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Barsatein - Mausam Pyaar Ka (2023)
STOP AIRING THIS SHOW
For the love of God, please stop airing this show. It is an abysmal show of story writing and screenplay. The leads are as annoying as each other. The FL has an annoying screechy voice and if you are able to bear with that, you have the poorly written character who is dumb as a doorknob. No woman these days is as dumb or naive despite being educated. The ML is played by an actor who seems to be dragging his feet. All in all there is no growth or going forward in this show. Immature writing paired with skewed biased screenplay. Whilst other tv shows on the same channel and others show how progressive and modernised woman are, this show takes back the idea of femininity back centuries.
Hwarang (2016)
Re-telling of History with a Dramatic Interlude
First things first, I decided to watch this show only for Taehyung from BTS. Eventually loved Park Seo-joon too! This show is a whimsy re-telling of a part of history long lost in the depth of literature. At first when the show began it felt like the historic premise set the show for what was to follow dramatically. However, i felt that it lost its way in somewhere when too many characters were introduced with their own unique story lines. Towards the end, it felt like a rush job as the show picked up pace and ended on a not too high a note but a decent note. All in all, the camaraderie between the male characters were well etched but it fell short at times. I cannot even say it was my expectation that wasn't met, but it was the way the story flowed that felt staccato at times. Overall, a show I would recommend for an easy watch and as a palate cleanser. The actors though, did a great job who were unfortunately not allowed to bloom due to an average story line and or screenplay.
Sangsogjadeul (2013)
Decent High School Romance
A show where the ML played by Lee Min ho embodies the ultimate characteristics a girl looks for in a man. He is handsome, cute, truthful, gutsy and chivalrous. Needless to say, very easy for any girl to fall in love with his character instantly. That is exactly what happens. Then comes the story line that takes this simple premise to a very familiar territory and how the couple overcomes that is the whole essence of the show. There are second leads both male and female who play their supporting/negative characters very well. All in all it is a show worth watching, perhaps to cleanse your palate if you looking for something to watch in between watching shows of a certain genre. That was how I watched this show and it was lovely. Watching this show may just make you fall in love with Lee Min Ho.
Kkotboda namja (2009)
A Classic That Could Be Given a Miss
This show was released in 2009, and watching it in 2022, transported me back to an era of original Korean dramas. The loud clothes, hairstyles, and almost stoic acting, paired with staccato editing and background music, were all something I had to get used to watching as I began watching this show. Once I got used to it, I found the story dated, but I can imagine the show's appeal back then. Far too many unnecessary twists and silly tropes made it difficult for me to continue. There were plenty of "holiday" trips and adventure sports scenes, which seemed unnecessary. I watched it because I was told it is a classic, and I can see why. But with most shows around that time, the plotlines could be challenging to enjoy now because we are more informed these days.
Having said that, though, some scenes were endearing. By the end, I found the F4 group cute. I enjoyed watching Koo Hye-sun's acting, which started as annoying but eventually changed as the show and plot progressed. Kim Hyun-joong gave a very sombre, almost stoic performance, but his character was endearing. Kim Bum and Kim Joon were cute. Lee Min-ho, the main lead, portrayed his character well and executed his character arc decently, which eventually left me with mixed feelings since I preferred the storyline with the second lead. My takeaway was that it would make you realise how far Korean dramas have come! Overall, I recommend watching the show if you are looking for a cute story and a classic.
Hwan Hon (2022)
A Fantastical Otherworldly Show
An epic show with romance, fantasy, action and a beautiful storyline. Right from the first episode, compelling characters portrayed by talented actors immerse you into a fantasy world. You will be transported to a world in a made-up era where magic, sorcery and power are real. The cinematography and the artistic visuals are so beautifully executed that it is almost poetic at times. The most remarkable portrayal was of Lee Jae-wook, who does excellent justice to his character Jang Uk. He can easily show hurt, anger, tryst with his fate, care, kindness, romance, and so much more with such ease that you have no choice but to like the character. The supporting characters play their part very earnestly. The story is interwoven with dramatic interludes and backstories, inserted right when you think you are about to lose interest; a twist or a new part of the story is revealed that stops you from losing interest. This fantastical, otherworldly show is a must-watch for anyone looking to escape from the usual tv shows. It is not for everyone, but this is an excellent choice if you want a palate cleanser. Watch it; you won't regret it.
