Cyrano Agency (2010 Film)

Monday, November 14, 2011 | Posted by The Entertainment Geek

I wanted a break off all things else—a break off your regular, run off the mill “foreign film,” and despite the plethora of South Korean dramas I’ve seen, I picked up this one because of it’s story line…  



“A bit of an Asian take on “Hitch” — based on a 19th century French play — with a South Korean twist.”

The Rundown
Behind the name: A reference to Cyrano de Bergerac, a play by Edmond Rostand
Country: South Korea, 2010
 Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director: Hyeon-seok Kim
Cast: Uhm Tae-woong (as Byeong-hoon), Lee Min Jeong (as Hee-joong), Choi Daniel (as Sang-yong), (Park Shin-hye as Min-yeong)
Compare to: Hitch
Hate it or Love it?  Luv it  

Synopsis in a Sentence: A matchmaking agency tries to help guys get girls, but what happens when the joke’s on the matchmaker?
           
It starts quite interestingly enough, drawing your interest throughout the film, there are a few great LoL moments, but generally, it lacks the BANG that would make you love it.
On Writing: The Plot
It’s interesting, eventful, all for your entertainment. There are a few scenes that are slightly implausible, but if you’re entertained, why bother with the details?
(4/5)

On Acting: The Cast
A great cast. Many fans expressed a bit more interest in the actors than the actual movie (for better or worse) besides that, their performances were great. There’s:


 U+21FD.gif Uhm Tae-woong, younger brother of famous singer/actress Uhm Jung-hwa. He plays Byeong-hoon, the “Agency Director,” if you could call it that. A great performance—he personified his character well.






 Lee Min-Jeong plays as Hee-joong, the “hot girl” in the movie. (You might remember her as “Monkey” from Boys Over Flowers) She’s great here. Really good.  File:U+21FE.gif 


Choi Daniel plays Sang-yong, the guy who needs help in his love life. He plays the clueless guy quite well—borders annoying idiot. If he really isn’t one, he’s really good. File:U+21FE.gif 

 U+21FD.gif Park Shin-hye is Min-yeong in this movie. In You're Beautiful. she plays the boy who’s actually a girl. She’s great here also. Her performance in some of the best laugh-out-loud moments of the film is excellent. She’s one talented actress!
(4/5)

On Production:
Good. The tone of the comedy seemed to be intended as dry humour. I have a feeling South Korea hasn’t used a lot of dry humour in its productions. It didn’t suck.
 (3/5)                                             

On Resolution: The Conclusion
As you’d not expect in your regular everyday movies, but as you’d expect for a South Korean production, the ending was resolved. I won’t give out too much, but the ending rests between Hitch and Edmund Rostand’s play.
(3/5)

The Verdict: Something out of the ordinary for a South Korean romantic comedy: a good production.

Overall Score = 14/20 










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Review: Summer Storm (2004 Film)

Monday, October 24, 2011 | Posted by The Entertainment Geek

I wanted a modern, authentic, German film, and I think I got it.  



“First Lines:
Tobi: She said, I don't mind!
Achim: Those very words. Now chill, I have to keep at 140..”

The Rundown
Behind the name: Original title — Summerstrum
Country: Germany, 2004
 Genre: Drama, Coming-of-age
Distributor: Regent Releasing, X Verleih AG
Directed By: Marco Kreuzpaintner
Cast: Robert Stadlober (as Tobi), Kostja Ullmann (as Achim), Jürgen Tonkel (as Hansi), Miriam Morgenstern (as Sandra), Alicja Bachleda (as Anke/as Alicja Bachleda-Curus), Angelika Brennfleck (as Thea).
Compare to: Get Real (1998), Edge of Seventeen (1998), Come Undone (2000)
Hate it or Love it?  Enjoy it  

Synopsis in a Sentence: Two teenage guys who belong to the local rowing club have been best friends forever, and they do everything together: they’ve got the standard teenage lives, with girlfriends to match, but as they get closer, one begins to develop feelings a bit more than friendship…
           

On Writing: The Plot
The storyline is interesting. It’s written and produced well, carrying a sensitive subject in a realistic, yet wistful manner. With just enough of everything to keep you interested until the end. The delicacy of youth is highlighted in the plot, and the feelings of joy, happiness, and nostalgia is written into the storyline. The characters are lively and interesting to watch, the emotions that come with the story are handled skilfully and without (excessive) clichés. It’s a slightly controversial topic, but handled properly through this plot. Beware of nudity and sexual content though.
 (4/5)

On Acting: The Cast
With captivating characters, the performance is not bad: Quite good actually. There are many interesting characters that will keep you hooked on the storyline. A good cast. Great teamwork altogether.

