Reviews

So before you think "OMG she gave this show a 10 even though it's so short" there is a real reason behind it. I promise.

The story of ReminderS is nothing overly interesting or dramatic but that was clear from the beginning since it a) only has three episodes, b) is called Reminders c) is mainly to promote the actors and the upcoming third season of Love Sick.
I don't have a problem with that. Since it was clear from the beginning there were no empty promises but they delivered what they said. So don't expect real big drama or a major storyline going on. There is a direction but that's pretty much it.

The cast and the characters were amazing. The LBC cast played different characters this time but they added character traits that made the roles even better and seemed more natural for the actors, so it seemed more convincing. For the Love Sick cast - we came a long way especially with their acting. It improved a lot and I love that the actors still have the same chemistry as before and it did not suffer over the years. The Love Sick characters also took something like an advisor role in this show. It was nice to see them as a mostly stable couple trying to help others and finally getting a break from all the drama we are used to from the usual shows. They probably kept the drama for the upcoming season.
Also we have a few cameos, some expected from the trailer, some totally unexpected and a wonderful surprise.

The music is pretty much the same over all the three episodes but if you watched Love Sick with all your heart, beware of fainting and grinning like a fool ^.^

Rewatch, depends on when the future shows are coming out.

Overall this show deserves a 7 if you are a LBC fan, 5 if you are a general BL fan and a 10 if you are a Love Sick fan. Not because the story is that good or it is that interesting but because this show stays so true to its name, it's scary. This show is a reminder of LBC and LS and brings back all those memories. I watched LS as long ago as it can be and I really enjoyed seeing the characters I haven't seen so long, also LBC is not getting another season so we don't have many chances to see them together again.
ReminderS is a show to remind us of those great shows, couples, actors and music and to remember watching them and getting into BL and that's what makes it as amazing as it is.

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A spy drama right from the start

"Time between Dog and Wolf" is a KDrama from 2007. But don't worry, the series still knows how to grip today. (I don´t even dare to imagine what a terrific spectacle the KDrama would be, if it would come along in the style of 2020 KDrama cinematography...)

The story starts - as so often back then - with the childhood days, e.g. the small and big traumata from that time. The entanglements are laid out and there's a lot in it Makjang-wise. However, it is not your typical makjang, The story is exciting, has a good pace and the shadowed complexity makes it difficult to see through. "Time between Dog and Wolf" is a spy drama right from the start and leaves hardly anything out.

The title sums it up quite well. Actually, this refers to the Latin metaphor "Inter Canem et Lupum" - between dog and wolf. In the evening twilight it is difficult to distinguish, so to speak, whether a wolf or a dog is standing in front of you, although you can just about make out that it will be one or the other. It's not pitch black yet.
However, this expression does not only refer to the twilight, but also contains another metaphorical allusion: This is the time when the wolf goes hunting and the dog seeks its bed... Who stands before me, though? Can I trust?

Thus the 16 episodes consistently maintain their twilight... Wolves (mainly) and dogs (a few) cross paths. Sniff each other. Fight each other. Join together to form a pack. Are hunted and hunt. Give themselves away. Make up for it. The one. The other. And others again. On top of all that, love puts plenty of salt into the wounds.

Ultimately, the symbol is even suitable for this KDrama in a third respect. In addition to the topics 'distrust/deceit', 'hunter/hunted', there is also the fact that both dogs and wolves are extremely social pack animals...

This is a KDrama that has a lot to offer in terms of exciting and moving entertainment. Lee Joon-gi shows edge here even at his younger age. But all of them express their emotions with some intensity. This does not go bye unnoticed.

The fact that a considerable part of the action takes place in Thailand also brings unexpected exoticism into the scene, which doesn't hurt.

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Retro romance balanced well with harsh history.

