In 2023, I watched nearly 100 movies, but I had limited time, so I mostly chose films that aligned with my personal interests and preferred themes.
It seems like there is a shortage of good movies this year, lacking originality.
Movies and TV Shows in 2023#
Still leaning towards: cult, science fiction, and reality.
I feel like the aftermath of the pandemic has been too long, and there is a huge gap between the movie industry and the previous golden decade, so we can only make realistic films.
The following quotes are from my personal highly-rated reviews on Douban.
Menu#
"Menu" is to Anya what "Future Crimes" is to Teacher Lei. It's both absurd and serious.
If you like Anya, cult and absurd styles, and battle royale, you shouldn't miss it. It was a feast at the beginning of last year. It can be said that it is popcorn that can withstand analysis, or a movie like "Blade Out of Sheath" that can't enter the mainstream.
The Imitator#
Another perspective, another version of "The Distance Between Us and Evil."
It may be a bit dramatic, but I really enjoy the conflict between the media, the public, and conscience. The action scenes are just supplementary.
Heaven of Exchanging Lives#
Nominated for the best realistic film of the year!
It perfectly proves that even with a small budget, you can achieve great results. (Personal opinion) It is far better than "Four Seasons and Four Dry Detectives."
The Mistake by the River#
The burning camera fell into the water, and Mazhe also lost his old self.
This is a movie that is truly popular in mainland theaters (but unfortunately, theaters are closing?). This film, along with "The Angry Sea" and "The Editorial Department of Space Exploration," can be shown on the big screen and has received recommendations, discussions, and deconstructions from many people. It gives me a lot of hope for our movies.
Also, this film is also known as "Jiangdong Wedding."
The Angry Sea#
Full of dramatic tension, and the scene with the fish doesn't feel too coincidental. The first half follows the anger, while the second half suppresses emotions.
The best domestic theater film of the year! Highly recommended for analysis:
Blue-Eyed Samurai Season 1#
This is a story about awakening: it's not about the era's trend or seeking revenge.
It has a really addictive setting and story, and it's the most recommended series of the year. It's so enjoyable and smooth. It's all about posing!
Asteroid City#
"The fourth wall is not enough, we need the fifth wall."
It's Wes Anderson's crazy experience card.
Star Wars Fan's Delight#
The Mandalorian Season 3#
This is not just a space opera, it's a space wolf [surprised]. What is "The Mandalorian" about this season? It's the story of "that" Mandalorian as a western hero, and how he heroically recovers his mother planet. Whether it's the past of Tatooine or the smoke of Nevarro, the question is, when will the long-delayed "Ahsoka" be released? I've been waiting for three years!
And then, "Ahsoka" was released!
Ahsoka Season 1#
Only Ahsoka's lightsaber can be called a saber.
And, such a poser! It's a classic warrior film of the literal sense in the 2020s.
Biggest Differences#
The biggest differences between my personal bias and mainstream reviews are:
Pearl#
One star from me (as a horror movie enthusiast): It's a typical American cheesy horror film, and A24 went too far.
Moon Rebels: Daughter of Fire#
Just right, Zhang Yimou's popcorn film, a qualified space story.
Five stars from me: Those who understand Zhang Yimou will understand. I'm really looking forward to the second film this year.
Some Old Films#
Sunshine Family#
Family is not just a "unit," but a symbiotic entity.
It has that "old" Taiwanese film flavor.
The Spy#
Only Korea can make this. Breaking stereotypes, is it just the tip of the iceberg of the real situation? It's really commendable to present North Korea from the perspective of South Korea.
I heard that the highly acclaimed "Seoul Spring" with the same theme is hard to come by?
Lastly#
I hope there will be a big explosion in the theater industry in 2024 (once again).
Some movies I was looking forward to didn't have any updates, and commercial films are becoming more and more similar. It seems like there are only a few themes being explored in art films. In 2024, is there anything that truly shines?
The brightest film in my mind right now is last year's "Future Crimes."