Grumpy Witch

We Are Family

I love the type of shows where I go in with very low expectations because of what the trailers show and because I may not like one of the cast, but by the end, I am satisfied and feeling slightly nostalgic because the show and the watching experience were completely different from what I was expecting. Romance on the Farm is one of those shows. And to think I almost did not watch this because of the main lead actress.

However, I decided to still give it a go because of Joseph Zeng. I became a fan after his role in Mysterious Lotus Casebook. I said to myself, “At worst, I would end up dropping it. At best, I would enjoy it and add it to my ever growing completed list.” I almost did end up dropping it like 8 minutes into episode 1 because I could not stand the family. But then Shen Nu came into the picture and I forgot all about dropping it. In fact, I enjoyed it.

This is probably the first drama I have watched with Tian Xi Wei where her character didn’t bother me to the point of yelling at the TV. I attribute this to the Lians. I was too busy hating all of them to even focus on her. They let them get away with too much because "they were family" and they just had made a "little mistake". The worst of them all were the grandma and Shouren's family, his wife, Madame Gu, and daughter, Hua'Er. If the transgressions these made were little mistakes (according to the grandfather) I would hate to see what they would have considered big ones. They were definitely an intense gaming experience.

Additionally, although the character the main female actress portrayed did lack some sense in some things, and the male lead kept coming to her rescue, it wasn’t as terribly lacking as the characters I have watched in previous dramas. I still feel she is typecasting herself, and wish she would take more challenging roles, but I managed to be moved by her in some parts of this show. Around the midway point of the show, the male lead leaves to take care of some things and I was somewhat bored without him around. I was battling myself to stay awake without the Lians being as prominent as they were in previous episodes. I thought I wouldn’t even say this, but I kind of missed their toxic existences.

Despite its title, there is not much romance but we have the pleasure of witnessing cute and heartwarming moments between different couples and on the occasions when the main leads kissed, they were REAL kisses. *wiggles eyebrows* I also loved the OST. Usually using contemporary sounds in a mostly period piece feel awkward and out of place, but not in this one. Plus, Joseph Zeng sang an OST and it fit the story and scenes perfectly.

Although the show doesn’t delve deeper into some issues post-game, as it ended almost immediately after she came out of the virtual experience, and I am still curious about how long she was in there, I am satisfied with all the endings, both the in-game one and real life one (even before the special) as I felt they were fitting. I can see myself rewatching this show, even the initial episodes when the Lians were stabby hand gesture worthy.

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"U-turn" is a very short drama about how a woman, who doesn't remember anything about her past, mysteriously appears in the trunk of a man's car and how he tries to help her until they both come to realize who she is. It is also a car commercial. Like the other members have mentioned, I, also, believe this would be a good story for a longer drama.

I liked it because it was entertaining, cute moments included. It also had an air of mystery since right along with them we are also wondering where this woman came from and who the heck she is. And since it was short, it went straight to the point, which is something I really like.

I don't remember any of the music played, which is not necessarily a bad thing. If I was bored and didn't feel like watching a long drama, I would re-watch this in the future.

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"All I See Are Red Flags"

The title of this drama is extremely fitting to the story. Like previous reviews mentioned, this drama is really not for the faint of heart.

Broken the Heart was a dark, angst filled wild ride of a story with an utterly unlikable and sadistic male lead whose type of love language falls under the "I love you, so I hurt and belittled you, crushed your heart and confidence, so I could protect you” category, and a damsel in distress female lead who disappointed me to the very end. All I saw from this man from beginning to end were red flags. The second male lead was the opposite and was a sweetheart, but not without his own set of issues. Who wants a man who is so hung up on his dead wife that even after he "lost his memories of her" gives you her face?

At the end, the male lead did do one thing right, he let her go. In my eyes, this didn’t redeem him. The female lead leaving, and staying away, would have made the perfect ending for the devastatingly tragic "love story " that this could have been. It would have also made me respect her a little for saying her piece and staying strong. Sadly, they forced “a happy ending” which had no business in this story. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed this show from beginning to end as it was just right up my alley. The angst was delicious and completely satisfied me, making my heart feel full and content. There were scenes where the composition of it was beautiful, the acting was satisfying, and the OST songs were nice too.

I am honestly glad I started watching it again because it finally had decent subs since it was a show I came to enjoy very much.

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Production could have used time more wisely.

I started watching this show despite not being a fan of the main actresses since the concept really attracted me. I love witches and I love the occult and it's difficult to find decent Korean dramas with those themes.

Despite not liking part of the cast, I was really enjoying the show. For once, I felt Song Ji Hyo had chosen the perfect role and had it down to an art. Even Nam Ji Hyun didn't make me want to pull my hair out, or at least not constantly. And I really enjoy
Chae Jong Hyeop 's acting. I really wanted to give the drama a 10 because it started with a strong foundation for the story it had to tell, but there was a big problem. It seems to me that the production team forgot they only had 8 episodes to work with. I felt the pacing of the first 6 episodes of the drama was more suited for a slightly longer show, although not necessarily a 16 episode one. It also didn't help that the episodes were so short, some barely making it to 40 minutes. This translated to a rushed ending which dampened some of my initial enthusiasm for the show.

