The Last Princess (2016) South Korea

The longest 10 minutes of the princess' life!

Original title:

Deokhyeongju (Korean)

Genre:

Biography, Drama.

Length:

Approximately 6-minute read.


Review:
     The story that sets in the 1961, but most of the film was a flashback narration that takes us to the 30 years earlier, in the 30s. This is a biographical film of the last Korean princess to be crowned. Though the film clearly briefs her power struggle over the foreign power. The entire tale was told from her perspective as she saw everything. So, it was real, but historical facts were compromised in places with additional characters or events that more cinematised. That's what the film declared at the opening. To be honest, any biopic would be the same. You can't expect a perfect, a flawless portrayal of a person or the event. Since films are just a recreation to spread the truth, whether they are good, bad or nothing important.

     There are lots of Japanese dialogue as the story required it. I have seen other Korean historical films, especially about freedom fight. In this too, you could see that phase of the history, but in a different angle. The 2 hour long film, most of it was drama, but there are some action sequences too. A little love story, but overwhelmed by the princess' own struggle throughout her adult life. Probably one of most misunderstood person for her actions by her own people. Because they have seen only from their own eyes, not the truth, what their princess had gone through. Sooner or later, the truth always comes out, and that's where the narration draws its curtain.

     While the Korean is being under the rule of Japan, the 13 year old princess, Deokhye witnesses her father's assassination for his objection over some matter brought by the Japanese officials. Now the grownup princess was forced to go to Japan for her higher studies. But she pledges to return home to her mother and people. That's not what happens, she sees many Koreans trapped in there as the slave workers. Her fight for their freedom becomes her next target, though things take twists and turns, leaving her in the tight spot. The remaining story is to reveal her rest of the life after a long struggle.

 Never give up until the end. Spring will come again to fields stolen from us. 

     Usually a good Korean film will be recognised well in the international stage. Especially for like this, having a wonderful cast and crew, I did not expect the under-notice. As I have seen it, definitely the film deserves more appreciation. Well, I did not like the film either in the beginning. I thought it was too slow, too long and the events were uninteresting. But the real value of the film came in the later part. Yes, the narration picked up the speed with all the sudden developments. Basically what we would call such film is: a slow start, but concluded strongly. So you have to wait till the end to come to any judgement.

     One thing I did not mention so far was the emotions. If I'm saying I liked it, that's mainly because of the sentiments. I did not anticipate that, it was like came from nowhere. As I always say, emotions are a big part of Korean films. In that, sometimes I hated for overusing it, though not in this case. Usually a film inspired by real do have such things strongly. The film did not cover any war events, except orally declaring the details for the viewers to get everything happening around.

     Son Ye-jin is the most familiar face from the Korean films and as usual her execution was amazing in this. She was the right choice to play the title role, along with the director that seems he's back in the action with this like his earlier films. Its nothing lesser than any kings and queens films you had seen from the west. Since it was about a princess, her movements were strictly restricted within the walls. Which was one the reason she had nothing big to accomplish than being a puppet, except when she stepped into the Japan. Her Japan visit changed her approach, despite it was done against her will. So there are many things about the princess that you could learn through this film. Definitely a must see if you like biopics and history.



Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


Similar movies:
Kundun, Marie Antoinette, The Girl King, The King's Choice, Belle, Seven Years in Tibet.


External link(s):

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Hidden India (2016) UK, India

Indeed the other side of the India.

Season 01:

3 Episodes

Genre:

TV Mini-series, Documentary.

Length:

Approximately 5-minute read.


Review:
     After 'Wild Brasil', now BBC Earth came up with this. A three part mini-series and each one an hour long. It was focused on the wildlife of the Indian Sub-continent. From the Great Himalayas that spread out from north to northeast India to the Western Ghats in the west and southern India, all the hidden natural world revealed. As the opening of each episode say, India is the land of one billion people, if you had ever visited India, you would have seen people everywhere, spread out the entire land mass. But there are still some places where human penetrations absolutely limited, and that's where the wildlife flourishing. You are going to enter there with this documentary film.

