This review may contain spoilers
Top 5 - Si Feng All The Way!
This is in my Top 5 Chinese Dramas!!!
As written elsewhere: Love Between Fairy and The Devil awakened me, Ashes of Love totally broke me and Love and Redemption brought me much needed relief and healing.
From Viki:
"The leader of the Shao Yang clan hosts a magic and martial arts tournament for young apprentices. His daughter Chu Xuan Ji (Crystal Yuan), who has been deprived of the use of her senses, has been entered in the competition – even though her skills are far from advanced.
Also taking part in the competition is the Lize Palace’s star student Yu Si Feng (Cheng Yi).
Students are forbidden from embarking on romantic relationships with one another. But when the two meet, they first become firm friends…and then start to develop much deeper feelings for one another."
From me:
The "magic and martial arts" tournament is actually held every four years and there are five "human" sects that participate each and every time. On or around their 16th birthdays (same day) Chu Xuan Ji and Yu Si Feng meet by accident just before the tournament and later become friends, however, it is Yu Si Feng that starts to fall in love with Xuan Ji first as she has lost a number of senses so doesn't know how to love.
In their world, demons are not really accepted and are seen as evil, so the sects are meant to protect everyone from demons even if it means killing demons off. However, there is a secret the Lize palace keeps that could undo the allegiance of all five sects.
The real story, if the truth be known, is about a demon god being punished for 1000 years by being sent to the human realm to repent and get rid of all that pent up anger even though that God was actually wronged. However, that God isn't the only one made to endure those 1000 years as there is one other made to suffer through it too...
We, the viewers, come in on the demon God's last life in which one chance remains to get it right...
I really enjoyed Love and Redemption because it was one massive adventure all the way!
It is full of action, great story telling and well paced plus it is Si Feng (Cheng Yi) and most of his male friends that make this series happen!
Also, silver snake, the monkey spirit and lord flying snake.
I didn't think too much of Crystal Yuan although she was tolerable in the first 20 or so episodes, but after that she became someone some of us would have liked to slap if they could and readily step in to find a more suitable love replacement for Si Feng who was deserving of a better equal.
However, despite all that, this drama was truly outstanding with the story, plot, cast, costumes, thematics, music and cinematography.
It will remain in my top 5 for a very long time to come not to mention I watched it back to back twice in a row.
Highly recommended!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
17/01/2023
This is more or less about a faceless King in hiding and a peasant that wants vengeance for the death of his best friend.
All inside the kingdom of Silla that has no place for the poor.
Both, it seems, want the same thing as in a unified Silla with fair treatment and no rank system or anyone starving or resorting to theft. However, the Queen and one other have other plans and the King in hiding turns out to be the peasant's target of revenge.
Under the Queen, Hwarang is formed in order to train elite fighters from high class families of Silla to support the Royal family, only among those training are the peasant and the King so their story and all involved unfolds from there...
The peasant is not just an ordinary peasant and his real story comes to light eventually as well.
I actually enjoyed this drama and watched it in two days.
In some places I read that there were a lot of plot holes and unanswered questions, but I liked it for what it was which was light, likeable and well paced with a decent cast.
The bromance in this was quite good to watch and the humour was funny throughout most of it. Not all, but most.
The female lead's character, A- Ro, was a bit irritating after some time with all the crying and emotional outbursts, but all the males whether mains or support were solid.
Park Hyung-sik was a good fit for the King as was Park Seo Joon as the peasant, Moo Myung.
I will say that some of the fight scenes in this were not as good as some of the ones I have seen in Chinese Dramas - no where as good!!! Like the angles were not caught right, the speed was wrong and they weren't captured in a way that it was a wow factor for me. They weren't as spectacular like the ones, for example, in The Long Ballad or Ever Night S1 and S2.
Overall, this is a fairly decent drama and is something I'd watch again once a year no problem.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Epic Fight Scenes & Story!
16/01/2023From Google search:
"When his family is unjustly massacred by a great general, Ning Que escapes and rescues an abandoned baby girl he names Sang Sang; together they have many adventures while Ning Que carries the burden of exacting revenge for his friends and family."
If looking for full on romance then this is a slow burn one that goes deep into season 2 before it is well and truly established.
There are about 15-20 episodes that Ning Que and Sang Sang aren't together in this 60 episode drama starting from around episode 30. Also, the first kiss, if you can call it that, happens in episode 55.
However, I was in it for the story and fight scenes so was fine with it all!
