3
It’s the baddies that perhaps make this show
Si Jin for most of its run was a consistent story that had much to offer viewers. The OTP were very good together. In fact, so much so, the ML never doubting the FL was refreshing.The Royal Princess is hard to beat as the pick of the characters. Her performance was fabulous. It’s always pleasing to see such actors give it their all from beginning to end - a ver professional performance. Her daughter, was a mini me and one that even frustrated her mother.
The emperor’s character was criticised by many as he wasn’t the same as in the novel. However, I thought his character was flawed, as it should be, with a solid performance. Forgiving his sister continuously, the Royal Princess was a tiny bit frustrating but it seemed to keep the story moving.
The friendship between the ML, FL’s brother and the upright magistrate was delightful. The latter two also had very nice relationships with their partners.
As for the OST, I enjoyed the song that played over the closing credits of each episode. It very much is a subtle composition that has an ear wig melody going on.
The costuming was also very good.
However, the final four episodes were, although good, too condensed and over very quickly and perhaps diminished one of the key elements regarding the Saintess.
Si Jin is worth your time 😊
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A show that quietly sneaks up on you then catches you in its grasp
Hot Spot has a charm all of its own. This is a show that quietly sneaks up on you and then catches you in its grasp. From the opening moments of working in the hotel, the rescue of the Ki by the resident alien, through to saving the hotel, this story explores the true meaning of friendship.There is a lot of talking in this show. Some would say it’s nonsensical chat. However, it has a charm all of its own and is the glue that holds Hot Spot together. This includes amongst the hotel staff at the Lake Hotel, the group of growing friends as they eat out on a regular basis to enjoying drinks at a friends bar.
Takahashi as the half alien is the show’s focus and the FL is the narrator and number one friend. The running gag is him bending a ten yen coin and everyone finding out he is an alien along the way. There is a cost to him using his powers that always results in him recuperating in the hot springs at the hotel. Each time the friends need his help, he starts out unwilling to help but in the end he always does.
A key production feature of this show is that there is no glitz or glamour. It’s like being in a town as you would expect to find that is almost like a sleepy hollow. Underlying it all are themes regarding friendship, acceptance, the challenges of tourism, environmentalism with a tiny touch of corruption thrown in.
I enjoyed the window into this part of Japan with a slice of pared back goofiness along with some very good acting with perfect timing.
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The Sweetest Drama Ever!
Teasing Master Tagaki-san is an absolute delight to watch. This live action adaptation is reminiscent of a time when Jdoramas delivered well written and beautifully told stories, not unlike (similar to) last year’s Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san.I found myself transported back in time to when I was a youth living in a much more simple world faced with similar experiences. Teasing one another was something that happened. Sometimes, it had the desired effect, a reaction that actually meant something, other times it was not so great.
What we have is a young couple, in all but name, sharing the common bond of enjoying each other’s company even if Nishikata was forever on the losing end of the teasing exchange.
I thought the young actors did a marvellous job. Takagi with her smiling face and Nishikata always looking dazed or confused when he had lost another exchange.
There are some beautiful moments: being with each other at the beach, reaching the shrine at the top of the hill or simply walking to and from school.
This show is worth three and a half hours of your time. I’m looking forward to the movie which is set ten years later. It has its release in Japan within the next two weeks.
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A Solid Watch To Fill Gaps In Your Viewing Schedule
The North South reunification is one of my favourite Kdrama genres. Each drama I have watched on this issue have provided a different take on the subject whether it’s sleeper agents, defectors, unusual happenings in the demilitarised zone, families hoping to reunite one day or just as a romantic or even comical back drop. So, I didn’t hesitate to start watching My Military Valentine.What I found with My Military Valentine is that it adds another dimension to the list of shows on this subject of reunification that is worth a look.
We have an idol who starts out as coming across as entitled and likes getting his own way. However, this quickly dissipates as we get to see the real Lloyd unfold. When he comes up against who will be his platoon commander and the centre of his affection, the hijinks begin.
Baek Young Ok Is a complex character formed by her military upbringing in the North from a young age. She has a deep grievance as a result but does her duty as required. Meeting Lloyd in essence opens the door on a world where she can maintain her serious pursuits but also let her emotions start to show.
Throughout its run, My Military Valentine explores each character’s experiences regarding the North. We get to see the sadness of experiencing loved ones lost, the hope for a better life in a city designed to bridge the reunification gap and a terror organisation hoping to bring the whole thing down. We even get to see a bit of “bromance among” the elite military team.
