I Saw the Devil (2010)

Kyung-chul (Choi Min-sik) is a dangerous psychopath. One day, daughter of a retired police chief becomes his prey and is found dead in a horrific state. Later, her fiance Soo-hyun (Lee Byung-hun), a top secret agent, decides to track down the murderer himself and avenge her death. I Saw the Devil a.k.a Akmareul boattda is a South Korean revenge thriller directed by Kim Ji-woon that fills with violence, torture, cannibalism and sexual sadism. But it’s also about morality and human fallout. A compeling and powerful film. Recommended but it’s not for everyone film because of the large amount of horrific scenes.

Flame and Citron (2008)

Based on true story about two fighters in Holger Danske World War II resistance group. Their imperfect methods in hunting down and rubbing out Denmark's most prominent Nazi collaborators and The Gestapo make the movie perfect. The film is everything you want from an action thriller war noir movie. The performances of Thure Lindhardt and Mads Mikkelsen as the dynamic duo universally strong and there is a real chemistry between the two of them. The script is well written, not only about heroism, but the effect of war is described and told in details. Each scenes is skillfully shot. Flame and Citron or Flammen & Citronen won Robert Festival 2009 category Best Special Effects, Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Make-Up, Best Costume Design and nominated in 9 other categories.

Max Manus (2008)

 

 

The true story about the life of Max Manus (Aksel Hennie), a young Norwegian hero known for his daring and spectacular sabotage during World War II. After having fought the Russians during the Winter War in Finland. Max Manus joined Norwegian resistance and became a member of the Oslo Gang during Nazi-occupied Norway in 1940. It's not only his heroic act, but also about his battle against his inner demon.That's what makes the movie comes highly recommended. The script is rather flat, but the visual cinematography and the casts are excellent. Max Manus won Amanda Awards 2009 for Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Sound Design and Best Supporting Actress.

Katyn (2007)

 

 

Amazing historical true story about the slaughter of thousands of Polish officers and citizens in the Katyn forest in 1940 by the Soviet Army. Using conventional narrative and documentary-style filmmaking, experienced Polish director Andrzej Wajda masterfully crafted the film. The dark atmosphere creates emotional and personal wartime tragedy. Watching it is truly unforgettable experience.

Thor (2011)

Banished by Odin (Sir. Anthony Hopkins), The Mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth), powerful but arrogant reckless warrior was forced to live amongst humans. On Earth, he realizes what it takes to become a real hero, the worthy heir of Asgard and (of course) falling in love with mortal Jane (beautiful Natalie Portman). Based on Marvel Comics character and Norse mythology, The God of Thunder is a film that relies heavily on special effects. The design of Asgard, Thor's mythical realm, is awesome and some of action sequences are amazing. The story itself adapts the original Stan Lee for Marvel, add with intentional humour and effort to combine myth and real world, magic and science. Performance department: Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman gave their best, but it seems there’s lack of chemistry between them. Others leave their mark. But it was Tom Hiddleston's Loki that stole the show. Thor may not be the best superhero film to have made the transition from comic book to screen, but it does what the audiences want. Director Kenneth Branagh successfully crafted Thor and made him more than just a man with Mjölnir hammer in his hand. 

Friends with Benefits (2011)

 

 

From Will Gluck (Easy A), comes clichés romantic comedy about two persons who had a horrible history in relationship. They meet, befriends, and decide to add spice in their friendship: SEX. They soon discover that getting physical really does always lead to complications. If you have watched No Strings Attached, this movie has similar plot. Althought the storyline is deeper than most rom-com, still you won't find anything new. The two lead casts are good enough, chemistry between them is strong. Justin Timberlake definitely looks a lot better in this movie than in Bad Teacher. Mila Kunis is sweet as usual. But the best acts came from the supporting casts, Woody Harrelson and Patricia Clarkson. Their presence makes the film more alive and hilarious. The film set is another advantage. I really enjoyed the NYC landscapes and the LA beach view. So those are the benefits of Friends With Benefits, a Hollywood rom-com which surprisingly, I find it amusing and entertaining.