The Package

I didn't have very high expectations for The Package - I knew fully well that it had been pre-produced almost entirely in France, but few details about the drama were revealed before it aired, and I didn't have a lot of interest in the cast. Boy, am I glad I watched it though.

OH MY GOD, Why is There a Season 2 of Good Morning Call?

So I go onto Netflix, not expecting anything new, and what do I find? Good Morning Call has a season two. GOOD MORNING CALL. *screams into a pillow* What the fuck did this show do to deserve a second season? I'm gonna rant for a while. It may be amusing, it may not. Feel free to read if you want to.

Go Back Couple

My favourite shows of the season were the weekend drama, The Package and Go Back Couple. Expect a review for each, but for now, I want to talk about the best time-travel drama of the year. It never used to be a particularly mainstream genre, yet nowadays we're seeing more and more - this is definitely the only show to do it right this year.

Midnight Runners (Movie Review)

I'm working my way through this season's crop of dramas, and I'm sure I'll do a few review afterwards, but for now here's another movie. I didn't actually see myself watching this film, but I was surprised how well it held up - not only was it an action blockbuster type film, but it was genuinely funny with winning performances by winning actors, and had a poignant side I didn't expect but happily welcomed. On to the review.

5 Comedic Sidekicks Who Need More Attention

Sometimes I think about how much potential certain actors have, but because of their age or face they're sidelined to the comic relief roles. Idols who can't act get lead roles all the time, so why are people with real talent always undermined? Here are a few actors who have at least tasted such a role, because I want more from them.

Age of Youth VS Season 2

I have so many feelings right now. Shortly after I'd finished watching bizarre slice-of-life thriller Age of Youth, a second season was announced, and I expected to kind of passively enjoy it, the way I did with the first season. But to my surprise, I got so invested this time around, that I committed to watching every single episode raw because I just couldn't wait a week for subs.

NOTE: Spoilers.

Vanishing Time (Movie Review)

I've been meaning to watch Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned for a very long time, but I put it off, since I expected it to be horribly tragic. And boy, was it. But it was also beautiful and deeply touching - I feel slightly cleansed. This is what fantasy is all about.

Top 5 Epic Love Stories

I love romance drama in any space and form, but undoubtedly the most powerful love stories are the ones with the highest stakes. Epic love stories are my absolute favourite, because life-or-death romances feel the most heart-wrenching. 

NOTE: There are plenty I could have included in this list, which I know for a fact are wonderful love stories. However, since I haven't seen them myself, I can't give a recommendation. Seven Day Queen and The Princess' Man are some well-rated epic love story sageuks. (Also, excuse any formatting errors - Blogger was toying with me today, and I got frustrated with trying to fix it.)

Miss Korea

Well, it took about four months, but I finally finished Miss Korea - I'm a little sad about it, because there was something warm and comforting about this strange little universe and all the strange little people in it. I don't want to let it go.

NOTE: Vague ending spoilers.

Madame Antoine: A Psychology Student's Thoughts

So I tried Madame Antoine out earlier this year, but gave up for a multitude of reasons. The female lead was supposedly perceptive, but actually a complete idiot. The male lead so desperately held on to his lie that I'm convinced he doesn't deserve love at all. I don't think I'm missing much by not finishing it - here's why it not only fails as a decent romance drama, but also why it fails as a drama focused on psychology.

Lingerie Girls Generation

Cute throwback drama Lingerie Girls Generation just ended, and I feel it deserves a review. Literally no-one expected anything from it, what with it being led by a cast of rookie actors and only being eight episodes long. However, I'm impressed with the actors, and I think the show did well with the lack of time it had.

Dropped: Reunited Worlds

I'm a little late with this, but Dropped is a new feature I've decided on, and Reunited Worlds seemed like a place to start. I was so excited for this show - it looked like Yeo Jin-gu was finally going to star in a decent-looking romance story, and the premise was intriguing. Boy comes back from the dead to see his best friend again? Count me in! But in the end, I just couldn't keep up with it.

