government and spent most of my adult life in this adopted country.
There's a hidden danger of inequality of wealth which may lead to civil unrest and social revolution. This documentary propagated even more. By the way, Mr. D'Souze is convicted felon and pardoned by Trump later.
He mixed with some history and his own ideologies to persuade audiences to believe his propaganda. It's way too sophisticated for simple minded conservatives but all too illogical to change independents' minds. Beside its eye catching title, I felt I wasted my time. Our society is complicated which God, Country and Gun could not cover it all. If Mr. D'Souze is not willing to dig deeper and represent the truth, he should not use historical facts to serve his own purposes. The GOP today is far away from Lincoln's era. Actually, it is the opposite of Lincoln's GOP since the civil right movement. If he couldn't even straighten such truth out, there is no value in this documentary.
Don't waste your time. It barely could be called documentary.
There's a hidden danger of inequality of wealth which may lead to civil unrest and social revolution. This documentary propagated even more. By the way, Mr. D'Souze is convicted felon and pardoned by Trump later.
He mixed with some history and his own ideologies to persuade audiences to believe his propaganda. It's way too sophisticated for simple minded conservatives but all too illogical to change independents' minds. Beside its eye catching title, I felt I wasted my time. Our society is complicated which God, Country and Gun could not cover it all. If Mr. D'Souze is not willing to dig deeper and represent the truth, he should not use historical facts to serve his own purposes. The GOP today is far away from Lincoln's era. Actually, it is the opposite of Lincoln's GOP since the civil right movement. If he couldn't even straighten such truth out, there is no value in this documentary.
Don't waste your time. It barely could be called documentary.
A Good Marriage
(2014)
It's fictional to its best
14 August 2021
I am not sure the scenario of this movie could be resonate with reality. But it certainly has its logical unfolding. There is very little chance in real crime cases that the wife would discover the husband is a series killer. On the contrary, the wife most likely was the last one to know in real cases. So it's not as chilling as you would think.
Of course, the profiles of series killers is not the major comportment of this movie which somehow took away the thrill and chill part. However, it has black comedy element in it. If you are not looking for real thrilling, this one could still be entertaining.
Of course, the profiles of series killers is not the major comportment of this movie which somehow took away the thrill and chill part. However, it has black comedy element in it. If you are not looking for real thrilling, this one could still be entertaining.
The Donut King
(2020)
It's a heart-warming and surprising story
19 June 2021
If you think this is about donuts, it is only half a story. Actually, it is more about life. Throughout all the ups and downs, there is peace in the end.
Most Asian people do not feel comfortable to wash their dirty laundry in front of others. This one indeed did that and even dug deeper. There are not many movies about Asian Americans' struggle and trimphone, This one has a well planted storyline and contents. To the end, I did not feel sorry for the donut king. He found peace in life and moved on. Life is the process itself. Most of time, we are too eager to get to the final and forget to enjoy the scenery on the way.
It is a nice film to watch without pretenses. I would recommend.
Most Asian people do not feel comfortable to wash their dirty laundry in front of others. This one indeed did that and even dug deeper. There are not many movies about Asian Americans' struggle and trimphone, This one has a well planted storyline and contents. To the end, I did not feel sorry for the donut king. He found peace in life and moved on. Life is the process itself. Most of time, we are too eager to get to the final and forget to enjoy the scenery on the way.
It is a nice film to watch without pretenses. I would recommend.
Defending Jacob
(2020)
It is a decent work
13 June 2021
I always enjoyed good legal dramas. This one has necessary twists and turns to grab audience's attention. I never read the book. But I would imagine it is even better. The extended research done by the author is impressive which made the story convincing and relatable. The unorthodox ending is a plus. Are there ultimate evils among us? I would think so. However, I do not wish to meet them.
I often feel best selling books turning into big screen would lose their luster in the process. Nevertheless, this one made a match if did not exceed. Beyond that, it also showed various family dimensions which formed a gripping story. I would recommend it.
I often feel best selling books turning into big screen would lose their luster in the process. Nevertheless, this one made a match if did not exceed. Beyond that, it also showed various family dimensions which formed a gripping story. I would recommend it.
The Real Housewives of New York City
(2008– )
Degrading women from the title
25 April 2021
I think this is the show you have no confusions from the beginning by reading its title. However shallow and appalling you might feel as the show goes on, I have to admit it is somehow entertaining. The reality shows are not real for sure. In my opinions, they are better than daytime soap operas.
