Zussette Candelario- Aplaon

The Frames Overall, the cinematography is good. The camera works: the angles, overhead shot, slow motion, color tone, and shaky shots are all done intelligently. what I really like is the zooming out panoramic shot on the first half and the foot chase under the rain on the second half. Close up shots on the climax scene were spine chilling capturing the facial expressions and intense emotions of the characters. Lighting is superb, editing is seamless, and VFX enabled the visuals to fit the plot. The Score Though the BGM is not that impactful for me, it is crafted to complement the intense and emotional scenes. The memories that was presented were even more poignant because of the melancholic song. The Performances Prithviraj Sukumaran gave life to Sam in the way the author wanted it to be. I could say that during the first half where he played drunkard was very realistic. His eyes, gestures, facial expressions and body language were really compelling. I have to commend on how S.P. Skreekumar steal the show on the climax. Though he was given short camera exposure but he made sure that those moments are spotlight worthy. The rest of the support roles are good. The Screenplay This for me was what made this film stood out. The first part was invested on Sam's character development, family drama and setting tone for a gripping thriller on the second part. The second part turned into a thrilling procedural crime investigation theme in where the audience were engaged in a whodunnit mode until the revelation on the climax. Narrative Style was brilliant. The flashbacks were thrown countless but strategically as to create a solid storyline. The best part is how sir Jeethu Joseph developed the antagonist in shadows that everyone watching the film had been looking forward to meet him face to face. And when that moment come, it was mind-blowing. He gave the antagonist his time to shine in that short period of time. The Direction I highly admire sir Jeethu Joseph for wrapping up everything to produce a chilling, gripping, and entertaining plot. All the elements worked together - the visuals, dialogue, performances, and score making way to an exciting movie experience. I have to mention my favorite scene - the foot chase scene. It was a long shot I suppose because the acting and the vibes were so realistic. Knowing that artificial rain was used it was seamless editing, astounding camera works, thrilling BGM, intricate direction and raw performance working in sync. Also, I noticed Sir Jeethu Joseph's storytelling details lie heavily on dialogues and not on visuals. With this technique the audience will become more attentive to the movie so that no details will be missed. What I found lacking in the film is the emotional connection on the family drama. I don't know for sure but I find some scenes kinda awkward. Also, I find the character of Miya a bit short. There's a huge potential on her avatar but it was not given much emphasis. I wanted to know how the antagonist do the killings by himself maybe through flashbacks even by passing coz the questions I had of the films are mostly how the killing and the hanging was done. Though, the movie may have some resemblance with Angels and Demons but it still has it's authentic vibe. And I enjoyed every moment of it. After watching Memories I realized it is not only about the memories of the protagonist but of the antagonist as well. The present of the two main characters intertwined because of their painful past. That is one brilliant screenplay right there.

Score The music is light and lively on the first half of the film. Then it become sensual and haunting on the second part. The instrumental music and the dance foreshadow the dark climax of the movie. Frames The movie started with bright lights and close up shots which set the romantic almost flirty tone on the first half. Then blurry and darker tone were used on the second half. The frames especially during cooking is mouth-watering. The psychedelic scenes were aesthetically framed with subtle score, brilliant editing, dark tone cinematography, and the MCs exquisite performances. Performances This is the debut film of the two main casts Arghadeep Baruah (Simon) and Lima Das (Nirmali). Sumon was able to show his character dynamics with his handsome boyish looks, sweet smile and expressive eyes. The way he looked at Nirmali would make every woman's heart melt. Lima Das flesh out Nirmali with such sophistication. She handled her role well and was able to deliver a flawless performance on her character arc. The platonic love between the two MCs is so realistic because of their unforced honest performances. Screenplay The crowning glory of this movie is the unique plot developed through sublime storytelling. How Sir Bhaskar Hazarika wrote a romance story with taboo and unspoken desire were subtle and ethereal. He also was able to portray that eating or ravening could be intimate and sensual. It was completely mind-blowing how the sweet food movie had turn into addiction drama that is dark, haunting, nauseating, all-consuming love story. For social commentary, the movie tackles many issues what others considered as taboo with outmost sensibility. The only point I think the flaw of this movie is the rushed ending. It could have been better if the climax was given a bit longer time to allow to deliver a heart-wrenching ending. Direction This movie is one of the most unconventional romance movie i've seen. The star-crossed lovers whose from being romantic became insanely addicted with each other and the things they love. I find it very interesting that a horror movie turn into arthouse quality because of out of this world plot twist, knock out punch climax, delicate score, raw acting performances, and visually poetic cinematography. Kudos to the makers of the film. For those looking for mouth-watering food movie and haunting, and dark romance film, this is a must-watch.

