Great fun for a drama with a decidedly dark side
May 2025I so enjoyed this! The often dead-pan humour, the mix of characters (a few quirky, to say the least 😄), the cast/acting, and most importantly, the plot, which is actually very dark.
The soundtrack fit really well, too.
Cha Tae-hyun is a favourite actor, and I feel he's quite underappreciated. No one does acting via wonderful facial expressions, quite like he does.
Lee Sun-bin, as the tenacious and often principled [for a] reporter, spent most of the drama with messy hair and looking like she needed a good rest - but it fit the character. She was all about the job of breaking stories and revealing the truth, never mind how dangerous. Everything else came second.
The very early episodes had some really OTT elements. Luckily I could overlook those and stuck with it; mainly because there was more I was starting to enjoy about the series, that it didn't put me right off.
It is a blend that doesn't always work... a darker side, comedy, tongue-in-cheek and at times whacky... but as far as I was concerned, it worked in this. I found myself laughing in just about every episode, and getting really tense in others.
Lots of twists and turns, too; plus a great climax.
The way the music changed whenever one particular character, played by Yoon Kyung-ho, appeared, made me giggle every time.
It also demonstrated the power of the media.
Definitely worth a watch, and I'd have given 10⭐️ for rewatch value, were it not for knowing the ending 2nd time+ around.
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Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist Season 2
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Entertaining and enjoyable; watch back-to-back
May 2025 (S1&2 reviewed together)I really enjoyed both series, whizzing through S2 as quickly as I did S1.
Loved the cast, especially seeing Kim Min-jae in a leading role. His chemistry with Kim Hyan-gi (FL), was believable and sweet. It wasn't full-on or steamy, but I felt it was just right, given their backgrounds and being pretty naive in love. She was never weak, arrogant, nor a push-over for anyone, and very intelligent. I liked her.
In S1, both characters impact on one another at separate and critical times in their lives, and this connection then continues.
Yoo Se-Yeop, through a traumatic experience, that really was, leaves the Palace in which he served as the top Physician, skilled in acupuncture, with his trusty (but very 'familiar' servant), and ends up at a backwater clinic.
It's run by a grumpy Doctor, Kye Ji-han (so well played by Kim Sang-kyung), who is assisted by a mix of regular folk, of all ages, who have found refuge and a home there. They are a great bunch, and it's here he acquires the name Poong.
Though somewhat aloof and blunt, Poong's skills of diagnosing conditions, and recommending treatments, makes Kye Ji-han decide he can use him, so using debt as leverage, he gets him to stay, working full-time.
Once accepted into the 'family', they help the poor, the sick, and get involved in tackling various wrong-doings against good people.
S2 picks up where S1 leaves off, and various branches of the story from S1 come together.
We find out the back stories of central characters, most of which were far from happy. There are highs, lows, some very moving scenes, and plenty of light hearted, very amusing happenings and dialogue as well, throughout. Some horrible characters, as expected of the time, who look upon slaves and peasants as nothing more than vermin, and treat them accordingly. There are comeuppances, however!
It isn't historically accurate or true-to-life, but doesn't set out to be. It is, however, what it's meant to be, which is very entertaining!
I enjoyed S1 the most, but the story in it's entirety was a great watch.
Would happily do it all again.
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Entertaining and enjoyable; watch back-to-back
May 2025 (S1&2 reviewed together)I really enjoyed both series, whizzing through S2 as quickly as I did S1.
Loved the cast, especially seeing Kim Min-jae in a leading role. His chemistry with Kim Hyan-gi (FL), was believable and sweet. It wasn't full-on or steamy, but I felt it was just right, given their backgrounds and being pretty naive in love. She was never weak, arrogant, nor a push-over for anyone, and very intelligent. I liked her.
In S1, both characters impact on one another at separate and critical times in their lives, and this connection then continues.
Yoo Se-Yeop, through a traumatic experience, that really was, leaves the Palace in which he served as the top Physician, skilled in acupuncture, with his trusty (but very 'familiar' servant), and ends up at a backwater clinic.
It's run by a grumpy Doctor, Kye Ji-han (so well played by Kim Sang-kyung), who is assisted by a mix of regular folk, of all ages, who have found refuge and a home there. They are a great bunch, and it's here he acquires the name Poong.
