neerajku

Saw this on flight. Rarely do Korean movies get released here or on satellite. Though Had seen the earlier movie long time back and had been wanting to see this. Good movie. Dialogues, though I could only make out the subtitles were witty. Modeled on Sherlock and Inspector Closueau but different, sharp and strong on deductive logic but bumbling. Has his won Watson who is resourceful and supportive. One mysterious island, dying kids, threat of large scale to the country/Kingdom, one supposedly femme fatale, few red herrings and false leads. Standard fare. But what distinguishes is the time period, early 17th-18th century Korea, beautiful setting. It was a small screen but would have been so better on large screen. Story has some meat but not much. You would have seen it in many Sherlock serials, detective stories and so on. But logical and will keep you glued. Watch it. You will fall in love with the "quaintness" and when i see quaintness I say with respect. Trying to find some way to see more Korean movies, legally of course.

Saw a Japanese movie after a long time. The popular satellite channels have no time or space for non English movies. Saw it on long flight. Superb detailing, inspite of a small screen one could see the depth and colour of the sets. Narrative is more or less linear, not too many sub plots to distract you or vie for your attention. Acting is superb, characters are well etched, agony of first gen immigrants versus the need of the next gen to merge with the society will find an echo with many. The story is simple but well crafted, background music, just apt. Story of underdogs winning against Goliaths has been done many times but this real story is one gem. See if it if you find it. I don't know the actors but I am sure would be well recognized in Japan.