While these behind the scenes happenings did affect my viewing experience at some level , I still loved the story , enjoyed the dynamics between the actors, and was satisfied with the ending.

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I started watching the drama, because the story looked interesting. And this is a cute, predictable, and light drama. So, if you are looking for some mindless fun, it's a good choice. But if you are looking for something which makes you think, then you should not watch this.

The drama tries to address subjects about the woes of women who are 30, and over, seriously, but they do it so lightly while trying to act serious that sometimes I found myself scoffing at the way they "analyzed" the situation. There isn't much character growth, if any. All relationship developments were rushed, I would have missed it if I blinked.

The acting was similar to most other Japanese dramas I've watched, not bad, but forgettable. And the music although it felt right for the moment, it's really nothing special.

Also, it's anime-ish at times. So, if you don't like those random characters that seem to come out of nowhere, random moments, and the exaggerated acting, this may not be for you.

I'm giving it a 6 because I did enjoy it, even if I don't considerate to be among the best dramas of any year.

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When the movie finished my first thought was: "Well, this was pointless..."

The movie is completely disappointing. The "storyline" was like when you are reading a book and you accidentally skip a few pages and then feel lost, but this was like it skipped full chapters. The acting was sort of like a very bad makjang drama. I've seen some of the actors in dramas and this is not they usually act. So, maybe it was asked of them to do it this way. The housemaid, what did she do? What did she gain? I wish she would have done more, but I think she forgot and skipped right to the ending of her plan. The music was mediocre and forgettable. The ending... I can't even describe the scene since the only thing that comes up to my mind, for some reason, is that the "Addams Family" is normal in comparison to this family. This is a movie that shouldn't be watched once much less twice.

This won awards? Why?

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A very badly acted, random drama with very few entertaining scenes and a nice song or two.

Story: I watched it because when I read the description, it "sounded" interesting. But having watched this when I was new to dramas, I was in for a surprise and not necessarily a pleasant one.

Acting/Cast: It was horrible. There was a lot of overacting by everyone.

Music: The music was fairly decent. I still listen to one song from the OST, "Bitter Tea".

Re-watch: I never plan on watching this again and I honestly don't recommend it to anyone.

Overall: I watched this when dramas were bright and shiny for me and when I didn't drop dramas. If had I watched this now, it would have been dropped by episode 2 at the most. Or more likely, I wouldn't have even bothered with it.

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A Very Short Song

I’m still running high on the minis. I didn't like this one as much as the others I have recently watched, I think it’s mainly because The episodes were super short and just when I was getting into it and getting into a comfortable position, it ended. Then, the next one started in another “place” and I had to go through the whole process again… 28 times. So, I am going to say I prefer the minis that have 7+ minute episodes. Since this allows me to get into the story.

However, the female main lead was refreshing. I give her *two thumbs up*. I like that she saw an opportunity and grabbed it. She was a victim once (she had a tragic past due to the disgusting old donkey of an emperor), became a survivor, and got her revenge. The male lead was more of a green to orange flag. I never saw him as a full red flag, except maybe in the first episode, but that was it. There were some nice scenes and a couple of steamy ones, but nothing that brought out an intense emotional response from me. Despite the show being short, and me not being fully invested, the story felt complete. And honestly, if episodes had been a little bit longer, I would have been devastated. So, I don’t see why it would need a second season.

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This movie was short when compared to other Korean movies I have watched. It was, also, sort of a spontaneous kind of watch since I hadn't planned on watching it just yet.

I'm going to go straight to the point not because I hated it since I was totally immersed in its story, but because there's really not much to say.

Murderer has an overused premise, but one I enjoy most of the time. I love this type of psychological thrillers.

The atmosphere was tense throughout the whole movie even when Yong Ho and Ji Soo were together trying to be kids.

Ma Dong Seok, whom I had previously seen in a few dramas, was great as in this off kilter type of character. He definitely exuded danger. Even when I was not the one where his gaze was directed at, I could almost shiver. I hope he does more serious roles like this one. Also, Ahn Do Kyu (whom I remember from "Horse Doctor") is one we need to keeps tabs on. He has the makings of a great actor. I can't say much more without it being a spoiler. BUT, for me, whatever happened definitely clicked with the rest of the story.

I do wish they had showed more of what happened after that messed up ending. Messed up because of what happened not because it was bad.

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An Abusive Man's Fever Dream

It's no secret that I love possessive, obsessive male leads. It can be sexy and unlock the feral side that it's not out often. But I love the ones who sulk when jealous, who yearn, and who do not have an obsession with a second woman and belittle the female lead for this other woman. This type is not sexy and feel like characters written by an abusive man on a fever dream. The saddest part is this might have been written by a woman.

