Movies completed in 2022

Movies completed (in order of rating) with links to posts/comments.

penel ian 1, 2022
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  • Tokyo Tower: Mom & Me, and Sometimes Dad
    10

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/EbB63h3

    One of the most touching, elegant and heart-wrenching family stories I've ever watched!
    Based on the best-selling, autobiographical book of the same name by Lily Franky, it tells the simple, ordinary story of a mother and son’s love for each other, with an endearing and nuanced depiction of their bonding through laughter, joy, sacrifice, sorrow and loss.
    With the right balance between lightness and darkness, without any overplaying or forced feelings manipulations, with great performances from all cast members and beautifully complementing cinematography and music, this film was definitely a unique watching experience.
    And what can I say about late Kiri Kirin's magnificent performance, especially knowing her personal health struggles?

  • Woman in the Dunes

    2. Woman in the Dunes

    Japanese Movie - 1964

    10

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/x14WnUl

    Full of existential symbolisms and allegories, provocatively erotic, hauntingly claustrophobic, absorbingly hypnotic.
    A unique cinematic experience, worthy of every praise!

  • You Are Too Precious to Me

    3. You Are Too Precious to Me

    Korean Movie - 2021

    10

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/LQDlkbtM
    A painfully beautiful story, so heartfelt, touching and delicate.
    Desperately sad but also inspiring, showing a great bonding of a found family and an amazing character development.
    Jung Seo Yeon gifted us with one of the most astonishing performances I've ever come across - so so emotional and convincing, more mature than most adult actors, almost natural...
    A 10/10 in my book, if only for this amazing child-actress!

  • Mr. Long

    4. Mr. Long

    Japanese Movie - 2017

    9.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/WK4kYS3

    “Why is all this happening?”
    “Cause you stay cool and don’t say anything.”

    Violent and tender, brutal and heart-warming, action-packed and slow-paced, heart-wrenchingly sad and sappy happy, this film was a long, intense and difficult watch that somehow flowed like a river stream.

    Chang Chen’s acting was superb, with all the emotions perfectly depicted for a character that delivers minimal dialogue.
    And that little cutie pie of a boy! It stole my heart the moment he appeared on screen…

    It’s definitely not for everyone, it has many trigger warnings, but it’s a movie worth watching if not only for the final, absolutely devastatingly beautiful scene!

  • Eternal Summer

    5. Eternal Summer

    Taiwanese Movie - 2006

    9.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/kjqmqFJ

    A bittersweet, intense, electrifying story about friendship, love, sexuality and yearning.
    Poignant filming and colouring, magical music, superb performances.

  • Old Boy

    6. Old Boy

    Korean Movie - 2003

    9.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/0Y4ljiN

    Extreme in violence, sexuality, emotions and revenge, as well as depicting the depths of the human heart, hatred and desperation.
    Masterfully scripted, filmed and edited, with a haunting music score and outstanding performances, this is a shocking, twisted & disturbing revenge story, a traumatising but unforgettable watching experience.
    Definitely not for everyone...

  • The Asadas!

    7. The Asadas!

    Japanese Movie - 2020

    9.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/d1q3XUB
    Funny, touching, affectionate, heartwarming (without becoming overly dramatic) and very entertaining, this movie is inspired by the life and work of Masashi Asada and his wholesome family, the  continuous support of which helped him realise his dream and become a successful family portrait photographer.
    A great story, paired with a wonderful, talented cast - perfect for a comfort weekend watch!

  • Mr. Thank You

    8. Mr. Thank You

    Japanese Movie - 1936

    9.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/1RJ4wiR

    Mr. Thank-You / 有りがとうさん (1936) (EN/ES) - YouTube 

    A bold social commentary disguised as a light road trip movie.
    Affectionate, full of heartwarming moments, yet delivering some subtle hints, really deep and dark, that makes it a fulfilling as well as a bittersweet experience.
    9.0/10

  • Oasis

    9. Oasis

    Korean Movie - 2002

    9.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/dnnWZcB
    A difficult, really challenging and powerful film, about two disabled and marginalized people seeking human connection, communication, warmth and purpose.
    Brutally honest characters' depiction, gripping filming, fantastic acting from both leads (especially from Moon So Ri), a story out of most people's comfort zone, heartbreakingly emotional and provoking.

