Details

  • Last Online: Mar 28, 2022
  • Gender: Female
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Contribution Points: 2 LV1
  • Birthday: December 03
  • Roles:
  • Join Date: June 8, 2012

Kachiiing

United Kingdom

Kachiiing

United Kingdom
Ongoing 4/10
Kono Otoko wa Jinsei Saidai no Ayamachidesu
7 people found this review helpful
Feb 14, 2020
4 of 10 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 1.5
Story 1.0
Acting/Cast 5.5
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 2.0
I found the 1st episode rlly amusing, but I think it was part to shell shock. When I get surprised, I laugh. When FL Yui-chan is in the bar, lamenting about a lost love, and it's filmed in fish bowl POV, where she's feeding a mystery person at eye level etc - and then u find out she's mourning her DOG - i was so surprised, I burst out laughing. The laughing ctd, when she tripped CEO up, and he declares his love for her the next day, while wishing to be her slave. Whenever she kicks, presses him to the ground with her foot, body-threw him, he appeared more and more besotted. So when I watched 1st episode, I told myself I was alright with it, coz it was comedic. He appeared to get off on being man-handled and humiliated and degraded.

By ep 2, I was no longer laughing.
At the end of the day, when he turned up outside her flat in 3hr wait with roses, he is a creepy stalker. Yet, he is also opening himself up to a lot of abuse. If he gets off on being slapped around, there's a point I stop laughing and feel sorry for him. Oc, this drama doesn't ask us to feel sorry, it's just Japanese drama and not everyone has to be "fixed" of their hang-ups but just because someone wants to be slapped around, doesn't mean people should oblige. Till what point will he be someone's b%^&. I know masochism is a thing, and FSOG was a thing, and BDSM is a thing, but ok.

The FL appears very irked by being made his master, and tries to dissuade him, and when she inflicts violence, I don't think she's a bad person per se. I don't think she's strong, or whatever ppl laud her as. And I know she's been thrust into this role unwillingly.

But at this stage, neither of leads are super likeable
BUT since this drama is 25min long x 6, I vowed to finish it, and also it#s not that boring. I felt like I was on an acid trip, where situations and scenes are so absurd, like painting a face with ketchup and hanging out in a tree etc, sliding face down a banister (honestly never seen THAT before, the way he did it) and THAT is an appeal so that also helps me keep watching.

I think the opening titles and song is kinda catchy. Simple, effective and i never miss it. easily the best of each episode

Overall, i don't regret watching it
Even if I gave it a 1
It just didn't turn out as funny as I hoped

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Autumn's Concerto
5 people found this review helpful
Feb 10, 2020
34 of 21 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 3.5
Rewatch Value 10
OK, rewatched this over dates 09/02/20 and 10/02/20, fastforwarding

Original score in 2011 - 10/10
If I were to rate it now - 6/10

The FL is a pathological liar. I never picked up on it b4. She is asked to tell the truth 4x, she still lies. She pawns her wedding ring, and lies about that. She lies about several things. In the beginning you (kinda) get her motivation, but the levels of cruelty she goes too, WOW. However, I suppose we're meant to detect she has a good heart. As a rule, I like these kinda ppl in my dramas, but I'm not rooting for their eternal happiness, tho in the past, I clearly supported her all the way - so I can't help root for it, like I once did.

The ML is pitiful for all he went thru. All the lies. All the deceit. When he FINALLY got the microchip (felt an age), I went into the thrill of him seeking revenge. Turns out he loves her still. The thrill was a former echo of what I felt. Not as intense, but appreciated. Wu is a great looking guy, when he was on his knees yelling to heavens, you can't help but admire his physique than his acting. He is a good actor tho.

What surprised me - I remember when younger, I was VERY bored with villager drama. This time round, I was very interested in it. WHAT A SURPRISE. I did fast-forward gardener bits, (2nd ML) when he had his own spin stories that lasted 10+ mins. Like I don't mind the guy, but I'm fast-watching this u know. I'll like to stress, when I originally watched this, I didn't fast watch.

