ken1848 Reviews

Sweet Bean (2015)

Move Thee Reviews: A Secret Recipe for a Happy Life

[8/10 · 6 February 2016]

Tears rolled down from my eyes while watching An. The movie reminds me of the evils of discrimination. Unique and beautiful, everyone deserves love. Also, it is important to throw oneself heart and soul into everything one does. Let's say NO to a flippant attitude and I hope my students can understand that constant efforts yield success. Moreover, this touching movie reminds us to treasure what we have and not to take everything for granted.

Although the story is rather simple, the film is worth watching because of Kirin Kiki, one of the best Japanese actresses. Her acting is beyond compare. I totally feel for her character, who stays positive and truly appreciates the beauty of the mother nature despite her sad story. Masatoshi Nagase is impressive too. He subtly expresses his suppressed frustration, in spite of his long silences at the beginning of the film. I also love his performance in another film, Kano. Apart from the capable leads, the cinematography is awesome. The four seasons, the food and the mother nature are beautifully captured.

Like red beans, life is bittersweet in nature. Nevertheless, the elderly woman's secret recipe for truly transcendent dorayakis reminds us that we are able to get rid of the bitter taste, with a good attitude, smiles, effort and love.

Freeheld (2015)

Move Thee Reviews: Simplicity Speaks Louder than Sentimentality

[8/10 · 12 December 2015]

Based on a true story and a 2008 Academy Award winning short documentary with the same title, Freeheld is a heart-wrenching and uplifting drama about a same-sex couple's relentless pursuit of love, justice and equality.

When a veteran police officer Laurel Hester is diagnosed with terminal cancer, all she wants to do is leave her pension benefits to her life partner, Stacie, so that she can afford to keep their house. Laurel is told no since they are not husband and wife. After spending a lifetime fighting for justice for other people, Laurel launches a final battle for justice for the love of her life.

The story is told in a straightforward manner. The first half of the film focuses on depicting Laurel as a dedicated police officer who dreads her colleagues finding out that she is a lesbian and as an average human being who longs for love and strives to start a family with "a house, a dog and a woman she loves". In a homophobic workplace, LGBTI people have to hide and lie since coming out of the closet makes them targets of bullying and affects their promotion. Apprehensive and timorous, Laurel can never truly be herself. The second half of the film focuses on the couple's brave but bitter fight against not only cancer, but also tradition, prejudice, ignorance and inequality, luckily and touchingly with the help of Laurel's colleague, a gay rights activist, the couple's friends and family members. Although some people criticize the first half of the film for being insipid, the director's refusal to resort to sentimentality is greatly appreciated. Instead of making a tear-jerker with clichés sugar-coating and praising effusively the greatness of homosexual love, the director creates life-like characters the audience care about and shows genuinely the love between Laurel and Stacie, which accurately echos the nature of the global fight for LGBTI rights. It can be summarized by what Laurel says in the movie – "I've never asked for special treatment. I'm only asking for equality." True love is beautiful and precious, be it heterosexual or homosexual.

Religion is a major reason why some freeholders say no to Laurel's request. In the movie, a priest reminds us that Jesus himself says nothing about homosexuality in the bible. Most of the proscriptions against homosexuality come from the Old Testament, which does mention homosexuality as an abomination, yet if one had actually read the Bible, one would have noticed that the same book of Leviticus also considers eating shellfish, or wearing clothing of two fabrics, an abomination. Some religious people blindly believe in what their churches advocate and apply double standard. Now, let's assume a particular religion is against homosexuality. Should religion and state be separate? For example, it is well known that Pope John Paul II was against artificial birth control. Should there be a law prohibiting citizens from using condoms? If Buddhists deemed it wrong to kill animals, should the government make eating meat illegal? If homosexuals cannot get married just because it goes against your religion, you cannot have cookies because I'm on diet. It seems that some pious people are not aware of a fact that marriage is a legal system which does not belong to a particular religion. While freedom of religion should be totally respected, it is unacceptable to impose religious beliefs on both the legal system and non-believers. Indeed, the overarching theme of the Bible is love. Mother Teresa is right. "If you judge people, you have no time to love them".

The ensemble cast is capable. Julianne Moore and Ellen Page are phenomenal. Their facial expressions and body language can effectively convey the characters' emotions. In the movie, we do not see the actresses. Instead, we see an ailing police officer and a car mechanic truly loving each other and fighting together against cancer and inequality. Michael Shannon also delivers a very convincing performance. His character is a "straight, white, ex-Protestant, atheist cop". The wholehearted support he has given Laurel is sincere and moving. Steve Carell, who plays the gay rights activist, adds comic relief to this knuckle-biting and heartbreaking journey. His performance in Foxcatcher is beyond compare though.

Love is love. LGBTI people "deserve to experience love fully, equally, without shame and without compromise." Like Suffragette, Freeheld is an important film that needs to be seen. Never take human rights for granted. Let's speak out against injustice courageously, in the name of love.

My Way (II) (2012)

Move Thee Reviews: My Way is Full of "Fire"

[9/10 · 9 March 2013]

After watching My Way, I highly recommended it to my two friends whose responses were "I'm not interested in the soul-destroying history of Cantonese Opera" and "a documentary? It must be boring". If you have hesitation in watching the film because of the aforementioned reasons, please go watch it because they are simply misconceptions and I don't want you to miss a great movie about how the two friends support each other, combat social prejudices, preserve our dying cultural heritage and pursue their dreams, as well as how a profit-driven society lacking diversity strangles one's prodigious talent. You will also be moved deeply by the two inextinguishable flames of passion for the dying art form and the sacrifices they have made.

