I had it on my ptw just for Kim Min Jong! Too bad they take him lightly! I'm not watching it if they don't give him the screen time he deserves! Thanks for the article it was entertaining to read ;)
I think you might get less flak if you changed the sentence about cutting one's hair forcibly and used the word…
I've only seen the Japanese version of HYD and I completed it for the heck of it (it took me like 3-4 years) but I always HATED the story, and I NEVER got over that he sent people to rape her.
Being a girl myself i still can't agree with your article.Firstly abuse of women is everywhere so why do you point…
I understand where you're coming from but we sometimes need to separate our bias and look at things objectively. First of all as @risingsun said she is mentioning asian dramas because that's what brings all together in this place. She herself mentioned at the beginning of the article that these dramas do have their good aspect. The focus of the article is how abuse is accepted and normalized in dramaland, regardless if the drama is good or not. I myself am a fan of secret garden and the itazura na kiss franchise, but I also acknowledge those scenes she mentioned.
From what I understand from what you's saying, you are also aware of those scenes and some things in dramaland does bother you, but you just ignore it. It is what many of us do, myself included. I am well aware I would not tolerate such behaviour to myself, and wtv I watch in dramaland will not affect me. But that is not true to all, specially young teenager. If a girl thinks a guy who forces a kiss on her without her consent is romantic, it becomes problematic, and she may make a wrong decision that will affect her life and end up with scars. I just view that there is responsibility for what we show in TV for what the young ones watch.
Those types of dramas tend to have a guilty pleasure to them, and we, @Ceki91 will continue to enjoy asian dramas, because they are great, but once in a while we need to stop and talk about those things. We need to make a distinction of what is acceptable or not, and remind ourselves that dramas are at the end of the day here to sell, but we need to know what we're buying into.
This has bothered me ever since I started watching dramas. From the very start it shocked me with all the physical…
I agree with all of you here the danger is the young audience who come to think as those things as normal and make their decisions in relationship based on that. I know it's not happening in most places, but I believe Dramas and movies have a responsibility in what they are showing, and it's not here to just entertain us. The message behind each show has to be sound, and overall it's about bettering our society.
Great article. I want to preface this by saying that I have had personal experiences (as I am sure other women)…
You're making a good point, but I think in reality it does have an effect for undeveloped minds. I don't think the danger is because of what adults watch but how it affects youth who then become adults, and goes from one generation to another. It wouldn't affect everyone (I don't think I ever was one to be affected by anything surrounding me) but there are always those who get affected and influenced easily. For that reason I think television has a responsibility
What a fantastic examination of this topic. I once watched an American show called "Suits" and the girl…
Once a couple of years back I saw an american show when a woman slapped HER DAD! I mean don't they see it's just as bad?! I was really disgusted with it. The dad was portrayed as evil but that doesn't justify!
Congratulations for the article! that good we thought the same! also I horrifies me to see the scenes of My sunshine,…
Me too! The stories of the girls were heartbreaking and their relationship bittersweet!! I watched Kono and that relationship and I really wished for a different ending. Then it would've had such a better meaning. It ended up being CRAZY! I guess the good side is I got to understand what happens in the mentality of the girl in such relationships. But I find generally those things are less shown in jdoramas, at least not in the romantic way
Well that's an important subject to bring up! I do think each and every topic you brought up deserve an article of their own :P I think Television has the responsibility to bring society to a better level, but unfortunately that is not how it's going. The most troublesome though is that this is what's selling most at the moment, and channels only care about ratings, and not how this has an effect on their society.Obviously portraying it and condoning are 2 different things. Dramas like Dandarin portray all kinds of mistreatment employees can suffer, but it was more about exposing how wrong it is and the negative effect it does in the long run.
It's funny that at first I didn't think much of the forced kiss and the wrist grab, but overtime it lost any cuteness and started to annoy me. I'm like, how sweeter the scene would've been if he grabbed only 2-3 inch lower and actually held her HAND.
I watch Le Jun Kai and the whole time I was wondering "What is wrong with that girl?!" Yea he's sick in the head, but she is too for even looking at his face.
Itazura is both a good example but also doesn't apply. The whole concept that it is based on can be annoying, but a lot of it is the girl's fault for not having any dignity. I agree the guy keeps bating her, but she's not a kid. I guess the fact that they end up together can give girls false hope that they can get what they want if they disregard their dignity, and that is a dangerous message. But I disagree that it goes on after marriage. When they got married he was trying his hardest to make her more confident and independent but he just sucked at communicating. It has a flaw in his character, showing that he isn't perfect after all, but it didn't feel like abuse.
As for the Reply 1997, I wouldn't call it rape though. The parents were worried sick, and they have a reason for being overprotective of her. They might've over did it a bit, but they were trying to show her the severity of her actions. I guess it mostly shows how normal it is for korean society for parents to physically punish their children (to an extent) while it is a taboo in western society.
I don't watch many of those "brutal love" dramas because I can't connect with the characters and just find them childish at best, crazy at worst.
I also need to mention the reverse is also true. In present day Japan, those types of dramas are pretty rare, and when any abuse is shows, it's mostly about showing it's negativity. However I find they show how "funny" it is when they guy gets beaten. I see it mostly in anime though, but really annoys me!!
Congratulations for the article! that good we thought the same! also I horrifies me to see the scenes of My sunshine,…
I have to disagree with you about the drama Lipstick. Yes it did portray such a disturbing relationship, but it never condones it. They drama is about troubled kids and how they deal with it. That couple was separated and had 2 officers dealing with them individually, trying to heal them. And SPOILERS AHEAD that couple doesn't end up together!
Portraying it as a problem in society is a good thing. It's actually needed. Problem is when portraying it as romantic.
