Sammy Tseng

Sammy Tseng

Favorite films

  • A Clockwork Orange
  • The Godfather
  • Inception
  • A Brighter Summer Day

Recent activity

All
  • Girls on Wire

    ★★★

  • Taipei Story

    ★★★★★

  • The Brutalist

    ★★★★

  • A Complete Unknown

    ★★★

Recent reviews

More
  • Girls on Wire

    Girls on Wire

    ★★★

    The whole story is too long and unstructured.
    Although the actors are both good at acting, the story is too unstructured. Also, some of the characters aren’t strong.

  • Taipei Story

    Taipei Story

    ★★★★★

    Taipei Story masterfully captures the essence of its characters, creating a deeply immersive and introspective narrative. The protagonist, who works in the U.S., retains a strong sense of his Taiwanese roots, while the female lead, working in Taiwan, exudes an Americanized perspective—reflecting the cultural dissonance shaping their identities. Shot in 1985, the film authentically portrays Taipei at that moment in history, highlighting the profound influence of the U.S. on Taiwan’s societal and economic landscape.

    Much like other films that explore…

  • The Brutalist

    The Brutalist

    ★★★★

    The Brutalist succeeds in crafting well-developed characters, making them one of the film’s strongest elements. However, while the character portrayals are compelling, the overall narrative lacks the same level of depth and cohesion. The pacing occasionally falters, with certain moments feeling stretched while others rush through crucial developments. Visually, the film embraces a stark and atmospheric aesthetic, but its storytelling struggles to fully engage. Similar to other recent films that prioritize style over substance, The Brutalist presents an intriguing premise but ultimately leaves gaps in emotional and narrative impact. Despite its strengths in character development, it falls short of delivering a truly immersive cinematic experience.

  • A Complete Unknown

    A Complete Unknown

    ★★★

    A Complete Unknown struggles to deliver a compelling and comprehensive portrayal of its subject. The story feels incomplete, with key moments in the biographical figure’s life either skipped or underdeveloped. The character development lacks depth, making it difficult to connect with the protagonist’s journey. While the cinematography is impressive, the storytelling fails to capture the essence of the subject’s life. The pacing is uneven, with some scenes dragging while others feel rushed. Overall, despite its potential, the film falls short in bringing a fully realized and immersive narrative to the screen.

Following

5