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Completed
Love Is True
6 people found this review helpful
by Mitta
Oct 3, 2021
40 of 40 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Excellent Character Driven Story - Career, Marriage, Family?

If you are a woman, you will appreciate this show. Here's a show that tells your life story whether you are already a mother or a single woman contemplating marriage and motherhood or one that cherishes freedom from neither. If you are a man, you will come away with a better appreciation of the choices women have to make and the sacrifices and trade-offs they are faced with. Career, children, family - which one gives? Through the lens of Xiao Yan, Chen Jiao Rui and You Ya, we experience these life choices.

Ultimately, this is a show about character development. There's no perfect heroine or villain. Everyone goes through his or her evolution of change, some more subtle than others. The romance is low key and serves more as a backdrop.

The plots are not new but unlike many 40+ episodes cdramas, this show succeeded in not dragging out the cliff hangers and give viewers quick conclusion to each plot within a few episodes whether it is redemption for the characters or providing them with stepping stones to a future resolution.

Whether you are rooting for the stubborn but strong work ethics Xiao Yan, happy-go-lucky but naive You Ya or the conflicted and manipulative Chen Jiao Rui, you will appreciate the choices and decisions these women have to make in their daily lives as they navigate corporate politics, traditions and self-beliefs to achieve their dreams.

The entire cast are perfect for their roles but a shout out to Tamia Liu. She did not disappoint. Happy to report that this show does not suffer from cringe-worthy, over the top acting. So there you have it. If you enjoy slice of life dramas such as Ode to Joy or Nothing But Thirty where women are the centrepiece, this will be worth every minute of your time.

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Ongoing 48/48
To Dear Myself
5 people found this review helpful
by Mitta
Oct 11, 2020
48 of 48 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 6.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 1.0

Missed Opportunities

This drama started out with the promise of another strong female-led character based story reminiscent of Nothing But Thirty. But half way through this drama the plotlines just keep going downhill. Not sure what the writer was thinking to alienate its viewers and putting them through hell in the second half of this show with not much to cheer for all its characters.

As for the three female leads, Zhi Zhi is the only one that showed some character development throughout the show. Xiao Ling for the most part is super annoying and self-centred. Siyu is the strong career woman type but her drive to succeed at all costs compromises her own happiness and well-being.

All male leads are flawed and weak. Period.

This is definitely not worth a watch unless you want to put yourself through agony or you can remain completely unattached to its characters.

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Completed
Always
5 people found this review helpful
by Mitta
Mar 27, 2016
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I gave this movie a 10 and I don’t usually do that. I’m actually quite stingy when it comes to giving out 10s. But I asked myself what would I change about this movie and I could not come up with a single reason. Since this review system includes rating the music, maybe I could ding a half point for not having a scintillating OST but that would be nit picky.

Breathtaking. The one adjective I would use to describe this movie. Why don’t they make romantic movies like this anymore? This was produced in 2011 and here I am in 2016 and it doesn’t feel old or outdated. Because emotion is timeless.

The entire production evokes all kinds of emotions from me: anguish, pain, sense of loss, despair, wonder, regret, hope, trepidation, and ultimate joy.

The story, the pace, the acting, the direction, the set up, the chemistry… I could go on and on. It simply works. What can I say about So Ji Sub and Han Hyo Joo? I cannot picture any other actors as Chul Min and Jung Hwa. Their acting brilliance made this love story so believable. It is all about the little things, the effortless portrayal of every nuance of emotional range without having to over-act or being over-dramatic.

I was invested in their love story from the moment she walked into his small parking lot booth. Two souls with a sad past. The beginning of something special. Yes, the story is not original, but then what is? If the quest for originality loses sight of the overarching goal of making us care, then it defeats the reason for making this story. I would rather have a story that makes me care about the characters, touch at the core of my emotions, pull at my heartstrings and ultimately bring tears to my eyes than one that is original but leaves me emotionless and with apathy.

This is a romantic movie with a touch of melo for those that cherish a well done heart-wrenching love story.

And it is a definite re-watch. It is one of those treasured love stories that I will be coming back to for years to come.

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Completed
For My Love
6 people found this review helpful
by Mitta
Oct 15, 2017
38 of 38 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.5
Confession. I picked this one up because of Jin Dong and I'm not disappointed. A departure from Jin Dong’s usual portrayal of the ultimate good guy alpha male, Guang Ming is loving, gentle and always believe in the good of others. His noble intentions and philosophical outlook lead to misunderstandings with his beautiful wife and ultimately caused the break down of his marriage.

