Grieving the loss of a best friend she couldn’t protect, an ex-bodyguard sets out to fulfill her dear friend’s last wish: sweet revenge.
This is not the JOHN WICK Spin-off that people are anxiously awaiting with Ana de Armas starring but a South Korean action revenge tale.
Went in expecting more of an action film which it is but this one is backed more by a dramatic story
It’s meant to make the action more personal and feel more as if the storyline includes a conspiracy or her taking down more of a small bit of a larger enterprise.
Should have expected that when the film stars, Jeon Jong-Seo. who is more known for her dramatic work. Here she is playing an action-oriented role. She is believable and it helps her. As most of the other characters expect her to be weak.
Most of the male characters are in on this conspiracy and repulsive throughout. Showcasing the film to be more female-oriented and justified.
The action sequences are well done. It includes the use of a flame thrower which is always a plus.
The movie is unfortunately mostly typical to average with a colorful shaded filtered motif throughout.
Though the film truly becomes more impressive and noteworthy in the final 15 minutes which it builds up to and seems to truly come alive in its somber tone. After all that build-up.
Editor: Olivia Neergaard-Holm and Hayedeh Safiyari
Cast: Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Alice Rahimi, Soraya Helli, Arash Ashtiani, Mehdi Bajestani, Sohaib Quista, Forouzan Jamshisnejad, Maryam Taleb
Female journalist Rahimi travels to the Iranian holy city of Mashhad to investigate a serial killer targeting sex workers. As she draws closer to exposing his crimes, the opportunity for justice grows harder to attain when the murderer is embraced by many as a hero. Based on the true story of the ‘Spider Killer’ Saeed Hanaei, who saw himself as on a mission from God as he killed 16 women between 2000 and 2001.
This Is a film that is better to go into blind and then read this review. It discusses a lot of subjects in the film and this is the type of film. You will want to talk about it afterwards.
Drama and tension-filled, what is more disturbing is the fact that it is based on a true story.
The film begins with a typical night for one woman. As she puts her child to end after feeding them and washes for her night out. As we see her make her rounds as a prostitute. How she is treated. We are made to believe she might be our lead character. Then she is attacked and we hope after spending this time with her she will survive, but she quickly becomes a victim. (Sort of like the SCREAM films only with no celebrity and no excitement in the kill.)
This allows us to see her killer. So that the mystery is cut short and in his hands now.
The mystery is when or if he will get caught and how as it seems only two reporters are on his tail and seem to care. As the film continues we see the female reporters attempt to interview and find the Killer. We get to know more about his personal home life. Around his kids and wife which is relatively normal except for some outbursts and his fanatical extremism.
The film does show him hunting, picking up, and killing the prostitutes. As well as a scene that shows him having sex with his wife and with one of his victim’s bodies hidden in the room before he can dispose of it. How he gets turned on while watching the dead body a few feet away. Which only he can see.
The film offers many close calls. As we hope each time the next victim will escape and survive. Even when the bodies are discovered the reporters are at their front and center and he is in the background.
Even once the culprit is eventually caught. It shows that many men especially approve of his crimes and might inspire some to commit the crimes themselves in the future. That is one of the scariest parts of the film and the people involved. As most around him supper him Even after he is arrested.
As even after he is arrested it seems like all the work in hunting him down and getting him arrested after a reporter barely survives an attack by him.
Luckily the film isn’t cut and dry. It doesn’t end with his arrest. We go through the short trial and also get interviews with victims’ families. As well as his own after.
The ending offers some kind of justice turning tables to show him whimpering and fighting against his decided fate just as much as his victims fought for their lives.
The film shows the scary chauvinistic attitude and misogyny that exists in men. As even the desk clerk. Who at first didn’t want to let her have a room by herself. First son tries to hit on her and then when rejected not only threatens but finds it necessary to demean her.
In the end, it still shows a majority of the male characters inadvertently seem to hate women or at least consider them second class while holding them on a pedestal. Yet still try to exploit them for the crime in their heads of attracting them.
