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rebirth_2008
Reviews
Nana (2006)
This one is a must-see. It really is very good (based on 28 episodes).
This one is good guys =) I had never heard of this when I started watching and didn't know what I was in for.
I'm currently on episode 28 and it's awesome. Every episode leaves you wanting more. I really can't say anything bad about this one because the animation is interesting and beautiful, the music is rocking, the voice acting is perfect and the plot is very deep, subtle, shocking and suspenseful. Also, there are so many laugh out loud moments and you really start to care about these characters.
Summary------- Two girls both with the same name and age meet unexpectedly and become roommates in Tokyo whilst chasing their dreams. The interesting thing is that they are polar opposites but somehow fit together like a glove.
One is strong, proud and independent while the other is the opposite but oh how their characters learn, grow and change.
I don't want to give away anything so that bare summary is just 5% of the depth of this Anime.
I recommend this to adults as there are many serious themes covered. Despite that this one is just plain fun and addicting to watch. You never feel preached to.
What else can I say......give this one a good chance (at least 3-5 episodes before making any judgments).
Also, I must mention that the music is very good as well. We have music by Anna Tsuchiya (first op. third ending) and Olivia Lufkin (first ending, second op. second ending). Both are popular rock singers in Japan so the music is top-notch.
I haven't enjoyed an anime series this much since Hunter X Hunter (my all-time favorite).
Yin shi nan nu (1994)
Delightful, Moving, Deep and Fun to watch.
Contrary to what the other viewer said, THIS IS NOT A "CHICK FLICK" whatever the hell that means~ If anything this is ultimately a movie about a man.
This is a movie about men and women and our common needs to be loved by someone, to love and to taste great food (Eat, Drink, Man, Woman...the basic needs of all humans).
The acting and wonderfully real dialogue makes up for the lack of explosions and guns (maybe this is why it's a "chick flick" rolls eyes~).
I've seen this movie 5 times and it's still so good every time.
I think that it's inspired how we also get a very insightful look at life from an older generations' point of view.
Sihung Lung (the father) is so charming, I personally think he makes the movie. He looks like someone everyone would love to have as a Father. Very likable and a great actor. I'm amazed at his acting every time.
I thought that all the actresses (daughters) were brilliant. My favorite is always the second airline executive daughter (ChienLien Wu).
All of the supporting cast is so good as well. The lovely piano piece at the end captures the mood of this movie perfectly.
All in all, this is a 10/10 movie with something for everyone because it touches on so many levels. It's insightful, confident, deep, touching, and most importantly it's easy to watch and follow. A graceful movie that explores complex themes.
I always leave this movie feeling refreshed and hopeful. Enjoy and watch with some Chinese take-out.
Da hong denglong gaogao gua (1991)
Women, what do you think?
I first watched this movie when I was young (10 yrs old) with my father who enjoyed art films.
I remember it being very captivating. I didn't understand the many levels and issues this film addressed but it completely held my attention even as a child.
I saw this film again (23 now) as a woman and I am so moved by this film.
For me personally, I feel it addresses a very major issue;
The fight for the attention of men that women all over the world understand.
Many of us are so caught up with looking desirable and obsessed with finding/"keeping" that man so much so that we leave the fate of the world in the hands of men (in general).
We let them run the world while we fiddle with our makeup and alter our bodies to fit their standards while they make the important decisions that govern our lives. We also let the pursuit of mens' attentions drive rifts between us that create jealousy and hate.
Sometimes I wonder why this is so? We aren't afraid of work and we are certainly as clever as men =)
Every time I see this movie, it reminds me to be loving to my fellow women and stop playing bitchy mind games that we consciously and unconsciously play and direct my focus on more important things.
Yes, I do believe that we can change this and I will start by not being a part of that game that we have all been a part of at some point in our lives.
Gokusen (2002)
Hilarious even just with Subs
Wow, I am very impressed with this show. I laughed non-stop during the first episode and nothing was lost in translation, thanks fansubbers!!!
Anyways, the actress that plays the teacher is so funny, pretty and nerdy at the same time. She is awesome in her role.
The premise: A 23 year old pretty girl/lady becomes a new teacher at a highschool in Japan. Her class is the most rebellious in the school and notorious for picking on their teachers. She is full of hope and determination to teach them well much to their annoyance and hostility.
Unbeknownst to them, she is actually the grand daughter of the head of a powerful Yakuza clan and could easily threaten them.
Very funny stuff especially every time they play the Yakuza samurai theme lol If you can find it, definitely check it out for some serious laughs.
Janghwa, Hongryeon (2003)
Listen to the dialogue, think about the story and stop waiting for "the twist"
This is an A+ horror movie with a deep and twisted story. Definitely worth watching.
I saw this movie on Sunday and I couldn't stop thinking about it until 3 days later. I also couldn't make up my mind as to what I thought about it because whilst watching it the first time, I kept impatiently waiting for "the twist". So I can see why some people who do that would think that it is slow-moving but if you pay attention to the dialogue (hint hint; especially from the father) you will be able to figure out what is going on.
