Remember 1987

This movie is based on actual events called June Democratic Uprising in Korea which happened in 1987.

It all started when a college student was tortured and killed by anti-communist group and they tried to conceal his death.

I love how the director was able to tell the story through different people, starting from the prosecutor who demanded autopsy, to jail guard who passed on info to the opposition, the reporter who tried to reveal the truth to the public, and to the students who bravely rallied against the government.

Not for the faint hearted. It’s moving, horrifying and inspiring. The extra romance between the two college students slightly felt out of place but the end made up for it.

Rating: 8.5

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Fun Heist Movie

The movie is about a grave robber trying to attempt a big heist in the middle of Seoul.

I liked the first part where they were showing how good the lead was in pulling off heists (which felt like the setup of the story) but the second part dragged when we find out what the real intention was. There were also too many characters to follow. There were also more action in the first part. The comedy also fell flat sometimes. I didn't like Hyesun's character, all she did was raise her eyebrows or do her smirk. I love Jae Hoon, he always looks like a fun guy. I like the twist at the end where they showed how they successfully pulled off the heist.

Rating: 8/10

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Drinking buddies

Work Later, Drink Now (2021)

What a wonderful surprise!

Likes
1. The first 3 episodes the girls were drinking so much, i felt drunk just watching them drink and drink and drink. Later on i got so used to them drinking i was numb, and even wanted to join their drinking binge. They drink not just because they love to drink, but it's also their way of coping with all the pressures and pleasures in life.
2. Episode 1 captures the 3 characters' personalities just through their drinking habits. And having #KimJiSuk cameo was perfect. Jiyeon is the crazy fun (embarrassing) friend and Sohee is the friend who always have work. It took some time for me to warm up to Jigoo because she is serious and silent but she's fierce and loyal and will be the first to protect you when needed.
3. I love their friendship! They have gone through so much, from heartbreaks, death, work issues, illness and they are always there for each other, no matter what happens or where they are. I would love to always have my fave bar where i can just spend the whole night chilling with my fave people.
4. I thought the story will be light and fun but their stories just got deeper and serious after each episode. Ep 9-10 were the saddest.
5. Choi Siwon as Kang Bukgu -just like Sohee, i think his character is disgusting but he's so soft, that you can't help but like him eventually. Now if only he stops being a jerk.

Dislikes
Not much. Each girl has their flaws, even Bukgoo, but then who is perfect? I want to see more of their stories in season 2! I hope we get more scenes with Mr. Nice paper. I think he's a sweet addition to the crazy group.

Rating: 8.5/10

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Confusing

Take Point (2018) aka PMC: The Bunker

I had to pause this movie after watching for 10 minutes because I didnt understand what was happening. So i had to search google for the plot. (I watched this mainly because Ha Jung Woo looked hot with this haircut lol)

So this movie is about a group of illegals hired by US to fake kidnap the King so that the current president will gain sympathy and the votes in the upcoming elections (or so i thought haha the plot was so confusing!). But the kidnapping failed when there was another group who set the trap and almost killed the King. Now US wants to abort and bury the mission by leaving Ahab's team to fend on their own.

With a bad leg, Ahab had to manage the whole operation in a room, instructing his team on what to do, fighting off the hostiles, while trying to revive the King. Good thing he was able to work with the NK doctor and try to get out of the place.

This action thriller felt too long, with so many things happening - elections, kidnapping, north korea, china, illegals, betrayal, manipulation etc. I was mostly curious how he will get out alive. Ahab is brave and decisive, even when it's a matter of life and death, he chose to save his team up to the last minute. Didnt expect that his parachute story will happen again in the third act, but it was impressive for Ahab to save himself, and two other people while falling down from the plane! (Just like Mission Impossible). Also liked the bromance between Ahab and the NK doctor.

The camera was shaky and made me dizzy at times, but I think it was meant as if we were there inside the room, so it wasnt such a big deal to me.

Rating: 7.5/10

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Wonder Woman

One The Woman (2021)

Likes
1. Honey's super pretty and funny!! The first few episodes when she had amnesia and battling her in laws were hilarious!! Esp the english and vietnam speaking scenes.
2. Lee Sang Yun's gentle demeanor was perfect for Honey's crazy antics. But i wish he lightened up more and had less makeup (Sangyun not Honey).
3. I also loved Yujun, he has loyal to Yeonju after all these years. And finally seeing Kim Chang Wan playing a nicer character.
4. Kim Won Hae's character was bad but i still couldnt hate him!
5. The main ost was as addicting as romantic sunday.. 🎵gitaro otobai taja taja🎶

Dislikes
1. Sung Hye was too dumb a villain. Felt like she always whined for not getting the family business and her dad not trusting her. I'd say it's because she has not done anything right to deserve it. I wish the ending gave the brother the chance to take over the business and finally step up.
2. There were a few episodes that were boring and took too long to reveal the villain but I loved the ending.

