Several Short Film Reviews
I haven't had the time to sit down and actually write out a real review so, I'm just going to give a gist and a rating!
02
Film: The Shining
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Year: 1980
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall
The tagline is correct. This movie is a masterpiece in horror and in film. I was stunned, impressed beyond my wildest imagination. I even went out to buy the book. First off, I'm not a fan of Jack Nicholson but his performance in this film was just other-worldly. He's an amazing actor in an amazingly directed film. I am not an expert in any stretch of the imagination on the history of horror movies but I get the sense that a lot of your Asian horror directors especially are inspired by this particular film, it's seemingly random images at times alongside the idea of reincarnation. I was glued to the screen. I hung on every piece of dialogue. It was spectacular.
Mr Rating: 10/10
03
Film: The Woman in Black
Director: James Watkin
Year: 2012
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds
This film was somewhat enjoyable. I have to say though that I was disappointed. From some of the reviews I had heard prior to watching the film, I assumed that it was going to be much better than it was. The plot line moved a bit too fast, the characters were unsubstantial and there was other ridiculous elements to the over general construction. One thing that the film did that I believe made it worse was including too many scary parts. Mystery is an important part of horror and film could do well with patience and holding back on some levels. But it nevertheless was interesting enough to keep you watching. But very forgettable.
My Rating: 5/10
04
Film: Dumplings (Short Film Version)
Director: Fruit Chan
Year: 2004
Starring: Miriam Yeung, Bai Ling
This short film was phenomenal. Not for the feint of heart or stomach however. What I really love about it was not only was the cinematography stunning and beautiful especially the color composition but just how well the film used a horrific concept to comment on our modern day society. In short, the film is about this aging actress who goes to this witch of sorts who feeds her dumpling stuffed with the flesh of aborted fetuses to keep her young. Like I said, not for the feint. Watching it actually raised my blood pressure which isn't easy at all to do. After this, I am convinced to watch more of Fruit Chan's films.
My Rating: 9/10
05
Film: Cut
Director: Park Chan-Wook
Year: 2004
Starring: Lee Byung-hun, Lim Won-hie
This short film appeared in the same compilation as Dumplings called "Three...Extremes" featuring three short films from three Asian Horror directors. But to get on with the review....Now, if the first one was great, I will have to say that this one is even better. This is the perfect example of what a dark comedy should be like (reference my last review XD). I actually legitimately laughed and then at times was absolutely disturbed. This film was like a mix of Tarantino, Miike (when he's good), and some other sort of crazy I just can't place. I adored it with a passion.
My Rating: 10/10
I would review the 3rd film, Box by Takashi Miike but I honestly couldn't get to the end and because I didn't, I don't feel that I have the right to rate or review it. To be frank, it came off a bit stereotypical, something more along the lines one would expect from Kiyoshi Kurosawa (although his are much better). The characters-in seemingly true Japanese fashion, all lacked personality to such an extreme that you found it difficult to care for them. Maybe I am wrong. Perhaps if I stuck with it, it would have been better. But this wasn't the first time Miike has disappointed me. If I remember correctly, he directed Crow's Zero which I can't stand. Sorry to all those out there who liked it. I think you may have to rethink your reasons since I am convinced that most who enjoy the film only like the pretty boys XDD
Well that's all for now! Until next time~
Film count: 5/100
02
Film: The Shining
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Year: 1980
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall
The tagline is correct. This movie is a masterpiece in horror and in film. I was stunned, impressed beyond my wildest imagination. I even went out to buy the book. First off, I'm not a fan of Jack Nicholson but his performance in this film was just other-worldly. He's an amazing actor in an amazingly directed film. I am not an expert in any stretch of the imagination on the history of horror movies but I get the sense that a lot of your Asian horror directors especially are inspired by this particular film, it's seemingly random images at times alongside the idea of reincarnation. I was glued to the screen. I hung on every piece of dialogue. It was spectacular.
Mr Rating: 10/10
03
Film: The Woman in Black
Director: James Watkin
Year: 2012
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds
This film was somewhat enjoyable. I have to say though that I was disappointed. From some of the reviews I had heard prior to watching the film, I assumed that it was going to be much better than it was. The plot line moved a bit too fast, the characters were unsubstantial and there was other ridiculous elements to the over general construction. One thing that the film did that I believe made it worse was including too many scary parts. Mystery is an important part of horror and film could do well with patience and holding back on some levels. But it nevertheless was interesting enough to keep you watching. But very forgettable.
My Rating: 5/10
04
Film: Dumplings (Short Film Version)
Director: Fruit Chan
Year: 2004
Starring: Miriam Yeung, Bai Ling
This short film was phenomenal. Not for the feint of heart or stomach however. What I really love about it was not only was the cinematography stunning and beautiful especially the color composition but just how well the film used a horrific concept to comment on our modern day society. In short, the film is about this aging actress who goes to this witch of sorts who feeds her dumpling stuffed with the flesh of aborted fetuses to keep her young. Like I said, not for the feint. Watching it actually raised my blood pressure which isn't easy at all to do. After this, I am convinced to watch more of Fruit Chan's films.
My Rating: 9/10
05
Film: Cut
Director: Park Chan-Wook
Year: 2004
Starring: Lee Byung-hun, Lim Won-hie
This short film appeared in the same compilation as Dumplings called "Three...Extremes" featuring three short films from three Asian Horror directors. But to get on with the review....Now, if the first one was great, I will have to say that this one is even better. This is the perfect example of what a dark comedy should be like (reference my last review XD). I actually legitimately laughed and then at times was absolutely disturbed. This film was like a mix of Tarantino, Miike (when he's good), and some other sort of crazy I just can't place. I adored it with a passion.
My Rating: 10/10
I would review the 3rd film, Box by Takashi Miike but I honestly couldn't get to the end and because I didn't, I don't feel that I have the right to rate or review it. To be frank, it came off a bit stereotypical, something more along the lines one would expect from Kiyoshi Kurosawa (although his are much better). The characters-in seemingly true Japanese fashion, all lacked personality to such an extreme that you found it difficult to care for them. Maybe I am wrong. Perhaps if I stuck with it, it would have been better. But this wasn't the first time Miike has disappointed me. If I remember correctly, he directed Crow's Zero which I can't stand. Sorry to all those out there who liked it. I think you may have to rethink your reasons since I am convinced that most who enjoy the film only like the pretty boys XDD
Well that's all for now! Until next time~
Film count: 5/100