Reviews written by numinair
-
A Blood Pledge (DVD) (2-Disc) (First Press Limited Edition) (Korea Version)
A Blood Pledge (DVD) (2-Disc) (First Press Limited Edition) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(2)Our Price: US$27.99List: US$35.99Save: US$8.00 (22%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:November 2, 2009 Supplement - Full OST + cast dancing to SuJuAlthough I don’t normally do a double review I just wanted to add a bonus DVD extra review as some nice features here. The most interesting being the 22 track music OST (look out for two pages of music lists on the DVD soundtrack menu) with some excellent and effective music and suitably haunting and emotional here, too. Ominous dark electronic music, orchestral and piano themes and two nice songs (one theme sung by the 5 girl cast members with a making of as well).
Also interesting are interviews with the cast members as a group; Gyung-ah Jang (Eon-joo), Eun-seo Son (So-yi), Min-jeong Song (Eun-young) Yeon-seo Oh (Yu-jin) and Shin-ae Yoo (Jeong-eon - Eon-joo’s sister). Oh, there’s no doubting these five actresses are faces for future Korean screen and they fit perfectly in the canon of performers in the Yeo-go-kuei-dam series. Certainly young actresses well equipped for future movies who act excellently, are nicely photogenic and are highly mature and pleasant to interview (if you grasp a bit of Korean the girl’s interviews on the bonus DVD is worth seeing).
There are some nice poster and photo promotional shoots made showing at one point Eun Jo and So-yi entangled with their hairs (their bonding love?). Funnily enough due to no printed leaflet in this set (T_T) it came to mind that it would be interesting to have the full sets of poster promotional shots as a bonus on any future DVDs (similar to full screen scene still galleries), as well as the ‘making of’ promotional shoots. Other bits are some deleted scenes, a special movie screening and trailers. The menus to this film are nicely and gothically effective and also a quick K-pop girl band jolly with the 5 actresses dancing to Dam Bi Son and Super Junior’s ‘Sorry Sorry’. DVDs are packaged in a slip cased cover. Unfortunately, unlike the “Voice” luxury 2 disk set, present limited edition Korean DVD releases are standard looking due to high costs in making them. One last thing the extras DVD is also a Region ALL disk (the film being a R3).Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
A Blood Pledge (DVD) (2-Disc) (First Press Limited Edition) (Korea Version)
A Blood Pledge (DVD) (2-Disc) (First Press Limited Edition) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(2)Our Price: US$27.99List: US$35.99Save: US$8.00 (22%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:November 2, 2009 Movie - Good 5th Yeo-go-kuei-damFunnily enough I received and watched “A Blood Pledge” on the day of Halloween and also indulging presently in “Obscure - The Aftermath” PSP survival horror video game, I certainly had a spooky Halloween. I anticipated “A Blood Pledge” to have an average story by reviews, but found it better than expected. Maybe it lacks artistic license about corrupted souls, life and death, but the story is credible, effective and as a respectable final revelation concerning the girl's initial and deceptive suicide blood pledge. In fact a ghostly murder mystery as such. The girls attempt suicide for various depressive social reasons by deciding to jump off their school roof together but only one, Eon-joo (Jang Gyung-ah) falls to her death then returning as a restless revengeful ghost to fulfill ‘unfinished business’ with the other 3 girls due to the suicide sham. Like the previous 4 films it also touches on the social - parental bullying, rivalry and jealousy, forbidden pregnancy and also Catholic religious overtones - along with the hint of a suppressed lesbian relationship between Eon-joo and So-yi as the centre of the ghost curse here. Domestic social concerns of harsh schooling, bullying teachers and parents or girls needing to be the most acceptable students in the dorm (or deem themselves failures) are the crux of these Yeo-go-kuei-dam horror movies. The fear of failing, losing or falling ironically.
“A Blood Pledge” is also (of course) a strikingly visual ghost movie with stylishly haunting Gothic feel. The school building is pretty eerie with soul stirring lighting effects and cinematic atmosphere. I loved the big ominously lit school at night and the arched window as the girls walk to the rooftop to fulfill their pledge. Some excellent haunting music, too. “A Blood Pledge” is a good fifth outing in the series and to be expected a moderate type of horror. It’s not overly scary or bloody (apart from one girl’s suicide drop with her fall from roof to ground and a blooded hand scene), but I like these films for what they are and not because they have to get me running to the toilet with terror-induced panic. (Witty, too, like when So-yi falls off a swing). Excellent acting, too, as the incredible young actresses debuting here are so well versed at their art, they’re professionals already. Yes, Korean’s can continue these long haired girls in haunted schools and I’ll certainly look forward to Yeo-go-kuei-dam 6, 7, 8 and onwards.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
Fate (DVD) (2-Disc) (Korea Version)
Fate (DVD) (2-Disc) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$28.99List: US$35.99Save: US$7.00 (19%)Related promotions:October 30, 2009 The Angry Young MenAlthough a buddy chummy matey cover of Sang Woo and Seung-hun on the “Fate” poster ad that shows how their characters were before descending into the falling room, this won’t be any saving grace reference to the nature of this movie, as most of their character’s ‘relationship’ or ‘friendship’ is at the end of a fist, a baseball club and a lot of brutal gangster ware fare and is as gritty, moody and violent as you might expect. Both lead characters are perpetually angered, harassed and at brittle loggerheads with what life or fate throws at them and at times bordering on the psychopathic. Considering that Sang Woo and Seung-hun are beloved by many romantic drama fans their appearance in “Fate” will certainly challenge such fans. If anything it as brutal as past Korean flicks “Once Upon a Time in High School” and “Gangster High”, but it’s the unrelenting nature of this film and the soulless anger that could alienate the most. There are action bits with car chases, which are rivetingly filmed but could also seem passé.