Rating: 8.5/10

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A Great Battle indeed!

As the movie name suggests, this 2 hour movie is about the 2 month battle between the 5,000 army of Commander Yang in Ansi vs the 200,000 army of Chinese emperor Taizhong.

Not sure how accurate the war strategy depicted in the movie, but while watching with my friend, we were thinking, if we were Yang, how can we defeat a strong army with few troops and limited resources? The answer is a lot of strategy, courage, and faith. We did think they could have done more to defeat the Chinese army, like using fire and pushing the ladder much earlier but i guess they delayed these for a more epic scenes.

This movie boasts of an ensemble cast so they tried to have some story for each one, like Samul's trust in Yang, the rivalry between the Hwalbo and Poong, the tragic love story between Paso and Bekha, and love between Woo Dae and his mom. Jumong's bow added a mythical touch to the story (like King Arthur and his sword or Thor and his hammer).

Rating: 8.5/10

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Love Konoetsu!

Pretty Proofreader (2016) JDrama
Jimi ni Sugoi! Koetsu Garu Kono Etsuko

Likes
1. Kono was a little ball of sunshine! She was always cheerful, loud, optimistic. She can't help but influence all the people around her. Although she didnt get the editor job of Lassy like she wanted, she still gave it her all as a proofreader, even going beyond her normal scope, and in return inspiring everyone to do the same.
2. I loved each of thr episode's stories, but i especially liked Ms Fujiwa and Mr Tankenaka's stories, the aspiring writer and Mr Hongo's stories.
3. I also like her little group of friends and work mates and her small family. They always support each other.
4. Kono's unique and charming fashion and the opening credits song!
5. This drama paid homage to all those people who work tirelessly behind the scenes, not expecting recognition, so that everyone else can live a better life. Maybe we can be more appreciative of them too.
6. This drama is also about dreams, how some may reach them, others dont, but that still should not stop us from being the best of ourselves and living our lives to the fullest. And maybe someday we will all achieve our dreams.

Dislikes
1. That there were only 10 episodes!!
2. Not a dislike, but i though Yukito and Kono had no chemistry but felt more like friends. On the other hand, i absolutely loved Kono and Kaizuka!! They are both energetic and hyper and well matched. Likewise, Yukito and Morio felt better suited. I almost thought they will all have a realization and switch partners! I'm surprised no one ended as a couple, but I'm also happy they didnt and focused on their careers and dreams instead.

Rating: 9/10

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Healing drama with a side of murder

You Are My Spring (2021)

Likes
1. I thought the title is deceiving. I was expecting a romcom but this was a healing drama about the leads with lots of traumatic experiences and a side of murder. But in the end i understood why.
2. I loved the leads, both actors were perfectly casted. I laughed at the funny antics, swooned at the romantic scenes and cried at the heartbreaking moments. That rooftop scene when they broke up, that night they cosplayed, when Youngdo finally realized his first love, getting Dr Hallow and Blackfields from the machine, Youngdo in his embarrassingly slick hairstyle and outfit.
3. Also loved their group of friends and how we also got to know their story too. Except Cheoldo and the vet, i wished they explored their story more than Ian Chase one. Ji Seung Hyun was wasted here!!
4. One of the better mother-daughter storylines where the mother was supportive and listened to her daughter.
5. Ahn Gayoung's HELLO catchphrase and her cute romance with Patrick. And Princess of Forever drama.

Dislikes
The whole murder storyline. Up the end I was still confused what really happened to Jeongmin and Ian Chase and who was who in the flashbacks. (Maybe because I wasn't paying attention to the story)

Rating: 8.25/10 (8.5 less 0.25 for the murder storyline)

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Spy thriller disaster movie

Ashfall (2019)

My 4th Ha Jung Woo movie this month 😊

This movie felt like two movies combined into one. It starts with a disaster movie, where Mt Baekdu erupted and the resulting earthquake severely impacted Seoul and North Korea. And a team was dispatched to steal a detonator from NK and to place it in one of the mines in Mt Baekdu to diffuse the pressure and prevent an even massive eruption.