This is a family drama full of touching relationships and matters of the heart, transforming human connections from foes to friends, from lovers to enemies and vice versa. It centres around the lives and tribulations of one family which includes the protective and loyal Grandma Qi and her grand-daughter Ting Ting. Pan Hong in the role of Grandma Qi is exceptional and steals the show with her relentless pursuit of family unity and her unconditional love for Ting Ting. Tong Lei as the fiesty, clueless and impetuous wife is fitting. A classic case of opposites attract but it is the story of Guang Ming and Ding Xue's journey that will bring tears to your eyes. It may be a touch melancholic but it doesn't drown you in sadness. Yes, there are villains and antagonists but you come to understand their actions and for the most part, you forgive them.

I started the show because of Jin Dong and left with an appreciation for the veteran actors in the show.  The acting was superb and will leave you wanting more. Keep your tissue box around for this one.

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Completed
I Have a Lover
4 people found this review helpful
by Mitta
Feb 29, 2016
50 of 50 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This is a show with a complicated story arc. And it will divide. It will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotional twists and turns. If you are not comfortable with the adulterous theme, then this is not for you. Ultimately it is a story about redemption, forgiveness and second chances.

Central to this story is a love quadrangle involving the lives of four people. Except for Baek Seok who is the penultimate goody two shoes who can do no wrong, the other three (Hae Gang, Jin Eon and Seol Ri) are flawed characters, all dealing with their own personal struggles. This love quadrangle is sure to take you on an emotional tailspin.

What made me stick around is the performance of Kim Hyun Joo. She’s the star of this show hands down. She’s such a great character actress, playing three entirely different characters in one show: the high and mighty, win at all cost Hae Gang, the amnesiac confident Mother Theresa Hae Gang, and her unsophisticated, simple-minded identical twin, Yong Gi. Her performance is breathtaking that one keeps forgetting she’s in these multiple roles. Her ability to emote a variety of emotions, love, sadness, anger, indifference through her facial expression and eyes is simply unbelievable,

The second reason I keep watching is the amazing on screen chemistry between Kim Hyun Joo and Ji Jin Hee. It is impossible to deny the effortless chemistry and deep sexual tension between Hae Gang and Jin Eon. The sparks just fly when the two are together. The eyes say it all making it so hard for me not to root for a reunion.

Running parallel to the love conflict is the saga of Hae Gang’s twin. In hiding to save herself and her child, she’s quirky, naive and almost comical. Mother and daughter find refuge in the unlikely brother of her enemy. This is a heartwarming part of the show. Kim Hyun Joo having conversations with herself in the two roles is nothing short of perfection. Throw in little Woo Joo. She’s got to be the cutest kid on k-ent. Sweet and endearing like no other, she’s unassumingly charming as Hae Gang’s niece and Yong Gi’s daughter.

And there’s always the trusty sidekick. Hyun Woo as Jin Eon’s best friend, confidante, matchmaker and errand boy, he gives us the candid humour and lighthearted moments.

Unlike other melodramas, the casting of the antagonists were a tad soft in my opinion. Jin Eon’s father doesn’t come across as evil or sinister. Min Tae Seok, the serial murderer is mild compared to other villains in kdramas. I thought the role of Seol Ri was appropriately cast. Park Han Byul is very credible as the beautiful and young seducer. She succeeded in making me hate her for most of the show.

For the most part the characters are all well written, multidimensional with many layers which make this show realistic and unconventional.

This is mainly a story about human relationships and the bonds between husband and wife, between brother and sister, between parent and child and between friends. The other storylines are secondary and only serve to complement the love quadrangle theme.

My only gripe is that at the end, the show tries to tie everything up too neatly for each of its leads which takes away some of the edge. Other than that it is an engaging show well worth my time.

The OST is excellent and very memorable. As for rewatch, not likely at 50 episodes.

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Completed
Hanoi Bride
4 people found this review helpful
by Mitta
Mar 23, 2015
2 of 2 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.5
Rewatch Value 8.0
Let me start by saying I am a fan of Lee Dong Wook. I found this drama by looking up his body of work. I may be partial towards Lee but I don’t always like his dramas; the story has to work for me.

