Seeing the first part of the Final Movement of Nodame Cantabile brought nostalgia. It was like hearing, breathing, feeling and seeing classical music all together again. Though the first movie was full of flashbacks, which disappointingly filled up most of the whole film, nonetheless it was still enjoyable. To be able to see Chiaki sama (Tamaki Hiroshi) and Nodame (Juri Ueno) together for the first time after 2 years in the waiting... it was pure bliss.

Listening to the sound of orchestra and classical music was refreshing to the ear. As if I cleaned my ears after a long time of listening to the same type of music again and again. Ok, that was a side track comment... now back to the story.

Part one of the movie left me this feeling of wanting to watch the second part instantly but I had to squirm at home and wait for it to be subbed.

There was this hanging feeling when the movie ended, which by the way is what everyone is supposed to feel since the producers intend the viewers to watch the sequel. As much as I enjoyed this first part, it is still a cliff hanger. We all know what cliff hangers do to our brain. Adding more, the movie was also redundant. Unlike Nodame’s arc, Chiaki’s story always... always starts with a problematic orchestra, fails on the first try then ends up with a fantastic cantabile on the later part thus making the story line so predictable when it comes to Chiaki's arc. Whereas Nodame’s arc is the distorted one since her main goal in life is only about Chiaki but not herself thus leaving the character UNSURE of herself with no exact future laid out for her. Yet this type of character leaves a great impression and a big blank for the writers to fill in for the next movie sequel.

Nodame’s character is simple yet complex at the same time. Not to forget the wacky part on how she clings on Chiaki as much as she could and yet kills herself with insecurity every time Chiaki does something marvelous and out of her league but that’s the part that makes Nodame Cantabile fun... the Nodame/Chiaki saga that could never be understood in terms of simplicity.

Watching this film was an introduction for the next one or a teaser as most would say because it didn’t contain what most of the watchers were probably waiting for and that is Nodame’s success.

For the story plot, it was really tiring to watch the flashbacks but at the same time enjoyable because I could once again enjoy Mozzart and Bach through Chiaki’s point of view. As I have previously mentioned, it gave me a sense of nostalgia and for that I am thankful.

Character wise, there weren’t any major characters involved unlike in the special maybe they are going to add someone in the sequel. I still enjoyed the main cast’s acting and it gave me so much joy that Ueno Juri still haven’t changed after all those years when she first started as Nodame!

Cinematography, the setting is in Paris! What more can I ask for? No matter what angle they use for the video, they just capture that feeling of being in the city where art and music lived for centuries. I have nothing more to comment on it because it is simply loved.

Soundtrack, need I say more about this? IT IS CLASSICAL! And the background music for certain scenes brought more hilarity into it than intended to. So yes... the soundtrack added more for the enjoyment of the viewer.

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I have this love-hate relationship with this movie.

Love it for Song Hye Kyo and her leading man, hated it because of how the whole plot line was executed. Though in history, I already knew how it was going to end, I still had that tiny bit of hope that they would do something colorful about it so it wouldn't be much of a hard blow to watch. I guess have put too much expectation on my plate.

Cinematography wise, everything was beautiful, literally. Even the brothel itself was fixed up nicely. Music score was a plus, since it did help out build the drama, but it wasn't something I would remember forever. The story was a bit draggy and berserk, it swung from one plot to another and I hate having that kind of story line in the movies I watch.

So what other perk do I have with this movie aside from the leading actress? It was the fight scenes and Hwang Jin Yi's clothes.

Firstly, the fight scenes were choreographed carefully that it had really great results. Watching these fights were awesome, never mind the blood and gore, it was all good to watch. Secondly, Hwang Jin Yi's Hanbok were breathe taking. It had so many details in it and definitely glamorous even for a courtesan. I guess the fashion designer did put a hint of modernization on her dress although it was supposed to be on the Jeoseon era. Anyways, she was one of the greatest Gisaeng's after all. I guess the least producers can do was dress her nicely to cover off the sub-par story line.

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Sole reason for watching…

One name: Lee Min Ho.

Yep. A lot of netizens has been crazed over this drama because of the leading actor. I’m not saying I’m indifferent about this, because in truth, he’s also the reason why I started watching this drama. I’ve been making gifs out of this because I like Min Ho’s character whenever he fights. He uses whatever he finds as a weapon, i.e. a spoon, a file case folder and even a water bottle. So let me define cool.

Lee Yoon Sung. IS. COOL.

The chemistry of the two main characters is very amusing, it even leaves me breathless at times, because of the fact that both may not end up together in blissful happily ever after. I also have this tag line in my head in which I could never forget: Liking someone may not always mean happiness.

