Too Foggy To See It Through

I have not tried to stretch a 50 episode drama, but I tried to do it for main lead actor Elvis Han. He did such a good job, though he was 24 years old at that time of shooting.

However, the character of the wife Qin Sang (Sun Yi) really killed my interest totally. I have not seen a more somewhat emotionally dis-engaged wife to a husband who loves her with care and all his heart, like this character Qin Sang. Even when she shows her love, she still does not look like she loves him. Well, I did try my best, up until episode 31! and my white flags are up. Giving up.

The acting overall by the cast members were really good and can feel the commitment. But maybe this role of Qin Sang did not work out well for Sun Yi, then at 23 years old. Such a cold, aloof and sticky character. Given her age at that time, she was not able to show the vulnerability which was required of her role, to help us warm and embrace her character. However, I guess it did not hurt her career as she is today, one of the highest paid actress in China.

This melo-dramatic family relationships and love painful struggle drama is truly not advised for those who are not committed to see it through the 50 slow paced episodes. Even the schemes and fight to control territories by the rich and powerful Yi Family with others went to and fro, lacked suspense for me. Like I mentioned, one has to be truly committed to watch it through.

Calling it a day, I am moving on.... Cheers!

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Brilliant Rom-Com

For K-drama followers, it is not a mystery as to why the airing of “Anti-Fan” was delayed. Not picked up by any of the TV/cable stations, this drama which was due to air in 2018, took more than two years to reach us through leading streaming sites. Regardless of rhyme nor reason, I am so EXTREMELY GLAD that this drama fell onto our lap this year in 2021. Right after the 1st episode, I already knew there was no need for my magnifying glass and my di-section tools. From 2nd episode onwards, I was so enamored by the characters and mood of the drama, I could actually just sit back, relax and enjoy the drama effortlessly, week after week. Simply my most favorite Rom-Com in 2021.

Though categorized as a Rom-Com, this drama carries poignant elements on life and does give us an insight about sacrifices on being a celebrity, the politics of the entertainment industry, the level of fans love and obsession, that has its ups and downs, friendship, jealousy, trust, trauma and how does this one person Hoo Joon (played by Choi Tae Joon) maneuvers his path with everything that went so wrong, to make things right. CTJ is really well suited to this character and carries out his role to perfection. The antagonist in this drama is Jae Joon (played by Hwang Chan Sung), whose friendship turned bad with Hoo Joon. Again, another well placed actor, as HCS also did a most believable job for us to really hate his character JJ to the point of feeling sorry for him. What is a drama without challenging turns and the second leads story definitely took us to the edge, which takes those who have lived a little to understand.

And now, the back story. In Hyung (IH), Hoo Joon (HJ) and Jae Joon (JJ) all met whilst they were training at the Talent Agency Academy and became close friends. Then IH and HJ fell in love with each other and became a couple. JJ had secretly loved IH first, so his heart was broken when he lost her to HJ. Then suddenly, HJ career started to take off, leaving IH and JJ behind. A lot was left un-said which spiraled into a load of mis-understanding, hurt and sense of betrayal.

Fast forward to 6 years later, which is how the drama starts, HJ returns to Korea and finds that IH is now in a relationship with JJ. As HJ has a better understanding of the entertainment industry, he could see that JJ is not helping IH. With IH being his first love, HJ still cares for her well-being and gets upset when he sees IH being taken advantage of by JJ.

And in all this mess, in-walks Guen Yong (played by Choi Soo Young), the character which is forefront to the title “So I Married An Anti-Fan”. Ambitious and naïve, she is a rookie writer for a magazine. Emotional in her thoughts and writing, she chanced upon a scene between HJ and IH. Without checking the facts, she tattled on HJ causing a rippling negative effect on HJ’s impression of her as well as his supportive fans, hence gaining herself the title of "Anti-Fan".

Reaping the rewards of it’s aftermath, a reality show was suggested starring HJ and GY. GY by then lost her job, had no money. HJ reluctantly accepted to do the show with GY (to avoid letting the show cast his first love IH). Two really reluctant people, both who detest each other at every turn. The energy between these two ML is insanely clichéd, cute and delightful to watch. Something I have not seen in a long while when it comes to all the facial expressions and body language. Really refreshing and many memorable moments. Even the songs which would normally give you goosebumps, became comfortable to listen, with catchy tunes and feel good energy befitting the tone of the drama.

