Support SK!! Their debut is insanely good. At least give them a chance, regardless of if you watch the show or not. You won't be disappointed.
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Dysfunctional family to touch. True to life. Rough. Surprisingly on a positive note though
"Boomerang Family" refers to the term 'boomerang kids': adults who for pragmatic reasons move back in with their parents - mostly for financial reasons, because of unemployment or because of divorce. The protagonists of this KMovie are the mother, her three adult children and her granddaughter. Together they form the boomerang family.In South Korea, family is the greatest good. Family is omnipresent and gets involved everywhere. This does not mean, however, that family is therefore only associated with happiness, love and warmth. On the contrary. There's a lot of pain associated with it. Much is and remains unsaid. Punches are often included as well.
That's what "Boomerang Family" is about - the dysfunctional aspects of a simple family. Strife and rivalry and fights. Envy and inferiority. Pride. Yet also moments of happiness. Eventually not being seen. Yet, being seen, too. Unspoken truths that will sooner or later be told anyway. Very private, often rough, unsightly, even downright repulsive manners in everyday interactions in the smallest of spaces, which we actually (if at all) only share in the closest, most intimate circle. E.g. in family, that takes you as you are. (Inevitably.) (Out of habit.) (Because one is just so familiar due to the proximity in time and space that one has shared.) (Out of love?)
The bottom line in "Boomerang Family" is love, which, in its most screwed up way, slumbers and lurks somewhere behind the curtain of mostly ugly, all too familiar patterns of everyday, long-established, well-established manners. Strangely enough, it is simply there.
In the world of the protagonists that curtain is rather shabby. Life is simple. The language rough. Proximity is created through shouting, scrambles and fights. Community can be experienced through shared meals, though. Those meals structure family life and become a connecting, binding medium. The common meal is the place of communication and encounter under largely regulated, peaceful conditions. Everything before and after, however, can quickly (almost certainly) get out of hand.
A special aspect for South Korean conditions, where the direct bloodline is still enormously important: Over time, it becomes clear that the protagonist family is actually a rather progressive variant of a patchwork family. Because of that fact, at first glance all seems to be in question. Nevertheless, this realization cannot erase the lived experience as a "family". The simple, unnamed, tangible, rustic, crude 'love' between siblings that is celebrated with this movie, is not in the genes, but has grown out of shared experiences. In this message lies the magic of this otherwise rather brittle, sometimes dark story. Eventually the heaviness is balanced here and there with a breeze of quite idiosyncratic humor.
Everyone in the family has their own stories and small, medium or big tragedies that bring them back together under one roof. A dysfunctional family to touch, true to life, authentic, in all obscenity. As a spectator, you are brought up close, sometimes closer than you might like. Heaviness and pessimism may want to impose themselves in the course of events, but they ultimately fail to determine the emotional space. You wouldn´t believe it, but the story ends on a consistently positive note.
The KMovie is a film adaptation of a novel. It could also be a theatrical performance. It touches, repels, shamelessly places the ugly next to moments of happiness. Who actually is to judge life? What is good? What is beautiful? What is valuable? What is happiness? Ultimately, all protagonists feel (not only, but ALSO) valuable and happy in their affiliation. So what are the criteria for evaluating the quality of life? "Boomerang Familie" chooses a very idiosyncratic, but ultimately soothing perspective - beyond lifestyle, image, aesthetics or monetary wealth.
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Well, I liked it!
DISCLAIMER: I do have notoriously low standards hahaI did go in with very low expectations after reading the main review but NO regrets watching it <33
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STORY:
PLOT OVERALL: It was like a cute little on-shot written with the synopsis ("Actors Play and First being made to live together for 10 days in a house to find/whip up chemistry for their upcoming series ") as prompt.
-1- I am pretty much sucker for a good "OBLIGATORY-LIVE-IN" plot, especially when mashed with an "HATE-TO-LOVE" ingredient. And I got it here.
