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Reviews
Across the Universe (2007)
Weak, clichéd plot. Just an excuse to butcher Beatles songs.
This movie had such a cool concept and lots of great hype, but my 4 friends and I, all being big Beatles fans, were thoroughly disappointed. The plot was so predictable and cheesy, and the acting was really nothing impressive except for Jim Sturgess, who was actually pretty decent. But really, who sings and fights at the same time? The main characters fall in love way too quickly and without real reason. When they get to California on Bono's bus, it makes no sense at all...they talk about going back to California, but they are already there?!? Some scenes were so cheesy that the whole theater was giggling despite the intent for a "dramatic" moment in the film, i.e. the moment near the end when Jude sees Max in the bar mirror singing to him. So clichéd. And the idea of the police officers dragging Sadie and her band off the rooftop but then letting Jude stay to sing to Lucy? Come on. So ridiculous it made everyone in the theater groan. There were some cool cinematic moments and of course the music was good, but the rest of the movie was a jumbled mish mash of psychedelic special effects, a weak and clichéd plot line, and bad acting. If you must see it, at least save your money and wait for it to come out on DVD.
Keulraesik (2003)
A Beautiful Romance!
A new Cho Seung Woo fan, I had to see this film, and he once again blew me away. This film is wonderful because it really does portray classic love stories; both the past couple and the present couple meet and court in very special and sweet ways. My favorite moment of the film is when the past couple gets stuck in the rain and the boy breaks a watermelon open for them to eat. Without nudity or racy dialogue, it is obvious that these people are in love. The cinematography is breathtaking, the acting is top-notch, and the storyline is as pure and innocent as the main characters. We need more films like this! I'm tired of the "romantic films" that show two teens meeting at a party. This is a truly classic love story that offers a (albeit idealized) version of something we can all relate to: falling in love with that one special person. If you like foreign films, this one is a treasure. If you like romantic films, this one is a must-see. If you want something the entire family can watch together, this one is great.
Maraton (2005)
What a wonderful film!!!
I saw this film on a recent trip to Korea and was absolutely blown away! I'm still thinking about it and trying to get my hands on a copy. Seung Woo Cho's portrayal of an autistic boy whose mother encourages him to start running is brilliant and heartbreaking. The film accurately illustrates the social and private difficulties for people with autism and their families. Based on a true story, you can't help but fall in love with this boy because he's so pure-hearted and misunderstood by everyone, even his own family members. His mother even questions her feelings about him, which is something rarely shown in films. Despite the odds, he becomes a champion without meaning to or wanting to, and by the end of the film you are in awe of what this person accomplished. Everyone should see this film and experience the joy and agony. Korean cinema has never been so poignant! Just a warning--you might want to keep a box of tissues beside you, especially for the second half of the film. If you see one foreign film this year, please make it this one!