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This movie is such a great love letter to the franchise! It was really so beautifully written and quite action packed. While at times some of the sfx or superfast fight scenes can turn out to be quite anime-like, overall the stunts and battles and story telling still makes you feel so exhilarated and excited to know what happened next.

I know of Sousuke from the MOZU series almost a decade ago, and I had looked forward to seeing him play Hongo in his own image. And I have to say that I wasn't disappointed at seeing the result. Since the behind the scenes had been released way ahead of the screening, I was excited to see the final result on film and it was really great to see how all the shots play out.

With every single reimagination of Rider 1 and Rider 2 stories, it never ceased to amaze me at how unique each version of Rider 1 and 2 turned out to be. This movie's approach to introducing Hongo to the audience was quite different compared to how it was in The First, as well as in original. But I love how refreshing the story felt, even when at the very core of each different Rider 1 and 2, there's still that certain quality that remains the same.

I also love the reimaginations of the five kaijins or Augs, and how they have a different stories behind them... to which we learn how twisted they had become after joining SHOCKER.

The movie somewhat ended with a pretty open ending though, like it felt like there should be a continuation after this. Hopefully there is, because I really like to see more of Anno's reimagination of the Showa riders.

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The series was pretty okay. This second season is basically what the plot could've been if Jinhyuk, Daeshik and Hyunho had returned/remained on the main team instead of just Eunsoo during the events of Voice 2.

While the overall cases mostly followed the original Voice 2 cases, there were some noticeable changes, like the circumstances of the murder of the new Team Leader were different. The plot involving Kangwoo ends up being split between Higuchi and Ishikawa, with a few adjustments. The plot about Kangwoo being somewhat a loose cannon and as crazy as Jinhyuk was given to Higuchi while Ishikawa getting the PTSD plot that in a way overlaps with Daeshik's similar plot. Eunsoo's plot with her abusive boyfriend was transferred to Komatsu while her role as the secondary leader of the team was transferred to another character. Likewise, the plot involving Seoyul was given to Ogata.

That said, the Doctor Fabre cases were somewhat simplified in this drama and it also had a few changes made. For one, the mastermind's MO and his identifying traits differed. The guy's occupation was also different so it would still get people guessing what the real culprit's identity was. Some of the cases ended up concluding differently than the original series. As much as this second season was based on Voice 2, there are quite a number of twists that should be based on the other Voice seasons. I can't really be sure about that but it does feel like it.

Overall, even if you've seen Voice 2 you should still be able to enjoy this series and be surprised at some of the twists since it wasn't quite an exact adaptation compared to the original Korean series.

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I guess it's a fine remake

Since I was on a roll and found out that Blind had a remake (actually there were two more but I haven't watched the Chinese or the Hindi one), I thought that I might as well watch this remake as well. Since I'm no stranger to seeing remake of Korean movies or dramas into Japanese (and vice versa) I do get curious as to how the remake would turn out. Especially as Japanese remakes do try to give their own spin to the shows they were based on. But since I've already seen the original, it's unavoidable that there will be some comparison to the original.

Like the original movie, Blind Witness also deals with a serial kidnapper who killed unsuspecting women and crossed paths with a blind woman and a young boy who ended up witnessing his deeds. Safe to say on that level, the original and remake share a common trait. But aside from that, this movie was as different to the original as it was similar.

For starters, this remake showed us a bit more of Natsume's former life as she undergoes several trainings as an officer. Unlike Soo-ah who we're already introduced as a police officer in-training, we barely get to see what she's like before aside from a childhood memory and a past recording of her university admission with her family. In contrast, the remake didn't really show much about Daiki before he died aside from Natsume dragging him home from an outing with his friends and the sequence leading up to the accident. The relation between the two were also different. While Soo-ah and Donghyun weren't actual siblings, Natsume and Daiki were. The same can be said for their mother. The accidents that killed the younger brother was also different. The accident in the original was much more traumatic and tragic to Soo-ah but in this remake the accident played out to be much more simplified. In both cases, Soo-ah and Natsume blamed themselves for their brother's death though Soo-ah was expelled from university while Natsume quit.

