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Bulgeundal Pureunhae (2018)
An intense mystery thriller which beautifully deals a heavy and sensitive issue.
Noble intentions are not relevant in the art of making a movie or a show. Yes, it is necessary to offer a unique perspective into prevalent issues in society. But good writing takes precedence over highlighting any such issues. There needs to be something that holds together and accommodate it. It is through the lens of an intriguing screenplay you can expose the atrocities to the total effect. This show does just that.
On the face of it, the issue handled here is child abuse. But through numerous powerful moments achieved by brilliant staging, upending the inherent socially constructed meaning of certain daily moments, it has portrayed how complicated and unfairly influential a parent-child relationship is.
There is a prevailing mystery which keeps the show engaging. But you get a feeling that without it there is nothing substantial, This notion is broken when the show reaches a certain point when you are made to feel useless at the helpless state of affairs. Until that moment, the effect of abuse or a sense of appreciation for vigilantism itself was significantly less. This may be since previous victims were not exposed to the audience as much as the one who drills through the viewer. But it could also be because until then, the need for such unlawful heroism was mildly established.
After that point, the show expedites the process of resolving its mysteries. But you start noticing the minor and implicit psychological effects of the victims after that. That one particular point accentuates the whole show considerably. The complex dynamics involved in a parental relationship or any relationship in which one person has some sort of nurturing or forced authority over the other or the minute hierarchy of abuse or the subconscious response to ensure being enmeshed in such a hierarchy can be seen more clearly.
Towards the end, it just clings to classic mystery novel and other tropes by making some horrific reveals. Those are a tad bit extreme but that does not negate the underlying point it has always made throughout the show.
One should not mistake this show as an issue-based one. This a well-done killer investigation drama. There is tension, a well-ordered sequence of revelations; classic cliffhangers at the end of each episode; and a fair share of subterfuge. Multiple intensely staged scenes are placed when the show seems to dip slightly. It had its precursors and payoffs wherein some of those were incredibly disturbing. So this show is a worthy killer investigation drama in the first place. It has smartly plugged in child abuse for the most part without it being contrived.
There are these little details that elevate the experience. For one, this is a dimly lit show. The color tone and the pervasive grim lighting never provides a chance for you to escape this debased world the show is set in.
The world in which the show is built in seems confined. This claustrophobic effect adds to the inescapable situation of the victims.
There is a serial killer here. But the killer is not given a demented outfit. He/ She is not painted as having a twisted view of the world. They do not derive an unpleasant form of pleasure from their acts. Their actions are motivated by a combination of empathy and trauma. They are not addicted but convicted in their ideology to stop the suffering of a kid and punish those who caused such pain. Their actions are not persecuted as deranged but offered a more optimistic approach. This is an amazing aspect because this way the show acknowledges the diabolical nature of the legal system and the torturous flow of bureaucracy. At the same time, does not encourage the concept of judge jury and executioner.
The acting in this show needs to be mentioned as this show is heavily psychological. The actors have brought out every form of good, evil and trauma and sometimes all juxtaposed in a character. This is especially true for child actors. It is difficult to show an emotional wall built whilst hiding deeply disturbing memories behind for a kid. It is not just about being quiet, There should be something disquieting behind that quietness. The lack of expressiveness should be expressed. And this is what the kid does. And finally, during a particular moment when that wall breaks, it is elevated to be the best scene of the show.
Also, some characters' development is well written. This is brought to the screen by some subdued presence with sporadic emotional bursts.
Even though this show does well in blending mystery and message, it fails to do the same for some of its characters. Their dynamics ls criminally underexposed.
Towards the end, mild redundancy starts to set in. The ultimate reveal does not produce any effect. This may also mean that while the show hooked in the viewer for its suspense, it made them stay for its heavy pathos.
This show may not be revolutionary but it does offer a must-have perspective into Corporal Punishment. The underlying point mentioned earlier is slowly etched in the viewers' minds. It is not in the face of or explicit but once you complete watching it, you get their point about the issue. Corporal punishment of any degree is bad. It doesn't matter what your reasons may be or how small it is, it should never be the option one should opt-in parenting.
" A child's whole universe is its parents. There is no bigger horror when that universe starts attacking it."
Hotel Del Luna (2019)
Disney styled dreamy K-Drama with good short stories but main story with irritable flaws.