My favourite characters are: Ning Que, Jun Mo and Chen Pi Pi - a few others as well.
The best fight scenes for me were in episodes 6 and 7, also, episode 60 which was epic. Others too!
Most episodes are full of drama, action, and adventure, but with it being 60 episodes there are most definitely draggy parts and parts that could have been omitted like the boring unnecessary conversations. Not all, but some!
This, however, doesn't lessen the value of this drama because it is well worth watching!
I actually liked Arthur Chen more when I found out afterwards he was 18 years old when he took on the role of Ning Que - impressive indeed.
This series has a great cast, music, cinematography, costumes and is thematic plus it has a good story line and is full of action, adventure or drama.
It isn't perfect because it does have its slow moments, but overall is is entertaining and decent as dramas go.
It is highly recommended to watch and is in my top 50!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Exceeded My Expectations!
15/01/2023
Loved season one, but season two for me was full on go go go except maybe for the very last episode!!!
Although the character of Arisu is that beacon of hope for all - it is Chesiya that brings such life to this series because of his cold character, intelligence and rather impactful words that make us think.
My top two favourite characters are Arisu and Chesiya, but Chesiya is the one I enjoy the most for some reason despite the fact he does what it takes to survive which means he has no problems betraying and double crossing.
If he had been taken out in season one or any of the earlier episodes of season two I would have stopped watching.
And I almost did around episode 7 I think - almost!
The games in this season are totally awesome and quite Psychological - they outdo the ones in season one.
In this series we get to see Chesiya in two top tier games without the others in which he has to use his intellect to see if he can outsmart the hosts. One is the "Jack of Hearts" game inside a prison and the other is with the "King of Diamonds" in a numbers game.
It is a joy watching Chesiya in action with his poker face, unemotional responses and highly intelligent mind. In addition, we finally get a glimpse of him and what he did in "real life" which is really cool - his backstory.
One of the most significant moments I reckon is when Chesiya more or less says to the King of Diamond's host that he suspects the "real winner is the host and that he himself, Chesiya, is the actual loser."
It is at this pivotal point that I feel he is starting to see the bigger picture and transitioning towards a different selfless perspective.
Arisu is still a great character to watch as well so I did enjoy the "King of Clubs" game he participated in as part of a team and what he learned in that time. It is probably one game we see from start to finish in full that plays out over two episodes.
My least favourite character this season was Usagi as she went from an independent woman that could hold her own to a damsel in distress. If she had been written out at any point I would not have shed a single tear!
But despite that - still binge worthy!
In this season we also learn why they are all there and ultimately what happens once the very last card is won. The last game is the "cherry on the top" of games as it goes into one's Psyche on a very deep level to the extent it brings a person down to their lowest point.
So, from season one where it is all about survival and trying to not die in all these games whilst working out the why and how the players are in a parallel world we are then taken into season two where the meaning of life and purpose is profoundly questioned and challenged that it no longer just about surviving anymore, but about whether or not some can live with their ideals based on everything they have done and chosen in life with their careers, friends, situations and families - even in the parallel world.
From episode one, two minutes in, it is all action and go for the next 5-6 episodes really.
Full on action all the way and so good that it is hard to stop watching episode after episode.
I would highly recommend watching ALICE IN BORDERLAND seasons one and two as it is an excellent series as well as rewatchable!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Survival Of The Fittest & Smartest!
15/01/2023
In brief, this is about everyday people taken into a parallel world similar to their own only they have no idea why. In order to survive they must play all these games against playing card characters (E.g. Jack of Hearts/9 of clubs) to buy them time through visas as well as enable them to collect all 52 cards if they win the games.
Each game is a live or die situation and as each progresses it gets harder and harder to win as well as to stay alive.
Quite simply, if the hosts lose they die - if the players lose they die.
In addition, no one can really be trusted and outside of the games and set rules anything goes!
Once all 52 cards are collected the survivors don't know whether or not they get to return back to their own world or if something else is in store for them all together.
Expect alot of gore, death, intense adrenaline rushes and psychological moments throughout each action packed episode.
My favourite characters in this entire series are Arisu and Chesiya even though the main duo is Arisu and Usagi by the end of season one. Unfortunately, Chesiya isn't actually a main character like Arisu and Usagi, but still has a strong impact and presence throughout both seasons.
If Usagi had been taken out at all I wouldn't have cared.
Different story for Arisu and most definitely Chesiya.
