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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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Mindbending - A Brave New World
I enjoyed The Great Flood very much. The concept is such a bold idea, and although reminiscent of many other stories, translated well with its own spin, advancing the genre. In otherwords, you will have to watch it to find out exactly what I mean.There are many touch points along the way in this movie. They range from the love of single mothers, through to the challenges of being a parent, the exploration of human nature in a crisis and the future of humankind.
The acting is very good. Our super mum is very human, very believable. Her counterpart, at first appears heartless. However, as events unfold, he helps our super mum become more resilient.
I thought the CGI was of a good standard. However, from my experience, some of the flood sequences portrayed were not quite right. However, we know through studies into sea levels, they can rise very quickly, regardless of the cause.
The movie is mind bending because not all is as it seems. The Great Flood sits well within the sci-fi pantheon, proof yet again that the Koreans are evolving science fiction at a good level.
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This review may contain spoilers
Powerful, Poetic, Sublime, Heart Wrenching and at times, Heartbreaking
Light Beyond The Reed is not for the faint hearted, but what a show. Visually powerful, the reflections poetic, and the writing, sublime. The show is intense, brave in its telling regarding the subject matter: surviving workplace predators and the impact of social media.The writing allows the actors to bring their A game. The leads are compelling, perfect examples of how a couple struggling in misery, come together when faced with the most challenging of circumstances. The brother and sister in law provide an insight into collateral damage. The mum, a great actress, plays once again the role of the tortured, unforgiving and hateful siren but with a redemptive arc.
The detectives are wonderful. So layered but committed to seeing justice delivered. They are the human side of policing.
The cinematography was of the highest level. In short, this show was beautifully filmed.
The insight Light brings regarding social media in China is just how unforgiving it is - in fact next level. It shows the level of judgemental comments, prejudices regarding victim blaming and the flipside of those who want the best for those vilified.
As for the main antagonist, he is vile, abusive, all wrapped up in a bow - a predator at their worst. His ability to ensnare others, all part of his charade.
I marked the show down because of the way the justice system was shown. The Chinese system is shown from two angles: the criminal court and the appellate court. In the former, the process was seen in part and a little all over the place. However, the austerity was there. The appellate court did deal with the new evidence and gave a ruling that follows the required process.
The final episodes are dramatic and a triumph.
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A show that has a bit of something for everyone
Loving Strangers will always be compared to the original. For me, it was a show that started so well, dipped in the second half but finished with some of the most beautiful moments in any drama.In short, the acting was superb. Mark Chao and Zhang Zi Feng were at their finest. In fact, Fi Zheng deserves an award for the portrayal of the most down trodden of all characters in drama history. Zhang Chao as Gu Chen was also very good - a despicable human being. Jiang Yi Yan as Yi Jun really carried her role well but perhaps the writing softened her too much.
Where it lost some of its shine was Jia Qi’s brother and uncle. They were fine enough but overbearing at times and did not have the depth of the Korean originals. The brother was over the top in his views. The uncle took too long to stop being a procrastinator. Yu Yu, the aspiring actress, and girlfriend of the brother, was terrific. She played the best drunk I have ever seen. It was a heartbreaking performance. Her redemption a pure delight.
It’s true the original had longer episodes of 16 episodes @ 1 hr 15 min or 20 hours as opposed to 28 episodes @ 45 minutes or 21 hours in terms of viewing output. The issue, with Loving Strangers, is that it seemed not as taught in the second half and the story over inflated. Also, some of the key character elements from My Mister regarding a couple of characters are missing.
This show was beautifully filmed. The writing lacked clarity at times but not when it came to the best performances. It was choppy at times and the soccer moments didn’t quite blend in.
If you haven’t seen My Mister, I think you will find this show is, despite its heartbreaking moments, a triumph. It’s just that for me, I was comparing it to the original, and I make no apology for that. It could have been great 😊
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Cute as…
My review is going to be short and sweet. I have said this often - not enough nice movies or dramas are made these days. Love Untangled is just that - a nice old style movie, which we need more of.Even though it is a sweet movie, there are a couple of underlying themes that do bubble through but don’t overwhelm the flavour of the movie - and that is a good thing.
It was nice watching such supportive friendships, loving families and a setting in Busan. The coffee shop upstairs we have seen in recent dramas.