Overprotected Kahoko: First Impressions

As you can tell, I'm starting more shows than I'm finishing right now, so here's another first impression for you. In short: I love it. I didn't think I would, but I realllly love it.

The Problem with Medical Dramas

I'm enjoying Hospital Ship; rather, it's a show where I can turn off my brain and just watch. But after this week's episodes, it's clear why the majority of the other people watching don't enjoy it, or medical dramas in general.

Chicago Typewriter

I think a review of fantasy-romance drama Chicago Typewriter is long over-due. Because of conflicting feelings (and being astounded beyond words by the ending), I wasn't sure how to write about it at first, but I think I have my words together now.

I Need Romance: First Impressions

The I Need Romance franchise is one dear to tvN. Many people find it a refreshingly sexy look at modern romance, and it's a beloved series amongst some in our weird little community. But I have to say... I hate it. The charm is supposedly that it's realistic, but the realism of this series is what I don't like.

Million Yen Women

Summer isn't over yet! Where did the time go?

Top 5 Realistic Korean Drama

The terms 'realistic' and 'drama' rarely go together. It's juxtaposition. But when you find a series that you can relate deeply to, it isn't something you want to let go of.

The Best Hit

The Best Hit certainly wasn't perfect, but it's one of my favourite shows of the year for sure. From the first mention of the show, as the next variety drama, I was interested, and later when the first teasers came out and I realised it was a time travel drama I was thrilled.

Tunnel

As much as I love Tunnel, it was so hard trying to tear myself away from Circle. I'm going to be feeling the residual effects of that show for months. Right, okay, it's time to get the Tunnel brain on. Use your tunnel vision.

NOTE: Minor spoilers. I tried to be vague.

Drowning Love (Movie Review)

If you don't want to read this review, I'll save you the trouble: I want my two hours back. In short, I didn't like this movie. Having read the original manga, I knew what to expect, and the adaptation is nothing if not faithful. The story could be considered good, but the execution and horrible characters made it frankly impossible to watch. Alas, I've already committed to this, so here we go.

NOTE: Spoilers.

Mini Reviews: 2017 Romance

When it comes to romance shows, sometimes there isn't much to talk about aside from chemistry and acting. Therefore, I'm dedicating this post to the drama I had very little to say about, or that I couldn't be bothered to write a full review for. Thus, here's a little insight into how romantic 2017 has been so far!

5 Times Go Kyung-pyo was Adorable

This poor puppy deserved a lead role far sooner than he got one. With Go Kyung-pyo starring in Strongest Deliveryman, I think it's about time I confess how much I love him. I love him a lot. So in celebration, here are some of Go Kyung-pyo's best supporting roles.

NOTE: The last paragraph is spoilery. You've been warned.

5 Webtoons Which Need a Drama Adaptation

Whilst you can read webtoons published by people from all over the world, Korean webtoons are what introduced me to this form of comic. With webtoons like Dr Frost, Orange Marmalade and Cheese in the Trap having already been adapted to drama, I figured I'd list some of the webtoon that would look really good on the small screen.

Circle

I've been putting thrillers on hold whilst waiting for exams to end, because my overworked brain couldn't handle anything more complicated than romantic-comedies. So what better way to make this summer fun than to take myself on a metaphorical feeling roller coaster! Let's go!

Dear Sister

I only picked up Dear Sister for the sake of watching everything Ishihara Satomi has starred in. Going into this drama, all I knew about it was that it about two sisters, polar opposites in personality, and that the younger sister had a secret. I didn't have massively high expectations, so I wasn't ready for all the delicious melodrama I was given! Dear Sister is completely underrated, and proof that Ishihara Satomi is an actress with the golden touch.

Radiant Office

Radiant Office was a nice surprise, since I went in with few expectations and now consider it one of the best drama of the year. That's effectively all I have to say - on with the review!

The Problem With Weekend Drama

This feature isn't going to be a regular thing, but I wanted to write about weekend drama today and how often they disappoint me, mostly because I tried to watch New Tales of Gisaeng and immediately liked the vibes I got from the opening and first few minutes of the first episode, only to discover it wasn't quite as unique as I'd hoped. For now, I'm not sure whether I want to continue, and here's why.