The little kid!!! I remember I loved him soooooo much when I originally watched 9 years ago. Now I was this close to finding him annoying. (gasp, my maternal side gone). If he was few years older, he'd be annoying for sure. Why? He kept insisting calling his dad, "alien daddy" (which yh fair enuff, he is ur real dad) but the lil kid is constantly told not too. He keeps throwing tantrums and acting clingy. But then when he withdraws this amount of love, I felt it deep.

Look, I still love the kid. Not as much, but he's so frigging cute

Will I ever come back? YES

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Clean with Passion for Now
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 5, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.5
Story 4.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 2.0
Pros: the actors and their charm. They sold their characters! The heat of the kissing. Kim Yoo Jung, proving to me she's transitioned to a capable leading lady. Love in the Moonlight had me worried! How this drama focused on cleaning - because cleaning as a profession generally isn't hyped up. I love the cleaning fairy team, and although not deep, we got to see individual aspirations and matters important to them.

Cons: The directing in the first few episodes was perverted. A pointless hot pink underwear gift, with a trunk for penis placement. The female lead grabbing her brother's crotch. Having a tight corset around her waist, pushing her breasts up and out, even if she wore a T. It made me think the director was a pervert, and KYJ was being taken advantage of. Then I figured, she's been in the industry for a while, and to give her credit. I'm sure she'd walk out if she felt being taken advantage of. Thankfully, it died down after first few episodes. I would have given a higher score, if I actually realised what link the Doctor neighbour had with her mum's accident, and what that accident even was? Did a building collapse? So unclear. The Doctor was an instigator for that accident? What?

Overall, I'm happy I finished this, it was an easy watch but it's very average.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Voice
14 people found this review helpful
Mar 28, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 8.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
The core story was strong, but had weak branches. You could climb it sure, and when you reach the top you feel delighted, but you have to be prepared for weak footfalls on the lower branches, at the threat of wanting to jump to the ground, and come back another day.

The main story is of a serial killer, using an iron ball to satisfy his sadistic pleasures. When Jin Hyuk's wife is murdered in the opening scenes, the game is strong and you watch him (Jin Hyuk, not the serial killer^^) team up with Gwon Joo, who's cop father was also murdered by the same guy, as she heads the "Golden Time Team" at their local precinct.

A team that is dedicated to reaching any crime scenes within the golden period before it ends for the worse - 10 minutes.

With this set in place, we have to sit through this team being put into use, with my favourite side story, of a foster kid behind abused by his mum, in a repeat cycle of what happened to her so he called 112, to my least favourite set in a mental centre, where homeless people are being fleeced and then killed. Seemingly random, but providing leads to the serial killer. I didn't know whether to be pissed or happy. Happy, is what I went with. Imagine if I had sat through all those cute, protracted spin-offs and there wasn't a point?

The serial killer does not hide.

No, he is almost luxurious in the way he hunts and reveals himself. Extremely arrogant of being untouchable (typical privileged Korean kid, lol^^) However, he was willing to lose that power, just so it would create maximum torment within the two he was obsessed over. Jin Hyuk and Gwon Joo. One of the best scenes including Mo Tae Gu (and there were many) was when he was wheeled out of hospital, escaping, but yet he roared because he didn't want to escape, but be back in their clutches. Wow!

Kim Jae Wook is excellent, the best thing in the last four episodes.
Lee Ha Na has this breathy style of speech she adopted here, which I grew used too, so I was cool with the girl by the end.
Jang Hyuk was in the middle of these two, somewhere in terms of acting talent and commitment.

I could see myself rewatching the first two episodes, and the last four alone. That's it. For that, I will give a high rewatch score.

If you like crime/detective dramas, this is the best one out of 2017 for sure.
But the year is early yet 8D

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
W
41 people found this review helpful
Sep 17, 2016
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 6.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 4.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 2.5
At the beginning, there was much expectation.
"W," one muttered. "Why is the show called W?"
The other snapped their fingers. "W sounds exactly like 'Double U' - Double universe. Get it?"
"Clever!" came the reply.