Disney movies and shows have always been about showing things in a beautiful manner visually and emotionally while imparting some important lessons along the way or towards the end.
This show is just like a Disney production, spectacularly set and lavishly comely to the eyes. But this one just keeps us reminding about the impermanence of such beauty. It establishes promptly that throughout its run, the theme which is gonna be addressed is 'to learn to let go and move forward' .
While the stories of different guests were interestingly written while being emotionally deep, it is the main story of the leading couple which suffers from blatant inconsistencies and unnecessarily dragged to diminish the effect of goodbyes.
It sets the show and settings really well in the first few episodes. The comedy works out well here and there. The romance of various couples other than the main one were not sidelined and were actually more interesting when viewed with their backstories and connections to the main plot than the main couple.
As the show progresses the different guests and their issues which sometimes get infused with the main story keeps the show going rather the romance of the two leads.
Still it manages to make us give a little attention to the main story with its flashback sequences with classic viewer deceiving tactics.
The deception works because it keeps us reminding that despite all this extravagant and pleasing looks, there is so much tragedy and sadness within the main character.
It has comically yet interestingly depicted the concepts of God, Heaven and Afterlife, It has meddled with those concepts to create serious and comedic dilemmas for the characters which was interesting to watch.
Even though the side stories were thematically same, each of them had its uniqueness a sort of fresh wholesomeness to them. It was sad yet prepared us for the impermanence of life itself with unexpected variety of stories based on all living beings.
While all the different stories of various ghosts prepare both the viewer and the main characters for the inevitable separation, some bad writing choices greatly falters in closing the show well. It subverts the effect of that inevitable separation just to prepare one of the characters to accept that split well.It also remains irritatingly vague after that particular decision in writing which actually disrupts the core theme of moving on. Thus it stretches out the main arc and also postpones some closure for characters to the frustration of the viewer.
The most alluring aspects of this show is its music, OST, grandeur in sets and visuals.The inside of the hotel, costumes of the lead and depiction of different eras were splendid.
The music and original songs were adding to the mood of the scene, comic and tragic. It really brought out the emotions which were hidden in the visual grandeur.
A dreamy series filled with visual opulence driving home great message necessary for everyone who is alive faltered along the way to decrease the effect towards the end.
The Umbrella Academy (2019)
Superpower genre with an interesting screenplay
While trying to be more of a science fiction thriller than a superhero show, it succumbs to clichéd dialogues occasionally which come as an obstacle to its efforts.
The underlying suspense and undiscovered aspects about powers is the driving force for a casual viewer.
It relies heavily on the aesthetics and its tribute to that particular era with the music hits during that time.
It definitely was not a show exclusive to the comic book readers. It stands on its own with exciting story telling which is slowed down at times due to its ineffective character bonding scenes.
It did not go the beaten to death method of younger version of a character undergoing training. Glimpses of past shown to bring out the unpleasant childhood they went through. But it wasn't sufficient to strike a chord.
The black comedy worked out really well and sometimes turned out be refreshing after a dull spell of useless emotional scenes.
Beyond a certain episode, the repeat of scenes to reiterate to the viewer about the emotion the present scene carries became annoying and utterly ineffective.
Acting wasn't special in any way (except Ellen Page in spite of eternal sad face throughout every movie/show she acts) even though there was scope to act.
Surprisingly, the music was really good even though it didn't stir any emotions. The different types of popular songs used throughout the show filled most of the background. Apart from that, the violin composition was captivating.
There wasn't much stunts involved like a usual superhero show. But whatever they did, it was well done and no apparent botches or blemishes.
The show was not a usual superhero story and it was interesting throughout with its sci-fi elements and secrets of characters. But there was a nothing notable or appreciable other than that. It was slow and dull with humor to take away the sluggish nature.
To watch a show having people with abilities and intriguing mystery behind such abilities, this could be given a try. But prepare to doze off during the middle.
Kingdom (2019)
A zombie drama with period backdrop that manages to surprise us towards the end.
This new Netflix original Korean zombie series succeeds in surprising with its fast paced narration and a few unexpected twists in a beaten to death genre.
This show takes a new approach by setting the zombie drama in the backdrop of a period show.
