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One of the Best Thrillers Out There!

This is a brilliant Korean thriller that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat—possibly literally! While it has very good writing, it’s the performances—especially from Lee Joon Gi (Do Hyun Soo) and Moon Chae Won (Cha Ji Won) that truly captivates the viewer. I am not sure I’ve seen two performers dig so deeply into their feelings and emotions, and I believe that a big reason for this is their obvious chemistry. If I didn’t know that these two were acting in a show, I’d have sworn that these two truly love each other. That is how believable they are. Now, I have seen other performances that come close, but these two may be the best I’ve ever seen in 45+ years of watching movies and shows. It also depicts the worst parents I have ever seen in all of my years. Man Woo Baek and Mi Ja Gong are unconscionable. I really don’t care if it’s their son. To knowingly help a man kill other people is absolutely no excuse. None. And I had absolutely zero sympathy for such deplorable people who turned out to be as monstrous and sick as their son.

Do Hyun Soo is a man living with a horrific past. The son of a serial killer, Do Hyun Soo is diagnosed with Anti-Social Disorder. However, after reading up extensively on Anti-Social Disorder, I will argue that he is misdiagnosed. Given the lack of empathy, prone to violence, and especially substance abuse, Do Hyun Soo doesn’t really fit the bill. I believe that due an obvious lack of love, affection, and the ability to simply interact with others, he’s more like someone who has simply cut off that part of him that is capable of those feelings. That is, until something—or someone—provokes a response. He’s unable to identify various feelings, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have them. It’s clear in his smile, his warmth, and also his love, that he’s more than capable of those feelings. He’s simply like a foreigner who can’t read or identify things. His character is captivating, harrowing, and heartbreaking. And the absolute anguish that he feels when he believes this Ji Won is dead, was raw, powerful, and conveyed everything I knew I would feel as well.

Now, the best thriller I’ve ever seen is “Stranger” which was a show a bit more taut and well-written than this one. It also deftly depicts a man who is incapable of empathy in Hwang Shi-Mok, and that actor gave a very real and stellar performance of such a person. And while Hwang Shi-Mok wasn’t diagnosed with Anti-Social Disorder, he’s much closer to being someone with that disorder than Do Hyun Soo. You really have to take into consideration the amount of abuse and trauma that Do Hyun Soo undergoes in his life to truly grasp what a person might be like coming out the other side of it.

Cha Ji Won may be my favorite female TV character of all-time. I’m not joking either. Now, it may be due to personal bias, because she encapsulates everything that a woman should be—to me, anyway. She’s strong, fiercely loyal, dependable, loving, compassionate, dedicated, and someone who is everything any man would ever want in a companion. I don't know how any sane man would ever let her go. My only issue with Ji Won is in how the writers depicted her as a police officer. Frankly, Doona Bae was far superior because she was smart, competent and held her own with anyone. Here, we find out that:

Ji Won is a terrible driver, allowing a cab driver to knock her car off the road by throwing the meter against her windshield?! Come on! Any seasoned cop would never react that way because they are trained to deal with those kinds of situations. Now, if she’d been forced off the road, that would have been believable.

Ji Won leaves a suspect alone. Now, she actually does get chewed out for that one, but it’s still a very big “rookie” mistake that someone like her isn’t likely to make.

Ji Won can’t remember Do Hae Soo despite meeting and speaking with her not long ago? Police officers are trained to remember faces. That one made no sense.

Ji Won is unable to secure a suspect. Another rookie mistake when she lets Yum Sang Chil escape and nearly kill her. Again, she doesn’t follow standard police protocol.

In episode 15, it made no sense that Ji Won wouldn't answer her phone. She knows her husband is out there and that he might try to contact her. This was another mistake on the writer's part in order to make the plot work.

I’ve said it before: never sacrifice character for the sake of the plot. The only big vice I have with the series is at the end of episode 13 when Ji Won suddenly suspects her husband of killing the housekeeper. Now, I understand that Do Hyun Soo doesn’t help his case by not telling her the truth, but Ji Won has already been through several of these scenarios, and she’s always realized that her husband isn’t capable of murder—until now? Plus, Ji Won never bothers to ask herself—what motive would Do Hyun Soo have to kill the housekeeper? None of it makes sense, and frankly, I felt deeply for Do Hyun Soo when he cries out in disbelief, “How do you not believe me? How do you not trust me?” Now, I know this was done to for the sake of the plot, but it was also a mistake because now you’re sacrificing character for plot. In other words, you’re making the character suddenly do something that goes against their character! For me, this is the only really glaring flaw of the series. “Stranger” and “My Name” had better scripts because they never deviated from or sacrificed character for the plot.

Now, the series is masterful in how it makes you suspect Do Hyun Soo for the first few episodes. You aren’t sure of what to make of him. This was genius! Then, you began to wonder, who is the “other accomplice” in the next set of episodes. And finally, you wonder how they are—not only going to catch the accomplice but do so where Do Hyun Soo is not only exonerated but can finally live a real life.

Outside of “24”’s Jack Bauer, I can’t think of another TV character who’s put through so much suffering and torment. Jack gives his all for his country, and Do Hyun Soo gives everything for his family. And perhaps that is also why I wasn’t entirely enamored with the ending. First of all, using the whole “killer grabs the policeman’s gun” ploy is a plot device that has been overused so many times in so many movies and shows, it should literally be retired and never used again! And I didn’t like the gimmick it used to suddenly rob Do Hyun Soo of his memory. How much more does this guy—and Cha Ji Won too!- -have to endure?! It felt like one step too many. However, the writers did their best to give us “hope” for Do Hyun Soo, that he might ultimately learn how to love his wife and daughter again. Except for Jim and Pam from "The Office" I don't think I ever cheered so hard for an on-screen couple more than these two!

This series is unforgettable. There’s no question that once you start, you can’t stop. It also has unforgettable songs and music—the track “Flower of Evil” is something that I’ve listened to so many times, that it’s literally in my head when I go to sleep. Don’t get me wrong. Despite the few issues that I have with this series, it’s still a great watch! And if I could ever personally meet Lee Joon Gi—and Moon Chae Won especially—I would give them my utmost thanks for giving us one of the best “couple” performances I’ve ever had the pleasure to watch. When they smile, you smile. And when they begin to shed tears, you can’t help shedding a few yourself. That is what true art as an actor is: making us feel what you feel. I will look for these two in future shows to watch!