Mystery Queen

The procedural murder-mystery loving side of me had been craving something like this. Mystery Queen just ended, and so I'm desperately trying to get my thoughts down. This show was a breath of fresh air - this show managing to defy every stereotype, matching the grimy side of the story with bubbly comedy, and pulled out genuinely interesting cases every week. But that ending...

NOTE: Massive spoilers. Tread carefully. Also, try to ignore the formatting problems, I got sick of trying to fix them.

Kill Me Heal Me

I know I said I wasn't going to write for a while, but I figure I should at least finish this review before I forget all the things I have to say. I tried Kill Me Heal Me a while back, since it was a clear favourite from 2015, but I gave it up almost immediately since I couldn't sit through the first episode. I'm glad I came back to it, though, because Kill Me Heal Me - for the most part - has been a delight.

Kimi wa Petto VS Manga

This will be my last post for a while, since I don't have the luxury of setting time for writing aside with my exams coming up. With the remake of Kimi wa Petto airing right now (which I never intend to watch - like Toma Ikuta is the only Nakatsu, Matsumoto Jun is the only Momo), I thought maybe a post on Kimi wa Petto would be good. It was something I never expected to like as much as I did.

Bromance

After thoroughly enjoying Refresh Man, I decided to try another Taiwanese drama. The selection on Netflix is actually really good now, which is why I'm annoyed that only the cheapest or oldest Korean drama (and almost no Japanese drama) make the cut. Bromance was what I decided on - mostly for the title, but also because I can't ever resist a cross-dressing romance. I wasn't disappointed.

Top 6 Horribly Heartbreaking Second Leads

I thought it was about time I wrote this list - I'll update if I ever think of more, because frankly pitiful second leads is a subject I like to bury deep in the back of my head and never dwell on, so I've probably forgotten a few.

Zenkai Girl: First Impressions

First Impressions are honestly at the back of my mind. I prefer full reviews, but sometimes you reach the end of a drama having forgotten everything you felt right at the beginning, and I guess first impressions are useful in that sense. Despite Zenkai Girl being your typical romantic comedy starring actors I like, I wasn't interested in watching it up until now. Having watched the first two episodes, in short I can say that I wish I'd started this sooner.

Drinking Solo

I took the first weekend of my holidays as an excuse to binge Drinking Solo, a show I didn't watch when it was first airing because it didn't seem to match my taste. Boy, was I wrong. Drinking Solo, a spin-off of the Let's Eat series, is a fantastic drama. It's perfect if you want something low-key, realistic slice-of-life show.

Top 9 Friends-to-Lovers Romance Drama

Everybody loves love. If you don't, you're a grinch. It's been a long time since I last did a genre list, so here's a list of some of the most supportive romantic relationships the drama world has ever seen.

Three Colours of Fantasy

Three Colours of Fantasy is the title of a series of mini-drama aired on MBC and Naver. Written, produced, and directed by different teams; they are all completely unrelated to each other. So what connects them? They're all fantasy-romance. of course!

Rich Man Poor Woman

For those who think that a work-place drama is the most boring kind, this is for you. Rich Man Poor Woman isn't quite as faithful to the tropes as it sounds - it's a story of a bizarre man who has trouble remembering names and faces, as well as a woman with ridiculously particular memory, so particular that she becomes useful to him. But that's just a snippet of these two, and a snippet of this drama as a whole.

Expectations VS Reality: Introverted Boss

I'm breaking this review down into simple paragraphs, because I want to demonstrate how this show so ruthlessly destroyed all my expectations. I'm going to be honest, I can't even bring myself to finish Introverted Boss. The fact that this show had the potential to be so much greater than it is haunts me, frankly.

Can You Hear My Heart

A 'makjang' drama is a strange thing. Often long and slow-paced, a makjang needs something to keep interesting. That's obviously where birth secrets, revenge plots and ridiculously complicated relationships come in. But sometimes you'll find a makjang drama with a soft centre, fully-fleshed characters who you love because they love each other, and that's what will keep you hooked. Today I'm reviewing Can You Hear My Heart.