The Frames Since this story depicts very sensitive scenes, camera works need to be done carefully. And believe me it was done intelligently. Close up captured the intense emotions of the actors while wide range and blurry shots were used in most disturbing scenes. Lighting and editing were also brilliantly executed that makes the film visually appealing yet impactful and realistic. Screenplay It was highly commendable that Hwang Dong-juk took the courage to create a movie that would not only tackle sensitive issue but attack justice system in general. Every scene is hard-hitting and disturbing. The narrative style was written exquisitely that even the stone-hearted person would end up crying. There are a lot of disturbing scene and you may argue why there's really a need to show that sensitive scenes. As I see it, they are much needed in solidifying the plot and to serve the purpose of the movie. The Performances The children put up stellar performances that they're acting felt so realistic. Since they are deprived of dialogue, they are only to show their character dynamics through their eyes, facial expressions and body language and they all nailed it. Gong Yoo as always delivers an exemplary performance in playing his avatar. The actors were able to flesh out their characters and show emotion dynamics with minimal dialogue and it was mind-blowing. The Direction The movie was able to deliver a hard-hitting, heart-wrenching blow to everyone who saw it. It was a balance of good camera works, sublet score, top-notch acting- performances, solid storyline, raw narrative style and of course delicate direction. Salute to Hwang Dong-hyuk for portraying such gruesome events with cinematic artistry. This movie is a great example of the power motion picture to stir the minds and hearts of the viewers. Kudos to the PD, cast, staff of this movie.

The Frames I love the time lapse and aerial shots in multiple parts of the film. The mist enveloping and lifting off from the lake foreshadow the emotion on the chapter. The first half shows the natural beauty of the country, fauna and flora, stillness of the lake and warmness of greenfields perfect for the blossoming relationship of the father and daughter. The second half shows the ugliness of the city, with trash, cramped apartment, and pollution suited well with their struggling life. The close up shots are perfection. It gave out the details of facial expressions that encapsulated emotions and character dynamics. The Score The music and songs used are meditative in nature. It blended well with the emotions being depicted. The subtle background score set the poignant vibe that makes the movie heart-wrenching. Performances This is definitely the best performances I've seen so far in Indian movies (I only saw 12 movies btw). It is my first encounter with sir Mammootty and his performance had blown me away completely. With aesthetic close up shots he was able to communicate his emotion to the audience. The scene when he closed the door after seeing Paapa and realizing she is already a woman was shattering . Sadhana really nailed her role as Paapa. It was a very challenging role and she did it effectively. Though there may be sometime that I felt her performance was a bit exaggerating but overall it was phenomenal. Meera's (Anjali Ameer) pivotal character as transgender sex worker deserved commendation too. She was able to make her every appearance impactful. The Screenplay Wow......Sir Ram was so brave to travel the less travelled road in cinema - the nature of sexuality. His intricate screenplay depicted that sexuality is a natural thing and cannot be denied or locked behind bars (like Paapa). Many movie tackled about sexuality but very few was about unquenched sexual desire of woman and with disability. He also used Meera's character to show that even transgenders have their morality too. All the characters have flaws but Sir Ram made no one as antagonist. He made his protagonist Amudhan to be a well-mannered man and not judging anyone of their actions and lives. Another character playing in shadow is the Nature itself. The mother abandoning her child, married women committing adultery, sex workers, father allowing his son to be beaten they are all just pawns of nature. Nature is the real antagonist here as one of the chapter's title "Nature is brutal." Narrative style was slow burn. The flashbacks and foreshadowing was provided to solidify the plot. It was raw, realistic, unique and riveting leading to a beautiful climax that will haunt your memories for long. The Climax and ending scenes The climax scene was quite a spectacle. The dark tone, a bit shaky camera, melancholic score, wide angle shots, solid performances, and few but impactful dialogues made even the stone-hearted person drench in tears. That scene made my heart at the verge of explosion. The ending scene is one of the most rewarding I've seen in years. The Direction I highly respect and admire Sir Ram for putting up a very emotional coming-of-age family drama that may be shattering and disturbing but beautiful by showing that love knows no bound really. A hard-hitting commentary on sensitive issues presented with certitude. The movie made the audience feel emphatic with the characters and at the same time make them retrospect with their own lives as well. That's one great show of craftsmanship.

