BrightestStar

Well that's an important subject to bring up! I do think each and every topic you brought up deserve an article of their own :P I think Television has the responsibility to bring society to a better level, but unfortunately that is not how it's going. The most troublesome though is that this is what's selling most at the moment, and channels only care about ratings, and not how this has an effect on their society.Obviously portraying it and condoning are 2 different things. Dramas like Dandarin portray all kinds of mistreatment employees can suffer, but it was more about exposing how wrong it is and the negative effect it does in the long run.

It's funny that at first I didn't think much of the forced kiss and the wrist grab, but overtime it lost any cuteness and started to annoy me. I'm like, how sweeter the scene would've been if he grabbed only 2-3 inch lower and actually held her HAND.

I watch Le Jun Kai and the whole time I was wondering "What is wrong with that girl?!" Yea he's sick in the head, but she is too for even looking at his face.

Itazura is both a good example but also doesn't apply. The whole concept that it is based on can be annoying, but a lot of it is the girl's fault for not having any dignity. I agree the guy keeps bating her, but she's not a kid. I guess the fact that they end up together can give girls false hope that they can get what they want if they disregard their dignity, and that is a dangerous message. But I disagree that it goes on after marriage. When they got married he was trying his hardest to make her more confident and independent but he just sucked at communicating. It has a flaw in his character, showing that he isn't perfect after all, but it didn't feel like abuse.

As for the Reply 1997, I wouldn't call it rape though. The parents were worried sick, and they have a reason for being overprotective of her. They might've over did it a bit, but they were trying to show her the severity of her actions. I guess it mostly shows how normal it is for korean society for parents to physically punish their children (to an extent) while it is a taboo in western society.

I don't watch many of those "brutal love" dramas because I can't connect with the characters and just find them childish at best, crazy at worst.

I also need to mention the reverse is also true. In present day Japan, those types of dramas are pretty rare, and when any abuse is shows, it's mostly about showing it's negativity. However I find they show how "funny" it is when they guy gets beaten. I see it mostly in anime though, but really annoys me!!

I have to disagree with you about the drama Lipstick. Yes it did portray such a disturbing relationship, but it never condones it. They drama is about troubled kids and how they deal with it. That couple was separated and had 2 officers dealing with them individually, trying to heal them. And SPOILERS AHEAD that couple doesn't end up together!

Portraying it as a problem in society is a good thing. It's actually needed. Problem is when portraying it as romantic.

I'm half way through but I can tell you, as a huge fan of TEN and M, this drama has a different, lighter, tone, but engaging and the cases are kinda similar. It doesn't take the episodic route and the overall mystery has a nice build up to it (Where I am I have so many doubts and so many questions get add up at every answer we get!). As for the romance, it definitely is present in this drama than the former, but it really isn't the main focus, and the chemistry and growth in the relationship is an added bonus ;)

WOW was I impressed! The colours had my eyes glued to the screen. The passion didnot let me look away despite the blood & disturbing characters. And the craziness, my type of craziness. Hate and love and all those complicated ones that come in between turned up to the max turning people insane.

LOL This movie made me laugh out loud soo many times!! Mostly thanks to Kim Nam Gil. I'm not too familiar with him but his sense of humour just camr out naturally.

was wondering how Wong Kar Wai would approach it since his style wouldn't fit the previous Ip Man movies I've watched. Sure enough Wong Kar Wai stays constant to his style. This movie isn't about what made Ip Man so great or so famous, it is mostly the relationship between him and the Wong Chun, as is the relationship between each master and their art. Fight scenes were more like dancing, and the cinematography and effects were amazing. Never saw snow THIS beautiful. It reminds me of the Kmovie "Duelist" where I didn't enjoy at all but the "fight" scenes there really enchanted me.

Switching at birth is a trope that has been used excessively in movies and dramas, however none seem to care to explore it or portray the complexity that the family goes through. For that reason this movie was so refreshing. It's slow moving but engaging. Music is used seldomly but in such an effective way. The 2 families are different to the core but if they have something in common it would br their commitment to their family. They just show it differently. Very recommendable movie.

I've put Ruler of Your Own World on hold since forever I don't even know why it was good I just somehow forgot about it. You just reminded me.

Love your articles as always. So many dramas I feel I need to catch up with!! I don't know if it'll help but since Soul_Sale asked for "Unexpected Top Comedies" first of all I would like to second Gokuaku Ganbo & Once Upon a Time in Saengchori (VERY underrated in my opinion) from those I've seen.

I've also written a 2parts article about Japanese comedy dramas that had stood out for me

http://mydramalist.com/article/2015/06/23/japanese-comedy-doramas-part-1
http://mydramalist.com/article/2015/07/26/japanese-comedy-doramas-part-2

Quiet enjoyed the action & fight scenes in this movie. Very powerful moves! I liked that we managed to see a bit of each brother and have them each with a more or less distinct personality. Not enough but at least not completely ignored. Guess who my favourite was :P Yup 3rd brother because I find this silent lone wolf demeanor attractive, specifically when his actions speak enough for what makes him kickass ;) Eldest brother is a close 2nd being so wise. A natural leader. General Yang himself kicked ass.

The main antagonist had interesting fight scenes but his personality is lacking, typical antagonist in these types of movies. I find his motivation is specially weak.

lol just found out and very hyped!! Really looking forward to that combination XD

2nd time 20 years old seems fun, specially if the character of the mom stays this lively and funny. If I get the time I might check out She Was Pretty. I liked the siblings' chemistry in KMHM * I loved asi Won in King of Dramas (have you seen it Purple?)

You should! it's available on Viki :D well except for episode 19, which was mostly action so it was fine watching without subs.

oh yes I hope so too!! Let me know if you find chinese drama similar to how good and REALISTIC it is (even if it's different era or different genre) ;)

yes you have to!!

Thx as always! Both your and Dounie's reviews were very inspiring!! One of the main reasons I write reviews is to keep remembering how I felt about a drama. Right now I'm trying to finish up the dramas I'm currently watching, and both are pretty heavy. I made a list of dramas/movies that I want to watch and finish before the end of the year, and comrades is one of them.

lol I understand how you feel, but you have to take into consideration that the presentation is bias.

Oh and I actually really like Kuroda Nagamasa. I respect him for making the difficult decision despite how hateful he might appear.

Just watched the opening thx to that link and I sure do hope it gets subbed! Reminds me of the time I watched Devil beside you, but mixed with Healer & some Japanese Sentai :P it just screams entertaining!

So sad never got subbed :(

yup you guessed right :P I know it's famous and I heard great things from ppl that I totally trust their taste but I just can't connect with him at all and just find him annoying :P