Completed
Pegasus Market
25 people found this review helpful
by B85
Dec 7, 2019
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
The comments about this drama comedy made me curious about it. I don't regret watching it because it was so good, exciting, thrilling, somehow crazy and of course really funny. The acting was top class and the chemistry between the employees of the market was really good. Even the "bad guys" were funny and the child actors were absolutely adorable.

If you are looking for something different, funny and deep at the same time: watch Pegasus Market! The deepest parts of the show are not precisely in the beginning, but you will be definitely touch when you'll see these emotional parts . Just how life isn't predictable, so is this comedy drama, full with wide and different emotions, be ready to be surprised, to be sad and empathetic and of course to laugh.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Youth of May
25 people found this review helpful
Jun 9, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A beautiful memoir to the Gwangju uprising and a even more beautiful Love Story

I started this because I fell head over heels in love with Lee Do Hyun after watching 18 Again. So I anxiously counted down the days to its release and watched every episode while they were aring, waiting and checking for subs. Staying up late just so I could watch the next episode.

AND. LET. ME. TELL. YOU!! THIS DRAMA!! Thiis FREAKING dramma!! Right heere is...everything.
There are so many things i absolutly adored about it. The music was perfectly chosen from the uplifting lighthearted tunes to the heartbreaking balades, it all fit the mood and the charachters so perfectly that it just completly melted into the story. You know the Ost is good when it just feels natrual for it to be there, almost as if its just backround noise.
Plus watchign Lee Do Hyun play the guitair is always a straight way into my heart.

The acting was "Chefs Kiss"
I already knew that Lee Do hyun is a great freaking actor. I stan him for a reason after all but Go Min Si really also positivly suprised me. The intimacy between them felt tangible and real. Every emotional scene, kiss and hug was just wow. Hands down has one of the best Kiss scenes i've seen in K-Dramaland. Not because it was dramatic but because you could really feel the emotions in they'r slow tentative actions. The kisses were always filled with love and you could feel it as a viewer.
This drma was just overflowing with emotions. When they cried you could feel the pain and desperation. And daaamn I just wanted to scream who hurt my babiiies.

Knowing the historic backround of the Gwangju uprising I was expecting angst but daaamn I was not prepared. All I will say is that I bawled my eyes out more than once watching this so be sure to keep tissues near.

I absolutly adoored the characters. All of them, even if they were anyoing at times (yes I mean Lee Soo Ryun) were lovable and human. They all had their own struggles and passions and developed throughout the story. Lee Soo Ryun, even if i wanted to hit her at times, i can also understand her. She had her reason for acting the way she did and you cant fault a girl for being passionate about the things important to her.

Hawn hee Tae was so freaking lovable and adorable and passioante like a puppy. I just want to hug him. And Kim Myung Hee my giirl. Ughh I just want to give them all a hug and keep them away from the big bad world.

One of the things i absolutly loved about this drama was the way the love story progressed. You dont see this kind of passionate but at the same time sweet and pure love often portrayed. Theyr love really felt like those once in a life time kind of loves that are larger than life. I loved that the characters were just head over heals for each other. No pretending not to like each other or acting coy. Oh noo boyy these two love each other deeply and they show it. Of course bad things happen, but the way to love was never a straight line. But through all the desicions they make I never doubted their love for each other. For my Romance loving heart I got everything I wanted in this. The Angst was delicious and I felt butterflies during the fluffy scenes. They had a really good balance between the fluff and angst. The story never gets stuck or stays rooted in a problem for too long. And when a problem gets solved it was always so freaking satisfying. Not to spoil but daaamnn so many good and satisfying scenes that just make the angst and heartache soo worth it!

And last but not least the Gwangju Uprising. I loved how at the start of the Drama its just about normal people living theyr lives. You get to know these characters and love them and then you see what happens with all these characters when tragedy strikes out of nowhere. Pesonaly I didnt know anything about the Gwangju uprising before watching this drama and I was even more schoked after looking it up. How such a thing could happen is beyond me. And my heart really ached when I imagined that this really happend. Real and inoccent people lost they'r lives and loved ones. And maybe this show didnt show everything that happend during the uprising but it did show the sheer violence and brutality used by the military and just how freaking unfair and unjustified it was. As a plus point you actually get a lot of different points of view throughout the story from characters in the military to characters who gave the orders. Even the smallest character got a full story and development. Which Kudos to that. It aint easy with little screentime but they even made me love the small side characters.

