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List of KDramas and Their Grades

To make your next drama selection a little easier, I have sorted all the Korean dramas I've watched into one list, ranked by grade. They...

Friday, October 17, 2014

InFilm to Maybe Watch: Barfi! (2012)

Barfi! (2012)


The story starts in the 1970s in India, and not much is in place in society at that time to help those with disabilities lead a normal, productive life. Shruti is engaged when she meets the deaf-mute “Barfi” (that's how he pronounces his name “Murphy”), and while there is a mutual attraction, Shruti chooses the financially stable fiance over the happy but poor Barfi. Meanwhile Barfi crosses paths with a childhood friend, the autistic girl Jhilmil, and he is accused of kidnapping her for a ransom. Will Shruti come to his aid and finally choose Barfi? What will happen to Jhilmil?

*This was an interesting story, and I loved the physical comedy from Barfi's character. The cinematography was quite beautiful as well. The actor reminded me a lot of the young Dick Van Dyke in his motions and funny faces. The story between Barfi and Jhilmil reminded me of the American film “Benny & Joon” (1993), and while some enjoy that, it's not quite my taste. Again, it was a different kind of story, but I probably wouldn't watch it again because it's bittersweet. I could recommend it for one viewing, however.*

ChFilm to Miss: Journey to the West (2013)

Journey to the West (2013)

 Chinese Film
Buddhist acolyte Xuan Zang is attempting to understand his role in the world while defeating demons. In a local fishing village he manages to slow down the efforts of a fish demon and is in the process of taming it when another demon hunter, Miss Duan, steps in a quickly disposes of the beast. Their paths cross once again when Xuan Zang is in the pig demon's human-catching lair, and Duan declares her love for him. As a monk in training, Xuan Zang blocks her advances and takes off on a journey to seek the imprisoned Monkey King's help in conquering the pig demon. Will Xuan Zang discover his true purpose, will Duan's female charms get to him, or will the Monkey King trick him?

*This was a really bizarre film. Apparently it is loosely based on a Chinese novel from the 16th century. Very violent, some comedic moments, some lewd parts and innuendos, brief nudity, but also downright sad – a little girl is eaten alive by one of the demons in the very beginning of the film. I wouldn't watch this again, but it was interesting to see what China's opening-weekend record-breaker film was about.*