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True Family and Friends Are Forever

The central themes of this series are friends and family, and what exactly makes someone family. In many cultures, biological parents--no matter what--are given unlimited respect, even when love isn't present. As it was stated in "Boyz and the Hood:" Any fool can make a baby, but only a real person can be a parent. Of course, I'm paraphrasing, but that is the gist, and there is a lot of truth here.

There are still those that might feel that adoptive parents can never be real parents. This is a lie...as much of a lie as saying that a biological parent is the only requirement needed. Mi-Jo's mother and Seon-Woo's father are despicable people who can never call themselves a "mother" or a "father."

Frankly, there are a lot of people who shouldn't be parents; those who are incapable of accepting the responsibility to love and be there for their kids. We see several examples of this throughout this series.

The series centers around three women, all of whom are thirty-nine, and have been best friends since high school. We quickly see just how involved they are in each other's lives, how much they love and care for each other. The strength of that bond is put to the ultimate test when one of them finds out that she is terminally ill.

While this may seem like a melodramatic plot, it really isn't. I am constantly amazed by Korean series and the actors and actresses who are able to simply "be real" in these types of situations. It's not too much and it's not too light. Perhaps that is why they are able to make the audience feel what they are feeling so acutely.

The three leads have undeniable chemistry as three besties! Chan-Young (Jeon Mi Do from "Hospital Playlist), Mi-Jo (Son Ye Jin from "Crash Landing On You" and Joo-Hee (Kim Ji Hyun). There is laughter, teasing and light bickering, joy and tender moments when these three are in a scene together.

What impresses me the most about this series is how family and friends are always there for each other through thick and thin, and it feels absolutely genuine, and this is tested when the time on this Earth is going to be cut short for one of them. We see how this affects each person who's intimately involved.

There's no denying the acting strength of the entire cast, but Joo-Hee (Kim Ji Hyun) was my favorite. She's the somewhat shy and slightly aloof member of the trio. She gives us grace through soft, warm smiles, and it would be a mistake to perceive her as being weak, when she, in fact, has a quiet strength. The scene at the department store with a very rude customer is a testament to this.

The other performance that impressed me was that ofJin-Seok (Lee Moo Saeng) as Cha-Young's love interest. When his voice cracks and goes high-pitch with raw emotion in several exchanges with Cha-Young, made me choke up a few times.

I also loved how these characters never gave in to abuse or intolerance. Mi-Jo's confrontation was a thing of beauty; nearly as impressive as Seon-Woo's showdown with his father.

The last episode will be a tough one to get through. Even when you know what's about to happen. That's the hallmark of great writing and storytelling; when you know what's coming, and it gets you anyway.

I dare anyone to get through the brunch scene with a dry eye, or the video message that Cha-Young leaves for Mi-Jo. Both were absolute scenes of beauty.

There aren't enough shows out there that truly showcase the power of family and friends; that demonstrate that love and being there for each other are the pillars of true relationships. If you don't already have such people in your life, this show may make you wish that you had. It will also challenge you not to take your loved ones for granted. We never know how much time we have with them. Spend it with love and devotion. In the end, Cha-Young is correct: quality is always more important than quantity!

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Exciting, Moving, and Hilariously Funny!

I've been watching TV shows for over 45 years. I've been watching K-dramas for the last four. And frankly, the Koreans seem to be masters at combining humor and drama, deftly shifting from one to the other. Nobody else does it better.

"The Fiery Priest" sees a Catholic priest--Father Kim--, who has no compunction about laying down some serious whoop-a** on criminals and those who seek to harm others. Of course, not all is as it seems as we learn about his backstory.

The series is about murder, political corruption, religious corruption, and the power of the underworld's influence on exploiting the weak and helpless. At our center, is Father Kim, who has a temper to match his fighting prowess. I think if Father Kim lives to be an old man, he'll likely die of a heart attack.

Detective Gu soon becomes his sidekick. Initially Gu is an inept coward who can't seem to do anything right. Caught up in the corruption, he finds himself to be a shell of a cop in name only. Gu reminds me of a Gilligan or Stan Laurel...someone who causes more trouble than he resolves. Much of this is done for comedic effect, and you'll likely split your sides laughing at the antics of Detective Gu.

We also have the fiery Prosecutor Park, also caught up in the corruption, who quickly finds that she has a special place in her heart for Father Kim, even though they act more like a old, bitter married couple.

Once again, to masterful effects, this drama is very story and character driven with fun and exciting action sequences. In many ways, this series has something for everyone.

The humor is off-the-charts, and it's always extremely effective. I don't recall ever laughing so hard throughout a K-drama.

And yet, at its center, the story is about justice and caring for those few people within your inner circle. People who end up having your back and loving you no matter what you do. It's also proof that, despite the trials and tribulations, criminals and evil-doers never win in the end.

If you're looking for plenty of action as well as a series that is outrageously funny, you really can't miss with "The Fiery Priest!" Looking forward to Season 2!

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A Somewhat Realistic Love Story That Almost Works

How often do people go through life believing that the grass is always greener somewhere else? And very often, we find that a new place only brings about new pros and cons.

As someone who's lived and worked in six countries, I know this truth only too well. Places always have new and interesting things that you find appealing, and things that you miss. This is even true of the country you come from. In short, it's a no-win scenario...so long as you continue to believe that there is something better over the next hill, instead of learning to simply appreciate where you are.

Majhoy is a young Filipino woman who has moved to the Faroe Islands. She is married, has a young daughter, and works two jobs, including an Asian Restaurant/Food Truck. It turns out that there are a number of Filipino women living there...mostly for economic convenience. "Love? What is that?!" one of them jokes.

Nico is a young man who is a producer of documentary films. He visits the Faroe Islands to find out more about why so many Filipino women move and live there. It doesn't take long before he focuses solely on Majhoy. It takes even less time to realize that they have feelings for each other.

Majhoy's husband is a significantly older man. And despite his slight brusque demeanor, it's obvious that he loves his wife. He doesn't mistreat or abuse her.