Robert Stadlober
Kostja Ullman

Actors, Robert Stadlober (who plays Tobi), and Kostja Ullmann  ( who plays Achim) more or less make the movie. Their performances draw you in, and if nothing else, allow you to linger on the mystery of their characters. 

(3/5)

On Production:
The production is good. Done properly. The shots are beautiful and symbolic. In fact, better than you’d think, if you actually think about it. There are some great shots, nice symbolism; everything is implied with the way this film is produced. Production is done with talent and creativity.
 (4/5)                                             

On Resolution: The Conclusion
Quite good. Many things make this film good, and the resolution is one of them. Akin to the plot, the resolution remains real, not clichéd, but yet emotional and meaningful. A good one.
(4/5)

The Verdict: It’s a good watch. There’s more to this film that meets the eye, and it’s well done.

Overall Score = 15 /20 



 




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Review: I Am Sam (2007 TV Series)

Thursday, September 29, 2011 | Posted by The Entertainment Geek

This one’s fun, interesting and, quite honestly, you’ll never see the end coming!

“Remember those school days you hated and loved at the same time? I am Sam brings back those days through an interesting set of characters while inspiring you to dream and achieve. Shall we take a trip back to high school?”

The Rundown
Behind the name: Direct translation = I am your teacher (Also known as: “Not in the Textbook” and “Private Lesson”)    
Country: South Korea, 2007
 Genre: Comedy/ Romance
Broadcast by: Korean Broadcasting System 2 (KBS2), 2007
Director: Producer: Kim Jung Kyu
                  Cast: Yang Dong Geun (Jang Isan) Park Min Young (Yu Eunbyeol)
                   Choi Seung-Hung/ T.O.P (Chae Musin) Son Tae Young (Shin Soi) Lee Min-   Ho (Heo Moses)
Compare to: (I’ll have to think about this one…)
Hate it or Love it? Somewhere in between  

Synopsis in a Sentence: A gangster’s daughter needs additional attention to get through high school, so her father hires a private tutor and buys a house for them to live in; the tutor (who is also her high-school teacher) is now put in a weird position between managing the worst kids in school and keeping the gangster’s daughter out of trouble.

It starts well. You get a feel for the characters, learn about their situations, and even laugh at loud at the naiveté of the characters. You’ll empathize with their shortcomings as you anticipate the progression of the series, but then, how do I put this? It’s not a bad series at all, but the end just kills it.
On Writing: The Plot
            Not bad. Some parts make you laugh, you get the feel for “public school” life in South Korea, you feel the love and growth of the characters, you get inspired by the impact of a great teacher on his students, you laugh at the stupidity of the characters, you understand the power of good friendship, e.t.c, e.t.c.
At a certain point, you’ll feel as though you’re part of “Homeroom 8” (the name of the class), you’ll be reminded of the value of formal education, and you’ll be inspired to dream big. If anything, that’s not bad writing.
 (3.5/5)

On Acting: The Cast
 A good one.  
 <- Park Min Young (Yu Eun-Byul) established herself as an actress with I am Sam. Her portrayal of Yu Eun-Byul brought you a bit closer to the meaning of the series. 
Of noteworthy performance are Park Chae Kyung, who portrayed Min Sa-Gang &  Choi Seung-Hyun (T.O.P of Big Bang), who portrayed Chae Musin. Both characters brought to light the difficulties faced by the students of “Homeroom 8” (otherwise known as the deviant youth of society).
<- Yang Dong-Geun (Jang Yi San) played the role of the great teacher quite well. Though his character was timid and fundamentally annoying, he was able to highlight the passion of an inspiring mentor to his students. Lee Min-Ho also highlighted the playfulness of Moses’ jovial character quite well. I can imagine that his performance in I am Sam established the beginning of his (then) mini fan base.
(3.5/5)

On Wardrobe: The Fashion
Not much to talk about here. Nothing came across as strikingly off-the-wall or even remotely inspiring, probably because most of the wardrobes just school uniform. One thing to mention though, as we’re on wardrobe—you’ll get to see T.O.P cross-dress as a woman at the end of the series. Not particularly inspiring, but laughable.
 (2.5/5)                                             