Although I love all the actors in this film and “Fate” does comes across ironically as a strong anti violence movie (when looked at beneath the superficially obvious), by showcasing 'wrong box' ultra negative personalities, it’s still a difficult film to recommend as a whole (unlike K-movie "Friend"). Not many fans of Sang Woo and Seung-hun will want to partake this film more than once and only hard action fans will appreciate its merits. I do appreciate harder movies, but much preferred the above three to this. Still a lesson in it all though, by the final scenes (when that chummy cover photo eventually is revealed) of how shared happiness of four friends can become blighted by foolish ignorance, self-delusions of grandeur and the weakness of need and greed. But otherwise you’re going to be challenged to the hilt with this one.
The bonus disk ‘making of’ featurettes are interesting with many action scenes and sequences shown that don’t really request subtitles to appreciate them. Some fingers over eyelids bits such as the stunt work where Seung-hun’s character is thrown over a moving car (stunt double relieves Seung-hun though) but softer bits with Han Hyul Park grooving and enjoying a car outing with Woo Min and some ‘corpsing’ mirth with Sang Woo trying to be hard and serious, but as a bit of a laugh instead (the last thing you’ll be getting from 2 hours of “Fate” however).Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
A Letter To Myself (CD+DVD)
A Letter To Myself (CD+DVD) DVD Region All
(1)Our Price: US$15.49List: US$17.49Save: US$2.00 (11%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:October 28, 2009 Pleasant Soulful & Emotive AlbumSherman’s doing alright with this release here, with some nice emotive songs (some having structures written by Sherman herself) and Sherman’s passionate soulful singing and catchy emotional refrains. “A Letter to Myself” the Cantonese rendition of Angela Aki’s “Tegami” is a lovely song (although I haven’t heard the Japanese original) with other songs having varied touches of soft rock, piano led ballads, easy listening pop and some soul and funky rhythms, but most having a catchy soulful-funky refrain (especially tracks 7, 8 and 9). I found the overall album very pleasant and immediately liked “Three Persons” (track 5), “The Past has Left Me Out of Tears” (track 7), “Mama, Are You Tired?” (track 8) and “I’m Thinking of You” (track 9) which have nice heart rending and touching melodies. Songs do touch on the generic ‘heard it before’, but its an album pleasantly produced with all songs going well together. Sherman’s singing is a mix of soulful R&B ballad, folk and even slightly new country, but always with touching refrains of emotional value. The album also features a traditional Canto electronic dance number with “Higher” which begins the album.
The CD packaging is the foldout card type and includes a photo book of Sherman getting snapped in LA with an additional glossy photo poster lyric sheet of Sherman and a DVD of two song MVs. It’s a good CD with emotional feeling, not overly a ballad album as several songs are more dance orientated. For an English translated track list the songs are 1. Higher 2. A Letter To Myself 3. Heaven's Love 4. Younger Sister 5. Three Persons 6. Personal Embrace 7. The Past Has Left Me Out of Tears 8. Mama, Are You Tired? 9. I'm Thinking Of You 10. Uninvited Guest 11. Single-Mindedness Is A Sin.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
4Minute Mini Album - For Muzik
4Minute Mini Album - For Muzik
(7)Our Price: US$9.99List: US$14.99Save: US$5.00 (33%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:October 22, 2009 More Identikit Girl Pop - Pun Sa? Gimme OCan’t help finding it ironic that these girls are called 4 Minute (Korean: Pun Sa) considering they have 5 (Korean: O) members and this CD’s songs being no longer than 3 minutes and a bit. Maybe calling the gals ‘Identikittens 5 [at] 3 Minuets+’ would have been a more apt name. Okay, I’m joking! 4 Minutes it is! But no doubting 4 Minutes could soon be the amount of time a new K-pop girl band bursts into view (or, worryingly, their ‘sleep time’). Anyway, “For Muzik” is a quality K-pop dance album that reflects similarly 2NE1’s recently released super dance-electro hip-hop fest and with punchy euro-pop numbers. Packaging is also excellent with a nice boxed album inside a silver protective bag, which as a whole makes this look like a computer hardware component instead of a music CD (or maybe a new peripheral update to the current Girl Band sound trend). Nice though. All songs are very likable, certainly danceable, especially “Muzik” and its intro and the track “Hot Issue” and with some quite unusual additions like the electric-cabaret disco “Funny” and the nice repeat vocal refrain from “Won’t Give”. The girls have great enthusiasm and commitment and A Hyun as most know was an original singer from Wonder Girls, now getting her taste for success and credit.
It’s a shame that K-pop girl bands rarely perform live concerts though, and of course hardly any concert DVDs (even MV collections). Hopefully BEG’s 2009 New York gig, Wonder Girls in the US and the soon to be live 2NE1 concerts will emerge on DVD. For 4 Minute, too, of course. Singing live is a challenge, but the rewards for the girls must be immense. Although I probably wouldn’t be able to see such live concerts, I know many must be aching to catch their favorites live, and for me it would be nice to see them via concert DVDs at least. Although “For Muzik” is an high quality album, my other concern is the K-girl pop trend becoming over saturated into a clichéd identikit pop format, and so any future hybrid dynamic dance-sound-visual fusion (or something like that) should always be nurtured to keep the girl K-pop momentum going and to constantly shift and groove into new dance sounds for new songs to remain fresh. Like No 5 might say in Short Circuit ‘K-pop always need new input!’ Anyway, I like this 4 Minute mini album with its youthful sound and electric dance and if you love 2NE1’s first mini and want more popular girl band K-pop, you should go for this CD!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
G-Dragon Vol. 1 - Heartbreaker
G-Dragon Vol. 1 - Heartbreaker
(33)Our Price: US$14.99List: US$22.99Save: US$8.00 (35%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:October 15, 2009 Futuristic G-DragonFor an album having disconcerting trouble with plagiarism and the like, certain positives are as much evident here. The visual concept of G-Dragon as a good reflective hybrid style and is well conceived having consistencies with the good songs featured. Androgynous Heartbreaker (does a girl break G-Dragon’s ‘conceptual’ heart or is G-Dragon a reflective heartbreaker himself? It's that 'apple' influence again) and anger (the red mist?) makes for a gritty and edgy listen contrasted by danceable hip-hop fusion and heart-warming songs.