The circumstances in which the witnesses cross paths with the killer were also different. Unlike Soo-ah, Natsume wasn't targeted by the killer; and instead of a hit-and-run case, the victim was already being kidnapped in the car as Haruma ended up being the one who was almost hit by a car. While in the original the police had reacted much quicker after finding out that a missing case coincide with a statement given by Soo-ah, in this remake, the realisation that this is a criminal case happened much more slower due to the different setting in which the missing cases were unknown to the public. Social media also was much more prominent in this remake as the original dealt with a much more conventional method of gathering information as well as conventional media reporting. Unlike the original, Natsume and Haruma did a lot more investigation by themselves instead of aiding/leaving it to the police. And the biggest difference of all would be the kidnapper himself. While the general MO of the killer still remained the same, the identity of the killer was different. The murders were different as well: in the original it was a typical serial kidnapping and murder while in this remake, the murders were actually a copycat murder from another closed case involving kidnapping and ritualistic murders.

Nevertheless, there was still some elements and plot devices that remained the same. Although the order of events and outcomes were written differently, there were still some familiar scenes. Mainly the killer's attempt to kill the secondary witness, the confrontation between the killer and the first investigator, the chase at the subway station and the final confrontations between the killers and the two witnesses.

Regardless, this remake had its own charm too. Though if you have seen the original movie, this remake may feel a bit underwhelming for you. In any case, it's been a long while since I saw any of Mahhi's recent acting works since his Gaim days. so it's a pleasure to see him in this movie.

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This is a really fun and lighthearted drama. Since lately tv have been reairing old dramas I ended up encountering this show.

I thought it was only in recent series that Choi Kanghee has started doing characters who are quite feisty and knows how to fight... so this drama had intrigued me after seeing Queen of Mystery as well as Good Casting. Same with Jisung tbh. Like it was interesting to see his earlier works as compared to his more recent works and seeing how much his acting capabilities had expand since.

All in all, the drama was quite enjoyable and not too heavy, which means that you don't really have to stress to much while watching the episode. And the rest of the cast was also pleasant and charming and the comedy was well timed and enjoyable. It was fun to see how Eunseol and Jiheon's story unfolds and how they try to work their way out over the things that life had put in store for them.

Overall, this drama was surprisingly fun.

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Never thought I'd be able to see this movie so soon, what with the pandemic et al so when this movie appeared on tvN Movies I immediately grabbed the chance to see it!

At first, it may seem to be a mediocre start as we were initially introduced to the plot setting, as well as the main characters. And the case that was chosen to be the first one being held with a jury seemed to be a simple case of murder, with what seemed to be a clear motive for murder by the defendant. It may turn out to be a boring case as the jurors chosen seemingly more interested in resuming their normal lives rather than taking seriously of the task at hand. But with the eighth juror starting to doubt that the case was as simple as it appears, that was when the plot started to get interesting.

I have to say that I was really fond of Hyungsik's character, Kwon Namwoo in this movie. He was so adorable, even when it seemed that it might be too hard for him to handle the responsibility of being a juror in a court trial. That aside, I love how throughout the movie we can see how the rest of the other jurors also started to take their job as jury seriously because of Namwoo and try so hard to find out whether or not the defendant of the case was truly guilty of the crime that he was accused of. And I have to say the final outcome of the case was really unexpected and sad.

Watching Hyungsik in this movie was really a treat, I really can't get enough of him making his surprised face. And I love how Hyungsik really pull off Namwoo's honest belief and sincerity to want to save the defendant to the point that you could really believe that Namwoo's honesty was what moved the rest of the jurors to change their minds and help him.

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Was recently doing yet another rewatch of this drama after almost one and half year so might as well write a review. If you're looking for a family drama which is wholesome while also having a bit of chaos in it yet not too exagerated—then this drama is perfect for you.

