WILL WATCH AGAIN/KOREAN
My standards for re-watch value are as follows:
- Writing must be intelligent, believable and fluid.
- Few or no cliches.
- Humour that is witty and unforced.
- Main characters that are strong within themselves or journey to become that way.
- Bonus points for casting that is done based on skill rather than looks.
- Bonus points for a plot that is fresh and creative.
- Bonus points for forcing me to learn something about the world I live in.
There will be exceptions to some of these rules for a multitude of reasons. I will try to remember to express 'why' in the comments.
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1. Flowers that Bloom at Night
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
Age gap...why care? Neither one is a child and both are mature enough to make sound decisions regarding themselves.
I love the humour as well as the thought put into the darker story lines of this series.
I am quite impressed with the strength of character the writers chose to give the leads, it doesn't happen often, and certainly not enough with female leads.
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2. Queen Cheorin
Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
I will watch this series once a year for the rest of my existence for the humour alone, this is where it's brilliance lies. Kudos to the writers.
The FL carried this show singlehandedly, casting hit the mark with her...well done.
I would like to see a sequel made but from the perspective of the poor girl that went to the future, there is a lot of room for a good dramedy there also.
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3. True Sword Battle
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Ahhh, this was fun. It has the perfect balance of everything an action, drama, comedy should have. A very big shout out to the writers for a job well done and to the actors and their support staff for outstanding effort.
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4. Man to Man
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
9.5 for everything except writing, I will give only seven stars. Some of the storylines and behaviours of various character left me scratching my head in either disbelief or confusion...or just rolling my eyes and groaning.
The casting was well thought out and the actors did the best they could with what they were given.
This is in no way cerebral...just bring your eyes and your awake brain and enjoy this series that has and entertainment value of 10.
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5. De Koning: Eeuwige Monarch
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
I've watched this a few times now and it is still as intriguing as the first time round. While parallel universes aren't a new thing, this series offers a fresh view of it, nice change!
I wasn't a fan of any of Lee Min-ho's characters until this series, so he gets extra credit for winning me over...because THAT is not an easy task!
Some of the characters and their behaviours, annoyed me...cliche, cliche, cliche...so I lay full blame for not being able to give it 10 stars in the laps of the writers...at the same time as I give them full shares in the credit for me giving it the high rating that I did...because that's how I roll.
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6. W
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
This is my second round with 'W' and still enjoyed it.
The female lead is incredibly skilled at her craft, thus allowing us to believe in her character. The ML, while one of the better written chaebols demeanor-wise, still seemed a little stiff...I'm not sure if that is because of the writing or the acting.
It's obvious the writer put time and thought into the creation of this story, his characters in the "now", their back stories and the unique twisting and turning of the plot.
I think this production will be enjoyed by all demographics because all the genres used to describe it are appropriately divided, lending to a nice comfortable balance.
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7. Kobold
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
I enjoyed this...it was nice and light and for the most part, cheery. A good show to watch when you don't have a lot of time but still want quality.
If I had to give it a flaw, it would be that it was too short. However, that being said, the producers did a fantastic job within a very confined time frame. There wasn't any time to get bored and yet they somehow managed to convey all the information needed to allow the viewer to understand the story.
I honestly believe, given the correct writers, that this could have been a 16 hour series. -
8. Just Between Lovers
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
I've watched this series a few times and I still can't make a connection between the story and the title. I know it as Rain or Shine, which, with a little imagination you can make it work.
This story is about the scars you can and cannot see and the arduous road to healing. It is both understated and gritty.
There are a few of the inescapable cliche characters and behaviours, but the rest of the writing keeps them from taking centre stage.
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9. The Miracle Brothers
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
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10. Buitengewoon Jij
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
This was considerably more intelligently written than I had expected as well as being not at all what I had imagined. The concept isn't completely new, but this is by far the best interpretation of it.