I'm open to many song types and “Heartbreaker” and “Breathe” are certainly good whatever their influence. From a more rock n roll back ground though makes “Gossip Man” more immediate for me, with it's pop-rock melody. “The Leaders” as a Warriors element about it and of course the SNSD Gee reference is relating to Gee-Dragon’s ‘leader’ status (a tongue in cheek-y nod and wink to SNSD?). “Butterfly” I relate to by the more acoustic styled music and ballad folk, but of course the emphasis on “Heartbreaker” is the fusion hip-hop of the G-Man and the majority of songs (Heartbreaker, The Leaders) are exactly that. By the song similarities maybe they're complimentary. Many pop songs have hybrid and re-used riffs and sequences (Marc Bolan used a riff with his “Jeepster” from a Howlin' Wolf Blues song called "You'll Be Mine," written by Willie Dixon) and the most ‘re-used’ music as been classical, where copyrights have never been an issue. So G-Dragon doesn’t deserve to be thrown into the spotlight with this. What really counts for me, though, is to make the songs as unique as possible and certainly avoid slicing song riffs to suit. Although it’s very difficult to ascertain distinctive songs these days. But it would be a shame if G-Dragon only sold albums to controversy and hype alone, so hopefully the next one furthers the decent quality and energy of the positive points of “Heartbreaker”. K-pop’s got a good ‘energy’ and vibrancy at present and that’s what makes it all ‘electric’. For K-poppers, keep it up, but always look for those fresh byroads to broaden the medium and create some ‘yet to be’ ground breaking music.
Packaging is future collectible, but the outer plastic case can be hit and miss. They may scratch in production and can break apart sometimes. I would prefer to see special packaging more like 2NE1’s 1st Mini than the ice rink scratched box here, but you’ll have a rarity with this one-day.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
Secret Couple (AKA: My Girlfriend is an Agent) (DVD) (2-Disc) (First Press Limited Edition) (Korea Version)
Secret Couple (AKA: My Girlfriend is an Agent) (DVD) (2-Disc) (First Press Limited Edition) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(3)Our Price: US$27.99List: US$35.99Save: US$8.00 (22%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:October 12, 2009 Ha Neul’s action gal flick!No doubt kudos to Ha Neul for giving an action film a bash and she does a lot of her own stunts like the speed boat chase at the beginning and fight sequences. It’s quite incredible to see her doing this really. I mean this is Ha Neul, right? The actress who appeared in the quaint “Ditto” and normally in romantic dramas and comedies and now a parody of an Angelina Jolie action woman. Yes, I know, Ha Neul’s an exceptional actress and she certainly shows some gutsy thump with her ‘wedding dress’ boat chase and stunt bits, gun blasting target practice and some butt kicking and jostling with a butch female Russian agent. She ain’t bad either and it would be interesting to see Ha Neul in another more serious action drama movie (say a Lara Croft or zombie fighting Claire Redfield type ^o^). Ji Hwan Kang does a good job as the bumbling Jae Joon with his fall guy antics and buffoonery as he stresses out his deadpan police chief.
This movie is all for fun and tongue in cheek though with Jae Joon more Johnny English than Jimmy Bond and Soo Ji having more girly chit-chat and love troubles than dealing with the dangerous espionage. The plot’s a parody of the “Mr and Mrs Smith” movie (which I haven’t seen), with Soo Ji spending her busy time spying with a gun strapped to her thigh but having many tiffs with her jealous boyfriend Jae Joon who mistakes her elusive spy work for seeing another fella (well she dresses as a mop lady in a gent’s toilets, so you can see his reasoning). By Soo Ji concealing her work from Jae Joon causes him to split up with her. But three years on Jae Joon then changes his job for a rookie agent, tracking the same scientist with a deadly biochemical virus canister, as Soo Ji.
A lot of generic satire here so don’t expect originality and only anticipate a tongue in cheek spy thriller ride. But there’s sharp wit (I liked the secret spy camera poking through a camera advertisement picture on a newspaper as a guy spys on the virus scientist) and some James Bond references like the tape across a door to see whose broken in trick (no Soo Ji crushing bad guys heads between her thighs though). The bonus disk is packed full of stuff with some accessible without needing translated subtitles, including a girl doing marital arts action sequences (not Ha Neul though) and the stunt work. The only nice things missing are a poster shoot and VIP screening. Poster shoot? Well you’ve seen the inner DVD cover, right?Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
Freak (SINGLE+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version)
Freak (SINGLE+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2
(1)Our Price: US$19.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:October 12, 2009 Crazy (brilliant) synth disco punk - MEG styleFor an electronic synth pop single “Freak” certainly took me by surprise here. I had already heard MEG’s other singles “Heart” and “Magic”, but this recent one is the most attention grabbing electro pop single I have heard for ages. Its not exactly a straightforward generic disco synth that’s for sure, but a more stronger indie dance melody that includes ingredients of rock synth and weird psychedelic. “Freak” no doubt as a catchy melody groove (and that really is an understate here..this is really mel-^o^-dic!) but with a quite oddball quirky circus freak beat rhythmic with crazy girly vocals from MEG. Its fast and synth punky and wouldn’t be out of place amidst some early 80s electronic Siouxsie and the Banshees, Visage or the more recent Goldfrapp. The second track “Toxic” follows suit also with another complimenting track that’s certainly more electro synth than anything, but with more of that rock edge melodic than disco. The third track “Toxic - The Lowbrows Gimme Five mix” is one excellent dance re-mix.
