THE SKIN I LIVE IN

Original Title: La piel que habito

Directed by: Pedro Almodóvar
Run time: 117 minutes

Just when you thought no movie could ever surprise you with the sickest twist, Almodovar came with his latest film about sexual identity, revenge, betrayal, loneliness and science fiction wrapped in the skin of thriller. He also dare to explore themes many other directors are afraid to absorb.

Almodovar has also succeeded to bring another side of Antonio Banderas mainstream audiences only known as the voice behind Puss in Boots or Zorro. Banderas acted as the mad but brilliant scientist Dr. Robert Ledgard, driven by his personal problems to repair human skin (and the hole in his soul). He attempted to create a synthetic skin through transgenesis by doing some experiment on human being, regardless of bio ethic.

At the beginning Ledgard held captive Vera (Elena Anaya) in his luxurious mansion for reasons later will be unfolded, including why and how is Vera being there. She wears some sort of skin tight body suit and constantly watched. The back story is that Robert's young wife badly burned in a car accident and something tragic also happened to his daughter.

With devious plot, Almodovar manages to slip so many psychological layers from each characters, Ledger's ambition which leave no space for emotion, Vera's psychopathic needs and the lust for scientific advancement into the film without looking as if it is something cheesy. In terms of cinematography nothing is new and Banderas has successfully acted as a mad scientist minus the comical stuff that usual happen to these characters. Don't forget the twist itself manages the viewers to squirm.

THE IDES OF MARCH

Directed by: George Clooney
Run time: 101 min


The road to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue isn't paved with roses and red carpets but with mud slinging and dirty work. Everybody knows that, even those who never laid their ass at any campaign. So how does George Clooney try to depict the murky face of politics? He could have easily blame the Republicans, but here he portrays inside the Democratic Primary campaign where candidates would be, fight tooth and nail for certain number of delegates to seal the party nomination and if possible, the presidency.

At the center lies Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) as the Junior Campaign Manager for Mike Morris (George Clooney), Governor of Pennsylvania and a Democratic presidential candidate, competing against Arkansas Senator Ted Pullman (Michael Mantell). The place is Ohio where both candidates seek for the endorsement of Franklin Thompson (Jeffrey Wright) who pockets 356 pledged Democratic delegates, which if Morris or Pullman nail it, one of them will seal the nomination.

Shit hits the fans as Stephen found out the Governor's dirty secret plus Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti), Pullman's campaign manager, made a move towards him. What would Stephen do? Be professional or smear his hand with mud to play the game according to what it used to be played?

As for me it is an interesting movie but lack of breakthrough, especially in the genre of political thriller. We all know that in politics people sell their soul to Mephistopheles and be cynical for the rest of their life but this one seems a bit 'safe'. We didn't see any drastic change from Stephen pre and post 'revelation' and it seems like a bit weird that a guy like Stephen looks like he can be inside politic without having to be dirty. As for Gosling he did well but Clooney is as wooden as any Republican candidate trying to unseat Obama.

The script is decent (and that politic is dirty is nothing new to the rest of us anyway) and full with terms perhaps not familiar with those who had no knowledge of how the election in the U.S happened but for political drama, I still like West Wing although this one didn't disappoint at all.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - GHOST PROTOCOL

Directed by: Brad Bird
Run time: 133 min

If you go to Dubai make sure  you checked these items. Eyeglasses to protect eyes from sandstorm? Check. Some piece of ethnic cloth to cover your mouth and nose. Check. Money to go there? Not checked.

But after you saw Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt climbing Burj Khalifa in a stunning way, you will want to visit Dubai and check that money. But not climbing Burj Khalifa all by yourself.  As usual the fourth outing of the profitable spy franchise beside James Bond and Jason Bourne is full with superlatives. Everything must be grander, bigger and more. There's daring escape, infiltration and game of trick that will make you wonder, perhaps that's how David Copperfield is able to do his flying illusion.

Here, Brad Bird has successfully make a leap from animation into live action. Although in terms of action, Christopher Nolan's Inception is much more mind bending than this one. Which will make Nolan a better candidate for James Bond movies than Brad Bird. But it doesn't mean that this one is lame. In fact it was thrilling especially the scene in Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

The whole film gravitate towards Tom Cruise and for some reason I don't know he let his hair just like in the second film. The rest of the cast is decent with scene stealer Simon Pegg edged by Anil Kapoor, a big star in India, for comedic relief. This time the spies of IMF are not only relying on gadget but their hunch and improvisation, something that gives the element of surprise and thrill for this film.

Some might complain that it has comedic element, in fact it has the A113 signature from Brad Bird. But the real complain lies with the two dimensional villain. Little screen time was spent for the villain to unleash his character, unlike in the third film where Phillip Seymour Hoffmann can bring a very scary villain into the screen.

The rest is just action after action after action and it will entertain you to the max, making you feel that it is not the cold December winter but the hot summer of blockbuster movies.

THE KID WITH A BIKE

 

Original Title: Le Gamin au vélo

Directors: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
Runtime: 87 min

Cyril (Thomas Doret) is an 11 year old boy who search for his father, Guy Catoul (Jérémie Renier, the main actor of L'enfant, also by Dardennes brothers) who went missing without any notification. Cyril lives in a children care home and it looks like he rarely had contact with his own father. He also search for his beloved bike. Parentless, (his mother seem to be not present at all) he took refuge at the local hairdresser, Samantha (Cécile de France). He soon try to find his father only to find that his father is actually throwing Cyril out of his life. Angry and rejected he find a friend with the wrong figure which leads him into new trouble.

At first Cyril looks naughty and hard to restraint but as the film proceed, the viewers began to empathize with him since what Cyril did is just a manifestation of him seeking love and affection. He is just a kid who cannot articulate his own feelings in words. All he can do is just manifesting his anger into his surroundings.

Just like L'enfant, the previous Dardennes brothers film, this one has minimal soundtrack and neo realistic approach. Although almost free of soundtrack, it has a non natural music between certain scenes to mark an emotional change which reminds you of Kieslowski's Blue.

By avoiding to explain each character's back story the film which won Grand Prix at this year's Cannes Film Festival can avoid sentimentality but manages to provoke deep thought inside the audience's mind. To sum it up, all what we need is love, Beatles-wise of course.

A SEPARATION

Original Title: Jodaeiye Nader az Simin

Directed by: Ashgar Farhadi
Run Time: 123 min

A small family drama is a very difficult theme to tackle, it can be beautiful like Biutiful or just another Hallmark channel movies with too much dramatization and easily forgotten.

Simin (Leila Hatami) had enough with Nader (Peyman Moadi) after 14 years of marriage. She asked for a divorce, something Nader will not give since he thinks he is a good husband who treated his wife rightfully. Simin thinks that Nader pays too much attention to his elderly father who suffers from Alzheimer and she wanted to take their daughter Termeh (Sarina Farhadi, the director's daughter) abroad to have a better future. She thinks that Nader is being selfish. Here the story takes no sides since both seems to have a valid argument.

