countymd Reviews

Toppuresu (2008)

What an amazing, wonderful story

[9/10 · 5 July 2010]

I am so glad I saw this film. This is really surprisingly good esp. coming from Asia country. Usually, any Asia film containing lesbian/gay theme tend to be stereotyped but this one simply just talks about the truth of lives. All these characters are fully developed and act their parts. Natsuko being a free spirit accepts for who she is and brave to stand for herself. Her girlfriend, Tomomi, married with a man to have a family b/c she didn't want to face the pressure and bias from the society. Yet, she is content with her decision. Natsuko's roommate has feelings for her but he can't really express it b/c he knows Natsuko's sexual orientation. Then, the high school girl came to Tokyo to look for her mother who abandoned her for her female lover! They all struggle with their own feelings and finding themselves. Although the process is painful, they are able to face themselves. The ending is a bit bitter and sad. There are also sweet moments. I highly recommend this movie.

Floored by Love (2005 TV Movie)

a short, sweet film

[7/10 · 28 February 2010]

Floored by Love is actually a nice, short, and sweet film. The plot of the movie was quite interesting and good. It did hit a few good, realistic points in gay and lesbian lives- the ultimate difficult task- how to come out to your own family and ask them to accept you as who you are!! The story involves 2 different plots, which intervene with each other at the end. Overall, the acting is a little weak. Most characters are monotonous as if reading out their lines. The actress, Sky, was pretty good and promising. She was quite natural. The others were not so convincing. The film is about 60 min. Overall, the theme was interesting and the topic was real. The end although unrealistic but warm hearted. Worthy of watching.

The Secrets (2007)

Very interesting, delicate film

[9/10 · 16 February 2010]

First I thought this is a lesbian film then after watching it, I realize this is much more than a romantic lesbian film. The movie starts off with the lead actress, Naomi, who has a very traditional upbringing in Israel, who is a very smart and confident young girl and just lost her mother. Before she enters the role of wife and mother, she wants to do something for herself. Although she can't be the rabbi, she wants to study more about the religion so she entered the school in Safed. There, she met a free spirited and rebellious girl, Michal. They both helped this non-Jew woman to cleanse her sins of murdering her lover and leaving her husband and children. Throughout the whole cleansing process, not only they helped this woman to gain her inner peace, they also discovered something within themselves. They developed the deep connection and more appreciation for each other's differences. Their friendship went above and they fell in love with each other. After helping this woman, they both got expelled by the school. Originally, they were to get an apartment together. But in this traditional culture and society dominated by men, Michal decided to follow the traditional rules and get married. At the end, Naomi showed up in Michal's wedding. When Michal asked if she could forgive her, Naomi said no, cried, then smiled and both danced in the wedding. It is sad to see the couple who developed a deep connection were separated by the society!! There are several plots in this movie- helping the outcast against all and realizing what you want and going after what you want but being stopped by the society. It was very deep, emotional, and touching. Their acting were superb. It was very convincing. It was really impressive for this movie to focus on so many levels: religions, self realization and acceptance, and society expectations. Job well done. strongly recommend this movie.

Eloïse's Lover (2009)

What a sweet young lesbian love story with a very sad ending

[8/10 · 10 February 2010]

It is a GREAT MOVIE, very sweet, touching, and tender. Both lead actresses are young students in university. Asia is an architecture student and has a steady boyfriend, Nathaniel. Eloise, who studies arts, left Asia a strong impression when they first met. Eloise portrayed herself as a strong and confident and out lesbian. Asia modeled for Eloise's paintings. Throughout the whole process, they fell in love. Eloise seemed to really touch Asia's heart through her paintings and awoke Asia to search herself deeply. They just connected!! Initially, Asia was ashamed of herself for falling for Eloise but she finally was able to face and accept her true self. It was very real stating young lesbian's confusion when they realize they are who they are and can't be changed!! However, Asia's mom disapproved!! Asia chose Eloise but got hit by the car and died!! The ending was extremely sad!! Asia dreamed she could run away with Eloise on the bus. Their love making was very tender and sensual. These two actresses are gorgeous and very attractive with a lot of chemistry together. They are very believable as lovers. Both are very young with lots of talents. Although the movie did send out the message to encourage parents accept their gay/lesbian children being who they are otherwise it usually ends badly. The sad outcome of Asia's death is still too overwhelming. I wish the ending could have been different. Asia could come out of the coma and her mom would have understood Asia's happiness should outweigh her own social perception. Overall, the movie is pretty realistic in describing the difficulties young gay/lesbians have to go through and fight to come out of the closet, to accept themselves and to be accepted!! I strongly recommend this movie. It was outstanding!! Very well written, well directed, and well acted. The music was so soft and soothing. The whole movie just flows, not a dull moment. It was Really beautiful and amazing. Love this movie!!