Gaet-na-eul cha-cha-cha (2021)
A Feel Good Show
Hometown Cha Cha is a wonderfully wholesome tv show set against the backdrop of a quaint seaside town. As with most seaside towns in tv shows and movies especially, this little town is as picturesque as its residents are proud, kind, generous, nosey and giving. It is a romantic story, but it takes you on a journey through everyone's storylines, making it that much better and heartfelt. Yoon Hye-jin's character seemed annoying at first before she gradually grew on you as well as the male protagonist, played by Kim Seon-ho, who was excellent in his role of a man with several talents. Overall the show leaves you feeling lovely in the end, wanting to move to the quaint town and meet all the characters and you will have a smile on your face as you watch the last episode.
Mismatched (2020)
Too clichéd
The show's premise stands on a rather weak foundation. The actors seem like they are on a holiday and happen to shoot some scenes from a storyline. The storyline is lacklustre and the show is rife with clichés. The main female protagonist played by Prajakta Koli has zero chemistry with her male lead played by Rohit Saraf. Her acting seems like 'as a matter of fact'. Her expressions are misplaced or lacking whilst her dialogue delivery seems ill-practiced. Taruk Raina plays his role well whilst Muskkaan Jaferi and Vihaan Samat give earnest performances, better than the leads. I believe it is the duty of the director to elevate an actor's performance, which he failed to do. The intro is very weakly made. All in all the 4 stars are for the nuanced effort in educating various societal norms and introducing new ones.
Jak-eun a-ssi-deul (2022)
A Refreshing Thriller!
A stellar edge-of-the-seat thriller with twists that make you gasp and sit up! The show has a dark theme yet enables viewers to admire the writing, cinematography, direction and music. Every episode was eventful, making the viewer increasingly curious about the premise. Kim Go-eun is a familiar face, at least for me, who is the thread that holds this story together, whilst Nam Ji-hyun plays her sister. The latter ends up being the dark horse that manages to bring the story together and is a significant part of revealing the storyline to the viewers. A noteworthy mention for Uhm Ji-won, who portrays her character with utmost sincerity and dedication, leaving you in awe of her performance. The unique storyline with a noir-esque vibe makes you reminisce about the old-school writing style. Watch it to be amazed at how the story unfolds. Please do not read any spoilers. I promise you it will be worth it!!
Vincenzo (2021)
Slick show about an anti-hero
Vincenzo should be added to the top of your watch list if you like slick thrillers with an anti-hero at the helm. If you ever felt that a movie should have been longer than the standard duration, this show fulfils that desire. The tv show is very well etched out, and despite being 20 episodes long, it does not disappoint, nor does it ever feel like the show is dragging at any given point.
Song Joong-ki was perfectly cast for this role, and he completely justifies his character in how he portrays the titular character. Song Joong-ki's fiendish-ly cute looks, charisma and the way he carries himself only make the show all the more incredible.
Jeon Yeo-been plays a feisty and tenacious lawyer with a childlike exuberance! Like all the show's characters, her character also has an arc that only adds to making her more endearing and, most importantly, a worthy comrade and partner alongside Vincenzo Cassano. She is integral in humanizing Vincenzo's character and justifying his methods and his means to an end.
Special mention: Ok Taec-yeon portrays his character with the utmost justification. Kim Yeo-jin plays the ruthless lawyer to a tee, making you hate and despise her. All the other supporting characters were compelling and integral to the storyline.
I cannot recommend it enough! The show is well-written and executed even better, with slick action and some emotionally charged scenes. Towards the end, you begin to root for the titular anti-hero character despite his despicable methods, which in my opinion, makes it a sign of a winning script, story, dialogues and phenomenal direction.
Him-ssen yeo-ja Do Bong-soon (2017)
This show packs a punch!
A show about a strong girl is a much-needed respite amidst the crowd of damsels in distress characters. Parts of the show, and especially some scenes, may make you feel like you are watching a graphic novel in action. There are ample comedy and fight scenes that will make you laugh out loud and gasp. Park Hyung-sik and Park Bo-young portrayed the romantic angle rather sweetly. Park Bo-young, as the titular character, so naturally that it feels like she is playing an extension of herself. Park Hyung-sik is beautiful on the eyes, and his character is that much more lovable too! Yoo In-soo gives a mature performance. This show gives romance, comedy, cuteness, action and thrill. Several scenes remain etched into your memory, and this show is nothing like I have watched before, and it definitely packs a punch (pun intended)! Watch this show to just, simply, feel good!