Lloyd and Young Ok are solid as the OTP. They have up and down moments due to others trying to get in the way of their blossoming relationship. At times, their interactions, thanks to Lloyd, are quite comical, even endearing.
Show has plenty of action and intrigue. It tries to keep you guessing as to who the bad guys are. Although I had some issues re the technical military side of things e.g. how snipers went about their tasks, I didn’t find show disjointed as some found.
I thought the shorter length episodes worked. Would show have benefitted from another episode or two? Yes. At the end of the day, show doesn’t take up too much time and is a pleasant way to fill in any gaps you have in your viewing schedule 🤩🤩
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A Show That Lived Up To Its Name!
The Atypical Family quickly went from a ho hum show for me to one that became a must watch each week. Suddenly, we had a show that dealt with concepts in a clever way.The vehicle used to bring the future into contact with the past was so well done. It made perfect sense.
Was the show insensitive, politically incorrect (or woke for that matter). I didn’t think so. Show was not designed to offend, treat the characters who may have a disadvantage disrespectfully or treat them differently.
We had two huckster families. One that used super powers to secure advantage surreptitiously, one that wasn’t adverse to harming others to get what they wanted. Yet, both were destined to come together. How they did this through their various entanglements quite tickled my fancy.
I quite liked Sauna Mum and her family. The transition they go through from mobster to morally grey was one of the highlights for me.
With SuperGran and her tribe, I’m not sure if show had done enough to convince me of their reform for the better.
Show lost much of its shine for me in the penultimate episodes. We also had the typical kdrama ending kick in. However, I totally enjoyed how show ended. It was clever, neat and really appealed to my sci-fi sensibilities. I gave it 8.5 stars in the end 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🥝
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A Good Action, Spy, Thriller
This is a movie with many familiar kdrama faces and then some. The actors, made it all seem effortless but entertaining at the same time. Hwang Jung Min doesn’t make many films or dramas, but when he does star in a show, it’s always worth a look.Overall, it was a decent spy/action/thriller that starts to hit its straps around the 45 minute mark. Up until then, it was a bit ho hum for me and not all that interesting except, however, I knew at some point, the leads would start to deliver - and they do.
This movie had a decent budget and the action scenes bear this out. The movie sets were utilised well - not too many, so the budget was used effectively.
Yum Jung Ah as the jaded detective captain who relies on her house husband turned in a very relatable performance. Jeon Hye Jin turned in another good performance and I would like to see her in more roles like this one.
At the end of the day, it was a movie well worth an afternoon watch on the weekend. Grab some lunch or popcorn and a drink, settle in and enjoy the ride 😉
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Could have been better but not the worst show out there
The premise of Deep Affection Eyes is the evil mother of the male lead hates her son, who has the lowest opinion of himself, is loved by his grandma and gets married to a beautiful but fiery better half.As such, show stars one of my favourite female leads. Her acting is always on point. In this show she portrays a fiercely independent individual who knows what she wants, is professional and isn’t afraid to get married.
The male lead is dark, broody and believes the world would be better off without him. However, the way his character unfolds, although good at first became repetitious regarding keeping things from our lovely starlet. She in turn really did give him a hard time.
They do have good chemistry. When they are together, you want to see them have a happy and loving relationship. When there are misunderstandings, show wrings every possible ounce of angst there is. Still, you want what’s best for them.
The evil mother in charge of a corporate empire starts out strong. Her partner in crime is central to the misdeeds throughout the show’s run. In the end, I was meh regarding both.
The two grandmas are a delight. They were rivals in their youth but come together to guard our two lovebirds. We have seen both actresses in many shows before.
The second couple were wonderful. However, show played too many games with their relationship in the last third of the show.
In terms of the various friendships - yes, they were good. In fact, the female leads were great. The male leads together were frustrating at times.
So what did we have? Show was well made, great setting and moved along quite well. However, I felt it was trying to unveil too much in the number of episodes it had. We had the angsty theme, the evil redevelopment theme, the sick grandma theme, the misguided sister theme, the interfering boss and ex girlfriend theme, the secretly married couple theme, not one but two loud and irritating friends, the smart kid theme, the woe is me theme as I am the centre of all the world’s problems and finally a passionate couple when they got their act together.
Show is worth a look. I just found I began to fast forward in the last third of the show as it tried to resolve too many issues but at the same time let other issues peter out! It’s one of the few shows I rated below what is on MDL and way below what’s on Viki.
