June 22, 2024 (NYC)– Two (2) from Well Go USA. A Look at Two new international films, originating in South Korea, distributed by Well Go USA, and hitting digital on June 25th. Here is a synopsis and review of these Well Go USA Entertainment releases.
HOPELESS
Synopsis: After spending his entire childhood in a town riddled with crime and violence, a teenage boy saves up his money in hopes of someday moving with his mother to start a new, happier life. But after he crosses paths with a local gangster intent on helping him, he is drawn into increasingly dangerous situations that will leave him questioning whether his attempts to escape his hellish reality will instead ensnare him in it—permanently.
Review: Hopeless, is a visceral, gritty, and thoughtful crime drama hitting digital this week. This well acted, and well directed film is more drama than crime-drama in many respects, and it is those elements that will have you thinking long after you are done watching Hopeless.
The basic story is that of poor, troubled boy that gets involved with the wrong crowd in order better his life, and that of his Mom’s. However, this movie does not take the easy way out in unfolding the story. It is painful and disturbing at times. There are also times when the emotions of the characters are confusing; by that I don’t attribute it to poor filmmaking. Just the opposite. The story makes us understand that these characters are complex.
The film also shows us a gritty and dark side of South Korea that is often not how the rising star of the East is portrayed in modern film, television, and cultural lore. That, alone, makes it engaging.
The acting of the three main characters is the heart of this one.
Hopeless is not rated, but it is not for the faint of heart, or for children. It is very good, and I do recommend it.
TASTES OF HORROR
Synopsis: TASTES OF HORROR is a compilation of six short films directed by five of the most acclaimed directors of the genre in South Korea.
Review: TASTES OF HORROR provides some truly frightening moments as its slate of horror Directors take turns visually, and viscerally, scaring the viewer.
This horror compilation uses many elements of modern social media fanaticism, cultural envy, and supernatural elements to weave its various storylines.
While many of the storylines and visual effects arise from these techniques logical premises, the essence of the success of the film is in drawing the viewer in to the stories and then shocking and scaring them with good, old-fashioned horror filmmaking.
I think the sweet spot for this movie is a teen audience. High Schoolers and young adults love a good scare, and many of the themes of the film will be very patent and obvious to them. However, there is something in this one for every horror fan.
Tastes of Horror is a good time. I would watch it at night, phones off, in the company of friends for the fullest effect.
Directed by: Ahn Sang-hoon, Yoon Een-Kyoung, Kim Yong-gyun, Lim Dae-woong, Chae Yeo-jun
Starring: Chang Seung-yeon, Oh Seung-hee, Jang Ye-eun, Shin Eun-soo, Kim Ho-jung, Kim Tae-hun, Jo Jae-yun, Yoon Hyun-min, Jang Gwang, Son Jina, Lee Joo-young, Kim Joo-ryong, Choi Su-im, Park Jin-a
These films contains English subtitles.
–review by Master Marc Zirogiannis