With a prodigious talent for Cantonese Opera, Tam steals Wong's thunder in the movie, despite an equal amount of time spent on the two leads' stories. Tam started acting at the age of four. When the kid was asked whether he wanted to be a male Dan(a male playing the female roles), you can see his eyes sparkling with fire, innocence and hope, which is in marked contrast to the cruel reality in which he is now torn between his studies and interest and so he has become too tired to act. When it comes to gifted education, Hong Kong is lagging behind. I cannot help feeling for Tam, whose talent is strangled by the exam-oriented educational system and the profit-driven society which overlooks the significance of art. Tam displayed a precocious talent for Cantonese Opera. Had he been given an opportunity to receive gifted education, he might have become a greater performer.

As for Wong, he is not as talented as Tam, but I salute his attempt to preserve our cultural heritage. As far as the preservation of cultural heritage is concerned, education is important. However, experienced performers tend to shout at greenhorns and teach their apprentices with reserve for fear that they may lose their jobs when their apprentices outperform them. Another obstacle to the preservation of Cantonese Opera is that it is rare to have an opportunity to learn from great performers. For instance, Hung Sin Nui, a famous Cantonese Opera actress, is very experienced, but her appearances are very limited these days.

The movie has also shed light on the adverse effect of social prejudice and discrimination. Never is Wong spiritually or financially supported by his mother to learn Cantonese Opera. She despises him for singing in a girl's voice because she finds it disgusting. Moreover, other actresses dislike male Dans who compete with them for jobs. However, if it is acceptable for YAM Kim-fai, a famous actress of Cantonese Opera, to play the male roles and MEI Lan-fang, a famous actor of Peking Opera, to play the female roles, why is working as a male Dan a problem in Cantonese Opera? It shows that people discriminate against male Dans, who might be capable of playing the female roles better than real women.

Although Tam is not supported by his classmates wholeheartedly and Wong is not supported by his mother, they support each other and I am touched by their friendship. Wong is jealous of Tam because of his early start as a Dan. At the same time, Wong wants him to succeed because he sees Tam's talent. As for Tam, he encourages Wong by saying that his talents will be discovered and admired one day. They are indeed good friends who share the same dream. In addition, I am moved by Tam's assistant, May. She is a middle-aged woman who is willing to serve as Tam's assistant for free. Although the city is dying, I'm happy to know that good people are out there. The director has made this movie to raise public awareness of the importance of this art form and I hope I can help by writing this review.

It is also worth noting that many teenagers nowadays idle their days away, whereas the two young men have made lots of sacrifices to pursue their dreams. That one minute on stage takes ten years of practice is true. Both Tam and Wong practice and rehearse very often.Besides, Tam does not have enough sleep because of his performances and studies. As for Wong, he organizes workshops and classes to educate the public to preserve our dying cultural heritage, despite the meager income. How about the teenagers shown in the movie? Many are not interested in Cantonese Opera and never take learning seriously. They do not behave themselves and are disrespectful to the teacher. The cheeky girl is not willing to listen to advice. The contrast highlights the shining qualities of the two leads and explains why they can become winners in the industry.

In the most powerful scene, dead silence is wisely employed to create a poignant moment which promotes reflection. In the scene, the two leads are performing enthusiastically on stage, but their mesmerizing voices cannot be heard. When the camera zooms out, we see that there is no audience. The scene will tug at your heartstrings and bring tears to your eyes. This symbolic scene reminds us that Cantonese Opera is dying and forces the audience to ponder whether or not we still want to hear them sing. If we do, we should act now to preserve this beautiful cultural heritage.

At the end of my screening. I was surprised and touched by the rapturous ovation. Despite being Cheuk's debut movie, My Way is full of "fire". On the path to their dreams, Tam and Wong may get burned, yet with fire in their eyes, they win our hearts.

Silenced (2011)

Move Thee Reviews: Sunny Days Are Rare in the City of Mist

[10/10 · 24 June 2012]

Sunny and Silenced are two Korean films I have watched in 2012 and both are excellent. Silenced is a poignant and depressing movie based on a true event that happened in a special school where the deaf children are abused by the Principal and teachers. In the first half of the movie, the horrible abuses are unveiled one by one. The second half is a courtroom drama.

The movie is an emotional ride which tugs at your heartstrings. At the scene in which the teacher is on the verge of tears and the boy cries his eyes out and struggles to express his overwhelming pent-up emotions upon knowing that his grandmother has forgiven the culprit, some members of the audience will be moved to tears. Where might is master, justice is servant, which is cruel, but real. It is also uplifting to see the teacher remain steadfast in his determination to bring the culprits to justice, despite his daughter's plight.

As for the setting, the misty mountains and creepy campus create an eerie atmosphere. I also love the montage at the beginning of the movie. The kid is just like the deer, innocent and pure.

The perversion of justice prevails when Christians are blinded by their unquestionable faith, teachers are heartless, policemen, lawyers, the judge and the security guard are corrupted by money, civil servants shirk their responsibility and shift the work onto others and others remain silent. Martin Luther King is right. In the end, we remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. Amid those humans who are evil but influential in society, justice is shrouded in a thick gray mist.

Sunny (2011)

Move Thee Reviews: A Love Letter to Oneself

[9/10 · 14 April 2012]

Last year witnessed a huge success of a Taiwanese movie, You Are the Apple of My Eye, at the box office. If you feel like a Korean female version, don't miss Sunny, a hilarious, but sometimes poignant coming-of-age story about middle age crisis and the ups and downs experienced during adolescence, for example, puppy love, friendship, family, bullying, dreams, etc.

Sunny is a love letter to oneself which reminds me of Rene Liu's song 繼續給十五歲的自己. There are at least two scenes which play upon the audience's heartstrings. First, the teenage girls talk to their future selves about their dreams in front of a video camera, which cruelly reminds Na-Mi in the present of the wreckage of their dreams destroyed by reality. Second, Na-Mi puts a consoling arm around her teenage self around her shoulders, which symbolically implies her letting go. Thanks to the right pacing and skillful editing interweaving the present with the past, the reality with the illusion, they are definitely two of the most touching scenes of the year. After watching the movie, you won't help asking yourself if you have forgotten about your dreams.

