Reviews written by numinair
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Handphone (DVD) (First Press Edition) (Korea Version)
Handphone (DVD) (First Press Edition) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$27.99List: US$35.99Save: US$8.00 (22%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:June 30, 2009 Dial H for HandphoneAlthough I’m one of the few on the planet that hasn’t got a mobile phone, I’ve always wanted to say ‘Yoboseyo’ when it rang if I had one. ^O^. Still, asset or bane, TV talent manager Seung Min (TaeWoong Uhm) certainly finds his lost handphone a curse with a compromising sex video on it. Not that fate would smile kindly; he’s cheated on his wife by having a sexual liaison with an actress-model Jin-ah so both can ‘get on’ (a fatal charm of ‘professional talent elevation’ that always rightfully fails) and also pays an hit contract on a fella his wife’s having an affair with. Seung Min forgets his handphone while paying a ransom to one of Jin-ah’s former boyfriends, who sent the dodgy love tryst video to Seung Min’s phone in the first place. But a video copy still lurks on Seung Min’s lost phone. Things further escalate when disturbed store manager Yi-Gyu (Yongwoo Park) finds Seung Min’s phone and seeing this sexual misdemeanor oppresses Seung Min by blackmailing him to seek revenge on Yi-Gyu’s irksome and annoying store customers. To get his phone back Seung Min as to smash a car and beat up a man jogging, all ‘grudges’ from Yi-Gyu’s convenience store.
I don’t like elaborating what this film suggests, as I mistrust scandals and cruel half-truths. Mobile phones are a modern inventory and when lost can produce fatal circumstances in the wrong hands. But “Handphone” is certainly an excellent movie thriller with psychological and fast paced characteristics. Seung Min’s manic panic as he attempts to get his phone from Yi-Gyu also shows much black comedy absurdity and buffoonery. However the final outcome features a very nasty and violent confrontation between these two men, and a very tragic and sad it is, too. I felt sorry for the troubled wife Jeong Yeon. Who could blame her want for happiness with a good man when Seung Min was falling into greed and arrogance? She surely only wanted compassionate love. Yi-Gyu is psychotic but his daily life pressures, paying for his sick mother’s hospital operations, made him silently snap and use revenge via Seung Min as a way to kick back at society as a whole. Yi-Gyu is very wrong, but stifling circumstances cause him to press wrong buttons. Acting is brilliant and both TaeWoong Uhm and Yongwoo Park are top-drawer talents. “Handphone” is no doubt one of the best hard thrillers this year. A tense and electric ride, mixed with frenetic visuals that is sure to keep you watching till the end.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Son Dam Bi The Second Mini Album
Son Dam Bi The Second Mini Album
(2)Our Price: US$10.99List: US$14.99Save: US$4.00 (27%)Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:June 27, 2009 Essential K-pop Mini Album[CD Time : 19:42] Digipack
If you’ve already got Dam Bi Son’s recent 1st album “Type B - Back to 80s” then this previous second mini CD of Dam Bi’s could seem like a double up collection. But as the “Type B” album as remixes on it, here you have the original versions of “Michyeosseo” and “No Sympathy”. Plus a unique cut of the late 90’s disco-synth sounding “Play” and an instrumental version of “Michyeosseo”. Only the second song ballad is the same on both. If you haven’t got either album this mini CD is certainly worth getting. “Michyeosseo” as become a major song in the modern K-pop scene along with Wonder Girls, SNSD, Kara songs et al and, well, its a really good dance song. Its already inclusive on a remake album with other classic modern Korean pop songs such as Super Junior’s “Sorry Sorry” and SNSD’s “Gee” and by that merit speaks volumes that Dam Bi’s song here is her biggest hit so far, to go with other big hits on a celebratory remake album.
Song wise as mentioned some good written dance music. “Michyeosseo” is so melodic, catchy and getting increasingly thrust into the collected K-pop music consciousness alongside songs like WG’s “Nobody” and SNSD’s “Gee”. Its rhythmic refrain is so classic and body moving dance at its best. If anything a song to associate alongside Brown Eyed Girls later songs than the more present cuter pop hooks. The second song ballad is also a touching and quite emotive rainy day sort of song, with Dam Bi’s sweet quivering vocals that make the song quite effective emotionally. “No Sympathy” I really like, albeit having a little of Jung Hwa Uhm and “Play” is also a good JHU disco nostalgia type (no bad thing).
The CD is a normal sized digipack with attached booklet and plenty of gorgeous photos of Dam Bi. I really do recommend getting Dam Bi’s second mini CD here if you love all the Korean pop you can get your hands on (honestly, Dam Bi hasn’t given me a fiver to say this). Its another good classic slab of modern electric pop from Korea’s 'now' time in music. So add this to your collection as I feel this CD digipack original is worth getting before it ranks credence as a future collectible. For even more Dam Bi goodness, “Type B” is certainly the album to have as well.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
One Shining Day (DVD) (Korea Version)
One Shining Day (DVD) (Korea Version) DVD Region All
(1)Our Price: US$19.99List: US$25.99Save: US$6.00 (23%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:June 25, 2009 3 Stories of Natural Friendships“One Shining Day” from 2005 features 3 individual films from different directors concerning the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Korean independence, with each film blending Japanese and Korean situations. The initial film “The Treasure Island” concerns a Japanese girl who goes to Jeju Island in search of a crucial family memento, which was buried there near a red oak tree after the liberation. The girl travels with a friendly Japanese female friend but finds the trip such a solemn exercise that she pays little attention to the other girl through out their journey. At Jeju Island the girl’s are conned by a money exchanger and later ditched by a taxi driver to be left stranded in the countryside. But after finding a scooter in a ditch the girls later find the ‘treasure’ area but are accosted by a group of boys who claim the girl’s bike is there's. The second story “Good Bye” is about a lad who wishes to see his mother in Japan but needs money to do so, and so makes dodgy deals and bullies other kids to raise the cash.
