Reviews
Saek-jeuk-shi-gong (2002)
Simply the best movie since 'Dream of a Warrior'
I watch countless movies every year and every year there is one movie that really stands out from the rest. Sex is Zero is that one movie as it pushes Korean cinema far above anything that Hollywood or anyone has ever produced. Comparisons to American Pie are ridiculous as AP simply cannot hold a candle to 'Sex' in terms of laughs or entertainment. In fact, the only movie I have ever seen that surpasses 'Sex' would have to be the other korean classic, Dream of a Warrior.
"Destinyyyyy...you're my Destinyyy!!!!"
It doesnt get much better then that.
The actors in this film are once again top notch, making such stereotypical characters quite believeable and realistic. For example the main character does such a great job that many viewers find his stupidity to be quite irritable. Each and every character leaves a lasting impression as they are all unique in their own way. The women are hardly being degraded in this movie as the male characters are all pathetic in their own ways as well. Sure there is some skin being shown...but whats a sex comedy going to do without any sex?
The whole abortion part of the movie is very trademark of Korean cinema and is done quite tastefully. Here, the actors are given an entirely different mood to portray and they all pull it off wonderfully. Unexpecting viewers may take it too seriously and wont see the comedic aspect of some of the situations (like when the mom is beating up the daughter).
All in all, if you wish to watch a movie that could quite possibly change your life then dont pass this one up. Sure, its not as good as Dream of a Warrior, but what is?
Shu shan zheng zhuan (2001)
simply gorgeous
Legend of Zu is possibly the most exciting movie ive seen in recent years. It transcends all expectations and is truly a work of art. With unmatched visual sceneries and story of divine proportions, Legend of Zu proceeds to blow over its viewers with its majesty. This movie is wonderously crafted through the use of high tech cgi which allows fans of the fantasy genre to see their visions come to life. The acting is perfect for this type of movie; if you were an immortal with supernatural powers I would think you'd keep more to yourself.
Unlike the comments of many, the plot is actually quite EASY to follow while maintaining a quick pace that adds a sense of urgency. Anyone that cannot keep track of the different characters simply must not be paying attention since or are used to such levels of sophistication as the titanic. The plot is engaging and layered with themes so epic that they will leave you gasping for air. Legend of Zu is on a level of greatness so high that perhaps many people are put off by its grandeur. Allow yourself to be completely engulfed within its fantastical vision and you will grow to love this movie.
Kairo (2001)
Despair conquers all
Kairo is definitely a movie that you will either love or hate. I did neither. The atmosphere is very dark and brooding so if you get caught up in the feel of the movie you will love every minute of it. Kairo is a thrilling ride to the end of the world and I had trouble expressing my excitement. This movie is definitely theme based, leaving plot and reason behind in the dust. Leave your sense of reality behind as it will only serve to trip you up when trying to understand things such how ghosts traverse the internet.
Its time to hit the fear department, after all this is a horror movie right? As I watched this movie I couldnt help but wait for the next monkey dance to make me p*** my pants. With the unmoving camera shots and creeping shadows, an observant viewer will find many subtle images and movements that add to suspense. Anyone scared looking away from the screen or bored sleeping will miss many of this fine details. For me, it would probably take a couple of viewings for me catch all these subtleties.
There have been a lot of issues on whether more "western" viewers would be able to handle such a film. The truth is that this movie is quite anti-hollywood in its pace and spiritual themes. Even if someone were to somehow not like this movie, at least it would have been a new movie experience. Unless of course they had already seen other japanese horror movies such as ringu, dark water, etc. In that case, at least this film strives to reach a higher level; a level high enough to make anyone not completely immersed into its ideology lost in a maze of confusion and apathy. Such ambiguity deserves praise from the most indifferent audience and definitely earns its place in my list of best movies ever made.
Koroshiya 1 (2001)
A beautiful film
I found this movie to be quite enjoyable and very funny. Overall, the level of violence and shock serve as a wonderful way to test your own sensibilites. The style of this movie is quite unique both visually and in structure. Truly, this is one of the best films ever created. But how could something so uncompromisingly pointless and meaningless be so great?
Ichi the Killer is an expression of our deepest inner desires. As a race, man has always been violent and self absorbed. In the spirit of Kakihara, what better way is there to have fun then to stick needles into the face of someone you don't like? Who doesn't enjoy a good throat slashing and intestine spilling once in awhile? All of the kills that you actually see Ichi commit are all throat slashes accompanied by a nice fountain of blood. He then stands in ecstasy as the blood sprays on his face. The truth is, we all wish we were there, standing in that fountain of blood. It is merely in our nature to destroy.
Addition to some minor violence, sexual anxieties play a large role in this movie. Sex and violence oftentimes go hand in hand, as they are both primal and natural instincts. Sadomasochism is ofentimes looked down upon as some sort of perverted hobby, but pretty much everyone has a deep seated desire to feel pleasure and pain at the same time. This film brings to light all these inherent human conditions whether or not the viewer is prepared to see them or not. Some choose to look away and call this film crap. But in reality, they are only scared of what they see in themselves. This film serves as a higher form of entertainment that brings both fun (the "infamous" tongue cutting scene is quite enjoyable) and art (such as the ending that makes absolutely no sense) together. Miike is a genius pure and simple. Ichi the Killer is a masterpiece that everyone should see.
Cheonsamong (2001)
One of the best movies ever made!
Now I know that many of you who have already seen this will be questioning my sanity, but this is an awesome movie. I must say that it is extremely entertaining and full of unique characters played by a talented group of actors/actresses. Some criticize the film for being hard to follow and lacking any coherent storyline. While at first glance this may be true, the fact of the matter is that the movie is layered with witty satire and clever dialogue. Sure, some characters (re: all) may have almost no lines whatsoever, but the ones they do have are all classic.
The film is also visually stunning with its extraordinary special effects and set pieces. Their society is complete with neon lit dance clubs and industrial looking facilities yet at the same time resembles ancient rome or egypt. The duality between this primitive and advanced society is brilliantly played out as soldiers fight with swords yet they contain the knowledge to produce high powered explosives. There are hidden social commentaries as main character comes from a lower class background yet is in love with the daughter of the Great General. Never before has such a forbidden love tale been expressed so beautifully. Somehow this film manages to merge all these subtle messages together while apparently completely eluding many viewers. This is part of the reason why this movie is so great.
The acting is top notch as all the characters play their parts quite well. Oftentimes the characters never speak to each other, yet their emotions come through something as simple as eye contact. The plot is a little hard to follow and perhaps a little hard to believe, but that is merely looking at it with the wrong perspective. In actuality, this movie subtlety touches upon such subjects as love, betrayal, and perseverance while throwing in some stylish action scenes here and there.
The music is simply fantastic as well. The beautiful scores and piano accompaniment would move any takashi miike fan to tears. The music is appropriately spread from scene to scene which helps to infuse the film with its melancholic and inspirational feel. There are also bits of techno and rock which work very well with the various settings in the movie.
While this movie hasn't won any awards, it certainly should. I would dare to say that it is the best korean film I have ever watched (much better then other korean classics like Friend, JSA, Yupgi Girl, Shiri, etc.) and on par with some of the finest movies of this generation. It is extremely entertaining, especially with a big party, and will probably last a long time in your memory. And that is what makes this a great movie.