On Resolution: The Conclusion
The romance was starved throughout the series. Talk about inappropriate relationships! We understand the desire to create an off beat, we-can-try-to-make-it-work relationship in a “romantic comedy,” but a romantic relationship between a teacher and student is just plain creepy! (And honestly, improper, especially as she’s a minor). There was absolutely no chemistry between Yu Eun-Byul (Park Min Young) and Jang Yi San (Yang Dong-Geun), and the slightest likelihood for romance between them was killed by the pairing — Dong-Geun and Min-Young? Really?
If the genre was supposed to be a “romantic comedy,” we were made to forget the “romance” part of it. What type of romantic comedy has no romantic pairings? The most likely pairing for romance got killed 3/4ths into it. We would have loved to see Musin (T.O.P) and Eun-Byul pair up or better yet, a love triangle between Musin (T.O.P), Moses (Lee Min-Ho) and Eun-Byul (Park Min-Young), but that didn’t happen. I mean, what’s a high-school comedy/romance series without quirky romance and love triangles? Seriously!
(2.5/5)

The Verdict: Please, lay off the creepy, inappropriate relationships; otherwise, it’s good fun to remember just how "fun" learning can be with the right teacher, and at the same time, watch young stars like T.O.P and Lee Min-Ho perform in one of their earliest work.
Overall Score = 12/20 

Watch I Am Sam [http://www.mysoju.com/i-am-sam/] 











Park Chae Kyung                                                               Lee Min Ho


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Review: Hello Hemingway (2006 Film)

Sunday, August 28, 2011 | Posted by The Entertainment Geek

Hello Hemingway seemed like an entertaining historical reference to 1950s Cuba, and it was.


“A look into Cuba in the ‘50s.”

The Rundown
Behind the name: Reference to the plot
Country: Cuba, 2006
 Genre: Drama
Director: Fernando Perez
Cast: Laura de la Uz (as Larita), José Antonio Rodriguez (as Tomás), Raúl Paz, Herminia Sánchez, Caridad Hernandez
Compare to: Hemingway’s writing?
Hate it or Love it?  Appreciate it  

Synopsis in a Sentence: A Cuban high school student struggles to study abroad, and while whole her family scoffs at her lofty goals, she finds solace in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea.
           
On Writing: The Plot
The heroine, Larita lives just next door to Earnest Hemingway in San Francisco de Paula, Cuba. Only, he lives in a mansion, and she lives in a run-down house.  She discovers an opportunity to study abroad and jumps at it, but she struggles to juggle financial woes, an excellent grade, looming political change, and a love interest. As she reads Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, she finds curious parallels to her life.
(3.5/5)

On Acting: The Cast
Great actors.
Laura de la Uz is Larita, the lead character, and she plays the role as authentically and  true as she’d play herself. She comes off as completely genuine. José Antonio Rodriguez, who plays as Tomás, her love interest is almost as good, maybe so.
Other actors  Raúl Paz, Herminia Sánchez, Caridad Hernandez also bring true talent to the screen. A great cast overall.
(4/5)

On Production:
Good production. Great actually, considering the time. Great transitions, good flow.
 (3.5/5)                                             

On Resolution: The Conclusion
This one, you’d have to decide for yourself. I recommend reading The Old Man and the Sea before placing your verdict.
(3/5)

The Verdict: A good production, and insightful.

Overall Score = 14/20 




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Review: The First Shop of Coffee Prince (2007 TV Series)

Sunday, July 31, 2011 | Posted by The Entertainment Geek

I’d heard a lot about Coffee Prince before I finally saw it, and I understood what the fuss was all about after I saw it.  

      Coffee Prince is undoubtedly a staple for modern Korean culture. (Anyone who knows anything about K-entertainment: If you’re a fan of K-dramas and K-entertainment, you must have already seen Coffee Prince. This is not to state that this series defines Korean culture, because it doesn’t. Rather Coffee Prince has come to be known as a modern sensation, re-defining K-entertainment before series like Boys Before Flowers and IRIS even saw the light of day. 


“A pioneer to modern love stories hinting on progressive views on homosexuality in Asia.”

