2025 Year-End Review: Movies

Twin brothers 'Smoke' and 'Stack', who have left their gang life in Chicago and returned to their hometown, open a bar called 'Juke Joint'.

The first half of the movie covers the process of opening this bar, while the second half deals with the events that take place within it.

It is a film about Delta Blues and simultaneously captures American history. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend watching it.

No Other Choice

Personally, it was slightly disappointing compared to Decision to Leave, but it was still an interesting watch. Although it is set in Korea, there are some settings that might feel out of place for Koreans; nevertheless, I believe this film can be evaluated as a masterpiece that possesses humor, direction, a valid message for the times, and a sense of completeness.

The Brutalist

I am including this in the Top 3 because its domestic release date is in 2025. Otherwise, this spot would have belonged to One Battle After Another.

The actors' performances are exceptional, but with its outstanding visuals and music, it is a great film where not a single element can be overlooked.

Despite the long runtime, it is a great movie that I cannot help but recommend.

2. Worst 2 Released Movies

The Great Flood

It was bad in so many ways... to the point where I don't even need to say much. I understand there is excessive criticism, but I don't think it's something to deny that this movie is truly poorly made.

I think the idea behind the core setting could have been okay, but many other parts are quite disappointing. I select this movie, which left nothing but "?" in my head throughout the viewing, as one of the worst of the year.

Holy Night: Demon Hunters

A few years ago, I got tired of various movies featuring exorcist priests where a priest with a backstory fights past trauma and battles demons that only exert influence within a single room at most.

I dreamed of a movie where a priest like Dwayne Johnson beats up minor demons and has a cool duel with a high demon. A movie where a tactical exorcist swings a cross like a dagger and uses holy water as a grenade. I thought it could be even more 'tactical' than Constantine.

And Holy Night: Demon Hunters is not that movie. This movie is bad even outside the film itself because the title Demon Hunters confused people with K-Pop Demon Hunters.

I don't have ill feelings toward movies starring Ma Dong-seok, but at this point, JK Film looks like a saint in comparison.

3. Movies to Add a Word About

One Battle After Another

It's a good movie. Especially the final pursuit sequence was really impressive. Isn't Sean Penn somewhat suspicious?

A Real Pain

It is literally a story about 'real pain'. It was hard, and it was good.

Mickey 17

A movie that was as disappointing as it was anticipated. It has both pros and cons, but movies with SF-style warmth are always welcome.

Elio

It wasn't interesting. Better than Lightyear, more disappointing than Elemental.

Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: School Anniversary

Released in 2024. If you laugh, you lose. I'm looking forward to Director Kim Min-ha's next work.