The male lead constantly abuses the female lead in all forms and shapes and she cannot be anything but hopelessly in love with him. I really dislike how there are no consequences for this man's abuse . He got what he wanted at the end, and instead, they punish the female lead by making her lose her memories and tying her to this beast for the rest of her life. Because again, she can't be anything but hopelessly in love with her gege.

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Enjoyable & Uncomplicated

This was an uncomplicated watch that I enjoyed for the most part.

Some things that I would have loved to see were her character have a bit of character development as his did. It would have been nice to have less flashbacks. The last episode had flashbacks that summarized basically everything that happened in their relationship. This also happened somewhere around the middle of the show. It felt like a sort of recap. For the most part, I don't enjoy an abundance use of flashbacks and this was no different as I feel it didn't do anything for the story.

I did like the chemistry between the leads. However and while I enjoy a good slow burn, their relationship moved at a snail pace because of two reasons. One was his job . Being a navy officer took him away from home for long periods of time. And second, their personalities. If one of them had been more outgoing than the other, there would have been fireworks, at least that's what I would like to think. Although, there were some sweet scenes, the drama was also plagued with dead fish kiss scenes. These made me wish they didn't have any kiss scenes at all because that killed the possibility of any extended fluffy feelings I could have felt. I also enjoyed Taki-kun's jealousy era.

Also, while the ending seems sweet, Benshi comes in breaking the magic once again to remind us that the period the characters live in is the Showa period. I never liked Benshi.😬

7.5/10

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Overall: This is my favorite type of Chinese film, fantasy with a little romance and action thrown in. Most Chinese films have gorgeous views and this one was no exception. I'll admit that among those there were some that looked a little fake, but to be honest it didn't take away from the beautiful images it was invoking. It was like watching a painting move. Although, there was one scene which made me laugh a little when I'm sure they, also, meant it to be beautiful. ALL the costumes were gorgeous and these added to that moving painting feel.

Story: I love fantasy stories and this one as far as a story goes was great. This is not focused on battles and action, it is more like a Fairy Tale.

Acting/Cast: The acting wasn't great, but it wasn't horrible either. It was just enough to keep you interested in what was happening on screen.

Music: The music was amazing and went great with the story.

Re-watch Value: Since this is a movie, it's very likely I'll re-watch it sometime in the future.

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If you like action movies and you haven't seen The Man from Nowhere, I recommend giving it a try.

The Man From Nowhere blends powerful scenes with a touching story to create a great movie. The story will slowly and steadily build up to the action which will keep you at the edge of your seat.

The setting is dark which possibly hints that past, which has his neighbors coming up with different types rumors about him as it frequently happens when we don't understand something or something is unknown. Won Bin's portrayal of this mystery man is outstanding and solid.

So Mi's situation and story will captivate you and the little girl who plays her, also, did a great job with her role.

The other actors were also superb and they did a great job portraying dark characters.

The music helps the set the mood. And it never felt out of place or random.

I do wish it had ended a bit differently than it did.

There's blood and violence, if you don't like these two elements, the movie might not be for you.

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I'll admit that when I first read the synopsis, I really didn't expect much from it. It even looked like an ordinary drama story, but that all changed as soon as I watched the first episode.

Story: The story was different and well written. The plot kept getting more interesting with each passing minute. Everyone involved in the production of it, cast and staff, knew just how to take it a notch up with each episode, which left me wanting more.

Acting/Cast: The actors did such an amazing job that I loved every interaction between them, even the ones I loved to hate (and there were a few of those). Jung Woo Sung playing the role of Yang Kang Chil was simply brilliant and he is a character I will not forget. Kim Bum as Gook Soo was also amazing.

Music: I loved the soundtrack of this drama, every song went perfectly with the moment and the story. It, also, helped enhance the emotions the cast kept throwing our way.

Rewatch: I would love to re-watch this, but it's not very likely any time soon. Not because I didn't like the drama and not because I thought it was average and not worthy of a re-watch. But because every aspect of the story, even the happy moments, were heartbreaking.

Overall, I give this drama a 10. I think it deserves it. It cast a magical spell which enthralled, amazed me and from which I could not escape. It is definitely worth a watch and make sure you have some tissue with you because it is a real tearjerker, especially towards the last episodes.

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Underwhelming

At the beginning, the story had great potential, but sadly it never reached it. The storytelling was flat and lackluster when it had the makings to be gripping. The female lead had mostly one expression. This mostly made me want to go in through the screen and rearrange her features as I taught her "This is being sad" or This is angry". I have watched the male lead before and while I liked him in Mystic Pop-Up Bar, I was not particularly impressed by his dual portrayal here. However, he was not as insufferable as the female lead. It would have helped if their couple scenes had an ounce of chemistry, but the only sparks flying in this drama came from lightning. Initially, I also enjoyed the interactions between the king and the imugi, but even this got old soon.

The show was underdeveloped which led to an underwhelming result. Luckily, Kim Ji Hoon was there to carry the show on his back and show us how it's supposed to be done. This show did not need 16 episodes.

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