The third story “The Beautiful Strangers” is the most romantic. About a Korean girl working at an airport bookshop who helps a stranded and lost Japanese lad after he misses his plane home, and keeps him company. Even by difficulty understanding each other’s languages of Korean and Japanese, they both mutually share a special bond ship. The girl helps the lad with a nosebleed, he shows her his reporter’s photo manual and she shows him her personal viewing tower at the airport where both watch the night sky together; those beautiful rare moments souls can share. Its a lovely warm human story that can bring tears to your eyes by how universally sensitive it is. Some nice DVD extras, too. A short 25 minute film called “Waiting” (alas no subs though) and several MV’s. The catchy main song (heard on the menu screen) by Korean group Plastic People is lovely and they perform the song (a folksy type) live outside a film theater with the complete studio version featured on the stills MV of “The Beautiful Strangers” extras. All young Korean and Japanese actors perform beautifully and this film is a great Korean Japanese bond ship movie. Real friends are always around you, life can by much more if you travel and, really, the ‘kids are all right’ when it comes to Korean and Japanese relations. I’m sure if you watch this DVD you will really enjoy the simple and light charm and innocence of it all. Nice song too!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Candy Rain (DVD) (2-Disc Edition) (English Subtitled) (Taiwan Version)
Candy Rain (DVD) (2-Disc Edition) (English Subtitled) (Taiwan Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$30.99Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:June 23, 2009 The Bash Street Lollipop GirlsThis movie of confused girl on girl relationships is shown as 4 separate stories ranging from sweet innocence, tender love, moans and groans in the night to a final outrageous, punky ‘in yer face’ latter. Certainly “Candy Rain” throws a downpour of soxs on the final relationship woes. Karena Lam is of course here (my hero ^O^), but only appears in the last of the stories (yes the final crazy one) along with Cyndi Wang in a mix of Bash Street Kids punk rock type romance. Karena being the philandering ‘male’ who keeps getting not so happy slapped by Cyndi and punched lots by her ditched girlfriends. Pink haired ‘cute’ candy Cyndi (who punches Karena a lot) and Karena’s ‘romance’ being the most eccentric of the bunch. Although having a manic and kooky final, the other Candy Rain stories are quite normal considering. But all relate to lonely women needing other lonely woman, and relationships that rarely last due to erratic emotions and splintered commitments. The sentiments and subtle emotional values the girls have for one other are mostly individual yearnings to be merely happy on the least of intrinsic levels. Needing someone to love (like anyone does) but finding self-emotions and circumstances curbing any real sustainable relationship; ending in tears, yearnings and stalemates.
This brings the film to the ‘what the heck’ type fourth expression, as if all the candy wrapped cute togetherness is no more than a quick fix and the limited love causing such disappoint that frustration burst outs in Karena and Cyndi’s final storyline. Punches aplenty (not to forget electric pink hair) and emotional decisions are displayed at their fullest colorful description. The visuals are anachronistic parody and almost vaudeville slap stick shock with a final reminder what's beneath the wrappers of these colorful (lovable), eccentric and highly emotionally charged candy women. All seek comfort in a relationship; the motif of a mail boy bringing a box of ‘candy sweets’ appears at all junctures. The candy being the sweet surface attraction. A second DVD features MVs (including great music by ‘My Little Airport’) trailers and a picture gallery. Also a small booklet is included. “Candy Rain” is a bit difficult to recommend overall being a marginal subject and a slow burner soaked in candy floss artiness with only the final bit that’s really electric. But certainly different. I suppose the only way is to suck it and see.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Marine Boy (DVD) (2-Disc Special Edition) (First Press Limited Edition) (Korea Version)
Marine Boy (DVD) (2-Disc Special Edition) (First Press Limited Edition) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$24.99List: US$33.99Save: US$9.00 (26%)Related promotions:1 people found the following helpful
June 16, 2009 Diving to the Depths of MistrustIf ever there were a film with so many mistrustful protagonists in it, “Marine Boy” would go near the top of the suspicion list. Not surprising considering Cheon Su the water boy of the title as been drawn into a gangster's drug smuggling racket after he reports a gambling racket of cheating him out of winnings. Crossing paths with drug mobster Kang (Jae Hyun Jo) by his gambling fiasco, Cheon Su’s freedom becomes compromised when he as to smuggle drugs as one of Kang’s ‘Marine Boys’. Life isn’t all bad though when Cheon Su meets a glamorous and sexy jazz singer (Si Yeon Park), a ‘daughter’ of Kang who also wishes to change her life style with Cheon Su’s help. With a cop on the trial of Kang and a contact of Cheon Su’s, the plot thickens to so much mistrustful danger levels that all characters are suspect of ulterior motives. Jae Hyun Jo as gangster boss Kang is a brilliant actor and chilling in this role and having great international appeal. Si Yeon Park is also getting nice meaty roles lately and her sultry, dangerous and beguiling femme here is another good addition to her already credited film parts. Since I first watched her in “My Girl” K-drama she’s blossomed and honed her skills well. Last but certainly not least is Kang Woo Kim who has a really cool and suited role here as the ‘marine boy’ of the tile.
