"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!" - Sir Walter Scott

Playing catch up can be really fun (at times). I've had "Sky Castle" in my queue for a while. Mood played a part in the delay. I moved on to other themes after I finished a similar genre with "Crash Course in Romance." I'd had enough of bratty kids. Though "Crash Course" was good, "Sky Castle" had a much deeper experience. It wasn't long after episode 10 that I was already thinking about how I was going to review this show. Just so much going on and many roller coaster of emotions.

A father of 6 myself, I originally had so much to say. Even though it's from 2018, I'm sure the new Kdrama watchers will love it. So, I tried to keep it short:

An upper class group of families lives in Sky Castle, which is an exclusive and prestigious residential complex. There are a lot of academically driven residents and their kids go to a prestigious school. Family dynamics are explored in the series, showing the pressure parents put on their kids to do well in school.

The show highlights the fierce competition within Korea's education system. The acting was fantastic. Actors Yeom Jung Ah (Seo Jin), Kim Seo Hyung (Kim Joo Young), and Lee Tae Ran (Lee Soo Im). These were my standouts, but credit is definitely due to everyone else. Everyone did a great job. Characters are well-written and complex. A major theme of the film is the ambitious and driven parents, who often sacrifice their own needs and desires to help their children succeed. It's outright ridiculous in some cases. My blood was boiling in some episodes, while others just intrigued me.

The cinematography is also impressive, with the use of camera angles and lighting techniques to enhance the storytelling and create a visually stunning viewing experience.

Sorry I just have to explain my rating for rewatching of 6.0, which isn't terrible. Let's be honest. This show is a well-written "one and done"type of series. This type of story is structured like that. I like how the story unfolds with each episode showing you critical points, character revelations, character motives, and answering most of your questions. The second time around won't be the same. Those emotions you felt during your second 20 episode watch may be diluted, because you already know all the secrets. I feel of 50 folks that rate the rewatch at 10, only about 15 or less will actually rewatch.

Over all, "Sky Castle" turned out to be a very enjoyable watch and earned a high mark.

Wow, and this is my short review.

Read More

Your Ally has arrived...

Gaming since Atari (telling my age, lol). I know what it's like to build mods and play online with great friends. Alhambra's gaming schematics aren't your conventional couch or desk gaming experience. The all-AR base is physical.

In "Memories of the Alhambra", Yoo Woo plays Yoo Jin-Woo, a CEO who visits Granada, Spain, on a business trip and important mission. At Jung Woo's (Park Shin-Hye) hostel, he meets Jung Se-Joo's character, as he experiences a mysterious virtual augmented reality game.

Jung Joo's brother Se Joo is missing, and Yoo Woo's mission is to find him. Initially unaware of the brothers' relationship with Jung Woo, he hides most of his plans. It is soon apparent what "magic" he was speaking of when the game world is activated. In the process, we learn more about Se Joo's programming and his dilemma, and Yoo Woo's marital problems. A betrayal of Yoo Woo's friend CEO Cha Suk raises the stakes in Yoo Woo's mission and complicates his life even further. The only real impatience I felt from that point on came after Cha Suk made his 37th enemy appearance. (sarcasm)

In the middle episodes of "Alhambra," the story was a bit confusing. Mostly following the game. What was the truth behind the deaths? Were only a few people singled out? Is Yoo Woo really crazy? It became clearer as the episodes progressed.

Regarding the love interest, I wouldn't describe this as a romance series. Yoo Woo and Jung Joo's love provided a change of tone and stakes to the story. In my opinion, it wasn't significant, but it was sufficient in light of the story involving her brother and how much she liked Yoo Woo. Slowly, the romance developed. The relationship between the two leads took about 10 episodes to develop after a very rocky start. While she cried a lot, Park Shin Hye's doe eyes won me over.
Even with newly found love, the ML seemed to struggle with inner happiness.

"Memories of Alhambra" had good cinematography. The visual effects in the game were not groundbreaking, but they were different. As far as capturing the beauty of Granada and Barcelona by showcasing their iconic landmarks and architecture. Certain areas felt a little controlled to me. Permits for film can offer a lot, but only so much, I guess.
"Alhambra" had a good cast overall. Especially liked Jung Joo's little sister Min Joo. In most of her scenes, she played a low-key tone relief role. There was something annoying about her brother. As well as Jung Joo's male family friend.

