Tag: Family

Spoiler-Free Review: “No Other Choice” (2026) directed by Park Chan-wook

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A 40-something man, Man-su (Lee Byung-hun), works at a paper factory; his managerial job provides his family w/ a comfortable life. His wife, Miri (Son Ye-jin), is SAHM of two kids (a teen boy and young girl). All of the family members have hobbies/interests which enrich their lives. Their home is lovely and spacious- a blend of French country house (preferred by South Koreans in the ’70s/’80s) and brutalist architecture. Man-su has a large greenhouse and loves gardening. Abruptly, Man-su’s entire work team is downsized; he is forced to work random jobs for many mos. Desperate to get back his livelihood and pride, he forms a plan to beat the competition when a perfect job opens up!

During the 2019 Busan International Film Festival, director Park Chan-wook confirmed that he was adapting Donald Westlake’s 1997 horror novel, The Ax. At that time, Costa-Gavras held the rights (after adapting it in French in 2005); the Greek filmmaker assisted Park during development. No Other Choice was selected as South Korea’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Oscars. It was submitted to the 2025 Venice Film Fest and received critical acclaim. I went to a screening w/ the DC Movie Club at Alamo Drafthouse (Bryant St) this past Spring.

If you’re NOT facing job loss, I’m guessing you have fam or friends who’ve dealt w/ it (esp. in the past yr)! This film taps into many (IRL) concerns of the modern age: economic anxiety, loss of status (public/private), crisis of identity (incl. perceived diminishment of masculinity), and the rise of AI. Here we have a dark comedy w/ absurd (yet somewhat relatable) moments rooted in the intense desperation of Mansu (as well as other male characters in his position). We see how the genders respond to uncertainty; as one astute viewer pointed out: “None of the women say ‘no other choice.'” Check this movie out on Disney+/Hulu or HBOMAX. There are few (modern) directors who can surprise (jaded) audiences, make them think, as well as entertain w/ (unique) shots/ visuals!

Spoiler-Free Review: “Sinners” (2025)

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From Ryan Coogler-director of “Black Panther” and “Creed”-and starring Michael B. Jordan comes a new vision of fear: “Sinners.” Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. -Synopsis (Warner Bros.)

I think it’s his greatest acting challenge yet. I say that having been there to see him level up each time. Fruitvale (Station) was his first time in a movie. -Ryan Coogler re: Michael B. Jordan

I got a free pass to a pre-screening of Sinners at my (local/Regal IMAX) theater in April 2025. The theater was packed; it reminded me of the excitement during the “Barbenheimer” era! As I guessed, this was a must-see/mulit-layered movie. Check it out soon (Netflix)!

The writer/director, Ryan Coogler, said that his biggest influences were  Salem’s Lot (1979), From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) and The Faculty (1998). Another inspo was an ep of Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone (1959). The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank (in S3) centers on a young man from a small Midwestern town who returns to life at his own funeral. This shocks his loved ones and pastor. Despite their trepidation, the townspeople call it a miracle, until rumors swirl re: minor (yet noticeable) shifts in Jeff’s behavior.

The newcomer (breakout star) of the film, Miles Caton (Sammie), learned to play the resonator blues guitar to prep for his role. He recently turned 21, started out as singer, yet is a natural at acting. Just a breath of fresh air (in this time of nepo babies)! Jack O’Connell (Remmick) sings and dances; he is Irish and always wanted to jig in a movie. The large scoring orchestra has a number of talented musicians.

He was just in the dark–like he didn’t turn his lights on. Something about that was, like, so intriguing. This kid looked like he was in his basement, like in between homework assignments. But he had this voice–a once-in-a-lifetime voice. -Ryan Coogler on Miles Caton

Documentary filmmaker, Dolly Li, noted that Coogler’s father-in-law had Chinese Delta ancestors, like the Chows: Grace (Li Jun Li- recently seen in Babylon) and Bo (Yao- a Chinese-Singaporean actor). Sinners was set in Clarksdale during the Jim Crow era (the height of Chinese grocery stores’ popularity in the region). Li is listed in the end credits as a consultant.

[1] The acting across the board is full of nuance, expression, and authenticity.

[2] There’s a dark humour running beneath it all, and the music is incredible – bluesy, moody, full of soul. It’s a film that takes risks with tone and style, but it all comes together. Vicious, vibey, and unlike anything else in the genre.

