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Japan Sinks: People of Hope (2021)
A morally grey human political drama.
*This review was written on 11/30 sitting at Episode 7.
The 2021 rendition of the Japanese novel ''Nihon Chinbotsu'' (lit. Japan Sinks) is nothing like the 2006 remake ''The sinking of Japan'' and the Netflix adaptation ''Japan Sinks 2020''.
For viewers expecting something similar would be disappointed to find that the 2021 drama is closer to being a modern adaptation of the novel.
Japan Sinks: People of Hope focuses on the science behind the impending catastrophe and the political warfare that ensues.
The drama does well in capturing the social commentary in not just the Japanese Government itself, but also the modern social mentality. Denial, lies, deception, contempt, pride, conspiracy and ego. How far will you go to protect what you deem important; this is portrayed clearly in the show with it's myriad of characters.
However, not everything is black and white. Every opposing side comes with compelling arguments that makes you think. An impending disaster of this scale is something that no one can undertake lightly.
Can you really trust the science? Do you tell the nation of the coming disaster, throwing the country into a panic? Or do you keep it a secret to prevent panic and protect the economy?
Of course, as the viewer, all actions saving the people is the ''morally correct'' choice. But that is only in hindsight that we know what will happen; it's literally in the title. However, for the characters, this is an uncertain future. The show does well in creating a narrative that isn't a one-sided steamroll.
The social/political commentary also reflects the current situation we are in with covid-19. The world was warned of an impending worldwide pandemic, and there were those who panicked, those in denial and those who moved to protect the people.
Here, the government is warned of a potential disaster from a crazy Professor. The characters react realistically, all moving to protect what they hold dear, be it saving the people, protecting the economy, the culture and history, or saving the pride of the nation.
The show can seem slow and the first episode does start on low gear. However, every episode is packed. There is no filler, with every scene playing an integral part of the grander story.
However, the majority of the story is political. To some, this may be awe-inspiring enough to fall asleep. However, for those who find it interesting, the human political drama is captivating.
However, the small budget is apparent with the special effects. While it is not entirely horrible, it's nothing to talk about. Perhaps they saved the budget for bigger events in future episodes. But 7 episodes in, it does leave much to desire.
The cast also has many exceptional names. Major roles are well portrayed to their core characters by their respective actors, giving a convincing interaction.
Though, some characters do fall flat. Besides major characters, some side characters feel like paperweight cliches. Fortunately, not enough to become too jarring from the viewing experience.
I cannot say that you will enjoy this show. But, if this interests you, perhaps give it a try.
2067 (2020)
A bunch of big ideas. Failure to conceptualize.
I don't normally write a negative review... as I like even the most odd B-grade movies. But this is a unique one.
Though I can't rate it a one. There is some merit to it.
The film has a nice concept. Many big ideas. Overall, on paper, it probably seemed like an amazing idea. All the basic fundamentals are there. But the production was all over the place. There was A LOT of ambition and you can kinda see that. The music and CGI are actually not that bad.
On a technically standpoint, it's not ''bad'', just missed the mark and wasn't able to fully show their cards the way they wanted to, or in someways, they didn't know how.
There were a lot of hit and misses.
For example; casting. The cast was overall, average. Some were good and some were just outright... a one foot splinter sticking out of an unfinished grand piano. There was one particular character who was obviously designed to be the posh Company Director that every syfy has, ever. And dear lord. Whenever this actor was on screen, it suddenly turned from cinema film to weekday TV Auzzy soap drama. It was just completely out of place, bringing down the production value on screen completely. I've never experienced this with a film.
The characters also had no real synergy or connection with each other. They weren't exactly bland, but we never really got to connect with them either.
The special effects on the other hand, were actually pretty good. There was a lot of potential to create a vast world within the film, but they wasted it. And the most impressive shots were only used a handful of times. They had a lot of grandeur and ambition, but I feel that it was limited by budget.
The film sets up an amazing set, that is never used.
The story was also a hit and a miss. The plot twists were good, but the building blocks leading up to the climax... ultimately made no sense.
The film felt like a dream project you started. You start with this small idea, which just grew and grew over time, into this massive snowball. And you want to make it into a snowman, but it's just so big, you don't know how to actually contain all that snow. And by the time, you finish building the snowman? It's an unpolished mess with cracks and holes everywhere.