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11. Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
Prior to watching this series, I'd not seen any productions with the FL as part of the cast, she's done a brilliant job here. I would think that she had to allow the character to completely absorb her in order to remain true to the physical mannerisms of Attorney Woo...her dedication is evident throughout.
This series could have easily continued for a few more seasons.
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12. Meow, the Secret Boy
Korean Drama - 2020, 24 episodes
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13. Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
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14. Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim 2
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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15. Lovers
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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16. Signal
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
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17. The Story of Gumiho
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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18. The Fiery Priest
Korean Drama - 2019, 40 episodes
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19. Faith
Korean Drama - 2012, 24 episodes
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20. Descendants of the Sun
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
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21. Go Back Couple
Korean Drama - 2017, 12 episodes
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22. Are You Human Too?
Korean Drama - 2018, 36 episodes
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23. The Legend of the Blue Sea
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
I passed over watching this, many times, because I thought it looked cheesy. Well, it's not. The humour is spot on, I laughed all the way through. It is well written and the casting was impeccable. I gave it a nine because it, like all other K-anything, has so many vicious people. Whilst there are a LOT of people like this in the world, it is more believable that a mermaid would exist than that every dramatic scenario must include them to keep an audience. I will likely watch this again every year or two. Highly recommend
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24. Destruction
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
I've watched this a few times...there are dialogues I would write differently to eliminate the pestilence called crap cliches, but the storyline itself is different and has a depth to it that I didn't expect.
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25. Healer
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
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26. Lovers of the Red Sky
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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27. Unlock the Boss
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
I've watched this a few times already. Honestly, I can't peg a reason or reasons why I keep coming back to this production...I just do.
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28. Model Taxi
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Ah, what fun!
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29. Taxi Driver 2
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
And MORE fun!
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30. Seen from a Distance, Green Spring
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
A very raw journey through the lives of these young adults.
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31. The Ghost Detective
Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes
Ah, Lee Joo-young's character was brilliant (medical examiner/coroner). I'd watch her doing a character like that a million times over, regardless of the job they placed her in, she definitely made the entire series for me. Most of the stars go to those casting her, the writers in charge of her character and how well she played her part.
I agree with others that the scenarios were repetitious and that there was a good deal of room for development, however I can't give as low a rating as them because the plot is still unique and for the most part, the actors did their part.
The first production I saw Park Eun-bin in was Extraordinary Attorney Woo and I thought she was bloody brilliant, so I know she can ply her trade with the best of them. Since then, I've watched a few more that she's been part of and I've have not enjoyed her acting nearly as much. I can't pin down a reason for it...is it the parts, the writing, or her interpretation of the characters? -
32. Amanza
Korean Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
Oh, my heart, do not watch this with anyone...do watch it with a box or two of Kleenex.
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33. Hotel del Luna
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
I'm not sure what I expected when I started watching this series, but what I got was surely a million times better.
It's a wonderful compilation of stories about life and afterlife.
I didn't like the FL's character much, but it is what it is.
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34. Pinocchio
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
This gets 10 stars for the overall production, and that it was this well done in 2014.
One thing that I admire about the South Korean media industry is that you have to go quite far back to be able to judge the age of a production based on visuals alone. Western productions...not so far.
I find it embarrassingly trashy that we are such a fad-based society and don't have the foresight or the want for the class of timeless visuals. Was the writing perfect? No, it wasn't, but the few things that I found completely illogical cannot detract from the overall quality of this series.
Why are we not allowed fractions of stars? Nine is not enough and 10 is a bit too much...sigh. Definitely worth the watch
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35. Two Weeks
Korean Drama - 2013, 16 episodes
10 stars toward every part of this production. Even the "not as happy as it could have been" ending was well done because it was decidedly closer to a real life scenario that the typical portrayal expected.