Rahim is in prison because of a debt he was unable to repay. During a two-day leave, he tries to convince his creditor to withdraw his complaint against the payment of part of the sum. But things don’t go as planned.
This story and film show that one lie inevitably leads to another. How he can stain or destroy all those clothes or who chooses to believe in you or it.
As we go through the film, the lead character is Denver entirely likable. He seems to blame others for his own failures and still feels he is owed. Even if at times, you can see his side to things, and that his punishment might be a little excessive, he does himself no favors.
We see how people treat him and turn on him. Something simple. Seems like it’s on a stack of dominoes, falling all in a Row one behind another.
Attention, as usual, is thrown out for something that seems so simple but cuts to the very heart of us all morally which is the strength of filmmaker Asghar Farhadi
Most of his films rely on moral dilemmas, that are easily identifiable for most of us where empathy can only go, so far before we are truly challenged to make choices
As with this film, it all boils down to honesty, survival, and ego, as well as responsibility and exploitation, and how no matter our intentions, how well-meaning they may be if not honest or honorable police can leave behind a certain stain, not to mention take on a life of their own
The film is more of a character study that involves many who are all affected by the actions of the main character.
This film shows the worst that could happen behind a good deed, and that the world is cynical that there might be Cash behind good honesty, but also if it helps you out or you take advantage of the outcome. It asks if is it still as honest.
What the film does honor and many can appreciate is that there can be many truths.
A group of friends leave Tehran for a long weekend on the Caspian Sea. A young kindergarten teacher named Elly is invited along to join the good friends and family. The reason is soon made apparent: she’s being set up with a recently divorced man. Over an easy-going holiday, tensions rise until a crisis point is triggered, and Elly goes missing.
This film is tricky as eventually, it becomes a mystery, though at first, it seems more like a reunion drama.
It quickly becomes melodramatic as friends come together and celebrate a vacation that brings a newcomer. Eventually not only is her feet under investigation but also who she was.
This all begins to tear, not only the friends apart, but also the couples and relationships. As she might have been there for some ulterior motives, that only Sam knew about.
We learn about her as most of the characters do as they keep getting pulled in Dever, as it goes along and more is revealed
This film is full-scale storytelling surrounding events in the friend’s fall out, As questions are slowly answered plenty of mysteries are introduced and still remain
The film is a morality play from different points of view, which is what the Director Asghar Farhadi, excels at painting, a full picture and making sure that you are paying attention to all the little details in focus
Not necessarily, a murder mystery, but a mystery nonetheless, as lies and secrets lead to more trouble it’s not as melodramatic as one, I think as it stays sharp and we become more invested trying to see where it will go
The film mostly takes place in a single location that while small becomes epic
This all leads to a haunting and haunted, ending, showing the damage of their lies, and what it has done to their lives, which would also allow for answers
Cast:: Sanda Huller, Christian Friedel, Freya Kreutzkam, Ralph Herforth, Max Beck, Ralf Zillman, Imogen Kooge, Lilli Falk, Stephanie Pertrowitz
The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig, strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.
This is a film that is best to go into blind. Even after explaining it, I’m not sure it will still be understandable. As this is definitely a film more to be experienced on a big screen. As it is if anything cinematic. Though more of an art piece to admire.
When it comes to filmmaker Jonathan Glazer is one of these filmmakers who is like an heir to Kubrick whereas he takes his time when his films are made. Several years between projects. Not to mention he never makes a decision or makes judgements on the characters portrayed on screen.
What usually causes a stir are technical marvels that are a challenge for the audience to sit through but stunning visuals.
This is why this film is odd as it keeps the horrors off screen we hear it more than we see anything which is worse as it sets our imaginations loose of what we know. Bro only that bothers that the family at the center of it, sees this all as normal and is treated with no real judgment except when the wife who seems to stay out of politics threatens her Jewish maid late in the film. The fury comes so swift yet so natural
We watch this family’s day-to-day which is why it’s hard to tell where the middle and end of the film are exactly. The film is disorienting as there isn’t really too much of a narrative. So you never know what is coming next. There is a lack of close-ups, mostly middle and wide shots so that we are never tight on anybody or with any of the characters. So they are always distant and kept at a distance. Which is the same that can be said about the movie and its characters. So much is said in silence and nothing is truly ever explained.
