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20_DramaQueen_23

Completed
Yakuza and The Family
2 people found this review helpful
3 days ago
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Parts of this movie remind me of when I lived in Japan with one unseen neighbour allegedly being from an old established Yakuza family. His place was like a miniature castle that took up a whole corner of the street!

Also, a colleague dated a Yakuza guy briefly, but didn't find it threatening in anyway nor did she ever feel she was in danger. And unlike some things we had heard he had no missing finger. In saying that, another person I knew had a girlfriend from Europe go missing not long before her visa was about to expire - never to be found. She was working near a place called Rappongi as an escort so likely for the Yakuza (unorganised). She was an escort that served drinks and chatted nothing more - not anything R rated.

That was a really sad situation because her boyfriend (my friend) wouldn't give up and was persistent with the police about it for years and years, but just had no luck with them or finding her.

There are a number of missing foreigners in Japan - even murdered ones, like Lucie Blackman, only not all are mass media news stories or reported in anyway.

Anyhow, back to that nearby neighbour of mine, for some time I thought it was just an unfounded rumour about him because I only ever saw delivery drop offs every now and then when I passed by that way to and from work - nothing else.

You know the scene where one of the Yakuza guys wears sunglasses in that little restaurant and it is night time - I think it is a Yakuza thing. I was coming back from work late one night when I spotted a group of men all dressed in immaculate suits standing outside that neighbour's gates with about 3 -4 limousines (shaded windows) or Cadillacs. Expensive cars. Most were smoking and all wore sunglasses. I was literally crapping myself because they could have easily taken me if they wanted and made sure I was never seen again. I knew at that exact moment they definitely were Yakuza without a doubt. I was so nervous as there was no way I passed as Japanese so all I could do really was keep my head down, not say anything and quickly walk through them to get home and hopefully not gain too much unwanted attention. Not that they could miss me! I do recall some looked really young which surprised me. I did get a few cold hard stares I reckon because one turned in my direction and I could feel the intensity of being somewhere I probably shouldn't have been at that moment, but noone approached or hassled me. It was obvious something must have happened for them to be there so late and dressed like that - we (Japanese friends and I) worked out that there may have been a death among them, but who knows?! As the family name was on the gate near the mail box one friend looked for death notices under that name, but came up with zilch.

That is another thing - security cameras weren't so common in our area, but that place had them, also, he had a huge swimming pool which was uncommon as well. I don't think security cameras were so widely used back then when I think about it, but I could be wrong.

Guns weren't really an issue in Japan when I was there nor things like petty theft or mugging, but I didn't really work or live in bad areas if they did exist. I do remember mushrooms and other hardcore drugs starting to circulate only drugs really weren't so big back then either- they were obtainable, but not a massive problem like how we see it in Western countries.

This film touches on the years I lived in Japan if it starts in the late 1990s and onwards.

When I was there anyone with tattoos was banned from using the gyms and swimming pools because tattoos were associated with the Yakuza, also, believe it or not permed hair for some reason. Gangster hairstyle maybe.

I was told old Yakuza families belonged to organised crime and newer individuals belonged to unorganised crime - each different from the other.

Just wanted to share my experience because of this movie triggering certain memories even though what I saw or experienced with the Yakuza was just in passing whereas living in Japan was not.

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Completed
Clean Up
0 people found this review helpful
Apr 5, 2024
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

Clean-Up (2019) - 05/04/2024.

I'm really surprised no-one has written about this movie.

Am also wondering why it didn't make it over 8 as a rating because it is really good. Could it be because it is a tiny bit slow in unfolding the story or because the actors are realistic in what they are portraying with no unnecessary thrills or effects.

Although it is about a woman that lost her son due to a bad heart as a child we don't see much of him at all - this is more about an ex prisoner she meets later on in her work environment (Sweepers) that reminds her of the past, but for "different reasons" other than her son.

SPOILER ALERT!

It seems her and her ex husband abducted him to get a large sum of money when he was about 10 years old. As a consequence of that, however, it impacted on the boy in a negative way.

It is really sad when it comes out as to what happened to him and his life afterwards and why, also, her to some extent.

SPOILER ALERT!

It kind of has an OLDBOY feel (if you've watched it) to it with the way it is filmed, also, due to what develops between the two a bit later on which is messed up yet makes sense if you look at it from both of their perspectives.

What is explored in this movie is the relationship between a victim and abductor years after the fact, only one wants forgiveness knowing what they did and who the victim is, and the has no idea until the clues fall into place...