This has quite a complex plot, especially where characters find themselves in such desperate and dangerous situations that trust is a difficult attribute to adopt. In fact by all the splintered loyalty and double motives a great deal of logical paranoia is a their only survival mechanism. All keeps you pondering till the finish to see if any two people actually do stay ‘together’ here. This film would be enjoyed by action spy thriller fans and very close to a James Bond type movie. Villains are very like the Bond types with Kang at one point battering a philandering womanizer with a frozen fish to death. The deep sea water elements bring water action Bond thrillers to mind and of course Si Yeon as done it again as performing a sort of Bond girl to Cheon Su here (considering her “Dacemahema Lee” role). Nice one, Shi Yeon, nearly a Bond girl twice. A more Hollywood sort than K-movie, but with a good script, cast and some riveting cliff-hanger moments (arf), this is quite the exciting and enjoyable movie. Good extras too, with Kang Woo and Si Yeon at a film screening that seem to have more screaming fans than F4 and Shinhwa put together.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Claustrophobia (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)
Claustrophobia (DVD) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(3)Our Price: US$15.99Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:June 16, 2009 Best Karena and Ekin Combo YetThis is a very impressive Karena Lam and Ekin Cheng movie and the best collaboration they’ve ever done. A point to emphasis about “Claustrophobia” though is that its more a mood induced film. The plot is also reflected backwards in 8 segments within a 12 month period (1 week ago, 1 month ago etc) concerning five work colleagues at a company and of their various personal ‘enclosed space’ situations. Mainly about Tom (Ekin) and Pearl (Karena), and of their everyday stifling limitations within social circles, especially the work place and cars. In fact the film’s first 20 minutes are situated in Tom’s car as Pearl and their team hitch a lift home. By mood, feel and tone, scenes sometimes have no dialogue (an early scene with Tom and Pearl), conveying only subtle reactions to tight moods and interposing mediocrity (a car door slams leaving Pearl with startled silent irritation for instance), and quiet scenes of mood as Tom drives through the quiet imposing HK night city. In fact car scenes are quite reflective by a wide spread moonlit sky breaking through the towering buildings, contrasting claustrophobia with a panoramic suggestion of a break free. Like suddenly viewing stars that were blocked by artificial streetlights.
“Claustrophobia” is metaphor and actual about ‘suffocations’ of stressful interplay; busy and cramped work offices, crammed full elevators and containments of insulated distant love. Pearl’s office colleague Jewel getting irritated by ‘everyone else’ having her latest ‘personal’ mobile phone ring tone. Pearl also secretly loves her boss Tom who resigns her to a new accounting job and inadvertently releases her from ‘confinement’ of emotional entrapment at work. That revelation at the film’s beginning (or the end of course), with other past segments revealing incidents about Pearl up to this point. Loved the scenes regarding Pearl’s dream explanation while Tom sleeps in his car and the typhoon taxi scene. Segments are fragments though, where the audience fills in the pieces to this contained emotional jigsaw puzzle. It’s both a distant romance and detective conundrum. Acting is brilliant. I love Karena and its great to see her back in great form again. Ekin really plays his role well with hidden undercurrents and he’ll get great credit for this! All extras have English subtitles apart from the audio commentary. Excellent film but requires a perusal after all concludes and detective thinking to read between the segments.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Lee Jung Hyun Mini Album - Avaholic
Lee Jung Hyun Mini Album - Avaholic
(4)Our Price: US$10.99List: US$14.99Save: US$4.00 (27%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:June 12, 2009 Jung Hyun Lee - She Ava HolicAn immediate mention here is Ava Holic’s CD packaging. With Jung Hyun looking quite the 80s New Romantic Renaissance fashion girl (almost expected a Visage “Fade to Grey” song here), style is Ava Holic’s major theme. Sleeve is an oversized CD card with pull out section and an inclusive booklet with more Jung Hyun photos, (snapped by Ken Sax). I won’t go into details as it would spoil a nice ‘surprise’, but a lavishly styled and novel CD package and certainly the first thing to impress.
“Ava Holic”, a sort of fantasy alter ego for Jung Hyun perhaps as much as her English name, musically is firmly within the K-pop mores of electronic dance. But here the girl band wonder pop is a little more unusual and eccentric. Main song “Vogue Girl (It Girl)” is an excellent energetic number. With a Wonder Girls synth line (similar to WG’s ‘report to the dance floor’ song) and some After School attitude with even a little of Madonna’s “Hung Up” on the refrain, makes for an increasingly addictive melody. Written by Min Soo Lee, “Vogue Girl” may not hit you as much as Mr Lee’s “Gee”. But with each new listen “VG” becomes increasingly addictive. Certainly the quick and catchy refrain of Jung Hyun’s eccentric and dynamic vocal of “baby don’t you wanna be a di li di di di, it girl” lights up this song. “Crazy” is another techno dance number with a more radical approach in the stop-start melody and vocals, and having a wall of synth sound familiar with power beat dance rhythms. But certainly puissant and catchy. “Neon nae kkeo” is nice with a robotic dance beat (+rap by E-Tribe), and a really good over melody and refrain. “2Night” is a more moderate and sultry beat familiar to dance smooch disco.
The album’s electronic pallet ceases though with the final “Miro” songs. These are “Miro 1 and 2” (part 1 an intro) and quite reflective of the cover image, with a music box sound and vaudeville song style with cute vocal theatrics about Ava dreaming of a lover yet to be. Ava might even be a mechanized automaton trapped in a music box, but I’m probably letting my imagination run away there. I haven’t heard much of Jung Hyun, (although I have also recently bought “Fantastic Girl”), but her style is interesting here. Its got the same modern K-pop sensibilities, but with that little bit of oddness and difference in the melodies. Not overly weird though as Ava is more cute and adorable, but a nice mini album that should have strongly appeal.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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The Equation of Love & Death (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)
The Equation of Love & Death (DVD) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region All
(1)Our Price: US$10.99Related promotions:June 10, 2009 Consists of Connected Random EventsWith opening credits similar to the Matrix (meandering numbers instead of falling ones) and a coincidental train of events that relate to taxi driver Limi’s (Zhou Xun) lost fiancée Fang Wen (Deng Chao), this is a movie mix of tragic romantic drama, hard nailed thriller, black comedy antics, additional indie style grunge and well crafted and intriguing. What I liked about this, though, is how the train of events seem to happen ‘because’ of Limi's long suffering despondency and emotional loss. That by yearning to find her lost boyfriend a sudden roller coaster of dramatic incidents were the only equal sign for Limi to resolve her ‘slow motion’ depression and broken heart. Its certainly a dramatic film. No sooner as Limi drives and tells two goons about her personal quest to find Fang Wen, do they steal her precious photo filled magazine of Fang Wen. They take it from her taxi in lieu of change she tries to get them for a $20 note and even kidnap her later on. Tsk. Goons, eh?
