The Chaser
(2008)

A pimp/ex-detective investigates the disappearance of one of his 'workers' and uncovers a psychotic killer. Aside from revenge, the all-to-familiar trend in most Korean movies (to hit stateside at least) is the ultra-violence that accompany it. This is one of the less accomplished examples of such a theme. While I Saw the Devil caused viewers to question the obsession and necessity of a violent homicide as "justice", The Chaser pretty much plays it's cards one way: chasing a psychopath must end with gallons of blood. It's not a good movie, and I wish I wasn't recommended it by Netflix.

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I Saw the Devil
(2010)

An accomplished secret agent, Soo-hyun, vows for revenge at any cost after his pregnant fiance is brutally killed by a murderous psychopath. What ensues is a cat and mouse game with a few twists, where Soo-hyun begins to tread the grey area of good and bad in his quest for justice. Unlike most Korean revenge movies, the crazy psychopath isn't the one with the upper hand here. I think that's what really makes this movie so unique, and why it has since been rated among the best (second to Old Boy and accompanying films from that director).
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Hannah and Her Sisters
(1986)

Three New York sisters in their late thirties experience all the drama that accompanies life in the big city. Woody Allen's success with films such as Annie Hall and Manhattan focus on the turmoil and exaggerated midlife excuses of relationships in a dense population. While the city of New York isn't the focus of the film, no other setting could really irk such hilarious situations of promiscuity and follow with cynical commentary over life from Allen. Despite the title, Hannah, the older sister, does not really play a large part in the film. Every other character - from the ex-husband, current husband, parents or the sisters - paints a picture of Hannah, using that imagery to justify their own actions. A very interesting example of people's ability to act based on assumptions.
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The Tree of Life
(2011)

A contemplation of human life through the story of a boy/man and his family in small town Texas of the 1950's. Yes, that sentence may either describe the movie's plot or only scratch the surface - depending on your perspective. Truthfully, director's Terrence Malick's vision is larger than what many people will likely attach to the film. Whilst the lead character's upbringing does serve largely as the driving plot (at least in the linear segments of the film relating to a 'human' history), it would be also easy to assume that given the other sequences (e.g., the birth of the universe to life on earth, the countless spiritual metaphors, 2001-esque trippy visualizations) Malick's goal was to incorporate all experience onto one single reel of film. Whether he succeeded I'm still unsure. What I can appreciate is one of the best portrayals of family life I've ever seen in a movie.


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The Game
(1997)

Nicholas Van Orton is a wealthy investment banker celebrating his 48th birthday. At this stage of his life, Nicholas is divorced, cold and practices cut-throat business. Things take a turn when his younger brother gifts him a "game" which consumes his entire life. To say anymore about the plot would only ruin it. There are a fair number of plot twists (and plot holes) but everything comes together in the end nice and neat. David Fincher sure loves making cerebral action movies.

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