Chinese FLs tend to be meek, submissive, overtly cute-sy, just a typical Cinderella complex type of character. This is what was on my mind prior to watching this drama. After all, this was based on what I read while scrolling in this review site. It was also one of the reasons why I avoided Chinese dramas for so long. However, Wei Yingluo was the totally opposite of what was mentioned. She came to the Forbidden City with an identity, and remained there still with her identity intact. She didn't allowed the behemoth number of obstacles to fail her mission. She was smart, cunning, cold on the outside but warm on the inside. Genius is a gross understatement for her character.
A really common comment about this show is on how really confusing it is during the first 5 episodes. It was very confusing in that I had to search for a "relationship tree" picture between the characters to get the context. Furthermore, the story at that point can be understood, but for the most part, I was just clueless about what was happening, who's who, and why is that happening.
However, what made me start to invest here is that it isn't shy in focusing more on the main story (which is in contrast with Korean dramas that adds subplots to further add the story). The pacing here was neither fast nor slow burn. It really took its time in developing the events surrounding the main character, and then wraps up with heavy impact. Also, it did not relied on plot twists and deus ex machina, which made it more realistic in terms of the characters' decision-making. It was just refreshing to me as a viewer to see letting a story flow on its own organically.
Kill Boksoon (길복순) is a movie that is very much the love child between the action, dark comedy, and a little bit of art-house genres of cinema. The opening confrontation was just pure art, as with the other action scenes. The cinematography was not just top-notch, but its spontaneity and fluid flow was really able to capture the essence of what the action scenes were all about. Added with spanish background music element, the production team was really able to infuse moments that I would never forget for the rest of my "watching movies as a hobby" time.
Furthermore, Jeon Do-yeon was, as expected, exquisite in her role as the titular Gil Bok-soon. The wordplay of her last name to be incorporated with the english word "kill" was very witty context-wise. Fresh from watching her play as a single mom on CCiR, and another in this movie, I am glad that she picked this project despite playing very similarly at her last role. For this movie, she was able to show another, yet secretive side of motherhood that will do anything for her child. But her also being secretive here resulted to another problem, a quite common one in the parent-child relationship dynamic - often miscommunication.
Best Actress (TV) and Best Drama categories are going to be a bloodbath! Such difficulty in choosing 1 winner among the nominees. It's going to be a neck to neck competition.
For other categories in TV and film, I still have to complete watching them all before I choose my own picks LOL. So far, I already have my own picks for most categories, but also I want to give the other nominees a chance.
This is going to be an interesting year for these awards!
Alice in Borderland is the second Jdrama that I have ever watched, so I really don't have a solid opinion about their storytelling technique as of now. But based on my "background knowledge" on animes, I have come to conclude that Jdramas, especially for this genre, know how to portray gore and violence well. This show was not an exception.
Fundamentally, it shares the same root as Squid Game in that it is a survival show where morality is often questioned and often times, it's grey. They both focus on how the main lead would push through several challenges/games, and ethical dilemmas along the way, then ultimately survive in the end. However, the best distinctive characteristic for this particular show is that it focuses more on the narrative and its story, rather than the people around said narrative and story (which is not the case for SG). My opinion for SG is that it focused too much on the characters rather than the story, and that is what I loved on its Japanese counterpart.
Again, aside from the wacky almost laughable hacking scenes, this season might end up becoming better than S1. And this is from someone who also loved S1.
The Black Sun arc, really is the core in this season. I am excited how they will deal with this. Although given the stellar ratings it has in Korea currently, this season might end with more questions rather than answers.
ALSO, WANG TAO ZI AND LIM BOK JA REUNION WHEN?!?! Don't tell me that the first 2 episodes was already the "reunion"? I want her and him to really see each other again. Such an unexpected yet exciting pairing, if you ask me.
Prior to watching this kdrama, I honestly expected it to be one of those typical slapstick comedies that would be redundant towards the end. Yes, this show is a slap-stick comedy, but redundant it is not.
Gaus Electronics (가우스전자) has the elements of office romance, eccentric characters, name double meanings (which I found really funny and witty), and the nonending chaebol dramedy. What I liked about this show is that it was not shy in portraying parodies, which if not executed properly, would have become boring. One such great example is the parody of the chaebol romance with Kimchi slaps. Just watch the show to get this reference. Basically, the parodies here were very funny.
Had Kim Do-gi did not experienced a traumatic incident, he could've become a great actor after his military duty. He really is able to convince people about the "characters" he play, LOL.