While I did not resonate with some minor issues in "Memories of The Alhambra", the series was overall good. Other viewers may have a better or worse understanding. This is just my experience.

Read More

How far would you go for love?

*Minor Spoilers

As a result of watching "Mr Queen," I became more open-minded about historical Korean dramas. As a result, I watched 'Under the Queen's Umbrella', 'Mr Sunshine', " Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency", "Kingdom" and 'The Kings Affection'. However, in between all of those titles, I wanted one that was more lighthearted. My choice of "Live Up to Your Name" turned out to be great.

While it wasn't nearly as funny as "Mr. Queen", it also had time travel between the modern day and the Joseon Era. The twist was that both time periods were included throughout the journey.

In terms of the story and plot, this is important. Both Dr. Heo Im and Dr. Cho Kyung are mentally and morally challenged, both in modern Korea and the Joseon period of 1592. There are a number of medical choices that each of the leads make depending on their beliefs and past experiences. Each doctor has their own style of treatment. They use these techniques to their benefit.

The story opens with the main character Dr. Heo making a series of decisions that ultimately lead him to the present day. He discovers It is necessary for him to be close to death or even die in order to change time lines.

Dr. Choi's past family incident haunts her to the point it effects her performance at times. A series of circumstances brings the two leads together. Both are very capable doctors. As a result of their union, they have to make a series of difficult moral and ethical decisions. Due to this, the series gets very creative with combining modern and old themes by putting them in challenging settings.

The characters were developed and arced well to the point where I included them on my list of favorite couples in Korean dramas. There are a couple of scenes in both eras that sealed that decision for me.

If you're looking for a time travel fantasy infused with dramatic themes, romance, and humor, "Live Up to Your Name" is a terrific choice. As a result, it leaves one thinking about ethical decisions entwined with skill, moral choices, and love. The acting is good because the leads make the situations relatable and plausible.

Read More

There are times when you need someone to stand by you

*** Minor Spoilers***

The series Iteawon Class follows Park Saeroyi (Park Seo Joon), a high schooler with a dream of becoming a police officer. However, after making critical decisions in high school, his life drastically changes. After arriving in Iteawon, a district known for its vibrant nightlife and clubs, Saeroyi and his friends open a small bar called "DanBam" to redeem himself.

As Park Saeroyi's business rival and nemesis Jang Hee (Yoojae Myung) owns Jangga, a fire competitor and the fuel and marker for Saeroyi, Iteawon Class follows an engaging and fast-paced plot that kept me hooked throughout its 16-episode run. Saeroyi's journey from expulsion to leading DanBam is inspiring. The series looks at ordinary individuals' struggles for justice and dreams. All the characters are great, but other than the two main pub leaders, I found Joy Yi Seo (Kim Da Mi), Ma Yi the chef (Lee Joo Young), Jang Geun Won, the bully (Ahn Bo Hyun) and Park Saeroyi's father Park Yul (Sun Hyun Joo) pivotal. They aren't perfect, they are different people from all walks of life. Pick ten random people at your workplace and try to avoid any clashes of personalities.

The cast delivers pretty convincing performances, bringing the characters to life and making things more relatable. Park Seo-Joon performance as Park Saeroyi showed determination, passion, leadership and charisma. He had that presence and strength about him that positively impacted his team and his personal life. Saeroyi was flawed and suppressed at times; however, when you bring enough passion, the right individual will enter your life and assist you on your path to your destiny.

The Iteawon Class is well-shot from a visual point of view. It had effective cinematography and attention to detail to capture the characters' emotions. The series captures the essence of Iteawon, from its bustling streets to its hidden nooks and crannies. The production design helped a lot. Before the series I really didn't know too much about the area until that Halloween disaster in 2022.

Iteawon Class's music and soundtrack are a big part of the experience. Mood and atmosphere were enhanced by the music choices. Overall, Iteawon Class was an engaging and entertaining drama. Themes of justice, redemption, and friendship and love. To this point the series is locked in at #8 for my all-time best Korean dramas. I don't give it ALL 10's but it resonates well with me!