Do I think that this is any good? Well, after first placing “Freak” into the CD tray and firing it up, after the initial listen of all three tracks I didn’t take it out of the player until another 5 replays. Both tracks and mix having cracking melodies and beats to drive this into an all time electro pop favorite for me. If you like electro J-pop, Perfume, Capsule, The Human League, Daft Punk, Clazziquai Project and K-pop synth, Little Boots, Goldfrapp, Pet Shop Boys et al, this is certainly the CD for you and should be in any modern Asian pop collection - absolutely!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
Sugarless Girl (Japan Version)
Sugarless Girl (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$26.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:October 7, 2009 Capsule’s Great Rock Electro FunkCapsule have a varied electronic music output and this 2007 album “Sugarless Girl” is yet another mix of Euro synth rock, fusion disco, indie electronic and even piano music. French pops is also an influence of Capsule although my only nostalgia of French synth is Mathematiques Modernes “Disco Rough” from a 1981 album “Les Visiteurs Du Soir” I have. Anyway, I’d certainly recommend this album to any who may be interested in Japan electronic rhythm setters Yasutaka Nakata (synthetic fashion brain) and Toshiko Koshijima (beauty vocal machine).
After a brief vocal intro by Koshijima, two blistering electro tracks get under way with “Starry Sky” and “Reality” which have quite a rock electronic orientation. “Starry Sky” features electric guitar intro-outro and a pulsating funk disco dance rhythm where “Reality” contrasts with a fiery Euro indie techno style of the 80s and 90s. Great tracks too! “Sugarless Girl” as Toshiko Koshijima on girl vocal and features the familiar sound of J-pop trio Perfume with a strong catchy beat. “Catch My Breath” is more Euro style with such a powerful rock synth beat that it could blow your speaker woofers into orbit. In fact the music seems similar to power songs used on recent car adverts we have in the U.K. “Spider” is more rock synth with “Muzic” a more minimal techno beat and sound that brought John Foxx to mind. “Melting Point” unusually is a soft piano piece totally contrasting the rest of the songs with classical calmness in the electronic storm. “Sound of Silence” is a more common J-pop or K-pop song with a catchy disco dance melody and vocals from Koshijima. Finally “Secret Paradise” finishes with a nice synth pop-Perfume song with a moderate dance beat and probably the nicest track on the album.
As mentioned some gritty electronic guitar rock here. Yasutaka Nakata’s usual styles of house funk and disco dance present, but with a strong fusion of 80s synth pop and a 90’s indie guitar band edge with most songs having the power switched right up full. J-pop darlings Perfume come to mind again (as Yasutaka Nakata produces their albums) such as “Sugarless Girl” and “Secret Paradise”. If you love Perfume and dance J-pop, I cannot emphasis enough how much you should try listening to Capsule. An album from 2007 this CD also reflects well a modern musical compliment to the itunes generation full of 21st century sound and style. Cool. Also try Fruits Clipper and More! More! More!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
Castaway On The Moon (DVD) (2-Disc) (First Press Limited Edition) (Korea Version)
Castaway On The Moon (DVD) (2-Disc) (First Press Limited Edition) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$26.99List: US$35.99Save: US$9.00 (25%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:October 6, 2009 When isolated ‘aliens’ touchNo doubt this film will bring to mind Tom Hank’s “Castaway”, but here the situation is more farcical as endearing. For one Mr Kim, after attempting suicide by jumping of Seoul’s Han river bridge due to loan shark demands, ends up being washed up only a hop skip and a jump away (well, maybe a super hop, a swim and long jump) from civilization on an island on the Han river itself, instead of stuck on a desolate far away island. Also Miss Kim, a paranoid teenage recluse hides herself in her bedroom due to her terrible lack of confidence and fear of people. So much that her only comfort is looking at the moon with her telescope and scanning Seoul with her camera zoom on civil defense drill day, as both are devoid of people giving Miss Kim the feeling of elated tranquility. But on one specific drill day, she spots (with her trusty zoom gadget) Mr Kim on the island looking rather naked and frustrated and pulling a large metal duck across some sand. She also sees his ‘HELP’ message written in the sand. Miss K deems the man a strange ‘alien’, but is so intrigued that she actually wishes to communicate with him. So donning a motorbike helmet and leathers (her brave concealed step into the outer!) she goes off to send ‘alien’ Mr K a message of ‘Hello’ in a bottle. Mr Kim finds the message bottle and then begins communicating with whoever had sent it by writing more messages in the sand. Miss Kim also learns of the ‘aliens’ fascination for black bean noodles (using her telescope again) and decides to send him some via courier. Thus begins an unusual communication no SMS or Twitter could match.
Mr Kim and Miss Kim are lonely ‘outcasts’ by their decisive rejection of society and people, but who eventually find solace by each other’s kooky, detached worlds. Their spacious island and cloistered room ‘prisons’ suddenly become shared connectivity, which help each to identify the possibility of shared love with another human soul. It’s a likable funny-sad movie with two lovable outsiders and Jea Young Jung and Ryeo Won Jeon are excellent. Characterization may not be fully fleshed out but the script show’s sufficient understanding of this human fragility where integration, acceptance and love is difficult. There’s a sympathetic reflection of ourselves here and, like comedy caricatures, two oddities help us to understand our own idiosyncratic frustrations. You’ll really care for these two and, yes, it does have a nice eye-watering finish. Another good K-film folks.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
Ku Hye Sun - Sum
Ku Hye Sun - Sum
(1)Our Price: US$11.49List: US$16.99Save: US$5.50 (32%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
October 2, 2009 Ode to Sweet MelancholiaFirst hearing of Hye Son’s ‘new age’ album I logically thought it would be an instrumental album, although I considered maybe a mixture of gentle electronics and Korean traditional instruments. I was half right, it is an instrumental album in the main (apart from some solo choir singing on 3 and Gummy’s contribution on the last piece), but mostly classical oriented with soft emotional piano music in a somewhat Ravel, Debussy and even Schubert style. Not sure about the ‘new age’ tag though. Although the majority of the pieces are broodingly sad and slow, they’re also youthful and brightly contrasting by spirited piano melodies. Quite beautiful. Think of Debussy’s bright and melancholic picture piano music mixed with sprightly modern melodic childlike melodies which sums up the music here. One thing for sure Hye Son is one gifted lady. I had heard of her multi talents, but proof of the pudding is in the listening here and of you like and love sweet (although quite sad) piano music, especially classical, you’ll love this CD.
