Power or Love In This Epic Fantasy Series!

First of all, I must say that Season 2 cannot get here fast enough! When the last episode ended, I literally groaned that I had to wait but was actually thrilled that this story was going to continue. Such a lush and beautiful story is too good to end here.

Once again, the Koreans continue to prove why they are the most proficient storytellers in the world in film and television. I’ve been trying to think of another fantasy series that was heartfelt and full of luscious characters like this one. The “Lord of the Rings” film series is the only other one that comes to mind. That tells me just how incredible this series has been. And what makes this series soar is that it is story and character-driven. While it has some incredible special effects, they only enhance the core, which is what is supposed to happen in high-quality story-telling.

In a fictional kingdom populated by mages, we have a power struggle going on to possess the “ice stone,” a stone of magic that can bring people back from the dead. Of course, anyone who seeks immortality would have a strong desire to possess such a relic. There is also a differentiation between magic and sorcery. Sorcery is forbidden magic that goes against nature itself. And one of the main devices of sorcery is soul-shifting. This means that a person dies but shifts their soul into another body. In some cases, soul-shifting can also mean trading bodies. This, of course, is forbidden magic.

At the center of the story is Naksu, an infamous soul assassin who was hunted down by the mages of the kingdom. Mortally wounded, she is able to soul-shift into another body and take her identity; the identity of Mu Deok. However, because of her new body, she has no access to her energy in order to perform magic. In short, she’s a regular person. However, her drive and desire to reacquire her energy and carry out her threat of killing those responsible for the deaths of her family members, is still very much at the forefront of her mind.

We then have Jang Uk, a somewhat spoiled and lazy young man who is supposed to be learning various forms of magic, despite also being cut off from his energy due to an edict from his father. He’s given no reason why, and so he spends much of his time lazing around and doing nothing until Mu Deok shows up and gets a job as his maid. However, it doesn’t take Jang Uk long to realize Mu Deok’s true identity, and he asks that she train him and become his master.

One of the central themes of this story is what is more important? Power or Love? It’s ironic that most people find love to be a weakness. What they fail to realize is that power without love IS weakness. Love is the most powerful force in the universe. This is something that Mu Deok must face and decide, which becomes an important factor when she is ultimately forced to decide what she wants: her power back or Jang Uk.

The settings created for this series are absolutely incredible. I have to believe that most of the fictional towns are sets, and they are elaborate enough to rival any major film project.

There are so many amazing performances in this series, that it is incredibly difficult to pick one that stands out from the rest. Lee Jae Wook (Jang Uk) and Jung So Min (Mu Deok) are absolutely fantastic and they have great chemistry together. One of my personal favorites was Kim Do Ju (Maidservant Kim) who was too exquisite for words. She is such a lovely woman, and her performance really stood out for me. However, the performance of Jo Jae Yoon as the villainous Jin Mu was captivating, to say the least. More often than not, a story is only as good as its villain. Imagine Star Wars without Darth Vader or Lord of the Rings without Sauron. They just don’t work nearly as well, and Jo Jae Yoon gives a stellar performance as the villain behind the throne; the man pulling all of the strings. I’ve seen Jo Jae Yoon once before in “Descendants of the Sun,” but this role feels like it was tailor-made for him. He’s deliciously evil and corrupt with little smirks that make you want to hit him. What makes his performance so grand is that he never plays Jin Mu in an over-the-top way. We have no angry outbursts or rage-filled speeches. He’s calm, level-headed, and far brighter than people give him credit for.

Of course, as with so many Korean series, we have moments of love, humor, inspiration, and even wisdom. Koreans are masters of character. They are always multi-leveled and multi-dimensional, much like real people.

The fight scenes are all well-choreographed. Some of which reminded me a little of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. I also like that they explain the magic. Robert Jordan, who wrote one of the most epic fantasy series of all time in his “Wheel of Time” series, is considered to have explained the science of his magic better than any writer ever. But Alchemy of Souls comes really close as we learn how magic and energy are used.

This series is grand on an epic scale. Even a 20-episode series with each episode at an average of 75 minutes went by at a clip because I was so vested in the show. As I stated before, I cannot wait until the next series comes out. They ended things on a great cliffhanger that made me keep looking at the clock and going, “Oh, no! It’s almost over!” Yeah, I didn’t want it to end. For me, this is one of the best fantasy series I have ever seen, and frankly, it was the central theme of love and power that kept me coming back for more. And yes, I can’t wait for more!

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Like Watching Kids Play "House."

You know when you’re watching a mediocre series when the first episode is better than all of those that follow it. By the time I’d reached the final three episodes, I nearly dropped the series completely. I was tired of watching these so-called “adults” acting like spoiled, immature brats, especially when they didn’t get what they wanted.

More often than not, less is more. In this case, had the series focused its energies on the business story rather than the romance, this series would have been much better, much more cohesive, and not felt like a story that an amateur writer put together piecemeal. Never mind the romance triangle (which doesn’t work at all in any case), but there are enough plot holes to drive a 18-wheeler truck through! The classic Korean series, “Misaeng” managed to keep its story focused on the four interns without needlessly deciding to add some silly romance angles.

The only relationship aspect of this series that held any interest for me was that between Mr. Han Ji Pyung and Choi Won Deok, the grandmother. There was a sweet tenderness between these two, especially as we discover that Mr. Han is resentful orphan who initially doesn’t want to be owing favors to anyone. Forget the fact that Mr. Han’s backstory is never revealed (and should have been) or why he ends up being the way he is. He’s a brilliant businessman who’s never afraid to offer true, honest criticism to anyone. He knows what happens to goldfish who decide to swim in the shark tank before they’re ready. And the story never really delves deeply into Mr. Han’s helping Grandma Choi write letters to Dal Mi, who ends up falling for more of an ideal than a real person.


The Sandbox is an intriguing place where up-and-coming inventors in the field of technology are able to showcase their abilities with the hopes of gaining funding and establishing a company. They are assigned a mentor as well as electing a CEO to lead each group. Nam Do San is a brilliant programmer, along with his two sidekicks (who do virtually nothing throughout the series but provide silly and unappealing comedy relief). It was interesting when he selected Dal Mi for his CEO rather than her sister, Won In Jae (a woman with much experience in the field). While Dal Mi ends up proving herself (with much help and assistance from Mr. Han), she later proves that she’s far more incompetent than she is being a true CEO. And her luck would have run out long ago had it not been for Mr. Han. She has no clue how to interact with those under her, and she always reacts emotionally to a situation rather than with a savvy business logic and rationale. A 50 question test does not a CEO make!

There are too many plot holes for me to list, but I will point out a few here. First, after Dal Mi finds out that Mr. Han wrote the letters and that her grandmother was the mastermind behind it, there is no conversation between Dal Mi and her grandmother about why she did it. Dal Mi is upset with Mr. Han and Nam Do San for deceiving her, but yet, no scene with her grandmother?! She would have been the first person I would have talked to!