To me Arisu is likeable because he represents hope, positivity, possiblities plus he's simply just a decent person (once he's evolved) that cares about everyone not just himself whereas Chesiya is a somewhat complex character that does what it takes to survive even if it means double crossing someone. He is indifferent, unemotional, doesn't care plus he has a very high IQ which makes him just that bit more interesting.
In fact, I like Chesiya a little more than Arisu despite Chesiya making some rather cut throat underhanded decisions on his part.
What is brilliant about this series is that the games just keep getting better and better throughout each episode with some of the best being in season two.
I am also a fan of SQUID GAME and want to say that I like SQUID GAME and ALICE IN BORDERLAND for different reasons.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Grief Knows No Boundaries!
14/01/2023This is not based on a true story, but takes elements of what likely happened after the Sewol ferry disaster back in 2014 as well as what most might experience when losing a loved one.
This story mostly focuses on one family that loses their 16 year old son in that incident and how each family member is impacted by his loss as well as others that knew him.
Grief knows no boundaries when it comes to a parent losing a child, a sibling losing a brother or sister, a relative losing a relative or a friend losing a friend.
We see a mother that has difficulty moving on who is stuck in grief and still in mourning, an estranged father trying to make amends and re-establish himself in the family and a young daughter being caught in the crossfire of that grief and sorrow standing in the shadow of her oldest brother who is no longer there.
There is definitely a void that can never be filled when we lose friends or family due to tragic circumstances.
About his friends...
His friends come into play as well - one that held him on pedestal, one that has survivor's guilt and even his best friend who is grieving deeply as well only can't find it in himself to interact with the family - especially the grieving mother. There is one part near the end in which he, the best friend, says to her he doesn't know why he avoids her yet I am sure most of us can guess why? Sometimes we don't know what the right words are to say or how to act towards someone that has lost someone to death, also, it can be a cruel reminder of who is no longer in our own lives anymore.
So, with this movie we also get to witness what it is like for others beyond the family just a bit.
It is a slow burn film yet it isn't really boring and the point of it I feel is powerfully delivered.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Limitations Can Be Overcome!
14/01/2023This is a story about a 30 something year old male with heavy debts that unexpectedly and quite unintentionally takes on the responsibility of a blind and deaf 7 yr old girl when her mother, an employee of his, dies suddenly in a freak accident.
He is only there really to get back the money that the deceased owes him through her apartment deposit so has to pose as the child's father temporarily.
However, what starts as an inconvenience eventually leads to a deeper relationship between the two when he actually starts to pay attention to her with patience, time and effort that leads her to thrive under his care, experience new things and quickly become emotionally attached to him. Her mother only took care of her basic needs really, but left her mostly alone in the apartment like a neglected little animal.
In part, this story addresses the lack of care and facilities in place for those born like this child because when he went to check out this institute for the deaf and blind she could only be placed under one category which I think was for those that are deaf. So, sign language was the only option opened to her, but when he challenged the educator on it it made no difference.
He more or less asked: " How can she learn sign language if she can't see?'.
Quite quickly he works out a way to teach her how to communicate with him so for the first time in her life she is able to learn what objects are by spelling letters out on her or his hand and she is no longer limited by her impairments.
As viewers we see her transform from a neglected unkempt child to one that is happy, taken care of and carefree.
It does get a bit messy because of him having debts and having to face the reality of taking care of her at the same time as being chased by his creditors no end - so it isn't a completely happy story.
What I will say is that it is a brilliant heartfelt story and one that will likely make you shed a tear or two.
The child actor in this is believable and acted her part to a tee. Faultless really. I have actually gone back to watch it again and replay certain memorable parts because it is that good.
If you are in the mood for a good crying session then don't hesitate to watch this one!
Ps Don't forget to have a box of tissues handy.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Heartless Monsters Do Exist!
14/01/2023
I saw this years ago and although it is disturbing, upsetting, distressful and truly heart breaking to watch there is also a side to it that shows undeniable courage, inner strength and hope.
This is definitely not a movie for everyone - not at all!
Who hasn't heard of a child or children being abducted on their way to school only to be savagely assaulted physically then left to perish or to never be seen again.
This movie is actually based on a true story from Korea regarding a little 8 year old girl that met such a fate in the hands of a sadistic male perpetrator who left her to die without a care in the world whatsoever.
The damage to her body was so extensive that it was a miracle she survived at all!