Read More

Love conquers all.

'Clean with Passion for Now' is an enjoyable and funny romantic comedy.

Jang Gyeol (Yoon Kyun Sang) is the CEO of a cleaning company, and Gil Oh Sol is a young woman who is trying to do better despite odd jobs. In many ways, our leads are opposite. Jang Gyeol suffers from severe mysophobia. In many respects, the guy is truly OCD, especially in regard to germs. He is very neat and organized, as well as well dressed. However, he dislikes crowds and anything with the potential to spread germs or diseases. Consequently, he has a social awkwardness as well.

In spite of her untidiness, Oh Sol has an upbeat and charming personality. She resides with her father and brother. She's a hilarious drunk (when she drinks) who doesn't hesitate when it comes to drinking. Gil Oh Sol was very pretty, sweet, and funny to me.

In the beginning, our leads meet on a few occasions and Jang Gyeol seems to disdain her ways. I especially enjoyed the hilarious scene in which Oh Sol wore a horse mask in order to hide from her crush because she was embarrassment from her appearance and job at the time. In an attempt to retreat, Oh Sol damaged Jan Gyeol's vehicle. Oh Sol promised to compensate the damages. As a result, an effort is made to find better employment so that more money can be earned.

However, she manages to land a job with Jang Gyeol's company. Of course, this starts a chain of events that slowly bring Jang Gyeol out of his shell. The power of love cannot be underestimated. The fact that Gyeol's mother and grandfather were no help with his phobia irritated me. Overseeing him was more important to them than trying to help him, so they embraced it. Over time, his mother got better, but his grandfather CEO Cha was an idiot.

Jang Gyeol did not have much support outside of his family even when our leads were finally in love and Jang Gyeol was getting better. The chemistry between our leads was good. Oh Sol seemed to be just the person Gyeol needed. Until an old and very serious family issue involving Oh Sol's mother and CEO Cha's group is revealed. It was part of our leads' family and tore them apart.
This was the most frustrating part of the series for me. Having Oh Sol not telling Gyeol why she wants the breakup was frustrating. It was so frustrating that Oh Sol lost many points with me (temporarily).

Of course, her neighbor above her, Doctor Choi Daniel, liked our lead as well. As a result, there was a small love triangle. As the series progressed, I understood more of the Doctor's motivations and found him less annoying.
In the end, our leads find their way back and everything is once again happy. I thought the series was good and pretty funny at times. There is more to accepting someone with phobias than love. They seemed perfect for each other and were very cute together. This made the series enjoyable to watch.

As a photographer, I am interested in lighting. A similar amount of planning goes into lighting for film or television. Observing and learning is what I do all the time. It was great how the lighting was done in this series.

Read More

You have greatness within you.

"Bad and Crazy" is one of those police detective shows that combines elements of crime, comedy, and policework, making it a captivating watch. Being a former detective myself I enjoy these detective/police type thrillers. Especially when they involve an entertaining story and comedy.

Ryu Soo Yeol is a character played by Lee Dong-Wook who is part of an anticorruption investigation unit. For me, it resembles the Internal Affairs Division. Often, Soo Yeol takes the law into his own hands to seek justice for innocent victims of corruption and violent crimes. He is joined by a cool partner named Jae Seon who offers a bit of comic relief. Despite being a good partner, Jae Seon isn't always around.

While investigating a "Pupil" drug ring and internal police corruption, Soo Yeol finds himself in over his head. His past fears and childhood memories are evoked. Apparently, he goes into self-defense mode, imagining an alter ego named "K" to cope with the stress and fear. That's how I saw it, at least.

I thought "K" was real at first, but then I realized he might only be real in his head if he was stressed enough. Whatever the case, "K" was a funny, witty, tough character. There was no doubt he was the type of person you would imagine yourself being in a time of need. Each time "k" appeared, the scene was enhanced, and I thought he added to the story.

"Bad and Crazy" was exactly that, Bad and Crazy. There were good fight sequences, as well as good investigation and execution. However, as a former law enforcement officer myself, I had to overlook some things and realize it was television. It's like Soo Yeol turned his back on the bad guy (and paid for it) after knocking him down on more than 2 separate occasions. The prison bus was hijacked by one inmate. Yes, it is possible, but let me tell you something. The odds of pulling that off are extremely low when the officers are on their game.