  • Late Spring

    10. Late Spring

    Japanese Movie - 1949

    9.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/Zelzmux

    A poignant study of a father-daughter relationship, filial love, happiness, marriage, sacrifice, parting and moving on in life.
    A simple story, yet so affectionate, down to earth and elegant, with nuanced performances from both Hara Setsuko and Ryu Chishu, magnificent cinematography and some piercingly true quotes.
    Poetic cinema at its finest!

  • Date

    11. Date

    Filipino Special - 2017, 1 episode

    9.0

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDHZkLeh6vw
    Heartbreakingly sweet and touching.

  • Sprout

    12. Sprout

    Korean Movie - 2013

    9.0

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMm6AXFVTyM

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/rj2lwC5

    A wholesome road trip/coming-of-age story, just like all Yoon Ga Eun's heartfelt movies.
    Bittersweet, emotional and full of nostalgia, brilliantly filmed and acted.

  • Determination to Part Ways

    13. Determination to Part Ways

    Korean Movie - 2022

    9.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/RN3YqIP
    Subtle but deep, stylish but emotionally raw, slow-paced but volcanic passionate, this is the magnetic, intoxicating love story between two broken people.
    Kudos to Park Hae Il and Tang Wei's excellent performances and their dazzling chemistry, the brilliant music score and the well-knit neo-noir script. After all, Park Chan Wook never fails to deliver poignant films.

  • Criminal Record

    14. Criminal Record

    Japanese Movie - 2022

    9.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/X7k28i8
    "Don't let your humanity slip away".
    Tense, bleak and thought-provoking.
    A great continuation of the drama, with a new heart-breaking story, some more piercing social commentaries and the much needed FL's backstory.
    Beautifully filmed and superbly acted, especially from Arimura Kasumi and Morita Go, this was a difficult but rewarding watch.
    Highly recommended.

  • The Bad Sleep Well

    15. The Bad Sleep Well

    Japanese Movie - 1960

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/BEn4QcE

    "It's not easy hating evil. You have to stoke your own fury until you become evil yourself."

    An intense, grim but stylish noir film, with a charismatic Mifune Toshiro.
    A bit slow at first, but the well-crafted absorbing revenge plot, the brilliant use of music and camerawork made this 2,5h long film worth watching.

    A great beginning for the new year!

  • Asakusa Kid

    16. Asakusa Kid

    Japanese Movie - 2021

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/dKK7kIB

    A delicate, intimate biopic tribute to a unique, multitalented artist, Takeshi Kitano, and the beginnings of his career.
    Yagira Yuya gave life to young Takeshi's character in an incredibly convincing way (his minimal expressions, his ticks, the way his mouth moves when he speaks, his posture), while Oizumi Yo was great as his harsh but caring mentor.

  • Traces of Sin

    17. Traces of Sin

    Japanese Movie - 2017

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/BEPgyIE
    A gripping, intriguing psychological thriller with a brilliantly orchestrated build-up, dressed with an elegant classical music score and detailed camera and cinematography settings.
    The story, though slow-paced, develops smoothly like an intricate spider's web full of stories within stories, secrets, lies and different perspectives of the truth driven by selfish motives and social deceptions.
    Tsumabuki Satoshi and Mitsushima Hikari with their nuanced performances proved once more how talented and multilayered actors they both are.

  • Elegant Lies

    18. Elegant Lies

    Korean Movie - 2014

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/eQAp5cy
    "Your cruel words can kill. Are you a murderer in the making?"

    A very emotional yet subtle story that unfolds the events leading to the suicide of a high-school student girl through her sister attempts to shed some light on the apparently inexplicable tragedy and, especially, how her death impacts and changes the people around her.
    Superb performances from all the young actresses with their challenging roles.

  • Han Gong Ju

    19. Han Gong Ju

    Korean Movie - 2014

    8.5

    A harrowing, devastating, utterly dark movie...
    Knowing it is based on real events makes it even more heartbreaking...

  • The Housemaid

    20. The Housemaid

    Korean Movie - 1960

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/102M62Tb
    A provocative, intriguing and very Hitchcock-ian claustrophobic type of psychological thriller, with some piercing social and political commentaries about Korean higher class domestic morals and parasitic relationships, decades before Bong's “Parasite”!

