Kuro Shitsuji Movie

I heard news about this movie a year ago and since it's release in January I've been keeping an eye out for a subbed version.
Although this movie is a part of the Black Butler franchise, it is not necessary to be acquainted with the story to understand the movie. The movie is basically based in an alternate dimension where the names are different and the main character is a cross-dressing girl. More on that later. The movie is about Shiori Genpou and her butler, Sebastian Michaelis, who serve as the Queen's 'Watchdogs', detectives for the weird and supernatural. So when mummified bodies start to turn up, Shiori immediately starts investigating. But things don't go well when her investigations leads her to a private party where she's caught snooping around. Fortunately she has Sebastian who is more than just a butler, he's 'one hell of a butler': a demon who serves Shiori in exchange for her soul. The pair need to have all their wits about them if they are to survive and solve the mystery.
The plot is really clever. Its full of redherrings but every detail is carefully explained in various flashbacks. Its really rather in depth actually and everything is explained. I quite often find stories like this difficult to keep up with and yet I followed this movie with relative ease. Although that may actually mean that the story is terrible and too straight forward, it makes me happy and that's what matters in the end!
I remember the original anime being very humorous and at times utterly ridiculous. This movie is not like this. It focuses a lot more on the action instead. Not that I can really complain! The action scenes are all beautifully choreographed. Considering Sebastian can technically take out all the enemies in the blink of an eye, I really appreciate the fact that they actually made these spectacular fight scenes. They really make the movie in my opinion. Also, it's quite gory at times, but its classy and well done gore and only actually adds to the story rather than detracting. But I really don't know how to feel about the new names and the fact that the new protagonist is a girl. It does feel like they strayed to far from the original source. Especially since is adds nothing to the story! However, it doesn't really cause any problem either.
One thing I did have a problem is though is that they couldn't devote themselves to one time period. The original Black Butler story was set very clearly in Victorian England. This movie isn't quite so obvious about because although the characters wear Victorian clothing, almost identical to what they wear in the original show! But there's modern cars and an incredibly advanced looking bomb. However it must be said that they really rocked those costumes. They are as beautiful as the original designs. Incredibly detailed and carefully constructed. They're perfect!
However, I am incredibly impressed by the casting! Ayame Goriki has the air of authority and nonchalance that matches Shiori's/Ciel's personality and Hiro Mizushima has a tall build and deep voice befitting of Sebastian! I am particularly pleased with Mizuki Yamamoto who plays Rin, the clumsy maid. In the anime I remember her for her distinctive voice which would squeak like a boy hitting puberty. Something that Mizuki manages to imitate in such a way that its still reminiscent of the original character but with the control necessary to fit the more serious tone of the movie.
In conclusion, I am happy I finally found this! It's the best film I've watched in a while actually! The plot is carefully created and the actors give their all to representing their characters. I am slightly disappointed that some of the best characters did not get realised in the movie but in the end I'd rather have a clever plot than a story bent around showing off as many characters as possible. As long as you're prepared for a less funny Black Butler, you will love this movie! It has a brilliant balance of violence and intelligence that I think any one could appreciate! So why are you still sitting there? Go watch the movie!

Pie:

The Thieves

Another recommendation from my dad here. The Thieves is a 2012 Korean Movie which received a lot of press as the 'Korean Ocean's 11'. With a collection of top actors such as Kim Yoon Seok (The Chaser and Punch), Kim Hye Soo (Sandglass and Over the Rainbow) and Gianna Jun (My Love From Another Star and My Sassy Girl) it's no surprise that the action comedy is currently the second highest grossing movie in Korean film history.
Enough with the facts, onto the review! The plot of The Thieves is about a group of robbers, Popie (Lee Jung Jae), Yenicall (Gianna Jun), Chewingum (Kim Hae Sook) and Zampano (Kim Soo Hyun) from Korea who decide to follow the lead of ex-colleague Macao Park to pull off a major heist in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong the team become acquainted with another group of thieves. The distrust between the two groups causes tension. The stakes are high as the 10 thieves try to steal the 'Tear of Sun' which is worth $20 million dollars but every one has their own agendas and no one can be trusted.

No Breathing

Terribly sorry about my last review, for some reason it didn't post when it was supposed to... But to make things up to you, I've found some more sport related media. A Korean movie about swimming.

Won Il was set to be a champion swimmer but he quit and lost his passion for swimming. However after being expelled from school he is forced to join a sports college where he meets Woo Sang a serious swimmer who's headed for the Olympics. The two had met before as children at a competition, now the two form a strange friendship based on rivalry.

