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Reviews
Jiltooui Hwashin (2016)
Very Entertaining!
I've watched this one a couple of times, and my favorite parts a few more times. The chemistry between the main leads is very entertaining and so funny. Before watching this, I already had the female lead Kong Hyo-Jin as a favorite, but after watching this I now have the male lead Jo Jung-suk as a favorite. Kudos on the script and obvious great directing! All the stories are well acted and fun to follow, something I don't often find in most dramas. The threesome theme runs through all the stories, and the struggle to end up with the perfect two is enjoyable to follow with lots of laughs along the way. I really recommend this one for a good time.
Ingansilgyeog (2021)
Poetic, Existential, though provoking...
Anyone familiar with Albert Camus' writings will understand the 10/10 rating. In both western and eastern dramas (films in particular), I've never seen a story narrated so poignantly with texts sent or erased, or with words we sometimes tell others or just think to ourselves, that are rooted in the most familiar question we all wonder-what is my worth in the world. The narrations reveal how difficult life can be when one is required to fit into uncomfortable forms set by societal traditions and norms, especially when the desire to truly and deeply love conflicts with the most basic need to be "normal" and to financially survive. This is especially thought provoking when the words narrate scenes of other people, in the two main characters' lives, dealing with a similar struggle between choosing fantasy over reality and sometimes questioning ones worth. The chemistry between the two leads (Jeon Do-yeon as Lee Bu-Jeong and Ryu Joon-yeol as Lee Kang-jae) is arrestingly beautiful in how they slowly reveal to the other their similar struggle while also moving irresistibly towards the other despite impossibly high societal walls that will likely keep them forever apart. This will be one drama I will revisit more than once, because I'm certain with each viewing there will be scenes that reveal something I missed before. It is a drama that anyone interested in other cultures will want to examine, especially in how strict social traditions often foster the unrealistic desire to escape unscathed. There's one line in the film the FL says and then later repeated by the ML that caused me to think most about the true nature of this drama, "Life without an illusion is closer to death." It really makes one wonder about all the "illusions" we create just to make life more bearable, but more importantly perhaps whether such illusions have any real value. (PS This drama is difficult to search/find and doesn't always show up under searching the title "Lost." As of Jan, 29 2024 I was able to view it on Amazon Prime after searching one of the lead actors' names, which will then bring up "Lost" as one of their dramas.)
Gwaenchanhah, Sarangiya (2014)
10/10 for script, directing, and especially acting!
This is an excellently written, directed, and acted drama that will strongly appeal to anyone who has dealt with mental illness or struggles caused by early childhood trauma. The beauty of this story is in how one heals by both accepting the damaged side caused by trauma and especially seeing that side of oneself compassionately and with love. The same goes for how we treat others who live with damage caused by extreme trauma. This is a healing story that is so well acted too. The Oscar, as we would say here in America, absolutely goes to Zo In-sung, who plays the author Lee Young-jin who develops schizophrenia as a result of trauma caused by an abusive stepfather and later his murder. Kudos also go to all the cast in this drama. This is the first drama I've watched where I felt so invested in and entertained by all the cast of characters and their stories. Bravo/Brava to all!
Naui Haebangilji (2022)
Too much ennui for me
The story lines of the siblings was too much of a slog to get through just to see what really is the best part of this drama: the main story of the developing relationship between Gu, a drifter, loner and the family's youngest daughter, Yeom Mi Jung . Both are looking to escape a life filled with "tedious people,"and controlling, invasive personalities-but they face obstacles when their growing attachment for each other conflicts with Gu's secret life, a life from which he is trying to at least take a break from if not break free from entirely. Their story takes too long to tell and one must endure the utterly boring and uninteresting lives of her siblings: an older sister and brother. So, for me, a lot of fast forwarding through storylines, once I felt it was established they were going to remain perpetually boring and difficult for me to appreciate. I give it a six anyway because there are scenes between Gu and Myeong that are worth rewatching and pondering. It's a shame these gems are hidden amidst so much drama that just doesn't fit the main theme, which is liberation from the very people we are required to spend way too much watching in this drama.
Misaeng (2014)
My New Favorite K-Drama!