Actors Play and First being made to live together for 10 days in a house to find/whip up chemistry for their upcoming series - was an acceptable and believable excuse. (I've seen series coming up with much more ridiculous reasons to push two people together).
-2- CHARACTER GROWTH: Personally I DID FIND subtle growth and changes in character - and that was all I needed. The story is of 10 days span and they pretty much had an slow steady built relationship, catalyzed by situations of close proximity and a third party, maybe hindered by personal inhibitions - common plot development but always realistic and understandable.
-3- DEPTH: Was lacking, or I am missing some details. But again, for a 5 episode plot explaining 10 day story with lot of fanservice scenes, it is not expected in an average show.
-4- PACE: Was slow, even super slow at times, I could safely skip 5, 10 seconds instead of waiting for something to happen and that's saying something. I was thankful to the speed controlled widget I have lol, I watched a lot of scenes between 1.2 to 1.8 speeds.
-5- HUMOR: It was a little bonus, to my humor sense, some scenes were funny, and I lowkey like Penelope (even though she was a little "clingy" at some parts haha).
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ACTING: GOOD.
MAIN LEADS: IMO CHEMISTRY WAS GOOD - their acting could show growth of their chemistry well, and the awkwardness in the beginning too. Nothing in to make me feel cringed or that it was unnatural.
There was indeed a little something missing in the chemi - a tiny little bump I cannot quite place - but as a casual viewer I was satisfied.
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SUPPORTING CHARACTERS:
I liked the variety in natures of the casting team. PRAEW was either aloof or just acts that way and probably a Y-girl, FAH was strict and more of a cold minded professional, PENELOPE was colorful character who could does have flaws but is also sensitive and fun, DIRECTOR pretty much impressed me in the tea scene lol-he gave his all, CHAI too surprised with acting skill in "that one scene". PLUTO was the sweet kind of second lead who in a well produced drama can give SLS induced heartaches.
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REWATCH VALUE: I am not big into rewatching but this definitely makes my list!!!!! It could be a cute comfort show for another day.
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Let me keep this review shorter than most of my other detailed long ones. This is a classic action film produced in Hong Kong by the master John Woo and it’s definitely one of his better works to date. When I say action, I target every meaning behind the word. This is the epitome of the action genre that puts the majority of Hollywood action films to shame.
Is there a plot? Not really, is there realism? Heck no! The guy fires hundreds of bullets without even reloading, what common sense are you talking about? But who cares about that? The lovers of the genre don't watch for the plot or for realism, what matters in action films is the intense style of violence, bullets flying and once again violence! This is an extreme action film where everyone holds a gun (or two) and fire until they die. People are everywhere, explosions, motorcycles blowing up in the air, cars exploding and bombs. It’s all there, the camera was everywhere and those slow motion scenes are just magnificent. Nothing less from John Woo’s explosive directing style.
The main leads are cool just like John Woo’s typical main leads. The acting is superb, on one hand there’s the great Chow Yun Fat that lacks recognition and on the other hand, there’s the well-known great Hong Kong star Tony Leung. It’s a dreamy powerful combination that allows John Woo to make use of the brotherhood theme that he loves so much. There’s also a nice performance from Anthony Wong as the bad guy but he falls behind compared to Yun Fat and Tony.
Watch this if:
-You love action films because this is one of the best.
-You’re looking for action entertainment.
-You like John Woo’s films (especially his HK ones).
-You like any of the cast.
Do not watch if:
-You dislike violent films because this is the essence of violence.
-You’re looking for a certain plot because there’s nothing special in this film’s story.
-You dislike the genre action.
So why does this get a 9/10 from someone who’s very cheap with his ratings? It’s because I am an action junkie and Hard Boiled is one of the best Action films ever made in the history of cinema, PERIOD.
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This drama got me hooked from beginning to end.I binged watch the first ten episodes in just one day. I commend them for their acting especially the male lead.Zhang zhe han never failed to surprise me. He can portray characters who looks really cold and tough.I remember him as Prince Qin in his previous drama and it was good to see him back in a modern drama .He looks dashing with his new hair. His eyes are very expressive.