  • Glasses

    21. Glasses

    Japanese Movie - 2007

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/LQkPyQuM
    Simplicity is so very underrated...
    Finding pleasure simply in enjoying a meal, idling, looking at the ocean, listening to the waves crashing, "twilighting".
    If not for this lousy pandemic, perhaps I wouldn't appreciate its calmness so much, or feel so jealous of not being there too!

  • Drive My Car

    22. Drive My Car

    Japanese Movie - 2021

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/Rd20vFP
    A quiet, slow and contemplative road-movie about love and loss, grief, guilt, solitude, longing, solace and human connection.
    With a brilliant blending of Murakami and Chekhov's worlds, this was an absorbing experience in spite of its long duration, mainly due to the beautifully nuanced, reserved performances of its two protagonists (three if we count the car too!).

  • Moonlight Shadow

    23. Moonlight Shadow

    Japanese Movie - 2021

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/4E3RqIA

    An artistic, elegantly subtle film about grief, based on a short story by Banana Yoshimoto.
    The atmosphere, the narration,the aesthetics were superb, but eventually it was a one-woman-show: Komatsu Nana's impressive performance overshadowed everything else!

  • Dragoste și Dominare

    24. Dragoste și Dominare

    Korean Movie - 2022

    8.5

    Refreshingly sexy and very entertaining!
    Lee Jun Young carried the whole movie with his submissive puppy cuteness.

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/j14wQfj

  • Life is But a Dream

    25. Life is But a Dream

    Korean Movie - 2022

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/Enob3T3
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnzKqxtnWDY
    With a masterfully blended mixture of folklore tradition, Pansori storytelling, Madanggeuk theatrical techniques, sageuk martial arts, romance and black comedy, this multi-genre short film was a surrealistic, whimsical colourful feast for the eyes and ears!
    Highly recommended.

  • The Lady from 406

    26. The Lady from 406

    Korean Movie - 2017

    8.5

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U88eJ_tuayA
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/j1wDQcj
    How well do we really know our neighbors?
    Eerie, quirky, intense.

  • Upcoming

    27. Upcoming

    Chinese Movie - 2021

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/6Bw16Tl

    A heartwarming coming of age story, about unrequited love, school life, friendship, family relationships, adolescence and self discovery, full with bitter-sweetness and nostalgia - and a hidden storyline.
    Zhang Zi Feng and Leo Wu were great at portraying the protagonists of the story and their youthful emotions.

  • Bunny Drop

    28. Bunny Drop

    Japanese Movie - 2011

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/wQ0BlhE

    So adorable and heart-warming!
    Though the story was quite predictable, Matsuyama Kenichi and Ashida Mana's impressive acting, their chemistry and body language interactions made this film a wonderful experience, full of happy tears and silly smiles :)

  • Woo Ri and Ja Young

    29. Woo Ri and Ja Young

    Korean Movie - 2021

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/Xk5yEC8
    A very quirky, sincere and insightful modern romance story, with a not-so-typical and pretty honest approach of flirting, dating, breakups, relationships, life crises and, yes, sex and one-night stands :)
    The realistic, frank and almost natural drunken conversations, as well as the wonderful, full of sexual tense pairing of beautiful Jeon Jong Seo and charming Son Seok Koo were the highlight of this film.
    And not forget to mention how adorably charismatic, mischievous and sexy Son Seok Koo was in this!

  • Samjin Group English TOEIC Class

    30. Samjin Group English TOEIC Class

    Korean Movie - 2020

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/W8LEdC3
    The story wasn't something new or outstanding, but the bad*ss office ladies' sismance trio was so very worth it!
    Three totally different characters united in such a great, strong team that could make the difference.
    Time well-spent :)

  • The Vow

    31. The Vow

    Filipino Special - 2017, 1 episode

    8.5

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kAOvTFA5rs&t=59s
    A story line much better than many movies and a touching, unexpected plot-twist.

  • Canola

    32. Canola

    Korean Movie - 2016

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/1XBw5yFk
    Delicate and very emotional story of the turmoils and strong bonding of a found family.
    The biggest asset of this movie is veteran actress Youn Yuh and her solid performance, full of depth and grace, as well as the fantastic cinematography, full of light, colours and breathtaking beauty of Jeju island.