I have been watching it off and on for years. This one might be better than others in the same genre. Production companies are in favor of producing them solely because of its low cost and relatively easy to fabricate. It is not a path for anyone with serious acting ambition because it hardly could be called acting. I could feel most casts joined this type of shows seemingly hoping to have some breakthroughs in lives. Yes, it is pathetic, idiotic and moronic at most, also strongly degrades roles of women in the society.
It will fit to turn on your device while you need some background noises to fill in the void of your unoccupied mind.
I have been watching it off and on for years. This one might be better than others in the same genre. Production companies are in favor of producing them solely because of its low cost and relatively easy to fabricate. It is not a path for anyone with serious acting ambition because it hardly could be called acting. I could feel most casts joined this type of shows seemingly hoping to have some breakthroughs in lives. Yes, it is pathetic, idiotic and moronic at most, also strongly degrades roles of women in the society.
It will fit to turn on your device while you need some background noises to fill in the void of your unoccupied mind.
The Painter and the Thief
(2020)
A surprising hidden gem
29 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I was intrigued by its title to start watching it. The main storyline is the evolvement of relationship between the victim and perpetrator which probably already has been done several times before. However, this one gave a new perspective with unexpected outcomes.
The story started with the victim's two symbolic paintings were stolen. Police followed the video then arrested two perpetrators however those two paintings were never recovered. The victim is a struggling artist with an abused past so as one of the perpetrator. Somehow, they connected each other with profound understanding. The movie told a story of a unlikely relationship flourish between two people world apart. It is not so much to say but to feel. One of two paintings was recovered by the artist herself in the end. She was also repainting the other one throughout the whole movie. To the end, she revealed a painting with the same setting but different people from her original one, she and her perpetrator. It is symbolically abstruse.
This documentary is well structured and beautifully told. I will recommend it.
The story started with the victim's two symbolic paintings were stolen. Police followed the video then arrested two perpetrators however those two paintings were never recovered. The victim is a struggling artist with an abused past so as one of the perpetrator. Somehow, they connected each other with profound understanding. The movie told a story of a unlikely relationship flourish between two people world apart. It is not so much to say but to feel. One of two paintings was recovered by the artist herself in the end. She was also repainting the other one throughout the whole movie. To the end, she revealed a painting with the same setting but different people from her original one, she and her perpetrator. It is symbolically abstruse.
This documentary is well structured and beautifully told. I will recommend it.
The Brink
(2019)
Delusional, Power Hungry and Beyond
9 May 2020
I was wondering why Mr. Bannon would agree to make such unflattering film. Then I realized that there is no bad publicity to him as well as to our sitting president.
Bannon's relentless propaganda wars against main stream media deserved some credits. He had some pivotal contributions to the most political upset in American history after all. Nevertheless, he should have stopped there before everything crumbled and fell apart in front of him. Yet, his eager to be seen and hungry for power would take him to a far different journey. I don't see there is a future for his so called populist and against establishments to be flourish. The pandemic has changed political situations at least partially if not entirely.
We as citizens are looking for leadership in crisis which Trump's administration hardly provided. No conspiracies or propaganda could replace truths and no compensations could ease loosing lives. Bannon was looking for spotlights to shamelessly claim his ideology for working people. He had no practical strategies or plans for anything to go forward besides repeatably mentioning he rallying people to come together against establishments.
There might not be anything new in this movie. However, it reminds me the ridiculous and idiotic conspiracy would always have place in our society. We need to exercise our fundamental right to vote them out our political arena so they have no place to shout.
Bannon's relentless propaganda wars against main stream media deserved some credits. He had some pivotal contributions to the most political upset in American history after all. Nevertheless, he should have stopped there before everything crumbled and fell apart in front of him. Yet, his eager to be seen and hungry for power would take him to a far different journey. I don't see there is a future for his so called populist and against establishments to be flourish. The pandemic has changed political situations at least partially if not entirely.
We as citizens are looking for leadership in crisis which Trump's administration hardly provided. No conspiracies or propaganda could replace truths and no compensations could ease loosing lives. Bannon was looking for spotlights to shamelessly claim his ideology for working people. He had no practical strategies or plans for anything to go forward besides repeatably mentioning he rallying people to come together against establishments.
There might not be anything new in this movie. However, it reminds me the ridiculous and idiotic conspiracy would always have place in our society. We need to exercise our fundamental right to vote them out our political arena so they have no place to shout.
