Black Swan is a 108 minute film that shows us how unattainable perfection is. This film shows us the growth of Nina from the White Swan to the Black Swan with use of the formalistic approach.
Black Swan is a 2010 psychological horror film directed by Darren Aronofsky. In 2011, the film was nominated for five awards—best picture, best director, best actress, best cinematography and best film editing. Natalie Portman was awarded as the Best Actress by the Academy in 2011 for her role as Nina Sayers in the film.
Realism represents the real world connected with all real-life emotions and whatever genre is, it will make sense. This is the best medium that can be related to the audience when they watch a movie. ” The One I Love” matches this film because of this movie you would know the essence of a real couple by how they want to overcome their weak relationship. Marriage is sacred so it is worth maintaining and appreciating it. Yes, it is true, but how long can it be maintained despite the temptations of human life? However, when you watch The One I Love starring Mark Duplas as Ethan, Elizabeth Moss as Sophie and Ted Danson as The Therapist, where here you can get a lot of surprises and confusion. The script for the 2014 movie was written by Justin Lader. The story then is that the therapist suggested a retreat for a couple to return their previous marriage and to love each other again. In conformity with IMDb post, The One I Love, received awards from the Newport Beach Film Festival as a winner of the Honor for Outstanding Achievement in Acting (Elisabeth Moss) and San Francisco Film Critics Circle as an Honor winner for Special Citation. The film is well worthy of these awards because the acting is real and the story is unique. The great work of this movie creates an awesome and twists.
They followed their therapist and they went somewhere in their retreat. This is a great place to be in a beautiful guest house. Here in this area it is very important for couples to heal their life in marriage and will eventually be renewed. Ethan and Sophie thought to try and feels good. At the main house, Ethan prepares a wonderful dinner; they drank some wine, smoke, swim and rest. They really enjoyed their first day because of their excitement. They talked about loving one another and happily enjoying life. No other guest is just the two of them in a guest house. The sightseeing area is just around the corner. On that night, they decided to sleep together in a guest house, but his wife went back to the main house to change clothes. Surprisingly, Ethan fell asleep on the couch. She wondered how quickly Ethan would get there. She asked how he quickly got there. Ethan also asked her what she did? Sophie said that they did what they did, but Ethan did not do it. Sophie became more and more angry and slept alone. When Ethan returned to another guest house and while sleeping, Sophie suddenly came and she was grateful. When the morning came he woke up and saw Sophie cooking a bacon for breakfast, he just realized that his wife does not like bacon and he was just confused. Ethan returned to the main house and Sophie appeared in the bathroom.He took her and brought him to the guest house, but it wasnothing again, without the sign of breakfast. They went outside and explaining all the extra ordinary things that are happening. Ethan decided on a test, to go back to the guest house and see Sophie what he was saying about what was happening at home. They had a deal that they entered into one by one to see what Ethan was saying that it was telling the truth. Sophie first entered to the guest house, she saw Ethan doing anexercise and things like that Ethan does not do it at all. Aside, she was very excited about Ethan’s attitude, she saw his positivity in his heart and there is no hesitation in communicating with him. Sophia went out of the house and immediately they pack all the things that they have and left. While eating at the coffee shop they have a conversation about the things happening in that area. They realize to go back and see possible things for them if they try it and it can be beneficial to their relationship. When they returned to the place, they talked about what they should do and should not be done and agreed to each other. The number one rule is to be honest and no spying while inside the guest house. Ethan gives only fifteen minutes to Sophie. While she entered the guest house she saw Ethan doing a painting of her and he is very different from his usual habits. The time was over for Sophie and Ethan wondered why Sophie had not come out yet. He hurried to go to the guesthouse and peek at the door and saw that Sophie was enjoying the massage. Sophie suddenly came out and angry with Ethanand again they fight and Ethan explains that she has passed over the given time. Here they know each other that something is going on and they continue to know what’s happening. Ethan secretly went to the guesthouse and set up his mobile to record but when he came back it was gone and no longer on its place.
The next morning Ethan decided to buy things outside, while he is driving, he realized to go back again and return to the guesthouse. Sophie did not know that Ethan did not go on his wayand she had a plan to visit other Ethan at the guesthouse. She did not know the true Ethan was at home. Ethan just pretends to be the other man and they have a good time. Sophie continues to meet other Ethan and gradually she fell in love with him. After they had a great moment, Sophie returns to the main house and Ethan is coming and Sophie asks him about the things he’s buying, he says the store is closed. Then, Ethan returned to the guest house to see the other Sophie. Here he saw the other Sophie and confronted her that she was not her real wife and she was just pretending and they supposedly enjoying the weekend, but because of the appearance of the two, they are not enjoying their vacation.
