mysecretsoul

I'll be sure to do so, then! My next will either be Soseki or Kono Abe. While sifting through various titles, I noticed Abe wrote The Woman in the Dunes, which seems to have a very good film adaptation. That collection from Dazai might give you a great idea of his style; from what I read, it showcases different sides of his writing. It's my wish to track down his book of fairy tales in the future, though. Apparently, he wrote them between bunkers and trenches during WWII :o

Comrades might be one of the best war stories I've ever experienced, save Tom Hanks' Band of Brothers. I planned on writing a review, but my heart is still achy, so it might be a few days.

That's true, though. I suspect it would be difficult to take a frank look at a subject when your colleagues might be doing the very same horrible things.

I'm sorry to hear you're depressed by the way. Please feel better soon.

Right? I'm a little worried about Ando Lloyd, being critical of science fiction stories, but Kimura Takuya is always a pleasure. Perhaps I should go deeper into the genre and dig up more robots XD There's at least the Taiwanse version of Zettai Kareshi I've not seen.

Let's see. I think You're All Surrounded will definitely be a comedy. If you like Cha Seung Won, it's his comeback drama too~

I absolutely think you'll enjoy Dazai. If you'd like, as I explore Japanese authors, I can keep you abreast. Another book I've been following has been House of Leaves, which is something of an experimental horror novel (though not Asian). It's definitely creepy, but the writing is exquisite.

Oh, right? The Crucible had an effect like that; I believe that the awareness brought up so much outrage things were investigated, etc. It's too bad a similar effect wasn't had with Norigae.

I actually just finished Comrades. It's one of the best Korean dramas out there, but I can hardly talk bout it right now. My stomach turns to over emotional knots whenever I start to think about it :,)

Dazai worked with various themes and types of stories, but the most famous is his final novel, "No Longer Human." In it, the protagonist exhibits paranoia and deep-seated fear of humans, considering himself apart from them. What's interesting is that everyone else sees him as almost angelically good, whereas he feels distorted and disgusting and always false. It's a fascinating read, but because I occasionally understood his feelings, I found it scary.... o_o

I've been exploring Japanese authors lately, though. So it made sense to start with Dazai, as he's mentioned so often in other things I've seen (particularly titles like Run, Melos!).

Glad to hear that. Many of the male cast members appealed to me, especially Choi Jong Hyuk. His acting is pretty impressive.

Oh, right? I'd heard friends of the actress helped to make it, but I doubt they can show the real extent of the problem >_<

Oh, I have! A lot of people gave it 10's from what I could tell. Maybe I should go on a robot spree, since I haven't seen Ando Lloyd yet either. My conscience says it misses Kimura Takuya's pretty face? XDDD

Me too! There are a lot of interesting ones coming up this year.

That reminds me of Kim Jae Wook in Who Are You, last year. His character could barely speak, yet his physical performance blew me away. Really one of the best things about the entire drama, if I'm honest. Yikes, though. Everything I hear about Kim Ha Neul almost scares me clean away from AGD. D:

I believe they chose another actor for Golden Cross, almost the next day. People didn't have the best reaction to the announcement that PSH was even considering. It would be nice for the fans had it been less serious (and there's evidence to suggest it, apparently). But you're right abotu the treatment of actresses >_<.

I remember the story of that young actress from Boys Over Flowers, and it was just horrifying. I believe they even made a film about it called Norigae, but I'm afraid to watch it. @_@

Right? It can be hard to pick out just five favorites. Sometimes I feel it might be better just to slap a big collage of everyone on my profile and say "These people." XD

That always made me a little sad. One never knows whether they're supporting a truly decent person or not. But by that same token, besides personal acquaintances and sometimes not even then, it's difficult to tell if anyone is. Though I've been reading a lot of Osamu Dazai lately and it's made me a little paranoid. XD

Ah, Peppermint Candy used a similar device with its own leading lady. She was barely on screen, but still of great importance. I've always loved that, if done well; after all, someone important to you will be important even if they're not always present.

I'll likely watch Failan very soon. My film priorities at the moment are Rashomon, I Wish, and Failan--all which seem very fine indeed. ->

Right? It's the worst when a celebrity does something meant to warm your heart warm and it makes you narrow your eyes and go "Sure. -_-" Public image is one thing, but still....