The Music and Score The BGM is good it was able to make the scene intense, eerie, horrifying, and electrifying especially during the climax. I'm not interested with the singing and dancing in movies but this one is an exemption. The solo of Shobana is heartwarming and that dance number with Sridhar is among the best scenes in the movie. The Visual The camera angle, random shots, lighting, and shaky camera were able to set an uncanny vibe. With brilliant editing, the movie was able to deliver a spine chilling sequences. Production design I have to commend on this because the house is a thriller in itself. Each part of the house was like a mystery that needs to be unfold. The setting is good. It is well suited to the story and has helped maximized the plot development. Performances I really like the performances of many characters on the film not only the main characters. Personal favorite is Innocent. He's so funny and nothing of exaggeration. Vinaya Prasad and Suresh Gopi are were good at portraying their roles which had contributed much on the story. Dr. Sunny (Mohanlal) nailed his character with his facial expression, manner of talking, and body language. As for Shobaha, she was phenomenal. Aside from her stellar singing and dancing performances, she portrays two characters with consistency and sophistication. A friend told me it was dubbed for her. I just can't believe it. Bhagyalakshmi is Ganga's voice and Durga was the voice of Nagavalli. That was mind-blowing coz it was perfectly synced. The artist, the dubbers, and the sound editing did a tremendous job.👏👏👏 Screenplay The best feat of this movie is the screenplay. How it was able to balance good humor, romance, music, psychological issue, family drama, mystery, and thrilling moments. The plot is unique (during that time of course), solid, and consistent. The narrative style is also what I like in the film. It started slow giving much attention to details, backstories, and character development. That way the second half was able to deliver a thrilling sequences and breathtaking climax. Another thing worthy of sharing is how the movie changes from genre to genre which was not common among movies. The story started with a comedy and mystery, it gradually progresses into horror and unexpectedly turn into a psychological theme towards the climax. Sir Madhu Muttam was able to create a timeless and incriminate script. Direction It was intelligently done that everything works together perfectly from the opening up to the closing scene. From the script, frames, music, acting performances, and production, Fazil sir was able to wrap up every element into a beautiful, exciting, and thrilling piece of art. Kudos to the filmmakers, staff, and actors who worked in this film. I enjoyed every moment of my cinematic experience with Manichitrathazhu.

