namjhyuns
Dramaland
Well done, but...
Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim 3 is probably the weakest season and yet it manages to deliver great performances, character development and music. It ends the main story perfectly and even leaves the opportunity for another season open. Well done.I particularly liked how Nurse Eun-tak and Dr. Jung had a chance to shine this season, with their own storylines, and not as supportive characters only. I also appreciate the full circle moment of having former cast members comeback for important guest roles. This story is no longer about Kim Sabu teaching his younger colleagues, but those former students teaching others now. Wonderful.
Full disclosure: it was difficult for me to watch this season without having to fast forward scenes featuring an actor who I know is a piece of đź’© IRL. I find contradictory this person was cast on a tv show where ethic behaviour serves at the backbone for Kim Sabu's teachings, personality and other characters's arc. Do better, show. Stay away from that one actor in the future.
You might be wondering, why comment on this? Because as a viewer it changed my experience of this drama. A drama I have been following since it aired its first season in 2016. On this season, when this particular actor was on the screen, I found it nauseating and annoying. Once he was gone, a little over midway in the season, things got far more interesting and the story even better. The show ended strong because he was not there.
If producers and writers are making plans for a fourth season, they should consider not hiring this man again. It distroys everything he touches.
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Drama Special Season 13: Nineteen Sea Otters
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Better together.
Two lonely and neglected high school seniors find friendship, love and a family in each other when their respective difficult circumstances bring them together. The tittle comes into play as they study otters in the biology class and they learn how when adrift in the ocean, otters hold hands to be less scared and stay together.It's the perfect metaphor for our leads and what they are going through. For them life is as big and scary as the ocean, and the lack of support from their respective families leaves them to be adrift in it, with no one to turn to when things go from bad to worse. So when at first glance this might look like a story about teenage angst, it couldn't be more far from it. Neither of the leads has a safe place to go or a sense of what a true family it's like until they find each other.
The performances are really good. Shin Eun Soo delivers a strong performance as the always in the move kinda of character, for her this is essential because staying put means thinking how bad things are for her at home. On the other hand, Kim Jae Won delivered a great deal of contained emotions. His performance is more subdued, until it comes to a turning point. Both actors share great chemistry and managed to make me believe their character's instant connection through shared pain and frustration that slowly becomes something more positive, full of warmth and eventually love.
Most of the drama was shot at night, under cool tones, which fills the story with dark vibes and sometimes a gritty feel. It gives us a glimpse at a time of day that doesn't seem fit for two kids to be walking around the city, delivering alcohol and condoms. Which is exactly the point the drama it's trying to make visually: the world these kids live on is cold and dark. Except for the scenes at the school, when they can disconnect from their families and connect with each other. Those scenes are shot under a warm color palette and full of light, sunny and happy days.
The conclusion of the story is somehow bittersweet because in order for our leads to be happy, they have to come to terms with the fact that family is not always the one you were born in but the one you choose. Abuse it's not always physical and people need to recognize this in order to move forward and start holding on tightly to those who care for your well being and happiness.
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She Dreams of Cinderella
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Camp romance galore!
You might think this is your typical Cinderella love story but you would be wrong. As a matter of fact, nothing about this fairy tale turns out to be like our heroine (and us) expect it.I freaking loved this drama and I really enjoyed spending time with these characters, which I find to be some of the most likable this year with their camp attitude and sizzling chemistry that puts other romances to shame. It was also refreshing to see a drama couple that truly felt like equals. They actually talk to each other and at the same level all the time, but they also know how to have fun with each other, openly flirting in a way that that feels candid and sexy.
Pyo Yejin and Lee Jun Young are going to be tough act to follow.
Most of it is thanks to the writing, which is solid, coherent, smart and fun. The writer, Yoo Ja, knew exactly what they were doing. BRAVO!
Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale is more than a drama about a Candy heroine meeting Chaebol. This story is a love letter to self-love. In a very simple and fresh way, we are thrown into the world of these characters and see them grow into becoming even more amazing people.