........Except it was not.
Oh, it tried to be. From the offset, rules were made, broken and shaped into something else entirely. This constant shift in dynamics between real world and manwha world kept us on our toes. But two flaws held it back.

One - All of the characters in both worlds were flat. All of them. Except maybe one, but more on Oh Seong Moo later. Kang Chul was particularly tragic. To become self-aware of his own cartoon status, to gain a strong purpose to kill the creator - but then being reduced to nothing more than being Yeon Joo's chew-toy. She wanted romance, and romance was to be had! The plot would've been more interesting if he'd objected to his secondary creator's will (especially in the second half, when he had no recollections of their "romance") and resented her throughout. Muhahahaha. You can tell how sick I was of every romantic scene between them. Every-time manwha world tried to insert conflict, namely by having the killer after them, the end-goal was for their insipid reunion, that I stopped caring by episode 5. Seriously.

Yeon Joo. Man, I had major issues with this character. As I said to a fellow MDLer..."In the latter episodes, just to be walking around in pretty dresses, doing nothing but sleep and talk with Kang Chul - how is that inspirational? A woman with that much brains, will always seek for extra stimulation, not just be relegated to "Barbie" territory with fluff in her brains. Why make her a doctor in the first place? Just make her anything, if it doesn't matter so much."

I still stand by those words.

Lee Jong Suk and Han Hyo Joo's acting left a lot to be desired. They tried their best, excelling in certain points, but I was convinced by neither character in the end.

Oh Seong Moo/Hang Sang Hoon was a character portrayed well, by the actor, which is why he's my favourite, closely followed by Crazy Dog, who voiced every frustration with W's turns - he even voiced a fantastic thought. "Even though I hated the beginning, I must be respectful of the final episode"...and then, "That's it?"
Lastly Su-Bongah because he spent the majority of the episodes frightened out of his wits.

In some ways, the reason why I'm giving a high score of 6.5 is purely because the show tried something new and had an exciting soundtrack. My most appreciated scene in the show, was when Seol Hee was fading and drew attention to herself. Her will to survive was stronger, than the will of the show! And she wasn't even self-aware like Kang Chul. The only (truly) impressive dimension I saw.

Also the ending? More questions raised, than answered.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Signal
3 people found this review helpful
Jul 27, 2016
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This drama could be split into four cases: Gyeonggi Nambu murders, 1995 Larceny case, 1997 Hongwong-dong murders and the final, most important case - Injoo (poor Sun Woo - my heart broke for him.)

It actually kickstarts with the kidnapping of a young girl, and the thriller starts.

In the first two cases, they did a slow reveal of who the killer was, which was pointless in my POV, because I figured out who was the killer and burglar respectively, in like, 2 seconds. In the first one, the second the bus driver said, "No-one got on at that stop" it was bloody obvious who it could be (hint: it's not the bus driver.) In the second one, there was no witnesses except the rich boy...and lo be'hold - it doesn't take a genius to figure out who it could be. I felt like my intelligence was being mildly insulted, but the walkie-talkie side-drama, kept my score around 7/10. You know - that awesome thing that can communicate with Lee Jae Han in the past :)

In the last two cases, they revealed who the culprits were straightaway, so I just settled in to watching the net closing in on them! It was actually kinda fun. My fav bits were the flashbacks on how the crimes were committed, and the human emotion it wrought. We really were spoiled! Also any scene with Lee Jae Han in it. The time looping was very impressive.

Questions that I still want to know the answers too:

1) Park Hae Young's phone kept ringing at 11:22, just before the 11:23 transmissions, 2 or 3 times. Who was it? Why was it never mentioned again? (That bugged me the most, surprisingly)

2) Does this have a second season? :)

Extra mention to Cha Soo Hyun, she was brilliantly acted by Kim Hye Soo. That woman!