They live separately ever since with Termeh living with her father. As Nader is busy working at the office he hire a help from a woman, Somayeh (Kimia Hosseini) to take care of his father. This lead into another problem which probes deeply into the fabric of modern society in present Iran and lays out each character's motivation.

Here is the story where right and wrong are not clearly divided and everyone just do things what they think best (or right?) for them. Wonderfully crafted and well acted, wherever you come from you can relate to the hopelessness and the uncertainty of the situation. It is emotional without having to rely on popular song or some score to lead the viewer's feeling.

Free of any political messages, it proves that Iranian filmmakers are able to make a neo realistic film without having to be political.

This is the first Iranian film to sweep Golden Bear for Best Film and Silver Bear awards for Best Actor and Actress at this year's Berlin Film Festival.

SANG PENARI (THE DANCER)

Directed by: Ifa Isfansyah
Run Time: 111 Min

As a film trying to portray one of Indonesia's turmoil years, where the Indonesian Communist Party is having it's peak in the 60s and the subsequent event that everybody (unless some people who have no interest in history) in Indonesia knows what it is, it is a very good one. Not trying to be pretentious or even preachy, it even had a good production value.

Sadly, for foreign viewers they will be left confused to the what and why in this film since even the name of the Indonesian Communist Party didn't even mentioned at all and there is no title card that explain the socio political background of the historical events that become the background of this film.

Not even any visual symbol depicts the peak of communist influence in Indonesia at that time, not even the logo of hammer and sickle appeared at all. As for me this is important since this film has big potential to be sent into foreign film festivals.

But for Indonesians, we already know what and why without us needed to be invaded by the extreme visual of communist logos.

However instead of trying to portray the historical event in a generic way, this one explore the how and why this situation could flourish in Indonesia by stating that poverty, prejudice and people's innocence come at play.

Inspired from the novel Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk by Ahmad Tohari (which I haven't read), it tells the story of  Srintil (Prisia Nasution) a young woman who lived in the village of Dukuh Paruk in Central Java. She wanted to be a ronggeng dancer, a profession regarded as prestigious in the village. Not only that it could elevate  the village's prestige but it could bring a lot of money too.

The thing is, as a traditional ronggeng dancer, it is obliged for her to have sex with the highest bidder and that hurts Rasus (Oka Antara) deeply since he had a soft spot for Srintil. But who is he anyway to take  Srintil into his arms? He is just a poor guy happens to be in love with a woman impossible to reach.

As time goes by Rasus enter the Army from the bottom and become a soldier. Meanwhile the ronggeng dance troupe were infiltrated by the Communist Party cadre, capitalizing on high illiteracy level and low education among the villagers. 

In the end everybody knows, communist purge take it's toll to the common people and Rasus and Srintil are at different ends of the relation between power and the powerless. Like it or not, Rasus and Srintil cannot escape history's mighty force in determining people's fate.

The ronggeng procession were depicted very nicely and Prisia can act as a dancer convincingly. Oka himself is a good choice, his voice and mannerism is a perfect choice to act as Rasus a naive villager transformed into a soldier. The pacing is tight and even for those who haven't read the book, the whole story is understandable.

Some people complained about Pia's use of Javanese language and accent but me being a Sundanese who cannot speak any Javanese language at all cannot tell if there is a problem at all. Overall, this one is an important film not to be missed.

MIDNIGHT IN PARIS

Directed by: Woody Allen
Run Time: 94 minutes

"Nostalgia is denial - denial of the painful present... the name for this denial is golden age thinking - the erroneous notion that a different time period is better than the one ones living in - its a flaw in the romantic imagination of those people who find it difficult to cope with the present. "

The grass is greener on the other side. That is the simple premise of this newest Woody Allen film. As for me I always enjoy his films, although haven't seen all of his works. I like Annie Hall, Match Point, Scoops, heck I even like Cassandra's Dream.

Just like the title, it is set in Paris and the main protagonist is Gil (Owen Wilson) a successful screenwriter apparently unhappy with the present time. He is in Paris accompanied by his fiancée, Inez (Rachel McAdams), on vacation together with her conservative parents. One night, after saying that he would rather live in a 1920 Paris (he worshiped the aura and ambiance of Paris even wanted to live there to the dismay of the upper class Inez), he stroll the Parisian street and voila, 'transported' into that period in Paris.

He encounter many famous people like F . Scott Fitzgerald (Tom Hiddleston), Ernest Hemmingway (Carey Stoll), Gertrude Stein (Kathy Bates), and Adriana (Marion Cotillard). He even met Luis Buñuel and on a party apparently giving an inspiration for Buñuel's famous work; The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeois. If you read, then you will know who they are in history.

Coming back and forth between present time and the 1920's changes Gil into an enthusiastic person. He even let his novel being read by Gertrude Stein. But is it just a dream or the time travel really does happen? What sort of influence does these famous people give to Gil and his views of life?

I think whether it is a time travel or just an imagination is not the case. The core of the film is being dissatisfied with present time and wanting to go to a golden age which the person think, suit best for them. But in it lies the seed of discontent that the person cannot accept life as it is in their present time, thus finding escapes in the so called 'golden' past. But we have all been in that position, daydreaming what if we lived in a different time. Would we be more content? or not?

What comes as a surprise is that the message is not hidden in some sophisticated symbol, it is in plain view. This is not Allen's best but surely fun to watch. Wilson is the appeal of this film, together with Adrien Brody and Kathy Bates's performance that steal the spotlight.

SUPER 8

Directed by: J.J. Abrams
Run Time: 112 min

How do you keep secrets in the age of internet? Apparantly J.J can do that and he has been successful in keeping so many mouth shut on his projects (Star Trek and Cloverfield). The teaser trailer can make you think that this is some sort of prequel to Cloverfield and it will be a full action alien movie.

But not keeping any expectation or even trying to peek what Super 8 is all about really pays off, at least for me. I didn't even want to know anything about this film. Set in the 70s (hence the Super 8 film stock as the reference and it is a nice reference since Spielberg and Abrams were both raised in this era, although Abrams is younger. So the film format itself is sort of a nostalgic road trip for both of them) the main protagonist is not some 20 year something spy but a 12 year old kid named Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney). Lamb helps his friend, Charley (Riley Griffiths) to make a cheap 8mm zombie movie for a local film festival. They were helped by their friends and there is always be a love interest for the protagonist in the form of 14 year old Alice (Elle Fanning). From the beginning of the film, it is being told that Lamb's mother died in an accident and his father Jackson Lamb (Kyle Chandler, I know him from Early Edition TV series), is drowning his grief in his job as a sheriff deputy.

