NoobieFan
MAMA! MAMA! Anti-Fan!
Mr Queen made me laugh. Mr Queen made me annoyed with anger, made me feel empathetic. Most of all, Mr Queen made me invested. As soon as we were thrusted in the Joseon environment, just like So-Yong, we were confused about what was around us. We were constantly learning about who the real So-Yong was, who the King was, who and what can we trust, if anyone. There was a lot of drama that was so crucial and nerve-wracking. However the drama is a comedy at heart. How Mr Queen blends the two vastly different tones is near on perfect. Any superlative would do. Tonally, the comedic elements hit hard everyone, even with the antagonists of the drama. There is one episode that is one of the most pivotal regarding the plot development, and its 90% comedy. Laugh out loud comedy. And it only enhanced the storytelling. The comedy is just as important to telling the story, explaining the characters thoughts and emotions as the serious scenes. Shin Hye Sun is the heart of all this.Shin Hye Sun and the Queen is one of the greatest performances you'll see in Television. Her character is easy and yet hard. Gender swapping characters would usually have easy tropes to go through in order to get a laugh. But Shin Hye Sun is a great mix of subtle and over the top. Not only does she have to act more like a traditional woman, she has to act like a Queen as well. To act like a lady, but with class and grace.To act like a lady, but with class and grace. There are so many layers of the character that are needed to come across to please other characters so she can stay in her position. It's quite remarkable how there are many different faces to the characters that she has to transform herself into in every scene. Shin Hye Sun’s character shined brightly not only individually but within any interaction with those around her which in turn made them stand out as well. The King, in particular, comes to mind. The King has many faces. There is a darkness there among the naive, pervy yet innocent act he has adopted. Kim Jung Hyun looked like he had the time of his life when interacting with the bizarre So-Yong, but Kim Jung Hyun delivered when it came to emotionally crippling scenes. The King has many fears and those fears become your fears throughout the drama because of the immense acting on display. The whole cast which is more like an ensemble held up their worth in weight. Bae Jong Ok as Grand Queen Dowager and Kim Tae Woo as Kim Jwa Geun were exceptional in their own right. As were the Palace employees and other friends. Chae Seo Eun, who played So-Yong’s Maid, Hong Yeon, did superbly in her debut role. Compared to those around her, Chae Seo Eun is able to stand out. Surely someone to look for in the future as a talent. The acting is well crafted as well as the writing.
There is a reason Mr Queen is one of the most popular dramas of its time and drew quite high ratings. Mr Queen, to me, is now one of those dramas that you must see. And I believe it'll stand the test of time as well.
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This review may contain spoilers
Pacing. Dead space. These two things seem insignificant compared to plot, character development and acting but, as Hospital Playlist 2 found out, they can be the difference between a good series and a great one. There were plentiful episodes that desperately needed someone in the editing room to recognise the dead space that was causing spouts of tedium and crawl speed pacing. Episode 9 is full of all the great things that the Hospital Playlist has done so well over the two seasons - engaging patient cases stories, funny scenes between the five core characters, interesting side plots - but I couldn't help but feel the length of the episode. Honestly I was wishing for it to be over and done with. For some reason, we have so many B-roll footage of the doctors setting up surgery rooms or patients walking through hallways. Far too much. In mostly every episode. It's such a poor use of space and it's annoyed me so much that instead of talking about the rest of the show, I'm fixated on this. Quite unfortunate. And while I'm on the subject, I'm so done with the band practice sessions. They were cute at first but they got indugent quickly.Now onto the positives (and maybe some more negatives). This progresses Season One's plots rather well, further developing the relationships between Yang Suk Hyung and Dr Chu, Ik Jun and Song Hwa and the strong friendship of Jun Wan and Do Je Hak. In some cases, I think the relationship building through the season was lacking in some cases. For example, the bright sparks of S1, Jung Won and Gyeo Wool, were simmered for this season. Their scenes were sweet and we eventually got a pay off but the direction seemed a tad underwhelming and listless. The conclusion of having Ik Jun’s sister actually accept Jun Wan’s proposal after the misunderstanding was fine but it went in a very generic, noble idiocy route, with the writers bottling the plot by having Ik Soon be ill with a disease rather than what we first thought. It's not all praises with some directions being disappointing rather than anything similar to S1. Some plotlines were safe and predictable, in my opinion.