Mostly what we see is the aftermath following that attack of how she painstakingly rebuilds her life with the support of her parents/hospital/others to go onto confronting that piece of works in court in order to obtain justice and take him off the streets.
That in itself is another ordeal for her to cope with plus it is not easy as it comes down to the testimony of her, a child and victim, versus a seasoned adult criminal that knows the system.
But she does do it.
Not only is she resilient and brave, but she's also determined and strong.
The actors in this film are truly outstanding, but especially the female child actor who played her role so well.
Know that you will experience a roller coaster ride of different emotions watching "Hope", but also that the ending is somewhat satisfactory.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Beauty Isn't Skin Deep.
08/01/2023
It isn't too bad as a 16 episode series, but some points being made I felt were not organic and seemed forced rather than au natural plus the character of Mi-Rae was difficult to like. She is most of the time socially awkward except with females and has no confidence with or without plastic surgery.
What do I mean by not organic or au natural?
Parts like the "pretty faced" freshman girls being exploited by making them serve alcohol at the college festival in tiny bright red uniforms or the owner of the cafe hiring pretty or handsome faces only to fire those ones not so attractive resulting in a loss of income for them due to being unfairly discriminated against. Even wearing tee shirts with bold statements like: "Boys and Girls should be raised the same." or "Girls don't give up!".
I am aware some found Do Kyung Suk stiff and lifeless as a character and the actor playing his part was labelled *eye candy* with "no talent" in a few places, however, I reckon DKS had Aspergers or a very high IQ which is why he was that way as a person. So, Cha Eun Woo acted in his role perfectly.
I have two male relatives similar to DKS with IQs over 160. Both are not too bad looking, but are so frustratingly robotic with no common sense and especially the oldest one who can't even boil a kettle! However, he did mastermind some banking system back in the day plus achieved a heck of a lot more so I can't be too harsh.
So, I could relate to DKS because of them.
I didn't like Sua very much as she played people and was a schemer, also, she was cute not pretty.
It pays to be honest because eventually one's lies will catch up!
What I did like is that this series showed DKS liking Mi-Rae for the person she was not for her looks whether she was pretty, cute or ugly. In fact, on a few occasions it was brought up that he didn't like "pretty girls."
In my own lifetime I have probably come across two or three men married to not so good looking women - this could have been for the same reasons as DKS or their personalities, career choices or maybe they came from wealth or a good educational background. Who knows?! Most times this wouldn't be the case, but obviously it happens.
Not a fan of the music in this series at all!
Beauty isn't skin deep, but in a world like ours where perfect flawless faces are splashed all over magazine covers and stunning Hollywood stars or famous singers are seen on tv or in movies on a daily basis it is hard to compete against all that no matter how one looks at it.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Took A Major NoseDive South!!!
14/04/2024Last Update:
SPOILER ALERT!
The last two episodes were boring and not so thrilling, but at least it left no loose ends.
Eun Woo was great in the earlier episodes, but not so much in the last 4 or so.
If this had stayed consistent with it being sinister and twisted like it seemed to be from the start with her being the target of revenge and and it not ending well for certain individuals involved - it would have been better.
Instead this turned out to be nothing more than political corruption at the core which is nothing new to movies or television.
08/04/2024 (April)
Update:
12 episodes in now and it seems this one borrowed a page or two from Sky Castle and stole a few chapters from Penthouse.
With this drama unfortunately there is a good measure of overused tropes such as: the cheating husband, a best friend's betrayal, the cover up of murder plus political corruption overload.
It did have some interesting moments, but not enough to really make it outstanding or original.
As for the extra marital affair side to it - that carried over through at least six episodes and still has a presence.
Something about it just hasn't t oozed enough oomph for me nor has it gone where it could have after the first 2-4 episodes. It could have hit the ball out of the ballpark if they had kept us guessing right until the end as well as her remaining the target.
Instead for me it has become a real hit and miss.
02/03/2024 (March)
I've really really tried to like this series, but can't stand Kim Nam Joo as something about her doesn't appeal to me as an actor at all.
To think I was looking forward to this drama being released!
Will still give it a chance, however, as there are other actors plus I want to see if it is worth continuing or dropping.
What has bothered me about her?
One example is her character, Eun Soo-Hyeon, at her son's funeral - it was hard for me to connect to her as a grieving mother as she simply wasn't believable or convincing enough for me - not one bit.