Glazer’s films and especially this one are technical marvels that are more to be seen, studied, and theorized over than felt that much
So much is unspoken and spare. That is what it delivers. Like everyone, the movie is keeping a secret even at times from one another. It is a holocaust movie at heart. Where we see more of the side of the soldiers running the camp, their home lives, and hinting at the horrors they witness day to day and inflict. Even as they discuss their plans for the future they never acknowledge the human element or any empathy towards the inhabitants. In one scene his wife unleashes a verbal threat that is more chilling than we have ever even seen her husband do.
The film is experimental and Chilling never knows what is going to happen next. Honestly, this film is going to be an endurance test for most of the audience.
In 1985, Makoto Tezuka, the son of manga genius Osamu Tezuka, was still a film student with a few experimental shorts to his credit and who was entrusted with the mission to turn an album by Haruo Chikada into a musical film.
Strange, inventive, surreal, and fun. There are no exact words to describe this film and do it justice. If you are a fan of movies like PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW and SHOCK TREATMENT.
The story behind the film is just as wild and creative as the film. that a musician Haruo Chicada wrote an album full of songs, Essentially meant to be a soundtrack for a film that didn’t exist and that was the extent of the project until writer-director Makoto Tezka discovered it and decided to make a film based around it adapting it with a full storyline.
So much talent In Front of and behind the scenes. As the director sought out musicians and artists of all kinds for the film. After all, this was his first full-length film. After just graduating from film school and making only experimental shorts. He considered himself a visualist more than just a director.
The result is a movie that plays like a series of music videos or montages built around the songs with a story connecting it all. So truly a musical at heart without so much choreography and show-stopping staging. though plenty of musical-themed montages when the main characters aren’t singing.
Almost like a mean-spirited movie version of THE MONKEES TV show. only not surrounding a band but a singing duo and focusing on the branding and corporate ownership of the two and being forced to sing the songs their Svengali manager gives them and him always watching. They also lose fame to rivals that come out of nowhere and then try to murder them. Competition between artists and even each other as a duo and want to be independent and try their own music
The film’s soundtrack and visuals are its strength as the story is Minimal and never makes complete sense. As the film is all over the place. In a good way. Making it definitely crazy and unpredictable.
The film has an Animated and even a horror sequence. This makes sense as it is partly anime-influenced or manga, especially towards the end the action sequences feel like live-action cartoons. The writer/director is also the son of Osamu Tezka an anime/Manga legend
The film is definitely a product of its time and a shine as it is a cult film, that is little known In its homeland and the United States, with a soundtrack that is difficult to find
It’s an epic odyssey that goes far but does so much with so little. Involving A story made up that only adds to the legend and might actually be true with The theme of wanting to make it on your own and realizing that you might need help To do it.
This Is a film whose wavelengths you are either going to get on or not. All of the music and songs are quite catchy. It seems to go through all cultures and fads of the time.
It’s not perfect but such a unique, crazy, stylish, and silly journey that represents some things that it might not have intended to constantly invent and reinvent itself. As it is Reckless, dazzling unhinged, and creative. As it always has its heart on its sleeves and despite its surreal nature bares it’s heart and spirit
Directed & Edited By: Luciano Ercoli Written By: Ernesto Gastaldi and Mahnahen Velasco Cinematography: Alejandro Ulloa
Cast: Dagmar Lassander, Pier Paolo Capponi, Susan Scott, Simon Andreu, Osvaldo Genazzani, Salvador Bugbeo
The wife of a struggling businessman is blackmailed by a mysterious man into having a sadistic affair with him, or he will leak evidence implicating her husband of murder.
This might not be a good film but stay for the look, style, and fashions. Which are especially memorable. Like a Vogue magazine pictorial only with a theme.
The film is so erotically lurid that it feels like a Joe Eztherhaus-type film script. As it involves blackmail and sex. Though more talked about and hinted at than shown. So not quite exploitive.
