Pethushka

A very powerful cinematic experience that I can't give a full score to just because of the state of mind, even despair, it sent me into. After all the pressure about getting married and having kids that I got during my Christmas visits – as a thirty-something, long-engaged girl – now the threat of divorce is now creeping into my thoughts. Thanks, I really needed that. Maybe I'm being a little too open about my private life, but that's largely due to this movie. It wasn’t just the dialogue and the differing attitudes of the man and woman that stirred a lot of emotions in me. It's brilliantly acted, written, and filmed, but also exhausting in its own way... 4.5 stars.

A very enjoyable romance with no real surprises except for a good sense of humor. Just what I was craving after an exhausting baking session three days before Christmas Eve. I've been even less strict than usual in my reviews lately, and I'll continue that trend with this one. The only thing is that I don't share the passion for Keanu Reeves. 3.5 stars.

So I've been kicking it around in my head and I’m going to stick with the highest rating. I got everything I'd expect from a new Star Wars installment, the original atmosphere wasn't compromised, and actually the whole thing was enjoyable to watch. I can understand diehard fans being annoyed that the filmmakers are accommodating the viewer so much, making the legend more readable for those who only come to the film by chance. But isn't that kind of a logical step? We can debate whether it's right or not. For me, it's a weaker 5 stars.

Once again, Netflix has managed to slip me a series that I didn't even know existed, let alone planned to watch. Yeah, and because it was so catchy and immediately drew me into the plot with its realistic and natural style, I ended up giving it a go almost in one sitting. The lead actress was very likable, as was the soundtrack and the Norwegian atmosphere, which I completely drank in. I really enjoyed it. And the second season perhaps even more so, 5 stars.

So many beautiful scenes and so many amazing characters that got so many tears out of me. Korean history is sad, and even though this series didn't quite stick to it, I can imagine similar stories happening. I still need to let it settle a bit, but I'm clear about my rating. The creators have underestimated absolutely nothing, everything is fleshed out to the last detail, and every scene and shot is basically perfect. One of the finest Korean works. 5 stars.

So, for a while I thought that this time I would come up with a really good review that would carry some weight and maybe even get someone to watch the series. The result scared even me, but maybe there's a similarly emotional individual here who will understand and we can agree that this is definitely not just a mediocre affair. The chemistry between the actors is so damn strong that I can't believe they were just acting it all out. The characters, and the story in general, develop in an unusual way that just made me happy. The dialogue makes sense, the characters have a mind of their own, but at the same time they respect each other. Things like divorce are not a dirty word, the kisses feel genuine. And then there's the kitchen... that's where I fell in love repeatedly, several times over. I don't understand at all how the actors managed to master all the cooking, chopping, and stirring motions to make it look like it's been their profession all their lives. The preparation of any dish was a concert for the eyes. Every shot was polished to a tee. And the best part was that you could feel love for food in every moment. I'll definitely be looking into this writer more, because if all the scripts she writes are this imaginative, uncomplicated, and funny then I want to see everything she's ever written. And I bet my enthusiasm is largely due to her work. I'm ashamed that I expected so little from a show that has given me so much. As a lover of food and Hyeok Jang, I can't rate it any other way. And I would probably rate it that way even if my hero wasn't there. Although I definitely wouldn't want to lose that character of his, much of which he played like Kazma. Heartwarming... 5 stars.

If Ramba’s in it, it's a given that it's not going to suck. And not just that clever girl but the whole bunch of her colleagues gave it their all. It was so damn real I wanted to cover my eyes. I know this, I've heard this, I hear this a lot, that's exactly it, I can't believe it. These were the thoughts going through my head. The kind of atmosphere that makes you want to escape, but at the same time you want more. I’m not giving it full marks because I didn't like the ending of the film at all. And by that I don't mean how it ended, but the manner in which it ended. I didn't like the choice of music and the last 5 minutes or so evoked mixed feelings in me. Otherwise, it was awesome. 4.5 stars.

Hotel Del Luna was spectacular from the start, breathtaking and amazing ideas oozed out of it in every episode. And in the midst of that magical world, IU, who is undoubtedly the star of the show, shines and moves. Apart from the work of the writers and the acting talent, one could highlight the beautiful cinematography, the original costumes, the spectacular interiors, the wonderful soundtrack... and so on. It's almost as if the whole thing is perfect. But it's not, the script has its minor flaws (read: some repetitive, drawn out passages) and I noticed some actors who didn't seem to have quite developed their talent yet. Still, I was fully absorbed (especially towards the end). 4.5 stars.

I didn't think the film was too believable but in the end I can say with a clear conscience that it was quite fun. It wasn't completely without ideas, or lacking in action, fun, or love. The acting was, I think, just fine. I don't always crave a strong mega movie that will tear me to shreds. I may forget this one in time, but I was entertained for the entire two hours. 3.5 stars.

Sewol is one of the biggest disasters of our time for Koreans, and traces of it are still recalled "everywhere". I confess I have no idea how many films based on this tragedy have been made, but this one says it all. It doesn't tell the story of that day (that would be unbearable in my opinion), but it does focus on the bereaved family, and it does so in a way that is both very sensitive and very raw. I felt like I was really watching one unhappy family who would like to keep living and functioning, but without one of their own, they simply can’t, and it doesn't seem fair either. It's an incredible struggle for each of them, and it's almost impossible for the viewer not to cry with them. I very much hope that the film will eventually find an audience here, because it definitely deserves attention.