The Princess Weiyoung
(2016)
Entertaining
16 April 2020
Although I watched fair amount of period soap operas from South Korea before. This one from China still drew my attention. It has extravaganza customs with elaborate scenes like those others in the same genera. Even with similar implausible plots deployed into every episode, it is entertaining at least.
This kind of TV series has huge and wide ranges of audiences in Asia regardless they rarely follow historical facts. I used to enjoy watching them until I discovered they pretty much sharing same scenario and lost my interests. It is gripping with complicate however repetitive stories in every episode. There always has a main character who suffered from the past destruction of her or his family and must take back the honer with revenges. The plots usually limit to those murderous bloodbath, triangle romances, betrayals, and calculating schemes. However, they entice audiences with multiple layers of stories. You will hardly be bore by unless you watched too many like I did and feel same storylines just repeated themselves.
You may see same kind of TV series in different languages. But they are always compelling.
This kind of TV series has huge and wide ranges of audiences in Asia regardless they rarely follow historical facts. I used to enjoy watching them until I discovered they pretty much sharing same scenario and lost my interests. It is gripping with complicate however repetitive stories in every episode. There always has a main character who suffered from the past destruction of her or his family and must take back the honer with revenges. The plots usually limit to those murderous bloodbath, triangle romances, betrayals, and calculating schemes. However, they entice audiences with multiple layers of stories. You will hardly be bore by unless you watched too many like I did and feel same storylines just repeated themselves.
You may see same kind of TV series in different languages. But they are always compelling.
Innocent
(2011 TV Movie)
Somehow disappointed
5 April 2020
Judging by its all-star cast, this movie should be enough to be put on the pedestal. Yet, its quality more liked those on Lifetime channel. From the beginning, it did not have such suspensions like Hitchcock's movies. Although the plots were complicated, they did not resonate with audiences. The intensity of dark dramas also did not have enough momentum to carry through the whole movie. Its surroundings and paces were also lack of plausibility among other things.
It probably should be remade by different directors. I was not thrilled by those presumptuous plots which the writer tried to reinvent. In my opinion, it should have revealed the wife's mental illness from the beginning. The disclosure in the end was not enough. The wife's struggling needed to be drawn to connect the whole storyline. This missing part is crucial to the whole movie. It indeed required better cinematographers, too. I hope to see a different version of it in the future.
It probably should be remade by different directors. I was not thrilled by those presumptuous plots which the writer tried to reinvent. In my opinion, it should have revealed the wife's mental illness from the beginning. The disclosure in the end was not enough. The wife's struggling needed to be drawn to connect the whole storyline. This missing part is crucial to the whole movie. It indeed required better cinematographers, too. I hope to see a different version of it in the future.
Anesthesia
(2015)
A soft version of "Crash"
21 January 2020
This kind of parallel stories telling has its appeals to multiple layers of audience. But the only problem is that it requires a strong main storyline to build upon. This one I am afraid it did not reach such level however it is not too shabby, either.
The most dramatic character is Kristen Stewart. Beyond that they are too plain to be remembered. The common problematic issues in our society like extra marital affairs, drug addictions and psychopathic traumas are all there but only too ordinary without twists and turns. Audiences indeed want to see more extensive dramas in the movie.
It's not a bad movie just not exciting. I would say.
The most dramatic character is Kristen Stewart. Beyond that they are too plain to be remembered. The common problematic issues in our society like extra marital affairs, drug addictions and psychopathic traumas are all there but only too ordinary without twists and turns. Audiences indeed want to see more extensive dramas in the movie.
It's not a bad movie just not exciting. I would say.
A great documentary in recent years
26 December 2019
From the title, I thought it was about those unsavory internet videos. As I continued watching, I realized it's about the psychopathic murder happened in Montreal in 2012. The progress of a psychopath from murdering animals to a human was unfolding in front of audiences. It's thrilling, gripping and sad at the same time.
There are plenty studies about psychopathic killers in our modern time. However, the legislation can not and could not prevent those murders from happening. The main though would be you can not lock someone up because of abusing animals to prevent their future killings. So by exposing their appalling behaviors to warm others would be one way to prevent future tragedies. However, it would not be effective. Those groups of internet nerds tried to warm authorities about psychopathic Luka from the beginning. However, there was little they could have done differently. Of course, we can all support the legislation to give lengthy sentences for convicted animal killers. However, that would not be passed. Pets are considered as possessions from the legal points of view for one reason.