Worth the time and effort to WATCH!

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Ongoing 4/50
Beauty and Mr. Romantic
3 people found this review helpful
Apr 2, 2024
4 of 50 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers
02/04/2024

Not sure if 50 episodes is something I will do all the way UNLESS this can keep up the momentum as well as my interest engaged.

The first two episodes have had cute moments as well as cringe worthy and embarassing ones, but at least the kids equate to adorable.

In it we have a mother with major debts and her three children surviving the best way they can only unfortunately the mother isn't the best role model and tends to step on people's toes. They all end up living at "Mr Romantic's" family home (short term) until the mother does the unthinkable.

As for her daughter (Beauty), she happened to bump into a teenage boy one day (Mr Romantic) and ended up having the biggest crush on him even to the extent of letting him know it and kind of stalking him right until they had to suddenly move.

15 or so years later when she is famous they cross paths again.

And this takes us into episode 4 mainly...

Before I forget - the child actors have done their parts really well!

Actually, the boy that played "Mr Romantic Junior" is a lot better looking than the adult male version of him that is for sure. It is a shame he isn't doing both parts as he would have got my approval - just being cool and a rebel got the thumbs up.

One little thing that irks me with the adult him is the cool rebellious boy teen of yester years seems to have been replaced by a fumbling awkward idiot.

Bring back Prince Charming is all I will say!!!!

If this drama could drop all the screaming interfering women and irrelevant scenes that aren't really about Beauty and Mr Romantic I would probably stay in it for the long haul.

Women that scream and scream and yell for the sake of it irritate me no end - so episode 4 has brought this down a notch or two from the NOT TOO BAD department to OH NO! MY EARS ARE BEING INDISCRIMINATELY ASSAULTED YET AGAIN.

Will have to to do a wait and see approach...

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Completed
Never Say Never
0 people found this review helpful
Mar 31, 2024
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers
01/04/2023 (April)

I wasn't too sure about what I was getting myself into when I started watching this movie because I'm not keen on the idea of children fighting or being exploited.

It is that to some extent, but not really.

More or less this ex convict ends up taking over a group of boys that have no homes or anywhere to go. At first he teaches them how to fake fight only when that is exposed he starts teaching them how to fight for real - like boxing and kick boxing.

Years down the track a video released of two of those boys fighting in a cage not only destroys his career, but makes him out to be an abuser not fit to have kids under his care

Here is the thing - he took those kids and gave them hope and taught them the only thing he knew - fighting. No one else wanted them or cared about them until that video was publically made known - and even then!

Anyways, the story is about all that plus what happens after the public is outraged - like all the boys being shipped off to different places including two of the older boys being "sold off" to a different manager only to end up in the worse case scenario.

What will become of their futures in the hands of a manager that really does truly assault those he manages and has no problems using illicit drugs to gain whatever means with his fighters?!

Who is willing enough to save them or not next?

Well worth watching!!!

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Completed
Wonderful World
3 people found this review helpful
Mar 3, 2024
14 of 14 episodes seen
Completed 65
Overall 5.5
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 4.5
This review may contain spoilers

Took A Major NoseDive South!!!

14/04/2024
Last Update:

SPOILER ALERT!

The last two episodes were boring and not so thrilling, but at least it left no loose ends.

Eun Woo was great in the earlier episodes, but not so much in the last 4 or so.

If this had stayed consistent with it being sinister and twisted like it seemed to be from the start with her being the target of revenge and and it not ending well for certain individuals involved - it would have been better.

Instead this turned out to be nothing more than political corruption at the core which is nothing new to movies or television.

08/04/2024 (April)
Update:

12 episodes in now and it seems this one borrowed a page or two from Sky Castle and stole a few chapters from Penthouse.

With this drama unfortunately there is a good measure of overused tropes such as: the cheating husband, a best friend's betrayal, the cover up of murder plus political corruption overload.

It did have some interesting moments, but not enough to really make it outstanding or original.

As for the extra marital affair side to it - that carried over through at least six episodes and still has a presence.

Something about it just hasn't t oozed enough oomph for me nor has it gone where it could have after the first 2-4 episodes. It could have hit the ball out of the ballpark if they had kept us guessing right until the end as well as her remaining the target.

Instead for me it has become a real hit and miss.

02/03/2024 (March)

I've really really tried to like this series, but can't stand Kim Nam Joo as something about her doesn't appeal to me as an actor at all.

