This review may contain spoilers
A disaster movie, yet using emotional + vivid suggestive power in the tradition of anti-war-movies
"Pandora" is a disaster movie.I don't really consider myself a fan of this genre, which focuses on mass panic and adrenaline.
However, I consider this KMovie particularly valuable.
In this case I think the makers have succeeded in doing something similar to what anti-war movies try to achieve: deterrence by vividly conveying the threatening horror. In respect to the scenario of a nuclear catastrophe the movie applies emotional and vivid suggestive power, at the same time making people think and possibly question the sense and usefulness of highly dangerous nuclear power plants.
In view of the consecutive radical change of South Korea's nuclear policy six months after "Pandora" was released, one could say: the project was worth it. (It would probably be too daring to talk about causality, but it could be considered a noticeable correlation...)
The 2016 KMovie picks up on the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster and, against this background, develops a story that is comparable by South Korean standards. South Korea is the country with the highest population density in the immediate vicinity of its nuclear power plants. However, due to its insular position, a realistic evacuation plan in the event of a disaster is a major problem. With the movie "Pandora" the lid of the legendary box is shaken. In this case, a nuclear power plant on the East Coast suffers earthquake damage and radiation leaks, similar to Fukushima 5 years earlier. The film fictionally exercises the processes in the event of such a catastrophe (or a comparable one) and comes full circle with a deliberately touching scene in which Kim Nam-gil makes an emphatic plea against nuclear power in his usual impressively passionate way.
Regarding such critically oriented material, the production obviously had difficulties with its financing - in South Korea the lobby of the nuclear industry is as powerful as anywhere else. Nevertheless, the ambitious project could be realized through crowdfunding.
------------------------ SIDE NOTE: --- Sobering facts/outlook on nuclear power plants in South Korea ---
"Pandora" was released in December 2016.
In early summer 2017, as one of the existing South Korean nuclear reactors was actually scheduled to be shut down, President Moon Jae-in announced that the country's nuclear-focused energy policy would be stopped and that the country would instead steer towards a nuclear-free era. Accordingly, plans to build new reactors or extend the life of existing ones have been abandoned. A sign of hope?
However, by the autumn of the same year already, the government's political commitment was no longer valid. The nuclear lobby has actually been able to exert such pressure (the President's faction not having a majority in Parliament....) and prevail that new power plants were going to be built again.
South Korea's nuclear companies make a lot of money by exporting their self-developed reactors. The companies want reference projects in their own country... it is as simple as that...
As far as the people are concerned: According to a survey by the polling institute Realmeter in 2018, 61 percent of adult South Koreans still firmly support their president’s original nuclear phase-out course. Another 10 percent tend to do so. Yet, the lobby as so often has more to say...
... To date, South Korea covers a third of its electricity needs with 24 nuclear reactors.
... There are always earthquakes on the peninsula...
------------------------
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Made Me Unbelievably Mad
Overall: I'm a sucker (haha) for vampire BL. I was willing to overlook too many characters and a totally unneeded love triangle, but episode 8 made me start screaming at my computer in rage. Watched on Viki.Content Warnings: hypnotizing someone against their will and biting their lips, murders/death, gore/blood
What I Liked
- the premise of a vampire wanting to become human instead of the other way around (a la Twilight)
- I liked that the college student didn't just ghost/run away, but he's really pretty dumb to be alone with vampires...
- good production value
Room For Improvement
- this was some really awful writing, the ending was absolutely abysmal. They could have had some smart plot twists but did not. I need another vampire BL that is done well to destroy my memory of this one.
- they needed to cut characters and really build the relationship between the vampire and college student, they spend like 2 hours together and are soulmates...
- the explanation 10 years ago was disappointing, I thought there was more too it but basically the main vampire was just stupid
- the treatment of his friend (for hundreds of years!!!) at the end was awful. Jun Ho was actually worse when you think about it.
