Reviews

Love the suspense!

Shin Hye Sun is always gonna do it for me! She did incredible in this movie; she never fails to amaze me.

The movie was pretty good! I loved the suspenseful and thriller scenes. I thought the cinematography in the movie was cool, especially when the camera would focus on Hye Sun being in shock or scared. The plot was well-written and played out nicely. I like that it brings awareness to the dangers that might come with purchasing second-hand items or just being online in general.

The only downside to this movie is that the first half felt a bit slow; I think it could have been shorter and still been just as effective.

Overall a good watch.

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A cautionary parable for man's true acquiescence to the natural world

Toshiharu Ikeda's elemental and mythical adaptation of Takashi Ishii's Angel Guts manga, Mermaid Legend, evokes a lyrical sadness for the fading way of life of seafaring fishermen and ama divers. One that starts as a relatively tender study of grief but shifts dramatically in the latter half to become an absolutely brutal exploitation blood-drenched angel of vengeance and yet, despite those exploitation tendencies, it also channels the intense anti-nuclear sentiment of the decade. An eco-thriller that finds the incursive grasp of industrialisation and corporate greed encroaching on natural realms. Ikeda directs a film that begins a presentation lingering somewhere between the realistic and the idyllic, almost artful in several scenes but it's not long before the film shows its true colours, which are essentially bathed in the red of blood. Mari Shirato gives an astonishing performance as Migiwa, managing to capture everything from sorrowful and vulnerable as much as vengeful and unstoppable, a real shame she wasn't in more. Combined with a truly haunting piano score by Toshiyuki Honda, Mermaid Legend remains a brooding requiem for loss, a cautionary parable for man's true acquiescence to the natural world.

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unhealthily rewatching it since 2019 - for Sugino & cute fluff moments

This film is simply my guilty pleasure - to watch Sugino & Ryusei over & over & internally scream at the heart-fluttering moments shown. Honestly if you compare with the other shows/movies I have rated 8 - this is definitely not in the same space, but given the unhealthy times I have rewatched this & it remains a comfort film, the rating technicalities can be overlooked.

The story is delightfully simple and cute, with the perfect amount of fanservice to keep you hooked. It has its ups and downs, but nothing too intense or shocking – just a smooth, enjoyable ride. The three main leads deliver stellar performances, beautifully supported by the rest of the cast. The film concludes on a high note, leaving you grinning and blushing like crazy – I've been doing just that from my first watch to the present!

Best Part: Sugino Yosuke - just cannot get enough of this man. I have been following his works since long, and while this is one of his early ones and not enough to showcase his talent, I highly recommend watching him in Barakamon, Love's In Sight. Am not sure, but I feel he is still not the most popular J-actors, but he truly deserves to be. In contrast, Yokohama Ryusei is a more popular face and while I have seen him here and there - Cursed in Love is one of his best works I feel.

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Simply magnificent

I genuinely can't believe I put this film off for so long! A darker-than-dark neo-noir thriller, On the Run, is exactly the kind of film I adore one that's raised to another level by an incredibly dark sense of humour and a knack for doing the unexpected. It takes you for a ride, managing to assault, frustrate and delight regularly never ceasing to be entertaining or compelling. It's far from uplifting, a constant overhanging anxiety plagues its characters from the then-upcoming Chinese takeover of Hong Kong, even in 1988 they were worried about the future, it gives the film a suitably grim atmosphere even in the face of its stunning visuals. It's so weird to think that Alfred Cheung was more well-known for his comedies because watching this you honestly wouldn't know it. He perfectly complements the gloomy theme with dark cinematography of the black, Hong Kong horizon dimly lit with the traditional glow of neon lights. It is almost impossible to not be utterly captivated by its mood. As much as this is one of Yuen Biao's finest performances, the film is absolutely stolen by Pat Ha; displaying an intense physical presence throughout as a cold-blooded hitwoman with a heart of gold that commands incredible respect and sympathy. Aside from an incredible pole-slide stunt performed midway through by Yuen Biao, all the action is played with a brutal realism that's nothing short of spectacular, especially that final fight. Featuring a brilliantly crafted script that moves at lightning speed and a truly unforgettable musical score by Violet Lam, I cannot find myself praising On the Run enough, it's simply terrific.

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Any program including Shin Hye Sun, I will support. Shin is an outstanding actress, I would love to see her performance in American series/films. Regardless of character, Shin’s performances are realistic; moreover, her aura exemplifies confidence, leadership, boss. (While Shin is one of my favorites, the entire cast was excellent. I was emotionally affected.) Hands down 100 stars.
As an American, I am, however, appalled of the blatant elitist entitlement of the culture. The affluent and powerful have no accountability/conscience; instead, abusive and inhumane. Their end will contrast (Mark 10:31). Unfortunately, humanity is manipulated by money. (1Thimoth 6:10): FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL. Disgrace.
IT IS A BAD WIND, THAT NEVER CHANGES

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A Great LITTLE Film

-- when you're feeling a little blue and want some company. For as the saying goes: misery loves company.