A solid follow up to its predecessor but I wouldn't recommend it to people. I'd strictly tell people that season one is a bit must and season two is if you have nothing else to watch.
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Lee Byung Hun takes on the role to change Korea forever
A captivating telling of the days leading upto the Assassination of President Park Chung-hee. The tense nature between South Korea's relations with America at the time, the human rights violations and subsuquent riots that followed. And by all means, this is said to be fairly accurate as a historical piece too.Lee Byung-hun's acting in this film was truely outstanding from start to finish. The range in subtle emotion he elictied in the film was impressive. He captured the eventual assasinnation really well. Changing from calm to slowly more angst as his character (Kim Gyu-pyeong, a character based upon Kim Jae-gyu, the real life assassinator of President Park) makes the decision to change Korea forever.
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This review may contain spoilers
Ambiguity, unanswered questions, intense seclusion, the divide between rich and poor, upbringing and a yearning for more in society. This was a slow burning (no pun intended), multi-layered masterpiece written and directed by auteur, Chang-dong Lee. Burning was one of the more gripping and mesmerising films that leaves you wanting more, despite the two hour and twenty-eight minute run-time. The film at its core is a love angle between three youthful Korean people with secrets and jealousy come to surface. This plays off one of Haruki Murakami's short stories in The Elephant Vanishes, "Barn Burning" perfectly, and develops that into a sinister rollercoaster.The story plants read hearings and foreshadowing perfectly multiple times in the film. Hae-Mi, a vulnerable woman representing all of the pressures of Korean society (society in general), who is insecure about her own looks, searching for a purpose, is at the heart of this. The pantomime scene strikes accord with you instantly, playing into the themes of uncertainty where Hae-Mi’s statements come under question in regards to validity. Is there a cat? Was there a well? Jong Su, expertly played by Yoo Ah-in, our main protagonist serves as the main focus throughout the run time as her searches for hope, Hae-Mi, after she mysteriously goes missing after bringing back Ben (Steven Yeun) from her trip to Africa. Ben, true to the aforementioned Barn Burning story, has an unusual hobby, burning greenhouses every two months, but serves as the root of Jong-Su’s jealousy. Not only due to his relationship with Hae-Mi, but his apparently wealth and his stress free lifestyle. The acting is so engrossing all the way through. The range of emotions and themes all perfectly blended in, with the help of the direction.
The story is a mystery. The mystery of Hae-Mi’s disappearance, the missing cat that Jong-Su’s been asked to look after, Ben’s involvement and Jong-Su being out to uncover it all. It’s hinted at that Ben’s hobby is only a metaphoric symbol for him preying on vulnerable women, Hae-Mi included. Jong-Su finding no greenhouses burnt, the apparent memberillia found in Ben’s bathroom of his previous girlfriends such as the pink watch Jong-Su gifted Hae-Mi at the start of the film, and the new cat Ben has taken in, one that answers to the same name of Hae-Mi’s missing cat - “Boiler”. This would ultimately seal the fate of, not only Ben, but Jong-Su too. This would lead to a sudden and antongnising ending that left a big imprint on my personal self.
The direction, cinematography and camera work is expertly crafted by Chang-Dong, with the help of Hong Kyung-pyo. Every shot was stunning, the use of dark colours fit the dreary motif of the events on the screen. The long shots allowed for an engrossing experience. The lingering camera work only heightens the tension and unease.
Overall, we are left with an arthouse film with an impactful story to tell. I’ll use that word again - masterpiece - it’s the only adjective that fits description.
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This review may contain spoilers
Well this was certainly interesting. The reveal was a little predictable but the plot still had its twists and turns due to Heo Eun Hee’s style and approach to the film. Some things are purposely messy, I feel. It is said in the film that in a dream, things aren't always clear so I believe that artistic choice was intended here. Alice: The Boy From Wonderland is a film about a woman racked with underlying guilt that she didn't even know she had, on top of the clear mental illness that she's had since early childhood. She goes to this house, meets two people who seem to be familiar with her - one is cheerful and love while the other is not - while her Aunt and a Shaman have their own little journey, which peels back some of the layers and mysteries surrounding it all. Perhaps the storytelling could've been a tad more poignant and thought provoking, although I do think some of its messages were portrayed well thanks to some rock solid performances from our leading three - Jung So Min (Hye Jung), Hong Jong Hyun (Hwan) and Jung Yeon Joo (Soo Ryun). The plot with the parents is lacking much depth. We don't see much of Hye Jung’s parents and their relationship. We don't see much past the Mum is disabled/Ill and the other likes someone else. Rather hollow storytelling regarding what would be something that's pivotal for the plot. And I'm not really sure that the romance fits well with the conclusion. I'm all for freedom in choices but I don't think it really adds anything. This definitely could've been without seeing them *cough*do it.