The album's music (especially the sprightly melody to “Rain”) brought to mind sad films about children, animals and youthful relationships (The Incredible Journey, The Yearling, Old Yeller, The Man in the Moon etc.) with the music pulling at your heartstrings with its mix of sweet, lively, sad and melancholic emotion. The overall music is built around the main opening piece “Rain”, with leitmotif references throughout to the thematic, which does show the yearning Hye Son as to write film and TV scores. Hye Son as written the scores only, and as far as the liner notes mention she doesn’t actually play or sing on the recording as the piano work is performed by Korean pianist In Young Choi and guest Japanese pianist Sasaki Isao with Gummy doing the singing. Hye Son as drawn the cover though, with cut out sketches of hands covering a girl’s face, which suggest opening up to shy feelings (emotion?) by art expression when you bring the cut out hands away from the face. Inside the sketched hands are shown over sketched piano keys. A photo of Hye Sun is also included.
This may not be a big hit comparable to K-pop, but no doubt an excellent musical achievement for Hye Son. It would be interesting if Hye Son creates something totally herself with electronic ambient music. Anyway, “Sum” is worth all its parts, and you’ll like this if you’re a fan of classical piano sonatas most definitely.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
Like You Know It All (DVD) (First Press Edition) (Korea Version)
Like You Know It All (DVD) (First Press Edition) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(2)Our Price: US$23.99List: US$29.99Save: US$6.00 (20%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:October 1, 2009 Intellectual ViewpointsIf familiar with Hong’s previous films like “Tales of Cinema” and “Woman is the Future of Man”, you’ll certainly have a good idea what’s on offer here. Certainly another richly turned out offering and again reflecting Hong’s own actual student life and art films, musings and love relationships. Here the protagonist is Ku (Tae Woo Kim) a director judging budding filmmakers in Jecheon and philosophizing with young students at Jeju Island. Ku’s a child man philosopher teaching things of ‘freedom’ and always discovering old acquaintances at film festivals or colleges that he seems to upset. He gets drunk at lot (as do his accommodating peers and students), and offends people who don’t take kindly to his frank attitude. Like Ku telling an old colleague that his ‘spiritually free’ female soul mate couldn’t possible always tell the truth and imposing questions to his past mentor's sex life with his new young wife, also an ex-girlfriend from Ku’s student days. Because of this Ku gets beaten up, as a stone thrown at him and the like. Even a high decibel-yelling session where Ji Won Uhm’s character blames Ku vehemently after one of their drinking sessions, as she had been sexually abused by another male guest (although did she lie?) afterward. But she verbally attacks Ku as if he had done it, and his laid back life musings the real cause.
It’s interesting how Hong deciphers soul mate relationships (Ku himself silently yearns outside this bewildering condition for similar love, and uses intellect as a substitute) like where a caterpillar crawls near the feet of the ‘soul mate’ couple as an indication that they cannot stay in that comforting condition forever. Also Ku’s ex-girlfriend bewailing her three failed marriages before finding her gentle soul mate (and Ku’s mentor) only to bed and seduce Ku at the finish betraying that ‘soul mate’. It’s another film of idiosyncrasies and irony, the contradictions of character, the love-hate relationships and discordance of loyalty. A thin line here between cynicism and self-depreciating humor, but leaning more towards the eccentric and ridiculous. The final lonely sand isle gave me reason to believe that loneliness is more self-choice than imposition. There’s more to this film invisible by superficiality and viewing it again at various junctures will glean more understanding. Acting is excellent and major actors in smaller roles like Jeong-Woo Ha from “The Chaser” as a humble gardener.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
FRUITS CLiPPER (Japan Version)
FRUITS CLiPPER (Japan Version)
(1)Our Price: US$26.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:September 28, 2009 Capsule’s MegaTastic Electro CD[Total Time : 40:17]
I first heard techno composer Yasutaka Nakata’s music by his songs for J-pop girl band Perfume and more recently for similar electro J-pop girl MEG (or meg), but Yasutaka Nakata’s own band Capsule here, along with vocalist Toshiiko Koshijima, features some fantastic electro pop. Capsule generally have a strong techno trance sound which Fruits Clipper certainly delivering here, but also have diversity by Capsule’s more lounge styled “Nexus-2060” album. No doubt though YN is a master of electronics. This CD just bristles with musical synthetic energy, trance and techno beats and features incredible melodic dance tracks such as “Megaolpolis” (which is fan-tast-ic!) and “Fruits Clipper” that will get you in dance club heaven mode in no time. There are also a few tracks with a familiar Perfume sound such as “5ive Star” and “Dreamin Dreamin”.
One of the best tracks here is “Fruits Clipper”, a rock-electro-pop track with powerful techno bass grooves, contrasted with tinkling electro piano, some cute Perfume type refrain vocals – and well just brilliant! “Jelly” is more electronic dance with Perfume synthesized vocals and funk, but with additional heavy bass beats and electro rock. “CrazEEE Skyhopper” is Capsule at their most dance oriented. Techno weird with pneumatic electronics and a predominant calypso dance beat with cute childlike vocal refrain, makes this the 'dance' crowd pleaser of the bunch. “5ive Star” segues from previous into more crazY rhythmics. Similar to Perfume with added funk disco. “Endor” is a short bridge piece with, eh?, Lara Croft jungle type sound effects and “Robot Disco” is what you could expect; vocoder electronic ‘robot’ machine dance. “Super Speeder Judy Jedy” as more electronic rock ‘guitars’ and vocoder with another calypso style sequencer beat providing the main rhythm. “Megalopolis” is the real killer track for me though. Fantastic electronic melody instrumental with incredible synth sounds here. I’d buy this CD for this one track alone. Finally “Dreamin Dreamin” finishes with a disco dance funk beat and nice vocals. Probably the most Perfume sounding of the album.