So do I need to count down anymore reasons to watch this? I dont think so. If you havent already, give this Beautiful Piece a try.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
History of the Salaryman
25 people found this review helpful
Dec 2, 2012
22 of 22 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
It was a huge hit in Korea but it is one of the most ignored dramas here. Maybe it’s because there isn't any ‘EYE CANDY’ stars in it. It really is a pity that this show didn't get as much attention as other shows. After watching first few minutes I had idea that how great this show is going to be. This drama is honestly among one of the most creative and ‘One of a kind’ dramas I've seen so far. It exceeded my expectations and it’s definitely on my list of 10+ favorites!

This story is based on actual historical figures of China. The story is simple but its crafting is done by some skillful hand. It’s genius and witty story. The way story flows makes this story a masterpiece. You can’t tell its specific genre, It’s full of comedy, suspense, some action, romance and melodrama and it’s all about power. It’s unique in its own way and totally unpredictable. This is a serious tale about power struggle in corporate world. It is all about serious corporate battle but it has killer funny scenes that’ll make you laugh hard and you’ll shed tears by laughing and there is also balanced melodrama. And for romance fans there are sweet romantic scenes too.

Casting is brilliant. There aren't any flat or one-dimensional characters, all characters are dynamic. The relationship between four main characters is really interesting. It’s very unusual kind of relationship. Here you won’t find any female lead quivering in fear; female leads are hot-shot. And supporting characters and side characters are also great. You may find one or two characters bit stupid at first but it’s because of story and they’ll develop in strong characters later. It’s really hard to pick a favorite character, including supporting characters because I also loved all supporting characters including villains.

Other interesting thing is that every episode has something to learn…You’ll also learn many things from Korean sayings.
One of the best things about this drama is....ending of every episode!! Don’t miss them!!

Soundtrack is also very good and well matched with all situations. It’s catchy. And also dance in war background is extremely funny.

I definitely recommend this drama even if you don’t like corporate plot. If you are bit interested in comedy then you’ll like it because it’s "LOLIEST" drama till date. I changed my opinion for BEST OF 2012, now best of 2012 is HISTORY OF THE SALARYMAN!! DO NOT MISS IT!!

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Take My Brother Away
21 people found this review helpful
by yeon
Jun 27, 2022
30 of 30 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10
A slice-of-life drama revolving 2 siblings and their friends

I already watch the movie version, so i thought this drama would just be a draggy version of it.
But i was wrong! It got me hooked from the 1st episode.

The siblings fight, funny side kick, unique classmates, and the monologue at the end are the most memorable part for me.

Shi Fen and Shi Miao are the usual quarreling siblings. Meanwhile the Wan brothers are unrealistic dramatic siblings, but they're just refreshing to see.
Even though i dont really like dramas with school setting, this one is an exception. I love how the classmates and teachers weren't just one dimensional characters. They had their own story and good development.

Sun Qian and Joseph Zeng had great chemistry playing as siblings. The side characters did really well too. However Mark Ma, who portrayed Wan Xing stole my attention. It's amazing how well he play the character of a matured 12 years old.

The drama itself is full of hilarious scenes, but i find a lot of unnecessary fillers in it.
I would've give it a 10 if ending were much better. After 29 episodes of adventure, it ended rushed and bland when it could've been more impactful.

The intro song were funny, meanwhile the outro were more mellow which suits the mood

However this is truly my type of drama, no romance just siblings hood and friendship. They keeps the comedy coming and you'll laugh all the way from the beginning to the end. So for me I'd definitely be rewatching it

I recommend it to people who wants a light hearted comedy watch to pass the time

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Youth of May
25 people found this review helpful
by Maliha
Jun 9, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5
I want Go Min Si and Lee Do Hyeon pair up together again in a drama.... Their chemistry was just wowwwwww... I think the casting director chose the best artist to fit in their roles....
It was a really tragic story but sometimes I like these type of ending... I loved how Hee Tae remember her and tried to found her alive.....
My mom used to tell me when you can't end up with your lover , there will be a pain inside of you forever ....this pain will give you a pleasure forever how you remember only good things about him .... Now I think my mom is right ... We saw how Hee Tae remembers about Myeong hee after so many years and think about only good things ... There wasn't a moment they hated each other for a second... Whatever today's youngsters should watch this drama to know history, to know they are leading a better life ....
this drama doesn't need so many words .. it's simply awesome and I really love this dramaaaaaa....😍😍🖤

