실종된 사람들과 남겨진 사랑하는 사람들에 대한 이야기입니다.

만약 여러분이 "예능적인 목적"으로 이 시리즈를 보는 것을 고려하고 있다면, 여러분은 다시 생각해보고 싶을지도 모릅니다. 이 시리즈는 관객들을 즐겁게 해주기 위해 만들어진 것이 아니라, 하나의 미션을 가지고 만들어졌습니다. 미션이 무엇일까요? 대중들에게 전 세계에 많은 실종자들이 있고, 그들 또한 그것 때문에 고통 받고 있는 가족들이 있다는 것을 알리고 상기시키기 위해서입니다.

이 시리즈는 대부분의 사람들이 실종된 사람들을 어떻게 무시하고 무시하는지를 묘사하는 데 있어 실수가 아니었습니다. 우리가 그들을 그냥 지나치거나, 책을 읽고 신경 쓰는 척 하는 것 말이죠. 하지만 우리는 단지 우리에게 그런 일이 일어나지 않았기 때문에 그 부담을 공유하지 않습니다.

이 시리즈는 그것에 관한 것입니다. 그것은 로맨스에 관한 것도 아니고, 당신이 가장 좋아하는 배우가 잘생기고, 예쁘고, 아름답기 때문에 침을 흘리는 것도 아닙니다. 그것은 작가의 스토리텔링 기술과 이야기를 실제 행동으로 옮기는 감독의 예술적인 비전에 관한 것도 아닙니다.

"미씽: 저편"은 실종자, 남겨진 가족, 그리고 실종자의 배후에 있는 상황에 관한 것입니다… 많은 용의자들은 주로 범죄 때문이었습니다.

시즌 03이 나오나요? 의심스럽습니다.

S02E14가 끝난 방식은 후원자들에게 이 아이디어를 처음 제안했을 때 목표를 달성했음을 암시했습니다. 그들은 청중들에게 실종자에 대해, 그리고 우리가 할 수 있는 모든 방식으로 여러분과 제가 어떻게 부담을 공유하고 도와야 하는지를 상기시키기 위해 이 아이디어를 끝냈습니다.

실종자 문제는 결코 끝나지 않을 '이야기'이기 때문에 개방적입니다.

시즌 03을 만드는 것은 그들이 시즌 01과 시즌 02에서 만들어낸 메시지와 영향력을 희석시킬 뿐입니다. 세 번째 시즌은 "시청률과 광고를 위해 시청자들을 우유 짜기"에 지나지 않을 것입니다. 왜냐고요? 메시지가 강력하고 이미 보냈기 때문입니다. 세 번째 시즌에서 그들이 만들어내는 모든 이야기는 단순히 시즌 1과 시즌 2에서 그들이 이미 말한 모든 것의 반복일 뿐입니다.

이를 통해 이 시리즈의 중요한 시점으로 돌아가겠습니다:

사라진 사람들과 남겨진 사랑하는 사람들에 대한 이야기입니다.

Read More

It's scifi with the human aspect.

This is the best "Moon" to date. The #Kdrama industry once again has proven that they can produce top notch #scifi productions. They never cease to amaze me on how they can keep the human aspect strong in their stories without it turning into a regular drama.

I highly recommend this!

You wouldn't even think it was an Asian production. They surpassed Hollywood here, hands down.

Thank you Viu for providing both a subtitled and dubbed versions. I enjoyed watching both versions. A great 2023 holiday gift for your subscribers.

And congratulations to the production team for giving the world a great film.

Read More

What I like about this show is that they showed us a glimpse of the financial world and how the 1% controls the system. Sure, more or less half of it is fiction, yet they were able to give us an idea of the workings that we, ordinary people, don't see.

However, there is room for improvement when it comes to storytelling. There were episodes and scenes which were confusing because of the constant jumping from one time period to another. There are certain actions, or plans, that takes time, but the next scene, it was as if it only took stepping out of an elevator. This was especially evident in the last episode of Season 1.

I'm not saying that they should be very detailed and write "filler" scenes to keep the time pacing, rather, they should not overdo it. It is a tool in storytelling, and like any other tools, it shouldn't be overused.