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Touching lovestory regarding forbidden love (adultery love)
Love in the Afternoon has a touchy story. One about cheating which is usually an antagonist trope that gives sympathy for our lead character but not in this case. I don't believe this drama is playing it off as something you should do. It doesn't. There are clear ramifications and consequences for our main characters. Horrible, heartbreaking ones. It's more about finding yourself, being happy with yourself and who you choose to be with. Letting go of the people that either don't want to be with you or you with them.Son Ji Eun and Young Jung Woo are two miserable people trapped in lifeless/loveless relationships. It's not exactly their partners fault, although it's clear they aren't helping and are ignorant towards their feelings. Our leads are lost in their mundane, tedious, lonely lives until they meet together. They understand that they can't be together, that they shouldn't because they are already married but they are unable to forget each other. While they are trapped by their circumstances and unfortunate timing, we still root for them because at the end of the day, they are happy when with each other. Cheating is a sad subject. Something you wish to never be on the receiving end of, that makes our leads flawed, but the lightness their relationship gives us compared to their dreary lives only makes us root for this forbidden love. The second set of leads aren't quite as strong, aren't nearly as touching or romantic and probably deserve a lot of the flack that Love in the Afternoon gets aimed for. They are a little more selfish and unforgiving compared to the Jung Woo and Ji Eun relationship.
The acting is good. Really good. You can absolutely feel the misery of our two main leads. And the contrast between when they are together and when they are seperated. Ye Ji Won (playing Choi Soo Ah) doesn't have a great character but she is still excellent in the role. As are the Husbands of the women leads.
The dramas flaws are just like most Dramas- the conclusion. We all know where K-Dramas lack the most. It's not needed to be pointed out yet again. But at least we can take pleasure in knowing Jung Woo and Ji Eun have their happy relationship at the end.
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'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes' from the very first episode presented itself with a protagonist who has very little inhibitions or care about the people around him. Our very first look at Moo Young, we are exposed to a cold man with dead, empty eyes. So much that our other male protagonist, Jin Gook, defines him a monster, evil, un-human. Moo Young is, indeed, an anti-hero but not a cliched one either. He is a deep, multi-layered case study on the hardships of life and what an effect childhood has. Jin Gook has a dark past himself, and steps over the line deep into the series, doing something unthinkable and reprehensible despite being the moral figure of the series, so perhaps he isn't the best person to judge. Jin Kang, sister of Jin Gook, love interest of Moo Young, is the most innocent of the free but she isn't scar freed herself. All three characters are in their own ways hurt by the world and the events that happen throughout the series - death, loss, murder, etc. We may look at the romances as some palate cleanser to all the darkness surrounding it but as we delve deeper into both Moo Young's relationships with Seung Ah - a fun, freeing relationship albeit a one sided one - and Jin Kang - a healing one and a hurtful one, we learn that it's too destined for a terrible ended. Ill- fated love is definitely a main theme that 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes' explores. 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes' is an excellently developed series with twists and turns that are all plausible and done in such a thrilling yet harsh way. You'll get hooked from scene one and might actually regret it at the end.
The cast was excellent and while at sometimes, character disapear and we never see of them again or we are treated to very limited apperances from said character, it never detracts of the main story that's built around the main three (maybe add Jang Young Nam's character, So Jung in on that trio as well). I feel like everyone served their purpose. Seo In Guk is gripping with his scenes and how he delivered his lines in such a way that captures the character's emotions perfectly while actually doing very little. How he interacts with Jung So Min is both heart-warming and heart-breaking. Same with Seo Eun Soo ( Seung Ah) actually. There relationship is a one that could've made us, the audience, turn against the character, but they were able to portray the complexity of the situation and their relationship real well. Jung So Min and Park Sung Woong were great together. Bonded like Brother and Sister should be. Themes aside, I felt like this would be my sister and I's relationship fully. Park Sung Woong and Seo In Guk's characters were the opposite but intertwined at the same time. There was a lot of subtle to it. Both had light and darkness. That speaks volumes to their performances. I'll end with this; the main three should've won some awards for their performances, and I don't usually say that.
