The Korean Film Festival Started out with a bang with the most widely entertaining shows to be shown in Korea. Once in a while, its quite refreshing to see works from all over the world and that seem to be the case for me the past few days of movie magic.

You can see the whole list of korean movie by click on the link below.
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Right after work on Friday, Shaiful and i caught up and endulge ourselves to this great blockbuster "Silmido"

SILMIDO
This Korean blockbuster movie by director Kang Woo-suk,is based on a true story of a secret South Korean commando whose existence has been veiled to the public. Having lived as a social outcast on account of his father who went to North Korea, Gang In-chan is again charged with attempted murder. In a desperate effort for survival, Gang joins a new special commando organized after North Korea's armed guerillas' attempt to assassinate the South Korean president in 1968. Gang and 30 other conscripted soldiers undergo hellish training and are transformed into virtual human weapons. With a reconciliatory mood forming between the two Koreas, however, their mission is abruptly halted on the very day of operation. Now, frustrated by the Seoul government's decision to disband the special force, they are acutely conscious of their ill fate and decide to take vengeance on the president. The story is based on the Silmido incident on Aug. 23 in 1971 when the government declared a state of emergency. The movie is a real manifestation of divided Korea's tragedy.

A technical glitch happened 15mins near the end. It was amusing. Already at its high points, emotions swelling, suddenly, the screen went off, lights came on and waiting music blared. A few minutes later everything continued back its path only to happen agian the 2nd time. I feel like asking for refund. Anyway it started up agian soon after and tossed the idea aside. It was an awesome show. Didn't expect the plot line to twist and turn so much that you didn't know what will happen (Oh and it helps too that you don't know what the movie is about. To be honest, i agreed wanting to watch this because i liked the poster..*what a laugh). Anyway this show is worth the weekend price.


Recently, Richard alerted us of this competition set up by Power 98 to watch the asian premeire of the Russian "Night Watch". Shocked at the timing, i bluntly agreed to take up the challenge and incidentally the timing came in perfect grace as it was taking place on that very same day after "Silmido". Registration started at 1am and as soon as all the participatant arrived, the challenge began. Yes there were games to be played. What? They're gonna just give away tickets free just like that? Don't be riduculous. Of cos they want us to work for it. Anyway, it wasn't much of a deal.

First of all being in teams of 2, we were tied up by our hands. Each of us are to pick a card to select among us all who to be in major of. The Light side or Dark side. The point will be to make opposite side join YOUR side. So you go around converting people and at the same time having us search 3 levels of floors for a 5 dollar bills hidden around in exchange for real money. Unfortunately we didn't find any.

Time was 215am, we were excorted into the preview lounge for our prize giving ceremony and light refreshments. Freebies was given away that consist of bar voucher, Starlight cinema admition tickets, badges, tatoo stick-ons, music cd, power 98 Tshirt and a creepy doll with spider legs...

NIGHT WATCH
Set in contemporary Moscow, Night Watch revolves around the conflict and balance maintained between the forces of light and darkness – the result of a medieval truce between the opposing sides. As night falls, the dark forces battle the super-human “Others” of the Night Watch, whose mission is to patrol and protect. But there is constant fear that an ancient prophecy will come true: that a powerful “Other” will rise up, be tempted by one of the sides and tip the balance plunging the world into a renewed war between the dark and light, the results of which would be catastrophic.

Another awesome show. I didn't take notice of russian movies but this takes the cake. Cool effects. Great editing (at times dizzying pace). A sprinkle of humour around and kick ass soundtrack. A must watch! Can't wait for the next 2 installment of this trilogy, Day Watch and Dusk Watch.

Be with me
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With almost no dialogs, the suffering emotional silence was defening as the characters on screen surfed through thier wave of heart tugging dilemmas. Divided into 3 parts, interwoven to create a sense of universal point about love, critic abroad and locally have been raving about this feature.



I know some are gonna beat me to a plup about this but, the emotional ride didn't really hit me. Maybe i'm a fan of words. Dialogs that were heard didn't really hit my nerves about love and hence the connection wasn't there. There were a couple sences that were touching but something was missing from it. I tried to be overwhelm of the whole sense but, damn, i just didn't connect.

*Shrugs

I would critic more but it'll be like shooting myself in the foot. Don't get me wrong, its isn't a bad film, infact kudos to Eric. He did a great job with this and i'm proud of this peice.

A Bittersweet Life
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Korean seem to have a knack of revenge movies in comparison with Oldboy, Sympathy for Lady Vengence and more. This is no exception. Blowing accounts of situations gone wrong, misunderstanding and over churning of emotions. Violence galore, it sadistically did pleasure having seen all the rough tumbles that i wish i could do the some that i know (...nah kidding).

Thanks to MovieXclusive, a bunch of us managed to enjoy this marvel of sweat and blood on the house.