Kidding aside, this "case" is the most unique, if not the wackiest, shown for this season so far. The phrase "what turns around, come around" has never been truer than here. Also, I liked its relevance given the controversy going around with the release of a Korean documentary on Netflix about the presence of cults and its influence on their society.
Can't wait for the next episode again, and the writer is really making me impatient on the brewing "rivalry" being Do-gi and team and On Ha-joon. But then again, it's expected to be settled at the finale.
There were still "impossible made possible" hacking involved and the CCTV footages shown are too very HD (exage intended), but nevertheless, great first half for a great season. Hope the second half can maintain this level of momentum.
What I really admired in this movie is that it tackled the human connection and the well-discussed concept of death. Death is a normal part of the life process; some may be afraid of it, but it makes us appreciate life more. It showed that death is the end of this life but not life itself, since it only serves as a gate for the next. Death isn't something to be afraid of; it is something to be expected. For some, including myself, this might not have hit us at home yet, but this movie opened our eyes to its inevitability and how we can handle and cope with it.
Also, what I appreciated deeply was how intricate and greatly detailed this movie imparted about the Japanese death rituals. It was shown as if it is very spontaneous yet accurate and professional, and most especially the amount of respect they give to those who have departed and their grieving families as well. This was very true for the family shown in the first part, where it was very emotional and could've easily turned the ritual into a mess, but they respected the views of the dead.
"Departures" really told us that there is more to death than just grief. It can also be an avenue for reconciliation and forgiveness, and at the same time, gives a deeper understanding and appreciation on what life truly is. Death can also be elegant and dignified as what this movie truly personified.
The first half was a tad bit too long. There could've been scenes removed since it just made me lost on some parts. Yet at the same time, it was intriguing to know what the real story is. But still, its early somber mood was important for what's coming next. This part really showed that ignorance is bliss.
Then, the big reveal happened. Although the incident that was being referred was too vague (in terms of the real historical event), yet it is still important to know that until now, Japan still refuses to fully admit its war crimes.
The clip on an internment camp that was shown, despite brief, but really gave me chills as to how inhumane their military did to the innocent people at that time. It's very ironic to see the smiling barbaric Japanese scientists at one frame yet transitions to the angry but hopeless war prisoners at the next. There was only few violence shown onscreen, but one doesn't have to imagine what dreadfulness that the Japanese empire did to its enemies, even if it was its own people.
There were a few points that I disliked, but overall, a good movie. I hope more Japanese movies explore the topic of their country's participation on the Second World War without the overt nationalist propaganda inserted.
Wow, Shin Jae-ha really moved on from the good guy roles 😂
Still a great role for him to show his versatility as a good actor. I'm very excited as how he will own On Ha-joon as a character coming from the Ji Dong-hui character he portrayed at CCIR.
Going back to the "case" for this week (or 2 weeks LOL), very heartbreaking for those children and how they were treated. Still, it did not answered how they were able to located So-mang. Nevertheless, a still good episode and closing of this case.
Just finished watching the first part! I did not wanted to watch it early to avoid being drawn in with the bandwagon, but this show was very good, at the least. Will not watch the 2nd part right away to again, not follow on the bandwagon.
Also, this role has got to be Song Hye-kyo's best acting role as of the moment. She was really able to personify Dong-eun the best. Maybe it's because this is entirely different from her previous roles, but the stoic, almost emotionless personality was perfectly-written for this actress and she was also able to portray it very well.
This project basically squashed the recurring criticism that Song Hye-kyo is a one-dimensional actress. Wasn't a big fan of hers prior, but she is able to own it and I'm being converted as a fan as of this moment. But can she transpose it on her next projects or was she lucky that a one-dimensional character suited her very well?
Aside from the slow, if not confusing, first few episodes, and the overbearing Ok-boon at the beginning, this show proved once again why family-themed Kdramas should not be easily glanced and just skipped right away.
The clue to enjoy Kdramas with a family-centered story consisting of many storylines with overlapping connections, is to have a spontaneous pacing and flow. This show was successful on those aspects, and it was able to make me glue my eyes on the screen throughout its 50-episode run.
There were some tiny continuity and production lapses, but story wise, a great and fun Kdrama to watch!
Always confussed with these kinda comments " cliché of Kdramas where FLs are strong in the beginning only to…
Yes, that's also what I am noticing with recent romcoms, which is somewhat good. My mantra whenever I watch something is: "hope for the best, but expect for the worst." And luckily, the FL did not fall on the usual trope of submissiveness on the latter part of a series. The ML on the other hand, was not that toxic on the first place so a massive character development wasn't needed.