The first time I watched this drama I was drawn to how relatable the Cha Family story was, especially when it comes to the youngest son, Cha Dalbong's story. Well, to be fair... most of the drama characters do feel relatable since they do reflect the struggles of people just trying to make do for themselves—and to people who watches this drama can find their own comfort and consolation while watching this drama. For me, personally, the more I rewatch the drama the more I relate to the life and challenges of the Cha family, considering like Dalbong—I'm also a third child and also felt the same insecurity about myself and the future that I would have. And I have to say, that the drama also helped me cope with my father's death last year. To which, while it wasn't exactly similar... helped me to come to terms about stuff regarding my own father.

That aside, Park Hyungsik as Cha Dalbong was very adorable and lovable and I couldn't help to want to root for him from the beginning to end. Yoo Donggeun as the Cha Sunbong was really the best kdrama father you'd ever see and I love how throughout the drama you can just see how much love Cha Sunbong had for his family, especially for his three children. And yes, these two father-son combo was the main reason that kept me to wanting to rewatch this drama over and over.

Words of warning though, if you're the type to cry easily over things... do prepare lots of tissue before watching this drama.

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Considering that this drama were led by two of my favs Oguri Shun and Nishiyama Hidetoshi and written by Kaneshiro Kazuki, it shouldn't be surprising that I'd be drawn to this drama. XD.

As was common with dramas of this genre and one that focuses on the Public Safety division, it should be expected that the drama will have some pretty grim storyline. Yet, considering that we do have Oguri in the lead it's to be expected that there'll be some unexpected light-hearted moments that can brighten up the grim plotlines.

That said, I love how despite the plot was full of conspiracies and the dark sides of humanity there was still a glimmer of hope and good in between; which makes the story not be too depressing at times. I love the camaraderie between the Special Security Squad and I love how their relationship with each other as well as personal struggles gave the drama a heartwarming feel and make the characters be so human and relatable.

Then again, this was a common theme in Kaneshiro Kazuki 's writing and I'm glad that I manage to encounter this drama. But gosh, Kaneshiro Kazuki's pension in ending things with cliffhangers I tell you.... never cease to catch me off-guard.

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When this drama initially released, I wasn't particularly interested on it. Not to mention there was quite few other medical dramas that was released in the same time/year, and I was quite picky on the kind of medical dramas that I watch. And then years later, I finally try to check it out... and somewhat regreted that I hadn't tried watching the drama much earlier. Like sure, the title did sound a bit cheesy but who am I kidding? Since Lee Jongsuk starred in this drama I should've expected quite a lot of angst in the story.

While I'm not quite taken to the political plot, having the setting where Park Hoon being kidnapped to NK and then being a doctor in that kind of environment pose an interesting conflict to the whole medical plot in the drama. And as to be expected, one can see a good amount of conflicts resulted from the fact the doctors in SK would have some kind of bias against North Koreans in general and how that would affect the treatment on Hoon, despite the fact that he's still a fellow South Korean who had the misfortune of growing up in such a harsh place. And that alone made this drama unique in terms of focusing on cardiac surgeons with a side taste of the North vs South Korean politics.

And Lee Jongsuk pulled the character so well that you can feel such an intense atmosphere around Hoon and can't help wishing for happy outcomes for him. And I love how the music and overall production having this certain sentimental air which was reminiscent of the 80's period when it comes to the North Korean plot. I never thought that it's possible for a drama to have a genre that could only be described as medical noir but here we are.

That said I guess it somewhat fit my feelings regarding Jin Seyeon. Not sure why, but I tend to like many of her noir roles. Provided that the drama had good writer and great production to carry the drama towards its intended goal, I tend to like the dramas that she's in. And I'm thankful that Doctor Stranger really had some of the best writing one could've hoped for. It wasn't always perfect, particularly on the political plot... but the drama did leave us with some hopeful feeling that some things might become better afterwards.