In "Bad and Crazy," both the cinematography and visual effects are pretty good. I liked the camera angles and shots when "K" appeared, the slow-motion tracking shots, and the transitions between "K" and Soo Yeol. In many scenes, the music enhanced the mood.

Ultimately, "Bad and Crazy" offered a unique and entertaining concept. Even Beyonce admitted years ago that she had to tap into her Alter Ego (Sasha Fierce) to cope and push forward when her rise to superstardom became overwhelming. Perhaps having an Alter Ego may be beneficial if you use it for the right reasons, is that right, Jr? LOL Just kidding!

Read More

Tenants Unite!

For a while I viewed "Sweet Home" on Netflix but I kept passing it up and moving on to the next series. I guess I have seen a million zombie (creature) shows to the point that I no longer place priority on these shows. After the opening of season 2, I decided to catch up.

Sweet Home takes place in a dystopian world where some humans have developed supernatural "curses" or infections that transform them into monsters. The story follows Cha Hyun-soo, a young man who finds himself stuck in a deserted apartment complex after a mysterious incident. Through the complex, Hyun-soo encounters several individuals who have become infected monstrous creatures.

A little of what makes this show interesting is that it allows you to get to know most of the characters before they are infected. In addition, they are infected in different ways. Neither the look nor the outcome is the same for all of them. Cast members are numerous in the apartment complex, but this number steadily diminishes as events unfold.

In terms of actors, Song Kang (Cha Hyun Soo) stands out. I almost didn't recognize him from "My Demon". Also, Lee Do Hyun from "The Glory", Go Young Jung from "Alchemy of Souls", and Park Gyo Young from "It's Okay Not to Be Okay". It is an interesting and diverse group of people living in the complex as they navigate the complex and struggle to survive while dealing with the hard fact that each one is becoming infected one by one.
In order to survive and uncover the truth behind the apocalyptic event, they must work together. The strongest and most compassionate of the infected is Cha Hyun Soo. His character brings depth to an already twisted atmosphere.

Visually, "Sweet Home" is pretty well done. Though the CGI is not exactly top-notch, it is acceptable. Set production design involving the complex has an eerie rugged immersive atmosphere.

I think "Sweet Home" is an impressive addition to the K-drama genre, it's definitely different. It delivered a thrilling and emotionally engaging story that kept my attention throughout. A compelling plot, outstanding performances, and visually stunning presentation make for an entertaining viewing experience.

Read More

Karma may challenge your perceived entitlement.

In my opinion, Crash Course in Romance revolves around the social pressures and expectations of raising a teen in a status-driven environment. Having to meet those standards and the psychological and physical consequences. The circumstances were brought about by some, but as a parent of six, I blame a great deal on the parents depicted here.

But that is the theme even though the title emphasizes romance. Although romance is a part of the development of the main plot, it is in the background. The main leads are like stars on a much larger stage.
Choi Yeol (Jung Ho) is a charismatic, rich and very capable math teacher who is initially a workaholic. A private institution hires him to teach, and he's good at what he does, but at a price. On the other hand, the other lead, Nam Seon (Jeon Do Yeon), a restaurant owner, seems to live an average life raising her niece, Nam Yi. After watching the first few episodes, I didn't recognize Jeon Do Yeon at all.

Later, I realized she was the same lead actress from "Kill Bok Soon"! Her characters are so different from one another. In C Course, she is the polar opposite of Bok Soon, so I give her props for her acting. In C Course, her wardrobe seemed very plain and ordinary at times. I found her mannerisms to be sweet and caring. It is of course circumstances that bring them together, and their loyalty, trust, and ability to love are tested as they overcome various obstacles and challenges. Along the way, there are twists and turns. Mostly the pressures of academic standards and expectations placed on the kids along with Nam Yi and her friend Lee Jae.

I was irritated by Cho Hee and her bratty entitled daughter Soo Ah (spawned by her mother). In the All-Care Women's Group, Cho Hee was the ringleader. In my mind, they should be called ACITFG, The All Care in Their Feelings Group.