Though somewhat aloof and blunt, Poong's skills of diagnosing conditions, and recommending treatments, makes Kye Ji-han decide he can use him, so using debt as leverage, he gets him to stay, working full-time.
Once accepted into the 'family', they help the poor, the sick, and get involved in tackling various wrong-doings against good people.
S2 picks up where S1 leaves off, and various branches of the story from S1 come together.
We find out the back stories of central characters, most of which were far from happy. There are highs, lows, some very moving scenes, and plenty of light hearted, very amusing happenings and dialogue as well, throughout. Some horrible characters, as expected of the time, who look upon slaves and peasants as nothing more than vermin, and treat them accordingly. There are comeuppances, however!
It isn't historically accurate or true-to-life, but doesn't set out to be. It is, however, what it's meant to be, which is very entertaining!
I enjoyed S1 the most, but the story in it's entirety was a great watch.
Would happily do it all again.
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I enjoyed how this series, whilst a fantasy drama, still managed to show that human emotions should be evoked, even if the subject isn't human.
Our humanity is what should differentiate us, regardless of whether we are reacting to another human, another species, or a human-like AI.
Our natural responses should always be kind, considerate and caring.
The ending was very much left to our imagination, which somewhat disappointed me.
I liked the cast, and characters, a lot, especially Yeo Jin Goo, Bang Min Ah, Choi Sung Won, Ha Jae Sook, Kim Do Hoon and Hong Seok Cheon.
Very happy seeing Yoon Shi Yoon in a cameo role, in ep2 😊
I probably wouldn't watch this again.
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Easy on the eyes
March 2025Another C-drama that gripped me, but I did feel it dragged on at times, and could have been shorter, without the story suffering.
Wu Jin Yan was very good in the FL role of a woman betrayed, who takes on a new identity to seek revenge through justice. This actress is excellent in portraying strong female characters, rather than the childish and saccharine ones. I thought she was excellent in 'Kill Me Love Me', too.
Loved the ML, Wang Xing Yue. He had great presence and portrayed the brilliant, but cold and seemingly ruthless, Xiao Heng, perfectly.
There's actually an 11-year age gap between them (she is older), but I'd never have guessed it. Sometimes when the difference is that way around, their chemistry can be a bit strained or unnatural (K-drama 'Knight Flower' springs to mind, even though I loved it), but not in this.
The plot is straight forward, but the story twists and turns. It is a ruthless tale, with some vile characters, and some tragic moments, but has enough light humour and slower paced moments to balance that. There's some great banter between Jiang-lee/Fang-fei and Heng, too. It's an intelligent script overall.
The backstory of the most horrible character (and cause of Fang-fei's suffering), should have prompted sympathy for them, but they were too horrible for me to accept any of their behaviour. Just awful, and I was cross about the outcome for them, which I wanted to be worst!
There are the usual jealousies between siblings, family ('Clan') rivalry, with Royal shenanigans thrown in. It's a decent watch though, and didn't feel 'done before'.
I had favourites, liked the mix, and it made a change to have women that could outsmart men, and men who were as cunning and ambitious for status, as the women usually are.
I'll be hunting out more from both leads.
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Very watchable
Feb 2025Overall a pretty good watch; some laughs and some heart string plucking moments. Loved the cast, but not all the characters!
I found Hae-joo (WDH), to be pretty selfish really and aspects of the way WDH played him in certain situations, reminded me of his character Si-hyeon in Tempted/The Great Seducer.
He could be shockingly cold and hurtful, yet looking the way he does, with that bad-boy vibe, is incredibly alluring. He also instils great confidence at times. A dangerous combo.
FL character, Jae-mi, is quite sweet, and absolutely craves love, a family, and stability. Consequently she puts up with far more than most rational people ever would!
Both of them carry heavy baggage, which is their great dividing rift. I doubted Hae-joo would ever have approached Jae-mi again, if not for his diagnosis, and subsequent plan for his remaining days.
I felt for Eo Heung (OJS), who was the polar opposite of Hae-joo. However, he was far too naive and gullible. He lacked self-confidence for 90% of the drama, but then found amazing courage and confidence the rest of the time. I think I felt for him most.