Also strangely - my most favourite character besides, LJH, was Ahn Chi Soo. He wasn't quite a good guy, nor was he a full out blown bad guy (I love how he supported the Cold case team sometimes, at odds with his jerkface boss, Kim Bum Joo) and the reveal with his character in ep 11 (was it 11?) was my fav cliffhanger of the show. I like people who straddle both light and dark, in the murky grey area.

The soundtrack was great. Really elevated the show throughout. I didn't even realise the last episode was 1 hour and 1/2, I was so amazed that a show, could still remain exciting to the end, raising questions, instead of solving them! Kudos Signal team. You outdid yourselves!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Dramaworld
30 people found this review helpful
May 15, 2016
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 5.0
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers
Dramaworld is totally meta and makes fun of a lot of tropes. Tropes that you find in KDramas that is, ie, piggyback riding, karaoke scenes, getting drunk on soju, chaebol family, scheming female second lead - however the ending gave a twist, that you don't find typically in KDramas. If you've watched Dream High, you know what I mean^^

The acting in this was atrocious at parts. Wooden. But it gave me a meta feel still, because there are wooden characters galore typically in KDramas, and I thought it was a faithful representation, lol. The story is ambitious and follows Claire as she enters "Dramaworld" and tries to fix it before it ceases to exist forever. She meets another facilitator, Seth, who seems like a good guy, and he appears to be helping her on the surface. But is he really? *At the risk of putting spoilers, I'm not saying anything more*

Towards the ending, the story broke the fourth wall, which requires a lot of explanation and set-up, but there was no time here. By fourth wall, I mean the characters in the drama (well Joon Park) became aware he was a character in a drama. Although good ending, one has to wonder - is Claire's life now a drama? The ending is so ambiguous and not explained properly, I don't even consider it a spoiler talking about it, because it's open to interpretation.

Also, I was cringing towards the end. SERIOUSLY cringing.
However for a web-series and a collaboration between America and Korea - I see this as a stepping stone onto something more awesome. Watch this if you love meta references and you will be swept up in nostalgia :D The reason why my re-watch score is so high (practically unheard of), is because it's short, sweet and I can see myself revisiting the bits I liked, or just watch the Seth bits^^ (Justin Chon and Liv Hewson did a good job)

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Page Turner
3 people found this review helpful
May 12, 2016
3 of 3 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 9.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 6.0
This short, 3 episode drama has material to fill out a much longer one. Chances were, if it did though, my rating would plummet ;) "Page Turner" is an allegory. The term is used as a symbolism for a character facilitating your dreams and ambitions, or hindering them. Granted, one could normally argue a "page turner's" role is hardly worth mentioning - they just turn sheets of music - but they hold a lot of power in their hands than you might think. The best bit about the "page turner" allegory was that Yoo Seul's mother (a typical pushy stage mom) who made her daughter try and sabotage a rival's chances (Jin Mok) at a competition, helps him at the end by being his page turner. Beautiful.

The parents clearly had their own drama going in the background, which could've been expanded, particularly about Cha Shik's father's existence, but since this focused more on the children (Yoo Seul, Jin Mok and Cha Shik) I wasn't complaining. Like I said - extend the drama, and you risk losing me. As it was, I felt wishy-washy about the drama (particularly the first 2 episodes, and halfway through the third), but felt kind enough to give it an 8. I already know about Kim So Hyun, but it's Ji Soo that came as a surprise to me (I know you're throwing vegetables, right?)

Ji Soo? What were you so surprised about, you ask? Don't you know he's a mega superstar TO BE?
See the only drama I saw him in before this one is "Sassy Go Go" and he plays quite a moody, virulent character in that one, that I didn't expect him to play a big-hearted, slightly comical Cha Shik, who wears his heart on his sleeve here. His actions reduced me to laughter a lot of the time, particularly when he's speaking with a helium voice and I know this is terrible...but how he got injured at the pole-vault competition...