The SK team met the NK spy who made their mission difficult by double dealing with the Chinese to bring the detonator of the nuclear bomb and somehow the US army found out about it and the movie became a spy thriller.

Great effects although the earthquake was too severe to be realistic. I love the tandem of Lee Byung Hun and Ha Jung Woo. Their fights were intense as they tried to outsmart the other but they worked best as a team. I was also laughing out loud at some of their scenes. Would love to see them in a proper action comedy flick again. It's my first time seeing Ha Jung Woo in this kind of role since he always plays roles where he is just so good and smart at everything, so it was nice seeing him fumble and be funny. Of course by end of the movie he was able to solve everything!

Suzy as his wife i think didn't really have a lot of scenes and was just there to provide some emotional reason for the captain to come back alive. The professor who thought of the most harebrained idea of detonating Mt Baekdu also had a side story which I also liked.

Overall I would say this is more of a spy thriller under the guise of a disaster movie. The plot is unrealistic but still fun to watch.

Rating: 8/10

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Light and fluffy romance

Monthly Magazine House (2021)

Watch this if you like the classic romcoms kind of Kdramas.

Likes
1. Kim ji Suk 🥰🥰 So hilarious and handsome. His character is an a$$hat at the start but somehow I couldn't get angry at him because he is played by Jisuk. I just know that when he falls for Youngwon it will be hard.
2. Somin's character is a more upbeat version of BIMFL character. Why does she keep playing a poor writer with no home? But she is wonderful and charming.
3. I love all the houses that got featured in every episode and all the tidbits about home and money saving. My fave was the beach house.
4. Great supporting cast.. they were so funny esp the second couple. Of course my fave Kim Won Hae was both annoying and funny here.
5. The OST is so nice. Yup i just bought my own copy!
6. The second lead was cute but boring. He was no match to Jasung's charisma and energy. Hope Gunjoo gets the girl next time.

Dislikes
The ending could have been wayyy better but it didn't detract me from loving the show. I'll just make up my own happy ever after.

Rating: 8.75/10

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Badminton Dreams

Racket Boys (2021)

Absolute gem!! 🏸

Likes:
1. I came for the sports themed dramas and stayed for the kids! Haekang, Yoondam, Woochan, Yongtae, Insol, Seyoon and Hansol were perfectly casted! I'll predict they are the new generation Kdrama prince and princesses in the making!!
2. I love the kids' friendship and romance. Esp Haekang's growth from hating the village life and his team and becoming passionate about the sport. And how he had found his real friends. Even with the other teams.. they maybe rivals on court but off court they were close.
3. Coach Yoon, Coach Ra, Coach Whitewolf .. sometimes as adults we think we know it all, but sometimes it's good to learn from the kids too.
4. The badminton matches. I read they all trained for 6-9 months.
5. Took me some time to warm up to the villagers but they were good people. And became family to the badminton team. Especially cried when grandma passed away.

Dislikes:
The only reason why I didnt give full 9.5 is because I didnt like the plot about the city guys trying to buy the village.

I'd like a season 2 but i'm afraid it won't be as good so i'll just rewatch this.

Rating: 9.25/10

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Terrific thriller!

The Terror, Live (2013)

A gripping thriller from start to finish!! I was so tense, i didnt know how this would end. 🥺

A guy called up Yoon Yeonghwa's radio program threatening to bomb the Mapo Bridge and he did! Instead of reporting to police, Yeonghwa instead tried to talk to the caller for an exclusive coverage. Will they be able to find the caller before he kills more people?

The whole movie takes place in Yeonghwa's radio show. Ha Jung Woo is always amazing 🥰

Of course there are a lot of unbelievable events like how the terrorist was able to plant so many bombs everywhere, and even the twist of who it was, was.. not so surprising, but more on disbelief on my side. There also wasnt enough background about the terrorist to feel sympathy for him or understand how he planned everything. The voice was so familiar that i was surprised when the real culprit was shown. Turns out #KimDaeMyung was the voice actor!!

It also makes you think if you were Yeonghwa, what would you have done? How can you resolve the terror while minimizing the damage? I still think the terrorist was wrong but i can understand why he did it. And the last thing that Yoon Yeong Hwa did 🤯

Rating: 9/10

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LDR is really difficult

I think a lot of people didn’t like this movie because of the last 10 mins when they showed the twist. I actually liked it. Even though I was expecting a happy ending for the couple, I was also fine with how the movie ended. Sweet and Sour indeed. I thought it was very realistic.