Besides being amusing and quirky, it's also sometimes very violent, often OTT, but mostly incredibly watchable!
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Back at the sharp(er) end!
Feb 2025Taken me a while to get around to watching this, as I don't always subscribe to the channel. WHY on earth did Netflix miss out to Disney+ after screening S1 & 2?! 😠 Anywho....
A new set of challenges, hierarchical politics, personal problems, and medical casualties, assault Doldam Hospital... and us!
It's ages since I watched S2, but slotting back into the story was easy. A lot is pretty far fetched (nothing new), and it can get cheesy, but overall it's as entertaining a watch as ever.
I find it easy to forgive its many shortcomings, because I like so many of the characters, and the actors portraying them. I feel Kim Sa-bu/Teacher Kim, has mellowed through each of the series and I loved him in this... Han Suk-kyu is just perfect.
Characters I found so easy to dislike... definitely intern Jang Dong-hwa (for some reason, every now and then, I got a Jin [BTS] vibe from his features... whom I definitely DON'T dislike 😆); Cha Eun-jae's mother (I really wanted to poke her in the eye); and awful Assemblywoman Oh Min-ae (well played by Ko Kyung-Sook), who I lost all sympathy and respect for, with each episode she showed up in. (Note: she's missing from MDL's casting.)
The drama does also attempt to touch on real issues facing health care (not just a problem in S.Korea), such as staffing, overwork and funding.
There is more action this time around, it was definitely more thrilling, with some interesting and different story lines. That meant slightly less time for emphasis on the intricacies of personal relationships; although that is still present, too. A very interesting insight into a favourite character of mine, Nurse Park Eun-tak (Kim Min-Jae).
For those who love the series, I really don't think you'll be disappointed! I was thrilled with the appearance of one character, too 😃
I'm not sure if a 4th series is planned, or if it's needed, but I'd doubtless watch.
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Bland
Dec/Jan 2025An "Oh dear" from me, I'm afraid. Whilst there were aspects I liked, they were far and few between, as I found the story hard to get into and stick with. So disappointed.
The 2 main themes of the plot were overly contrived and far fetched, with some laughable characters.
Over acting, although not by the main cast members, and a gay character arc that could have been so much more.
I just didn't get, or like it, and the character of Choi Sang-eun really irritated me for the most part. No amount of (hear violin accompaniment) sad background story could change that, unfortunately.
I found the multiple marriages angle ridiculous, especially considering the attitude towards divorce, which is depicted in other dramas and S.Korean culture itself... maybe they were attempting to make a serious point.
Hope others enjoy/ed it, but not one I'll remember or revisit. Bland best sums it up for me.
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Hugely enjoyable!
Absolutely loved it! I laughed in almost every episode, but also so enjoyed the action and double life of the excellent FL character.It felt unusual to cast a more mature actress in the role, but I thought she was brilliant.
Her maturity gave weight to the character's background, which was quite tragic.
A favourite actress, Kim Mi-kyung, plays her ascerbic, status conscious mother-in-law ~ whilst often overly harsh with Yeo-hwa, I couldn't completely dislike her. Her life wasn't easy and she had a lot to come to terms with, especially as the story unfolds..
Our ML character also had an unhappy back story, which led to him being a little different. I liked him a lot, too. LJW fit the character well, as he portrayed a vulnerable side at times, even though he was intelligent with strong convictions.
However, whilst very well played by LJW, the actor didn't really feel like the right match for the female lead actress, or vice versa.
This was not a character problem, but a casting one.
Never mind how well LJW and LHN acted in their respective roles, they just didn't gel in a romantic way, at all, in my eyes.
There wasn't that spark, especially from LHN. I thought their end scene really highlighted this, in a big way.
It would have been far better to pitch them as opposites-to-besties ~ a little flirtatious perhaps, but no actual love interest... then it would've been perfect!
Having said that, the romance aspect was relatively low key within the story in terms of physical contact, so it wasn't a huge bug bear, but I noticed.
The story really shows how unfairly women got (and get) treated; especially when it came to widowhood (or in this century, god forbid, divorce!)
The drama rides on how Cho Yeo-hwa handles her 'lot', and the actress conveyed every ounce of it with relish. I loved her!
There are shocking revelations, some very sad moments and great humour.