Hanoi Bride happens to be my cup of tea. It is short, only 2 episodes! Even if you end up disliking it, you haven’t wasted too much of your time.

It’s got some beautiful sceneries in and around Hanoi including the breathtakingly beautiful Ha Long Bay. The scene where Tiv and Eun Woo found each other and kissed was shot overlooking the Bay and it made for great cinematic effect. Even the countryside scenes in South Korea were a nice change.

Kim Ok Vin was quite convincing as a Korean/Vietnamese girl. She even looked the part and she was absolutely beautiful. I could feel her pain especially in the second episode. The story was predictable with its usual doses of misunderstandings, in law interference and purposeful revenge but these plot lines were not exaggerated.

At first the drama might come across as a love triangle but it really wasn’t the case since Suk Woo was never in love with Tiv. This was a story about overcoming prejudices, stereotypes and traditions. As a doctor Eun Woo was expected to marry well whereas his brother, a 40 year old farmer, was not expected to find a good match in a society where social order prevails. Tiv, a poor Vietnamese girl, was therefore good enough for Suk Woo but not for Eun Woo.

Lee Won Jong was stellar as the kind, and supportive brother. The second plot line between Suk Woo and III Ran was nicely done to show reverse discrimination.

I especially liked that scene in the hospital where the two in laws finally acknowledged their misgivings. “Marriage is like buying a pair of comfortable shoes. If it doesn’t fit, it’s no use even though others think it is splendid.” Wow, those lines resonated with me. I am sure it has a lot more depth in Korean but even with the translation I was touched.

Lee Dong Wook was handsome and engaging as usual as the main lead but I have to say Ok Vin and Won Jong’s characters stood out more for me.

The OST was soothing and catchy especially the main theme song “I will always” which has a nice blend of Vietnamese sounding tunes.

Is it a re-watch? For me, definitely a “Yes”; it is just the right time filler whenever I want a short, easy, feel good drama to relive some nostalgic moments.

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Completed
Perfect Proposal
6 people found this review helpful
by Mitta
Jan 3, 2016
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
A departure from my usual genre, I decided to take a turn into the dark side with the thriller Perfect Proposal. It is one of those movies that is not spectacular but it is also not a dud. It’s got enough suspenseful moments and tingling clues to make me want to continue watching. It’s less about whodunnit but more about how will it end kinda suspense.

A university graduate who fell on hard times and accepted the “perfect proposal” with a catch. The over-analytical in me questions the plausibility of Ji Yeon even considering such a proposal. She doesn’t come across as the silly, money grabbing airhead with a killer bod or pretty face. She’s rather ordinary but this is where the show departs from the usual stock character of a femme fatale. She’s smart but vulnerable. She is charming and attractive without being seductive, the exact qualities the antagonist Lee Seong Yeol sought her for; the winning combination to carry out his carefully designed plan against his father,

Overall, the story, unlike its namesake, is not a perfect movie but it is entertaining and offers sufficient twists and subplots to keep me guessing. When I thought I’d it figured out, it still manages to surprise me almost all the way to the end. I like the use of the cinderella concept in this context, but with its own interpretation and outcome.

The three big names, Yoo Yeon Seok, Im Soo Jung and Lee Kyeong Yeong’s acting is rock solid, giving us powerful emotions with their eyes and facial expressions. Soo Jung as Ji Yeon is fragile in front of Seong Yeol but controlled and restrained when she has to be in front of Seok Goo. Rising star Yeon Seok is perfect as the ambitious and confident bad boy Seong Yeol while Kyeong Yeong is more than convincing as the foul tempered, terrorizing father and boss, Seok Goo.

Sexual tension without the sex. Even the kiss is subtle. Yeon Seok and Soo Jung burn our screen with enough chemistry to spark the romantic in all of us.

The rest of the multi-ethnic cast fit right in but not too memorable except maybe for Do Hee and the adorable chihuahua.

The ending is expected and yet also unexpected. A nice mix of creepy moments, a twist of the forbidden love, and some unexpected turns. Overall a nice filler if you are looking for a thought provoking thriller but not over the top angst.

Don't recall the music and is it a re-watch? A Maybe for me.

