Reviews

Let me talk about the television which is Dae-su's companion when we was imprisoned for 15 years. Why a television? Because television is a reflection of society. The imprisonment is made much more vengeful because of the fact that there's a TV. Dae-su is seeing life outside of the room but he cannot touch it, he cannot feel it, he cannot live it. Instead, he was forced to live through it, where he gained his knowledge and how he got by. Seeing how things are outside, makes the longing to get out more hurtful isn't it? Of course, his struggle inside was shown through his repeated silting of his wrist, talking to himself and so on, but it's also that TV (which seems to harmless) that actually does the most harm.

That's Chan-wook's little insert right there. The original manga that Oldboy is loosely based on isn't as grim as this adaptation. The film was dark and an powerful revenge story with one of the best plot twists ever. (Sadly, I have known the plot twist even before watching the film but it didn't take away the effectiveness of the reveal.) Dae-su is a grimier version of the original manga's lead which complements the story and the revenge so much more. It is brutal and filled with madness just like Dae-su himself. Chan-wook knows how to keep his cards, as if a knife is as the edge of your throat until he carefully laid each one out.

For a dark film with dark overtones and gritty visuals, the use of music contrasts the overall aesthetics. Playing Vivald's Four Seasons is a great way to bring out the mayhem and intensity of the film especially during action scenes filled with dramatic build-up. The cinematography reminds me of Netsuya Nakashima's The World of Kanako. While Oldboy doesn't use the same fast-crazy-cuts, it still does it during intense scenes which heightens the suspense.

My favorite scene is the corridor fight scene which was taken in one go. Definitely felt natural and real. Choi Min-sik is great as Dae-su so as Yoo Ji-tae (who is also in Memories of Murder) which serves as Dae-su's contrast both in appearance and personality. I'm not sure if it's intentional in Chan-wook's behalf but the great use of Oedipus Rex (best if you're familiar with it) just amazing it setting out the story and characters.

Oldboy deserves the praise it gets and the hype it has. It strips its characters bare and lays out their deepest and darkness parts but never tells you to hate or love them, instead you as a viewer, make that decision. It shows rawness and boldness just like how its story goes.

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lightweight, humor with touch of retro action

A wine bottle from 1988, I know the taste is good. I wouldn't mind sipping it again someday. It's a light humor action movie that gives the audience an escape to feel the retro fast and furious in 80’s style.

The story had nothing special to offer, few youngsters who dream to live big get entangled between prosecutors and villains, trying to save themselves from both. Riding on modified fast cars, and wearing 80’s fashion on the Olympic opening day is the chosen for the movie climax D-day, and that's the reason for the movie title as SEOUL VIBE.
It isn't super complicated but within the first half one can probably guess what's gonna happen next. Although the story is not fresh its stellar cast which performed outstandingly without a doubt wouldn't let anyone down for watching the movie. They kept me entertained from beginning to end with pro acting and semi-humor.

The Chicago Typewriter duo reunion of Yoo Ah In and Go Kyung Pyo in one frame reminds me of TCT as if am rewatching the drama again. The fake gold chain is super funny on both of them. They are both amazing and YAI never disappoints its viewers, he always had the depth of the character he portrays. He is leading the team and drove like he is fast and furious.
GKP gave its usual pleasant and easygoing performance.
Ong Seung Wu had a messy curly hairstyle portraying the youngest of the team. His small and thin build added the necessity of the youngest and loving member. I loved seeing him because he lit up the screen with humor.
Park Ju Hyun, rode the bike like a pro. She had a good wardrobe of the ’80s and I loved her to see in that crop tops which enhanced her long hairstyle.

The 1988 Olympics of Seoul is just a time taken to intensify the fashion, funk, racing cars, and color palette of the movie which serves its purpose. Because it picks up the viewers and takes them on the nostalgic, retro ride of the 80s.

If anyone wants a deep story, with lots of action this isn't the one for you. Because its story is weak and has mild action. But yes it has amazing car chasing sequences, which are thrilling to watch.

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Know the rules of The Road

Warriors of Heaven and Earth is an unconventional action and buddy film. Filmed in the Gobi desert with a haunting OST and good performances, this film had almost everything needed to be epic. Almost.

