noshouse Reviews

My Punch-Drunk Boxer (2019)

The gym is the reality you should face. Blackpink's Rose, emotionally moved, almost sheds tears - a heartfelt acknowledgment.

[5/10 · 14 January 2024]

The other characters in the movie indeed act as a mirror, reflecting both the progress and shortcomings of Byung-kyu. However, the ultimate key lies in the protagonist's own efforts and changes. He learns how to find opportunities in adversity and enrich his skills with different concepts. Through Byung-kyu's story, the film conveys a profound message to the audience: genuine change and progress come from one's own hard work and reflection. While surrounding support and environment are crucial, the ultimate achievement depends on personal willpower and dedication. This spirit of independence leaves the audience with deep contemplation after the movie ends.

The Soul (2021)

Don't believe that merely showcasing skills is harmless. In reality, causing harm to others is buying into a chaotic lie.

[8/10 · 10 January 2024]

Discovering increasingly harsh realities, the story vividly portrays the ethical dilemmas and corruption hidden behind the protagonist's wealth and power. In the narrative, a murder case involving affluent figures takes the audience on what seems like a contradictory investigative journey. The pressure to unravel the mystery is coupled with navigating the intricate web of family, wealth, and emotions. The desire to reclaim life is pursued using disrespectful and unethical means, exposing the harsh reality of such actions. Through the characters' actions, viewers gradually see beyond the veneer of vanity and greed, realizing that money isn't the key to solving everything. This cautionary tale urges the audience to remain vigilant against the temptations of materialism and vanity, and to approach the value of life with a more rational perspective.

Death Stranding (2023)

Are you working your heart out to make money for someone else, or are you just a pawn being manipulated, even at the cost of lives

[8/10 · 16 December 2023]

The first time I saw a pursuit gone wrong, with the car crashing into the airport terminal, and then a full-on 10-minute shootout and close-quarters combat inside the terminal - you can really see the dedication of the director and the entire crew. Eddie Cheung and Francis Ng facing off against Wallace Chung, it was like a real-life battle. Not just punches but also real falls with water splashing - definitely worth going to the cinema for. It's also a rare return for Wallace Chung to the big screen, and in terms of the plot, it's the familiar theme of money laundering in the world of organized crime. However, what sets it apart is the twist of manipulated individuals being turned against each other, highlighting the selfishness of the villains who only trust the dead won't betray them.

Freelance (2023)

It's all about the darkness of money. The apparent bad guys outside might just be trying to protect the president for the people.

[6/10 · 16 December 2023]

Freelance, with its increasingly brutal plot twists, plunges the audience into a thrilling life-and-death escape. John Sihan's performance truly echoes Arnold Schwarzenegger's shadow from back in the day. When Alison Brie's interview mission is abruptly interrupted by an unexpected coup, she displays a calm demeanor in the face of chaos and turbulence. What they face is not just chaos and fear but the brutal and merciless reality of the world, with the injustices of those in power and the selfishness of human nature. As Mason and Claire constantly teeter on the edge of life and death, they find themselves with nowhere to run. In this journey of escape, the audience witnesses the ruthless nature of betrayal and the importance of friendship, support, and trust when facing the challenges of survival. As the plot unfolds, the movie reveals the instinctive reactions of human nature in extreme circumstances. This stark portrayal prompts reflection on the various injustices and inhumanities in society, all intertwined with the dark selfishness of commercial interests.

City of Lies (2018)

A chain of corruption will lead to the collapse of trust within the system.

[4/10 · 10 December 2023]

This film vividly portrays the profound narrative that when a chain of corruption penetrates through the social system, the foundation of trust crumbles, destroyed by the desires for power and money. Director Brent Eastwood successfully reveals the dark side of the Los Angeles police force and the political and criminal forces involved. It is truly shocking to witness the immoral actions of those at the core of power, pushing society to the brink of collapse.

The film's authentic storytelling and outstanding performances by the actors immerse the audience in the twisted plot. It's not just a movie about a murder case; it's a ruthless critique of social structure. When greed dominates the ruling class, justice becomes insignificant, and viewers can't help but feel anger and unease. The realization at the end is that even if the truth is exposed, correcting the system's corruption is a daunting task. "City of Lies" warns us with a disdainful tone that when corruption permeates everything, trust becomes a luxury, and society is headed in a worrisome direction.

Voice of Silence (2020)

Even the most ruthless and emotionless individuals can't help but feel concern because of innocent children, leading them to hope that the kids find happiness.