The "romance" part of the series develops as Mr. Choi needs food he can stomach. At Nam Seon's restaurant, he finds that. Past situations lead him to believe it's destined for him to be with Nam Seon, help her niece after she was kicked out of the special class etc. It's different from the typical gitty 20-something romance you see. It was cool. It has been called cringey by some, but I disagree. Those who seek love with the right heart and intention deserve it.

Apart from the school drama, there were some nice lighthearted moments in the show. The series takes a turn after the murders of a student and a teacher, Lee Jae's brother Hee Jae was quiet and mysterious. However, their mother was no better than Cho Hee's mother (Soo Ah's mother).

I began to suspect Mr Choi's assistant Ji Hee after he refused to tell him where he lived. In addition, he dodged his old friend who knew who he was. However, at first, I did not suspect murder. It seemed more like a status issue to me. Maybe he was embarrassed about living conditions or maybe he had a relative he was ashamed of. Because Ji Hee was a very capable and smart assistant. He wouldn't be a dangerous criminal, would he? It was their intention to make you feel that way, of course. Nevertheless, Dude was evil from the moment he treated Nam Seon disrespectfully.

In addition to Nam Yi's kidnapping, another issue with this series was how they just brushed it under the rug. There is no counseling, no one-on-one discussion. I thought the girl wanted to leave with her mom because of the trauma associated with everything in that community. Am I missing something? It's true that Ji Hee died, but mentally it's not easy to return to normal after that ordeal. She couldn't have forgotten, she remembered all of her friends' names and statuses in the hospital, so... anyway...

I give Crash Course above average marks. To me, it does have small flaws (what show doesn't) but it's a good watch. Check out Kill Bok Soon! You will see a totally different person!! Jeon Do Yeon is fire in that movie!

Read More

Justice is challenged by corruption

"Stranger," This crime thriller drama has an intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and suspense.

Prosecutor Hwang Si-mok, played by Cho Seung-woo, and a police officer Han Yeo-jin, portrayed by Bae Doo-na. The drama begins with the murder of a high-ranking official, which leads these two together, unraveling a web of corruption and conspiracy within the criminal justice system.

One of "Stranger's" standout features is its character development. Hwang Si-mok, with his emotionless exterior, hides a complex personality shaped by his traumatic past. However, the guy is like a robot sometimes. They reveal what happened to him but there were times I wished he would (or could) show more emotion. Cho Seung-woo delivers a remarkable performance, portraying Hwang Si-mok's inner struggle and determination with depth.
Bae Doo-na's portrayal of this dedicated police officer brings a sense of balance to the seriousness making her character relatable.

"Stranger" maintains a steady pace with its cleverly crafted suspense. The intricate plot unfolds gradually, revealing shocking revelations and unexpected twists that constantly challenge my assumptions. The blend of intense action sequences and quiet, introspective moments further enhances the overall viewing experience. With that said, however there were a couple of episodes where I found my mind drifting away.
Visually, "Stranger" is well done. The show's cinematography captures the gritty atmosphere of the criminal underworld when power meets corruption.

There are times when you think you know somebody or a coworker, but the reality is quite different. As a whole, I recommend watching "Stranger" if you're looking for an intelligent crime drama or thriller. Add this to your "to watch list" at a later date if you're in the mood for a comedy or a romance.

Read More

Hard choices to pursue your dream and happiness

The Dr. Cha series was good. The drama revolves around the life of Dr. Cha, a talented and dedicated doctor who faces numerous personal and professional challenges.

One of the highlights of this drama is the exceptional cast acting. The lead actor portrays Dr. Cha (Uhm Jung Hwa) with such conviction and depth that you can't help but empathize with her struggles and root for her success. Her husband (Byung Chul) plays the typical insensitive and non-supportive spouse. All of this pushes you to empathize with her cause and to hope she chooses the right path for herself. The supporting cast also delivers commendable performances, adding layers of complexity to the overall narrative.

Dr. Cha's writing was well done. The pacing is engaging, but the story was somewhat predictable. However, adding additional potential interest kept me engaged. (remember that empathy build up) Perhaps to break up that predictability. The blend of melodrama, romance, and medical themes creates a perfect balance, making the storyline both intriguing and relatable.
The drama's production quality is good. The set designs, costumes, and cinematography transport you into Dr. Cha's world. Attention to detail is evident.

