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Reviews
Doa yang Mengancam (2008)
Doa yang Mengancam: A Moral Lesson with a Poor Execution
"Doa yang Mengancam (2008)" is a film by Hanung Bramantyo that tells the story of Madring (Aming Sugandhi), a poor and desperate man who threatens God that if his wish is not fulfilled within three days, he will turn to the devil. On the third day, lightning strikes him and he falls unconscious. When he wakes up, he finds out that his wish has come true: he has become rich and powerful. However, he also realizes that his life has changed for the worse: he has lost his wife, his friends, and his faith.
In this review, I will analyze the film's strengths and weaknesses, and give my overall impression of it.
The film's main strength lies in its message and theme. The message by Hanung Bramantyo is clear and relevant, warning the audience about the dangers of greed, materialism, and losing one's moral compass. The film shows how Madring's wish comes with a high price, and how he suffers the consequences of his actions. The film also explores the theme of faith and destiny, questioning whether God exists and whether He listens to our prayers. The film challenges the audience to reflect on their own values and beliefs, and what they would do in Madring's situation.
The film's main weakness lies in its execution and quality. The execution by Hanung Bramantyo is mediocre and inconsistent, failing to deliver a compelling and engaging story. The film suffers from poor pacing, weak characterization, and illogical plot developments. The film also lacks tension and suspense, making it predictable and boring. The quality by Sinemart Pictures is low and amateurish, showing some flaws in the production value. The film looks like a cheap TV movie that could have used more polish and professionalism.
In conclusion, "Doa yang Mengancam (2008)" is a film that has a good message but a bad delivery. The film showcases Hanung Bramantyo's vision as a filmmaker, but also reveals his flaws as a storyteller. The film is a moralistic and thought-provoking experience but a disappointing one that lacks creativity and excellence.
Snow Steam Iron (2017)
a short film by zack snyder
"Snow Steam Iron (2017)" is a short film by Zack Snyder that depicts a violent and gritty story of revenge and survival in a seedy New York City. The film follows Lin Woo (Samantha Win), a woman who is forced into prostitution by a ruthless mafia boss (Jen Kuo Sung), and who decides to fight back against her oppressors with the help of a gun and a meat cleaver. The film is shot entirely on an iPhone, and features stunning visuals, intense action, and a haunting score by Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL).
In this review, I will analyze the film's strengths and weaknesses, and give my overall impression of it.
The film's main strength lies in its visual style. The cinematography by Zack Snyder is impressive and innovative, using various techniques such as slow motion, close-ups, and color filters to create a striking and immersive atmosphere. The film has a distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart from other crime films, and showcases Snyder's talent as a filmmaker. The editing by David Brenner is also effective and seamless, creating a fast-paced and coherent narrative that keeps the audience engaged. The sound design by Scott Hecker and Chuck Michael is also superb, using both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds to enhance the mood and tension of the film. The music by Tom Holkenborg is also fitting and powerful, using a mix of orchestral and electronic elements to create a dark and dramatic score.
The film's main weakness lies in its narrative substance. The story by Zack Snyder is very simplistic and predictable, following a basic revenge formula that offers no surprises or twists. The film lacks depth and originality, relying on familiar tropes of the crime genre without adding anything new or meaningful. The dialogue by Zack Snyder is also minimal and generic, consisting mostly of grunts, screams, and threats that do not reveal anything about the characters or their situations. The characters by Zack Snyder are also flat and one-dimensional, with no backstory or personality beyond their appearance and function. The violence by Zack Snyder is also excessive and unnecessary, showing graphic scenes of bloodshed and gore that do not serve any purpose other than shock value.
In conclusion, "Snow Steam Iron (2017)" is a film that showcases Zack Snyder's skills as a filmmaker, but also exposes his limitations as a storyteller. The film is a visually stunning but narratively hollow experience that does not offer anything new or profound to the audience. The film is an ambitious attempt to create a cinematic masterpiece with minimal resources but a superficial one that lacks substance and originality.
The Gate (2016)
adecent and entertaining martial arts film
I watched The Gate on Youtube and it was decent. It's a martial arts film by Madison Films. It stars Amy Johnston as Cassie Weston, a master fighter who gets involved in a dangerous situation after getting a mysterious device. She has to fight her rival, played by Cecep Arif Rahman, who wants the device for himself.
