calbee
Joined Mar 2003
Welcome to the new profile
Our updates are still in development. While the previous version of the profile is no longer accessible, we're actively working on improvements, and some of the missing features will be returning soon! Stay tuned for their return. In the meantime, the Ratings Analysis is still available on our iOS and Android apps, found on the profile page. To view your Rating Distribution(s) by Year and Genre, please refer to our new Help guide.
Badges2
To learn how to earn badges, go to the badges help page.
Reviews3
calbee's rating
I like this movie. It drew my attention when I saw its bluray disc in local store. After checking reviews in IMDb, I decided to go for it since Twilight being too Hollywoodized is definitely not my cup of tea.
The pace may be a bit slow to those whose are used to Hollywood production. However, if you are willing to "feel" the story and pay attention to details, a lot more have been told in very subtle manners.
The story is simple, but I believe the relationships between main characters (Oskar, Eli, Hakan)are far more complex. A lot more have been told if you pay more attention to details and sequence. I believe there are more to be told if there is/are sequel(s). (Later I saw reviews saying that there are more than one books for the series).
Anyway, I try my best to list some of these below:
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
First of all, I have not read the book. The followings are just my pov.
1) The relationship of Eli and Hakan. It seems like a father/protector to his daughter. But hell I think he was her lover. As Eli once told Oskar that she has been 12 for many years. Then Hakan is likely to be Eli's "previous" Oskar. Hakan got old but Eli stays at 12.
2) I was confused by Eli's behavior and how she speaks to Oskar that she is like 12-year old girl. That is not reasonable after she claimed that she has been 12-year old for many years. One explanation to that is that Eli is acting. But why? it is obvious that she acts to get close to Oskar. For what? for getting him to be Hakan's successor for Hakan is too old that he could not even kill for her. Make any sense? I remember the first scene Eli speaks after Hakan forgot to bring the blood back to the apartment. Eli was angry saying if she should do it herself. Her behavior in that scene did not seem like being 12, more like an adult saying. And remember the night Eli actively befriended with Oskar, Eli was extremely hungry. This strengthen her intention to find a successor.
3) The scene discloses Eli's private part shocked me. I initially doubted if that is necessary. However I remember Eli told Oskar twice that she is not a girl. (I initially thought that was mis-translated, or she was referring she was not human.) But that arguable shot seems like she has a scar there. I start doubting if Eli is really a female vampire. Honestly speaking, you can't tell a 12-year-old boy from a girl sometimes, right? Specially when Vampire happened to have pale skin. The question is why should he pretend to be a girl. I think it is because a 12-year old boy is not strong enough to do the hard work. Hence, kill for blood as if it was murder (to hide vampire's existence, of course). Therefore, he has to borrow someone's strength, that is a male protector like Hakan, or Oskar in the future. Then being a girl is "easier" to get these people involved. This intention also explains that why Eli "trained" Oskar to use violence to fight back his school mates, because violence is what Oskar needs to bring Eli food (blood) in future.
Therefore, it is a story about a male vampire pretending to be a 12-year old girl finding his next food supplier because the current one is too old for his job. Eli find and train Oskar to be Hakan's successor.
I hope the above pov make sense, and brings more thoughts about the story. To me, the story has more subtle story lines from its simple story telling. You may want to give multiple viewing in order to discover more.
Highly recommended.
The pace may be a bit slow to those whose are used to Hollywood production. However, if you are willing to "feel" the story and pay attention to details, a lot more have been told in very subtle manners.
The story is simple, but I believe the relationships between main characters (Oskar, Eli, Hakan)are far more complex. A lot more have been told if you pay more attention to details and sequence. I believe there are more to be told if there is/are sequel(s). (Later I saw reviews saying that there are more than one books for the series).
Anyway, I try my best to list some of these below:
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
First of all, I have not read the book. The followings are just my pov.
1) The relationship of Eli and Hakan. It seems like a father/protector to his daughter. But hell I think he was her lover. As Eli once told Oskar that she has been 12 for many years. Then Hakan is likely to be Eli's "previous" Oskar. Hakan got old but Eli stays at 12.