The Heirs

There's been a lot of hype around this drama since April because of it's all star line-up! Lee Min Ho (Boys Over Flowers and Personal Preference) Kang Min Hyuk (Hearstrings and drummer for CN Blue) and Park Shin Hye (You're Beautiful and Heartstrings) all feature in this drama alongside many more big actors and idols. about the love and friendships of some very rich high school student. In fact, given my great anticipation to watch this drama I've broken my 5-episodes-for-a-review rule so I can tell you about this drama only 4 days after it's premier.

Petal Dance

I decided to watch a movie this week because as a general rule, movies are easier to review. Looking at recent releases lead me to Petal Dance, I was prepared to watch the movie, review it then return to my stack of homework. Alas, that was never meant to be as Petal Dance is not the straight forward movie I was anticipating.
It's deep and thought-provoking and needs much more attention than I gave it! The plot is sparse and is quite a minor part of the film. It's a very basic tale of life and friendship which is a lot like a slice-of-life without the joy. It takes place over a matter of days when best friends Jinko and Mokoto hear that their former class mate has been hospitalized after an attempted suicide. Unsure of what the best course to take is, they decide to visit her for the first time in 6 years. But before they leave Jinko damages her hand in an attempt to stop some one jumping in front of a train. That some one was Haraki, although she just lost her job she didn't intend to take her own life but after realising Jinko can't drive with her bandaged hand, Haraki elects to be their driver instead. On the long journey to their friend, the three friends bond by talking poetically about bent trees (it's all straight over my head) and when they get there, Miki is surprised by their visit. However they agree to all go to the seaside together so they can talk about wind and draw.

House of Flying Daggers

At the 2004 Cannes Film Festival, House of Flying Daggers reportedly received a 20 minute standing ovation. From big time director Zhang Yimou and starring the beautiful and talented Zhang Ziyi it's no wonder it got so much hype. But what is it all about?

Set in China 859 AD we see the decline of the Tang dynasty. Government is losing control as rebel groups spring up across the country. Most prominently, the House of Flying Daggers, an elusive group who steal from the rich and give to the poor. They've devised a scheme to wipe out the generals best men using Mei (Zhang Ziyi). When police officers Jin and Liu hear that the new dancer may be a member of the Flying Daggers which they've been ordered to annihilate! So Jin is sent to investigate and when he discovers that Mei is blind and shows hatred towards government officials he's lead to believe that she is the daughter of the old leader and a prominent figure to the group. They decide to use this information to track down the Flying Daggers and hopefully slay their leader. Jin is sent undercover as 'Wind' to 'rescue' Mei from prison and have her lead him to the House of Flying Daggers. But on their journey Jin is seduced by Mei's beauty and Mei finds herself falling for Jin's valour and courage. There could be a happy ending for these two lovers, however things are not always as they appear to be...

Monstar

A group of out-casted teenagers each with their own tragic back story are put against the odds to make the best musical performance they can. As they form their bonds they find their talents and find that they can heal their psychological scars through music. But the love lines formed don't quite match up and rifts are formed in the group! Will they still be able to make their performance the best and win the competition? No, I'm not talking about Glee! They don't have instruments in Glee, after all!
Yoon Seol Chan is a member of the idol group Men In Black. After receiving some bad press his company decides that the best way to change his image is to send him to school. Also new to school is Min Se Yi who transferred after spending time in New Zealand talking to sheep. The two become desk mates and are joined by a silent gangsta, the 'cool' class president, a bullied nerd with a passion for singing, a tough bully and the token fat girl to form a band. They're blackmailed by they're teacher and must cooperate to get their performance ready in time.

Golden Time

Golden Time or 'Golden Hour' refers to the vital period of time where the doctors medical treatment determines the life or death of the patient. Min-Woo is well aware of that, medical drama junkie and country side doctor encountered a traumatic incident lost him a patient and his confidence in his work. Still unsure of why he wants to become a doctor, Min-Woo returns to a city hospital to complete his residency in ER. Working alongside him is Jae-In. The complete opposite of Min-Woo, Jae-In is determined to become a doctor so she can support herself while helping others. The drama and stress mounts up quickly on interns in ER though and if he wants to survive Min-Woo needs to take control of his wispy emotions and get his priorities straight because when a moments hesitation makes the difference between life and death there is no room for the uncertain. It aired just last year and it's my first ever medical drama. So be sure to read on!