So it was the final half hour that bumped up my score - it was unpredictable.
Typically, the underdog always prevails, but sometimes the underdog helps out the totally fed-up, broken-hearted top dog^^

Also extra note! You know that homeless guy that kept popping up, not saying anything? I thought he was Cha Shik's dad! LOL. Funny times. Also, I'm not going to sit here and pretend piano recitals excite me and the music played excited me - but it was good. Glad I watched it :)

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Marriage Contract
11 people found this review helpful
Apr 25, 2016
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
I have a lot to thank this drama for. Thank you for being my first completed drama of 2016. Thank you for being the first drama that I finished whilst "currently airing" since 49 Days. It's been a long five years, but you did it. You kept me trapped from 1st episode to last.

Why did you keep me trapped?

Mostly because of Uee. To be able to capture the quiet moments of suffering (from cancer) is not an easy thing to achieve. To be able to cut off your hair and take of your make-up (both which required NO dialogue) but show such complexity of brevity - wow. Secondly because of Shin Rin Ah and Lee Seo Jin in equal measure. They literally propped up Uee, with stellar acting of their own. These three's characters in particular were well-developed, and made up for the fact that some secondary cast members (Na Yeon and Jung Hoon - also that rent-a-loan-shark he hired for example) were not written very well - they just provided cheap antagonism to "prevent" the couple from getting together and were slight irritants. Luckily, their screenplay was diminished as time went on, and Jung Hoon was packed off to America. (I also have to do a quick mention to his mom - that girl power moment when she told Ji Hoon's father he was going to die alone - give this woman a medal!) So yes, a medley of multi-dimensional characters and flat characters, that made me reduce the acting/cast score by 0.5.

The story is a typical cliche contract marriage. Execution is on point. I'm always a fan of the cliche, if it's executed very well - and let me tell you - it was!!! Bear with the first few episodes, as that will be the most easiest point to drop and move on - but as you go on, the acting will cinch it for you. If it doesn't - then your heart is made of stone :P

I don't see myself rewatching this anytime soon (I'm still happy I finished this!), but definitely maybe in about 5 or 10 years, I can see myself coming back. Which is why the rewatch score is so high.

Overall, thank you show for being awesome^^

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Marriage, Not Dating
5 people found this review helpful
Jul 22, 2015
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
Watching this drama, I felt a lot of western influences. For me "western values" are a lot more lax than "asian values." So when this drama put forward the prospect, of one night stands, drinking a whole lot to fuel social situations, and kissing more than one partner - it was a refreshing take, because these values are something I seldom encounter in asian dramas. Usually, the first guy the girl kisses, is the one she ends up with "forever" which hasn't always been realistic, in my view. You have to kiss a few frogs to get to the prince! Not get him on your first try!

This drama had a whole block of realism, but I wouldn't say it's deep or heavy in any regard. On the whole, it's light, breezy and follows a girl's life, as she deals with an ex, a guy she is pretending is her fiance, HER REAL BF, and then those cursed in-laws that seem determined to ruin your life at every turn. There are a lot of memorable scenes in this drama, like Jang Mi wading into the pool and running away in a bridal dress to a beach etc etc.

It's a great drama!

However, I felt some of the supporting cast were not as developed as they could've been. Some of them were literally cardboard templates, but for the "light and breezy" theme it works. Also, this is more on a personal note, I'm not sure how I feel about the advertisement of plastic surgery in this drama. Some procedures can be done under 20 minutes, so it's shown on par of having your hair dyed or getting a pedicure done. For me, this settles in uneasily, because on a broader sense, it shows society is becoming more aesthetically driven, and soon, there will be peer pressure to get these procedures done.