Also, the ransomware perpetrated by the twins was so blatantly obvious that it killed any mystery regarding who was behind the act. That's never a good thing. Funny how neither of the sisters had any suspicions about them.

Sometimes, a three-year jump in the story does more harm than good, especially when the writer fails to take into consideration everything that transpires during that three-year gap. For instance, Dal Mi has an estranged relationship with her mother, who moves back in with her and her grandmother. And yet, there are no scenes showing how they’ve managed to reconcile things. There are also no scenes showing the process of reconciliation between Dal mi and her sister either! It’s like the writer was in too much of a hurry and skimmed over things. Perhaps if the silly romance had been thrown out (as it should have been!) then there would have been ample time for the more important aspects of the story.

Aside from the grandmother, we have a group of young and very immature children masquerading as adults. Dal Mi is so upset with her sister, that she feels she has to prove herself. Her sister wants to prove that she never needed her step-father’s money, and yet, she doesn’t seem to care at all about her late father or what he meant. Nam Do San is a little boy, pretending to be a “man,” crying at nearly every drop of a hat. His father is a tiger father who has Nam Do San’s life mapped out. Nam Do San is extremely immature and mistakenly puts Dal Mi at the center of his universe like a 16-year-old high school boy. What we end up with are two silly kids in a relationship that is about as appealing as watching kids in middle school.

Suzy Bae is a decent actress at best. Another big problem with the romantic angle is that Suzy Bae has absolutely no chemistry with either Nam Joo Hyuk (Nam Do San) or Kim Seon Ho (Mr. Han), and it was a headscratcher trying to figure out why a romance with either of them would work, let alone be even remotely appealing. Most of her expressions are very bland, and she certainly doesn’t have the range of many Korean actresses who are far superior in ability. I still can’t figure out why so many people are enamored with a woman who doesn’t seem to have much talent.

I can also say the same for Nam Joo Hyuk. A pretty face does not an actor make. Easily the weakest of the entire cast, Nam Joo Hyuk just looks lost half the time. Too often, he had that deer-in-the-headlights look on his face. He’d cry and then become a petty, jealous little boy in his scenes with Kim Seon Ho (a far superior actor). It felt like they picked the most popular boy and the most popular girl in high school and put them in a school play…just because they’re the most popular rather than because of any real talent.

Ultimately, this series ends up being a hot mess of contrived scenarios that would have been best left up to a fantasy writer. Not much was believable, let alone appealing, about this series. They should have hired the writer from “Misaeng” to handle this series rather than some clueless amateur. I ended up fast-forwarding through most of the final two episodes, but I was so sick of the story and the pathetic characters. Not a good sign that you’re watching a quality series. For me, “Start Up” didn’t take long to be finished, much like those groups in the first few episodes who were eliminated from the Sandbox. This series should have been eliminated from any kind of consideration as well.

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The Beauty and Tenderness of Love

Anyone who watches this series, hoping for a depiction of a torrid, passionate love affair will be disappointed.

This series is handled with a certain delicacy; a restraint that doesn't prevent or hold back, but depicts the tender beauty of two people in love. I submit that a viewer may find it very difficult to pass judgment, for how does one justify judging love? Can love be judged?

To the naive viewer, Sunjae Lee is a young man, barely 20, who thinks and feels with his hormones. This is a gross misinterpretation and understanding of who he is. Sunjae Lee is a simple young man who knows how to do things in only one way: with love and passion. A gifted pianist, Sunjae is able to captivate his audiences, whether they be a concert hall or a few listeners, not with just the beauty of his play, but with the heart and passion he puts into it. Several viewers are so captivated by his play, that he moves them to tears. It is a bit ironic that a young man of 20 already knows the secret to love and living simply.

Oh Hyewon is a middle-aged woman, approximately twenty years older than Sunjae. A renowned pianist when she was Sunjae's age, she has now found herself pulled into the world of wealth and power. She works for a Seohan Art Institute as an executive/accountant. She loves the life that her money buys for her, and she has long forgotten the passion and her own love for music. She is married to a university professor, who also works for the institute. They share a house and a life that is more like those of roommates than of spouses. There is little tenderness or warmth in their relationship or in their house, which looks like a cold bastille atop the street. It is somewhat ironic that the only room in the house that has any warmth at all, is the music room.

Sunjae's talent is soon discovered, and he's asked to come over to the professor's house to play. Hyewon is asked to listen, given her musical background. Immediately, she is taken back to a time when she used to share the same love and passion for music that Sunjae has. Hyewon can't help but be enamored by the young man, unable to realize that she has already captivated him.

There is a certain degree of irony in their relationship, in which Hyewon attempts to teach Sunjae about her world; the world of power and treachery. It is a world that is completely foreign to Sunjae, and he already realizes that he wants no part of it. He is not interested in money or acquiring things. And yet, it is his simple and complete way of loving, that makes him Hyewon's teacher in that regard.

The acting performances are all first-rate, especially those of Ah-in Yoo (Sunjae) and Hui-ai Kim (Hyewon). The relationship between these two characters is handled deftly, like a piano piece...full of love, beauty, and grace. Viewers may find themselves longing for their own "Sunjae"...someone who can love so unequivocally and unconditionally as Sunjae can. His love is all the more profound in the little things that he does to ensure her comfort.

One cannot mention this series without the incredible musical performances. Nearly every episode has a piano piece that seems to perfectly coincide with the feelings of Sunjae and Hyewon. Watching this series is like listening to a long concert, and by the end, you feel all the better for it!

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"Age of Youth" or the Netflix title of "Hello, My Twenties" is a charming, funny, fresh, and often addictive show to get into. I was disappointed to see that Netflix only had Season 1 available. Yes, that is how much I enjoyed it! I wanted to keep watching!

This intelligent and creative show is about five young women who live in a share house. Of course, they come from different walks of life, have different backgrounds, and much like most people, each of them carries a secret. Like any roommates who share a living space, they get along, they laugh, they cry, and they often argue and fight. But make no mistake. These girls truly love each other and do their best to be there for each other. That is truly the beauty of this show. It proves that a "family" doesn't have to be your nuclear family. In fact, it's a bit interesting and ironic, that in some cases, these girls seem closer to each other than with their parents.

There are some truly touching moments that might tug at your heartstrings, some incredibly hilarious moments that might get you laughing out loud for a spell, and even some thought-provoking moments. In short, this show has just about everything.

First, we have Jin-Myung Yoon. Yoon doesn't say much, but when she does speak, she is honest and sincere, even to the point of being blunt. She comes across as cold, but she really isn't. Her "tough" exterior hides the wounded woman suffering through the pain of believing that she's alone. She's cautious about who she opens up to, and when she does, Yoon speaks her mind. She has a challenge of truly connecting with people and showing them who she is. However, she loves her roommates, and will do anything for them. She works three jobs and goes to school. She is the most mature of all of them, and she is my personal favorite.

Next is Ye-Eun Jung, who is probably the most immature of the group and has some serious self-esteem issues. She adores her boyfriend, despite the poor way that he treats her. Everything is about status with her. She cares about how she looks, what she wears, how much she weighs, and what everyone thinks about her. She is prone to be thoughtless, but she is also cheerful, cute, and despite her clashes with Kang, she also cares very deeply for her fellow roommates.

