賽德克 - 巴萊(下):彩虹橋 (Seediq Bale 2) was released in Taipei back in September. I was on an business trip and wasn't able to blog about it. Well, now is better than later right? From the acclaimed director of Cape No. 7, Wei Te-sheng, this is the second part of Seedig Bale. Seedig Bale was so long that instead of cutting it more, they just split the movie in two. The first was release a few weeks before the second part.
So far, its doing very well at the box office. To what degree, I am not exactly sure. But I am really looking forward to its release on Blu-ray and for it to make it here to LA.
Green Lantern (綠光戰警) is an 2011 film from Warner Bros. The film stars Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. The movie is based on a DC Comics character of the same name. The movie did not perform well enough for an sequel.
The universe is overseen by elders who give guardians to each of the 3,600 sectors. The guardians are given powers through their greens that gets power from the will. However, an evil force called Parallax and former elder wanted to gain power using fear. Parallax is captured by Abin Sur and trapped. Parallax is released and seeks revenge and gravely injures Abin Sur. Abin Sur crash lands on Earth and his ring seeks a new worthy owner in Hal Jordan. Hal is a failure in life except when it comes to flying. A daredevil by nature, Hal is chosen and immediately needs to figure out what this whole Green power is. If not, the power of the Parallax approaches earth and wants to destroy it. Hal must learn the power of Gray....um...hmm... the Green Lanterns and save it from Parallax.
The movie was entertaining but not very good either. The special effects looked really fake. Fake to a point of annoyance. Blake however kept me engaged because she's so dang pretty. Other than that, watch it only if you're a Green Lantern fan.
Shower (洗澡) is a 1999 film out of Zhong Guo. The movie stars Zhu Xu, Pu Cunxin, and Jiang Wu. The film is directed by Zhang Yang.
In an old part of Beijing, a bath house is being run by Old Liu and his 2nd son, Liu Erming. Erming is mentally challenged. The older son, Liu Daming returns when he receives a postcard that he interprets is the passing of his father. Daming and Old Liu are not on good terms because Daming went south to get rich and abondoned his family. Old Liu goes so far as to say that Daming is ashamed of his fathers profession. However, upon his return to Beijing, Daming starts to make amends. Will it work out for this family?
The movie was slow and hard to follow. Going for character development more than a fast pace movie, it grows on you and at the end, you may feel satisfied with the film. I was. I am glad I didn't give up and let the movie develop, because the pay off was good. Worth a watch, but beware that its a movie that shows its age. And for those not aware of the showering custom of those in Zhong Guo. Showering isn't a daily occurrence for them. For many, have one every couple of weeks is common. In the more rural areas, once a month is common too. Will it change in the future, we will see.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (變形金剛3) is an 2011 film. The movie stars Shia LaBeouf. The supporting cast also includes Josh Duhamel, John Turturro, Tyrese Gibson, and Patrick Dempsey. The is the third movie in the series by Michael Bay.
The transformers had some evil land on the moon and its surfacing now. This evil is so menacing, it takes over the earth. Its up to Shia and his crew to bring them down in Chi-town baby. Let the fun begin.
The movie was better than 2, but not as good as 1. The love interest in the film was also a little disappointing. Its hard to replace Megan Fox in her prime. Watch it for entertainment value only.
A World Without Thieves (天下無賊) is a 2004 film out of Zhong Guo. The movie stars Andy Lau, Rene Liu, and Ge You. The supporting cast include Li Bingbing, Wang Baoqiang, You Yong, and Gordon Lam. The movie is also directed by
Andy Lau and Rene Liu play con artist that just made it off with a BMW and are heading to trade it in for cash. Along the way, Liu wants to stop the stealing and settle down. When Lau refuses, she says she wants to leave him. After the car trade in, Lau gives in and they head home. Along the way, Liu takes in a country bumpkin with no clue about thieves. However, on the same train is a team of skilled thieves that want to take the bumpkin's life savings. Let's the battle wits begin!
The movie was the first where I saw Andy and Rene being directed by a mainland director and based in the mainland. And this was during a time in life where I wasn't watching much from Asia. But an interview on a showbiz blurb had Andy Lau saying how he tried so hard to be "ugly". Seriously. I had to watch it. Andy is not ugly nor does he deserve that hair. I recently watched it again while washing dishes. The movie wasn't half bad and I liked the presentation of the world of grifters.