Another example - when rain starts to fall on her when she is sleeping at her son's grave situated on a hill, she carries on sleeping like it is a normal thing everyone does or something. It isn't a normal human reaction at all! No natural reflexes, flinching or twitching. When unexpected rain falls and you are sleeping it would most definitely trigger a physical response of some kind like being suddenly startled, maybe opening one's eyes and grimacing at the change of weather or instantaneously shielding one's head and face from getting too wet. Some kind of response! Not nothing.
Joo's acting has been over the top in some scenes and underwhelming in others.
Was her acting licence obtained from the back of a cereal box or what?
SPOILER ALERT!
About the drama itself:
a: The storyline isn't original.
b: Two episodes in and it is a bit slow going in parts and centres mostly on the aftermath of Eun Soo- Hyeon's son's death and her being in prison.
c: E.S.H took the law into her own hands and that is why she is in prison.
d: It seems the person she ran over mightn't have been the one that actually killed her young son.
Think I have worked out who the real culprit is, but if there are unexpected twists along the way anyone could be the guilty party.
Eun Woo's character is right at the start of episode one (suspicious as) and in episode two is teaching a choir "Oh Holy Night" as well as at the prison when she runs her hand under a sewing machine by accident, also, working at a car wreckers (I think) as well as eating there with his mates. Either he really is doing a number of part time jobs or is a secret Undercover Agent...
I really hope that he isn't going to be her new love interest if her marriage goes South. Not sure how young his character is supposed to be, but in this series it looks like he is in his 20's and she is in her late 30s-40s yet at times could easily pass as a 50 something year old. I think she is on the older side as it took years for her to conceive if the translation was right.
Am all for friendship and healing - just nothing more.
I will be watching more episodes to give it a fair go, but if Kim Nam Joo keeps failing to impress me with her mediocre acting...
Fighting!!!
EPISODE THREE:
SPOILER ALERT!
Bit of an interesting twist in this episode...
It seems it isn't a car wreckers, but possibly a junkyard.
When Soo-Hyeon finally found the "boy" that survived the fire, Seon Yul (Eun Woo), the closure she was trying to establish really was for the prisoner that died - not him. He said as much as well and it seemed like she opened up a can of worms - she should have just left him alone from there on instead of stalk him like she did.
Kim Nam Joo wasn't too bad in this episode plus the character Eun Woo plays is about 29 years old so I had it right about his age group.
What has taken an interesting turn is that someone is stalking her and her family - the son or relative of the one she murdered. There is a chance he might be connected to Seon Yul as there doesn't seem to be any photos of Seon Yul on his wall, also, Seon Yul seems to live a bit of a double life.
There might be an actual connection or it could be just a coincidence.
Is Seo Yul the real deal?
The husband having an affair is a bit cliche or an overused trope - it would truly be incredible had it not gone down that road.
Somewhat predictable especially as she was in prison for 6 years and wanted out of the marriage.
This drama may head towards Seon Yul saving a damsel in distress and becoming a hero if there are no ties between him and the murdered man's son. It all depends on what twists they want to introduce or not. The thing is - Seon Yul has something else going on (photographing people/school break in for documents) so there is a chance he may be working with the other younger man, on the other side of the law or definitely a secret agent.
He could still be something else altogether as well - someone quite sinister.
I wonder how predictable this one will be or not as it continues...
EPISODE FOUR:
SPOILER ALERT!
Maybe not as intriguing as the previous episodes, but what has been great is seeing a different side to Eun Woo's character - as in a darker side that is tormented by his past.
He may still turn out to be a hero after all.
Kim Nam Joo still keeps a poker face, but at least she isn't rubbing me the wrong way like she did in the first two episodes.
I think this series will become more and more predictable unless it switches back and forth to confuse it's audience - it isn't too bad and I do want to watch more of it to see how much further it keeps me entertained. However, it is Seon Yul I want to know more about as well as seeing him in more scenes then the stalker followed by everyone else...not so much Soo-Hyeon.
If this was mainly on Seon Yul, the stalker and small doses of poker faced Soo-Hyeon it would be one heck of a roller coaster ride I reckon.
EPISODES 5 & 6:
SPOILER ALERT!
The storyline is kind of so so and feels like it is a rehash of multiple tropes like the marital affair, death of a child, the want for revenge and others connecting from the past to present.
With episode 6 it did leave us on a cliff hanger at the end, but maybe it shouldn't be a complete surprise as there have been obvious hints throughout plus Seon Yul was in the car at the very beginning.