A Werewolf Boy

Highly acclaimed Korean movie, "A Werewolf Boy", directed by Jo Sung-hee for his commercial debut. It quickly reached 4.12 million admissions making it the most successful Korean melodrama of all time! But is it really worth all the hype?
As an elderly woman Kim Suni receives a phone call about the sale of her old family home out in the country side and decides to pay the place a visit with her grand daughter Eun Joo. From there she reminisces back to when she was a teenager and her and her mother escaped to the country side. Kim Suni was suffering from a lung problem and it was believed that the country air would do her some good. Not long after arriving Suni finds a feral boy who can't read, write or fully understand what people are saying. Despite his unruly nature Suni's mother is kind enough to adopt him and name him Chul-Soo; for she, like all the other villagers, believe he was one of the many children which were orphaned in the Korean War. Unsatisfied by the way that Chul-Soo behaves, Suni starts to 'tame' him using a dog training book. Every time he acts accordingly Suni will pat his head and from these acts of kindness a bond is formed between the introverted girl and the lonely boy.

Jang Ok Jung

After LOENENT released a MV for Dream On You I was captivated by those beautiful scenes of cherry blossoms and Korean History so I had to look into the drama! It's based in Joseon, a state in Korea between 1392 and 1897. It's a pinnacle point in Korean History not only for the great technological advancements but   it's traits from this era (etiquette, language, cultural norms, etc.) that have most influenced modern Korea. It is commonly used as the best example of traditional Korean culture and has become a somewhat romanticized time period. Much like the Victorian age for us Britons! Even better, the characters are based off real historical people! My knowledge does not extend far enough to tell you how historically accurate it is, but it does add a whole new level of realism.
Now you're probably wondering when I'm actually going to start reviewing! The answer is: right after this synopsis!

Ace Attorney (movie)

Requested by a desperate anon is a movie based directly off the Phoenix Wright games. Whilst this isn't the first Phoenix Wright related media, it is the first live-action.The plot is based on the first game (Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney) when Phoenix Wright first becomes an attorney we see that he struggles to solve a case on his own. After winning his first court case Wright's mentor, Mia Fey, is struck dead and a witness accuses her sister, Maya Fey, of committing the crime. Wright now has to defend Maya against his rival prosecutor and childhood friend Miles Edgeworth. But when Edgeworth himself becomes a suspect in a murder Wright puts his differences aside and puts all his energies into proving Edgeworth innocent even if he has to go against Manfred von Karma who hasn't lost a single case in 40 years! In a world with a 3 day court system Wright has to gather evidence quickly and with help from his new found ally Maya he has to prove the innocence of friends and put the real criminals behind bars.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon

If you haven't heard of Sailor Moon then I advise you stop living under a rock! She's the most iconic girl in the magical girl world and the anime is such a classic! But I'm not here to tell you about the amazing 200 episode long anime that EVERY ONE should watch, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon is the live action sailor moon. All the characters that you know (or should know) and love but as real people! The plot is obviously very similar to the anime but there is still a lot of difference. After Usagi Tsukino finds the magically talking cat plush named Luna (yes, it's a plush and not a real cat) she's transformed into sailor moon to fight the evil youma. She quickly finds Ami Mizuno, Rei Hino and Minako Aino to fight along side her as Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars and Sailor Jupiter. Now they fight together as the Sailor Soldiers of Justice. Although the first few episodes seem almost identical to the anime it's after Sailor Jupiter joins in that the there are some major plot difference. They have to find the Mystical Silver Crystal before the enemy and the story place a lot more importance on this crystal than the anime does. And also, it's more character based then the anime so there is a lot more depth to the characters. There's lots of extra stories for friendship bonding and character development which were definitely missing in the anime. It;s really interesting and every episode gives you something new: about the mysterious Tuxedo Mask, the even more mysterious Sailor V or about the origin of the Sailor Soldiers. Although the whole plot is a lot more condensed (only 51 episodes!) it somehow feels like there's a lot more in it! But then, it is only the first story arc.

Who Slept With Her?

Who slept with her? Sirasoni saw the student teacher doing the deed with some one and he won't rest until he finds out who! Children, advert your eyes now.