[5/10 · 10 December 2023]

This movie revolves around a child kidnapping case, cleverly depicting that even the most cold-hearted individuals can't help but reveal their concerns when faced with children. Such emotional transformations not only evoke a sense of touching moments but also resonate strongly with the audience deep within. Using the innocence of children as an emotional vessel, the film profoundly showcases the complexity of human nature. I believe the movie successfully conveys a societal phenomenon-how even the most ruthless people can show a softer side in the presence of children. At the same time, the protagonists struggle within the shadows of crime, facing a dilemma that is truly helpless; they must survive in the darkness.

In the film, the antagonist casually mentions, 'Making money on both sides is faster than extortion,' which made me feel the ruthlessness of real-world villains driven by personal gain. This deeply emphasizes how precarious people's choices can be in extreme circumstances. In summary, 'Voice of Silence,' with its profound emotional portrayal and reflection on the darker aspects of society, elicited a strong emotional resonance within me.

Downhill (I) (2020)

I hope scenes like this become a mirror for the audience, sparking profound reflections between spouses.

[7/10 · 4 December 2023]

As a married male viewer, the closing scene of 'Downhill' resonated deeply with me. The moment when the four of them share laughter and hugs, it seems like all worries vanish into thin air. However, when the roof's snow suddenly falls, everyone hurriedly dodges, revealing a sense of self-protection. This moment couldn't help but make me think about the helplessness and reality within marriage. Even though there's an apparent atmosphere of reconciliation, the internal struggles are undeniable. The actors' performances and the scene's design complement each other, making this scene the pinnacle of the entire film. It's a realization about life.

The entire movie not only made me reflect on the characters' actions but also prompted deep contemplation about marriage and human nature. Therefore, I hope scenes like this become a mirror for the audience, sparking profound reflections between spouses. In the journey of life, we all need to bravely face difficulties and honestly consider each other's needs. 'Downhill' is precisely that kind of film, urging both partners in a marriage to work together towards a more mature and resilient relationship through intense emotions and inspirational scenes.

Sly (2023)

Stallone creating content that represents oneself and transforming what others present.

[8/10 · 19 November 2023]

If I were to talk about the Hollywood action star who, in my opinion, has had the most enduring career, I have to say I absolutely love Sylvester Stallone. As Arnold Schwarzenegger mentioned in a movie, nobody has had the kind of success across three major film series like Stallone has with Rocky, Rambo, and the more recent Expendables series. Despite being criticized by some as following the Hollywood formula (guns, special effects, and action), this autobiographical documentary truly opened my eyes. Seeing Stallone diligently working on the script even before securing the role himself was beyond my expectations. Especially fascinating were the discussions and modifications he had with the director and others, shaping Rocky into a character focused on the struggle for victory rather than an invincible hero. Rambo, in particular, portrayed the sentiment of consoling Vietnam War veterans during a low point. Rambo became the embodiment of independent strength and resilience for those of us born in the 1970s. Regardless, this documentary is a must-watch, something I often revisit for a conversation with myself.

The Exorcist: Believer (2023)

The 'The Exorcist' series is the most impressive for me, with its intense plot and the tension between the two families fighting for family bonds.

[7/10 · 19 November 2023]

After watching 'The Nun II,' 'It Lives Inside,' and 'Five Nights at Freddy's' this year, 'The Nun II' has consistently been my recommended horror special effects film. As for the latest one, 'The Exorcist Believer,' it's my top pick for the best horror drama film of 2023.

Yes, the entire movie revolves around the harrowing plot of two girls deeply affected and exhibiting self-harm due to demonic forces. Medical interventions leave parents helpless, leading them to seek the last resort of religious exorcism rituals. At this point, I must say that supernatural films always find the universal theme of religion to be a versatile plot, allowing people to relate it to their lives while maintaining an enigmatic layer that is hard to decipher. Because while some people strive to be good, there are always those who prey on others. The true horror lies in human nature. This statement encapsulates the brilliance of the movie, making it a must-watch for those seeking thrills. Head to the theaters and enjoy!

Libereya. Ohotniki za sokrovischami (2022)

The so-called treasure hunt must follow the ancient mindset; otherwise, it's just discovering historical relics.

