Korean Movies With Hitchcock Titles: "Vertigo"

In a previous blog post, I shared entertainment trivia about "Spellbound", a Korean movie with the same name as a Hitchcock film. In this post, I will discuss "Vertigo".

♦ Vertigo (2019)

Main Characters:

• Seo-Young (played by Chun Woo-Hee)

• Lee Jin-Soo (played by Yoo Teo)

• Kwon-Woo (played by Jeong Jae-Kwang)

STORYLINE:

All the women at the office fantasize about Lee Jin-Soo, but none of them have ever gotten to first base with him. So they settle for talking about him during their lunch break. The conversation makes Seo-Young feel uncomfortable, so she excuses herself from the lunch group. They don't know why she reacted that way, but they dismiss it and continue talking. Her co-workers did not know that Seo-Young was having a secret affair with her manager, Lee Jin-So. She thought she could have a wonderful life with Lee Jin-So. Except … all of a sudden he ghosted her and she didn't understand why. As if a failed relationship wasn't bad enough, she went to the doctor because of certain physical ailments and learned that she suffered from Vertigo.

Lee Jin-So was fired because the company's CCTV video showed him having sex with one of the employees. But that employee was not Seo-Young, so she didn't get fired. Seo-Young was a little baffled but she didn't dare ask for more information about the manager's termination. Another manager approached her and told her that he had seen the video of her with Lee Jin-So but didn't tell anyone. Then he tried to secure sexual favors from her, in return for keeping it a secret. When she refused, he physically assaulted her.

Seo-Young did not know it but she had a secret admirer, Kwon-Woo, who worked as a contract window cleaner. It so happened that Kwon-Woo was cleaning windows and saw what was happening to her. He banged on the glass panes, making loud noises. When the manager realized that someone had witnessed his behavior he left immediately. Seo-Young was grateful for Kwon-Woo's help. But the incident left her distraught and depressed. She wanted to die! But Kwon-Woo really wanted her to live. Could he convince her that life was worth living?

• GENRE: Secret Romance, Workplace or Office Drama

• IMDb Rating: 6 out of 10 stars

• MyDrama List: 7.1 out of 10 stars

• Letterboxd: 3.2 out of 5 stars

♦♦ Vertigo (1958): (Psychological drama, Thriller and Suspense) James Stewart plays a retired San Francisco police detective John "Scottie" Ferguson. After a traumatic incident on the job, he developed acrophobia (a fear of heights). An old friend confides in him that his wife, Madeleine Elster played by Kim Novak, has begun to act strangely. He hires “Scottie” to follow his wife around, but the detective becomes obsessed with her. His covert investigation reveals a disturbing truth about her identity.

Korean Movies With Hitchcock Titles: "Spellbound"

Alfred Hitchcock earned his reputation as the master of psychological thriller and suspense. While searching for Korean dramas to watch, I stumbled upon 2 films that had the same title as a Hitchcock movie which made me curious. 

However, it seems the only similarity between the Hitchcock movies and the Korean movies is the title. Even so, these K-dramas were interesting to watch. There is a little bit of entertainment trivia about the Hitchcock movies, for contrast and comparison.

♦ Spellbound (2011)

(Also known by the title “Chilling Romance”)

Main Characters:

• Ma Jo-Goo (played by Lee Min-Ki)

• Kang Yeo-Ri (played by Son Ye-Jin)

STORYLINE:

Ma Jo-Goo is a talented street magician but his act is going nowhere. While performing for the audience, he noticed a mysterious woman in the crowd. When he finished his show he followed and caught up with her. Her dark and mysterious look had inspired him and he wanted her to be a part of his show. She agreed to work for him and his magic act became a success. It was called Jo-Goo Ma's Horror Illusion. After work, Jo-Goo likes to treat his workers to dinner and drinks, but Kang Yeo-Ri always refuses. She was loaded with excuses. But never told anyone her real reason. The truth was much more frightening.

Kang Yeo-Ri had a secret and that was why she lived alone, could never have a boyfriend, and pretended to be happy. One night her boss insisted she join them for dinner. She had one too many drinks and did something that embarrassed her boss. Strangely though, after that night at the company dinner, Ma Jo-Goo was drawn to her. As he got closer, he learned her secret and it terrified him. However, even though he was scared, he still wanted to be with her. Who says you can't be in love AND be scared to death to be with person you love?

