Late Year-End Film and TV Summary - What I've Been Watching in 2022
What I've Been Watching#
In 2022, I marked only 76 films, which is half of what I watched in 2021. I had more free time this year, but I estimate that about one-third of it was spent on gaming. I watched fewer cult films (probably because I've already seen most of the ones I'm interested in), and my viewing became more diverse.
The following is a list of films and TV shows I watched in 2022, spanning over half a century. I'll skip the ones that gained popularity in 2022, such as "The Edge Walker." I'm satisfied with the appearance of these works in this year.
Upvoted#
David Cronenberg#
Because of Professor Lei and some overlapping elements, I watched some of David Cronenberg's representative works this year and briefly understood his works. He has been persistently exploring the concept of "biological transcendence" for decades and constantly pushing its boundaries. I watched his works from "Videodrome" (where dreams begin) all the way to the highly anticipated "Crimes of the Future" in 2022, and even checked out some spin-off works like "Butterfly Gentleman."
"Crimes of the Future"#
For Professor Lei, it's a bit like "Frantz Fanon," and for David Cronenberg, it's a bit like "Inception." This is my favorite and most recommended cult film of the year. Everyone is not committing crimes, just as everyone is committing crimes.
Star Wars Universe#
Disney's Star Wars continued to receive high praise this year, with "The Book of Boba Fett" and "Obi-Wan" being works that I highly recommend. Of course, these two works are clearly aimed at fans and may require some level of enjoyment.
"The Book of Boba Fett"#
What is Boba Fett doing? Quoted from pyq reviews:
Part 1#
"The Book of Boba Fett" is actually a "postscript" to the legendary character Boba Fett. Tatooine, as the beginning of the first phase of the Star Wars nine-part series, is once again giving birth to more stories in the second phase.
Boba Fett can be said to be the most popular spin-off character, a key figure linking the nine-part epic films of the first phase of Star Wars and multiple independent biographical series of the second phase. In the first half of his life, he witnessed the ups and downs under the Galactic Empire, and now he is fighting for survival on a desert planet.
Perhaps because "The Mandalorian" set the bar too high, this series feels a bit regretful. But if you treat it as a standalone space opera, it is still one of the best. When the flashback at the beginning of the fourth episode and the ending music played, it instantly brought the thrill of Akira Kurosawa's homage in "The Mandalorian."
Part 2#
"The Mandalorian" has actually obtained a black lightsaber in the fifth episode of "The Book of Boba Fett"!
The fifth episode is a very bold episode that focuses solely on the story of the Mandalorian. Whether it can be handled well will depend on the final three episodes. Before this episode, in my eyes, the second phase of Star Wars was just a collection of individual biographies. This episode opened up a whole new perspective and showed the potential for an epic. Isn't an epic the convergence of each legendary individual?
The final new starfighter and the suspense of the droids ports. Who will be sitting in the ports in the end, the Jedi baby, or the lost BB?
Part 3#
After watching the sixth episode of "The Book of Boba Fett," I feel that it is moving further away from the direction of "no turning back." I hope the last two episodes will cover the spice war. If the spice war is not mentioned and preparations are not made until the second season, then it's really dragging.
This episode inserted some abrupt scenes to pave the way for the attack of the Pykes, including the sheriff's American-style iaido and the Pykes blowing up the tavern. Boba Fett, the protagonist, only had a few seconds of screen time.
The most stunning part of this episode is the obvious use of live-action footage. You can even see the difference in frame rates between Grogu's training and the background. In the part that focuses on Luke training Grogu, you can even see that they used the kind of lens used in old-fashioned film cameras (isn't it more suitable for focusing and bamboo forests?).
This episode is titled "Stranger in the Desert," which may imply that this season will only fight against the small boss Cad Bane. I even have a wild idea that what Grogu saw was not a memory, but the future.
Part 4#
"The Book of Boba Fett" has reached its grand finale! The biggest highlight of this episode is the appearance of two heavyweight reinforcements. The screenwriter did not take away Grogu's usual innocence, nor did he give him more shocking abilities. The final scene with the giant beast is a perfect ending to this episode. Just like "The Mandalorian," it excels in its "convergence."
Boba Fett finally picked up the Tusken Raider's gaffi stick and killed Cad Bane. In fact, the three parts of this series are clearly divided and somewhat disconnected; although this episode seamlessly connects them.
Personally, I think the best part is actually the first three episodes about the Tusken Raiders, which mainly showcase the character of Boba Fett. In previous episodes, the Tusken Raiders seemed stubborn and backward, poor and underdeveloped. Through "The Book of Boba Fett," we see the greatness behind them. Like "The Mandalorian," they have been adhering to their own path (just like the desert tribes in "Dune").
The intermittent return of the Mandalorian's story feels a bit forced, but it also shows us many details of the Star Wars universe in the "post-epic era." There are still Jedi academies and Skywalkers, and a brief prosperity after the war.
Next up, "Obi-Wan"! Disney+ is really delivering.
"Obi-Wan"#
A story of redemption between two people. A slow-paced series that can be considered a movie.
What's particularly interesting is that it's evident that, just like "The Mandalorian" and "The Book of Boba Fett," it uses some classical shots. The combination of cutting-edge digital technology and authentic retro filters seems to be the unique style of Star Wars stage plays in the post-epic era.