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Completed
Oh My Ghost
4 people found this review helpful
by Mitta
Sep 5, 2015
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers
Wow! What a ride! After a lacklustre summer of kdrama watching I finally finished Oh My Ghostess and I absolutely enjoyed it! It is a wonderful conglomeration of fine acting, funky storytelling, tasteful use of popular kdrama tropes, a touch of mystery suspense, wrapped into a unique love story.

STORY

This is a love story after all, the genre says it is a romantic comedy but one that is uniquely its own. It is sweet, captivating, different and ultimately spellbinding.

First you have the one sided, unrequited love of the kitchen help for her good looking celebrity boss. And you also have the classic friends secretly pining for each other love line. And then lo and behold you have a virgin ghostess love story, masquerading in the body of her host and successful in stealing the heart of the leading man. And finally the new Bong Sun emerges from her shell. Lots of tender loving moments, tantalizing kisses and amazing chemistry.

It is also a show about friendships. True friendships never waver and this show has plenty of them including one that surpasses what the eye can see, trusting your body and memories to none other than a ghost.

This is also a show with attention paid to familial love. A daughter’s love cut short by her untimely death and a father’s regrets. A brother’s maturing journey from irresponsible son to a young adult ready to take on the man of the house role. It is rare in kdrama where we have the absence of a dysfunctional family and this show is one of those.

This is a tissue worthy show. I depleted half a box watching the goodbye scenes but that's me. I do cry easily. :)

ACTING/CAST

I am hard pressed to find a single character that did not belong in the show. Everyone has his/her purpose from beginning to end. Well-crafted characters do not come to life unless they are well casted. Excellent acting coupled with amazing chemistry simply made this production comes to life and utterly believable. Among the three leads, they were equal and perfect complement of each other, be it, looks, acting calibre, or fan attention.

Our delightful Ghostess, was consistent in mannerisms, tone, voice, and personality whether it was Kim Seung Gi or Park Bo Young acting the part. There are other shows where the transformation from child to adult characters fell short for me. So the very fact that I was a believer in Park Bo Young’s Soon Ae is a testament to her superb acting. Yes, there is plenty of aegyo throughout the show but it is not the cringe worthy variety. The cuteness serves to showcase the virgin ghostess story beautifully.
The suave and slightly arrogant chef played by Jo Jung Suk is spot on. He’s got enough charms and nice guy good looks that makes it believable that two women and a female ghost would fall for him. His chemistry with Park Bo Young is one to die for.

The Shaman. She reminds me of Ajumma in the Healer. An idiosyncratic but lovable, and fun character. She first comes across as the brash, no nonsense type that is out to catch all the stray souls left on earth but she shows us compassion and heart. The bond between her and Soon Ae rivals a mother-daughter’s. Her friendship with Seon Woo’s mom starts off business-like, a Shaman looking to milk a naive rich woman but her conscience wins over and their relationship turns into one of companionship and respect.

Seon Woo’s mother, Hye Yeong. When she first shows up on screen, I was like “Huh?” She looks so young and it is hard to believe she would be cast as the mother but as the story unfolds it becomes believable and it makes total sense. A highly educated woman with a modern view but one that believes in Shamans and the supernatural.

Not saying a lot about the antagonist since it will give away spoilers but it is nicely done and gives the show the right amount of suspense/twists.

The kitchen crew is a tight knit, hilarious bunch, led by the vain and colourful sous chef, Min Soo. The group’s banter is playful and endearing and definitely not wasted air time.

MUSIC

I have to admit I did not pay much attention to it since I was too engrossed in the show.

REWATCH VALUE

Definitely a yes. I do see myself picking this off the re-watch list someday.

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Completed
Hospital Playlist
4 people found this review helpful
by Mitta
May 31, 2020
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Unexpected Masterpiece

I love watching medical dramas and this one delivers all the feels without any of the angst. Never expected a medical genre with a team of highly qualified surgeons playing in a band, with no discernible plot lines would be a recipe for success. But the pure simplicity of it all made it an unforgettable masterpiece centred on the lives of:

Ik Jun, the carefree, funny man, lead singer, doting father, matchmaker and guardian angel
Song Hwa, the only female of the quintet, cool, personable, professional, perfect role model
Jun Wan, the sensible, arrogant but caring surgeon with a sexy side
Suk Hyung, mama boy but with deep empathy for his patients
Jung Won, generous, loving paediatrics surgeon conflicted between wanting to save lives, serving God and his growing attraction to Gyeo Wool

Each character in Hospital Playlist is done just right. Hard to pick one favourite over another. Love them all but the fellow romantic in me with a penchant for unrequited underdog love stories, Gyeo Wool's story tops it among the supporting characters. Despite being highly sought-after as the only GS resident, she remains humble, steadfast and hardworking even after being rejected by Jung Won. She reminds me of Jang Geu Rae's character in Misaeng.