To think I was looking forward to this drama being released!

Will still give it a chance, however, as there are other actors plus I want to see if it is worth continuing or dropping.

What has bothered me about her?

One example is her character, Eun Soo-Hyeon, at her son's funeral - it was hard for me to connect to her as a grieving mother as she simply wasn't believable or convincing enough for me - not one bit.

Another example - when rain starts to fall on her when she is sleeping at her son's grave situated on a hill, she carries on sleeping like it is a normal thing everyone does or something. It isn't a normal human reaction at all! No natural reflexes, flinching or twitching. When unexpected rain falls and you are sleeping it would most definitely trigger a physical response of some kind like being suddenly startled, maybe opening one's eyes and grimacing at the change of weather or instantaneously shielding one's head and face from getting too wet. Some kind of response! Not nothing.

Joo's acting has been over the top in some scenes and underwhelming in others.

Was her acting licence obtained from the back of a cereal box or what?

SPOILER ALERT!

About the drama itself:

a: The storyline isn't original.
b: Two episodes in and it is a bit slow going in parts and centres mostly on the aftermath of Eun Soo- Hyeon's son's death and her being in prison.
c: E.S.H took the law into her own hands and that is why she is in prison.
d: It seems the person she ran over mightn't have been the one that actually killed her young son.

Think I have worked out who the real culprit is, but if there are unexpected twists along the way anyone could be the guilty party.

Eun Woo's character is right at the start of episode one (suspicious as) and in episode two is teaching a choir "Oh Holy Night" as well as at the prison when she runs her hand under a sewing machine by accident, also, working at a car wreckers (I think) as well as eating there with his mates. Either he really is doing a number of part time jobs or is a secret Undercover Agent...

I really hope that he isn't going to be her new love interest if her marriage goes South. Not sure how young his character is supposed to be, but in this series it looks like he is in his 20's and she is in her late 30s-40s yet at times could easily pass as a 50 something year old. I think she is on the older side as it took years for her to conceive if the translation was right.

Am all for friendship and healing - just nothing more.

I will be watching more episodes to give it a fair go, but if Kim Nam Joo keeps failing to impress me with her mediocre acting...

Fighting!!!

EPISODE THREE:
SPOILER ALERT!

Bit of an interesting twist in this episode...

It seems it isn't a car wreckers, but possibly a junkyard.

When Soo-Hyeon finally found the "boy" that survived the fire, Seon Yul (Eun Woo), the closure she was trying to establish really was for the prisoner that died - not him. He said as much as well and it seemed like she opened up a can of worms - she should have just left him alone from there on instead of stalk him like she did.

Kim Nam Joo wasn't too bad in this episode plus the character Eun Woo plays is about 29 years old so I had it right about his age group.

What has taken an interesting turn is that someone is stalking her and her family - the son or relative of the one she murdered. There is a chance he might be connected to Seon Yul as there doesn't seem to be any photos of Seon Yul on his wall, also, Seon Yul seems to live a bit of a double life.

There might be an actual connection or it could be just a coincidence.

Is Seo Yul the real deal?

The husband having an affair is a bit cliche or an overused trope - it would truly be incredible had it not gone down that road.

Somewhat predictable especially as she was in prison for 6 years and wanted out of the marriage.

This drama may head towards Seon Yul saving a damsel in distress and becoming a hero if there are no ties between him and the murdered man's son. It all depends on what twists they want to introduce or not. The thing is - Seon Yul has something else going on (photographing people/school break in for documents) so there is a chance he may be working with the other younger man, on the other side of the law or definitely a secret agent.

He could still be something else altogether as well - someone quite sinister.

I wonder how predictable this one will be or not as it continues...

EPISODE FOUR:
SPOILER ALERT!

Maybe not as intriguing as the previous episodes, but what has been great is seeing a different side to Eun Woo's character - as in a darker side that is tormented by his past.

He may still turn out to be a hero after all.

Kim Nam Joo still keeps a poker face, but at least she isn't rubbing me the wrong way like she did in the first two episodes.

I think this series will become more and more predictable unless it switches back and forth to confuse it's audience - it isn't too bad and I do want to watch more of it to see how much further it keeps me entertained. However, it is Seon Yul I want to know more about as well as seeing him in more scenes then the stalker followed by everyone else...not so much Soo-Hyeon.