Last, but not the least, great acting from the entire cast. Not only that, great choices on who should be acting which character. Live-action shows require having the perfect cast, we shouldn't cast someone just because they can bring in audiences because of their popularity, or because we are building an actor up. Casting should be first and foremost based on the character they are going to bring to life. If actors fit their characters, then their acting overall will be in harmony with each other, making the entirety of the show feel like it was actually real.

I hope there will be a Season 02. This is a great show. Watch it.

Read More

The best part of our lives

I love this! It captured that moment when we were in High School (Grades 10, 11, 12 in South Korea; Grades 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 in the Philippines).

It was a very good throwback to the best day of our lives. When we were so young, innocent, brave, that part of our life where we were trying to carve a name for ourselves, trying to be independent, yet reality is pushing us back. That point in our lives when we start to hate our parents/guardians because of this and that.

But, today, as adults, we are saying the exact same thing to the kids of today. Go study. GO STUDY! It is not the time to be in a relationship. Or, us adults find it hard to trust kids because WE KNOW EXACTLY what is going on in their minds and what they are and will do. Why? Because we've been there ourselves.

To some, relationship became the reason their grades fell. While for some, it became the reason they became the top of the class. Some got distracted because of it, some it was a source of inspiration.

That is what this show is about, High School life, and how we were poking into the world of adulthood, yet too afraid to face make a stand. Where we thought we knew better, only to realise, often the hard way, what we know about ourselves and about life is nothing.

EVEN SO, it is that point in our lives that many of us wants to go back to. The fun. The feeling of being sooooo muuuuch in love. Laughing with our friends. With absolutely no care about the world.

To kids out there, enjoy your school life. Play hard. Live it. Laugh all you want, cry all you want. Be in love. Feel all the pain of break-ups. Because, trust us, once you are an adult, you will never have time to play, you will never experience that kind of life ever again. You will never have time to laugh, NOT EVEN to cry. And all the pain you will experience as an adult, you will lock it away. And all the love in the world, you will learn to ignore it.

It sucks to be an adult. So, enjoy your High School life. Make the best of it. Make a lot of good memories, and learn from all the bad memories. It will shape you. It will be the source of your strength and success one day.

You may hate your teachers, those subjects, but they will become useful in your adult life.

At that age, you think you know what you want to become and what job you will apply to, but no, more than half the time, things doesn't go according to your plan.

You hate math? Who doesn't? You are thinking you don't need to learn history, or English because it has nothing to do with the job you want? We all assumed that, too.

But, you know what, kids? We were wrong. Even in the type of jobs where it's 99% not needed, there is always that 1%, and you will wish to paid attention to your teachers.

Enjoy your life at eighteen, or you will regret it later.

Read More

A masterpiece!

What an awesome film. It touched my heart too.

1. How they split the different part of his life, and in order of importance instead of chronological, that was a brilliant idea. It helped built the foundation of the story, the major message, while at the same time allowed them to insert other lessons along the way.

2. It was also not about the main character, but it also reflected the lesson for the other characters, most especially the senior grim reaper.

3. The CGI is perfect. If the CGI becomes ever more realistic, it would only distract the audience. If it was less, it would make the film cheap. It is important to strike the balance between eye candy and the message of the story. Well done.

4. Choosing to set this story as a film instead of a TV show, or an episodic film, was itself a good decision. Keeping it as a film guaranteed the focus remain true, instead of adding other side stories that can lessen the impact of the story (and even distract the audience).

Read More

Good ending but …

MORAL OF THE STORY: Do NOT enter a location when you see people wearing PPEs. (If you are a nurse, you should know this already.)

I applaud the screenwriter for not shying away from killing a major character. There are very few screenwriters who are brave enough to do it, often screenwriters choose the "they happily lived ever after" route.

However, as the intro to this post hinted, I do not approve the sudden stupidity of a major character just to get that character terminally ill. Go Mi Ho was a nurse. She is intelligent and full of wisdom. Where did her intelligence AND WISDOM go in the cave sinkhole episode? Then after that episode, Mi Ho became intelligent and full of wisdom again.