The title is puzzling, but the drama itself is my favorite so far. The story features a young new hire at One International Corporation named Jang Gue-rae. The problem is he only has a GED and no corporate work experience, something that offends many around him because of the personal and economic sacrifices necessary to achieve the education and language skills to become an employee of this company. Despite this, he slowly gains recognition for his impeccable work ethic and ability to solve problems in a way that causes both positive and negative attention for his manager, Mr. Oh, and team members. Through Gue-rae's narrations, we learn early on that his talents stem from his childhood years spent playing Baduk ("Go" in China), a millennia-old, strategy board game. Family misfortunes had stopped Gue-rae from perusing the title of grand champion as a teen (being kind of the Bobby Fischer of the East) and from finishing high school-thus the GED. The beauty of this drama is in how some of Gue-rae's fellow employees gradually form a bond over their desire for the company to break precedent and offer Gue-rae a permanent position at the end of his two-year contract. The story eventually takes a surprising turn that makes the entire twenty episodes so, so, so worth viewing through to the end. Also, as one who enjoys learning about other cultures, it's interesting to see how a stratified society like the one in South Korea can facilitate corporate scapegoating and bullying more often than we might see in the corporate West (not that either or both does not happen here too!) I highly recommend this drama for anyone who wants to feel good about how strong bonds between good people can make all the difference in the world for those invested most in a commitment to doing what is right even when the cost seems too high. Excellent script writing and acting. There are a few scenes that will stay with me for a long time-especially Gue-rae's monologue at the end of episode 13 that should be titled "Be Drunk!" So poignant! (Caution: the phrase "be drunk" is clearly a translation choice that can seem misleading unless we consider the most desired state of mind sometimes achieved by drinking or by other means that transport us to a place of beauty, inner peace, or joy.)
D.P. (2021)
Brutal
This is the first Korean drama I've watched that tells a brutal truth in a way so moving that despite my aversion to violence and indescribable injustice, I had to watch it through to the end. If this story is even partly true, it must be told. The script and acting accompanied by the intensely moving music selections brilliantly tell a brutal story about Korean military DP soldiers assigned to hunt down and arrest deserters. In the process, the main two soldiers, played exquisitely by Jung Hae-in as Private Ahn Joon-ho and Han Hol-yul as Koo Kyo-hwan, discover that bullying has pushed many into so desperate a state of mind that they are blinded to the consequences of their need to escape. As a result, the DP turn their eyes on the bullying and risk everything to expose the truth despite the consequences to their own careers. The ending can leave you wanting another season that finally allows the good guys to win against such brutal injustice with a decisive blow. However, despite that, there is some comfort in knowing there are individuals who will sacrifice all they have just to be a voice for others who did lose their battle against brutal injustice disguised as the service of ones country.
Hilleo (2014)
Best Script, ensemble acting, and music I've experienced so far. Highly Recommend!
I'm fairly new to K dramas, and this one excels on so many levels. The script is flawless, and the ensemble of actors brilliantly unpack this crime-thriller/love story that centers around the Healer (Ji Chang-wook) and his cohort "Ahjumma" (Kang Min-ja)-an eccentric reclusive cyber tracker/hacker-who team up to perform undercover jobs for hire. The Healer is hired to follow the female lead Chae Young-shin-a news reporter for a small paper-played perfectly by Park Min-Young. The more he learns about Young-shin, the more he discovers not only the unsettling truth surrounding her troubled childhood but also a surprising connection to his own. The personal stories of most of the characters and the excellent acting make this drama engaging from beginning to end. I gave an additional star for soundtrack. Very entertaining, and the on-screen chemistry between Chang-wook and Min-young left me wanting to see the two team up again. Special kudos go to Min-ja's acting too. Wow!
King Deo Raendeu (2023)
A definite must see! Boo-hiss to the haters too!
This is one of the best Rom-Coms out there that features how difficult true love can be in a world where social status and inheritance is King, so to speak. The chemistry is wonderful between Gu Won (Lee Junho), the Chairman's son and manager of the King Hotel chain , and Cheong Sa-rang (Im Yoon-ah) the most valued employee of the King Hotel. Their love and dedication to friends and family makes this a true feel-good story. And... those screen kisses...Wow! I'm not usually one who enjoys comedy-romance dramas, but this one makes you believe in the transformative power of true love and great friendships. A definite must see for all friends and lovers out there.