Reviews

A recipe for yummy food and tasty mayhem

The path to a successful sageuk dramas can be fraught. It can swing from boring to farcical and every stop in between. This drama managed to land in the Goldilocks zone where being entertaining trumps historical accuracy . . most of the time.

I won't waste time with a detailed recap. Let's just say it is the usual enemy to lover trope plus a big dose of time slip fantasy. The fact that the FL is a quintessential modern woman and the ML is the Jeonha gave half the plot away.

Where the writer-nim did well is to shake up our preconception of their power dynamics right from their meet-cute.

The FL certainly doesn't play by Joseon rules. This sets the tone for much of their early interactions. Of course, the FL has to play nice once she work out who are the apex predators. Yet she is one of the chosen few who can speak their minds to the King without fear or favour.

The writer-nim also hit paydirt with the k-dramas trifecta. Romance, food porn and sageuk makjang.

In terms of romance, the chemistry of our leads is strong. It starts slow but we are left with no doubt they'd die for each other as the show progresses. The palace is hardly a fertile ground for skinship, but there are cute and swoon-y moments. Our ML definitely gave it a good go. Woof!

Next we have the food porn. It is every bit as fanciful as you'd expect. It is an amalgam of French, Korean and Chinese cuisines. I'd consider it a win if they tastes half as good as they look. It is definitely a big step up from shows like Mr Queen.

Is the culinary competition between nations legit? I'll leave that debate to historians. Oh, that reminds me. The actors playing the Ming delegates are all Korean. They are good actors and they would have received Mandarin language coaching. Even to my untrained ears, they don't always sound right. I don't understand why they didn't hire some veteran Chinese actors for the roles. Two of them did speak some Korean as part of the plot, but it would be more convincing to have Chinese actors try to speak Korean rather the other way around.

Finally, we have a full-on makjang bloodbath. As with the loveline, this is a slow burner. The usual palace intrigue, power games and evil eyes from the harem once our OTP's romance blossoms.

There is nothing to hint at what is to come. Forget about tying loose ends with pink bows. This is problem solving with extreme prejudice. It was all over in minutes, discounting any time to count the bodies.

Unfortunately, this brings about the one serious deficit of this drama. It is quite understandable that the FL will return to the present. Everything is geared towards that. It closes the time loop after a herd of temporal elephants have rampaged through it. The butterflies don't stand a chance! ;)

What is less "satisfactory" is the appearance of the ML in the present. Obviously, this is necessary for a HEA ending so I can't complain. However, the how, when and why is largely brushed aside by the show. It is such a significant development yet we are simply told not to worry about it. Are they planning a bonus EP?

This is particularly frustrating as the series is based on a popular web novel so the ending is well known. There are plenty of posts and videos online purporting to be the "definitive ending explained". They all seem convincing, but bear little resemblance to the actual finale. It left the sudden appearance of the ML feels contrived and unsettling.

Regardless, the ML carried the show with able assistance from the FL. This is an unexpected blessing as he was a last minute replacement for another actor who got into a spot of bother with public opinion. Combined with lush food porn and above average production value, this drama is hitting above its weight.

Fundamentally, it is a romantic fantasy loosely based on a troubling time in the 1500's. The steamrolling of some horrible events might not sit well with some. The sweet romance is the grease for the squeaky wheel. Is it believable? I wish it is, but it can feel quite contrived at times when the FL have epiphany after epiphany. While the King watched indulgently from the sideline. This brings about the awkward question of whether the show's portrayal of King Yi Heon is totally fanciful or not.

In the end, the show might not be good history, but it is good entertainment. The Korean ratings will be telling whether the locals concur.

When is fiction better than fact? Peace.

Read More

Refreshingly Sweet

I love watching cooking shows and a drama that features a female michelin star chef coupled with romance suited my taste. I have not really been a fan of Yoona. I find her acting average, however, in this drama she did a fantastic job with her character. As Ji Young, she was strong, opinionated, saucy, brave and loveable.