The couple started sweet (as in any relationship) but when Hyeok was transferred to Seoul, trouble started. I think both of them tried their best to maintain their relationship but they were both tired, overworked, pressured and lonely. They started blaming and resenting each other rather than talk about it or make time when they’re together. Da Eun was lonely and met a guy who was nice and would do anything for her. Hyeok met a girl who was beside him and understands his work. I also felt like Da Eun was the first who started to cheat. When she accused Hyeok of having an affair with Bo Yeong, that’s when Hyeok did it.

In the airport scene, I thought Da Eun would not push through with the trip and run after Hyeok, but it didn’t happen. But, I think it wasn’t a bad choice. What I didn’t like is how Hyeok, after realizing he loves Da Eun after all and came running to the airport, found out she was already with another guy, and instead of fighting for her, he went back to Bo Yeong and tried to propose to her as a second choice. But Bo Yeong is also leaving and he ends up alone. Oh well, he made his choice and must suffer with the consequences.

I don’t know if months later, will Da Eun still be with Lee Jang Hyeok? Will Hyeok date another girl? Or will they both end up with each other again? We will never know.

Rating: 8.5/10

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Stockholm Syndrome Kdrama Style

I Picked Up A Celebrity on the Street (2018)

Likes
1. The plot was so ridiculous that i almost thought of dropping this after ep 2. But it was also so intriguing and funny so i continued watching. I think by ep 3 i started appreciating the dark humor. Plus Sung Hoon is so handsome as grouchy arrogant Hallyu star! 🥰
2. The female lead is not too bright but im impressed how creative and out of the box she is in coming up with solutions to her problem. (If only she channeled it at work) Afraid she killed a person? Drag him home and really kill him. He woke up and threatens to report you to the police? Kidnap him and hold him hostage! Worried he might escape? Sign a contract that he agrees to live with you without escaping! 🤣🤣🤣 Totally absurd but the leads are so hilarious and cute together! Of course they will fall in love in the end!
3. More than the kidnapping, this was also about Joon Hyeok investigating who was trying to kill him. I had an initial guess who it was (i ended up being right) but i didnt know the motive. The reveal was as dark as the mood of the second half and liked it.
4. I liked how much the trio have grown up so much by the end of the drama. Joon hyuk became softer and nicer, Yeonseo became happier and more hardworking and Nakgoo finally found his passion.
5. The OST was fantastic! Im getting LSS from swing swing swing baby🎶🎶

Dislikes
1. The change in the vibes. The first half was light and wacky, the second half became too serious and dark.
2. The ending came too fast, should have added one extra episode or extended 30 more mins.

Rating: 8/10

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Should have been called Misery

Misty (2018)

I just finished this 10 mins ago and still processing the ending 😥 i know why they called this Misty but i think Misery is more appropriate.

Likes
1. Hands down the twisted relationship between Go Hye Ran and Kang Tae wook! 😍 Their palpable chemistry and Kang Tae Wook's angsty eyes were so sexy yet so sad. I just wanted them to live happy ever after.😭 (and Ji Jinhee just went straight to my oppa collection 😍 Cant believe i've been sleeping on him for years!!)
2. Go Hye Ran being so powerful and successful. I loved what Han Ji won said to her, "i dont know about respect, but I know Go Hye Ran always win."
3. The fashion. Go Hye Ran's pantsuits and her different shades of lipsticks. Kang Tae Wook's gorgeous coats and turtlenecks.
4. Director Jang! I normally hate all the characters that Lee Gyun Yeong plays but this time he was amazing!
5. The whole murder-Kevin Lee affair at the start got me so hooked with the story. It was short but Go Joon nailed the playboy Kevin Lee. It was fun to think of who killed Kevin, how and why.

Dislikes
1. The super incompetent Detective Kang 😡 i loved it when Taewook's assistant shouted at Kang to do his job properly. Can't believe he has worked as a detective for 20 years and arrests people based on bias and circumstantial evidence. Oh and the trial was a big mess.
2. There were some plotholes and other questions that were never fully answered but in the end it didn't really matter anymore.
3. The last 2 episodes lost focus of its original intention. Hyeran let go of her principles and it was a little disappointing. I already knew this will never have a happy ending and i would have been happy upto the second half of the last episode. Ha Myung Woo's sacrifice didnt make sense and was all for nothing because of the last 10 mins. But i understand why the ending was that way. That final scene when Kang Tae Wook said, "Are you happy?" And Hyeran was crying 😢

Rating: 8.5/10 (8 for the story +0.5 for tragic lives of the leads)

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