This is a megatastic Capsule album with a mixture of gritty and groovy techno sounds, cute Perfume melodies and cool electronic trance rhythms. If you lov electronicia or J-pop's Perfume this is the album to get. Brilliant. Certainly recommended and with plenty to jump up and down about here. ^^ Yeah! Five! Buy!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
Scandal Makers (DVD) (2-Disc) (Korea Version)
Scandal Makers (DVD) (2-Disc) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(4)Our Price: US$27.99List: US$35.99Save: US$8.00 (22%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:September 17, 2009 Fabulous Comedy Drama HitAs an ex-silver trouser pop star Hyun Su succumbs to being a local radio station 'celebrity' DJ, whose main forte is talk shows with low ratings. Hyun Su though boosts those pesky ratings by regularly reading letters over the airwaves from a single mother Jung Nam (Bo Young Park), who with her young son desperately needs to see her estranged father again. With strong encouragement from Hyun Su, his positive encouragement leads both girl and son to appear un-announced at the doorstep of Hyun Su’s plush apartment, dropping a bomb shell that HE is actually Jung Nam’s father. With a big classic Tae Hyun Cha shocked face at such a revelation, especially as it’s the same time Hyun Su is expecting a hot date to appear, he suddenly remembers a relationship in his youth that would have produced such an offspring. Reluctantly Hyun Su accommodates his two new ‘house guests’ and then decides to get a DNA test to clarify if Jung Nam is actually his daughter. So he bundles them over to a dog surgery where Hyun Su’s old rock band drummer mate makes a DNA test, which proves 100% positive; Jung Nam is his daughter. Fearing an embarrassing scandal, he lets Jang Nam and her son live with him and promises to help Jung Nam become a singer if she keeps mum. But Jung Nam only dreams of reconciling with the father she never knew and enters a pop singer talent competition at Hyun Su’s radio station as a means of expressing the love to her father she feels she cannot reveal.
This is a brilliant blend of drama comedy romp and the importance of family values, of how important a parent is to a child. With incredible quick fire visuals and comedy, its pure family entertainment. Tae Chae’s well-timed satire is on form and Bo Young Park as his single mum daughter is brilliant (I was convinced by her talent after “The ESP Couple”) and the lad Suk Hyun Hwang as Ki Dong’s son is so funny cute by his facial reactions and subtle gestures. He even keeps beating Hyun Su at playing cards and tries to fix a date with a nursery assistant Hyun Su falls in love with. Watching the scene at the nursery where Hyun Su and Ki Dong become infatuated and mesmerized by a nursery assistant and a young schoolgirl respectively is a gem. Fascinatingly this is a ‘Toilet Pictures’ film also produced by Byung Ki Ahn who previously directed horror films like “Phone” and “Apt” and amazing to see how he’s contributed to a different genre and a massive hit. Buy without hesitation children.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
The Naked Kitchen (DVD) (2-Disc) (Korea Version)
The Naked Kitchen (DVD) (2-Disc) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$23.99List: US$31.99Save: US$8.00 (25%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:September 16, 2009 Naked Art and Cuisine“The Naked Kitchen” certainly features the art of food craft and cuisine, but the main focus here concerns the triangular relationships of Mo Rae, Doo Rae and Sang In with predominate force. Adult nudity? Well semi removed clothing happens early on in an art gallery, but its food close ups and romantic folly mainly. Aanywaay, right from the onset this film shows a high wealth of quality with some great photography and stylish interiors by Mo Rae and Sang In’s living quarters, that one thing’s for sure, the living rooms aren’t naked. In fact the interior settings are as rich and scrumptious as Doo Rae’s food delicacies, and by this movie’s golden ambiance and semi-minimalist style, you’ll feel comfy and homely, as well as having a rumbly tummy. The movie does have a certain art appeal (without being too arty) and if you love the combination of high cuisine, cosy interior design as well as a romantic drama (with additional semi naked bits in an art gallery) its a prefect film to watch.
Ji Hoon is back to “Antique” cooking mode again (does Ji-Hoon really have personal culinary skills?). But JH’s Doo Rae is more concerned with Sang Mi’s wife Mo Rae than worrying about his food miniatures on roomy white platters, after getting fruity with Mo Rae at ‘that’ art gallery (good job no speed artist was present to paint ‘Passion in the Gallery’). A sensitive subject though. Doo Rae’s ‘subtle’ measured and contradicting interpretation of Sang Mi’s childhood to adulthood ‘love’ for Mo Rae is definitely one verbal slap across the chops. Certainly Sang Mi’s loving commitment to Mo Rae is more solid gold than the transitory ‘love’ passion Doo Rae has that would dissipate when the novelty wore off, and the film’s outcome showed how perpetual erratic emotions can turn relationships into distant friendships. Foolishly, yes, Sang Mi let it all happen (although he does give Doo Rae a bit of pasting for his cheeky imposition) and like in “Madeline” Min Ah ends up pregnant again. But other nuances here. Funny how Mo Rae and Doo Rae share a name; fate correcting an error in Purgatory? Any road, this is an excellent quality film with great acting, great food, lovely music and gorgeous interiors. Sang Mi and Mo Rae have serious relationship issues, but at least have plush living quarters to fret in. Min Ah is great ^^ (a Korean actress I liken to Bae Du Na) and together with Ji-Hoon and Tae Woo (he’s been in JSA and Saving My Hubby) it’s a good threesome. Cast that is!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
Madeleine (DVD) (Korea Version)
Madeleine (DVD) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(13)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$36.99Save: US$23.00 (62%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:September 15, 2009 Memories of a Monthly RomanceI thought Madeleine was the name of the lead female character, but is actually a nostalgic bakery delight that evokes romantic reveries for lead blonde boy Ji Suk. Nostalgically this being a 2001 K-movie it also features a number of actors in early parts including Ha Jung-woo from “The Chaser” as an ex-flame of Hee Jin’s and E.T. Teacher Soo-ro Kim as the ‘Madeline’ baker. But main players are lovely Min-ah Shin (the sexiest ‘fairy’ in K-films) and actor In Sung Chou from “The Classic” with Ye-Jin Son.