  • The Recorder Exam

    34. The Recorder Exam

    Korean Movie - 2011

    8.5

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh4ZcyA7fTY

    Kim Bo Ra’s directorial debut is a tender, sincere and wholesome coming-of-age short film, full of heart and simplicity and a nuanced performance from child actress Hwang Jeongone.
    Highly recommended.
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/d6mpJFB

  • The Outlaws

    35. The Outlaws

    Korean Movie - 2017

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/2v6EQCA
    Can a full action, violent film be so very funny and entertaining?
    Yes, if it has badass Ma Dong Seok and smexy Yoon Kye Sang as the main leads!
    Perfect for a weekend night watch :)

  • The Outlaws 2

    36. The Outlaws 2

    Korean Movie - 2022

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/eqy7gCy
    As entertaining and funny as its prequel.
    Always a pleasure to watch badass Ma Dong Seok beating the hell out of the bad guys, and a pleasant surprise to see Son Seok Koo in a dark, twisted role.
    Perfect for a weekend night watch :)

  • Made-up Story

    37. Made-up Story

    Korean Movie - 2021

    8.5

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVOXGO_G9pw
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/BWjy2FE
    A daring monologue/conversation of a writer and her character about life, death, memories, dreams and stories.
    Beautiful black and white shooting, impressive (almost) natural acting.

  • Souvenir

    38. Souvenir

    Thai Special - 2018, 1 episode

    8.5

    https://youtu.be/4RGeQxiC8O4
    This collection of happiness moments was so touching, uplifting and inspiring!

  • Young Lady

    39. Young Lady

    Korean Movie - 2022

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/1zV29Xhr
    A heartbreaking story of a young girl and her mother, a beautiful sismance in prison, and a very promising debut of a talented actress, Hong Ye Ji.

  • Champion

    40. Champion

    Korean Movie - 2018

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/knVzniJ
    I didn't expect that I'd love watching Ma Dong Seok's scenes with his adorable niece more than him kicking some asses here and there!
    A quite predictable story that was presented in a very heartwarming, funny and adorably cute way :)
    A perfect family weekend watch!

  • Shark

    42. Shark

    Korean Movie - 2021

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/0PXPdIN
    Bloody, violent and gripping story of a bullied underdog determined to stand up and fight till the end.
    Great action scenes and acting, and a fantastic bromance chemistry between smol Kim Min Seok and suave Wi Ha Joon!
    Looking forward to the upcoming sequel drama.

  • The Murder of Snow White

    43. The Murder of Snow White

    Japanese Movie - 2014

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/1zmaYRtr
    An intriguing and thought-provoking mystery 'whodunit' story, with lots of critical social commentaries about the (destructive) power of social media and internet, the fierce workplace competition, the judgmental nature of people/public opinion, as well as how misinterpretations, misunderstandings or a different pov of a person's character can ruin someone’s life.
    Great script and direction of a novel adaptation, with an outstanding performance by Inoue Mao.

  • Fata Secolului XX

    44. Fata Secolului XX

    Korean Movie - 2022

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/kZ0XpIJ
    A beautiful, heartwarming and bittersweet story of first love, with all the anxiety, thrill, anticipation and heart-fluttering moments. Adorable leads, nostalgic setting and, in spite of its ending being definitely uncalled for and unnecessary, it was still an enjoyable watch.

  • Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!: The Movie

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/0nO6DTN
    Not as cute and fluffy as the drama -too family friendly, with less humor and a more serious, mature tone- but still a satisfying watch: we got a proper closure, a happy ending and enjoyed the progress of Kurasawa and Adachi's relationship.

  • Mama Boy

    46. Mama Boy

    Taiwanese Movie - 2022

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/dm4OvCB
    Pleasantly surprised by this coming-of-age/romance story, depicting a genuine and heartfelt connection between a shy, introverted young man living with his overprotective and overly-meddling mom and a lonely divorcee who works as a sex hotel manager and has a son of her own.
    Poignant performances from the cast (especially from Vivian Hsu), elegant cinematography and directing.
    A bittersweet, melancholic story with some strong mother/son relationship elements through two parallel family story arcs that beautifully intervene, resulting in some character growth for both mamas and their boys.

