Sea Fog (2014) Korean

Yet another stunning movie from Yun-seok Kim who is known for other movies like Chaser , The thieves yellow sea etc. In this movie Yun-seok Kim plays as captain of a Small fishing boat with minimal crew to run. As he gets economically in-stable , he decides to take up job to smuggle immigrants from China to Korea. Their task is to retrieve the immigrants in mid of a sea from another Ship and to bring them back to the shore safely. Well they did pickup the people as per the schedule but things gets catastrophic when most of the people who are to be smuggled gets killed in a Boat accident. From then on how each crew member start to act up strange and how fate ends up their Journey sour makes the rest part of the film. Movie is very good and really engaging till the end. It does even have a romance portion of it which is very supportive to the story and at same time its a perfect thriller in all sense. This is one another finest films from Korea not to be missed and a must watch for sure



Black Coal, Thin Ice (2014) Chinese

A perfect crime investigation thriller which won Golden Bear award at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival. Movie about Mysterious Murders which happened at the province of China during 1999 where dismembered Body parts of the victims were found at Coal shipments. Since these shipments came from many parts of the country , it became very difficult for the lead detectives to track the killer while led to Suspension from their duties which shamed them. Things go silent for sometime when in 2004 similar killings start to appear and these detectives step back in line to track the real killer. Will they find the killer and bring to justice , what would be the motive behind these gruesome killing remain the best part of the movie. Film is quiet slow yet it keeps moving in its own phase and definitely needs patience. Not so great film with some treat twists or surprises yet it has his own credits to it. Can be watched once for the atmosphere this movie creates.




The Target (2014) Korean

A perfect Nail biting Action thriller which is a remake of the 2010 French film Point Blank. Yeo-Hoon an ex-soldier gets framed up for the murder of a CEO and gets himself hurt in a shootout. While he gets treated at the hospital , the doctor gets a anonymous call to bring Yeo-Hoon out of hospital if he wants to save his wife. While this is on , there is another group of Mercenaries who also happen to be police personals try to find Yeo-Hoon and the doctor to cleanup the mess as they were the actual people who killed that CEO. So it becomes a cat and mouse came as Yeo-Hoon along with the doctor team up to safe his wife and also prove themself not guilty. This is a action rich film with fast phased screenplay and the tense moments are really builds up nice. Unlike many other Korean movie , this movie has a far better happy ending which is a good thing to take. Overall this is one of must watch entertaining movie not to be missed.





The Terror, LIVE (2013) Korean

An anonymous call comes to a news channel on a online talk show, the caller tells the jockey Yoon Young-hwa that he has planted a bomb on a famous Mapo bridge and that he is going to detonate it shortly if president is not apologizing onair live in reason for the people who lost their life during construction of that bridge. Realizing it to be a opportunity to gain last fame as a news Anchor and to bring more Ratings to his news channel , he changes that talk show to a live TV Show. But the reporter wouldn't have believed that his life would be getting screwed in line and that the Caller would take entire control of the news studio along with the reporter to get what he wants. From then on , it becomes a intense game of how Yoon Young-hwa handles the caller to save the life of many innocent people on that bridge. Was he able to save the people from the bomb and was the caller caught , did president apologize will be the end part of it. Movie is very thrilling and runs so fast with excellent screenplay keeping you engaged till the end.Though the ending was hard , yet it allows us to empathize on the caller and as well as the life of anchor in different angle. A must watch Crime thriller not to be missed.

My Wife Is a Gangster (2001) Korean

A complete fun riot and a fully entertaining movie. As name suggests the lead role Eun-jin is a Women ,boss for a big gangster organization. When she happen to find her Elder sister Yu-jin after many years , she comes to know the fact that her sister is Counting her last stages of her life due to disease. Yu-jin conveys her last wish to her younger sister that she wants to see her getting married before anything happens to her. Eun-jin Starts to search for a right match for her disguising herself as a normal women and finally she finds one, a very silent innocent calm man. They too get married post which how their life go further while she being a gangster and he being a simple but kind-hearted man who doesnt like to even hurt anyone accidentally. They struggle to get together and understand each other through the course of movies forms the core plot of it. There were so many moments where you just cant stop laughing and its so fun to see the way the couples get along each other character. A nice feel good movie which has action , emotion , fun , romance all together and it will a complete package for sure. Definitely worth a try.




