Limbo(智齿) Chinese Film Thoughts(2021)

 

   Limbo is a 2021- 2022 film that was directed by Cheang Pou soi and stars Gordon Lam, Cya liu, Mason Lee, with Japanese actor Hiroyuki Ikeuchi. The film was a success as it debuted in the top ten at the Hong Kong box office. Many audiences in and outside Hong Kong praised the film for it's presentation of location through black and white.

   A police officer suffers after the death of his wife during an accident. The girl who killed his wife is still living in the streets and the officer wants revenge but must catch a murder who kills females then cuts off their hands......

   Limbo is a film that uses atmosphere to express artistic impression. The whole film was filmed using a black and white filter that makes the story feel bleak or raw to the viewer. Think along the lines of films such as Sin City.(another film that was filmed in comic book black and white.) Everything about this film is really something to behold as a piece of art cinema. The city of Hong Kong is shown as a straight garbage dump. Back alleys are filled with trash bags for crack heads to lay on. You get this sight a whole lot during limbo however, something about the sight is somewhat mystifying. It's kinda like a fever dream where you wake up in a cold sweat. Still, the story itself is simple so you can enjoy the well balanced blend both features. Most of the events of the film run on bittersweet emotions that will make your hair stand up and even kinda sad. Limbo is a solid film that will leave you satisfied. Maybe even craving more films to be like Limbo.

   Performances were like a fresh coat of paint on the black canvas which is this film. I forgot that Mason Lee was in The Hangover 2. He does amazing in this film as a side character. Gordon Lam is the star that leads this whole production. Enough said. 

Check out the trailer here:

Takopi's Original Sin(タコピーの原罪) Manga Thoughts

 

   Takopi's Original Sin is a Japanese manga created by Taizan 5. The series ended up gaining great praise in Japan, with the two volumes selling more than a million copies. The story also earned numerous award nominations last year. Both volumes were released together in a omnibus for North America. 

   Takopi is an alien that comes from a planet full of love. He comes to earth and can not return to his own planet. One earth, he meets a young girl and he tries everything in his power to make her smile. Will the choices he make be an original sin?

   When I was reading this manga, I kept thinking about the characters. This story's foundation is based off the emotional depth of the characters who you won't really feel are very likable. You will feel emotions of sadness, anger, and pity, toward these kids however, thats where it ends. Tokopi is the most likable character in this story and what transpires just makes the reader feel on edge. These kids are taking on adult problems that they shouldn't even be thinking about. Whats worse is that the adults in the situation throw these problems on their children instead of letting them be young. Soon each child reaches a breaking point that causes mass destruction to themselves. Takopi tries to help at the expense of himself. Still, no matter the effort, murder and suicide still occur. I'm going to warn you that Takopi's Original Sin is a trip that will wear you out emotionally until you give a sigh of relief at the ending. The manga cover gives a little hint to the tone of this story so you've been warned.....

      The art style does no fit the tonality of the events. Some dark stuff happens using cute character drawings. However, the cuteness doesn't dim the depressing tone. Instead, it makes the visuals even sadder to the reader. It's like having a cute wrapped Christmas gift that you open up to find some rocks inside the box.......

    Takopi's Original Sin is a manga about starting again when starting again seems impossible. I could see this series being an anime or animated film. It would be interesting to see how the emotions are conveyed in different media forms. 

Gangnam Zombie(강남좀비) Korean film Thoughts

 

  Gangnam Zombie is a 2023 film that was directed by Lee Soo Seong and stars Ji II-joo along side T-ara's Park Ji-Yeon(Dead Bell 2). The was a commercial success despite negative reviews. Film festivals in foreign countries raved about how the film was one of the most viewed as well....

   A zombie outbreak happens inside a mall in Gangnam after an infected man returns to the city. A group of people try to fight back after being down on their luck due to the covid virus. All this takes place before Christmas...

   I started watching this film with an an open mind. The story unfolds like most Korean films- an ark used to establish and introduce characters. These characters are likable but don't have much depth to them. Some of the comedic timing was good when it fit with right the situation. I'm just not sure what the overall picture was for this film. Even by the end of the film, I still wasn't sure. Is this suppose to be an action film? Comedy? Romance? Horror? All of these above? Anyways, The whole product felt like a TV movie or a movie made for television. When the film was over, it was just over. I will say that the factor that saved the main character in the end made me laugh.....

    Some of the bad reviews make sense because Gangnam Zombie doesn't hold a light many of the other zombie films that have come from South Korea. Only feature I liked was how the director showed a point of view through the zombie's eyes. Also, the transformation takes longer in this film. I've never seen a zombie have a hint of humanity after some hours.....