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Billy the Kid (2022)
Binge-Worthy, Well-Directed, Introspective Western
If you enjoyed the introspective nature of the main characters in "Unforgiven" and "3:10 to Yuma" then you may likely appreciate how well the writers have depicted young Billy Antrum's character in this binge-worthy EPIX television western.
Quiet, thoughtful, uniquely skilled with a pistol, youthfully handsome, and with compassion capped and closeted by the priority to survive the merciless, corrupt, unlawful, unpredictable, and ubiquitously deadly times, Billy seems shaped by necessity during a time of choices limited by the powers at play within his untamed environment. The writers, actor, and directors successfully give the viewers a glimpse of the thoughtful side of the title character.
Many of us know Billy the Kid as an outlaw on the face of "Wanted" posters but this story attempts to show us that he may have been much more than the headlines and the generally accepted history written about Billy the Kid.
If you're looking for gunfight followed by another gunfight followed by (horse) chase scene after horse-chase, etc., you might want to spend the time, instead, with video game.
If you seek a well-written script, directors that take advantage of beautiful scenery and bring out the best in the well-casted actors, all of which has been wrapped within a thoughtful, compelling story that even non-western fans might appreciate, then EPIX's Billy the Kid may likely gain another fan in you.
Smoking (2018)
Patience Rewarded or Tarantino Meets Modern-Day Yakuza Avengers
If you seek an intelligent but humble television series that takes you into a fictional world you've probably never explored: and, becomes more satisfying, interesting, entertaining, complex, and compassionate with each episode-then give the Japanese television series "Smoking" a try and you'll likely become addicted.
The writers throw you into the deep end of the blood-filled Yakuza pool before you really know what's happening: and, initially the warm blood repulses, disorients, and demands your focus.
But, your tolerance for fake blood, and your patience, proves rewarding when some revealing character development (in the form of back-story) starts weaving into the current events, driving the briskly-paced 28 minute episodes.
Initially Smoking seems predictable: but, by the second hour, the main characters' individual (back) stories begin to balance the scale with some unpredictability, heart-felt emotions, and writing that eventually challenges the actors enough to demonstrate why they landed the lead rolls.
Like fine cigars, fine whiskey, and fine wine, time reveals complexity, nuance, pedigree, quality, craftsmanship and the rewards for your patience - much like the Japanese TV series Smoking.
Dong-chang-saeng (2013)
Well-Written, Sharp Action with Subtle Heart
Fans of well-written stories and interesting spy/espionage films (similar in nature to the Bourne Trilogy) coupled with competent, convincing acting, smart direction, and sharp (but not dizzying) action editing should really appreciate this film.
The character development unfolds in a manner that draws the viewer close enough to care for the 19 year-old North Korean spy (brilliantly played by Seung Hyun Choi) as well as several other characters who convincingly convey deep emotions with economical use of dialogue, non-verbal expression, and relatively limited screen time.
The action film includes a balancing dose of drama by placing an equal emphasis upon character development; and, the story also gives the talented actors an opportunity to emote some cultural insight related to the feelings and hardships associated with the political division of a culturally homogeneous North and South Korea. I look forward to future films written by Kim Soo-young, directed by Hong-soo Park as well as films that include the young, talented actor Seung Hyun Choi.