Ignore the nay sayers here. Embrace this movie for what it is - a gentle reminder of what’s nice in the world.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Feast For The Eyes But The Magic Wasn’t Quite There
In the Name of Blossom didn’t quite live up to my expectations, even though I gave it a high rating. It’s true to say, as many have commented, the sequel to Flourished Peony was up and down and seemed to lack that magical spark found in the first series.In some ways, the lack of consistency with the first series may very well have to do with the gap required by Chinese government policy that no drama is to be over 40 episodes and if it is, it must be split in to two parts, with the second part aired 12 months after the first.
There were moments that were excellent, then others that were repetitive and others that even had some noble idiocy creep into them. Our OTP went from being great communicators to full on misunderstandings thanks to others interfering in the relationship.
Despite these frustrations, the acting continued to be superb, the sound track was very good and the set design just as good as the first time round.
I did grow tired of the villains. They went from competent and guarded to overt and, in my view, outright frustrating - trying to be more clever than what they actually were.
As for the peonies - magnificent. The other couples - delightful, except for the villainous tragic pair. The shop employees - were under utilised and almost non existent.
The key battle in the latter part of the story was underdone and those who were supposed to be competent, weren’t. The way the calvary was used, in my view not quite right. I only raise this because this part of the story used up some considerable time.
In the end, our OTP triumphed and the final episode was a kdrama ending - everything wrapped up in a neat bow.
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Show had the potential to be much better than it was
Private Banker had layers within layers. I was never sure where the protagonist was coming from. Even at the end, his motivations may have been very questionable.There are a number of old hands in this drama and their acting was flawless. They were able to play caricatures of themselves extremely well. In fact the tone of this show was one of its tongue firmly planted in its cheek.
Like many jdoramas, some episodes were much better than others. They way the Private Banker assembled his team was interesting- very much the case of him seeing more value in his offsiders than they saw in themselves.
Private Banker did highlight the intricacies of the banking world and the business world, tricky deals and the problem of family in business. Who was the true power behind the throne rotated from episode to episode.
Show is certainly set up for a second season and season one is certainly worth a look.
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Not as engaging as I hoped but worth a look
Uprising is a film that promises much: action, swordsmanship, disaffected friendship and an overview of how persons of the lesser classes were treated. It did not paint King Seonjo in a good light (and rightly so)..What I found during watching this movie is how little it engaged me. I found myself going through the viewing motions. The story in its telling was nothing new. However, if you look at it from the point of view of a historical action film, it has some merit. For me though, I found I was suffering from action sameness.
Now to who I liked. Kim Shin Rok as Beom Dong was superb. I wish I could have moved with such animation at the same age. Her character was strong, loyal and displayed superb martial arts. The Blue Robed God should have treated her with a touch more respect.
The two friends: one is a noble, the other is a very talented slave but his closest friend. The story of how they started out together was solid. However, what led to their difference of opinion and final reconciliation was underdone. Their relationship was complex, A film sometimes doesn’t have enough time or space to show this as was the case here. The acting by both was solid.
The message of how Seonjo viewed his people and what happens as a result of the Japanese invasion is valid. Unlike other uprisings in other nations where there was chaos and war, the King managed to survive and carry on. Why this happened is something that needs more exploration elsewhere.
Overall, it’s worth a look and better than many other Netflix films.
For such a lavish production, I expected more.
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A Very Good Story re Business, Community and Heart
No Side Game (Manager) is one of those stories the Japanese do very well. The blend of the corporate world, interlaced with impacts at home and underpinned by how important sport can be as a way of life resonates very strongly.What starts out as a corporate war that sees our hero relegated as the GM of the company’s rugby team is a fertile ground for what unfolds over the remaining episodes.
We have a part time rugby team that works at the auto factory at the end of its tether. Along comes the new GM, a strategic thinker who also recruits a coach, a former University adversary, who believes in innovation - revolution, not evolution.
These two together weld a team that discovers its heart, gives chances to those to grow, to improve, to shine. They do so to such an extent that a junior club is also formed.
Over two years, we get to share in their triumphs and failures. We get to see all our characters grow. In the end we are left with a warm glow inside and an appreciation of how a society bound by rules and etiquette knows how to make a shift in its mind set when it needs to.