I'm glad that Lee Chae Min was a last minute replacement. In spite of the 10 year age gap with Yoona, their partnership worked. Their strong chemistry lit up this drama and gave the viewers a fairy tale romance where the heroine saved the king from the turmoil surrounding his reign. She impressed the king and the court with her culinary expertise introducing cuisine that were unheard of. So much so, that the king decided to write down the recipes she made in a journal. The story surrounding the king's journal was the main plot and I thought it was very entertaining.

The only damper is the 9th and 10th episodes. The cooking competition between the Chef's team vs the Mings was kinda boring. Instead, I would have wanted that that the remaining episodes included how Yi Hoon was able to break the time barrier to be with Ji Young, what happened to the young king. The ending was disappointingly rushed. Still, I would rewatch this drama just to see Ji Young bicker with Yi Hoon, his reaction to the dishes she served him and their love for each other growing with each delicious bite.

Read More

A Wonderful Short Drama

I was just browsing around when the cover caught my eye. I realized it was Cheng Lei, so I started watching it. I noticed how short the episodes were. I’m not a fan of dramas with short episodes but if I like the storyline and the actors, then I’ll probably give it a chance. So glad I found this drama. It’s short but I love the story so much. It tells the story of Shi Qi who was caught by Shen Qi, the prime minister’s daughter, and face swapped with her in order to be with her lover, Prince Ning. The real Shen Qi was about to marry the general Xiao Hansheng. After they face swapped, Xiao married her. But after a few episodes, she accidentally spills words that Shi Qi would tell the general when she saved him 3 years ago. I love General Xiao. He’s very funny and sweet. He started to doubt her identity. She couldn’t say much about it to him, so he started investigating. His Military advisor asked him what he was going to do if he finds out that she’s a fake. He said it didn’t matter because she’s his real wife, so it’s fine. Aaawww. Lots of passionate kissing here. Hoo boy. It beats a lot of dramas out there, in my opinion. Chinese dramas have come a long way. The general is so funny. He loves looking at all her paintings. That ending, though. How tragic. Imagine being stuck with a face that’s not even yours and your sister who has done the sorcery took her own life. That other girl who was kept captive that she thought who was her sister was actually the real Shen Qin. That twist was crazy. Very heartbreaking. This drama was definitely one of my favorite short dramas. Great job with the writers and director with this one. I know short dramas can be very challenging to cramp everything with such limited time, but they delivered it well.

Read More

My Sweet Mobster is a romantic comedy that plays with the “bad boy” cliché to deliver a surprisingly sweet and heartwarming story with lovable characters. The premise is simple but charming: can a former mafia leader find love and redemption with an innocent children’s content creator?

Uhm Tae Goo is the crown jewel. His character, Ji Hwan, is a “mobster” who is pure, clumsy, and extremely respectful in love. The comedy comes from his tough-guy appearance melting for a girl, a contrast that makes his character both hilarious and deeply adorable.

The supporting cast, made up of ex-convicts who work and live with Ji Hwan, is the comedic heart of the show. Their loyalty, over-the-top reactions to romantic events, and brotherly dynamics are touching and provide some of the funniest moments.

The drama also lightly addresses social prejudice against ex-convicts, showing that change is possible with willingness and support.

My Sweet Mobster is the perfect K-drama if you’re looking for a light, fun romantic comedy that will make you smile. Don’t expect a masterpiece of writing or an intense crime drama; instead, enjoy a simple story about a man who looks like a villain but acts like a teddy bear, fighting for redemption and love. It’s ideal for lifting your spirits after a series of heavy dramas.

