전우치 (THE TAOIST WIZARD) (2009)
The movie's based on the exploits of a real wizard from the 조선 (Choson era). When he died, 3 days later his sister found the grave without the body, just the casket was left.
Watchable. The magic and time travel disappoint with lame visual effects and a sketchy plot. The cultural differences of 500 years apart could have been put to a better use.
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LIBERTATE (FREEDOM)
Watchable. This Romanian feature based on the facts of the 1989/90 Revolution when dictator Ceaușescu was overthrown depicts the mayhem.
YOU HAVE TO BE HERE TO BELIEVE
Watchable. Two joyful gay activists, together with other staff, persuade Hungarians to invalidate a ridiculous referendum. Successfully. Interesting how positive they remain facing a campaign of hatred. But the whole film is not particularly exciting to Poles who have recently invalidated another ludicrous referendum. The method was different though: we would refuse to take the ballot paper, Hungarians would X both 'yes' and 'no' at each question.
IT'S A WONDERFUL KNIFE
Watchable. A new festive slasher, this one for Christmas and both the original and the Polish title are puns with a cultural reference. The Polish translation of the movie by Anna Adamska is remarkably good as well, if you read subtitles. Clear division for goodies and baddies from the start facilitates understanding this modern version of the 1936 masterpiece "It's a Wonderful Life". It's a slasher so it lacks the sophistication of the original, it's just a new take on the slasher genre. The town and family changed under the greedy villain's rule resemble "Back to the Future II"'s changed Hill Valley. With a further original twist, mild violence as for the genre, it feels more like light Christmas fun. But it's good to watch the first half an hour carefully to enjoy the rest even more. And its Easter eggs. It's relatively simple and stereotypical but enjoyable.
Reviewed from the distributor's screener, cinematic reception might differ.
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