Ji-Won Song is the most energetic and creative of the bunch. She also has absolutely no problem expressing herself. She's never embarrassed. She will also frequently take the initiative in activities where others are hesitant. She lives her life a bit on the edge, and sometimes gets a bit carried away with the "truth." She is rarely ever down or upset, and she is the one most likely to try and cheer up a friend.

Kang Yi-Na is the only one who doesn't share a room with anyone else. A woman with a tragic past, she works as an escort. She also has no vices about walking around with little/nothing on, which makes some of the other roommates uncomfortable. She has more "life knowledge" than the other girls, especially about how men behave. She isn't tricked by the antics that men play, and this gets her into fights with Ye-Eun over Ye-Eun's naivety about her own boyfriend. It's a toss-up as to who is tougher: Kang or Yoon.

Lastly, we have Eun-Jae, who is the newest addition to the house. She is also the youngest with the least amount of life experience. Coming from the country, she is a young woman who is extremely naive about how things work. It is also very difficult for her to speak her mind or even speak up about things until it's already reached a boiling point. Very sweet with a timid personality, she is very much like the "baby sister" of the group. All of the other girls feel a sense of "protectiveness" toward her.

Not only is the writing top-notch, but so is the acting. These five women have a certain chemistry that can't be overlooked. They know their characters inside and out, and they make the show work! Each brings something special to the table, but it's those moments when they are truly looking out for each other as well as being there for each other that demonstrates the true power of the show.

I would guess that many people would love to have a "family" like this! Why? Because no matter what happens, at the end of the day, they truly love each other, and isn't that what a family is?

**Netflix finally released Season 2, and the show is just as good as ever, adding a couple of new characters, and leaving me hoping and praying for a Season 3!**

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How To Be There For Someone And Let Them Be There For You!

There is one thing more powerful, captivating, and endearing than one person being there for someone else. It’s when two people are able to be there for each other. This is the hallmark—the foundation—of any true relationship. Relationships are not about what you get out of them, but what you put into them. And any true companion will never ask you to be anything other than who you are. In fact, they won’t encourage you to be anything else.

I doubt there is a person alive who cannot remember their first love. The series does a masterful job of demonstrating the awkwardness as well as the intrigue of first love. It’s new. It’s scary. And it’s also so encompassing that a person can scarcely believe that it’s happening. At the start of the series, Sang Zhi is a young middle school student who quickly finds herself enamored by her brother’s friend, Duan Jia Xu. Despite the fact that he’s five years her senior, it doesn’t matter. As we well know, love defies logic and rationale. Most would quickly define Sang Zhi’s feelings as a crush and nothing more. However, over time, a single seed can grow and blossom, and it soon becomes obvious that this is not a crush.

Sang Zhi isn’t merely captivated by Duan Jia Xu’s looks. She marvels at how well and respectfully he treats her, always being thoughtful, attentive, and willing to help, no matter the situation. Initially Duan Jia Xu sees Sang Zhi as a sister and nothing more. After all, with such an age gap, it’s hard to imagine him seeing her in any other way. But, as people grow older, that gap narrows. It just takes some time; time enough for him to begin seeing her in a new light. Or as Sang Zhi wisely states, “I had to catch up to him.”

Duan Jia Xu is a gentle, hardworking young man who suddenly finds a massive responsibility thrust upon his young shoulders. His father, in a drunken state, is involved in a hit-and-run fatality. Rather than face the consequences of his actions, his father hurls himself off the balcony of their home. However, he doesn’t die, but is in a vegetative state. Bills pile up. Duan Jia Xu’s mother’s body is wracked with cancer. And works multiple jobs to try and pay off the debt that he owes to the family who was affected by the tragedy. In short, he’s forced to grow up very quickly. Despite having Sang Yan’s friendship (Sang Zhi’s hilarious older brother!), Duan Jia Xu feels very much alone. One can’t help but figure that, even at a young age, Sang Zhi gave him a reason to not feel this way. And by the final episode, we are proven right. She is the bright star in his life and always has been.

Sang Zhi is a young, spoiled, and often immature young girl. Her defense mechanism of “playing mind games” with Duan Jia Xu leads her into needless and silly predicaments, such as making up the idea that she has an online boyfriend, hoping to make him jealous. Of course, it backfires, and she often reacts terribly, leading her to jump to conclusions. However, make no mistake. Sang Zhi is a very strong woman who proves to Duan Jia Xu that she is more than capable and fit to be by his side during the most trying of times. In short, she’s exactly the kind of partner any sane man would want. Someone who’s there for you during the lightest and darkest of times. She never hesitates or wavers in her convictions. She is steadfast and acts very much like an anchor. Even when her parents initially disapprove of their dating, it doesn’t sway her. Nothing does.

For the most part, the relationship between Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu is done very well, even when she is given very poor advice from her roommates—most of whom have no clue how to be in a relationship. Sang Zhi often contradicts herself; wanting to be pursued and then reacts immaturely when Duan Jia Xu doesn’t do something or pursues her in a way that she doesn’t understand. She is fortunate enough that Duan Jia Xu’s own love for her is as strong as hers is for him, and he won’t be turned away so easily either. However, there are a few awkward and even puzzling moments after they start their relationship, how often Sang Zhi recoils as attempts of kisses or hugs or even holding hands. This was done a bit too frequently, in my opinion. It reminded me of Sang Zhi’s funny attempt at the high jump in high school when she kept awkwardly stepping forward, then back, and then ran toward the bar only to crash into it. Once she finally gets over her girlish reactions and aversions, things finally begin to settle into a space of normalcy.

This is my first foray into Chinese dramas, and I wasn’t disappointed. Through the first 21 episodes or so, I had this series at an “8” or so. The last few vaulted it to a “10.” Lu Si Zhao got to me when she reacted to her brother after he’d hit Duan Jia Xu. Her tearful reaction of feeling betrayed by someone who was supposed to be on her side, hits full force. The series only got better from there. The airport scene when she follows him back and finally reveals her “secrets” to Duan Jia Xu and letting him know that she will never leave him is incredibly powerful as was their scene together at his mother’s grave. However, the “proposal scene” was done so effectively, that I’ll wager that not many saw that coming. I’m not a fan of having a crowd for a marriage proposal, but seeing all of their loved ones standing around the heart of flowers, and Duan Jia Xu’s heartfelt proposal culminated everything that the series was about.

The chemistry between Lu Si Zhao and Chen Zhe Yuan is undeniable and unmistakable as they make sure that the viewer takes in every single raw feeling and emotion that occurs between them. "Our Beloved Summer" is my all-time favorite romance between young couples. This one is right up there with that one.