If you have the time, take a peek. You might be surprised 😊😊😊😊😊
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The joy of chocolate…
Romantics Anonymous is a highly polished drama, just like the chocolates presented in this show. The acting is superb, the direction flawless and the writing using each episode based on a chocolate, rich in meaning.Mental illness is a central theme. Knowing how the Japanese are regarding such a subject, a very bold representation.
Even if you aren’t a big fan of the key message of loneliness, the impact of psycho social health, watching the family of chocolatiers make their beautiful creations is a real treat.
There is no denying the joy chocolate brings. Getting to see the key ingredient for each bon bon featured and the traditions they embody were a real highlight for me. It symbolises taking time out, something we all need to do more of.
Han Hyo Joo is unrecognisable, a testament to her acting. Oguri Shun didn’t miss a beat.
The only reason it’s not a 10/10 from me is that the early episodes didn’t quite hit their stride. However, once the groove was engaged there was no looking back.
Be sure to enjoy the Kdrama surprise in the final moments.
As our beautiful couple say in the end “We’re nuts and it’s amazing!”
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A sci-fi thriller that is bingeworthy and a great ride!
Möbius is a very good sci-fi thriller. It has it all: superb acting, very good direction and high quality sets, locations and atmosphere. Even the OST was appropriate. Perhaps this is the result of only 16 episodes - quality can be maintained throughout and the budget spent on things that matter.The elements I liked very much included the loyalty of BJT’s team, the relationship between the OTP - understated and very good, the concept of a five day time loop and the RAN technology used. I also liked that the two male leads were evenly matched.
My only real criticism was the manic acting at times by the main antagonist and his mentor. Both are very good characters in their own right but perhaps too over the top at key moments - especially the ones that repeat over and over. Also, I didn’t enjoy some of the over the top emotional scenes by some of BJT’s team went on for too long - however, this is the hallmark of many CDramas.
At the end of the day, why would BJT do another time loop drama? Well, because Mobius was well written and had a superb cast. It would seem Season 2 is on the cards.
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A Show John Wick Would Be Proud Of
Last Samurai Standing is pure, unrelenting entertainment. With high-end production values, breathtaking fight sequences, meticulously crafted sets, and performances of the highest caliber, not a single moment is wasted. Every character is layered and intriguing—some driven by hope, others trapped in the brutal machinery of cleanup, and still more consumed by greed, profiting from the suffering of others.For me, this series feels like Alice in Borderland reimagined in Edo Japan. Across six episodes—the opening arc of a larger narrative—the story never shortchanges itself. It plunges into familiar yet resonant themes: exploitation, betrayal, disappointment, the bonds of family, redemption, and the fragile persistence of humanity. The backdrop is haunting: the twilight of the samurai era unfolding against the devastating outbreak of cholera.
At the heart of the tale is our hero, who takes in a teenage girl competing in the Koduku contest. She stirs memories of the daughter he lost, awakening his humanity and reshaping his path. Their bond is compelling, tender, and transformative. As his siblings emerge, painful family histories surface, yet it becomes clear that, like all families, they must eventually unite to confront the dilemma that binds them.
The mastermind behind the contest may be easy to identify, but that hardly diminishes their impact. The role is integral, and the actor delivers it with nuance and strength. Contestants range from relentless fighters to those guided by conscience, unwilling to cross certain moral lines. Meanwhile, the enforcers and cleanup crews execute their unforgiving duties with chilling precision—though some reveal flickers of empathy toward the doomed participants.
Many will enjoy Samurai. It is well written. It is relevant to today. It is thoughtful. There are some amazing cultural elements in various villages and towns on show too. The bloody scenes are relevant. Even though the fight scenes have super human endurance on display, as one other reviewer has mentioned: John Wick would be proud. This is a show the makers can feel proud of.
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The Queen of Serial Killer Dramas
Go Hyun Jung is without a doubt, the stand out performance not only in Queen Mantis but for the year. She delivered her role perfectly. As much as it was chilling, the depth she brought to a mother who used brutal methods to despatch terrible men in their own right, who also longed for her son, was unforgettable.Although a remake of the French show, Mantis, I have found QM the best serial killer kdrama to date. The reason: superb acting, very good writing and the reigning in of the classic tropes. The subject matter re QM’s origins is not pleasant but it is handled in a steady manner ie not over the top.