As the kids try to film a scene on an empty train station something tragic happened, a pickup is making the train derailed, leaving so many explosions. The camera accidentally capture a disturbing image.

Soon the kids learn that their small town is being swarmed by military men and they suspect it has something to do with the cargo of the train. Will they be able to solve the mystery? Make the film on time and survive the test of friendship and first crush?

It is interesting to point out that everything is from the point of view of the kids and whatever inside the cargo is actually a fringe story. The core of the story is about friendship and ability to let go.

Does this remind you to E.T.? Not a surprise since Steven Spielberg is the producer. As a director Abrams managed to deliver a convincing drama about small town kids accompanied by a very good special effect plus the artistic lens flare. I think this is not a ripoff of E.T. but a nostalgia on movies based on friendship like Stand by Me or E.T. itself where a big thing affecting the lives of many ordinary people manage to change their perspective on their life and in the end we care about the characters and doesn't care about the effects at all.

MELANCHOLIA

Directed by: Lars von Trier
Run Time: 136 min

A disaster/sci-fi movie by Lars von Trier? Don't get your expectation too high since this is not your typical summer movie about disaster. Actually it is still a disaster but a psychological one. Melancholia is the name of a planet which has been hiding behind the sun and about to crash the earth.

The opening sequence in extreme slow motion is stunning and open to many interpretation. A montage of meaningless scenes is teasing us about the nature of the film. Von Trier himself is reported having a state of depression while making this film (not to mention his Hitler controversy at a film festival). Unlike most disaster movies that take on a global scale, this one focuses on Justine's (Kirsten Dunst) wedding, her sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg), and Claire's husband, John (Kiefer Sutherland) and located in a mansion.

Since the wedding Justine has shown the symptomps of being uneasy. She went sad for no reason and do unthinkable stuff. Meanwhile the party goes on as if everything is just okay. Eventually the hidden planet of Melancholia is nearing by. What will these people do?

Sure anyone can go at length criticizing the scientifically aspect of this film (where is the global panic? They didn't watch any TV? How come planet that big cannot be detected at all? What about the gravity of the planet that can affect the earth and so on and so on). I think this is not a sci-fi per se but the whole film is a metaphor for human fear of dying with Melancholia, the planet, as the embodiment of the inevitable fear we all must face. It has a nihilistic and depressing tone, but it is not a surprise considering Von Trier's mental condition at the time he made this film. Dunst and Gainsborg did an awesome job as an actress and surprisingly, I enjoy this one than most of Von Trier's other movie.

WARRIOR

The devil you know, is better than the devil you don't know

Directed by: Gavin O'Connor
Run time: 140 min

So how do you make a movie about fighting that must defy all cliches? Apparently Gavin O'Connor has raised the bar. Although it has a training montage but not accompanied with cheesy songs and the premise is amazing. Usually we root for one main character who has to fight his way (including the disposable two dimensional opponent) but here we root for two main characters who has to fight each other. We don't want them to get hurt but there has to be a winner.

I am familiar with Mixed Martial Arts shows, in fact I used to be a fan of it. This film is not about the quest for a title or rags to riches but it is about the conflict inside human heart that got materialized in a brutal fighting inside the cage.

All three main characters are broken. Estranged brothers Tom and Brendan Conlon (Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton) and their father, Paddy (Nick Nolte) has to cross path after so many years not seeing each other.

Tom visited his father after so many years. Apparently Paddy was a drunk s.o.b back then, his wife moved out with Tom and lost contact with Paddy and Brendan. Tom asked Paddy to train him for the upcoming Mixed Martial Arts, profesionally, putting aside all his hatred but doesn't mean forgiving him. As of this point the viewers doesn't know why Tommy wanted to enter the competition.

Meanwhile Brendan is facing a problem of his own. He is about to save his house from foreclosure, cannot pay for his daughter medical bill and got suspended without pay from the school he used to teach in since he is involved in some illegal fighting scene. Seeing no option, he too wanted to enter the competition.

It takes no genius to figure that in the end it is the brothers who have to face each other literally and figuratively. Nick Nolte is amazing as a regretful father trying to mend his past mistakes. Tom and Edgerton are also believable in conveying their deepest grudges and sadness. Several acting nominations at the Oscar is waiting for this film.

The first half is very effective for building up the tension in the fighting arena and the fighting is near realistic, although there are less blood on the screen due to the PG-13 rating. Slightly better than The Fighter, Warrior is powerful and disturbing but at the same time; very human.

DRIVE

Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn
Run time: 100 min

That nameless driver is Ryan Gosling, and like numerous nameless characters in a movie (Won' Bin's The Man from Nowhere and Clint Eastwood's Spaghetti Western trilogy has precede it) he is a quiet loner that can burst into violence in matter of seconds.

Drive is not your usual car chase movie filled with sugary hip hop music, instead it has a European feel of things seeping slowly waiting to explode. The driver is a stunt driver in Hollywood who happens to work in a car factory and have an interesting side job. As a driver for robberies that can take the car as fast as possible to hide from the cops.

The driver meet his neighbor, Irene (Carey Mulligan), and her son. Her husband is in prison and soon the driver gladly take the role as boyfriend/father surrogate. Things are getting more complicated as Irene's husband returned and one of his side job ended in tragedy. Now the driver must do whatever it takes to protect himself and the one he loved.

Unlike Fast and Furious franchise or even The Transporter, although it has an eerie and effective action scenes, it doesn't feel like a typical action film. It feels like as if the audience will not know what will happen next and then completely blown away. Refn attention to detail adding a unique edge to this movie, from the Scorpion jacket to toothpick, the nameless driver surely got an attitude no one will forget.

You can feel that this film has the European touch and that is not wrong since Refn is a Danish director famous in art house circles. Refn doesn't even try to outdo Fast and Furious he just present Drive as it is, noir, brutal and honest.

Ultra-violent and ultra-stylish, Drive is clearly one of this year's best not to be missed.

THE TREE OF LIFE

Directed by: Terrence Malick
Run time: 139 min

Since I have seen most of Malick's work, I am a bit prepared for this one. As I expected the film relies heavily on visual treat (including the ring of Saturn, dinosaurs and squids) with 'footnote' narration but doesn't disappoint in terms of story. Well, that is if you can figure out what the main story is. But if you are not familiar with Malick's style (mostly wordless sequences involving individuals, distilled to actions or looks, shots of nature to convey mood and tension, and enhanced with musical interludes), you can get lost in the beautiful but disjointed scenes of natural life and the drama. To put it simply, it feels as if a National Geographic documentary has a story in it. Beautiful pictures are abound and it will not bore you at all.

Although the story seem plot-less but if you let yourself immersed in the whole thing, you can figure out what it's all about without choking yourself with loads of books about Philosophy and Religion. To put it in one word the film is contemplative, regardless what your belief is.