Hairdresser Hee Jin (Min-ah the fairy) after closing up the hair salon bumps into old school flame Ji Suk on his late night paper round. Being head strong Hee Jin doesn’t beat about the bush asking Ji Suk to date her for a month and only gives Ji Suk a shared bike ride home to consider her date proposal. Ji Suk agrees to date for a month after they ride bicycles in the rain together. Being a hairdresser Hee Jin also changes Ji Suk’s hair color to a fetching blonde look (what is it about blondes with Min-ah, first Hyuk Jang in “Volcano High” and Cho Seung-woo here). But Ji Suk and Hee Jin are chalk and cheese. Hee Jin loves her computer game ‘Fortress’ where Ji Suk prefers classic literature. He likes to walk quietly through life; she’s the sprinting go-getter. Ji Suk though meets up with another school friend who asks him to attend her rock band concert, afterward asking Ji Suk of his ambitions and present dating situation. The girl having similar arty tastes causes Ji Suk to consider a date with her, but not revealing his monthly agreement with Hee Jin. After a school friend’s re-union meal Hee Jin then learns of Ji Suk’s fondness for the ‘other’ girl, feeling betrayed. But the real complication is when Hee Jin discovers she’s pregnant with Ji Suk’s child. Even more so when Hee Jin’s ex-boyfriend also believes he’s the father. As you can imagine, one life to the full monthly date here.
A well-written film of innocent school day infatuations revisited again by these two young adults, ‘living’ in sweet love and facing heartbreak and tragedy by their own actions, but experience leading them to mature love, happiness and understanding. It’s a ‘hopeful’ not a pregnancy-abortion film (a tragic outcome relates to an accident ironically), and the ‘sex’ is only revealed later by Hee Jin’s pregnancy. Music is excellent and the live ‘rock’ songs give an added luster. Romantic film, but caution should never be thrown to the wind.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Love Connected (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)
Love Connected (DVD) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region All
(1)Our Price: US$14.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:September 11, 2009 A Winner VD Rom-Com from PacoI think out of all the Paco Kong frantic romantic films to date, this is probably the second most accessible. Although still firmly entrenched into HK youth romance and of its many foibles and frustrations in finding that perfect love match and inclusive of some usual bitchiness of its predecessors, “Love Connected” is a more sensitive and dare I say milder type. Well, midler(ish) as it still sports padded cell kookiness with I Love U Boyz’s fiasco with drop dead gorgeous Goldfish played by Miki Yeung (whose…really quite nice actually) when she appears like a teenager’s dream come true. Boyz win the Wide Eyed Goldfish Expression Look competition here.
The film features five romantic situations relating to Valentine’s Day that are interwoven throughout the movie, flitting from sketch to sketch and back again, fulfilling all five romances by wrap it up conclusions. Certainly some twisted surprises. Varied themes here with Joe (Joey Leung) and Fong (Kay Tse) trying to breathe life back in their dry romantic love life with a Val-Day slap up meal, Fai (Sammy Leung) juggling three women dates as his illusive twin brother (with three separate phones for each girl). Terry (Terry Wu) falling in love with his shy work colleague Debbie (Chelsea Tong), whose not quite as shy as he thinks. Flower seller Bobo (Stephy Tang) prompts cupid to hit the mark with Wai (Justin Log) a musician who gives his CD album to Bobo, but gets a crestfallen rejection. Also slapstick antics from Dragon and Tiger wanting a VD date from the internet (praying to the goddess Theresa Fu for the deal – oh, have some milk and cookies and calm down lads) when the vision of Goldfish appears to their goldfish look surprise. Valentine’s Day as never been so…eclectic.
I really enjoyed “Love Connected” and even with the usual bitchiness, daftness and frantic rom-com a Paco film is, it balances sensitively. I liked Stephy Tang’s story which probably is the only positively fulfilling romance here to make your eyes water and give that ‘awwe’ feeling at the end. But added twists to the Valentine’s Day fiascoes make this interesting. Sammy Leung is getting really good at this comedy malarkey and his multi-dating scenes with a air hostess and two other fillies is very funny. Chelsea Tong is cuddly cute as the bubbly Debbie (pity she’s a right little madam at the end). Worth the buy. Stephy T – hope you’re well over your 2NE1 now and fighting fit and healthy.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
The Scent of Love
The Scent of Love DVD Region 3
(8)Our Price: US$15.99List: US$34.99Save: US$19.00 (54%)Related promotions:September 7, 2009 Reflections of a Sad Loss – R.I.P. Jin Young JangI’m partially reviewing this film here due to the sad death of actress Jin Young Jang who died from stomach cancer on 1st September 2009. This came as a sudden shock to me, even though I’d read about Jin Young’s terrible illness last September when she was first diagnosed with cancer after a routine annual health check up. I had thought and hoped she was going to improve as I’d read after Christmas 2008 Jin Young had left the hospital where she was being treated and was watching movies, going to a concert and even mounting climbing. I hoped on my review of “Sorum” that Jin Young would truly get better. Its in hindsight now that I feel that the mountain climbing Jin Young made could have been her expressive need in getting closer to God, realizing and accepting that her mortal life was short.
The strange thing about her passing is why I have mentioned Jin Young’s death relating to “Scent of Love”, as not only does Jin Young perform as cancer sufferer Jae Hee here, her character also had the very same cancer type that as now sadly took Jin Young’s life. As if real life in some way was mirroring Jin Young’s performance as the ill Jae Hee as a means of reflective expression. With a positive similarity though, where Jae Hee finds a loving man who cares for her 100% in Hae-Il Park’s character In Ha, Jin Young was also supported by a man who truly cared and loved her right to the very end. He helped Jin Young mountain climb and they became married. “Scent of Love” will become a very sad and unusual viewing experience, of where a young Korean actress who sadly at 35 was taken away from this strange world by a horrible disease that similarly blighted her character here.
