Is This Really Love? Or Interest In Love?

Ahn Soo Young is a beautiful, hard-working 4 year employee as Chief Bank Teller at KCU Bank. Due to her past experiences and personal difficulties whilst growing up, she does not believe that she is destined to be happy.

Even with her stone face and distant demeanor, Ha Sang Soo under her mentorship when he first joined the bank, gradually found himself drawn to her as he grew through the ranks at the workplace. One day, he finally musters his nerves and asks Soo Young for a date. However, he was late arriving the dinner venue and was seen by Soo Young hesitating for a moment before entering the restaurant. Soo Young re-acts in a devastating manner and hence the possible relationship between her and Sang Soo spirals off to different directions. They then inadvertently paired themselves with respective partners whom I found were really well suited to them. However, like a ‘moth to the flame’, Soo Young and Sang Soo continues to be drawn to each other.

Soo Young has self-esteem issues and does not easily give herself permission to be happy. Sang Soo is a guy who takes life and relationship seriously, making him cautious in his thought process. Will such two un-confident energy ever find love?

I found this drama really angsty as I yearned to see the two main leads coming together. One might even find many moments really slow, but these are the moments where this type of drama requires one to sink into the scenes and emotions, which had my attention. Whilst waiting for that moment, I thoroughly enjoyed the stories with the second leads as well as the entire ensemble of family, bank colleagues and office politics. The entire drama was cleverly weaved in these really complicated relationships. Moon Ga Young was ‘horribly’ good as Soo Young and Yoo Yeon Seok (normally, whom I always enjoy watching his macho go-getter roles) was ‘horribly’ good as the mild, cautious and hesitant Sang Soo. So frustrating to watch and yet able to make me appreciate the flow and the tension.

This is not your normal love story drama, and this is why I enjoyed this so much.

Read More

A Well Written Drama

Wow, I could not help but enjoyed this drama. Absolutely riveting and a well written script. Complicated, yet fascinating, keeping us guessing how it will end. Great acting. Maybe more for a mature audience as it does involve going through the dynamics of relationship between brothers, family, friends and self love. Everything is believable and the emotions can get so real.

Seo Jin (Ha Seok Jin), sophisticated, good looking, appear confident, but is dealing with a trauma left from a past incident of his father. His younger brother Seo Hwan (Ji Soo), simple, young and determined, instead have to cope with adult responsibilities after their father's accident. Then walks-in Oh Ye Ji (Im Soo Hyang). whom both brothers fall in love with. All hell breaks loose as we watch the roller coaster of emotions, frustrations as the two brothers compete for her heart, putting their brotherhood relationship also, to the test.

The director did a really good job in making us feel anything could happen towards the end of each episode. I was anxious every week waiting for the drama to load. I liked that the drama managed to portray all the flawed characters so well. Even at it's worst kind of love, everyone chose to do the right thing. All tastefully done and pretty classy. However, I had one little issue with Im So Hyang's character in this story, but I will not mention here, to avoid giving a spoiler.

I will not be surprise if Ji Soo wins an award, or at least get a nomination for this drama. His part in this drama has given him the ability to flex his acting talent all round. Convincingly frustrating at times and understandably soothing at other times. However, Ha Seok Jin is truly the remarkable actor to the core, but his role required less of him in this drama. Nevertheless, so glad he is in it and he held his own part really really well.

Cheers! K-drama forever!

Read More

Superb Movie, Unforgettable

This movie knocked me off my feet, and then some. WOW!

As advised by the reviews I have read, I watched this movie with an open mind and focused more on it's entertainment value. Suggest for you to read Yoon Na Rae's review on myDramalist. Her comments on the movie was done really well, so I will not write much on mine. Except to say that "A Frozen Flower" is a truly bold, intense and superb movie. All the actors were so good, especially Jo In Sung and Joo Jing Mo. It looked like they had to give it their 'all' to carry the movie from beginning to end, and I must say it was very much appreciated. Their acting truly showed how versatile and talented Korean actors are for international market consumption.

