Reviews

You know, I'm really not into symbolic movies. I don't have much patience for artsy fartsy symbolisms. Although not an action junkie, rarely do I like movies without a tight concise plot and realism. But this movie had me. I thought it wondered a bit in the beginning, but by the quarter way through I was engaged. I couldn't see where it was going but I was curious. And by the middle, I was nearly in tears. And I don't even know why. The story didn't even really make sense. I think it was the overall tone of its subtle poetry. However, some special effects are a bit cheesy.

I still don't get the story--all the metaphors, twisted plot lines and etc. But who cares? I was deeply affected. The music is phenomenal.

If you have some patience, check it out.

This is a very "French" film, meaning realism tinged with poetry and romanticism. Yeah, it's too bad that a subtle, intricate and beautifully acted film such as this will be a challenge for most people for ADD. Actually, I think it's more like people who just don't have the knack for anything else other than football and beer (I actually have some major ADD). But this movie is so engaging from the start, the moment Emmanuelle Beart's uncanny, cold frozen eyes stares into the camera.

I got to admit, some parts of the movie is a bit slow, but over all it is a delightfully intriguing film with a surprise ending that has substantial payoff beyond typical clichés.

For all those romantics who are sick of When Harry Met Sally stories, check out Story of Marie and Julien.

A TALE OF TWO SISTERS has the potentials to be a great movie. The acting is good, atmosphere is superb, and it also has some of the most colorful cinematography. However, the story is just plain boring.

Mind you, the concept of the plot is good. You keep wondering who the real antagonist is. Is it the girls, the woman, or something more supernatural? But the pace of the story is too slow, and I began to wonder whether the pay off was going to be worth it in the end. I found myself going, "come on, get to the point!" Was I scared? Naw! A few scare tactics here and there, but nothing I haven't seen from Hollywood movies.

Again this movie has some really good elements, especially stylistically. If used appropriately, it could have been a beautiful and haunting movie. But as it stands, it appears nothing more than a pretentious cinematic exercise.

The best thing I can say about this movie is--the music. Very poignant!

C+

I'm a fan of Asian gangster/noir films, so I maybe biased somewhat in giving this movie thumbs up. I can totally see why this movie might come across as totally lame; it has half- baked plot with a rather strange pace, underdeveloped characters, and a little substance overall. The movies feels like some Japanese manga comic. But I guess that's the whole Asian gangster/noir genre in general(actually many are pretty bad, I think). Even then, Fulltime Killer was pretty memorable for me. Maybe it is because some of its cool and innovative cinematography? Maybe because the movie had some strange but strong feel, an atmosphere to it. Maybe it's because I thought Kelly Lin was such a hotty. I can't really say. But Fulltime Killer got under my skin. I saw it over and over again.