- I'm not even going to get into the just odd/unexplained/poorly thought out world building
- some odd camera shots, too many close ups
- way too many flashbacks that were used as filler
- the extreme blur filter that made the vampire look like a ghost
Was this review helpful to you?
Great drama, great ending and great chemistry!!
This Chinese drama is refreshing!! YES, finally one that is done right, although I believed it was filmed in 2019?Zhao Jiang Yue is a top manager in the company, just turned thirty and has never been in love or in a relationship. Gina Jin who plays the FL is off the charts in this- gorgeous, beautiful, dressing makeup and hair all done so well! Very good acting as well. I loved the way she teased her bf. Her male counterpart Gu Jiaxin is the son of the CEO, forced to be ZJY’s assistant by the mum. Although he’s a rich kid and didn’t want to work at the company, he’s thoughtful and kind, and eventually starts falling in love with ZJY.
Their chemistry is SO SO GOOD!! The stealing glances, the hand brushing against each other, the “I will protect you” manoeuvres, the intensity, the longing.... my gosh!! Can’t get enough! The other side couples are not too bad as well. The only criticism I have is the character Li Yan Ran. She appears after a few episodes, and she is the MOST ANNOYING PERSON EVER!! Her character just ruined the whole drama- seriously. I understand the writers need a female rival, but this does not cut it. UGH!
The music OST is also very enjoyable and memorable. Definitely highly recommended drama- very refreshing and feel- good overall with a great ending!! Must watch :)
Was this review helpful to you?
Scorched earth.
This is an artfully related dark crime thriller about a long, life blood sucking and soul destroying quest for justice. A body in a suitcase, a bomb scare, an incriminating old photograph and a looming terrorist threat captures headlines and puts acclaimed investigator Yan Liang on the case. He quickly discovers that these events are linked to a decade old cold case. The narrative navigates three time periods and alternates skillfully between the original team on the case led by prosecutor Jiang Yang (Bai Yu) and the present investigation led by Yan Liang as both investigations proceed down a parallel path. This is done so seamlessly it is not at all confusing; indeed all of the characters, events and clues flow fluidly and clearly. The pallete is sparse and dark toned consistent with the title and tone of the drama.While the mystery and suspense part of the drama is very well written and doesn't reveal itself too soon, this is really more of a character drama about Jiang Yang, a brilliant young prosecutor with a lot of fire in his belly. Without a doubt, this is Bai Yu's best acted role to date. His signature gigantic forehead was so well concealed I didn't recognize him for awhile. The way his Jiang Yang's indomitable idealistic youthful spirit is extinguished into a subdued, quiet desperation and almost but not quite defeated acceptance is one of the most moving and nuanced portrayals I have seen in a long time. He deserves to win awards for this role. I wish I could say the same for Liao Fan's Yan Liang but I was not wowed by his crime solving brilliance which is supposedly signified by pondering and obsessive ball bouncing. Despite some failed and misplaced attempts at humor, Yan Liang's present day team also lacks the rapport and chemistry that oozes out of Jiang Yang's "hot pot" team. Anchored by Bai Yu's powerful performance and a solid cast overall, there is still an unbalanced or somewhat lacking feeling. This is amplified by the fact that the adversary is just powerful with unlimited resources and tentacles everywhere. There is no well developed mastermind at work - all we see are a bunch of petty villains who employ rather crude tactics to suppress the truth.
The drama peaks at the end with the final reveal in a truly masterful and heart wrenching performance by Bai Yu. Yet I am left feeling unsatisfied; I am missing the satisfaction of a showdown and fitting consequences for the villains. Indeed the repercussions seem far worse for those who resort to scorched earth methods to uncover the truth. Thus to me, this is a dark drama - it far from glorifies the quest for the truth and justice. It leaves a lingering sense that it is far more worth while to just live a good and happy life.
This is an excellent watch but be warned, it is dark and sad. I don't consider it to be quite in the same league of the Bad Kids and give it an 8.5.