Kim TaeYo, Jae Sung and Ahn MyeongSeop attend a conservative Christian boys school where discipline is strong. But when the extremely attractive student teacher Ji Young joins it's only natural that all her pupils want to get into her pants. Ji Young is put in charge of organising a performance for the school; as such, she spends a lot of time with Kim TaeYo, Jae Sung and Ahn MyeongSeop. In fact it was just after this that the Head of discipline (Sirasoni) looks into a classroom window to see a couple embracing and her a woman moaning. By the time he gets into the class, the couple are gone leaving just Ji Young's red stilettos behind. So, if Ji Young was the woman: who slept with her? Sirasoni has three suspects: Kim TaeYo, Jae Sung and Ahn MyeongSeop. Flashback a few months to when Ji Young first joined (I loved the use of flashbacks in this film) and we see why Sirasoni suspects these people and finally, what happened that night after the performance! It's such a brilliant plot, incredibly funny! It is very weird at first, but once everything's explained at the end it's just pure genius! I loved the ending SO much that I REALLY want to tell you what happens... but that would spoil it for you, so go watch! I think the plot was really well devised and so entertaining. Just.... Just watch it, yeah?

Akumu Chan

Guess what I found, a drama that's NOT a romance!! I can finally stop my run of similar sounding drama reviews with this Jdrama; Akumu Chan. The drama is about dreams and premonitions and here's some fun trivia: akumu is Japanese for night mare! And this is hot off the press guys! Only 7 episodes and counting!

So anyway, the plot is about Yuiko a transfer student at elementary school. Her home room teacher Ayami pretends she is the perfect teacher, always smiling and being friendly to every one. But really, she's a bit of a psychopath so to her Yuiko is just a bother. But it really becomes a bother to her when Yuiko starts telling Ayami about her nightmares. More than just nightmares, Yuiko has prophetic dreams and with her grandfather's research her dreams can be recorded and watched. After convincing Ayami to help, the trio try to understand Yuiko's symbolic dreams and prevent misfortune. Every week there is a different person to save, but they don't feel like stand-alone episodes because of the underlying plot (e.g. Ayami's lucid dreams and sleep walking and Yuiko's grand father's assistance). In fact, so much more gets added per episode I struggled to slim it down for you! I like the mix of having one problem resolved every episode while still having an ongoing plot. It stops me getting dangerously addicted to the series and keeps it quite fun because with out something going right the whole drama could get really depressing. Most of the prophecies are about Yuiko's class mates but the dreams are really rather frightening with murder and kidnapping and the such! It's almost disturbing!

Chocolate

Todays review was recommended by Normal, and no, it's not a food review. Also known as 'Zen, Warrior Within', Chocolate is a Thai film. First Thai review guys! I'm spreading toffeeish over the world!!

Anyway, on with the review. Chocolate is a Martial Arts movie and I must confess, it's not a genre that I particularly like because usually they are just filled with seemingly pointless fight scenes. But I found Chocolate to be a very emotional story! Zin was in a relationship with Yakuza boss no.8, until she fell in love with Masashi, rival Yakuza member. When she leaves no.8 for Masashi he shoots his own foot as a warning of what will happen if she sees Masashi again. Soon after Zin falls pregnant and convinces Masashi to return to Japan to make things safer for the child. She names her daughter Zen and finds out that she is very autistic. As Zen grows older she gets lightening quick reflexes and an obsession with martial arts. Alas, the sad bit is when Zin gets Cancer, but is to poor to afford the treatment. Mom (Zin's kind of adopted son person) finds a notebook from when Zin was in the Yakuza of all the people who owe her money. Unknowing of it's origins Mom and Zen go off to collect the money in hopes to cure Zin. Naturally, when no.8 finds out about this he isn't too happy and so we reach the climax. Zen has to use all her ninja-like skills to fight of no.8's gang and protect her mother, Masashi arrives from Japan in time to join in as well. Naturally, I can't tell you how it ended.... BUT IT WAS SO AWESOME!!

My Wife is a Gangster

Just finished watching My Wife is a Gangster and I don't really know what to say... Eun Jin is a legendary gang boss for her shocking skill with a knife, despite being female. But even her menacing threats can't help her elder sister when she is taken to hospital with cancer, little hope of recovering. However Yu Jin (Eun Jin's sister) wants to see some things through before she passes away. Just a small request for her sister. Get married. So her underling, Romeo gets his girlfriend to glam her up and they send her on a blind date, it doesn't go according to plan. But not all was wasted as Eun Jin then finds Soo Il, a push-over who was stupid enough to agree to marry Eun Jin. Now they are awkwardly married with lots of abuse thrown at Soo Il. That would be the end, if Yu Jin wasn't so spoiled. Unsatisfied with her sisters awkward marriage, she now confides to Eun Jin that she's always wanted kids. So Eun Jin literally forces herself upon Soo Il to try get pregnant as soon as she can. Eun Jin gets successfully pregnant and now she's set the task of looking after the unborn while being a gang boss.