However, loaded with spiritual symbolism, this one is not difficult to follow at all and eventhough it encompass a family story combined with the creation of the universe, it doesn't fall into a pretentious movie. It could easily fall into such category by inserting over the top narration with sophisticated vocabulary, but it doesn't.

So what's it all about? Supposed you have read the synopsis and watch the trailer, you still cannot guess what the story is all about.

The film begins with the O’Brien (Brad Pitt) and the wife (Jessica Chastain) grieving their teenage son’s death. Then the story moves forward to present time where Jack (Sean Penn) still thinking over his brother's death. The story itself revolves around the family drama with less dialogue. Mr O'Brien is a loving father of three boys trying to balance being a warm father and a strict one, while Mrs. O'Brien is more permissive, providing comfort and warm.

As usual the boys rebel and the father has to apply his harsh measurement. The mother become the comforter and the son try to find his place in the world while make peace with them self and the father. I think the father is not strict, he just behave what he think is right and yes conflict does happen in any family.

So what is the connection between this family drama and the creation of the earth (and universe)? I think it is left to the viewers to figure out all by them self. In my opinion it means that we human ponder about our existence in the universe, and how small we are in the vastness of space.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS Part 2

Directed by: David Yates
Run time: 130 min

So this is it; the final chapter (or a very long encore) of the last chapter of Harry Potter saga. After 10 years accompanying Muggles and alike, the journey has come to an end. As for the viewers who haven't read the book or watch the first movie, they should have watch the Part 1 first (and read my review on it here if you click the link; shameless promotion always get me somewhere) since this film spends no time in flashbacks and start directly after the funeral of Dobby. As for me, I have read the seventh book so I will not be disturbed by spoilers, and I am not the one who like to spoil the ending here.

Leaving the character development on Part 1, Part 2 spends more time on action and tied up loose ends, giving a proper send off for the billion dollar franchise that started in 2001 and a sort of 'reunion' for past actors and actresses that have acted on the saga.

Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) now must locate and destroy the remaining three horcruxes in order to defeat the dark wizard Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), whose power grow and threatens the magical society.

Meanwhile, having discovered the elder wand as the ultimate wand for power, he seek Harry in a hurry (it rhymes!) and in the ultimate battle in Hogwarts the only way to solve it is to fight face to face.

As for other characters, Snape (Alan Rickman), is the star of this film, stealing enough screen time with Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis)

In terms of acting, Alan Rickman shines. It is not a surprise since he is a good actor and I like him as Hans Gruber in Die Hard. As for Daniel Radcliffe he is just wooden, and sorry, although he did it well but he doesn't shine that much here.

Non fans might complain that the film is too fast and leaves no character development while trying to recollect their last memory of the first part. Die hard fans might point out details that they don't think represent their wishes after they read the book several time but one thing for sure, Harry Potter has given us the magic inside the cinema, uniting moviegoers at a singular experience.

Few months later, after the blu-ray/DVD for this film has released, the fans of the saga will enjoy a full and thorough experience of all the eight movies in one nineteen hours long chunk. Spans of movie marathon event will be held and it will be cherished for many years to come, that is if there are no re-boot at all.

The backdrop of the release of this film is the so called tax standoff between the government and film importers which leave Indonesian moviegoers with severe drought of Hollywood movies and the delay of this film's release here. But does the tax standoff end beautifully just like this film? Well, that's another story.

CATATAN HARIAN SI BOY

Directed by: Putrama Tuta

“Mau ngeberesin apaan? Hidup lo aja berantakan gimana lo mau beresin yang lain?”

The impending tax standoff between the government and MPA has left me and so many Indonesian moviegoers in drought. This means severe drought for my English language blog since I cannot write reviews about X-Men: First Class or even lash my harshest words on the third metal clanging Transformers.

So in the spirit of trying to make this blog look alive, I have spin so many bottles and kick so many curbs to find the right film to review. Actually I have seen Limitless but at that time I am not in the mood to write reviews. Then I have another blog which this time is 90% in Indonesian language and that takes some of my free time. So gentle readers, ready for this one?

Let's cut to the chase. What is 'si Boy' anyway? For those who were born in the 90s, here's my take; Catatan si Boy (Boy's diary) was feature film made for five times in the 80s with Boy (Onky Alexander) as the main character. He's got everything that any girl would fall for; good looking, rich, smart, religious and attitude. The whole five films revolve around Boy and his romantic adventures and if you seen it now, it was so 80s with brick shaped hand phone to the language they used. The formula is simple, a protagonist surrounded with beautiful ladies and some fight happens with some other guy. It was immensely popular in the 80s.

So how does Putrama Tuta and his team make 'Boy' relevant for 21st century movie goers? Did he re-cast Boy? or make a remake? Fortunately not. He made an attractive and decent homage to Boy as legend plus make it relevant to today's film goers with reference to Google and Twitter.

Using Boy's diary as the Mac Guffin (Google yourself what Mac Guffin is if you never heard of it), Tuta manage to create a whole new story and character around the myth of Boy.

Boy himself (Onky Alexander) only appeared briefly but holds a pivotal part for this film. The difference between this one and the previous five Boy sequels are; this one is about friendship, not about one man’s quest to woo girls and being the center of the story all by himself although you can see Satrio's way to woo Natasha very clear. You don’t have to watch the previous ‘Boy’ to understand the story although if you have seen it, you can complete the ‘bigger’ picture.

Satrio (Ario Bayu, do you remember Kala from Joko Anwar where he is one of the leading actor? Joko Anwar also appeared in this film as a cameo) is a car mechanic and one cannot be mistaken if he is the 21st century Boy (minus didn't write any diary). He likes competition and illegal racing, he used to be born into silver spoon before he realize all the nice things he had in life was in fact a result of his father being a corruptor.

At one illegal car race he is arrested and sent to the police station. There he's bailed by his friends; Nina (Poppy Sovia), Andi (Abimana) and hilarious Herry (Albert Halim) who work in the same car station with Satrio.

Meanwhile Natasha (Carissa Puteri) just return from London to see her mother, Nuke (Boy's girlfriend from the 80s version, but her face wasn't shown at all) who is deeply ill. She is taken by Niko (Paul Forster) her boyfriend to the hospital. At the hospital she realized that her mother keep clutching to Boy's diary. So she tried to find where Boy is.

On the road home, Niko was assaulted by Jeffry's (Leroy Osmani, again if you have seen the first Boy film, he's some sort of the antagonist and he's back for a very brief time) henchmen since he cannot pay gambling debts. The car taken by Jeffry's men, Natasha went to the police station to report the assault and there the story begins. Natasha's journey to find Boy through his diary and Satrio's desire of competition to get Natasha's out of Niko's hand plus the journey to find Boy is the theme of this film.

