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LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Lesson of the Evil (2012) in Movies
Nov 15, 2021
*Big band music playing loudly in the background*
Takashi Miike's šš©š¦ šš¶š¦š“šµ - which, yes, is every bit as messy and overstuffed as that sounds; though I fear that if this were leaner you could miss out on the finer details like the weird German folklore stuff or the fleshy gun with the talking eyeball. The third act here is better than anything in even šš®š¦š³šŖš¤š¢šÆ šš“šŗš¤š©š°, probably the greatest thing Miike has ever done - just as demented, tasteless, and perfectly staged as reported plus it lasts around a solid, uninterrupted 45 minutes. Simultaneously fun and hard to watch in the sense that you can't believe that not only are they actually going for this, but they're going for it *hard* (given the director, I'd expect no less). I'm confident in saying this has the most straight-up brutal use of the shotgun in film history that I've seen. Hideaki Ito is flawless as this fucked-up closet psychopath who just bleeds raw antihero charisma, this kind of character can tire so easily but him and Miike sell it in full - partly because (and this is one of the things I love most about Miike) there's zero pretension to be found here. The precise type of ethically repugnantly, formally playful, feverish trashy thrills you'd expect out of this are exactly what you get - no clichĆ©d moral handwringing or bullshit pulled punches you see in a lot of Western cinema for this genre. This is the real shit, another bonafide cult classic from one of the masters. Plus it's generally bizarre as hell, too.
Takashi Miike's šš©š¦ šš¶š¦š“šµ - which, yes, is every bit as messy and overstuffed as that sounds; though I fear that if this were leaner you could miss out on the finer details like the weird German folklore stuff or the fleshy gun with the talking eyeball. The third act here is better than anything in even šš®š¦š³šŖš¤š¢šÆ šš“šŗš¤š©š°, probably the greatest thing Miike has ever done - just as demented, tasteless, and perfectly staged as reported plus it lasts around a solid, uninterrupted 45 minutes. Simultaneously fun and hard to watch in the sense that you can't believe that not only are they actually going for this, but they're going for it *hard* (given the director, I'd expect no less). I'm confident in saying this has the most straight-up brutal use of the shotgun in film history that I've seen. Hideaki Ito is flawless as this fucked-up closet psychopath who just bleeds raw antihero charisma, this kind of character can tire so easily but him and Miike sell it in full - partly because (and this is one of the things I love most about Miike) there's zero pretension to be found here. The precise type of ethically repugnantly, formally playful, feverish trashy thrills you'd expect out of this are exactly what you get - no clichĆ©d moral handwringing or bullshit pulled punches you see in a lot of Western cinema for this genre. This is the real shit, another bonafide cult classic from one of the masters. Plus it's generally bizarre as hell, too.
Leah Rothwell (170 KP) rated Three Dark Crowns in Books
Oct 10, 2018
Captivating and unique
I was really captivated by this book and itās sequel. I like the complexity of the 3 intertwined stories and how they unravel throughout. I didnāt find it difficult to follow or get bored which often is the case with teen fiction.
The story follows 3 very unique girls with unique abilities, you never quite know what the story is going to throw at you. I was surprised by most of the twists and really enjoyed not knowing. Each girl really draws you in, each in different ways, thereās no way to have a favourite (at least I didnāt have one).
You will feel their pain but also their joy, I really hope more books will be released as I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and personally wished that the books were longer and in more depth.
If you choose to read this book you need to take your time and get to know each person as they all have a massive impact on the story and they will provide better insight into everyone else. I promise youāll love this book as much as me.
The story follows 3 very unique girls with unique abilities, you never quite know what the story is going to throw at you. I was surprised by most of the twists and really enjoyed not knowing. Each girl really draws you in, each in different ways, thereās no way to have a favourite (at least I didnāt have one).
You will feel their pain but also their joy, I really hope more books will be released as I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and personally wished that the books were longer and in more depth.
If you choose to read this book you need to take your time and get to know each person as they all have a massive impact on the story and they will provide better insight into everyone else. I promise youāll love this book as much as me.
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Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Falling Kingdoms in Books
May 5, 2018
Interesting Villains, annoying heroes
Contains spoilers, click to show
***Spoilers ahead youāve been warned***
I rather enjoyed this one. Somewhat. The characters are really what drives this book (some of them that is) and while the plot moves at a medium pace, itās understandable as this introduces you to the setting, the characters and whatās in store for us as readers.
World building is straight forward and thereās a handy guide in the beginning so you can figure out who is who and from which Kingdom (there are three). It pretty much centralizes on a small group that are central to the main plot and itās easy to figure out who is who as you quickly start developing favorites :)
And this is where it starts getting interesting. I notice this happens sometimes with fantasy books. The good characters are downright annoying, nauseating (even more so when the love factor is involved) and induce eye rolling moments while reading. The not so nice characters are more interesting to read, you quietly cheer for them and hope they turn out for the better because you donāt want them going down that path because most likely, theyāll end up being gone and youāll have nothing else to read but the good guys.