I loved how adorable the Lou Xi is.I became her fan the moment I saw her onscreen. She has a natural charm and no doubt she will land in more bigger roles.
But damn I had no idea Riley speaks English well and being raised in Canada he speaks smoothly. Not really a fan of him but he can really act. The only character that annoys me was Wena and i think she was so good playing the spoiled rich princess.
Tao Lun and Wena are supporting characters but their characters exist for a reason and they are part of the main conflict of the story.
Though Zhang Min replaced Tao Lun and perform his duties as a son but his father never treated him well. I feel sorry for him because he was living a dual life and was deprived of his right to live as Zhang Chi.
Family problems really gets complicated and as you grow older you are left with no choice but to protect the ones you loved.
He had to protect his mother at the same time lived as someone else's son.
Tao lun was still very fortunate because he had foster parents who really loved him.
But when you think of it Zhang Min and his mother suffered for losing Tao lun.
The ones greatly affected are the children.
I strongly recommend this drama and I am loving the natural chemistry of the leads. The way he stares at her makes me melt. Where could I find a boyfriend who looks at me the way he looks at Lou Xi.
The plot seems cliche but the pacing and storyline is good. Just the right amount of sweetness and angst.I'm gonna miss this drama.
So if you ever watched a melodrama and wants to brighten up your mood you should check this out.
The ending was a bit rushed and the real culprit apologized for his mistake in just one episode and it was over.They could have done a lot in a 36 episode drama.It gets draggy the moment they found out the real Zhang Min.
I want a better ending but I am more than happy to see the leads ending up together.
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I'm giving this a high rating, because this two-episode series (less than 30 minutes) says more than many series with 12 or more episodes.For me, the actor who plays Neung is fantastic. I hope we see him in more roles, he really is THAT good.
The story is powerful in a lot of ways. Neung has a girlfriend, he gets drunk one night with his friend Keng and they have sex. The next day they are hanging out with friends and the two of them are very awkward with one another because of what happened. In private, Neung and Keng argue and Neung claims he's not gay and storms out. Later, the two of them get together again and, after what seems to be some S&M foreplay, they spend the night together again. The next morning they are really happy and Keng gives Neung a key to his apartment.
Word gets around that the two of them are together and Neung is confronted by his good friend Tui (and two others), with Tui saying he won't be friends with someone who is gay... all three of the friends desert Neung, who goes back to the apartment, only to find an empty apartment and a note from Keng, saying he has to go to a new school, but he is leaving the apartment to Neung with the memory of the time they spent together. Neung is devastated.
Neung goes out walking near a bridge, and Tui and the other friends approach him and apologize. Tui is especially affectionate and he and Neung end up as a couple after that. The End.
I've heard some viewers resent the fact that Tui "suddenly turns gay" after he shuns Nueng. But I see it differently:
many young gay men in the closet are the first ones to turn against and make fun of other gay people, because they themselves are struggling. It's not nice in any way, but it's a process that a number of gays go through.
There is also a nice metaphorical touch, involving two fish in a tank at the apartment.
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This drama is very refreshing, very well written and highly entertaining. The synopsis might not really attract you, but just watch it, you'll get drawn into the series in no time at all.
Hiroshi Abe is definitely at his BEST here! He plays Kuwano-san, an accomplished architect who is rather quirky and sarcastic and definitely not a people's person. And I gotta say... Abe did a BRILLIANT job portraying this character. His acting here is SUPERB, really. His character is a mix between Jack Nicholson in "As Good As It Gets" and Hugh Laurie of "House M.D."
It is very interesting to see how Abe's character tries to interact with other people in different kind of situations as portrayed throughout the series. I especially love the interaction between him and Ken-chan, the neighbour's dog. If you haven't seen it, I'm telling you, you'll fall in love with Ken-chan, because he is the cutest thing ever!
The actress that plays Hayasaka-san is also amazing. She's able to "balance" Abe's Kuwano and they succesfully created a perfect on-screen chemistry together.