Was this review helpful to you?
That said, I also like the male lead. Like some characters in the series, there seem to be many "layers" to Xia Chun Yu. You just gotta keep watching to discover another side of him, which adds to the mystery of the entire story. The supporting characters and their respective stories are just as nice, as they compliment the main plot.
However, it does get a bit draggy towards the end... Regardless, I'd still recommend watching it if you're looking for something that's not too heavy (in terms of content).
Was this review helpful to you?
1Based on romance, scenic views & craftsmanship.
It was a good drama, not too good or too bad, it isn't for those who get easily bored, there wasn't anything special about this drama, just an average couple & their struggles with a bunch of crisis here & there.There were misunderstandings as usual between the leads but they were solved easily, not too draggy.
No major villains, bad guys & cliche plots.
Overall it was good for time pass, just like a documentary.
Last few episodes of the drama were too boring & went downhill from romance to craftsmanship lawsuits & chinese values, I think if they just focused on the romantic part of the drama it would have been more than enough but they just made the last few episodes about something completely different.
Was this review helpful to you?
Let’s start with the main topic of this show, around which everything revolves: the rape. This show does not take for granted the fact that everyone knows the meaning of the word and, on the other hand, it offers a comprehensive explanation of it. The characters become more aware of what it means to rape someone as time passes by, letting even the viewers improve their knowledge. But what I enjoyed the most is the choice of pointing out the huge social justice problems that come out when survivors actually try to make their voices heard. The fact that the chances of being actually supported for accusing your rapist are so low is still a major problem of our society.
There are a lot of other things I enjoyed, of course: the gay couple shows us a typical reaction intolerant parents may have about their children’s homosexuality and why it does no good for the boy’s wellbeing, who’ll probably start to keep everything inside and may even decide to blame himself. I also liked the constant reminder that we, as a society, tend to judge without having an overview of the situation, talking at someone’s back instead of arguing with them about that problem.
Almost everything in this show is perfect and I have to admit I’m not able to list every single detail of it as I would like to. In the end, I consider ‘The Judgement’ a really interesting and important television show.
Was this review helpful to you?
Silence, Love and the Value of Friendship
This is my first review but I just had to write about Silent. I really loved this show. I was hesitant to love it up until the last episode because I was afraid that it would break my heart as so many Japanese dramas & movies tend to do. But this was beautiful all the way through and every character was so rich. There were several opportunities for the show to go in a way that would have disappointed me but the writers resisted. Watching Sou's growth throughout the series was so endearing and I couldn't wait to see what would happen. Meguro Ren did such a great job of playing a complex character and one that was so different from the only other drama that I'd seen him in, My Love Mixup. Kawaguchi Haruna is luminous as Aoba. All of the side characters were also so layered and interesting. Special shoutout to Suzuka Ouji as Minato. The character was my underappreciated MVP and this young actor did such a good job with him. I can't wait to see what he does in the future. I loved the last episode which brought tears to my eyes as it ended. I highly recommend if you don't mind a quiet, slow paced show that will steal your heart.Was this review helpful to you?
office romance but better
let me preface by saying i love secretive romance, romance where couple has to hide that theyre together in a public setting, but in private everything is hot and heavy?? secretive eye contact that only they know the meaning of?? accidental but not really skinship??? them taking care of each other in their own way when no one else notices??? who doesn't love this!!!i love the actors hence the reason why i started watching them. was the high school setting needed when the actors are already in their 30s?? no i wish the cp age in the drama are set older instead of late 20s, dont be shy!! we need more proper adult romance!! i cringe watching the flashbacks bcs theyre just adults among teenagers buuuut it is cute nevertheless.