After the men leave Limi’s taxi they confront a contact sitting on an overpass bridge (the men being two naughty smugglers), for safe conduct plane tickets. But the contact suddenly decides to commit suicide by hurling himself off the bridge, crashing onto a car below. The goons freak out, running to the bridge barrier and lose Limi’s photo magazine, which falls onto a car below. In a leap of coincidental fate the car driver is Limi’s lost fiancee Fang Wen, along with his new heroin scarred girlfriend Feifei. Fang Wen finds the fallen magazine of Limi’s, looks up and chases the two men. As plan A goes very wrong, the goon’s decide on plan B, to kidnap Limi and demand $30,000 for their plane tickets. Limi’s a bit short of $30,000 of course (taxi fees being well below that amount). But as goon stupidity never goes out of vogue, Limi can only drive on and hope to escape.
What enfolds is a partial road movie thriller about Limi’s runaway fiancée. Connected ‘happenings’ that seem to void randomness? It’s fantastically acted, emotional and at times quite funny, especially by the two buffoonery goons, who are like a gritty Laurel and Hardy. Zhou Xun is incredible as streetwise chain smoking cab girl Limi. It’s the sort of film I’d prefer to see Zhou Xun in. Deng Chao and Zhang Han Yu are also of high merit and the two comedic smuggler actors are excellent together. Very well made grunge romance thriller, with contrasting sadness and a bit of cranky humor.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Chae Yeon Mini Album - Shake
Chae Yeon Mini Album - Shake
(2)Our Price: US$10.99List: US$14.99Save: US$4.00 (27%)Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:June 10, 2009 Shake, Salsa and Carnival[Time : 38’38]
On listening to Chae Yeon’s electro synth “Shake” here, I couldn’t help notice the quite prevalent salsa carnival rhythms on several songs. So much that I wondered if I played this at a reasonable loud volume, a street carnival would soon commence in my local vicinity. The opening main song “Heundeulryeo (Shake)” sports a cliché (almost iconic) dance electro beat to begin. But “Shake” fleshes out into a fine and hot dance song with a great middle refrain and, as mentioned, an additional salsa beat. In fact the opener song as become one I really like (the ‘Gee’ of the album, maybe). The album consists of seven songs with four additional mix versions of [T1] and [T2]. But as noted about these Club Extended DJ Koo mixes, there is only really one different mix of each, with two radio edits (bits lopped off the Club Extended versions to fit radio song time) that make two mixes as mere fillers. Probably a 8:00 or so minute dance carnival mega mix was needed here!
Overall “Shake” is a light affair that isn’t full throttle club music but nice moderate upbeat dance K-pop. It’s ‘hot’ though! Track 3 “Baboya” begins with an 80s synth pop intro (reminded me of ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ by Depeche Mode) that soon changes into a catchy upbeat melody that breezes along nicely; the song to get you uplifted on a dreary morning to work. Track 4’s poppy salsa disco continues to keep the carnival spirit with T5 a more a funky disco stomper beat for soul girls. The two ballads are excellent and sung wonderfully (K-drama calibre) and mitigate the more carnival musical atmosphere. Chae Yeon’s album brought to mind Taiwanese singer Jolin Tsai with the song “Ooh La La” [T2] by vocal and melody and Uhm Jung Hwa somewhat on track 7. But Chae Yeon’s lovely melodic style holds her own. Vocally, CY sings lovely and being the well-established singer she is, as a good and varied voice to carry her well with dance or slow ballads.
Yes, this is another good party piece to add to your collection of K-pop wonders growing by the minute. Familiar generic bits maybe, but really catchy numbers to get you in that upbeat, eh, carnival mood. But these familiar deja vu moments are good ones and an album I’m sure to be regularly played in bedrooms, dormitories, ear plugs and favorite dance clubs. Especially if you find you have a carnival happening near, where this CD would be right at home with all the party goers.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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GoGo Star Vol. 1 - Last Show
GoGo Star Vol. 1 - Last Show
(1)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:June 9, 2009 Bet on this great Indie Synth Punk Disco![Album Time : 41:35]
I realize the title is a mouthful eclectically, but that’s what Go Go Star’s debut CD sounds like. Fast, electro pop with grunge sounds similar to Japanese synth-punk. Certainly “Last Show” as very catchy 80s electronic pop songs, but the additional punk vocal edge and gritty electronic guitars, bass guitars, drum & keyboard instrumentation, make ‘synth disco punk’ the apt description. Its an extremely melodic CD, with so much body inducing rhythmic's and catchy refrains; electro disco beats soon turning into some furious electronic-metal rock speeds at times, too. But all keeping to the body popping spacey format of indie synth. Sparks, Yello, Daft Punk and Fad Gadget come to mind, with distinct The Human League ‘Reproduction’ era synth drum beats, alongside angsty punk vocals and even ska bass-keyboard sounds familiar to bands like The Specials on “Not Disco, But Disco” [T3]. With powerful rock punk rhythms, of course.