This drama is totally a must see!
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A dish best served... twice?
I first watched this drama last year as it aired, and even though some elements were a bit hard to follow at times, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I watched it with my sisters and we looked forward to it every day.Now, I'm currently watching it over again with my mom, and let me tell you... it's almost a completely different experience.
In a good way. When you know what's going to happen already, you can concentrate on the smaller details you didn't catch the first time that'll make you go "OHHH NOW I UNDERSTAND".
It makes you realize just how much hard work and attention to detail was no doubt put into this drama. Ad it'll be just as, if not more entertaining then the first time you watched it.
So trust me, if you've only seen this drama once, watch it again. This rewatch is a pleasant surprise.
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Definitely not for the ones who want to watch romance.
This drama i feel keeps going back and forth and there is too much sorrow in it. Espically with Ye Ji. She's going through so much and towards the end it feels like she didnt actually even love Jin. Hwan's feels were understandable but Ye Ji, to some extent kept leading him on. This drama started off good and smooth but then it started taking too many leaps and I felt like it was running somewhere. The actors have done a brillant job. Espically Jin's was a difficult one to potray because of his leg conditiin but Seok Jin did a wonderful job in convincing the audience.Was this review helpful to you?
This is the only KDrama that I have watched the entire series at least 4 times, True Story. And would watch again if I can learn to stomach his selfish co-workers, but no, I cant forgive them. The story so sweet that I'm crying as I'm writing this review, *I need a tissue.*
This is the drama to watch if you are looking for a simple love story that is not based on "star-cross lovers", or pre-destined love or fate; but a love that forms from the realistic development of feelings and affection, combined with a character so unreal that he challenges you to examine yourself. With familiar classic components of a romantic KDrama, that thankfully did not overshadowed or ruined the performance delivered by a great actor.
I, 100% recommend this to anyone.
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It actually operates on a conceit that's fairly common these days; the non-linear yet interconnected vignettes that coalesce into an overarching plot. Oftentimes, in these types of films, the actual story is less interesting than the way it's assembled. Take for instance, Christopher Nolan's Memento (2000), which was fascinating for its accurate and chilling portrayal of the nature of retrograde amnesia but would have been merely a middling crime thriller if assembled in chronological order. However, other films use this plot technique in order to symbolically resonate with the themes presented in the story, such as Marc Webb's charming (if a bit precious) (500) Days of Summer (2009). Fish Story definitely falls into the latter category and (at least for me personally) does even a little bit more.
I love the Butterfly Effect. Not the crap film starring Ashton Kutcher but the actual phenomenon. It's something that, when portrayed right, can be smart and gripping. Fish Story uses the medium of urban legend to give some physical form to the theory and to trace the evolution of a myth and its implications for the fate of humanity. It sounds a bit ludicrous and melodramatic, but the film is so self-assured that you really can't doubt its intentions, ones that become more and more believable as the film progresses. And, if all of that sounds lacking in proper gravitas (which it sort of does, on paper), the film also has a recurring theme of resilient underdogs who emerge triumphant or at least at peace at the end of the day. As such, even if the main story doesn't float your boat, there will be definitely something to appreciate in the smaller arcs.
Lest that all might seem a bit stuffy, the film actually has a good sense of humor. One that's a little self-deprecating and rife with situational irony. It might not be a laugh out loud comedy, but it will definitely elicit a wry chuckle or too here and there at the expense of some of the more hapless characters. Which, come to think of it, is essential in a film like this. It's not hard to become pretentious when using this particular film-making conceit, but Fish Story so easily circumvents this pitfall because it knows how to laugh at itself.
Is it the best film ever? No. It's probably not even the best film in its niche genre, but it's definitely safe to say that it stands in the top ranking for being the most fun and the most exhilarating. And also for having a great song. If you're into punk or j-rock, Fish Story (the song) is a satisfying reason enough to give this film a spin.
Tl;dr? Watch it for some intelligent fun, an interesting storytelling format, and a kickass song.
