Making Squid Game: The Challenge

Making Squid Game: The Challenge

2023
★★★★★ Watched

though most of the games are derived from the original series, the game show brings a fresh cast to the set with the same level of entertainment (though much less gruesome) as the original. it is still a unique and exciting watch that challenges real social relationships—how people react is never how you would expect.

Leave the World Behind

Leave the World Behind

2023
★★ Watched

entertaining at first but then left me confused and unsatisfied with the conclusion. also apparently the Obamas co-produced it, which makes the film’s message a little bit concerning….

Soul

Soul

2020
★★★★★ Watched

love love love love this movie. I think it will change my outlook on life when I feel down. it makes me wonder how a new spirit would enjoy the little things in my daily life that I often take for granted. also a beautiful reminder that life isn’t about a singular purpose, it’s about the spark for living and experiencing the beauty and pain of the world.

The Last Emperor

The Last Emperor

1987
★★★★½ Watched

pu yi’s story is so fascinating, and this film renewed my interest in Chinese history. not sure how historically accurate it is but definitely provides a lot of historical context to modern China.

Yi Yi

Yi Yi

2000
★★★★★ Watched

bittersweet film about overlapping storylines and the complexities of urban and family life. beautifully poetic, reminding the viewer of how similar all of our lives are—even in the parts that we keep secret. most people only perceive “half” of who we are. also left me nostalgic for Taipei.