I absolutely love when historical tragedies are humanized. That's what you get with "Youth of May". Yes, this is a love story, but more than that this is a look at a horrible moment in Korean history from the perspective of characters we grow to love through the series. Is this frustrating to watch? Yes. Is it heartbreaking? Absolutely. Is it inspiring? Also, yes. This drama does a great job of showing various perspectives, many possibly romanticized, but also relatable. I knew nothing about the Gwangju Uprising before watching and it immediately led me to want to know much more. You don't need to know the history to follow this drama, just prepare to be shocked.

The story revolves around Go Min Si as Kim Myung Hee, and Lee Do Hyun as Hwang Hee Tae. It's their love story, meant only to be a brief fling, that draws you in. Together they are super cute and have great chemistry. Myung Hee is determined to have a future in medicine while Hee Tae takes life less seriously and is more focused on a music contest than academics. Hee Tae also has serious anxiety based on past guilt and trauma, and Myung Hee has daddy issues. These are 2 fully developed characters, and that's what made me care about them so much. Initially, their story is what you would normally expect when people from two different statuses try to date, including obligatory controlling parents, but simmering in the background there is political conflict ready to explode. Both actors were really good at keeping the romance story fresh while still handling the more painful and action-packed scenes. They are a very memorable couple.

The rest of the cast is great as well. Since the point is to get to know this city I think they did a good job of giving us time to get to know everyone before the story shifts. I also liked that many of the characters are imperfect and make mistakes or become unexpected heroes throughout. Even Oh Man Suk, as the worst dad ever, didn't just feel like a caricature of a villain. This is a melodrama so some of the acting and scenes are over the top, yet it was all still completely real. Even the kids were super impressive, and I loved that they had their own part in the story as well.

Would I watch this again? Yes, but next time I would love to watch knowing even more about what happened 5/18/80, what followed, and how public opinion evolved. I also would be better prepared in a rewatch for this to not just be a nostalgic romance but a real tear-jerker. It's also the perfect length for a story like this. Not too long or too short, and easy to binge. It has a satisfying ending without being idealistic or heavy-handed, and knowing what happens doesn't ruin anything because the message at the end is so strong. I'm also sure I missed so many details.

This drama also inspired me to finally watch "A Taxi Driver", another great perspective on the Gwangju Uprising and its victims. This drama has a similar, easily digestible, style.

Overall I would definitely recommend "Youth of May" with the warning to know what you're getting into when watching. Its 80's nostalgia and retro romance balanced well with harsh reality, but it's not all tears. It really does aim to give honor to victims and survivors while not reducing them to only that. This isn't a drama about revolutionaries, it's a haunting look at how the revolution can come to you whether you are ready for it or not and no matter where you stand... even if all you care about is a spring fling. Gather your tissues, and prepare your heart.

"Youth of May" is a historical melodrama done right.

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So I just want to start off by saying I didn't hate this melodrama but I am disappointed. I agree that there was a lot of unnecessary scenes and not enough romance between Nan Sheng (Qiao Man) and He Ping. I also found the ending to be nonsensical, after regaining her memories how could Nan Sheng be so cold and unforgiving towards He Ping yet be so forgiving towards Hansen who essentially kidnapped her and lied to her about her identity and didn't even try to find her family, as well as Qiao Feng who essentially used Nan Sheng to replace her own dead sister, how in the entire world could Nan Sheng feel comfortable going anywhere with that psycho? Did she not care at all how He Ping and his mother felt? I understand her feelings towards Shen completely because how dare you act all buddy buddy and like everything is normal after you killed my daddy and only come clean when you thought I was dead and as for Ah Li, she should've been to prison so many times like it was all so unrealistic and it shouldn't of taken till the very end to regain her memories that's not even reasonable. Barcelona and all the flashbacks absolutely meaningless, Luo Chen another psychopath, I honestly thought he was going to be the one to solve the mystery but he was just useless and annoying I didn't get his deal at all. I liked this drama because it kept me interested but it was rather frustrating, I would like a S2 solely for the purpose of rewriting a better story that makes sense because there's no way a man who I don't know (Hansen) can tell me "Oh yeah I actually found you long ago but I was so infatuated with you that I didn't even bother to try to find your family or friends, instead I wanted to wear you down so you'd marry me, I don't care if you ever loved me", and me being like "Oh ok, let's go back to Barcelona." Meanwhile the love of my life and my mother who have mourned me and my father for years I leave them without a word? Who would do that? That makes no sense and then in the end He Ping goes to Barcelona to see her and they have a silent conversation with their eyes and she thinks "He Ping, I missed you." Girl what??? So a S2 is definitely in order or a remake of this drama because it was good but also extremely awful. I don't blame the actors they could only do so much with this script, I wish I could've taken part in writing the adaptation of the book, it would've certainly turned out better than this.