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I started watching this because of Nishikido Ryo tbh. That aside, a mystery/crime drama with the forensic scientists as the main focus? Count me in. Though to be fair, this was the second time Ryo played the role of a forensic officer after JOKER.

Have to say, when I first started watching the series I wasn't really expecting to really grow attached to the characters. But hey, that just means that the series did well at casting the right actors for their respective roles as had their personalities written well.

That aside, I love how the drama dealt with the romance sub-plot regarding Mano and Sawaguchi subtly without taking away the focus from the main plot/theme. Then again, that could also be credited to Nishikido and Araki for being able to bring their characters to life, and Dokkun's really is good at playing these kinds of roles XD. That aside, I really love the whole casting of the forensic team. Like I love how at first they're not really so close-knitted, yet near the end you see them becoming more like families and that was partially due to Araki's character.

Other than that, have to say that the plot was well-written. Loved the fact that each episode kept me guessing and made me want to pay close attention to the clues that were revealed in order to unearth the crimes involved.

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My first impression of the show was that Geat was a combination of the elements of Kamen Rider Blade, Ryuki as well as Garo: Versus Road. A Rider Battle game in which the final victor gets their wish granted. But unlike the Mirror World in Ryuki, the DGP was set in the real world, in which, depends on the game... can be set in the any time periods as the Game Master decide. The survival game elements in this show really reminds me a lot about Versus Road, tho the execution of it was slightly different.

I really like the writing of the show. Takahashi Yuya really impressed me on how the series treated the plot by making the Kamen Rider's mission to protect the world into a 'game show'. And the more one delve into the series, one can't help noticing some parallels to some of the well remembered scenes from past kamen rider series... which was fun to see.

I really love the cast. And Kan Hideyoshi was especially very adorable. He really carried Ukiyo Ace's character very well in showing the fox's cunningness as well as the mystery behind Ace. And I also love his dynamics with Sakurai Keiwa aka Tycoon, as both of them keep on growing into being a true Kamen Rider whose mission was to protect the world.

As much as Geats wasn't really perfect and had its share of flaws like any other series, it's still a very fond series for me that I'd keep going back to whenever I missed seeing the cast. The OSTs were great and it's been a very long while since I've enjoyed a great number of good insert song by the cast and for the characters. And the series do have great fight choreographies as well as camera works that made it such a joy to watch.

And I love how a lot of Geats lore incorporate a lot of Japanese mythological elements in the story since I'm quite a fan of those kinds of tales.

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Yoo Seungho played as the main lead... how can I not watch this drama? Though to be fair, this drama kept making me want to rewatch Ruler so many times due to the many scenes that tend to parallel some of parts of Ruler that amuses me a lot many times. And when I say there was a lot of parallel plots, there was really a LOT.

The character of Kang Roseo had been set up pretty well with her being a former noblewoman who ended up becoming a moonshiner to make a living. The crown prince Lee Pyo also have his own story to which it also connected with the prohibition order as well as the general plot around it.

And above all, Nam Young seemed to hold the biggest mystery that may lead to a clue that tied the three people together. He's quite a cute character (something that Seungho had a natural flair at playing it) and his upright as well as innocent persona was enough of a charm to make you like Nam Young. Though some may find him a bit annoying but that's how he's been raised. It'll be interesting to see how Nam Young would change even more while being with Roseo and Pyo.

The story was quite light-hearted enough and fun to watch. Though the serious plot would start to creep in the more the plot dwelve more into Lee Pyo's past and Nam Young's locked memories. As well as the romance that started to grow between an unlikely pair of inspector and a moonshiner.

Overall, the drama was really a fun watch. And while there was quite some loose ends that remained unresolved like what happened to some people after the truth was revealed, what will Young do with his life now and I'm still curious about Young's true parentage, the drama ended with a very good note. As much as the lovelines of the main and secondary pair ended up not being expanded enough, I like the fact that the romance didn't feel out of place. Young and Roseo made for quite a goofy pair and Pyo-Aejin pair were quite cute. And I really love the overall visuals of the drama that was as beautiful as the poem the drama was named from.