Ideally, it would be best if both ML and FL are not submissive to each other except for some (1 or 2 scenes) cute-sy and love-y moments. They should stick with their individual characteristics as how they would be introduced on the first few episodes and make their partner be a catalyst for said person to grow more as a romantic partner, and most importantly, as a person. The best example that I can think of that is When the Camellia Blooms.
Still, I agree on your last 2 sentences. I also don't like the "reverse Cinderella syndrome" cliche in Kdramas.
Finally done watching this show! The finale was not as bad as I expected following the disappointing previous episode.
There were redemption arcs from various side characters. Some of them were rushed and/or convenient, but some were also heartwarming. It's just amazing for me to see them grow and have their character developments.
Haeng-seon and Chi-yeol's ending was fluffy and just. I was glad that Haeng-seon's character didn't succumb to the "Cinderella syndrome" cliché of Kdramas where FLs are strong in the beginning only to fade and become submissive to the ML towards the end. Haeng-seon still showed her true self up to the last minute, and Chi-yeol is really a great partner for her. Chi-yeol also grew as a person, and is now able to eat his favorite meals freely without apprehension. Notice that in one scene, he is devouring meat while chatting with his friend on a restaurant.
Hae-e was also given the ending she deserves. Won't spill the details but it was very Hae-e how she handled the last "obstacle". Hoping the best for the actress for her future roles, and has great potential for this year's Baeksang awards.
Despite some blotchy parts, still a solid 8/10 for me!
Read more of my review for this drama here: https://kisskh.at/profile/8689339/reviews/287547
However, what made me start to invest here is that it isn't shy in focusing more on the main story (which is in contrast with Korean dramas that adds subplots to further add the story). The pacing here was neither fast nor slow burn. It really took its time in developing the events surrounding the main character, and then wraps up with heavy impact. Also, it did not relied on plot twists and deus ex machina, which made it more realistic in terms of the characters' decision-making. It was just refreshing to me as a viewer to see letting a story flow on its own organically.
Read more of my simple thoughts about this show here: https://kisskh.at/profile/8689339/reviews/272663
Furthermore, Jeon Do-yeon was, as expected, exquisite in her role as the titular Gil Bok-soon. The wordplay of her last name to be incorporated with the english word "kill" was very witty context-wise. Fresh from watching her play as a single mom on CCiR, and another in this movie, I am glad that she picked this project despite playing very similarly at her last role. For this movie, she was able to show another, yet secretive side of motherhood that will do anything for her child. But her also being secretive here resulted to another problem, a quite common one in the parent-child relationship dynamic - often miscommunication.
Read more of my review for this movie here: https://kisskh.at/profile/8689339/reviews/269165
For other categories in TV and film, I still have to complete watching them all before I choose my own picks LOL. So far, I already have my own picks for most categories, but also I want to give the other nominees a chance.
This is going to be an interesting year for these awards!
Fundamentally, it shares the same root as Squid Game in that it is a survival show where morality is often questioned and often times, it's grey. They both focus on how the main lead would push through several challenges/games, and ethical dilemmas along the way, then ultimately survive in the end. However, the best distinctive characteristic for this particular show is that it focuses more on the narrative and its story, rather than the people around said narrative and story (which is not the case for SG). My opinion for SG is that it focused too much on the characters rather than the story, and that is what I loved on its Japanese counterpart.
Read more of my review for this series here: https://kisskh.at/profile/8689339/reviews/268991
The Black Sun arc, really is the core in this season. I am excited how they will deal with this. Although given the stellar ratings it has in Korea currently, this season might end with more questions rather than answers.
ALSO, WANG TAO ZI AND LIM BOK JA REUNION WHEN?!?! Don't tell me that the first 2 episodes was already the "reunion"? I want her and him to really see each other again. Such an unexpected yet exciting pairing, if you ask me.
Gaus Electronics (가우스전자) has the elements of office romance, eccentric characters, name double meanings (which I found really funny and witty), and the nonending chaebol dramedy. What I liked about this show is that it was not shy in portraying parodies, which if not executed properly, would have become boring. One such great example is the parody of the chaebol romance with Kimchi slaps. Just watch the show to get this reference. Basically, the parodies here were very funny.
Read more of my review for this show here: https://kisskh.at/profile/8689339/reviews/268463
Kidding aside, this "case" is the most unique, if not the wackiest, shown for this season so far. The phrase "what turns around, come around" has never been truer than here. Also, I liked its relevance given the controversy going around with the release of a Korean documentary on Netflix about the presence of cults and its influence on their society.
Can't wait for the next episode again, and the writer is really making me impatient on the brewing "rivalry" being Do-gi and team and On Ha-joon. But then again, it's expected to be settled at the finale.