If this was mainly on Seon Yul, the stalker and small doses of poker faced Soo-Hyeon it would be one heck of a roller coaster ride I reckon.

EPISODES 5 & 6:
SPOILER ALERT!

The storyline is kind of so so and feels like it is a rehash of multiple tropes like the marital affair, death of a child, the want for revenge and others connecting from the past to present.

With episode 6 it did leave us on a cliff hanger at the end, but maybe it shouldn't be a complete surprise as there have been obvious hints throughout plus Seon Yul was in the car at the very beginning.

His character is becoming more and more interesting as the plot thickens though - either he is an up and coming secret agent/undercover cop or a serial killer in the making.

What we do know is - he isn't the person we were made to believe and therefore could be a total deviant hiding behind a facade. Also, it seems he might be the "actual son " of the man run over by Soo-Hyeon and the woman hospitalised in a coma.

Or... is he someone else?

There is some connection between the stalker and Seon Yul as I'm sure the stalker gave Soo-Hyeon the name of the woman in a coma.

Episode 1 didn't exactly leave anything to the imagination with Seon Yul in that car facing you know who.

Time will tell!

Somehow I feel the husband of Soo-Hyeon is connected to everything that happened from the very start for some reason because he isn't exactly clean cut or are we being mislead.

EPISODE SEVEN:

It is all coming out in the open now.

Seems the only connection between him and the stalker is that both want revenge and justice, but directed at different people.

However, the Politician husband has everything to do with it all, I reckon - just not sure to what extent.

Will there be any further twists to turn this around - am sure hoping so!

EPISODES 8-10

It is getting more and more boring and totally predictable.

Am so over the *husband having an affair or three" trope - the affair should have been wrapped up over a few episodes not been drawn out through episode after episode like a long lasting nasty smell that just won't go away.

Eun Woo has improved as an actor, but this drama series has taken a real nosedive South in the last three episodes or so and am not sure if it can redeem itself for the remainder of the series.

Who knows?

All I see is someone dying if he continues on the same path and no real winners because of what else goes on in the background with other players - something has to give at some point and someone will pay the price.

However, this doesn't make it original or unique as others dramas have been there and done that already with a similar tone.

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Completed
My Country: The New Age
1 people found this review helpful
Mar 1, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers
01/03/2024 (March).

I really enjoyed this drama as it was fast paced and interesting, but it did have its minor flaws like seriously injured fighters being able to fight later the same day or the next with very little recovery time. Not plausible in that sense at all. I, at least, can live with that as I suppose only so much can be done in a one hour episode with 16 in total.

Have to say this series was really well done - I didn't find it confusing nor did I find the music a problem at all.

The bromance, friendship and bond between Hwi and Seon-Ho was truly awesome so it was a bit disheartening to watch such a deep friendship deteriorate somewhat. I actually believe their friendship suffered significantly when Yeon really truly died - not before.

I really wonder had Yeon survived would both have made different choices.

As for Yeon, she was the light in both Hwi's and Seon-Ho's lives. When she was killed it caused Hwi and Seon-Ho to seperate for a number of years - during this time both followed different opposing paths in their pursuit for revenge on her behalf as well as fighting for a cause (opposite sides) that put their lives on the line as well as the possibility of fighting one another to achieve it.

Hwi at first wanted revenge more than anything only this changed later on when he saw several innocent people slain because of him and the Prince whereas with Seon-Ho revenge was a top priority, but also rising high in status and power so as to make a difference in the world.

It is understandable why they fell out, but such a shame as they were such good friends and for years.

Furthermore, Seon-Ho may have made some questionable decisions, but more or less it was because the choices he was given were either bad bad or the worse case scenario. e.g. Death.

What was never truly broken, however, was the strong bond between both friends.

SPOILER ALERT!

I appreciate the scene in which Hwi got to thank Seon-Ho for protecting him and also letting him know he was sorry for not seeing his friend's pain because of being so consumed in his own anger. Also, when Seon Ho told Hwi more or less that he looked too far ahead and too far up yet when he finally looked behind him he saw Yeon and Hwi there - just one step behind him was "his country", also, that he wished he had seen it sooner.

It took all their trials and tribulations for Seon-Ho to fully realise that what was most important in his life above wealth and status were his childhood friends who were more than that - they were his family, blood, lifeline and whole world.