While they are in the main house, they saw the other Ethan and Sophie sitting on a coach. There they saw it each other. Ethan was so confused about them and asking them if they are real. They are real but just pretending and Ethan finally concluded when he saw the file inside the guesthouse someone is manipulating their stay there. Inside, both of them had a dinner and play cards. Ethan is not good about them but Sophie is just relaxing and enjoying meeting them.
The following day morning, the other Sophie visited Ethan to the guest house, explains that the other Ethan has something special to his wife and he wanted to be with him and that does not have to happen. Ethan realize to fight for his love for his wife. Ethan hurried to the main house secretly to see Sophie. It was with other Sophie and she helped Ethan to recover her. He was sincerely telling him how does he loves him so much and explains about the trap. Ethan grab Sophie knowing she is the real wife and left the place. In the morning Ethan woke up and hearing Sophie’s cooking bacon for their breakfast. Gradually, Ethan think again and he just let it be.” The One I Love” is a completely unique movie, with some related scenes that is suitable for everyone.
For cinematography, including their costume, it is an ordinary clothes that are not expensive and ordinary people can wear it. It is not attractive but it is suitable for them based on their characters and they did not use a lot of clothes to impress the audience, they are focused solely on their story. When it comes to make-up, a light on their faces and you will notice a natural make-up for them. It is only noticeable to the lips of Sophie to use a light lipstick. Both characters are in a very simple face.
The setting based on a real guesthouse with main house and swimming pool. The place has a beautiful scenery when you look at it surroundings of a mountains and lots of trees. It is a best place for the film. For the lighting they use combination to determine the appropriate figure for the background.
Not much focus on the lighting because most of the scenes captured the natural lights. Their acting is so real, not too much it is just light not heavy. They use many practical things, regardless of the existing lights in the main house. In the guesthouse they have some lights they can use such as bouncing a natural light that comes from outside. Sunshine is the most important illumination of this movie because of its setting throughout the place. Some scenes are dark when Ethan and Sophie swim in the evening and during counseling to the therapist. They use multiple shot angles and movements for this movie to showcase different features. The production is simple just made of real things not so much effects on the film. They used natural effects and that is appropriate for this kind of story. For this movie, it is a budget movie that you can see that there are no other things you can say that is a luxury.
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In this film’s story of the theory of realism, marriage is truly for a couple and the story for this movie is common in real life. This is the actual happening in marriage life like the scene when Ethan and Sophie consulted to the therapist to bring back their relationship. Some couple who are going through this situation they will do what Ethan and Sophie did. Because in real life even they are already married, there are circumstances like Ethan did with his wife, he cheated her or it may be a vise versa with the wife. It is not exempted for a couple to do the wrong one. Anyone can make cheating on their partner. In addition, communicate with each other to understand small things like simple arguments that can be resolved before it’s too late. Another real thing is forgiveness, because when Ethan tells about his feeling to Sophie that he really loves him so much and asking for forgiveness in spite of what he has done. Sophie realized Ethan changed his attitude and you can see it in her teary eyes, there is a reconciliation and forgiveness. Also, with trust and honesty in a relationship. While they are in a retreat, they are talking about the rules and these are an important aspect of their agreement.
“The One I Love” is a movie for a couple who has the same situation and it is related to them that can be an inspiration because it is not easy to undergo this type of situation unless you have something to prove that you do not love your partner anymore or several cases such as a brutality. But this is for everybody even if it is not married yet. They can get an idea about married life. They would learn and get some important aspects in this real movie. Most of the scenes here are real and there are no illusions. When watching this movie, there is an interesting and excitement because they are just a normal couple. One of them has having an affair with someone. Though it is forbidden when you are already married because of the vow during your wedding day. Even before and until now, there are cases after they get married one of these may have been different and they did not want to fight their sworn marriage and come out with the destruction of their marriage that was overjoyed before. Marriage is often denied. We think we all know and come here without learning how to do it. Wisdom is important thing if you want to achieve a happy marriage life. Little things should not a big deal. Understanding in every situation is not just by doing your own way but also consult for an expert if you think you do not know how to handle it. Marriage is a signing contract that needs to do it in order to maintain it. It is very important to have these because is a sacred and not just an ordinary contract. Couples need to share and care. They should support and trust each other through thick and thin seasons. Strong promise strengthens them even if they are far from work or status. Additionally, it includes pledge, sympathy, care, courtesy and being present for one another. Marriage does not give warranty for happiness and satisfaction forever. There are many challenges in a certain time. But the most important thing is that you stay firm with each other until the end of your life. Everything will end in a good mood. Marriage is a group activity where there are daily life activities that can be done in a best possible way. At first when doing an activity, not sure how to work on it because this is the first time to do it. But one thing is for sure your determination and perseverance to win the goal. Learning to each other is one of the important factors in marriage. Also, it is genuine love that is absolutely limitless. This is all about your relationship, remember you are now in one as a couple. Giving pure love is best for the best gift you can make to the one you love. You learn to be generous and think about your partner before you and it helps you to be complete and confidence to yourself. Doing things like these, it will boost and develop your relationship strongly. However, it can build your personality in terms of being a partner. Also, it gives you the opportunity to see other beauty that comes from within. It’s not just the physical appearance that matters to married, but what matters is your partner’s attitude. It is best to know the mind and heart of a person as the basis for your love. Everyone make mistakes, in a long run period of time of marriage, unexpectedly you might get hurt with your love one. Sometimes you feel weak and no energy to fulfill your responsibility as a partner and you cannot understand anymore and you want to give up. All the burdens are in your body and mind. But your heart is pure, it is time to reflect. This is a reflection for what you have done and the committed sin against your partner. Change all the ego and humble yourself before anything else. This is all about forgiveness and forgetting. This is to heal your broken heart at the same time to heal the one you hurt. this is for the sake of past times, your reconciliation, and the vows that will emerge stronger and live happily. Care for one another can be better and nobody will be with you or be with someone because at the end you will realize your partner’s care. Always think the best possible that you can do, do it in a positive way in order to have the best result.