i think the romance is mature what with the start of the coupling, the eventual romance, incidents, third and many more parties interference, etc. they learn to become a couple eventually with better communcation with each other and not shying away from saying what needs to be said. the parents are good influence for them. this eventually helps them in their change of office dynamic where he becomes the direct boss and she as one of the employees. the characters have their flaws and problems yet it doesnt hinder their relationship, theyre supportive of each other respectful trustworthy. one of the better romance in cdrama
edit: finished and im glad the romance stays fluffy til the end. this is feel good romantic story with some (minimal) drama. ps: do read the webnovel its rly good!!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Terrible writing. I finished this jeon jong seo
The writing is painful. I'm having to force myself to finish these last couple of episodes. It makes sense one of the writers has never written on a project before. I thought maybe the writing would get better, but then came episode 11 which was so damn bad. Add in the flat acting with it and just takes it all new level of bad. I can't believe they skipped a year and blew past that the son in law killed his wife. Wheres the families reaction to the news it was the son in law? What happened to the reporter? Then they made the secretary the new chairman of the entire company lmao. Did you want to see a-jung get her big break in acting? too bad they did it during the time skip smh. They let do Hans stalker ex off scott free with no punishment for outing do-han to his brother ji-han. What in the heck was that ending?????Why was the acting so bad? especially from the male lead. if I hadn't seen him in duty after school, I would swear this was his first gig. He barely had any emotion in the biggest scenes. his character was awkward and not in a good way, and the acting was flat. He almost has the same one expression in every scene.
Zero romantic chemistry between the main couple. Zero 0 none at all. at least they had a little chemistry when they were enemies, but after that, it was more like they were brother and sister. The one day get-away vacation was the least romantic getaway I've ever seen in a romantic kdrama. They literally did work in a field. In a way, it could have been cute, but they actually made it look so weird. he gets a small cut and then complains about for the rest of they day lmao. If there's one thing I can't tolerate, it's a weak kiss, and man, this one was WEAK. You only get one, maybe 2, in most kdramas(which has started to change recently. kdramas for some weird reason are getting a lot spicier know and it needs to stop) Make that one kiss count. Throw in some passion.
This show actually starts out interesting but then goes straight downhill. The fake marriage setup isn't even that interesting, and without the flashbacks of her with do-han, I can't even really tell their really friends. We barely got any interesting wedding planning scenes, and the wedding dress try-on was boring as heck. Did the writers have a bet on who could write the most boring scenes? We get no background info on the ex. why did they break up? why is he so mad? Do-han not telling a-jung about him, why? he dyes his hair for no reason, and we get no explanation.
The cafe worker Song sang eun has more chemistry with ji Hans assistant min jin woong than the main couple. they have a cute little romance going on. Their scenes were funny and adorable. The jealous family members hong in and kim ye won were pretty good too, those two together are hilarious. loved watching their scenes. Park ha in is very good in this, she plays her character the best out of everyone. Chae won just takes everything on the chin. I usually hate when the second female lead is a bad person, but in this, I would have loved it.
Jeon jong seo is an incredibly talented actress and so beautiful. idk who chose this script, but man, it was a mistake. The only solace for me is that enough people seem to like it to give it a high rating, so this project doesn't tarnish what's been a great run of projects so far. I've seen other people online agree with me, so I know there are those who will be hesitant to watch her next project, but it looks like it will be an incredibly serious project. So we should be getting a front row seat to the jeon jong seo I've seen in past projects.
I know she probably took this role so people would see her in a happier and fun light, but at what cost. I know she mentioned people seem scared of her due to her past projects, and she wanted to change their minds. She has to ask herself if she cares more about how people perceive her or about choosing projects that utilize her talent.
Was this review helpful to you?
Story: The overall story was great but there could been somethings cut out. The main leads should been together faster without so much drag to it. Let's just say the ending was perfect but with only a tiny flaw in one of the side stories. I really liked how the story went and cried at some point. It was somewhat emotional but no enough to let you cry every episode.
Acting/Cast: The cast was amazing everything went out well. Though the main leads weren't that glamorous and good looking, but their amazing acting should be praised. In the story, the sisters looked similar which made it more believable.