The album starts with an instrumental having drums, 50s sci-fi space twitters, bass guitar and a rhythmic retro electro rock beat. [T2] introduces Tae Seon Lee’s vocals and with a mix of synth-punk rhythm, disco and electro beats. On certain songs Tae Seon’s main vocals are complimented by bass guitarist Seon Ha Kim’s more softer girly support, the Go Go girl addition maybe. All songs have great mixs of grunge, poppy fun feel and additively fast rhythms. The best example being [T4] which is so fast and fun with catchy punk vocals from both Tae Seon and Seon Ha that its a firm favorite with me. Brilliant. “You” [T5] is a more familiar 80s electro sound with a melody near early Pet Shop Boys sound. “Psycho Machine! [T7] sounds to me like an enraged disco version of a Tubeway Army “Replicas” song. [T9] gives a little bit of 60s Beatlesque sound with lovely keyboard, but maintaining the grungy synth punk style. All brilliant songs, but loved tracks 4 and 5 also 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11. A catchy album, that even having edgy and punky melodies, make for fully packed excellence most K-music lovers should like. Think of Clazziquai meets the The Clash here though. Like all first debut albums, GoGo Stars creative juices are at peak influence, making for some serious music here. Brilliant retro K-pop no doubt. If you want some beaty electronic Korean indie, this is it!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Boys Over Flowers (DVD) (End) (English Subtitled) (KBS TV Drama) (Limited Edition) (Korea Version)
Boys Over Flowers (DVD) (End) (English Subtitled) (KBS TV Drama) (Limited Edition) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3, 4, 5, 6
(10)Our Price: US$110.99List: US$133.99Save: US$23.00 (17%)Related promotions:4 people found the following helpful
June 6, 2009 Giving F4 and Jandi...Five!This is a charmingly gorgeous K-TV drama. F4 (whose handkerchiefs even have personal butlers) certainly have moody charismatic confidence, contrasting their fragility and need for love. Angelic upstart Jandi though soon melts F4’s ice when she joins Shinhwa University for red carpet walkers. F4 are initially disdainful especially ‘red card’ bully Junpyo, who when ‘throwing his toys out of his pram’ certainly as tractor sized tantrums! But F4 change when Jandi high kicks Junpyo in the mush for spreading bad rumors about her. Junpyo sees the kick a sign of Jandi’s love, with other F4 members adopting Jandi as friend and tonic. BOF certainly had making problems. The car crashes were awful. Hyesun, Hyun Joong and Min Soo’s BOF commitments after the accidents are truly inspiring. With Sun Ja Park’s sad death, too, its amazing how everyone kept sane. Sadly Sunny (Sun Ja’s character), Ginger and Miranda are absent after the Macau episodes. It’s a shame, as this surly blighted a ‘family’ of performers enjoying making this together. Really sorry to hear of this.
But BOF wins out in the end. The F4 actors and support cast are excellent. So Eun Kim is lovely as Jandi’s mate and Hyun Joong’s otherworldly appeal (David Bowie 70s demeanour) is future cool. Even though Min Hoo and Hyun Joong are forefront characters, Bum Kim and especially T-max Joon Kim succeed with equal appeal. Hyesun, by acting, singing, drawing (Gummy’s 4th album art?) and even making a New Age music CD (Orbital electronics with period instrumentation, Hyesun?) is certainly multi-talented. Directing shorts, too? Jae Tae Ye for tips, Hyesun. ^o^
The Macau and New Caledonia settings are breathtaking. Latter filmed with brilliant va va voom aerial approach. Funny, too! Jihu’s male friend Ming in Macau? I had visions of them on a final Gondola scene at one point; flash back to their photo on Ming’s mug. Actress Min Jung Lee as Junpyo’s fiancee Jaekyung Ha is also an unexpected surprise. Her animated character is a big winner. Hyesun does exaggerate her role as Jandi, but this being a manga adaptation, all makes sense. Subtitles and DVD set I’m grateful for and a thanksgiving prayer mat required for subs! Could the ‘boys be back in town’ for “BOF 2”? Well, J & J surly would ‘fight’ another day. Exotically made, lovely cast, really nice guys (F4), tears and romance. I likey!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Parking (DVD) (English Subtitled) (Hong Kong Version)
Parking (DVD) (English Subtitled) (Hong Kong Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$10.99Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:June 2, 2009 Trapped From Life MotionI watched this after seeing “The Equation of Love and Death” DVD. I say this as I found connected aspects with both films; cars and ‘motion’, separated lovers, white lies and letters, drugs and prostitution, bumbling stooges, and probably things my brain cannot see without watching both again more intensely. Chung Mong-Hong’s “Parking” is partially a none linear expressionist film, with a bit of Velvet Underground resonance. The plot is more complex of the two movies, having a simple premise but with multifaceted and connected ‘apartment’ situations that reveal deeper truths about Chen Mo’s random parking situation. Chen Mo decides on Mother’s Day to meet up with his estranged wife in Taipei, so stops at a cake shop below an apartment block to buy a cake, to help make amends at their meeting. But Chen Mo’s car gets trapped by a double-parked car with a bullet shot windscreen outside the shop. A helpful one armed barber shop owner informs Chen Mo that the driver lives on the third floor of the block. But searching for the car owner, Chen Mo only finds himself immersed ever deeply into the dark social cruelties that surround the apartments, which seem to mirror his own reality. Amidst his search Chen Mo meets an elderly couple who believe him to be their son and a little girl his daughter, a prostitute from the mainland whose trying to escape an oppressive pimp, and a gangster harassed suit tailor (Chapman To).
The cinematography and settings are quite theatrical; the apartment scenes having a filmic stage show look. Surreal lens filtering also makes for some dreamy angles as if the whole experience is one big unusual dream. But the ‘arty’ aspects don’t overwhelm crucial plot development. Acting is excellent, Chang Chen gritty amidst the blend of moody humor and mean streets and Lun Mei Guey looking utterly transformed from her innocent “Secret” part. A film about the state of money over real life, living concerns and survival, marriage and compatibilities, sex and depravity and the inevitable results of what can happen when things slip into a sleazy declining environment. Its a slide show cinema of ‘outsiders’, in characterization, time and linearity, and suggest much more than it seems. It’s certainly funny though in a droll manner, like when Chen Ho sits on his cake by accident and cleans his trousers in a washroom where a fish head is soaking in a sink, and black comedy dialogue. An excellent film but needs extra considerations.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Look For A Star (DVD) (Hong Kong Version)
May 30, 2009 A Gentle Romance – A Gentle TruthIts funny “Look For A Star” is about finding happy shared togetherness, when stars are quite separate and isolated. Finding love can be difficult, too, and its not just wealth and polarization, but diverse complexities of human maturity. Sigh. Maybe love isn’t a breeze, but here with a rare moment of Andy Lau actually not wielding a sword amidst sweaty bodies in battle, is Sam the man falling in love with a beautiful cabaret dancer called Milan (Sui Qi having no trouble doing the beautiful bit) who Sam meets in Macau. With a positively uplifting movie about ‘life sharing in love’ difficulties. Still, Sam’s romance is part of a triad (no, not that Triad) as not only Sam, but his personal chauffeur and secretary find their own love matches in the eclectic atmos of Macau’s rich and golden setting. Sam’s chauffeur by a blind date and Sam’s personal secretary falling for an electrical worker at the plush hotel she stays in. All this romance stuff doesn’t run smoothly though (you guessed) and brings the usual heart tearing self-discoveries, right up to the ‘Oprah Winfrey’ type revelations at the end. But here the dating game is about social differences and whether a person can love someone beyond their stratum. Sam’s a rich tycoon and Milan an exotic nightclub dancer. But love’s universal heart is won over by championing hope, bringing romance to win out in the end. Love isn’t shared enough though (wrestling silently with the steel of indifference), and can be one big hope trip. But love over subjectivity and by compassionately listening to each other’s hearts, can we truly keep the flame alive of ‘giving love a chance’. No matter what rung of the echelon you’re on – like looking for a hidden star. Andrew Lau’s movie succeeds here by accomplishing the understanding that love is for everyone and always ‘in the wings’ ready to be grasped, and could happen anytime – especially if you go to Macau.
