From time to time I watch one of the kdrama oldies for the nostalgic feeling, the classic tropes and clichés they come with, as well as to see some of my fave actors in their early works. This 22 years old drama offered exactly that but, though it was a real pleasure to see young So Ji Sub and Kwon Sang Woo's talent and charisma, it soon became a real chore to finish, mainly because the main love story was too repetitive, frustrating and inconclusive, unlike the secondary one that was much more entertaining and fulfilling. Overall, not something memorable - and I'm afraid I'd have felt the same even if I'd watched it back when it aired.
Park Shin Hye was the reason I was hesitant to watch this drama, but she turned out to be the reason why I had such a blast watching it! She gave life, spice and grandeur to Bit Na's character like no other actress probably could, perhaps because this was the polar opposite from all her previous roles. Though there were some plot mishaps here and there, overall the story was refreshingly unique, fast paced and well-acted, while the settings, the special effects and, especially, Bit Na's wardrobe were a feast for the eyes. Time well-spent.
An slow-paced yet engaging thriller with Ando Sakura performing an one-woman show with her strong aura, sexy magnetism and impeccable talent. Though the film is flawed, in terms of storytelling and editing, and too long for it's own good, she successfully managed to carry all of its load on her shoulders.
Pleasantly surprised by this funny, angst-free and heartwarming drama. Full of positive and somehow bubbly vibes, even though all the protagonists were more than 60 years old, this was definitely a cozy, relaxing watch thanks to its refreshing unique story, great acting and camaraderie from the veteran cast, magnificent scenery - and the most adorable dog.
Having read the book and watched the 80’s miniseries, I was a bit skeptical about what this new drama could offer, but I really enjoyed it a lot. Exemplary production, picturesque settings, lavish costumes, top-notch acting from most of the cast members (Blackthorne’s character and actor I'm not talking about you!) and, especially some new perspectives/changes in the story about the characters and their actions, gave this drama more depth and weight than its predecessor. Toranaga and Mariko were undoubtedly the real stars in this Shogun. Both their characters and acting were amazingly multilayered as well as imposing, and their Emmys well-deserved.
A bittersweet slice-of-life story about parenthood, as well as loss, grieving, healing and moving on in life. With some emotionally heavy moments, some frustrating ones, and a pacing that became too slow during the second half, this was a demanding but also a comforting watch, mainly thanks to Meguro Ren and Izutani Rana's chemistry, bonding and superb acting - can you imagine this ray of sunshine is only 7 years old?
Based on a dark moment of Korea's history, this was a captivating thriller full of tense, powerful and devastating moments. The stellar cast and their compelling performances, the gripping built-up and the tight storytelling, and especially the knowledge that it was based on true events made this a fascinating as well as demanding watching experience.
Pleasantly surprised by this funny and heartwarming drama. Refreshing story, great acting and chemistry between the veteran cast, magnificent scenery and an adorable dog. A great watch so far!
An enjoyable short spinoff with one of the cutest SL couple romance of 2024. Though it felt too 'loud' and cringy sometimes, it still was a nice addition to its parent story, mainly thanks to the cast, their interactions and charisma.
A thoroughly enjoyable rom com, not much for the main romance, but mainly for the FL's story and character growth, as well as the family relationships and dynamics. Though the male characters (especially the ML) could have been written much better, the duration wisely reduced and the pacing towards the end effectively increased, it still had an interesting story to tell with a strong emotional impact and a heartwarming tone. Jung So Min -as Seok Ryu- was the highlight and biggest asset of this drama, Shim Ji Yoo -as Yeon Du- was the cutest character ever, and Lavender squad an exemplary sismance goal.
A gripping investigation thriller with a well-crafted plot, masterfully interconnected subplots and some solid acting. Without any unnecessary diversions or characters, forced romance or convenient tropes, this was a refreshingly enjoyable story with a promising start, intriguing plot and satisfactory conclusion. Time well spent.
An engaging legal/social drama with challenging, thought-provoking and emotional divorce cases, as well as some wonderful character development and exemplary family dynamics. The sismance and camaraderie between Jang Na Ra and Nam Ji Hyun was a real pleasure to watch. They really were Good Partners!
An enjoyable romcom despite some writing mishaps, unresolved plot arcs, a rushed ending and a chemistry that wasn't chemistrying enough, but also one of the cutest SL couple romance and, most of all, Han Ji Hyun: a ray of sunshine that can melt any frozen heart!
Sweet, cute and very bubbly school romance, full of youth, innocence and nostalgia. With a charming cast, short duration and an adorable first love trope, this was a fluffy and enjoyable watch.
