During year end - 2012, when people were busy talking about how the world is going to end, I had the chance to visit Cambodia. I spend 2 days in Siem Reap and 3 days in Phnom Penh.
In Siem Reap, I visited Bayon, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat temples. The architecture were simply amazing , leaving me breathless. Other than that, I also visited the famous" Tonle Sap" where very large group of floating villages are based. Also not to forget the dark history site, the War Museum.
War Museum:
Civil War Museum, Siem Reap is one of the popular tourist attractions in Siem Reap. Whenever you come to Siem Reap, visit this sightseeing spot to get a better insight into the history of the region. The collection in this Civil War Museum in Siem Reap is definitely worth a look for one and all who are intrigued by the turbulent past of this place.
Tonle Sap:
The Tonlé Sap is combined lake and river system in Cambodia that is also the largest body of water in South East Asia.It is also known as the Siem Reap Floating Village which has become one of the areas more popular attractions with tourists touring the area on boats.
Bayon:
Exactly in the heart of the Royal Palace city of Angkor Thom is the Bayon temple. The temple is best known today for the gigantic face sculptures on its thirty-seven surviving towers. Facing in four directions on each tower, the mysterious frozen faces are believed to represent Lokeshvara, a Buddhist god that expressed benevolence in all directions
Angkor Wat:
Angkor Wat was built in dedication to the Hindu god Vishnu “The Preserver” by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century. For the first 300 years of the Angkor period, the temples were erected for Hindu gods. The temples and the artwork reflected the faith of the Kings that ordered the construction of these temples.
Ta Prohm:
Ta Prohm is the undisputed capital of the kingdom of the Trees'. It has been left untouched by archaeologists except for the clearing of a path for visitors and structural strengthening to stave of further deterioration.
After spending 2 memorable days in Siem Reap, we took a bus to Phnom Penh.
An ex-special agent CHA Tae-shik's only connection to the rest of the world is a little girl, So-mi, who lives nearby. Her mother, Hyo-jeong smuggles drugs from a drug trafficking organization and entrusts Tae-shik with the product, without letting him know. The traffickers find out about her smuggling and kidnap both Hyo-jeong and So-mi. The gang promises to release them if Tae-shik makes a delivery for them, however it actually is a larger plot to eliminate a rival drug ring leader. When Hyo-jeon's disemboweled body is discovered, Tae-shik realizes that So-mi's life may also be in danger. Tae-shik becomes enraged at the prospect that So-mi may already be dead and prepares for a battle, putting his own life at risk.
Wow....
Compelling, passionate, thrilling, heart-warming, dark, and above all well-acted, it is no surprise why The Man From Nowhere (aka Ajusshi) swept the board with awards in 2010/2011. The partnership of Won Bin and Kim Sae-Ron is excellent, and their chemistry as mysterious man and the little girl who loves him is incredible.
This movie is beautifully constructed in both visual and story aspects. The sheer emotion this movie elicits is simply unspeakable: from the pain of societal rejection, to hopelessness, to unadulterated anger, and finally a sense of what it means to purely love. It is definitely a must-see.
The premise of The Man From Nowhere centers around a mysterious Ajusshi named CHA TAE-SHIK (Won Bin), who is very solitary and largely stigmatized as a societal outcast. He is befriended by his neighbor’s daughter JUNG SO-MI (Kim Sae-ron) who is also looked upon with disdain because of her socioeconomic status. So-mi’s mother gets involved in a complex drug ring that leads to her and her daughter’s kidnapping, and the only person who can rescue them is Tae-shik.
He goes to any lengths to save the one little girl who believes in him. It is an action-packed, roller coaster of emotions that will grab hold of you until the very end.This movie is wonderful from a multitude of aspects that I will try my hardest to capture in this review. First and foremost, I must call attention to the extensive pool of talented actors.
We meet our hero, Tae-shik, who looks a little disheveled and very much like an outcast, but despite his appearance he still manages to show a sweet side admiring some white flowers. He arrives at his residence where we meet So-mi for the first time. She is an energetic girl, talking to Tae-shik despite his refusal to respond with little more than monosyllabic answers.
I love this duo because it’s so unexpected, but they fit each other so well. He’s so silent and solemn and she’s so energetic and youthful. They also don’t act like they have a typical adult/child relationship, but they’re more like argumentative best friends. So-mi is without a doubt a wise little girl because despite what everyone thinks of the mysterious Ajusshi, she can see that he is a good person underneath all the gruffness. Sigh. I wish I could have Won Bin as my best friend and mysterious neighbor!
Won Bin as Cha Tae-shik really should be called the “King of Expression.” There are numerous moments in the movie in which his eyes tell you more than any dialogue could. I have been a long-time fan of Won Bin so I have come to expect this amazing level of acting, but he truly did step it up. You can see the pain in his eyes, the heartache, the regret, and for those few moments, even happiness and relief. I have to say that by far Won Bin contributed most to the emotional rollercoaster that made this film so moving.
