Favorite Movies Watched for 2017…..so far

Movies are truly my passion! It was Asian movies that are responsible for grabbing my interest in drama watching.I was SOOOOO many movies each year. I wish I had the time to review all of them. Instead, let me give you a quick list of movies from 2017 hat I would recommend. MDL refers to MyDramalist website.

The Age of Blood (2017)

Complete cast list can be found here
Synopsis
Based in the Chosun times during the era of Seong Jong and Jong Jong, this is the story of veteran fraud Gun Gwan and a rookie soldier putting all the noblemen in fear.

Mini Thoughts
This movie was better than the ratings on MDL. Sometimes I wonder if I’m watching the same movie or maybe its just my taste. The actor was great; Lee Ji Hoon as baddie, Lee In Jwa was an interesting choice. After I watched the movie, I wondered why people considered him the lead, he was rarely in the move and that might account for the lower rating because of his fans. The action was superb! This wasn’t my first time seeing Jung Hae In but this was definitely a memorable role as Kim Ho. Lee Won Jong as Man Seok always brings his A game in supporting roles. Lastly, Jo Jae Yun as Do Man Cheol is amazing!
MDL Rating: 9.0/10

Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017)

Complete cast list can be found here
Synopsis
After a heroic death, Kim Ja Hong navigates the afterlife with the help of three guardians Kang Rim, Haewonmaek, and Deok Choon. All deceased must meet the gods of hell and face trials of murder, indolence, deceit, injustice, betrayal, violence, and filial impiety over a period of 49 days. However, their plans of getting him through hell become even more challenging as a vengeful spirit exist and wreaks havoc on the real world. With the aid of his guardians and motivated by the idea of meeting his mother once more, Ja Hong and his guardians face obstacles and find reasons by journeying through his emotional past in order to clear him of any accusations and prove that he has lived a noble life.

Mini Thoughts
Watching this movie, never turn away or you’ll miss details. This was an amazing movie! Sure, I had heard bantered around how good it was but it truly wasn’t what I expected! Ha Jung Woo, Joo Ji Hoon, and little Miss Kim Hyang Gi as the trio guardians escorting Cha Tae Hyun’s character Kim Ja Hong through the various realms within 49 days to achieve reincarnation was funny, exciting, and sad! The various realms and trials that were held basically viewed life experiences of Kim Ja Hong. I imagined myself going through those same trials and wondered where I would fail. Overall, an excellent movie and I look forward to the sequel later this summer, 2018
MDL Rating: 9.0/10

Ajin – Demi Human (2017)

Complete cast list can be found here
Synopsis
In the original manga’s story, an immortal first appeared on an African battlefield 17 years ago. Later, rare, unknown new immortal lifeforms began appearing among humans, and they became known as “Ajin” (demi-humans). Just before summer vacation, a Japanese high school student named Kei Nagai is instantly killed in a traffic accident on his way home from school. However, he is revived, and a price is placed on his head. Thus beginsa boy’s life on the run from all of humankind.

Mini Thoughts
Two words: Sato Takeru. If that isn’t enough, let’s add two more: Go Ayana! For these two actors, you really need no more reason to watch. Based off a manga of the same, as expected there was a lot of action, evilness, and awesome acting. I really enjoyed this immensely and was so happy to watch this as soon as it was subtitled!
MDL Rating: 8.5/10

Battle of Memories (2017)

Complete cast list can be found here
Synopsis
A follow-up to Chen’s 2014 psychological thriller ‘The Great Hypnotist,’ ‘Battle Of Memories’ tells the story of a famous novelist who recovers from a painful divorce by having a decade of his memory wiped. But when he tries to recover the lost memories, he finds himself in the mind of a serial killer.

Mini Thoughts
I watched the movies out of the order, first this movie then The Great Hypnotist. I have to say that I enjoyed this movie way more. The premise of erasing what you feel are painful memories to start over seems like a good idea; however, imagine the consequences that our lead, Jiang Feng
MDL Rating: 9.0/10

Can’t Help Falling in Love (2017)

Complete cast list can be found here
Synopsis
Gab is a “close to perfect girl” who’s already set to wed her long-time boyfriend Jason. Her world, however, suddenly turns upside down when she discovers that she is already married – but to a total stranger, the happy-go-lucky Dos. As she figures out with Dos how this unlikely incident happened between them, Gab starts breaking her own rules to survive their crazily confusing situation. But with the changes in her well-planned life seems to come to a change of heart as well.

Mini Thoughts
I haven’t had the opportunity to watch a Filipino movie in quite awhile. I happened to come across this one and watched because I really liked the leads from other movies. It is a pretty good movie and the chemistry and romance is good between the leads. Keep a watch out for this one. It has funny, sad, and pretty good romance moments.
MDL Rating: 9.0/10

Close-Knit (2017)

Complete cast list can be found here
Synopsis
The movie tells the story of Rinko, a transgender woman, Tomo, a girl abandoned by her mother, and Makio, Tomo’s uncle and Rinko’s lover. It will show the drama that unfolds in an unconventional family.