  • Confession

    47. Confession

    Korean Movie - 2022

    8.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/xbzy4cl
    Compelling mind-games confrontation in a well-knit tangled web of flashbacks and alternative versions, full of suspenseful plot-twists, possibilities and revelations.
    Brilliant performances from So Ji Sub and Kim Yoon Jin, impressive snowy setting and atmosphere.

  • The Gangster, The Cop and The Devil

    48. The Gangster, The Cop and The Devil

    Korean Movie - 2019

    8.0

    Fast, fun, with a flawless finale!

  • Homestay

    55. Homestay

    Japanese Movie - 2022

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/Rdk30FP
    An interesting film about second chances & reevaluating the meaning and significance of life, however overbearing it may seem.

  • Summer Film ni Notte

    56. Summer Film ni Notte

    Japanese Movie - 2021

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/j1YAXhj
    Funny, charming, refreshing, original and very-very heartfelt!
    Pleasantly surprised :)

  • Character

    57. Character

    Japanese Movie - 2021

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/QbWJmT8
    Tense, suspenseful and engaging, though the characters could have been more fleshed out.
    The story was a bit predictable and its pacing uneven, but the great performances from Suda Masaki, Fukase Satoshi and Oguri Shun made up for it.

  • Pandora

    58. Pandora

    Korean Movie - 2016

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/p1JvXUP
    A great balance of action, suspense and emotional moments in a very engaging disaster-themed movie.
    Kim Nam Gil (the main reason I watched this) gave an impressive, heartfelt performance - this man never disappoints!

  • The House of Us

    59. The House of Us

    Korean Movie - 2019

    8.0

    A tender, bittersweet coming-of-age movie, with a nostalgic vibe, wonderful color palette and exceptional performances from the child actresses.

  • Days of Being Wild

    60. Days of Being Wild

    Hong Kong Movie - 1990

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/e2yZkTy

    A worth-watching introduction to the world of Wong Kar Wai, which is full of loneliness, longing, melancholy, passion, desperation and thirsty for love people.

  • People Living Alone

    61. People Living Alone

    Korean Movie - 2021

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/E4vpZc3

    A poignant social commentary about loneliness, self-isolation, luck of human connection.
    Gong Seung Yeon's nuanced performance and the bleak filming tone were among the strongest pros of this slow-paced yet piercing story.

  • Tokyo Family

    62. Tokyo Family

    Japanese Movie - 2013

    8.0

    A heartfelt remake of a familiar story with only a few changes, with a great cast and a wonderful music score.
    Definitely this couldn't surpass one of the greatest cinema classics, but it was worth watching.

  • Late Spring

    64. Late Spring

    Korean Movie - 2014

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/Ze3Q5fx
    A sad, delicate story about art, inspiration, love, passion, meaning in life and healing.
    Top-notch cinematography, colouring, countryside setting and music, ethereal performance from Lee Yoo Young.

  • One Million Yen Girl

    65. One Million Yen Girl

    Japanese Movie - 2008

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/Xkr7AI8

    A slow-paced, indie road movie about self-discovery, independence and moving on with life.
    In fact, this was a one-woman-show, with a nuanced yet powerful performance from Aoi Yu.

  • Untact

    66. Untact

    Korean Movie - 2020

    8.0

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU97zcSOqb4
    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/REXvksP
    Short but fulfilling, with an exceptional performance from Kim Go Eun. She was so natural and convincing as a vlogger!

  • Don't Cry, Mr. Ogre

    67. Don't Cry, Mr. Ogre

    Japanese Movie - 2019

    8.0

    Much more than a sports movie about baseball!
    Tsutsumi Shinichi and Yagira Yuya were great in this emotional, healing story about character growth, making amends and reconciliation.

  • How to Steal a Dog

    68. How to Steal a Dog

    Korean Movie - 2014

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/jJN3YTj

    A movie where talented kids and animals are involved is bound to be cute and entertaining!

  • Masquerade Hotel 2

    69. Masquerade Hotel 2

    Japanese Movie - 2021

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/jJNOYFj

    All familiar cast member are here again, Takuya Kimura is charming as always, his pairing with Nagasawa Masami is still the best part, but this sequel is not as thrilling and fun as its prequel.
    However, it is still a nice watch for a weekend movie night!