Unlike many films with numerous plots and turns, Warriors of Heaven and Earth was more like the Silk Road going through the desert. A rough path with even rougher people traversing it, but fairly straightforward. The film starts with Lai Xi, a Japanese man, who came to China 15 years before to study war craft. All he wants to do now is go home and see his mother. The emperor, whom he is loyal to, has resisted letting him leave. The Tang emperor tasks him with eliminating fugitives in the Western region. Once he fulfills this task, he can finally return home to Japan. Lai's final obstacle is hunting down "Butcher" Li, a general charged with mutiny because he refused to slaughter captive women and children.

Lieutenant Li has been wandering the desert making a living when he is caught up in a sandstorm and nearly dies. He is rescued by the sole military survivor of a caravan carrying Buddhist texts and a precious artifact. One young monk protecting the artifact survived the storm as well. Li takes control of the caravan and promises to lead it to the capital. Along the way he ends up picking up a fighter who had seen too many winters, Old Diehard, and a young man who had seen too few, Salamander, as well as some of his old cohorts. Lai Xi also finds him and after a fight that ends in a draw agrees to allow Li to finish the caravan mission before killing him. For some reason, Lai is escorting the daughter of a killed general to the capital and she becomes part of the caravan as well.

No movie focusing on the Silk Road would be complete without gangs of bandits. This film focuses on Master An, the leader of a gang determined to steal the artifact. Another group, followers of a Khan, also want the artifact. They are relentless and seemingly willing to sacrifice anything to get their hands on the item in the monk's care.

Li and Lai have an almost comfortable relationship as two men who see each other as equals, and honorable, though they know at least one of them will not reach the capital. The small band of men, almost akin to The Seven Samurai, must use every bit of their wits and experience to fight through the bandits in inhospitable territory. Outnumbered and bearing the heavy burden of traveling with numerous camels and cargo, the fugitives are determined to carry out their mission. Once the artifact is revealed, the film ventures into Indiana Jones territory (think Buddhist Ark of the Covenant) which in one scene is intriguing and in another eye-rolling.

The fights and battles are all quite brutal and well choreographed. There is some wire-fu and CGI enhancement, but most of it is bone crunching and bloody hacking between seasoned soldiers and fighters.

What I enjoyed the most about the film was the beautiful desert scenery, shot with a loving eye. Desert towns looked authentic and the overhead geometric shots were fascinating. One scene where large jars of oil were used to create an impressive ringed fire at night was a great shot. The OST was unobtrusive and seductively wove the scenes and emotions together.

The cast was older than many recent movies which gave gravitas to the battle hardened men facing each other over swords or bonding together as brothers. Nikai Kiichi and Jiang Wen both played quiet heroes, yet still found ways to make their characters interesting beyond their ability to swing a sword. This is the first Chinese film I've seen where a Japanese character was shown as honorable and a skilled warrior, all in a positive light. Li and Lai made for a decent adversarial bromance. Vicki Zhao, was stuck in a token female role with little to do. Wang Xue Qi as the vile but intelligent Master An was acceptable as the bandit leader only going over the top on occasion.

What didn't work as well, was the very slow build-up to the story and the magical ending. I honestly was going to score this an 8 before the final scenes.

Warriors of Heaven and Earth was a surprisingly enjoyable film. Though a familiar sword fighting action narrative, it trod slightly different ground. It was strongest when focusing on the two men who each just wanted to be able to go home, thwarted by the emperor. When it veered from a more realistic survival epic into supernatural territory, it lost its way. I could still recommend this film with caveats. 7.75 for me.



9/13/22

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A Rom-Com at its Campy BEST.

I don’t usually write reviews, but this one deserves one. For anyone who dropped this series after one episode, or has not given it a chance, you’re seriously missing out.

First thing to take into account is that this is most definitely a rom com. This is not dramatic in any way unless it’s making fun of drama, or the few wonderfully touching moments it touches on important topics. This is a very campy funny series that doesn’t try to be more than what it is: a story of 4 very “out of the norm” bffs that don’t need to change who they are to get the “big man” on campus.

Unlike the mayority of “ugly duckling” movies and tv shows, here the main lead does NOT change in order to get the hot guy. Toh is who he is and Nuea loves him as he is.

3 of the 4 main group of friends (the boys) all have insecurities (for which they are bullied) that are so well handled: all 3 have different body image issues, Toh not being (traditionally) handsome, Jan for his weight and Daisy’s gender identity.

The mains Nuea and Toh do suffer from a lot of miscommunication early on, as both believe the other is interested in another person, but their communication skills blossom beautifully. I give 10 stars to actors Billy and Seng for the scene near the end when Nuea discovers Toh’s secret boxes. These actors went all out with their emotions and tears.