Besides the helpless thought of our living society, I am somehow grateful for this truth telling documentary. It educated the public on the insight of psychopathic minds. Understanding is the most powerful weapon to defeat fears.
There are plenty studies about psychopathic killers in our modern time. However, the legislation can not and could not prevent those murders from happening. The main though would be you can not lock someone up because of abusing animals to prevent their future killings. So by exposing their appalling behaviors to warm others would be one way to prevent future tragedies. However, it would not be effective. Those groups of internet nerds tried to warm authorities about psychopathic Luka from the beginning. However, there was little they could have done differently. Of course, we can all support the legislation to give lengthy sentences for convicted animal killers. However, that would not be passed. Pets are considered as possessions from the legal points of view for one reason.
Besides the helpless thought of our living society, I am somehow grateful for this truth telling documentary. It educated the public on the insight of psychopathic minds. Understanding is the most powerful weapon to defeat fears.
Crypto
(I) (2019)
Now I see you or not, a B rated movie
31 October 2019
Kurt Russell's name is on the list so I thought it might be worth watching. Nay, it's not. It was a disappointment.
First, the lead actor was not convincing neither by his appearance nor acting. Good looking or not is not the point. Beau Knapp is not good at acting. I don't think judging by his appearance would be fair. There are plenty not so good looking actors. But hey know how to bring characters into life. I didn't know who Beau Knapp was then and I don't care now. Clean-cut and a little bit neurotic would be a good fit for such a character. Certain degree of paranoia would animate the character and interest audiences. Well, they should have just enlisted some pleasant looking actors instead. Why bother with those unattractive ones?
Crypto currency is a hot topic nowadays. I hope I would see some good movies about it in the future. Unfortunately, this one is not.
First, the lead actor was not convincing neither by his appearance nor acting. Good looking or not is not the point. Beau Knapp is not good at acting. I don't think judging by his appearance would be fair. There are plenty not so good looking actors. But hey know how to bring characters into life. I didn't know who Beau Knapp was then and I don't care now. Clean-cut and a little bit neurotic would be a good fit for such a character. Certain degree of paranoia would animate the character and interest audiences. Well, they should have just enlisted some pleasant looking actors instead. Why bother with those unattractive ones?
Crypto currency is a hot topic nowadays. I hope I would see some good movies about it in the future. Unfortunately, this one is not.
Sarah's Key
(2010)
Gothic Holocaust fiction
30 October 2019
This one reminds me another movie, "The boy in the striped pajama". Both had these fictional settings which very unlikely would have happened for real. But somehow they stayed with audience.
The fear created by this movie is very much close to "Jane Eyre" in my view which I am not so convinced. A little boy who was locked in the closet would not be found and made no attempts to yell out for help which is almost impossible. There was Sarah's survival guilt which was lack of depiction in the movie, either. The whole movie seemed to focus on the journalist's modern day life instead of tragedies of Sarah's life. I feel it had misfits and flaws all around.
I am not against fictional stories around real human tragedies. I don't like is inventing new plots which were unlikely would have happened. Real life tragedies are already sad enough. We don't need to add another layer of fear to it.
The fear created by this movie is very much close to "Jane Eyre" in my view which I am not so convinced. A little boy who was locked in the closet would not be found and made no attempts to yell out for help which is almost impossible. There was Sarah's survival guilt which was lack of depiction in the movie, either. The whole movie seemed to focus on the journalist's modern day life instead of tragedies of Sarah's life. I feel it had misfits and flaws all around.
I am not against fictional stories around real human tragedies. I don't like is inventing new plots which were unlikely would have happened. Real life tragedies are already sad enough. We don't need to add another layer of fear to it.
Spinning Man
(2018)
Maybe not dramatic enough but it was close to the reality
7 September 2019
Once a while I would like to see thrillers with depth. This one is close enough. It has well defined plots, twists and turns. It might not be most people's cups of tea. But I liked it.
Talking about real life psychopath, Guy Pearce's character might not be the one in the movie. Because he had too much concision. He most likely could be compared to a person with multiple personality disorder. He was not able to remember details of tragedies. If that was what the director wanted to portray, it would need more preludes to tell the story. He obviously suffered some traumas in life which cause him to have black out. He is a victim of PTSD and that part was lacking in the movie which was somewhat crucial to viewers.
