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Simply Perfect

Memorable, crazy movie

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

I'm giving it 10 partially because its score is so low. The film, from what I know, was received as poorly in Korea also. I suppose it's not for everyone, although I think it's possible if one watches it one more time. When I first watched it, I hated it. It was boring, weird, and never seemed to end. but then, I felt cheated for paying for it (I watched it online.. small screen, still paid for it..) so I watched it again cuz I could re-watch it within 6 hours or something like that. And now I have the DVD.This movie is very unkind to people who are used to traditional story-telling format in movies. We (at least I) usually want to hear things out loud. Have things explained to us. I didn't know before, but I guess we must depend a lot on the dialogues.At first I hated some parts with its echo effects and how everybody would sing-song a line or divide them into neat parts as they would NEVER do in real life. It was hard for me to understand (and I'm more of a Korean speaker. Later I watched the DVD with the Korean subtitle on;;;) and very annoying. You don't get much of the storyline by listening to what they say. A lot of things happen that can only be seen and much emotion is conveyed through the actions/movements of the visual items on the screen (including the actors and actresses, of course) instead of being delivered straight forward in narrative 'words' to our ears.On my first viewing I thought the film doesn't show enough convincing evidences or hows or whys of the main characters falling in love. It seemed unreal and to happen so fast that I felt they were getting away by themselves, leaving the audience behind.But on the second viewing, it touched me much more than at the first time. I could feel how the characters felt and acted, how their feelings changed throughout the passage of the movie. Those things no longer unconvincing to me. This time, I was with them. I felt what they felt. (as opposed to just knowing what I'm "supposed to" feel) And after my second viewing, I could say this is a very emotional film. (not boring.) A lot of people accused the director of being conceited and just showing off how pretty he can make the screen look, but not trying to communicate with the audience.But there was also a sector(?) of mania fans who viewed the film over and over again, raved about it, protested for a second viewing in the theaters. (cuz the movie was out of the theaters quickly for not making much money.) I think the reason is 1) the way of story telling was something that most people were familiar with. They were expecting something else. And 2) Maybe it just is a film that needs a bit more concentration or work from the audience. (more active participation?) Maybe one does need a second viewing to enjoy/appreciate it more. (but I've heard of people who loved it instantly on the first viewing. Maybe I just didn't concentrate or look for the right things?) Well. I own the DVD now. and I don't buy lots of dvds. Actually it was the first DVD I ever purchased. (although I still haven't finished viewing all the supplemental features;;) and the second one was this k-drama series. and now I want to buy the movie Bittersweet on DVD. (or is it Bittersweet Life? Don't know the exact English title.) I just wanna say that for those who really hated it and thought it was boring the first time they watched it, give it another chance if you ever get around to it. The chances are, you are not gonna regret it and will grow to love it like I did. (I think it improves upon repeated viewings. You see things you didn't see before every time you watch it again. the movie has lots of symbolism that's fun to try to figure out.) Hm. that was kind of a long review. but really, it's quite a lovely film, I think. ^^

You're probably wondering what the heck my title means.There's a memorable scene where the soundtrack features a hard rock thrash song and a quiet piano sonata ...playing simultaneously! How the audio engineer pulled this off without it sounding like a train wreck is beyond me. But you can distinctly make out the two clashing pieces of music.The whole movie is much like this phenomenon. First of all, it boldly crosses the line between "art house" and "martial arts flick". If you're looking exclusively for either, you'll be disappointed. But if you're sharp enough to follow the jumps, you'll love this picture.Almost every other reviewer has criticized the plot for being too thin. I think they're missing the point. The classic Japanese film SEVEN SAMURAI can also be said to have a weak plot, if you're get right down to it. But the point is not to look for an intricate Alfred Hitchcock weave; the point is to enjoy how expertly the visuals can bring a fairy tale to life. And this is a great fairy tale, at times leaving you wondering what is a dream and what is real.And then suddenly you're holding your sides because you're laughing so hard at the comic routines. Like I said, this film mixes it all. You gotta be quick to keep up.Visually, I can't praise this film enough. Vivid colours, smooth camera motion, graceful movements (to the point where a mob scene looks choreographed) and gorgeous sets give this movie a fantasy quality that few directors have been able to achieve. And the computer animation (if even there was much at all) was not noticeable, unlike a lot of modern films that use CGI for everything. Instead, the director uses very creative lighting and shadows to accentuate the swordplay. At times it looks like a Star Wars light sabre duel, but so realistic.Enjoy this film for what it is. Expect nothing, drop all preconceived notions, and I guarantee you'll have a great time.Oh, I also thought I'd mention... no nudity or gratuitous sex, no blood splattered across the screen, no animal cruelty. Fun for everyone.