Kim Sae-ron as Jung So-mi is a relatively new actress whose performance was really enjoyable. I loved how quirky and cute she was. The emotional parts that she had to do, which I’m sure must be hard for any actress, let alone a child actor, were simply brilliant. She made me cry a few times, and I consider myself made of stone, so you can imagine! Sae-ron is definitely one of those child actors to be on the lookout for, because with acting abilities like hers, there is no telling what the future holds.
What made the movie really special though was the excellent chemistry between Won Bin and Kim Sae-ron. The duo was quite eccentric, but somehow managed to be adorable at the same time. They played off of each other really well and most of all their friendship seemed natural, not at all forced. The movie would not have been the same without this pairing, and the tender/tormenting moments would not have been as emotionally charged . The pair was honestly really cute together and I found myself wishing I had a mysterious Ajusshi neighbor that would come to my rescue! I guess dreaming of one will have to do.
In one of the most important scenes in the movie, So-mi gives Ajusshi her most prized possession: a Yu-gi-oh card called Dark Night which she says “beats everything.” She turns to leave but faces him one more time to say:
So-mi: Ajusshi! I embarrass you too, right? That’s why you ignored me? It’s okay. My teacher and all the kids at school do that, too. Mom said that if I get lost, I should forget our address and phone number. She gets drunk and says we should die. Even though that pig called me a bum… You’re meaner. But I don’t hate you. Because if I do, I won’t have anyone I like. Thinking about it hurts me here (she pounds her chest near her heart). So I won’t hate you.
This is by far one of the saddest speeches I’ve heard in a long time. She pours out her soul to him, revealing her hopeless situation. This is really one of the turning points in the movie because this is where we find out that she really needs Ajusshi. He’s important to her, and although not readily apparent, he needs her too.
Aside from the main characters, the secondary characters were also quite brilliant.
Kim Sung-oh, who plays evil drug baddie Jong-seok, was really surprising. I’ve seen him in minor roles in Secret Garden and Midas, where both times he played a silly/not-so-well-off-intellectually type of person, but his role here was drastically different. He plays an amazing sadistic evil guy, with a bit of a psychopathic edge. I like it when an actor is not a one-trick pony and delivers lots of range. He was actually one of my favorite characters just because of how demented his character was.
Kim Hyo-seo, as So-mi’s drug addicted and negligent mother, was probably the biggest surprise. She was incredible in the scene that displayed the horrors of drug addiction. The representation of drug world is drastically real. We see the conditions of drug abuse, the treatment of children as cattle, and even the violent and often relentless business that is drug dealing. The movie is so good at capturing experiences/real life situations, like addiction, violence and sadness. The ecstasy on the mother’s face as soon as she injects the heroin is stunningly real and I must give proper recognition to Kim Hyo-seo for her incredible acting in the role of the drug-obsessed, negligent mother. I think I’m going to keep a closer eye on her from now on.
Other notable actors included Kim Tae-hoon, who played the lead detective Kim Chi-gon, and Kim Hee-won, who played super evil drug baddie Man-seok. Tae-hoon was good at playing an all-time serious detective, but his character in all honesty did not pique my interest as much as the others. Hee-won was by far one of the most dynamic characters in the movie and really worked the angle of loathed drug tycoon really well. There was also the inclusion of funny man Lee Jong-pil, as detective Noh, and Thai actor Thanayong Wongtrakul, as a psychopath with a knife Ramrowan, who spoke perfect English.
Now for the really juicy stuff: the plot and production value. At first, I thought the plot sounded mundane; super mystery man gets involved with the underground drug world leading to danger and sadness, but ultimately ends up saving the day. Man was I ever wrong. The plot itself is not contrived and is in fact well-written.
The premise is pretty classic: hero needs to save people from evil guys. But that’s where the classic nature ends. Relationships are built that give rise to the action. We connect to the characters in such a way that draws us into their world, and as a result we become invested. But I think it is safe to say that the movie itself was truly
enhanced by the incredible degree of acting. Won Bin is a master at
expressing emotion with his eyes. Without many words he was able to take
us from melancholy to surprise, to misery, to anger, and finally to
relief and happiness. Whether it was tears of sorrow or tears of
contentment, I truly think the powerful facial expressions of Won Bin
made the movie that much more special.
From the beginning, the film manages to set up the relationship between So-mi and Tae-shik, defining every aspect of this movie. And let me just say I am so glad that a romantic relationship was not the main focus for at least one movie I have seen in the last year. The production crew manages to capture the eccentric yet realistic relationship between mysterious/kind stranger and youthful/spunky misfortunate girl (if you can imagine that). This is a talent that you will see is noticeable throughout the film: the ability of the production team, as well as the actors, to capture epically realistic and emotionally charged scenes really well.
The story centers on a very mysterious Ajusshi, and we gradually learn more about him as the film progresses, and see what led him to his present state. His backstory is really kind of tragic, but that tragedy allows us to connect as viewers to his story. He might be a recluse, but he has one friend in So-mi, equally jaded, despite being such a young girl.
