This is one action thriller I enjoyed the most and will stay with me. Different from the usual action thriller films that hype up its sophistication with complicated plots or technology that leaves you confused more than awed, "Taken" is simple yet effective in sending chills into bones and keeping you on the edge of your seat. The issue of morality is also depicted through how organised crimes thrive due to the acts of the rich, powerful and wicked. There are some unrealistic "James Bond" scenes in my opinion but nevetheless it is definitely not your usual muscle-packed and bombs for men haha. Also recommended to girls who like taking risks during holiday trips haha.

The film's ending felt like .... to me. I don't know what to make out of it. Not that I didn't enjoy it but the plot is strange and complex and perhaps too complex for most of us to grasp its intent. The pace picks up as the illicit affair begins between Hanna and the young Micheal. The intense sexual scenes between a young boy and a woman twice his age satisfying each other’s carnal desires do not make very pleasant sights. Maybe that is the director's intention - to grab one’s attention and let the uneasiness sink in to create a lingering effect on the audience. But there are some sweet moments. They are times when both find amusement during the Micheal’s reading sessions to Hannah and their holiday trip. The film seems to want to bring out the severe consequences one’s inaction or actions has on others. Hannah’s seduction on young Micheal which leaves ripples of pain in his memory and resulted in him disconnecting emotionally from the world … Hannah’s duty as a prison camp guard and thus her inaction to save the Jewish prisoners, sacrificing them in a fire… Micheal’s inaction to potentially save Hannah due to some confidential information he has… It is filmed in Germany, tone is slow and melancholic. I like it for its acting. David Kross as Micheal, was 18 when he acted in this film and the kid proved his talents. Kate Winslet, she’s the Oscar Queen already! Ralph Fiennes, in my opinion, did not contribute much to the credit. Strange film, leaves you feeling a little bewildered but still worth the time if you like serious acting.

What I loved most: Stellar performance by Kate Winslet & Leonardo Dicaprio

You have your dreams and passion and then you find yourself getting married and having kids, just like many others do. So you put that aside and assume responsibility as a parent and a spouse. The dreams and passion continue to burn inside you. You envision yourself and your spouse to be different from other couples who are bogged down by the tedious daily routines of life - more unconventional, bold and quirky - because you dare take the unbeaten path! Just as you think you might leap forward, things happen once again which force you to retreat to your usual lifestyle which you have already to detest. Though the story is set in the 50s, the film depicts many challenges that modern couples still face now. It is hard if raising a family in a conventional way is not your mission in life, worse when you cannot forgo your unfulfilled dreams. All of us don't always look up to our parents' advice on working hard and self-sacrifice should be the way to a full life. The lead actor hated his father's advice! Leonardo was great, Kate even more wonderful! This and "The Reader" proved she could strip off her real self and totally enveloped the aura of the characters she portrayed. The script was brilliant too - realistic, engaging and thought-provoking. It has an atypical hollywood ending. A pity it's not nominated for the best picture.

Have heard that reviews likened it to be somewhat similar to Meet Joe Black. Apart from the black suit and handsome good looks that Brad Pitt and Takeshi wear, I cannot detect any other similarities. The movie is adapted from a manga. Like manga, it offers a visual feast of dreamy background, cool costumes and manga prince himself Takeshi Kaneshio. Takeshi plays Grim Reaper Chiba who is assigned the job of observing his victims for seven days before their potential death and decides whether to pass them off or take them. Though the story centers on a heavy issue on life and death, it is made light-hearted with hilarious moments, some of which are Takeshi's ignorant and thus irreverent reactions to the human community at the same time it never forgets to keep to its intended thought-provoking message. Takeshi's acting is put to test in this movie and proved his skills by convincing the audience he could be a subtle and broody comedian. The story has no climax or closure. If you have watched enough Japanese movies, you will know that some of their movies emphasize on delivering a message across, rather than a story. Message is communicated via scenes of daily encounters, conversations, mundane yet important matters that take place in the characters' lives. The message here is the concept of death. Don't be put off by D. This movie brings light into darkness and helps you appreciate life. Just to add: At the end of the show, the two young guys (or gays) sitting next to me commented it was a waste of money. I reckoned that they are too young with life to fully grasp the meaning eh?

What I loved most: Realistic storyline that touches

What I really hated: none!

If you enjoyed Bridget Jones Diary and/or Love Actually, you will also like this one. Modern cinematic style, accompanied with great soundtrack and set in cosmopolitan NYC gives the film an uber cool appeal. It is not the typical romance film which often star Meg Ryan and the like. This one feels real and handles the notion of "true love has always been around you waiting" well. You don't get an entire cast of A-list actors which in my opinion is great because it offers a refreshing visual and makes the film appear more real rather than like a film. The lead actor's charm and boyish good looks grow on you. The three women in his life are smart and pretty and brought different joy to his life at different stages. The movie flashes back and forth between the past and current at a comfortable pace as the lead actor tells his story to his curious daughter. Thumbs up to the scriptwriter who wrote such a colloquial father and daughter dialogue! I can watch this film again and would still enjoy it. Even if you don't love this movie, there's no reason to hate it unless you have an institutional belief (shan't include spoiler here). If you have the time and wonder which movie to watch, no harm choosing "Definitely Maybe", esp if you are with your chick, guys! It's a great movie for Spore guys who need an EQ booster!

A tried & tested formula & a great movie for starry-eyed candy couples. The screenwriter tried to squeeze in too much details in the first half. Good for a book but could lose its direction for a movie. Cast is pretty and the actor acted exceptionally well for his age. Had some very touching scenes. Despite its cliche & predictable plot, it never failed to tug your heartstrings. We are humans with feelings afterall! At the end of the show, I could hear people sniffling more than many other movies I've watched.