In that one episode, she suddenly acted a hero when it was never part of her character, and after that episode, she never acted a hero either. She is intelligent AND WISE. She took calculated risks. She was no hero, before or after. But in that one episode, she acted a dumb hero which led to her getting exposed to deadly radiation.

Sure. There are people who would have done the same as she did but that is a rare thing most especially when the people escaping a disaster are wearing PPEs, and you happen to know as well as corrupt and evil the operator of that cave. All for what? For that character she saved to only die WITHOUT contributing anything to the plot after he was saved.

That episode. Go Mi Ho suddenly throwing her intelligence and wisdom out the window was only meant to get her terminally ill. No more, no less. It was very weak. They could've have used a contaminated bottled water or fish planted by Choi Do Ha, or some other method other than letting her do something out of her character.

People rarely do something like what she did unless they have a very, very, very strong conviction which Go Mi Ho did not possess. She took calculated risks for her husband, that was the entire driving force behind her. Her saving people begins and ends with her working as a nurse, outside of it she didn't do anything.

Again, good job on not being afraid of killing a major character. But very bad job on how to get that character terminally ill.

From 10 stars, it's down to 8 stars.

Read More

Needs an experienced director.

Story: Has potential

Special effects: Good

Execution: This is where it was lacking. I want to say that they should've turned this into a TV series but as the movie progressed, it would be scary to see it in this medium if done by the same director.

Acting: They can do it but it seems the director did not pushed them. The actors weren't newbies in acting, yet it doesn't seem their hearts are into this project.

Again, the story has potential. The universe can be developed further. It's just the execution of the project which pulled this film down. With that said: 6 out of 10 stars only.

Read More

A story you will never forget for the rest of your life

Practically a movie, 2 hours and 20 minutes running time. I would say that by approaching this from an episodic method, they were able to tell the story in a simple and yet very touching way. If they turned this into a movie, it wouldn't have the same impact as the expectations and requirements for one is far different.

This proves that great stories does not have to be long, it is the execution and delivery that matters. I also love how they embedded the importance of studying mathematics and science--something that students need to understand--by throwing a modern student into the past where their survival lies on it, just as how important these are today.

I can't believe I only discovered this today. I will never forget this story for the rest of my life.

Read More

An art masterpiece

This film blew me away. It is very rare to find movies, and even novels for that matter, where the sex scenes were accurate, realistic, and is part of the story. Most of the time when sex is incorporated into movies, it was dead and porn and won't make a difference if removed--in other words, just there as a filler. In "The Handmaiden" it's the total opposite. It was an art. It was about building relationships and how it should be valued and respected by the couple.

The two lead females--Kim Tae Ri and Kim Min Hee--showed how they mastered their craft in acting in this film. From their facial expressions to their emotions and to their actions. I would not be surprised at all if the spark they showed in this movie was actually real. While there were a few scenes Kim Tae Ri felt uncomfortable … which was showing on her face and movements … she quickly relaxed. It was evident that Kim Min Hee helped Tae Ri overcome her uneasiness, they did prepare for this.

From what I understand, this was an adaptation of an English/British novel. That said, I am praising the director and writer, Park Chan Wook, in picking the perfect era in Korea for the adaptation. It could have been set in the modern era or in an even distant past but the impact would have been far less because of the distraction the other eras would bring into the scenes. It also flawlessly opened up a lot of their settings which made the plot deeper and resonate with the audience.

I also liked how they naturally switched between Korean and Japanese. In most movies where there are other nationalities involved, shortcuts are always made by making everyone speak the same language after establishing a character's "foreign"-ness. I frown on such shortcuts and I am glad I did not see it in "The Handmaiden". I was also amazed how the characters mixed the two languages to form one sentence, the way bilinguals actually speak in real life. Great addition to this little detail but equally important in building up the film.

I hope everyone who will watch (and watched) this film will see the deeper message of this film instead of focusing only on the obvious ones. Look beyond the surface and you'll see the important reminder and lesson behind "The Handmaiden". What is it? Better watch it. If you've seen the movie, watch it again and look for it.

10 over 10 in all categories for me. Congratulations!

