Reviews

My absolute favorite series ❤️

This series is the reason why I completely fell in love with Korean series and culture. I loved the story! I cried so much and, above all, laughed! This series is a touching and at the same time humorous story that makes your ❤️ flutter every time you look at Hyuan Bin and on the other hand makes you think a lot about the history of Korea. I'm happy to give this a 10/10 because I think everything is spot on. I'm sure this isn't the last time I've watched this series.

I read that there is a musical for the series and would be overjoyed if I could find a CD or DVD for it. If anyone knows anything, please send me a message. Thank you.

Read More

leave you pondering the complexities of life

In "The Highway Family," Jung Il Woo delivers an outstanding portrayal that resonates deeply with the audience. This Korean film offers a thought-provoking exploration of the timeless dilemma between living a life of happiness with nothing, not even meeting basic needs, and living a modest existence while struggling to achieve unity as a family.

The movie revolves around a family's turbulent life on a remote highway, with Jung Il Woo's character serving as the emotional anchor. His performance is a tour de force, skillfully conveying the inner conflicts and external challenges faced by his character.

"The Highway Family" doesn't provide easy answers; instead, it delves into the intricacies of human desires and priorities. The film's conclusion is satisfying, yet it leaves viewers with lingering contemplation about the choices made by the characters and, by extension, their own lives.

This cinematic masterpiece is a poignant reminder that true happiness and family bonds cannot be defined by material wealth alone. "The Highway Family" invites us to reflect on our own life decisions, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Read More

an unexpectedly nice watch

I didn't expect all that much from the show after watching the first few episodes but I luckily got attached partway through. ?

The three storylines were progressing steadily and I feel like no scene was wasted despite (or maybe because of) the short runtime - except the last episode, but it was so cute that I'm gonna let that slide.

The acting was solid and the atmosphere, sets and background music felt mostly cohesive and served the stories well. The sound mixing could do with some adjustments but at least we didn't get cheesy songs blasting over impactful scenes.

I think my main gripe is that there's a disparity in chemistry/ earnestness in the couples. The TA/student couple felt incredibly real and their intimacy was so well-presented that it felt.... sorry for being dramatic, but kinda revolutionary for k-bls? They really knocked it out of the park. 10/10.

Minwoo and Maru weren't exactly on that level but through the relationship progression, you could really feel the characters grow more comfortable with each other and their romantic scenes felt earned and intimate and were super rewarding. (GREAT kisses, too.) How Minwoo opened up and became so smiley in the last few episodes was SO lovely to see.

The third (main?) couple however....... at the start, I understood that their dynamic was more complicated because of their history/ the circumstances etc. but even as we moved along in the story, it didn't feel like they genuinely warmed up to each other. Their kisses were painful to witness, sorry. Watching them right after we saw the other two couples be so visibly in love was staggering. Their storyline itself was the most unique and I appreciate that, but the chemistry between the actors just wasn't there. I personally feel like they were miscast.

All in all, it was a mixed bag but it did defy my expectations and I grew to love the second half of the season especially. Do give it a try.

Read More

The K2 - a must see

A great Ji Chang Wook and a fantastic soundtrack. Small point deduction because some points remain open, such as the conversation between Anna and her mother's murderer. Some of the twists didn't make sense, but it all made sense again at the end of the whole thing. It probably wouldn't have taken 16 episodes to tell the story, but any episode with Wookie is a good episode ❤️ If you haven't seen the series yet, you should definitely check it out. I think it's a shame that the DVD is only available with an English SUB. The soundtrack is also only available as MP3. But I think this is a general approach of Asian series.

Read More

It had Potential, instead it was just plain boring

First things first I enjoy Slow Burn. I dont mind slow pacing and dialogue heavy plots. On the contrary I usualy enjoy it since the focus lays on building the emotioanl conection between the characters rather than just sexual tension. But for some reason in this show it just…didnt…hit. I was waiting and waiting for some kind of tension between them to build but at ep 6 I had to resign that the show is just boring. NOTHING HAPPENSS!
The actors were good, the chemistry was there, music and film were good so i dont know where they went wrong with the plot. Rather than focusing on healing and getting over a past lover it just felt like the plot was kind of trickling along with some comedy relife on the side. And dont get me started on the end. Like no i was soo anoyyeed. Why does it need the ex to come back for them to finally act on theyr feelings? No just no.

That being said not all was bad. Some of the scenes between the mains were very cute and i liked how they showed intimacy between two people in small gestures like remebering the drink someone likes and the cuddling scenes were adorable. But it just wasnt enough to wheigh out all the boring rest.
I also really enjoyed the scene with the mother. Those were adorable.
But by the end I was getting so annoyed with all the characters and their indecisiveness and i just wanted the show to be over.