1. If you're interested to see Eddie all handsome and jokey and charming, either change your expectations or ditch now.

2. There's something ridiculously unique that Eddie does in this film that -- to my knowledge -- no other actor has even tried. To tell you would spoil it but a third of the way thru you'll get it.

3. The production design is stark and simple. The town this movie is set in is rather desolate and depressing. You won't be able to take your eyes off anything, which is also because the photography is perfect.

4. One of the best rock band records EVER has two or so songs featured here. An absolute perfect choice and I'm amazed they got the rights to this epic album.

5. If you put a ticking bomb in a building, we need to know if it went off or not. There's something like this in BLACK DOG and they didn't tell us what happened next. It makes me believe it's a metaphor for something, connected to our lead ditching his... urm... captivity? But granting this it's weird we're not shown the aftermath. But also kinda cool somehow.

6. Because of the recent depressingly horrid American election -- I'm feeling just like Eddie.

7. If you enjoyed the short series TO THE WONDER you'll like BLACK DOG. Just know DOG runs a little darker. And if you enjoyed this film but haven't seen WONDER, why are you still reading this?

RECOMMEND

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Stalker meets Psycho, Average Thriller - Watch it for the Main Leads

This had been on my watchlist for Shin Hye Sun & Byun Yo Han & because of their sheer acting brilliance I rated this otherwise average thriller +1 than deserved. The film offers a captivating narrative with a steady pace, twists and turns, and a suspenseful soundtrack. However, it falls short of being truly memorable and often feels reminiscent of famous Hollywood movie adapted from a book, of similar theme/genre.

What sets this movie apart, though, is its poignant focus on the effects of social media on real life and the unusual habit of the male lead that spirals into trouble. It masterfully portrays how some individuals become so consumed by projecting a perfect life on social networks that they turn delusional, harming themselves and those around them. It also sheds light on how what one person might perceive as a harmless hobby could be viewed as disturbingly stalkerish behavior.

The ending was particularly striking, highlighting the absence of a true victim as the lines between protagonist and antagonist blur, each believing they were taking the right actions. It's a thought-provoking commentary on modern society's obsessions and the thin line between right and wrong.

Overall: Average Thriller - watch it if you don't have anything else AND/OR you are a fan like me of the two main leads ❤️

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Not bad

I found this movie and im pleasantly surprise.

I see many reviews stating it's mediocre at best but i find it not bad.

Story progresses pretty fast since it's a movie not a serries. Some typical drama cliches and cute moments. Little back story which can be explore a little bit more.
The romance did happen a bit tad fast but it's fine, Komatsu Nana dit a really really good job with her poker-face character. And when she did express emotions it's really adorable. The main lead was fine a typical handsome actor, the chemistry between Yuni and Haruka is not bad, i have seen worse.
Kissing scenes not sure if it's "japanese" wat of kissing but it seems to be a little off compared to kdramas and chinese.

All in all is not bad movie

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Feels like a work in progress

I was looking forward to the science fiction multiverse plot and in most ways it didn't disappoint - although there were scenes from the early promos that I liked MUCH better than the ones that actually made it into the movie - or at least the version of the movie I saw - there may be a different version in another part of the multiverse.

The unifying element of the multiple universes is Kath's consciousness of all the worlds and the relentlessness of her determination to be with Lin, and happy with Lin, in at least one of them. That seems a prospect with diminishing odds, given how many times and in how many random ways they are kept apart.

The sheer ambition of the number of scenarios had to be daunting for the production staff and feels like overreach in parts. It's not that they fail to entertain, because each scenario is compelling in itself. It's that, even at just over two hours running, there simply isn't enough time to do them all justice.

And it's that overreach that leaves the ending feeling rushed and ambiguous. It's hard to be reassured when right up to the end we're treated to the cinematic version of 50 ways to leave your lover.

PROS
High marks for story, soundtrack, action, and romance, and ultra high marks for angst.

The technical production was near flawless; the location scenery was beautiful; and the space mission special effects were impressive.

Freen Sarocha Chankimha's acting was outstanding, natural and engaging throughout, making each of her characters the focal point of shared scenes.

CONS
In the version I saw, the English dialog didn't match the English subtitles, which is just weird, and the Thai subtitles ran on top of the English subtitles, obscuring the dialog in places. Note: It's likely I saw a version that wasn't supposed to be publicly available. The prominent watermark visible throughout gives it away as a film festival copy.

The Tsunami CGI was awkwardly done.

The actor playing space mission commander is cartoonishly awful in his delivery, which ironically fits with the Spaceman Spiff level dialog he's given.

Co-lead Rebecca Patricia Armstrong's physical acting shows tremendous improvement from earlier projects, but her long term career prospects may hinge on getting some truly professional Hollywood level acting lessons to bring her dialog delivery up to standard.