Jinsimi Dadda (2019)
Tickles the cockles of your heart
This show has romance and comedy and a scattered few fight sequences, all executed beautifully. Lee Dong-wook's and Yo In-na's characters felt like a derivation from their characters from Goblin, and since this is a fan service drama, it all tied in pretty well. The supporting actors were superb in their respective roles. Lee Dong-wook's character arc going from stoic to thoughtful, is sure to make you feel fuzzy. However, Yu In-na steals the show in this one. Her character of a lousy actress with an innocent and almost childlike demeanour will surely make you smile. All in all, this is an earnestly-made show that will tickle the cockles of your heart and truly touch your heart!
Byeol-e-seo on geu-dae (2013)
Other worldly type of love
This show was carried by Jun Ji-hyun from the beginning till the end. She is exuberant, flamboyant, but demure and mature where need be. A class performance. Kim Soo-hyun's restrained performance that was required for the character he portrays is executed to perfection. Watch this show if you like being kept on your toes with high anticipation for what might come next. I personally did feel that the subplots were not etched out enough for us to hold onto. But alas, it was romantic, funny, endearing and touching. Everyone gave a good performance. Watch it if you like the actors, and if you are in the mood to watch an other worldly type of romantic story.
The King: Youngwonui Gunjoo (2020)
Sci-fi romance
An intriguing show with a sci-fi element paired with the usual elements of an excellent Korean drama show. This show took a while to reel me in as a viewer, so I thought I should watch it in intervals. However, Kim Go-Eun's acting prowess was what kept me going. Glad I did because I got to see Lee Min-Ho for the first time. He has a fabulous screen presence, similar to Kim Go-Eun, so both created magic on the screen together. Watch this show for a surprising element that is dealt with creatively, which makes us hopeful for it to exist in reality. Overall, a good watch and my score of 7 was only because the story was not impactful enough to keep me glued, and the ending could divide the audience. Watch it for an exciting love story with a sci-fi element.
Gireumjin Mello (2018)
A damsel, chef and a gangster walk into a restaurant
Love. Love was the main ingredient in this beautiful dish of a tv show. The interwoven individual stories of the three main protagonists make you want the best for the characters. There is ample comedy, romance, thrill by the gangster, camaraderie, cuteness all around, naïveté and a lot of pure acting that makes you want to see how it ends. Since the show revolves around a restaurant, you will see beautiful dishes being made and served, which was a pleasant sight for me as an avid watcher of cooking shows. Overall it is a cute love story with unpredictable nuances and situations.
Gumihodyeon (2020)
Folklore but make it modern
With a premise based on folklore, interwoven with modern times, is sure to intrigue you.
Lee Dong-Wook immediately captivates your attention as soon as he appears on the screen. Jo Bo-ah is a revelation! Her screen presence, talent and her portrayal of her character is what keeps you glued to the tv show. Kim Bum portrays his role rather earnestly.
The story was intricately woven, the direction was commendable, the background music is so apt.
The show had some nods to Lee Dong-Wook's character in Guardian- The Lonely and the Great God, with a few other similarities. If you are fan of Guardian-The lonely and the Great God, then you will love this show as well.
I love a tv show especially when you get enticed and invested in the characters' trajectory. This show manages to do just that. A good watch.
Sseul-sseul-ha-go cha-ran-ha-sin-do-ggae-bi (2016)
Fell in love
Kim Go-eun portrayed her character of a naive yet sensible, childlike yet very mature and even though she had every reason to hate the world, her character was so well written that she made you see the world from her rose- tinted glasses of sorts and you'd have no qualms about it. Beautiful juxtaposition of a character I've seen in recent times. I literally fell in love with Gong Yoo's character which he plays so effortlessly as though an extension of his off-screen self. His character has poise, dignity, maturity and he acts with his eyes so effortlessly. He is able to express just with his eyes and take the scene to a whole new level. The other characters supported very well and were executed immaculately. The cinematography, the framing of scenes, the writing, the dialogues and the direction were phenomenal. This 16 episode TV show series takes us on a wonderfully pleasant journey through human emotions beautifully! Must Must Must watch!!!
Hotel Del Luna (2019)
Fantastic Fantasy Drama
Stumbled upon this wonderful gem of a tv show which takes you on a wonderful ride filled with mystery, fantasy, romance and other worldly. The actors were phenomenal and the story, screenplay and writing was enthralling to say the least. Connected with the characters so much that I did not want the show to end. The cinematography, every scene, every set up, every frame was breathtakingly beautiful. Must watch.