The Butterfly (2007)

it was interesting

[7/10 · 12 September 2009]

Nice Scenery. Nice story line. A triangle love story. Guy with a girl A. Girl B with the guy. Girl A with Girl B. Three main characters, Dess, who is sick for a while comes from a broken family. Her parents are getting divorced. She met Tya at college. Tya seems to be always there for her no matter what even at the first time 3 of them all met. Fano, the guy, who falls for Dess. Yet, Dess loves Tya and when she realized her time came, she tried to get Tya and Fano together. Their friendships are very strong with one another. I have to day that Dess definitely has more chemistry with Tya. At times, Fano feels like a 3rd wheel. A very Sad ending. All 3 gave strong performances. Dess is gorgeous and matches well with Dess. The scenery was very beautiful! Too bad that Tya didn't fall for Dess. Overall, an entertaining movie.

Emergency Treatment (2007– )

ER show

[8/10 · 6 September 2009]

I thought this show was Great. I only saw the portions of " Marina and Esther" on Youtube. I thought it was actually better than the Hospital Central version. It showed how Marina dealt with her private life being a professional lesbian. She was honest, strong, and proud. It showed how Esther came into acceptance she had fallen in love with a woman and how she faced with her family, friends, and most importantly, her relationship with Marina. The 1st season was over and they don't know if they are going to show 2nd season. Hopefully, they do. I would love to see how their love story comes out. After all, there are not many mainstream shows that have a lesbian storyline.

Love & Suicide (2006 Video)

Hard to say about this movie

[5/10 · 22 August 2008]

I have to say the acting is Horrible and the shooting is Really bad, too. The story line is very interesting but they have bad dialogs. They did hit on a few realistic and important points of how difficult for teens to come out of closet in today's society. Not only they have to face the pressure from society but also deal with the cut off with family economic support.

I do wish as modern as we are in today's society, people can be a bit more understanding and accepting. Life itself in today's world is as difficult as it as. There is really no need to add more pressures to people with different sexual orientation.

I kind of see how Kaye is in love with Emily but she decided to date this boy from church to avoid all the hardships and pressures in life. How ironic it is!! How Emily committed suicide then Kaye came to rescue her and broke up with her before. Yet, ten years later, Kaye married with a guy decided to commit suicide ( missing Emily?) but Emily couldn't save her this time. I don't agree with suicides at all. I do believe that there is always someone out there for each person. Even if there is none, suicide can't achieve anything at all. Being alive to keep looking is important.

Anyhow, if the acting and filming could have been better, it will be highly recommended.

Rome & Juliet (2006)

what a wonderful story

[9/10 · 4 August 2008]

This movie is surprisingly good. The story is a bit long and the ending is a bit short. But overall, it is a great movie. The lead actresses have a very good chemistry together, which makes it very believable.

It describes how difficult it is for them to accept themselves and eventually for others to accept them. Sometimes it is not easy to accept your true self but both of them come to an understanding to accept themselves for who they are in order to pursue happiness in life. They both start off as very good friends and eventually fall in love with each other. The music is a bit lacking but I would still highly recommend this movie to anyone.

South of Nowhere (2005–2008)

sweet and bitter, wonderful story

[10/10 · 27 July 2008]

Ever since I have started to watch SON, I have hooked on this show. I love this show!! I have watched it again and again. The show talks about every major life issue in today's teens lives- sexual orientation, drugs, gangsters, violence, race, and most importantly, love and friendships. The 2 main characters, Gaby and Mandy, have GREAT chemistry, which holds up the show entirely and keeps me so interested for always wanting to watch more. They are sooooo cute together. It would have been great if they were a couple in real life. These two started off as friends then lovers, then they went thru a nasty break up, and then back together to face the future. These 2 actresses are so young and talented. They are AMAZING. The other supporting characters are quite good, too. I can not believe the show will be cancelled after season 3B. In today's TV shows, there are really not too many shows around and SON is really one of the few. I really wish the show can continue on for another season or 2. One always wonders what happens after Spencer gets into college and Ashley gets into the entertainment business. Can their relationship hold up against the challenges that life and society bring to them?? Now that will always be a question since the show will be cancelled.