As for me, I like this one. I mean it has been ages since I have seen a good Indonesian film. The production quality is top notch, it feels as if it has raise the bar for production standard in Indonesia.

Everything in this 98 minutes film is balanced, the drama, acting (Ario Bayu and Abimana stand out, the dialogue are real and fresh) comedy and action fits well. Some reference to the previous Boy is also present with Btari Karlinda, Didi Petet and Onky Alexander himself, making brief but important appearance.

Thumbs up for the effort and more movies like this will surely revive the so called drought in Indonesian movies quality.

SOURCE CODE

Directed by: Duncan Jones

The 'what if' question is getting a science fiction (and repetition) in the second film of Duncan Jones. His first movie, Moon is amazing, so I have a bit of expectation for him.

Bringing science fiction to the table with not so glittering special effect requires a solid story and in this field Jones did it well.

In this mind bending virtual reality, the viewer is challenged to question whether existence is the state of being or state of mind by opening the story from the middle of the action as Sean (Jake Gyllenhaal) awakens from a nap on a train bound to Chicago. Sitting across from him is, Christina (Michelle Monaghan). Sean is disoriented and doesn't know why he's there. Then he said his name is Colter Stevens, a US Soldier serving in Afghanistan. Eight minutes later the train blows up and Colter awaken in a capsule, listening to the voice of Goodwin (Vera Farmiga), who gives a very small briefing about what happened.

It appears that there is this military program called Source Code and Coulter has to be send into the last eight minutes before the train exploded to find out where the bomb and the bomber is.

Is it a time travel? A new universe from the 'after glow' of people who had just died or just an illusion? A life inside another life? Some secret simulation? I will not spoil you the fun here.

The fun part is actually how viewers with limited knowledge of physics can digest this straightforward story telling, although for some of you who knows too much about quantum physics, some of the science here is just a bit ridiculous.

However the film has successfully bring memories of almost but not similar movie, Inception, about the nature of reality and a high pacing thriller. It will also remind you of Groundhog Day, a movie about one same incident being told several time. Here, Jones managed to repeat the last eight minutes without make everyone bores. Although I do hope that Jones added another layer to make the story more complicated.

As for me, I like this film, it is engaging and has amazing twists. The opening itself even reminded me of Hitchcock films. In the future Jones is a director to watch, since he can make a story without wasting too much on effects.

OF GODS AND MEN

Directed by: Xavier Beauvois

Original title: Des hommes et des dieux

As I read the title, it makes me frowned, 'Was it just another over the top movie with preachy messages?'. However I was wrong, although the pacing is slower than the fastest snail on a race, but it was good, in fact a bit amazing and not preachy at all.

Based on the true story of nine French monks who lived peacefully among the majority Muslim population in Algeria in the 90s, it adds an element of 'reality' into the film. If you happen to google what happened there, the story is scary, seven of the monks were captured and beheaded by a group of religious extremists.

It could be a movie about blood and over dramatic scenes but director Xavier Beauvois dives into the psychological aspect of the monks. Here we can see how the monks and the majority Muslim population lives side by side respecting each others faith and there are lengthy scenes of the monks praying, giving new perspective for the viewer. The monks also provide free health care for the villagers, something the villagers really appreciate.

Beauvois has successfully made a clear distinction between the peaceful Muslim villagers and the extremists on the difference of the level of their tolerance and the way they treat each other.

Trouble comes as the so called extremist ruin the peace and the monks are faced with difficult choices; to leave the village they loved or stay there and be true to their mission at any price.

The tone of the film is very peaceful and the acting is just okay by not focusing on just one character, but if you pay close attention you can get the message of this film.

For action movie lovers, this film which close French Film Festival in Indonesia will make you snore, but for those who wanted to watch something meditative and different, this one is a must.

SUCKSEED

Directed by: Chayanop Boonprakob

Original Title: SuckSeed Huay Khan Thep

I'm in the mood for romantic comedy and anything lighter than wafer, so I stumble upon this. First I have seen the trailer and judging from that I have a feeling that this one will be hilarious, and I am right.

This is the sort of film that will remind you about your younger days, that is if you were young and nice.

Coming from GTH, a successful production house from Thailand which has given South East Asian viewers with Shutter, Alone and Phobia this one will make you laugh and realize that our neighbor Thailand has better story to tell than most if Indonesian film.

Look at the simplicity of the story, a boy who fell in love with a girl but keep the feeling for himself. In the hand of mediocre Indonesian filmmaker it will be one boring Jakarta centric story, but here, it is down to earth. No overly handsome loser who dreams of a perfect girl, they are just ordinary people with daily problems.

Ped had fallen in love with Ern since he were just a kid, he even try to sing his own song and send the tape to Ern. But one phone call at night to Ern's house make Ped change his mind, Ped lies to Ern's parents that he is Koong, Ped's best friend. It happened as they were kids and it lead to future complication.

Flash forward to 2006 as they are already in high school, Ped (Jirayu Laongmanee) still keep his feelings for Ern (Nattacha Nauljam) deep down inside. Ped still hang out with Koong (Pachara Chirathivat) who lives in the shadow of his successful twin brother, Kay who plays lead guitar in a better rock band called The Arena.

Trying to have his own spotlight, Koong try to form a band consisting of him as the lead guitarist, Ped as the bassist and a new kid, Ex (Thawat Pornrattanaprasert) as the drummer. Guess what, who Koong will ask as another guitarist? Ern.

First Koong just want to attract girls by forming a band, but as they spent time together he too have feelings for Ern and that make things more complicated for Ped. Will the unity of the band destroyed by a normal love triangle?

Accompanied by so many Thai music I am not familiar with (lucky for me even the songs has subtitles!) I am entertained to the maximum. Aside from the music and the incorporation of what seem to be Thai's famous musicians whom I do not known at all, the acting is believable and Pachara Chirathivat steals the scene.

As for the story it is just a so-so teen rom com but the deliverance is very successful and can make you lough out loud plus reminding you of the glorious days of your time in high school. As for me this is more fun to watch than that pseudo artsy fartsy Uncle Boonme who can recall his Past Lives.

I know it is not a fair thing to put these two films on the same table, but we watch movies to enjoy it right? Regardless whether it is just a simple rom com or some dialogue heavy court room drama.

ELITE SQUAD 2

Original Title: Tropa de Elite 2 - O Inimigo Agora É Outro

Directed by: Jose Padilha

Sequels with numbers usually sucks and falls to the trap that everything must be bigger and more explosives and sometimes sequels without number sucks too and falls to the same trap.

Only few stand out as equal or better than the first installment, just like The Godfather Part II that can stand tall with The Godfather as for this, I was a bit skeptic at the beginning.

I mean how can the same person who made the first Tropa de Elite could top their own creation? But after seeing this I am stunned, this sequel, although titled with a number (something I hate) is like what The Dark Knight do to Batman Begins, a better sequel with better substance.