I'm not familiar with the FL but I will look for more of her work because of how well she presented herself in this series. The ML, I am familiar with. I'm slowly going through his works, this is my fourth and I've yet to be disappointed by this man's tallent. -
36. Sending Me to You
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Oh, I enjoyed this series. I give it 10 stars because of the intricacies of the plot and that the king was not a tyrannical jack ass...nice change. Rowoon's acting has evolved nicely, it is no longer obvious that he is new to his craft...he does a brilliant job of presenting his maturity and diversity.
There is humour to temper the greed and intrigue, enough so that I did not once groan in exasperation throughout the production...which I, sadly, often do.
I found this production to be a comfortable mix of emotional pulls, it wasn't 'too' anything.
Watch and enjoy. -
37. Kiss Ghost
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
I enjoyed this...it was nice and light and for the most part, cheery. A good show to watch when you don't have a lot of time but still want quality.
If I had to give it a flaw, it would be that it was too short. However, that being said, the producers did a fantastic job within a very confined time frame. There wasn't any time to get bored, and yet they somehow managed to convey all the information needed to allow the viewer to understand the story.
I honestly believe, given the correct writers, that this could have been a 16 hour series. -
38. Rooftop Prince
Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes
This is just plain fun. Entertainment value is a 10. Definitely not cerebral, but still time well wasted.
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39. Vincenzo
Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
Ahhh, my Vincenzo, man after my own heart. I'm not violent, but there I was cheering him on in every act of violence he committed, go big or go home!
All 10 stars go toward the ML's character; he carries the entire production with the entertainment value he provides. If his character wasn't written so large, there would be no reason for me to watch as I found all of the other characters annoying in one way or another.
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40. Move to Heaven
Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
10 stars aren't enough, just like 10 episodes aren't enough. If I thought a petition would work, I'd put it in motion to have this series continue until all of the writers succumb to old age.
The writing is superb, giving each of the characters such depth within their very real humanness.
The casting was spot on. I truly can not imagine anyone that could stand in for the present cast.
The only thing I would change would be the FL's mother's character...she's a bit over-the-top, dragging down the intelligence of every scene she is in.
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41. They Were There
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
Where is season 2???? Why is it not available anywhere??? This grumpy old hag wants to know!
This is one of the very few productions that I did not skip any part of. I watched it a while ago, I'll write a better review once I've had a re-watch.
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42. Nightly Photo Studio
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
Grab every emotion you own, have a seat and dump them all in your lap for easy access.
The entertainment value for this series is 10, while it's not cerebral, it still finds a way to make you think...well played. It is intelligently written and for the most part, presents in a way that doesn't make me roll my eyes or groan.
Kudos to the writers for not forcing me to skip ahead by seconds, minutes or episodes.
NOTE: Don't be me! If all episodes in your language aren't available yet, WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE, you'll thank me later.
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43. Youth of May
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
I must have had my head up my arse when the history surrounding this story unfolded, I have no recollection of any part of it.
Full stars for forcing me into this historical rabbit hole and ensuring that I left the day a little bit wiser.
All of the actors did a fine job of plying their trade, as did everyone else involved in this production.
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44. Thirty But Seventeen
Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes
This review was written by ribbittoad5 on Feb 22, 2024 on another platform all credit must go toward them. Their words mirror my thoughts exactly so here we are:)
Thoughtful, poignant, cute, and funny.
It had beautiful fateful encounters without the forced moments from the characters' past that kdramas typically have. Wonderfully acted and directed. The writing was beautiful and mature, while maintaining a bubbly innocence. The writers obviously took their time. They definitely did not cut corners, and plot holes were kept to a minimum.
It was a little predictable, but not in the more important plot lines. While they hit all the classic kdrama tropes, they still managed to avoid that cliche feeling. And it was so fun to watch. Even the filler scenes were entertaining.
The only (incredibly minor) dislike I have was the veeeeery end. The kids in pajamas and breaking the fourth wall bugged me, but not enough to ruin the show. Overall, this definitely has rewatch potential, as its strength wasn't in the surprises (although they were lovely), it's in the characters and their relationships.