Ah, so Failan has an upbeat message to convey? The concept sounded as though I would need many a tissue, though somehow I think I will either way. Maybe I'll have enough over from Comrades, since it's very tense and emotional already. I think you'll love it, but I need more episodes to say for sure. Though Choi Soo Jong might be bumping off poor Tamaki Hiroshi from my favorite actor's list, after this one.

Ah! I'm very interested in the mute character. A long time ago, I worked on stories including a similar one. Suddenly got nostalgia for him. :,)

Your take makes sense. I've often wondered why some people fall for actors and actresses due only to their physical appearance. The powdered, plastic princes and princesses tend to have as little talent as they do decent personality, haha. My bent is usually toward talented and humble as well. I remember being overjoyed at how reserved and shy Shin Ha Kyun was, for instance, since I consider him one of the best in Korea.

Park Shi Hoo disappointed many people. I feel for his fans, though I never really became one myself. He did have many decent dramas, unfortunately, and his costars were often incredible; even Son Hyun Joo numbers among them. My take on the scandal leaves me uncertain of what to do should he have a project I'm interested in down the line. Though, doubtlessly, most respectable actors will likely shun working with him from now, so that will make it much easier to avoid. >

So true. Someone asked on the feeds earlier this week which celebrities we'd want to meet, and my first reaction was definitely negative. I had the opportunity to do a meet and greet with a Chinese pop artist some years ago, but preferred to watch the concert without doing so. It just seemed too much, you know? On that note, do you ever get the vibe that actors you enjoy might have a snobbish streak anyway? Much as I love Joo Sang Wook, for instance, I kind of get that vibe from him (though maybe not in a malevolent sense).

Ah! Forgive my bad wording. I was actually referring to the kind of story Failan might be, though I'm excited to hear Sandglass' OST now.

Haha, that's true! The chase can never disappoint and the speed watch gives some wiggle room. How are you liking King's Daughter at the moment? Good as everyone says so far?

Ah, I remember that song! It totally just popped into my head when I read the title, haha. Siwon always struck me as a pretty nice kid despite the stigma of the idol tag. As a teenager, I remember being obsessed with his music group (and so saw him frequently). Back then it was much the same. He'd make fun of his status as the "pretty boy" member with the chocolate abs, and all that. Feel so old right now though, haha. XD

He does seem to play that type, right? I was actually expecting it, reading the synposis. So it's a human-drama type story, right?

Ah, so you're checking out various ones? That can be fun, especially when it yields new actors and great stories. After our talk, I really wanted to start Comrades, so my current search is over for a little while. I'm thinking of stalking Jang Hyuk later anyway, though. XD

I know what you mean. Lately, I've tried to avoid comment sections for that exact reason. If I start to see the tell-tale signs of a spoiler (usually all those tear emotes, haha!) that's a sign to start scrolling faster.

Third Ward is indeed a medical drama, if a little odd. It's about a mixed hospital, where both oriental and conventional doctors work. Funnily enough, I fell in love with Kim Seung Woo's character, despite watching for Ji Ho. XD But yeah, I like them. It's less about the medicine for me; I've noticed writers tend to work with difficult character archetypes, just as business dramas do. As a medical professional it probably would be difficult to enjoy something you work in every day, ne?

He's that kind of actor, right? Actually, it took me two dramas and a movie to see how great he was. I still need to see "Sympathy" though! It feels like saving the best for last. :,)

Right? Actually, now that we're talking about Choi Min Sik, it reminds me that I still need to see Failan. I'd originally planned to check it out around the same time as Memories of Matsuko, but my memory is a mess lately. XD

That seems so odd, since it's *the* drama about dramas. Things probably don't help that Myung Min doesn't fit the parameters of "flower boy," but I've always found his looks rather charming.

Hm. I rated King of Dramas around an 8 (closer to 9), primarily because of the extension. I thought it was a unique and fun show with a pretty lovable romance. Jung Ryeo Won's character is probably one of my favorite female leads, and well... Anthony is Anthony. It also surprised me how well Si Won did too, as a satire of idols. XD

Ah, I should watch it again one of these days.

