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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Hacksaw Ridge (2016) in Movies
Nov 26, 2017
Vivid and brutal
I usually can't stomach war movies or Mel Gibson, but the story of Desmond Doss is an incredible one to behold. Doss is the only conscientious objector during the Second World War to have received America's top military award - the Medal of Honor. His refusal to bear arms gained him notoriety during training, being bullied by his commanding sergeants and fellow soldiers. But at the brutal battle in Hacksaw Ridge against the Japanese, Doss single-handedly went back into a warzone retrieving 75 injured soldiers, at a time when all hope was thought to be lost.
The film itself is in two halves. The first part is a little saccharine, portraying Doss as an innocent doe-eyed boy trailing a beautiful nurse who ends up becoming his wife. At the same time, his father, a tortured military man, is seen as abusive after witnessing horrors in France. Director Mel Gibson tries to connect this relationship to why Doss may not be keen on weapons. Overall, the war scenes are well-shot, extremely graphic to the point it is a completely immersive experience. If Gibson made the first half a little less Hollywood, it would be a skilfully made film. The best part by far is the end where you get to meet the real hero Doss speaking about his experiences. A harrowing watch.
The film itself is in two halves. The first part is a little saccharine, portraying Doss as an innocent doe-eyed boy trailing a beautiful nurse who ends up becoming his wife. At the same time, his father, a tortured military man, is seen as abusive after witnessing horrors in France. Director Mel Gibson tries to connect this relationship to why Doss may not be keen on weapons. Overall, the war scenes are well-shot, extremely graphic to the point it is a completely immersive experience. If Gibson made the first half a little less Hollywood, it would be a skilfully made film. The best part by far is the end where you get to meet the real hero Doss speaking about his experiences. A harrowing watch.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Creepy (Kuripi: Itsuwari no rinjin) (2016) in Movies
Nov 29, 2017 (Updated Nov 29, 2017)
The title spells it out to a tee
This absolutely stomach-wrenching film from the masters of Japanese cinema, literally blows your socks off. It is understatedly creepy, no dramatic background music and a deeply horrifying body count. For fans of psychological thrillers such as @Sympathy for Lady Vengeance (2014) and @Oldboy (2013) (Korean version) this is another expertly crafted movie that leaves you in knots.
It begins with a detective interviewing a psychopathic suspect, who then manages to escape the police interview room and hold a woman hostage. In the process, the detective is badly injured and as a result leaves the force to pursue an academic career in criminal psychology. Shaken by his time as a detective, he and his wife move to a leafy suburb of Japan with incredibly unsocial neighbours. Soon after moving, he is approached by a former colleague asking for help in a particular case, in which three members of a family mysteriously disappeared six years ago, leaving only a daughter behind. The case was never solved as the daughter's constantly changing statements were seen as inadmissible evidence. And soon after he realises that the case is much closer to home than expected.
Sharp storytelling despite a few plot holes which is left to your imagination. Totally recommended for followers of Eastern cinema.
It begins with a detective interviewing a psychopathic suspect, who then manages to escape the police interview room and hold a woman hostage. In the process, the detective is badly injured and as a result leaves the force to pursue an academic career in criminal psychology. Shaken by his time as a detective, he and his wife move to a leafy suburb of Japan with incredibly unsocial neighbours. Soon after moving, he is approached by a former colleague asking for help in a particular case, in which three members of a family mysteriously disappeared six years ago, leaving only a daughter behind. The case was never solved as the daughter's constantly changing statements were seen as inadmissible evidence. And soon after he realises that the case is much closer to home than expected.
Sharp storytelling despite a few plot holes which is left to your imagination. Totally recommended for followers of Eastern cinema.
tonidavis (353 KP) rated Death Note (2017) in Movies
Aug 25, 2017
If you like the Anime save yourself don't watch! (5 more)
Ruined entire premise of light
Ruined L
Bad writing
What's with this teen angst
With seriously never been so angry
I'm used to Hollywood ruinning Japanese anime by now. However this is possibly the worst anime film adaption ever.
Anime/magna Light is a genius who at the start truly does what he believes is right and just and later power turns him mad, into a genius on power who clever enough to manipulate a good of death. What does this film give us a whingey teenage angst ridden pathetic human being who in love with the cliche of cliche cheerleader.
