aylwardpaul

Don't believe the hype.

This is a perfectly OK movie, well made on a technical level, but it's lacking in many areas.

This story of a former revolutionary raising his child while living off the grid with the assistance of an underground organisation, reminded me of 1988's 'Running On Empty' (Which is a superior film with the intelligence and heart that is absent here).

The revolutionaries in 'Battles' are very unsympathetic, particularly the mother.

Leonardo and Benicio's characters are amusing, and Willa is likable, but beyond that one doesn't really care what happens to them.

While I think Sean Penn acts up a storm, I still find his character way too over the top. There is no way that someone of his volatile and unstable nature would be considered for the club that he so desires to join.

The film has no right to be as long as it is. There are numerous scenes that could have been shortened or cut.

'Battles' would have been a far more effective film if it had started where 'Empty' started - when Willa was 16. The audience could have then learned the backstory of her parents at the same time that Willa does.

Such a structure would have improved the pace.

All in all, it's not a bad film, just not a great film.

One Spring Night (aka Bombam) Vs Something In The Rain

Anyone who has seen both these series will recognise that they are two peas from the same pod. They have same director, and writer, similar soundtracks, and many of the same cast, albeit playing different characters in a different story.

In my opinion they are both romantic masterpieces, and should satisfy anyone that loves British period romances, because although they are set in the present, the oppressive nature of Korean society affords these series a subtlety that is similar in tone to Jane Austen.

Each series is slowly (but perfectly) paced, with realistic characters and relationships.

A minor flaw in both series is the repetition in the dealings with the ex-partners (Perhaps ex-partners are actually this persistent in Korea).

SITR is further marred by the overbearing character of the mother, which seems just too over the top (Not the actress' fault who by the way is superb playing a completely different mum in OSN), and by the slightly muddled last two episodes.

However both series have wonderful acting, sympathetic protagonists that you will love, and numerous subtle and realistic romantic set pieces.

So which series is better?

SITR has a faster paced first half, with some of the most enchanting romantic scenes ever as the relationship between the two leads develops.

However SITR somewhat messes up its ending, with events in the last two episodes seeming a bit out of character, and only redeemed by a rushed last 10 minutes. The script definitely needed some more work here.

SITR features a more glamourous lead character, played by actress Son Ye-Jin. In contrast Han Ji-Min (who is just as beautiful in other series) is clearly meant to be playing a more dowdy, introverted character in OSN.

Both lead actresses are very good in their roles, playing characters with completely different personalities (One is soft, one is tough), although I think Han Ji-Min has better acting chops.

While the various romantic exchanges between the lead couples are terrific in both series, OSN is greatly enhanced by the numerous additional scenes with the couple's respective friends and family, which serve to offer a sort of running commentary of the story's events. The dialogue with the friends is particularly good, and often amusing.

I felt that most of the greatest scenes in SITR are in the first half, whereas there are great scenes scattered throughout OSN.

OSN is more consistent and realistic, has a better second half, and a perfect resolution.

Upon repeat viewing of both series (multiple times), I definitely prefer OSN. I think that the creators of OSN made a concious effort to fix the errors that they made in its predecessor SITR.

However it is well worth seeing both series...multiple times if you are a true romantic.

I am yet to see any western made, present day drama/romance series as touching as these.

This series is a compendium of stories about a group of friends and acquaintances living in a seaside town on Jeju Island.

The stories weave in and out of each other, each taking a turn at prominence.

While the whole series is well acted, well made, and well intentioned, I found that only about half of the stories are really worthwhile.

I have given the 7 stories descriptive titles, and ranked them below based on interest and impact from best to worst (in my opinion):

1) The Expecting Teenagers - The young actors playing the central couple are so engaging, with their characters reflecting maturity beyond their years, while also not losing sight of the fact that they are still schoolkids. Meanwhile the feuding parents provide a lot of amusement.

2) The Captain & The Mystery Girlfriend - Han Ji-Min is such an amazing and enchanting actress, she carries this story.

3) The Two Best Friends - This is the shortest of the stories and is both riveting and amusing at the same time. The two confrontations toward the end are extremely well done.

4) The "Abandoned" Child - Some nice drama here.

5) The Peddler & His Depressive Love Interest - Can be a slog at times, but the male lead (Lee Byung-Hun) keeps it interesting.

6) The Gold Digger - I found the male lead too unlikable. The female lead (Lee Jung-Eun) is excellent.

7) Mother & Son - The story goes on way too long and in my opinion has a very unsatisfactory resolution. I also don't like its message which basically says respect your parents no matter how undeserving they are.