[5/10 · 12 November 2023]

If we talk about treasure hunting or exploring ancient sites, we can't ignore everyone's memories of the 'Tomb Raider' series, the timeless 'Indiana Jones' series, and personally, my super favorite 'National Treasure' series. The renowned performances of Angelina Jolie, Harrison Ford, and Nicolas Cage added a lot of color to the entire adventure and treasure hunting stories. However, this Russian-related treasure hunting film can only be described as pale in comparison. The overall performance of the protagonist, Tikhon Zhiznevskiy, tends to be a bit lackluster and fails to highlight the on-the-spot reactions and decisive control needed for a treasure hunt story. Surprisingly, it's the protagonist's dad who, while discussing history, manages to provide swift reasoning when faced with puzzles. This lack of deliberation takes away from the sense of engagement in the audience, making it feel more like storytelling than participating in deduction.

The Moon (2023)

I highly recommend watching this movie in the theater. It captures many aspects with the tight and distinctive style that Korean films are known for.

[8/10 · 12 November 2023]

This outer space movie depicts the unexpected injuries and deaths that occur in weightlessness in outer space. The unknown realm requires risking lives and uniting everyone to overcome challenges. To be honest, a similar pattern has been laid out in the movie 'Apollo 13' from a long time ago. Unexpected incidents during space missions, someone dies, and with insufficient manpower, they rely on Earth's space center for knowledge rescue. External assistance in knowledge rescue and the protagonist's efforts in the midst of pain lead to a successful rescue after numerous hardships. Although the process is conventional, there's a compact style unique to Korean films, with no dull moments. I also just realized that the spacecraft is now remote-controlled. There's a meteor shower on the moon, and the term 'meteor shower,' which sounds so dreamy, is actually rocks falling at high speed and can be deadly.

Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)

Tense, thrilling, but honestly, it's not scary at all, unlike Child's Play that would genuinely terrify you.

[5/10 · 5 November 2023]

While this movie feels like it's trying to emulate the 'Child's Play' series, it's mostly just suspenseful unless you've got Josh Hutcherson, who plays it goofy and panicky, to amp up the tension and excitement. I'd recommend the Blumhouse production team to take a look at the design of these robotic dolls. With so many Hollywood movies featuring creepy dolls, these machine dolls might remind you more of the masks worn during a heist, and they lack the extended imaginative horror impression that the Child's Play dolls offer. The killings by these machine dolls using restaurant equipment, if spiced up with a few surprises, could achieve the kind of thrilling contrast you find in 'Final Destination.'

Kitty the Killer (2023)

Exciting, thrilling, action-packed, wild, and adrenaline-pumping - a no-brainer action flick

[5/10 · 5 November 2023]

In the trailer, you can already see a lot of action-packed scenes and bloodshed. If you're thinking Ploypailin Thangprapaporn might replace Uma Thurman from Kill Bill, I'd say there's quite a gap. Although the movie is thrilling and action-packed, its fast pace makes it hard to figure out what the revenge is all about. Especially with Denkhun Ngamnet's over-the-top and crazy performance, it gave me a sense of going back to the days of Hong Kong comedy and Street Fighter. It feels hollow and uninspiring overall. It lacks the cohesive storytelling you find in series like Kill Bill and Charlie's Angels. I'd say this movie is best suited for streaming.

Maybe I Do (2023)

Do we have a mirror? I don't mean seeing our love reflected in someone else's eyes, but being able to see the passion we've lost from the past to the present.

[7/10 · 5 November 2023]

Whether you're looking to kill time or watch this movie with your partner, I recommend taking the time to consider it. Especially because it delves into various aspects of love and commitment in relationships, both dating and post-marriage. Three key points for you to ponder: First, what makes couples who have been together for a long time take the unquestionable step of walking down the aisle? Second, does infidelity in a long-term marriage truly erase past affection and excitement? And third, how do the insights of elders from their years of marriage affect the next generation's view of relationships? These three aspects are thoughtfully explored through the dialogue of acting heavyweights like Diane Keaton, Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, and William H. Macy. It's truly thought-provoking.

Wingwomen (2023)

I couldn't see the tension or freshness that the main plot of the story was supposed to bring.

[3/10 · 5 November 2023]

This movie completely lacks tension and action. Mélanie Laurent and Adèle Exarchopoulos play characters that should be pros, but their skills aren't apparent in the film. Instead, they spend a lot of time arguing with each other, and the action scenes are pretty one-sided. Whether it's the glass house confrontation or the female lead's teamwork to overpower the enemy, these sequences lack the suspense and thrilling firepower one might expect. It's a simple mission, and after watching the whole movie, I didn't feel much. In the end for recommend this movie, I'd only recommend giving it a try on a streaming platform."

