Beautiful Drama Special About Un-Conditional Love

If you are looking to take a break from the long dramas, I highly recommend this 71 minutes drama special for you to watch. It is a drama full of talented actors with a good story line of a neighbour family who adopted Manbok at 3 years old when her mother passed. The story is about un-conditional love. About letting go. About making the right choices. The director filled the drama with popular, nostalgic songs . The tone of the drama was done in a refreshing way, and the story of each character was shared so poignantly, very touching, with lots of build up in emotions right until the very end.

The love of her adoptive parents, brother and sister truly won my heart. I enjoyed the drama so much.

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What Happened? Absolutely Riveting Love Story And More

Crikey!! What happened? Namkoong Min (Jang Hyun) really knows how to choose the most ideal script for himself and Ahn Eun Jin (Gil Chae), hot from The Good Bad Mother, both are absolutely meant to be in My Dearest.

A simple beginning in the first 2 episodes, of a man who is not interested in devoting himself to anything nor anyone, suddenly finds himself interested in a spoil brat of a lady who only has eyes on another man. Everything increases in momentum from Episode 3 as their King and Land is threatened by the Mongols, he suddenly finds himself volunteering to go outright to war, in order to not defend the King, but the woman he sets his heart on. How much more romantic can this get?

How about watching Jang Hyun as unfolds his ingenuity, intelligence and strength to overcome all obscurity and calamity around him to protect Gil Chae. And watching Gil Chae transform from a pampered and charming appearance, to a stronger and more mature demeanor during the war is mesmerizing to me. She is seen to be growing in depth to a woman and in this episode 8, her feelings for Jang Hyun is yet to be acknowledged.

The pace, the fighting scenes, the chase makes one await the next episode in great anticipation.

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Pathetic Female Lead Roles

This drama was really hard to watch, but somehow managed to complete. 40 episodes of pure torture with two second female leads who were thoroughly pathetic in their outlook and depiction of love, where they have no comprehension when the man says 'no' it means 'no' ... crikey!

Then we have the female lead who is constantly pitiful, sad, hesitating and running away from the one man who not only tells, but shows how much he loves her. The female lead's face is throughout always caught up in tears and frowns which gives me goosebumps.

The two main male leads got it slightly better. They got the slightly better part of the script. The main lead Ming Dao/Liu Huo acting was good and played his role pretty convincingly. The only redeeming part of this drama was watching the relationship dynamics between Liu Huo and his mother played by the legendary Tien Niu/Xue Dong Na. It was memorable.
Regardless, this drama is a poor watch and not worth the time spent.

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Season 3, More Riveting Than Ever Before

A 7 year journey with Dr. Romantic since 2016, 2020 and 2023 respectively and with every featured season, the story, the characters and the drama gets better and stronger. I loved this latest season of 2023. Master Kim's dream of Doldam Trauma Center coming together with his dream team. His Plan C to Plan B to Plan A sent me to fits of laughter. In all it's seriousness, I found it all so cute. He is definitely a lot calmer, laughing more and so charming. His focus, his view on life, his messages always on point.

Same talented Director and Writer who have a good and strong grasp of each character, the build up of it's story, medical cases with it's perfect dose of drama and tension. In the beginning, I was not sure if this season could do any better than the last but it did. It surpassed every expectation and more and I have been encouraging my circle of Korean drama friends who are not interested in medical dramas to start with Dr. Romantic from Season 1 and 2, before watching 3. And to their surprise, they did not know how they could miss out on such a fabulous show. The casting for Season 3 is also the best that I have seen in a long time with all my favourite actors delivering top notch performances.

Rating 10+ for Dr. Romantic 3!

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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.

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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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I Tried .... But Thank You Sunshine.... Lu Cheng An!

I was very interested to watch this highly rated drama of 24 year old male who loves 31 year old childhood female friend, but was disappointed by the mundane storyline. I liked the boyish and cute charm of Lu Cheng An (He Yu). I liked his determination and bravery to pursue the love of his life. But, unfortunately, I find him no chemistry with Lin Yang (Li Xi Rui). They appear much more like a brother and sister relationship as she is always talking down to him. And for a 31 year old to be shy, hesitant and un-sure in so many episodes can really be unnerving. I find she is a much better match for cousin Xie Nan Ke.

I tried, I took breaks, I pressed fast forward a lot. On episode 25 today, I decided to drop this drama and move on with my life.

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Sorry, Nothing Personal

Kim Min Gue in 'Business Proposal' as Cha Sung Hoon was pretty spectacular. The script made his role a mature, strong and somewhat cool character which had sizzling chemistry with Jin Young Seo (played by Seol In Ah). With that, I was looking forward to see him in 'Heavenly Idol'. Hmmm..... the idea of a Pontifex with divine power from heaven who accidentally lands into the body of a washed out Pop Idol, Woo Yeon Woo appeared interesting and the nice poster of him with
Go Bo Gyeol as Kim Dal left much to anticipate.