  • HERO

    70. HERO

    Japanese Movie - 2007

    8.0

    Not as good as the drama, but better than the other two movies/specials.
    Entertaining and so nostalgic, seeing the younger versions of all these familiar talented faces and, especially, Kimura Takuya who never disappoints!

  • You Are Forever Younger Than Them

    71. You Are Forever Younger Than Them

    Japanese Movie - 2021

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/W8VV8c3

    Though slow-paced and bleak, its dialogue-centered format and the subtle acting from the talented cast somehow managed to make this coming of age story feel real, touching and memorable.

  • Ooku

    72. Ooku

    Japanese Movie - 2010

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/QAWVJC8
    Intriguing and believable reverse harem story, with beautiful cinematography, art direction and settings, as well as lavish costumes and chambers.
    A bit rushed storytelling, but very engaging and entertaining :)

  • Taboo

    73. Taboo

    Japanese Movie - 1999

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/1zXdDRhr

    Dealing with the taboo subject of homosexuality/homoeroticism among samurais, this unusual film is quite dark and subtle, almost static, a bit distanced, as well as tense and enticing.
    Full of lust, obsession, pretense, jealousy, manipulation, internal conflicts and self-denials, it seduces and tricks us the same way its protagonist does to all characters around him.

  • Soon to Reach the Sea

    74. Soon to Reach the Sea

    Japanese Movie - 2022

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/e2OQmiy
    A slow-paced, reserved story of mourning and letting go, but most of all a story of two young women's friendship and love told in a flashbacks setup from both FLs points of view.
    Even with minimal dialogues, their looks and gestures are more than enough to express the depth of their feelings, their longing and unbreakable bond.
    With exceptional performances, especially from Kishii Yukino, beautiful cinematography and music and some stunning, extremely touching animation scenes, this film may not be for everyone, but it's worth a try if you are familiar with Nakagawa Ryutaro's works.

  • Crush

    75. Crush

    Filipino Special - 2017, 1 episode

    8.0
  • Love Phobia

    76. Love Phobia

    Korean Movie - 2006

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/d6kD8cB
    Bittersweet portrayal of a tragic love story, with allegories and plot twists some people may find confusing, and a beautiful, well-suited couple.

  • Anchor

    77. Anchor

    Korean Movie - 2022

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/1RQrm6sK
    An atmospheric and engaging psychological thriller, with a well-woven story enriched with intriguing plot-twists and elements of mystery and horror, as well as a scathing underlying social commentary on the place of modern Korean women.
    Captivating performances from all three main leads and especially from Chun Woo Hee, who portrayed her multilayered and demanding character flawlessly.

  • Parasite in Love

    78. Parasite in Love

    Japanese Movie - 2021

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/wRBDeIE
    A compelling but very peculiar story about a challenging love story between two tortured social outcasts in a presentation full of parasite allegories and strong social commentaries on mental health issues, isolation, lack of bonding and love.
    This movie wouldn't be so memorable and thought-provoking without Komatsu Nana and Hayashi Kento, whose performances, as a scopophobic and a germophobic person respectively, were exemplary, enriched with an atmospheric cinematography and musical score.

  • What Did You Eat Yesterday?

    79. What Did You Eat Yesterday?

    Japanese Movie - 2021

    8.0

    So good to see this lovely couple, their cooking, bantering and affection again! Cute and heartwarming.

  • Seoul Vibe

    80. Seoul Vibe

    Korean Movie - 2022

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/WDr5qF3
    Though the story was rather poorly written and very much predictable, the nostalgia feeling, the fantastic cast (thought their styling could have been so much better!) and the fact that nobody took themselves seriously and had a great time filming it, made this an enjoyable watch.
    But, to be completely honest, I would have enjoyed anything with Yoo Ah In in it!

  • Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang

    81. Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang

    Chinese Movie - 2016

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/2WJqlTA
    "Playing with gun powder set me free."
    A fascinating documentary, full of dedication and passion, about the stunning large-scale art and firework projects of artist Cai Guo Qiang and his journey to achieve the making of "Sky Ladder", his lifelong dream of a 500-meter-tall ladder leading to the sky.