[3] What separates (and elevates) this film from your standard supernatural horror flick is the fact that the director chose to spend more time in the first act developing our and exploring our characters.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Noir City DC 2025: “Tomorrow is Another Day” (1951) starring Steve Cochran & Ruth Roman

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They take their lives in their hands… when they take each other in their arms! -Tagline

Prison Warden: Your generation grew up, married, raised families, went to war. But nothing happened to you, Bill. You just got older.

Bill Clark (Steve Cochran) leaves prison after 18 yrs; he has the thinking of an awkward teen (he was sentenced at age 13) and a grown man’s body. Feeling lonely, he visits a dance hall (Dream Land), where he meets a jaded/platinum blonde, Cathy Higgins (Ruth Roman). Taking pity on the earnest/persistent man, Cay shows Bill around town. After the sudden shooting of a police detective (her “sugar daddy”), the odd couple decides to hit the road. Along the the way, they hitch a ride w/ a family, Stella (Lurene Tuttle) and Henry Dawson (Ray Teal), and their young son who’re going to pick lettuce in California.

Cay: I came to New York from upstate. I was gonna be a dancer. I was a brunette. Started on my toes and wound up on my heels.

The amount ($222.35) that Bill receives from his warden would equal about $2,700 (2024). Less than 10 taxi dance halls existed in NYC (1951), compared to 100+ about 20 yrs earlier. Cay’s comment (quoted above) is a reference to an older slang term for a promiscuous woman (having round heels). Perhaps the censors let it go, b/c of the noir nature of the film. As critics have pointed out, this is the rare noir w/ a (male) virgin. I had NOT heard of this movie until I saw it at the film fest; it was well-made and kept me interested. Film scholars noted that WB tacked on the (happy) ending, BUT I didn’t mind it! This movie delves into issues we’re facing today (in a sometimes lonely/uncertain/disillusioned world): the need for autonomy, intimate/romantic connection, friendship/community, and a sense of purpose.

[1] I can’t think of any other film from the pre-Moon Is Blue period that deals with so many tough social issues (without, of course, QUITE breeching the Production Code): prostitution, rape, pimping, and even premarital sex.

[2] Roman’s the revelation; in her best-known role… Here she modulates persuasively from bottle-blonde taxi dancer to sacrificing wife and mother-to-be (and a brunette, to boot). Cochran’s almost as good, waffling between the suspicion of a wounded child and the explosive reactions of an under-socialized male.

[3] There’s a whole sub genre of noir that involves flights from big cities into the open spaces of America and how those open spaces are no longer safe; the decay of urban environments will follow relentlessly, and the open spaces are even more dangerous because there are fewer places to hide.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“The History of Sound” (2025) starring Paul Mescal & Josh O’Connor

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Lionel Worthing (Irish actor Paul Mescal) is a music prodigy from a humble Kentucky farming family who is able to visualize sound. Orphaned in adolescence, David White (British actor Josh O’Connor) is from a privileged background under his uncle’s guardianship in Newport, RI. Both become students at a music conservatory in Boston and meet at a bar in 1917. Their shared love of folk music brings them together; that bond soon becomes romantic. While the Great War (WWI) separates them, they’re brought back post-war when David (a researcher at an Augusta, Maine college) asks Lionel to accompany him on a trip to collect folk songs. Chris Cooper (the older version of Lionel) narrates the audiobook version of the short story on which the film is based.

Lionel: What happens to all the sound released into the world that is never captured?

The film was announced in October 2021, but due to challenges in aligning schedules of director Oliver Hermanus (who hails from South Africa and is a queer man of color), Mescal, and O’Connor, filming didn’t begin until FEB 2024. Mescal is one of the EPs, which marks the 1st time he has received a producing credit on a film. Mescal and O’Connor became close friends during the pandemic; both young actors shared the experience of becoming famous at the same time. Mescal co-starred in Normal People; O’Connor played Prince Charles in The Crown (S3 & S4). I was excited for this movie (being a fan of its leads), BUT was also somewhat hesitant. I was NOT a fan of the 2024 miniseries (Mary and George) that Hermanus directed. Though the story is centered around Lionel, David is the more interesting character. O’Connor’s gazes, micro-expressions, and (variety) of smiles draw the audience in. No wonder Lionel was under his spell and wanted to follow him wherever he went! The American accents are flawless and the singing was quite good, too.