The Rundown
Behind the name: Also known as Coffee Prince. Based on a book.
Country: South Korea, 2007
 Genre: Romantic Comedy
Broadcast by: Munhwa Broadcasting Company (MBC)
Director: Lee Yoon Jung
                  Cast: Yoon Eun Hye (as Go Eun-Chan), Gong Yoo (as Choi Han-Kyul), Lee Sun-Gyun (as Choi Han-Sung), Chae Jung-Ahn (as Han Yoo-Joo), Kim Dong-Wook (as Jin Ha Rim), Kim Chang-Wan (Hong Gae Sik), Lee Eon (Hwang Min Yeop), Han Yeh In (as Go Eun Sae) Kim Jae-Wook (as No Sun-Ki).
Compare to: Sungkyunkwan Scandal, Personal Preference
Hate it or Love it?  Love it!

Synopsis in a Sentence: Boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, problem is boy thinks girl is a boy, which makes him… *gasp* gay?!
           
Coffee Prince attracted about 30% of the South Korean viewing population, was aired in 11 countries including Singapore, Israel, Peru, and Zimbabwe, and is used by the Korean government to promote tourism in the country — Now you know a series has made it big when foreign fans flock into a country simply to experience the feeling the series left them with.

On Writing: The Plot
Think love: fun, unconditional, real love. But it’s not a love story you’ve seen or read before. The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince is unique and original and works its magic while slowly opening up the minds of its viewers to a topic seldom touched in Asian entertainment — homosexuality — well, sort of. Coffee Prince does its thing by touching on the delicate topic of homosexuality without anyone in the series actually being homosexual. Like in Personal Preference, the topic is addressed, but mildly evaded.
However Coffee Prince deserves acclaim for being ahead of its time within that cultural space. The first film to directly address homosexuality in South Korea was not released until late 2009. This one was three years ahead. Overall, the writing is very good. It’s a love story true to its core, and you’ll find yourself sharing the love.
And there’ a fair bit of coffee loving too.
(4/5)

On Acting: The Cast
There’s nothing like a good cast, and this one was good no…great! The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince boasted with the talent of:

Yoon Eun Hye, our lead actress who plays Go Eun-Chan. She’s the star of this series, skillfully highlighting the essence of a true tomboy. And she looked like one too! Judge for yourself.   ↵ See pic. 








Gong Yoo, our lead male portrays Choi Han-Kyul, the carefree thirty-year old pampered by wealth. He plays the doting boyfriend very well, and though I might find that portrayal quite annoying, you just may find it effortlessly charming.

* Yoon Eun Hye and Gong Yoo won the MBC favorite on-screen couple award for 2007. Both actors also won numerous awards for their roles in Coffee Prince.




Lee Sun-Gyun, who plays Choi Han-Sung, is a talented music producer and

Chae Jung-Ahn plays Han Yoo-Joo, the independent woman who can’t be tamed.
And then there’s our semi-Japanese import and token eye-candy, actor/model Kim Jae-Wook, who plays the recklessly lovestruck emo, No Sun-Ki.
Altogether, a great cast. Must have been fun to work with.
 (4/5)

On Production: The Creativity
It’s all about the music. There’s great, great music infused into the production of this series, with excellent original scores and songs you love, but you forgot existed like the “You & me Song” by the Wannadies and “Back for Good” by Take That, and even much more.
The production was about making you feel the love, and indeed, every episode stayed true to that element. The camera work wasn’t particularly fancy, but the writing and music production took charge of the creativity with no harm done to the overall production. Kudos to good coffee and music!
(4/5)                                             

On Resolution: The Conclusion
If it were Hollywood, there’d be a climactic conflict before the lovers live happy ever after.
If this were Bollywood, the lovers would suffer separation until the very end.
If it were Nollywood, there’d be some major scandal/betrayal before love conquers all.
But this is — what should we call it — Kollywood? LoL. No, its K-drama, and Coffee Prince is an extremely doting love story where there’s not much conflict, or climax, or scandal in this series… well, there’s a bit, but not much of what we’re not already used to. Regardless, the end is good. It’s all about love after all. ;)
 (4/5)

The Verdict: A classic collection of love stories that will make you want to dance in the rain… with a cup of coffee at hand. 

 
 



Overall Score = 16/20

Cuddle up, get a cuppa coffee, and watch The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince on Hulu, in HD [http://www.hulu.com/coffee-prince]. 


  


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