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Touching. Exciting. Stylish. Passionate. Atmospherically dense, especially regarding the 1930s

For me, "Chicago Typewriter" needed a second attempt. The first time I didn't really know what to do with it. ...A smart spring chicken, but somehow paranoid writer, spoiled by success and money, and a cute girl as his fan? The story - fancy as it may come along - at first glance appeared a bit all too playfully shallow for my taste. I wasn't convinced. Although I actually really like actor Yoo Ah-in.

Actually, I was mainly curious about the past (around 1930 when ´Korea´ was a colony of Japan). One of "Chicago Typewriter"'s two storylines is set in the context of the 1930's Gwangju student movement. With regard to the KDrama´s historical plot line though, it felt like nothing really happened for a long time. Accordingly, when I first had tried to watch "Chicago Typewriter", I didn't make it past the "beginning". However, somehow I kept stumbling across this KDrama and it wouldn't let go off me. Eventually I gave it another try. Lo and behold, with a little patience, the KDrama took me by the hand and developed an exciting story with a lot of passion and atmospheric density, especially when it came to the 1930s. The insight into that time had lasting impressions. Still, the relationship dynamics between the leads especially in the present time story line sometimes were little too light-weight, harmless and on the verge of silliness for my taste. However this was perfectly balanced in the context of their mission in the past and got more profound as the story proceeded.


------------------------- SIDE NOTE: --- Japanese colonialism ---
During the 1930s Japanese imperialism had reached its peak. In relation to Korea, a rigorous policy of assimilation, using force if necessary, was pursued, e.g. the Korean language, culture and history were systematically suppressed as part of a Japanese colonial education. The first Gwangju student movement, which culminated in a nationwide anti-Japan demonstration, happend in November 1929 after a female Korean student having been molested by Japanese students. This attack was certainly not the first, but the Korean student movement had formed in such a way that a large-scale street demonstration in Gwangju spontaneously took place after this incident. The mood swept across the whole country...
-------------------------

As a premise, the KDrama plays with the concepts of reincarnation and the concept of spirits remaining in near-earth realms after their death, until their unresolved past experiences are somehow redeemed. Both are popular motifs that are often picked up in KDramas. In this case, the producers have created a particularly beautiful and profound story, especially with regard to redemption. In 2017, the characters get a second chance, so to speak: they have the choice of whether they want to continue in their familiar pattern or make new decisions. There´s an opportunity to reconcile past guilt or open questions, to let go of the energy that still hangs in the past and to move on in the NOW. This aspect of time jumps is unabashedly and creatively juggled with an undeniable love for details. One of the protagonists, whose spirit since 1930 hasn´t been able to leave the earthly realms, becomes the connecting and driving force that knots both timelines. A special charm: The ghost from back then becomes a "ghostwriter" in 2017 when he meets his reincarnated comrades-in-arms. Another punchline: the title "Chicago Typewriter" is ambiguous, referring both to the typewriter as a "weapon" (with typed words) of the student underground movement, and to the Thompson machine gun - a rapid-fire weapon that was fashionable at the time, its nickname being areference to its characteristic rattling sound when launched.

As the story progresses, the rhythm of the present day being intertwined with the past - in the form of sudden memories or dreams - accelerates. The faster the time jumps, the higher the tension rises. It's actually going to be really dramatic, both in the past AND present...