I tried to like Cleo. I really did. However all I see is a little naive twit whoās annoying and I donāt really see her worth in this book and I wonder why Magnus just doesnāt end her so she can join good ol dependable Theon. I am hoping she turns out better in the later books but so far sheās not looking so good and her romance with Theon was so eye rolling inducing itās characters like these that make or break the novel.
Thankfully, I love the Magnus story arc. Heās turned into a jerk but itās not really his fault as dad isnāt really nice. The thing with Lucia is creepy and although theyāre not blood related it still gives moments of queasiness (dude, you have like so many girls in the Kingdom come on). That being said though, I love reading about Magnus and Lucia. Their story lines are interesting, they have faults, and they deal with it (albeit, perhaps not in an all too healthy manner).
The story arc with Jonas was also interesting and I wish more was written about him (I think Cleoās got way too much time in spotlight) as heās gone through so much to get his revenge and only to find out it just opened a giant Pandoraās box and weāre heading towards more epic battling.
The latter third of the book gets really interesting. Iām only hoping thereās going to be a good outcome for everyone and I really hope Cleoās character improves because sheās really what could make or break my desire to continue onto this series. Sometimes it takes that one character to ruin it all. That being said, I think itās off to a great start and Iām ready for some more! Great for those into YA fantasy.
I rather enjoyed this one. Somewhat. The characters are really what drives this book (some of them that is) and while the plot moves at a medium pace, itās understandable as this introduces you to the setting, the characters and whatās in store for us as readers.
World building is straight forward and thereās a handy guide in the beginning so you can figure out who is who and from which Kingdom (there are three). It pretty much centralizes on a small group that are central to the main plot and itās easy to figure out who is who as you quickly start developing favorites :)
And this is where it starts getting interesting. I notice this happens sometimes with fantasy books. The good characters are downright annoying, nauseating (even more so when the love factor is involved) and induce eye rolling moments while reading. The not so nice characters are more interesting to read, you quietly cheer for them and hope they turn out for the better because you donāt want them going down that path because most likely, theyāll end up being gone and youāll have nothing else to read but the good guys.
I tried to like Cleo. I really did. However all I see is a little naive twit whoās annoying and I donāt really see her worth in this book and I wonder why Magnus just doesnāt end her so she can join good ol dependable Theon. I am hoping she turns out better in the later books but so far sheās not looking so good and her romance with Theon was so eye rolling inducing itās characters like these that make or break the novel.
Thankfully, I love the Magnus story arc. Heās turned into a jerk but itās not really his fault as dad isnāt really nice. The thing with Lucia is creepy and although theyāre not blood related it still gives moments of queasiness (dude, you have like so many girls in the Kingdom come on). That being said though, I love reading about Magnus and Lucia. Their story lines are interesting, they have faults, and they deal with it (albeit, perhaps not in an all too healthy manner).
The story arc with Jonas was also interesting and I wish more was written about him (I think Cleoās got way too much time in spotlight) as heās gone through so much to get his revenge and only to find out it just opened a giant Pandoraās box and weāre heading towards more epic battling.
The latter third of the book gets really interesting. Iām only hoping thereās going to be a good outcome for everyone and I really hope Cleoās character improves because sheās really what could make or break my desire to continue onto this series. Sometimes it takes that one character to ruin it all. That being said, I think itās off to a great start and Iām ready for some more! Great for those into YA fantasy.
Merissa (14046 KP) rated Sloth (Seven Princes of Sin #3) in Books
May 31, 2023
SLOTH is the third book in the Seven Princes of Sin series. It's Linneas' turn and, oh boy, does he have a story to tell. He first senses his mate, Sylvia, as she is being transported to her new quarters to await her new master. He follows, on foot, not knowing what he's going into but knowing his mate is there. Gabriel also follows because Sylvia is his charge. Once these three get together, the story explodes with nuances and emotions, plus a whole load of hotness.
Now, before you do into it thinking it's all hearts and roses, it's not. Most definitely not. This is dark in a lot of places, so if things like abuse, non-consent, underage, slavery, and violence affect you, then this is definitely not the book for you.
This IS the third book and, as such, you really should read it as a series. You will learn things in this book that have relevance to what has gone on before.
I love that the storyline continues to hold my interest, that some of the angels are now questioning, and that as soon as I finish one book, I immediately want the next.
This is a fantastic series, and SLOTH is a brilliant addition to it. Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 10, 2022
Now, before you do into it thinking it's all hearts and roses, it's not. Most definitely not. This is dark in a lot of places, so if things like abuse, non-consent, underage, slavery, and violence affect you, then this is definitely not the book for you.