I would compare this movie to the TV series, "The Sinner". The semi-low ratings are reflected that most viewers did not understand who Guy Pearce's character was supposed to be. He was not a psychopath. He was a PTSD victim. If you can cross the barrier between these two. You will enjoy it. I would like to see this movie being elaborated into a series.
Talking about real life psychopath, Guy Pearce's character might not be the one in the movie. Because he had too much concision. He most likely could be compared to a person with multiple personality disorder. He was not able to remember details of tragedies. If that was what the director wanted to portray, it would need more preludes to tell the story. He obviously suffered some traumas in life which cause him to have black out. He is a victim of PTSD and that part was lacking in the movie which was somewhat crucial to viewers.
I would compare this movie to the TV series, "The Sinner". The semi-low ratings are reflected that most viewers did not understand who Guy Pearce's character was supposed to be. He was not a psychopath. He was a PTSD victim. If you can cross the barrier between these two. You will enjoy it. I would like to see this movie being elaborated into a series.
Blind
(I) (2016)
Cliche everywhere but still captivated
18 August 2019
It's a relaxing and easy one. Nothing was significant or impressed but captivated enough for me to finish to the end.
The scripts and contents left quite some room to improve. I am not sure it was the cast or story to keep me watching. Somehow I was not bored by its predicable scenarios. It could have more layers and intellects to deepen its storyline. Demi and Alec were a little bit odd couple thrown together. I would prefer Nicole Kidman to play the role.
It's a lukewarm movie not intending to generate any publicity. It's certainly not a break out for its director. Maybe it is too safe to be memorable so to speak.
You may give a shot with your spear time.
The scripts and contents left quite some room to improve. I am not sure it was the cast or story to keep me watching. Somehow I was not bored by its predicable scenarios. It could have more layers and intellects to deepen its storyline. Demi and Alec were a little bit odd couple thrown together. I would prefer Nicole Kidman to play the role.
It's a lukewarm movie not intending to generate any publicity. It's certainly not a break out for its director. Maybe it is too safe to be memorable so to speak.
You may give a shot with your spear time.
The Family
(2019)
An ancient conspiracy goes on living in our time
11 August 2019
"God's chosen one", this ancient conspiracy has been around since the beginning of monarchy. Legend of Camelot is one great example. When we could not construe the inequality and unjust in our society , theory of God's chosen one could be well versed. It serves as a vessel to allow tyranny and dictatorship to exist since God's chosen one could do no wrong. It purely exonerates someone's wrong doings without justified consequences. This film tended to overlook manipulations of voters and flaws of electoral college contributed to today's politics. It is idiotic, idealistic and also too simple to convince me the least.
This country is governed by laws not God. Of course, too many people believing in possessing power among human beings tends not to be an easy task. Yet, there were plenty of social studies already proving that human behaviors could be predicable if preying on and exploiting right angles will often lead to results in your favors. That's why there are marketing research companies providing consumer data for companies launching new products. Similar information is also provided for political purposes. This film overly credited religious influences and the tall tale of God's chosen one contributing today's political scenes. It intended not to inquire audience to see the full view of political processes. Anyone could claim to be God's chosen one once he or she became elected but not the other way around.
Freedom of speech allows appalling statements and behaviors less disgusting and criticizing since everyone is entitled to express his or her own opinions no matter how dark they are. The only way to combat such declining civilities is through education which probably is far from where we like it to be now. Presenting such conspiracy of God's chosen one for people in power to explain today's political surroundings might just be well served to those semi under-educated crowd.
Nevertheless, I think it is still an interesting documentary just not neutral and journalistic enough.
This country is governed by laws not God. Of course, too many people believing in possessing power among human beings tends not to be an easy task. Yet, there were plenty of social studies already proving that human behaviors could be predicable if preying on and exploiting right angles will often lead to results in your favors. That's why there are marketing research companies providing consumer data for companies launching new products. Similar information is also provided for political purposes. This film overly credited religious influences and the tall tale of God's chosen one contributing today's political scenes. It intended not to inquire audience to see the full view of political processes. Anyone could claim to be God's chosen one once he or she became elected but not the other way around.
Freedom of speech allows appalling statements and behaviors less disgusting and criticizing since everyone is entitled to express his or her own opinions no matter how dark they are. The only way to combat such declining civilities is through education which probably is far from where we like it to be now. Presenting such conspiracy of God's chosen one for people in power to explain today's political surroundings might just be well served to those semi under-educated crowd.