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
The Game: Towards Zero
25 people found this review helpful
Mar 13, 2020
32 of 32 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 7.5
To summarize, it was a drama I was glad I watched. It went uphills and downhills like most dramas do but remained true to its plot and characters. When we choose any drama to watch, we look for good chemistry, a nice plot, and some heart-touching moments. This drama passes on all the parts. What I liked about the drama was the ending which is generally hard to be perfected but this one has one of the most satisfying endings in my watchlist dramas.
It started with very strong plot possibilities and excitement, which made me wonder what would be the best possible route
I would like the plot to take. But after a few episodes drama works its magic and you fall into its flow of tone and instead of imagining all the scenarios, you just look forward to the drama.
The acting was the stronger aspect to look for in the drama as Im Joo Hwan totally nailed it. There were times I was frustrated by his character's decisions to continue the revenge and all but well his character is a killer and t would be strange if I understood all his decisions :)) . Even until the ending his character was well expressed.
What catches you most is the editing and drama style with great use of slow-motion and subtle scenes with equally good music in the background. The drama followed this way throughout the episodes and it engages you in the story more emotionally.
As all dramas have some backfall it does have its own. Well, the scriptwriting was done good but I was tired of hearing the same sentences again and again. It would have been great if they had been a little more creative while delivering the same dialogues.
As a drama junkie, I felt the chemistry between leads developed a bit faster than in other dramas. but they wrapped around it well enough because of the continuous plot which slowed down and picked speed but never stopped for fillers.
This drama was satisfying in many ways and made me look forward to the next episode every time. With a well-written ending and the last couple of episodes, it wraps up with a smile on your face and contentment filling your heart.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Shogun
25 people found this review helpful
Apr 24, 2024
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

"We live and we die"

Shogun is based on the popular novel by James Clavell which in turn was very loosely based on historical events from Japan around 1600 C.E. I devoured the book years ago and watched the original mini-series starring Richard Chamberlain and Mifune Toshiro. I have been both excitedly and trepidatiously waiting for this updated version to come out. There were some improvements and also disappointments with the latest rendition.

“Why is it those who have never been in battle are so eager to be in one?”
English pilot John Blackthorne is one of a handful of survivors aboard the Dutch ship Erasmus that lands in a Japanese fishing harbor. He and his men are taken prisoner by the village’s manager, Omi. Elsewhere, Lord Toranaga is called to the Osaka castle to meet with the other four regents of the Taiko’s heir who are bent on taking him down. He tells them he has no intentions of starting hostilities with them, but they intend to force him to commit seppuku. Back at Ajiro, Omi and his uncle and lord, Yabushige, decide the ship and its weapons might help them to make allies when the war starts. Though they are vassals of Toranaga they believe him to be a dead man. Before they can put any plan into action Toranaga’s right hand man, Hiromatsu, shows up laying claiming to the ship and its contents for Lord Toranaga, including Blackthorne. Toranaga has Mariko serve as Blackthorne’s interpreter as they can both speak Portuguese. All three, Toranaga, Blackthorne, and Mariko will face death and deception on numerous occasions and will have to use all of their abilities to change the fates laid out before them. The Portuguese and changing alliances of the regents and the heir’s mother’s influence are a powder keg of explosive political desires.

