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mikecenon
Reviews
Hachiko (2023)
Beautiful retelling of Hachiko
The original story went by like this - Hachiko, an Akita dog born in 1923, formed an unshakeable bond with his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, in Tokyo, Japan. Every day, Hachiko would faithfully accompany Ueno to Shibuya Station in the morning and greet him upon his return in the evening.
Tragedy struck in 1925 when Ueno passed away unexpectedly at work. Unaware of his owner's passing, Hachiko continued his daily routine, waiting for Ueno at the same spot in Shibuya Station every afternoon. This loyal vigil lasted for over nine years, until Hachiko's own death in 1935.
The film is a Chinese retelling of the story of Hachiko, the loyal Akita dog. Like the American film 'A Dog's Tale (2009)' starring Richard Gere, this movie explores the unwavering devotion of dogs to their owners..
While the dog here isn't an Akita, the premise of the film remains the same - dogs will always be loyal and devoted to their owner. I personally found this movie very touching.
As a little piece of trivia - Hachiko is derived from two words "Hachi" meaning 8 and "ko" meaning prince. In this film, the dog was named "Ba Tong" derived from a tile in the game Mahjong that has 8 circles.
Anyway, the film has managed to cut a lot of onions for me.
Maybe another decade I'll get to see a retelling from another country of Hachiko - the world needs to be told of such undying love.
Ichido shinde mita (2020)
Still better than watching paint dry.
Not Quite Dead Yet: Where Flamboyance Meets Forced Fun
"Not Quite Dead Yet" aims for comedic gold with its flamboyant protagonist, but the execution stumbles, often leaving viewers more entertained by the concept than the delivery. While the lead character embodies a humorous personality, their over-the-top antics frequently cross the line from quirky to grating, especially compared to the more grounded performances of the supporting cast.
The film's humor hinges on simple conversations morphing into exaggerated comedic sequences. Unfortunately, these often feel forced and miss the mark, coming across as punchlines rather than naturally arising humor. The lead's overacting further detracts from the potential, becoming so distracting that it overshadows their genuine comedic moments. This stands in stark contrast to the supporting cast, who deliver their humor with subtlety and nuance, resonating more effectively with the audience.
While some may appreciate the protagonist's outlandish persona, many will find it a hurdle to enjoying the film. The constant barrage of overacting disrupts the comedic flow and overshadows other aspects of the movie. However, it's not all doom and gloom. The film does offer some genuinely funny moments, and like many Japanese movies, it cleverly weaves in life lessons applicable to real-life situations.
Ultimately, "Not Quite Dead Yet" feels like a missed opportunity. The concept and supporting cast hold comedic promise, but the lead's over-the-top performance, often reminiscent of an anime character misplaced in live-action, and the reliance on forced comedic beats leave the film more cringy than laugh-out-loud funny. If you have a high tolerance for campy humor and appreciate life lessons delivered in unconventional ways, this film might offer some entertainment. However, for those seeking genuine laughs and nuanced characters, "Not Quite Dead Yet" might leave you wishing for more.