This IS the third book and, as such, you really should read it as a series. You will learn things in this book that have relevance to what has gone on before.
I love that the storyline continues to hold my interest, that some of the angels are now questioning, and that as soon as I finish one book, I immediately want the next.
This is a fantastic series, and SLOTH is a brilliant addition to it. Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 10, 2022
Amanda (96 KP) rated The Tattooist of Auschwitz in Books
May 29, 2019
āIf you wake up in the morning, it is a good day.ā
So I thought about it, and Iāve decided to write my review for this book. Iāve never read books that center around The Holocaust. I never thought I would, because Iāve seen several movies and just the sheer graphics of it alone made me sad. I know this was supposed to be based on a true story, but I went into it with the mindset that it wasnāt true, because most times, some of those stories are fabricated for drama purposes. Iāve read that even Heather Morris added some things to the story for that reason, so again, I saw it as just another story.
The story centers around Lale who is transferred to Auschwitz, but is given the job as a tattooist. From the descriptions, he has to use a really awful needle and has to press down hard enough for the numbers to be seen and never removed ā a highly painful process that he has to perform even on children. Then one day, he tattoos a lady that catches his eye, Gita, and from then on he plans to love her and marry her WHEN they get out of Auschwitz.
Off the bat, something about the writing kind of bothered. I couldnāt quite pin point what it was. I read somewhere that this book was originally written as a screen play and I think that was it. To me, the style had a vagueness to it that made it feel like some parts I was reading something from an old story book from when I was in high school. Iām not saying that style was terrible. This particular writing style is not my favorite to read.
I liked the premise of the story. I canāt begin to imagine what it was truly like in those camps. I canāt comment on it either, but like I said, I also didnāt go into this book thinking it was all a true story about these two people. So, there were some bits of the story that I had a hard time believing, but then again, Iām not sure if it was a true part or a fabrication part.
All in all, the story wasnāt bad. I felt so horribly for Lale having to have that job, but he survived, and Gita. The remembering of their families and wondering if they are alive or dead struck me a bit. I know Iāve said this, but I canāt imagine that kind of pain. I feel horrible whenever Lale thought of his mother.
āHis mother he can see perfectly. But how do you say goodbye to your mother? The person who gave you breath, who taught you how to live?ā
You canāt, thatās the answer.
The book didnāt live up to the hype, in my opinion, but Morris wrote a nice and moving story in the end. I know there are some other stories like this. One of my Twitter friends recommend the Librarian of Auschwitz, so perhaps I will see about that book.
I donāt believe Iāll be seeking out the sequel to this book. I do hope itās better than the first, but the story is still good.
So I thought about it, and Iāve decided to write my review for this book. Iāve never read books that center around The Holocaust. I never thought I would, because Iāve seen several movies and just the sheer graphics of it alone made me sad. I know this was supposed to be based on a true story, but I went into it with the mindset that it wasnāt true, because most times, some of those stories are fabricated for drama purposes. Iāve read that even Heather Morris added some things to the story for that reason, so again, I saw it as just another story.
The story centers around Lale who is transferred to Auschwitz, but is given the job as a tattooist. From the descriptions, he has to use a really awful needle and has to press down hard enough for the numbers to be seen and never removed ā a highly painful process that he has to perform even on children. Then one day, he tattoos a lady that catches his eye, Gita, and from then on he plans to love her and marry her WHEN they get out of Auschwitz.
Off the bat, something about the writing kind of bothered. I couldnāt quite pin point what it was. I read somewhere that this book was originally written as a screen play and I think that was it. To me, the style had a vagueness to it that made it feel like some parts I was reading something from an old story book from when I was in high school. Iām not saying that style was terrible. This particular writing style is not my favorite to read.
I liked the premise of the story. I canāt begin to imagine what it was truly like in those camps. I canāt comment on it either, but like I said, I also didnāt go into this book thinking it was all a true story about these two people. So, there were some bits of the story that I had a hard time believing, but then again, Iām not sure if it was a true part or a fabrication part.
All in all, the story wasnāt bad. I felt so horribly for Lale having to have that job, but he survived, and Gita. The remembering of their families and wondering if they are alive or dead struck me a bit. I know Iāve said this, but I canāt imagine that kind of pain. I feel horrible whenever Lale thought of his mother.
āHis mother he can see perfectly. But how do you say goodbye to your mother? The person who gave you breath, who taught you how to live?ā
You canāt, thatās the answer.
The book didnāt live up to the hype, in my opinion, but Morris wrote a nice and moving story in the end. I know there are some other stories like this. One of my Twitter friends recommend the Librarian of Auschwitz, so perhaps I will see about that book.
I donāt believe Iāll be seeking out the sequel to this book. I do hope itās better than the first, but the story is still good.
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