For the first time, I also looked for the Director of this movie who did a magnificent job. Yoo Ha (Mr). Saw his profile and realized that he also directed Marriage Is A Crazy Thing (Kam Woo Sung) and Gangnam 1970 (with Lee Min Ho). Two movies which I also liked. I find that Director Yoo is really good with movies that actually depicts deep, difficult emotions and situations which is part of life. I guess life is not sunshine and roses everyday for all of us.

So again, if you are keen to watch a mind blowing movie, with an open mind, I highly recommend "A Frozen Flower".

Cheers! K-Movie Forever!

Read More

A Drama That Started Strong But Sizzled Out

I liked the idea behind the story of the two main characters. In medical school, the FL falls for her senior doctor/professor at first sight. Eventually was blessed with a marriage to him. He, from an aftermath of a broken long relationship and takes marriage as part of life journey. She, all warm and yearn for acknowledgement and true expression of love. Due to communication barriers and life priorities, she became despondent and divorced him. Years later as she commences her medical career, she is in-advertently placed under his tutelage as a neurosurgeon in Bei Ya Hospital. Hence, starts the struggling of love and emotions in and out and throughout the drama as they work closely together everyday.

For me, the 36 episode drama started really well, however, it went downhill from 3rd quarter through. Everything took too long in concluding the love that is already so evident from the beginning of the episodes. It kept going and going and even continued with a slight plot twist towards later part of the story.

Too many hours wasted and the ending was questionable. If not for the two strong, good looking main leads, I would have abandoned the drama. Watch only if you are a fan of Wang Churan and Peng Guan Ying.

Read More

Worth The Watch

Whoa....what an extremely good drama. This drama was not perfect, but does have good acting, storyline and direction throughout. This is one drama that got stronger with every episode and peaked well as it ran towards episode 24 and beyond. I liked Zhao Lu Si's, Shao Shang's character who started with an abandoned, un-loved childhood. When her parents return from War, her mother struggles with parenting Shao Shang. She is then keen to escape her 'stifling' mother and in-advertently agrees to marry Lou Yao who represents a stress-free comradery relationship. Through a series of events, she is then betrothed to the enigmatic and powerful General Ling Bu Yi, who is engulfed in mystery and revenge portrayed really well by actor Wu Lei.

In preparation for her impending marriage to Ling Bu Yi, who is madly and deeply in love with her, Shao Shang is required to spend time in the palace under the tutelage of the Emperor's Queen Consort Yue. Within the Palace walls especially on the East side are where all the politics, deceit, secret and struggle lies. It was enthralling to watch how Shao Shang maneuvers and overcome many episodes of torment and mis-understanding. The hardest came in the form of Ling Bu Yi's mysterious past. As everything un-folds, the eagerness to know becomes more and more intriguing for viewers. I did not enjoy watching Shao Shang's non-negotiable attitude when it comes to love due to her neglected childhood, but when she was committed, it came in full gusto which gave my heart the lift that it needed. Overcoming all her own insecurities in loving and being loved. From obscurity to being seen and loved by everyone around her made her the absolute hero in this drama.

Read More

A Really Slow Paced Drama...But Chen Zhe Yuan Is Worth The Watch

As a head-start, for those who are curious about this drama, the appeal will be to those who enjoy watching high school dramas and also welcome dizzying feeling of first love and all the challenges that comes with it. I actually fall into this category and wasted no time to watch, with all the high ratings given by other viewers.

However, as I dived into this drama, I suddenly realized it is one of the slowest paced drama I have ever watched. The story line was predictable, the plots pretty flat, the conversations pretty monotonous, background music was not appealing and yet I completed 24 episodes without fast forwarding.

After completion, I thought back to what held the show together, and needless to say, it was the main lead Chen Zhe Yuan. It was his portrayal of Si Yue that kept the show interesting. His attitude, his persona and the way he transitioned from his young confident self during high school, to his un-certainty during his University days and to his maturity when clarity comes to him in life and love. He commits, he is loyal, he is protective and fearless when it comes to love. So, this was what kept me watching. The portrayal of this character alone is enough to keep the ladies swooning.

I won't be watching this drama again, and only recommend to those who are interested get to know Chen Zhe Yuan. I will definitely be looking out for his other dramas.