• GENRE: Romantic, Comedy, Horror

• IMDb Rating: 6.8 out of 10 stars

• MyDrama List: 8 out of 10 stars

♦♦ Hitchcock's Spellbound (1945): (Psychological drama, Thriller, and Suspense) Ingrid Bergman plays Dr. Constance Petersen, a psychiatrist who wants to treat her new patient, John Ballantine, played by Gregory Peck. He is suffering from amnesia. When her mental health treatment indicates that he may know details about a murder, she gets help from a fellow psychiatrist. His memory loss is the result of a trauma and the doctors work together to unlock the memories buried in the patient's subconscious mind. The film combines elements of, exploring themes of identity, memory, and mental health, all while incorporating a complex plot twist and a dramatic climax.

Vintage Romantic-Comedy: Three Coins in a Fountain (1954)

If you are physically unable to travel, you can always watch a movie that will take you to your dream destination. Italy has always been on my travel bucket list. And who wouldn't want to go to Rome, Italy?

When I was a kid, I watched a romantic movie called “Three Coins in a Fountain” (1954). There were numerous wonderful scenes of various sites in Italy. But I will never forget the scene where they were throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain.

The movie is about 3 American secretaries who are visiting Rome and their love affairs. The movie's memorable theme song was sung by none other than Old Blue-Eyes, Frank Sinatra.

Rotten Tomatoes gave this movie a rating of 3 out of 5 stars. That's probably because the reviewers don't know how to appreciate a vintage classic film. In my humble opinion, this movie earned 3 stars just filming on location in Rome, Venice, and Merano; and the other 2 stars for the acting. That's 5 out of 5 stars. LOL. ☺

Anyway! Ted Turner certainly appreciated it and that's why he preserved it in his TCM collection (Turner Classic Movies).

Image credit:  IMDb

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MOVIE TRIVIA:

1. This movie is known by alternate titles “There's No Place Like Rome” and “We Believe in Love”.

2. The film is based on the novel by the same name written by John H. Secondari (Philadelphia, 1952).

3. It was nominated in 3 different categories for the 1955 Oscar Awards: Best Picture, Best Cinematography, and Best Song.

4. Even though the film title mentions 3 coins in the title, in that Trevi Fountain scene, only 2 coins were thrown into the fountain.

 

Original Source  

Movie: Film Noir: Impact (1949)

I really enjoy a lot of old movies that can easily be found on YouTube. I like mysteries, but especially the genre that is called "film noir".   One such old movie is called "Impact", released in 1949. What I liked was the way the court case played out. If you haven't watched the movie I don't want to spoil the ending. If you like vintage film noir drama you'll probably like this movie.

WATCH: Impact - Full Movie | Brian Donlevy, Ella Raines, Charles Coburn

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Remembering Sir Christopher Lee (1922-2015)

On June 7, 2015, acting legend Christopher Lee bid us farewell. He departed this life. Henceforth, he will be spoken of as the late great Christopher Lee.

A polished actor, a distinguished gentleman, and a man with an immediately recognizable voice. You didn't even need to to see his face, When you heard that voice, you knew it was Sir Christopher Lee.

It is said that he was an Intelligence Officer in the British Royal Air Force. But it's hard to find information about what he did because apparently, even though he's dead, his work for God and country is still “a secret”.

People from my generation might remember him as Count Dracula. People from the younger generation might remember him as Saruman, the wicked wizard in “The Lord of the Rings”. Either or, he was a very memorable guy.

• Considered a cinematic giant by many, Lee towered in real life as well - standing at 6'5", he was named by the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the tallest leading actors in the world. (SOURCE)

• He holds the world record for oldest video game voice actor. (SOURCE)

He entered the film industry in 1947 and his acting career spanned several decades. At his death, he was preparing to start his latest film 'The 11th' about the lead-up to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America.

Despite his advanced age (he was 93), his death was unexpected. He died of natural causes. Sir Christopher Lee: Screen legend dies aged 93 - BBC News

• In Memory of Christopher Lee (1922-2015)

Classic Movie ~ Vintage Bette Davis : Jezebel (1938)

When I was growing up Sunday afternoon were special.  My big sister and I loved to watch movies on TV. We especially both loved Bette Davis; whether she was a bad lady or a good girl, she was a SUPER STAR!! 

In this particular movie, she was Julie Morrison, a brazen sassy boldacious Southern belle. She dared to be an independent woman with a mind of her own, who challenged society's norms. In the process of her being rebellious, arrogant, and contrary, she caused a rift between her and her future husband. What did she do that was so outrageous and shaemful? Uumm … she showed up to a party in a red dress!

I was very young at the time and being that red is my favorite color, I didn't get what all the huffing and puffing was about. My older sister explained to me that refined and cultured women in polite society would never wear a red dress. That's the mark of a whore!! A wicked woman!! A she-devil!!

With that very clear and graphic explanation provided by my big sister, I was able to better understand this scene and this line in the movie; and that also explains the name of the movie.