57 Seconds (2023)

Selfishly leveraging the advantage of going back 57 seconds might also trigger envy in others and create a motive for harm

[7/10 · 5 November 2023]

I've always been a fan of Morgan Freeman's films, starting from 'Se7en' in 1995. Besides his acting, I have to say, I trust his ability to choose scripts. Apart from the 'Now You See Me' series, which I highly recommend, 'Bruce Almighty' is similar in concept to the movie '57 Seconds.' In 'Bruce Almighty,' Jim Carrey's character, just like Josh Hutcherson's character in this film, gains superhuman abilities and uses them from a human perspective, inadvertently inviting backlash from others. In 'Bruce Almighty,' even though God's powers can fulfill everyone's wishes, the world is still filled with conflicts. Two enemies both wish for each other's demise. How can wishes be fulfilled? If you love a girl, and that girl loves someone else, how can wishes be satisfied? It's precisely due to these conflicts that we see the emergence of superpowers on a smaller scale today. Everyone wishes they could travel back and forth in time, but what remains unchanged is human nature. In '57 Seconds,' the ability to travel to the past and present is used for quick gains through gambling, and the inevitable outcome is envy, harm, and loss at the hands of other humans. Morgan Freeman's roles in films often emphasize living in the present moment, and I hope everyone can appreciate the beauty of living in the now.

The Comeback (2023)

If you know someone's up to no good and doing dishonest things, you really have to be cautious in everything

[8/10 · 4 November 2023]

In Hong Kong cinema, Simon Yam has always been a box office guarantee, and he didn't disappoint. Director Suiqiang Huo made good use of Simon's experienced and agile performance, pairing it with the ruthlessness and self-interest of Andy On, a new-generation actor. While the gunfights might not be traditionally realistic, they used animation to depict the modern technology battles, offering a fresh perspective for the audience.

I realized that even gangsters employ high-tech weaponry in real-life confrontations, not just the traditional hand-to-hand combat. They use drones and even customized rockets for precise strikes. Credit goes to the screenwriter too for injecting suspense into the story, leaving us guessing about the plot twists. The overall flow is well done, making it suitable for a big-screen cinematic experience.

Smugglers (2023)

The risk of smuggling becomes very tempting as long as it can be sold, leading to two stages of outsourcing and transportation

[5/10 · 4 November 2023]

This film isn't really about how smuggling worked in the past in South Korea, but rather how ordinary people found ways to share the profits. In this process, there were lives lost due to the risks stemming from legal sanctions, prison sentences, and power struggles among different factions. Essentially, it's about changing the routes. When direct imports became illegal, similar to the current U. S.-China trade war, some underground gangs engaged in third-party intermediaries to earn profits in between. In 'Smugglers,' the movie depicts the use of female divers and fishery vessels for transportation. It also realistically portrays various aspects like repackaging and customs corruption. It reminds me that even if you have a unique skill, you often remain a cog in the profit supply chain, and it takes determination and vision to become a leader or boss.

Kill Shot (2023)

A rough shooting style and a story about seeking money

[2/10 · 4 November 2023]

While the overall plot follows the typical Hollywood storyline with elements like drugs, heists, gunfights, betrayals, and chasing after money, it's worth noting that the handling of scene details is quite rough. During a heist, a female assassin wields a flamethrower that can't reach her opponents, and there's a lack of sparks when the two groups engage in a shootout. The sound effects seem dubbed. The female lead's actions during the money chase and pursuit are haphazardly stitched together. Her attempt at being seductive feels off-tempo and lacks tension. Even in moments of being chased, she casually reveals her underwear in a teasing manner, which completely diminishes any sense of suspense. The ending, which should have been a surprising twist, feels rushed and unsatisfying. I wouldn't recommend watching it unless you're solely interested in seeing Rachel Cook.

The White Storm 3: Heaven or Hell (2023)

The entrepreneurial spirit involves identifying the current supply chain's weaknesses, stepping forward to offer your own solutions

[9/10 · 28 October 2023]

Whether it's Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok, or Louis Koo, I believe any one of them can guarantee the success of a Hong Kong movie. And when all three of them team up, it's a powerhouse. In the film, I couldn't help but admire Andy Lau's acting skills. He portrayed the role of a seasoned villain who has seen it all with perfection. His rebellious gaze, calm demeanor, and fierce gunfights, especially the way he casually carried that briefcase with a hidden hand grenade, truly embody the kind of character that I despise. While the film spends a lot of time showcasing the brotherly bond between him and Aaron Kwok, thankfully, the director steers it in the right direction. Through Aaron Kwok's final words, he conveys the message that, despite the bonds of friendship, drug trafficking is a menace to society. It's a reminder to law enforcement that true heroes are those who maintain their integrity. The underworld always uses little secrets to control others and for self-preservation.