Read More

36 Episode Too Long......

I honestly watched because I wanted to see more of Dylan Wang's work. In this drama, I found that he did his best in a role that did not utilize his talent to the maximum. The plot and all it's nuances were weak and lack the pull and engagement I was expecting. Perhaps I had high expectations? Every episode to me was slow paced. I fast forwarded a lot to skip all the palace eunuchs internal palace politics, Lady Bu Yin Lou and her palace adventures, the Fu Wang who whines when he was weak and also the same when he started to have mis-guided bravery in his pending role as the future Emperor and so much more. Seems like I am the one whining now, sorry.

But, if one is a fan of Dylan, I guess one could put up with it, because I did. Never failing in his sultry demeanor. Otherwise, you might want to gently skip this one.

Read More

Engine Breakdown

I procrastinated for a while to see this drama. After running out of K-Dramas to watch, I finally decided to give it a try after seeing so many high scores.

To my disappointment, WWW did not work for me. For the FIRST time ever, I dropped a show on Episode 9.

The fight between two website companies for better search engine, throwing in some politicians' corrupted ways was far from exciting and did not create the anticipation needed for 16 Episodes as there was quite a bit of dialogue. But then again, how else to compete in the world wide web.

Therefore, I was hoping that the main lead's romance would keep us satisfied. Except for the mind-blowing 1st episode, everything was lagging behind when it comes to their love development. The hesitation from a 38 year old, Ta Mi (Im Soo Jung) to get involved with a 28 year old Park Morgan (Jang Ki Yong) was not only slow and torturous, it went to the point of being ridiculous. The way she treated him was more like a boy, than a man, even though Park Morgan was a well rounded, mature 28 year old, who was sure of his love. It was obvious she is very attracted to him but why it had to drag on so long for her to accept his heart? I would understand the fear coming from a younger lady (no pun intended), but for a 38 year old? Even after Episode 8 where she accepted him, their relationship chemistry was not there, though they kissed well. After watching so many romantic K-dramas, I am quite certain there will be more hesitation and fear of hurting the heart happening from Ta Mi, lots of emotional roller coaster in the coming episodes which I am not keen to go through. So bye bye for me on Episode 9.

I am apologetic if I come off like a 'love' maniac, but I truly wanted to like this drama. As the website companies fight failed to keep me interested, I was looking forward to the romance to save the day. Unfortunately.....the search engine there also broke down for me :(

Read More

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

At it's worst, what desperation can mean to many when pushed to the maximum, even at the cost of gambling their lives away in life threatening games. Competing for the grand cash prize of ₩45 Billion (USD38 Million), these contestants know that it is the only way for them to resolve their financial problems which are hounding them incessantly in their daily lives. Hence, the game starts with the famous "Red Light, Green Light" ....followed by a series of childhood games which gets harder and thrilling by each episode. Imagine....as the game starts with 456 contestants, ending with "Squid Game", with ONE last person standing in the end...., how many are 'assassinated' along the way, as each and everyone try to stay alive in whatever means they can.

This genius of a drama is not only able to keep our attention with it's visually and mentally thrilling games, but as it unfolds, it also tells a story of basic human nature of kindness, love, greed, betrayal, sacrifice and much much more depicting the good and bad that exists in each of us. And that, when it comes the time to decide, one can 'choose' to do the right thing.......or not.

Like many, I was also SURPRISED by this survival drama. Not a fan of action dramas and too over-loaded by romance drama, I was not thinking that Squid Game will be a likely choice for me to watch. Thought I'd just watch one episode and call it a day. But, I kept hanging on to it and spent a full day binge watching 9-episodes and after that thought to myself 'dang', what a fabulous show, even till the last drop!

I have not seen Lee Jun Jae since 2010, "The Housemaid", that I nearly forgot what a great actor he is. In Squid Game, he played his character Gi Hun (No. 456) so well, from the gullible, trusting, loser of a guy to a true survivor, is well deserved of an award. His best friend Sang Woo - No. 218 (Park Hae Soo) is no slacker too, who in the drama, is the head of an investment team at a securities company, wanted by police for cheating his clients.