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45. Twinkling Watermelon
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
I'll leave a proper comment once I've watched it again. My first time round was when it aired so I don't trust that I'll do it justice given the time that's lapsed. I just remember thinking that I'd look forward to watching it again.
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46. Hospital Playlist
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
I can't speak highly enough of the exemplary job done by casting as well as the actors. With five main characters to write for as well as all the sub-stories, I bow to the writers for a job well done. The comradery between the actors, not just the characters, was palpable...it's not often that we are fortunate enough to witness this level of it in any production.
Another shout-out to the writers, the humour...dry wit is my preferred form of humour and this lovely work is bloody laden with it...yay!
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47. Hospital Playlist 2
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
I can't speak highly enough of the exemplary job done by casting as well as the actors. With five main characters to write for as well as all the sub-stories, I bow to the writers for a job well done. The comradery between the actors, not just the characters, was palpable...it's not often that we are fortunate enough to witness this level of it in any production.
Another shout-out to the writers, the humour...dry wit is my preferred form of humour and this lovely work is bloody laden with it...yay!
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48. Navillera
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
This story is heart-warming, dreadfully sad and well worth the watch. It is packed with valid messages about life and how we do but shouldn't waste it.
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49. Itaewon Class
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
I watched every episode from start to finish, the highest rating I can give any production. Yes, there are cliches but the acting and how the important characters are written outshines the crap.
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50. Moon Embracing the Sun
Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes
I'm not sure why I like this production enough to have it on the list, it isn't visibly different from the plethora of cliche-infested period dramas I've had the misfortune to watch, yet here we are. For me, the feel of it is somehow different, but I'm at a loss as to how to explain it.
I'll continue to watch it once a year and should the proverbial 'lightbulb' appear above my head, I'll add its contents to this comment.
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51. The Time We Were Not in Love
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
Well, this was a nice change. There were no pointless villains, no evil parents and only a tiny spackling of cliches. It was nice and light with a sensible balance of humour and drama.
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52. Bumped Into You
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Well, I'm at a bit of a loss now that I've watched the entire series. This production ticked off all of my boxes: Well written, both leads were quietly brilliant (I have no patience for loud, overstepping characters because they are such a worn out cliché), superb casting and I am always grateful to be reminded of some of the reasons I hated the 80's the first time through...the clothes, OMG, the clothes! Yay me for doing 'cool' to my own drum...I'm a drummer, I can say that, lol.
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53. Fantasy Sonata
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
Ah, now this is something I can sink my teeth into. It is fast paced, intriguing, twisty and somewhat intelligent.
I'm really annoyed at myself for not waiting until the series was complete, having to wait six days for the next episode...UGH!
I've nothing negative to say about any part of this production thus far.
This series was glorious. Not once did I want to stab myself in the eye because of cliches, mindless dialogue or crappy shallow characters. It had just enough of everything to keep it balanced and flowing. I would happily accept a few more episodes, lol.
Enjoy the watch folks. I will definitely watch this again in a few months. -
54. Class of Lies
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Well, this series deserves it's ratings. Yun Kyun-sang, that giant bear of man...I love watching him ply his trade. If his parents ever give up on him, I will be first in line to adopt him into my own herd, he'd fit in with his humour, ability to intimidate whilst being cuddly and size wise, lol.
The writing, brilliant. That lot should be hired by every production company and paid well for their contribution to making media that doesn't make me want to throw up, groan, or die from the abuse of cliches and cloyingly unrealistic "romances".
The cinematography was spot on for the plot.
This was definitely not a waste of time, watch and enjoy. I will watch it again. -
55. Her Bucketlist
Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
On a normal day, I'd give this a 9 because there are a few things that annoyed me. HOWEVER, this is the first series in a while that I've watched all the way through in a seemingly endless sea of tripe.