Just like Ethan and Sophie did in this movie. They have strong relationship despite of the intense attempts and trials. They did not harm each other physically. Instead they make a solution to overcome their weak relationship. Here they find the courage to deal with the trials in order to overcome those things that should not be and they believe that their marriage does not cause them to be separated even though Ethan was cheated to his wife. If Ethan is guilty for his sin to his wife, he did ask for forgiveness and he humble himself and he wanted to bring back to their previous marriage. That is why they went to an expert which is the therapist, because they were weak and did not know how to handle their marriage. In this situation, it is important to know what is the best remedy to cure the wound. It’s a good idea to consult an expert if you think you have no other way to resolve your relationship. Through that experience while in their retreat. They learned about them their attitude as well and the things that is better for them. This is how brave they are; they have strong positive mind set. Through it all, they have respect, care, compassion and even unconditional love. All the negative things that happened to them at the end of their retreat, they realized what they had to change in their selves and to know each other deeply. At the end, they changed a lot and renewed their mind and hearts. For these things, things have changed for a better future, which someday they are an inspiration for others and a good story for everyone and this will serve as a guide. Now they have a positive result. “The One I love” is the movie can be recommended to everyone. It is a nice movie. Watch it to believe and you will see.
Midnight Runners directed by Kim Ju-hwan. It is an action-comedy-thriller film about the police cadet, featuring Park Seo-Joon as “Gi-Jun” and Kang Ha-Neul as “Hee-Yeol” and how being selfless can make a huge difference. The film talks about a couple of dark side about the Korean law enforcement and Chinese immigrant gangs who manipulate the black market. It’s a realistic film portraying the society works today.
The protagonists were forced to be on a prestigious Police University in Seoul. Park Gi-Jun being the dumb one was forced to enroll due to their financial status in life. He was raised by his mom alone, and he thought by being a police officer he can have a stable income to provide for his mother. And Hee-Yeol, the nerdy one, thinks having a conventional education is too ordinary. So, he wanted to try something unique. Then the two met and made an unexpected pair during their training.
Both of them aren’t good students at all, and they just made fun of their lectures. But two years later while they are still in training, the two will experience the importance of what they have learned in the university.
One night, they went out of the campus to go on a club in Gangnam. Towards the end of the night, they saw the young woman being kidnapped and stuffed in a black van, as they try to remember their instructor’s advice about the golden 7-hour period. They immediately went to the police station but unfortunately, they were declined as the police men were in a rush as well to save some business mogul’s grandson that went missing. In which, it was an especial order made by their chief.
This kind of abduction story is common for us now. Many incidents like this happened before and how the policemen were scared about not obeying the higher officials demands, that they should come first before the people of their nation. And this kind of story is real, and that what made this film more realistic.
Because according to Bazin, realism is an attempt to recreate the things that happened in the past through a certain medium. The film itself, shows the bad side of the government officials, and the hideous crimes that a man can do.
So as the story continues, after they did not get any help from the policemen, the two tried to investigate and save the young woman by themselves. And as they follow what they have learned, which is the three sources of investigation. They continue to search to find the abducted woman. And lead them into a night of escapade and shocking revelations as they learn to apply their combat training in the real world.
On the technical side of it, Midnight Runners does not have anything special in its set up. It just revolves around the booth camp tropes and the friendship between the characters from being a childish to being matured. I think Director Kim, just wanted to be clear about the story itself. And used it as the style of the film.