If you forgot what happened at the first film, you can click the link above which will direct you to my own review. The first film was stunning, the degree of violence and nihilism is prevalent, not to mention realistic visualization and story that, in my opinion, can be understood pretty well by Indonesian people.

I mean corrupt cops and officials? We have plenty of them here. Okay, enough of that let's get back to the film.

Ten years after the event of the first film, Captain Nasciemento (Wagner Maura) is becoming a scapegoat as his special police unit kill a drug dealer in a prison. It is all because a human right activist who happen to be a leftist and a liberal, Fraga (Irandhir Santos) make a noise about it in the media. Fraga himself married to Nascimento's ex wife, making things more complicated.

To save face, the government didn't fire Nasciemento but made him a security intelligence, a behind the desk position. While his sidekick, Captain André Matias (André Ramiro) is demoted to another police division, a corrupt division.

At the beginning Nascimento think he can change the system by eliminating drug dealers thus police corruption. But he unleash another monster, having lack of income from drug dealers, the corrupt cops turns to control the favelas (Rio De Janeiro's slum) and more bodies fall.

From there rise Russo (Sandro Rocha), a corrupt cop who become too corrupt and connected with a politician, Fortunado (André Mattos). This is an election year and every vote from the slum is important.

Things went awry as Nascimento's ideals, Fraga's activity and politics vs crime become one awful mix. Can he change the system? Who must die for his war and does it all worth it?

On paper and on trailer it looks like just another crime drama, but this one is a bit complicated and smart. It reminds me with Infernal Affairs but with better action and shootout.

As for the actions scenes, there weren't that plenty but effective and engaging. Michael Mann, be careful, Padilha can top your Heat shootout scenes.

Some aspect are specific to Brazilian people, but I can find the universal message that change takes time, what to do in a lawless situation and sometimes you wonder why everything is so bleak just for the sake of greed.

This is a good film not to be missed it thrills you and thought provoking. A better sequel to watch.

INSIDE JOB

The film that cost $20,000,000,000,000 to make


Directed by: Charles Ferguson

Although I read much about the global economic meltdown of 2008 in the news I only know few things like collapsing companies, foreclosures, people being out of job and the 700 billion dollar bailout package. Basically just the big picture.

I don't know anything about sub prime, derivatives or even hedge fund. Those are strange things for me and reading those Wall Street Journal editorials are a bit of a pain for a simpleton like me.

However, this film has explain the why and who of the global economic meltdown, complete with the explanation of those specific financial terms which is enlightening for me.

I cannot explain in my own words what's sub prime and their friends are, I don't even know what's Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers or Merryl Lynch is and the only information I got about AIG prior to the crisis is they sponsored Manchester United football club, that's it. So if you are still wondering, Google and dozens of books will help you to understand it better.

However, unlike Michael Moore's Capitalism a Love Story which address almost similar matters, this one is not political or trying to be funny at all.
Narrated by Matt Damon, this one enter legions of documentary narrated by famous people. Why using Matt Damon? I think the film maker want to raise awareness by this, since this film will appear at Matt Damon's filmography page and people who have no idea what's going on will try to watch this one.

Divided by chapters as in book chapters, it is an easy to follow story with heart wrenching end, that the cause of all of this mess is simply greed and how those smart people in Wall Street robbed ordinary American only to make them rich.

The worst is yet to come, the people who let these atrocities happened doesn't even go to jail, they are getting richer and those government policy makers are still on their throne.

The lobbyist also have spent five billion US dollar to lobby both side of the aisle so they, in a simple word, can get off easy robbing people without any government regulation at all. All because this open market has no regulation at all and all attempt to do it will be killed by those powerful people.

What makes me sad is how the academics, the one common people rely if the politicians cannot be trusted at all, are also taken part in this complex web of deception.

I wonder, is this human nature to be greed? This documentary is a wake up call to anyone who is involved in financial sectors and a nice lesson for us, common people who have no idea what those white collar people are doing behind closed doors.

Filled with so many interviews this one is not boring and a decent Oscar winner in the category of Best Documentary feature. This one is also a perfect companion to Wall Street and Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (both are my favorite) and if you are majoring in economic or finance, a must see.

IN A BETTER WORLD

Directed by: Susanne Bier

Original title: Hævnen

Whenever there's a film winning Oscar's Best Foreign Language category, I am interested to see it.

I think that category is the most interesting at all, giving us windows about a world we rarely see. Besides there's always be something nice to know beyond Hollywood. So with high expectation I watch this one, the one that had won and I am a bit disappointed.

Sure the theme of revenge and redemption is well played here, but it is not as good as Biutiful (I haven't seen the other nominees besides Biutiful). Not that this one is bad, it is just, as a winner, it doesn't provoke my thoughts. Is it because I have seen movies with similar theme? Or am I looking for something more that I haven't been able to express it with words yet? I don't know for sure.

Sure it is nice and I can get what the director is trying to say. It just doesn't left me speechless at all.

However, to make my blog sound sophisticated, I shall review this film. The original Danish title is Hævnen, which means The Revenge and that makes much more sense in terms of a title instead of In a Better World. I don't know why the translation of the title can be so different than the real meaning from the real title. Commercial purposes?

Span in two continents, Europe and Africa the tale of revenge, fatherhood and redemption is nicely told.

It is not a global story about some pretentious artsy stuff, it is a family story. Elias (Markus Rygaard) is a 12 year old boy who used to be bullied at school. His father, Anton (Mikael Persbrandt) is a doctor in a war torn Sudan. Anton himself is in a process to divorce his wife.

Elias found a friend in Christian (William Jøhnk Nielsen), a new student who bravely defend Elias as Elias about to be beaten by the school thug. Christian himself is an angry boy, unable to convey his emotional loss after his mother passed away to his cold father.

Soon things start to unravel, Anton must face the dilemma in his profession and a revenge act by Christian left everyone shocked. The adults and the children learn something out of their actions.

Preaching revenge is bad is something this film is trying to do, and it is successful. However the happy ending tone of this film gives hope instead of grim premonition that if people do something, they can avert disaster. It is not the sort of sugar coated Hollywood happy ending that can be negated by grim ending, but the realistic one that we can believe.

Speaking of revenge, I have this strange idea of putting this film slightly below I saw the Devil, Old Boy and Confession. I don't know why, those movies are darker and brutal in tone but has almost the same message about revenge; that we as human might learn something from it, whether it resulted in bad or good end.

BIUTIFUL

Directed by: Alejandro Inarritu

Marginalized people who lives underground tend to live under fear and degradation, but they do have hopes and dreams too, at least that what this film tries to convey.

Telling a story about a sympathetic criminal middleman named Uxbal (Javier Bardem in his magnificent role) this is a story about underground life in Barcelona. There's illegal Senegelase and Chinese immigrant with corrupt cop pressing in to Uxbal.