Like part of Korean hit “Boys Over Flowers” this is set in Macau, a place for the romantic ambiance and now modern dating opulence. Its a charming romance story and shouldn’t fail to lift the spirit. Sui Qi’s brilliant here, too, (she was brilliant in “My Wife is Gangster 3” too!) and Andy is at his gentlest. The DVD as 3 short making of’s and interviews, all English subtitled with some postcards. Make the best of Andy in romantic mode here though, cuz he’s surly to be donning his rusty helmet and battle sword again in his next movie!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Brain Wave (DVD) (Korea Version)
Brain Wave (DVD) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$26.99List: US$35.99Save: US$9.00 (25%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:May 27, 2009 TelekinesisThis 2006 KOFIC sponsored movie “Brainwave” is director and writer Tae Ra Shin’s Vol 1 feature, and by a strongly hinted final scene of an unknown character twisting a dice, maybe the first of future installments. Although a sequel hasn’t surfaced as yet, “Brainwave” is certainly interesting. This sci-fi live action crime movie reflects the manga-manwha format where the action and drama is frequently shown in comic strip split panels. The plot concerns a man with strange mental powers of telekinesis and of a string of brutal and unexplainable murders. The killings, where no indication of physical violence is found, become linked to a secret scientific ‘Hy-brain’ experiment that had gone terribly wrong. The opener certainly sets the immediacy of it all; a man chased in an aqueduct tunnel by an ominous assailant. Main characters are Juno, the man with the ‘force power’ telekinesis who can move car door locks and shove gangster bullies into disused sofas by the power of his mind and suffers hearing anomalies and memory loss. He knows little of his own past, but lives on earnings by rapidly drawing people’s portraits in a park, but fails to speed draw a picture of the woman he loves. Another is a mysterious woman (I’ll leave it at mysterious to keep the plot elusive) who helps Juno with his maddening hearing loss and hearing sounds, and also learns of his strange powers. She’s also the woman Juno loves. Also two hard nailed police detectives become immersed on the trail of numerous serial murders. Due to the strange anomalies of the grim deaths, the suspecting police duo begin researching a psychopath that may have telekinetic powers, linked to a secret ‘Hy-brain’ experiment and which all seems to point to loner street park sketch artist Juno.
This is an inventively made with good manga influenced cinematography and post production, and by the split screen action cinematography, is like watching a live action comic book. There’s a good sense of droll humor here, too, like the early chase scenes with some clumsy thugs and Juno and the gritty camaraderie of the two cops and comic book cliches. Interesting extras, too. The making of shows how this was made on a small budget, there’s a short movie and the musical OST is included on the DVD. If you love Japanese manga with sci-fi elements, I think you’ll enjoy this crime sci-fi actioner, with even a bit of the Terminator about it! Meant to be watched with a tongue in cheek approach I think.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Our School E.T. (DVD) (First Press Edition) (Korea Version)
Our School E.T. (DVD) (First Press Edition) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$29.99List: US$39.99Save: US$10.00 (25%)Related promotions:May 18, 2009 E.T.’s First-class HeartSu-ro Kim as "Our School E.T." (English Teacher) provides a good dose of manic comedy here. Directed by Kwang-choon Park who made “She’s On Duty” this has excellent visual skits, madcap comedy, blended social commentary and fulfills itself as a well meaning film and light satire - and certainly one very enjoyable ride. With Seong Geun (Su-ro) bursting in like action man frantically snapping digital photos of after high school students in a pool club, this all soon gets moving, too. With other crazy moments like a street chase with Seong Geun’s yellow moped and its flame exhaust thrusters, its certainly visually spoofed. But Su-ro and the poignant script wins over here though. Although a taskmaster, Seong Geun is quite a concerned and tender hearted man who joyfully loves the kids he teaches, and understands some of their harsh upbringings and backgrounds, due to his own similar experiences!