His character is becoming more and more interesting as the plot thickens though - either he is an up and coming secret agent/undercover cop or a serial killer in the making.
What we do know is - he isn't the person we were made to believe and therefore could be a total deviant hiding behind a facade. Also, it seems he might be the "actual son " of the man run over by Soo-Hyeon and the woman hospitalised in a coma.
Or... is he someone else?
There is some connection between the stalker and Seon Yul as I'm sure the stalker gave Soo-Hyeon the name of the woman in a coma.
Episode 1 didn't exactly leave anything to the imagination with Seon Yul in that car facing you know who.
Time will tell!
Somehow I feel the husband of Soo-Hyeon is connected to everything that happened from the very start for some reason because he isn't exactly clean cut or are we being mislead.
EPISODE SEVEN:
It is all coming out in the open now.
Seems the only connection between him and the stalker is that both want revenge and justice, but directed at different people.
However, the Politician husband has everything to do with it all, I reckon - just not sure to what extent.
Will there be any further twists to turn this around - am sure hoping so!
EPISODES 8-10
It is getting more and more boring and totally predictable.
Am so over the *husband having an affair or three" trope - the affair should have been wrapped up over a few episodes not been drawn out through episode after episode like a long lasting nasty smell that just won't go away.
Eun Woo has improved as an actor, but this drama series has taken a real nosedive South in the last three episodes or so and am not sure if it can redeem itself for the remainder of the series.
Who knows?
All I see is someone dying if he continues on the same path and no real winners because of what else goes on in the background with other players - something has to give at some point and someone will pay the price.
However, this doesn't make it original or unique as others dramas have been there and done that already with a similar tone.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Kill Or Be Killed!
I've only watched a few episodes so far and would binge them all if I could, but unfortunately its getting far too late.
No complaints, however.
It is well paced, there are no fillers and it gets into the nitty gritty from about 15 or so minutes in.
What could be better than that?!
This drama series is more or less about a part time working student, Lee Tang, who kills a man with a hammer near his work place (convenient store) late one night in self defence. The only witness is a blind woman and her dog only she plays dumb. Not long after the killing Lee Tang discovers on the news that the man was actually under an alias name and responsible for quite a few murders. To make it worse, however, the blind woman decides to black mail the poor lad for money and from there more and more things start to add on to make his life just that tinier bit colourful...
No OSTs have stood out for me at all or been noticed really although the sound effects used have been in the right places - perfect for the scene or situation.
I recognise the male lead from a few other drama series like Rooftop Prince (not finished watching) and some Summer one, I think. Didn't get too far into that one as it wasn't quite holding my interest.
With this drama it is quite straight forward, interesting and touches on the possibility of someone that is either about to lose their mind if not already or spiral out of control towards becoming a serial killer themselves. Too late!
I'm crossing my fingers that the remaining 6 episodes are just as enthralling with a few hanging on the edge of my chair moments.
Recommended!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
04/02/2024 (Feb).
Am really enjoying this so far as it is more about older adults (early 40s) going back 10 years to try and fix things whereas other drama series like: Twinkling Watermelon and A Time Called You are about adults going back to their teens to try and make changes to divert the future in some way.Honorable mention:
Oh No! Here Comes Trouble -
This is another excellent drama series up there like TW and ATCY only it is about a teenage boy that survives a horrific bus accident with the same supernatural ability as his grandfather - no time travel in it plus it is about saving "souls" , however, it is just as fantastic!
Now back to Marry My Husband...
It is good plus each episode delivers something worth your attention - especially episode 10 which has whopper after whopper moments in it. Talk about getting what you want when it comes to revenge and cutting ties once and for all.
Am hoping this drama stays on track and doesn't digress as have been reading a few rumours as of late. No no no!
What I haven't liked in it so far is the overuse of someone liking someone else because of being smitten over something like a dog or kitten - why keep the kitten outdoors when it clearly has no shelter (at first) and also when it starts to snow?!?! It is totally cruel and makes no sense. Either take it to an animal shelter or home.
SPOILER ALERT!
I also don't like that the General Manager who is in love with Ji Won is doing nothing to save himself - when you think about it he is pretty much in the same boat as her and in order to LIVE the price is a "death for a death."
What else?
Although I don't think the female lead is attractive (plain face) she does nerdy, teen, mousy wife to a strong female really really well, however, becoming a strong woman due to a haircut or makeover is highly unlikely and especially overnight.