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The most relevant word I could apply to this show? Interesting. It's interesting.Of the romance-related shows to see on Netflix (Terrace House, Ainori) this is definitely the lowest tier. In production value, professionalism, and execution, this show leaves a bit of a poor taste in my mouth. It was filmed in beautiful Okinawa- the scenery and sights are probably the biggest draw here. That being said, you don't see much of it- the entirety of it's 9 episode run-time takes place over the course of 3 days which made it extremely difficult for there to be any romances at all formed over the course of this show.
At the onset, the concept for this show is what really drew me- over the course of the show, each of the 18 contestants (10 men, 8 women- apparently 1 man and 3 women dropped out at the last second) confess their all-consuming "deep dark secret". On this front, the show certainly delivered- at the risk of being too spoilery, things like criminal records, debt, troublesome past relationships, and frowned-upon occupations make up a decent chunk of the secrets. Each one was at the very least slightly surprising, and at most downright scandalous- and while they were all interesting, I found it a little bit insightful into the things that Japan considers taboo enough to be considered a deep dark secret. Regardless of the quality of this season, I would watch another hypothetical season in a heartbeat solely considering the possible secret revelations.
The participants were a real mixed bag- some of them were endearing, kind, or strange enough that I found myself rooting for them, while others I found downright detestable initially. Of course over the run of the series you get to know the lot of them better, so even strong initial impressions are for the most part broken up and you're given a more well-rounded idea of who this person might be. The editing shows very little bias in terms of who they give the most screen-time to, or who gets the most favourable cuts, so that isn't too big of a concern in my opinion. There's really only one or two participants I found to be just straight dislikeable people.
The most difficult part of watching this show was the host(s). While the female host was inoffensive enough, my biggest qualm with her is that she mostly stayed silent while the male host was a veritable trash bag of a human being. Perhaps it was a persona, perhaps not, but his lack of sensitivity and humourless attempts at joking insults were appalling. If you're easily angered by slut-shaming, transphobia, sexism, all that jazz- stay far away. This type of concept for a show could have been done with grace and compassion, but that is certainly not what you'll find here.
Now! For the romance! I had two or three couples I was really, truly rooting for, and some of them even pulled through! This show isn't completely unsatisfactory in that sense. But there are one or two people I felt very sorry for by the end, so get really to feel a certain amount of sadness mixed in with the ups of the couples. I don't think any of the couples that ended up forming were framed or set up by the production crew, however I feel like the crew may have had a general idea as to which couples they wanted to pair up based on their similar backgrounds and secrets.
TL;DR: A decent enough show to pass the time, but it might annoy the hell out of you. Don't take it too seriously or expect a masterpiece, and you might even enjoy it.
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Is this a series made to cure BL addiction?
It is already common enough for BLs to suffer from the problem of character overload, but at least sometimes the part for the main couple is done well or there is enough cuteness and sweetness in the side couples to make us overlook the flaws. In Love Area Part 2, however, the part for the main couple (actually the other parts as well) is botched up so badly that it has got to be the work of some evil genius. It definitely takes talent to be able to screw things up this badly with the material started in Part 1.I recall Part 1 being quite bearable despite its flaws like random digressions to side stories that lack development. But at least we see in Part 1 the conflict between Valen and Kaitoon at the start and how their relationship changes over time, and the promise of a romance between them at the end. Part 1 seems to be going somewhere. I was hoping that Part 2 would avoid the flaws of Part 1. However, the flaws are accumulated and magnified instead.
In Part 2, there are even more barely related characters; love triangles become squares or some other polygon. The worst part of the story is the "development" of the relationship between Valen and Kaitoon. They become a couple and enjoy some sweet moments, but there really isn't much of a story to speak of here. Perhaps to add spice to the thing that isn't much of a story, the evil genius lurking around decided that the love triangle with Valen, Kaitoon and Non (someone with a crush on Kaitoon) should be turned into some bizarre love polygon. So while Valen is in love with Kaitoon and getting jealous of Non for childish reasons, he inexplicably also gives some girl flowers, behaving like a shy teen with a crush. (Huh?)