To make matters more interesting; Uxbal is a single father, separated from his bipolar ex-wife, Marambara (Maricel Alvarez) and took care of his children in his small apartment.

Uxbal learns that he had a prostate cancer and his days are numbered. So he tried his best to manage his chaotic life and business while seeking redemption and understanding.

Nominated for an Oscar for both Best Foreign Film and Best Actor (Javier Bardem), this is the story not only about fatherhood but slightly political by exposing the harsh conditions the illegal immigrants have to face in order to earn money better than in their homeland.

Visually poetic without being pretentious, this one is more enjoyable than Uncle Boonme, especially since both films have almost the same theme; facing death and the illusion of life itself.

You don't have to be smart or pretended to be some intellectual tech savvy to understand some symbols or the disjointed scenes in this film, this one is accessible, in terms of understanding, by almost any viewers since it doesn't try to be ueber-artsy. Even to those people who watch mainstream movies only.

This is important to me since films like these have power to reach the masses, not some elitist film trying so hard to be smart, but a smart and soulful movie trying to be populist.

Although it is a 'dark' story that hangs heavily on Uxbal's fate (also Bardem's charisma) but still pleasant to watch because here we can see that beauty and misery can live side by side and people 'trapped' in this condition have a very limited choice in their life, make us ponder deeply before we judge people.

Uxbal is not a usual criminal, he is not brutal or cruel, he looks like a guy who just want to make ends meet. But since his choices seem to be limited, this is the one he can do. He is sympathetic to the illegal immigrants although it has a tragic consequences. He is not a bad man, but he works in a bad world.

For a 'dark' film, I think Biutiful (a misspell from Uxbal's daughter) is beautiful and offers hope. Uxbal finally comes to terms with his condition and move beyond desperation to appreciate the preciousness of life. Some deep thought in there eh?

Shot mostly in hand held, it makes the feeling of intimacy more stronger. What makes me wonder is technical aspect of this film. As I watch it at the cinema, the aspect ratio changes from wide screen to letterbox. I don't know why, was it technical adjustment? However it doesn't disturb at all.

As for me I am familiar with Inarritu's work, and together with Amores Perros, Babel and 21 Grams, this one is my favorite since somewhere between good and amazing, lies Biutiful.

THE ILLUSIONIST

Directed by: Sylvain Chomet

The title can make you confused with the title of the same movie title released in 2006. The difference is the one released in 2006 is a live action starring Edward Norton and this one released in 2010 as an animation movie but the similarities is one; both portraying a magician.

With pictures as if it sprung up from watercolor painting, The Illusionist manage to deliver the story with minimum dialogue as possible. The beauty of the animation will remind you of Miyazaki's animated movies (although this one is a bit dark in theme) and this one doesn't need any translation at all, anyone can understand the story.

The story is about an old magician named Tatischeff who lives in the 50s. He performs standard magic tricks like pulling bunnies of a hat and flowers out of thin air. He fails to amuse audience from halls to halls. Eventually he ended up in Scotland, amusing some villagers, especially a young woman named Alice. They both strike a chemistry and Alice follows Tati everywhere he goes even to Paris.

But Tati's carreer doesn't get much better, he still fails to amuse broad audience. Staying with Alice in a hotel, Alice helps Tati with daily chores and Tati buys her shoes and dress. Soon the paternal relationship grows.

Money is still a problem, Tati has to work night shift at the garage and since he is inexperienced, he got fired. Does Tati manage to enchant Alice to stay by his side? Does Alice enjoy her choice being embedded with Tati?

In a poetic but silent conclusion, the audience can get the central theme of this film; that sometimes even magic cannot face the face of change.

Beautifully animated, in the age of sugar coating CGI, this one is a reminder that classic animation look can still triumph. In my opinion, this one deserve to win an Oscar instead of that over rated Toy Story 3.

TRUE GRIT

Directed by: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

I like western movies, especially the one with standoff and gritty characters. I enjoy the Spaghetti Western trilogy and The Quick and the Dead. Western movies makes me want to ride a horse and eat some steak.

As far as I know, this film is a remake of the film of the same title which was released in 1969, as for me I haven't seen the John Wayne version but upon hearing that the Coens are behind this, I am intrigued.

Mattie (Hailee Steinfeld) is a 14 year old girl seeking to avenge the death of his father. In her mission she employ, with her superb talent of persuading and pushing people with words, Marshal Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to track down Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), the one who killed her father. 'Joining' the band is LaBoeuf (Matt Damon) a Texas Ranger who also hunt Cheney. As expected the three ara at odds with each other but as the mission goes by they find out that they needed each other more then they thought of. This is a tale of vengeance, friendship and loyalty in the unforgiving wild-wild west where brutal man like Cogburn is needed to establish justice.

What makes this one interesting is the bonding between these three main characters isn't over the top with sugar coated sentimentality. There's no doubt that Mattie is clever but her judgment of people improved during the journey and Cogburn, initially dismissing Mattie as just some teen having too much rage, began to appreciate Mattie's enthusiasm. As for LaBoeuf, his character transformed from just some annoying Texas ranger to a loyal and helpful friend.

As for the language, here is where the Coens are masterful. The extensive use of accent and swear words is perfectly and colorfully tuned into the dialogue.

This is perhaps the first time Coen brothers make a straight genre movie and surprisingly it works. For core fans, it doesn't feel like a Coen movie filled with darkness and cross genre, but it still feel good. The acting and cinematography is amazing, Jeff Bridges gives the maximum performance he can give and Hailee Steinfeld is plain amazing.

I never thought that Coens can make a good western as this one, and the 10 Oscar nomination is very justified. This is one of the best in 2010 and a reminder to us that remakes aren't always bad.

WAITING FOR 'SUPERMAN'

Directed by: Davis Guggenheim

The title is misleading, a lot of people would have thought this one is about searching for the new Superman after Brandon Routh. But this one is about the failing of educational system in United States. So for superhero movie fans who doesn't like a documentary movies consisted with people talking serious stuff and statistical graphics, this is not for them.

As for me I am not familiar with educational systems in the states, however this one gives me an insight that even in a country that has sent a man to the moon, there is something wrong with their educational system.

Guggenheim focuses on an African-American educator named Geoffrey Canada, who happens to be an idealist and has successfully open Harlem Success Academy, a successful charter school [school made and for the public] in the poorest area in Harlem.

Canada has a solution for failing systems; better teachers, highly paid and qualified. Although it is told that not all charter school successful but what Canada did was something nice, he gives back to the society.

Then this documentary spotlight the problems, like the difficulties to fire unqualified teacher, the teacher's union politics [I seriously doubt that teacher's union are evil as portrayed in this film, sure everything has a bad side but a union is meant to protect teachers from being discriminated in terms of profession, however the teacher's union in the states need to be reformed, I think] which hindered reformation in education and the educational system itself.