Gangster High (2006) Korean 

A very good film on friendship about Six High-school kids who join together to form a Soccer playing club called tigers who now had to face the seniors in school who start to bully them. Every character in this six are unique and they form a great bond together while protecting each other at any cost. School life goes well for them until the time Things wrongly when one of their close friend gets killed during a street fight. How did the other guys take and what they do out of vengeance forms the rest. Movie is quiet nice with friendship as core plot and a bit on emotional side too yet Story is very usual considering it released many years back. This is definitely worth one time watch.




Tomorrowland (2015) 

Yet another wonderful movie from GC . A pure time travel film under Fantasy genre with a splendid making. Visuals are damn good and watching our future and traveling back n forth was so cool. Movie is bit on a slower side yet a jolly ride and would be a lovely concept for many. Enjoy this movie and have fun watching , yes off-course with a bit patience too.




Puli ( 2015 ) Tamil

First of all i been watching so many reviews and that everyone even before starting their review they tell them-self they are not vijay haters or ajith fan or neutral cinema goer etc..well i wont do that here..this is clearly my opinion only and its upto oneself to take it or ignore it..!!! 

I always welcome any kind of movie from lead stars be it a mass film like thuppakki or a romantic ones like kadhalukku mariyadhai but all i expect is if the film satisfies your thirst at the end or not...!!! Thats all matters for a movie freak, Chimbudevan is known for his unique handcrafted films and his different touch to fantasy subjects always impressed me and i am sure thats what he intended to do with this film...at-least he thought it to be. Well , glad that he thought about it but it doesn't end there..it is also important how you present it to the audience and not just half baked attempts.If you want to try something do it to the fullest not half hearted and if you are no sure of how to do a particular genre film an want to experiment it..dont do it at cost of a lead actors and spoil their image at first. They are definitely not your lab rats to test and this movie is a fine example to it

Initial start of the movie that animation during the title and story telling part was definitely impressive at-least for me though it again reminded me of bahubali and few other movies yet it doesn't matter as long as i like it and i did. But post that i really didnt even expect such a low standard introduction for such a star and director should have definitely taken some care towards that while he clearly knows DSP BGM and song sucks to the core. Every movie we might have few scenes that we might not like but here i have to convince myself from disliking each scene and i was like will there be any one scene which will be good to watch and it hardly came. Costume designing was worst to the core adding to poor art design both really did-not go well together especially for such a period fantasy film but thats just part of sad story which we can even digest.Even the stunts went terribly wrong giving a feel like playing DOS games all over again. Did any of you who watched this movie able to connect to any character at all ?? Did you even felt sympathy when Prabhu was at death bed or did you felt that chemistry during romance portion when Shruthi and vijay proposed or at-least thats how we need to take that scene. Even when people been tortured in the film, did it ever hit you hard to empathize their pain..answer is Big No. No characters leave a mark on us not even the worst comedy tracks which was forcefully induced to the film just like all horrible songs. Well Yendi Yendi was one good flower in a Pond filled with Mud , that was only pleasing thing in entire film and like others say when all goes bad even a slightest good feels so good and Jingiliya song was exactly that, that was the time we could take a deep breath while you been tortured to the core.

Why is everyone say that fantasy movies are made for kids, may be many miss the fact that its adults who like such films that said even cartoons then the kids itself. Because everyone has a child in them and at times these films bring that out of them. That said this movie i could see so many kids in the theater and off-course they love their star too and adding to that it was advertised as a children movie. Well let it be...but did children liked this film ? Do you even happen to see the faces of kid in theater or their mocking comments in those ages...Common guys this is a period of Avatar , Batman arkham , Xbox and PSP4 times and you tend to serve them a movie which should have been made during 90's and you expect them to take it..well no..its hard even for them and that goes to adults too. Giant robot , Super Human Samurai , Wizard of Oz those were those TV movie days and those were the period these movies satisfied us to the core but now given a movie like this is definitely a wrong choice , while bahubali kind of movie are trying to take our film industry to next level , this is definitely a unwanted or wasted attempt by Chimdudevan. If you didnot had the budget dont do it or if you lack the right resources , either take help or wait but dont spoil it and stop thinking audience lightly that they will accept anything n everything shown on screen. Times are changing Chimbudevan , please evolve with it.