     The first part was called 'Land of Changing'. A perfect intro for those who don't know the India's dynamic lands and the species that living there for the millions of years. From the snow mountains to wetlands, arid desert, grasslands, deep jungles, full of surprises. All the type of land mass and the animals that perfectly adopted those conditions and some of the species you might have never thought that you would find in India can be witnessed. Like the Indians who are one of the first people to migrate out of Africa, it seems these animals as well. Because being the same species, there are big difference in size and pattern compared to their counterpart from Africa.

     There are some off topic discussions like Hindu religion associated with the animal kingdom. Its done only for a slight moment to explain things.  If you understand that, it'll tell you why the majority of Hindus are vegetarians. Almost entire species found in India are linked to Hindu gods and goddesses. The rest of the world does not have to turn Hindus, but respect the animals in a similar fashion with passion, why not we the sons and daughters of Earth can live together harmoniously. Some of the documents in this episode will amaze you, how the people and animals co-existing peacefully. But animal instincts can't be predicted, so occasionally things could go wrong as well.

 You do not want to run from what you cannot see. As you may run straight into it. 

     The Second part was called 'Land of Mountains'. Of course, this kick starts with the Great Himalayas and moves to the UNESCO recognised world heritage site, the ancient mountain chain, Western Ghats. Many rare species like the snow leopard, Indian Sub-continent's only ape variety, hoolocks, frogs et cetera can be witnessed. Frankly, the Western Ghats are one of the less explored place on the earth. It is called the Amazon jungle of India, but the local name is Sahyadri. The 1,600 kilometers long mountain chain, a paradise for botanists, photographers and wildlife lovers. So I thought they should have got into deeper for more details about the place, it'll take you to the ancient time with your finds.

     Then the third and final part called 'Land of Rivers'. The third longest river in the world, Ganga, the sacred river of Hindus. The exploration begins from where it starts and where it is heading. The rich in minerals, that benefited by both wildlives and humans are detailed. On the opposite side, Brahmaputra, coming from the other side of the Himalayas and meets the Ganges before fall into the Bay of Bengal. I liked this episode as well, but I don't know how they have missed the Jog falls from different river, the Niagara of India, one of India's natural wonders.

     Narrated by Geraldine James, it's truly an amazing nature series. The India you would have never seen or thought of. But it is just a ten per cent, there are lots more to see the real wild side of India. The only disappointments was there were a few clips that are already seen in other BBC Earth shows. Other than that, it is a must see, particularly if you love India, visited India or going to. There are not many nature documentaries about India, so I hope it returns for the second season. But this time expecting to cover the Andaman Islands to the east and Lakshadweep to the west. Definitely worth making, if not for commercial purpose, just to investigate and keep the documents.



Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


Similar movies:
The Story of India, Wild Brazil, Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, BBC Life.


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One Day (2016) Thailand

A neverday tale.

Original title:

Fanday (Thai)

Genre:

Drama, Romance.

Length:

Approximately 4-minute read.


Review:
     From the director who is famous for great horror flicks, but I liked his only romance-drama 'Hello Stranger' that starred by the same actor as in this one. This is a similar type, I mean a travel based romance-drama, but a fraction amount of fantasy and/or sci-fi influenced. Due to the way the tale was narrated, it makes no sense to label it with them. It also looks kind of the 90s style romance films from the west. So a bit old theme, however, surprisingly it worked out for me.

     The concept was as same as 'A Few Portion Missing in the Centre', but it is entirely a romance-drama. When I started to watch, I thought it was going to be an average, the scenes could be predictable, but most of the film was like that, until the twist came at the midway. It was not about the twist, because that kind of twist was used in the films since the inception of the cinema. Not about what followed after that, thought those parts were decent. But the ending, that was different which saved the film I say.

     If the climax was compromised, the film would have lost its charm. If I were only young like a teenager or in the early 20s, it would have been my favourite film. You know, 'been there, done that' kind mindset makes not to fall for the familiar appealness/sentiments. So I'm not the target audience, but those who are, would surely celebrate it. Particularly the girls. Yet still be a watchable film by everyone, despite how much you are going to like it.

 It's like we're climbing Mt. Everest together. 

     The story of a 30 year old geek, Denchai, who works in an IT firm as a tech supporter. He's a perfectionist, but all he wanted was people around him recognise his presence, but nobody does. He develops a crush on a new co-worker, but he keeps it himself by stalking since she's seeing somebody else in the office. Then one day when the company takes its employees to oversea tour, his wish comes true to be her boyfriend for just one day. So the entire day was narrated for us how they made it, and following day what happens, all were revealed.