Before I forget - I have to acknowledge the trio that supported Hwi and the one guy that stood by Seon-Ho right to the end, however, for the most part Seon-Ho was all alone in what became an insufferable existence for him. So, to see him and Hwi reconcile near the end of this drama after being apart for so long and to fight their last fight together against the real enemy was quite fitting for this soul connected duo - even if bittersweet.

On an end note - I would really have liked the last scene to have been something like Yeon meeting them in the afterlife as well as all three graves side by side phasing out to blackness.

ALL THE ACTORS WERE ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!

I liked both Yang Se-Jong and Wu Du Hwan and couldn't imagine anyone else doing their roles.

WOO DU HWAN:

I just want to say that Woo Du Hwan is one of the best male criers I have ever seen on screen among other emotions.

Have seen him in Bloodhounds and now this one - he does both characters justice.

His range is a wow factor whether happy, sad, angry, vengeful, surprised, caring and in emotional turmoil.

When Yeon died I found Seon-Ho's tears more impactful than Yang Se-Jong's (Hwi) for some reason, as well as his internal pain, conflict and suffering. One could have easily believed that he was her real brother because of how he reacted to her death and the silk phoenix embroidery design she left behind in her room. He was that convincing! Mind you, Woo's character, Seon-Ho, was a brother to her just like Hwi and he protected her just as much even at the risk of his own life. But when she died - it was his crying that caused me the most sadness because it felt so real plus I knew that his burden was the heaviest one to carry... and all alone.

This drama had realism to it that some historical dramas just don't have at all.

Totally recommended plus it is something that can be re-watched even though it does have a sad and tragic ending. AAA+++

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Completed
The Snow Queen
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 29, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers
29/02/2024

This is a 2006 production which I actually liked regardless of its age.

If you want to know what it is about - read the Synopsis.

It is a sad drama with a bittersweet ending, but one with no regrets, closure where it was needed most and ultimately being able to forgive, move on and to have known true love.

It isn't perfect and does have its flaws, also, if there was less of a love story and more on just the main male character's math genius I wouldn't have minded whatsoever.

I probably would have appreciated it more!

What can be taken away from this drama is that life should still be lived regardless of someone committing suicide or whatever it might be that is the cause of a person's death.

Some mentioned (other sites) that they weren't invested in the male lead after some point and thought Bora's character evolved to be a better person.

I don't agree.

She didn't really change that much - she just toned down her outbursts and stroppy behaviour plus she has no choice but to resign to the fact that her fate was out of her hands.

It would have been better had she not just given back the words he gave to her - but also to encourage him to live guilt free, live life to the fullest and to find love again so he would never be alone or lonely.

It is worth the watch and even being re-watched.

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Ongoing 3/12
Wedding Impossible
3 people found this review helpful
Feb 27, 2024
3 of 12 episodes seen
Ongoing 6
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers
28/02/2024

Liking it SO FAR with Episodes 1 & 2 because:

a: No annoying immature weak females or males.
b: No overbearing mother in laws.
c: No cold males or females.
d: No ranting and raving aunts or anyone for that matter!
e: The main actors whether female or male are mature not childish.
f: There is chemistry between all of the mains and seconds whether as frenemies, friends, siblings or whatever.
g: The humour isn't too bad nor story line, but there are still 10 episodes to go to see how it all unfolds or not.

Funny moments like:

a: When the main female is trying to hitch a free ride back to Seoul with the younger brother from the hospital in episode 1 and he isn't exactly accommodating.

b: When the main female jumps out of the car in a children's zone (slow speed) only to knock herself out when she hits the street pole/light/post with her head.

The first few episodes have been enough to entertain me without having to fast forward in places - am looking forward to watching more of it and to finding out if this is a keeper or not.

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Completed
Yesterday Once More
1 people found this review helpful
Feb 18, 2024
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
18/02/2024

As it is around 1 hour and 40 minutes or so it isn't like it has depth compared to a drama nor has full on character development, but it is still good nevertheless.

Arthur Chen looks a little different in this compared to Lighter and Princess and Ever Night - more so than Ever Night.

I liked him in L&P and grew to love his character in Ever Night and wish he had done Season 2 instead of Dylan Wang. But things were not meant to be...

Yesterday Once More has a Ground Hog day feel to it so expect it to be in line with dramas like: Reset. What I mean by that is - being caught in a time loop or point in time (past) with a chance to either change it or fix what wasn't right so that the future alternates for the better.

This movie is fine as movies go, but I prefer Athur Chen in dramas.

