improbabilities Reviews

Kaili Blues (2015)

Not sure why this film is tagged as a mystery or fantasy

[6/10 · 13 January 2017]

Kaili Blues is essentially a slow-paced, contemplative, slice-of-life film. The gorgeous mountainous background of China's Guizhou Province, and the excerpts of poetry written by the main character, add an enchantingly artistic quality.

There are not many moments of important dialogue shared between the characters, so this is best to be viewed when one is in a quiet, meditative mood, as it will leave you plenty of time to think and reflect.

However, despite the fact that I have enjoyed a variety of other art-house films that consisted of similar qualities (South Korea's "Poetry," from 2010, directed by Lee Chang-dong, comes to mind), this motion picture failed to enrapture me. Maybe it was the fact that I didn't feel I connected very much with the main character. To be fair, there isn't a lot of backstory provided for him.

If you want to feel that you have gone on a cinematic roadtrip through a subtropical region of China's countryside (as if you were driving along with photographers as they capture scenes of roads and towns for Google Earth), then watch this movie. If you want something fast-paced, humorous, thrilling, et cetera, then seek another option.

No Tomorrow (2016–2017)

Starts out promising, but loses its groove

[7/10 · 11 December 2016]

The first couple episodes had already been released when I sat down to watch the pilot, and I found my attention immediately captured by the breezy and creative tone. The enthusiastic, charming, happy-go-lucky personalities of Xavier and Evie, the two attractive leads, as well as the comedic relief supplied by the mostly likable side characters, made 'No Tomorrow' easily pleasurable viewing.

Fast forward to some weeks later, after the 9th episode has been aired prior to the Christmas break... unfortunately, what at first seemed like a fresh, quirky romance story has gone downhill, on account of one of its main settings - the place where Evie works. Who honestly wants to see the antics of warehouse laborers on screen every week?

Viewers often watch TV to escape from the mundane aspects of their own life, so framing this series into a workplace comedy that focuses on the female lead's daily life, and the shenanigans of her family and friends (some of whom, such as her ex- boyfriend, seem like rather unnecessary additions) is a wasted opportunity. Wasn't it supposed to be about the free-spirited guy who introduces her to a more fun and adventurous way of living? Xavier and Evie should have been travelling together and having more wild and crazy exploits, instead of taking their spare time to engage in a bunch of tame PG-rated activities that could have been part of a 10-year-old's birthday celebration. There's nothing wrong with innocent fun, but if Xavier really believes the world is ending... then this show needs a larger budget.

If it is renewed for a second season, I hope they decide to go in a more imaginative direction and drop the workplace setting, while continuing to keep the atmosphere fun and light-hearted.