  • Untitled Shin Yeon Shik Film

    82. Untitled Shin Yeon Shik Film

    Korean Movie - 2022

    8.0

    Great performances from Seo Hyun Jin, Ahn Sung Ki and little Joo Ye Rim in a devastatingly sad story that tried too hard to be tragic, without investing much on the characters, but rather on the actors' performances.
    The movie is not bad at all, but squeezing the viewers' emotions in a story which is already a tearjerker is considered as emotional manipulation in my book...

  • Midnight Maiden War

    83. Midnight Maiden War

    Japanese Movie - 2022

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/WD04ZF3
    An unorthodox yet very fascinating dystopian, nihilistic and deeply melancholic watching experience.
    With fantastic night-vision snapshots of Tokyo, sublime cinematography and music, and electrifying performances from all three main leads: Ikeda Elaiza, Nagase Ren and -especially- charismatic Emoto Tasuku, this film may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it was definitely unique and captivating.

  • The Cherry Orchard

    84. The Cherry Orchard

    Japanese Movie - 1990

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/0P68DTN
    Nostalgic and bittersweet, a tribute to the adolescence, friendship and school life, with all the insecurities, struggles, rebellions and bravery, as well as brightness, optimism and innocence. A reminder of our youth, a time when all that mattered was chatting and gossiping with our besties, seeking the secrets of the universe - and of our colleagues...

  • City of the Rising Sun

    85. City of the Rising Sun

    Korean Movie - 1998

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/rJRZ8I5
    An intense, stylish, fast paced youth film, full of 90s nostalgic vibes, with a fantastic duo of friends irl showing an impeccable bromance on screen.
    Just watching Lee Jung Jae and Jung Woo Sung interact was enough - no script was actually needed - while its gritty cinematography and catchy music were extra bonuses.

  • A Cappella

    86. A Cappella

    Japanese Movie - 2016

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/qX28vhp
    A melancholic coming-of-age story set in the late 60's, in the midst of political protest movements, university demonstrations and sexual exploration.
    Slow-paced, melancholic, sad, full of yearning, loneliness and unspoken secrets.

  • Friend

    87. Friend

    Korean Movie - 2001

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/RlWVkhP
    A violent yet compelling story of four boyhood friends from very different backgrounds, the choices they make, the different paths they take in life, their mistakes, sacrifices, loyalty and deep bonding.
    A classic movie about friendship among gangsters that, even after 20 years, can be an absorbing and intense watch.

  • Rainy Dog

    88. Rainy Dog

    Japanese Movie - 1997

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/e4vXmFy
    Dark, slow, atmospheric and introspective yakuza movie about lonely, trapped people drenched in rain, silence and dead-ends.
    With gritty performances and stylish directing, this isn't a typical gangster movie but more of a film noir and a character study exploring isolation, family, honour and retribution.

  • If You Are the One

    89. If You Are the One

    Chinese Movie - 2008

    8.0

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/0n8bAIN
    A dramatic (and pragmatic) romcom, full of sarcastic, quirky and witty dialogues, heartfelt as well as flirtatious moments, sincere disclosures.
    Fantastic performances and chemistry between Ge You and Shu Qi, picturesque cinematography of Hangzhou, Nanjing and Hokkaido scenery.
    Refreshingly unique and entertaining.

  • The Miracle

    90. The Miracle

    Korean Movie - 2021

    7.5

    Mellow and touching story, with Lee Soo Kyung's acting and character being its greatest asset.

  • We Are Little Zombies

    93. We Are Little Zombies

    Japanese Movie - 2019

    7.5

    Surreal, bizarre, aesthetically unique. Definitely not for everyone.

  • Happy Flight

    98. Happy Flight

    Japanese Movie - 2008

    7.5

    Many familiar faces in this lighthearted, informative glimpse of the life and troubles in the airport industry. Nothing too deep or surprising, but an entertaining watch nonetheless.

  • Sky Blue Story

    99. Sky Blue Story

    Japanese Movie - 2011

    7.5

    Four cute short stories centered around four adorable young girls.

  • Hibiki

    100. Hibiki

    Japanese Movie - 2018

    7.5

    https://mydramalist.com/profile/penel/feeds/En0Q3C3
    A strange but enjoyable movie about the world and rivalry of novelists.
    Hirate Yurina was great in an intriguing and very controversial character that was the heart of the story.

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