It becomes obvious that Nico will do anything to take Majhoy back to the Phillippines; ignoring Majhoy's marriage or even the welfare of Lena, Majhoy's daughter. He can only see his own wants and needs. He naively believes that it is that simple to swoop in, disrespect a living situation, and make off with Majhoy.

Unfortunately, Majhoy makes the mistake of capitulating and even giving Nico some sense of hope that his dreams will be fulfilled. It isn't until Majhoy's husband returns from his fishing trip that she realizes that all-in-all, she has a husband who loves and cares for her. Both characters behave selfishly and disrespectfully which makes them unsympathetic and easily unlikeable.

In the end, the one person you feel the most sorry for is Sigmund (Majhoy's husband). The writers try to make you feel sorry for Nico and Majhoy but their selfish, underhanded lack of respect for anyone else makes that difficult. Why? Because it is impossible to be happy while hurting others. It just doesn't work. One's true happiness never comes at the expense of anyone else.

The movie is beautifully filmed in the Faroe Islands. The islands, indeed, look like something out of a fairy tale. I wouldn't be surprised if tourism gets a boost after people see this film. I certainly would like to visit!

The performances are also very good from the entire cast. But if you're going into this film, hoping for a romantic, uplifting love story, you won't find it here. In many ways, the story is too real for that. A big reason that the story doesn't fail is because the writers stayed true to the situation and the characters rather than "give in" to make a "happily ever after" ending. Much like the Faroe Islands themselves, the film leaves you cold and desolate, but true given the reality of the situation.

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Love Is Letting Go...Not About Sacrifice

I've seen a few of Kathryn Bernardo's films, and I believe she turned in the performance of her life. She stepped away from the typical romantic-comedies (many of which are actually quite good), and challenged herself to take on the role of a much deeper and much more complex character in Joy.

I have always marveled--and not in a good way--of how people tend to use others; even people they love; even members of their own families. Of course, children are usually guilted into it. In short, it's a parent's way of saying, "I suffered, and so now you must suffer too. Why? Because it's how families work."

As stated in other reviews, I am an ESL teacher. I've lived and worked in South Korea, China, and Taiwan. I know quite a bit about how Asian parents tend to treat their kids. Of course, it's not all bad. You'll scarcely find parents who are more dedicated to teaching their children about discipline and hard-work. The large contrast between them and western parents, is that western parents tend to allow their kids to do whatever they want. They're spoiled beyond belief. What is needed is a balance.

As the eldest daughter, Joy is in Hong Kong working several jobs in order to keep herself alive as well as sending money back home to her family in the Phillippines. She has a nursing degree. Her dream is to go to Canada to pursue what she loves. Of course, she meets and falls in love with Ethan, a young man who is also from the Phillippines, who is trying to support his family as well, after a disastrous relationship that nearly cost him everything.

Ethan, of course, is hoping that Joy will decide to stay in Hong Kong, and not go to Canada. This is when the film really grabs the viewer to see what Joy will decide to do.

Love is not about sacrifice for someone else. Sacrifice is about losing something, and love is never about loss. It's always about who you are. In all her wisdom, Joy has to explain this to Ethan as well as outlining the consequences of not pursuing her dream. Fortunately, Ethan finally gets it and is able to do what only love can do: let go. As soon as you try to hold onto it, love ceases to be love.

Filmed in Hong Kong, we're giving a stark and not-so-pleasing depiction of life for many immigrants struggling to survive. Some can do it. Some can't. In the end, you can only truly look after yourself and not lose sight of your own dreams. Of course, the world, and even your own family will throw every reason at you to NOT pursue your dreams. If you give in, you have no one to blame but yourself. If you forge ahead, then you have gained more profound wisdom about life than what most people can only dream about.

My only complaint of the film was that the chemistry between Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards was not what it should have been. And because of this, the film loses a bit of its heart and depth. I'd say it was pretty obvious that Kathryn Bernardo did not want to do any kissing scenes with Alden due to her love and respect for her boyfriend, Daniel Padilla. The only kiss we see is one on her forehead in the dark. Can you imagine the lack of depth in a film like Titanic if Jack and Rose only held hands and never shared a kiss? I couldn't help but wonder how much more powerful the film would have been if another actress had performed in the role, or if Padilla himself hadn't turned the role down (which I read that he had).

Still, this is a memorable film that challenges everyone to go after their dreams and let nothing and no one stand in your way.

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Just...Wow!

Some people don't believe in angels. I believe there are some angels you can't see, and there are some angels you can. This is a beautiful, touching story of two "angels" : Lea and Tonyo, and how they are able to be there for each other.

Both are two people living in Japan. Lea has found out that her fiance has been seeing another woman. The stress and trauma has robbed her of her eyesight. The doctors tell her that it is, more than likely, only temporary.

Enter Tonyo, a man who lives across the street. His first attempts of opening communication with Lea are failures. But, he doesn't give up. He has a certain wit and charm that finally wins over Lea, and they begin spending time together. Tonyo knows exactly what to say to get a laugh out of Lea.

There are a couple of plot twists that I doubt anyone will be able to see coming, and the writers need to be given credit for pulling off such a feat, as it seems that more and more writers today either don't dare try, or it ends up not working at all.

What the movie is ultimately about, is kindness, and how a single gesture can work miracles. I think most people underestimate a single, kind act. And how, much like a small pebble, it can send ripples across a lake. The beauty of this film is that we don't see the end results of the acts of kindness of Lea and Tonyo until the end.

The film is beautifully filmed and the actors are simply incredible. The chemistry between Alessandra De Rossi and Empoy Marquez is undeniable. They are the ones that make the film work.

This is one of those little gems (much like a small pebble) that once you see it, you will feel the effects for a long time to come!

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Live Your Life, Live Your Dreams!

This is the fourth Filipino film that I've now seen, and they're quickly winning me over and desiring more! I'm only concerned that I'll run out via Netflix, leaving me wondering how I'm going to watch some more.

"Crazy Beautiful You" was my first foray and with the same two delightful leads in Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. There's no denying their chemistry, which probably makes things much easier for them as they are a real-life couple. Their charm and obvious feelings permeate the screen. I also love the fact that neither one of them is afraid to show genuine emotion.

This go-around sees Gab, who has been with her boyfriend for 6 years. Finally, he proposes to her. Except that Gab has a problem: she's already married! To her dismay, she finds that after a drunken night, she has married Dos, a young man she met at the club.