However, sad to say from get go, from the first episode, I could see this drama was heading south for me. The script, the direction and characters were all over the place. The child-like fantasy story was further marred by low budget special effects. Even with seasoned actors in Lee Jang Woo and Ye Ji Won could not save the day. Chemistry between 'Idol' Yeon Woo and 'Manager' Kim Dal...??? Thankfully, it is only 12 episodes.

However, this does not deter me from keeping a look out for Kim Min Gue's future work. Hopefully, he will choose his scripts and drama carefully as he has so much potential.

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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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Mother Wife, Truly A Woman Of Substance

I have been binge watching chinese dramas of late focusing on love, romance and hardship faced during China republican era of 1912-1949. There are many things that I find intriguing of life and cultures during that time. Even the clothes, fashion and styles are interesting to watch. The actor that really portray this era well to me is Harwick Lau. I have been binge watching his dramas of late and I picked this drama Mother Wife because of it's interesting title. From what I have read, male children from rich families in that era were often betrothed at a young age (some even from babies) for business purpose, to ensure obedient daughter-in-laws, maintain friendships and lots more. Therefore, roles of girls/young ladies become demeaning and powerless as they are being forced into loveless marriages.

Crystal Zhang Yu Yuan, veteran of bitter sweet dramas plays the doomed Qiu Ju. Married off at 18 to 8 years old Yao Zong (played by the cute Leo Wu). His mother was dying, and wanted a Wife who also will carry the role of a Mother to her son, protecting his position and wealth from her husband's devious second wife. Qiu Ju had to endeavor a lot of torture, pain and hardship until she found happiness at 80 years old!!! Truly a woman of substance and Crystal Zhang was perfect in her role.

Harwick was also very good in depicting Yao Zong as a bitter, revengeful, ambitious young adult who went through extremes to get what he wants. He made the role really hateful and yet at times he could make us feel his warmth and love for Qiu Ju. A man caught in his own devious plans and in the end forced to walk that route of guilt and regret.

Wow, all 38 episodes of a full on drama worth watching even though it was released in 2009. The drama is not perfect and can get really angsty. However, I am just glad that I watched something a little different from the norm where the overall entertainment value is at 8 for me.

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A Brilliant Movie With A Surprising Ending

For new fans of Leo Wu, this is one of the movies you can watch with ease and enjoy a really good performance by him in his teens. As Leo started young as a child actor, I enjoyed watching his natural talent of every decade and in Upcoming Summer, Leo's portrayal of teenager 'Zheng Yu Xing' with Zhang Zi Feng's 'Chen Chen' was endearing. Both had to stay back in High School when they failed their college entrance exam because of personal issues. Through this journey studying for their entrance exam again, they were somewhat bound together, found friendship through a kindred spirit. The two main leads made the roles their own and their emotions were well shared when it comes to first loves, un-requited love, secret admiration and the lessons experienced by teenagers. However, what truly hits you is the truth at the end of the movie. The director did such a brilliant job, I almost missed the truth until I watched the ending again. I kept wondering why he could not love her back.
I enjoyed this movie very much and is highly recommended.

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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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Korea's Modern Day Judges Adversities Well Depicted

I took a break from my favorite romance dramas and thought I would delve into a bit of adversities and real life drama on judges and their work in modern day Korea. The title Hammurabi was interesting enough and when I looked up it's meaning, the dictionary says - "Hammurabi was a king of ancient Mesopotamia, known for putting the laws of his country into a formal legal code". Therefore, Go Ara was selected to play the role of Judge Park who is the Hammurabi of sorts in modern times.
Passionate and idealistic rookie judge who stays by her beliefs and stands for justice.

The drama shares stories about the lives of ordinary people, their real life struggles and social issues in modern day Korea. Also, behind the courtroom shares the story of the life of judges, gossips and drama that takes place with more stories of it's own with lots of disputes, arrogance, old school thinking and more.

To bring about change and broader judgement sensory, Judge Park has the support and admiration from Judge Im (Kim Myung Soo "L") who happens to be Judge Park's crush from high school. Together they face challenges and are ridiculed as they stand up for their rights. However, the character that stood out strongest for me is Judge Han (played by veteran actor Sung Dong-il) an experienced chief judge who understands the harsh realities of life and is a righteous leader and mentor to both Judge Park and Judge Im.

The romance and love story in this drama were from very light to almost none. The chemistry between the two main leads were 'friendly' and not more. Well, I did ask for a break from romance dramas, so this drama was it. Lots of good legal cases and up-lifting orchestra music when there is a win or victory over the bad. Hmmm.....back to romance drama for me...

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