mysecretsoul

Ditto on OCN. Never seen anything I didn't like from them.

Miss Korea actually strikes me as strange. For instance, I had no idea it was a period piece (1997) and it isn't romantic at all (so far). Every female character seems to be strong-willed and independent, especially Lee Yeon Hee's. Oddly enough, it's also very funny -- but from the most unexpected places. It's a very quirky, off-the-tack drama. And they seem to hit each other a lot? XD

As for Yae no Sakura: I'm in love. It started off by giving me Ryoma Den vibes (partially because it's set in the same time period), but backed it up with deep sets, perfect costumes, and solid acting. And three times must be the charm, because I actually *really* like Ayano Go in this. Must be the period costume, haha.

Schindler's List was such an incredible movie. Another Holocaust film, The Pianist, hit me in a similar way; I remember shaking during a span of 20 minutes during the middle. Adrien Brody has such talent. I believe the film you mentioned was The English Patient, by the way. There was a novel for it also, if memory serves....

Oh my gosh, 30 days? XD I could probably talk about costume dramas forever. Every time I think I'm over them, they release another, and the whole process reignites.

Let me take a peek at what I've got around. I'll send you a big list via PM afterward. There are so many, including historical miniseries, worth seeing~

It actually surprised me Miss Korea ended up being a period piece. Upon watching the first episode, seeing the elevator girls and pages, I was pretty much wowed. The fact that it's set in 1997 never seems to be mentioned on any of the websites. :o

President Ma, I love her. Such a unique character, and yes, strong too. It became apparent quickly this is a girl's drama, so the fact that nobody is falling back on the men is very refreshing.

I haven't seen that far, I think. Ji Yong's family is absolutely adorable though. They just make the drama for me. XD

Ralph Fiennes has such a great eye for roles. He's memorable for that, even though he isn't often in blockbuster films. If you like his performances, I have to recommend The Quiz Show. It's a fascinating little period piece, also a true story. But his role in Great Expectations, yes! He did wonderfully at it.

There are several versions of Great Expectations, but my favorite is probably the 1999 version with Ioan Gruffudd. Unfortunately it does not keep the ambiguous ending of the novel, but otherwise it's close to perfect. If you like Ioan in it, also, it'd be a great gateway into his Hornblower series, filmed around the same time.

Is that the version with Toby Stephens as Rochester? The only problem I had with that particular one would be the language. It's so modernized :o

Oh, seriously? That happens often now, just stopping at the final episode. With such frequency, I can see how it would feel as though one was being punished. A few years ago, the subtitling team for Ryoma Den dropped off the face of the earth 4 from the end (of 48, no less!) Thankfully in that case, the drama had been airing with subs on the east coast, so transcripts were available.

It always made me wonder though. Anime is typically subtitled the exact same day, often going on longer than dramas as far as series length. Seems like it shouldn't be that hard to merely finish 8 eps in comparison, ne? Must be the interest level being different.

Ah, I loved the 8th! I actually listen to some of his audio adventures, and it's such a shame they didn't use him more. Paul McGann is a great actor.

Ah, I'd noticed that. OCN seems like the type of network I'd like to see in the United States also; some western detective shows are very good, but need deeper variety. MBC actually appears to subtitle every show that rolls across their time-slots, for which I'm very appreciative. Now, if only they would have more shows I'm actually interested in, I'd be in business for a good while. XD

Glad to hear that. Sometimes I'm flabbergasted by specials; either they're not subtitled, or I didn't know about them until months later!

Right now, I'm working through Miss Korea and finally starting Yae no Sakura. One Warm Word will probably be on the back-burner until Sly and Single starts; I need something funny to alternate with it. Some of the characters in that melodrama are soul-crushingly hateful. XD

That sounds similar to me. Actually, as I watch more dramas and films, it seems as though I become lazier each time when it comes to writing about them. At first all I wanted to do was churn out articles and reviews. Now it's just like, "let's just watch this other one and settle down for the evening." XD

Ah, so they have a pattern of being slow with OCN? I suppose that's understandable with all of the unusual vocabulary being thrown about. It also gives me a little time to get these other shows completed too, haha. I'm sure I'll want to write about this one, and there's nothing worse than mixing up ideas.

I haven't seen Orange Days, but now I really want to. If it moved you and the genre isn't your usual, it must be good. Does it have any specials to watch out for as well?

Got a little farther in Miss Korea and I really am enjoying it. For a few episodes there, it actually *confused* me that the leading lady acted so strong. That's how rare it is. It's an incredibly refreshing change of pace, but now I think I'm a bit spoiled. Going back to the weak-spine type will be very hard.

Ah! I just noticed that relationship. It's an incredibly nice little surprise. The Jang character is particularly amusing.

Oh, absolutely! Richard is one of the few actors I've seen outside of Asia to use his eyes effectively in performance. It doesn't help that they're that wonderful blue. XD

I did see the online episode. Even with the short duration, it really made the whole thing feel more complete. Good to see all generations of the fans well represented. John Hurt surprised me a little though; I'd known he was a good actor, but his chemistry with the other two incarnations was just wow. So many charming and emotional scenes~

I've just heard of Suzuki Sensei! My friend completed it recently and recommended it to me. Argh, they dropped Onmyo Shop after all? It seemed like they were slowing down, so I kept my distance, but it looked interesting.... Doesn't it seem like a waste not to sub all of them when it's that far along?

That worry is the worst part of enjoying Japanese dramas; there have been so many series in that past, even when began, are just dropped. I always lament that my Japanese isn't as strong as it should be at those times, haha. It's probably my fault for not practicing enough, or just generally liking shows with difficult vocabularies. XD

Ah, you liked North & South! Wasn't Mr. Thornton terribly charming? Richard Armitage has such a way with period dramas.