Actress Looknam (Som) also brilliantly played the scene where Daisy tries to change who she is. Som defines what a true friend and ally is by supporting Daisy’s gender identity while also supporting their decision.

Really, every one of their insecurities are treated so gently and perfectly, and none of them is forced into being something they’re not in order to “get the guy”. The parents are supportive, loving, and flawed in their own ways, but still wonderful.

And the main couple’s chemistry is hot like burning. Nuea looks like he wants to eat Toh alive everytime they kiss, and they kiss a lot. I wish they didn’t pan to the side everytime they got to the sexy times, because with the chemistry between these two, my screen would be of fire.

To say that this show is the best bl series would be exaggerating. But for what it wants to be, a campy rom com, it IS perfect.

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Skip it

I started and stopped so many times to complete this drama. It could be best described as hodgepodge of various genres which was not appetizing at all. It included mystery, crime, romance, friendship, abuse, melodrama, comedy etc but nothing stuck.
I had begin to think that there were only top notch K actors who did excellent job regardless of age, sex, role, screen time etc. however this drama dispelled that illusion. I apologize I could not become a fan of the FL’s visuals. The ML was better tolerated and acted better as well. There was no chemistry between the leads even though there was some excellent script in regards to their banter and a gorgeous scenic view for their first kiss. However my heart did not skip a single beat but instead went into bradycardia. The romantic scenes had them significantly apart with constant smiling at each other with those emotionless, dead eyes. Even when they cried or hugged, I did not feel any emotional tug. The mystery just couldn't keep its tempo or grip because of so many interrupted elements. The background childhood didn’t show much effect on the grown adults due to poor acting skills.
I barely tolerated the side characters which were really really annoying most of the time. The only one I liked and who acted best was the supposed villian.
Not even worth a quick watch. Do your self a favor and just skip it.

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Cringeworthy second couple stealing main couple screentime

LOVE: Yu Mei Ren and her character antics and fashion, Xin xin's acting, the main couple chemistry

HATE: what else if not 2ML and 2FL! They're disconnected from the main couple and steal so much space!

Agree with others, it has become a romance of FOUR little forests. Felt cheated, they uses the main couple for publicity but in secret pushes out a lot of the secondary couple. What kind of shady situation is this? YMR sweet beauty and the main couple chemistry can't save this, even the main couple storyline was a bit too slow burn and going back and forth ffs. It took more than 30 episodes for them to hold hands....really. What a shame, if the writing was better their chemistry could've been more sizzling, still good job to Xin xin and Bin Bin for doing their part to make their chemistry work although the storyline was weak.

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I Can Speak -hell yes she CAN,
The movie starts off as an easy-going narration of a growth of friendship between two characters. It's fun and entertaining, and you can't but fall for those characters. Na Ok Boon aka Goblin Granny is that character that everyone seems to avoid, and is such a pain in the ass for civil workers in particular. Park Min Jae ,a 33-year old civil worker that was assigned to deal with Granny's complaints. Throughout the movie, the relationship between both leads starts growing into something lovely.
The acting was really good, whether it were the main leads of the supporting cast, it was truly fascinating alongside the amazing cinematography and story flow. You won't leave after watching this movie feeling like it was a waste of anything cause it has its own purpose, its own morale, and also an impact on the audience.
Since this is a spoiler-free review, the only thing I can say is the story is definitely not what it seems to be and it has a much deeper meaning, on the more serious wavelength.
Thus, watch it for it will really bring out several different emotions. I did tear up several times, I mean you can't not!!

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One of the saddest kdrama

A drama about the truth of Gwangju uprising. It breaks my heart that this drama happened in real life. The way they treated the people back then.

The story is well writen.
The lives of the two leads is hard. They did everything to be happy together.
Almost every episode makes me cry. Myung Hee experienced a brutal death. They didnt even bury her or tell her family about her. She doesnt deserve that.

Lee Do Hyun's character also breaks my heart. The fact that he doesnt know where to find his woman. He waited alone for 48 years without knowing what really happened.

This drama is one of my fav drama even though I cried a river about the ending.
Prepare a tissue before watching this drama.

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Cruel, Bleak...and Totally Worth It.