Although I have no problems with plastic surgery per se, I would hate for that day to come, when someone says to me, "Hey, you have a deviated septum/ or a high widow's peak...have you thought about going under the knife? Everyone does it!" Because I think that's where society is heading. But oh well! Maybe it's just me, who needs to embrace the concept of "changing your face to suit the occasion, like one might change their socks everyday"... How old-fashioned am I! :)

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Fated to Love You
6 people found this review helpful
Jul 16, 2015
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
It's the best korean drama I've watched for a while (since 2011, that I managed to complete, and not put on "hold")...omo. How sad is that? I loved the Dragon and Secretary Tak's fondness for getting his butt slapped, and the brilliant chemistry between Jang Na Ra and Jang Hyuk. I believe it also gives extra poignancy to people who've watched "Successful Story of a Bright Girl" because some of the lines here about missing each other and reconnecting...it was like the actors were saying it from the heart themselves. About how they missed working with each other, and it was a pleasure to do it again. Although there are several scenes worth skipping (artfully dodged!), I have to give this 9/10, even though the plot is so so cliche and has everything from amnesia to noble idiocy. Great drama! I'm going to write a review for it! (But I'll probably just copy and paste this :D)

EDITED:

I'm sorry. I have to give this 10/10. Despite it having flaws, the one point I deducted were made up by the fact, that I watched Bright Girl first, and to see the evolution in their chemistry (we might never see this pairing together again...weeps) made this drama extra special for me, and one I won't be likely to forget. I can see myself rewatching this 10 years from now, and still being swept in a great (er) wave of sentimentality.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
My Tutor Friend
3 people found this review helpful
Nov 6, 2013
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
The beginning was a little cringey (but hang on, it WAS filmed 10 years ago) but I enjoyed the general premise of Ji-hoon being a high-school student, who's repeated his final year 3 times, and therefore our lead heroine is drafted in to "tutor" him.

Lol, this movie taught me something new. I never knew you could stay in high school till you're 21+, usually there's a cut-off age around 19 or something....isn't there?

It's well worth the watch, coz Gong Yoo is in it, and it's funny coz he looks exactly the same 10 years later! (Good genes) It's also interesting to note he stared in Coffee Prince 4 years after this, and in that time he went from playing a crabby high school student, to a magnetic, sexy romantic lead!!!

I laughed, there was lots of funny moments, but at times I did feel like something was missing. Other people have every right to disagree on this, in fact they have, so don't take my word for it. It's up to you to judge^^

But it's a good movie to have saved for a rainy day.

PS: Kwan Sang-Woo is SO hot in this!!!!

Also this was 3rd best-selling Korean of 2003 (source wikipedia) so it deserves a look in, for that fact alone, no? :D

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
The Master's Sun
20 people found this review helpful
Oct 9, 2013
17 of 17 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This drama relied heavily on metaphors, especially the "Big sun/little sun" amongst others. At times it was nicely done, a trademark of the Hong sisters if you will, but it was also a hinderance (I felt) when the characters talked in riddles. It made my head hurt trying to work out the mutiple double meanings in several conversations. Sometimes it pays just to cut to the chase!

That said, I didn't hate a single character, and I was supporting many pairings! How nice is that? To have a drama, where there isn't an evil stepmom or a jealous ex, waiting to swoop in and create un-necessary drama. For once, everyone was quite accepting of each others choices (with a few hiccups) and that was lovely to see.

Special mention to Chief Kang Woo and Tae Yi Ryung, very sweet side dish I must say.

For me ep 2, 9 and 10 were the weakest and ep 12 was the strongest. A big draw for me was the mystery of Cha Hee Joo/Hanna and that's what kept me watching for a while.

In the beginning, I felt the chemistry between Joong Won and Tae Yang was just right, but then for a few episodes I felt the romance was more of a very good friendship and I was finding it hard to connect to So Ji Sub's real emotion. The kisses were trademark Hong-style too. Wide eyes, arms by the side etc etc.

However by the end, I realised I was going to miss all the characters all the same, and although the saccharine lines were a bit much to swallow towards the end, I appreciated everyone's hard work and I reached the finale!!!

This drama is well worth the watch. Most likely drama of 2013, lol, though I haven't watched any other releases of 2013 yet. I don't give praise away lightly, so this drama has something going for it.

Enjoy watching everybody else. It will be a treat of epic proportions.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
It Started with a Kiss
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 19, 2013
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This is the staple of my taiwanese dramas - meaning it's my favourite adaptation of Itazura na Kiss and one of my overall T-drama favourite, despite giving it a score of 7.