What I thought was one of the most brilliant aspects of this movie was its strategic (and not overwhelming) use of action. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen a Hollywood blockbuster that simply pounds the action at you every minute and never develops its characters or storyline. Thankfully, The Man From Nowhere does not follow in their steps. Storyline and character development are first and foremost, followed by the use of action as a supporting device to further the story.
From explosions to fight scenes and even portrayal of death, action did play a big part in the excitement factor of this movie. I will admit, had action not been involved, this movie would have been a huge melodrama cry-my-eyes-out-until-I-dehydrate parade. The action though, provided a great sense of thrill. Some of the fight scenes were some of my all-time favorites because the fighting was actually visible.
The graphic nature of the killings — an axe to the head, a knife to the mouth, even organ removal — was really well done. I truly was not expecting that. And from then on, the explicit nature of the scenes only grows. Deaths became bloody and violent, revelations even more shocking and the action sequences much more involved.
The hair cutting scene is very symbolic and crucial to this movie’s incredible second half. This is the crux when our hero, who has been so disadvantaged for the entire movie, turns the tables. He transforms himself back into the person he used to be, releasing what I like to call the hidden beast. He’s willing to give up everything to save this little girl. I love the symbolic nature of the actions the writer-director employs because it helps the viewer understand the stages of his development.
In terms of cinematography, this movie was definitely in a class of its own. The angles, the lighting, the scenery, and even the set design were truly marvelous. In fact, I think a big part of what made this movie great was the acuity of the camera work. At times it was clean and focused so we could see every detail within the frame, and at others, when the action was chaotic, was face moving and even dizzying, but still visible. It was the camera work that made the fighting scenes so realistic.
Overall I think writer-director Lee Jeong-beom was spectacular. He had the vision and skill to execute this dream film with such finesse and artistic aptitude that it really was inspiring. I hope that we see more great works from this writer-director, preferably more action films, although other genres wouldn’t disappoint. (Imagine what he could do with a romantic comedy!)
The Man From Nowhere is a must-watch and I promise you won’t regret.
HAPPINESS is one of those words that does not have a set definition. Happiness is a feeling. It is a feeling that you can have in a mere moment or you can hold onto for hours and days and weeks and years.
HAPPINESS is something you choose. No one else can make you happy. You make yourself happy through your choices and your journey. I want people to think that happiness really is a choice.
Even in troubling times you are able to make yourself happy if that is what you really want. You can allow yourself to see the silver lining even if it seems to be hidden behind dark, black clouds. There is a lot of chaos and heartbreak that surrounds us in the world and I think that we need these things to think about sometimes.
I do sometimes, take my life for granted and I need time to ground myself and think about what makes me happy and what I am thankful for. HAPPINESS surrounds me every day.
HAPPINESS is ( for me)..
Watching a sitcom and laughing until you have tears on your face
Watching an old couple in love even after years..
Tucking yourself into one of your favorite spots and getting lost in a book
Having an amazing conversation with a friend-feeling like this conversation has changed you and has made you see and understand the other person better.
Watching the curiosity and wonder in a child’s face.
A true and genuine hug from someone you really care about.
A delicious hot coffee in the morning before starting my day
The most delicious piece of tiramisu cake.
Have a child run and jump into your arms because they are so excited to see you.
Having friends in your life that you can have serious moments with but can also laugh for hours with..
Seeing/Learning a different perspective
Receiving an unexpected compliment that turns your whole day around.
Accomplishing a goal that you thought was impossible.
A day spent at the beach-soaking up the sun and playing in the ocean waves
Meeting someone new that you immediately feel comfortable with and know you want to spend more time with.
Embracing the things you love and running with them-mine would be writing and creating.
Paying a complete stranger a compliment because you want others to feel good.
Owning up to your mistakes, apologizing, accepting and moving forward
Trying something completely new out of your comfort zone.
Hanging with friends/family in a nice holiday
Having the ability to buy things for myself and loved ones without much thinking
Art/photography/stories that moves you.
Listening to your favorite song that you would swear was written for you.
Learning about something new that you never thought would interest you and actually really enjoying it.
Offering someone help when they need it. Acts of kindness and paying it forward can go a really long way.
LIFE can sometimes get us so caught up that we forget what is truly important. HAPPINESS is something we feel within but it comes from all of the things outside of us. HAPPINESS can be found around every corner and one tiny thing can bring you an abundance of happiness. I hope you take the time to find your own happiness as well as become a part of helping others find theirs.
I believe everyone has a wish that they want to fulfill. I have my own.
Come to think about it..what would I like to do If I am much bolder and has the chance to make my wish becomes reality?
Wow..This was an amazing journey for an year. This boy here - Adjeeth Khalique, gave a justice to the name of the competition.
He is just 10 years old..yes I mean he is just 10. The renderings by Adjeeth throughout his performances was not something a human child at this age can achieve. His superbly blend voices, an unimaginable facial expressions, stage maneuverability without the least amount of fear of audience and what else one could expect, of a stage singer, they are all found embedded intact within him by a divine blessing.