Seong Geun’s is tagged ET due to his ‘alien’ teaching approach. He’s actually a gym teacher but wishes to teach English to survive in his school job, as P.E. tutors are getting the boot. But by his radical teaching shift and methods Seong Geun is deemed too outlandish by the Parent’s Association board, and for a budding E.T. doesn’t really know much English! But enthusiasm aside, judgmental PTA pressure puts Seong Geun to the test. He as to prove he can teach English by sitting an English language test, scoring no less than 70%, otherwise get booted out of the school for eccentric behavior. This proves ironic and funny as Seong Geun sits amidst other English study students to achieve his E.T. status. Certainly Seong Geun loves the kids he teaches, helping the poorer students with personal problems and giving them ‘fighting’ spirit by their troubles. At times he’s quite touching, too, especially on his post D-Day E.T. test speech. There are grittier moments like a tough roof top school fight near the beginning. But like “She’s on Duty” its another rough and tumble comedy mix. No doubt an eccentric and energetic K-comedy, with added poignancy and social concern. Su-ro is absolutely champion too as live wire and full of heart Seong Geun. Loved this film! I’ll give it a fiver! Also of a worthy note, actor Min Ho Lee famous now for “Boys Over Flowers” hot head ‘punch first and ask questions later’ Jun-pyo (yep, I’m watching it!) appears here, too.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Truck (DVD) (Korea Version)
Truck (DVD) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$31.99List: US$39.99Save: US$8.00 (20%)Related promotions:May 12, 2009 Nightmare WheelsAlthough truck driver Cheol Min doesn’t risk life and limb along icy Canadian roads (have you seen those Canadian Ice Truckers on TV? Brave is an understatement!), he certainly as a lorry full of stressful problems. Literally, as for one he has a cargo of dead bodies under his tarpaulin, due to a nightclub gangster getting irked by Cheol Min seeing him kill a party of people in the gangster’s club, and has to 'lose' them for the gangster. If he accomplishes the grim deed, Cheol Min will receive money he lost at the nightclub gambling den, if he fails he faces a not too happy gangster. Secondly, Cheol Min’s little daughter needs a new heart operation with Cheol Min needing $60,000 for her imminent operation (hence the night club gambling). But adding ironic and coincidental mischief to the mix, Cheol Min finds himself thirdly sharing his truck of lifeless party goers with an escaped serial killer, who tricks Cheol Min into his truck as a policeman, and with one wrong move could bring Cheol Min sharing a place with his dead passengers.
As a Korean horror thriller this isn’t bad, with Hae Jin Yu in an appreciative lead role for a change. “Truck” certainly shocks, too, especially the nightclub murder scene and a brutal killing in an underpass, with tension doubling when Cheol Min finds himself trapped on wheels with the serial killer. It’s certainly a film for fans of harder edge Korean thrillers, no doubt. Actor Jin Goo is subtly disturbing as the ‘from calm to strike like a rattlesnake’ psychopathic killer, and performs very well (also good in Epitaph). Hae Jin also becomes a man you certainly sympathize with, especially due to Cheol Min’s little girl, but unlike Hyun-jun Shin’s daughter in “His Last Gift” the film “Truck’s” overwhelming main premise swamps the little-girl-needs-an-organ cliche, by the heavy fear factor! But “Truck” pays off as a decent killer chiller, reflecting ironic twists and tension. This edition also as a director’s cut on disc two. Its not subtitled and only adds a slight extra dimension, unlike K-horror “The Red Shoes” which theater and disk editions are two totally different interpretations. But a nice extras collection and a film worth seeing.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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My Friend & His Wife (DVD) (First Press Edition) (Korea Version)
My Friend & His Wife (DVD) (First Press Edition) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$26.99List: US$32.99Save: US$6.00 (18%)Related promotions:May 11, 2009 Fatal DistractionsThis movie by director Dong-il Shin as been delayed on DVD for some time and a related movie to the yet unreleased “When the Summer Passes Away” by director Ji-hae Sung, similarly exploring moral trust, self pursuit, extra marital passion and responsibility. If any proviso were needed the most here though it would be ‘moral responsibility’. Of two ex-military friends, who both love the same woman, here the whole crucial nature of an affair is upturned by a situation mid way through when Jae-moon’s wife Ji-sook takes on a needful business vacation trip to Paris relating to her hair dressing business, leaving her husband to look after their recently born baby. As Jae-moon regularly phones and meets up with his friend Ye-joon, they both one evening eat and drink at Jae-moons home, with Jae-moon preparing a culinary feast due to his professional cooking skills. What follows is the pivotal element that will leave you shocked and reeling, and highly challenged by following situations and ‘what comes first’ motivations in daily human conditions. The tragedy is in essence an ‘accident’ due to ignorance and carelessness, but so much is put to question, that even a fatalistic Divine Touch could be mused by the premeditated passions within Ye-joon’s heart for his friends wife. As the film switches to Ji-sook in Paris after the tragedy, I could only feel utmost sorrow to a woman unknowing to what was to befall here when she returned home.
All this leads to a more complex and challenging relationship movie. Not just relating to Jae-moon and Ji-sook’s marriage and tragedy, but to Jae-moon’s decision about his friend Ye-joon and of J-sook’s own swaying responsibilities, and of how personal commitments and pursuits for money and love, create hateful dark traits to manifest, having finality both logically sad and destructive. Sex and passion ‘ending in tears’ is an understatement here. No doubt fate was fatally indicated by the symbol of Ye-joon’s blood red tie and Ji-sook’s red dress. In fact when Ji-sook sees ‘beyond the stars’ and her being an hairdresser, I did wonder what she might have done with her scissors.
Acting from Hee-soon Park, Hyun-sung Jang and So-hee Honh is class A quality, which you would expect from a film of this pedigree. You’ll certainly get a shock from this richly conceived film. A film requiring a certain amount of looking beneath the surface of the plot with certain motifs implying much more than the film’s plot line.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Shen Ye Di Xia Tie (China Version)
Shen Ye Di Xia Tie (China Version)
(1)Our Price: US$6.49Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:1 people found the following helpful
May 11, 2009 Youty’s album of lovely melodies[CD Time : 44’38]
When I first saw this CD, I’ll admit that Tao Yu Yu (a.k.a. Youty) strikingly pretty image caused me to buy this, but felt this also would be an interesting CD. Proving that sometimes judging a music CD by its cover yields a gem, I can vouch that this is one superb album. Although not a China album of the slower chanson type, it does have mid temp ballads with similarly catchy and touchingly cute ‘chanson’ refrains, and with such goose bump type refrains everyone loves. The arrangements and recording is excellent, too, with a childlike but sophisticated song set and brilliant tone. The music features various instrumentation mixs of piano, light electric guitars, acoustic guitar, string arrangements, drums and backing vocals and fits more in the pop easy listening bracket than the strong ‘love woes’ lyrical chanson stuff. Youty’s singing is just lovely; a cute and innocent charm that complement the songs, at times haunting but always touching and sweet.
