laurence-1 Reviews

Salsa and Love (1999)

Save your money

[3/10 · 27 July 2009]

Lame plot and two-dimensional script made characters look like cardboard cut-outs. Needless to say, this made it difficult to feel empathy for any of the characters, especially the fiancé; He looked and acted more like a cartoon. In summary, I guess you could say it was on par with your typical made for TV drama. It uses just about every cliché in the book. The tortured classical musician who wants to break-out and play salsa. The free-spirited fiancée engaged to a "bean counter" personality she doesn't love. I won't list them or else it would be a spoiler because I'd be giving away the whole plot. The dancing was OK but nothing special. I've seen worse. 3 stars for good music. The band was really tight. I saw it on YouTube. Thankfully I didn't pay good money to see it at a theater. I'm still a little shocked at how many great reviews this movie has garnished.

Chunhyang (2000)

Refreshingly Beautiful

[9/10 · 28 February 2001]

I found Chunhyang to be a beautiful Cinderella-like folktale. The story is very simple and universal. But I found myself suspending any skepticism and was completely caught up in the all the emotions the film took me through. The direction, acting, and cinematography was lush and beautiful. My response to the Pansori sequences was different than some reviewers who found it annoying. Granted, I wouldn't sit at home listening to Pansori opera on my stereo. But I found it to be a window into another culture that I've never been exposed to before. It was interesting to see the Korean audience also caught up in the emotion of the story as the Pansori told the tale. And the Pansori was also used effectively to reduce any graphic violence in the film during the violent beating of the heroine by the evil governor. I thought the concept of going up and back between the story and the Pansori telling the story was unique and brilliant. I'm surprised the film received an R rating. Any sexuality in the film was done very tastefully. I think it should have received a PG rating.

Picture Bride (1994)

A Hidden Gem

[10/10 · 28 February 2001]

This is a great film. From reading other reviews, I can see that I'm not the only one who shed a tear. Tamilyn Tomita acted with such skill and conviction, she made the ending heartfelt and memorable. In the hands of a lesser actress, her last scene would have seemed trite and corny. One would never guess this film was done on a tight, limited budget. The cinematography is gorgeous and there are a number of big name actors. The script is so wonderful, I can see why they all wanted to be in it. If you watch the long, long list of credits at the end, you'll see that half of Hawaii pitched in to make this film happen, and for good reason. The soundtrack (available on CD) is absolutely beautiful and sets the mood throughout the film. My only "complaint" is that I almost didn't want the film to end.

Rampo (1994)

out of a Floating World

[10/10 · 28 February 2001]

For the record, I gave this film a "10". It's one of my favorite films. Then again, it's not for everyone. If you're looking for a linear film that spells everything out and leaves nothing to the imagination, pass this one up. I've read criticisms that it's too disorienting and "stream of consciousness". I'm shocked at this criticism, because that's precisely what makes this film a work of art. I've seen Mystery Of Rampo half a dozen times and everytime I see it, I discover something new. There are so many metaphors and so many layers of meaning and interpretation. On one level, Shizuko is trapped by in a world that is "unreal" while Rampo is trapped in a world that is "real". And their love breaks the chains that bind them as the line between the real and the unreal disappears. All the actors are brilliant. There are no one-dimensional good or bad main characters. Michiko Hada and Naoto Tokenaka show a full range of subtle, conflicting emotions; fear, heroism, intimacy, callousness, attachment, detachment, resignation, and hope.

Michiko is hauntingly beautiful, almost other-worldly, and perfect for the part. And the difference between Naoto's character in Mystery and Shall We Dance show what an excellent actor he is. The visual metaphors, such as the increasingly elaborate doors, are brilliant. And the soundtrack is one of my favorite. It creates a magical space that envelopes the audience. While this film is incredibly beautiful and stylish, the story goes much deeper, leaving the audience to wonder over it long after the film is over.