“NO SPRING IN THIS NIGHT”

I dislike criticizing artists work, after they have given their all. BUT, this fell quite short to its sister Kdrama, “One Spring Night.” Hard as I tried, it was impossible to not compare scenes, because I’ve rewatched the original at least 10 times! I liked the attempt to fill in those areas where seemingly, something was missing in the original. It was okay for roles to be different, to make it their own, but I found the acting to be very mediocre. I felt the FL lead was much better than her counterpart. He just seemed so immature and over his head! It just didn’t play well for me, but to be just, I saw it through, to the end. Of honorable mention, is the sister’s budding relationship. Would loved to have seen that developed differently.

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Entertaining and Worthwhile

The title “Trillion Game” intrigued me, but was far from what I’d envisioned. I found it to be entertaining and refreshing. The characters were played well, and I was especially fond of the main characters: Haru (played by Maguro Ren) and Taira (played by Sano Hayato). Both-really-all the primary players were new to me; at least, they were not in my memory. But these guys, I won’t forget! Immediately, Haru’s mischievous smile and cunning laughter drew me in, compounded by his sway, swagger, self-confidence, and shrewd antics. To talk about Taira’s character would give too much away, but he was the perfect pairing for Haru. I liked the storyline, and how Director Yoshiaki guided us through each episode with resolve. It is fast-paced, a mixture of comedy, drama, suspense, and romantic waverings. Of notable mention, Rinrin (played by Fukumoto Riko). My research of the leading actors revealed a very youthful bunch, which I found shocking, because their acting abilities were seasoned and mature. “Trillion Game” is already on my list for rewatching.

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Hits and Misses

I had high hopes for this show. Although slow moving, I thought it would definitely pick up after Episode 10. Seemingly, it took a dive! Instead of picking up steam, it reversed to being slower and without direction. Unfortunate, since the acting is really great, and Sang-Su (played by Yoo Yoon-seok), is the greatest kisser on Kdrama tv. I became a fan! He makes it appear so authentic! That’s why it’s so disappointing, because the writer doesn’t grow the characters. Still, there are periods of great scenes (Hits), and potential storylines that were left inside an incubator (Misses). “The Interest of Love” needs to be rehabilitated with a second season (6-8-12 Episodes) to bring closure to the characters. Here’s hoping!

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PURSUING DREAMS with DRIVE and PERSISTENCE

Dreams can take us in many directions towards a goal. Sometimes, along the way, there are obstacles: Jealousy, Greed, Self-Destruction; Self-Discovery, Survival, Triumph! “Castaway Diva” is that story. It deals with the struggles of family, and how they interact on a scale of imperfection and dysfunction, to unity and joy. It shows how misunderstandings, low self-esteem, selfishness, and loss of confidence can hamper one’s professional growth and development. It highlights surpassing those defeating thoughts, by undergoing introspection, towards survival and success. I liked the show’s definition of family-whether it be biological, career, components of the wilds, or whatever. In the end, it’s about feeling whole. I thought the initial episodes had an element of goofiness. I debated if it was the English dubbing, or simply the role of the characters. It just appeared incongruous. In the end, I was enlightened by the show. And although extended minutes to each hour, I liked that there were only 12 episodes.

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UNDERRATED GEM

Sometimes it pays to scroll through the list of Kdramas, where I’m sure are many gems. Attracting and mesmerizing me was “Secret Love.” A side note: You have to be careful here, there are several “Secret Love” shows, so it becomes confusing. Therefore, it’s important to know the main leads. For this review, it’s a Korean version, 2013, starring Ji Sung, whose wife is Lee Bo Young-love everything she does-marvelous actress, Hwang Jung Eum, Bae Soo Bin, and Lee Da Hee. Like a lot of shows, it’s about class, power, and business marriages. Each actor displayed believable characters and developed them in each episode. Outstanding though, was Ji Sung’s role as Jo Min Hyuk. I’ve seen a lot of K-dramas and other movies. By far, watching Jo Min evidence the transition from lauding his power to having fallen for Yoo-Jung, is the greatest I’ve ever seen. His body language and facial expressions gave recognition that their relationship had changed. Culminating with him kneeling, as if to say, I see you, we are equals-realizing that his focus on her was twofold. It is definitely one for rewatching!