But of course that is not enough "conflict" for the evil genius hiding in the production team. There must be a misunderstanding between Valen and Kaitoon that leads to a break-up before the series ends, right? This is predictable fare except that the evil genius makes Valen's behavior totally illogical. Valen sees Kaitoon's group mate (Sean) being a third party in King and Pete's relationship (King is Valen's friend) and somehow assumes that Kaitoon is in cahoots with his group mate to give Pete a chance to cheat on King. (HUH?)
Speaking of King and Pete, Pete's behavior is about as absurd as it can possibly get. First, his jealousy when he sees King with another guy is practically at psychopathic levels, suggesting an unhealthy obsessiveness. Next, his claim that he has suddenly disappeared and left King suddenly (Part 1) because of his struggles with depression is exposed to be bogus. Even by the end of the series, the reason he has simply disappeared is unknown, just like his reasons for suddenly wanting to make up with King again. Yes, he has been in a relationship with another guy during the disappearance, but is this other guy the reason for his disappearance? Couldn't he have simply broken up with King if he had fallen in love with someone else? And if he is such a jerk, why does he seem genuinely sorry for what he has done?
And, trust me, there is more in all the main characters' behaviors in Episode 7 that will leave you stupefied--if you don't fall asleep watching scenes that look like some advertisement for a tour or the work of a travel vlogger. (They are actually visually appealing but not exactly interesting.) I don't have the ability to describe the mess without using a few hundred words more, and I'm just too lazy to do it.
There is also the addition of at least two more love triangles just so that the scenes can jump purposelessly from one love polygon to another and alienate viewers. The introduction of June, Bill and Sonya into the series appears to be devoid of purpose. (And also: more illogical behavior thrown in.) Then there is also a (straight) love triangle involving Valen's sister that gets added in without development or resolution because -- why not? We are trying to make the series as bad as possible, right? And maybe there can even be a Part 3, right?
By Episode 7, it is clear that even if Episode 8 (the final episode) salvages things a little, it cannot make up for the experience of watching Episodes 1 - 7, which is by turns boring and infuriating. Indeed, Episode provides a bit of a closure. I bet the evil genius behind the mess was disappointed that he could not continue having fun. Do Valen and Kaitoon make up? I would love to give a spoiler, but I can't really tell. It is not because we have an open ending. It's just that I can't be sure if the "ending" is just another daydreaming/imagination scene (like Kaitoon and Non's at the end of Episode 7).
It's sad that Part 2 destroys: (i) the King/Pete pairing when there is potential for a much more moving story for them, and (ii) the character development of Valen in Part 1. It's also saddening that things don't end well for Non, who is a likable person and possibly the only sensibly portrayed character of any importance. Maybe Love Area is secretly The Tragedy of Non. While heartbroken King has friends who care (and even a possible new love interest) and June has someone to cry to, our poor Non does not even seem to have a friend around to console him.
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1This drama is truly a blessing. It made me feel so happy and I haven't been really happy lately. It made me forget my irl problems for a second which is always hard. It gives you such a warm feeling, it's so beautiful. The fact that Korea managed to create such a good BL drama is awesome, I hope we can expect more good projects in the future. Well, I can't tell if they'll be better than To My Star, but even if it's half as good it'll be acceptable.
They managed to create a good, coherent storyline with well-doveloped and interesting characters and they did it within only 9 short episodes. It's honestly admirable. The writing is decent, there's actually a good plot going on and it ACTUALLY makes sense. And the directing... oh, god, the directing. It was simple yet brilliant. Every scene was amazingly shot. And the food shots... I wish we had more of them.
The chemistry between the leads was turly good, every scene with them made my heart skip a beat. The acting is unexpectedly good, if we consider the fact that the actors are young and don't have much experience. I fell in love with Son Woo Hyun and I have no regrets. His acting was so natural, I felt happy while watching him.
Overall, one of the best BLs I've seen and of course it's now one of my favourites. Would highly recommend it!
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