Unlike America, where people can get divorces and/or annulments fairly easily, it is not so easy to do in the Phillippines. Gab finds herself having to track Dos down and get him to agree to a divorce. He agrees, as hilarity ensues as Gab tries to play out various "divorce reasons" to satisfy the court. Everything from impotence, insanity, homosexuality, etc. These will have you laughing out loud.

However, as one may predict, Gab and Dos start falling for each other as they attempt to track down the one witness they need to satisfy the divorce criteria. While the initial format is predictable, the way things play out is not. There are a couple of twists that I'm not sure anyone will see coming.

I was also pleased that the writer didn't fall for the overly-used "big climactic ending" that is so commonplace that they're actually boring. Instead, we get a true, legitimate ending that satisfies the story, the characters, and the viewer. And while I loved "Crazy Beautiful You," the ending of this film is done much better, in my opinion.

Another thing I love about these movies is that they have poignant messages. This film dares one to live your dream. Live your own life. No one, not even parents, have the right to control your life and tell you how to live it. And you can't be afraid to make mistakes. How else does one learn? How else does one realize what works and what doesn't work without mistakes?

Mary Tyler Moore once said, "Someone who has had nothing but perfect and wonderful experiences isn't very brave." It takes adversity to truly strengthen a person.

Parents and partners alike have one job: empower your children and empower your partner. Give them the space and freedom to be who they are. Control is never the answer. Control is about allowing someone else to live your life for you. Freedom is about allowing someone to live their own life. This movie dares you to do the latter.

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Love Never Loves the Same Way Twice!

While Love is unconditional, constant, and unchanging, the WAY we love is always different. People should hopefully take comfort in the fact that that makes, not only way you love someoone unique, but YOU unique as well.

Unfortunately, people tend to also forget that many relationships are finite. It's been said, "It is interesting to note that people can easily recognize when a relationship begins, but are unable or unwilling to recognize when a relationship ends."

Mace is a broken-hearted young woman coming off an 8-year relationship with her boyfriend who is living in Rome. Angelica Panganiban plays the role so realistically, you can feel her anger, frustration, and sense of loss. I would wager than anyone, who has ever been where she is, has felt exactly how she feels.

Anthony is a young man also returning home from Rome, and he sees Mace struggling to lighten her suitcase in order to meet the weight criteria. He decides to help her. He's also there through her rants and outbursts, but somehow, we get the sense that he understands her plight.

This is a film that reminded me a lot of "Before Sunrise," a brilliant movie where two people walk around Vienna getting to know each other. However, in this case, it's about two people spending time together, helping each other to heal. While Mace's hurts are recent, we discover that Anthony is also carrying some old hurts and regrets as well, but he's able to find ways to help Mace.

Angelica Panganiban and JM De Guzman are simply brilliant, and more importantly, real. They know their characters inside and out, and they are also very relatable. They could easily be anyone who has been where they are, and because the story is told in such a realistic tone, it works tremendously well.

Perhaps Mace will realize that making someone else the center of your life is always a disaster waiting to happen. Unless you love yourself first, you cannot give what you do not have. Relationships are never about finding someone to complete you. They are always about sharing your completeness with someone else. That is the secret!.

In any case, you learn from past relationships to find what you want in future relationships. And hopefully, when a relationship ends, you are grateful to that person for the time spent and wish them all the best as they continue their own journey.

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Rock Solid, Entertaining Show...Until the Very End

Eun-Sook Kim hasn't failed me yet. She is a master storyteller, focusing on deep, rich characters and plots. "Mr. Sunshine" is still her masterpiece with "Descendants of the Sun" just a hair behind it. "The King: The Eternal Monarch" is another great series, even if it doesn't quite hold up against the other two. I still enjoyed it.

I give props to any writer who attempts to tackle "time travel" as a major plot device. It's not easy, and there is so much to keep track of. The best ones tend to provide the best and most feasible explanations. The worst ones tend to make the viewer believe that the writer had no clue how to write using time travel. In my opinion, "Star Trek" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" always did the best job when it came to stories regarding parallel universes.

The story centers around Lee Gon, King of the Kingdom of Corea, which we quickly find out, is a parallel world to the world that we know. His half-uncle (Lee Lim) seems to be plotting the overthrow of the current king--Lee Gon's father--but we find out that his true aim is to possess a flute that gives the wielder the ability to crossover into those parallel worlds. The coup attempt leaves Lee Gon's father dead, Lee Gon half alive as a young boy, and Lee Lim escaping. However, both are in possession of half of the flute (as it was cut in half), giving Lee Gon and his uncle the ability to crossover.

We find that Lee Gon grows up to be a genious in Quantum Physics, giving him the ability to use mathematical equations to access parallel worlds at various points in time as well as calculate the pitfalls of he and his uncle only having half the flute. Somehow, Lee Lim--not being a Quantum Physics genius--is able to remain a step ahead of his half-nephew.

Lt. Jeong Tae Eul is a young detective in the violent crimes unit as a black belt in Taekwondo. She is the first to come across Lee Gon when he crosses over into the Republic of Korea. Of course, she was immensely skeptical of him when he tells her who he is and where he is from.

Once again, we are provided with rich characters and fantastic actors to play them. Min-Ho Lee (Lee Gon) and Go-Eun Kim are the leads, and it's clear that their chemistry is what helps to drive the story. All of the supporting characters are great as well. The fact that nearly every actor has to play their main role plus their counterparts, was done seemlessly!

It can be a bit challenging keeping track of all the characters and their counterparts, as each character also has a different name in the parallel world. I also wasn't satisfied with the ending. It was as if Eun-Sook Kim tried to find a middle ground for the ending. Would Lt. Jeong Tae Eul become Lee Gon's queen and go to live in his world? Would Lee Gon give up his kingdom and go to live in Tae Eul's world? Both aren't likely, despite the deep love that they have. I know people tend to love "happy endings" so instead, we have both characters spending weekends traversing the multiverse and visitng various parallel worlds. Funny how Tae Eul always has weekends off, despite being a detective, and Lee Gon can simply leave his kingdom whenever he chooses. Nice ending? Sure. Realistic one? No. This wasn't like "Crash Landing On You" in which the two are separated by a wall and have no choice but to make the best of it. This is finding a "happy solution" rather than the "right solution."