CG works are little okay still while i had to hand pick few good scenes like the bridge ones or the last Magic wand breaking scene but all others are Cropped from some free provided games like angry birds , temple run or comic books like cyclops or Lilliput. Whatever be it...it doesnt come good and neither it was so bad too. Well the Black panther or leopard scene ( whatever be it ) is a exclusion and i dont wanna test my nerve with my tolerance level , lets leave it to talk about it. but yet this was definitely a amateur attempt. Shruthi presence was fine but i am not sure who asked her to do in her own voice , it was like pouring a hot oil in ear and it was totally disgusting to the core and testing our patience. The good thing was in second half she doesn't talk even a word and it was a great releif for me at-least. Why is even that Angry bird present during the entire course of the film , i really dont know which way that bird was so helpful for him except that the director might have thought that placing a talking bird with poorly made CG work might impress the audience to make themself feel comfortable that they are watching a fantasy film. Well that was a nice try but better luck to him next time. In many movies , we might feel like why the heck songs are placed without purpose into the film or induced into the script as a filler to the run-time but in this movie songs are the savior i would say. That was the only time people have chance to run out to take a deep breath and refresh them-self or for some to cry out loud in that small gap of time.Whatever be it..thanks to those placements which i am sure helped a lot.

I appreciate Vijay for picking such a movie or even giving his ears to it , its not easy for a person like his stature to pick such a subject , hats off to him still i would say him to be a little bit more careful to pick the right scripts after listening to it entirely but not the half way through while director or writer narrate it initially creating a bigger impression to get his call sheet. Body language of vijay was very very poor in this entire movie and Second half that flash back portion was intolerable to the core really..especially pulivendhan Getup was way beyond bad with just having a wig doesnt make a getup changeover , it was a big joke and if the father character was a imitation to Bahubali father character then i am really sorry , its no way even close to it or felt a spoof version of it. Vijayakumar i dont know what his role was but yet he shows up here somehow reminding Kattappa in mind but that just that....he comes and goes just like all other characters in the movie.Vedhalam kingdom were portrayed as some super-humans imitating a dracula kingdom again like in Wesley snipes blade movie or underworld movie which is good but shouldn't they really justified it with little more care then just showing them as people who can fly with blue eyes and vampire teeth. This really didnot convince themself as some powerful people but just some stoned jerks around. Poor screenplay with very usual story-line.Really very bad making failing to capture audience attention or giving a good feel towards the end.

I could keep telling this to show my frustration on this movie and that disappointment i carry in me yet i end it here considering the fact that they learn something from their mistakes and give a better product next time. But this movie will sure be left out of history and will face the dawn which is a hard reality to accept. Bad attempt and Watch it if you really have nerves n patience in you. I dont want to even say one time watch if your not the actor/Director fan. This is all my opinion only and as always ignore it if it doesnt match up to your view. thanks



Bedevilled (2010) Korean

Such a impact-full movie so disturbing and very intense yet still makes us empathize with her pain when she is shattered by her kid's loss. This flute scene towards the end was top notch and a scene which will stay in mind for a long time. A must watch movie for everyone but only for strong hearted people




National Security (2012) Korean

Movie inspired from real events based on the Brutality of Prison Torture and interrogation methods carried out at Prison Facility in Namyeong-dong Korea during year 1985. This movie closely follows life of one innocent individual who is been cruelly tortured to make him agree to all false accusation made on him and to accept that he is a spy from north Korea.The way movie carries itself makes us feel our-self in victims place as he suffocates at various interrogation methods and its heart wrenching to even think of what these people went through in such Camps while they been tortured to death. Movie is very disturbing and heart throbbing yet luckily movie ended much better then a sad ending. Watch it if you are strong hearted but be sure it will stay in your mind for ever.