In sum: the KDrama is giving you a clear idea of living under Japanese colonialism and of the resistance movement that rebelled against it. "Chicago Typewriter" is also a feast for the eyes in terms of fashion and equipment - both 2017 and 1930! "Chicago Typewriter" is first and foremost a moving story about friendship. And not to forget: a touching love story ...

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STORY: The story addresses Karoshi, a Japanese term literally meaning "overwork death," or "death by overwork." It's a big problem in Japan and this movie portrays an overworked guy who attempts suicide and the guy who tries to save him. It's a redemption story with a lot of suspense, also mystery surrounding the identity of "Yamamoto." It has a great ending. NOTE: This is not Boy's Love or Bromance or anything like that.

ACTING/CAST: It's literally an All-Star cast! All of the actors, and the one actress, were superb. You just can't get too much better than these people!

MUSIC: It was good for a show like this, certainly. That ending song is quite good, check the comment section for a link to it English Subbed.

REWATCH VALUE: I will watch it again down the road.

OVERALL: Absolutely fantastic and heartwarming movie about a very powerful subject (Kar?shi) and two guys just trying to save each other.

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Outstanding KMovie. Daunting. Blunt. Galvanizing. Impressively staged. Yet rather painful to watch

"Silenced" is a 2011 movie production. The KMovie is based on a book and this in turn is based on a true story that happened at Gwangju Inhwa School. For a change, it's not about bullying among students, but about repeated sexual abuse by teachers and school staff against their underage wards. In this case they were also deaf.
"Silenced" is an outstanding, moving film production - in several respects.

The story is impressively staged.
Horrendous abuse. Repulsive in its unbelievable brutality. Blunt.
There are the children left at the mercy of pitiless adults, left alone in their helplessness - speechless in every respect. What else can they hope for in this world?
There are the adults - the perpetrators and also those who knowingly close their eyes to injustice for their own benefit. (I have no idea what they do with their ears and their conscience, though...)
And there are the two protagonists - neither of them exactly the epitome of promising heroes...
With a top-class Gong Yoo, who personally and actively supported the filming of the story. He read the book during his military service. But it was only later that he found out that these were true events. He met with the author and the idea for the film was born. He embodies the main role of the initially quiet, perhaps somewhat wimpy, indecisive teacher; a widower and a father who is absent due to his job and who relies on his mother's support to look after his sick daughter. Yet, it is precisely this tangible, silently screaming human weakness of his character, his uncertainty in dealing with the unfathomable, his own initial shock of cautious, perhaps naive reserve that contributes to the authentic strength of the KMovie. (If the world were full of determined, courageous heroes, then there would be less such terrible incidents, repeatedly taking place over the years with impunity - like those in that South Korean boarding school for the deaf in Gwangju...or that Odenwaldschule in Germany, or far too many other schools worldwide.) The heroic in our protagonist must first be born and then grow. This is a process. Step by step, stumbling, helpless, hopeful and yet again discouraged, but then unbendingly getting up again - and finally on a path of no return...

The KMovie “Silence” is shocking.
Grim. At times it may be reminiscent of a horror movie like 'The Shining' or something similar. The story is daunting. Its social dimensions are sobering. There are hardly any words for this parallel world. What people are monstrously capable of... and then also: that time and again, in the face of blatant injustice, people let themselves be bought and silenced for their own benefit.
Nevertheless, the message at the end is (I think) quite wonderful: "...it makes me think, that the reason we are fighting so hard is not to change the world, but instead to not let the world change us." Resistance takes on an encouraging new dimension that doesn't have to give in, even in the face of a Goliath. Great!