Excellent supporting cast and characters ~ I liked and enjoyed Su-ho's 'brother-not-brother', Park Yoon-hak, although not straight away.
The overall bad guy was loathsome and there was no level to which he wouldn't stoop.
A really great watch, that I thoroughly enjoyed, even with the mismatch.
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A reflection on society today
First I rewatched S1, as it's been ages since that came out. Sailed through it and enjoyed the watch all over again, especially knowing I could go straight into S2.Yoo Ah-in was a tough act to follow, but I have to say, Kim Sung-cheol, picking up the character Jung Jin-su, was excellent.
There was a flashback to a pivotal scene from S1, which obviously couldn't just be edited in, due to YAI's sad departure. His acting in that scene was excellent and I would have doubted it could be replicated.
However, KSC was so good, and must have watched it umpteen times, to recreate YAI's part so faithfully, as well as accurately.
The dark and somewhat depressing society that emerged from S1, is by no means any better in S2.
As humans do, the supernatural events that unfolded in S1 have been manipulated by groups, with leaders determined to make money and/or rule over others. (It is exactly what some do with religion now; use it as an excuse to murder, control and wreac havoc.)
Their 'laws' are contrived and as seen in S1, often an excuse to abuse power, bully and use violence against others.
It is sickening how those groups, including the government, spout 💩 about sins and damnation, when they themselves are the most guilty.
The drama's Director has said he's used the drama as a vehicle to send a message about the state of today's society (he's not wrong, either, with how in S Korea for example, K-nutz judge, slander and even drive some to take their own lives).
The shocking 'Decree' given towards the end of S1, together with Jung Jin-su's revelation, and the new twist of resurrection, changes everything.
Groups fight for power as they also have different stances on what to do about resurrection.
Many characters are present from S1, but the dynamics have altered considerably.
It's a bumpy, sometimes confusing, and violent, frustrating ride.
A gripping watch!
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Rushed, but still highly entertaining
Sep 2024I love the Sweet Home trilogy and whilst S1 is still my favourite, the 3 combined make for gripping viewing.
As much blood and gore as in S1&2, but far fewer monsters, as this final instalment focuses on the main characters that survived S2, together with a slight twist to the story.
Song Kang is brilliant in this, to my mind. He doesn't overplay the part, but exudes a kind of power and always gave me the feeling there was something more to his monster side.
Further characters lost in S2 are swiftly replaced by the fast moving storyline... a little too fast at times.
There are several surprises, but a couple could get lost in clarity and importance, if not getting enough concentration.
Couple of totally bizarre storylines as well... one being the little boy from S1, which definitely had me scratching my head.
The final scenes were a bit weird and in one instance for me, slightly disappointing, but at the same time not without emotion.
I might give it a break and then watch the whole thing (S1-3) from start to finish.
I really hate these stupid season breaks Netflix and other Western production companies, inflict on us. Really spoils the flow and when the gap between is ridiculously long, the story definitely suffers. Cramming the story's conclusion into the final 2 episodes, doesn't help either.
Having said that, I loved the cast, the premise and with how my imagination carried the conclusion forward, what I perceive as the intention behind the ending too.
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Every instalment of Himura Kenshin's life is epic!
I watched, back-to-back, in this order:Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin: Origins, 2012
Rurouni Kenshin 2: Kyoto Inferno, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin 3: The Legend Ends, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, 2021
I watched the first 3 ages ago, but decided to watch all of them again, in story, not release, order, which I recommend doing.
I absolutely love these films to bits. The life of the main character is a mix of almost aimless at times, tragic, enlightenment and atonement.
The fact the film about Kenshin's origins, was made 9 years after the character first appeared on screen, is amazing. The main reason being, when watched in the order I did, it is a seamless story.
Many cast members appear throughout, pieces from the earlier, film 1, are blended in so when watching the next instalment, it makes complete sense. I was honestly blown away.
Satoh Takeru is brilliant in every film. The sword fights are incredible and they must have taken all the cast involved, a huge amount of work and energy.
The pace of each film is excellent, with a balance of action, everyday life, love, friendships, fighting for a cause (sometimes blindly) and defeating not only enemies, but those taking advantage of the powerless. Some sad elements too. There is also humour and a growing camaraderie between some characters that began as enemies.