Haha! There are so many actors who suit such a film too. For instance, I'd love to see Choi Min Sik do something hilarious (but I'm too afraid of him to think about it in detail, lest his incarnation of Yeon Gae So Mun appear from behind me, haha). It *would* be my debut though, a prank war movie, ne? XD

I'm almost sorry for showing you those photos, but they're too funny to keep. Honestly, they ruined it a bit for me, even after the fact. Especially that one where he's jumping joyously with the crew. XD

Ah, I understand that appeal completely. There are tons of actors who appeal to me for a similar reason. It looks like he chooses roles well; his listing includes many classics~

Ah, I hadn't seen that. :o I confess I saw King of Dramas a little late; my first Myung Min drama was Beethoven Virus. It surprises me that King of Dramas had low ratings though. It seems very universal now :o

Right? Looking at his role history, he seems to play important historic figures, military officers, and government officials frequently. In real life, he's not only the NG King, but things like this happen:

http://endodo4ever.wordpress.com/2011/02/14/vote-for-jang-il-jun/

They could just make a movie about him and Tae Woong getting into prank wars on set. "How far is too far? What happens when one man sews the other's pants together?!" XDDD

From your description of Park Sang Won's character, I'm a little afraid he'll suffer a lot in Sandglass. That type almost always does. But I'm actually somewhat happy to hear it's a sad story. I'm really in the mood for one, and Greek-style tragedy is the best, since it gets the mind working. :)

Ah! I really hope they translate New Leaf. Kim Myung Min's works are usually done quickly, but there's always an off-chance because it's a law drama....

Ah, so it's one of those directors that has their toes in both industries? But somehow I haven't seen Cyborg She either. What in the world have I even been doing in dramaland? (My conscience says "Stalking handsome men," but I don't listen to that guy anymore. XD)

Mm! I'd heard the producers didn't think the show was up to snuff as was. They pushed it back for several months to pump up the quality a bit.

"What Would Anthony Do?" It makes me laugh because if Anthony were a real person, they couldn't have him right now. Kim Myung Min is about to start a new drama and would be too busy XD

A fortnight! All that's left is to hope there are no carriage accidents or sudden outbreaks of whosiwhatsis. XD

Ah! My Sassy Girl. I don't think I've seen that... Sometimes I realize just how out of the loop with Korean drama and film I really am sometimes. Gotta get cracking on those classics, ne?

That makes sense. I believe it comes from OCN, which is sort of like a specialty crime drama-oriented network. Or seems to be from its regular programming, haha. It's too bad that it isn't popular, though it sounded as though there might be issues when it was pushed back the first time.

No problem! Hello again. Have you been well? Caught up on films or dramas recently?

That's true right? Though working in movies is actually much better for the career than being popular in dramas. Actors like Lee Byung Hun are a testament to that, even being somewhat respected in Hollywood these days. It would be nice if he would be allowed to play more versatile roles in western film, however. I always found the stigma a little disheartening.

Mm, I definitely will! I'm thinking of settling down with some movies since it's Sunday, so I'll probably see it within the day.

Haha, in that case, I totally understand. I'd even like to learn Chinese to keep up with their dramas and films. Why must everything interesting have to be in a foreign language? XD

I rarely watch one actor in multiple dramas at once. Something about doing so just doesn't sit right with me for some reason, haha.

But Soo Jong truly is magnetic, ne? There are scenes in President that I wished he'd go on talking forever, haha. In real life, though, he's incredibly mischievous and funny. Directly after finishing that drama, I checked its ratings and instead came across a huge photo gallery of him goofing off. Can't even describe it, but it was just too funny to see after watching him be this intense, complicated character.

Wow, Choi Min Soo, Lee Jung Jae, AND Ko Hyun Jung? Somehow it seems impossible to round up such an excellent cast ever again. Couldn't pay for them all to appear in another drama together. I had no idea that it was set during that time period though. Lately I've been seeing much of it in both films and dramas (Peppermint Candy, Friend Our Legend, etc). They've each been excellent, so with the involved cast I'm twice as interested. Authentictiy in such stories is important to me, so I'm glad to hear it. Was the ending sad, though? Sounds like it must be.

You're fueling my entertainment at the moment, my friend. It looks like I'll never run into a slump with all of your excellent recommendations. xD

Unfortunately I haven't seen Comrades yet. The plan was to watch it within the next few weeks, but I'm hesitating since his new drama should be out relatively soon. ->