Reviews
Deurim (2023)
It is a fun watch however...
... it is certainly lacking something.
Perhaps I was hoping for something along the lines of The Blind Side or Friday Night Lights. But then obviously more lighthearted, but this was nothing like that. It was like the makers were fans of such movies and sort of pulled an entirely invented story out of a hat. There were no real inspirational events or teams to follow perhaps? Nothing real they could mold into a movie about people their plights and situations and such... maybe even with some deeper message?
I learned they let homeless people play soccer for some reason, that was about it.
So yeah, its entertaining, but also an incredibly empty story sadly.
The Deepest Breath (2023)
a deserved tribute...
I applaud that they made a documentary and not some summer movie about this man's life.
I also underdstand the heavy focus on Alessia, because of her importance to him. How he valued her skill, her passion and her daring... I don't think its something for everyone to be able to love, but he most certainly did.
How he managed to pull together long enough to still safe her life, at his own expensive is heartbreaking and mindblowingly heroic.
How people get drawn to this sport and these kinds of challenges however is beyond me. The opening dive was nearly intense enough for me to stop watching. But thankfully I watched it till the end.
I will recommend this watch, just be ready to have your heart broken 👍🏻
Divorce Attorney Shin (2023)
Thoughtful yet light
Its a very easy watch, quite relaxing yet also packs quite a few emotional punches.
The story develops naturally and holds few twists. It is more about the emotional connections people have and create, than a thrilling legal show.
The friendship of the three leads brings both the comic relief as well as the safety for emotional breakdown. Its rare to have such a believable, healthy friendship in a series and thus definitely worth watching for that alone.
The premise of the show would have easily allowed for 16 episodes or more. The fact they stayed within 12, makes for a tightly written, fillerfree experience. Definitely recommend this!
King deo raendeu (2023)
Like watching an old shoujo manga
... and not in a good way.
It has all the tropes belonging to a shoujo and while that has its charm as a comic aimed at teens... for a live action its just extremely outdated and boring.
Everything is predictable, there is zero tension in the story. It almost needs a brutal death of any of the characters to balance out the sugar and sweet dripping from it and a doubt even that would be enough ... its just the wrong genre for a massacre.
The acting is fine, though it truly does not feel like much acting is happening. Rather I feel like I am watching two friends hanging out in a project that would be fun for them (no hard feelings) but sadly not fun for anyone watching.
The Witcher: The Art of the Illusion (2023)
boring episode, failed attempt
Its like someone watched a good british intrigue and said to themselves: i can do that easily!
Except they sucked at it and no one told them. The song they played throughout didn't add to the intrigue or suspense (because there was none), it was just annoying and rather cringy.
Replaying scenes over and over again, only to show bits of fragmented conversations is simply bad editing/directing. Just show me the full conversation and show me a different scene or perspective if you want to do it right.
Obviously the show has problems and I suspect the directing and editting are a major part of it. A very underwhelming end of the first half...
Sanyanggaedeul (2023)
sucks you right in
A friendship to die for. Believable and just something to be truly jealous of.
Action scenes that are rivetting, painful and stylish. And sometimes agonizingly brutal (but thats why they are the bad guys)...
And a story that is easy to follow, makes no great unexpected twists and turns, but rather shocks and awes with its execution. I can wholeheartedly recommend this.
My only gripe would be Sae-Ron's character. She fell utterly flat compared to the old man's, bow-wielding granddaughter. She stole the show with her acting, chemistry and action scenes. They could have redone the whole thing with her character and it would have been perfect if you ask me.
Gaet-na-eul cha-cha-cha (2021)
fails to deliver
It starts of predictable, but considering the genre that's okay. The setting is beautiful and relaxing, but other than that it really brings little to the table. The story is boring, done a million times before with no refreshing new elements. The main couple is forced and chief Hong is, for me personally, in no way appealing. Our leading lady usually pulls this genre off like a boss, but somehow falls flat. Either the concept is outdated or the writing/acting didn't manage to bring some much needed tension.
For something that is supposed to be "wholesome" it is mostly throwing preconceptions and veiled insults around
Couldn't (wouldn't) finish this one.
Geomeun Taeyang (2021)
Engaging and thrilling ride
Perfection. Pure and simple.
Action sequences were thrilling, engaging and brutal. Somehow I hoped there would be more but was equally glad there weren't. Honestly if they'd keep up with it Han Ji Hyuk would have ended in intensive care before the story would have made it to the half-way point.
A man of few words, you can see his gradual transformation from raging beast, to paranoid weapon, to a man whom has seen and done too much, but is trying to make (an extremely awkward) attempt in connecting with another human and those around him.
The politics, the scheming, the "it depends on your viewpoint"-morality were all extremely realistic. And also important, vocalized in a natural, unforced dialogue. Everything is connected, but it takes a bit to get there as you have our main character act on any knowledge he finds, without the context of his memories. So he makes mistakes, rash judgements and hits and misses with all the consequences in tow.
The ending ties it down neatly. No open endings, unanswered questions or mysteries. Just the end of a nightmare and a trauma... a good headway into overcoming and healing.