I love Himura Kenshin and how he evolves. Supporting characters are varied, some villains are pretty OTT, strong female characters and the cast in all the films is great.
Films are rarely, if ever, perfect, but these just do it for me. Firm favourites.
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Every film in this epic saga is an amazing watch.
I watched, back-to-back, in this order:Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin: Origins, 2012
Rurouni Kenshin 2: Kyoto Inferno, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin 3: The Legend Ends, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, 2021
I watched the first 3 ages ago, but decided to watch all of them again, in story, not release, order, which I recommend doing.
I absolutely love these films to bits. The life of the main character is a mix of almost aimless at times, tragic, enlightenment and atonement.
The fact the film about Kenshin's origins, was made 9 years after the character first appeared on screen, is amazing. The main reason being, when watched in the order I did, it is a seamless story.
Many cast members appear throughout, pieces from the earlier, film 1, are blended in so when watching the next instalment, it makes complete sense. I was honestly blown away.
Satoh Takeru is brilliant in every film. The sword fights are incredible and they must have taken all the cast involved, a huge amount of work and energy.
The pace of each film is excellent, with a balance of action, everyday life, love, friendships, fighting for a cause (sometimes blindly) and defeating not only enemies, but those taking advantage of the powerless. Some sad elements too. There is also humour and a growing camaraderie between some characters that began as enemies.
I love Himura Kenshin and how he evolves. Supporting characters are varied, some villains are pretty OTT, strong female characters and the cast in all the films is great.
Films are rarely, if ever, perfect, but these just do it for me. Firm favourites.
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The complete saga is an amazing & gripping watch!
I watched, back-to-back, in this order:Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin: Origins, 2012
Rurouni Kenshin 2: Kyoto Inferno, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin 3: The Legend Ends, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, 2021
I watched the first 3 ages ago, but decided to watch all of them again, in story, not release, order, which I recommend doing.
I absolutely love these films to bits. The life of the main character is a mix of almost aimless at times, tragic, enlightenment and atonement.
The fact the film about Kenshin's origins, was made 9 years after the character first appeared on screen, is amazing. The main reason being, when watched in the order I did, it is a seamless story.
Many cast members appear throughout, pieces from the earlier, film 1, are blended in so when watching the next instalment, it makes complete sense. I was honestly blown away.
Satoh Takeru is brilliant in every film. The sword fights are incredible and they must have taken all the cast involved, a huge amount of work and energy.
The pace of each film is excellent, with a balance of action, everyday life, love, friendships, fighting for a cause (sometimes blindly) and defeating not only enemies, but those taking advantage of the powerless. Some sad elements too. There is also humour and a growing camaraderie between some characters that began as enemies.
I love Himura Kenshin and how he evolves. Supporting characters are varied, some villains are pretty OTT, strong female characters and the cast in all the films is great.
Films are rarely, if ever, perfect, but these just do it for me. Firm favourites.
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Gripping and SO watchable... all 5 films together!
July 2024I watched, back-to-back, in this order:
Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin: Origins, 2012
Rurouni Kenshin 2: Kyoto Inferno, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin 3: The Legend Ends, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, 2021
I watched the first 3 ages ago, but decided to watch all of them again, in story, not release, order, which I recommend doing.
I absolutely love these films to bits. The life of the main character is a mix of almost aimless at times, tragic, enlightenment and atonement.
The fact the film about Kenshin's origins, was made 9 years after the character first appeared on screen, is amazing. The main reason being, when watched in the order I did, it is a seamless story.
Many cast members appear throughout, pieces from the earlier, film 1, are blended in so when watching the next instalment, it makes complete sense. I was honestly blown away.
Satoh Takeru is brilliant in every film. The sword fights are incredible and they must have taken all the cast involved, a huge amount of work and energy.
The pace of each film is excellent, with a balance of action, everyday life, love, friendships, fighting for a cause (sometimes blindly) and defeating not only enemies, but those taking advantage of the powerless. Some sad elements too. There is also humour and a growing camaraderie between some characters that began as enemies.
I love Himura Kenshin and how he evolves. Supporting characters are varied, some villains are pretty OTT, strong female characters and the cast in all the films is great.
Films are rarely, if ever, perfect, but these just do it for me. Firm favourites.
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