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I've been feeling a bit let down with A Superior Day as of late, so I was glad that this drama finally start airing. Before, there was quite a few dramas that had a similar plot of having the main character going back to the past in order to change their fates so it was
interesting to see how this drama would unfold. Also I checked the webtoon out, and it's pretty well written too

By now Lee Joonggi was no stranger with regards to action and thriller dramas. After Two Weeks and Flower of Evil, safe to say we can expect great performance coming from him. Kim Heewoo was quite an interesting character as a rightous prosecutor who might be a bit too overzealous in doing his job. And the more we get to know him, the more I find Heewoo to be quite an endearing character. And it was pretty exciting to see him trying to redo the events in his past to change his fate as well as the fates of his family, friends and many other victims of Cho Taesub as Heewoo attempt to take him down.

There was quite a lot of mystery remaining unknown to us with regard to who was it that saved Heewoo from death and sent him back into the past, as well as the true nature of the main villain in this story. The writing had been pretty solid so I pretty much enjoyed the show. And for the drama, the ending differed a bit from webtoon... which was pretty understandable considering the few bits of changes made throughout the drama.

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So this part 2 did expand the world building and it really do look like the drama was making use of the Jejudo myths, but to what extent I have no idea.
Still, as much as the writing could've expanded better, the plot did progress further and we finally get to see the main villain Gungtan in action. I mean, it would've been lame if the story ended with the main bad guy not really showing his full capabilities.

From the first part we were given a big twist about Yeomji actually allying with Gungtan. And we're finally getting more details on what truly happen in the past and how it could've affected the present outcome. Not to mention we're also given a third party who seemed to have a hand in many things happening... the we never actually get that fair and this plot ended up being open ended.

To be honest, with so many new details it make me wonder if the story could be wrapped up in just six more episodes. But it did and the final episode did provide possibilities for future continuations, should there be plans for it. For a story that was based on a webtoon, I'm happy to see quite a number of pretty anime-ish and webtoon-ish scenes. So in that sense I'm very satisfied. Plus, Kim Namgil plays a half-demon demon slayer, dude... and Eunwoo finally get to have some jedi moments! Rather than dwell on stuff that the drama did not show, one might as well enjoy the pretty visuals we did get.

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A very human story

If you want to see a supernatural drama involving evil spirits and possessions that leads to people commiting unforgivable crimes, well you've come to the right drama.

The Guest is a very human drama about a young psychic and two others as they inevitably had to deal with a strong evil spirit that has set its goal on one of them and proceeds to terrorize everyone who ever come in contact with them. It was a scary journey as well as dark one, yet in a way it was quite healing as we watch how Hwapyung, Yoon and Kilyoung try their absolute best to try saving as much people they could while also trying to hunt down the evil spirits as well as the corrupted people that calls for it.

While the supernatural and criminal aspect of the story could be quite dark and scary, the fact that our trio were able to counter the obstacles and save people who were being possessed carried a healing message of hope that good can defeat evil. And that was quite healing, in a sense.

That said, I love the soundtrack. The main theme Somewhere have fully captured the emotional turmoil of Yun Hwapyung and his internal struggle for being the one targetted by the evil spirit. The song was quite haunting and filled with a sense of loneliness. Yet, there was still a hint of hope as you can hear a plea for help slipped in between the song lyrics.

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It actually surprised me that this drama was not actually an adaptation of the Black Jack or even a parody of the manga, considering the fact that the main character Hazama Eisuke had a lot of throwbacks to Black Jack.

But seriously though the plot felt like an interesting scenario of what kind of story it could be if there's a genius doctor like Black Jack who can only practice medicine illegally yet still try to save lives in the current age and sociopolitic environment where there's an inequality in terms of people access to health care between the poor and rich.

And it's interesting how despite the Masked Doctors seemed to benefit in offering their service at an extravagant price, they managed to also execute their own brand of 'justice' in the form of medical vigilantism in order to save people's lives.

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