Still, I wouldn't let the end prevent you from watching this series. Korean Dramas are fantastic at giving us good characters and good plots that keep us invested and longing to watch the next episode. You won't be disappointed by this series at all.

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Charming and Delightful Kim Ok Bin Gives Us A Strong Woman While Exposing the Hypocrisy of Society!

This is a simply delightful and incredibly hilarious romantic comedy that succeeds largely due to its originality and not going down the pitfalls of overused cliches. I haven’t laughed this hard since “Hospital Playlist,” and there are too many numerous moments that will either have you laughing out loud or possibly even rolling on the floor with laughter.

However, as with so many Korean shows, not everything is for comedic value as the writers expose the incredible sexism and hypocrisy of the entertainment world that is largely in place due to warped religious, societal, and cultural values that are in place because of male chauvinistic rules about what is proper and what isn’t. Sadly, society loves to build up a hero, but it loves to tear one down even more. Whenever anyone is placed upon a pedestal—which is always a skewed and warped version of the real person—expectations will always inevitably take a hit because people refuse to see such people as human.

Nam Kang Ho is on top of the world as far as the movie industry goes. He’s the top-billed star in the highest demand. What people don’t realize is that he has a fear of being intimate with women. Even doing kissing scenes with female co-stars causes him to have a negative reaction. Of course, as with all rumors, it’s assumed that he doesn’t like women.

Yeo Mi-Ran is a lawyer who is also a master martial artist. Nothing brings her so much pleasure as exposing men for what they are (or what she believes them all to be): liars and cheats who look down on women. She also has no compunction about beating them up if they push things too far. Her relationships never go further than one-night stands, and usually done to prove that men are exactly what she believes them to be.

Ironically, what we have here is a bit of a role reversal. In some ways, Nam Kang Ho behaves more like how a woman would react to relationships that never pan out. And Yeo Mi-Ran has almost masculine traits in how she deals with men. She makes absolutely no apologies for how she lives her life. And why should she? Because she’s a woman? Hence, the hypocrisy of today’s world which is always at the forefront for entertainers thanks to social media. So, a man can sleep with as many women as he likes, and there is virtually no negative feedback. However, if a woman is caught doing the same thing, a cascade of negative feedback is always inevitable. And this series beautifully exposes such insane and sexist views that are largely created by men and promoted by everyone.

At first, Yeo Mi-Ran has a strong dislike for Nam Kang Ho when she misunderstands something that he says to his agent and friend. She vows to destroy him and put him in his place. Before long, she’s hired by a law firm that represents people in the entertainment industry and—of course—she ends up working with and representing Nam Kang Ho. Thus begins a very cute and often hilarious relationship where both Yeo Mi-Ran and Nam Kang Ho begin to realize that all is not what each believes the other to be. One of the absolute funniest moments is Yeo Mi-Ran attempting to teach Nam Kang Ho how to fight so that he can properly do a fighting scene in his new film. Little does he realize that he’s dealing with an expert and quickly finds himself subdued and knocked out. Of course, we already know that Yeo Mi-Ran is no wallflower, no damsel in distress who needs to be saved by a man in any circumstances.

One of the all-time great scenes in the series is when Nam Kang Ho and Yeo Mi-Ran profess their feelings and proceed to make love. What makes the scene work so perfectly is because the characters are allowed to be who they are. It isn’t Nam Kang Ho who initiates things—as we’ve seen hundreds, if not thousands, of times in romance movies and shows. Believe it or not ladies, men actually also enjoy having their female partners take charge sometimes too! I actually clapped my hands when the scene played out because I was thrilled to see the female character take matters into her own hands—and in this case, literally!

Some of the greatest of entertainment stars live outside of the limelight. Now, I realize that this is much harder to do in a small country like Korea, but basically, no apologies or even explanations should ever be made for how they live their lives. If you care too much about what people think, then perhaps you’re in the wrong business. The life of any celebrity is always wrought with the highs and lows, the positive and negative views of the media and the public. You’re a hero one day and a goat the next. The courageous make no apologies and never feel that they have to explain themselves to anyone, for that merry-go-round is literally endless.

This is an absolutely terrific series that tickles the funny bone and warms the heart, and like so many Korean shows, has a heartfelt message to expound to its viewers. Be careful about putting people on pedestals for they will always disappoint you in the end. Just because someone makes their living in the spotlight doesn’t mean that they are any different or more special than anyone else.

Performances across the board were incredible, but frankly it is Kim Ok Bin who steals the series for me. She’s able to create a character who doesn’t come across as overbearing or some uptight man-hating feminist. Despite being tough and independent—a great example for women to follow—she also has a soft, feminine nature that she takes great pride in demonstrating. She also helps to change the outdated perception that just because she’s a woman, she’s hardly weak. In many ways, Yeo Mi-Ran is a champion for women to follow and also for men to help them realize that there is true strength in being a woman and exhibiting strong, feminine qualities. And Kim Ok Bin handles this masterfully. It was so refreshing and also inspiring to see this kind of woman portrayed in this series.

These ten episodes went by fast, as I was watching at least two per day, but it was just long enough to encapsulate everything the writers wanted to convey without the need to prolong things unnaturally. Even the end didn’t feel like the writers had to delve into the “romantic comedy” playbook to wrap things up. They stuck with the characters and allowed things to evolve organically and naturally. Such are the hallmarks of a great series!

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The Two Main Female Characters Make This Series Soar!

There is much to like in “A Business Proposal.” The story may seem a bit cliched, but it’s the execution of that story that makes it stand out from so many others. It’s smooth and the writers are careful not to change the character for the sake of the plot, which is too common of a mistake that I’ve seen. What really makes this series stand out is the strength of the two main female characters in Ha Ri Shin and Jin Young Seo.

Too often, we see young women in K-Dramas act indecisively and like wallflowers whenever they face obstacles. They tend to be too easily influenced by their parents or peers, unable to make decisions for themselves. And when faced with hardship, they tend to wilt faster than a flower in the scorching sun. Not these two! Ha Ri Shin and Jin Young Seo are strong women who are decisive, mature, and can think for themselves. They are also not afraid to stand up for themselves, which is something very refreshing about this series!