Honestly, I hate when reviews rave about a show like it's a life-changing experience. When someone starts throwing around terms like "masters of the craft," "tour de force," and "magnum opus," I usually just roll my eyes and scroll away. So now watch me become a hypocrite and get positively gushy about this drama (almost as gushy as all the stab wounds in this show):

If you are a fan of neo-noir film, this is absolutely a must-watch. Or, if you are simply looking for something different than the typical Kdrama tropes, give this a try. Problems do not get tied neatly with a bow, romance is intense but not the central theme, and characters are painted in shades of grey (rather than obviously good or evil). Yes, you'll have to decide for yourself if you like someone, rather than letting the plot tell you if you should.

Expect atmospheric camera shots and seductive music to frame each scene. It's easy to get drawn into this sordid but glamorous world, where heroes and villains alike will do anything at all to move their own interests forward and protect those closest to them. The characters you despise in the beginning may tug at your heartstrings later on.

Central to all this is Doctor's Son, played with hypnotic finesse by Jung Kyung Ho. I really have not seen an actor play a role quite like this one with such elegance and sex appeal. His character is defined by calculating ruthlessness, but there are glimpses into his emotions that are just as powerful. In different hands, one might wonder how such a cut-throat person is able to consistently gain loyalty and affection from the people around him, but in this performance, it's completely believable. I have seen Jung Kyung Ho in other dramas, so I already knew he's a good actor, but this one was truly captivating. I'd love to see him return to this style in the future.

The other characters are intriguing and well-cast. In my opinion, the standouts were Kim Yoo Mi as Lee Jin Suk and Choi Moo Sung as Safari, but everyone was truly wonderful to watch. The actors brought that special "something" that makes a drama feel alive. I didn't feel like I was watching actors, but rather, real people. One could easily go into a character study for almost of all of them, taking quite some time to break down their motivations and personalities. Don't worry, I won't do that here. I do encourage you, though, to do so yourself as you watch!

I'm sure you've heard other people go on about the music and how great it is. It really is that good. The ending theme gives that strangely pleasant feeling of melancholy. Yet, it's actually the instrumental pieces that give the most sizzle. I would pay good money to have that sexy guitar be the soundtrack to my life. I'm sure everything I did would look about 100x cooler.

So after all that long-winded praise, why did I only give it an 8.5? Let me briefly explain the beefs I had. You read this far, might as well see it through to the end.

Yes, there were some plot holes. I can get past them, but I recognize that the scripting isn't perfect. But seriously, where will you find a show with perfect scripting? Seriously, if you know of one, let me know, because I haven't seen it.

The character of Lee Jin Suk was the character about whom I was the most uncertain as to how I felt. She is portrayed as a loyal and intelligent woman who will fiercely protect those she loves. By the end of the show, I really did care about her and empathized with her pain. But...it was never addressed whatsoever that she was literally an attempted child groomer. In the flashbacks to Doc's childhood, she speaks to him flirtatiously, and at one point even overtly sexually. Once he is an adult, she tells people that he's her boyfriend behind his back. I might have been able to get past this if she had ever apologized to him, but that never happened. Instead, it all seemed to be written in as part of her deep love for him. What? Does no one else find that icky? The other issue I took with her character was that, after fighting tooth and nail to drag herself out of prostitution, she chose to enrich herself by becoming a madam. She even tries multiple times to dissuade Soo Min from working there, as she is fully aware of its horrors. Yet, she has no problem employing other women in that capacity. Why?

I also couldn't understand why they introduced that alcoholic reporter girl as a half-baked attempt to give Ji Hyeong Min a (living) love interest. This woman is fully aware that he is still grieving the loss of his murdered girlfriend, yet she weasels her way into his life by offering tips in his case, some of which turn out to be worthless. They don't even give closure to that relationship in the end. So, why was she included at all?

My other very important and not-at-all nitpicky gripes:
Why are the women always wearing stilettos to scenarios in which they know they'll need to fend off attackers or run for their lives? Why does everyone slam on the brakes so aggressively? And why is Doctor's Son's hair so perfect all the time? Doesn't matter if he's in a knife fight, getting beat up, or having sex, his hair stays gorgeous. Major plot hole, I tell you!

Okay, got all that out of my system. Overall, this was a truly excellent drama. I highly recommend it. Sexy, thrilling, and sometimes brutal, it's definitely for adults. If you're interested in something darker than most Kdramas that still feels human, put this at the top of your list.