So many romantic dramas and movies often leave the viewer actually wondering if a “happy ending” is feasible or if reality will simply prove to be too much and the “happy couple” will eventually dissolve into an ambivalent one. Not this couple! I have no doubt that Duan Jia Xu and Sang Zhi will have a happy and largely fulfilling life together. Why? Because they’ve both realized at a tender young age, the most important thing to do for someone you love is to be there for them and to also let them be who they are. If you’ve lost faith in romance, this series just might help you find it again.

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Breathtaking Love Story About Letting Go of the Past

Ever since I began really getting into K-Dramas, the one series that has eluded me is this one. It wasn’t in the US region, and I’d heard so many things about it that I kept trying to figure out a way to watch it. Fortunately, moving to Taiwan put me in a different Netflix region, and I almost missed it again, because it’s under the title, “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.”

My expectations for this series were surpassed in every way. I was slightly worried that the reputation of the series would somehow come up short. It didn’t. This is one of the most charming and transcendent love stories I have ever seen. It’s light, beautiful, and full of laughter and tears. In short, it’s full of Life. And perhaps that is why it has touched the hearts of so many.

The four leads of this series are all captivating and you scarcely want to blink for fear of missing something whenever any of them are on screen. Gong Yoo (Kim Shin) has the smoothest, most soft-spoken, and calming voice I think I have ever heard. He reminded me of Cary Grant, one of history's most romantic and effortless actors. He has such charm that he doesn’t have to do much to be in awe of his performance.

I haven’t seen Kim Go Eun in many things, but this is easily the most vivacious and endearing role that I have seen her in. She plays Ji Eun Tak to perfection. She has such a lovely smile and bubbly personality that you can easily see why Kim Shin is so taken with her. Despite her hardships, she simply oozes Life itself.

Lee Dong Wook, the grim reaper with a past, plays the very heartbroken and wounded soul who somehow senses that he’s done something terrible in his past. I’ve seen this talented actor in several series now. As good as Gong Yoo is at acting with his eyes, Lee Dong Wook shows us every ounce of pain that his character is going through. We feel it. We eventually know of the horrendous things he’s done, but in the end, all we want is for him to let go of the pain.

Finally, we have Yoo In Na, an actress I have only seen one other time in “Touch Your Heart.” She is such a charmer with that incredible smile of hers and her very youthful expressions. Only Yoo In Na can take a somewhat conceited character and make her likable and pleasing. She did the same in “Touch Your Heart” and it’s obviously something she’s a master at doing. In many ways, she’s a character who’s torn between the Goblin and the Reaper, and we somehow sense that she knows this. Perhaps that it also why, despite the pain of the past, she’s the strongest of the three because she’s actually able to let go.

While this is an absolutely endearing love story, the series’ power is its message of forgiveness. Everyone carries baggage around, holding on to the painful experiences of the past with the weights of guilt and shame for the things we’ve done. For the Goblin, this is represented by the sword. For Sunny, it’s the ring. And for the Grim Reaper, it’s his hat. And the glue that binds them, with the wisdom of living a free and carefree life, is Ji Eun Tak.

How long must people continue to suffer before we let ourselves and others off the hook? Punishment does not come from anyone or anything except for ourselves. So, how long will you continue to carry the burden? Release lies in the wisdom and power of forgiveness, which is the process of letting go. Leave all of your burdens behind.

The music of this series mirrors the series itself with light piano pieces and soft songs that always seem to mirror the story, the characters, and even the environment. I loved how part of the series was filmed in Quebec, obviously during the fall season when the scenery is at its most captivating.

The series doesn’t miss a beat with some outrageously hilarious moments. One of my favorites was when the Goblin and the Reaper are trying to figure out how to use a cell phone and the camera that goes with it. Gong Yoo and Lee Dong Wook had me laughing so hard during that scene! It was priceless.

Korean performers are masters of emotion. The tears that were shed were so powerful and convincing by all four actors, that it had you really feeling those moments of sadness and pain. That is what separates Korean actors from so many others: they make you FEEL it! When Ji Eun Tak loses the Goblin, and she begins to wail uncontrollably on the rooftop, you can’t help but feel her pain and despair. The same happens for the Goblin in the last episode. But alas, all is not lost. No one goes away forever, and that is another aspect of the story that is truly beautiful and what made that final scene so epic.

Goblin is easily one of the best series I’ve ever seen, and at some point, I will certainly wish to sit down and watch it again. Goblin is like sitting at home under a warm blanket, drinking a cup of hot coffee in front of a fireplace while the autumn leaves fall outside in the crisp air with the reminder to enjoy Life and each moment.

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Appreciate the Brilliance of Shin Hye Sun in This Incredibly Entertaining Series!

I have seen Shin Hye Sun in three series before this one: Oh, My Ghost, Stranger, and most recently in Hymn of Death. All of the above are dramatic roles, and all I can say is, “Oh, my God!” Her comedic chops are off the charts! She is nothing short of brilliant, stealing virtually every single scene that she is in! I compare her to Lucille Ball. While the rest of the cast is absolutely fantastic, this series doesn’t work without Shin Hye Sun’s incomparable performance!

Most body-switching movies and shows are same-gender switches. I’ve seen just a handful of cross-gender switches, and while they tend to go for comedic effects, the actors tend to overcompensate. The man exaggerates female characteristics such as speech and walking while the woman does the same. Shin Hye Sun, instead, goes for more subtlety and realism as a man who’s suddenly been thrust into the body of the Queen. Jang Bong Hwan is a chef from the future, so he not only has to figure out how to live in the body of a woman but also a woman who also happens to be of royalty!

What we end up getting is some of the funniest and zaniest roles I’ve ever seen. Shin Hye Sun brilliantly doesn’t even alter her speech very much. Just to the point in her smirk, the way she sits and communicates, which is Jang Bong Hwan’s style. In short, she gives us a very masculine queen as well as one from the future, who isn’t afraid to inject current idioms, terms, and ideas into her speech, often causing hilarious confusion among the Joseon people from 200 years ago who have no idea what she’s talking about. King Cheol Jong even begins keeping a Dictionary of the Queen’s Language in an attempt to understand her. He also has no idea why his once docile queen is now far more aggressive and direct in her speech and manners!

We are taken back to Joseon about 200 years in the past when a puppet king is being controlled by nearly everyone around him, but most notably by the Grand Queen Dowager, the Queen Dowager, and Kim Jwa Geun (the Grand Queen Dowager’s brother). It did take me a few episodes to get the names down because there are so many. Basically, you have two rival families in the Kim’s and the Jo’s who are vying for control of the country. The Queen is of the Kim family while the King is of the Jo family. Little do they realize that the King is far stronger than anyone realized or anticipated as he struggles to find a way to bring balance and contentment to his subjects, who mostly live in slavery and poverty. But the wild card in this drama is the Queen. No longer meek and docile, Jang Bong Hwan quickly decides that the Queen is nobody’s puppet and nobody’s fool. Instead, he figures out a way to understand his new role but also how to help the King gain power to stand up to those who would use him for their own purposes.

