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  Film Review: Joint Security Area JSA 공동경비구역 (安全地帶) (2000) - South Korea Rating: 9/10   Viewed in Cinema 4K Restored / 4K完全復刻版 Support my goal of writing one film review per day in 2025 - https://www.patreon.com/neofilmreviews Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia) In the meticulously crafted tapestry of "Joint Security Area," director Park Chan-wook masterfully weaves a narrative that transcends borders, resonating with timeless themes that grip the audience even in today's context. The recently restored 4K version breathes new life into this South Korean gem, showcasing its enduring relevance and emotional depth. “Joint Security Area"...

Film Review: Gladiator 2 帝國驕雄II (2024) - USA Rating: 6.5/10   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)   In Ridley Scott's "Gladiator 2," we are thrust back into the world of ancient Rome, following the gripping tale of Lucius Verus Aurelius, portrayed by Paul Mescal, as he navigates the treacherous arena of the Colosseum. Despite the weight of its predecessor hanging over it, this sequel falls short of recapturing the magic that made the original "Gladiator" a classic. Russell Crowe's absence is keenly felt, with Mescal struggling to fill the formidable shoes left by his predecessor. The...

Film Review: Carry-On (2024) - USA Rating: 7.5/10   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)   In the heart of the bustling holiday season, "Carry-On" takes viewers on a gritty and thrilling ride through the high-stakes world of airport security and espionage. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and featuring a talented ensemble cast including Taron Egerton, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, and Jason Bateman, this action-packed thriller offers a dose of mindless entertainment with a touch of nostalgia reminiscent of 90s Hollywood thrillers. The film centers around Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton), a TSA officer at Los Angeles International Airport,...

Film Review: Kraven the Hunter 狂獸獵人格力文 (2024) - USA   Rating: 7/10   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)   In the realm of action-packed cinema, "Kraven the Hunter" prowls onto the screen with a ferocious presence. While it effectively delivers on adrenaline-pumping sequences, this superhero flick falls slightly short of achieving the grandeur associated with Marvel blockbusters.   Aaron Taylor-Johnson's portrayal of the titular character is a commendable feat, embodying the essence of a relentless hunter with physical prowess and conviction. His performance adds a layer of depth to the narrative, anchoring the audience amidst the...

Film Review: What If Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa Was to Become the Prime Minister 如果德川家康成為總理大臣 (2024) - Japan   Rating: 7.5/10   Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)   In "What If Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa Was to Become the Prime Minister," director Takeuchi Hideki and screenwriter Tokunaga Yuichi craft a whimsical yet thought-provoking narrative that delves into a fascinating alternate reality. Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous 2020 marked by a global pandemic, the film presents a unique premise where historical luminaries like Ieyasu Tokugawa, Ryoma Sakamoto, Nobunaga Oda, and Hideyoshi Toyotomi are resurrected through AI holograms...