119. Thriller/Mystery Movies and Korean Movies

Continuing from the earlier blog, some more movies reviews…

The Best Offer (Italian) – “In the world of high-end art auctions and antiques, Virgil Oldman is an elderly and esteemed but eccentric genius art-expert, known and appreciated by the world. Oldman is hired by a solitary young heiress, Claire Ibbetson, to auction off the large collection of art and antiques left to her by her parents. For some reason, Claire always refuses to be seen in person. Robert aids Oldman in restoring and reassembling some odd mechanical parts he finds amongst Claire's belongings, while also giving him advice on how to befriend her and deal with his feelings towards her. Also, a friend of Oldman, Billy Whistler helps him to acquire a secret private collection of master paintings.”  A very nice movie with a humorous twist in the ending. 

Perfect Strangers (Italian) – “On a warm summer evening, the loving couple of Rocco, a plastic surgeon, and Eva, a therapist, are expecting their good friends to share a pleasant gathering over dinner. Everything is in order: The first course is ready; the roast is in the oven; the table is set, and without a doubt, this is going to be a meeting of true friends. Before long, the group begins the feast; however, in this nice but somewhat ordinary dinner, there is certainly something missing. Perhaps, if everyone placed their mobile phones on the table--and like a dangerous Russian roulette shared whatever arrived (texts, WhatsApp messages, and calls) – it would spice things up. Clearly, this uncommon truth-or-dare game has no point among honest companions who share everything with each other; nevertheless, when the phones start ringing, who will be the one with the sweatiest palms?”  A very nice premise which starts to unravel everyone’s hidden secrets in their lives and puts it our for everyone to know.  An absorbing tale😊.

Fractured (USA) – “Driving cross-country, Ray and his wife and daughter stop at a highway rest area where his daughter falls and breaks her arm. After a frantic rush to the hospital and a clash with the check-in nurse, Ray is finally able to get her to a doctor. While the wife and daughter go downstairs for an MRI, Ray, exhausted, passes out in a chair in the lobby. Upon waking up, they have no record or knowledge of Ray's family ever being checked in.” What seems to be case of a small error turns out to be something else😊!!  After watching the movie, you get the feeling that you could have guessed the ending before itself.  But when it happens, it hits you!!

Tell No One (French) – “Pediatrician Dr. Alexandre Beck (François Cluzet) misses his beloved wife Margot Beck (Marie-Josée Croze), who was brutally murdered eight years ago when he was the prime suspect. When two bodies are found near where the corpse of Margot was dumped, the Police re-open the case and Alex becomes a suspect again. The mystery increases when Alex receives an e-mail showing Margot older and alive.

I saw the Korean movie, Parasite, after it had won the Oscar for Best Film this year.  At that time, I came to know about the director, Bong Joon-ho, and his earlier works.  So, I decided to see those that had rave reviews😊.  Here are the reviews…

Parasite – “A poor family, the Kims, con their way into becoming the servants of a rich family, the Parks. But their easy life gets complicated when their deception is threatened with exposure.” I did not find anything in the movie to justify the Oscar.  But the concept and the execution were good.  Also points out the difference in the society in South Korea where the ultra-rich and ultra-poor stay side-by-side.

Mother – “A mother lives quietly with her twenty-eight-year-old son, Do-joon, providing herbs and acupuncture to neighbors. One day, a girl is brutally murdered, and Do-joon is charged with the killing. Now, it's his mother's call whether to prove him innocent or to leave him imprisoned.” A very nice movie with a ending that will not please all.  The “Mother” actress is very good.  It shows how far a Mother can go for her kid.

Snowpiercer – “Set in 2031, the entire world is frozen except for those aboard the Snowpiercer. For seventeen years, the world's survivors are on a train hurtling around the globe creating their own economy and class system. Led by Curtis, a group of lower-class citizens living in squalor at the back of the train are determined to get to the front of the train and spread the wealth around. Each section of the train holds new surprises for the group who have to battle their way through. A revolution is underway.”  A nice movie which depicts that “classes in society” exists even during that time.  The full movie takes place in the train.  

Memories of Murder – “In 1986, in the province of Gyunggi, in South Korea, a second young and beautiful woman is found dead, raped and tied and gagged with her underwear. Detective Park Doo-Man and Detective Cho Yong-koo, two brutal and stupid local detectives without any technique, investigate the murder using brutality and torturing the suspects, without any practical result. The Detective Seo Tae-Yoon from Seoul comes to the country to help the investigations and is convinced that a serial-killer is killing the women. When a third woman is found dead in the same "modus-operandi", the detectives find leads of the assassin.” It is mentioned as the one of the best South Korean movies of all times!!  It is based on a true story and while seeing the credits itself you come to know how it is going to end😊.  No spoilers here😊. A good film to watch especially for Song Kang-Ho, one of the detectives, who also appears as the father character in Parasite and also appears in Snowpiercer😊

Cheers until next time!!

Today’s Daffy Definition

Yesterday – The tomorrow that got away!!