Pinocchio

With While You Were Sleeping on the horizon, I'm looking back over everything the writer Park Hye-ryun has under her name. So here's a review of Pinocchio. Fun fact, I would never have found my favourite drama of all time I Hear Your Voice if I hadn't seen a few episodes of Pinocchio and wondered what else Lee Jong-suk is in! Not fun? Okay.

For the Love of Horikita Maki

This list is going to be a little different to the lists of dramas by actor I've done so far. Horikita Maki is adorable, talented and charming... but she doesn't have the Midas touch. The projects she chooses aren't always amazing, and the characters she plays aren't always compelling. Regardless, she's an actress I like a lot and she deserves a list.

Chihayafuru (Movie Review)

There's been a trend recently of manga being adapted into live-action films - Orange, Ao Haru Ride, and Hirunaka no Ryuusei are some good examples. Whilst it doesn't always work (see, Erased, where they went off in their own direction and royally screwed up the ending), Chihayafuru is a fantastic example of a series I knew about but didn't enjoy to the fullest which was given new life through an adaptation.

Legend of the Blue Sea

Legend of the Blue Sea ended a while back, but I'm only finishing this show now since it's something I've been watching with my Mum (and watching without her means instant death). As soon as it was announced that the writer of rom-com hit You Who Came From the Stars and the director of City Hunter (which I haven't watched, but now need to) would be working together for a drama about mermaids, the hype was massive. Can a drama so widely anticipated, especially when it stars two of the hottest celebrities, ever live up to that kind of hype?

Queen In-hyun's Man VS Nine

Song Jae-jung is one of the best drama writers I know. The hit-maker of the decade is Kim Eun-sook, who most recently wrote Goblin but also popular shows like Secret Garden and Descended of the Sun - in a phrase, she creates popular epic romances. I personally love Park Hye-ryun, who wrote the fantasy-law drama I Hear Your Voice which is still incredibly precious to me today, as well as Pinocchio and Page Turner. Song Jae-jung's list of works is the shortest of these three. She most recently wrote W, but the best of her dramas are Queen In-hyun's Man and Nine. In fact, the reason I had such high expectations for W is because her previous works were flawless time-bending masterpieces.

What to Anticipate for 2017

The best part of the new year is a clean slate - I can leave all the disappointing shows of last year behind and look forward to all the new shows on the horizon. Here are a few I can't wait for!

Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim

I'm so sad Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim is over. Firstly, this was the first medical drama I haven't watched through my fingers - my fear of fake organs has been cured! But other than that, Romantic Doctor, despite the high stakes, felt like a very pleasant watch. Since the main characters in everything else are risking death (ahem, Legend of the Blue Sea), it felt nice for the main characters to be the ones preventing it for a change.

Mask

Mask was something I tried because I was a little curious about the premise - doppelgangers, dark plots, secret identities - but soon enough I was swept in. The danger and the deceiving made Mask so addictive, so it's up there with some of my favourite thrillers, but that isn't to say I thought it was perfect.

Hot Blooded Youth (Movie Review)

I've decided I like doing movie reviews. With only a few hours of material to cover, it's significantly easier to find the film's strengths and weaknesses, rather than doing an entire drama, which may be so long that you might forget about the little details or miss important things. Today I want to review Hot Blooded Youth, a movie set in the 1980s about, in a phrase, teenage gangs.

The Best and Worst of 2016

Happy New Year! I'm definitely not the only one who's happy to put 2016 behind me. The plumbing in my house, which had been reliable for a good ten years, all broke over the course of this year. Everything in there's been replaced. My Grandma died too, it's been rough. But between exams and a tight drama schedule, this year has absolutely flown by, thank goodness. I'm going to be incredibly busy from now on. Anyhow, I wanted to share a few of the most memorable of the dramas I've watched this year. 

NOTE: I've decided not to go into detail for the shows I've already reviewed.