Mini Thoughts
I love Japanese movies and dramas! Why? Because they explore subject matters that are usually kept hidden. What also is a testament to this movie is the great acting portrayal of Ikuta Toma as Rinko. I felt and believed that he was Rinko. It was a one of kind performance that was supported by the other actors in this movie. From Kiritani Kenta as Makio, Rinko’s boyfriend to Kakihara Rinka as Tomo, Makio’s niece. It was well done and worth watching! Definitely a movie I will watch again in the future.
MDL Rating: 9.0/10

Fatal Countdown: Reset (2017)

Complete cast list can be found here
Synopsis
Sia Tien is a strong mother who raises her child alone and is a key researcher in time-slip research based on parallel theory, developing a method of traveling through time using black holes. When Choi I-hoo kidnaps her son and demands that she hand over the new technology, Sia Tien uses the as-yet-unfinished time machine to go back in time two hours. While trying to save her son, meets 3 of her own selves.

Mini Thoughts
This movie took me by surprise. I saw this and decided to watch it to fill the time on my Sunday movie watch; but found myself drawn into a story that not only involved time-travel but was excitement, action, and suspense bundled all together. Yang Mi as Xia Tian, the researcher drawn into this cat-mouse chase to save her son and prevent the bad guys from getting her technology was like WOAH! Again, this movie isn’t what you expect and you are on the edge of your seat waiting for what’s going to happen next. Well done.
MDL Rating: 9.0/10

Fullmetal Alchemist (2017)

Complete cast list can be found here
Synopsis
Edward Elric, a young, brilliant alchemist, has lost much in his twelve-year life: when he and his brother Alphonse try to resurrect their dead mother through the forbidden act of human transmutation, Edward loses his brother as well as two of his limbs. With his supreme alchemy skills, Edward binds Alphonse’s soul to a large suit of armor.

Mini Thoughts
I’m going to be honest, this movie was good not because of the lead, Yamada Ryosuke playing Edward Elric but for all the other actors in supporting roles. Dean Fujioka as Mustang owned the screen when he was on it; Sato Ryuta as Maes Hughes and even the Robot (voiced by Mizuishi Atomu) were more interesting. The basic premise of the anime are there; granted a lot is left out but what do you expect of a movie of 130 minutes. Great vehicle to introduce someone not familiar with the original but Fullmetal fans will be less enthused.
MDL Rating: 9.0/10

HiGH&LOW The Movie 2: END OF SKY (2017)

Complete cast list can be found here
Synopsis
Members of SWORD win against Wangan Rengogun, which is led by Kohaku. The city becomes peaceful again. Nevertheless, the most brutal gangs appear. The gangs are Doubt, led by Hayashi Ranmaru, and Prison Gang, led by Jeshi. These gangs try to dominate the area controlled by SWORD. The new gangs also go up against other gangs in the area. Finally, Doubt, with the help from Prison Gang, challenges White Rascals to fight.

Mini Thoughts
MY BOYS ARE BACK!! End of review! But seriously, anyone that has been a fan of the movies and dramas will NOT be disappointed. But that ENDING?!!!! Where is the last installment?!!!
MDL Rating: 8.5/10

This Is Not What I Expected (2017)

Complete cast list can be found here
Synopsis
29-year-old Gu Sheng Nan is a chef at a Western restaurant in a hotel who is in a secret relationship with the hotel’s general manager. After a financial crisis hit the hotel, the manager breaks up with her and she loses her job at the same time. In this state of distress, she meets the picky and arrogant Lu Jin, who is there to take over the hotel, and forms a relationship with him. They become a couple despite their wildly different personalities, bonding over their love for food.

Mini Thoughts
I’ve already reviewed this movie here; however, I cannot say enough how good and funny this movie is!! Once again, if you haven’t watched it, YOU MUST!
MDL Rating: 9.5/10

Honorable Mention

Wolf Warriors II (2017)

Complete cast list can be found here
Synopsis
The sequel sees Wu, a former national martial-arts champion, reprise his role as a special forces marksman leading an elite squad on patriotic duty. But it relocates the action to a fictional war-torn country in Africa

Mini Thoughts
I like my action movies and I must say that this second installment was a little better than the first. It was a great rescue movie as the lead, Wu Jing tried to save the Chinese workers as well as the African ones behind enemy lines. As you can expect, high body count so the squeamish beware.
MDL Rating: 9.0/10

With the summer months coming as well as several holidays, this will give you lots of choices to watch. From romance to slice of life; just about every genre is represented here. Enjoy!