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Ongoing 2/8
A Killer Paradox
7 people found this review helpful
Feb 9, 2024
2 of 8 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Kill Or Be Killed!


I've only watched a few episodes so far and would binge them all if I could, but unfortunately its getting far too late.

No complaints, however.

It is well paced, there are no fillers and it gets into the nitty gritty from about 15 or so minutes in.

What could be better than that?!

This drama series is more or less about a part time working student, Lee Tang, who kills a man with a hammer near his work place (convenient store) late one night in self defence. The only witness is a blind woman and her dog only she plays dumb. Not long after the killing Lee Tang discovers on the news that the man was actually under an alias name and responsible for quite a few murders. To make it worse, however, the blind woman decides to black mail the poor lad for money and from there more and more things start to add on to make his life just that tinier bit colourful...

No OSTs have stood out for me at all or been noticed really although the sound effects used have been in the right places - perfect for the scene or situation.

I recognise the male lead from a few other drama series like Rooftop Prince (not finished watching) and some Summer one, I think. Didn't get too far into that one as it wasn't quite holding my interest.

With this drama it is quite straight forward, interesting and touches on the possibility of someone that is either about to lose their mind if not already or spiral out of control towards becoming a serial killer themselves. Too late!

I'm crossing my fingers that the remaining 6 episodes are just as enthralling with a few hanging on the edge of my chair moments.

Recommended!

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Completed
Seasons of Blossom
1 people found this review helpful
Feb 6, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers
06/02/2024 (Feb).

It is a very good series!

Have read a few reviews in different places and was under the impression Lee Ha Min committed suicide because he couldn't handle the jibes or little put downs said to him by others. Far from the truth!

It was a combination of factors including the snarky remarks, but it was mainly because of his mother and the continuous pressure she put him under to fulfil her dreams - far too controlling and over the top.

Not sure why some feel some of the actors were unnecessary or stiff, but I was actually fine with each and every one of them although the main female lead looked a bit older than the others and was perhaps a bit too short and on the plain side. Also, that "fake smile" - a bit too much.

I understand why her character felt guilty and carried such a burden for years, but she should never have said what she said in the first place if she was going to regret it! She knew she was what kept him afloat yet called him:

" A coward.".

Wrong decision and a mistake on her part.

Unfortunately, it was the last straw I reckon next to what his little brother blurted out - it wasn't her fault or anyone's really, but it was his undoing.

Early on I wondered if she was meant to be back there for a reason - like for the younger brother and as it turned out it seems I was right. She may not have been able to save Ha Min, but at least she could do that with Jae Min.

This series has two stories going on at the same time - one in the past and one in the present. The one in the present involves Lee Ha Min's younger brother attending the same high school, his demons and his "love interest", also, Han So Mang as a trainee teacher back at the same school unable to move on from the past.

Mostly everyone is still dealing with the aftermath of Ha Min's suicide even though it is years later.

I think sometimes it is a very selfish act because the ones left behind have to live with the loss, regret, guilt, anger, grief and most times - unanswered questions.

Well worth watching! AAA+++

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Completed
Soulmate
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 6, 2024
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Beaches : Bette Midler+Barbara Hershey.


06/02/2024 (Feb).

This is a decent watch, but not what I would consider "soulmates" - just a very strong friendship and sister like bond.

How can I put this - the connection between JiWoo and Miso, to me, was more of a soul connection - seriously, each time they met, their interactions and from the first time they crossed paths. The necklace she wore was a massive give away and Ha-run knew it when she spotted it, also, Ji Woo. Miso was actually a threat even though it wasn't the intention. It was her friendship and loyalty to Ha-eun that she put first above anything or anyone else.

SPOILER ALERT!

I also don't think Ji Woo really made any mistakes - even the cave scene wasn't a "betrayal* really because of Miso. No lines were crossed as she saved the situation although she took the necklace for protection.

I know this is meant to be all about Miso and Ha-eun and them being soul mates, but I found it wasn't done to perfection like it was in Beaches with Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey - that truly was one friendship that outshone any other relationship including boyfriends and husbands.

Lastly, it is one thing to keep a pregnancy and death from an ex boyfriend or ex fiance, but it is something else when you keep those kind of things from family and especially when that family is good even if not perfect. Actually, I think Ji Woo had every right to know about the pregnancy as he was the father and didn't do anything wrong except tell Ha-eun that her drawings should be treated as a hobby. He did everything to set it right between him and Ha-eun.