“A woman must stare without fear into the cruel eyes of fate and make herself seen”
Blackthorne was disappointing in this version of Shogun. Gone was the inquisitive and crafty personality along with the better relationship with Toranaga. As played by Cosmo Jarvis, he came across as a punch-drunk prize fighter. The slow build up in the book to understanding the language and world around him seemed fast tracked. Also, the key moment when his mental shift went from English to Japanese in the book was disappointingly left out. The scene would also have bookended Mariko’s emotional scene in the 9th episode. That key scene was also what caused the bonding between him and his interpreter. Shoving it in near the end of the drama felt awkward. Another awkward development was that it took a moment to figure out that when people were speaking English, it was supposed to be understood as Portuguese. In the book Latin, English, and Spanish were also spoken, so I suppose it simplified things for the actors and writers, and especially for English speaking audiences and making it more accessible to them to use just the one language. Okay, rant over. Mariko was more severe in this interpretation of her character, but she was as always highly capable and intelligent, understanding the political undercurrents of people’s actions. In fact, Mariko’s actions were as important and vital to Toranaga’s mission as any man’s, maybe more so. Like Toranaga, she was thankfully introduced earlier in this drama than in the book. There were other women who played important roles—Fuji (Fujiko) the reluctant but devoted consort, Kiku the courtesan, and Ochiba the heir’s plotting mother.

“She hides herself in the sun. Conserves her energy, waiting for her moment. You might never know she is there.”
What was well done was that they didn’t just show the story from the Englishman's perspective as an introduction to Japanese society and history. Much of the drama was in Japanese and though the political maneuverings were narrowed down for the small screen, many of the primary characters were fleshed out. Sanada Hiroyuki as Lord Toranaga gave a quietly powerful performance as the most cunning man in Japan. Toranaga was introduced early and used often to exploit his screen presence. Outwardly, Toranaga proclaimed he had no desire to be Shogun, but he used his extensive network of spies to lay in place a long-term plan to do just that. As a falconer, he broke many men to his fist. Everyone was a possible enemy and he kept his plans in his secretive heart. He even manipulated disasters to his benefit, always knowing when to use his human chess pieces and when to sacrifice them. The English pilot, Anjin, came at the right time, a chess piece that might prove valuable. Sanada’s scene with Nishioka Tokuma as Hiromatsu when all seemed lost was one of the best and most touching of the drama. The two actors traded deep feelings with flickers of their eyes and micro expressions that conveyed the depth of their friendship, loss, and commitment.

“Some are born under a banner of greatness, others must claim it”
The sets and costumes were luxurious. I wish they hadn’t been so committed to using blue filters because it looked as if the land of the rising sun was perpetually in twilight and fog. There was gore, but more for the shock value of the realistic violence without being overly gratuitous. There were scenes of sexual intimacy that also didn’t delve into gratuity. But fair warning, the writers weren’t afraid to use Clavell’s salty language.

“Loyalty does not have an end”
Despite some of my reservations about Blackthorne’s character and actor, and a few of the changes made to the story, I enjoyed this drama. The production values were of a high quality for television. Clavell had a great regard for Japan despite having been a POW during WWII. It was clear he felt Blackthorne was indeed the barbarian in need of civilizing as evidenced when the pilot met his crew later in the drama. The original mini-series didn’t subtitle the Japanese dialogue so that the audience would be as lost as Blackthorne. This time, we were treated to what was going on with the different characters as they made allies, betrayed each other, and played a dangerous game to have their man become the next Shogun or as in the case of the Portuguese, do whatever was necessary to maintain their monopoly in the region. And there were those like Yabushiga constantly trying to play both sides against the middle to survive the coming storm. Having read the book and watched the original mini-series when I was much younger, I am favorably biased toward this story. This was not a white savior tale, the book and the drama tell you who was pulling all the strings. As did the historical figure he was based upon, Blackthorne had his uses, but ultimately this was Toranaga’s journey to becoming Shogun.

“If I could use words
Like scattering flowers and
Falling leaves
What a bonfire my poems
Would make”
-Mariko

23 April 2024

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Kurosagi: The Movie
24 people found this review helpful
Apr 29, 2011
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
If you loved the Kurosagi series, then you probably will not like this movie. For me, it didn't add any closure, especially with the relationship between the main cast. Maki only had 5 minutes in the entire movie. It was just like another normal episode. I loved the music and Yamapi did a great job with his character, but it was just Yamapi, the cop, and the old guy the entire time.