Must-see for anyone.
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A well crafted comedy/drama that you can watch with the family or alone.
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Excellent Follow-Up That Exceeds Its First Season
It's very rare for a drama to be able to have two seasons. But the story is so rich and full of mystery while matched with incredible, deep, well-written characters that you can have two seperate seasons with different stories and have room for one more (hopefully). There were many different side-plots and stories that were all perfectly combined together to create a perfectly puzzlling experience that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Sometimes they were included to give the characters something to develop outside of the story, sometimes they were apart of the over-arching story. Each served its purpose superbly. It's one of those drama that doesn't forget earlier scenes that seemed like filler at the time, rewarding viewers for paying attention despite it's complicated script.Cho Seung Woo and Bae Doo Na perfectly reprise their roles as the stubborn Prosecutor Hwang Si Mok and emotional Inspector Yeo-Jin. They are on the opposite sides but they are still a great unit of justice and ethical rights and wrongs. Plus they are a little more romantic than in previous seasons, furthering their warming chemistry. But that's not all. The additions to the S2 were splendid. Jeon Hye-jin as Choi Bit and Choi Moo-sung as Woo Tae-ha were brilliant as the counterparts to our main leads. Both are the bosses of the other two but have a more grey sense of justice and priorities. Their relationship was just as riveting as it was interesting. Lee Joon-hyuk had a limited yet pivotal role. Her was able to keep the same essence of the Seo Dong-jae character while getting more likeable and friendly with Shi Mok. Yoon Se-ah coming back with a stronger role as Lee Yeon-jae was another great inclusion to the show. An extra flavour in the world that Stranger is built upon.
Would watch again. In fact, I might revist the S1 and then come back. Must-See!
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The first K-Drama that I watched
Absolutely gripping. I watched this is about a day, that's how hooked I was. The story was fascinating from start to finish. Thw premise itself is worthwhile - someone who moves next to potential serial killers but has no choice to stay due to financial problems. Strangers from Hell goes deeper and further with its story however, exploring PTSD, bullying in the Army, estrangement from family,etc.The characters are all well developed and highly memorable. The "Family" all are creepy and scary in their own ways. The wide eyed young police officer was the source of innocence and she playes to role perfectly. Im Shi Wan was outstanding as our lead. Able to capture the nuance of what was being presented perfectly. On tbe surface he's fine but there is clearly something deeper that's not right. And well,we dont have to even talk about Lee Dong Wook who steals the show with his impeccable protrayal of the evil dentist.
Just an excellent series.
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This was outstandingly paced and written for the most part. The story is always moving, whether it's the political story or the relationship between Se-Ra and Gong-Myung, it was very exciting and engaging. The introduction of our characters leaves a big impression and is able to sum up the characters perfectly. Gong-Myung being proper and rather up-tight regarding the simplest rules and Se-Ra being determined and out of the box. I love how these two interact with each other as well as the other characters ranging from low-key shady politicians, one of whom is the father of the male lead, to well meaning parents who don’t always help in the ways they should. It was the perfect blend of comedy and romance with the influx of political dealings too. It can be frustrating seeing how Se-Ra is immedaly isolated in this new world but it makes it more satisfying when she is able to overcome it, developing her life goals as well as her fledgling relationship with Gong-Myung.
Acting/Cast:
The acting and chemistry between the leads was incredibly strong. Nana is a former idol turned actress, which normally will produce some “pretty, but not great” actresses in the industry but she is on-point with her quirky attitude. Her actions mixed with Gong-Myung’s reactions are comedy gold at times. The dark moments are well done by the main leads when called for it. This is mainly a light hearted but it captures other tones as well thanks to the cast being as consistent as it was. Ahn Nae Sang was brilliant as the drama’s main villain (of sorts), Jo Maeng Deok. He captured the subtle craftiness of the political role really well. To the point where he seems like a decent person at times.
Music:
This was a safe, backtrack that was used well. There was some funny comedic timing with the main song too.