My favorite series involving “young love” is still “Our Beloved Summer” but this one comes awfully close! My favorite shows of the older and more mature persuasion are too tough to call. With fantastic shows in “Mr. Sunshine,” “Crash Landing On You,” and “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” it’s tough to decide. ‘

The pacing of this show is perfect! Everything moves along smoothly without extraneous scenes or ridiculous new storylines to keep the story going. Therefore, I was grateful that the series ended after 12 episodes. Everything was covered, and there was no reason to attempt to stretch things out.

It’s really hard for me to decide which character—and even actress—I like more between Kim Se Jeong (Ha Ri Shin) and Seol In Ah (Jin Young Seo). Both are marvelous as two young women who initially set out to scheme their way through a blind date that neither of them wants to figuring out how to be with the men that they love. Both bring a refreshing strength and even feistiness to their roles. As I said, these two women are not wallflowers. They can take care and look out for themselves. I’ve seen Kim Se Jeong before in “Uncanny Counter”—and imagine my thrill to learn that there is another series of that one coming!—but this is my first exposure to the equally beautiful and captivating Seol In Ah.

The only characters I pretty much despised were Da Goo Kang, the grandfather, and Min Woo. Da Goo Kang, is a typical bully with nothing but selfish intentions. Meddlers always have that in common. Their attempts to control others under the guise of “love” is truly sickening. If it’s selfish, it cannot be love since love can never be selfish. I was thrilled to find Ha Ri Shin not giving into Da Goo Kang’s immaturity and selfishness. I was worried that she was going to cave into him. And Jin Young Seo was a true champion standing up to her own father, who was just as much of a bully as the grandfather. Bullies only get their power when someone gives it to them. At heart, they are gutless cowards.

Ha Ri proves her strength by not seeing herself as an inferior person just because she doesn't come from a wealthy family. And Jin Young Seo proves her strength by having the courage to break free of her father's iron grip.

Min Woo, a longtime friend and initial crush of Ha Ri, is a despicable young man who has a girlfriend, but behaves in a most insensitive manner when he demonstrates his feelings for Ha Ri right in front of her! I was initially surprised that Ha Ri would not call him out for this. I certainly would not want a “friend” who does something so vile and cruel to someone else. Fortunately, she finally does let him have it, even though it was a bit long time in coming.

The series is a step in the right direction if the aim is to project strong, female characters and demonstrate that they are people too as well as characters who will not yield to the cheap intimidation tactics that so many of their counterparts in the past have done. I was more than thrilled to see these characters did not take the road most others have traveled by, but instead, carved out their own road by showcasing empowered women.

As I stated before, I hope to see more series with strong women in the future!

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Imbalanced Romance Between the Heroic Kang Doo and the Immature, Cowardly Moon Soo

Kang Doo and Granny end up being the only two truly noble and likeable characters in this entire series with Ma Ri and Jung Yoo Jin being right behind them. The show would have been so much stronger and better if even Moon Soo had even half the character of Kang doo. In the end, we realize that she doesn’t even remotely deserve him.

Kang Doo and Moon Soo are survivors of a horrific accident; a newly built shopping mall that collapses on them when they were teenagers. As the story unfolds, we find that Kang Doo is about as noble and heroic as a person can be. Yes, he’s got a temper, and for a while, he feels pathetic and unworthy. But not only does he rebound, he is always looking after people; looking after those he cares about; and even beyond that, he’s always THERE for them. That’s the mark of a truly noble person. Jun Ho Lee should’ve won every single acting award out there for giving us a harrowing and complex depiction of a Kang Doo who is always in pain, always struggling, always fighting, and always doing right by people. He mirrors the famous quote of Rocky Balboa of, “Life ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” Does Kang Doo stumble and make poor decisions? Yes, but he always quickly sees that there is a better way. He’s a man who’s continuously tormented.

Moon Soo, unfortunately, is someone who finds it safer and easier to just stay within her little bubble world. One could argue that Kang Doo has had a much harder road in life, and yet Moon Soo lacks the courage and even the conviction to fight and be there for those who need it. Actress Jin Ah Won is almost a complete opposite from Jun Ho Lee. In fact, she’s easily the weakest actor of the ensemble. Her expressions are often stoic and bland. She looks like a 15-year-old and she gives us a Moon Soo who acts like it too. It’s nearly laughable the times that Kang Doo tries to hug her, and she recoils like an 8-year-old child who’s had a spider dropped down her shirt! It shows her level of immaturity.

What really angered me was when Moon Soo finds out about Kang Doo’s health condition. At this point, she’s not even talking to him at all. She’s ignoring him. He goes to her house to tell her about his problem. Without even opening the door, he faints. She then gets angry with him for not telling him! How exactly does THAT work?!? I was like, “Are you kidding me?! You were ignoring him and you blame HIM for that?!” That was my last straw with Moon Soo. From then on, I had no heart or sympathy for such a cold, cowardly character who is unable to see past her own pain. Throughout the series, Kang Doo is always there for her. And throughout the series, Moon Soo constantly comes up short because she can’t be there for him when he needs help, and she invariably and conveniently ignores and forgets all that Kang Doo has been through. She completely dismisses it and even his condition when she hasn’t the guts to deal with it.

I’ve been watching K-dramas for nearly 5 years now. I’ve seen so many good ones and a few bad ones. However, I can’t remember one where I’ve found the leading lady so unappealing.

I can’t even sympathize with Moon Soo when she tearfully asks her friend, “Why does Kang Doo have to go through this? Hasn’t he been through enough? Why is this happening to us?” Funny questions from a person who can’t even be with him when needed, and by someone who’s blatantly ignored him. How can there even be an “us” when you refuse to be a participant or even show up!

The characters of Granny and Kang Doo keep this series afloat. By the last episode, I nearly decided to forget the whole thing as I was so fed up with Moon Soo. I wouldn’t wish a “Moon Soo” on anyone. She’s about as supportive as a piece of used tissue.

Kang Doo and Granny make this series a “10” for me. Moon Soo makes it about a “3” or “4”. Not to mention that actress Jin Ah Won is about the worst kisser I’ve ever seen! Kissing her must be like kissing a dead fish. No heart. No feeling. It says a lot about Won’s comfort level and her ability to even act out a simple scene like that.