I was very disappointed. So if you have seen the series and watch this, just think of it as a bonus episode and not a movie. If you haven't already watched the series then I suggest you do because it is quite clever and enjoyable.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
You Are So Sweet
25 people found this review helpful
Nov 15, 2020
24 of 24 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Cliche but cute light watch

As a long-term modern Chinese rom-com watcher, I expect storylines to be reused. But I'm just here to watch a feel-good rom-com. Chemistry between the leads is aight and they try to add the little twist with placing this drama in the dubbing industry (its not much of a twist lol). The OST, some cute moments, and no real pea-brained character made this drama a nice light watch. I would rewatch if I'm ever bored and looking for comedy with no strings attached. I'm only up to episode 22 but the writers have been playing it pretty safe so I don't expect a bad ending. Also, the acting isn't bad, Sun Yi Ning (Amy Sun) performs pretty well once again.
Basically, don't expect this drama to leave you shook. But it was a quality production (esp that OST) so this drama still ranks aight in my eyes.

update: I finished and my views stay pretty much the same

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Hikaru no Go
25 people found this review helpful
Dec 7, 2020
36 of 36 episodes seen
Completed 4
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Hands-down best 2020 drama for me

It feels a bit unfair how this drama is so underrated relative to its awesome quality, because this has EVERYTHING that a great drama should have:

1. Powerful and Meaningful Themes
This show revolves around finding your passion, facing and succeeding over obstacles, knowing and improving yourself, learning from one another, and friendship. Go may just be a "game", but we see the characters discover themselves a bit more through it and witness them grow for the better.

2. Character Development
Shi Guang, the main character, goes through a MASSIVE character development throughout the whole series. He isn't even bad in the first place, maybe immature at worst, so it makes the viewers root for him a lot. As mentioned by some side-characters, he is "like a sponge", and his willingness to learn from others and acknowledge his weaknesses significantly contributed to his improvements. Not only him, but we see other characters (actually, almost all of them) grow as well which is very satisfying.

3. Friendship
The amazing thing here is how fiendship is displayed in different ways: 13th High School Go Club friendship which is about mutual support, Yijianghu Go Club friendship which is about encouraging and strengthening each other, Fang Xu and Bai Chuan's friendship which is about making sure the other doesn't stray from the right path, Shi Guang and Yu Liang's friendship which is about rediscovering one's passion and setting an eternal goal to pursue, and of course Shi Guang and Chu Ying's friendship which is about finding a purpose to one's existence.

4. Acting
There is literally no blackhole in all of the characters despite most of them being young actors. Huge props especially to the lead actors: Juck Zhang who made Chu Ying impossible to hate but can also make you cry (I DARE you to watch episodes 32-34 without crying) and Hu Xianxu as Shi Guang who is undoubtedly THE STAR of the whole drama, one of the best actors of his generation to be quite honest. The young actor who played young Shi Guang also deserves a special mention as well.

5. Production Quality
The drama's timeline is from 1997-2006 so important details like clothing, appliances, places, even vehicles need special detail. There's definitely no weak point on that aspect. The cinematography and music are also very beautiful as well.

This drama may not be that famous internationally because there is no romance and doesn't ride the coattails of the ever-famous Hallyu wave, but you'll DEFINITELY miss out if you don't give this one a chance.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Tokyo DOGS
25 people found this review helpful
Apr 10, 2012
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10
They chose they best lead actors for this drama. Those two were just too funny! The plot is pretty good with a few twists. There are serious moments, but still somehow comical. Its been a little while since Ive seen the show, but from what I remember, I would not change a thing in the show. DEFINITELY watch. Its worth it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
My Way
25 people found this review helpful
Oct 28, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Hands down, this film is a MASTERPIECE!...but that's just what I think.

Here's why...

1) The diversity!

It's not every day that you come across a film that features SIX different languages...yes, six. There's Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, German, and English (a tiny bit) O_O
It was an amazing experience to see the perspectives (somewhat--it's literally not much) of different nations during WWII with the progression of the film. What I really liked about that, is that by doing so, no one nation was definitively tacked as the "bad guy," because this film's purpose is not to show that; rather, it is about two rivals and their trials through war, and ultimately the bond they form.

2) The effects!