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I Liked This Show A Lot
My Troublesome Star is a comedy that deals with a number of blights on society at the moment including the pimping out of underage girls (celebrities in training), how people become forgotten and fall through the cracks and difficult but unforgiving families, acquaintances and friends.Uhm Jung Hwa plays Im Se Ra very well. Her ability to transform from a down trodden actresses of yesteryear to rebound with grace and beauty, a delight. Sung Seung Heon does what he always does and makes it look easy as the demoted detective and undercover manager.
The OTP are fabulous together, Their relationship began 25 years ago, was lost due to events beyond their control and then reunited through suspicious circumstances. They have some funny moments, heartfelt moments and awkward moments.
The young versions of the OTP deserve a special shout out - perhaps even their own show.
The other main leads and supporting actors are superb. Their ability to be funny, disagreeable or grotesque round out and make the show. The second couple in this regard almost steal the show and are given substantial air time.
Some have said it’s not well written. I disagree. For comedians to be as good as they are in this show, the writing has to be very good. The show leaned in enough on the uncomfortable subjects without being heavy handed.
The epilogues after each episode are so well done. Make sure to watch the final one because it has a range of out takes in it that are a nice collection of behind the scenes.
All in all, My Troublesome Star was an unexpected delight.
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Step onto the Genie’s magic carpet to enjoy a great ride
Genie, Make a Wish was an enjoyable romp. With its tongue firmly planted in its cheek, Suzy and the Woob delivered in spades. The world building of the past captured the spirit of Aladdin and the mythology associated with a genie paying penance was interesting. Then we have the issues of that mythology, along with human greed and dysfunctional characters trying to make the best of what they have in the present day.So, what’s to like. Firstly, Suzy. You know, she rocks the roles she plays. Since Vagabond, she had never looked back. Her wardrobe was to die for. Her turnout as the psycho without empathy was very well done. I appreciated the humour she brought to the role.
Secondly, Woo Bin. He played Iblis to a tee and looked great while doing it. The way he showed both sides of a character wrestling with redemption, sorrow and human idiosyncrasies was absorbing. The cheekiness he had with Suzy was a delight. Her response was funny but I can appreciate some may say her violent reaction was too heavy handed.
Much has been said of the wigs, the visual effects and comical aspects. From my point of view, the wigs was very much a part of the cartoonish aspect of the show. I thought the visual effects were very good. My favourites included the Genie’s coming and going as desert sand and his mythical beast, Sade. As for the comedy, the physical interplay between Ki Ga Yeong and Iblis was reminiscent of Tom and Jerry.
My favourite other character was Sade. I think Ko Kyu Pil’s turn as the mythical jaguar is his best role for some time. That being said, the cast overall were great and delivered.
Genie was a bold departure from how kdramaland would normally do such a show. We have a person who has violent tendencies but a kind heart. Ki Ga Yeong puts herself last, she is selfless but this is only ever seen by the Genie. There is a serial killer in the show just so we get to appreciate the difference. Seeing grandma show Ki Ga Yeong how to be human, loving her all the while, refreshing.
Stepping onto the Genie’s magic carpet is well worth the ride regarding this show. Take a look, ignore the criticism here and help it reach a review score it truly deserves.
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This review may contain spoilers
The Trailers Promised Much
Season 2 was watchable. However, what should have been a blockbuster continuation, failed to materialise. It took some time for show to get its game face on.The acting was superb. The relationships well done. The production values, top notch. The direction, very good.
The story however, lacked the level of world building we experienced in S1. I guess it begs the question: How interesting is today’s world?
Some of the elements I didn’t enjoy: the use of Putty Men type characters we see in Power Rangers. Lady Maeda’s beautiful but menacing character gets lost in today’s palette. The creature was watered down. The Korean Drama ending.
When show flashed back to the past and showed us a glimpse of what happened in the handful of years post S1, it felt like the rich experience we were used too.
I’m not sure I will be back for Season 3.
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Better Than Most Dramas of a Similar Theme
Undercover Affair delivers in terms of its story and as an overall viewing experience. As a micro drama, consisting of 24 ten minute episodes, this show flows quite well. There are some glitches re continuity around the 18/19 episode mark, but it doesn’t detract from the overall story.If you enjoy undercover stories to bring down the evil drug lord, then you will certainly like this show. It has a good mix of villains, the mysterious hero and determined heroine and a good deal of action and some very nice romantic moments.
Leo Young delivers as Sen and continues his good performances in the micro format. It looks like he will make his return to the longer format CDramas playing a main role in Dear Archimedes.
I thought Han Le Yao did quite well as Ling Yi and I enjoyed both Sen and Ling Yi together. I liked how they had a firm trust in one another, even when Elena (the gangster Madam) tried everything in her power to sow discord between them.