I personally didn't think that it was boring at all, in fact, I thought that it has many very scary and disturbing scenes.
After watching this movie for a second time, I definitely think that it is indeed a masterpiece. I actually had a long dream very similar to this movie five years ago (as the Sumi character) and it was the best and most disturbing dream that I have ever had in my life. I should have written a script =)
OK, back to this movie. The actors and actresses are amazing in their roles. If the Stepmother and Sumi didn't win awards, I would say that they were robbed. The father confused me at first but once I understood what was going on, I thought that he was great as well and SuYeon was also very very good especially since the character could have easily been annoying like the weak mother in The Wicker Man (a very terrible scary movie but hilarious dialogue).
The music is great and I loved how they used certain classical instruments because as a classical musician I know that using this technique can really touch emotions. The strings were especially piercing in the pivotal scene.
All in all, I think that this is a must-see movie for any serious horror movie fans with a brain. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who doesn't like to think too much during movies. This is a horror movie with an amazingly deep story. Watch it twice for the full effect. Enjoy~
Gekijôban XXXHolic Manatsu no yoru no yume (2005)
See the series first
Beautiful movie and awesome series.
I agree that you need to know the basics of the story to get most of the character interactions.
Yuuko San is a powerful sorceress who grants all wishes but for a price equal to that of the wish. She LOVES sake and snacks and sends Watanuki to buy and make them all the time, much to his annoyance. She's quite funny and mysterious. She sometimes sends Watanuki as bait =) for the spirits when she has a job but she always helps him and asks Domeki to help him.
Watanuki is a highschooler who sees ghosts and spirits that bother him all the time. Yuuko helped him stop seeing these spirits and helped them to not see him either. His price for this wish is to work for Yuuko San as a butler/cook/housecleaner and she sends him to help her with spirits.
Domeki is a fellow highschooler of Watanuki's who is as cool as Watanuki is excitable. Domeki has holy powers that keep ghosts away and his family owns a temple (?). He only likes Hinamori as a friend at most but Watanuki gets jealous whenever then have any interactions.
Hinamori is another highschooler (they all go to the same school) and she doesn't seem to favor either boy but Watanumi has an enormous crush on her. Yuuko San seems to think that there is something fishy about her but it hasn't been revealed yet.
I would definitely recommend this series. The animation is beautiful and the story is very interesting and dark and funny. If you can find it (it is still available on certain sites) check it out.
The Mexican (2001)
Watch it and decide for yourself!
I don't think this film deserves so much flak. I thought it was really funny and the actors all did a great job portraying their characters.
Ii think people were expecting something different especially from Brad Pitt. He usually plays manly/hunky characters who are tough but here he plays a regular Joe with a sense of humor!
Julia Roberts was fine too. It's hard not to like her because she's so natural.
Give it a shot and keep in mind that it's got a little bit of everything.
I personally love movies that can cross genres seamlessly and I believe this one does it well.
The Wicker Man (2006)
Nothing Like The Trailer
If you are interested in seeing this movie because the trailer looked really good then please for the love of God DO NOT SEE THIS MOVIE.
It's nothing like the trailer and this movie has so many plot holes that you'll definitely want your money back! I don't recommend this movie at all unless you watch it as a really bad B-level comedy (like Scary Movie) and it's free.
Do not pay to watch this because according to the commentary, the director says (at the end of the movie) that he doesn't care if you liked it because he's already got your money.
Again, it is nothing like the cool trailer, you've been warned.
Goo wak chai: Yan joi gong woo (1996)
Young and Dangerous 1...2...3...= Unforgettable Trilogy
Y&D is the best HK Triads Movies ever, even to this day IMO. Y&D 1,2 and 3 are wicked must-see movies that any fan on HK cinema should watch. If you can watch them one after the other, the better.
Unforgettable characters and surprisingly good soundtrack. Standout actors/characters include Ekin Cheng (Lam), Jordan Chan (chicken), Gigi Lai (the gf, especially in Y&D 3) and Francis Ng (the villain from Y&D 1).
Contrary to some ppl's opinion on the lack of plot, I thought that it was quite good, definitely interesting and not boring. The twists were unexpected and the pacing was really good.
I had no problems following the story. My one complaint would be to the translators because it could have been so much better! The subtitles only convey a little more than half the depth and expressions~
Even so, these are still movies that are very entertaining and it's quite an accurate portrayal of HK gangsters. Don't ask me how I know this ;) lol
San tin lung bat bo: Tin San Tung Lo (1994)
Killed by the TERRIBLE translation.
I love this movie, it's a Classic Chinese Fantasy story (along the lines of The Lord of the Rings). The actresses made the movie and I thought it was superbly casted. The story was complex, interesting and nicely adapted from the book. Granted, I speak Cantonese so it was not a problem for me to follow the twists and turns. I also speak English and *sigh* the translation really bothered me. It was wayyyyy off.