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56. Military Prosecutor Doberman
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
I can't say that it was brilliant, but it definitely was fun...even though it got a little slap-sticky at times (which I loathe).
The leads played their parts well, as these two always do, with an ease that makes you forget they are acting.
I especially liked the fact that the story got told WITHOUT a damn romance mucking it up.
SOOOO much happened in each episode that at the end of one, it felt like I'd just watch a two hour movie...absolutely no time to get bored.
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57. Gold Spoon
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
So, I've just copy pasted my comments for Military Prosecutor Doberman...same all the way through with a different story.
'I can't say that it was brilliant, but it definitely was fun...even though it got a little slap-sticky at times (which I loathe).
The leads played their parts well, as these two always do, with an ease that makes you forget they are acting.
I especially liked the fact that the story got told WITHOUT a damn romance mucking it up.
SOOOO much happened in each episode that at the end of one, it felt like I'd just watch a two hour movie...absolutely no time to get bored.'
This part is new.
Dear Korean Writers,
WHY do you make all Korean moms as: dead because they are kind and intelligent, nosey airheads that don't understand boundaries, or vicious demons...하지마!!!!!
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58. Under the Gun
Korean Drama - 2024, 6 episodes
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59. Falling for Innocence
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
Not awful. Casting did their job well as I can't imagine replacements for any of the characters. The production, in general, was well thought out and executed.
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60. Familiar Wife
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
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61. Iljimae
Korean Drama - 2008, 20 episodes
Well now, this was interesting. I think I would give it 8.5 stars rather than 9 because of the crap cliches and the slap stick comedy, so points of for writing...oh, and some of the CGI was cringy.
However, the 8.5 stars are to be considered a full 10 for the acting, and the production in general.
I do think this series would have been better as a 16 rather than 20...it dragged on in spots.
For reasons unbeknownst to me...I will watch this again in a few years. -
62. Orange Marmalade
Korean Drama - 2015, 12 episodes
This was sweet for a vampire story. It's about coming of age (over the longest period of time ever), courage and determination when faced with the oppression wrought from the discrimination of what or whom we do not understand.
It is all over the place, time/era wise, but eventually sorts itself out.
It's not cerebral, but it isn't childish either so it gets a re-watch vote from me. -
63. Ghost
Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes
One star off for the gaps in logic and the ridiculousness (albeit scarce).
It's a LONG series of 'nothing is as it seems'.
I did skip episodes here and there, but that was more my impatience than any fault of the production.
Each actor fit brilliantly into the characters they portrayed, kudos to casting.QUESTION/PEEVE: Dear K-anything writers, driving at night with overhead interior light on is;
a. dangerous because it makes it difficult to see ANYTHING outside the car.
b. a dumbass move when you're on a stake out or trying to hide from someone.
c. bloody annoying for the detail jackals, like me.
d. a bit patronizing, don't you think? As a rule, people with functioning brains and eyes are
your audience, we've each been in a vehicle at night, we've all experienced ambient light
working...just saying. -
64. Hyde
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
Far more than I expected, far less than it could have been. I think this series could have used either a few more episodes to make some episodes a little less 'information overload', or thinned the plot/sub plots a bit in areas. I prefer to be held in a state of suspense rather than a state of confusion. ..the confusion seemed to outweigh and take focus away from the suspense. One star off for writing.
I'll try to watch this again in a few years. -
65. Memorist
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
I enjoyed this, except for the cliche elite tyrants...sooooooooo oldddddd annnnnd borrrrrrrrring.
Other than that, the story was interesting, the casting and acting were spot on and the production as a whole was well done.
This is my second watch and I'll likely do so again in a few years. -
66. Rugal
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Right out of the gate, was annoyed. Really??? He killed his wife, dug out his own eyes and disposed of them then laid down with the murder weapon so he could be the prime suspect??? Really, writers???