That's what this film felt like. And I just checked the wiki while I am writing this sentence. The Director came up with the idea in 2005. So I guess I'm not too far off.
Overall, I personally give this a 5/10. It was still watchable. And I still enjoyed it to a point. Will I ever watch it again? Probably not. Most likely by 2021, I'd have forgotten that I ever watched this film.
Colossal (2016)
Strangely big, but alluringly small.
I had no idea this movie existed until I stumbled upon it on Amazon Prime Japan. I had some free time, so I decided to give it a watch.
Unfortunately the Japanese title of the film made the premise almost too obvious, unlike the original title which was vaguely big, but small at the same time.
Still, I didn't know what to expect.
At first I thought it was a Korean movie. Then a Korean kaiju movie. Then suddenly it was an American soap drama. The first portion of the film sort of sent me all sorts of places, but it did kinda make me interested in seeing more.
The film had big ideas. Huge ideas. Massive ideas... Okay I'll stop...
Unfortunately, while it was interesting, the story had a lot of holes. The big question was eventually answered, which cleared out the head of the movie. But there was just so many small, a lot of small details that was missing.
Granted, I don't always expect films to spoonfeed me all the details. Like some films can be very subtle with it's plot and messages, where the viewer has to have a keen eye to discover such details. However, even if this film was made to be like that; it's not that kind of movie. There was no real overarching message or purpose to the plot. Just a bunch of big ideas sewn together. Despite that I still enjoyed the film. It was a good watch.
The main problem that I noticed was that the characters had no... purpose? There was hardly any development. They characters were, relatively, in a way, quite well made? The main and supporting cast had clear characters. And they all had personal issues within the film. But none of it is really looked into. The film shows all these small details about the characters, of which none are actually resolved or even answered. But due to the ''bigger'' problem, this seemed like a minor missing detail while actually watching the film. But there were indeed some points where you just question ''...but why?''.
Some of the questions were answered in the end...? I think...? However, they didn't go further into the answer, which just created another question formed from the answer. Which left me scratching my head, because it just kinda glossed over what seemed like a pivotal point for the characters and the plot. It was these small, but unassumingly big points missing from the film, which made it look like a big puzzle with missing pieces. You can still see the overall image, but you are missing a lot of minute details.
Despite all of this; I still enjoyed the film. It's not colossal, but nor is it minuscule.
It's a fun watch despite it's flaws. Best to watch while eating dinner, something like that.
Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)
The most wholesome Marvel movie to date.
Peter Parker is not Iron Man. Iron Man is not Spider Man, Spider Man is not Iron Man.
The truth is; he is Peter Parker.
The film really helped flesh out Peter as a character. It may seem like Marvel is trying to fill Tony's gap with another character and while they do share some similarities, we are seeing something completely new.
I love all of the Spider Man films and this, by far is my most favorite rendition of the character. His character feels so human and real, like it almost hits you somewhere that's somewhat familiar.
The best part of this film was the very awkward, awkwardly realistic his relationship with MJ was. It was very fresh and wholesome and I love where they are going with it. And they probably showed the most realistic swing date reaction, like you know that's how a person would react normally.
I am really looking forward to the future of the next phase of the Marvel franchise and hope to see this version of Spider Man take the lead.
And I swear, I solemnly swear... if Sony or Disney, or whomever cancels this rendition of Spider Man...
''You and I will be going to another funeral''.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Finally a deserving adapation of Gunmm.
As a long time fan of the original manga, I have waited long and long time again, for the day Gunmm received the adaptation it truly deserved.
The wait has finally ended.
Alita: Battle Angel, in my opinion, has successfully brought the story to the big screen. The film adapted the core essence of the original manga perfectly.
Many people say that the story is shallow and lacking, but that's exactly how it was in the original. Just as Gally (Alita) was lost and confused about who she is and what her purpose was, the opening arc of the original manga was also just a mash of short story arcs that took Gally into a chaotic chase to find answers. I was actually pleasantly surprised that they were able to jam so much of it into a 2 hour film, while still retaining the core elements.
Many people, including fans, were concerned about the large eyes of Gally. I too was concerned a little... but just like everything else I am concerned about, I knew I would eventually come to like it. And I did. The way that Gally is introduced into the story as a ''cyborg'' and seeing how there are various other mechanical beings of various shapes and sizes with distinct characteristics, Gally did not feel or look out of place.