Mr. Brooks (2007)

What a thriller

[9/10 · 23 August 2007]

Mr. Brooks is a thriller movie. An excellent one that has not been around for a long time. Kevin Costner really portraits his role well. One minute, he is the scary, evil killer. The next minute, he is a lovable husband and father. He will do anything for his family including giving up his life. Dane Cook plays a creepy man who likes to watch. He sort of wants to become Mr. Brook's protégé and at the end, he wants to do it himself. But Mr. Brooks always has a master plan for everything and he fell for it. William Hurt is the imaginary evil part of Mr. Brook. He pushes Mr. Brooks to kill. He is also Mr. Brook's dearest friend, who is there for him for all ups and downs. These main characters all deliver, which makes the movie enjoyable to watch. The suspense is great. The plot of story is so intense and interesting, full of twists and turns. Demi Moore is great, too. She plays the tough, strong cop, who has a lot of flaws in life. The end of movie is so surprising and intense. The movie moves along quickly and smoothly. Excellent script. A movie worth of watching.

The Lookout (2007)

very touching

[8/10 · 17 August 2007]

The Look Out is surprisingly good. Chris Pratt, the young athlete student who one night turned off his car headlight on the highway, sustained a serious head injury along with killing his good friends in the accident. Chris made it out but became mentally slow. He went along with the wrong crowd, Gary, the head of bank robbers. After Chris realized he made the mistake, he couldn't stop the bank robbing. Somehow, he was able to overcome his head injury, able to think things through, and turned the table around, capturing the robbers. The whole movie was very touching and inspirational as well. Trying to forgive yourself for making big mistakes is very difficult but only then, you can move on and stop making more mistakes. His story is also a warning example. All the main characters are excellent and play the roles to its fullest. A movie worth of watching.

Eternal Summer (2006)

sweet and bitter

[8/10 · 14 July 2007]

Eternal summer is a sweet and bitter love triangle between guys and one girl. Johnathan, the shy and reserved, fell for his best friend, Shane, the outgoing and sporty. Carrie who initially fell for Johnathan then became in love with Shane. Not sure if Carrie was really in love with Shane or just used Shane to get close to Johnathan. It is very hard to believe that Shane had spent one intimate night with Johnathan and still see him as his best friend. I think Shane also has some feelings for Johnathan more than friendship. It seems to me that these two developed feelings for each other over the long period of their friendship. Shane is prob. bisexual but he probably doesn't realize it. The film has a lot of implications that Shane seems confused, lost, and even edgy without Johnathan around more so than without Carrie. There is no explicit ending for these 3 at the end. I can understand how Johnathan felt when he found out his "best friend" had a girlfriend, the hurt and rejection he felt yet he couldn't tell the others. I can understand how Shane felt when he could only watch Shane fall asleep and control his reactions all because this is not acceptable by the society and not knowing how Shane felt about him. At the end, Shane said that he is really lonely and sees Johnathan as his truly best friend. I really have doubts about what he said. I really believe that Shane sees Johnathan more than a best friend but he is prob. in denial and confused, too.. Only if Johnathan can ask Shane if Shane loves him, too... The music is great, very touching. Both Johnathan and Shane gave strong performances. Carrie is good, too but didn't shine as the other two. I wish the movie has a really ending..

Spider Lilies (2007)

Deep story

[8/10 · 9 July 2007]

The Spider Lilies has a deep content. It talks about how much people can remember the past and continue to pursue it. Leong is trapped in what happened in the past whereas Yeung is also trapped by her own past. The fate brought these 2 together and helped each other to build their future together from the past they shared. The story is strong but the acting is kind of weak. Not much chemistry between these two. There is not much going on when they get intimate with each other. It is not convincing the two share the same passion. I guess that is the major drawback in the film. It was sweet and bitter when the film showed their past. There is actually more emotion involved and more convincing with their past. Overall, it is a nice movie to watch.