This show looks into the cause of human behaviour both nature and nurture. Its premise is ultimately that nuture is the cause and not someone’s bloodline. The exploration on how people react when a key employer (in this case, the mine) shuts down is a reminder of the tragedy that follows.
Trust is pivotal to each character and storyline. How this I stretched, lost and then regained comes down to the inner strength of each character.
Jang Dong Yoon is very good as the son of Queen Mantis. I liked how this show explored the relationship between Su Yeol and his wife and how, in hand with this, Kim Bo Ra played a very understated performance.
Cho Seong Ha delivers as he always does but I felt that his character was a little bit too wimpy. Also, they should have used a different (younger) actor in the flashbacks.
As for Lee El, a strong performance that was like a second fiddle at times. This role contrasts to her performance at the same time in My Awesome Star where she portrayed the jealous and delusional starlet so well.
When it came down to the big reveal, I wasn’t surprised. The red herrings were top notch. The layers, challenging.
Queen Mantis is eight episodes, the right amount for such a genre. Anything more would have detracted from the quality of the show but it’s clear a sequel is in the works.
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Enjoyable, Delightful, Uplifting
For Eagle Brothers is an enjoyable family drama, in fact, it’s delightful. It has been a long time since we have had a weekend Kdrama that was just nice. I think we need more of such shows.The cast is star packed. Apparently, the script is what got Ahn Jae Wook (ML) on board. Jae Wook is a former matinee idol and singer and long established in the theatre. Uhm Ji Won (FL) is a pure delight in this show. Her role is a nice contrast to her other two most recent dramas: When Life Gives You Tangerines and Dear Honrang. Both actors are superb as the OTP.
Although the story works through the ups and downs of each family member and those around them, it has a consistent theme and that is the sun will always come up tomorrow. This is due largely to Ji Won’s character CEO Ma. She is a never ending ray of sunshine, unless you upset her 😂
CEO Ma’s mum is played by another veteran actor Park Joon Geum. In Eagle Brothers, she is annoying at times to her daughter but she has a heart of gold and it makes a welcome change to the overbearing mother in laws she plays from time to time.
Each of the four brothers also go through the trials and tribulations of finding their better halves. The matchups keep the watcher invested. We have the convenience store couple, the financial management couple, the Zumba couple and the navy couple.
I know some were critical of the Zumba couple but honestly they truly do well together.
A special shout-out goes to the financial management couple and the professor’s baby daughter Ha Ni. She is the best baby you will ever see in any show. She will be a star one day.
The main villains are former employees of the Eagle Brewery. They are a husband and wife team that are a bit makjang at times but play their roles so well. Choi Byung Mo Is great in his role as the bad CEO. He deserves an award.
One of the other benefits of Eagle Brothers is showing us how traditional makgeolli is made. We get taken inside the traditional brewery and how it works compared to the machinations of the mainstream Silla Brewery run by Byung Mo’s character.
This show was popular at home. So much so, its 50 episode run was extended by four episodes. For Eagle Brothers will put a smile on your face.
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A Little Charmer
Is Love Sustainable explores the question of marriage against a changing backdrop of cultural norms. We see how, although Kayoka wants to launch her own yoga business, underneath it all she would like to get married. Show does tease out the traditional view of putting work first. Kayoka deals with this issue splendidly i.e. on her own terms. She will always put the right thing first - family, friends and relationships.Her father, a noted linguist and widower decides to respect the wishes of his late wife and get remarried. I enjoyed his journey very much. In fact, I liked his relationship with his new partner more than I did that of the lead couple. Kayoka’s father is a very decent human being. He loves his daughter, adored his late wife and easily got lost in his own geekiness but his level of responsibility is second to none.
As for Seita, he was painted as a bit wimpy. However, he’s not. He is the type of person who needs time to do his thing. He is very capable, a loving father and respectful towards his ex wife. When he discovers Kayoko, you are there urging him on. She knows a good thing. The SML was, thankfully, toned down compared to most love competitors. He gave it his best shot but at the end of the day was a nice guy.
There are moments where you cheer and moments where you tear up. I loved the daughter dad dynamic and the father son relationship. Show draws you in, explores key issues in a pleasant way and leaves you wanting what’s best for all involved.
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