That was nicely said by Lee Yun Seong, Min Ho’s character – the city hunter.

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What made me watch this in the first place was Eun Hye then came in Kang Ji-hwan in the picture then everything turned out to be a hilarious chaos. Two good actors in a very funny story line = awesome result.

Though the ratings do not agree with my opinion, I’m still giving it my two thumbs up and recommending it.

It’s silly how much I miss a full blown romantic comedy in a skin-deep-only sense, but I like the drama because it doesn’t make me think too much. There was this certain flow of easiness and lightness within the story line, though not without bits of draggy parts but the good line delivery by the main characters made up for that loss. The story line was simple, there wasn’t much twist and turns that would make you pull out your hair in frustration and because of that simplicity, it became a wonderful drama.

The sound track was cute, I now have it as my ringtone and is also part of my play list. Heh.

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This!

This drama left me thinking about it even after 49 days of finishing the whole series. I was pretty much fine and even laughing with the main character’s silly antics until I came up to episode 8, then the bucket of tears slowly started. I don’t know why but the concept of death and dying was all over the place with this one. How hard was it to find real tears of someone who really really cared about you? In this drama, it was dead hard.

I love the three main characters namely Shin Ji-Hyun (Nam Gyu Ri), Han Kang (Jo Hyun Jae) and Song Yi Kyung (Lee Yo Won). Their lives are intricately woven with each other and progress will be shown in every episode. The story line is very interesting because it still gives you a bit a humor even in the face of death and grave choices in life. Oh, and there’s this other character to whom I was really taken in with… the Scheduler/Song Yi Soo (Jung Il Woo). His character is more complex than what it seems to be.

Loving this drama in every little bit along with the music.

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This kdrama was the hype for the winter season of 2010-2011. There were lots of mixed reviews but the rating just went higher and higher.

Secret Garden is one of those drama where you would have a love-hate relationship with the main characters. i.e. Joo Won’s character was a pure hell-egoistic-bastard but he does have his points to fact. Like being very loyal, analytical and annoying which makes you like him because you have no choice that he is annoyingly always there.

Ghaaaa… where can you find a good looking annoying guy like him?

WHERE???

Only in dramas.

As for Gil Ra-im, the pretty innocent-strong-vibes-persona her character emits is an ace. If a deck of cards tells you what’s the highest card? It’s the ace. Ra-im is an ace. She may not be THAT pretty, but man… if you fall for her your head goes bonkers just like Joo Won.

The writer of Secret Garden has a twisted mind; that I am sure of. If you’ve seen the ending of “Lovers in Paris” and “What happened in Bali”? You would understand what I am talking about. I’m not writing these things because I hate the writer, I am saying this because I am glad that there are writers like her who explores things beyond people’s expectations.

The music score was so-so for me, along with the rest of the cast. The drama had a very good story line and two great actors to lead it with but… it just wasn’t one of those dramas that gave me the “I shouldn’t miss” feel in it. I loved it for what it was but didn’t really look forward to watching it too much. Maybe it’s because of Oska? Who knows? All I know is I watched it for Hyun Bin and Ha Ji-won.

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After 60 episodes of Dong Yi, I realized how epic her story was. It was a beautiful drama with a very touching sound track but I couldn't help compare it to Jang Geum. Not in a bad way though. Dong Yi is worth the watch for every episode because the conspiracy among politics and the lies that has been revealed was always an eye opener. Another thing than amused me thoroughly was how they come up with answers in every political problem.

This drama shows that every lie or bad deed shall be discovered. It may not be today, tomorrow or even soon enough but in the long run… it comes out one way or another. When it does, there are always consequences. That is whether one is forgiven from one's stupid action or would end up with dire consequences.

I loved Dong Yi's character, where she was able to be a person with tough principles through and through. Growing in virtue and without political ambition inside a palace is such a rare thing. Another character that got to me was the king. I love the role he played all through out. He wasn't the average king character where I-am-the-king-so-I-can-do-everything-I-want cliché. Contrary to this, his throne is like a curse, where he has to think very deeply before making any decisions. Though when it comes to Dong Yi- the king's truest love, he is always on inner turmoil. The things Dong-Yi gets herself involved into always keeps the king on his toes. Heh.

