Confession of Murder

 
Confession of Murder

Thriller movie review from a lady's perspective

Cool Factor:
Be WOW-ed with comic-styled cinematography, gripping plot and charming Koreans!

Movie Synopsis:
Through their starkly different characters, Jung Jae-young and Park Si-hoo make a good combination to fuel the pace in this thriller movie. 17 years after a serial killer case for 10 unsolved murders of innocent women,  a man comes out to publish a book confessing to the crime in vivid detail. Under the 15-year statute of limitations, as the crime was never solved, the proclaimed murderer cannot be charged. The detective in-charge of the case, whose ex-girlfriend was also one of the victim, confronts and challenges the author that he is but an opportunistic imposter on TV. The murderer through the series of media coverage, receives bizzare cult status with a strong idol following by the female population in South Korea... As the debates progress, the plot takes many twists which will surprise the audience till the very end. (NC16)

Cast:
Win-win combination of talented lead and supporting casts!
~ Jung Jae-young plays the unintelligent looking and uncouth detective Detective Choi who turns out to be more as the plot progresses.
~ Park Si-hoo is the proclaimed author of "I am the Murderer"  and murderer. In the world of Korean MTV-styled movies, it would not be complete without attractive actors and actresses. As said in the movie, you have to be stunningly handsome to claim commit a crime these days.
~ Min Ji-ah plays supporting cast as Detective Choi’s murdered girlfriend, to fill the place of the adorable looking actress in this movie.

Date-friendly:
Action, humor, touching moments, romance, anger as well as a nice change of rhythm throughout, make it an easy 2 hours session of entertainment to pass. Your girlfriend will probably hold your hand in some of scenes due to the suspense and the tender moments.  When you leave the cinema, this movie will leave both of you something to chat about and build a closer relationship with one another.

Tips:
Be warned that some of chase scenes are intentionally shot with disorienting camerawork which may cause nauseous discomfort to you or your partner. So if either of you have adverse reactions to jarring movements, do choose seats further from the movie screen.

Lydia's Ratings:
7.5 out of 10 stars.

Release Date:
Singapore – 14 March 2013, Thursday

Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blDOCSQ-qXo

A Simple Life

Movie Review from a caregiver's perspective

A Simple Life/桃姐/Sister Peach
Starring Andy Lau & Deanie Yip
Language: Mandarin with English & Chinese substitles

This reality of old age and death is something that glamour addicted silverscreen movie goers should avoid. Even the award-winning movie The Green Mile only manages to brush the surface on this subject. But in A Simple Life, director Ann Hui explores this subject subtly with depth and pockets of humour. It is quietly touching yet powerfully real… so real that the melodramatic scenes expected in a typical commercial film is unnecessary.

The only good thing about Tao-Jie’s stroke is bridging Roger and her closer. Without domestic help and a nagging voice at home, Roger learnt to be more appreciative of Tao-Jie. In the process of taking care of her, it strengthened the affinity between them. In fact, he was more attached to her than with his own mother. Tao-Jie is blessed to have Roger to cushion her sunset days with kindness, financial support and humour.

I could so empathise with how Roger the caregiver felt. My mum and I became closer when she suffered a stroke as well. After the stroke, mum was hospitalised and was unable to speak for weeks. I visited her in the hospital almost daily, applied moisturizer on her hands, lip balm on her dry lips caused by the air-con and prayed with her. She couldn’t speak then but look at me with gratitude. Mum has since recovered and is back home, she is able to speak and walk a little. Now, my siblings and I made regular effort to bring my parents out for dates. We appreciate every moment spent with them. Sincerely thank God that mum does not have to stay in the hospice like Tao-Jie.

I didn’t cry during the movie, but teared on the way driving home. In hind sight, I felt it must have been really tough for the caregivers to shoulder this burden, especially alone. They have to cope with stresses of career and family, bring in the dough to foot the medical bills and face the fear of losing their loved ones. In addition, it can be frustrating when dealing with old folks’ stubbornness— mainly caused by their inability to verbalise their vulnerability, pride and hopelessness. The old, invalid and sickly can be refered to the professionals, social welfare and charities for help. But who can the caregivers turn to for emotional support? For caregivers who are single, what happens when their “baby” is gone (death or senile)? Deep down, they must have wondered who will support them when it’s their turn to face the solitude of declining years.

This is a thought-provoking movie that resonates with people with aging, dependent and ill family member; it tacitly unveiled social issues of baby-boomers and the truths of Hong Kong hospice services. Definitely deserves many awards!

Date-friendly:
Although the movie is pleasantly filmed, this topic might be a little too heavy for first 3 dates.

Tips:
If possible, catch the Cantonese version as the essence of the Hong Kong culture will be better captured.

Lydia's Ratings:
8 out of 10 stars.

Release Date:
Singapore - 8 Mar 2012, Thursday

Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMCoxooxQoI

Contraband

Movie review from a lady's perspective

Cool Factor:
Daddies with Guns!
I grew up in an era when kids scrambled to behave on sight of parents. In this movie, it's the other way round! Fathers switch off violence instantly and behave in front of their children. It goes to show that fathers have evolved. They are more aware of the feelings of children. Beneath a criminal, there is a sensitive, protective and supportive father too.

In this heist film, fathers could be loving yet dangerous at the same time! How cool, contrasting and unusual is that?! This would be the ideal movie for dads to bond with their adult children (M18).

Movie Synopsis:
Mark Wahlberg leads the cast of  CONTRABAND — a fast-paced thriller about a man trying to stay out of a world he worked so hard to leave behind and the family he’ll do anything to protect. 

Cast:
Incredibility well-chosen!
~ Especially the helpless nerdy brother-in-law (X-Men: First Class star Caleb Landry Jones) who screw things up innocently.
~ Mark Wahlberg is a reformed criminal, faithful husband and loving dad in reality. Besides replicating the same tensed angst from The Fighter and The Departed — the hero who doesn't express much verbally, but will get in there and fight for his love. Here, we get to see a softer, happier and affectionate side of him.
~ Stunning screen darling Kate Beckinsale emits strength and sensitivity while protecting her family. A refreshing break from the glamorous wall-flower roles she had before. Brilliant!

Date-friendly:
For guys who are concerned if your girl might be bored by this thriller. Good news for you! Contraband might seems like a ultra-macho movie, however, it is not overtly packed with Bang!, Wham! and chaos. There is healthy outlets for performers to exhibit vulnerable emotions and an exciting plot — which girls will appreciate.

Tips:
As the director's focus is in capturing what’s organic and in the moment, part of the cinematography is done freestyle. Hence, chose seats away from the movie screen to prevent giddiness.

Lydia's Ratings:
7 out of 10 stars.

Release Date:
Singapore - 12 January 2012, Thursday

Trailer:
http://www.contrabandmovie.net/