Our heroine, insecurities are really well rooted and subsequently developed. We see how growing up in poverty has affected her self-worth but also how her mother's abandonment affected her dynamics with the new family his father formed. This is another point that I loved about this show: Step-mom and the two step-sisters are actually kind and cool people and the entire problem the family faces is a lack of proper communication. There's plenty of love between them.
Our hero's personal story is also rooted on a family conflict but in many ways it hasn't cripple him emotionally. Sure, he has his ups and downs but most of the time I personally believe he is thriving because he's open to new people and experiences. This is a man that it's not afraid to "follow his joy". He is a really good listener, doesn't talk down to people as someone with more money than them, and he’s also not patronizing as a man. Prince Charming? I THINK SO!!
So far, I am yet to see better than this drama when it comes to the romance/comedy genre and it's definitely one of favourites I have seen this year. Likely to make it to my TOP 10 list.
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Auditors go wild!
I wish more dramas where like The Auditors. For starters, this drama is perfect in length: twelve episodes, no loose ends, actual character development, well paced. An airshot script that knew where the story and characters where going, its strengths and weaknesses, and that took advantage of all of it in order to bring one of the most entertaining kdramas of this year.Yes, the story following a department of internal auditors at a large construction conglomerate is highly entertaining. That goes to show that it doesn't matter what the subject matter of a drama is, as long as the people in charge of production, casting, directing and acting know what they are doing and have a clear picture, it's a win.
The cinematography and camera work is fast paced, as it should, for this is an action drama full of intrigue, betrayal, murder and corruption. Like any story of this genre you have the typical archetypes in each key player but the performances manage to make them feel fresh and likeable. Some characters are meant to be more nuance and complex, those were a treat to watch as we dwell into their backstory and motivations.
The list of guest stars this show has is mind-blowing and I don't think enough people are talking about it. Every episode or so a familiar face shows up for a particular story arc. It varies from a recently famous actress to a veteran actor, character actor that you might not know their name but you definitely know their work. It's wild the amount of talented people involved in this project.
Overall, I found The Auditors to be a really solid drama and I recommend it.
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Fake It Till You Make It
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Wonderful from beginning to end.
This is the type of drama that I consider to be on a league of their own because they cannot be compared to other stories going around on streaming sites and cable tv. It was wonderful from beginning to end, with a cohesive narrative and characters whose development actual made sense when you take in consideration past decisions and present time dilemmas.One of the things I loved the most about Fake It Till You Make It is that every supportive character that shows up in, doesn't only exist in order to push the story forward for our leads but each of them have a life of their own and we actually get to see it. We experience their lives as much as we experience what the leads are going through. That's honestly incredible to watch because it makes the world building infinite and the houses, work places, cafés and bars, feel lived in. Each of these people are the lead of their own life.
Because of this aspect, I had to take the show slower than I usually binge watch such a short drama. That's because the experiences and situations the characters find themselves in, personal or professional, felt at times incredibly real. Too real as I have been in those spaces before so I could fully understand the frustrations of a personal relationship not working out, being look over by superiors at work or feeling like you are going nowhere in life, inevitably comparing yourself to others. Learning that to live freely means understanding each person has a different journey that cannot be compared with yours it's a difficult task. What works for you, may not be the right choice for others and viceversa. The diversity of paths life can take you can be confusing and I think Fake It Till You Make It managed to portrayed perfectly.
My favourite thing about the drama was how the leads showed moments of growth in every single episode. Sometimes at a slower pace than in other moments, at one point one of them is growing faster than the other and there's a moment of decision to grow together or let go. I loved it.
This is honestly a perfect drama that I can't recommend enough.
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Between the living and the dead
Exhuma is an explosive mixture of south korean folklore and mythicism. It effectively evokes the universal dread and mystery regarding the afterlife.Our group of leading characters are the perfect bridge between the spiritual and supernatural, never quite here or there, always between the two worlds. Great atmosphere, never looses the steam, with memorable moments.