The songs used add a sense of nostalgia to the movie. The most powerful one is Reality by Richard Sanderson. Please note the slightly different uses of the song in several scenes throughout the movie. Thanks to this romantic song, the scenes echo with one another, highlighting the protagonist's unrequited love for the boy, her piercing sadness when she sees the boy using the same strategy to impress her female friend, as well as her regret about not having given him the portrait and told him how she feels. For your information, the scenes in which the boy stealthily helps the girls wear his headphones playing Reality are indeed a tribute to Claude Pinoteau's La boum, a movie released in 1980 about the first love experiences of a teenage girl.

The movie, which runs two hours plus, is slightly too long, despite the director's understandable attempt to develop a large number of characters. As for the dancing scene at the end of the movie, albeit slightly overlong, it is necessary as it shows their genuine bond of friendship after 25 years since graduation. Also, the ending seems contrived and sugary, whereas the minor flaws previously mentioned can be offset by its charismatic cast, well developed characters and the nostalgic setting.

There is a trace of irony when the protagonist's mother grumbles about the clichéd Korean soap operas twice. Nevertheless, the director also reminds us that life is like a film and it is not uncommon that people around us can be struck down by cancer anytime. Being strongly reminiscent of our bitter-sweet and silly memories during adolescence, Sunny reminds us to live life to the full so as not to have regrets.

A Separation (2011)

Move Thee Reviews: The Audience as Judges

[10/10 · 11 March 2012]

A Separation is a multi-layered, well-acted and engaging drama about the complexity of human morality. Most movies rely heavily on music to evoke emotion, yet A Separation, with only one piece of music in the end credits, is compelling owing to its realism and a spate of moral dilemmas. We, the audience, are forced to serve as judges from beginning to end. (Please note the first scene in which we look at the couple talking to a judge.) Should we leave behind the father with Alzheimer's disease? Are there any circumstances in which lies are morally acceptable? Is it appropriate for parents to encourage their children to lie? Should a teacher shy away from telling the truth? Are there any problems when we behave purely in conformity with our religion? Has justice been done in Iran? As for the maid's miscarriage, whose fault is it? Herself because of her negligence? Her husband who owes people money? Her employer who allows a pregnant woman to work as a maid?

Upon the outburst of the daughter's pent-up emotions, a tear rolled down my cheek. She is just a little girl whose parents separate, whose grandfather is sick, whose father is charged with murder, whose schoolmates gossip about her, whose life is threatened. She has tried to unite her family members, whereas she bursts into tears because of her father's stubbornness, which can be interpreted as Iran's conservative regime telling ties to cover its scandals and controlling its people with the use of religion. Her sadness is heartfelt because of the three-dimensional character.

The movie is well cast and well acted. Honorable mention goes to Ali-Asghar Shahbazi, Nader's father in the film. Although he is not a trained actor, he gives a very convincing performance. The two daughters, who act naturally, also elicit great sympathy from the audience.

Anyway, I highly recommend this beautiful Iran movie to all of you. It will be one of my top five movies in 2012.

Spoiler Warning: Please note that the three family members also wear black at the end, which implies the death of the grandfather. However, the gap between Nader and his wife widens, which leads to the final scene.

Buddha Mountain (2010)

Move Thee Reviews: Gritty Description of the Bleak Lower-class City Life

[8/10 · 6 August 2011]

Buddha Mountain is a gripping drama with a gritty description of the bleak lower-class city life, lifelike characters the audience cares about and convincing performances from the ensemble cast (Sylvia Chang, Fan Bingbing, Bolin Chen and Fei Long). The film talks about the bewilderment of youth, family breakdown, generational conflict, respect for teachers, bereavement, loneliness, the unpredictability of life, etc. The developing city and the mountainous terrain of post-earthquake sizzling Sichuan are rawly shot, which provides a perfect backdrop for this coming-of-age story. The documentary-like style and the insertion of real footage also add to realism.

Dragon (2011)

Move Thee Reviews: A Fascinating Fusion of Different Genres

[8/10 · 20 July 2011]

Before watching Director Peter Ho-sun Chan's latest movie, Wu Xia, starring Donnie Yen, I expected to watch a typical martial arts movie. Contrary to my expectations, the movie is a fascinating fusion of a detective story, forensic science, action, humor, politics and family drama.

Wu Xia is a gripping story about the dark side of human nature. There are several intriguing things that are worth nothing. First, Detective Xu Baijiu believes that the law is more important than humanity. His blind obedience to the law contrasts sharply with the corrupt officials accepting bribes, which is a political satire. Please note what happens to the villain at the end, which ridicules the unscrupulous legal system invented by humans. Second, the difference between humans and animals is highlighted. Please note that cows, horses, flies and worms are shown in the movie and respect for animals is emphasized. Moreover, in a fighting scene, Kara Hui's character can be seen through a cow's eye, which symbolically shows her ruthless character. Third, in some scenes, the candles glimmer in the darkness, which symbolically shows the struggle between good and evil in a human being.

Peter Chan and Oi-wah Lam have grasped the key to writing a good story. Indeed, three-dimensional characters are more important than fancy fight scenes, so they take their time developing the characters in the movie. Thanks to the capable cast, the well-crafted script, the restrained costumes and the breathtaking setting, most characters are lifelike. In the movie, Takeshi Kaneshiro gives the most memorable performance, considering his dual role as his good self and his dark self. Detective Xu Baijiu, whose biggest battle lies within, is torn between his conscience and his blind faith in the law. Also, his attempt to speak the Sichuan dialect is comical. As for Donnie Yen, he is charismatic and his action is well-choreographed. Still, he slightly underacts in the crying scene and the one in which he kills the butcher and his children. Playing ruthless villains, Yu Wang and Kara Hui deliver flawless performances. Their characters, albeit monochrome, look eerily menacing.