Story wise, I have no complains for Dong-Yi. It doesn't have much of loop holes for a long running sageuk drama unlike Queen Seon Duk which left me with so much question and critics besides the high rating and the epic characters. *insert Bidam and Queen Mishil*

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A musical drama in which I dared myself to watch to see if I could stomach in a couple of kids singing pop songs and dancing around some stage. To my surprise, it wasn’t the crappy show that I expected. The acting may have been a bit off with some of the characters which I presume is their first time to be casted in a drama, but still, the overall delivery and concept of this drama was far from what I anticipated. It was better and was really heartwarming.

The colors and cinematography all throughout was eye catching and the characters were as colorful in their own life story that it brought out the goodness of the series.

I have more thoughts about this drama and am definitely recommending this for those unbiased people who want to check out the pop-culture-industry of korea. Music wise, it was alright since I'm not much of a kpop fan BUT I love IU's rendition of Video Killed the Radio Star by the Buggles :)

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What I love about this drama is the prettiness of Shin Min Ah. It’s as if she doesn’t age at all or more like she keeps getting younger and younger as she grows older. If that even makes sense? Her role here is fresh and cute that I couldn’t take off my eyes on the screen because it’s too unbelievable even if she’s supposed to be a fox. Aside this, the story line is very very amusing. Episode per episode would just send you off smiling and laughing with all those hilarious moments the main characters gets into.

This isn’t your typical romantic comedy where girl loves boy and boy falls for girl… it’s different because girl is fox and boy is human. Then mix in different immortal beings of the world in the picture, like for example a goddess, a goblin and a human half goblin… yeah. Underworld creatures and immortals are invading the story line but it’s what makes it more interesting.

Not to forget the OST, it adds to the whole concept of the drama: cuteness, hilarity and love in whatever kind of form.

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I know a lot of you have been into City Hunter, for the sole reason of: Lee Min Ho.

Yes! The eye candy, the smile, the tallness, the oozing hotness and fashion sense… that’s all Lee Min Ho in this drama which he pretends to be GAY.

This is a really hilarious drama with conflicting emotions to watch. Why? It’s so hard to believe that he’s gay and that an older man likes him with the thought of him being gay. Anyways, putting that aside, there’s another reason that made me watch this: Son Ye Jin.

Yes… the epic melodrama actress.

I really wanted to know how she’s going to be in a comedy. I’ve always seen her in melodramatic movies and this one she nailed! Though she’s gotten older and her prettiness pretty much disappeared in this drama, I still love her to bits.

The series was quite hilarious due to it's main concept: guy pretends to be gay, girl accepts guy whole heartedly because of his sexual orientation but ends up falling for him and having mixed feelings because she believes he is gay. With this as your core plot, there are a LOT of things that could happen and eventually it did.

The only downer side of this is when we get to the last 3 episodes and this becomes too serious for my taste. I was sort of disappointed on how they inserted additional conflict to the story along with a twist, when the main conflict - guy pretending to be a gay - was already interesting enough. The twist wasn't even strong enough to make an impact in the whole story line. Just to say.

All in all, setting that disappointing factor aside, I still end up loving the drama :)

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What made watch this in the first place was Moon Geun Young. I am biased like that when it comes to actresses I like.

Aside from her, I was very much interested in the story line. As you have noticed the title says “Cinderella” because it was depicted in the fairy tale but is very much different in every aspect. I wouldn’t elaborate too much. What made it similar to the fairy tale? We have the evil step sister who acted as Moon Geun and Cinderella herself as Seo Woo. But what I like in this story was how they made Moon’s character, it was far fetched from the original concept, but it justified her bitchiness.

This way, the story really amazed me and how the main character’s inner conflict was resolved. I love the tough exterior the main character had but in the inside she’s all marshmallows. Oh, and I’m not forgetting Chung Jung Myung, the man who moved the evil step sister’s heart. The music was also lovely especially in those very melodramatic moments in which you couldn’t help crying out loud and say “Please please please stop hurting so badly so I could stop crying for you” this dialogue always ran through my mind all through out every episode.

By far, this is one of the best melodramatic Korean series I have ever seen. So if you’re much into another cry-fest drama, this one is for you. Prepare your bucket for those incoming tears.

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A sort of modern type sageuk drama… if that’s even possible?

Why did I say it was “sort of modern type”? Let me give you a clue… does Hana Kimi ring a bell? Or maybe Ouran High? To make things more simple what about You’re Beautiful? Or Coffee prince? Well, the last one was sort of a far fetched drama concept throw in but what makes it the same with the first two dramas? Ignoring the fact that 1st and 2nd were Japanese and the last one was Korean? The third one has a better resemblance since it is also Korean but it’s still has a different story line than this.

Got it???