I’ve said this in numerous reviews already, but Koreans are masters of storytelling and always find a way to convey an uplifting message or something to think about to improve things. This series is no different. Overall, the series is comedic, but it does have some dramatic moments, some heart-wrenching ones, and also some inspiring ones too. In the end, we find that both King Cheol Jong and Queen Kim So Yong (after she’s reverted back to herself without Jang Bong Hwan) have both changed (even if Jang Bong Hwan left behind a few seeds of influence!). Jang Bong Hwan, himself, realizes that he is no longer the same, self-serving man that he was before either. He wisely states, “Perhaps it isn’t about trying not to be rotten, but instead cutting out what is rotten.” And that such an idea might—in fact—help to change the world, but it first begins with changing yourself. Gandhi himself stated as much when he said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

This is simply one of the most delightful series I’ve seen, and it is literally rock solid from beginning to end. I kept waiting to see if the story would begin to falter or drop off slightly toward the end. It didn’t. It kept me completely invested from beginning to end.

Unfortunately, the government in Joseon from 200 years ago proves that not much has changed in the world since that time. The rich still oppress the poor. The powerful still exploit the weak are always in search of ways to retain even more power. Mr. Queen gives us some food for thought; that just because that is how things are, it doesn’t mean that nothing can be done or that they must somehow stay that way. King Cheol Jong and Queen Kim So Yong give us two examples of what can be done if will, determination, and courage are vested. Or perhaps one of my favorite quotes from Lord of the Rings: Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

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LIfe Is Choice

This is a wonderful character-study series that demonstrates one of Life’s great truths: Life is choice and you determine how you react to what goes on around your and the experiences that you have. We are given two characters with very polarizing ways of living. One embraces what happens, no matter what it is, and learns how to let go. The other plays the role of the victim and is constantly running away from life and the problems that inevitably come. By the end of the series, the viewer should be left with one question to answer: which path do you prefer?

Mok Hae Won is a very lonely woman who flees her job and life in Seoul for the small town in the countryside. Her upbringing is filled with unhappiness, from a father who abused her mother, a mother who is so cold and distant that she rarely sees her. And when she does, her mom barely says anything at all. There are no loving words or even the hint of a smile. The same is true of Hae Won’s aunt, who is just as cold as Hae Won and her mother. In short, we find very quickly that this is not a pleasant family to be a part of. They keep their distance from others, mostly because they are so content in their own bitterness and unhappiness, that they don’t even want to take a chance on something better. These are three very miserable women who hardly have anything appealing about them at all.

Im Eun Seob is a young man who is quiet but steadfast in how he lives his life. He’s loving and never hesitates to help someone who is in trouble. He gives no thought to his own safety, nor does he ever ask for anything in return. His own family abandoned him, and he was left with a family who took him in and raised him as their own. This family is warm and good-hearted, and they aren’t afraid of trials and tribulations. In fact, they face things head-on.

This is especially true of Eun Seob’s little sister, Im Hwi, who is a young high school girl full of life and zest! She may be a bit conceited, but she also never fears expressing herself, no matter how it may offend others around her. Despite not being popular, Im Hwi never allows that to affect her. She’s a very strong, young woman who’s already mastered one of Life’s great lessons: it doesn’t matter what other people think of you. One might wonder how Hae Won might have grown if she’d had a friend like Im Hwi when she was in high school.

It's easy to blame our parents for our shortcomings and even problems and failings. But the truth is that we never need to look further than ourselves when things don’t work out. Hae Won is a weak woman who enjoys playing the role of the victim. And people who play the role of the victim are always cowards because they are intent on blaming everyone else for their problems. What is even worse about Hae Won is that she has no forgiveness or tolerance for the imperfections of others. She fails to realize that nobody is perfect, not even our parents, but we must learn to forgive and look past the flaws and imperfections that everyone has.
Hae Won holds a grudge against her high school friend, Kim Bo Young because of a mistake that Bo Young made. Yes, it was a mistake, and even Bo Young acknowledges it, but toward the end of the series Bo Young points out to Hae Won that most people have cracks and problems that make them imperfect. Still, Hae Won cannot see past her own pain.

Of course, a romance brews between Eun Seob and Hae Won—who Eun Seob has loved since high school, unbeknownst to her. He runs a small bookstore in the small town, and it’s clear that he loves his life, despite living a life that seems boring and ordinary. Eun Seob loves Hae Won completely, despite her flaws and imperfections, and he also realizes that as soon as winter is over, she will leave. Some people are fair-weathered people. They only stay until real problems arise, and then they flee. Hae Won is such a person, which is why the viewer already knows the inevitable.

The romance is sweet and touching, and the chemistry between Hae Won (Park Min Young) and Eun Seob (Seo Kang Joon) is real. But the romance runs together with the mystery of who killed Hae Won’s father, and how she will deal with the truth of the past. We already know that Eun Seob is a man who can deal with pretty much anything. He has a mountain cabin where he can go to collect himself and be with his feelings. He’s also quick to forgive as well as express himself to others without fear or reservation. He knows that Hae Won is not built like that. While both characters endure much suffering, especially in their childhood, we see how each character has chosen to deal with their adversity. One deals with it, and the other finds a way to run away from it. Eun Seob already realizes one of life’s truths: the quickest way out is always through.

Eun Seob also knows that true love is not about holding on, but about letting go, which is why –despite how painful it is—he lets Hae Won go because he also knows that she has to learn to deal with the past as well as find herself.

The world is full of Eun Seobs and Hae Wons, and it’s up to us to decide which one we want to be. We can embrace and endure what comes, or we can play the role of the victim and wallow in pain and misery like Hae Won, her mother, and her aunt.

I loved the simplicity and beauty of the piano music that went with this series. I felt it really added to the atmosphere and enhanced the story.

Performances were first-rate all around. I have to say that one of the standout performances for me was Kim Hwan Hee (Im Hwi) as Eun Seob’s sister. She had such a command of the role as the tenacious and loving Im Hwi. The best scene of the series for me is when Im Hwi tearfully begs Eun Seob not to leave when she believes he’s going to leave with his uncle, and never return. It was such a touching scene, especially as Eun Seob—being the loving man that he is—buys and replaces Im Hwi’s bike seat with the one she’s been wanting. She also pretty much stole every scene she was in. I hope to see more of this talented young lady!

Some people hate winter (analogous to difficult times) and can’t wait until spring arrives. Others embrace the cold and find a way to navigate it. Such is the path of human lives in dealing with life. This series was one of the best character studies that I have seen when it comes to how to deal with life. Remember, life is choice. So, which do you choose?

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The Joy of Doing What You Love!

If you are not doing what you love to do, then by the time your life is winding down, you may look back with regrets because of how much time was wasted. Kobe Bryant put this to his listeners once during a conference. He said, “If you aren’t doing what you love, then why are you doing it?” I think very few people in the world do what they love because of so many factors: money (usually assuming a lack of it), what people will think (family, friends, society), or even because you don’t believe in yourself enough to take the chance. Let me point out something about people like Bruce Lee, Kobe Bryant, and others. They never rested on talent alone. They put in the work so that they could be the best that they could be. And, yes, that is what it takes.

