thecinephilereviews

Based on the Naver webtoon "Weak Hero" written by Seopass and illustrated by Kim Jin-seok. Yeon Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon) is a model student and ranks at the top of his class at Byeoksan high-school. But the institution has become an acidic environment for weaker students who must fend for themselves against physical and emotional abuse from known bullies such as Jeong Yeong-bin (Kim Sugyeom). When Si-eun is chosen as the next target for humiliation. This proves to be more difficult than expected. Despite being relatively weak in stature, he is able to thoroughly analyze the situations around him. Utilizing his own wits and intellect to gain the upper hand over his oppressors. The social commentary within this impactful eight episode television-series is essential as schools are the modern day battlefield for young students. Students do not have a proper support system for their worries. Adults remain apathetic or absent during crucial situations so teenagers are forced to withhold the heavy burden of their frustrations on their own. Evolving into an array of heavy emotions such as depression, loneliness and inner rage. Park Ji-hoon excels in his portrayal as the titular character based on the emphasis of his facial expressions. Without uttering a word, the audience is aware that he is a young man who is suffering in silence. The sadness and the emptiness of his eyes giving him away. Only his newfound companions ease a bit of the pain. Ahn Soo-ho (Choi Hyun-wook) and Oh Beom-seok (Hong Kyung). Having gone through their own fair shares of troubles. The trio begin to push back against their assailants together. Filmed with exceptional choreography and grounded fight sequences rooted in each episode. Weak Hero Class 1 is not only one of the best television-shows of 2022. But a realistic message of what our society has become; communicated through media.

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Joey (Melissa Barrera) is one of six criminals who kidnap a young ballet dancer named Abigail (Alisha Weir) and hold her hostage within a secluded manor for ransom. Instructed to care for the abductee over the next twenty-four hours. They develop a rapport with each other where personal secrets are shared. And the significance behind this prisoner is unveiled as her lineage is connected to a dark underworld. This causes Joey to determine that the entire crew has steeped themselves in dangerous waters. The predators eventually become the prey in this deliciously entertaining creature feature that is dedicated to the recently deceased Angus Cloud, may he rest in peace.

Alisha Weir delivers an impeccable portrayal as the keeper of many secrets, with the fourteen year-old starlet showcasing her talents by learning ballet for the role, incorporating them into her character's movements and performing all of her own stunts. The choreographed ballet scenes only serve as a nice touch as it displayed elegance within a blood soaked entertainer.

The trailers initially spoil the twist as Abigail is revealed to be anything but human in the form of an adolescent. Despite the absence of surprise, there is still much to appreciate about this film. The storytelling is an amusement park containing likable characters, creative execution scenes with tasteful amounts of blood and graphic violence and spot on comedic-delivery. Although, the narrative doesn't incorporate fresh elements to the genre. I went along for the ride. I am pleased to share this is one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had whilst watching this release in the cinema.

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Squid Game is a South Korean television-series created, written, executive-produced and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk.

Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) is a down on his luck chauffeur who has an estranged relationship with his former wife and daughter. Burdened with down payments and indebted to loan sharks due to his gambling addiction. Gi-hun stumbles upon an opportunity of a lifetime when he is invited to play alongside contestants in a series of children's games, participating to acquire a grand prize of 45.6 billion dollars. But the veil becomes lifted once the players realize that losing within a game results in a person's death.

Hwang Dong-hyuk has masterfully infused fantasy with social commentary as the narrative focus lies heavily on individuals in deep financial trouble, and whom are willing to sacrifice their own lives to create better means for themselves and/or their families. This is why the potent characterizations allow the audience to sympathize with the players that abide in this universe because it's empathized how they have nowhere else to turn. Amidst an ensemble cast, Lee Jung-Jae delivers one of the best performances of his career. Showcasing all the complexities of a man who is one foot away from death's door yet possessing the strive and relatability which allow the audience to root for their protagonist. The series offers the right amount of graphic violence, and twists-and-turns to keep the viewer yearning for the next episode. In addition, the costume designs are unique with the pink soldier jumpsuits and the shapes representing the ranks within the overall hierarchy, and the green numbered tracksuits of the mice in the spinning wheel. And the production design is astounding with playground-like settings being bright and colorful, often signifying a form of nostalgia.

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