Read More

Finally, a Luo Yunxi drama where you can actually feel that the female lead loves the male lead

An above average modern idol drama with all the baggage of the genre, but actually watchable and fun this time. Cheng Xiao, unlike her fellow idols, actually do try to act instead of phoning it in for a quick paycheck. Sometimes it's exhausting to watch her because she's just so close, one more step and she would've gotten the emotional depth required. But still, she gets the basic characteristics of the female lead down and doesn't add anything contrary to that. Su Xieyi is above all, courageous and brave, in both the pursuit of the truth and in love. Cheng Xiao brings the likeability aspect of that trait to the table. Also Su Xieyi is definitely not stupid nor unreasonable, which is a relief. Luo Yunxi, as usual, outclasses his fellow actors to the point where it sometimes feel like he's in a different genre entirely (complimentary). Li Zeliang has that old money feel of an Oxbridge alumni, with the steadiness and intelligence such an aesthetic brings to mind. Luo Yunxi brings out the complixity of Li Zeliang through his acting alone. How Zeliang grappled with his disability, his pride and his envy, his hatred and his love, all were done brilliantly and with a special depth not many would pour into an idol drama. And the best thing about this drama is that the main couple! The main couple actually love each other! They compliment each other! You as the audience feel that these two people actually like each other! That their love is a two way street! That they are actually good for each other! It's rarer these days than you think.

Read More

A Heart-Warming Romance Story

The theme of the drama, the soundtracks, the chemistry between Zhao Lusi and Chen Zhe Yuan were perfect. It'd be nice to see these couple in a drama again.

The bond of brotherhood between San Yan and San Qi was so beautifully created that I couldn't help but be jealous. I think sibling relationships are always the same no matter where in the world they are, and the series handled it very well.

The love between Duan Juaxu and Sang Zhi is truly enviable. Even I had butterflies in my heart while watching the series. I'm afraid to give spoilers if I write something more about this gorgeous couple. LOL.

If you want to watch a kind, heart-warming, a little fun, romance youth series, you should definitely watch it. You won't regret it.

Read More

If you want something heartwarming!

Well, once again I feel the need to write about a drama, and this one is just amazing. I heard about When I fly toward you on tik tok, I was intrigued because I saw communication (I know, something so simple), but that amazed me because I don't like miscommunication plots. But beyond that, the FL was just so bright, ever time the episode was ending, I was looking forward to her little words, that made such a nice touch, I felt like I was reading her mind, and became infatuated by. The ML was also a great choice, great character development. Side characters were also so well chosen. It's a great romance, if your are young you will want to live something like this, if you are an adult you will think that you wanted that relationship, nothing sad, just imagination! Recommend it.

Read More

Gripping drama about thieves who steal your heart.

That blood is not thicker than water is at the center of Hirokazu Koreeda's family drama Shoplifters. A beautiful film that offers both uplifting humanism and some unexpected twists.

It is clear that Koreeda has family as his most important subject when making films. Or rather the lack of family. In previous films such as Nobody Knows or Like Father, Like Son (both prize winners at Cannes) he explores how to create your own community even if you are not born into it. That theme is most clearly repeated in Shoplifters.

Here, in the beginning, we meet Osamu (Franky Lily) and a boy who smoothly picks up goods in a store without paying. But on their way home, they suddenly see a freezing little girl who seems to have run away from her destructive parents. They decide that she can accompany them to their house, where 3 women, one of whom is a grandmother, also live. At first, the girl is waiting, but the slightly messy and loud gathering in the family means that she will soon be living there indefinitely.

At first glance, it is nothing more than that. We get to follow the lives of the various family members and see how they try to cope with everyday life with little money. And really that would have been enough. Koreeda is a master at portraying everyday situations that don't really have much to say, but are completely fascinating to us moviegoers.

But Shoplifters also have other sides. With about a third of the film remaining, Koreeda reshuffles the cards and takes the story to unexpected lands. It works surprisingly well and is a good move purely dramaturgically.

The actors are all excellent, not least the 2 children, and the film is tight, but beautifully shot in all its everydayness. As usual, Koreeda does not go for the sentimental, but mainly spices up the story with a humanism that is really felt right down to the heart.

Read More

"A fish in the water, the tail is also the head"

"You fell in love with someone, but we're destined to be apart".
An Ancient Song of Love is a beautifully told love story that will stay with you long after you finish watching it

The drama is a beautifully shot and well-acted historical romance. Despite the limitations in production, the director Zhi Zhu has managed to turn a small budget, a cast of lesser-known actors/actresses and an idea based on a fan-made video into what I would call a masterpiece.

The director managed to keep the viewers wanting for more, but also somewhat satisfied with the story and its ending. Despite the entire show only consisting of 14 barely 30-min episodes, the story, characters and their relations is well written. On top of that, the cinematography and set design remained beautiful, and not lacking. The lead actor and actresses chemistry and their respective performances were both moving and heartbreaking.