Quartet is a lovely story of four misfits. I call them “misfits” because they feel that they are outsiders who don’t seem to fit in anywhere. However, they all share one passion: the love for music. Three violinists and one cello player find themselves at a karaoke bar—seemingly by happenstance, but I think by the end of the series, we realize that it wasn’t an accident. One person sharing a joy is one thing, but it gains even greater power when four people combine their passion and talents.

Beppu is the leader of the group. He not only has a talent for the violin, but he’s someone how knows how to get things done. However, he doesn’t rule with an iron fist—unless it’s about taking out the garbage! He has no problem listening to the others and gaining their thoughts and feelings about something. His family owns the villa in the countryside where the four choose to live together and perform nightly at a local restaurant. The venue may seem small, and perhaps insignificant to some, but that’s not the point. They’re doing what they love.

Maki is the heart and soul of the group. A woman with a mysterious past. First, we’re left to wonder what happened to her husband, as her mother-in-law recruits Suzume to find out, as she believes Maki has killed him. We also find out that not is all as it seems with Maki, and will her dark past find its way into harming the group?

Iemori is easily the funniest member of the group with his quirky logic when it comes to identifying and discussing seemingly insignificant things. He’s always a source for a laugh, but make no mistake, he’s got a big heart. He’s almost childlike and in a good way.

Last, but certainly not least, we have our cellist in Suzume. A lonely young woman who loves playing her cello on the streets for whatever money she can get. She also wears her heart on her sleeve. It’s pretty clear early on that she truly loves the other members of the group, especially Maki. Perhaps this is the only true family Suzume has ever had. And when she begins to shed tears, it’s hard to hold back ourselves. She’s a little clumsy and has the propensity to sleep anywhere! Under the coffee table, slumped over chair, it really doesn’t matter. She will also do whatever she can to protect and help the other members of the group. We find out, very quickly, that she is not at all comfortable spying on Maki for Maki’s mother-in-law.

The group’s four members are endearing as they get to know each other throughout the series. Only one of them has a real job when the series begins. The other three are either unemployed or are about to leave their respective jobs. Of course, they begin to question the rationale of simply being a quartet. Even friends and family find it difficult to understand the logic of essentially doing something for very little. Toward the end of the series, it’s Suzume who answers this question when she talks about seeing the smiles on people’s faces or those rare moments when they get some feedback about how happy the listener is because of their music.

We also see the sad lives of those who are not living their passion and dreams. Arisu is a petty, vile young woman who works at the restaurant where the quartet performs. All she cares about is getting out there and finding a way to make a quick buck or perhaps find someone wealthy to take care of her. At one point, she schemes to steal Maki’s violin when she finds out how much it’s worth. She’s extremely self-centered, doesn’t care about anyone else, and it’s easy to see why she’s such a miserable woman. Even she finally finds her rich husband at the end, we also know two things: it will never last, and that type of happiness is always fleeting.

We also find a letter in the last episode from a musician who clearly didn’t make it as one. The person unloads their own frustrations and unhappiness at the group, unable to understand why they continue to play when they don’t play well. Of course, anyone who listens to this group can see that they play just fine. They may not be on par with some of the elite, but they can play! And the point is that they never gave up. They don’t let anyone or anything discourage them from doing what they love. This is showcased beautifully in the last episode when a can is thrown at them as they perform on stage, and many of the listeners get up and leave in the middle of the performance. However, what is truly magical is that none of these things prevents the quartet from continuing to play with smiles on their faces for the few who’ve remained behind.

In the end, if you are doing what you love to do, you don’t care if you’re doing it in front of a thousand people, a few people, or even none at all. You’re doing it for yourself, which is the most important thing. You don’t care if it brings you millions of dollars, a few dollars, or none at all. The joy of doing it is its own reward. And that is the beautiful message of this lovely series!

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It Actually Is A Wonderful Life!

The last Korean series I finished was “Missing the Other Side” which I thought was one of the most heart-warming, thoughtful, and provocative series I’d seen yet. It tugged at the heartstrings in a very profound and meaningful way. I had no idea I would get more of the same here with “Tomorrow.”

Someone recently asked me why I watch Korean shows and not much else. I used to watch American shows, but I’ve dropped all of them. I said, “Because Korean stories are character and plot driven. And most of these shows always have food for thought, or a message to make you think about how we can make this world a better place.”

“Tomorrow” is about Grim Reapers who exist in a different plane of existence. They are broken up into various departments, but the department that is the focus of this story is the Risk Management Team, comprised of two members (soon to be adding a third). Their job is to seek out souls who are high risk for committing suicide and to try and prevent that from happening. The team is led by Goo Ryun, a woman with a mysterious and troubling past. Im Ryung Goo is her partner, another member also tied to a soul from the past. They soon add temporary member, Choi Joon Woong, a young man full of life, whom the Reapers accidentally put into a coma while trying to prevent a suicide. Woong is given the choice to join and help the Reapers for six months or stay in a coma for three years. Naturally, he chooses the former. Of course, being absolutely “green” Woong has a hard time initially fitting in and doing his job, but he brings two distinctive qualities to the team that the other two senior members lack: empathy and compassion. Woong is a young man who wears his feelings on his sleeve. He has a difficult time understanding the coldness of Goo Ryun, and the two often clash.

People may not realize that Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. And the series addresses the most common causes of suicide. Bullying, the loss of a loved one, someone who views their own life as a failure, people suffering from things like eating disorders, assault victims, guilt, or drowning in a wave of public criticism. Each case spans 1-2 episodes, and each one is just as profound and thought-provoking as the last. This is another series you want to keep a box of tissues handy!

Of course, as in most cultures, suicide is against the law and in most religions, a mortal “sin.” It really doesn’t matter if you buy into the somewhat religious belief system that governs the Reapers. That isn’t what is important. What is important is helping anyone to see what a beautiful life they have, and why suicide should never be a last resort. Suicide only brings more suffering and pain than what you are already experiencing. It follows you.
The cause of suicide is unhappiness, and the feeling of being trapped in a reality you feel you cannot escape from. But the root cause of all unhappiness is this: lack of love for yourself. If you love yourself, you will not allow bullies to persecute you. You will stand up for yourself, no matter what. If you love yourself, you will grieve but feel immense gratitude for those loved ones who have moved on. If you love yourself, you will never see your life as a failure, but as a success. You will realize the truth: a single life touches so many. If you love yourself, you will never mistreat your body with eating disorders or unhealthy ways of living. You will take care of yourself as best as you can. If you love yourself, you won’t feel guilty about anything you do to others or anything you do to yourself, for you hold the tool for letting go: forgiveness. If you love yourself, even if someone beats and torments your body, you know that the body is not who you are! You will be able to say the most powerful words ever spoken: forgive them, for they know not what they do.