Set during the Lee dynasty, The Duelist tells the tale of detectives Namsoon and Ahn. The former a hot-headed young woman who is just as willing to stick a knife in the gut of an adversary as look at him and the latter a calm, pleasant man who tries, often in vain, to keep his protégé's temper in check. One day, while working undercover, Namsoon notices a skilled swordsman sporting a white wig and a mask amazing onlookers with his impeccable skill. However, things soon become chaotic when a struggle between two groups breaks out and a wagon containing a huge amount of money is spilt. In order to keep the peace, Namsoon and Ahn pursue a couple of thieves: one a bald man with an eye patch and the other the masked man who swiped a gold statue. Namsoon is able to catch up with the masked man and they cross weapons. Although she is able to split his mask, the man is able to get away.After this incident, trouble begins the spread because the money was counterfeit. The huge amounts of counterfeit money make prices inflate and cause distress throughout the kingdom. Wanting to get to the bottom of the problem, Namsoon and Ahn search out the only engraver, who just happens to have been released from prison recently after a mysterious person bailed him out, who is capable of making molds that could press near perfect coins. The artist sketches a picture for the detectives of the man who bailed him out: a young man with shoulder length hair and sad eyes. Namsoon recognizes him as the swordsman she pursued earlier.Namsoon and Ahn soon learn that Sad Eyes works for the minister of defense and Namsoon dolls herself up as a simpering court woman in order to get close to the man. The two battle a couple of times and through the clashing metal and enhanced sensations, Namsoon begins to fall in love with the beautiful swordsman.The most common criticism that I have heard and read about The Duelist is that the plot is paper-thin. Honestly, this is the case. The plot can easily be summed up in one sentence and it is a plot that has been done numerous times before with better execution. However, The Duelist is a beautiful film. The costumes are magnificent, especially those of Namsoon and Sad Eyes, and architecture is extraordinary. The fight scenes, especially those between the heroine and her enemy/beloved are gorgeous and they give off equal sensations of danger and beauty. Also the soundtrack is quite wonderful with equal parts rock and traditional music. At one point there was a thunderous rock track being played with a soft piano. The trio of bass, drums, and guitar did not drown out the piano, and it gave the supple movements of Sad Eyes, Kang Dong-won, even more beauty and grace. A decent film; just don't go looking for an intricate plot.

This movie is disguised as historical action,romance and detective film. It has every element of any Asian action genre film.Underneath it, this movie is very self-conscious and experimental film. Of course, there is a compromise between mainstream movie and director's personal movie. That is "having narrative" in this movie.Director expresses his visual vision which is loosely based on detective story.However if you try to follow story in this movie,you will be utterly disappointed.This is almost another form of alienation effect. There is narrative but narrative can not handle its grandized style. It is not style for narrative but narrative for style. Director almost challenges you what movie is and means to you. In this grossly capitalized movie making world, can movie be presented as an art form or a painting. is it even possibility of discussion?If you like this kind of geeky challenge(almost Brecht like) or exploration, this is movie for you. If not, I say still give a shot and focus on style and rhythm and visualization and do not waste to spend too much time to follow the "story". If you are interested in this director, you can google it and will be able to find interviews. I think this movie Lee expressed more his personal vision and visual challenge than previous one and he is definitely pushing it.Movie is based on comic book characters and stories written by Bang Hak-gi.Korean soap opera "Damo (female detective)" also is based on this comic book story.Female leading lady(Ha ji won) played similar role in drama "Damo". Damo was great hit series drama in Korea.This movie did not do well in korean box office but there is a cult following for this movie. When you try to buy DVD, make sure that it is quality you want because director did several digital enhancement on this movie after release.That is what I heard anyway and you do not want to miss gorgeous visual in this movie.