The politics of the monarchy forms the content of the screenplay. For the most part the zombie and political part of the show remains seperate but converges as it reaches the culmination point.
The variety of zombie deaths, the types of kills and the adreneline pumping chases are nothing short of great. It didnt hinder the experience in any way.
The locations this was set in,the aerial views and the scenic beauty captured via the lens provides an immersive experience.
The background scoring was good enough to capture and produce the thrill, especially during the final episode.
The tone is really dark in this show. Apart from the zombie elements, the treachery and vile of the characters and their actions to protect power is diabolical at the least.
The show does seem to slow down in its pace during the middle but compensates with its heart racing finale.
The mini plots during the showcase of zombie disease spreading is done well without holding back in its disturbing level.
Ultimately, this show is not a complete one and it never intended to be one. It sets up everything for a high potential second season. While doing this, it manages to surprise the viewers during the last episode.
This is a short pacy zombie period show which does not demand much of your attention and can be binged as a casual view.
PS: If you are new to Korean drama, the antics, goofs and few mannerisms of the actors may seem over the top, but it is sort of unique to the korean culture and is seen in every Korean movie and drama. So don't consider it a flaw in the show
Sila Samayangalil (2016)
Social awareness movie which does not preach.
Basically an awareness movie with a fresh concept and realistic making through a suspense filled screenplay which doesn't preach the message it wants to but still emphasises without shoving it down the throat.
The movie starts out and establishes its tone straight away, introduces the characters in a simple manner.
It takes significant amount of time to get into the core, which may annoy some, but the slow pace doesn't necessarily make it uninteresting.
It uses the effect of a person's actions during frantic desperation to weave its suspense into place and continues to take the same anxiety into the extreme.
It does lack logic towards the end but from a writers point of view, it is used a crutch for the suspense.
The background score felt out of place in most of the places. It didn't do anything to capture the desparation.
Acting was on point, precariously perched, between realism and hyper expressive.
It casually inserts rhetorics about social issues in the dialogues which blends with the tone of the movie.
A movie primarily made with the goal to create social awareness about a critical issue, works decently enough as a movie too.
Bimilui Soop (2017)
A complex yet fast paced thrilling legal drama with exciting twists and turns
Fundamentally a legal thriller driven by deductive reasoning style of investigation and well placed surprising plot twists with sporadic emotions.
The show starts off in a little convoluted manner where you find it difficult to establish the relationships between characters and their motives. But as it progresses the thrill of investigation keeps the viewer hooked in and demands your attention to decipher the aforementioned problem.
It deals with backstabs and betrayals throughout the first half of the show so that you are unable to trust most of the characters. Then it settles down and moves towards revealing all the mysteries.
Even though it has a social message in the end, it doesnt preach you but rather warns (this is especially relevant for the local South Korean audience) about the danger.
The acting of the whole cast is top notch. It actually elevates the writing.
Music does its job creating the environment for a thriller.
The drawback is that it remains subtle in its revelation of twists and answers to some questions throughout the show which may warrant a second time viewing and it probably will irk some of the viewers.
Discalaimer: If you are new to Korean dramas, there are some antics and reactions by the actors which may seem over the top and unnecessary but it is a cultural aspect and it should not be considered as a flaw.
You (2018)
A black comedic psychological drama with nothing extraordinary
Though it promotes itself as a
stalker show in a dark manner, its mission is to show that everyone is a stalker but only there degree of obsession changes in a black satirical tone until before the end.
The inner mind voice and cat and mouse games during the later part of the show are the main take aways of an otherwise normal psychological drama show.
it doesnt offer much in terms of the story. The screenplay too felt bland at times. It waved into unnecessary places with useless shift in perspectives. It stretches the story to social justice territories sometimes ,which has no relevance to the main story, to fill in the gap.
But it does offer something fresh for romantic drama fans with it dark comedy and disturbing tone present throughout .
The background score was decent giving the environment the screenplay needs.
It is infact a normal romantic drama underneath the fresh disturbing and humorous obsession angle with its unnecessary addition of social messages.But those who have a liking to those kind of dialogues referencing to current issues in US, would love it.
Searching (2018)
A successful attempt on a really new way of movie making
A decent mystery told from the point of view of a computer and mobile screen. It deals with how today's human interaction happens mostly through social media and how one can navigate a person's life through the same mode.