There is a lot of love in this series that cries out for people to see just how wonderful and valuable their lives are. They are not something to be callously thrown away. But perhaps the central theme of this show is this: there is only one person you ever need to save, and that is yourself. It also speaks to not giving up on yourself. Life is a battle, and you have to keep on fighting. Life will knock you down. Pain in inevitable but suffering is optional. How much you suffer is determined by nobody else but yourself. I’ve used this quote in several reviews, but it’s so powerful given the subject matter of this series. “The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!”—Rocky Balboa. Anyone who is contemplating suicide should really look long and hard at this quote.

And while we are not responsible for what others do, we do have influence. People really need to stop and think about how they treat each other, whether it be through words or action. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and think about how what you say or do might affect them.

This show has some of the most powerful scenes I have ever seen in ANY show! The Korean War vet being escorted by ALL of the Reapers was incredibly powerful and eye-opening about how war veterans are treated. Such people deserve our undying respect and gratitude. The story of the Comfort Women of World War II was especially poignant. People tend forget about the atrocities committed during that war. It’s always so much easier to lay blame upon others without knowing the facts or circumstances. If you don’t believe that, READ the quote above! Those women had undeniable courage and deserve the highest accolades for what they had to go through. That episode had me in tears at the end when the three women are there to comfort each other (thus, the comfort women!) and remind each other that no forgiveness is necessary.

Performances all around in this series were impeccable. The cast was tremendous, and the storyline between Goo Ryun and Park Joon Gil from their previous life in Joseon is very intriguing, as we unravel the mystery of the connection between these two, and why they both have opposing views regarding suicide victims. Goo Ryun believes they must be helped. Park Joon Gil believes that it’s pointless to help anyone who already has their mind made up, especially when it comes to suicide. And the bridge between them is none other than Choi Joon Woong. Because what is sorely missing from both is empathy and compassion. Judgment and criticism are counterproductive.

This series should be required viewing—and not just by Koreans—but by everyone. Perhaps you know someone who’s down and unhappy. Whether they might be contemplating suicide or not, use your own empathy and compassion to give them a smile, a kind word, your company, or anything to remind them that they are valuable and loved. For what other job is more important than that?

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True Family and Friends Are Forever

The central themes of this series are friends and family, and what exactly makes someone family. In many cultures, biological parents--no matter what--are given unlimited respect, even when love isn't present. As it was stated in "Boyz and the Hood:" Any fool can make a baby, but only a real person can be a parent. Of course, I'm paraphrasing, but that is the gist, and there is a lot of truth here.

There are still those that might feel that adoptive parents can never be real parents. This is a lie...as much of a lie as saying that a biological parent is the only requirement needed. Mi-Jo's mother and Seon-Woo's father are despicable people who can never call themselves a "mother" or a "father."

Frankly, there are a lot of people who shouldn't be parents; those who are incapable of accepting the responsibility to love and be there for their kids. We see several examples of this throughout this series.

The series centers around three women, all of whom are thirty-nine, and have been best friends since high school. We quickly see just how involved they are in each other's lives, how much they love and care for each other. The strength of that bond is put to the ultimate test when one of them finds out that she is terminally ill.

While this may seem like a melodramatic plot, it really isn't. I am constantly amazed by Korean series and the actors and actresses who are able to simply "be real" in these types of situations. It's not too much and it's not too light. Perhaps that is why they are able to make the audience feel what they are feeling so acutely.

The three leads have undeniable chemistry as three besties! Chan-Young (Jeon Mi Do from "Hospital Playlist), Mi-Jo (Son Ye Jin from "Crash Landing On You" and Joo-Hee (Kim Ji Hyun). There is laughter, teasing and light bickering, joy and tender moments when these three are in a scene together.

What impresses me the most about this series is how family and friends are always there for each other through thick and thin, and it feels absolutely genuine, and this is tested when the time on this Earth is going to be cut short for one of them. We see how this affects each person who's intimately involved.

There's no denying the acting strength of the entire cast, but Joo-Hee (Kim Ji Hyun) was my favorite. She's the somewhat shy and slightly aloof member of the trio. She gives us grace through soft, warm smiles, and it would be a mistake to perceive her as being weak, when she, in fact, has a quiet strength. The scene at the department store with a very rude customer is a testament to this.

The other performance that impressed me was that ofJin-Seok (Lee Moo Saeng) as Cha-Young's love interest. When his voice cracks and goes high-pitch with raw emotion in several exchanges with Cha-Young, made me choke up a few times.

I also loved how these characters never gave in to abuse or intolerance. Mi-Jo's confrontation was a thing of beauty; nearly as impressive as Seon-Woo's showdown with his father.

The last episode will be a tough one to get through. Even when you know what's about to happen. That's the hallmark of great writing and storytelling; when you know what's coming, and it gets you anyway.

I dare anyone to get through the brunch scene with a dry eye, or the video message that Cha-Young leaves for Mi-Jo. Both were absolute scenes of beauty.

There aren't enough shows out there that truly showcase the power of family and friends; that demonstrate that love and being there for each other are the pillars of true relationships. If you don't already have such people in your life, this show may make you wish that you had. It will also challenge you not to take your loved ones for granted. We never know how much time we have with them. Spend it with love and devotion. In the end, Cha-Young is correct: quality is always more important than quantity!

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A Somewhat Realistic Love Story That Almost Works

How often do people go through life believing that the grass is always greener somewhere else? And very often, we find that a new place only brings about new pros and cons.

As someone who's lived and worked in six countries, I know this truth only too well. Places always have new and interesting things that you find appealing, and things that you miss. This is even true of the country you come from. In short, it's a no-win scenario...so long as you continue to believe that there is something better over the next hill, instead of learning to simply appreciate where you are.

Majhoy is a young Filipino woman who has moved to the Faroe Islands. She is married, has a young daughter, and works two jobs, including an Asian Restaurant/Food Truck. It turns out that there are a number of Filipino women living there...mostly for economic convenience. "Love? What is that?!" one of them jokes.

Nico is a young man who is a producer of documentary films. He visits the Faroe Islands to find out more about why so many Filipino women move and live there. It doesn't take long before he focuses solely on Majhoy. It takes even less time to realize that they have feelings for each other.

Majhoy's husband is a significantly older man. And despite his slight brusque demeanor, it's obvious that he loves his wife. He doesn't mistreat or abuse her.

It becomes obvious that Nico will do anything to take Majhoy back to the Phillippines; ignoring Majhoy's marriage or even the welfare of Lena, Majhoy's daughter. He can only see his own wants and needs. He naively believes that it is that simple to swoop in, disrespect a living situation, and make off with Majhoy.

Unfortunately, Majhoy makes the mistake of capitulating and even giving Nico some sense of hope that his dreams will be fulfilled. It isn't until Majhoy's husband returns from his fishing trip that she realizes that all-in-all, she has a husband who loves and cares for her. Both characters behave selfishly and disrespectfully which makes them unsympathetic and easily unlikeable.

In the end, the one person you feel the most sorry for is Sigmund (Majhoy's husband). The writers try to make you feel sorry for Nico and Majhoy but their selfish, underhanded lack of respect for anyone else makes that difficult. Why? Because it is impossible to be happy while hurting others. It just doesn't work. One's true happiness never comes at the expense of anyone else.