Music: Let's just say the music wasn't that good but was worth mentioning. Most of it was just background music and sometimes actually ruined the moment. But there was some good songs in an episode or two.
Personally, I believe whoever is wondering and want to watch a simple yet dedicating drama. This one is for you! The endings of each episode were usually extremely suspenseful which made it super addicting. Stop reading and start watching!
Was this review helpful to you?
I also really loved how relatable it is, and throughout the series, the overall message is that every love story may or may not have a good ending which is a very relatable message. The overall thing I hate with this drama is the second lead syndrome you get, it just breaks my heart. This series was truly a masterpiece though. The soundtrack is very memorable, and I am obsessed with this.
And lastly, the acting was amazing and everybody had chemistry. I really loved this series and I recommend it to anybody. I would definitely rewatch it infinite times if I could.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
it could've been good... but it wasn't.
besides apo (the only good character in this) and the swimming club friendship (aka puth, song and kluay being babies), this show was a train wreck. we had a rape scene that was never addressed and waii didn't even bother to apologise to apo.... we had a great lesbian character turned into a predator (which is very harmful to the lesbian and lgbt community) and then become straight? bi? what tf was that clownery??? we had some of the most terribly written female characters ive seen (wan being shown as crazy and evil and then being slutshammed, mai being possessive and manipulative, and fay being a victim of the cliche cheating plot) and forced romantic dynamics (yes this applies to waii&apo as well as kluay&achi). i wont even get started on that age gap couple bullshit.waterboyy could've been a good show, but gmmtv made every single decision to make sure it was a disaster. and tbh thats sad because the cast is amazing ):
Was this review helpful to you?
So yes, saying that I was excited for Moon Lovers was putting it very mildly. I was exhilarated. Ecstatic. A lot more words with an E. And they made us wait even longer by making it a pre-produced drama and waiting a whole year before it actually came out.
But the best part? It didn't disappoint one bit. I mean, after such high expectations, it is only natural to feel a little let-down just because of all the hype you've been experiencing. But Moon Lovers actually ended up surpassing all my expectations. The drama was perfect from the beginning till the end.
Coming to the plot, it was extremely well-paced. I mean, for dramas it is rare to find such consistently well-paced dramas. Sometimes the beginning is not that good and sometimes the plot dies down after ep 12-16. But here, you never feel like there is too much or too little. It is really hard to skip anything. You just don't want to. Another important fact is that because an older version is already out there, viewers are prepared for a possibly sad/tragic ending. Even if you come without knowing anything about the parent story, the vibe of the show itself whispers the possibility of an un-fairytale-like outcome. There is an intense and gloomy feeling in the show.
The characters are the strength of the drama. I mean, can we talk about the fourth Prince? He is going down in history as one of my favorite characters ever. Firstly, he is so sexy. I mean, you simply can't get enough of him. I have never really been into Lee Jun Ki before but after this, I plan to check out all his dramas. I have seen a couple of his shows but I never realized he was THIS good. The character of Wang So is so complex and so hard to deliver. And yet, Lee Jun Ki plays him so effortlessly, becoming one with the character. What is even more surprising is that he is such a cutie in real life (lol). I really don't know anyone more perfect for this role. I mean, Kang Ha Neul's character turned to the dark side too but it was nothing compared to Wang So. Wang So was simply..addictive!
Coming for Hae Soo. IU faced a lot of flack for her poor acting skills but I felt she was good in her role. I mean, she wasn't as good as Jun Ki or Ha Neul but she did really well. You could feel her transformation from a 21st century person to Goryeo lady to a woman with a lot of scarring experiences. In her previous works she has only done cutesy roles. I really enjoyed her work in this, she showed her versatility as a serious actor. The 13th Prince. He was gentle and kind and the most perfect friend. I loved his chemistry with Woo Hee. It was surprisingly great!