The acting is good, but I just loved the Joe Cheng/Ariel Lin pairing. Delighted they came back for a sequel, and I'm egging myself to watch it right now! :D Their first kiss, in this drama, is my most favourite kiss I've watched in any asian drama. Not the one in the rain. The one that came out of the blue :P

After that scorcher, I was a little bemused to find they don't kiss each other again, till 2 years later (the drama lapses over a period of time.) I didn't even realize it was 2 years!

By all rights, I should hate this drama. Xiang Qin is the female embodiment of a woman, who lives to please her "husband." Her career choice, her life ambitions, revolves entirely around a guy, which will make any feminist turn in her grave.

But Ariel Lin's charisma...her sweetness and naivety...only this girl can pull it off. Eventually I realised being a feminist, is about giving females THE CHOICE, not begrudging them if they want to do something opposite to you^^

The plotline is a little absurd...but it works. And I have such a soft spot for this drama, and recommend it to all. I admit. I did skip scenes throughout, just here and there. But c'mon! It had 30 episodes. For the sake of my sanity, I fastforwaded to the "juicy" bits when my patience ran thin.

Lots of LOL moments. I'm no longer a teenager (but I was, like, when I initally watched it 2 years ago before taking a hiatus) and the rush of giddiness, almost made me feel 14 again. Golly. What a scary thought!

(Kidding, any 14 year olds out there.)

Joe Cheng has mentioned a 10th year reunion of ISWAK in 2015, so I'm itching for that time to come.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
The Man from Nowhere
11 people found this review helpful
Jun 12, 2013
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10
Won Bin...what a dude. Starring in easily what is one of the greatest South-Korean movies I've ever seen, if not one of the best international movies...and guess what? There is NO romance.

Shock horror. As a girl that thrives off romance, it made me consider if romance was the be-all, end-all of life. Frequently, I find myself complaining how horribly it's done, when it IS included, and here I find my answer....don't include it.

The movie, without question, didn't need it!

The biggest reason why this movie was a success, was because of the simple reason behind it. Seo-Mi (the child) is kidnapped, and Cha Tae Sik, this rather secluded pawnshop-broker suddenly erupts into the pent-up ball of man-energy, fighting like a ninja and seeking retribution. His entire motive of entering this shadowy world of drug-dealing was to safe one little girl...but it ended up so much more than that.

Yes, the movie tackles drug-dealing, child trafficking and combining them together in a neat little bow, if that's possible. The whole "harvesting organs" bit came as a total surprise, but I'm glad it was included, because that became an important issue as the others!

My most favourite scene from this beautifully created film, was the most understated. It's a scene that's around halfway through the movie, almost thrown in there as second thought, but for me, was the most cleverest scene out of the entire movie, and if I'm honest, quite a few other movies too.

Why?
Because of the two-fold subtext it provided.

It's the "breakfast" scene (or was it dinner?)....anyway, it's the one where all the children are seated around the table with the curved knife ajussi. The old crone (aka dodgy ajumma) brings in a girl, and tells her to say good-bye. She's dressed in her best clothes, and looks really healthy, and the ajumma tells everyone, she's going to a new home. The girl's parting line is: "Thanks for the nails!" waving her fingers at our very own Seo Mi, who nods her head graciously.

She gets up, and puts a plaster on ajussi's forehead. "If I'm good, do I get to see my mummy?" she asks.

BAM! WALLOP! ZING! Just like that, two subtext planted side by side. When Won Bin sees those nails again (later on the movie), we as the audience realize exactly what happened to the girl, almost step-by-step, without having to actually see it. The curved knife ajussi, with that one scene where Seo-Mi puts a plaster on him, is enough for us to understand why he did what he did, again, later on in the movie.

No superfluous scenes needed. One little kitchen scene is what made the entire movie for me, alongside great acting through-out. I think you'll see when you watch it!!

10/10. Simple as. Great movie, just goes to show romance (sometimes) is not the answer to enticing an audience ^^

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?