Then the main plot began, the action scenes and thriller took the viewers into the Chinese-Korean organ trafficking gang’s territory. It was full of ruckus and there are some slapsticks in between scenes. And the camera shots were on point as they filmed those action scenes, and the need for breaks in between actions. He also used good transition shots for the audience to give them time to absorbed what just happened in between those scenes.
As Gi-Jun and Hee-Yeol continue to fight against the gang to save those women who have been kidnapped, despite not being really equipped and fully trained they still tried their best but eventually failed. This section did a good pacing to extend the film’s timeline. Also, their fight scenes are the most effective part. It may not be compared to those high-end action films, but still they have an aggressive and strong choreography. Their sound effects were good as well to make it more believable to the audience. The costume and make-ups did a great job by creating it like it is real, especially when the girl just finished being operated. And it made the viewers cringe by that sight.
For a film that is much more to be like by most of young women, well that is because of their lead actors, but it is somehow mysterious and not the typical heroes’ story. They got jealous over their fellow cadet’s girlfriend, and they went out of the universities. To try to flirt in the club just to get hook-ups. But the two leading actors failed to have partners that night, then they saw this beautiful young lady walk past them. Then they decided to follow her and made a bet, who should be the one to approach her. Then that moment onwards, made them every girl’s knight in shining armor.
In between characters, there were only quite the popular ones. The two main lead actor Park Seo-Joon and Kang Ha-Neul. Both have great chemistry, especially to make the comedy works. And their police academy instructor, the veteran actor Sung Dong-il and Park Ha-Seon, whom their characters also contributes to the success of their film, even though they were only given limited screen time.
In conclusion, Midnight Runners is not the typical action-comedy-thriller film we used to watched. It’s not just about their great action scenes, their funny dialogues and interactions but it is about the films plot’s message to the audience. That everyone should be sincere and passionate in everything we do, we can be both lead actor at the same time supporting actor to save lives and to give justice. And by being selfless can make a huge difference in the society.
Amateur actors make names in the silver screen industry in delivering verisimilitude performance intensifying realism in film and is drawing attention from the public.
The critically acclaimed 2017 indie film The Florida Project is both shocking and salient. It is a story of a mother-daughter journey in life in financial distress living in a budget-motel dwellings in Magic Castle paradoxically located not far from The Happiest Place on Earth, the Walt Disney World. Halley (Bria Vinaite) is a young struggling mother with an insurgent characteristic who is far from reluctant to do anything and everything just to pay rent and provide food on the table for her daughter to the point of prostitution. Recently, she got fired from his job so resorted to selling of perfume to tourists from a nearby hotel tagging along her daughter…
Released Date: December 20th, 2017 Directed by: Kim, Yong-Hwa
By: Baek Jin Wook Jan, 16 2019
“With all the fulfilled technical aspects, underestimated film in Korea, Along With the Gods: The Two worlds shows current movement of Korean film industry on the technical elements, special effects, aesthetic of Mise-En-Scene and editing”
Along With the Gods: The Two world tackles about human sin and by relating the plot and the story to the religious matter as hell (underground worlds). It also shows the cultural religious belief of Koreans towards death raising emotional aspect of the audience as well. Director of this film Kim Yong-Hwa, even though criticized by the film critics in his previous drama & action film “Mr. Go”, he still managed to continue his own style of story plotting (relating Korean culture to a fantasy or action, including family scenes as emotional aspect, always ending with emotional lingering image). Even though this film is based on fantasy& drama, it totally has an idea of Auteur theory where director Kim’s personal thought, style and decision. Made this film this as a big challenge for director Kim himself. However many people said that Along With the Gods: The Two World, CG and formalism elements covered the lacking skills of director Kim. With no assistant of workers in the film, director Kim might have gone through critics by the public
According to the afterlife world’s law, all human beings must go through seven trials for 49 days after death and those seven trials are Murder, Laziness, Lying, Injustice, Betray, Violence and Moral laws of family relationship. Where each of the trial is owned by perspective kings, showing different ambience and characteristic with aesthetic match in Mise-En-Scene.
The
genre of this film is classified as fantasy drama since it covers the
traditional belief, imaginary characters like Kings and angles of death, fish
with human face and imagination of the director was totally shown in the film.
Still Mr. Kim related his imagination linked to the real tradition belief of
Korea so that the audiences will easily get the flow of the story. Along With
the Gods: The Two worlds, in this film, the given setting of the film is
fantasy, however the story is somehow related to human behavior and human’s
nature characteristic.
This Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds, based on the story from webtoon(Internet Cartoon) named as Along with the Gods, director Kim and the author of the Webtoon Mr. Joo ho Min gathered together and revised the whole story. By turning the webtoon to a film, it has gathered 14 million audiences which in Korea when a film gathers more than 10 million, we consider it as a hit movie. However, even though with this success, many people negatively evaluated about the film that the story is such a mess but on the other view, this film has opened the new gate for Korean fantasy film industry. Koreans were only in to fantasy when a foreign movie flows into the industry, like the film Avatar, Avengers and iron man which is considered as biggest foreign blockbuster SF movies in Korea, after watching that film, people’s expectation truly went high that the Korean film makers couldn’t tend to make such.
“MR. Kim Ja Hong, you have successfully died on the assumed date”
Kim Ja Hong the main character, a formal firefighter died while rescuing a kid in a fire accident, angles of death Haewonmak and sub-lawyer Lee Deok-choon and Lawyer of the dead Gang Rim comes in front of Kim Ja Hong telling that he is an innocent man and a nobleman who needs to go on a trial which contains seven trials for 49 days in order to be reincarnated as a human again. Kim Ja Hong is the 49th nobleman who appeared in the afterworld and the king of the underworld promised the angel of death and the lawyer that if they bring 49 noblemen in 1000 years period, they will be reincarnated as a human again. To achieve their goal together with Kim Ja Hong, they being their journey. Together with them Kim Ja Hong goes under seven trials but every time he faces the King of each trial Kim’s hidden sins in the past are being opened which caused crisis during the whole story. After all the crisis in the process Kim Ja Hong and his companies reach to the last trial facing the most biggest sin Kim Ja Hong ever made during his life time. Through explanation and by the real innocent proof, Kim Ja Hong passes all the 7trials done in 49 days. However, the younger brother of Kim Ja Hong passed away when Kim Ja Hong was at the underground world, ending the scene with success of Kim Ja Hong, on the other hand,showing the illusion of Kim Ja Hong’s brother to take the 7 trials. Director gave a little idea of the next episode to be continued.
Each of the trial scenes in the film included computer graphic appearances done by special editing. This Along with the God: Two worlds is full of CG and action scene. In most the scenes, nearly everything except the characters were created by CG and it only shows little setting with in the real world. Setting made the total atmosphere of the story and lead each characters and their crisis to move forward. Andre Bazin said the human being is all-important in the theatre, the drama on the screen can exist without actors. The atmosphere which the setting possess, it represents the film itself. This Along with the Gods: Two worlds is a perfect example of quotation from Andre Bazin. Out of 100% of successfulness, setting with special editing, its cinematography and Mise-En -Scene covered more than 70% of its success.
Appearance of the angle of death and laywers of the dead, usage of the color black in their costume and their dark tone of makeup signified death and represented their sad but strong ambience. In the 1st trial, it judges a person who has committed murder or has committed acts of murder. Kim Ja Hong can reach the next Laziness trial after passing the ‘Huadang Youngdo’ filled with flames and smoke. The sinner receives a hot-tang mold that is put into a fire land which is filled with lava. All of those shown in the 1st trial scene were created by Computer Graphic and special effects where it was actually the first fantasy scene that the director showed in the film. With no expectation, surprisingly, Korean film industry and CG Company showed massive kind of realistic CG. Considering they had only a budget of 16 million US dollar, it was totally successful and the film critics in Korea mentioned there is no doubt in CG performance. Comparing to Holly Wood film, it is considered as low-brow film (in terms of budget) but its performance shown to the world is truly impactful. In this trial scene, different camera angles were shown to please the eye of the audience, conveying meanings in each angles and by that it also represented the expression of the character (anxiety, happiness, crisis moment).
In the 1st trial, when introducing the setting of the trial court, it’s camera movement in cinematography used Long shot and transition/ continuing shot from High angle to low angle were shown to express the magnificent atmosphere of the underground lava. Considering it was all done by CG, the movement of the camera moving along with the setting is impressive (Like if it took by a drone). Space in Mise-En-Scene was putted in the right position, by performing different camera placement, it showed as if the screen is three-dimensional. The volume of the setting was heavily constructed, creating steady and hard ambience of the setting were especially highlighted in the 1st trial scene. The king of the murder trial, dressed up and had the makeup like the character is the lava, flames and smoke itself.
2nd trial
In the 2nd trial, it judges a person who wasted his life time. One can reach the next trial after passing the “Samdo-cheon”, which is a waterfall filled with fishes shaped like a human face and has sharp teeth.
Especially in the scene of 2nd trial, showing the flow of the water down to the water fall by using high angle with tracking shot using different screen ratio usage, it showed the characteristic of the trial court. Besides that, the scene surely showed all different kind of camera skills and angles. In a word, 2nd trial scene totally proved that cinematography was well applied and used in the film, not only focusing on a specific shot or an angle, it gave diversity of views which really perfectly matched with dramatic fantasy world. Also use of color is definitely well applied in this scene. King of the Laziness, as a women had a costume matched up with the color of the setting. All the trial scenes in this film is connected to the human cognitive and human nature characteristic which is real but in expressing the scene, method is diversely used.