The female that plays her so called "best friend" does a good job of showing just how someone can be all innocent yet underneath is totally twisted and dangerous. Kind of like one character in "Beauty From Gangnam" (I think) only maybe a bit more over the top.
Am so glad I have never had a single friend like that in my life!
Anyhow, each episode is well paced, has no real unnecessary fillers and keeps you wanting more.
Well worth watching!
Was this review helpful to you?
So far it is good to see Japan and real Japanese actors plus the language not being sabotaged.
In saying that, this drama is all about a Japanese man and Korean woman and their relationship followed by a break up then meeting again in Korea 5 years later which is in the synopsis.
So...
What hasn't been good to see in just the first 10 minutes is all the luggage the main female character is carrying every step of the way from Narita airport when it could have easily been delivered directly from airport to door. Hassle free!!!!.
Unless of course that has changed...
Wonderful memories have been brought back with the bridge scene and what could have been a drone shot of Shibuya, Shinjuku or Akihabara.
Looked more like Shinjuku or Shibuya.
Winner so far just for giving me a walk down memory lane.
The story line isn't original when it comes to man meeting woman or woman meeting man, but what is refreshing is seeing more of a backbone when it comes to speaking ones mind or standing ones ground rather than apologising for everything whether the person is right or wrong.
Don't think there is any excessive bowing either...not yet anyhow.
Just so you know it does go back and forth between the past and present which for some will probably teeter on annoying whereas others won't mind. It has only been two episodes so this could change, of course.
I reckon the chemistry is a bit better between "Beni" and the Korean guy rather than her and the Japanese guy, "Yun Oh", although both act their parts well.
It is slow and not upbeat like some yet has it's light moments and own story to tell.
One thing I wish would change is all the drinking and getting drunk because in the first 30 minutes there is a number of scenes with drinking going on - maybe 2 or 3 so I hope this isn't going to be in every episode.
I think AA is needed in Korea and Japan like yesterday.
The piano music at the very start reminds me of that famous composer who composed Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence, Ryuichi Sakamoto.
The piano has been pleasant to listen to throughout and I would buy it if it is ever made available to buy.
Am crossing my fingers that there will be one or two hit songs that will be good as Butterflies or Stay With Me. Even just one!
Early days yet so will be back to write more as only two episodes have been released so far.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Clean-Up (2019) - 05/04/2024.
I'm really surprised no-one has written about this movie.Am also wondering why it didn't make it over 8 as a rating because it is really good. Could it be because it is a tiny bit slow in unfolding the story or because the actors are realistic in what they are portraying with no unnecessary thrills or effects.
Although it is about a woman that lost her son due to a bad heart as a child we don't see much of him at all - this is more about an ex prisoner she meets later on in her work environment (Sweepers) that reminds her of the past, but for "different reasons" other than her son.
SPOILER ALERT!
It seems her and her ex husband abducted him to get a large sum of money when he was about 10 years old. As a consequence of that, however, it impacted on the boy in a negative way.
It is really sad when it comes out as to what happened to him and his life afterwards and why, also, her to some extent.
SPOILER ALERT!
It kind of has an OLDBOY feel (if you've watched it) to it with the way it is filmed, also, due to what develops between the two a bit later on which is messed up yet makes sense if you look at it from both of their perspectives.
What is explored in this movie is the relationship between a victim and abductor years after the fact, only one wants forgiveness knowing what they did and who the victim is, and the has no idea until the clues fall into place...
Worth the time and effort to WATCH!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
28/02/2024Liking it SO FAR with Episodes 1 & 2 because:
a: No annoying immature weak females or males.
b: No overbearing mother in laws.
c: No cold males or females.
d: No ranting and raving aunts or anyone for that matter!
e: The main actors whether female or male are mature not childish.
f: There is chemistry between all of the mains and seconds whether as frenemies, friends, siblings or whatever.
g: The humour isn't too bad nor story line, but there are still 10 episodes to go to see how it all unfolds or not.
Funny moments like:
a: When the main female is trying to hitch a free ride back to Seoul with the younger brother from the hospital in episode 1 and he isn't exactly accommodating.
b: When the main female jumps out of the car in a children's zone (slow speed) only to knock herself out when she hits the street pole/light/post with her head.
The first few episodes have been enough to entertain me without having to fast forward in places - am looking forward to watching more of it and to finding out if this is a keeper or not.
Was this review helpful to you?