While the story is an intriguing one, this definitely isn’t a series I’d watch again. It deserved a much better actress than Jin Ah Won; someone seasoned and professional enough to really give us a likeable and intriguing character with a complexity to match Jun Ho Lee’s performance. The imbalance really hurt this series. I certainly won’t look to watch anything else by Jin Ah Won. She sticks out like a sore thumb in this series against far better performances by nearly everyone else who all overshadowed her.

Kang Doo’s sister is almost as bad. Not even a hug or word of support for a brother who’s dying. Was it the writer’s intention to give us such cold, unfeeling women in this show? If so, he succeeded! He gave us two mothers who aren’t even worthy of the title.

Kang Doo is a hero in every sense of the word for always doing right by others; for always looking out and caring for others. The true shame is how no one was able to do the same for him.

The series also ends way too conveniently with a "magical" and unlikely ending. The writer didn't have the guts to go down the road less traveled and realize that Moon Soo might have actually learned the most about herself and appreciated Kang Doo had he not survived. The ending was a real cop-out which undermined much of the premise of the series.

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This is the story of two people, who believe themselves to be broken; who believe that they aren't really worthy of anyone or anything. It's very hard to be in a relationship with someone with this mindset, as it isn't long before they look to the other person to fill the void that they believe exists in their life. The astonishing secret is this: there is no void in anyone's life. And nobody outside of yourself will ever be enough because unless you love yourself first, you will quickly find that you cannot give what you do not have.

Hyun-woo is a boy with a very troubled past; a past that he desperately wants to forget and keep from influencing his ability to create a life for himself. There is only one person of whom he dreams of spending a life with; one of the few people he feels that he can trust, and that's Mi-Su.

Mi-Su is a young woman, who also has a troubled past. She can never seem to get her life in order, and she views herself as a loser; a loser due to choices that's she's made in her life that have not brought her the fulfillment she seeks. The only person she feels remotely happy with is Hyun-woo, who shows up at the bakery where she works.

Hyun-woo and Mi-Su are two people who clearly like each other, but can't seem to find a way to connect for more than a fleeting day or so. Over the span of about 11 years, they float in and out of each other's lives, until finally, they are able to reach a more permanent connection.

Mi-Su is someone who has always had a difficult time trusting. This isn't uncommon from someone who's lacking in self-esteem and self-love. Hyun-woo is someone who is trying to keep the past from tainting his relationship with Mi-Su.

People keep secrets for a reason, and they should never feel pressure to reveal something if they do not feel ready. Prying, of course, never ends well. However, keeping a secret from someone can also come back to bite you.

The performances are very good, even if the plot loses a bit of traction in the last 30 minutes or so. Some of the scenes don't make a lot of sense toward the end, but ultimately, the director finds a way to save the story before it falls flat on its face.

I can't help thinking that Hyun-woo and Mi-Su will never be able to have a successful relationship until each of them begins to love themselves. A dysfunctional relationship involving two gloomy people, isn't likely to succeed. Eckhart Tolle wisely points out, "Movies always have those happy endings when the two people get together. However, they never tell you what comes after."

If the writer and director had filled in some of the holes of the movie, it would have been much better. However, this is a very watchable, and mostly enjoyable, film.

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What is Missing in Education!

Throughout history, there have been those who wish to impose their own societal, cultural, or religious beliefs upon others. This is not something new. However, what most advocates for the imposition of arbitrary rules fail to realize is that all imposition and oppression will always be fought again. Why? Because these things go against the very nature of the soul. And the nature of the soul is freedom.

Life is choice. It always has been and it always will be. “Rules” are implemented by those who lack the wisdom of education; to help people make better choices. And yet, all education lacks the central core value that everyone needs: learning how to love yourself. When you love yourself, you will find it very difficult to make any decisions that bring harm to yourself as well as others. When you love yourself, you will no longer need outside help and influences to make decisions. They will simply become a fabric of who you are. In short, they will be second nature. This is what is lacking in every single educational institution on the planet. Mankind has not yet evolved to this level yet, but there are those very few who are trying to help people realize that this is absolutely necessary because it is the missing piece. And it is even more vital that this type of education be implemented from the very first levels of schooling (kindergarten/pre-school).

The headmaster of an elite all-girls school has merged with an all-boys school. Immediately, she implements a ban on romance. Anyone caught engaging in romantic activities--even if it’s not on school grounds, will be expelled. This is the type of primitive, Puritanical control spawned by the most cowardly of people; those who are incapable of dealing and facing their own feelings, and so instead, they attempt to control others. It’s entirely cowardly and fear-based. Such cowards will eventually have to come to terms with their own impotence.

A gestapo group of students are even utilized by the headmaster to hunt down and find any students are breaking the rule. They are asked to bring back photos or any evidence they can obtain. Of course, most of the students who are engaging in such practice are those who have been spurned or rejected by someone, and therefore, do so out of anger and self-loathing.

Ichika Arisawa is a young girl whose mother is in tremendous debt. Debt collectors harass her, due to her father’s inability to pay off the family debt, despite the fact that Ichika’s parents are divorced. Her mother is working long hours to just to make enough to make ends meet. The school is made up mostly of very rich students, and Ichika spies a way to make some money to help. She finds students engaging in romantic activities, and then she makes a “demand” of money to keep their romance safe. She even gives herself the pseudonym of “Love Keeper.” At first, it’s very self-serving and nothing short of blackmail, but students eager to keep their romance safe and not risk getting expelled are more than happy to pay the one-time payment. Ichika even knows how to break into the school counselor’s computer in order to delete any evidence.

Ichika, however, soon finds herself front and center when she falls in love with Maki Ryogo, a rebellious student who, at first, is trying to get expelled from the school. However, his father, a bitter, abusive man, donates a tremendous amount of money, and therefore, his “romantic whims” are simply overlooked by the headmaster. Maki discovers that Ichika is the “Love Keeper” and decides that he actually wants to help.