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A SHOWSTOPPER! PURE GREATNESS!

As I’m being introduced to Korean actors, several have become favorites: Jang Gwang, Jeon Gook Hwan, Lee Min Ki, Yoo Ji Tae, Song Kang, Won Jin Ah, Lee Bo-Young, Ahn Eun Jin, Kim Ji-Won and many others, but the one I’ve come to adore, is Ji Chang-Wook. He has that wholesomeness of “boy next door,” charm and charisma! Above all, he’s a great actor-no matter the genre. Commanding my attention also, is Kim Mi Kyung. Whatever the role (generally a mom), she is captivating! After scrolling past “Welcome to Samdal-ri” numerous times, I decided to read its synopsis and noticed the list of actors. Chang-Wook and Mi-Kyung were listed! Although the title is not enthralling, it becomes apropos, as the show progresses. I give kudos to the screenwriter and director-a job well done; a bow to the casting agency that assembled this group of performers: SUPERB! Each role internalized and brilliantly delivered! Whether Lead, Support, or a Bit part, all were outstanding and deserving of awards! This show depicts camaraderie, friendship, fun, love, pain, loss, revival, and has a great OST. It is definitely worthy of your time, and must be considered for rewatching!

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SENSATIONAL SHOW and ACTING

For almost two years, I passed by this series, annoyed that it was in my presence so much. Finally, I looked at a couple of reviews on this website, and decided, OK, “I’ll watch!” I was interested, then became mesmerized, as the series progressed. That which was comedic was hilarious; that which was drama—the basic show—was sensational! I recognized Kang So-ra (Revolutionary Love, The Beauty Inside); Kim Dae-Myung (Hospital Playlist); Im Si-Wan (Run On, Summer Strike), and Kang Ha-neul (When the Camellia Blooms). All were great, simply fabulous! Someone I had not seen and was spellbound by his acting, was Lee Sung-min! SENSATIONAL! Sung-min was/is so dynamic, I looked for other works of his and am watching. Misaeng is rewatch worthy—although long. There was only one, 10-15 minutes (maybe) that was puzzling, in the last episode. Never quite connected for me. I’m still wondering, WHY?! Could have used that time to tie up loose ends of relationships. Still, in its entirety, this show is/was a 10!

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SPELLBOUND KISSES

Hadn’t watched too many Taiwanese series, but I was drawn to this one. My favorite episodes were 9 & 17. I wasn’t familiar with Chris Wu, but am a fan, now! Thought Ivy to be a great actress and she played a strong female lead—a little quirky, but intelligent and smart. I have watched a lot of Korean and a few Chinese, Japanese and of course, American movies/series. I thought I’d seen the best kiss, by Yoo Yeon-seok, in “The Interest of Love, Ep. 10, I believe…Until Chris Wu’s kisses! OMG! He doesn’t just passionately kisses Ivy’s character, he romances her lips-slowly gliding from top to bottom, never breaking contact, until the kissing had ended. Then slowly pulls away, remaining relatively close to her face and confesses his love (Ep. 9). Ep. 17 was similar. I’d never seen that in all my many years of movie watching. The thing is, I’m tired of watching supposed “romantic” movies, with no romance. Would loved to have seen them finally get together (and really be together), while they were in their pretend engagement period, just to see how Chris’ character would have accomplished that! Overall, enjoyed the camaraderie of the street market “family,” the goodwill of the grandmother, and the friendship of the manager. Great show!

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RIVETING FIREWORKS…ROMANCE, TOO

Really enjoyed this show. Learned a lot about the life of a firefighter and how we take them for granted; that they have souls and hearts, too! Very dramatic fire scenes! Various levels of romance and emotional attachments. Liked the flow of Song Yan and Xu Qin’s relationship. Would loved to have seen Yan Chen’s character flushed out a little more, especially around the selection of a love interest. Show was well-written and directed; great acting and rhythm. Liked the intermingling of storylines, but think could have been told in fewer episodes. Held my attention throughout; however, the length of the show, makes it not Re watchable for me.