The Berlin File (2013) Korean

Movie is about a North Korean agent whose loyalty is been doubted by his own people when few agents frame him up as a betrayer and they begin to eliminate him in the process. Knowing how he is been treated by his own people , he starts to make the slate clean by joining his hands with South Korean official to bring the wrong people down. It becomes a huge manhunt when other countries CIA agents and secret services also get involved in it and it becomes a run for life till the end. Will he survive from all the attacks and will he be able to tackle the plans in which he was setup and framed from the beginning will be the rest of the story. Movie runs so fast and engaging till the end , A perfect action packed thriller keeps you at your toes till the last minute. Definitely a must watch movie for all action movie likers.


The City of Violence (2006) Korean

Story about five close friends from childhood , in which four of them happen to meet after 10 years in a funeral of one of their friend who had been murdered by local thugs. One of the four being a detective in nearby city , he along with his other friend starts to investigate the crime to identify the real killer who murdered their close friend. At-last when they did find out the murderer, things would be no more easy for them as battle erupts in vengeance while bringing the killer to justice. Did all survive the battle and whats  the fate of the killer forms the rest. This film is a complete action entertainer with too many action sequences and definitely worth watching it. 


 


Election (2005) | Election II (2006) Cantonese

Movie is based on Life of Gangsters under organized crime society called Triads and also about how their Elections take place every 2 years for the position of Chairman. A perfect godfather kind of film but a Chinese version and a very engaging one too. The way these crime family operates were captured in this movie in detail and how one steps over the other to gain the title yet sticking to the tradition and rules of triads were wonderfully portrayed. Movie is not that bloodshed gory like in other gangster movies yet this also has its chilling moments. Second part was more brisk then the prior as it had to buildup the foundation for the film and the sequal was much engaging , still one has to see both parts to understand this film. Definitely a worthy watch for sure.


Broken (2014) Korean

A small family with just a father & daughter living a peaceful calm life gets shattered when few school students kidnap his only daughter committing rape and murder. When he happens to see a video torturing his only girl , he couldn't take it more and goes on a killing spree with vengeance on those guys who committed this act. From then on it becomes a cat and mouse game for him and the police after every kill following which he manages to track down others in motive of punishing everyone responsible for this crime. Did he succeed killing everyone or did he call himself in to the police custody, what happens to the justice if its served forms the other part of it . Movie is so deep and emotional , which allows us to understand the feelings of a broken father irrespective of fact that he is committing a crime. Last few scenes are so melancholic and touchy but yet a wonderful movie all along. This is a perfect revenge drama definitely not to be missed.

The Client (2011) Korean

A person gets convicted on Charges against murdering his wife and brought to trail in-front of Juries. There is no evidence present or even dead body of the victim but circumstantial evidence all points to his husband killing her on basis of suspecting her character and also the same person was suspected for another serial killing in nearby city. This shortly becomes a battle between Defense Attorney and Public Prosecutor to prove if he is guilty or Not , whether a person can be convicted without evidence and with reasonable doubts. Did he kill his wife , Is he a psychopath as all say or if he didn't then who killed his wife are answered in remaining part of the movie. Though the movie might look predictable yet the way events flip flop each time keeps us guessing till the end. Last few minutes with some stunning surprises as we may usually expect was excellent and this movie is a wonderful court room drama cum thriller all together. Worth watching.

Breathless (2009) Korean

Story about a Loan shark Sang-Hoon who is sent out every day for money collection by his boss cum close friend. Sang-Hoon is known for his short temper and anger but he also gets job done which are given to him. Though he has a father , sister and a nephew yet he leads his life so careless and enjoys his life one day a time until a girl comes into picture. Slowly when he realizes that the girl is a suitable match and at same time he starts to care for his family , he decides to quit his job to lead a peaceful and normal life and conveys the same to his friend. Did things go well for him , did everything fall in place as he wished forms the rest of the story. Movie is slow paced yet a wonderful drama with mixed emotions and screenplay is so good that we wont feel sluggish at any instance. This movie also won many awards in many film festivals and unlike other action oriented Korean films this movie stays unique and good. Definitely worth trying but with little patience.