2) I was confused by Eli's behavior and how she speaks to Oskar that she is like 12-year old girl. That is not reasonable after she claimed that she has been 12-year old for many years. One explanation to that is that Eli is acting. But why? it is obvious that she acts to get close to Oskar. For what? for getting him to be Hakan's successor for Hakan is too old that he could not even kill for her. Make any sense? I remember the first scene Eli speaks after Hakan forgot to bring the blood back to the apartment. Eli was angry saying if she should do it herself. Her behavior in that scene did not seem like being 12, more like an adult saying. And remember the night Eli actively befriended with Oskar, Eli was extremely hungry. This strengthen her intention to find a successor.
3) The scene discloses Eli's private part shocked me. I initially doubted if that is necessary. However I remember Eli told Oskar twice that she is not a girl. (I initially thought that was mis-translated, or she was referring she was not human.) But that arguable shot seems like she has a scar there. I start doubting if Eli is really a female vampire. Honestly speaking, you can't tell a 12-year-old boy from a girl sometimes, right? Specially when Vampire happened to have pale skin. The question is why should he pretend to be a girl. I think it is because a 12-year old boy is not strong enough to do the hard work. Hence, kill for blood as if it was murder (to hide vampire's existence, of course). Therefore, he has to borrow someone's strength, that is a male protector like Hakan, or Oskar in the future. Then being a girl is "easier" to get these people involved. This intention also explains that why Eli "trained" Oskar to use violence to fight back his school mates, because violence is what Oskar needs to bring Eli food (blood) in future.
Therefore, it is a story about a male vampire pretending to be a 12-year old girl finding his next food supplier because the current one is too old for his job. Eli find and train Oskar to be Hakan's successor.
I hope the above pov make sense, and brings more thoughts about the story. To me, the story has more subtle story lines from its simple story telling. You may want to give multiple viewing in order to discover more.
Highly recommended.
I have recently review this film again. And it is still the best "gambling" film after all these years. Although Wong Jing was infamous with his not-too-good movies and dirty jokes. This one is a totally show off that proves he is one of the most talent writer/director in 80s Hong Kong.
Casino Raiders was released prior to "God of Gamblers" (also written and directed by Wong Jing), where the later has a better treater income. Personally speaking, the success of GOG is somehow related to the lead actor Chow Yun Fat, who was the hottest star at that time, and the story was filled with funny moments and local jokes which results a more releasing viewing experience, and more suitable to HK audience in 80s. In comparison, Casino Raiders features a more serious atmosphere, almost no local jokes at all, plus a better structured screenplay and twists. It is more suitable to call it a "gambling drama" (GOG is a cult movie instead).
Wong Jing is well known to HK audience that he likes all kind of gambling games: horse racing, casino games, cards, dice etc. I believe that is the reason why he could come up a script with so many gambling twists (and tricks).
Anyway, Casino Raiders is my most beloved movie of its kind. And it is recommended to anyone who is looking for a dramatic ride. One of the best (probably the only) from Wong Jing.
Casino Raiders was released prior to "God of Gamblers" (also written and directed by Wong Jing), where the later has a better treater income. Personally speaking, the success of GOG is somehow related to the lead actor Chow Yun Fat, who was the hottest star at that time, and the story was filled with funny moments and local jokes which results a more releasing viewing experience, and more suitable to HK audience in 80s. In comparison, Casino Raiders features a more serious atmosphere, almost no local jokes at all, plus a better structured screenplay and twists. It is more suitable to call it a "gambling drama" (GOG is a cult movie instead).
Wong Jing is well known to HK audience that he likes all kind of gambling games: horse racing, casino games, cards, dice etc. I believe that is the reason why he could come up a script with so many gambling twists (and tricks).
Anyway, Casino Raiders is my most beloved movie of its kind. And it is recommended to anyone who is looking for a dramatic ride. One of the best (probably the only) from Wong Jing.
Shaolin Soccer may not be the best among Chow's movies. It is definitely the most entertaining film of his. Chow put more focus on body humors which would be understood by international audiance instead of localized Hong Kong pop culture which he is well known of.
For viewers who are crazy with his localized performance, will find Shaolin Soccer out of their expectation. For viewers merely watched Chow's film, it is a very good start to initiate your interest in watching his other movies.
For viewers who are crazy with his localized performance, will find Shaolin Soccer out of their expectation. For viewers merely watched Chow's film, it is a very good start to initiate your interest in watching his other movies.