Pethushka

Silenced has such a strong story that it almost overshadows all the other qualities of the film (and there are plenty). It gave me goosebumps and I felt a huge sense of helplessness with them. The most important part of it, of course, is the human side of it, and the fact that something like this can happen at all. And any film that can point to something like that and move people's hearts with its treatment deserves an award. But as I said, the film has other qualities as well. The child acting is incredible, Yoo Gong is as always a quality actor (at least for me), and that beautiful chilling music... 5 stars

It seemed like a good comedy in the first few minutes, but then the plot started to revolve around characters I didn't really like. With each perverted joke I was more and more longing for the ending. I was quite disappointed with the denouement, although I guess no brilliance was expected. Not really my cup of tea. 2.5 stars.

To be honest, I wasn't expecting that much from this movie. Min-ah Shin fit her role tremendously (not that she ever hasn’t). I really enjoyed all of her expressions, awkwardness, and movements. I also raved about the music, which immediately got into my head. The romance aspect is right up my alley, the flashbacks were a nice touch. The only thing that bored me a bit was the storyline about the wuxia of the fathers. 4.5 stars.

I'm kinda sorry I wasn't more impressed with this movie, as the leads are some of my favorite actors. I can't say I'm disappointed in them here, at all, but I think the combination of the two could have been used better. The cinematography is really beautiful, the music is wonderful, but the story lacks a little more substance. I still found some beauty and meaning in it. 3.5 stars.

A light crime film that doesn't push the dramatic side unnecessarily. Everything, including the leads, is pleasantly stylish and unexpectedly upbeat. The plot runs at a pretty solid pace from the very beginning, so there's no time for boredom. The music is beautiful and I have nothing to critique. 4.5 stars.

This movie is beautiful with its unique story, atmosphere, and great actors (especially Woo-seong Kam and Joon-gi Lee). I've met most of them before, but their performances here were the best ever. I can't say that I completely understood the actions of all the characters, but I guess it's enough to get the point of the film. I marveled at the sequences with the conjurers. 4.5 stars.

I don't expect much from Czech films these days. That's why it makes me happy when I come across a comedy that at least somewhat avoids awkward attempts at wit that make me almost ashamed of the filmmakers. Here, the level of humor is just about maintained. I don't dare address the mistakes of 1989, because I wasn't even born then. :) Mádl was as good as ever. I definitely got more than I expected. 3.5 stars.

The script of the film is nice, but not that imaginative. I actually feel like I've seen a few movies like this before. But that wouldn't matter so much because it still has something of its own. I'm more bothered by the fact that the love storyline isn't very polished from the beginning. Shi-yeon Park is still quite young here, and I felt like she couldn't express herself properly. Or maybe she just wasn't right for the role. Either way, I'm usually happier with her. 3.5 stars.

If you're deciding whether to watch the IRIS series, go for it and save this movie for later. Because it probably won't work the other way around. It's more of an editing job that doesn't really capture the individual characters, their feelings, etc. That's why I think for those who haven't seen the series, this movie is almost pointless. Otherwise, it's a nice reminder of one of the best South Korean series. Out of respect for the series... 4 stars.

A classic Thai romantic comedy that, while it doesn’t offer much in the way of surprises, definitely has its merits. Some of the stories intrigued me more, some a little less. Maybe it would have been better to focus in more detail on maybe just two stories. But I have to admit that the Thais have a great handle on atmosphere and there is always an optimistic energy. Moreover, the film and the actors look absolutely natural. 3.5 stars.