Yep! It’s a cross dressing drama all over again. Throw in one girl in a lot of hot boys, make her dress up and pretend to be a boy, that’s exactly the concept of this drama. Then again, I have to remind you that THIS IS a saguek drama setting. A setting of the korean’s joseon era. An era where girls are unacceptable to hold prominence in schools or royal standing unless they get married to the prince, or kings or nobles. If they are caught associating in high ranks like Sungkyunkwan (Joseon’s most prominent ALL BOYS university) they get executed as an imperial order.

If that’s not interesting enough for you to watch, I don’t know how to convince you anymore. All in all, this drama is one heck of a show. With all those hot young actors to boost your esteem and the OST that’s very much modern to listen at but with a taste of sageuk and most of all the natural setting of Joseon with young boys + girl running around… YOU BETTER WATCH IT. Or you’re missing half of your KDRAMA life in it’s youthful state.

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This drama, I have no idea why I took the liberty of putting it in my list of “To Watch” dramas for the year of 2009-2010. This is one of the most melodramatic drama’s I’ve seen for that year.

It have made me cry a bucket but it was all worth it. Having seen the show made my sense of Kdrama more diverse, since I tend to choose rom-com to genres like this. My heart is just weak like that, but this show made my threshold on tears much stronger… or so I thought until I saw Cinderella’s sister and 49 days. Heh.

This drama would always be dear in my heart because of the story line. It may sound unbelievable or ridiculous or even annoying for some because everything was such a mess. The main character’s past was so jumbled up that the future became dim for them. You would tend to watch and wait and watch some more, thinking, when would it ever stop?

Until one day, things would just fall into their proper places.

The ending wasn’t that satisfying for me but the whole journey of the drama was worth it. Once again, I got my mother crying out of this drama and she had to point her fingers at me "again" for doing so. I so love my mom when she does that but still continue on watching anyway.

Acting wise was superb, so maybe that’s what got me hooked after seeing the first episode.

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The first in the Endless Love drama installment directed by Yoon Seok-Ho: Autumn Tale is another Song Hye Kyo film along with Song Seun Heon.

Honestly, I’m not much of a fan when it comes to heavy drama because I tend to really get carried away but then this drama got showed in all its soap opera feeling. It just became too hard to ignore that I had to seat it through and finish it up to the last episode. I would be proud to say that I only cried once around the ending part.

It wasn’t much like the melodrama I have encountered lately whereas in every episode you just had to grovel and cry out loud in sadness or frustration. Autumn Tale was something more on the side of frustrating with this sense of bittersweet romanticism all throughout the show. If it’s possible to pull out all my hair during the first half of the drama I would have done so because it has that redundancy of I’m-not-yours-you’re-not-mine-we’re-not-for-each-other-so-let’s-just-forget-about-everything then it will go back to being I-know-you-love-me-and-we-love-each-other-so-let’s-stay-together-and-forget-everything. Having that out, why on earth am I recommending this?

Because Autumn Tale is worth the sound track, worth the backdrop, worth of SONG HYE KYO herself. The root of the story line may have been too much (having babies exchanged at birth??? puhleeeeeaaaassseee… not again) but the overall concept of the story is worth the watch. The characters themselves and the actor’s and actresses’ portrayal of their roles were amazing that you get to feel all that love, that hurt and that desperation. I say give it a try because it’s just that good despite the short comings.

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Iris is like a taste of Alias, only in male form and a downer story line. I loved the fact that Lee Byung Hun was casted here along with Kim Tae-hee. The story is deemed to be heavy starting from the beginning but just lost me as it was about to end. It got all messy for the wrong reasons and the twists weren’t enough to put fire on my ass and say, “Gaaaaad… that was awesome.”

So I’m leaving the story line behind with all my rants at the backroom.

Why recommend IRIS after saying that?

The cast (I have fallen in love with the antagonist! Why is T.O.P. one heck of a slick villain???), back drop setting (they actually went to different countries just to shoot) and music was all a just a plus points for the series, what made it really recommendable was THE ACTION. As I have mentioned earlier it was like ALIAS. Kick ass and butt full of action. The fight scenes were really eye popping it makes it hard to think that it wasn’t a movie but just a drama. They outdid themselves in the choreography with the fight scenes, battle up gear and stunts. So yes. I am recommending it for scenes with: Judo moves and gun shots. Run-for-your-life-while-bleeding-on-the-left-side-of-your-gut-crazed-looks while guns are aimed dead-on skulls. Even dying beautifully while tears streaming down the face would be pretty much catchy for me.

Have I gone to the other side by having a man’s taste? Probably. Yet, with Iris. I simply don’t care as long as I get one full hour of action.

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