But then it reaches the mid point of the film. This is a strong story, but the uneasiness and tension goes away, and never quite reaches the same high as the first half.
This film is ambitious and creative. The cinematography outstanding and visually delivering the eerie emotions you are supposed to feel in every scene. It helps that the effects are mostly practical as well, which it's marvelous to watch nowadays.
Horror film fans will be satisfied but this story is more of a mix of genres. There are no traditional jump scares but very well crafted world building and character development that will immerse you in the film experience.
I do recommend watching this film without knowing anything about the story or the characters for a bigger impact.
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Small town, busy people
I want to give proper value to the production team because technically speaking this is a wonderfully made story, with lot of attention put into the detail. The first thing that caught my attention was the sound mixing, which easily created a slice of life vibe, set in the rural location. There's almost no soundtrack use during important scenes, choosing the surroundings over it. The sound of the ocean, the cicada, a dog barking. It all completes the story.The characters wear barely any make up, their clothes are something any of us would wear during the summer, which goes perfectly with the lack of interest in superficial aesthetic.
The drama lives and dies with the performances. The actors are the heart of the story and they deliver on creating a close-knit society in the small town their characters all grew up.
At first, I thought I was in for a slice of life sport story about friendship, love and overcoming personal struggles but to my surprise there was a murder mystery thrown in the middle.
I understand why the writer of this drama used this troupe to point out some toxic behaviour from society, our prejudices and the damage gossip can do to a person's life. Sadly, I think the main story suffers from it and deviates of its strongest points which is the relationship between the six main characters with each other.
Overall, this is a very quiet and rustic story with some solid performances but easily forgotten among many others dramas that have done this before and better.
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Drama Special Season 13: Do You Know Ashtanga?
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Letting go of expectations and embracing flexibility
Do you know Ashtanga is a hit with me. It delivers everything you want from a young adult story: it's funny, sexy and has some really well done classic rom-com moments.Nara, our leading lady, is best described as a complainer. She's at a point of her life where things seem to have stuck: her personal and work life are not good, she compares herself to others and and even judges them.
I really appreciate a drama special centering around a young woman, in her thirties, still trying to figure out things. After quitting a well paid job and following her passion, Nara is not even close to have an answers about life and has to deal with her own insecurities, which are mostly what's holding her back, and that feels true to life. Nara goes through a journey of accepting life as it is and learning to change what she doesn't like about it. Letting go of her expectations might be the hardest part, especially when society has programmed you to be a certain way and have certain things, at certain age.
To say she's at a low point emotionally it's an understatement. That's when she experiences an adorable meet-cute with Tae-joon, the son of the wealthy family from whom Nara rents the studio where she teaches yoga.
Tae-joon likes Nara immediately, thinking of her as the perfect combination of cute and cool. He is polite, nerdy, eager to help and respectful. His attraction to Nara is based on the fact he likes how she holds herself trough life... he might be one of the greenest flags I have seen in Dramaland.
He also deals with his own insecurities about his economic status, being self-conscious about people seeing him as a spoiled rich guy having grown up with a family that it's rather snobby and not a fan of his views on life. For example, his mother berates him for collecting items to donate for the needy and insist for him to start wearing luxury brands instead of buying clothes at the smaller shops at the neighbourhood. It's clear people have misjudged him before because of his money.
The story might be full of tropes but is in the performances where this story shines. Both leads deliver their lines with such an easy chemistry, dry humor and comedic timing that's impossible not to smile at every interaction they share. The story is so well written that it feels well rounded and the world lived in, the characters full of colour.
I absolutely recommend this sweet and fun rom-com that might give you some food for thought.