This is my first Tamil movie experience and it was exhilarating.🔥🔥🔥🖤🖤🖤 Just like the first time I watch Malayalam movie I watched it blindly. I didn't look into ratings, reviews, plot summary, and trailers. Narrative Style The plot was narrated on a straight forward manner. There is no single flashbacks scene in the whole duration of the film. However, the plot was well developed as the first 20minutes were allotted to establish a simple yet consistent plot. Score What I didn't like on any film is the unnecessary and out of context songs. This movie exclude song but utilized intense dark tone BGM. The score perfectly synced with the action sequences and the transition of the plot. Frame I really like movie shot on bleak light and Kaithi's setting happened from dusk till dawn. The frames are darkly lit without a single blue light but are gorgeous and vivid. Camera works are amazing by utilizing intelligent slow motion, wide angle and close up shots, and shaky camera. Wrapped up with a lighting and brilliant editing made this movie an edge-of-the-seat thriller from the first frame to climax scene. Screenplay Characters are well developed and the plot is consistent and solid. Though the story is not original but the details make the story engaging and gripping all throughout. The lingering father and child relationship created a dynamic impact among the audience. The late presentation of the protagonist was also a brilliant strategy as it adds intensity to the already exciting plot. How the characters were placed in that one-night survival feat coincidentally was really a good idea. Execution Stunt/action choreography was at times over the top but being a fan of action genre, I enjoyed it very much. The action sequences are mind-blowing and top-notch. The acting performance was commendable. I can't imagine how the movie would turn out if other actor would play Dilli's role. It seems like Karthi had been on the writers' mind even during the conceptualization of the script. The supporting roles are also good which had complemented each character well. Overall experience My favorite parts - how he eat his dinner without the care in the world 😍😍😍😍 - that attitude 🔥🔥🔥 His dramatic entrance after the 23rd minute mark and the camera focused on his feet up to his face in a slowmo was chilling (this scene was repeated before the first hand to hand combat).👏👏👏👏since I didn't know the actor it was a different experience for me🖤🖤🖤🖤 As an action genre fanatic I should say that this film is unimaginably riveting from start to finish.🖤🖤🖤👏👏👏. If this movie has a shortcoming I think it's the lack focused on the villain. I just wished he was given more screen time. This movie left a long lasting impression for a Tamil movie experience. I sincerely thank everyone who recommended this.

This is my first Malayalam movie experience and it was an unforgettable one. I seldom watch indian films because I find them lengthy and I don't like the singing and dancing which are most of the time out of context😁✌️. A friend from one of my FB groups recommended this to me saying this is India's entry to Oscars 2021. So I decided to give it a try. I was lazily watching it at first but when the opening frame started I was mesmerized. That first 5seconds really captured my interest specially the score. And I decided I had to watch it with headset on. The Score I have fallen in love with the score (music, sound) as a whole. It intensified the scenes, excited the audience and made the simple frame magical (river flow was like musical). This had been the best score I experienced after Apocalypto. The Cinematography With that opening scene, I knew already that this movie will be a feast in the eye. The camera angles, lighting, editing, close up and wide angle shots are all brilliant. I had took many screenshots especially during the hunt. Acting Solid performances by the two main characters especially Anthony. Supporting roles are minimal but impactful. I really like the old man who planted herbs🤣🤣🤣 Screenplay At first I was wondering why it's a thriller? What could a Jallikattu turn into for it to become a good thriller. The story was one hell of a roller coaster ride. On the opening was the mundane day to day life of the villagers. Then the comical chase of the bull. When night fell, the story had a major turning point. Narrative style is exquisite. How it transcends the story from one genre to another is intelligently done. And the climax was mind-blowing 🔥🔥🔥. Social commentary This is the aspect that I usually look for a film to say it is good. When a film delivers message to the audience then that movie could be really something. The film is an allegory of sensitive social issues like domestic violence, discrimination among women, corruption, selfishness, man's cruelty, ego, and deconstruction of male id. The line "They may move around on two legs but they are beast" really hit me hard, it resonates and leave me with deep contemplation even after the credits had finished rolling. I have never expected I could find another film that I could line up with Apocalypto. This really is a masterpiece and definitely deserves an Oscars. Im glad I was able to see this gem. I was just hoping I saw this in theater 😔. Hats off to the makers and actors of this film.🖤🤣🖤👏👏👏