There were still "impossible made possible" hacking involved and the CCTV footages shown are too very HD (exage intended), but nevertheless, great first half for a great season. Hope the second half can maintain this level of momentum.
Also, what I appreciated deeply was how intricate and greatly detailed this movie imparted about the Japanese death rituals. It was shown as if it is very spontaneous yet accurate and professional, and most especially the amount of respect they give to those who have departed and their grieving families as well. This was very true for the family shown in the first part, where it was very emotional and could've easily turned the ritual into a mess, but they respected the views of the dead.
"Departures" really told us that there is more to death than just grief. It can also be an avenue for reconciliation and forgiveness, and at the same time, gives a deeper understanding and appreciation on what life truly is. Death can also be elegant and dignified as what this movie truly personified.
Read more of my review for this movie here: https://kisskh.at/profile/8689339/reviews/264759
Then, the big reveal happened. Although the incident that was being referred was too vague (in terms of the real historical event), yet it is still important to know that until now, Japan still refuses to fully admit its war crimes.
The clip on an internment camp that was shown, despite brief, but really gave me chills as to how inhumane their military did to the innocent people at that time. It's very ironic to see the smiling barbaric Japanese scientists at one frame yet transitions to the angry but hopeless war prisoners at the next. There was only few violence shown onscreen, but one doesn't have to imagine what dreadfulness that the Japanese empire did to its enemies, even if it was its own people.
There were a few points that I disliked, but overall, a good movie. I hope more Japanese movies explore the topic of their country's participation on the Second World War without the overt nationalist propaganda inserted.
Read more on my review for this movie here: https://kisskh.at/profile/8689339/reviews/264157
Still a great role for him to show his versatility as a good actor. I'm very excited as how he will own On Ha-joon as a character coming from the Ji Dong-hui character he portrayed at CCIR.
Going back to the "case" for this week (or 2 weeks LOL), very heartbreaking for those children and how they were treated. Still, it did not answered how they were able to located So-mang. Nevertheless, a still good episode and closing of this case.
Also, this role has got to be Song Hye-kyo's best acting role as of the moment. She was really able to personify Dong-eun the best. Maybe it's because this is entirely different from her previous roles, but the stoic, almost emotionless personality was perfectly-written for this actress and she was also able to portray it very well.
This project basically squashed the recurring criticism that Song Hye-kyo is a one-dimensional actress. Wasn't a big fan of hers prior, but she is able to own it and I'm being converted as a fan as of this moment. But can she transpose it on her next projects or was she lucky that a one-dimensional character suited her very well?
Read more on my review for this show here: https://kisskh.at/profile/8689339/reviews/264081
The clue to enjoy Kdramas with a family-centered story consisting of many storylines with overlapping connections, is to have a spontaneous pacing and flow. This show was successful on those aspects, and it was able to make me glue my eyes on the screen throughout its 50-episode run.
There were some tiny continuity and production lapses, but story wise, a great and fun Kdrama to watch!
Made my own review about "Once Again" here: https://kisskh.at/profile/8689339/reviews/263527
Ideally, it would be best if both ML and FL are not submissive to each other except for some (1 or 2 scenes) cute-sy and love-y moments. They should stick with their individual characteristics as how they would be introduced on the first few episodes and make their partner be a catalyst for said person to grow more as a romantic partner, and most importantly, as a person. The best example that I can think of that is When the Camellia Blooms.
Still, I agree on your last 2 sentences. I also don't like the "reverse Cinderella syndrome" cliche in Kdramas.
There were redemption arcs from various side characters. Some of them were rushed and/or convenient, but some were also heartwarming. It's just amazing for me to see them grow and have their character developments.
Haeng-seon and Chi-yeol's ending was fluffy and just. I was glad that Haeng-seon's character didn't succumb to the "Cinderella syndrome" cliché of Kdramas where FLs are strong in the beginning only to fade and become submissive to the ML towards the end. Haeng-seon still showed her true self up to the last minute, and Chi-yeol is really a great partner for her. Chi-yeol also grew as a person, and is now able to eat his favorite meals freely without apprehension. Notice that in one scene, he is devouring meat while chatting with his friend on a restaurant.
Hae-e was also given the ending she deserves. Won't spill the details but it was very Hae-e how she handled the last "obstacle". Hoping the best for the actress for her future roles, and has great potential for this year's Baeksang awards.
Despite some blotchy parts, still a solid 8/10 for me!
It's just horrifying to think that the cases shown here are based on real life, even if this show tries to tone it down.