With Soulmates, it is similar to Beaches with the back and forth between the past and present and the triangle relationship ONLY I think Beaches is far superior and the flashbacks were more interesting and also quite humorous at times.

This is good to watch to pass the time - it is a bit slow and boring in parts.

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Completed
Mountain Cry
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 3, 2024
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

04/02/2024 (Feb)


It is a good story overall, but quite sad.

Somewhere in China a violent older husband, his young mute wife and two daughters suddenly turn up at an isolated village on a mountain to live - only 6 months later he accidentally dies in a dynamite explosion set to kill badgers.

As the story unfolds we get to understand how he actually ended up being married to her and what happens after his death as the real truth unravels bit by bit.

Some really don't have a chance or fair shot at life - it is made worse when that choice is taken away from them because of being so vulnerable, too young or taken advantage of by people that have no conscience.

Would highly recommend!

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Ongoing 10/16
Marry My Husband
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 3, 2024
10 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

04/02/2024 (Feb).


Am really enjoying this so far as it is more about older adults (early 40s) going back 10 years to try and fix things whereas other drama series like: Twinkling Watermelon and A Time Called You are about adults going back to their teens to try and make changes to divert the future in some way.

Honorable mention:
Oh No! Here Comes Trouble -

This is another excellent drama series up there like TW and ATCY only it is about a teenage boy that survives a horrific bus accident with the same supernatural ability as his grandfather - no time travel in it plus it is about saving "souls" , however, it is just as fantastic!

Now back to Marry My Husband...

It is good plus each episode delivers something worth your attention - especially episode 10 which has whopper after whopper moments in it. Talk about getting what you want when it comes to revenge and cutting ties once and for all.

Am hoping this drama stays on track and doesn't digress as have been reading a few rumours as of late. No no no!

What I haven't liked in it so far is the overuse of someone liking someone else because of being smitten over something like a dog or kitten - why keep the kitten outdoors when it clearly has no shelter (at first) and also when it starts to snow?!?! It is totally cruel and makes no sense. Either take it to an animal shelter or home.

SPOILER ALERT!

I also don't like that the General Manager who is in love with Ji Won is doing nothing to save himself - when you think about it he is pretty much in the same boat as her and in order to LIVE the price is a "death for a death."

What else?

Although I don't think the female lead is attractive (plain face) she does nerdy, teen, mousy wife to a strong female really really well, however, becoming a strong woman due to a haircut or makeover is highly unlikely and especially overnight.

The female that plays her so called "best friend" does a good job of showing just how someone can be all innocent yet underneath is totally twisted and dangerous. Kind of like one character in "Beauty From Gangnam" (I think) only maybe a bit more over the top.

Am so glad I have never had a single friend like that in my life!

Anyhow, each episode is well paced, has no real unnecessary fillers and keeps you wanting more.

Well worth watching!

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Completed
A Stray Goat
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 29, 2024
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers

30/01/2024

Don't expect this to be full on action or anything other than a story being told with a specific point.

Why is it so easy for some to condemn others for not being so fortunate in life or to treat someone like a lepar because of being the child of a convicted murderer.

It is not okay for teachers to ignore classroom bullying or teens/adults to be so vindictive towards someone for being the daughter or son of a felon.

Furthermore, it is unacceptable not to protect someone being mentally, physically or sexually abused - hell no! Sometimes you need to approach adults that can be trusted or the police because there are some things in life that are way over one's head.

Of course, if no one can be objective or non-judgemental it makes it harder still.

SPOILER ALERT

The female teenage victim in this had no real support with very limited protection so was quite isolated and all alone despite the brief association with the male adolescent (newcomer) and family member at home.

The newcomer did try to be friends, did have a few fights on her behalf, but he let her down when she needed him the most. If he was capable of taking on the high school bullies - what was one adult male? And then to sit on that incident and not report anything plus the church scene. I get he was young and wasn't to blame, but him not turning up that day and then ignoring her alienated that poor girl even more and likely drove it home in her mind just how alone she really was in the world.

I have read a few other comments to do with her last scene where some believe she died whereas others went with her running away somewhere.

What do I think happened?

I reckon she went somewhere to die because of the despair she felt, no one having her back, the trauma and everything being so overwhelming. The only thing she could trust or hold onto that brought a bit of happiness into her dismal life was the black goat and it most definitely wouldn't have been enough to save her nor was it hers to keep.

This movie is worth a watch!

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