Don't get me started with the cheerleader
L anime and manga is a genius who has beyond increble presence power and essence not to mention his stance and love of cake is notorious that makes you love him more. This L is just bad and that giving him credit.
William Dafoe plays the voice of Ryuk which isn't enough to do anything for this film unfortunately because I do love William Dafoe and no one plays villain like him but the writing and general Hollywood let see if we can make generic cash cow by using popular teen actors rather than getting decent script writer or following any semblance of plot has ruined this movie
Anime/magna Light is a genius who at the start truly does what he believes is right and just and later power turns him mad, into a genius on power who clever enough to manipulate a good of death. What does this film give us a whingey teenage angst ridden pathetic human being who in love with the cliche of cliche cheerleader.
Don't get me started with the cheerleader
L anime and manga is a genius who has beyond increble presence power and essence not to mention his stance and love of cake is notorious that makes you love him more. This L is just bad and that giving him credit.
William Dafoe plays the voice of Ryuk which isn't enough to do anything for this film unfortunately because I do love William Dafoe and no one plays villain like him but the writing and general Hollywood let see if we can make generic cash cow by using popular teen actors rather than getting decent script writer or following any semblance of plot has ruined this movie
Awix (3310 KP) rated Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001) in Movies
Feb 17, 2018 (Updated Feb 17, 2018)
Four's a crowd
Twenty-sixth Godzilla movie (also eleventh Mothra movie, eighth Ghidorah movie and third Baragon movie, in case anyone's counting) recruits director Shusuke Kaneko, helmsman of the brilliant 90s Gamera trilogy; results are (perhaps inevitably) disappointing. A new incarnation of Godzilla threatens Japan, but a young tabloid TV journalist encounters a mysterious old man in an equestrian safety helmet who tells her of three legendary Guardian Monsters who will defend the country against this menace (Baragon is also a Guardian Monster but not famous enough to get his name in the title).
Some interesting innovations: first film to address (even obliquely) issues of Japanese culpability for events of the Second World War, first film where King Ghidorah is a good guy, first film with a scene set in Godzilla's intestinal tract. However, the end result is let down by a fatally uncertain tone - seemingly serious scenes of death and carnage are intercut with knockabout cheesy humour and in-jokes (in the English dub at least). The retro feel of the movie, hearkening back to the 60s films of the series, is not unwelcome, but its take on the formula is just plain weird. Most importantly it lacks the mythic grandeur of the Kaneko Gamera trilogy. Still better than the films which immediately preceded it, though.
Some interesting innovations: first film to address (even obliquely) issues of Japanese culpability for events of the Second World War, first film where King Ghidorah is a good guy, first film with a scene set in Godzilla's intestinal tract. However, the end result is let down by a fatally uncertain tone - seemingly serious scenes of death and carnage are intercut with knockabout cheesy humour and in-jokes (in the English dub at least). The retro feel of the movie, hearkening back to the 60s films of the series, is not unwelcome, but its take on the formula is just plain weird. Most importantly it lacks the mythic grandeur of the Kaneko Gamera trilogy. Still better than the films which immediately preceded it, though.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated The Dragonstone (Mithgar, #1) in Books
Dec 3, 2018 (Updated Dec 8, 2018)
The book follows our heroines and heroes hoping to avert a possible disaster by finding the jade egg and defeating a wizard. Their only real map a puzzle of a prophecy that they have to figure out. It does use a lot of what I call "old or high" language where the meanings have changed from today's usage and there are a lot of thee and thine. As well as a peppering of what I think is Japanese and possibly French words. He also really likes the word whelm. The Dragonstone is philosophical inclined and many discussions about free will vs. predestination are inside.
Technically, I rate this book as 7 1/2 stars (I'm not sure how to do a half rating & enjoyed it enough to round up). I received over half of his books over ten years ago about the same time as the LOTR movies came out. Yes, they are very similar. You can tell he is a LOTR fan. Like a lot of his books, this story starts in the middle and builds through flashbacks. One of my favorite things about this books series is that you get multiple p.o.v. And you can read the series all hodgepodge with few as "true" sequels or trilogies- most of those are contained as one book now.