Rewatch Value:
Is there much rewatch value in this? I believe so. The story isn’t one note and layered deep enough to make it worth revisiting again. And the mysteries are riveting still, even in hindsight.
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This review may contain spoilers
I’ve had this on my watchlist since March or April. It starred the most popular actresses in South Korean in Park Shin-hye alongside Jeon Jong-seo who starred in one of my all time favourite films, ‘Burning’. So the cast was what intrigued me but the plot is what hooked me. The synopsis is very broad and vague. Same with one of the trailers that I caught - at least compared to what actually happens in the film. This is Lee Chung-hyun’s first full length feature after a few short films, including Blue Dragon Nominated ‘Bargain’, and I must say that I thought it was excellent. The Call has me feeling very eerie and sort of distributed for large parts of the film. As we see our two characters, Young-sook & Seo-yeon, start talking with each other and connecting, we get hints of something stranger. Both bond throughout their isolation over the phone. It’s all nice. Seo-yeon teaches Young-sook about the internet, smartphones. Young-sook offers treats and sweats from the past. But there are lingering consequences, hints from other characters that go in the ear and out of the ear on first hearing but will cause disaster later in the film. We start to see the repercussion of changing one's destiny. The Call did a great job at keeping you invested into the characters and the journey of seeing them be friends to something very dark. Young-sook is an abused (constantly tortured both physically and mentally) person due to her mental illness, which brings me back to the aforementioned key info that proved to be pivotal later. How is she ill? We don’t know, *yet*. All we feel is sympathy for her due to her evil Stepmom, and that’s the sucker. The Call has two protagonists that are both likeable until we don’t. The film has a tremendous twist that explores what has been set up and makes for a tremendous and nervous viewing. That ending had me clapping. Honestly, the final act, to me, was the weakest act of the film but the twist added a whole new dimension to the film. And turned a usually predictable ending into a brilliant one.
Jeon Jong-seo proved that her magnificent performance in Burning wasn’t just beginners luck. She again wow’d me in her gripping and convincing portrayal of Young-sook. The character itself is different from the first half of the film and the second half but in a subtle way. Almost unnoticeable until it’s too late. Incredibly sly and wicked. Well done to her. Two films; two tremendous performances.
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This was surprisingly very bold considering it was a TV Show. Comparing this to the movie of the same material, this had a more daring story despite lacking the nudity that the movie had. The elements of the women/women relationship were done with reverence and respect. It was very adult and frank. When Yun Bok was revealed to be a woman to Jeong Hyang, the love remained. Likewise with Hong Do, although the roles in this circumstance were switched. Painter of The Wind was able to do so many things but the key details of the complexity of both relationships was captured magnificently, allowing for such a strong core plot to carry the show forward. In addition to the core, Painter Of The Wind was able to fully develop the world of Artistry and Dohwaseo, showing the history of the society and their important place within the world of Joseon. I found myself truly invested in the competitions and the stakes that were at hand, so much that my heart was racing rapidly during the final competition between Hong Do and Yun Bok. Where the story faltered a little. It really didn’t explain the link between King Jeongjo’s search for Prince Sado’s portrait and the death of Yun Bok’s father in a clear manner. At least not a way that I fully accepted without no question. The political nature of that conspiracy was a little lost to my ignorant ears. The performances were excellent throughout the cast. Moon Geun-young had earned the Daesang for the SBS Awards and Best Actress for Baeksang Arts Awards, and while I perhaps need to look at the other candidates for those awards, she earned it with her leading role as the man-dressed female painter. Her counterpart, Park Shin-yang, had more comedic elements than serious ones in his character, the famed artist, Kim Hong-Do. She had to contend with the dramatic love-stories, the tragic past aspects of her character and the light cheerful nature that her character possessed, making it all come off like a complex singular person rather than a mix-match of emotions. She and Moon Chae-won, a ginseng, had magnificent chemistry on screen, more than plenty of male/women pairings have, enough to win Best Couple. A magnificent achievement. It made Moon Chae-won a rising star in the Korean television world which led to breakout roles in the next several years. And of course, the reliable Bae Soo-bin was great as the King who brought honour to his discarded father.
What else could I say? This is an immense period piece. For what it may lack of a historic value that Dong Yi provided in the two years later, this was still able to tell a magnificent, heartfelt story.
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