Wang Eun was a big baby but he was a sweetheart too. I wouldn't say Baek Hyun is a good actor but he was given an easy role and it was handled well. Ji Soo was a delight to watch! So far I have loved him in all his roles (I think I have watched everything he has starred in). The rest of the cast was really good too. My favorite among supporting characters was General Park. His acting was so on-point even though he only starred for a few episodes. I liked his daughter too. Ji Mong was a delight to watch. And court lady Oh Sang Goong, I loved her! I can really go on and on about the characters - the good ones and the bad ones, all did well. The acting was so good here, I just couldn't get enough of it. I cried with them and laughed with them.
The music. OH MAN, the music. I love each and every song. This hasn't happened to me since Dream High (I think). I really can't pick a song that I like more than the other.
I am definitely DEFINITELY rewatching this. I know for sure.
The biggest tragedy that comes out of this drama is that the Korean audience could not fully appreciate the perfection that this drama was. The ratings were so low there. Thankfully, it did well everywhere else and made up for it.
Was this review helpful to you?
I actually don't know how to summarize this one, I just believe everyone that can watch it should watch it. I haven't read the webtoon so I don't know how fans of the original material will react but, judging it on its own two feet, it far surpasses any expectations I had.
STORY
Honestly, this story almost felt like two, in the best way possible. Going into it I had this expectation of what would occur and what kind of avenues the story would take based on the teaser, but it proved me wrong. Weak Hero isn't just brilliant action, it's a deep dive into how interpersonal violence and bullying can affect and harm people long after the physical threat has disappeared. It's a case where I found every episode better than the last. The script and directing use foreshadowing masterfully, there are parallels that provoke so much thought and every moment feels deliberate. There are parallels everywhere, and the use of foreshadowing is deliberate and beautiful. Thought-provoking isn't even enough to cover it. Of course, there are issues with the script, some things are glossed over to fit the runtime, and the theme came off as confusing to some (not me) but overall I enjoyed the story it told immensely. The character motivations and progression all felt natural and understandable. It's a complete and interesting story that doesn't require additional knowledge from the webtoon to fill in the blanks and its end, though open for a second season, is satisfying and will leave you wishing you had more time with this world.
ACTING
I don't usually go to action flicks for character studies and heartbreaking emotions but the cast delivered on both and on stellar fight sequences that hurt just to watch.
So little disclaimer I am a Jihoon fan, but I will try not to be biased. Park Jihoon acting as Yeon Sieun was amazing. In the story put to screen it would've been very easy for Sieun to be one note, but Jihoons acting and eyes brought him to life.
Hong Kyung gave me the most compelling performance of the entire year. You have to watch it to know.
Choi Hyunwook brought a lovely levity to the story and his well-known ability to charm his way through the screen is at full display.
The entire supporting cast really showed out for this drama, the viciousness and vulnerability of boyhood were on full display. Special shoutout to Kim Sugyeom whose venom playing Youngbin almost burned through the screen.
MUSIC
The OSTs and music choices throughout the show helped evoke teenage listlessness and despair beautifully.
REWATCH VALUE
I considered placing this at a lower mark because some of the scenes are very hard to watch. Watching this drama inflicts a lot of emotional turmoil, but I honestly think it could only get better on rewatch. The point of the twists and turns is not to shock you, they're natural and understandable consequences of the violent world that bred them. Every choice makes sense, and the hunt for parallels in the script and directing upon rewatching would make it all the more worthwhile.
This easily falls into the top 5 dramas of the year for me. I would recommend any day! Also if you want to discuss it shoot me a friend request and a message I have so much to say.
Was this review helpful to you?
Recent Discussions
-
Detail Timeline of Time Loops6 minutes ago -
Veil of Shadows episode recap articles7 minutes ago -
BL Drama Lovers Club8 minutes ago -
Which Was the Last Drama Episode You Watched? Part 315 minutes ago -
Photo of the Day—Thai Actors21 minutes ago