The actual dialogue is quite serious and it is spoken in "Traditional Chinese" like The lord of the rings. All the characters, stances and scrolls have really cool names but in the translation it sounds ridiculous. For example Tian Shan Tonge Low roughly means the all powerful eternally youthful one (there is only one, hence the fighting for the status). In the movie it's translated as "Tian Shan KIDDY" LOL
Anyways, all in all I think this is one of the best Chinese Fantasy movies from the genre.
Hunter x Hunter (1999)
The best Anime that I have ever seen.
Hunter x Hunter Review pronounced Hunter Hunter (no X).
This Anime is so great on many levels. It has a little bit of everything but it never loses sight of what it's trying to say. Male themes are abound and many facets are explored especially the complex relationships between males. Friendship and the bittersweet relationship between a father and a son.
It also explores themes like revenge, achieving dreams, belief in oneself, competition, succeeding with integrity and many many more.
This is all done with absolutely no fillers. This Anime is 62 episodes long. 3 ova's (between 8-14 episodes each I believe) and it is still not finished.
Here is a breakdown of what I think are important factors in an Anime Series.
Animation
The animation for the first 62 episodes are well done. Of course some who compare it to the latest and greatest will be disappointed but I believe they are missing the point. The anime is done in a very fitting style according to the story with emphasis for realism. Sometimes the characters are light and sometimes they are quite serious and dark. This is not a cutesy Anime not all characters have big eyes and colourful hair. It knows when it should be what according to the story. I actually like the TV animation better than the G.I ep. It was more realistic to my eye.
Characters
This is where this Anime truly shines. The main characters are Gon, Killua, Kurapica and Leorio. They are all interesting and bring something important to the table. My personal favorites are Gon and Killua. They have a great friendship where each of them shine with their own qualities and help each other in all situations. (A very brief introduction to the characters)
Gon - He is a boy who is pure of heart, caring and sincere. But he is strong and determined to achieve what he wants. It is important to note that he never once does something underhanded even when faced with a person who means to harm him. A boy who knows who he is and what he stands for.
Killua - He is a boy with a very dark side. The most interesting character in this series IMO along with HISOKA.
Kurapica - A man with a very important mission worth dying for.
Leorio - A man who has inner demons. He is hard on himself but caring of others.
Hisoka - Ahh...Hisoka. What can I say, he is the most wicked anime character I've ever seen. Even when he is madcrazy he is cool. He's one of those guys that you hate to love but you do anyway.
Secondary characters are also well thought out and have a purpose.
Story - First arc. People all over the world try to compete in a life and death test for a Hunter License (kind of like a elite license to kill for money). This is just one of about 6 arcs. The test is far from easy. Aside from brute strength it tests mentality, psychology, etc. The story has more twists than you can imagine. More importantly the twists are imaginative and interesting. There are many arcs and each character has intercepting story lines as well as individual ones. There is never a dull moment.
Music and Sound Effects are Great. I think the Opening and Ending themes are very well chosen. It always seems to fit the arc. The sound effects are first rate ie when they are on the airship hear the trapped air of an aircraft in the background. Realism for sound is highlighted. Also there are many different background themes so it never gets repetitive. Second OP is alternitive rock, reminds me of early Our lady peace stuff.
Voice Actors I watched this Anime entirely in Japanese with English Subtitles. Amazing voice actors, every single one of them. If I had to say I would choose Hisoka as the best and Gon and Killua as tie for second place.
Entertainment Factor Is it fun to watch though?? Yes it is. It's even better the second time around, I kid you not! This is one of those Animes where you become invested in the characters because you get to see them happy, sad, defeated, vulnerable, scared, having fun and more. This anime is quite long but trust me you will not be complaining. Most likely you will be like the other Hunter x Hunter fans waiting anxiously for the new episodes. It is also important to note that people actually die in this anime and even main characters kill people. It's quite violent at times and the fighting system used in this anime is very interesting. There is no 2 moves per character that they use over and over again...Thank God! Better than Naruto IMO. Also this anime is very funny at times even if you don't speak Japanese like me. Thanks Fansubbers, keep up the good work =)
Anything Negative to say? Just one tiny thing. It starts off a little slow in the first 5 or so episodes for character development. I guess that's why this anime isn't as well known as some others. *sigh* definitely a loss for those people who stop watching because there is not enough action for them in the beginning. All in all this Anime is a must see. You will not be sorry. It is still available on AnimeSuki. Enjoy
XXXHOLiC (2006)
Unique Anime XxXHOLiC
I've recently discovered this hidden gem. This is a much darker Anime then I expected. It is created by CLAMP and is seinen (for adults 18-30). It's got a little bit of everything as most good Animes do. What's unique about this Anime is how they blend very interesting mystical themes with modern life and it's all done with awesome animation. It's quite nice because you get some interesting insights into Japanese superstitions. Honestly it can be a little chilling sometimes. The Japanese voice cast is great and the music is very fitting. So far I've seen 19 episodes (Animesuki) and I'm looking forward to more of this unique experience.