Well, this is my most anticipated movie for 2020 because I'm a huge fan of Jang Hyuk and I so love historical genre. The cinematography, editing,. lighting, production design are all good.. The choreography is amazing. the swords fight are so intense coupled with shaky camera and jaw dropping slow motion. My most favorite feature in the film is the BGM..I was wowed😯😯😯😯 everytime I hear the drum roll or whatever instrument they used for the BGM.🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Since I really like Jang Hyuk commending his excellent performance may feel like a bit bias..well I just missed his iconic laugh 😂😂😂😂. But he is so good.as well as Joe Taslim who speaks fluent Korean😯😯😯 However, the plot is a bit off for me. I was hoping for more back-stories and well written plot development. The plot becomes flat near the ending also with little plot inconsistencies. But if you do not care about the screenplay.then this is a good film to watch. Hats off to the awesome making of film.

This drama is one of my favorite because of its unique plot. Being a huge fan of the genre and the network I watch this with much excitement. Among the best features of the series are: 1. Stellar cast: the young actors are definitely good especially Sang-mi who was able to deliver all her emotions - grief, depression, anger, fear, hopeless through her eyes and body language. Another characters worth recognition are Dong Cheol and Sang-mi's dad. 2. Visual: This is one of the series that has a movie like cinematography. I really love the blue and greyish colour palette which adds eerie feeling. The camera angles, lighting, and editing are really good. 3. OST/BGM: the OST are nice and the score added intensity to the scene. 4. Social commentary: social issues like bullying, societal discrimination among handicapped, greed, selfishness, lust, corruption, self-righteousness are presented in a very disturbing extent which is appropriate to the plot. 5. Life lessons: friendship, loyalty, and hope we're developed among the 5 young adults. 6. Unique and solid screenplay: plot is consistent, characters are well developed, and the ending is satisfying. Bad side: I think it's a bit slow and confusing on the first few episodes. Some may drop it at that rate. The episodes are too many. I wish it will be just like other OCN series with 10-12 episodes only. Overall, the series is dark, powerful, unique, gripping, disturbing, and depressing. Once again OCN was able to deliver what it is well known of - producing high quality thriller.

Post # Here's my review I have watched more than 150 kdrama and this is my Top 1. Why? 1. Cinematography - they cover the four seasons in this series, with beautiful landscapes as backdrop. The solar eclipse aided with CGI added to the intensity of that scene. 2. Musical score/OST - it was effectively done that had brought more impact to the scenes... I had Goosebumps.... 3. Script - exchange of sweet lines between Eugene Choi at Lady Ae-shin, humorous lines among Eugene, Dong-mae at Hee-sung, at heartfelt messages by the righteous armies that wakes the patriotic heart of the viewers . Major Park Seung-hwan's line are actually part of his suicide note.😭😭😭 4. Support roles - even the littlest role had great impact to the whole story: Do-mi, gunner Jang, Potter Hwang, the 2 slave hunters, interpreter, hotel maid, Major Kyle Moore, Stella, Dong-mae's underlings and the 2 loyal servants ni Lady Ae-shin. 5. Leads - well developed characters: Eugene Choi, Lady Ae-shin, Dong-mae, Kudo Hina, Kim Hee-sung and the really give justice to their roles. Daebak👏👏👏 6. Romance - well, this proved that kissing scene don't define romance 😁😁😁 though I was a bit sad about that😁😁😁. Just how the two lovers gaze at each other is enough to convey their sencerity and love. The sacrifices of Dong-mae, Hee-sung at Eugene for Lady Ae-shin, Kudo Hina for Dong-mae, Hotaro for Dong-mae at ung bromance Ng 3. 7. Non-verbal scenes - no words could pathom (imprinting the flags, suicide of Major Park, photos taken by Hee-sung) This series has the best Cinematography, musical score, direction, cast, screenplay, editing, costume design, and production for me that's why it's my Top 1 series. I can't count how many Goosebumps I had. Daebak 👏👏👏