Interesting part among the 7 trial is shown in 3rd trial: the Lie trial. Here the King of the sin is a kid, where the director broke the stereotype “A king should be old and matured”. Interestingly, to show that the King is a young kid, it used a prop “lollipop” in showing the characteristic of the God. Comparing with other trial scenes, there were less special effect nor was the setting created by full of CG. By using Prop, it manipulated and substituted the setting’s responsibility.
5th trial
6th trial
Most significant effect and impact of makeup on the character were shown in the 5th trial: Betrayal trial. Starred by Korean movie star Kim Ha Neul, as the setting of the film was full crystal mirror. This trial judges the person if he/she betrayed others who believed in them. The director plotted the story Kim Ja Hong’s betrayal sin as beautiful betrayal. With the story plotting of the theme “beautiful”, the King’s costume was a beautiful dress signifying and reflecting the aesthetic ambience of the trials’ setting. Also with the effect of makeup together with frequent extreme close-up shot, the King of the betrayal trial possessed cold but beautiful atmosphere. In most of the trial scenes, the appearance of the kings are shown in medium close up and used eye level shots to show expression of the kings. Each trial scene had specific use of certain elements of formalism film. However, interestingly, in the 6th trial scene: Violence trial, director made a significant difference in the Kings’ attitude in the scene comparing to the previous trial kings. Here, frequent usage of Medium shot and eye level shot were shown since the character had movement and high engagement in the staging performance. . When showing the trial setting, it used low angle camera technique. It gave a fresh scene using different techniques and atmosphere comparing to other trial scenes.
From the 1st scene to the 6th scene, contained and fulfilled with elements of formalism, at the last 7th trial: Moral laws of family relationship, where it judges sins between parents and children, possible to reach to the last moment of reincarnation after passing through “Chungo desert” made of sand. In this particular scene, all the combination of technique, aesthetic of Mise-En-Scene, and different cinematographic elements were shown. Putting the best ability of CG technique in the action scenes and combining and relating the real world setting to the fantasy world. Here the intention of the director Kim and its climax rose. Before reaching this scene, the film is merely full of CG effects and technical elements with the setting of underground world. Stepping on to 7th trial, screen shows scenes happening in the real world setting but it also had CG and special effects in the action scene.
Deeply focusing into the character of 7th trial, “King of the Underworld”, makeup and the costume really made the character look like a king, especially the harmony between costume, makeup and the setting was perfectly matched. Brown color of the setting together with the brown atmosphere of makeup and brown&gold costume. Lighting and shadowing especially worked and is highlighted in this scene. Quality of lights and movement of lights depending on the characters emotion strongly emphasized certain moments. In the first scene where the King of the underworld appears, used shading lighting where it emphasized the atmosphere of the King. Here in this scene, Korean film industry’s traditional way of raising the emotion was applied and where the significant characteristic of director Kim appears. Even though this film is a fantasy & drama film based on formalism film style, at this last scene the story went on as narration style. The story went on the basis of narration which it is very effective for people to be emotionally engaged. Relating the story with the family, putting crisis where audiences can feel as if they are inside the film as a character, this family scene is considered as the main scene of the story. It makes the audiences fall inside the fantasy world while it is related with real world therefore it raised emotions. It is hard to catch the emotion of audience especially in a fantasy film but Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds had perfect match of actors to the character which showed its effect in all the scenes but particularly more in this 7th trial scene. In this particular scene, extreme close up shots were created to make the audience focus on the character’s emotion rather than special effect and other elements. Temporal relations between real world and underground world were shown, applying flashback and flash-forward, the frequent transition was smooth enough. Director ends the film by giving illusion of the next episode through engaging a new character who is the main character in the next episode.
Actors and Actresses in the film are really well-known movie stars where their filmography is stable and their image towards audience has no doubt in acting.Even the cameo/extra were famous movie stars where they showed appropriate ambience about the character. However, the lacking quality of the story board of director Kim was shown at the very last scene where it aimed to gain emotions forcing people to make tears, making sudden transition of mood which lead to awkwardness flow of the story. Still, Korea’s traditional belief was well featured and shown in the setting itself and by applying Mise-En-Scene in the film, it covered the lacking quality of the film.
Along With The Gods: The Two Worlds shows Director Kim really possessed his own idea and imagination inside this film. Also, in between trials, the director created linkage from underground world to the real world and lead the audiences which made them not only to focus on the technical aspects but to focus on the story itself as well.