Next up is "Andor" in two months, but personally, I'm most looking forward to "Ahsoka" (it seems that Ahsoka is already in danger...).
Post-Alien Era#
It's such a pity that "Alien: Awakening" was canceled! Denis Villeneuve is absolutely worth it.
This is obscure and very hardcore sci-fi, and friends who like Prometheus-style sci-fi will definitely love it. It mainly explores not interstellar wars and mechanical transcendence, but human ethics, religion, and shocking world settings revealed through meticulous storytelling.
It's the kind of show that you'll want to watch again and again. The first time, you'll want to watch the analysis; the second time, you'll think the story is amazing; and the third time, you'll become a believer. It's that kind of show.
Also, "Westworld" is such a pity. Really, it was making a comeback in the fourth season.
Soft Sci-Fi#
"Life Cutter"#
The most anticipated sequel of the year. Apart from the perplexing slow pace caused by long shots, everything else is perfect.
What impresses me most about this series is its costume and makeup. This is my idea of a perfect "retro-futuristic" sci-fi, not as exaggerated as in "Loki." Everything is so restrained, maybe in preparation for the climax of the second season.
Love, Death & Robots#
Highly recommended! The content may be a bit uneven, but the last episode is mind-blowing. Please bring us more of this. The first season was a phenomenal success, the second season blossomed with multiple storylines, and it slowly returned to cyberpunk cult; the third season might be killed by the stream of consciousness and shallow storytelling, but the last episode is truly stunning. It deserves all five stars. I've probably watched the last episode ten times.
The acceptance of cyberpunk cult is not high, and there are even fewer works that can be enjoyed by most people (like "Cyberpunk: The Edge Walker"). So, I actually think that the third season is not as good as the second season as a whole.
Surprises#
"Squid Game"#
It's hard to believe that this is Lee Jung-jae's directorial debut (could it be his peak right after his debut?)!
A profound spy film. Everyone is experiencing something, which may be completely different from what the country and history are experiencing, but there are always people fighting for their dominance. I think it's a successful transition after transformation, and you can even see the darkness of individuals and the deep history in the style. Some scenes are amazing. The only regret is that the plot is a bit tight. But after all, it's a subject matter that we can't shoot and content that we can't find someone to shoot.
"1899"#
This is the series I've been most looking forward to and the one I highly recommend! If you've seen "Dark," don't miss it! Volume technology + the writers of "Dark" are invincible! The following is quoted from pyq reviews.
Part 1#
The only series I highly recommend this year. I very much agree with the comment that its core is the same as "Dark." Here are some non-spoiler reviews [facepalm]
Together with "Separation Layer" in the first half of the year, they are the most interesting sci-fi concepts of the year. This series should not have a sequel in terms of design. If there is one, it must be polished to perfection.
A ship is like the matrix in "Cube," and the ending is as chilling as in "Cube." You won't understand the connection between the different levels without watching it multiple times.
Films like "Dark" are more like writing system software. The script is designed as a whole, so that it is internally consistent and can explain each other. This is one of the things I admire most about this type of series.
Ships, which are inherently limited spaces, are more convenient for creating tension and a sense of horror. They also allow for compact interaction within a limited budget.
Some dialogues provide information too abruptly, without giving the audience time to think without pausing. Only this kind of series is willing to take this gamble, and the creative team must be proud of its concept to do so. In fact, it is true. The analysis, which is longer than the actual film, has already been released.
I'm really curious about how some shots were taken. The behind-the-scenes footage must be fascinating. Another hidden highlight is the significant use of different languages in this series, and it sounds very natural when spoken by the actors: unlike some movies with forced Chinese dubbing, the Cantonese dialogues in this series are very authentic, and the main actors switch between English, French, and German very naturally. They must have put a lot of effort into it. They are indeed the "Dark" team.
"The length of 'Dark' filtered out most people, but the final score was indeed very high; '1899' has a lower viewing threshold, and many people cannot accept the symbols of mysticism and semiotics themselves, so the score dropped from the initial 9 points to this point. But time will prove it [society society]."
Part 2#
"1899" released an official making-of featurette (Netflix, 50-minute version):
- It was actually filmed while wearing masks, right at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak.
- It specifically discusses the efforts and importance of the international cast speaking their own languages.
- I've seen a lot of behind-the-scenes footage of volume technology, but some of the scenes shown here are still very shocking. It's so real.
- The stage used was the same one where "Metropolis" was filmed!
- The control center of the engine room was actually handcrafted steampunk!
- The actors talked about the incredible and mind-boggling ideas of the creators, which even confused them. Acting with such doubts can make their performances more fitting.
- Is it an official confirmation? The second season will have a space background.
"Money Heist" (Korean Version)#
It's actually a political drama disguised as an action series!
Here, I need to correct something on Douban. According to the official division, the first twelve episodes are all considered the first season.
"First Love"#
Don't watch it in winter.
2023#
I've been waiting for ____ for too long! Finally, things are returning to "normal"!
In 2023, please bring us more post-pandemic films, more horror films, more "Menu," more planned sequels (mentioning "Dune"); most importantly, bring us more films and series of any genre!