This drama had so much material to work on, with many other stories connected and yet, really well executed. I truly suggest you do not let this drama slip you by especially if you are wanting to take a break from all the heavy dramas. This is one drama that will not disappoint from start to finish.

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Do Kyung Soo Shines In His Role

I watched this drama after putting it on hold for a long while. Decided to go into it as I was running out of shows to watch. I also like actress Nam Ji Hyun as she is one of my favorites after seeing her in Suspicious Partners.

100 Days had a fairly good story line of love in the Joseon period. The costumes, the production good quality and I appreciated it's OST and music which fell into all the right moments. To me, everything was just fairly entertaining in this drama. The only thing that truly stood out for me was Do Kyung Soo who acted as Prince Lee Yul/Won Deuk. Together with Ji Hyun (his beloved Hong Shim), they both managed to carry the drama throughout.

I would not miss this drama if I am a fan of D.O and for those who are not, you will find him a really good watch in this drama.

Cheers!

K-drama forever!

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Just That 1% To Score 10 For This Drama

This was just a lovely drama to watch. The story focused a lot on both the male and female lead and was very well featured in each episode. I liked very much that Jae In (Ha Seok Jin) though tough and arrogant had a very warm and gentle side to him when it comes to true love (and can be quite possessive at times in a cute way). Certain and confident, he held the story/relationship throughout with finesse. One cannot help but wished that we were in Da Hin's (Jun So Min) shoes, swooning to the chase. However, she held her own as the lead actress who did not easily fall into his arms and taught Jae In a lesson or two about love and life.

The show had all the emotions which made me giggle, laugh, cry a little and heart fluttered a bit too to a happy ending.

A beautiful show from beginning to end and highly recommended to those who does not like dramatic love stories. This drama is captivating, easy to watch, no boring in betweens and pretty straightforward. I will not write details in this review as the beauty is discovering them as you watch. Enjoy!!

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The Bad Mother Is Really Good

Wow, what a great drama to watch. Another award winning performance from Ra Mi Ran, the Good Bad Mother. I loved the maturity of this drama's storyline which hit many emotions and I looked forward to every episode with great anticipation. Lee Do Hyun who played the son Kang Ho is no slacker too. The son who made plans to revenge the people that killed his father and revenge the pain that caused his mother who took out her fear and anxiety onto him. Their performance as mother and son was so on point, at times, I forgot they were just acting.

I am glad that even with such intensity of the content, the drama still delivered when it came to romance. Kang Ho's relationship with his childhood first love Mi Joo had substance and their love and chemistry was delightful to watch. Not to forget mentioning all the good neighbours, delightful children and even a Canadian pig farm helper Andrea all made the drama a true classic.

I cried a bucket, I laughed a lot, I detested the bad guys, I eagerly awaited to see how Kang Ho would nail them, I loved the bond between mother & son, Son & girlfriend, neighbour & neighbours and found Ye Jin's crush on her Oppa Kang Ho so cute.

A classic drama in my books. Highly recommended.

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From Great Sport To Great Love

The only reason I watched this drama is because of Leo Wu. I was looking forward to watch him in a non-historical costume drama and hoped to see him in a more current environment depicting a gentleman of his age. I am glad to say that Nothing But You role of Song San Chuan fitted him like a glove. His physique is also perfect in personifying a sportsman in his early 20's vying for a position in the professional sports arena, starting as a badminton player to a tennis pro.

Starting a professional sports career from age 20 + is pretty late in the game by sports standards, but he fights his demons and clear old baggages, pushing along. And right by his side is Liang Young An, his promoter, manager and eventually his girlfriend, who is 10 years older than him. She is cautious at first, but as she strives in her career, he in turn, is also by her side. Their attraction is strong.

This couple of young San Chuan and devoted Young An is really compatible. Leo plays San Chuan the way he should act and behave for a 23 year old guy, wanting to love the woman the way a man should, by taking responsibilities, sharing problems and wanting to take care of her financially. Whilst Zhou Yu Tong's "Young An" is nurturing, stable and totally a dedicated woman to her man.