I did watch the 50th; it was very cute! Pretty well done, and it didn't really disappoint me as a fan of the classic show either.

I absolutely loved the design they used for Thranduil and his costumes. It's so different from that of the other elves, really gives a feeling there's something different about Mirkwood. That scene really was striking, ne? I found it particularly wild how they created the illusion of height difference; Thranduil looked like a tree towering over Thorin! Ah, now I want to see it again.

Oh, I know right? As lovely as Lee is normally, he's utterly gorgeous in costume. *_*

Thank you very much for the friend request. I'm pleased to meet you. It seems you're watching many Japanese dramas from the currently airing set; how are they treating you?

Also, you're into British television as well? I enjoyed Little Dorrit, and follow Doctor Who quite closely myself. :)

Oh, I know right? Though this usually entails fictional examples, I've always found it dreadfully romantic when someone shields another with their body. Such true devotion, to be resigned to dying so the other can live. With a monarch protecting another monarch, the loyalty doubles that effect. *_*

Ah, you completed both films then? Wasn't the section in Mirkwood totally beautiful? I was able to see it in 3D, and Thranduil's throne room alone, just wow.

That would be the one~ I hope that you enjoy it. It has interesting cinematography and great costumes, though there have been better acted adaptations in the past.

I've also toyed with the idea of writing one for Kim Myung Min; so many of his films are on my list. It just wouldn't feel right without his long The Immortal Yi Soon Shin, the role that propelled him to stardom. Maybe one day I'll actually have the patience for that. XD

That was great of your friend. I always get so confused when digging through these types of shows, especially when they have so many films and specials. One of the SPEC films was very recent too, but luckily it has a good following with English speakers. And well, your Japanese is probably good enough without them even so.

Ah! Did it start then? I'm going to have to finish one or two to make room for it. It always seems like these shows will start later in the month than they do.

Oh! You finally started Orange Days? How is it so far? Does it live up to the great reputation?

Honestly, I envy those who can easily drop dramas they don't enjoy. The notion of doing so bothers me, so I end up trudging through shows that I dislike. At these times, I'm very grateful for handheld gaming devices. My secret to control rests in Japanese role-playing games. XD

That does sound interesting. Shows like that are great for palate cleansers, especially between super serious dramas. Btw, I just started Miss Korea, today. It has such a different feel to the others on my list, so I'm excited to see where it goes. You know, oddly enough, I feel apprehensive about unknowns also. Recently, when trying President, I went in for familiar faces and came out halfway in love with Choi Soo Jong. It's so much fun when that happens.

One Warm Word really is kind of confusing. Everyone talks so much and quickly! I'd say it's probably good if you like a hefty dose of melodrama.

It must be difficult trying to balance the work he loves and the work of his family. As to William Feng, seems weird right? Especially after seeing him in interviews, since he seems so normal, down to earth, and a touch goofy. XD Well, the rich are people too, after all, ne?

Oh! Yes, I loved him! I actually still experience some affection for the actor upon seeing him now, too. Though when peeking at Wonderful Mama, apparently he plays the direct opposite of the good husband, eek. From bad to good spouse~ I still haven't seen Bridal Mask, though... dunno what I'm waiting for. XD

Love to hear it! Isn't his Oh Kyung Soo the best romantic lead you've seen in ages? During some of his and Eugene's scenes together, I had to fan myself a little, haha. My Uhm Tae Woong adoration won't be stopping any time soon, that's for sure.

The honesty is what I enjoy a great deal about this drama. These people actually sit down and talk, try to share things about themselves, etc. It's so realistic~

Omg, yes, the kisses were totally wild. Most of the time I try to excuse the unmoving kiss used in other dramas, but that won't be easy after Can We Love? XD

Yoon Suk has it rough, ne? Sun Mi needs to start looking around her more, instead of toward what other people said would be good for her.

I know right? The only sad thing about their relationship is how long she had to live on without him. ;-; And well, not being almost assassinated several times before that would probably have been nice, haha. XD I liked how the movie portrayed that bit though, even if it was not exactly accurate.

Is that so? My knowledge of Lee Seo Jin used to be limited to: a. He played Gye Baek, b. his dimples are incredible, and c. a friend on here wants to marry him. XD

But he's something of a chaebol, then? I would say I'm surprised, but apparently that's not too far-fetched for celebrities in South Korea. Maybe Asia in general. Apparently Feng Shao Feng is one of the premier "young masters" in China, aside from being so gorgeous and puppy-eyed.

I hope it'll stay good too. Currently airing dramas scare me sometimes, especially with the live shoot system. In the past, I would avoid them until completed too, but...curiosity killed the cat, haha.

I watched Princess' Man all at once, early on. It made a big impression on me, though I think I'd probably change my score after another viewing now. My tastes are becoming more critical lately, the more I watch. *_*

Ah, in that case I wouldn't rush. Days of Wrath held my attention and was a pretty good venue for Joo Sang Wook to stretch his movie wings, but I didn't exactly love it. The plot needed a little tightening, but the impact was good.

Top Star is an Uhm Tae Woong vehicle (and maybe I should consider writing a Stalker's Guide at this point, ne? XD), in the style of The Talented Mr. Ripley. Honestly, I'm not entirely sure whether it's supposed to be a human drama or a suspense. The other leading man is quite the good actor, though, so it's appealing enough.

Ah! SPEC was one I actually watched without subtitles; I remember it being pretty interesting, with good chemistry between Erika and her castmates. The cases were great, too, up until a point; it started making very little sense near the end. Which, I suppose, accounts for all of the specials, haha.