Most of the film plays into the main characters’ suspicions and sacrifices. It then finds itself focused on infidelity and her paranoia over it
Which would place it more in the drama category. Yet plays like a thriller. Thought could easily be a foreign soft-core erotic movie. As the film seems to be more about the beauty of the female characters.
It’s not really the mystery behind everything. It’s the whole experience. What I took away was taking it all in. Rather than trying to figure out a murder or mystery. It felt more like watching a drama
As for a film that is filled with eroticism it isn’t as exploitive as one might expect. It does present a quite open sexuality, manner, and behavior.
Watching it feels like walking through a museum in a foreign land. It seems like everything is exquisite yet you are soaking through the past that is so close to the modern day. That you can still see some of these fashions in play maybe in more high society.
The character of Dominique wears a dress that practically has no sides to it. So you get to see her Frame and shape. Which makes her outfit an all-time classic. As she is the most interesting character in the whole film. You might find yourself wishing she had a spin-off.
The film ends up more as a psychological drama than a giallo, which is what one might have expected. The film’s characters just offer a lot of threats.
Only in the last 20 minutes after 70 minutes of set up does the film truly become a thriller. Even after an opening scene that makes it seem Like one.
What is impressive is that it feels epic yet really only has six cast members but plenty of locations
The film lays it on a lot towards the end to offer a twist that should have been somewhat obvious. As it has a Colombo type of ending.
Directed By: Claire Denis Written By: Claire Denis and Jean-Pol Fargeau Cinematography: Agnes Godard Editor: Nelly Quettier
Cast: Vincent Gallo, Tricia Vessey, Beatrice Dalle, Alex Descas, Florence Loiret-Caille, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Raphael Neal
Shane and June Brown are an American couple honeymooning in Paris in an effort to nurture their new life together, a life complicated by Shane’s mysterious and frequent visits to a medical clinic where cutting-edge studies of the human libido are undertaken. When Shane seeks out a self-exiled expert in the field, he happens upon the doctor’s wife, another victim of the same malady. She has become so dangerous and emotionally paralyzed by the condition that her husband imprisons her by day in their home. It is Shane’s chance encounter with this woman that triggers an event so cataclysmic and shocking it might just lead him to rediscover the tranquility he seeks to restore for himself and his new bride.
Not going to lie, the whole reason I wanted to see this film is Beatrice Dalle. Who has had me captivated since her role in Jim Jaramusch’s NIGHT ON EARTH and have been catching up with her roles from the past to the present ever since.
So it was her being in a vampire film before that seemed to become a trend In The 2000s and also Vincent Gallo is in the film and he usually makes whatever he is in a little more vibrant and interesting.
This is a movie that tries in modern times to present a fable connecting vampirism to lust. The character played by Beatrice Dalle is insatiable and seems to constantly need to feed. So much so that she has to be kept locked up and away. As she is a beast that Can’t be contained. Her raw female sexuality comes out while she gets her prey by seeming more innocent yet confident in her sexuality.
She is sloppy, scantily clothed in a nightgown stained with blood like an animal but she still contains beauty.
The longing for blood comes across as more sexual with an extreme fetish the participants only find out about too late.
Vincent Gallo is her old lover who has moved on and has a younger wife. He has been able to contain his vampirism and come off as a regular Joe. Though he is drawn back to her. Even as she has a husband who never quite knew what he was getting into, but accepts his responsibilities and tries to help the love of his life in his own way. Hoping she will become satisfied and normal.
The film is brutally violent and contains a lot of anticipation that never quite lives up to the promise.
However, it does show a romantic side as in the scene where Dalle’s husband is cleaning the blood off of his feral wife after she seduces and attacks another victim. Shows a devotion that goes above and beyond. He loves her so passionately that she eats her partners. He supports her. Even as he knows he can’t be with her intimately or it will be the end of him. He also knows and worries about who will take care of her if he leaves or something happens to him.
As he knows no one will be as devoted. Yet he continuously longs for her and has made his own kind of sacrifice for her. The epitome of a nice guy. Who does everything but doesn’t have that spark and still wants your old lover who you both were bad for each other but still carries a certain bond.