The casting of all the actors in this drama is also really good and everyone had a story to tell. This drama did not give me that anticipation to watch momentum, but I took away a really feel good vibe. There is so much positivity and warmth that I am still swooning from all that love and determination. Hmmm... that Leo Wu's boyish charm is totally mesmerizing...just saying.

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A Children Fantasy Theme Drama

Hu Yi Xuan was really good in as the Sleepless Princess (2020) and I liked how cute she turned into little animals during times when she could not sleep. Because of this, I chose to watch her (2018) drama "I'm a Pet At Dali Temple". Bad choice for me. This time, she turns into a cat. Nothing personal, Xu Kai Cheng and Hu Yi Xuan are really good actors. But, I did not enjoy the story and the direction of the acting, which were quite fluffy, predictable and 'kiddish' at times. The drama carried a strong children fantasy theme with an ending that left much to be desired, if not deem strange.

Not difficult to give this drama a miss.

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Completing Wishes Of The Dead

A funeral director and a doctor (due to past trauma, now works for his uncle "A Dime A Job", doing odd jobs) are the basis of the relationship found in this story.

I had no expectations nor idea of of where the story will lead me as I watched the first episode. Obviously, from writing of this review, I completed 16 episodes without any difficulty. I found this drama absolutely refreshing and enjoyed so much the representation of lost souls and spirits through Baek Dong Joo, who can communicate with the dead, when she touches them in preparation for their wake and funeral.

"A Dime A Job" Kim Tae Hee becomes the loving and supportive boyfriend to Dong Joo. Sceptical at first, Tae Hee eventually becomes her biggest supporter as she tries to complete the last wishes of the dead.

Every episode was entertaining and the un-folding of Tae Hee's past also kept the drama going. Lots of good stories which pulls at your heartstrings. I enjoyed this drama thoroughly.

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Obsessive, Possessive, Controlling Love - crikey!

A man set on revenging the death of his father. Sadistically keeps the daughter of the man who betrayed his father, as his mistress. Girl is innocent, gullible and ignorant to matters of almost everything. Really un-comfortable drama for me to watch and worse, has an ending left much to despair and one's own imagination.

The only reason I watched is Hawick Lau. His acting is always on point and makes his character so believable as Shao Qian. Unfortunately, he has to be that man who loves the girl to the point of obsessiveness and can only express love through act of anger, control and jealousy. The female lead Ying Er (acted as Tong Xue) was only 22 years old at that time of this drama and lacked experience in portraying such a complicated character. A girl who is confused between being in love or being victimized.

If you enjoy watching possessive, obsessive love where a man paws at the woman he loves at every chance when he is riddled by anger and jealousy, this is one drama you should not miss, especially when it is acted out so well by the handsome Hawick Lau. If not, you can also give this drama a miss.

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Of What Could Have Been

Jing Boran is hot on my list now due to his on-going release drama Road Home with Tan Song Yun. Whilst awaiting each episodes release, I decided to look at some of Jing Boran past work and chose a 2018 movie title "Us and Them" and I was not disappointed.

Us and Them tells a poignant love story between Jianqing (Jing Boran) and Xiao Xiao (Zhou Dongyu) who met on a train on the way to Beijing. Two young individuals facing challenges living in the big city. Jianqing eager to make it in the game-maker industry and Xiao Xiao just broke off with her ex-boyfriend. When two vibrant souls meet, all sorts of energy ignite. Of kindred spirit, happiness, company, joy and love. I liked the chemistry of the two main leads, the mood of their love was felt when it was at it's peak and I also felt their pain when their relationship was struggling. This couple happens to be one of those who carried different perspectives when it comes to love in their early 20's. Jianqing equates love to money and success. He thirsts to leave his village and take his father away from the poverty spectrum. He dreams to make it big and shower Xiao Xiao with all the material things like car, houses and comfort of life. At her age, at that time, Xiao Xiao equates love to him being 'present and available' when it comes to giving attention to their relationship. She did not care if he had money or not. She cared more for his sanity, his well being. Eventually, everything implodes. They break up, and neither having understood nor make it clear, the reason to the other party.

In my deepest hope, as I watched, I wanted them to reconcile when they met each other again years later. But, it appeared he has moved on. Married and with a son. The timing of it all. He has made it in life, but at the cost of losing his deepest love. She yearned to have been properly loved and in the end found out that he had always loved her (even when at times, he does not seem to show it) .... seen in the ending of his game.