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One Thousand Dollar Lawyer
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Small team, big heart
One Dollar Lawyer wastes no time: we jump right into the tale of our low-fee lawyer, and see his eccentric ways play out first-hand. The drama excels at random offhanded moments of comedy, and that’s totally what I’m here for.Namgoong Min, of course, is just excelling and having the time of his life here, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by Kim Ji-eun, and their interactions when they start working together is superb. On the other hand, Park Jin woo is mostly known for his more serious roles but here you get to see him in full comedy, delivering some a very funny performance. Choi Dae Hoon plays the prosecutor dork trying really hard to be cool without realizing his honesty and hard work are exactly what make him one of the best characters in this show. Finally, Gong Min Jung shines as the smart and cool as a cucumber prosecutor, the perfect fold to her colleague and our lead's eccentric ways.
All in all, this was a drama full of nuance comedy, that really excelled when it decided to get more into the drama or thriller genre. Far from boring, dragged out, or overly violent, the cases were more about helping people in need (mostly people who society discriminates against), but we also have a bigger plot related to our hero's tragic origin story.
The standout guest roles go to Lee Chung ah and Nam Myung Ryul is what's probably the most heartbreaking performances of the entire drama.
I recommend it !
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Switch (2023) captures the feeling of the original film and brings a new life, heart and laughter into the story. The director and writer, both, know how to make this adaptation feel fresh, even when it's a story we have seen before. The acting is the strongest point of the story, with everyone delivering their A+ game and making you feel everything their characters are feeling. The humor in this movie is also very good, so I am sure everyone can enjoy it.
Overall, I fully recommend it!
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The Romance of Tiger and Rose
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Entertaining and fun drama!
A historical drama with a twist: it imagines ancient China as a matriarchal society. The Romance of Tiger and Rose is set in the fictional city of Huayuan, where women rule, command armies and hold public office. They even pass their family names on to their children. On the other hand, male characters aren’t allowed to pursue their studies or careers; instead, they’re to be obedient and virtuous, and dream of meeting a woman who will sweep them off their feet and into a life of domestic bliss.Meanwhile, the neighbor and rival city, remains a patriarchal society where women are to study decorum, stay silent, do what husband’s tell them, take care of the house, children and parents. As a result, the problems that arise in this city sound familiar: young people prefer to stay single or ask for a divorce within a year after getting married, and birth rates drop. Their government even debates, at on point, a marriage law and if citizens don’t comply then they would get fined or even go to jail.
The drama is clearly trying to get through a point and it’s not surprise that gender issues, which are being largely talked about and challenged in contemporary China, are showing up in Dramaland.
An interesting premise but the drama does not analyze this matters, preferring exposition and gender bender hilarity to make a point about equality between men and women. Still, the issue is right there staring at you and impossible to ignore since it makes all the difference about the lives and interactions of the leads, which are -of course- each from one of these cities.
Since this is about a screenwriter getting trapped in the drama she wrote, the story also gets meta at times. Right down with leading lady calling the most prestigious storytellers of the city to a “writer’s room” where they talk about how to change the story and they end up debating all the usual drama troupes, ship wars and more. It was definitely my favorite running joke in the show.
Still, I had a great time with this absolutely charming and lighthearted drama. Kudos to Zhao Lu Si and Ding Yu Xi for their work as leads, their chemistry was fun, sweet and off the charts. The secondary cast does an amazing job, particularly Wu Yijian and Liu Shuyuan, who played the respective loyal right hands of each lead and were hilarious at it.
I recommend it!
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Not talentless at all.
I think this drama has a lot to say about corporate culture and the differences between generations.Our lead, Takano, may be branded as “talentless” by her co-workers because she doesn’t know, well, anything but this doesn’t mean she is useless and integral for the well-being of the team.
In contrast, her peer Hiwada is incredibly competent but often overlooked by his appearance and demeanour. Not to mention he suffers from diarrhoea induced by anxiety, mostly because he is trying to fit in the corporate world like all past generations.
It’s when these two start working together that someone sees the importance in Takano’s presence and the competence of Hiwada’s work. And they do it in their Gen Z style, not the other way around.
