Kazu Kibuishi recommended Yi Yi (2000) in Movies (curated)
Johnny Midnight
TV Show
Johnny Midnight (Edmond O'Brien) is an ex-actor/theater owner, now turned private eye. His turf is...
African Theatre: China, India & the Eastern World: Volume 15
Martin Banham, James Gibbs and Femi Osofisan
Book
China is the main focus of this volume, and articles consider the way it is using "soft power" in...
Awix (3310 KP) rated Blinded by the Light (2019) in Movies
Aug 13, 2019 (Updated Aug 13, 2019)
As you can probably tell, there is something slightly odd and out-of-whack about the whole premise of the movie, but it's the realisation that is really shocking. Badly-performed characters swap platitudes and re-enact virtually every movie about growing up with strict Pakistani or Muslim parents you have ever seen before, with occasional musical interludes where characters sing along, not well, with Springsteen tracks. To say the dance routines look under-rehearsed is charitable. Apparently aims to be a feel-good movie but I'm sure I felt it trying to suck the soul out of my body. 'Blinded by the Trite', more like - certainly more dross than Boss (I can keep this up all day).
Secret Healer
TV Show
Queen Sim, after learning she is sterile and desperate to appease her mother-in-law asks the shaman,...
korean asian drama historical romance secret healer
Wonton Terror
Book
In the fourth in Vivien Chien's Noodle Shop delicious mystery series, Ho-Lee Noodle House is ready...
Love O2O
TV Show Watch
Bei Weiwei is the computer department goddess, who excels in her studies. She aspires to be an...
asian drama romance c-drama chinese love o2o a smile is beautiful
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Minari (2020) in Movies
Apr 4, 2021
And…it is worthy of these accolades - and this place in history - for MINARI is a warm-hearted, loving look at a Korean-American family trying to make it’s way in the world in 1980’s Arkansas.
Written and Directed in Oscar Nominated fashion (for both categories), Lee Isaac Chung presents a realistic American family looking to forge a new living while still remaining true to their cultural roots.
Steve Yeun (THE WALKING DEAD) is Oscar nominated for his lead role of Jacob, who moves his family to Arkansas in the hopes to start a farm that specializes in Korean food. Yeun’s performance is earnest and sincere and I am happy for him that this performance is nominated. The rest of the family unit is strong - with the stand out being Yuh-Jung Youn as the Grandmother. She brings the most interesting and nuanced character to the screen and I wouldn’t be surprised if she pulls the upset and wins the Oscar for Supporting Actress. Finally, veteran character Actor Will Patton is a spark of energy as a local who helps Jacob on the farm.
And…that, ultimately, is the problem with this film. Writer/Director Chung spends most of his time creating the atmosphere and the characters, He fails to realize that there really is no compelling event to drive the plot forward. It’s a “fine” slice-of-life film and one that is enjoyable to watch with a strong, charismatic cast, but nothing really happens and that, finally, is a problem.
This is most certainly a deserving Oscar nominated film - especially in these pandemic times - with big budget Blockbuster films pushed to the sidelines, this type of quiet film is thrust to the forefront - and good for them and I’m glad that the spotlight is shining on this film. I just wish there was more plot and a more compelling reason to watch this film.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take this to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) rated 9-1-1 in TV
Jul 8, 2019 (Updated Apr 4, 2021)
I recently tried to watch 911 due to a draught of medical dramas and I ended up yelling at the tv about all the technical mistakes the EMTs and firefighters were making. I mean, they took an elevator up to an upper floor when the building was unstable and at risk of collapse or having a power outage. It was ridiculous. Who does that? If you are good at suspending belief, maybe you can tolerate this show. But as a hard-core medical freak, I cannot.