Film editing part is one of the elements which made the success of Along With The Gods. In each scene, tons of shots from different angle and position were linked together where it showed the ability of continuity editing. Particularly in the action scene between Gang Rim and the evil spirit, Transition of each scene is smooth by applying different techniques. When the transition was made from one trial to another trial, techniques like fade-out, fade-in were used. Especially in the scenes where it connected the real world to the underground world, dissolve technique was used connecting smoothly making transitions which linked the story without breaking the moment. There were no actual graphic relations between each trial scenes since each trial scene had its own particular strong characteristic containing different mood, texture, color and atmosphere. In terms of spatial relation, by starting each trial scene either low angle or high angle using extreme long shot & long shot. Relating the introducing scenes of trials together, similar usage of techniques are applied in each introduction scene of trial courts, repetition use of technique and editing skills were applied. Still, with the same technique and cinematographic usage, by applying different aspect of Mise-En-Scene, every scene had its own characteristic. Special editing and computer graphic editing are highly applied throughout the whole film. Continuity of scenes, transitions and camera movements are more highlighted by the post editing process. Making and transiting imagination and fantasy world into the screen by CG, special effect and editing procedure, director created the visual enjoyment. However, Along with the Gods: The Two worlds, had no definite characteristic nor presented special characteristic on sound elements. Its sound in the film was just normal as other film which is one of the weakness of this film. Still, the sound in the editing part, adding specific and detailed sound in each scenes, it created an appropriate sound for each scene. Here, all the other elements in formalism film covered this weakness of the film.
This film, Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds presents combination of aesthetic element of Mise-En-Scene and Cinematographic elements shaped with editing process which lead to the perfection. It is true that there was no certain movement in Korea formalism film industry, there were formalism film but most of them were just circulated around the elements of formalism. Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds, broke the ice wall of Korea formalism film industry by challenging in making the entire film full of formalism elements. This it statistically proved by the number of people in the cinema who watched this film. Not only skimming the meaning and features of Cinematography, Mise-en-Scene and editing, the film added specific & precise part and added aestheticism of each elements. Setting of the story took most part in the film, creating the story itself. As what Andre Bazin said, the human being is all-important in the theater, the drama on the screen can exist without actors, and it is not an exaggeration to say that settings and use of elements of formalism film in the film conquered the whole film. Adding more, Style and characteristics of Formalism film and distinct style of director Kim Yong-Hwa’s own Auteur Style were well harmonized. Looking deeply in to the elements of Formalism film in this Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds, it is able to feel the exquisiteness of each elements applied throughout the whole film. Surely, Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds has opened the new gate of formalism film industry in Korea.
A drama is a genre that is represented in any kind of play, opera, mime, ballet and even on the big screen it has to be. This film got a few nominations but did not win anything due to its plot line.
Eddie Murphy knew from his roles of being a comedian this is his other phase of being an actor he is the frontrunner in this film. This the first movie he has ever after a hiatus from the big screen, which did not turn well due to the Mr. Church representation of characters. This is the film is about true friendship says in the title at the beginning of this film. I will break down every part of the film so that we can understand how this film has representation, structure, underlying narration and double meaning situations here in the film is prevalent. It is simply a “misguided interracial drama” according to Ebert, 2016.
Understanding the deeper context of love doesn’t need validation. This is what I have learned while watching the movie, Rainbow Sunset directed by Joel Lamangan, starring veteran star actors Eddie Garcia, Gloria Romero, and Tony Mabesa.
Let me just say this right now – I loved the whole theme of the story! It was truly made with a heart. ♥
The film
focuses on so many aspects of love. First is the love of a Mother, Sylvia
(portrayed by Gloria Romero) to her family showed she will do everything she
can just to ensure that the family is intact and united. Her role demonstrated
so much substance such as how she can endure the pain seeing her husband, Ramon
(portrayed by Eddie Garcia) with his
childhood best friend turned lover, Fredo (portrayed by Tony Mabesa). Also, on how she comforts
her children during difficult times.
Second is, Ramon, an 84-year old man who served the
country as a former vice mayor and a senator, confessed
to his children about his relationship with Fredo (portrayed by Tony Mabesa). That
scene shows no one has the right to question what love is all about. It’s not just
for the LGBTQ but for everyone.
Lastly, Fredo (portrayed by Tony Mabesa)
he fell in love with Ramon since their childhood days. He helped Ramon to
achieve his goals. One of the scenes shows Sylvia recalls and share the story
to one of her children, Fe (portrayed by Sunshine Dizon) what the good things
that Fredo did for the welfare of Ramon such as he paid half of the cost of
Ramon and Sylvia’s wedding. For me, this is unconditional love. Fredo knows
from day one where to put himself of. And that adds to the quality of the
story. It is rare in a story to find a love triangle like this that is full of
love.