Not only on education, this one follows the fate of several children from low income to high income families who strive to get a placement in charter school. Since the seats are limited but the applicants are many, a lottery need to be made. Sounds fair but cruel. The one that made the cut has the chance for cheap and better education, the one that fails has to be sent home with big disappointment.

According to this film, public schools are failing and something serious need to be done sure. As for the title, it is an irony that people wait other people to save them from peril, sometimes all it takes is just one self action to save our self.

Now seeing the condition of educational qualities, teacher's and school in Indonesia I think this documentary is a nice insight for us to make education better and accessible for everyone, not just some commodity to earn cash or to elevate social status.

Sure as a documentary it tend to be subjective and you need to cross check the facts itself but as an idea that education should be good and available to everyone is a universal idea we share no matter where we come from.

WINTER'S BONE

Directed by: Debra Granik.

The fearless young female heroine, one of my favorite character, the one with no super powers or weapons but have the will to do what she think, the best for her.

As for myself, I didn't know the existence of this film if this one didn't get Oscar nomination for best picture.

The heroine is Ree Dolly (Jennifer Lawrence) a 17 year old girl who took care her younger brother and sister in the city of Ozark. Ozark itself looked like a Dumpville with trash and crappy stuff scattered all over the place. Everyone in Ozark has known a criminal, related with them and some are ex and soon to be criminal. Not a nice place to grow, especially for Ree who has to depend on neighbor's kindness even for daily food.

Ree's father, Jessup has been missing the deadline to show up at court and if he fails to whos up, the house Ree lived in will be taken by the government. Jessup has put his house and estate as the bail. So like it or not, Ree has to look for his father to save their house.

The road to find her father is tricky with other people refusing to give her some help but Ree will not give up, no matter what happened she has to be the family leader and save the day. What happened to her father and will she be able to survive the harshness of life and the threat of eviction? This is a heart breaking tale of survival that makes you think that in moments of harshness it is very important for family to stick up together.

Jennifer Lawrence is brilliant in this film, she can be fierce and strong while other actors and actresses are also amazing to watch, especially Teardrop (John Hawkes), Ree's uncle who is as fierce as Ree's. Even the dialogue itself is unique, they speak in an implicit way that seems to sprung up from Cormac McCarthy novels. Filled with tensions not fueled by crappy soundtracks but with silence with pauses that makes you think deeply, this one deserve an Oscar nomination in the category of Best Picture plus a nod for the talented Jennifer Lawrence.

I SAW THE DEVIL

Original Title: Akmareul boatda

Directed by: Ji-woon Kim

If you try to do some revenge to a certain person, will you become the one you hate? This film pose that serious question with extreme gore and violence not suitable even for adults who have a weak heart or those who used to listen to Phil Collins all day long.

My suggestion that if you hate seeing blood and decapitated bodies, don't watch this. The film started as an innocent woman raped, murdered and decapitated by Kyung-Chul (Choi Min-sik) who attacks her as she wait for towing car to tow her car.

The fiancée of this victim, Kim Soo-hyeon (Byung-hun Lee) happens to be a secret agent of some kind and as he found out that her fiancee already in pieces try to track down the murderers all by himself. He 'visit' each suspect and brutally tortures them until he finally met the last suspect, Kyung-Chul, which he finally conclude, from the evidence he gathered that Kyung is the one responsible for his fiancee's death.

But as Kim tortures Kyung-Chul and almost killed him he decided to play a cat and mouse game with Kyung by implanting a tracking device in Kyung. He let Kyung go but follows him religiously and tortures Kyung again whenever he had the chance and each torture is getting more brutal.

The game changes when Kyung knows about the tracking device and turns to hunt Kim's loved ones. Now Kim has to become the monster to fight the monster.

The magnitude of the violence is too much here, you need to listen to Super Junior happy songs to dilute it. However these gore violence seems to have a point that revenge; the colder and brutal it gets, will get you nowhere , eat you from the inside and will make you almost as the same as the one you hate.

This is gore orgy that travels between moral and ethical borderline back and forth and sometimes if you feel you had enough you can feel the pointlessness of the gore in this film. Like I said, this is not for everyone. But if you have survived Oldboy from Chan Woo Park, you can survive this.

There are some fascinating scenes, like when Kyung fights two other bad guys in a cab and the camera revolves around the cab unedited, remind me of the car scene in Children of Men.

THE GREEN HORNET

Directed by: Michel Gondry

Nicolas Cage and Ben Affleck is actually laughing now, knowing that there are superhero more lame that the one Nic acted in Ghost Rider and Ben in Daredevil. The lame superheroes are Britt Reid and Kato. Everything about this film is lame, the joke, the action, the dialogue and the linear plot, not to mention 3D converted to rip off decent people is in the category of ultra-lame. Gosh, even Kick-Ass and that lame Clash of the Titans are more entertaining than this one. If you happen to have insomnia and trouble sleeping well, this movie will make you snore to the roof.

It seems that this film is nothing more than just showcase for Seth Rogen's ego since he talk too much here, very annoying. I know he is also the screenwriter and the producer but did he have to put so many words in his character? As for Kato, the choice of Jay Chou is nothing more than a mistake, sure he can sing and very famous in Asia but he still need to learn to speak English in a way people can understand. To add salt to the wound, both of them has no chemistry at all.

The Green Hornet was based on a popular radio series in the 30s and TV series in the 60s the latter catapult Bruce Lee into fame. It's about superhero fighting crime and comedy.

It could be good if only Jay Chou decided to go to the gym to train hard so he can look mesmerizing shirtless. Here, Chou doesn't even take off his clothes and wear see through tights. If he did that at least it is one small effort to redeem the bad quality of this film and make the ladies (and some men) happy. Remember that Korean star Rain who appear shirtless in Ninja Assassin? Although the film is also suck at least he show some effort by looking muscular and entertain the ladies (and some men too). Do I need to bold the above mentioned sentence?

I don't know why I wrote that, especially the see through pants stuff that can make me vomit, I just think that at least some eye candy stuff can make this film a bit better. I do wish that Emma Stone is in this film, seeing her alone is worthy of admission price, but she's not here and I don't know who or what to blame except to blame the existence of see-through pants.

Cameron Diaz is certainly wasted here, she didn't show herself in a bikini and her character was made to make the guys who watched this film not bored. Sorry but why Cameron Diaz? Does Hollywood is running out of young beautiful girls who take a line at any fast food restaurant to cast? Why her? It's not her best part and she doesn't look comfortable at all.

The director of this mess is Michel Gondry and I think, after the reviews are out he wished he had the memory erasing machine he had from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind to erase any memory he had making and watching this film and perhaps have the generosity to lend it to us.