Technically, I rate this book as 7 1/2 stars (I'm not sure how to do a half rating & enjoyed it enough to round up). I received over half of his books over ten years ago about the same time as the LOTR movies came out. Yes, they are very similar. You can tell he is a LOTR fan. Like a lot of his books, this story starts in the middle and builds through flashbacks. One of my favorite things about this books series is that you get multiple p.o.v. And you can read the series all hodgepodge with few as "true" sequels or trilogies- most of those are contained as one book now.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Runnin' - Single by SHōTA LōDI in Music
Jun 18, 2019
SHōTA LōDI (pronounced Show-Ta Low-Dee) is an LA-based singer-songwriter from Tokyo, Japan. Not too long ago, he released a music video for his “Runnin’” single.
“‘Runnin’ is an upbeat tale about the never-ending rat race to be at the top of the charts. The lyrics are inspired by the trials and errors that take place in the music business on the road to success. Since the release of this record, Adidas has reached out to use the song in their ads. The music video was shot over 5 days in NYC and has been well received by agents and labels since the release.” – SHōTA LōDI
‘Runnin’’ contains a relatable narrative, harmonious vocals, and feel-good instrumentation flavored with neo-soul, hip-hop, and indie-pop elements.
An accomplished clarinetist and pianist, SHōTA LōDI is a self-taught singer-songwriter and guitarist. He can sing fluently in Japanese and English and his unique sound has already landed him a record deal with Warner Asia.
2019 is going to be a busy year for him because of Warner’s overseas support and labels in the U.S. calling his phone. Also, the launching of his clothing brand will keep him active and the release of his upcoming Freshman album, entitled, “High School Dropout”.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/shota-lodi-runnin/
“‘Runnin’ is an upbeat tale about the never-ending rat race to be at the top of the charts. The lyrics are inspired by the trials and errors that take place in the music business on the road to success. Since the release of this record, Adidas has reached out to use the song in their ads. The music video was shot over 5 days in NYC and has been well received by agents and labels since the release.” – SHōTA LōDI
‘Runnin’’ contains a relatable narrative, harmonious vocals, and feel-good instrumentation flavored with neo-soul, hip-hop, and indie-pop elements.
An accomplished clarinetist and pianist, SHōTA LōDI is a self-taught singer-songwriter and guitarist. He can sing fluently in Japanese and English and his unique sound has already landed him a record deal with Warner Asia.
2019 is going to be a busy year for him because of Warner’s overseas support and labels in the U.S. calling his phone. Also, the launching of his clothing brand will keep him active and the release of his upcoming Freshman album, entitled, “High School Dropout”.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/shota-lodi-runnin/
Otway93 (580 KP) rated BIO HAZARD: The True Story Behind BIO HAZARD in Books
Oct 22, 2019
Story (2 more)
Background Information
Interview with Shinji Mikami (Resident Evil Designer)
A fascinating book from a horror and gaming perspective.
A fun, fascinating book that gives a great deal of information regarding what happened in the Resident Evil/Biohazard series before the first game.
The "Trevor's Letters" section of the book provides a haunting, yet not overly revealing backstory about the notorious mansion's design, but it succeeds in preserving the mystery of what lies ahead, while providing gamers with some subtle game hints.
The main section of the book, "Resident Evil: The Beginning", is a light novel by Hiroyuki Ariga, providing a brief prequel to the game that leads straight into the game itself. Well written and thoroughly enjoyable!
The final section is an interview with Shinji Mikami, the designer of the game, where he talks about his inspirations and previous games. A superb insight into how the game was made, mainly providing details on game design and the games soundtrack (or lack thereof). A smart and funny interview with a man that gamers have a lot to thank for!
The main problem with the book is that it was only released to the Japanese market, but thanks to the wonder of the internet, there is a translation available so we can all enjoy it!
The "Trevor's Letters" section of the book provides a haunting, yet not overly revealing backstory about the notorious mansion's design, but it succeeds in preserving the mystery of what lies ahead, while providing gamers with some subtle game hints.
The main section of the book, "Resident Evil: The Beginning", is a light novel by Hiroyuki Ariga, providing a brief prequel to the game that leads straight into the game itself. Well written and thoroughly enjoyable!
The final section is an interview with Shinji Mikami, the designer of the game, where he talks about his inspirations and previous games. A superb insight into how the game was made, mainly providing details on game design and the games soundtrack (or lack thereof). A smart and funny interview with a man that gamers have a lot to thank for!
The main problem with the book is that it was only released to the Japanese market, but thanks to the wonder of the internet, there is a translation available so we can all enjoy it!
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