The Unjust (2010) Korean

A perfect battle between Cop vs Public Prosecutor over the verge of gaining Power and inturn providing support their rich client as needed. But things get messed up when a long pending case of a murderer targeting elementary school students comes to their table. Lot of false play , tampering of evidence , Perjury happens in course of time to save their own department reputation yet costing so many innocent life in this process. How injustice is a two sided knife is beautifully portrayed in this film. This is not a action packed movie but definitely a very good crime thriller.


Hwayi: A Monster Boy ( 2013 ) Korean

A movie with Yun-seok Kim as Lead role who is well known for movies like  The thieves , Chaser , Yellow sea and few more. This movie is about a boy raised by a Family of ruthless killers who are well known as Day breakers for their Robbery attempts followed by ruthless murders making the crime scene victim-less. This boy starts to call everyone as dad and they in-turn care him so much and at same time they train him so hard as a killing machine. Things goes complete south when this boy gets to know the true identity of his birth and about his real parents following which leads to a battle between family. How things gets totally messed up at the end with complete blood shed forms rest of the story. Movie is quiet gruesome yet it still keeps us on our toes. Though the family is so sadistic yet they are awkwardly caring towards the boy and Last few minutes of the movie exactly proves that n its quiet emotional too.This is definitely one best movie not to be missed but be sure this is for strong hearted. Don't Miss it.


 

Fate (2008) Korean

Four friends plot a heist to hijack a club owned by their boss for money but when plans go wrong one person takes the fall and goes to Prison while others are let free in return. But when he gets released from jail , things are no more the same as his other friends are scattered in different direction and one of  them who actually betrayed him in the heist becomes head of a gang which run in that place. So how our protagonist try to take the life back with control becomes the core plot yet the ending is total chaos towards destruction which we can very much expect from a Korean film. But overall a perfect high octane action movie not to be missed and will sure entertain till the end.



Killers (2014) Japanese

Two killers at different location form a strange bond over Internet because of their obsession over killing. How their fate end up when they meet together at last forms the core plot of the film. How one manipulate the other and how killing becomes a passion for them slowly is perfectly captured in this movie , though its not that gruesome as other slasher films yet there was much a content into this and how their life leads to destruction was portrayed perfectly here. Lead character role was apt and perfectly played out and overall this is one other engaging thriller movie not to be missed.




Tough as Iron ( 2013 ) Korean

Yet another Korean action film were our hero is a known street fighter now leading a reformed calm life because of his sick mother and things stay well for him till a point were he needs more money for his mother treatment for organ transplant. So how this leads him back to his past life getting himself under a gang-lord and how he manages to come from their clutches at the end forms the core plot. This is not all in out action flick but there is a bit of emotional side with mother sentiment and other side with romance , friendship forming itself a beautiful package all-together. Ending was quiet good unlike other film and fights , action sequences were better too. Definitely a worthy film to watch and enjoy but with little patience.

Friend: The Great Legacy ( 2013) Korean

Sequel to a great Film Friend ( 2001 ), this film Part 2 which released on 2013 is no less then its predecessor & sure a worth watch. Movie is about a person who gets locked up in Prison for 17 years and when he gets released , his reputation is no more and as he comes to realize the plot to overthrow him to capture the power over his region , he takes things in his hand handles it in his own style to get the control back. What matters is how well story gets moved every frame giving a perfect gangster movie feel at every minute. Adding to that is the uniquely placed Style quotient for every Korean gangster film and this movie does it pretty good in that department too. Flash back portion of his dad becoming head of this gang and connection over a Rolex watch was too good. Last 5 min of the film could have been little different though but i believe its a clue for sequel.Overall a must watch flick not to be missed.

Gangnam 1970 (2015) Korean

Story of Two friends who were orphan n homeless once but now are a key members of two important gangs in South Korea. They manage their friendship irrespective how their gangs each other so much and till a point were things go miserably wrong were they had to end up facing each other in a life or death situation. Will they still remain as close friends till the end forms the core part of the movie. Action sequences are very impressive though gory at most. Movie is very confusing initially as identifying people by their faces becomes much difficult but as movie progress , it becomes more clear. This is not pure all in out action film because it adds more drama to it , yet action movie freaks will not be disappointed by it. Another worthy Korean film to try.

