I came into this film knowing what it was going to be about, but nothing could have prepared me for the impact of watching The Crucible. It was dark, violent, and quite honestly nauseating. I was on the verge of tears for nearly an hour and when the 1h36 mark hit, I had to pause the movie and did nothing but cry for the children. To think, this is real. This happened to these kids. When I hit play, from that moment on, tears were falling.

I will probably never be able to watch this movie again, but it is something you honestly must see. Yes, the images are disturbing. Yes, you will feel anger, sadness, and numbness, but this movie leaves an impression. The acting is superb and all of the child actors honestly deserve awards. Their expressions, their gestures, they just strike you right in the heart every time. You will not soon forget this movie. I'm not sure I ever will.

What may be even more impressive, this movie caused such a stir in South Korea that the case was forced to be re-opened and laws demanded to be rewritten. It makes you think, it really does. How much effort does it take for justice to prevail? Why can people be bought with money when they know such horrible things had occurred? I honestly don't know, and never will know why such apathy and cruelty exist in the world. Why do we cause each other pain? It makes me sick. But as a quote in the movie says, "The reason why we are fighting so hard, is not to change the world, but instead, not to let the world change us."

Without a doubt, I recommend this movie.

Read More

First, a word of warning, this film is graphic. If you are sensitive to violence or blood, stay away!

Now, this crime thriller has one of the most well thought out plots I have ever seen. Throughout the entire detective process you're left knowing hardly more than the main character, Kyeongyoon. And talk about a number of plot twists. It will keep you jumping from one person to the next as you try to figure out who-done-it.

Now, this movie doesn't only focus on the brutal scenes. As Kyeongyoon is trying to solve the serial murder case, we begin to see more and more of his personal life. He is getting married soon, but his job keeps taking away from their time together. His past also begins to cause a rift in their relationship, as he begins to spend more and more time trying to find out what happened to Lee Yoonsuh, who was at one time close to Kyeongyoon.

This is where beautiful cinematography comes in. Scenes from the past often take on an almost dream-like quality, with brightened lights and shifting images. This is definitely an experimental move, but it really caught my attention. It gave an almost chaotic feel, which closely mirrored Kyeongyoon's own feelings about his past.

However, the troubled relationship of the engaged couple doesn't begin and end with Kyeongyoon. His fiancée, Soojin, has a shocking past herself. It was quite honestly a jaw-dropping moment when you discover her secrets.

Overall, there are plenty of shockers in this movie and absolutely nothing was done without a purpose. I too was gasping multiple times during the last fifteen minutes as everything was unfolding. A couple viewings of this film might be needed to fully grasp all that happened, but it is well worth the second, third, or in my case, fifth watch.

Read More

Campy, Queer, and a Love Letter to the Outcasts

Have you ever watched a show and its essence felt supremely queer? That was my first impression of SCOY and it delivered on the queer-vibes the whole way through.

It's loud, flamboyant, and fun in a way that isn't meant to be taken too seriously, but is also filled with a lot of heart. A tight-knit, queer friend group takes center stage and femmes get lead roles in a world where they're used to being the unattractive outcasts, stuck daydreaming about their secret crushes on unattainable campus hotties, except (spoilers) campus hotties are Queer Friend Group #2, who are less visibly queer, but are truly just as lovably odd as Queer Friend Group #1.

Both friend groups are filled with characters I have come to absolutely adore, and SCOY takes care to show that whether attractive or unattractive, popular or unpopular, we all are humans each with our own quirks and insecurities, but by sharing those parts of ourselves with our loved ones, we can learn to overcome those insecurities and allow ourselves to love and be loved for the quirky people we are.

The couples have excellent chemistry and SCOY loves to show how attractive they find each other, but my favorite thing about the numerous sex scenes, especially between Nuea and Toh, is how sometimes I just had to sit back and be like, if that's what they're into, good for them, because they were often playful and teasing in a way that was uniquely THEM.

The show isn't without its flaws (Daisy and Touch deserved a better resolution), but it was still a solid 10/10 on the enjoyment scale.

Extra bonus points for the lesbian couple in QFG#2, even if they were only minor characters. I'm so ready for us to enter a gl era, and if GAP the Series is anywhere near as good as SCOY was, I will be a very happy lady indeed.

Read More