This one is for keeps! Can't wait for Season 2.

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Completed
Loving, Never Forgetting
2 people found this review helpful
by Mitta
Nov 12, 2016
34 of 34 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
I don’t remember the last time I cried this much over make-belief, fairy-tale characters and story-telling. Over the years of drama watching, there were many, many moments where my heart fluttered, my voice cracked and the tears threatened but rarely over and over, and over again.

And yet, Loving, Never Forgetting managed to do just that.

A story of a one-night stand that changed the lives of the Li and Xiang families.

A tale of custody fights, gripping parent-child relationships, sibling rivalry and power struggles. The pacing is excellent. Show offers a nice blend of introspective moments between mothers and sons. Similarly, underneath the surface, we see simmering bondings between the fathers and the sons, foreign and yet familiar — quiet, scary but endearing.

Jerry Yan is superb playing the aloof and tough businessman Zhong Mou but his skillful acting makes me empathizes with him despite the cold facade he puts up in the custody battle, yanking his son away from the only mother he knows and loves. The tenderness he shows towards Tong Tong in the moment of need is pure magic.

Even though Zhong Mou grew up without experiencing maternal or paternal warmth, he is innately capable of seeking deep within himself to shower love for a son that is suddenly thrust into his otherwise lonely life. Sworn never to fall in love and marry, his impenetrable wall of bachelorhood gets melted brick by brick by the generous, loving, and open-minded Wu Tong. Initially skeptical of her motives, he keeps her at arm’s length but finds himself increasingly drawn to the woman whom, despite not remembering their moment of intimacy, bore him a son.

Tong Liya is perfect in the role of Wu Tong. She’s strong-willed but in a feminine way. Her maternal instincts are powerful: protective, unselfish but realistic. Some viewers feel she’s feeble which is somewhat true given that she's naive to a fault but her flaws are understandable and do not detract from the overall story arc. She makes me feel her pain and I cried alongside her when she has to part with Tong Tong, struggling to balance her own needs against what’s best for Tong Tong.

As a family melodrama with its angelic female character, Wu Tong is someone that believes in the good of everyone and naively thinks she has the power to effect change. Despite being told time and time again, that 30 years of hate and bitterness just doesn’t go away overnight, she continues to march on inside her own cocoon thinking somehow she can be the catalyst that will propel family unity.

The chemistry between Zhong Mou and Wu Tong is off the charts earth shattering. I don’t know how many times I re-watched the scene where Zhong Mou broach the elusive subject that he is falling for her. This OTP is undeniably a match made in heaven.

Tong Tong is adorable and just perfect for this role, maybe too perfect (said some) but then again, I didn’t mind that at all. His delightful interactions with Wu Tong and Zhong Mou warm my heart and put a smile on my face.

As for the supporting casts, I must say this is one of those few rare times when I’m hard pressed to complain about any character. Each has his/her own honest story to tell. Kudos goes to Personal Assistant, sidekick extraordinaire, Lin Jian Dong whose loyalty and affable demeanor gives the show light-hearted moments. His dorky affection for Liang Yue Qi is subtle, like a tree-lined vista, providing much needed shades to its oblivious passersby. The most villainous of the characters, Xiang Jun, sent shivers down my spine for a few episodes, making me feel the hate for him brewing but the hate slowly withers away as the show winds down towards redemption. There isn’t a moment where I felt like fast forwarding. Instead show kept me up late and made me waste away whole weekends drooling for what’s next.

If I had one complaint, it would be the ending episodes which felt like scene fillers. I could easily do without these last few “dramas” — my heart did not pound as much as it did in the beginning as Zhong Mou overcomes one crisis after another. The ending could have been wrapped up a few episodes earlier.

Loved the OST especially the one by Jerry Yan.

A heartfelt melodrama that touches two generations and the bad blood that binds the Li and Xiang families, and ultimately a woman who wants to unite them all. One that moved my soul. A must-watch.

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