Nevertheless, I think it is still an interesting documentary just not neutral and journalistic enough.
What/If
(2019)
Different version of "Revenge"
26 May 2019
It's a refine version of soap operas. From the start, I was somewhat lost in its story was about. The scandal of Elizabeth Holmes' Theranos is still fresh in news just recently. Hence, I thought this might be related to it. However, besides both main characters were founders of the bio tech companies, there was nothing in similarities.
Wicked, violent and cruel human behaviors are portrayed in thrillers with some degrees of distortions. This one is no surprise. The twists and turns seemly slowly caught up with audience's wondering attentions. I did wish Ann and Lisa's relationship would have been revealed earlier. So writers of the show could be able to enhance it with more jaw dropping dramas. The slow simmering truth to the end did not carry enough momentum to make a grand exit. Nevertheless, it's decent enough and not be bored by.
Ren'ee Zellweger gave quite a performance which made it worth watching. Others' performances were adequate also. I almost wish it could have been more dramatic and unrealistically coincidental from earlier on so there would be enough momentum to carry through the end. It reminded me of another TV show, "Revenge". If you enjoyed "Revenge" and you will not be disappointed by this one.
Wicked, violent and cruel human behaviors are portrayed in thrillers with some degrees of distortions. This one is no surprise. The twists and turns seemly slowly caught up with audience's wondering attentions. I did wish Ann and Lisa's relationship would have been revealed earlier. So writers of the show could be able to enhance it with more jaw dropping dramas. The slow simmering truth to the end did not carry enough momentum to make a grand exit. Nevertheless, it's decent enough and not be bored by.
Ren'ee Zellweger gave quite a performance which made it worth watching. Others' performances were adequate also. I almost wish it could have been more dramatic and unrealistically coincidental from earlier on so there would be enough momentum to carry through the end. It reminded me of another TV show, "Revenge". If you enjoyed "Revenge" and you will not be disappointed by this one.
Da hong zha
(2018)
Too challenging to finish
26 May 2019
What else could I say, it is awful. I tried to finish it and finally had to give up. It' s a all-star cast with disastrous outcomes.
This is a good example why good movies need good writers. It's based on historical events which only needed to add some melodramas to entice audience and they could not even do that. What a disappointment , so to speak.
If you compare this one with "Pearl Haber", 2001, you might see what they tried to achieve. However, this one apparently paid too much to those big Hollywood stars and not enough to writers. I hope they learned from that and next time hiring some decent writers to start with.
This is a good example why good movies need good writers. It's based on historical events which only needed to add some melodramas to entice audience and they could not even do that. What a disappointment , so to speak.
If you compare this one with "Pearl Haber", 2001, you might see what they tried to achieve. However, this one apparently paid too much to those big Hollywood stars and not enough to writers. I hope they learned from that and next time hiring some decent writers to start with.
Traitors
(2019)
Death is always the easy way out
5 May 2019
I indeed wish this series could have shown more depth in the post WWII espionage world. Its writers seemed too lazy to do more research to dig deeper into British politics then in order to make a convincing story. Murdering characters unnecessarily is all too obvious and did not sum up writers' creativity. Violent death and sexual explicit scenes led to every character way out is far too simple and repetitive.
This TV series could be a great telling of the post WWII history which are not many on the market. However, it was ruined by limiting its scope on turning usual tricks, sex and violence to grab audience's wondering attentions. I felt wasting my time watching and waiting for it to change directions.
Good TV shows need dedicated writers to do research and deliverer their hard works to audiences. This one for sure is lack of that aspect.
This TV series could be a great telling of the post WWII history which are not many on the market. However, it was ruined by limiting its scope on turning usual tricks, sex and violence to grab audience's wondering attentions. I felt wasting my time watching and waiting for it to change directions.
Good TV shows need dedicated writers to do research and deliverer their hard works to audiences. This one for sure is lack of that aspect.
Polar
(I) (2019)
Incoherence killed the movie
30 January 2019
Yes! Mads Mikkelsen's name got me to start this supposing worthy watching movie. Unfortunately, I had to quit it twice. It's terrible however it might be fitted for those millennium. Its' certainly not for me. I wondered Mr. Millelsen ever regretted to make this movie. I am for sure feeling wasting my time on it.
There are action movies with substances also commercial successes. I don't like those cheesy, uninspiring plots. Yes, Mads played a cool and cold blooded killer very well. That probably the only thing you could hope for in the entirely movie. Nothing more than you would expect or not expect. Killing time wise might not be a bad idea.