The Star Trek uniforms are kinda lame and the cliche, top of the food chain tyrants...sigh.
Other than those, well done. I'll watch it again in a few years. -
67. Good Casting
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
This series is silly but quite fun. You don't need to bring your brain along to watch it, just open your eyes and enjoy.
Love the diverse casting of the mains, they gave this thing a life of it's own. Without them, I doubt I'd have been able to make it through this. All stars go toward casting, acting and general production.
It does get a little laggy in places, so I did have to FFWD at times.
I will watch this again in a few years. -
68. Delayed Justice
Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
This was fun.
Heads up, the actor that played the male reporter is swapped out later in the series and their portrayals of the character are very different. If you can get past that, you will enjoy this to the end. -
69. Bossam-Stealing Destiny
Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
I enjoyed this production as it was more intelligent than I was expecting. It still had the typical K-anything cliches, but not to the degree where they gave me enough grief that I had to stop watching.
The over all production was well done and the casting was spot on. There were quite a few faces that I didn't recognize yet they played their rolls seamlessly.
I'll watch this again in a few years. -
70. Nine Tailed Fox
Korean Drama - 2004, 16 episodes
OMG, the CGI and cinematography are so cringe worthy...I lol'd as much as I groaned, and that somehow allowed it to dig it's hooks into me and couldn't stop watching.
I would like to see a remake of this with cleaned up the writing, better CGI and believable fight scenes. I might even watch this again in a few years...I'm cringing even as I say this, yet here we are.
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71. Lovely Runner
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
This was well written and well executed. Everything in this drama can be found in every K-drama, what's missing is what sends this high up on my list of productions I will repeatedly watch again.
What was missing? Almost all the cliches an other assorted tripe the media companies would have us believe we want. I'm not saying there are none, but there is so little that it's easy to pass it by.
It's not cerebral, but it is intelligent as well as congruent, with some profound insights thrown in for good measure. I wasn't left confused by the timelines nor did I wonder about the why of the contents of any scene...there is so little filler that it's absence was decidedly noticeable...well done folks, well done!
Casting was impeccable, acting was brilliant and the sets and scenes were well thought out.
I will likely watch this once a year. -
72. Bring It On, Ghost
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
This is my second time through this series and won't be my last.
I burst out laughing almost as much as I was caught on the edge of tears...I am NOT a crier, yet here we are.
This is not cerebral, but it does have a depth of humanity about it that many other 'coming of age' productions are sorely lacking.
Well done to the entire production crew with a special kudos for casting, actors and writing.
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73. The Story of Hua Zhi
Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes
There are reasons to take off a star or two, but the reasons it deserves a 10 star rating far out-weigh them.
The lead characters are always the calm in the storm, even when they have caused or are caught up in the storm. This calm keeps the viewer quietly anchored to their importance as well as maintaining a fluidity throughout production.
The intelligence of the writers and their care for the characters as well as the production is evident by the absence of constant cliches, the evolution of the characters and the nuances of the relationships between them.
The CGI dolphins...really? Who okayed that crap for the last scene. CGI is too advanced for that to be acceptable and you've left that as the image we say our goodbyes with???? GRRRR! -
74. Connection
Korean Drama - 2024, 14 episodes
I haven't started this yet, however after reading the descriptions, it was deja vu after deja vu...Why does this seems so familiar? Ideas? Anyone?
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75. Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds
Korean Movie - 2017
After being spoilt by the length of Asian dramas, I am loathe to lower myself to information underload of a movie, it is just a visual short story...also on my list of things to not waste my time with. After reading reviews and a synopsis here and there, I decided to give Along With the Gods a shot and sit here confused as to why it didn't disappoint me.
I was underwhelmed by the beginning of the first movie, but I skipped ahead to where the 'meat' of the story was and watched the rest in full, then immediately went looking for a sequel....YAY, there is one.
The cast was well thought out and the sets/CGI were done well enough that I wasn't annoyed by it at any point.