The KMovie was and is galvanizing.
“Silenced” shook up the masses in 2011 in a spectacular way. Over 4 million horrified cinemagoers saw the movie, which was number 1 on the South Korean cinema charts for three weeks in a row. The book by Gong Ji-young was storming the bestseller lists.
What the regular jurisprudence was previously unable to do was actually subsequently made possible by the pressure of the shocked masses: 1.5 months after the KMovie was first broadcast, the so-called 'Dogani Law' was passed. (Dogani = "Crucible", the title of the book and film). Since then, the new law has suspended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse of people with disabilities and for rape of minors under the age of 13.
Therefore, some of the perpetrators at that school in Gwangju who had previously gotten off with lax sentences were subsequently summoned again and sentenced to long prison terms and/or electronic ankle bracelets.
Lastly, at least THIS school was closed.

Respect!
For taking up the issue.
For not giving up and thus using other means (a movie on the big screen).
For the sensitive handling of a tough topic.
For the often extremely unpleasant, painful, however nevertheless coherent film adaptation of a fantastic script.

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Showing simple normalcy for generations of SK women being gagged&bound by society's endemic sexism

"Kim Ji-young: Born 1982" puts every die-hard Korea fan through their paces: how far does the love for country and culture actually go? The KMovie also does away with any illusion surrounding romanticized and socially idealized yearnings that revolve around the concept of 'in love-engaged-married-happy family'.

"Kim Ji-young: Born 1982" broke the 2 million mark worldwide as a bestseller (by author Cho Nam-joo). It is also considered the most borrowed book in two consecutive years after publication. The KMovie was also extremely successful. In South Korea, between October 2019 and November 2020 around 3.6 million people went to the movies to watch. In addition, numerous prizes were awarded throughout Asia.

Calmly, unagitatedly and almost objectively distant, the camera focuses on the ordinary life of a typical South Korean woman, wife and mother in her 30s. Actually, she doing quite well. We accompany her in her everyday life between laundry and kindergarten, with her (actually quite attentive, loving) husband, with her in-laws, with her family of origin, with friends, with flashbacks of her childhood and at work, and finally with the therapist. This could all be any live of many a South Korean woman. That's not special at all. It's so cruelly normal that it even hurts. By showing simple normalcy, the story also becomes an outcry for several generations of women gagged and bound by society's endemic sexism.

Gagged and tied up by such a conservative, rigid, discriminatory socialization that is literally burned into flesh, so hardly anybody even considers alternative role models and self-images. There is a lack of role models that give women something like self-love and self-confidence that go beyond identifying with role expectations by family and society. Women somehow grow up as prisoners of those restrictive expectations - in a prison with doors, that technically are not closed, yet in practice barricaded by the mercilessly experienced sexism since early childhood. Accordingly, there is a lack of awareness of human dignity beyond gender roles. For women and men alike. And as we all know, such awareness would be the first path to any change...

In this respect, "Kim Ji-young: Born in 1982" holds up a merciless mirror in a calm, objective and non-judgmental manner, which focuses on the great evil that everyone simply takes for granted. Apparently, around 68 percent of cinemagoers were women. At least, the other 32 percent were men, supposedly.

In one of the last scenes, (which, like all the others in the film, gains its power from the simple, unquestioned und yet unbelievable normality) the underlying emotional muteness is finally allowed to speak up - not loudly and rudely though, but objectively subjectively and, despite all the justified anger, consistently in all modesty calmly, too.
In the face of the spilled coffee, instead of accepting the comments and accusations of her social environment with shame, concern and apologetic words, the FL has her outspoken objections. She eventually stands up for herself... actually, you should think, quite simply, as if it were a matter of course. And yet: downright unheard of. Because: Shameless in the best sense of the word... she no longer lets others shame her for what and who she is. She is slowly but surely developing a somewhat healthy approach to her own self-confidence as a person with self-worth and self-love beyond gender - a person who cannot be reduced by tradition to just a family concerned role concept within a hierarchical society. From this, the FL nurtures a new attitude towards those who traditionally believe they have more value in the social ranking.

Just a comparatively small, handy book; just a two hour movie. The story of Kim Ji-young, born in 1982, has sparked a lot of discussion throughout South Korea. The common, everyday (South Korean) madness shown knows how to touch and quietly infuriate. For me in faraway Germany, too, the KMovie wasn't boring for a minute.