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PEEKING INTO LOVE

I like this show! Would love to see it advance to two series per season. It’s fun to see how people maneuver through love. Like any interactive setting, the cream rises to the top—meaning, some people are more visible than others—capable of showing their best sides, knowing how to ask for what they want, while others are shy, and without vocabulary. I enjoy all the experiences of Paradise, especially seeing how one chooses to utilize that opportunity, whether it be wise or unwise. Sometimes, I’m screaming at the tv! Like many of these types of shows, there are entirely too many hosts for commentary. More than three, is time lost from the primary program, I think. Would prefer not waiting for episodes to drop, but it shows my investment in these cast members-seekers of love.

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SHEER COMEDY, PURE ENJOYMENT

What an unselfish bunch of folks, to give of themselves for the enjoyment of fans. I didn’t know what to expect from this show. First of all, I’m late arriving, but it is never too late to laugh and to discover the personalities and foibles of those you hold in high regards. This show is thoroughly enjoyable! It was fun to see actors embrace each other, respect each other, and even be in awe of one another. All came with a willingness to humble themselves to be teammates; to veer outside of comfort zones, to accomplish a mission. These missions caused gut-wrenching laughter for me! Especially Hwang In-Yeop. I grew to love him, and awaited his screen time. I’ve seen some of his works, but have now, discovered others. The person who truly, truly impressed me, was Park Seo-Joon. I found him quite capable, and his ability to remain task oriented, while assessing the needs of others and providing
comfort, was absolutely outstanding! He has a heightened sense of awareness, and just a great human being! I found the last task seemingly exhausting; so much, that I was ready to elevate my feet, when they were done! Looking forward to Season 2. BTW, Park Bo Gum was also hilarious! The only drawback was, attempting to extract the English print of the cast’s conversation, amongst Vicki’s written clarifications and the Korean print. It was distracting, but that’s about process.

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GREAT ACTING! GREAT STORY!

I’m years behind, in watching this show, as I’ve just discovered Viki and stumbled across this show. I loved Son Ye-jin in “Something in the Rain,” but the acting she does in the latter episodes of “Alone in Love,” is superb! I found the story to be reflective of ‘perceptive’ love, the responses to it, and the trails of pain we leave behind. The story was beautiful between the lead characters. There is a very obvious bond. The way the writer tells the stories, drew me in to each plight. All characters were relatable, and I thought behaviors were depicted as often seen in real life: females being helpless, conniving, oblivious, and confident; men, domineering, insecure, players, idiots, and supportive. The pace was fine. Would loved to have seen the ending flushed out just a little more. Overall, a great show!

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Romantic! Creative! Rewatch Worthy!

By far, this is one of K-drama’s greatest! The story is well-written, acting is superb, and the mixing of eras is appropriately entwined. I’ve probably watched “When My Love Blooms” 8-10 times. The viewer witnesses a warm love story, amidst lover’s quarrels, foe clashes, joy and tears. The college years are clarifying, enabling us to understand the strong connections between major characters. The actors fit the parts, lead couples were well-matched, and the storyline made sense. Each time I’ve watched, I’ve always seen another piece of the story, missed before. It is a true romance, that blooms and grows to oneness. For me, this is one of few K-dramas that tied up loose ends and left me satisfied. I especially enjoyed the movement of the story. Great directing!

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BINGE WORTHY PERFORMANCES

I’m early into this romantic comedy, so I’ll keep it brief. This is the funniest show I’ve seen in a while. The comedic timing is simply fantastic! Although the comedy is great, Doctor Cha takes you through a range of emotions, as there are more serious scenes and issues of concern. The writing is excellent and the storyline is logical. The actors do a marvelous job with each character and make them believable. I’m loving this show! Can’t wait for the next airing! Will write more later.

Completed all shows and it did not disappoint! It remained a great show, becoming more serious in last few episodes, although occasionally funny throughout. I’ve read some of the comments—cannot relate to the negativity! Doctor Cha is well-done and a fabulous show! We’ve wandered away from enjoying just the art itself! There doesn’t have to be messaging in every show, curtailed to resolve the social and political ills in a society!

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