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76. Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days
Korean Movie - 2018
Yay! This was better than the first as I didn't skip ahead anywhere.
Of course I went looking for more after I watch this sequel but sadly, we have nothing yet. It seems that the cast is confirmed for a 3rd and 4th movie, but the shooting and release dates have not (as of 10 Jun 2024), so we are stuck waiting in painful anticipation.
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77. Jirisan
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
I have nothing negative to say about this series. Kudos to every single human involved in it's production.
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78. The Woman Who Plays
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
Well this was a surprise. I started watching this series because I was in that horrible time between episodes of the other pile I had on the go. I didn't do any research, just dove in. Damn. It's light and funny and full of cliches. "What?????" you say "You HATE cliches!". Yes, yes I do, however they are presented in a way that allows them to still be funny rather than cloying. KUDOS to the writers.
As a bonus, it does make a soft go at addressing how we look at people through the pasts they have atoned for rather than the depths of hells they have fought their way out of to become the best version of themselves...nice.
I have watched to episode twelve and have to wait two days for more...UGH!
The only way I will add a negative to my review is if they muck up the ending.
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79. The Man From Nowhere
Korean Movie - 2010
Ah, movies are too damn short. I would have liked to see a future between these two, with him being her dad.
Can't have it all I suppose, so I'll comment on what there was. Outside of the ridiculous attitudes and behaviours of the cops in the DEA (I think that's correct) the plot and writing was pretty good.
The male lead could pass as Keanu Reeves' brother...not sure if the actor is as nice of a person as Keanu in real life, but he's definitely a better actor;).
I will watch this again but still feel robbed of a more substantial ending.
Funny thing just happened...I was looking for other productions like this and tripped over an article from a few years back...apparently, the writer and producer of the John Wick movies want to make an English remake of The Man from Nowhere...I guess I wasn't the only whom the lead reminded them of Keanu...kind of funny, lol.
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80. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
One star off for the ever so annoying female cop character...I started fast forwarding through her dialogue right from her first appearance. Same for the vicious siblings.
Those characters aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this series. It was well written having many twists. I hate the ending, but it fits, so I'll accept it...grudgingly. -
81. Remember: War of the Son
Korean Drama - 2015, 20 episodes
This was well done, I only have a few minor complaints that are probably only real to me...so, I'll keep them to myself.
The casting was superb thus the quality of the acting followed suit, and the production was a reflection of the dedication of everyone involved.
Along with the cliche 'mafioso' chaebol crap there is a considerable amount of humanity and the trials and tribulations that we face during our appearance on the stage of life. -
82. Bad Thief, Good Thief
Korean Drama - 2017, 50 episodes
Hmmm, for being an epic saga, it was pretty good. As jadzialyons_104 (the comment below me) states, it's not a typical love triangle...this was a very welcomed change. Thank you to everyone involved in casting, you excelled at your jobs. The production over all was quite well done. I will watch this again in a few years.
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83. My ID is Gangnam Beauty
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
I've just read a few reviews that were flagged, I'm struggling to figure out why they were flagged, they were in depth, concise, conscientious, and contained no spoilers...what up with that Viki?
Anyway, this is my second time around for this series, it is still worth a watch. It offers and intelligent view of how we perceive beauty and how beautiful souls are broken by the superficial demands of the broken children that feed on the pain of others in order to fill the void within themselves.
Kudos to everyone involved. -
84. Suspicious Partner
Korean Drama - 2017, 40 episodes
Ah, I really enjoyed this series. It's an intelligent and well balanced mix of drama, humour and humanity.
The entire cast did a superb job of portraying their characters and allowing us to forget they were acting.
Also a shout out to everyone else involved in the production of the series, it's a perfect reflection of your dedication to your craft.