Though I did find Gally's introduction to be... underwhelming. To those who read the original may understand what I mean. It is an iconic moment of Gally's initial ''awakening''. But I do kinda of understand why they would have left this part out, perhaps it was to give Gally a more human connection... which I do approve of... as... she is actually a... human.... *coughspoilers*.
Putting story aside, the action. Action, action and action. Bravo. Besides Gally's quest for self discovery, the fights showing off Gally's just complete epic badassery battle sequences was a staple in the original. And the film did not disappoint. The film brought the already amazing battle sequences made in stationary images from a manga and made it even better on film.
As a fan of the manga and as a fan of sci-fi films, this was a great adaptation. Not perfect to every degree, but perfect enough.
Just hope we don't have to wait as long for the sequel.
I am looking forward to Nova's maniacal laughs.
Yeom-lyeok (2018)
Simple, yet, witty.
This is my very first review, so let me introduce myself.
I am half Korean, half Japanese, raised in an English speaking country of all places. I'm a self proclaimed movie maniac who enjoys movies as they are.
Alright, let's move on.
When I heard about this movie and saw the trailer, this reminded me titles like Hancock and Inuyashiki. Perhaps some of you reading this may thought of that too.
Are they similar? I'd say yes, but it takes a surprising fresh take.
The premise of the film is quite ridiculous and the film well knowingly understands it's own ridiculousness. But that is the very charm of the film, it doesn't try to hide it. It's very down-to-the-earth witty in it's own terms.
The story is quite simple and cliche, in terms of International standards, heck even in Korea cinema, it's been done before, minus the hero elements. But it's the simplicity of using social issues in Korea that creates the working story. If you have watched the film ''Holiday'', you'd find some similarities that point towards power abuse in the growing economic power in Asia, where weak minorities are given no slack and are simply pushed around like slaves. It's something that as a Korean viewer can easily relate to, which makes the simple story very human. Unlike films like Avengers or Hancock, where the issues are caused by ''inhuman'' plots. Not to take jabs at those movie though, I loved the latest film.
Despite the somewhat dark undertone, it doesn't focus on that as some sort of political statement, but rather a crude satire. The film really doesn't hold back on it's comedy aspects, which a lot of Korean movies are known for. If you enjoy the subtle humor in Korean films, you'll enjoy this one too. I personally laughed quite a bit.
The characters also felt very human, except for one... very quirky business woman. Acting was quite good too and the relationship between the father and daughter was also very well portrayed. Under circumstances, the father left when the heroine was very young and when he did happen to return, there was nothing but awkward tension. It was quite realistic. Though there wasn't much progression in character development between the two, but the story of the film only takes place in a matter of days, so it actually makes sense. Wouldn't expect something like that to be resolved in such a short time. The characters showed doubt, despite everything happening, but slowly tried to understand each other.
Though to note that this is no typical Superhero movie. I'd say that this takes one step less than Hancock did (who eventually did ''charity'' work). The main character is an ordinary middle-aged man, who sucks at is own job and steals toiletries. And despite his newfound powers, he did nothing in sort of using it for good. I'd say he caused more damage than good. Even when it appears he is trying to save ''people'', he is only there to save his daughter. He probably wouldn't have done anything with his powers if his daughter wasn't in any danger. This doesn't really change throughout the whole movie.
But that goes back to the previously mentioned point about the film being ''human''. The motives are very simple, everyone is kinda moving for a single cause, or simply for their own gains. I think that this is a unique charm in Korean cinema and it works really well in this film as well.
As for the villains... well they are quite simply... silly. Over the top acting, slap stick material goofs. Another charm of Korean films. Some people may find uninteresting, but if you love funny villains, this ones great in that front. Also the very unique business woman, only a minor character, but a highlight. A very sane, but a very insane sociopath. Sort of like a female Tony Stark, if only Stark was a villain.
Overall this was a very enjoyable movie with no downtime. It got straight to the point and didn't really waste that much time. Except it doesn't really get much done by the end of the film? The story is just so simple that it's just a point of time in life, you win some and lose some, then move on. There are no winners, there are no losers. In that premise, it's quite like ''Fly Daddy Fly'', another Korean cinema classic.
If you have some free time and have a Netflix sub, I recommend this a definite watch.
I give this a solid 7.5/10.
Sorry if this ''review'' of mine is a complete mess, it is my first one... anyways enjoy!