Ramon took care of Fredo but unluckily
during Georgina’s birthday party, Ramon walked out because he felt that Fredo
was treated less by not allowing him to seat at the same table where Sylvia and
Ramon were. After that night, Fredo found Ramon dead on his bed holding a white
paper which is supposedly his speech on Georgina’s birthday.
Although some scenes did not give a clear
ending like the illegal activity plan of Emman (portrayed by Tirso Cruz III)
and his brother-in-law, and also when
Emman had a fight with Fe’s boyfriend named
Jonel (portrayed by Albie Casino).
Everyone shares fair problems and trouble. The entire family was again united and I loved the ending part where Sylvia went to Fredo and said she will be staying at Fredo’s house and she will take care of him. This made me feel that Sylvia is honoring Ramon’s love for Fredo.
I salute all the people behind of this
film. You guys made me cry!! I recommend
this film to those who would like to be enlightened about love and look at it
in the deeper context.
The Rainbow Sunset movie is included in the MMFF entry 2018 and directed by Joel Lamangan. This is a drama genre that shows friends’ love beyond their character’s issues. Here are three main characters, Ramon Estrella is a politician, Sylvia is Ramon’s wife and Fredo best friend of Ramon and Sylvia and because of his family, Ramon graduated from his course. It also features an event originally created in Angeles City where the famous Holy Rosary Church, The Pamintuan Mansion is seen in the movie and the City Library was created as San Martin Hall. This is the power cast of seniors.
Ramon and Fredo are always at one another and they feel each other, in a nutshell they have a mutual understanding. They love each other and they have secret affair. Even in their old age they have value to each other. Especially in their situation at this time they are no longer afraid of what their character is and they are bold in dealing with their character because they get it in strength. It also proves the strength of a wife that she knew in herself that she would rival their friend. But the love of a friend and a wife prevails despite of any problems.
This movie is a testimony of the family’s care and resistance. And it’s good to witness a movie where all the main characters are in their old age. There are a few moments that their scene is light and there are many dramatic parts. This film is delivering the audience with a realistic flow of emotions. Their actions are good and nothing is exaggerated. Everyone achieves the designated character. In all of these, the family is the most important of all societies and they can also help and support all things.
Fantastica: The Princess, The Prince and The Perya”
It’s a star-studded film directed by Barry Gonzales, it is a mix of fantasy and comedy that has a touching story that fits this holiday season. It tells the tale of a family who must find a way to save their carnival. Their carnival sadly lost its popularity and now struggling to their business. Belat (Vice Ganda), tried different schemes just to save Perya Wurtzbach (carnival) from Gang Name (Ryan Bang) and Dong Nam (Dingdong Dantes) who tried to buy the land.
Belat found himself on a desperate situation and met the Prince (Richard Gutierrez) who wants to negotiate with him. By means of finding the three princesses from the magical land of Fantastica in exchange that the Prince will restore the carnival.
The story itself was a lot different from some of his past films in MMFF. Despite of having a star-studded cast, it really had a touch of Christmas feeling that everyone would love. Speaking of the star-studded cast, everyone was given their own spotlight. And we all know that they are not into such humorous film they deliver their lines very well.
On a technical side, transitions weren’t that good. You really have to pay attention on that matter. And the scripts were not that good as well. Some scenes were just simple and they don’t really have an impact as an audience. Over all, Fantastica on a technical side is not good. But if you’re going to look on what the film trying to convey. Then, it’s a must to watch. It gives so much fun this holiday season.
Aurora is about a ship that crashed into big rocks like the Titanic but this is not a love story. The film started out a long shot from by looking at sea where the camera zooms slowly at a beach front of an Inn which Leana’s (Ann Curtis) standing restlessly, tired, looking something at the sea.
This is quite the hype due to the trailer I thought its really scary or creepy. Aurora basically is a ship that is overloaded and a bad spirit of a celebrity dubbed as ‘The Giant” overlap the Captain of the Aurora where he crashed the ship into big rocks where many people died and mostly the bodies were not recovered by the coast guard. Leana was offered to keep the Inn open for a month so that if she sees or a body was washed on the beachfront, she immediately call anyone or a relative of any missing person on the Aurora on her call book.
She was offered fifty thousand pesos for every dead body she founds by the couple who lost a daughter in the Aurora. Leana then recruits a local fisherman named Eddie (Allan Paule) to help her with the task and then she added another one to the group; her past lover Ricky (Marco Gumabao). That is when the creepy and horrible things happened.
It has lost its identity.
The film was written by Gin de Mesa and Yam Laranas who also directed it. Feels like the goal of the film itself is that is to be depressed not to be scared due to the films color, cinematography, and also sound design. It literally lost its story or plot in the middle of its stream it forgot its identity and its goal what it will leave behind on the people who watched this film.
collision of ideas 