As for my suggestions for improvement, some insignificant details can be trimmed and Liu Jin-xi's change can be further developed. Despite these minor flaws, the movie grabs me from beginning to end, not only because of the adrenalin-pumping action, but also the well-developed characters that the audience cares about. Featuring a creative mix of different genres as well as a fine balance between drama and action, Wu Xia is so far the best Hong Kong movie I have watched in 2011.

Super 8 (2011)

Move Thee Reviews: Looking at the Adult World through the Children's Eyes

[7/10 · 8 June 2011]

The nostalgic trailer of Super 8 Directed by J. J. Abrams is reminiscent of E.T. and Cloverfield. The movie is a cocktail of sci-fi, comedy, family, romance, friendship, teenage growth, monsters and zombies. If you expect to watch a monster movie, you may be thrilled by the second half but disappointed by the first half as it slightly drags. If you intend to watch a family drama, it may not be a great success as the relationships between the fathers and their kids can be further developed.

What surprises me most is that the children are perfectly cast. Joel Courtney is adorable and Elle Fanning, with her nuanced facial expressions, brings the audience one of the most engaging moments when her character acts as a detective's wife in a train station. While the two leads have a great chemistry, their friends are hilarious. It is also amusing to look at the adult world through the children's eyes. For instance, the kids act as a soldier, a zombie, a boss, etc. There is a thought provoking scene in which a boy's leg is injured because of a bomb explosion while the kids are still in costume and make-up. When the "war" becomes real, the kids are forced to grow up hastily. Indeed, Super 8 can be viewed as a coming-of-age comedy.

The movie emphasizes the importance of letting go. Make sure you stick around during the closing credits. This is probably the BEST part of the movie.

The Painted Veil (2006)

Move Thee Reviews: A Love Poem

[9/10 · 28 April 2011]

Sometimes the greatest journey is the distance between two people… The Painted Veil, which is like an epic poem whispering the meaning of love and meditating on reflection and redemption, deeply touches my heart.

According to a psychologist Hegel, it is likely for self-reflection to take place when one goes out from the immediacy and returns. Kitty is born and raised in a rich English family. She knows more about herself when she moves to a cholera-ridden village where most people cannot speak English. What's more, the China's war-torn interior is much different from London. Being miles from civilization or further temptation, she begins to reflect on her role and gains a better understanding of her husband. When she goes back to London, she is already a mature grown-up who is conscious of what she has been looking for.

The magnificent Quangxi setting (in southern China) is not only breathtaking, but also symbolic. Some hills are farther than the others and their outlines are sometimes blurred by mist. It is just like the distance between Walter and Kitty, who are physically close, but spiritually apart. Through reflection, understanding can be enhanced. Through communication, distance can be shortened. Besides, the dimly-lit room where dead silence often sets in, the contrast between light and shadow and the characters in light-colored costume creates elegance, romance, tension and simplicity. The director successfully provides the audiences with the basics of love. The captivating cinematography by Stuart Dryburgh immeasurably enhances the story and the scenery will surely linger in your mind when you leave the theatre.

The movie has won several awards, one of which is the Golden Globe Best Original Score Award featuring a renowned pianist Lang Lang whose mesmerizing music was in tune with the story told. The haunting song played at the end brings back sweet and bitter snippets of Walter and Kitty's shared life, leaving me speechless.

The charismatic lead performances and the strong supporting cast deserve our applause. Both Edward Norton and Naomi Watts deliver finely nuanced and captivating performances which are close to flawless. There are several zoom shots onto a particular character's face or eyes and you will find that their transfixing expressions can speak.

Sometimes the greatest journey is the distance between two people, yet the distance can be shortened. Reflection is the key. At the end of the movie, Walter and Kitty are physically distant, but spiritually united. That's LOVE! Despite the old-fashioned plot, The Painted Veil is a visually poetic, intelligently adapted, perfectly cast and entertaining romance. This is one of the best epic love stories I have seen in recent years.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Move Thee Reviews: LOVE the People Around You Before It's Too Late

[10/10 · 28 April 2011]

Brokeback Mountain is a great film with mesmerizing music, stunning cinematography and superb acting. Director Ang Lee takes his time developing the characters and situations, making the proceedings credible. Don't expect to watch a very entertaining tear-jerker. There are no ups and downs and it is slowly-paced, but what happens to these two men who love each other may touch you.

For the prejudiced folks disliking homosexuals, this movie may reaffirm their beliefs that homosexuality ruins families when people follow their sinful desires. However, they don't see that Ennis and Jack are not only lying to their wives, but also to themselves, and the principal culprit leading to the tragedies is the "social norms" pressurizing them to get married and have children. They are in fact victims whose lives become regrettable as a result.

The magnificent Wyoming settings captured emphasizes natural beauty, as well as the feeling of remoteness and isolation. It seems that Ennis and Jack can only live happily there, without others. Both of them are in the wrong place at the wrong time.The moon also symbolizes their intimacy which cannot be made public.

The story is a tragedy because Ennis and Jack have found something that some people, of whatever sexual orientation, never find - true love, AND they can't do anything about it. I finished watching this haunting film with a heavy heart and a profound sigh, pondering how the social norms cruelly ruin the lives of these two men who love each other. "If you cannot fix it, you have to stand it." Open your heart to see the film and it will break your heart, quietly, without special pleading and sentimentality, at the end. LOVE the people around you before it is too late.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Move Thee Reviews: An Original Mixture of Fantasy, Horror, History and Drama

[10/10 · 28 April 2011]

Pan's Labyrinth, the winner of three Academy Awards including Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction and Best Makeup, is set in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War. In 1944, widowed Carmen moves with her young daughter Ofelia into the house of her new husband, a cruel fascist captain named Vidal. Finding her new life hard to bear, Ofelia seeks refuge in a mysterious labyrinth and encounters Pan (a faun), the half-man, half-goat creature of mythology, who tells her she is actually a long-lost princess of a magical kingdom beneath the earth. However, in order to make her way back and be reunited with her true family, she must accomplish three tasks… Guillermo del Toro, Director of Pan's Labyrinth, says, "I've always preferred genres to be mixed. For me, Pan's Labyrinth is therefore a drama rooted in a context of war, with mythological elements grafted on." Hardly can we find a political drama in the guise of a fairy tale. It is simply an original and subtle mixture of fantasy, horror, history and drama. The main themes of the movie are as follows.

