Favorite Dramas

Good Doctor was my unexpected little gem and I'm so grateful to have found it because it is exactly MY type of drama: a story that inspires, changes and brings redemption to people. Thus, the reason why it came straight to number one on my official MDL list. Park Shi On's mere existence, albeit fictional, reaffirms my theory as to why God would allow persons with such conditions to live in this world. It is because individuals who have so-called disabilities have the purest souls and we can learn a lot from them about life, about kindness, resilience and sincerity. Granted, it's not the type of show you'd watch if you're expecting a mind-blowing plot. But Good Doctor is inarguably one of those dramas that touches the heart and makes you reflect about what it truly means to be in the medical profession.

This drama hits you like a ton of bricks. Makes you reflect deeply about life, love, hope and friendship. It also has the most memorable male character for me. His love went beyond the physical and to the point where his heart recognized the woman he loved for 10 years in another girl's body. This kind of love is already the "soulmate" kind of thing and it broke my heart when she died, after all the sacrifices he made for her.

Granted, DOTS did not have the most earth-shattering or intellectually stimulating plot. But I loved the themes of patriotism, courage and selflessness within the context of a romantic relationship between a soldier and a surgeon, both very noble and highly dedicated to their professions. These make the love story more mature (despite the funny rom-com interactions). And I highly appreciate that.

It's true that it was Park Bo Gum's acting and character that truly made the drama awesome. I guess you could say that his Crown Prince became my ideal man: highly intelligent, protective, passionate and kind. Of course it helps that he is tall and gorgeous. Moreover, it's the type of drama that has the right combination of sweetness, drama and tragedy. It breaks your heart to see the OTP being torn apart because of the mistakes of their parents. But it's never that tragic nor the political machinations too convoluted to leave you despondent in the end. 

My love for this drama has withstood the test of time. It's wacky, hysterical, passionate, dramatic and almost close to perfect. The original manga got way too serious, frustrating and depressing. But the execution of this overly cliche plot was done wonderfully by the cast and crew. It managed to compress an otherwise draggy story to a wonderful two season drama. Matsumoto Jun and Inoue Mao together is perfection. And did I mention that HYD made me understand how sacred the expression "aishiteru" is in Japan from the Final movie, when Domyouji and Makino were "trapped" in the island? The ending of the first season and the film touched me, especially the latter. The utmost respect Domyouji had, that same bully who was notorious for not giving courtesy to anyone or anything, towards the parents of Makino made me cry.