Leap (2020)

Winning for the sake of winning reflects a lack of inner strength

[9/10 · 28 October 2023]

I really liked a line from Gong Li in the movie. When a foreign reporter asked the Chinese women's volleyball team why they cared so much about winning or losing a single game, Gong Li replied, 'Because we aren't strong enough inside. We need victories to prove we're better than others. But once we become mentally strong, we can approach wins and losses with ease after putting in the effort.' This statement resonates with me. It's not that the Asian education system is bad, it's just that in Western countries, there's more emphasis on pursuing interests as a driving force for hard work. In contrast, Asian education can feel more like finding a way out, where only a few paths are considered, and competition is used to determine success. Interests provide a sense of inclusivity, where differences can coexist, while competition often revolves around comparisons in the same field. Just like the first 20 minutes of this movie, it depicts the idea that intense training is to defeat opponents, and every scene is filled with tears, pain, and frustration. Perhaps this film also aims to make modern viewers realize and compare. Gong Li's inner dialogues with her teammates later in the movie encourage unity and finding the right points to shine. I highly recommend this film to both adults and teenagers for some deeper reflection.

War of the Worlds: The Attack (2023)

I really realized in reality that external weapons may not be as effective as invading the body's bacteria.

[2/10 · 21 October 2023]

First, I didn't see the grand-scale warfare scenes that the trailer promised. Second, given that the movie is also titled 'War of The Worlds,' it's quite different from the story with Tom Cruise as the lead. Third, is this a psychological film? About 70% of the plot revolves around conversations between the three main characters. To be honest, what saddened me the most about this film was the last 8 minutes. All the tragedy, sorrow, and the deaths of the characters in their fight against these formidable extraterrestrials were rushed through with just 4 or 5 simple lines. This abrupt ending is not something I'd recommend to friends.

Saw X (2023)

Once a person suffers a loss, they often feel a strong desire for revenge, but instead of going down that path

[2/10 · 20 October 2023]

We've reached the tenth installment, and, my goodness, who would have thought the Saw series has been around for almost 20 years? It's still all about revenge, and the desperation that drives people to compete for survival remains the centerpiece of the whole movie. Honestly, I have to say this theme is getting a bit repetitive. Even though it's all about gruesome and explicit imprisonments, it vaguely suggests that as soon as someone harms you, it's like any action you take, even if it involves harming them, is somehow justified as revenge and the pursuit of justice. Personally, I strongly oppose such behavior and vigilante justice. What sets the tenth installment apart from the previous ones is that the trailer already gives away the plot twist: why the main character seeks revenge due to a medical scam. I really don't like the idea that if someone cheats you out of money, you go ahead and kill them.

Expend4bles (2023)

Playing dead may be the only way to expose those behind the scenes.

[7/10 · 14 October 2023]

Old soldiers never die; they just slowly fade away. This saying truly encapsulates the Expendables film series. I believe the main characters in it are big stars from the 30s to 40s. Especially in Expendables 4, to avoid making Jason Statham solely responsible for the action scenes, they even brought in the internationally popular Tony Jaa from Thailand and the Indonesian heartthrob Iko Uwais, known as the international criminal. This move helped Expendables 4 successfully break into the Southeast Asian market. Otherwise, I couldn't imagine who would eagerly anticipate watching a group of aging individuals conducting armed assaults. After all, in the previous installments, the heavy firepower that appeared each time had already lost its appeal to the audience at the box office.

Warhorse One (2023)

Don't trust armed individuals in unfamiliar places. Stay aware of your surroundings, and if it's time to retreat, retreat.

[6/10 · 14 October 2023]

Amidst the Hamas attacks on Israel, as an Asian outsider, there are many harsh realities that one needs to grasp. What's often claimed as fairness in the name of religion can actually be a false pretext for controlling others. Looking at a real-world international example like Afghanistan, self-proclaimed democracy often falls short in terms of half-hearted psychological maturity, leading to corruption, where the people don't experience the actual benefits of democracy. This is why Afghanistan eventually fell into the hands of the Taliban terrorists. A year has passed, and everyone can see that people are once again restricted by surveillance. This film highlights how once captured by religious terrorists, one is subjected to torture. We genuinely hope that Israel can truly eliminate these false interpretations of justice based on religion. Honestly, why should anyone regard others as infidels and not allow their faith to be questioned by anyone else?