1. Cruel reality VS Magical world The real world is much scarier than the underground fairy kingdom. The real "monster" in the film is Captain Vidal, who cold-bloodedly murders two innocent peasants. Comparatively speaking, Pan (the only Ancient Greek god who have tasted death and is able to "panic" others), the Pale Man (whose eyes are on its hands), the giant toad (symbolizing lust) and eerie fairies are less fierce.

2. Dictatorship VS Free will Fascism is an authoritarian regime favoring complete obedience to authority, while republicans are in pursuit of freedom. Meanwhile, Ofelia exercises her free will and makes several decisions on her own in the movie.

Capitán Vidal: You could have obeyed me! Doctor: (his last words) But captain, to obey - just like that - for obedience's sake... without questioning… That's something only people like you do.

3. Reality VS Imagination The brilliant ending is like an ink-blot test. Whether the ending is a tragedy or not depends on your own interpretation. Audiences are advised to pay attention to the magic chalk, the mandrake root, the narrator, the story books, Ofelia's reaction while meeting Pan, the moving walls in the labyrinth, the fairies transforming themselves from praying mantises, etc. A detailed discussion can be found in the following website. Indeed, the director believes the fairies in the movie are real, but he also agrees with those believing those monsters are just imagined by the desperate girl who is eager to escape from the traumatizing reality. Two interpretations also make sense, which makes the ending an unforgettable one.

As there are some violent scenes in the movie, parents are advised not to see the movie with their children and they should bear in mind that it is much different from Harry Potter. As an adult dreamer, I was fascinated by the two-edged ending, symbolic images, astonishing visuals and mesmerizing music. The lullaby hummed throughout the film adds melancholy to this darkly disturbing, but deeply affecting mixture of different genres.

Thor (2011)

Move Thee Reviews: The Pursuit of Power Pollutes our Minds

[7/10 · 28 April 2011]

THOR is an epic adventure about Thor, a powerful but arrogant god whose reckless actions trigger a war. As a result, he is stripped of his powers by his father Odin and banished to Earth where he has to learn what it takes to be a good leader.

Like Iron Man, one of the reasons for THOR's success is the three-dimensional and pleasing protagonist that the audience cares about. Thor is not only a mighty warrior with a powerful physique, but also a loyal friend. However, as a prince born to inherit the throne, he is petulant. Because of his impetuosity, shortsightedness, flashes of rage and disrespect, his father deprives him of his powers and exiles him to earth in the hope that he will become more humble and mature. Unlike other superheroes who gain their superpowers when bitten by a genetically altered spider or hit by a gamma blast, Thor becomes a mortal, like us. Owing to the loss of powers and a beauty's love, his heart is softened. Despite the flaw that Thor's personal growth, i.e. the learning of humility, and his interest in Jane Foster are underdeveloped, Thor is still a charismatic character whom the audience aspires to be.

What makes this movie so relatable to me is the breakdown of the family. Speaking of family, Thor is no different from us. He also has to deal with family issues, e.g. sibling rivalry for power and attention, a son's impatience to prove his worth to his father, Loki's hatred for his father, etc. That the pursuit of power pollutes our minds sounds plausible. Several scenes showing the confrontations between the father and the son are emotionally affecting, thanks to Anthony Hopkins, an acting legend, whose nuanced performance as an aging king and a distressed father who is hurt and disappointed by his son is very convincing.

The delicately crafted Marvel universe sets the scene for this epic adventure. Earth, Asgard and Jotunheim are beautifully shot and their unique features are highlighted. For instance, Thor's stay in remote New Mexico symbolizes the fall of the god. While his arrogance and passion are highlighted in his glowing golden world, his unequaled courage contrasts sharply with the scary snowy world. Thanks to the jaw-dropping IMAX 3D images, the convincing set design and the cool costume design, the three distinctly different worlds are brought to life within the same reality. What's more, that science cannot explain everything and Norse mythology is real adds romance to the story.

Albeit not on a par with Spiderman, THOR is a success as a commercial popcorn movie blending together different genres, mythology, action, a character study, romance, family drama, etc.

P.S. Make sure you stick around till after the closing credits!

Breaking and Entering (2006)

Move Thee Reviews: Breaking and Entering cannot break and enter my heart

[5/10 · 28 April 2011]

Stealing someone's computer is a crime, but is it worse to steal someone's heart? Are you interested in this philosophical question? I am not personally. To me, Breaking and Entering is just another typical melodrama with a contrived plot, talking about a man betraying his lover and having a fling with another woman.

Will (Jude Law) and his friend Sandy (Martin Freeman) run an architecture firm and move into a new office in the improving but still dangerous Kings Cross area of London, where they intend to transform a run-down neighborhood into a modernistic multiple-use park. Will totally immerses himself in his urban renewal projects. This worsens his relationship with his beautiful girlfriend Liv (Robin Wright Penn), who spends most of her time worrying about her autistic 13-year-old daughter Bea (Poppy Roger), who rarely sleeps and eats. Bea's only outlet for her energy is gymnastics.