The film leaves you in the audience to pick up on details and read into the film what you believe may or may not be true.
We watch as their acts are made attractive and delectable. More part of the act of pleasure that goes along with it.
I’m not going to lie, this was my first time watching a Claire Denis film. So I didn’t know exactly what to expect. So by the end, I was disappointed immensely and a little confused. Since then I can’t say I have watched much more of her work. I believe only two other films. Only one can I say I truly was mesmerized by 35 SHOTS OF RUM
Ultimately the film’s promise seems wasted. As we wait for major parts of the story to move or more action that never seems to come.
Nor is any of the setup really acted upon dramatically. As it is never touching or moving really. Unfortunately, it comes across as boring and like it wants to mean something and say something but ultimately doesn’t.
After living 250 years in this world, Augusto Pinochet, who is not dead but an aged vampire, decides to die once and for all.
This film plays like a satirical fairy tale mixed with a darkly comedic gothic horror film.
The film is heavily visual, stylish, and pretty. Though short on story. So that the audience glides upon the ambiance
The film comes across more as a book as it explores the history of the main character. Through bits and pieces yet more through details and voiceover.
For its vastness, it feels a bit more like a hangout movie. The story is mainly told in the estate of Pinochet. His own kind of Dracula. Seducing, massacring, and falling in love. Proving to be a bastard through and through. A with most of the characters throughout. As we watch and try to predict who is the worst.
It offers some depth but gets by on its beauty. That it tries not to use too much. Overall it feels like a good piece of writing that might have worked better as a book or short story, maybe even a play. The film offers more of a visual feast and those details more play in the background. Yet provide a reason for the beautiful shots.
The film does offer several twists and strangely gets a bit romantic with an overall theme of loyalty.
The film is filled with creativity filmed in black and white that is a reminder of the timelessness of the character. As well as the world he lives in with a nod towards the classic universal monster horror movies.
If you are looking for action. You have come to the wrong film, unfortunately. It does offer more storytelling than anything with a European feel.
The film is lived in and filled with older characters throughout and only one true young character.
A group of vigilantes called the “tobacco-forces” is falling apart. To rebuild team spirit, their leader suggests that they meet for a week-long retreat, before returning to save the world.
I keep watching the films of Quentin Dupieux because I really loved his first film RUBBER and keep hoping that each new film of his will be as good as that one. While I usually love the soundtracks/score I am A fan of the surreal
Absurd dry humor and the ideas used seem to be there.
The film is never quite seen to rise to the occasion of their potential some are better than others but most end up somewhat disappointing until Now.
As this is one of his films that seemed to have the silliest and most ridiculous plots and I thoroughly enjoyed this throughout.
Maybe because the wraparound spoof of Power Rangers shows their cheesiness and spreads morale or message and somewhere in there the film becomes an anthology of short stories or ideas the director seems to just pull out and try out with no rhyme or reason.
The tobacco force is where each member represents an ingredient in cigarettes. Together they produce a vapor that makes their enemies explode from the cancer they give them. They also have a robot sidekick and a mentor who gives them their missions shown to be a womanizing rat puppet who always seems to have green slime coming from his mouth.
That somehow works as you keep wondering where the film Or stories that make half the film that is being told as a group bonding exercise are going, if anywhere
By the end, I actually wanted more and was disappointed the film was so short. Which Is usually the opposite of the effect some of his films have had.
The films can be hit or miss thought they are original and Definitely memorable. The film humor tends to be deadpan and dark
I wish he was still doing the scores for his own films. As he had done when he made his early Films. Which made them a bit more worthwhile overall.
Viewers beware his films aren’t for everyone and are not Like anything most have encountered they are experimental, absurdist, and surreal that employ practical effects, and can be a bit disgusting at times they are usually comedies
He is a filmmaker I will always be interested in what he is working on or is coming out but it seems the stars have to align or he has to be on a certain random wavelength for the films to truly work to his advantage as well as the audiences.
Though I won’t lie and will admit Oulaya Amamra being in the cast certainly helped convince me to watch this.
Cut To The Chase 