There was not one second my eyes were not glued to the screen. 'My Way' is a war movie, as in LOTS of fighting scenes, people being shot--death, explosions...you know ;) Now, if that kind of scares you, no worries, this is not a gore-type war film. There's no flying limbs or guys lying around with half of their body still intact while you see all their insides pouring out >:p yuck! Although, there was one incident--I won't say exactly, but it has to do with pus *cringes*. TBH, other than that, just expect blood and dead bodies.
As far as explosions go...superb. Scenes with airplanes...well done.
Anytime there was fighting, I found myself holding my breath, because it was so hectic and unpredictable...really captured the feeling of war. There were numerous occasions when I was chanting "Please don't die!" in my head with my fingers crossed haha ;)
The effects are awesome, but I should add that you'll see a lot more than just "war effects," since the film begins before the characters go off to war.

3) The characters!

What can I say? I mean from the main cast to the supporting cast, each character had an understandable motive and development, because all the characters were affected by WWII. I found it fascinating just to see all of these characters change over time due to the war and the fear of dying.
The character, Hasegawa Tatsuo, is definitely my favorite from the film. You'll see him as a kid, as a teen and as a man, and will never wonder (perhaps like me) why he is the way he is...that's really thanks to an incredibly written story.

Which brings me to...

4) The story!

It's based on a true story, which is why it comes across as being so realistic.
Although this is a war film, that's just the setting, the story itself is very heartwarming. I cannot say enough how much I loved it...I really did. For a film that's over two hours, it's unlikely that you will ever feel bored. I mean, if you heart is not pounding from the action, it might be breaking during the emotional scenes. I really want to say more, but I don't know how to without repeating the synopsis or spoiling the film for you, so I'll just say this; look forward to watching a darn good film :D

5) The acting!

Trust me it's outstanding. These actors aren't rookies; they know what to do, and they do it well. Plus, it's Jang Dong Gun as a lead, as well as Joe Odagiri of which I am now a fan. These two leads and the excellent supporting cast make this film well worth watching.


So, I feel like I've written quite a lot, but have said just as little; hopefully not too little, because I hope that I've said just enough to encourage you to watch My Way. If I am not helpful (at all D:) do please look up a better review, because I really think this film is good enough to deserve a view :)

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
We Were There: First Love
25 people found this review helpful
by niQx
Sep 26, 2012
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
Story - Since I was a fan of Bokura ga Ita anime, I expected so much in the movie... and they didn't disappoint me at all. I love the story! It really compromised the story in the anime...
Cast - I gave perfect score, 'cos they really deserved it! for Yano and Takahashi's role, they did a great acting, they gave life to the role... I mean it's really like in the anime.
Music - I love the OST. Great choice of songs. :)
Rewatch Value - Definitely, I will watch it all over again.
Overall - since it has 2 parts as of now this is the first part so I'm still looking forward to the second part. Totally inlove with the movie! Watch it and you'll see! :)

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Han Gong Ju
25 people found this review helpful
Nov 12, 2023
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Us walking along in those indifferent (?) shoes of Han Gong-ju is the great power of this KMovie

Among independent South Korean film productions, “Han Gong-ju” is considered one of the most successful to date. In fact, the number of viewers exploded within the first week - through word of mouth alone. In addition to this vote with feet, there were consistently positive (national and international) film reviews and awards.

"Han Gong-ju" offers relentlessly haunting independent KMovie quality, frugal, not easy to digest, yet calmly, subtly and sensitively told, too. Behind the seemingly indifferent attitude of the protagonist, highly concentrated emotional force blazes subliminally, which is released less in the protagonist herself than within the audience. By the way, the story is based on a true story. (More background below - but that's quite a spoiler... so if you want to watch the film, you might want to read it afterwards!)

The KMovie tells the story of the fictional Hang Gong-ju in a rather reserved manner. We initially follow the girl without knowing what it is about or what she actually has experienced. Over time we learn to understand, or better: vaguely guess what she was and is going through. Over 112 minutes we see and experience the world vaguely through her eyes. This is a great power of this KMovie. The girl´s everyday world is fundamentally threatening, unwelcoming and cold, almost merciless. Han Gong-ju herself is tough and clear, demure and mostly indifferent. (Hang Gong-ju may by now have learned to face her world with indifference, but we as audience? We may feel differently here and there…) Nevertheless, she also has learned to create islands in her life that offer at least some minimalist beauty, joy and perspective.