Read More

High emotional impact. Amazing cast. Great music! A story we can always watch.

NOTE: There are no spoilers. However, some people might consider some information as such. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.

---------------------

I. Story
There are two stories in this series, the first is the political rivalry; and the second is the relationship between the Main leads.

The political rivalry story was well-written. There were always fresh "content" (if we can call it that) in every episode. They avoided repeating the same plot or reusing what was already "solved" in the previous episodes, while maintaining the overarching plot.

The story between Kang Chi Choi (played by Seung Gi Lee) and Yeo Wool Dam (played by Suzy Bae) was more than perfect. I loved how they did not dive into romantic scenes and dating game, otherwise it would've ruined the whole show. They carefully built-up the expectation and tension between the characters and perfectly used the intense emotions they captured from the audience at the right time, at the right moment.

The finale episode (ep. 24) was beyond perfection. While writing this review, I can still feel the impact and weight of this episode. Anyone can easily feel the emotions of both characters and the dialogues were realistic, what most people would say if they're in the shoes of either of the characters.

II. Acting
Everyone successfully brought to life the characters they played. The seriousness, the anger, the laughter, and craziness were also reflected on their faces. Superb acting!

The Main leads--Seung Gi Lee and Suzy Bae--captured the hearts of the audience which made it easy to feel their characters, to think like their characters, to be their characters. The way they gave life to their characters was natural, we can feel their humanity.

Special mention to Suzy, if I am not mistaken this was only her third Main role in a TV series, the delivery of her lines and they way she showed us her character's personality was at a veteran actor level. It wasn't perfect, similar with Seung Gi, there were a few scenes which were awkward or maybe forced but both of them quickly recovered (even in the same scene).

III. Music
The best music/OST. Perfect timing, at the right place, at the right scene, at the right time. The songs were also memorable and easy to listen to. They also did not forget to lower down the background music a second or two before a dialogue, something often forgotten in many other shows.

IV. Production
It was clear they gave a very good budget for this show. The texture and colours of their costumes and props were awesome on the screen. It helped in bringing-in the audience to live in the world of "Gu Family Book".

V. Verdict
Highly recommended. 20 out of 10 stars. Very high in the re-watch list.

Great job!

Read More

Lovely, touching, and memorable

What a lovely, touching, and memorable series!

---

I. Story
a. Episode stories: Some of the episode stories were good but there were those which were great. Out of the total 16 episodes, there are 5 anyone would watch repeatedly. The "legal" aspect were good, the comedy were very funny, and the relationship between characters were what anyone can relate to.

b. Series story: The overall story of the show was neatly written and realistic. It isn't your typical boy-meets-girl-and-they-lived-happily-ever-after which are usually boring and only for the "giggles" factor. While You Were Sleeping have the dynamics and challenges usually experienced by two strangers, turned friends, and started falling for each other yet there were some things holding them back.

II. Acting
Overall, the acting were amazing. They easily portrayed the personality of the characters they were playing. However in the latter part of the series where there were more kissing scenes, the two lead actors weren't into it. I am assuming those scenes were filmed near the beginning of the project and they weren't at ease with each other yet, if so, it was not a good decision. In those particular kissing scenes both actors were lacking emotions, it was "platonic", they were just "acting".

The supporting actors did well too and made their characters memorable especially when it comes to comedy, they delivered the scenes perfectly. Great job!

III. Music
For the whole series, there were only 5 songs which made an impact out of 14 included in the OST. These songs were played in the correct scenes and hopefully were used also in more scenes, or at least an instrumental instead of the other music they used.

IV. Rewatch value
I've watched this twice already. The first time was the Filipino-dub version and recently the original Korean-dub. Anyone can watch While You Were Sleeping anytime and everytime they want, it is a light drama and very romantic.

V. Suzy Bae
Suzy Bae did well in portraying a lovable and pretty character who anyone would fall into at first sight.

Hooray Suzy! Keep it up!

Read More

A great story about life, love, relationships, and family.

I like how they turned the story into literal vampire + symbolic vampire.