I think this is my 3rd time through this and won't be my last. I can remember in minute detail, things that I did when I was two, but fortunately I have a shite memory when it comes to movies, TV and books, because they are not events that I physically experienced...so each viewing is like the the first time...ignorance really is bliss:)
Enjoy! -
85. The Girl Who Sees Scents
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
This was worth the watch. Again, another intelligent mix of crime, drama, humour and real life...the being able to see smells aside. But our brains and minds are the most intriguing and complex mechanisms on the planet, so who knows what they are truly capable of?
Anyway, a good watch and I will definitely watch it again in a few years. -
86. She Is Different Day and Night
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
Ahh, another delightfully intelligent series. The whole old/young thing aside, there was only one cliche character, but there was enough substance to allow for us to follow the story without a single cringe.
I'm sure I will enjoy this series even more, every time I watch it.
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87. No Secret
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
This is my second time through, if you take out the electrocution and consequences of it, it's a nice story about being true to yourself and that it's okay to not always be okay.
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88. Take Off
Korean Movie - 2009
This should have been a series, a movie is not enough! There is enough ground work to built incredible depth in the back stories of these characters.
Sung Dong-il has always been one of my favourite actors due to his versatility and believability, so his performance in this production was not surprising. That aside, casting did their jobs well, right across the board.
I hate movies, as I've said...many...many...times, but this one was worth the pain. You don't really need to bring your brain along, it's not cerebral, just bring your respect for hard work and your willingness to enjoy a good story. -
89. Player
Korean Drama - 2018, 14 episodes
Well, this was a wild ride! It was crazy in the most criminally fun way. Like the Avengers except they do good on the wrong side of the law, with the law, while helping it.
The cast was excellent and each of them showed their crazy ability within their craft.
Kudos to everyone involved in this production...I will definitely watch this again in a few years. -
90. Player Season 2
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
Just as much fun as the first one. Bonus points for not casting a different actress for the girl on the team from the first series, this allowed this series to flow easier without spending eternity getting used to a new face being the same person.
There wasn't really anything I didn't like about this production, overall excellent across the board. Well done. -
91. Queen: Love And War
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Other than the token and unreasonably worn out vicious characters, this was most enjoyable and actually leaves room for another season...which won't see the light of day sadly, because we can't very well expect something good to be continued, now can we.
The casting was superb, the acting better and the overall production was well done.
I will definitely watch this again in a few years. -
92. Mirror of the Witch
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
Even though I found this a bit long for the content, it still gets a 10/10.
It was an endearing story about the sacrifice one is willing to make for those they love.
The casting was perfect, each actor suited to their role thus allowing us to watch the entire series without realizing the act.
Well done.
I will watch this again in the future. -
93. Grand Prince
Korean Drama - 2018, 20 episodes
This is another one that is too long for the content...but still rates a 10/10.
It was the same old, same old...but different. All the same political intrigue and viciousness, but the leads were both fiery and strong.
I'm getting more and more annoyed that someone good ALWAYS dies at the climax of the story...it shouldn't be predictable...sigh
This aside, the acting was brilliant and definitely worth the watch.
I will watch this again. -
94. Beethoven Virus
Korean Drama - 2008, 18 episodes
I skipped over this (even though I am a musician) many times because I thought it looked 'meh'. Thankfully, the last 10 or so series that I've watched have been brutally lacking so I chose this one because I didn't think it could be worse than any of the others.
'Don't paint everything/one with the same brush', 'Don't judge a book by it's cover', 'Don't let the trials of your past become the hinderance to your future', all these saying carry the same message and all apply regarding my attitude.
Thank you Karma for this kick to my arrogance and short sightedness.
This isn't really about music per se, it's more about life, the passion for it regardless of the vehicle we travel in and about how that passion can not only make us stronger but also bring us together with complete disregard to where we come from, age, gender, who we know or our status at any given time.
Was it brilliant...in it's own right, yes. It still contained the tropes of any production, but it did it with humanity and dignity.
I will watch this again.
Well done.