There are action movies with substances also commercial successes. I don't like those cheesy, uninspiring plots. Yes, Mads played a cool and cold blooded killer very well. That probably the only thing you could hope for in the entirely movie. Nothing more than you would expect or not expect. Killing time wise might not be a bad idea.
The Pallbearer
(1996)
Warming and hearty film
27 December 2018
I remembered I saw the movie long time ago but forgot most of it. Recently, I found it on Hulu and decided to watch it again. It's better than I expected surprisingly.
This movie indeed reminded me a lot of "The Graduate". Nevertheless, I don't recall if I saw "The Graduate" before this one the first time. There are some similarities in both movies. However, this one had the warming and kindness which "The Graduate" somehow was lack of. There were some stark contrasts between the personalities of the main characters, Benjamin and Tom. Although they both shared the same social awkwardness and inarticulacy. Ben acted angrily and immaturely after losing his virginity to Ms. Robinson and took out on the girl he intended to impress which was a form of abusive behaviors I did not condone. Tom took different routes which were more into my taste. Hence, I like this one better.
This movie has some substances and depths which is on my likeness. It's worthy for spending time on.
This movie indeed reminded me a lot of "The Graduate". Nevertheless, I don't recall if I saw "The Graduate" before this one the first time. There are some similarities in both movies. However, this one had the warming and kindness which "The Graduate" somehow was lack of. There were some stark contrasts between the personalities of the main characters, Benjamin and Tom. Although they both shared the same social awkwardness and inarticulacy. Ben acted angrily and immaturely after losing his virginity to Ms. Robinson and took out on the girl he intended to impress which was a form of abusive behaviors I did not condone. Tom took different routes which were more into my taste. Hence, I like this one better.
This movie has some substances and depths which is on my likeness. It's worthy for spending time on.
Marguerite & Julien
(2015)
A surprisingly true story
5 October 2018
While watching the movie, I was thinking the unassuming and uneventful details seemingly resembled to the realities of a possible life story. Out of my own curiosity, I did some diggings online and found out it indeed was a true story. If it would have been fictional, more dramas would be added to entice audiences. I would think.
However, following the history of the story without changing the period would be my preference. Because the subject is hard to be glorified into a undying romance like Romeo and Julia no matter under any circumstances. Incest happened most likely under some unusual circumstances. This one happened to be in an abusive marriage which might win over audiences' empathy and understanding instead of appalling which would be most likely response. The ridiculous scene with the helicopter should be cut. It was confusing with modern and 17 century surrounding interchanged. It might be a better idea just following the events historically and presenting this human tragedy truthfully to audiences .
Real story should be told as it is to respect its facts.
However, following the history of the story without changing the period would be my preference. Because the subject is hard to be glorified into a undying romance like Romeo and Julia no matter under any circumstances. Incest happened most likely under some unusual circumstances. This one happened to be in an abusive marriage which might win over audiences' empathy and understanding instead of appalling which would be most likely response. The ridiculous scene with the helicopter should be cut. It was confusing with modern and 17 century surrounding interchanged. It might be a better idea just following the events historically and presenting this human tragedy truthfully to audiences .
Real story should be told as it is to respect its facts.
28 Hotel Rooms
(2012)
Adolescent dating extended to adult affair
27 August 2018
There is something about dating and affair. If the involved parties do not care about the meaning of marriage, they would be the same.
The idea of this movie is somehow unique but it doesn't mean it is good. If the director used its scenario as a sub-plot not the main course, it might be just fine. There are people would not pass their adolescence through out their life time. They are not going to change their behaviors no matter what stages of their lives are . So can you blame them? I guess not. This movie depicted that type of people. There is a little depth in this movie. It pretty much surrounded with dark sides of adultery which were nothing new.
I think if the main course has its unique storyline then adultery would enhance its complexity. It is a movie with too little effort to make a good one. So to speak.
The idea of this movie is somehow unique but it doesn't mean it is good. If the director used its scenario as a sub-plot not the main course, it might be just fine. There are people would not pass their adolescence through out their life time. They are not going to change their behaviors no matter what stages of their lives are . So can you blame them? I guess not. This movie depicted that type of people. There is a little depth in this movie. It pretty much surrounded with dark sides of adultery which were nothing new.
I think if the main course has its unique storyline then adultery would enhance its complexity. It is a movie with too little effort to make a good one. So to speak.
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