Films/DVD Asylum

SPOILER:

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tinear

A

In Reply to: RE: Disappointed posted by Jon L on July 05, 2014 at 17:54:24

Simple? It was an allegory, of course, but the story from the beginning cannibalism to the train master selecting his heir hardly was simple. Several reviewers, in fact, have complained it was too complex--- that it was too serious.
Bong Jooh-ho's films often pick popular topics, i.e. serial killers, monsters--- and then use them as vehicles to inspect and comment on larger society.
If you were looking for Schopenhauer, you went to the wrong place...

Follow Ups:

Rottentoms: 94% critics; 77% general audience. nt - tinear 16:55:07 07/09/14 (3)
fds
- Actors wasted - Jon L 10:45:32 07/10/14 (2)
  What do critics know anyway :)
  
  Allegory or not, what also continually bothered me through the movie was the acting, i.e. good actors phoning in their dialogue.
  
  Mr. Song is one of the most compelling actors I've seen, yet he mumbles through the movie with dialogue as compelling as dead fish.
  
  Always hated Chris Evans and he does not do anything to change my mind.
  
  Swinton and Harris. Oh, what a waste.
  - Song is one of Korea's super stars . . . - Billy Wonka 14:18:29 07/11/14 (1)
    He does drama and especially comedy so freakin' well. It was ashamed to see his role diminished by such weak direction. This film was tooooo long.
    
    I really like Chris Evans, though. He seems so invigorating in his roles such as in "Sunshine" the space epic.
    
    When you look at this picture as a whole you see it was close to low-budget. This was a total sound stage production with a toy train for exteriors. It is part and parcel of the new trend to develop intense drama in a closed space (cheap). Look how many of these films of people trapped in elevators and such have floated around in recent years. I think this film is an exploration of that genre.
    - Agree that Song was under-used; he would have been a better choice for the lead. But, I had no - tinear 09:30:07 07/16/14 (0)
      problem with Evans.
      I didn't think it dragged; I kept wondering how the director was going to make the progression through the cars interesting--- and really surprised he did.
      I thought Harris' role was great and that he (not one of my favorite actors because of a tendency to be TOO intense) projected the powerful personality and vision that kind of leader would have to.
      It may sound corny, but the "message" of the film resonated with me, too; I couldn't help but share the anger of the masses at the blithe, uncaring, and vacuous lifestyle of the "forward car" folks.
      Bong doesn't just make films, he makes thought vehicles. All of his films have "messages," though this one, being a clear allegory, is less hidden.
      The budget, btw, was 40 million, a massive outlay for a Korean flick.

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