The ending needed more breathing room. The director surely could have borrowed 30 seconds from somewhere to give the characters the resolution they deserved.

SUMMARY
Given the runtime limitations for a cinematic release, I have no doubt a lot of quality work was left on the metaphorical cutting room floor. A multipart series may have been a better vehicle for a project of this scope. If the cinematic release continues to have trouble getting its legs underneath it, maybe a re-edit into a series could give it new life.

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As soon as I saw that Kagawa Teruyuki acted in a main role here, I knew this would be excellent. I'd previously seen him in (the later produced) series "99.9 Keiji Senmon Bengoshi" and "Roppongi Class".
And, as expected from any film shown on the JFF Theater platform, the actors are brilliant. They are indeed so brilliant that there is no need for dramatic music, or experimental camera work -- the actor's way of portraying their characters is what carries this film.

Most of the film's value comes from how the characters react to their circumstances (or, rather how they try to shape them) -- which is why the actor's capabilities are so important.
I don't want to spoil anything about the plot and its little twists and turns. Maybe just this: This is not a "firework of jokes" kind of comedy -- yes, there are some scenes that made me laugh out loud, like right in the beginning, when Kanae Mizushima straightens her desk and then takes out a small vacuum cleaner for the finish; most of the comedic bits are more subtle.

And a short word about the romance -- yes, there is a romance story -- it was very cute. Two oddballs falling in love with each other, over their shared passion for plans and lists, was sweet to watch. And the hug in the end was everything.

As the best comedies do, this film also touches upon question of human existence: What is love? And what are you willing to do for it? What makes you "you"? How do you "know" who you are? And can you be an ethical killer?

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“ A Heartfelt and Hilariously Unique Take on Love, Loss, and Friendship"

Marry My Dead Body is an unexpected gem in the supernatural comedy genre. It cleverly balances comedy, emotional moments, and social themes, making it more than just a quirky ghost story. The setup—a ghost marriage between a living police officer and a spirit—sounds outlandish, but the show quickly proves that it has more depth than expected.

One of the drama’s strongest aspects is its character development. Both leads start off with their own flaws and biases, and their journey together is full of growth and unexpected friendship. The chemistry between the main characters is electric, and they play off each other perfectly, providing a mix of laugh-out-loud humor and deeply touching moments. This contrast between comedic banter and genuine emotion keeps the story engaging and relatable, despite its fantastical premise.

The show also deserves credit for its sensitive handling of LGBTQ+ themes, which can be rare in Asian dramas. It addresses societal prejudices in a natural and thought-provoking way, allowing the story to go beyond surface-level humor and explore deeper questions about acceptance, identity, and love.

Visually, the drama is vibrant and well-crafted, with an effective use of special effects that enhance the supernatural elements without feeling overdone. The production quality is solid, and the pacing feels just right, keeping the story moving while giving us time to connect with the characters.

If there’s any minor downside, it might be that some plot points feel a bit predictable, or that certain comedic elements get repeated. But these are small critiques in an otherwise well-executed drama.

Overall: Marry My Dead Body is a heartfelt, funny, and refreshingly original drama that strikes a beautiful balance between humor, romance, and social commentary. It’s not afraid to tackle tough topics while still keeping things light and entertaining. For anyone looking for a unique drama with depth and humor, this is a must-watch.

Final Rating: 9.5/10

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Sweet, heartwarming story

Wish we had more movies/series like this one, it deserves a sequel. Even better than the manga in my opinion but the manga is good as well.
Beautiful scenery, excellent actors, characters that grow in a simple story without forced drama just for the sake of it. Good pacing for the story but maybe a bit slow for some, realistic, cute story of 2 characters falling in love, enjoyed their family dynamics as well.
The camera was shaky on purpose for a scene but it did not really work well in my opinion, the way it was filmed made me think it was a bit older then 2020, their love story was a bit rushed at the end, wish they had more romantic scenes.
Rewatched it, will see it again in the future.

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Very interesting for a first watch

The movie is quite interesting, storyline wise - I would say it is alright. I would not say it is the best story line but one that makes me question how can the "dad" in the movie try teach the kid a lesson that way?! I would definitely agree that it is like 100% the father's fault. You just do not leave your child alone in an unknown place just to "teach" the child! Donnie Yen definitely did a remarkable job portraying his role very well. The ending of the movie, definitely not expected, was a very sad ending.

There isn't much music noticed when watching the show. There are definitely on the toes moments and it keeps you wondering if the boy will be found in the end. But nonetheless, the movie is a great first time watch, however - for me personally - I would not go for a re-watch , no matter how much I love Donnie Yen's movies.

I would feel sad and sorry for any child or person who get lost in the wilderness, however, in this movie.... I would just say the fault of the parent. Bad parenting. Not the right way of teaching your kid - no matter how angry the kid made you.

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