Change Your Image
fanofimdb
Reviews
Jopog manura (2001)
Fun even for the english-limited audience
First, let me explain that I don't speak or comprehend Korean. I also watched the only available version of this film, which just happens to be with Korean audio and no subtitles. Also, my knowledge of Korean history is pretty sparse, but serves me well enough.
With the caveats aside, I enjoyed this film as well as one can without understanding any of the dialog. I agree with the other reviewers who say this film is a good mix of action, drama, and comedy. Obviously, the action translates just fine. I understood a great deal of the comedy and was surprised to be able to get most of the dramatic happenings. That said, most of the drama was lost on me, I was only able to understand the basic gist of it.
This did not stop me from enjoying the film. I was surprised at how similar this film was to a Hollywood offering. The 'wife' does action well and the closing scene was a good laugh. Maybe if I understood the dialog I would have seen it coming, but it was a funny surprise to me. The hip-hop closing credit song surprised me. Funny how flexible western culture can be. I can understand how people of other nationalities can feel they are being 'invaded' and sense a loss of their own culture. Perhaps if I watch it again, the combination of reading other's reviews and having seen it once, I would get a lot more from it.
I am just starting to get into writing reviews and look forward to doing many more.
The Iron Giant (1999)
This film was only 10 minutes long...
.OK, I was riveted. I will keep this one short and sweet since it has tons of comments already.
** Warning, contains a spoiler (reference to dialog) **
The social commentary on McCarthyism was great. The story grabbed me from the first frame and kept me the whole time. Yes, the antagonist was a caricature, but this is meant to be a children's film. Christopher McDonald as Kent Mansley was a real treat. Of course, after the 20th or so time he says `It's a trick'/'It's a trap', you just want to strangle him. Technically, this is top-notch film-making. The CGI was seamless and impressive. The voice acting was wonderful. It all added up to a treat for all ages. The message was well pitched ( . judge not. blah blah.) and did not fall into the hackneyed category I mock in parentheses.
This film goes on my `you should see this at least once' list. 8/10.