Undercover Affair is worth four hours of your time, especially when you have spent between 12 and 16 hours on the longer dramas 😉
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Life On The Run With Plenty To Keep You Engaged
Shotai deals with what happens to someone who is wrongfully convicted of a heinous crime, and finds themselves on death row and then manages to escape. It also has a parallel story regarding what has happened to the FL’s father who has faced injustice, the show’s main theme. It would seem the Japanese detectives are biased, although troubled by past events from earlier investigations into the ML.The film is a slick production and the two hours passes by quickly. Our protagonist, although on the run, is seeking the truth of what happened that lead to his arrest and subsequent trial. During his life on the run, he adopts different disguises, works in different jobs, but his personality remains consistent throughout - he is kind and thoughtful.
Although we don’t get to see much regarding the legal side, apart from court scenes, show undersells how the Japanese justice system works -which is different to what little we see on screen. In this respect, I marked the movie down half a star for this very point. However, it doesn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of this movie.
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A Good Expose on Environmental Governance
Show was a good expose on environmental governance. It showed the challenges that present themselves when trying to implement environmental protection including incompetence, one-upmanship, corruption, facing unfamiliar situations and what it takes to be effective, make good decisions and in fact, being competent.I’m familiar with the environmental issues portrayed in the show because of what I do in life. The issues are spot on. How they are investigated, treated and treated seemed a bit up and down to me. Almost idealistic.
At the same time it was showing the difficulties that a family can face when there are two professionals married to each other, juggling their responsibilities - but guess what - no mention of divorce etc. here we have a mature couple who have a great relationship and just work things out. What a breath of fresh air!
I did feel the show let some characters fade away. That could be the result of show only being 24 episodes long.
Show also highlighted how, even if you did something well or right, you would become the scapegoat. So, there is that insight into not rocking the boat, how the party retrains those who are judged to have let the system down, are interrogated and the importance of joint decision making. However, I suspect we saw a very “smoothed” out version of what really happens.
The other big message: there is more to life! Work life balance is continually undermined.
Overall, I thought this was a good show. The acting was good and I liked the characters.
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A Show That Is Not All It Seems - And It’s Very Good
The Light Shop is a magical tale that the Koreans do well. In some ways it is reminiscent of that very good kdrama remake Life on Mars. The use of a bus in this show also draws out some parallels with the fabulous CDrama: Reset. Not is all that it seems, little hints are dropped along the way of what show might be about and we are exposed to characters that the actors truly relish.As such, The Light Shop is very much a story in two halves. The first is mysterious with elements of horror. We are introduced to all the characters, and in a way that we want to know more about them. The second half provides an in depth breakdown regarding the role of each character. Questions raised in the first half, culminate in an explanation during episode 7 regarding the light shop that makes perfect sense.
Many of the social issues and tragedies raised in kdramas are in this drama too. This show deals with them in a way that is very different and at the same time, engaging. and perhaps a little bit less sad due to how the issues are resolved. Show concludes in a way that provides little surprises here and there - they are delightful. If possible, binge this show - I think it’s worth it.
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Harmless, with a title that doesn’t match
My Youth is one of those shows that starts off with so much promise. It has a strong sense of being based on an actor (Hae) now a florist, who was one of a pair with Mo Tae Rin, is considered the nation’s sweethearts when they were young.The way the protagonists were brought together through Hae’s rediscovery was so well done. The acting at this point a delight.
The back story was overdone ie with too much focus, however, it soon balances itself out. We get to see the full palette of characters, with some, I think, not fully explored.
The father is self centred. Shown as inept but somehow loved by three separate women with two different children. However, somehow I liked the relationship between this delinquent book publishing CEO and Hae. I have never seen Jo Han Chul in a bad role. Jin Kyung, as his first love and now partner, CEO of a drama production company and therefore step mother to Hae, a good role.
Chun Woo Hee as Je Yeon, once again made things look easy. Hae and his relationship with his sister was also a highlight. As were the secondary couple.
So, where did it go wrong for me?
I didn’t have a problem regarding Hae’s illness. However, how it was portrayed and the way it unfolded seemed all over the place. The last four episodes were reflective of this. I felt disengaged. Suddenly, show lost its momentum, becoming unsure of how to treat the lead’s relationship. It was unsure of how the ending should be.
In short, there were many components that somehow no longer seem to fit together.
With such a cast, show should have been great. It started off so strong. Key elements were interesting and inviting. Then they were sidelined. The writers didn’t know how to stick the landing. The filming was superb, as was the acting. In the end, show was harmless.
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