Their new studio office has been burgled twice within days by a local gang of thieves and Will chases one of the young gang members, Miro (Rafi Gavron), back to the apartment he shares with his mother, a Bosnian refugee named Amira (Juliette Binoche). Will befriends Amira to further investigate the burglary, but their friendship gradually turns into an affair. Amira soon discovers that Miro robbed Will's office and becomes suspicious of his true intentions in their relationship. Amira, thus, blackmails Will in order to protect her son… The director intends to make the movie conspicuous for its depiction of how different social classes and cultures collide. However, the contrived plot, the characters' strange behaviour and implausible lines hinder me from connecting with any one of the characters. First, it is unlikely for Will, a handsome English architect, to have a romantic affair with a Bosnian refugee whose son breaks into his office. The motive for his interest in her is unknown. Second, we don't understand why Will's daughter obsessively practicing gymnastics does not want to sleep and eat. Third, the Hollywoodized and unreasonable ending does not go with this independent film. {SPOILER} Why does Will suddenly become aware that Liv is the woman he loves most? Why are the policeman and lawyer easily deceived? Why does Liv easily forgive Will, after kicking the car and shouting neurotically, for having an affair? This is hardly believable.

If you watch Breaking and Entering owing to Anthony Minghella's success with The English Patient and The Talented Mr. Ripley, you will be disappointed. If you watch it because of Jude Law and Juliette Binoche, a French actress who is able to fully master her character's Eastern European accent, you may feel satisfied. Despite the powerful cast, Breaking and Entering cannot break and enter my heart.

Source Code (2011)

Move Thee Reviews: Just Lie Back and Enjoy the Thrilling Ride

[7/10 · 22 April 2011]

Director Duncan Jones (Moon) and Jake Gyllenhaal (Brokeback Mountain) draw me to Source Code, a sci-fi thriller about a soldier Colter who wakes up on a train and discovers he's part of a military program that enables him to return to the train as another man in the parallel reality. His mission is to uncover the identity of the terrorist who bombs the train in 8 minutes.

Source Code is a fast-paced, tightly-plotted and gripping movie with adrenaline-pumping suspense, touching moments and surprising twists. Although similar events are shown over and over again, more and more conspiracies, secrets and twists are revealed each time Colter is transported back and forth between the train and the high-tech isolation unit. Thanks to Paul Hirsch's deft editing and the 8-minute time limit which adds urgency to the mission, our attention is held from beginning to end.

What would you do if you knew you only had one minute to live? Christina would make those seconds count and Colter would kiss her again. The message of the movie is that we should make good use of every second of our lives so that we have no regrets. I am touched by Colter's telephone conversation with his Dad and his attempt to save everybody in the last ride.

The movie is not flawless. First, not every idea makes sense when you think back. For instance, where is Sean's soul in the end? Second, the love between Colter and Christina can be further developed. For example, at which moment and why does Colter start to fancy Christina? Besides, Christina may not truly love Colter, which makes the ending less touching. Third, it is unlikely for Goodwin, an army officer, to help Colter. She may risk life imprisonment.

Perhaps it's time to stop thinking too much. Just lie back and enjoy the thrilling ride in which you can enjoy a cocktail of sci-fi, crime and romance.

3-D Sex and Zen: Extreme Ecstasy (2011)

Move Thee Reviews: A Disappointment

[5/10 · 20 April 2011]

Despite the charming cast, 3D Sex & Zen: Extreme Ecstasy is a disappointment which does not live up to its hype.

As an erotic movie, it is not as satisfying as a hard-core pornographic movie. As a drama, it has paper-thin and inconsistent characters. That the main character and his wife suddenly miss each other is totally without substance. As a result, it fails to touch some members of the audience and the delivery of the message becomes very weak.

On the whole, it is a cult movie mixing pornography, foul language, jokes, romance, gore and action. However, it falls between two stools. You are advised not to take the plot seriously and expect any hard-core images, or you may be disappointed. A similar Korean movie, A Frozen Flower, is highly recommended.

Love in a Puff (2010)

Move Thee Reviews: Far From Perfect

[6/10 · 12 February 2011]

Love in a Puff is a light-hearted romantic comedy examining typical romantic relationships in Hong Kong nowadays. It starts creatively and ends with a catchy song. However, the film is far from perfect because of several reasons.

First, the story with some witty and authentic dialogue is not flawless. That Cherie leaves her boyfriend whom she has been with for 5 years because of a newly met male friend she fancies simply does not convince me. Her character should at least experience some emotional turmoil when she makes the decision. Also, it is unlikely for her to go to a motel with Jimmy with her luggage. Instead, she should look for a place to settle in first. Apart from this, the twist at the end seems unlikely.

Second, although Miriam Yeung is able to perform naturally, her character is not three dimensional enough to showcase her acting skills. Judging from her character's tone and choice of words, the audience only sees Miriam, instead of Cherie in the movie. Miriam's character should be called Miriam. Moreover, the scene in which she argues with her husband in the bedroom is devoid of tension, which is a solid proof of her average performance.

Third, the use of foul language is slightly over the top. After watching the movie, I cannot help but ask if it is necessary for most characters (a health inspector included) to use foul language so often. It seems to me that the movie is stereotyping smokers as foul-mouthed. By the way, it is interesting to observe that some members of the audience burst into laughter whenever a character uses foul language. In other words, this kind of joke does not work on everybody.

Fourth, the interviews are insignificant and insipid. Indeed, most of the things they talk about in the interviews are not thought-provoking. Besides, is it necessary to show the boom mic intentionally in every interview?

On the whole, Love in a Puff, at times, has a subtle insight into romantic relationships in Hong Kong nowadays, whereas it is far from perfect.