What happened and is happening to Hang-Gong-ju admits of no excuse. But unfortunately it happens everywhere. Not just in South Korea. Unfortunately, again and again, more and more often. *
The role of adults is also inexcusable. It is we so-called 'adults' who lay, or should lay, the foundation for a sense of justice in the upbringing of our children. However, in this story (and its true background) it failed spectacularly. On several fronts. The results can be considered rather grim.
As solid and reliable role models that 'we' adults are/should be: how do we actually relate to right and wrong? Parents who would rather protect their beloved children from the consequence of their (any) actions, than confront them with it – yes, that's understandable. But will the 'children' learn from their mistakes in the future (without any true feeling of guilt about having done something wrong)? So that they might not replay their misbehaviour in the future? Rather not. However, if everyone prefers to proclaim an exception rule for themselves (and their loved ones), that cannot work out well. So it always ends in fighting and stabbing... by any means.

The irony: For cinema and television this is actually quite wonderful, because thus there are always new, stirring stories to tell. In the case of "Han Gong-ju", fortunately the entertainment gain does not come from dramatically exaggerated voyeurism, but rather from the fact that we walk a part of the truly sobering track in those indifferent (?) shoes of Han Gong-ju. By doing so, clues putting the (difficult to digest) puzzle together accumulate...

Lee Su-jin's KMovie is consistently serious, unpretentious and at the same time convincingly authentic in the presentation of the protagonist. Chun Woo-hee in her difficult role as Han Gong-ju is also outstanding and masterly in this context!

















-------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------

SIDE NOTE: --- Events at Miryang Middle School in 2004 ---

Over a period of just under a year, at least 44 (but possibly more than 120) high school students repeatedly raped three 13 to 17 year old girls and filmed them in order to blackmail the victims. The gang rapes obviously happened as a purely entertaining pastime for the boys.

The first 14-year-old victim was blackmailed with the film recording to bring her younger sister and her older cousin to the subsequent 'meetings', who then also became victims of renewed gang rape. In addition, the victims were forced to pay so that the footage would not be published. There may have been even more victims.

As unforgivable as these actions are, dealing with them was even more unforgivable. After the girls' aunt reported the case, of 44 clearly identified repeat offenders, only three were initially actually arrested. Due to massive public pressure, 9 more were taken into custody and a further 29 were officially arrested but not taken into custody.

There were no serious consequences for the perpetrators. On the contrary, the victims became victims again! On the one hand, they suffered psychological damage during the interrogation due to insensitive, confrontational confrontations and verbally abusive male officers (even though the victims had expressly asked for female officers). On the other hand, parents tried to force the actual role of perpetrator on the victims due to provocative behavior.

Finally, the defenders pointed out that some of the boys are already about to enlist in respectable universities and would soon contribute to the shining future of the city. In general, the parents of the perpetrators managed to build up pressure in various directions and also helped with money to box their boys out of the annoying situation. Among the victims' parents, on the other hand, one father unforgivably exploited his daughter's predicament for his own benefit. Ultimately, only 5 boys were tried in juvenile court. Without serious consequences. They are now probably fathers themselves and are firmly established in their careers.


In the meantime, this and that may have changed legally (and also when it comes to investigating), in South Korea and Germany and in other countries, too. But still, in current cases of juvenile sexual offenses, to date a strong tendency among parents here and there is increasing to wanting to box out their loved ones by all means possible, regardless of the losses. Far too rarely is attention paid to reflecting to their sons (and/or daughters) when they in fact tremendously misbehaved, that, yes, they are still loved and ok, BUT THEIR ACTING IS NOT OK at all. As a matter of course they will have to face the consequences – as serious misconduct that the social community we live in does not tolerate.
… However, our problem is: 'we' obviously DO tolerate it... Over and over again.

Sadly, in this respect, the KMovie “Han Gong-ju” is as topical as it was in 2013.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Lighter & Princess Extra
25 people found this review helpful
Dec 29, 2022
1 of 1 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

The extra episode

A short episode after the drama concluded.
They show the most important deleted scenes( if you have watched the drama thoroughly you know very well lol) ; The proposal scene, the new year's dinner, interviews with the main lead, some intimate scenes, etc.
The whole episode gives off a good feeling in regard to how the drama ended. The scenes shown are complete scenes without edits and give us insight into the missing pieces we were eagerly waiting to see!

overall, watch it as soon as you finish the whole drama. it's a pleasant watch :)
Was this review helpful to you?