Takano’s personality and speeches are usually misunderstood as genius in the the most absurd and hilarious ways. The viewers know better, creating a complicity between Hiwada, her and us.
The rest of their co-workers are mostly Gen X and Boomers, with their own dynamics and issues. They can’t figure out the enigma Takano is to them. On the other hand, Milennials are represented as quirky types, exiled to a basement office so they don’t have to deal with others and viceversa. All of the characters are good people but very set in their ways and it’s fun to see their interactions.
The script follows the typical formulaic approach of most Japanese dramas, with a new problem in each episode that by the end it’s resolved, leaving the characters with a new life lesson to learn if they wish to.
The cast was perfectly chosen for each role, particularly Nanao as Takano. Her part could have easily be written off as stupid and make fun at her expenses but she brings such a easy going and earnest energy to the character, it’s impossible to do so.
I think what the drama it’s trying to say under the disguise of a light hearted comedy it’s that, at the end of the day, some people are not meant to change but to change you and how you view the world. So, don’t get too comfortable in your ways. Don’t stop growing, take risks. Always try to be the better version of yourself and move forward.
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A Virtuous Watch!
When I first started watching A Virtuous Business, I had a hard time connecting to the story but I don’t like to give up on kdramas right away because they usually take from two to four episodes until the viewer can start to see the bigger picture of the story. And this was absolutely the case for this particular kdrama.I also think there’s an added issue with the way it was promoted, mainly because the team behind this kdrama didn’t want to give the story away and it worked a little too well.
A Virtuous Business it’s so much more than a story about four women empowering themselves. I don’t think this kdrama is given enough credit for how progressive it actually it’s when you take into consideration the time and country it takes place, or the cultural impact the reinterpretation of Confucianism had in South Korean values, believes and relationships.
This kdrama might be set in a particular time and of course things have changed, but I think it’s fair to say there’s still some relevance in the experiences of these characters. There are very specific scenes that come to mind about this issues but I would hate it to spoil it for anybody.
The story also has a secondary subplot about a very dark and heartbreaking part of contemporary korean history, and that many people are still reckoning with to this day. This part is well balanced with the main story and the comedy, so it never takes too much (which easily could) and instead only gives the kdrama more gravitas.
The relationships are at the heart of this story, with the four female leads front and center but the other women, kids and men around them get their chance to shine and make this world feel lived-in, their dynamics real and development earned. The story ask some hard questions about women’s issues, it questions the definition of what is a “good family man”, the best way to connect with your partner and how to raise children.
I highly recommend giving A Virtuous Business a chance, I think you might be pleasantly surprised!
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Black Lotus Tactics Manual
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Here for the leads.
I first witnessed Yu Shu Xin and Ding Yuxi's undeniable and sizzling chemistry in the cdrama Moonlight. So when I found out they were working together again, I knew immediately I would be watching. Most of this drama didn’t click with me but they make it work.I found the resolution super compelling and I would have love to see more of it. Still, I understand that’s another story for another time, and what we saw it’s what we needed to know. C’est la vie.
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Short and sweet
This was a perfectly fine drama full of very easy to like characters who had confidence in themselves and others. Because of this, I think the strongest part of Serendipity's Embrace are the friendships and family relations, giving us a glimpse at how the people we choose are a fundamental part of how we deal with life.The friend group was particularly special and wonderful to watch, and I loved to see a healthy portrayal of women supporting each other and, also, the possibility of being friends with the opposite sex without any romantic entanglement.
Story-wise this was a very sweet and stress free romance but I do think it wasted too much time on the flashbacks to the leads' high school days to establish their "strong connection". I get it, they were meant to be even back then but I am far more interested in their relationship now as adults than days and opportunities already gone.
That said, I was a little disappointed in the use of mental health issues to excuse bad behaviour or troupes that belong in the 2000s, were we left them for good reason. All of these are embodied in one particular character that we could have done without.
So if you are looking for a short and sweet kdrama to pass the time, this is it.
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