Favorite films

Recent reviews

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  I'm Still Here 2024

  ★★★ Watched 17 Mar 2025

  Focuses on the family drama behind a real-life forced disappearance under the Brazilian military dictatorship, but doesn't cut deep emotionally, and never ventures out too much into the politics or history, landing somewhat awkwardly in the middle.

  The story behind the making of the film (including director Salles's history with lead actress Torres and her on-screen and real-life mom) is incredible, and revealing. Though adapted from the son's autobiography, the film centers on the mom, who the son writes remained…

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  The Brutalist 2024

  ★★★★ Watched 16 Mar 2025

  An interesting and artful angle on a Holocaust survivor's integration into post-war America. Grand, slightly but never too pretentious, and skirts over instead of explores any of the variety of themes it features, even with its long runtime. Impressive cinematography showcasing the architecture, and an effective, unifying score.

Popular reviews

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  Bishonen 1998

  ★★★★ Watched 07 Aug 2019

  A gem of Hong Kong gay cinema that I'll give more credit to than might be actually due. Clearly novelistic in structure and plot, but with moments of cinematic force. Stylistically derivative of Wong Kar-wai in a self-reflexive way. Daniel Wu was great. Brigitte Lin's soothing narration completed this. And then there's the melodramatic end complete with title cards which... turned out to be the lyrics of the same song that's playing.

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  Do Not Split 2020

  ★ Added 2

  Hard to judge objectively (as a Hong Konger in the city during the protests), but as far as documentaries go, this is pretty far from an objective look at the protests.

  It is much more a compilation of footage taken on the frontlines by a foreign filmmaker, with the bare minimum of context added for those who haven't watched the news. For those who have, it offers nothing new.

  While the documentary may "raise awareness" for Hong Kongers' plight, it…