One of the things that makes An Ancient Song of Love so special is its unique approach to the time travel genre. Instead of simply sending the protagonist back in time, the drama explores the concept of fate and how it can be both a blessing and a curse. Director Zhi Zhu also managed something that is beyond rare in modern day television, she managed to create a show that can be watched from both ends, this way, we as viewers can gain the feeling of knowing the past and the future while watching everything unfold, just like our main characters.

This drama will stay with me for a long time, one might wish for a happy ending, but given the context and the story that is being told, I believe, unfortunately, this is the perfect ending to this drama.

Read More

Parallel Realities: A Roller Coaster Ride of confusion and intrigue in K-Drama Land

As a devoted fan of both K-Dramas and C-Dramas, I couldn't be happier that Netflix released all the episodes at once. The idea of enduring suspense, cliffhangers, and plot twists on a weekly basis? No, thank you!

Watching this drama evoked memories of my four years in undergrad, studying Electronics & Communication engineering. Despite the intense coursework, I found myself in the same boat—struggling to differentiate between a diode and a transistor. Similarly, with this show, I couldn't resist watching, thoroughly enjoyed it, and can see myself revisiting it. However, did I entirely grasp every nuance? Maybe not...

Having not seen the original Taiwanese version, I embarked on this journey with fresh eyes. The narrative and pacing gripped me, though I must admit, I felt a bit like a lost puppy during those time jumps. I greatly appreciated the inclusion of the year, though it did get a tad convoluted at times.

The actors and their performances were a true highlight. Many a time, I found myself doing a double take, questioning if it was indeed the same actor playing the various roles. I even had to consult the cast list for confirmation. The character development was a joy to witness, and some of the portrayals were deliciously diabolic.

Impatience got the best of me, prompting a leap from Episode 7 to Episodes 11-12. I simply had to know if it culminated in a happy ending, so watching the show is the only way to find out. I did eventually come back and watch Ep8-12...

For me, this mirrors the experience of watching the film "Inception." It didn't fully click on the first or second viewing, requiring multiple watches to grasp the intricacies. It's earned a spot on my permanent watch list.

Lastly, this drama is akin to a mind-bending roller coaster ride. I can't determine if it's due to my non-native Korean proficiency or if the plot is genuinely a labyrinth for my humble brain to navigate.

Note: This review is written by me, edited by ChatGPT for readability.

Read More

Really liked but frustrated at times

First took a look at the cast. When I saw that Lee Joon Gi, Ryu Soo Young and Chun Ho Jin were part of the cast I thought “how could this drama not be good”?

I was not disappointed. Frustrated at times; mainly because of how the law enforcement was portrayed. I kept thinking they can’t be so bumbling that Tae San was the one that actually brought the bad guys down. I kept thinking “dang he sure would’ve made an excellent detective” because he didn’t make a very good thug.

I went through love/hate emotions with Seung woo and Jae Kyung because they were letting their personal feelings get in the way. I understood Seung Woo because of how Tae San left In Hye to raise Sujin alone; plus In Hye didn’t reveal who TS was. Jae Kyung irked me because she kept messing up due to her need for revenge.

I kept wondering when I Chun Ho Jin was going to show up. There’s just something about his performances in any drama that I love. So again he was not disappointing m. When Han Chi gook realized that Mr. Kim was his son and that Il seok had kidnapped Mr. Kim I hoped that Chi Gook with his kind and tender ways would get through to him. Sure enough he did. Before that though, between Mr. Kim and Il Seok I didn’t know who I wanted punished the most.

The hardest part for me to get through was when Moon Il Seok’s went after Sujin. So seeing him in jail with his injuries I thought karma at its best.

I really like the actor Lee Joon Gi and again I loved his performance. This guy brought me to tears so many because his life seemed so tragic. This is the second drama of his where he played such a sweet, tender Dad. He would just make my heart melt.

Read More

Saint-Perth-Mean-Plan Superb acting

The first few episodes were confusing for me. The story jumps from one prominent lead couple to another supporting couple. From the start finding and focusing on the story was frustrating.
After 5 episodes I became aware of what exactly was happening so I started skipping other characters' scenes. except for Ae's Friend and Pete's friend. after 3-to 4 episodes when Ae's and Pete's story windup (they get together and start living life as boyfriends I skip on that) and focus on Pete's friend 'Tin'. Tin's character and his paired up started to gain my interest. Then I watched Tin and Can's character story till the end. I was disappointed when the series ended with Tin's crying. I was expecting to start season 2 but when I read a review of that. I again faced disappointment to find out they changed Tin and Can character setting and also changed Ae and Pete's character setting. so I will be skipping season 2 and I am done with this.

Let's talk about the production: They cast so many characters and university/house the whole drama setting where drama was shot and the usage of prompts wasted money. They should have focused on the main characters. 2 main couples are also acceptable but 5 couples. it was too much. The story was stuffed.
Ost was good and catchy. The story would have been more interesting if it was only focused on "Ae and Pete" and "Tin and Can".

You can just watch it for fun and don't mind with story. just enjoy beautiful characters and their acting.

Read More