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--- Outlook ---

'If everyone would act up like that... where would we end up?' - In this sense, the book and the film also led to a horrified outcry within conservative circles in the country. The main actors in the KMovie, for example, had to endure hateful comments for even taking part in it. Just this factual inventory of normal madness of just about every woman in the supposedly modern, innovative South Korea got conservative minds going...
...on the other hand, women affected finally received the balm of cross-class compassion, which for a moment opened up the space for solidary, cross-generational sisterhood. As insignificantly common and simple as Kim Ji-young, born in 1982, may be, the social impact was equally great - the consistently overlooked, completely disregarded reality that has been systematically carried out for countless generations out of principle and tradition, discrimination against (in this specific case) South Korean women.

South Korean society is already shrinking. Earlier than expected. And much faster than expected. No wonder.
Women born in the 1980s by now increasingly began to feel painful about their corsets. A milestone!
Those who were born in the 1990s and 2000s, some among them started to increasingly openly dare to actively shake up the social corset - simply by no longer accepting their 'certain' female role. Another milestone!
However, there is still a long way between shaking up and breaking out or even redefining. Eventually, women can only take this step together with men, who also urgently need to work on their role models, their attitude towards women and a new social self-image. Only then can the shrinking of South Korean society be stopped - a shrinking that, in my eyes, is an expression of a massive imbalance between innovative, turbo-capitalist high-speed in the global fast lane on the one hand, and an ignorant, sexist conservatism on the other, which acts like a lead foot screwed onto the brakes. Nevertheless, growing forces are apparently pushing for an urgently needed, integral, truly progressive transformation of existing values.

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Epos, drama & national frustration with impact – about the birthing era of Korean nationalism

"Bridal Mask" is a South Korean variety of Zorro - in this case hiding behind a historical Hahoetal ceremonial mask used in Korean tradition for satirical theater and shamanistic rites. The avenger of Japanese oppression hides behind the classic mask 'Gaksital', which symbolizes an innocent bride.

This brings us to the central theme around which the dramaturgical web was spun: Korea's time under Japanese protectorate (1905-1910) and the annexation as a Japanese colony that followed a few years later (1910-1945). In this context, this KDrama has a lot to do with national self-image of the Korean people, which is still formative today. (If you are interested: See Side Note below.)

Accordingly, "Bridal Mask" was very successful as a KDrama and was extended by 4 episodes due to its success.

"Bridal Mask" is about the desperate attempt of the oppressed population to counteract the notorious oppression of the Japanese tormentors. As the story progresses, the rather inexcusably conformist anti-hero becomes the avenger of the downtrodden, whereas the once benevolent, noble, antirassist teacher becomes the unscrupulous avenging angel. The daughter of a Korean resistance fighter provides explosive fuel, turning best friends into bitter opponents and rivals for the heart of their beloved. Everything becomes dramatic in the highest degree - the romance, the bromance, as well as the resistance struggle against brutal oppressors, with or without bridal mask.

'Gaksital' squeaks into the most diverse excesses of Japanese tyranny, above all: torture as a common method of interrogation. The hero also thwarts the insidious with false promises recruited young women as sex slaves or comfort women for the Japanese soldiers. Finally, by his activities his compatriots are also encouraged to engage in civil disobedience.

The tyrannical, ruthless attacks of the colonial masters are historically documented. Active resistance from the population as well. However, the actual plot of the KDrama is completely fictitious: A Zorro-like swordsman behind a traditional bridal mask is not known. Also, at the time of the Japanese invasion, Joseon was already severely weakened politically. In this case, the assassination of the head of state is poetic liberty. (At the time of the emperor´s actual death in 1919, the country had already been a colony for 4 years.) Finally, the secret organization of the ´Kishokai´ and their vision for a greater Japanese empire are fictitious. This Kishokai did not exist. However, there is a kernel of truth in it, because ultra-nationalist secret societies, especially those associated with Japanese military, apparently existed actually.