The film is well-made and entertaining. The cinematography, editing and music are all good and fit the mood. The film has a lot of action and suspense, with some twists and turns along the way. The fight scenes are impressive, with the actors showing off their skills and choreography. The film also has some humor and emotion, as Cassie tries to save her sister's life.
The film is not a very original or deep film, it's more of a fun and exciting film with a sci-fi twist. It's not very long, only 10 minutes, but it delivers a lot of entertainment. It's a decent and enjoyable film that showcases the talent of the filmmakers and the actors.
The Gate is a martial arts film that you might want to watch. It's a decent and entertaining film that will keep you interested and amused. I liked it enough and I hope to see more from Madison Films. I would give it 7 out of 10 stars.
Pre Vis Action (2016)
A decent but not very impressive short film by Gareth Evans
I watched Pre Vis Action on Youtube and it was decent. It's a short film by Gareth Evans, who made The Raid movies. He also wrote and filmed it. It has three people fighting in a forest with swords and knives. They are Yayan Ruhian, Cecep Arif Rahman and Hannah Al Rashid. They are skilled fighters and actors.
The film is in black and white and there is no talking, only music and sounds. The music is fine and suits the mood. The sounds are loud and realistic. The film is humorous sometimes, like when the fighters look at the camera or smile. It makes me smile.
The film is not a real movie, it's just a test for a bigger movie maybe. It's not very impressive, it's just for fun. But it's not very fun either. The fights are fast and hard, and the camera moves a lot. The fighters do amazing things like jumping and rolling and kicking. They look like they are really hurting each other.
Pre Vis Action is a short film for people who like action and martial arts. It shows how Gareth Evans can make action scenes. I didn't enjoy it much, because it was too short and not very deep. The story is lacking depth and explanation. I don't know why they are fighting or who they are. I would give it 6.5 out of 10 stars.
Ashita sekai ga owaru to shitemo (2019)
promising plot, bad execution
In the era of multiverses, this film presents an interesting concept regarding alternate timelines or parallel worlds. While there are some small twists in key moments that keep you engaged, overall the plot doesn't stand out too much. The main downside of the movie is its animation, which I didn't like at all and found quite poor, both in fight scenes and during dialogue or character development. Speaking of which, another very negative aspect is the protagonist. I understand that he suffered two big losses in a short amount of time, but was it necessary for him to be a complete emotional wreck throughout the entire movie except for towards the end? He has Kotori by his side the whole time supporting him, but the guy hardly seems to care.
Grave Torture (2012)
not well executed
I must say that the cinematography and atmosphere are truly exceptional and kept me on edge from the beginning to the end. "Grave Torture" (2012) directed by Joko Anwar, delivers a haunting and spine-chilling experience through its remarkable visual storytelling and suspenseful pacing. Despite relying heavily on horror tropes, the film manages to create a unique and eerie atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. The exceptional use of lighting and sound effects adds a great deal to the overall mood and tension of the film, while the disturbing imagery and intense performances from the cast elevate the horror to a whole new level. Overall, "Grave Torture" is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts who are in search of a well-crafted, nerve-racking, and genuinely scary movie experience.
Lemantun (2014)
Watching Lemantun again still feels sad.
The film delivers many subtle messages, particularly about family relationships and the educational and economic disparities among siblings. However, the most interesting philosophy presented is that of the wardrobe (lemantun). In the film, the wardrobe is an analogy for a mother's womb, the first shelter where humans reside before entering the world. It then becomes a material parameter when the mother passes down one wardrobe to each of her children. The scene where Tri enters the wardrobe can be interpreted as an allegory, indicating that out of all the children, he is the only one who chooses to stay and becomes the last refuge for his mother for the rest of her life.
Donggam (2000)
the turtle was pissed
"Ditto" is a 2001 South Korean romantic drama film that follows the story of two college students, So-eun and In, who discover they are able to communicate through a ham radio across time. Despite their initial disbelief, they soon form a deep connection as they learn about each other's lives and struggles.
The film is a unique take on the classic romance genre, exploring the idea of time travel in a creative and engaging way. The performances by the lead actors, Kim Ha-neul and Yoo Ji-tae, are compelling and authentic, bringing emotional depth to their characters and their relationship.
The cinematography is also impressive, with beautiful shots of both the modern and historical parts of Seoul, showcasing the city's rich culture and history.