Secret Garden

Guys! I really need some more recommendations!! Leave them in the comments below!

Another drama based around a rich man and a poor woman. Just like 90% of the drama's I have watched, but really, it can't get old can it!! Gil Ra Im is a stunt woman and proud of it, even if it doesn't give her much money, Kim Joo Won is a multi-millionaire CEO who looks down on every one. But when he mistakes the stunt double with the actual actress he is shocked by his profound interest in her. Thus starts they're strange kind of relationship which can never work out because of they're difference in lifestyles. Kim Joo Won's feelings become even more prominent when Gil Ra Im becomes acquainted with her ultimate idol Oska. Jealousy runs wild and suddenly Gil Ra Im is involved in some pretty complicated love affairs. Things only get more confusing when series of events lead to Kim Joo Won and Gil Ra Im swapping bodies. Rich man, poor woman, I've seen before. As have I seen all the misunderstanding that occur in such situation. I've even watched gender-bender dramas! But NEVER have I seen a body-swap! I can't decide if that novelty is entertaining or just silly.... but it is certainly unique.

May 18 (Splendid Holiday)

Back to school soon. Yay. Good bye summer! On another note, did you know I have done more than 52 consistent reviews? That's right, it's been over a year since I returned to blogging!

My Dad lent me this film (in all it's limited edition box set glory) saying that it wasn't that good. But, based on true events May 18  is most tragic, tear-jerking tale I've ever witnessed!! No joke about the fact that this is the first time I've actually cried at a piece of media! May 18 is the date in which the citizens of Gwangju, Korea, took arms against the army. The events are true but obviously the characters have been made with the purpose of making every one cry. Brothers Min-woo and Jin-woo are living life quite happily despite having lost their parents (an added detail which I hate for it's cliché). But when soldiers are sent to beat down supposed conspirators from colleges Jin-woo leads his school in protesting. The soldiers are depicted mowing down any college student they see while many others get caught in the middle. It's difficult to pass judgement on this because I know nothing about the incident myself I couldn't say if they've exaggerated it or omitted important facts to make it a greater sob story.

Playful Kiss

I did say I'd review this. Remember? When I reviewed the Taiwanese version "It started with a kiss..."! Well, now I have watched it and really, I can't see why this one's more popular... Obviously the plot is basically the same but things happen a lot quicker. Oh Ha Ni leaves a note in Baek Seung Jo's locker but is publicly humiliated when he returns the letter with corrections marked on. Her troubles only get worse when her new house falls down in a minor earthquake so her and her father are forced to stay under the protection of her father's friend who, as fate would have it, is Seung Jo's dad. But unlike It started with a kiss, the plot quickly progresses to when they enter University and we see a lot of Seung Jo's caring side (read It started with a kiss review for a more detailed summary). The nature of this drama is very believable, ignoring the scene when Oh Ha Ni's house falls down. It's a bit too believable really and decisively neutral. Where's the drama? The exaggerated reactions? The too sad/happy moments that make you scream at the computer? I'll tell you where, in the longer plot. They've made everything happen too fast so there's no tension, which is a shame because this show has so much to offer. Namely the acting.

Nodame Cantabile

I haven't really ventured much into Japanese dramas much, but I have heard a lot about the general idea of them. Instead of tear-jerking love stories and soap opera tragedies j-dramas are full of slapstick comedy and silliness. This particular drama is based in a music college that Chiaki attends. Originally bought up in Europe, he had to move back to Japan when his parents split up. Somewhere on the way though, his plane had an emergency landing and he feel out of a boat, so with those haunting memories he is now stuck in Japan (easily the worst bit of the plot, a plane crash AND drowning!). He's from the piano division and his known through out the school for his brilliant piano but also his astounding good-looks. Nodame is also plays piano at college but she's a freshman and labelled under-achiever. The two are set the task of playing a duet together and as they are neighbours begin to spend a lot of time together. Thus the two obviously, and quite suddenly, fall in love (really, it was like they blinked and suddenly appreciated one another!). But Chiaki doesn't want to be a pianist, he wants to conduct, so when a famous conductor comes to school Chiaki immediately wants to be his pupil. The madness that follows would have to be seen to be believed. The plot has innumerable flaws and the romance doesn't have enough drama in it but it is unbelievable funny. I just sometimes wonder if I'm laughing at bits that are supposed to be funny....