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As someone that have finished the novel, throughout watching the drama. There was some changes in the plot which is rather nice to see since it can be seen as a way to hype thing to give somewhat a more realistic feel of the novel. The reason why I rate the acting/cast 8/10 is mostly because of a drastic changes of 2 characters and a few other characters. The 2 characters with the drastic changes in the drama without the doubt is Chen Guo and Bao Zi as Bao Zi isn't really a type of person that actually think before doing thing or capable of thinking alot of difficult which make it abit weird for me to see him as Bao Zi. As for Chen Guo, in novel she isn't really exactly the type that is really thoughtful or likable character since in novel, she usually justified all her wrong doings as Ye Xiu's fault and she's quite a really insensitive person as well with a judgemental view of other at times unlike in drama where she portray a person is really thoughtful and all. Overall I have to say that it was a quite nice to see the drama ver of this novel since it was one of my all time favorite.

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My expectations were so beyond reached

When I started this I didn't think it would be as good as it is.
My expectations were not high but WOW they should have been because this drama was so good!!
I love when romance dramas have a really good plot aside from the romance. All the Ice skating scenes were so epic and I really enjoyed all the competition scenes. SO GOOD.
The music was also so fantastic! Every time "One More Time" came on during one of the training montage scenes I get goosebumps and get sooo pumped up. Love all the characters' relationships. I also really appreciate that there wasn't a big breakup or fight scene between the main couple - usually there are so many of those in dramas and they get so overdone but this drama was so refreshing and didn't have those. Overall I definitely recommend giving it a watch :)

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The Synopsis does a diservice.

The synopsis does a disservice to this wonderful gem. This is a tale about two people at opposite ends of their lives coming together and finding solace through their journey together, Shota who is at the main starting point in his life and Jun-chan who is at the last part of his life both try to runaway from their realities. Shota who for the most part of his life lacked adult guidance, is mature but innocent as a neglected child of that age would be. Jun-chan who is still contemplating the passage of time and how he is at the end of his life, a frail old grandpa who has no one he knows alive anymore. At it's heart this is a coming of age story. Just because we age doesn't mean we learn to be adults. Naoki-san with his expressions and body language portrays the frailty, vulnerability and stubbornness that a young man who suddenly realizes he is an old man and life has long passed him by and the window of opportunities have long shut. While the young Kamiki, is phenomenal as Shota, I would go as far as to say this is his best and most realistic acting of that era. We see Shota at the beginning of the drama, as a mature child. He calmly leaves his home, carefully packs, even is aware enough to bring first aide and money along. However during uncertainties he breaks down and we see the innocent child trying to hide behind an adult mask, A child so desperate for adult guidance, that when he finds the reliable Jun-chan, he sticks to his side like a glue, from that point we finally see the whinny child, who wants attention, who is curious and hurt easily. His inexperience with the world is paired well with Jun-chan's life experiences. One has all the experience and the other has none, but neither of them are truly grasp the current world they live in. Jun-chan whose world has long gone and Shota whose hasn't started. They are aliens to the current world they live in. Jun-chan feels relevant while taking care of the young Shota, he feels needed. Shota on the other hand feels he is being heard and seen. In most scenes they are at conflict with each other, a battle of different generations. Not very different from arguments grandparents and grandchildren, each coming from their own life experiences while not trying to understand where the other is coming from. By the end of their journey they learn lessons from each other, forming a bond deeper than bloods. This is a very worthwhile drama to watch. The innocence and vulnerability is charming. The acting grounded and layered. The story is relevant for every generation, as most people in their lives will have been Shota and Jun-chan at different times. What happens when the end and the beginning meet. This is charming drama full of nuances and allegories. The drama is full of juxtapositions as it is both hopeful and depressing at the same time. I was watching it with my mother, who is not interest in jdramas nor dis she understand what they were saying but multiple themes of connection, negligence, childhood, and the eventual death were things she picked up right away. Honesty it is a masterpiece and more people should watch it.

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A sweet, lovely, funny, cute office romance !

I loved this drama ! I had a wonderful time watching it !
I loved every character. The relationship between Min Ik and Dae Ju is really beautiful (calling each other "wifey" is so damn cute), Gal Hee is a lovely and lively woman, and Veronica Park is undeniably one of the most memorables K-drama characters.
I will certainly miss this drama a lot.
The story in itself is very simple. It's a typical office romance but... I like that haha
There is no love triangle (thank God, I think it feels nice not to have anyone disturb the romance of the main leads).
The side characters are interesting. And there is also a part of mystery.
Well, to sum up, it is an interesting drama for people who want to enjoy a sweet romantic storyline with beautiful leads and side characters. Aaaannnnnnddd a very very very cute Do Min Ik !

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