It’s a film to ponder, wondering what such coincidences mean. All I wish though is my condolences to her families, friends, colleagues and fans and say that however very sad and terrible this is, surely there’s a positive outcome because of this strange life mirroring art coincidence. Someone loved Jin Young in her hour of need, just like In Ha loved Jae Hee. Jin Young was certainly a good actress (see “Blue Swallow”, “Sorum” and “Over the Rainbow”) and a lovely woman. If you read this though and have never heard of Jin Young before, this is a very loving but sad movie to watch, which in 2009 as become the saddest movie in K-dom by Jin Young’s untimely tragic death. R.I.P. Jin Young Jang – you now fly like a blue swallow over the rainbow eternally.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Game (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
Game (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)
(2)Our Price: US$31.49Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:September 7, 2009 Love Game and Plastic SmilePerfume’s second CD “Game” continues their previous wall of disco synth, cute vocal harmonics and computer ‘game’ sound, with some added electro calypso beats and synth rock. Certainly excellent songs here especially the electro catchy “Plastic Smile”, the synth-rock “Game”, and the calypso bass laden groove of “Butterfly”. Songs are written and arranged by Yasutaka Nakata of Capsule, so you can be assured of some cool electro synth pop here. “Polyrhythm” opens with funky but familiar Perfume melody, but “Game” really comes to life with track 2’s “Plastic Smile”. A highly rhythmic, catchy and super hook ‘single’ with a beautiful refrain that will stay in your head for weeks. Its classic Perfume for fans that will want to play to friends to get them grooving and converted. “Game” though really rocks (air guitar stuff this) and gives the ‘wow’ factor and appreciation in buying the album! It’s more industrial electro likened to “Electro World” with similar riveting synth rock beat and much heavier groove. With opening industrial electro rhythm, pulsating indie steel guitar, bursting in at 0:29 with a fantastic heavy synth melody and great vocal refrain this that just blows you away. Listen to this on a headphone set and on-line gaming world and you’ll be in synthetic ‘game’ heaven. Settling down with “Baby Cruising Love” this more moderate beat cruises along to a bright fuzzy synth beat and a cute vocal melody.
“Chocolate Disco” is quick paced with a cute child like melody and a lovely fun disco refrain with repeated titled vocal. T6 is slower with a bright vocal refrain and moderate rhythm beat. T7 cranks up the BPM with a nice electro stomper rhythm. Its quick paced and brought to mind the sounds of 80s synth makers Buggles and Landscape by the swift disco rhythm. “Take Me Take Me” features lovely 60’s type vocal refrain with a 1-2-1 disco keyboard rhythm and synthetic acoustic guitar sound. T9 as quite a spacey upbeat melody with more bright vocals from the girls. “Butterfly” although a delicate title, surprises here with a great calypso bass heavy synth rhythm and a sure fire dance song. T11 is familiar Perfume with a highly charged disco beat and finally “Puppy Love” is a bit of synth rock with a Japanese traditional melody amidst the Perfume sound.
“Game” continues Perfume’s previous cute harmonic vocals and sound with some great tracks and no doubt a cracking album! If you like Perfume also try J-pop electro band Capsule.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
-
Blossom Again (AKA: Sarangni) (DVD) (2-Disc) (Korea Version)
Blossom Again (AKA: Sarangni) (DVD) (2-Disc) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$19.99Save: US$6.00 (30%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:September 3, 2009 Illusions of First LoveI can see why “Blossom Again” causes confusion as the plot’s fused with a mixture of mirroring characters, reality and reveries. With similar scenario to K-movie “Green Chair” and HK movie “July Rhapsody”, where a tutor falls in love with a younger subject, here female maths tutor In Young (Jung Eun Kim) with schoolboy Suk Lee (Tae Sung Lee), all here though is not what it seems. Characters are mirrors of each other having parallels of past and present, and emotionally determined to fulfill first love. The boy Suk Lee reminds In Young of her first love who she’d separated with due to limited expectations (and whose name’s also Suk Lee to indicate movements of the strangely coincidental), and although In Young lives with another man (no, not another Suk Lee!), she falls in love with Suk Lee M2 due to his similarities to In Young’s youthful first fancy. In Young’s live-in is more a brotherly confident, who In Young probably wished Suk Lee M1 to be, and confides to him about sexual feelings she as for Suk Lee M2. But a schoolgirl becomes a love rival to In Young, similarly falling in first love with Suk Lee M2. The girl’s crush parallels In Young’s own first love, shown in analogous juxtaposed reveries. In Young and the girl become infatuated with Suk Lee M2, with In Young dreamily and enviously wishing she had the latter’s youth to regain her ‘lost love’. Emotional contortions get even more complex when Suk Lee M2’s twin brother replaces this infatuation after Suk Lee M2 tragically dies.
For me “Blossom Again” shows how first love is limiting, by creating emotional and self entrapment if it fails. First love works if sustained and natural, but if a person relates only to memories of a failed love they cannot yield, that person can turn to delusional substitutes. Dreamily painting ‘someone’ as an unreal proxy for first love. A proxy too with a different individuality. In Young here cannot let go of her first ‘failed’ love, and finds reflected 'love' (delusion) in Suk Lee M2. The odd ending seems to be a parallel delusion passion; the crestfallen schoolgirl also unable to move emotionally away from Suk Lee M2, wishes to be re-born as Suk Lee M2 so to re-bond with ‘first love’. Blossom Again? Which is In Young’s wish! What a love loop! O.O Acting’s good. Jung Eun always gives her honest best and is a charming actress to say the least and Lee Tae Sung does well, but seems more suitable in grittier parts like “Gangster High”.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
Bookmark & Share