Furthermore, Dr. Cha tackles various societal issues, shedding light on the challenges faced by medical professionals and the ethical dilemmas they encounter. It beautifully explores themes of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, and redemption.
I enjoyed Dr. Cha, but I just found it a little above average. It was the acting and the intrigue of what may happen next that kept me attracted to the show despite the predictability.

Read More

This series will always have a special place

Great and inspirational. This series is an excellent choice for those who enjoy dramatic themes with romance and comedy. This is one of those series that I will remember for quite some time to come. It follows a number of dramatic themes resulting from a number of court cases throughout the series. In some respects, these cases have an impact on the cast and their normal lives and ways of thinking. A strong point of the series is the portrayal of Woo Young Woo by the remarkable actress Park Eun-Bin. During her tenure as an attorney with autism spectrum disorder, her performance was remarkably strong. It is also important to note that the supporting cast does an outstanding job in many regards. As a result of this series, I have been reminded of various reasons why I enjoy watching K-dramas. Excellent writing and outstanding acting. After this, my viewing bar was raised regardless of the origin source of production.

Read More

Enjoyable experience

It was enjoyable to watch Crash Landing on you throughout. It is primarily due to the plot and premise of the film. The film is fueled by two outstanding leads, Hyun-Bin (Lee Jeong) and Son Ye-Jin (Yoon Seri) While paragliding, Yoon Seri is caught in a powerful strom that blows her off course, right into North Korea. Her presence is alerted to Captain Lee Jeong and his Army border patrol unit.

The captain discovers Yoon and the rest is an entertaining ride of intrigue, deception, comedy, and ultimately love. It is the incredible acting and phenomenal chemistry between the two main characters that sells both the story's plot and its purpose. In addition to the supporting cast and set production, the writing also contributed to the success of this classic. The two main leads do very well, but Son Ye-Jin's performance will pull on your heart and emotions.

Read More

Just let some things go and you will enjoy.

Business proposal is a fun, yet frustrating rom-com. The writing is good but at times it gets in the way of the bright, entertaining cast.
In the entire series, main actress Se-Jeong (Shin-Hari) stands out. There were times in the story when her talents were underutilized at crucial moments. As a whole, the story was entertaining and fun, but halfway through it became repetitive and redundant. There was a feeling that they were trying to stretch 130% beyond the main theme. As the series went on, this improved towards the last three or four episodes. Yeong-Seo, the best friend of the main character Shin Hari, seemed to have more chemistry with her boyfriend than she did. Now I see why they shared the best couple award. Business Proposal provides some fun laugh out loud moments. So, I do recommend it. You just may have to try and not take it too seriously...

Read More

Great series, despite the fact that it didn't take advantage of its much greater potential.

To begin this series, I waited until it was almost completed. It's definitely worth waiting to binge a little at a time. I give props to both the writer and the production team. I was really impressed with how well-made the show was. Every once and again, I feel we are treated to a series that rises above even the highest average show. 

IMO, what makes QOT work are the leads. The leads are excellent. For much of the show, they lock you into their world with their acting prowess. Kim Hyun and Kim Ji-woo pretty much carry the series. The solid writing and crisp direction blend with many of the smooth and kind of jazzy OSTs. 

I could go on and on. With that said, with all of the positive things, I did have some issues. I actually gave the show an 8.5, which for me is great! But it's more like an 8.7 or 8.8. So, I guess 9.0. There were a couple times in the 16 episodes I found myself thumbing through my phone. With all its great performances and moving episodes, there were small points of predictability and "convience" for the plot.

We can debate for the next 10 years about the happy vs. sad ending. But I will say that if he or she had died by episode 15, yes, it would have upset many, but it may have also, if done right, unleashed a floodgate of tears and emotions among fans. At no point in the series was I convinced or concerned that anyone could die. Especially after Baek Woo getting hit at 40 miles an hour by a car and ran away from the hospital, on foot...

Overall, the performances, the production, and most of the writing superseded the small issues. Anyone can nick pick, but some of the "pickyness" couldn't be ignored. 

Read More