     The initiation was a bit longer than I anticipated. It was necessary to make a perfect riddle for what comes in the later. But when they go foreign trip, everything changes, a different kind of film in front of us. Like any normal romantic-drama, the best parts can be expected. Those who have watched hundreds of romantic films, would feel a bit cliche, but worth it. Then moving towards the final stage, you might think you know what would happen, though the film reaches its highest point with a better conclusion rather going for ideal one.

     The two lead actors won the Thai Academy Awards for their performances. I think they deserved it, at least for the Thai film standards. One more awesome film by the director. I think he should do more romance films, besides his favourite, horrors. Nicely used the Japanese locations to narrate the tale. The dialogues were okay, but the emotions should have been a little more stronger. Especially for this kind of ending. But anyway, I liked it mainly because of that part. One of the best Thai romance films in the recent time. So if you are looking for a pure, touching romance film, this is the one to pick.



Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


Similar movies:
Hello Stranger, Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom, The Vow, A Very Long Engagement.


External link(s):

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The Last Family (2016) Poland

It's a mad mad mad mad family.

Original title:

Ostatnia Rodzina (Polish)

Genre:

Biography, Drama.

Length:

Approximately 4-minute read.


Review:
     This is really something. I could not believe I saw it. It was challenging, but I did it. When a biopic was made, surely there will be a solid reason behind it. That could be a positive message or highlighting the negatives or the important historic events. But it's always about how much you know about that person the film portrayed. If he is someone famous, but not in your nation, yeah, you would be desperate to learn about him through the given film. That's the case for me in here, but that's not what exactly happened.

     This was a life drama of one of the renowned Polish painters of the last century. Mainly focused on him, his family and overall their lifestyle. It was not stylish, but craziest. Yep, I could not understand the entire film and thought why someone has to make a film like this. Then it was not until the final scene, I thought worth a watch. Moreover, I was shocked how it ended, after two hours of nothing, but a family madness. Yeah, the end was like another genre. You could consider it a black comedy, which is not actually, but somehow for the reasons it feels like that way, until the final scene.

     It was the last three decades of life story of Zdzislaw Besinski. Started off in the 70s, where his son moved to a new apartment close by. But he's a trouble who attempting to self-killing. Then his ageing mother has to be taken care. So, basically there's always an issue in the family. All this insanity keeps happening for the next couple of decades. As the years pass by, as the technology changing, so do this family, but shrinking from the strength. Until the mid 2000s, where the narration comes to halt with an unexpected twist.

 Wherever I go, I've to act like other people, do what everyone else does. I've got to play a role to get the things I want or to be liked. I've to keep acting. I can't get out of this. 

     The more I recollect everything I saw, the more I started to like it. You will agree with me that the film was uninteresting in the beginning. Not just the beginning, but almost entirely. Though the value of the film will be realised once you finish watching it and as I said while analysing the scenes in your head makes to change your stance. The opening scene and the end scene are totally opposite. That's the highlight of the film, and the meaning of the title. Anyway, the final scene was sudden and brutal. Not good for little fellows.

     A feature film debut for the director. He was good though. While watching it, I thought the writing was bad. One thing I have learnt in my life was that no judging a film by its poster, its synopsis or its cast and crew, and also not after watching just a few minutes of its opening. On a few occasions, the budgets as well. So, the key for this film is the patience. Sitting for it quietly over a hundred minutes will make the difference as it did for me. But that does not mean everyone would love it at the end.

     It somewhat looks like a documentary film, that's because of the film having plenty of found footage kind of narration in parts. The actors were amazing. Like the whole film was shot in a couple of flats with a few shots elsewhere. That means, the story firmly decoding the family and nothing else. The end was sad, I could not take it. But the film was just telling the truth. Not a kind of film to recommend, but surely worth a watch if you are not looking to have a good time, I meant to enjoy watching it.



Suitable for:
Tween, Teen, Adult, All


Final verdict:
Ignore, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent


Similar movies:
The Last Station, I Wish I Was Here, To Walk Invisible, Loving, Selena, Mr. Turner.


External link(s):

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