Intense, fast-paced and impressive (though a bit confusing) short that had a documentaristic approach, but felt more like a teaser than a complete story. It could have worked better if it was longer.
A dark, violent and very controversial sageuk, with intentionally more westernized elements than necessary that often felt over-the-top shocking without any clear purpose. Ji Chang Wook's majestic appearance and demeanor could have been utilized more, Jeon Jong Seo could have learnt a lesson or two from some older sageuks about her posture and dominant presence, and the storytelling could have been more engaging by focusing more on the characters than solely on the action and political scheming. Overall, an interesting premise in an average outcome.
A fast-paced, action-packed story with a unique premise and a great cast. Though the beginning was funny and light, the second half turned to be darker and more serious than expected. Overall, it was a very entertaining watch, with no big surprises but not a dull moment either. Kim Woo Bin was splendid in this tailored-made role, and his camaraderie with Kim Sung Kyun was a pleasure to watch. Time well-spent.
This 22 years old drama offered exactly that but, though it was a real pleasure to see young So Ji Sub and Kwon Sang Woo's talent and charisma, it soon became a real chore to finish, mainly because the main love story was too repetitive, frustrating and inconclusive, unlike the secondary one that was much more entertaining and fulfilling.
Overall, not something memorable - and I'm afraid I'd have felt the same even if I'd watched it back when it aired.
She gave life, spice and grandeur to Bit Na's character like no other actress probably could, perhaps because this was the polar opposite from all her previous roles.
Though there were some plot mishaps here and there, overall the story was refreshingly unique, fast paced and well-acted, while the settings, the special effects and, especially, Bit Na's wardrobe were a feast for the eyes.
Time well-spent.
Though the film is flawed, in terms of storytelling and editing, and too long for it's own good, she successfully managed to carry all of its load on her shoulders.
Full of positive and somehow bubbly vibes, even though all the protagonists were more than 60 years old, this was definitely a cozy, relaxing watch thanks to its refreshing unique story, great acting and camaraderie from the veteran cast, magnificent scenery - and the most adorable dog.
Exemplary production, picturesque settings, lavish costumes, top-notch acting from most of the cast members (Blackthorne’s character and actor I'm not talking about you!) and, especially some new perspectives/changes in the story about the characters and their actions, gave this drama more depth and weight than its predecessor.
Toranaga and Mariko were undoubtedly the real stars in this Shogun. Both their characters and acting were amazingly multilayered as well as imposing, and their Emmys well-deserved.
With some emotionally heavy moments, some frustrating ones, and a pacing that became too slow during the second half, this was a demanding but also a comforting watch, mainly thanks to Meguro Ren and Izutani Rana's chemistry, bonding and superb acting - can you imagine this ray of sunshine is only 7 years old?
The stellar cast and their compelling performances, the gripping built-up and the tight storytelling, and especially the knowledge that it was based on true events made this a fascinating as well as demanding watching experience.
Refreshing story, great acting and chemistry between the veteran cast, magnificent scenery and an adorable dog.
A great watch so far!
Too bad it's too short.
Though it felt too 'loud' and cringy sometimes, it still was a nice addition to its parent story, mainly thanks to the cast, their interactions and charisma.
Though the male characters (especially the ML) could have been written much better, the duration wisely reduced and the pacing towards the end effectively increased, it still had an interesting story to tell with a strong emotional impact and a heartwarming tone.
Jung So Min -as Seok Ryu- was the highlight and biggest asset of this drama, Shim Ji Yoo -as Yeon Du- was the cutest character ever, and Lavender squad an exemplary sismance goal.
Without any unnecessary diversions or characters, forced romance or convenient tropes, this was a refreshingly enjoyable story with a promising start, intriguing plot and satisfactory conclusion.
Time well spent.
The sismance and camaraderie between Jang Na Ra and Nam Ji Hyun was a real pleasure to watch.
They really were Good Partners!
With a charming cast, short duration and an adorable first love trope, this was a fluffy and enjoyable watch.
It could have worked better if it was longer.
Ji Chang Wook's majestic appearance and demeanor could have been utilized more,
Jeon Jong Seo could have learnt a lesson or two from some older sageuks about her posture and dominant presence, and
the storytelling could have been more engaging by focusing more on the characters than solely on the action and political scheming.
Overall, an interesting premise in an average outcome.
Though the beginning was funny and light, the second half turned to be darker and more serious than expected.
Overall, it was a very entertaining watch, with no big surprises but not a dull moment either.
Kim Woo Bin was splendid in this tailored-made role, and his camaraderie with Kim Sung Kyun was a pleasure to watch.
Time well-spent.