“𝙄 𝙥𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝙄 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚.” ~ Bette Davis - JEZEBEL (1938)

♦ Bette Davis - "I'm Kneeling To You" from Jezebel (1938)

♦ Filmsite Movie Review: Jezebel (1938) ~ "The film earned a total of five Academy Award nominations with two major Oscar victories. Bette Davis won her second (and last) Academy Award for her portrayal of the tempestuous, manipulative Southern ante-bellum New Orleans belle for Warner Bros." 

Original Source

Bette Davis Movies on Amazon Prime Video

Related Posts:

 

* Another Man's Poison (1951) 

* Bette Davis Quotes  

Vintage Classic Movie vs Modern Remake: “The Manchurian Candidate”

“The Manchurian Candidate” which was released in 1962 and which starred Frank Sinatra and Laurence Harvey, along with Angela Lansbury, is now a vintage classic movie.

♦ Lifting a description from Wikipedia, this movie is a "Cold War neo-noir suspense thriller".

In 2004, "The Manchurian Candidate” was given an extreme make-over. It was updated - from Cold War to Gulf War - and the remake which starred Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep actually had the blessings of Tina Sinatra, daughter of the late Frank Sinatra.

♦ By contrast, the description supplied by Wikipedia for the remake is "science fiction political-thriller film".

The movies were film adaptations based on a 1959 novel, written by Richard Condon.

Both films are worth watching. But only one of them is the best!

In my opinion the 1962 version is the best! I love Frank Sinatra.

♦

In Memory Of:
Laurence Harvey (1928 – 1973)
Frank Sinatra (1915–1998)

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For Fans of Maureen O'Hara: Flame of Araby (1951)

Maureen O'Hara is one of my favorite actresses. (Born Maureen FitzSimons; 1920 – 2015). She was an Irish actress and singer. I remember her for her flaming red hair. I thought she was gorgeous! I have seen her in so many movies. But I found a movie that I had not seen. She starred in this movie with another one of my favorite male leading actors, Jeff Chandler (born Ira Grossel; 1918 – 1961).

* Flame of Araby (a.k.a. Flame of the Desert), released in 1951. *

Jeff Chandler plays the part of Bedouin chief Tamerlaine and Maureen O'Hara plays the Tunisian Princess Tanya. Of course, you know as soon as they meet sparks fly! They make a charismatic onscreen couple. The Bedouin chief is searching for the legendary black stallion Shahzada. To be the one who catches this prize steed is all he could ever want. All that he could ever want that is … until he met the Princess Tanya.

It's a love story with both a hero and a heroine. A wonderful wholesome family movie. I enjoyed it! 

You can watch this classic film onYouTube.

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More Maureen O'Hara movies

More Jeff Chandler movies

Three (3) Vintage Classic Movies That Created Wonderful Childhood Memories

I was born in the 1950s. That means that I am from the first generation that got to experience television in the home. What a marvelous invention! I know my late mother never intended for the TV set to become her babysitter but my sister, my brothers and I spent hours in front of the television. There were so many wonderful programs to watch that educated and entertained us. I especially loved to watch movies with my big sister. The movies back in my day were memorable and made a lasting impression on my young developing mind. Below are three (3) films from my childhood that created indelible memories.

Heidi (1937) ~ This is a classic children's story written by Swiss author, Johanna Louise Spyri, adapted to film. Famous child star Shirley Temple played Heidi, the little orphan girl who was taken to live with her grandfather. After she and her grandfather had bonded and become close, she is tricked into leaving “the grandfather” and sold to be a servant in a wealthy man's household. If I tell you more and you have not seen the movie, that would spoil everything. So I'll stop right here.

The Wizard of Oz (1939) ~ I loved this movie!! It was a musical but everything about it was magical. The Yellow Brick Road, the Wizard, the Munchkins, the Wicked Witch, Glenda the Good Witch, the ruby red shoes that Dorothy wore, and that song she said that melted everybody's heart: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Judy Garland was cast as Dorothy. Yes, it was also based on a book. L. Frank Baum's 1900 children's fantasy novel titled “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”.

glitter-graphics.com

National Velvet (1944) ~ This is a film about a horse race. Not just any race. England's Grand National Sweepstakes horse race. There is a young girl who has a dream that she can win. It is based on a story by Enid Bagnold. Famous child star Elizabeth Taylor played the role of Velvet Brown. Did she win the race? You'll have to watch the movie.

Do you have any favorite childhood movies?

Original Source

Happy Birthday Bette Davis

Happy Birthday to one of my favorite actresses. Ruth Elizabeth “Bette” Davis (April 5, 1908 – October 6, 1989).

Movie Recommendation:

This one is a hidden gem.

Vintage classic Bette Davis. (via Another Man’s Poison (1951) with Bette Davis – Classic Film Freak)

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