The movie is beautifully filmed in the Faroe Islands. The islands, indeed, look like something out of a fairy tale. I wouldn't be surprised if tourism gets a boost after people see this film. I certainly would like to visit!

The performances are also very good from the entire cast. But if you're going into this film, hoping for a romantic, uplifting love story, you won't find it here. In many ways, the story is too real for that. A big reason that the story doesn't fail is because the writers stayed true to the situation and the characters rather than "give in" to make a "happily ever after" ending. Much like the Faroe Islands themselves, the film leaves you cold and desolate, but true given the reality of the situation.

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Love Is Letting Go...Not About Sacrifice

I've seen a few of Kathryn Bernardo's films, and I believe she turned in the performance of her life. She stepped away from the typical romantic-comedies (many of which are actually quite good), and challenged herself to take on the role of a much deeper and much more complex character in Joy.

I have always marveled--and not in a good way--of how people tend to use others; even people they love; even members of their own families. Of course, children are usually guilted into it. In short, it's a parent's way of saying, "I suffered, and so now you must suffer too. Why? Because it's how families work."

As stated in other reviews, I am an ESL teacher. I've lived and worked in South Korea, China, and Taiwan. I know quite a bit about how Asian parents tend to treat their kids. Of course, it's not all bad. You'll scarcely find parents who are more dedicated to teaching their children about discipline and hard-work. The large contrast between them and western parents, is that western parents tend to allow their kids to do whatever they want. They're spoiled beyond belief. What is needed is a balance.

As the eldest daughter, Joy is in Hong Kong working several jobs in order to keep herself alive as well as sending money back home to her family in the Phillippines. She has a nursing degree. Her dream is to go to Canada to pursue what she loves. Of course, she meets and falls in love with Ethan, a young man who is also from the Phillippines, who is trying to support his family as well, after a disastrous relationship that nearly cost him everything.

Ethan, of course, is hoping that Joy will decide to stay in Hong Kong, and not go to Canada. This is when the film really grabs the viewer to see what Joy will decide to do.

Love is not about sacrifice for someone else. Sacrifice is about losing something, and love is never about loss. It's always about who you are. In all her wisdom, Joy has to explain this to Ethan as well as outlining the consequences of not pursuing her dream. Fortunately, Ethan finally gets it and is able to do what only love can do: let go. As soon as you try to hold onto it, love ceases to be love.

Filmed in Hong Kong, we're giving a stark and not-so-pleasing depiction of life for many immigrants struggling to survive. Some can do it. Some can't. In the end, you can only truly look after yourself and not lose sight of your own dreams. Of course, the world, and even your own family will throw every reason at you to NOT pursue your dreams. If you give in, you have no one to blame but yourself. If you forge ahead, then you have gained more profound wisdom about life than what most people can only dream about.

My only complaint of the film was that the chemistry between Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards was not what it should have been. And because of this, the film loses a bit of its heart and depth. I'd say it was pretty obvious that Kathryn Bernardo did not want to do any kissing scenes with Alden due to her love and respect for her boyfriend, Daniel Padilla. The only kiss we see is one on her forehead in the dark. Can you imagine the lack of depth in a film like Titanic if Jack and Rose only held hands and never shared a kiss? I couldn't help but wonder how much more powerful the film would have been if another actress had performed in the role, or if Padilla himself hadn't turned the role down (which I read that he had).

Still, this is a memorable film that challenges everyone to go after their dreams and let nothing and no one stand in your way.

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Just...Wow!

Some people don't believe in angels. I believe there are some angels you can't see, and there are some angels you can. This is a beautiful, touching story of two "angels" : Lea and Tonyo, and how they are able to be there for each other.

Both are two people living in Japan. Lea has found out that her fiance has been seeing another woman. The stress and trauma has robbed her of her eyesight. The doctors tell her that it is, more than likely, only temporary.

Enter Tonyo, a man who lives across the street. His first attempts of opening communication with Lea are failures. But, he doesn't give up. He has a certain wit and charm that finally wins over Lea, and they begin spending time together. Tonyo knows exactly what to say to get a laugh out of Lea.

There are a couple of plot twists that I doubt anyone will be able to see coming, and the writers need to be given credit for pulling off such a feat, as it seems that more and more writers today either don't dare try, or it ends up not working at all.

What the movie is ultimately about, is kindness, and how a single gesture can work miracles. I think most people underestimate a single, kind act. And how, much like a small pebble, it can send ripples across a lake. The beauty of this film is that we don't see the end results of the acts of kindness of Lea and Tonyo until the end.

The film is beautifully filmed and the actors are simply incredible. The chemistry between Alessandra De Rossi and Empoy Marquez is undeniable. They are the ones that make the film work.

This is one of those little gems (much like a small pebble) that once you see it, you will feel the effects for a long time to come!

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Live Your Life, Live Your Dreams!

This is the fourth Filipino film that I've now seen, and they're quickly winning me over and desiring more! I'm only concerned that I'll run out via Netflix, leaving me wondering how I'm going to watch some more.

"Crazy Beautiful You" was my first foray and with the same two delightful leads in Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. There's no denying their chemistry, which probably makes things much easier for them as they are a real-life couple. Their charm and obvious feelings permeate the screen. I also love the fact that neither one of them is afraid to show genuine emotion.

This go-around sees Gab, who has been with her boyfriend for 6 years. Finally, he proposes to her. Except that Gab has a problem: she's already married! To her dismay, she finds that after a drunken night, she has married Dos, a young man she met at the club.

Unlike America, where people can get divorces and/or annulments fairly easily, it is not so easy to do in the Phillippines. Gab finds herself having to track Dos down and get him to agree to a divorce. He agrees, as hilarity ensues as Gab tries to play out various "divorce reasons" to satisfy the court. Everything from impotence, insanity, homosexuality, etc. These will have you laughing out loud.

However, as one may predict, Gab and Dos start falling for each other as they attempt to track down the one witness they need to satisfy the divorce criteria. While the initial format is predictable, the way things play out is not. There are a couple of twists that I'm not sure anyone will see coming.

I was also pleased that the writer didn't fall for the overly-used "big climactic ending" that is so commonplace that they're actually boring. Instead, we get a true, legitimate ending that satisfies the story, the characters, and the viewer. And while I loved "Crazy Beautiful You," the ending of this film is done much better, in my opinion.

Another thing I love about these movies is that they have poignant messages. This film dares one to live your dream. Live your own life. No one, not even parents, have the right to control your life and tell you how to live it. And you can't be afraid to make mistakes. How else does one learn? How else does one realize what works and what doesn't work without mistakes?

Mary Tyler Moore once said, "Someone who has had nothing but perfect and wonderful experiences isn't very brave." It takes adversity to truly strengthen a person.

Parents and partners alike have one job: empower your children and empower your partner. Give them the space and freedom to be who they are. Control is never the answer. Control is about allowing someone else to live your life for you. Freedom is about allowing someone to live their own life. This movie dares you to do the latter.

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