The rest of the cast (1) Sae Byeok-No. 67 (Jung Ho Yeon) North Korean defector, (2) Il-Nam-No. 1 (Oh Yeong Su) elderly man with a brain tumor, (3) Deok Su-No. 101 (Heo Sung-taek-su) a gangster with massive gambling debts, (4) Abdul Ali-No. 199 (Anupam Tripathi) a Pakistani foreign worker, (5) Han Mi-nyeo-No. 212 (Kim Joo-ryoung) a mysterious and manipulative woman who claims to be a poor single mother AND (6) Wi Ha-joon -Guard No. 29 (Hwang Jun-ho) a police officer who sneaks into the Game as a guard to find his missing brother are ALL worth mentioning for their perfect acting. Not a single flaw and had great energy playing off each other's strengths and together with the two main leads.

Such a memorable show. As you watch, there are also many clues from what the actors say and surroundings.....keep a look out on the walls too! This drama has now such a huge global following....kudos to another Korean show that is truly entertaining and well suited for international consumption.

And, finally, last but not the least, having Gong Yoo and Lee Byung Hun in special appearances was the icing on the cake!! Writer and Director Hwang Dong Hyuk (who also directed Gong Yoo in "Silenced") did a fabulous job. Such a genius, I await eagerly for the second season of Squid Game.

Squid Game is a highly recommended watch, don't miss it!

Read More

A Perfect Youth Drama

I could not believe my eyes as I saw all the perfect score of 10 for this drama. Fixed with intense curiosity, I jumped right in and went full steam ahead and I am not disappointed. A truly well written and directed youth drama which guarantees a complete feel good experience which I am certain is taking a lot of drama watchers by surprise.

I liked that the characters in this drama depicted growing up challenges in a most positive way. Through love of friends, family, persons you love and who loves you back, every big aspiration can be successful with little steps. The love story of Zhang Lu Rang and Su Zai Zai shows exactly just that. Their love is strong and they did things right, from the way they loved each other, putting studies first, choosing the right time to confess, eventually moving in together and so much more. I was also so touched by Lu Rang's younger brother Lu Li's admiration for his older brother, Guan Fang's commitment and love for his grandmother and the friendship between the five best friends, cannot get any better in my books.

Congratulations to the writer, director, cast and crew of this spectacular drama in 2023. A truly big hit and I look forward to more of actors Zhou Yi Ran, Shang Miao Yi, Bian Tian Yang, Jiang Zhi Nan and Guo Zhe. Young and really talented.

Read More

Good Thriller Bordering Horror!

For those who wish to take a break from romance and long episode dramas, this movie is a really good production to sink your teeth into and be-fitting for international market consumption. The entire movie takes place in a quiet village town where a policeman suddenly have to deal with strange zombie like changes in some of the villagers. Scary but unperturbed at first dealing with such incidences, but the urgency took up ten notch when the illness starts to affect his own daughter. The pace and thriller picks up from then as he searches for an answer and the cure.

The cast top notch and acceptable story line for those who enjoy watching thriller, with evil looming throughout the show and gory scenes thrown in.

Highly recommended.

Read More

Perfectly Delightful

I saw the trailer on Youtube, then I saw that it is only 4 episodes .... and I went for it!

What a delightful romance drama, I loved everything about it, the story, the directing, the actors and how this entire drama kept pulling at my heart strings, aching and yearning for the main leads to be together. There is no major drama and the couple's chemistry was so perfect and natural.

I am captivated by him, Kim Seon Ho (Rae Wan) and her, Lee Yoo Young (Eun Seong). After searching and reading their personal profile, I was pleasantly surprised by all their past dramas which had very high rating. They are such talented actors and I am going to catch up with all their dramas and movies.

I highly recommend You Drive Me Crazy if you are into romance and enjoy a really memorable show.

K-Drama Forever! Cheers!

Read More

Another Good Movie from Yoo Ha

This is to me, another great movie from Mr. Yoo Ha (YH). I really liked all his movies with Frozen Flower (Jo In Sung) and Gangnam 1970 (Lee Min Ho). I guess if any actors plan to explore their full potential from drama to a movie role, a Yoo Ha movie cannot go that wrong.