Overall, the K-Drama brings a black chapter of painful Korean history with epic impact and highly dramatic emotional entanglements back to life. Eventually, the memory is perhaps still so painful, because it wasn't all that long ago. To date, there has been no reparation, remorse, or at least acknowledgment from the Japanese side for the suffering inflicted.

Japanese colonial rule is inseparably interwoven with the very special Korean national pride, because this period marks the birth of Korean nationalism in the first place. And the KDrama builds on that. "Bridal Mask" in that sense is first and foremost a highly Korean production for a Korean audience. (Nevertheless it is obviously gripping for an audience with other national backgrounds, too.)

By the way, it may also be no coincidence that the series aired on TV in 2012, when the Korean government first formally asked Japanese Emperor Akihito for an apology...



----------------- SIDENOTE: --- Romantic Korean nationalism ---

Whether Goryeo or Joseon, since the tribes of the peninsula were united under one ruling dynasty, the people lived largely introverted and rather isolated from the rest of the world until the late 19th century. Here and there the borders have always had to be defended against invaders or retaken, but the people on the peninsula had nevertheless remained adamant and had not actually actively mixed with others. Today, there is often talk of 'pure ethnic blood', which provides the breeding ground for a more romantically (vs. civic) tinged national identity: A Korean usually feels descended directly from the original ancestors. Consequently, a Korean will typically identify first with his/her ethnic roots and only then, at some point, as a citizen of the Republic of Korea.

This very special national identity was directly born out of the developments associated with the opening of the country and an increasing international presence at the end of the 19th century. On the one hand there was hope for flourishing trade and technical innovation, on the other hand suddenly the USA, along with China, Japan and Russia, also wanted a piece of the pie and - more or less aggressively and consistently - took advantage of the opportunity and sometimes also inexperienced naivety of Joseon. As a result, resistance formed and the nationalist struggle for independence was born. It was necessary to use all conceivable means to preserve the nation´s autonomy and to protect the heart of Korean culture from invasions and encroachments by foreign nations. Particularly, resistance was directed against Japan's ruthless interventions in robbing the Korean people of their language, their own names, their religion and their dignity. Japan's declared goal was to discriminate against the Korean people and to assimilate them by any means (... and Japan wasn´t even squeamish with its own civilian population, being known for its brutality...).

At that time, Japan had deployed an omnipresent, almost overwhelming military and police presence that can hardly be compared with European imperialism as we (i.e. Europeans, as I am) know it. Hardly a day went by when the invaders did not have direct, mostly deliberately humiliating contact with the civilian population. So 4 traumatic decades can become a very long time...

This national frustration, pain and anger is still formative in the collective emotional memory. With "Bridal Mask",this receives a contemporary emotional safety valve in KDrama guise.
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It may seem like I gave this one a low review number but the fact is I really enjoyed this show. I started to watch it because the story sounded interesting. Than I recognized the main guy from the ever so popular part of Jeremy(YaB). So I watched it.



It wasn't extremely well done or flashy or a "you must watch this" kind of film. In fact I was hesitant because someone had suggested it looked like the young guy falls for older woman scenario. But that wasn't it at all.



It was simple, sweet, and about a woman trying to live the principles she was struggling to teach her daughter. In fact from the the male character's point of view I would describe this film as 'appreciate your mother because you don't know how long your going to have her' or as a 'your lucky to have a mother - if your not going to appreciate her than I'll take her'.



I loved how the story unfolded. I truly could feel him slowly growing attached to her - as a son, with every moment she spent with his family. You could feel how much he needed her influence in his life and than suddenly you saw him have an influence on hers. "Break down the door," he said and I cheered (because I completely agreed with him).



It is an all around a good story. Easy to watch. Easy to enjoy. And something I will watch again when I am in the mood for something slow pace.



Hope that helps.

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Well come to the Bom~

An absolute gem. One that flew under everyone's radar, and it would have flown under mine as well if it wasn't recommended to me by another Avengers Social Club fan.