One of the strengths of the film is its ability to balance humor and heartbreak, creating a captivating and emotional journey for the audience. The plot twists and turns are unexpected and keep the audience engaged until the very end.
Overall, "Ditto" is a touching and memorable film that showcases the power of connection and the importance of cherishing the present moment. It is a must-watch for fans of romantic dramas and science fiction alike.
Iseng (2016)
quite good
"Iseng (2016)" is a film by Adrian Tang that explores the lives of various characters in Jakarta, a city full of challenges and opportunities. The film consists of several stories that intertwine and converge in unexpected ways, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative. The film has a distinctive style, with its attention to detail, nonlinear structure, and dark humor. The film also offers a unique perspective on Jakarta, portraying it as a vibrant and diverse metropolis that shapes the destinies of its inhabitants.
However, despite the film's technical and artistic merits, I found it difficult to grasp its underlying message and purpose. The film features many well-known actors, but their roles are not fully developed or utilized. The film's conclusion is also surprising, but not in a satisfying way. It seems to lack coherence and closure, leaving the audience with more questions than answers. Perhaps the film is meant to be ambiguous and open-ended, but I felt that it did not deliver a clear or compelling vision.
In this review, I will examine the film's formal techniques and thematic content, and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
The film's formal techniques are impressive and innovative. The cinematography by Yin Ao Hong captures the beauty and chaos of Jakarta, using various angles, movements, and lighting effects. The editing by Troy Chen creates a fast-paced and nonlinear narrative that keeps the audience on their toes. The sound design by Iman Barkah Hudaya and Ferry Faisal Rahman enhances the mood and atmosphere of the film, using diegetic and non-diegetic sounds that complement the visuals.
The film's thematic content is also intriguing and relevant. The film explores various issues that affect Jakarta's inhabitants, such as poverty, corruption, crime, religion, family, love, and identity. The film shows how these issues influence the characters' choices and actions, and how they shape their relationships with each other. The film also challenges the audience's expectations and stereotypes about Jakarta and its people, presenting them as complex and multifaceted individuals who have their own dreams and struggles.
However, the film's formal techniques and thematic content are not well integrated or balanced. The film seems to prioritize style over substance, focusing more on creating a dazzling spectacle than a meaningful story. The film's nonlinear structure and multiple stories make it hard to follow and connect with the characters, who are often introduced and dropped without much development or resolution. The film's conclusion is also abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving many loose ends and unanswered questions. The film does not provide a clear or consistent message or purpose for its narrative choices, leaving the audience confused and frustrated.
In conclusion, "Iseng (2016)" is a film that has a lot of potential but fails to fulfill it. The film showcases the director's talent and vision, but also reveals his flaws and limitations. The film is a stunning visual experience but a disappointing narrative one. The film is an ambitious attempt to portray Jakarta's complexity but a superficial one that lacks depth and clarity.
Aziza (2019)
This 13-minute film evokes a wide range of emotions and feelings in the viewer.
Despite its short duration, the film manages to pack a powerful emotional punch and leaves a lasting impact on the audience.
This is a fantastic short film from Syria that is both humorous and emotionally moving. I hope that the filmmaker is given the chance to make many more films in the future. The film offers a subtle commentary on the struggles faced by Syrian refugees who are forced to leave their homes, and it does so through a simple story about a couple in a car who find a way to cope with their circumstances by escaping into their own fantasy world.
Actually this piece of media or art was not immediately relatable to me because of cultural differences, but I felt that the themes and concepts presented in it were effectively conveyed. While it may have required some effort to fully appreciate and understand, the underlying message and ideas were well-communicated and made an impact on me.
To Those Nights (2013)
"i wasnt ready to refer to you in the past tense so soon, not yet" HIT ME HARD
Every time I think about the girl from my past, I am reminded of the part with Justin Chon in the movie. Although my thoughts of her become stronger when I watch it, the movie also reminds me why we're not together anymore and why it was the best decision for both of us. "Don't forget all the reasons why you broke up with me...and all the reasons why I won't answer your message." When Justin says, "I'd be better now if I had another chance," that quote truly applies to my former relationship, even though everything said during their scene can relate to me and her. Ultimately, it was my decision to leave, and we would be better off now if we were given another chance. But what's done is done. I will be the best man I can be for someone else. Someone else will be a better man for her than I was.