This is truly a story of, "fated to meet but not destined to be together". The story and the acting was very good and I enjoyed this movie thoroughly. But, will not be re-watching it again.

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An All Round Good Drama

I was drawn to watch this drama after reading all the other good reviews. Not disappointed at all. I liked the fact that the leads are in their late 30's and their roles had lots of strength in character which is a nice change from the fluffy and cute ones. Needless to say, Kim Ok Bin rocks as 'Mi Ran'. She is pretty, emancipated, her taekwando in all her fighting scenes is to precision, she is opinionated. Women like these are normally not on top of men's list for a life partner but Yoo Teo as 'Kang Ho' is equally matched and is drawn to all her strengths, not at first but eventually through the progression of their relationship circumstances. Their characters do come with baggage of past hurt and insecurities but through their interaction, much is found and understood, moving them forward in a most delightful way.

The drama did a good job in relating that women should not be judged differently as men in the eyes of society. When women are being loved and respected, one can enjoy the quality of the person in a fulfilling way. As for the men, Kang Ho's character showed the substance of what men should be made of. Responsibility and accountability.

I just love this drama. It has all the elements of maturity, fun, comedy, action, hugs, kisses, Leslie Cheung, Michelle Yeoh, celebrities in relationship...... and so much more in just 10 episodes.

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A Powerful Magical Fantasy Drama - Joseon Period

Of demon Ma Wang, of deities Samshin, Goddess of Life, of Ho Ryeong the Tiger Spirit, of curses, of revenge, of Josean royalty brother fighting for the throne, of divine painter Cheon Gi, of gifted astrologer Ha Ram…… magical characters in an absolutely entertaining fantasy drama

Lovers of The Red Sky is a magical fantasy drama set in the Joseon period. Action and drama from the get go. First episode witnesses how a Palace Shaman (a spiritual high priestess) removes the Ma Wang demon residing in the body of King Yeong Jong locked into a divine painting. In that, the demon curses the country to a long famine and drought. When young Ha Ram is discovered to bear the Water Element, he is used in a ritual to attract rain, putting and end to the curse.

At the same time through a series of event between two young princes, demon Ma Wang is released and enters the body of Ha Ram. The only way to extract the demon residing in Ha Ram’s body is by seeking help from talented divine painter Cheon Gi. They fall in love and Cheon Gi is determined to complete the painting in time for the day of ‘Sealing Ceremony”- on a date, month and time when the sky turns red making it the most opportune time to lock the demon again and have Ha Ram return back to his normal self.

The story is well told, the special effects, cinematography, costumes and music were perfectly laid out and shared throughout the drama. Not a boring moment, plenty of action and moments of love and affection between the two leads. Ahn Hyo Seop (Ha Ram) proofed his acting versatility by portraying Ha Ram, a blind astrologer as well as Ma Wang, the demon. As for Kim Yoo Jung, she really shines in period costume roles from Love In The Moonlight to Lovers Of The Red Sky. Kudos to the entire cast for bringing us a really good drama which I enjoyed thoroughly.

Epilogue in the finale chapter gives a strong indication that there will be a part 2 and I really do not mind to watch a continued story of ambitious and evil Prince Juhyang and his kind and wise younger brother Prince Yi Yul with new character and love story thrown in.

What a good drama, highly recommended.

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A Drama Worth Watching

Surprisingly a very good drama to watch. From the first episode, the plot and characters of this drama were captivating. The main leads of the story are Hye Yoon (the beautiful Jung So Min) and Jung Hoon (Sung Joon) who are deeply in love and yearns for a simple life together. However, as discussions and preparations begin, mothers on both sides start to compete, calculate and weave a slew of expectations and demands that causes mis-understanding between Hye Yoon and Jung Hoon. Eventually, as conflicts continue, doubts start to manifest unto themselves, causing them to break up a few times.

I enjoyed this drama immensely as the script was well written. The director kept the pace moving , and the acting was superb. Apart from the main lead, there are three other intense and complicated love stories and one very difficult, controlling, yet loving and protective mother played by the talented Lee Mi Sook (Deul Ja). Every character in this drama had a strong story to tell and there are many moments that their story made my heart flutter, brought giggles, laughter and tears. The content is mature and I highly recommend this drama if you enjoy watching how complicated love and relationships are maneuvered.

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