Triad (2012) Cantonese

A perfect Chinese Gangster film about rise and fall of three childhood friends who rise to high position within Triads and their downfall soon after. Movie is so brutal brings the true nature of politics within Gangster Organization and how Elections are held with so much blood shed everywhere. Film is quite engaging though as it also touches friendship , love and care , Brother Patrick role was very good in the film and sure to be a character which will stay in our memories. Overall a worthy movie to see.

The Attorney (2013) Korean

Yet another beautiful film from Kang-ho Song who is known for movies like Host , Thirst , Memories of Murder etc.. Movie is about a Tax attorney Woo-seok who decides to fight against injustice done to few teenagers who are arrested under National law for no reason and Tortured to get their confession for the crimes they didn't commit. Though Woo-seok knows its a very dangerous path to take yet he abides by law and upholds his stand in support to the innocents till the end. Movie also portrays Woo-seok struggle in his early life and how he reached to a good position with great commitment and hard-work makes a good balance to this story. Though movie sound like a court room drama its rather gripping and quiet interesting till the end. Definitely yet another very good Korean film to my collection. Have fun watching.




Suspect X ( 2008 ) Japanese

A perfect mystery-thriller movie right from the start !! How far one would go to protect someone he loves , this movie is exactly that. A brilliant mathematics teacher Tetsuya Ishigami falls in love with a beautiful girl next door who is a divorcee. But she had to kill her ex husband accidentally , how Tetsuya Ishigami handles the situation to protect her and keep her away from investigation falls the rest of the film. At one point we might even think at a psychopathic angle but last few minutes would blow up our minds with all but just love. The way this movie ended was brilliant instead of regular cliche ones and more to that it was very emotional and touchy. A very good romantic tale yet a brilliant Crime investigation thriller not to be missed. A bit on a slower side but must watch for sure.




Unbowed (2012)

 Excellent movie based on true story , on how one man stands against an Illegal prosecution in court unbowed and how he uses law against his favor to win his trails in court room. Though its kind of a court room drama it still keeps you engaged till the end especially considering the fact its all based on true events. A worthy Korean film not to be missed.

Take the Lead ( 2004 ) :

Could dance express more things then we see...well this movie would say it all...!! Based on true story about how a dance teacher prepares a high school students for a ballroom dance competition making them understand this form of out while Hip Hop was dominating everywhere. This might not appeal for many if you dont understand this form of art but still there is a hidden beauty within it especially the way Antonio Banderas express it to us . His performance is a catchy factor in this film .Overall a good film to be experienced especially if you are a dance lover who can understand the soul behind it. For others watch it for Antonio Banderas performance.

The Double Life of Veronique (1991) 

Yet another wonderful film from colors trilogy director Krzysztof Kieślowski. Movie travels on two directions covering the life of two women in different continent and how movie reveals itself on how their life coexist with circumstances giving a deep meaning to life itself. Unique concept but such a appealing one supported by a breezy Background music. Definitely a movie not to be missed which can give you a different experience at the end and its kind of mind bending too. Must watch for film lovers.




Mission Impossible Rogue Nation ( 2015 )

Average fair , except one or two good stunt sequences there is nothing so engaging in this film. They created a new organization just for the sequel sake and they destroyed it at the end as usual. Similar Encryption decryption , Facial Recognition , Thumb drive , Retina Scan , Biometric scan , Vault , Break , Passcode and same cliche formula with few more gadgets at disposal. Just go n watch if you are very bored and have nothing else to do




Midnight in Paris (2011)

Paris 'n' Love , there cant be any better combo then this. With a dazzling performance from Marion Cotillard and along with her beauty  this movie manages to capture your attention entirely. Started off as a simple script but how soon it changed itself intro a fantasy cum time travel movie was jaw dropping and really loved the way many famous personalities been introduced into this film with such a awesome concept at work. Owen Wilson also played his part well in this film and for sure this is one of unique concepts i seen so far .Movie was so mesmerizing bringing the history n beauty of Paris in-front of your eyes and places itself into must watch list.