Dogtooth (2009)

Move Thee Reviews: A Bizarre and Disturbing Satire on the Absurdity and Terror of Dictatorships

[9/10 · 6 February 2011]

Dogtooth is a bizarre, disturbing and thought-provoking Greece movie. In the story, a stern patriarch and his obedient wife keep their teenage son and two teenage daughters cloistered from the world and misinformed about the world. For example, they teach their children new words with absurdly inaccurate definitions e.g."zombie" defined as a little yellow flower. On the surface, the film is about the influence of authoritarian parents on their children. From the political perspective, the movie can also be viewed as a political satire on the absurdity and terror of dictatorships which gain their power through violence, fraud, brainwashing, the control of mass media, satisfaction of basic needs, etc. Besides, the film also shed light on humans' curiosity. The audience will be amused by its absurdity, shocked by its gore and sex and impressed by its uniqueness and political satire.

Blue Valentine (2010)

Move Thee Reviews: Love is Just Like Fireworks

[9/10 · 29 January 2011]

With an Oscar nomination for the best leading actress, Blue Valentine is a poignant portrait of a failed marriage. It is no Revolutionary Road, which is much nosier and about a bourgeois couple. Unlike 5x2, which shows a couple's story in reverse chronological order, Blue Valentine interweaves the happy past with the unhappy present and creates a stark and heartbreaking contrast.

The main characters are so realistic and three-dimensional that the audience will care about what happens to them. Dean is a lower-class man coming from a broken family. When young, he had dreams and never thought becoming a husband and a father could be one, but now, because of Cindy, it is. He truly loves Cindy, who is an ambitious nurse. Although she does not fancy Dean, she marries him because he is willing to take care of her baby whose father is her ex-boyfriend. After six years, she becomes dissatisfied. Dean may be right. "Girls spend their whole life looking for Prince Charming and then they marry the guy who's got a good job and is gonna stick around." Therefore, she keeps herself aloof from Dean, though he is good to her and her baby. It is worth noting that Cindy's boyfriend is physically weaker than her ex-boyfriends (the doctor < Dean < Bobby), yet he has a higher social status (the doctor > Dean > Bobby) and it seems that men solve problems by resorting to violence. Besides, Cindy's inability to form a stable romantic relationship and feelings of insecurity may be shaped by her abusive father. The three broken families show that marriage is fragile and passion dies away. Lies, suspicion, broken promises, fights, the wreckage of dreams, etc, seem inevitable in a marriage.

Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling, whose facial expressions, body language and remarks can effectively convey their pent-up emotions, give convincing and powerful performances. Thanks to the capable and charismatic cast, the audience will be dragged into a stifling whirlpool of the lifelike characters' growing frustrations. There are several scenes of immense tension, e.g. the future room, hospital, kitchen, etc. To my astonishment, Ryan Gosling can sing. In one of the most memorable scenes of the year, Dean sings while plucking the strings of his ukulele and Cindy tap dances, which reminds me of Once.

The music sets the right atmosphere for the film. A romantic but melancholy mood is captured in this bittersweet love story. You and Me by Penny and the Quarters and You Always Hurt the One You Love by Ryan Gosling simply blow me away.

Love is just like fireworks. They splutter, burst into dazzling sparks and go out. When passion eventually wanes, an aching emptiness reigns.

Under the Hawthorn Tree (2010)

Move Thee Reviews: Not Only a Romance, But Also a Political Satire

[8/10 · 25 November 2010]

Under The Hawthorn Tree is on the surface a simple love story, but indeed it is also a subtle political satire on the evils of the Communist Party.

1. At the beginning of the movie, the girl believes the red flowers represent the Communist heroes and talks about the "rumor" in the textbook. The ending shows us that it is only propaganda used to promote the heroes and the white flowers of the same tree remind the girl of her boyfriend, instead of the heroes. What's more, the tree which used to symbolize the heroes is now submerged by the water because of a new project. It implies that changes are inevitable as time goes by.

2. Why does the nurse say to the girl that the boy does not have an incurable disease? The Communist Party is probably trying to cover up the truth.

3. The girl is always expected to take the volleyball back during the game, which shows communism is not void of hierarchy.

4. The main characters' parents are also victims under Communist rule.

5. The Communist Party song gives me goose pimples. The Communist Party is even closer to you than your parents are?

6. People under Communist rule are deprived of freedom. The girl even dares not call the boy intimately, which leads to the regret.

On the whole, it is a poetic and beautifully shot love story with a charismatic cast with different nuances of facial expression. Despite the awkward silences showing the time shifts with written words, I am deeply impressed by the creative mixture of romance and political satire.

Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)

Move Thee Reviews: A Rehash Less Scary than the First Film

[5/10 · 27 October 2010]

Paranormal Activity 2 is a low-budget mockumentary rehashing the first installment.

The film is slow-paced in the first hour. Despite the director's attempt to build the tension step by step, the similar images repeatedly shown by the cameras fail to engage the audience. In the last 30 minutes, there are some creepy moments which will give you goose pimples, thanks to the demon's rumble, the dog's growls, the creaks of the door echoing eerily in the house, etc, whereas those who have watched the first film may find the tactics used familiar and the story formulaic.

To make the most out of the film, you should watch Paranormal Activity 1 first because it starts as a prequel and ends with a twist related to the first film. Besides, you should avoid spoilers and watch it in a cinema with as few talky people as possible.

Those who have watched the first film may find Paranormal Activity 2, whose tactics we have already seen, less scary.

The Kids Are All Right (2010)

Move Thee Reviews: Let's Define a Family

[7/10 · 16 October 2010]

The Kids Are All Right is a humorous and heartwarming drama with a capable cast and memorable characters. The movie talks about family problems and the definition of a family.

The movie delivers a message that straight families and gay families are no different and they should be treated on an equal footing. First, marriage is hard, be it straight or gay. Their kids are as rebellious as the ones in straight families. Second, the kids can still grow up healthily in a gay family. Third, the kids treat their lesbian mums as their beloved family members, despite their sexual orientation and the intrusion of their biological father, because it is the two women who raise them and under no circumstances can the biological father replace the mums. Hence, a family should not be defined as a social group made up of a man, a woman and their children. Instead, it should be defined as a group of persons, the adult members of which assume responsibility for caring for children and loving them unconditionally.