Read More

A Recipe for Delight

While I was in the middle of watching Shadow Love, my husband kept telling me to watch this drama and I never once looked at the cover. I kept skipping it because I wasn’t much into the female disguised as a man trope. Like, she’s so pretty, how can you not see that she’s a woman?? I can’t. But anyway, as I was near the last episodes of Shadow Love, I went ahead and looked at the synopsis of LOTFG. I was surprised that the main male lead was Cheng Lei from Shadow Love. So, I was like, okay, I’m in. I got really excited because Cheng Lei did an awesome job in My Journey to You and Shadow Love, and characters who are generals are up my alley. I know there would be so much action involved. When Xiao Jue and He Yan went to visit He RuFei, he blamed He Yan bc she was the one that stole his identity and earned glory and now he has ended up in prison. Boy, no. YOU are the reason you’re in this predicament now. You deserved what happened to you. Xiao Jue reminded He Rufei that He Yan earned her glory by enlisting twice and it was due to relentless training. He didn’t do sh-t. Anyway, the actor Bai Shu delivered a great performance as the real He Rufei. I’ve only seen him play as a good, funny supporting character in past dramas. But here? He was despicable. The way he schemed around with the prime minister. When Chu Zhao paid a visit to his master in prison, Xu Jingfu guilt tripped him saying he wholeheartedly guided him and then he gets betrayed in the end. The most heartbreaking thing is when Chu Zhao planted seeds of doubt in the emperor’s mind. Poor Xiao Jue had no choice but to deliver the marriage decree to He Yan. He couldn’t abandon the Xiao Army which was his father’s life’s work. I love how He Yan told the emperor that if she can’t marry the man she loves, then she’d rather be alone. Xiao Jue said the same thing. I’m glad the emperor let her have her choice just like what Xiao Jue asked him to do. Stupid emperor asked himself if he was mistaken. Yes, fool, you’re a stupid incompetent ruler. I swear, I had so much respect for Chu Zhao, right until he meddled with He Yan and Xiao Jue’s marriage. All respect flew right out the window. Chu Zhao is a ticking time bomb. He Yan was right. He was definitely becoming another Xu Jingfu, and he doesn’t realize that. Epic fight side to side against the Wutuo army! Chu Zhao got dismissed from his position and got exiled to the borderlands and is unable to return. Sucks for him. Oh well. I’m so happy our couple got an imperial edict that they can finally marry! Yay a Happy ending. *sniff* I really thought that the emperor was going to be the one of the villains, thankfully he realized the two love birds are inseparable. I highly recommend this drama. Never got bored with it. ML and FL were just so cute together. No toxic ML or FL leads. Great cinematography. Wonderful heart tugging music. Suspenseful and exciting fight scenes. Those were my favorites. Especially when they fought side to side. They were amazing! Not only that, the kisses were oh so *chef’s kiss* ooh-lala. Perfect. No dead fish kisses here.

Read More

Mantis is a spin-off set in the same hired-assassin universe as the successful 2023 film Kill Boksoon. This time, the story focuses on Han-ul (Im Si-wan), an elite assassin who returns to the business under the alias “Mantis” after retirement. His comeback takes place during a time of chaos and anarchy in the hitman world, triggered by the downfall of the corporation that once ruled it.

The film unfolds as a thrilling power struggle where three assassins, each with their own skills and ambitions, compete for the title of number one. Alliances are fragile, betrayals are constant, and the old rules no longer apply, plunging the audience into a violent, dark world.

The movie delivers intense, well-choreographed action sequences, a hallmark of South Korean thrillers. Park Gyu-young’s performance as the ambitious Jae-yi stands out for its strength and complexity, offering a more compelling character arc. The premise of a war between assassin factions fighting for control of the market is an intriguing one.

However, the film suffers from pacing issues and a script that stalls while building toward the inevitable final showdown. The tone can also feel inconsistent, shifting between serious drama and forced humor. And while visually stylized, it never quite reaches the elegance or emotional impact of its predecessor.

In summary, Mantis is an entertaining action thriller that expands the Kill Boksoon universe with a story of intrigue and rivalry, even if it doesn’t achieve the same level of impact. It’s a recommended pick if you enjoy brutal action and stories about power struggles in the Korean underworld.

Read More

Queen Mantis and the Petulant Child

The story is about a woman serial killer called The Mantis who has been imprisoned for a while. Her son has grown up to be a cop. A new serial killer has emerged that seems to be imitating The Mantis so the police decide to collaborate with the original Mantis who demands her son be a part of the team.

The show starts off great and Go Hyun Jung is briliant as Jeong I Shin aka The Mantis. Her son however is terribly irritating. He refuses to take into account what triggered his mother and this makes him come across as emotionally stunted and petulant. The reason for this is somewhat explained later but his character became somewhat off-putting to me even though he was smart as a detective. It is almost like a holier than thou attitude which is irritating.