The screenplay is so engaging and extremely relatable that as a viewer you will become the character of the movie and solve the mystery along with him.
Since whatever he does is not over the top and umrealistic, it is as if what any of us would do and face if we were in his shoes and thats what makes the viewer feel close to the movie and character.
More than the unconventional story telling, it is the attention to minute details that they have given by showing earnest care that makes this movie a really good one.
The music score of this movie really supports the experimentation as there is lot of emotions riding behind the computer screen, the music does really well to deliver those right into the hearts of the audience.
A truly commendable attempt in storytelling which has paid of well almost entirely.
Imaikkaa Nodigal (2018)
A fast paced thriller which slows down time and again due to commercial and romantic cliches
The movie doesn't waste time in idle scenes but sets up the premise right from the first sequence.
It immediately starts building the antagonist (villain) of the movie and his character is handled well throughout the movie
The screenplay is divided between two different characters; one for the thriller and other for romance. Both of them join together in the middle. because of this the movie seems different when it jumps to the romantic narration.
The premise is set out to be a cat and mouse game between the villain and Hero but it wasn't the case as there was no equal brilliance between them. It rather showed a secondary character as smarter than the primary one.
There was not enough hints to the climax and the twists so when they revealed, it doesn't have the desired impact on the viewers.
A movie which was wholly saved by the antics of the villain and his characterization.
U-Turn (2018)
A movie which had great potential ruined itself by taking a drastic U-Turn
Story and Screenplay: It set up the movie well and had great potential. but all of that wasted and the movie ruined itself during the second half.
The entire screenplay is to convey a message in a powerful and self introspective way. But the way it messed with a genre after setting up to be a different genre ruined the entire movie.
Acting: The acting was below par in some areas due to the fact as it seemed they tried to fake the realism and it turned out to faker than fake
Background:Score: The music was not even noticeable as it had nothing new or unique. it didn't even sync with some scenes.
Conclusion:
A movie which changed its direction mid way after it displayed lot of potential. during the first half.
Iron Fist (2017)
Cliched, lazy with below par action
The show is a cliched and predictable ride that is redeemed at a few stops by a single aspect.
The plot itself was drag and it didnt even compensate with at least steady character development.
Even when it did try to develop a character, there was no creativity but by lazy cliched means
The subject matter throghout the season was not unique but a polished one from anothr show of the same universe.
The core aspect of a superhero show, stunts, was a massive failure.
The dialogues and the acting because of that was so predictable that it felt like dejavu.
The protagonist superhero didnt give the impression that he is the main part of the show but rather one of the character with super abilities and lot of screen time trapped inside a cliched and insipid environment with zero realism in anything whatsoever.
Music was not even noticeable due to its unimpressive composition and bad placement.
a show which did not redeem itself enough to compensate a worser first season.
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (2010)
An underrated visionary that reimagines animation genre itself
A movie which mixes usual personification of other species genre with the interesting medieval elements and presents itself in a emotional and magnificient visual spectacle of animated form.
The graphics is unlike a normal children friendly animation rendered by big studios. It is matured and grand.
It has its humour but the writers make sure it doesn't spoil the tone they envisioned.
The place where movie conspicously failed is the music department. The background score didnt compliment the rich grandoise of the imagery.
The movie probably did not project the poignant picture it wanted and may have failed to invoke the desired emotion with its story but that is quite subjective and solely depends upon each and every viewer.
A visual masterclass which, unfotunately, didnt strike a cord with the viewers during its release.
Upgrade (2018)
A gem of a Sci Fi movie among all monotonous superhero flicks
A fast paced sci-fi thriller which is a treat for viewers who are overwhelmed with too much superhero movies.
The premise is not any different from AI based movies we have seen over the years but the way it is presented with its sleek narration and impactful stunt sequences and tinge of dark humour makes it a worthwhile experience.
The music compliments the pace and mood of the film and the acting is on point given the fact that it has a bunch of not well known faces.
If you want a comparitive opinion on this movie,
"It is a 100 minute Black Mirror episode only with more pace and action sequences".
There is no apparent blemishes in the movie. One aspect the movie which may slightly fail is its flurry of side character who are not handled as well as some viewers would have wanted.
A movie which is worth all your money and it is a
"movie you should watch before you die" for Sci-Fi fans.