The series plays out much like “Footloose” a movie based upon a true story where dancing was banned in a small town because it was thought to be a promiscuous act. The headmaster endeavors to “protect” the students with such a ridiculous rule, but failing to realize that it’s impossible to go through life without pain. It’s how we deal with the pain that matters, but she hasn’t the wisdom to realize that her job is to empower and help students navigate these temporary, painful moments of life. Attempts to shield your children from pain is like standing in front of them in a rainstorm, and actually believing that you are protecting them from the rain. It’s an impossibility. Instead, you teach them how to protect themselves and empower them with the wisdom and confidence that they will, hopefully, make wise decisions. They won’t always do so. Not even adults bat .1000 in this regard!

The series is insightful, despite the fact that it may be hard to believe that in this day and age, there are still those of a Puritanical mindset, but the series works. It is also not afraid to address all aspects of romance, whether it be heterosexual or homosexual. Remember that true love has absolutely no conditions.

Performances are first-rate across the board. We share in the angst and frustrations of the students are simply trying to get through a day while battling the feelings and seemingly conflicting emotions which are prevalent in teenagers. Remember the joy of experiencing something for the first time, whether it was kissing someone or holding their hand? To a teenager, it’s huge, and most adults have forgotten those precious moments. To cast them as “bad” is like throwing a bucket of mud on a flower.

Make no mistake. This series isn’t really about sex, although it’s discussed and shown briefly as well as tastefully. It’s about trust. It’s about empowerment, and these are things, even in today’s world, that are sorely needed!

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Freeing People From Pain One Patient At a Time!

Most people might have a hard time believing that there are even worse things than death. Living in constant pain is one of them. Some might call it “suffering,” but suffering is a subjective term. Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.

The irony is that death is not the opposite of life. Life has no opposite because it is eternal. People die, but they simply change form. No one is ever “lost” to us. That is a fabric of the mind and the ego. Birth is the opposite of death. Life can never be lost nor taken away because it’s who you are. You can no more lose your life than a wave can be lost from the ocean. It’s always a part of it.

Doctor John is a brilliant series that begins with a doctor who works as a janitor in prison. He’s been serving three years for committing euthanasia. However, he has no compunction about helping out a fellow prisoner who is suffering from pain. Doctor Cha Yo Han is nicknamed the “Ten Second Doctor,” because he can often diagnose a person within 10 seconds.

If Doctor Cha Yo Han has one principle in his life, it’s to never allow a person to suffer needlessly from pain, whether that be physical or mental pain. He fervently believes that his sole job as a doctor isn’t to necessarily save lives (even though it’s a big part of it) but to save people from pain.

We see that most of the doctors at the local hospital measure people in money. They also believe that a doctor who is empathetic is the weakest type of doctor. It’s sad that in today’s world, most of the medical community still views feelings as a weakness rather than as a strength. They walk around the hospital hallways as nothing more than robots. Shut down your feelings, and you’re not stronger. You’re simply half of a human being, which is a weak human being, indeed.

Kang Shi Young is a second-year resident assigned as a doctor to the prison because, according to Doctor Cha Yo Han, the previous doctor was an inept fool. Kang Shi Young is able to look past Doctor Cha Yo Han’s initial arrogance and see a man who has a gift. A gift for diagnosing patients, and a bigger gift of using his talents to help free people from pain.

We learn that Dr. Cha Yo Han was sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Two people, Prosecutor Son Suk Ki and Nurse Chae Eun Jun have a piercing hatred for Doctor Cha Yo Han. Both are suffering immeasurably. A sadistic killer brutally murdered their children.

Prosecutor Son Suk Ki believes that euthanasia is a crime, and he was the lawyer who prosecuted Doctor Cha. However, after Doctor Cha is released after three years, he vows to put him back where he belongs: behind bars. He feels he was robbed of the chance to see the killer prosecuted, and he blames Doctor Cha for it.

Nurse Chae Eun Jun is an even worse case. She’s a mother so wrapped up in her own pain, that she sadistically forced the serial killer to sign a DNR, hoping that he would suffer immeasurably from his own illness and pain. However, Doctor Cha saved the killer from this fate by performing euthanasia on him, and thus robbing Chae Eun Jun of her revenge. The Chinese proverb, “When you set out for revenge, make sure to dig two graves,” came to mind. It’s sad that she lost her daughter, but it’s even more pathetic that a woman is willing to desecrate the memory of her own child in the name of revenge. When all you see is pain, you lose sight of everything else. That is even more tragic than what happened to her child.

The brilliance of Doctor Cha is like watching Dr. House. He’s a genius, but he also has a hidden secret. He suffers from CIPA (Congenital Insensitivity to Pain Anhidrosis). In short, he’s unable to feel anything. This puts him at great risk as he’s also unable to regulate his own body temperature. He daily takes and monitors his blood pressure, temperature, and other readings to make sure that nothing is wrong. As he says, “I am a ticking time bomb” as such people don’t normally live for very long. It also puts him at risk of losing his job, as his patients might view him as “less than a doctor” because he’s unable to feel pain.

Of course, Doctor Cha only cares about himself as far as his ability to help others. He is put in charge of the Pain Management Team at the hospital. Soon, after curing several patients of their pain, people from all over flock to him for help.

Kang Shi Young quickly falls in love with Doctor Cha, despite his best efforts to let her know that she has no future with him. However, her feelings are unwavering, and she soon appoints herself as his guardian, helping him to monitor his body as soon as she finds out about his disease.

I was happy to see the romance was sweet without the usual cliches, pitfalls, and games that we typically see. In many ways, the romantic story was refreshing.

It’s also interesting to note that Doctor Cha doesn’t give in to Prosecutor Son Suk Ki and Nurse Chae Eun Jun’s anger and hatred. He, instead, patiently waits until they are willing to listen, to help them realize that they are the only source of their own pain. In fact, Chae Eun Jun discovered that Doctor Cha had seen the fake DNR sheet that she had forced the killer to sign, and yet he never mentioned that at his trial. She demands an explanation. “I figured that you had suffered enough,” he tells her. That is the mark of a true, loving and caring person. And Chae Eun Jun, despite her rage, cannot help but be touched, even after trying to sabotage and destroy him.

The series is filled with touching moments as Doctor Cha refuses to be drawn into the hospital politics as well as giving in to Prosecutor Son Suk Ki’s threats. His sole purpose is helping others, and he does a masterful job. Doctor Cha reminded me of Dr. House and Dr. Patch Adams. He has House’s brilliance without the temperament and Patch Adams’s love for helping others. The world needs more doctors like Doctor Cha.

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