The pacing of the drama was amazing but for some reason they really slowed down the story by episode 6. The ofher detectives think more than the case, it is important to investigate the ML who is also their team leader. That too when lives are on the line. They waste time is episode 7 as well. As if they were just trying to stretch the time. It makes the detectives extremely incompetent. The female detective has a useless backstory. TBH not only her character but also her acting was average or below average. A lot of this team's existence made no difference since the main minds working the case were The Mantis and her son. They just existed for manpower.

There was one other male character that made the show really entertaining but was discarded and it was quite disappointing for me, Talk about an unceremonious exit.

Episode 8 was decent but lack the impact a proper finale should have. It felt sluggish and devoid of energy that a proper thrilller should have. They also leave open the possibility of a second season. I hope they work on improving the team if we are going to see the same characters again in future.

They literally went from a 9 to a 7.5 in trying to stretch a show unnecessarily. The drama can still be considered entertaining for the most part. Additional point in case anyone is interested, the show has no romance.

Read More

Amazing show. Last episode felt rushed.

This show is really great. The entire build up is awesome, masterfully weaving together a tapestry of romance, political intrigue, and of course, the undeniable magic of food. From the very first episode, the series establishes a delightful rhythm, balancing the protagonist's modern culinary prowess with the archaic complexities of the royal court. The character development, particularly for the main couple, is a slow-burn treat. We get to see them grow from adversaries bound by circumstance to partners who genuinely respect and challenge one another, with the kitchen and the dinner table often serving as their battlefield and common ground.

I loved how in the ending for the protagonists matters seemed hopeless. The stakes were genuinely high, with seemingly insurmountable obstacles threatening to tear everything they had built apart. This crescendo of conflict promised a deeply satisfying and hard-won resolution, making the audience invest fully in their final triumph. However, the last episode felt rushed or compacted within one hour of story telling. It was as if the writers, after taking such care to build a intricate house of cards, had to blow it all down with a single, hurried breath. Key emotional moments that should have landed with significant weight—such as the final confrontation with the main antagonist or the restoration of trust among allies—were glossed over in a matter of minutes. Character arcs that had been developing for episodes were resolved with almost abrupt simplicity, leaving little room for the audience to savor the victory.

The last episode should have been split into two episodes to properly release the pent-up tensions and allow the audience to be satisfied with the storytelling outcomes. This is particularly evident in the handling of the main antagonist. After being such a pervasive and thorny presence throughout the series, their demise was dispatched with an almost jarring swiftness. We were robbed of the poetic justice and the slow, crumbling defeat that a villain of their caliber deserved. Instead of a richly simmered conclusion, it felt like a ingredient hastily tossed into the pot at the last minute. An additional hour could have provided the necessary space to flesh out the logistical resolutions, but more importantly, it would have allowed for crucial character-centric scenes. Imagine an extended sequence of the kingdom rebuilding, or a more profound, quiet moment between the leads where they truly process their journey and solidify their future. These are the scenes that transform a good ending into a great, memorable one.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the show. The charm, the humor, and the sheer visual feast of the culinary creations are undeniable highlights that stayed consistently excellent throughout the entire run. I would have given it a 10/10 but like I said that last episode was rushed and I wasn’t satisfied with speed of what we were all expecting to happen. So I give this show an 8/10. It’s perfect and I love it, a delightful confection that is merely missing one final, satisfying bite. If you’re a foodie person, with a sense of humor, and knowing genres like this are silly and aren’t rooted in realism then you’re going to love this show. Just be prepared for a finale that feels more like a speedy food delivery than a leisurely, multi-course royal banquet.

Read More

Certainly creative but at times, frustrating.

Exit 8 does some well and truly clever things in the sound design. Yes, enough so to be the first line of my review. The opening section is all done so cleverly in an immersive way, which is also the strongest section of the film in my opinion. Additionally, the choice for Ravel’s Bolero to be the main theme of the film is a witty one - a piece that is lengthy with lots of repetition of the main theme on different instruments, much like Exit 8’s hallway. The piece and the film have the same major issue for me - an excessive use of variations on a theme. While engaging, I feel the film could have done a little more with the fear factor.