All songs have lovely refrains, not one lacks. 11 great songs here! Mostly, mid tempo ballads, but with such re-payable and touching melodies. Some songs even bring HK Twins to mind, like the catchy nursery rhyme track 1, reggae pop track 8 and refrains to tracks 3 and 4. If you're a Twins fan you’ll certainly like this! The songs are gentle, touching sing-songy melodies with various styles including bits of folk rock, even reggae, some child like lullabies amidst a touchingly upbeat song set that all immediately warms the heart. There are some quite beaty songs, too, like tracks 2 and 8, which are great. Track 8 having a reggae tropical island upbeat melody. Track 6 is fantastic! I just love the Chinese childlike music box sound that builds into a very catchy song. I love the way the song changes chords, the added background vocals and mesmerizing final juxtaposed sound. Your inner child will just love this! Tracks 9 and 10 have more hauntingly beautiful ballad refrains and 11 an instrumental of 1, that close the album. For me I love tracks 2, 6, 5, 3, 4, 7, 9 and 8 - but, really, everything is so good here!
Although seeming like another China pop album you’re used too, this album is packed to the rafters of great life enhancing refrains and gentle melodies and is one excellent album. It really works and each song feels like the love and breath of sunshine. The CD is in DVD box packaging including photo booklet full of photos of Youty. ^o^ Recommended! ^o^Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Lonely Me (2nd Version) (CD+DVD)
May 8, 2009 Twin Solo - but catchy, tender mid tempos[CD Time : 44’29]
I wasn’t sure what song mix would be featured on Charlene’s solo début here, but with Twins on hold and the mood of things, a more vibrant and celebratory album might be deemed too insensitive or premature. So although I’d love more fast songs and Twins spirit, it’s not quite the right moment here. Charlene too is a growing woman, and I’m sure this album reflects as much about her mature dealings with life, as with sudden changes. Anyway, as a solo debut it’s not a bad album, and most songs are good solid mid tempo ones, having slow beginnings moving into swifter tuneful melodies. The more moderate Twins song format really, but being both bright and cheerful, blended with logical mood and sadness. If you liked “Twins Party” or “New Mandarin 2008” mid tempo songs, then “Two Without One” is near those. And they’re certainly catchy. Even some electric guitar interpolations on tracks 4 and 5. The opener “Two Without One” is no doubt the new big song and “I’m Sorry” is Ah Sa’s own personal and very moving song, with a lovely sung refrain. Two excellent songs. Tracks 3-5 are also good new additions. “Butterfly Lovers” theme is no doubt a fantastic song; you get immediate goose bumps and tears to the eyes on each listen.
This album is in two sections as such. The first 6 songs being new ones and the latter six a filler mixture of the Mando version of “Two Without One”, Canto and Mando versions of the Butterfly Lovers song, the Make a Wish single and Canto and Mando versions of “Little Dimples”. All songs blend well and it’s a good overall package with the singing, song writing, arrangements making for a quality album. The DVD’s MVs are a bit solemn though; all shot in a worn old movie style and carry a sense of sadness, relating to separated relationships. All four interestingly have a continuity of sorts. I feel Charlene’s already worn the t-shirt with solo songs, as with “Viva Ah Hey”, and this CD really extends on that, and Charlene sings well here. She certainly misses Gillian, no doubt. Surely another Twins work will come. Maybe “Twins - Survival Binary” by Christmas? Okay I’m supposing and made the title up (sorry), but surely when, not if now. But for now, the blessing is in Charlene’s solo album that certainly won’t disappoint. Not a slam-dunk Twins CD to dance and groove too, but more one to reflect upon.Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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Go Go 70s (DVD) (First Press Edition) (Korea Version)
Go Go 70s (DVD) (First Press Edition) (Korea Version) DVD Region 3
(1)Our Price: US$29.99List: US$35.99Save: US$6.00 (17%)Related promotions:May 5, 2009 70’s Rock, Seoul + Hot Go Go dancing!Fundamentally a bio pic on a 70's S Korean soul-blues rock n roll band called The Devils. Formed from two 3-man entertainment groups at a US army barracks, the band go on to seek fame, money and glory within packed Seoul concert halls, amidst the city’s stifling political atmosphere and nightly curfews. With brilliant electrifying concert shows and fronted by female Go Go dancers (a hot leggy trio of the title!), The Devils massively popular music phenomena rock the socks off a needful youth nation with young Korean audiences swept up into fervor and adoration by the band’s heady mix of soul-blue’s, dance & rock. But due to political clampdowns, after 88 people are killed at a concert fire disaster, The Devil’s shows become curtailed and band members imprisoned, with long haired male youths having their mops cropped by police press gangs, all government reactions to the modern music’s ‘decadent’ image. “Go Go 70’s” political situations though mainly backdrop the band’s story, which mostly spoofs this revolutionary musical rock era.
The live stage shows are amazing and the movie’s 70’s styled cinematics are perfectly nostalgic and represented. At one point as a camera rushes into the packed ‘Nirvana’ Seoul auditorium with the band in full swing and an ecstatically hyped young audience, you’ll feel you’re part of the atmosphere rave yourself! The 70s photo filtering and lighting are also spot on! With such incredible music energy, this film reflects an extremely hyper live concert experience. But aside to the ‘live’ atmosphere and musicianship, the film balances nicely throughout with a good script, acting and drama.
Seung Woo Cho as front man singer guitarist is excellent as are all band actors, and Min-ah Shin as a sexy Go Go dancer is something you’ll never forget! For me, “Go Go 70’s” soul-rock blues sound and vocal brought to mind UK Steve Marriott’s Small Faces and Martha & the Vandellas, having similar black R&B soul-blues rock n roll mix. If you liked K-movie “Highway Star”, I think you’ll like this DVD. With a 70s retro high energy electric rock, Motown soul and dance, its certainly a ‘Soul Man’ rocktastic 2 hours of entertainment to watch repeatedly. A film that literally rocks! The bonus disk is packed with goodies; music rehearsals, poster shoot (with an eye popping long legged Min-ah Shin!), stills, deleted scenes, VIP showing - brilliant! The 2-disk OST also highly recommend. Five highly deserving stars here though!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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