I heard this was like missing noir or bad guys. I only watched 5 minutes of it and dropped it because I thought…
I'm half way through but I can tell you, as a huge fan of TEN and M, this drama has a different, lighter, tone, but engaging and the cases are kinda similar. It doesn't take the episodic route and the overall mystery has a nice build up to it (Where I am I have so many doubts and so many questions get add up at every answer we get!). As for the romance, it definitely is present in this drama than the former, but it really isn't the main focus, and the chemistry and growth in the relationship is an added bonus ;)
WOW was I impressed! The colours had my eyes glued to the screen. The passion didnot let me look away despite the blood & disturbing characters. And the craziness, my type of craziness. Hate and love and all those complicated ones that come in between turned up to the max turning people insane.
LOL This movie made me laugh out loud soo many times!! Mostly thanks to Kim Nam Gil. I'm not too familiar with him but his sense of humour just camr out naturally.
was wondering how Wong Kar Wai would approach it since his style wouldn't fit the previous Ip Man movies I've watched. Sure enough Wong Kar Wai stays constant to his style. This movie isn't about what made Ip Man so great or so famous, it is mostly the relationship between him and the Wong Chun, as is the relationship between each master and their art. Fight scenes were more like dancing, and the cinematography and effects were amazing. Never saw snow THIS beautiful. It reminds me of the Kmovie "Duelist" where I didn't enjoy at all but the "fight" scenes there really enchanted me.
Switching at birth is a trope that has been used excessively in movies and dramas, however none seem to care to explore it or portray the complexity that the family goes through. For that reason this movie was so refreshing. It's slow moving but engaging. Music is used seldomly but in such an effective way. The 2 families are different to the core but if they have something in common it would br their commitment to their family. They just show it differently. Very recommendable movie.
Gosh, so many recs to peruse. Thanks, Ajummas! Talking about quirky dramas, I enjoyed Shikatoko Aoniyoshi (http://mydramalist.com/1509-shikaotoko-aoniyoshi),…
I've put Ruler of Your Own World on hold since forever I don't even know why it was good I just somehow forgot about it. You just reminded me.
Love your articles as always. So many dramas I feel I need to catch up with!! I don't know if it'll help but since Soul_Sale asked for "Unexpected Top Comedies" first of all I would like to second Gokuaku Ganbo & Once Upon a Time in Saengchori (VERY underrated in my opinion) from those I've seen.
I've also written a 2parts article about Japanese comedy dramas that had stood out for me
Quiet enjoyed the action & fight scenes in this movie. Very powerful moves! I liked that we managed to see a bit of each brother and have them each with a more or less distinct personality. Not enough but at least not completely ignored. Guess who my favourite was :P Yup 3rd brother because I find this silent lone wolf demeanor attractive, specifically when his actions speak enough for what makes him kickass ;) Eldest brother is a close 2nd being so wise. A natural leader. General Yang himself kicked ass.
The main antagonist had interesting fight scenes but his personality is lacking, typical antagonist in these types of movies. I find his motivation is specially weak.
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From what I understand from what you's saying, you are also aware of those scenes and some things in dramaland does bother you, but you just ignore it. It is what many of us do, myself included. I am well aware I would not tolerate such behaviour to myself, and wtv I watch in dramaland will not affect me. But that is not true to all, specially young teenager. If a girl thinks a guy who forces a kiss on her without her consent is romantic, it becomes problematic, and she may make a wrong decision that will affect her life and end up with scars. I just view that there is responsibility for what we show in TV for what the young ones watch.
Those types of dramas tend to have a guilty pleasure to them, and we, @Ceki91 will continue to enjoy asian dramas, because they are great, but once in a while we need to stop and talk about those things. We need to make a distinction of what is acceptable or not, and remind ourselves that dramas are at the end of the day here to sell, but we need to know what we're buying into.
It's funny that at first I didn't think much of the forced kiss and the wrist grab, but overtime it lost any cuteness and started to annoy me. I'm like, how sweeter the scene would've been if he grabbed only 2-3 inch lower and actually held her HAND.
I watch Le Jun Kai and the whole time I was wondering "What is wrong with that girl?!" Yea he's sick in the head, but she is too for even looking at his face.
Itazura is both a good example but also doesn't apply. The whole concept that it is based on can be annoying, but a lot of it is the girl's fault for not having any dignity. I agree the guy keeps bating her, but she's not a kid. I guess the fact that they end up together can give girls false hope that they can get what they want if they disregard their dignity, and that is a dangerous message. But I disagree that it goes on after marriage. When they got married he was trying his hardest to make her more confident and independent but he just sucked at communicating. It has a flaw in his character, showing that he isn't perfect after all, but it didn't feel like abuse.
As for the Reply 1997, I wouldn't call it rape though. The parents were worried sick, and they have a reason for being overprotective of her. They might've over did it a bit, but they were trying to show her the severity of her actions. I guess it mostly shows how normal it is for korean society for parents to physically punish their children (to an extent) while it is a taboo in western society.
I don't watch many of those "brutal love" dramas because I can't connect with the characters and just find them childish at best, crazy at worst.
I also need to mention the reverse is also true. In present day Japan, those types of dramas are pretty rare, and when any abuse is shows, it's mostly about showing it's negativity. However I find they show how "funny" it is when they guy gets beaten. I see it mostly in anime though, but really annoys me!!
Portraying it as a problem in society is a good thing. It's actually needed. Problem is when portraying it as romantic.
I've also written a 2parts article about Japanese comedy dramas that had stood out for me
http://mydramalist.com/article/2015/06/23/japanese-comedy-doramas-part-1
http://mydramalist.com/article/2015/07/26/japanese-comedy-doramas-part-2
The main antagonist had interesting fight scenes but his personality is lacking, typical antagonist in these types of movies. I find his motivation is specially weak.