Luckily, the film does bring some variation, and in doing so it explores some existential themes, while sticking to the core premise and exploring it a bit further.

The strengths of the film:
- Immersive sound design. (Brilliant use of surround sound!)
- Visually crisp and clean.
- Strong acting performances.
- Underlying human themes.

The weaknesses of the film:
- A sense of monotony begins to creep in throughout.
- Some painfully unrealistic character reactions. (Where I became frustrated at times.)
- Variations could have maintained better momentum.

Definitely a good film, and I’d go as far as to say clever, but I wouldn’t say brilliant. Worth a watch if you’re interested, a fan of the game, or if you’d like something different from the usual. Best experienced in cinemas or with surround sound. Also an easy watch without subtitles even if you only understand some very basic Japanese, as this film has little dialogue, of which most is mercifully simple.

Read More

Gotta Love That Ghost

It's so short you can watch all in 20 min, tops. The acting is bad bad not just bad but not the worst ever. The script is so bad you don't where it's gonna take you because random things just occur. Random even for a ghost story.

The guy is sleeping and the ghost decides to sexually take advantage of him. What started as assault soon turned into happy moment for both. The guy wakes up and fully complies. No resistance. No questions. Just total compliance. More like, "So we're doing this now, ok." When they meet again, he asks if this will be a nightly ritual. Fun times. I should have prefaced this by saying, the new tenant told the ghost on meeting him that he's not afraid of ghosts. Still.

The ending I think made up for everything else. It was nice. Finally, it felt like some sort of decent acting was happening and the slightly expected twist was the best part. I will say that they do look comfortable together. The interraction playful and warm, as friends would be.

Would I recommend to watch, it's midling to okay. It's 20ish minutes. Do it during your lunch break. 😁

Read More

Cooked !!!

It's time to say goodbye to beautiful drama which I'm longing for !! A perfect time travel, fantasy, chemistry really cooked well and I come to know korean cuisine by this drama , I really loved all the dishes but unable to taste.Sad!!
I know !! I knew by someday ML( from see you in 19th life )will get recognised by his acting my eyes filled with tears when he cries, when he screams in final episodes ,a perfectly balanced 12 episodes I don't wanna reveal spoilers,but I recommend every drama lovers to watch this.kudos to the writer,and yes HAPPY ENDING.
Happy watching

Read More

GREAT MODERN/TRADI KDRAMA !

On my list from the start because I really like Lee Chae Min in everything he does, and Yoona, I like her more and more; her acting is improving, and the emotions are there. Not being a big fan of cooking dramas, even though I've seen a ton of them, I was thrilled to launch a story that blends modernity in 2025 with the old times through time travel.

The first episodes won me over! Whether it was Lee Chae Min, with her undeniable charisma as King Joseon, or Yoona, radiant, on point in her emotions and performances, not to mention the dose of humor that made the whole thing sparkle with kindness. Kang Hanna's acting didn't really touch me; the writing for her character was relatively cold, so she left me neither hot nor cold.

The dishes were visually exquisite, and the arrangement of each dish was mouthwatering! It was beautiful, colorful, and appetizing. Although the culinary complexity was too much for my taste, to the detriment of the romance, I still loved seeing the King stuff himself, haha.

Exactly, let's talk about the romance!

I found it sublime. There was good chemistry between the two, but in a "sweet" and "caring" way, like two people who have been together for a very long time. Like a habit. However, I didn't feel any passionate or sensual chemistry, which was 200% due to the age difference, for sure. However, that didn't stop me from loving them immensely together and also laughing at the old-couple snark they would make at each other.

Overall, I loved BON APPÉTIT YOUR MAJESTY because it's a story that exudes positive vibes. Despite the corruption and internal conflicts, I didn't feel the war politics were very present. It's still a rom-com, so nothing to give you a headache. I thank the entire cast for their nuanced and remarkable performances. I loved the music and can't wait to get the soundtrack album.

I would add a small criticism at the end for the unanswered questions regarding Monsieur's arrival. Indeed, in 2025, there are things that can't be magical without administrative oversight! In short, let's let magic exist anyway!

I obviously recommend BON APPÉTIT YOUR MAJESTY! This year's favorite for me.

Read More