Spring Turns to Spring is a very lighthearted comedy revolving around body swapping of two women and all the hilarity that ensues. The plot never takes itself too seriously, while also tackling issues such as corruption, infidelity, misogyny in a comedic fashion. We're also given an abundance of hilarious revenge schemes, quirky office humor and interactions, endearing sismance and mother-daughter bonding, and more. If you've seen Avengers Social Club and enjoyed it, I can almost guarantee you'll enjoy this drama as well.

The cast and acting were amazing, especially our two leads, Lee Yoo Ri and Uhm Ji Won.
What I never saw in this drama were the actresses Lee Yoo Ri and Uhm Ji Won--only the characters Kim Bomi and Lee Bom. The way both actresses portrayed characters was so breathtakingly convincing, I couldn't help but think to myself every episode as they changed personalities, "wow, these two are incredible at acting!" You could instantly recognize the change in character by the shift in facial expressions, voice, and body mannerisms. How each character was portrayed so seemingly accurate and similar by two different actresses was stunning, especially when you consider how contrasting Bomi and Bom's personalities were.

The rest of the cast were no slouch either.
Lee Jong Hyuk's interactions with Lee Yoo Ri were godsend regardless of which character she was currently in. Choi Byung Mo never fails to perfect the role of a world class douche of a husband and human. The Bom brothers by Kim Nam Hee and Ahn Se Ha were golden. I have to admit the broken English by Bom Il was disconcerting at first, but eventually grew on me as a comedy factor. Heck, even the foreign actors were a joy to watch, as the scenes were always pretty self aware that they were mostly to serve as comedy.

The OST was fitting and catchy; the songs never felt unnatural to their respective scenes. I also eventually found myself singing along to the intro of every episode with its "Yeh, yeh, yeh, yeh~". The main theme "Well come to the Bom" slowly grew on me throughout the show with it's upbeat, catchy tune and how it was always inserted at the perfect moments--I could always expect a welcome shift in mood whenever the song played.

Just an overall very feel good drama. A great watch if you're feeling a bit down, looking for nonsense comedy, or just want to turn your brain off and enjoy a K-drama.

And so, as Winter turns to Spring, I encourage those who haven't seen Spring Turns to Spring to give this gem a chance; you won't regret it!

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It´s opaque and rather gloomy, venturing to juggle shadow rather than light

"The Road: The Tragedy of One" is based on a (Japanese) novella by Rintaro Norizuki with its spotlight on the higher end of high society. The KDrama "Mine" from the same production year, which is located in a comparable segment at the top of the social pyramid, chose rich bright colors and extravagantly shimmering robes amidst glitz and glamor as the backdrop for a study on decadence and greed. In contrast, the TV production "The Road: The Tragedy of One" makes no attempt whatsoever to immerse human abysses in a colorful light that is somehow aimable and pleasently digestibility. No. This KDrama has a rather gloomy side to it. It´s opaque. Outrageous.

You may vainly search for anything virtuous here. Let alone family values, especially when it comes to raising children. People mysteriously die. There is crime. Corruption. Affairs. Cowardice. Selfishness. There is (almost) nothing left of high moral standards. The series is heavy opera. Yet, excellently casted throughout. Everyone is doing their best. Still, whatsoever, it's not nice to look at. If the human ugliness is shown all too ruthlessly... who should one identify with? You have to delve far into your own abysses to sympathize and feel with the protagonists... (maybe one of the reasons, why the viewer ratings aren´t quite balanced to the true quality of the show...)

In any case, the KDrama is thrilling in its own pace and style. There are plenty of secrets throughout. You get Makjang, too ... obviously it can always get worse... (KDrama somehow always is great at drama!) It's opaque up to the end. The story takes its time to unravel the tangled threads. The screenplay is particularly atmospheric. Eventually, more of a trip into darkness. Literally (i.e. optically), too. I would call it an experiment in the latest KDrama Orbit, that dares to juggle shadow rather than light and ventures to tell a story without wholesome, easily digestible sweets.

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