[1] My favorite scenes were when Paul and Josh were together. They’re both great actors in my opinion, had amazing chemistry. I just wish we had gotten more! Having these two as your lead actors, the possibilities are endless. Perhaps my expectations were too high. That said, I loved the beginning and the last 30 minutes. Another positive is that it’s a beautiful film, with gorgeous shots!

[2] A love story is at the core of director Oliver Hermanus’ slow-moving 2025 period drama, but his introspective approach doesn’t generate enough heat to make it palpable beyond what is portrayed onscreen.

[3] The movie looks gorgeous. The American scenes in particular are reminiscent of the paintings of Andrew Wyeth. Art decoration and cinematography are beautifully detailed. The music is all based on American folk songs wonderfully augmented by evocative music composed by cellist Oliver Coates. […]

This movie is probably not for everybody, but those interested in folk music and American history will find it rewarding. I was tempted to add “gay studies,” but I think that would be somewhat misleading. That is, however, the central issue, even though it never takes center stage. I think that’s what makes the film so haunting.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“In the Cut” (2003) starring Meg Ryan, Mark Ruffalo, & Jennifer Jason Leigh

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Everything you know about desire is dead wrong. -Tagline

On the LES of NYC, Frannie Avery (Meg Ryan- age 41 and de-glamorized)- a college English teacher/writer- begins an affair w/ Det. Giovanni Malloy (Mark Ruffalo- age 35 w/ a mustache)- one of the cops investigating the murder of a young woman. Malloy’s partner, Det. Ritchie Rodriguez, is played by Nick Damici (who I haven’t seen in any other movies/shows). Malloy believes the murder is the work of a serial killer. Frannie continues her relationship w/ Malloy, even after catching him in a lie (which could be dangerous). This is the (controversial) film that tanked Ryan’s acting career and derailed that of director Jane Campion. Originally, Nicole Kidman (who served as a producer) wanted to play Frannie. She decided to drop out, as she was going through a (much publicized) divorce from Tom Cruise. Mickey Rourke was considered for a supporting role; however, he was allegedly vetoed by Kidman b/c of his hard-partying reputation. The film is based on a 1996 novel by Susanna Moore.

Frannie: I was at the Red Turtle with one of my students.

Det. Rodriguez: One of your students?

Frannie: Cornelius Webb, but it was early, three-thirty. I was there for a short time, then I went home.

Det. Malloy: Cornelius Webb. Is that with two B’s or not two B’s?

It’s rare to see an erotic thriller (or neo noir) from the POV of a (complicated/independent) woman, as many critics/podcasters/viewers have commented. Usually, the male cop is the central figure, as in Laura (1944) or Basic Instinct (1992). Ruffalo went undercover w/ NYPD officers to prepare for his role. Malloy is macho, rough-hewn, and uses the language of the streets. However, he can also be soft-spoken, compassionate, and witty. Pauline (Jennifer Jason Leigh- age 40) is Frannie’s slightly younger/half-sister; the women have a close/warm relationship. Pauline is a stylist who lives above a go-go (strip) bar; she’s self-aware, yet looking for love (in ALL the wrong places). The costumes were bought from the The Job (2001), a cancelled TV show, for only $400.

I think the scenes are really good though, I think they’re very honest. Jane didn’t want them to be coy, so I don’t think they are at all. And I love how much dialogue is in those scenes. That’s what makes them really intimate. -Meg Ryan re: the love scenes (at TIFF during film’s debut)

Warning: This film NOT for sensitive viewers (incl. those expecting the rom com version of Ryan); it’s gritty, bloody, w/ dark themes and nudity. I saw this movie (which has an R-rated and Unrated versions) many yrs ago; it’s now available to rent (Amazon Prime video). Last week, I came across a (new) pod review of it, so decided to take a (2nd) look. One common complaint from viewers was that characters don’t develop or change. They’re also unapologetic re: their desires. This may remind some of you of European films. One of the main notes Campion gave to Ruffalo was “never apologize.” The filmmakers create an undercurrent of foreboding, showing us how it’s like to be a (big city) woman who is being perceived by (potentially dangerous/deadly) men.

[1] Ryan has never been better than she is here. She plays Frannie almost as if she were one of the urban walking dead, just right for a modern woman who feels no real emotional connection with the world and the people around her.

Mark Ruffalo is excellent as the cop who may be more of a threat to Frannie than the killer who’s terrorizing the area.

[2] This is certainly one of the most unique films I have come across, but I don’t say that in an overly positive manner. It is a very good-looking film, and ignoring camera angles and editing techniques, it still looks very solid on a visual scope.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews