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Reviews
Angel Eyes (2014)
Good Doesn't Have To Be Great
I've watched this series twice. Originally when it first aired then again earlier this year. I enjoyed it both times. As is often the case the actors portraying the young versions of the lead characters were better than their adult counterparts. Don't misunderstand, that's not to say the adult actors were bad. Just that the teens did a very good job; especially Nam Ji-hyun's depiction of the female lead. There were times when the story seemed to struggle with how to handle the two antagonists. I suspect that comes from trying to cause the views to sympathize with those characters without agreeing with their motives or actions.
All-in-all, the series was a good watch, the suspense was well planned, and the story was enjoyable.
Blood-C (2011)
Still Waiting To See
I've followed Blood since the 2000 film which was dark, brooding, and angry; a truly sensual treat to the senses, primarily because of its equally dark, brooding, and angry main character. When the 2005 anime series Blood+ was released I watched excitedly, ever hoping for the appearance of the Saya from the movie version. While the series developed well and the story was engrossing, the Saya from the series never reached the level of the her motion picture counterpart. I can't say it was a disappointment because the series was so well executed.
When I found Blood-C, I hoped to find yet another incarnation of Saya who might stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the 2000 film version. I'm still waiting. I can't say I dislike the series because it has elements that are enjoyable to watch and a story the moves slowly toward bigger things. Still it lacks the intensity of the film or even the first series. In that the series is still ongoing, I can't say whether it will develop into the master work of the film or Blood+. I continue to hope and, for now, continue to watch.
If you enjoy the Blood concept, Blood-C may be enough to hold your interest and, as I said, hopefully it will develop into another arm of the original, engrossing idea.
Casualties of War (1989)
Hard to call Excellent
I've watched this film four times; the most recent being less than an hour ago. It's difficult to say the file is enjoyable because the subject matter is painful and sad. However, it leaves you feeling emotionally spent with moments that, if they don't send you to the brink of tearful sorrow, you must analyze the fabric of your being and whether you have a heart.
Set in the jungles of Viet Nam, the movie follows a squad of men on a long range recon, where they kidnap, rape, and subsequently murder a Vietnamese village girl. It marks Michael J. Fox's best performance but the role of the girl played by Thuy Thu Le, is a performance like none found in any film before or since.
This remains the single most difficult film for me to watch but over the years, I find myself drawn to it again and again because it is so powerfully written and tells a story the likes of which it is difficult to find anywhere else.
...and then there is the music...