The FL is a symbolic vampire. A type of vampire that sucks the love and fun around her and from other people. Focused only on making ends meet, nothing wrong there, but is dead inside. She thinks she is living her life, but the truth is, she's an “undead”.

Meanwhile, the ML, a literal vampire (or half-vampire in the present day), is a vampire who wants to become a human. Who wants to feel love. Who wants to know what it means to live as a human and enjoy life to its fullest.

Two opposites meet each other. Nothing in common with them. They should repel each other… instead, they slowly attract each other.

The real vampire is making the symbolic vampire realise what she is missing. And the symbolic vampire is only making the real vampire firm in his decision to become a human.

Why? The clue is the fact that he can see his reflection only in her eyes. Because that is not only literal, it is also symbolic. He can see himself in her. The kind of life the FL is living is the life the ML had before he fell in love.

That is… just living for the sake of living.

Exactly what the FL is doing. Living for the sake of living.

Seeing himself in her, with the kind of life she is living, is only strengthening his resolve to become a human. He is done with being a vampire. He wants to find meaning. He wants to enjoy life to its fullest. Who cares if he dies? What is immortality if there is no meaning and purpose to it? He wants to love and be loved “until death do us part”.

And here's the FL, getting curious why a vampire wants to become a human. Why love is so important for this vampire. Because, for her, immortality is a gift, not a curse. For her, she can live a carefree life. She doesn't have to worry about paying bills, or what to eat tomorrow, or where to live next month. She can even make a fortune.

But… a vampire, with immortality and no worries in life, wants to become a human because of love? Knowing he will die as a human? Why indeed?

---

While for some the story is cliché, I enjoy stories that add symbolism or deeper meanings to each character, like as I've mentioned, the ML can see his reflection in the FL's eyes is both literal and symbolic. Or, how the FL is a symbolic vampire; and how the two of them are attracting each other instead of repelling.

Good job. Love it!

Read More

Deserving of high praises and top rating

"The Uncanny Counter" (2020) Season 1 was a live-action adaptation of the webtoon ("digital Korean manhwa") entitled "Kyeongirowoon Somoon" (2018) by Jang Yi. It stars Jo Byung Kyoo, Yoo Joon Sang, Kim Se Jeong, and Yeom Hye Ran, as the Counters--people who hunts evil spirits.

The multiple story arcs were well thought out and I was amazed with how these different stories perfectly fit together in the end which brought out the best in the characters and the moral lessons of the series. The casting and acting for the four lead characters were so good it was as the audience witnessed a true story.

The music, overall production, editing, and directing, were all superb. The choreography in the fight scenes were not lacking and were not overdone, simply fitting for four ordinary individuals to do; otherwise it would have been unrealistic.

Finally, and it is rare to see this in most Asian dramas, they ended the series properly leaving an option for a sequel or a new season. Stories should not be sealed--leaving no room for the audience to create their own continuation, which in turn also leaves no room for an official sequel.

Since it was already announced that season 2 was given a green light, it further proved the importance of ending a series with room for the future. Well done. I will be waiting for season 2.

Read More

ENDING EXPLAINED

Okay, so it was indeed a game as suspected and it was Se Eun's parents who programmid it and the "AI" Jung Won who learned how to hack it.

I think episode showing Jung Won creating the game was her learning the harsh fate of everyone, and she's continually trying to end the game.

Also, Jung Won seems to be making sure Jae In remembers bits and pieces of the previous games. And in the finale episode, Jae In remembers everything from the previous one, including when she was awakened by Se Eun's parents.

The real question here is this: Did See Eun's mother reprogrammed Jung Won?

When the game reset, Jung Won was sitting far from Jae In. Also, Jung Won looks at Jae In with contempt.

I'm highly suspecting Se Eun's mother changed Jung Won (the AI) and now Jae In will be the one who will suffer the most since she volunteered to take responsibility.

I think that's what She Eun's mother did, she reprogrammed Jung Won to "think" that Jae In is the primary person responsible. Hence, Jung Won was looking at Jae In with contempt.

Even moreso, Jae In remembering everything is an additional layer of "punishment". She will be the only one who will remember the pain, as Se Eun's mother wanted.

Read More