Despite the politically correct message, the film has some flaws. First, the problem is resolved too easily at the end. Second, (spoiler warning) that Jules does not even spend a minute considering developing a formal relationship with Paul is not convincing. After all, Jules enjoys having sex with Paul (She is probably a bisexual). He is not only a biological father who gets along with her kids, but also the owner of a restaurant. What's more, their marriage has reached crisis point. Nic is not only a control freak, but also an alcoholic.

At the end of the movie, their love to each other in a family can be deeply felt. The ending is so touching that some members of the audience will be moved to tears. Despite growing up in a family with two lesbian mums, the kids are all right.

Confessions (2010)

Move Thee Reviews: Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining

[9/10 · 16 October 2010]

Confessions, directed by one of my favorite Japanese directors, Tetsuya Nakashima, is one of the most disturbing and depressing movies I have watched this year. It is a psychological thriller of a grieving teacher turned cold-blooded avenger with a twisty master plan to pay back the students who were responsible for her daughter's death.

In the story, the major characters make confessions one by one. The more perspectives from which the murder is looked at, the more we know about the characters and their motives, which may remind the audience of A Stranger of Mine. As the story is unfolded, there are several surprising twists. While making confessions and sometimes touching on the subjects they are ashamed of, some characters refuse to accept the truth, tell lies and point the finger of blame at others to salve their conscience.

The director tries to explore the reasons why innocent children become evil teenagers with no conscience. Some seek attention because they are abandoned or physically abused by their parents. Some become vulnerable owing to their overprotective parents. Some feel lonely because they are nerds neglected and bullied by their peers. Some commit suicide or other crimes because they follow suit. Some tragedies are also attributed to the internet which allows people to gossip anonymously, the mass media which places too much emphasis on violence, and the law which exempts teenage murderers from being punished. Thanks to the convincing cast, the characters become lifelike.

The black-grey-and-white setting, which is very different form the flamboyance of Memories of Matsuko, is stifling and depressing. After watching the film, the images of crimson blood, white milk, snow-white sakura, the bleak classroom, the lifeless homes and the dimly lit school hall will linger in one's mind. Apart from these, the gloomy skies in the movie were reminiscent of the ones in Elephant by Gus Van Sant. Despite the ominous dark clouds gathering overheard, every cloud has a silver lining, which symbolizes that the director still believes in the goodness of human nature, despite its dark side. This belief is also reflected in the scene when the female teacher stares at the strawberry given by a kid and another scene in which she says "your new life has begun".

The mesmerizing classical music, spiced with a hypnotizing female voice, not only creates a shocking contrast to the disturbing scenes shot in slow motion, but also adds eeriness to the story. The sound effects are also memorable. When the female teacher puts down the last stroke of the word LIFE on the blackboard, the ear-piercing sound chilled me the bone. When the bubble pops, we feel hopeless.

The film would have been more gripping if the first confession had been shorter and less talky. Besides, the CG images at the end are mediocre. Also, it is a difficult movie for the faint-hearted to sit through.

On the whole, Confessions is a darkly disturbing, visually stunning and thought provoking movie ruthlessly exposing the root of various teenage problems and the dark side of human nature. After watching the movie, I left the cinema with a heavy heart. It conjured up images of several parricides committed by Hong Kong teenagers recently and I pondered on what had happened to our post 90's generation.

[Rec]² (2009)

Move Thee Reviews: A Creative Roller Coaster Ride

[10/10 · 8 January 2010]

REC 2 creatively transforms a zombie movie into a different genre and challenges our preconceptions about zombies. Besides, it is more exciting and frightening than REC because there are more actions and more points of view. In addition, the teenage boy plays his role convincingly and the ending is unpredictable.

Another movie, Paranormal Activity, was also shot with a shaky camera from the first person's point of view. I personally find it less impressive than both REC and REC 2, which require the audience to think after viewing.

Before watching REC 2, everyone SHOULD watch REC first. May I also kindly remind you to beware of spoilers in discussion forums before you watch it? Enjoy this compelling roller coaster ride! 4 / 5

Julie & Julia (2009)

Move Thee Reviews: A Chocolate Pie Giving You a Good Appetite

[8/10 · 21 November 2009]

I watched Julie and Julia because of Director of Sleepless in Seattle, Nora Ephron, and a phenomenal actress, Meryl Streep. The movie, a real feast for food lovers, is about two women who become famous because of their enthusiasm for cooking.

Julie and Julia have different personalities and purposes of cooking, but both of them do possess genuine passion for cooking and courage to pursue their dreams against all odds e.g. middle age and discrimination against females. The movie encourages us to ask ourselves a question. What do you really like to do? The regimen is to do it. With a goal, determination and action taken, one will survive the hardships. Personally, I do relate myself to Julie. I have just turned 30 and the opening of her blog reminds me of the opening of Move Thee Reviews. When Julie's mum asked her who would read her blog, a flicker of a smile crossed my face since I once asked myself this question.

This light-hearted and feel-good drama reminds me of several movies. The first few scenes in France make me think of Ratatouille and Julie's articles in her blog resemble the ones in Sex and the City. Like the Hours, the movie also points out the difficulties faced by female writers in the old times and the differences between two eras e.g. blogmates VS pen friends.

Although Meryl Streep has a talent unmatched by most of the actresses, Amy Adams also gives a convincing performance though her character may not please everybody. Thanks to the bewitching theme song, Time after Time by Margaret Whiting, the two women are linked. The set is also beautifully crafted, capturing the mood of two different eras and cities.

The movie would have been more satisfying if the linkage between Julie and Julia had been further developed. For instance, Julia's influence on Julie as well as Julie's story can be strengthened. I also find Eric's confrontation with Julie too sudden.

On the whole, Julie & Julia is a tangy chocolate cream pie which can give you a good appetite.