Like all his (YH) other movies, Marriage is a Crazy Thing is another mature, intense and emotionally complicated material. How does one measure real love? Is there a fine line between lust and love? Or do men and women over analyze their emotions to the point of selfishness? Maybe this movie is advising us to keep love really simple. After all, love is just love, and one should not try to over define it too much.

However, in this movie, the couple played by Kam Woo Sung and Uhm Jung Hwa took the complicated, lustful and selfish route, hence everything went south. What a pity, as I found that they do have great chemistry physically, mentally and emotionally.

If only they met each other half way in all that they do and want in their lives, their relationship could have succeeded. Isn't that what Marriage is all about?

The entire movie was entertaining, only for mature audience and for those who enjoy watching the evolvement in relationships. Life is not always a bed of roses.

Cheers!

Read More

This Drama Shines

Story
I have seen three versions of Wang So played out and I must say this one played by Jang Hyuk stood out the best. But then again, every role he plays, he does them so well. As I am familiar with the real history of King Wang So, I am glad that this drama did not go too heavy on the politics. I was actually planning to just scan over the drama to see Jang Hyuk, but the way the whole drama was directed and the good acting, it kept me interested enough to watch the drama throughout. To see how Wang So, the outcast Prince grow from strength to strength to become the fourth King of Goryeo was really enjoyable to watch, especially when he did not even plan to be a King in the first place. As for the love interest, I was already expecting a not the ideal happy ending as in other dramas of Wang So, they always put this fantasized love interest which in the end did not end up with him but meet in the afterlife. In reality, Wang So had 3 consorts. His 1st wife (who is his half sibling as the king had many wives), 2nd wife is his half elder brother daughter and the 3rd is a Royal Noble Consort (one of the rich noble clans).

Acting
The overall casting is good and each character had their own fair bit of opportunity to show themselves. None of the characters frustrated me in this drama. As the leads are important, Jang Hyuk (Prince Wang So) and Oh Yeon Seo (Princess Shin Yool/Gaebong) performed well together. It was good to see the relationship between the two of them going through all their ups and down. It is refreshing to see that the female lead did not overdo the 'hard-to-get' part. I enjoyed watching the chemistry between the two characters. They are pretty good together and leaves us wanting more from them at every episode.

Music
Not too bad. Takes us through the motions quite comfortably but songs not outstanding enough to remember.

Re-Watch
Yes for sure to see Jang Hyuk! Lots of comfortable hugging and kisses and keeps you warm and happy!

Read More

Don't Miss This Good Drama

Luzhou is a city located in Sichuan, China with a population of almost 5 million. Their Luzhou Yunlong Airport is situated 17 km from city center and is able handle 2 million passengers per year. Using this backdrop, the drama Flight To You shares trials and tribulations of a career in the airline/aviation industry through a 'made up" Luzhou Airlines. For me, the drama did justice to share how the industry has evolved through the years for China. As I watched, I did at times wonder if such professional airline practices are being adhered to in real life. However, with the fact that the story has been written with so much responsibility there must be some form of reality that has been experienced, and carried out, and now shared with everyone through the eyes of a love story between Flight Instructor Pilot Nan Ting and female Pilot Cheng Xiao.

Actor Wang Kai is perfect in the role of Nan Ting. His stoicism, his fear of repeating pain from the past, him falling in love and holding back. And all the cuteness in being clueless in the 'love' department were all played out to the best. I yearned for lots of hugs and kisses, but as I watched, I came to appreciate the struggle of the character and waited patiently till the scene came and it felt right.

However, to me, the protagonist of the drama came in the form 1.62m (5ft. 3in) actress Tan Song Yun. Her role as female pilot Cheng Xiao is of fire and brimstone. A character not to be missed. She is smart, confident and able in an industry monopolized by men. As she is principled and can be defiant when challenged, she is one tough act to tame. This gives Nan Ting lots on his plate to work on. The chemistry and partnership between these two are on point and satisfying to watch. They brought out the yearning and angsty feeling in me from one episode to the next. Every role in the supporting cast were well placed and gave the entire drama a most prominent placement in my choice of dramas going into 2023.

True to life, if airlines and pilots were as efficient and responsible as depicted in this drama, we will truly have 'Safe Flights" indeed.

A very good show. Please give it a try.

Read More