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!

Leggi di Più

Sweet and tender

Hidden Love it’s a beautiful love story about love, overcoming grief, guilt and building a family. The acting is really good and the OST fun. I don’t know where scriptwriter Shen Fei Xian has been for the past 7 years but, God, I am so glad she’s back!

This drama had two MVPs: Sang Yan for opening his home and always being a good friend and brother, and Qian Fei for helping Jian Xu figure out his love life. Where would our leads be without them? Probably still pining for each other.

Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan carry the drama with ease and sizzling chemistry. It was a joy to see their characters fall in love and dealing with everything that came their way as a team with a deep understanding of each other. They made an effort to communicate and this made them stronger and smarter as couple. Wonderful.

If you enjoyed this drama, you might want to check out Love O2O. Shen Fei Xian was also the scriptwriter responsible for that adaptation to the screen and she clearly very talented. And if you have already seen both dramas, then good news: she’s already working on her next project!

Leggi di Più

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.

Leggi di Più

Soldier and Spy.

I imagine intelligence work is probably very much like portrayed in this drama. No thrilling chases or big action scenes, but rather a group of weary men, drinking tea or alcohol, in a series of conversations that circle an enigma. This doesn't mean the story it's not fascinating to watch, after all we are looking for a double agent who is more likely to be among our lead characters than in some far away location pulling at strings.

This is a slow paced drama and it will ask things of you as a viewer. You will have to pay attention to details in the story because they might be important later on but, at the same time, you have to keep an eye on the bigger picture these characters are trying to paint. It's easy to get lost in the small things and miss out on the glaring obvious. The narrative can be a little confusing in the first few episodes but around episode 5 to 7 things started to take form as we got all of our players on the board, with different missions and objectives.

The strongest point of this drama is probably technical aspects. Superbly atmospheric in the hands of director Lu Yang. His camera work is implacable, its moves sinister, the rooms are filled with uncertainty, and the characters warily circle around — well, each other, really. The Wind Blows From Longxi looks, sounds and feels exactly right. The drama is faithful to the time period in all aspects, from the locations to set designs. The costumes, hair and make up are incredible tactile and you can feel the roughness of piece of fabric as you watch a scene. The cinematography, tho, it's the true star. The use of light and lenses in this drama are planned to the tee. It enhances and hides the characters' personality and true intentions, giving you clues through visuals instead of exposition. It's perfect.

The performances from all the cast are on par with the production, but particularly Chen Kun and Bai Yu. They prove to be at the top of their craft in this drama. The story asks a lot of them to be portrayed in a whisper, almost. There are times when physical conflicts happen and they are really well done but not as interesting as what came before and after.

I am aware this is is the kind of drama that it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I think you should at least try a couple of episodes and then decide because, I promise you, it's worth it.

Leggi di Più

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 !

Leggi di Più

This drama 100% deserves the hype

In a time when we are suffering from a over-saturation of content and less than mediocre stories, particularly related to people with superpowers, South Korea has released MOVING and proved there's still hope for the genre.

Like its tittle the story is in constant move, not only pushing forward but going back to different timelines to give us context o our main characters and how the things happening in present time are a direct consequence to the past. Technically, MOVING is perfect. One of the strongest points is definitely the editing and this can be seen in the way the story jumps from one year to another but you never lose track of what's happening nor leaves you confused. There are gaps to fill but with other episodes that will give you answers. The score complements the actions and emotions of the characters to perfection.

The performances are top notch and it's not surprise considering this drama is stack. If you have been watching korean dramas or films for a while, you will recognize even the most random character or one-episode-cameo it's performed by an award winning actor or actress. These people have a reputation for a reason and they deliver in every scene, with a look, a touch, a smile or a punch that will push you through a wall. For some characters in the drama literally speaking.

Zo In Sung hasn't starred in a drama since Dear My Friends (2016) and I am so glad this is his return to the tv format. In MOVING he delivered a nuance, charming and badass performance that in the hands of another would have fell flat. His character's entire existence it's what pushes most of the story forward: a person used as a weapon to kill but all he ever wanted was to live. The big mystery of the drama it's to find out what was his fate after he got separated from those he loves.

Ryoo Seung Ryong remains one of the most compelling actors of his generation, giving us the incredible story of a good man lost in life until he found his purpose and redemption. His storyline, full of gore and violence, was actually a tender love story about how far a man will go to protect his family. Marvelous.

Han Hyo Joo's character could have easily fallen into the Smurfette principle but no. She's an equal to the men who love her and those that want to kill her, with a very strong motivation to keep herself on the top of the game. This character's loneliness comes through every scene she's in, bottling everything up in order to be strong for her family but you can tell she's waiting for a chance to be free and, most importantly, for her son to be able to live freely.

Ko Yoon Jung, Lee Jeong Ha and Kim Do Hoon are really promising actors, particularly considering they hold their own while performance with so many household names. I think Kim Do Hoon and Kim Sun Kyun probably gave one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful stories in the drama.

Like I mentioned before every single actor in this drama brought their A+ game face but I would be doing a disservice if I didn't mention Kim Hee Won, Cha Tae Hyun, Ryoo Seung Bum, Park Hee Soon, Yang Dong Geun, Jo Bok Rae, Park Kwang Jae, Kim Joong He and, of course, Kwak Sun Young. She in particular was SPECTACULAR.

None of these characters are one-dimensional, they are not defined by the label society wants to put on them. They are all joined together by the experiences, hardships, love, motivations and ambitions they share. At the end of the day, related or not by blood, they are a family. Even the so-called enemies.

MOVING it's absolutely worthy of the hype that surrounds it through all social media and news outlets putting in the category of one of 2023 best tv shows. I only regret I didn't have the time to watch it sooner so I could have add it to mine.

Leggi di Più

Third time is the charm.

If the first Soundtrack story was a beautiful love story about two friends falling in love, then Soundtrack #2 it's a bittersweet melody about two people who can't seem to get it right. Not matter how much you care for someone, sometimes love isn't enough and you have to let time and space give you perspective to understand why things didn't work out with that person.

Some couples have to try hard at their relationship. It may be because of different upbringings, POV on life or individual issues. No relationship it's perfect, timing can be tricky and life make things difficult. The characters own personal issues also stand in their way but the important thing to take from this love song it's that when you find the person who makes you happy, you try to make it work until the very end. Even if it takes two or three times. Even if it means letting them go more than once.

The Soundtrack Anthology remains one of the best productions coming from South Korea and I hope that we get many more stories from this world.

Leggi di Più

A step in the right direction!

Netflix has being trying to adapt to live action manga/anime stories for a while and after the incredibly mild version they released of cult classic Cowboy Bebop, I was unsure if I should give One Piece a chance.

Based on the long-running story by Japanese mangaka Oda Eiichiro, the first season is a somewhat faithful version of the first 100 chapters of the original work. We meet most of the main characters, their backgrounds and motivations, as they come together to become the Straw Hat Crew.

This “new” version of the beloved series is primed to be a commercial success, make fans happy and bring a new audience. The story is entertaining, the characters incredibly charming, their chemistry off charts, and the world building super interesting.

The show it’s not perfect but you can see they did their darnest to make it fun for everyone. Overall, I think it‘s a step in the right direction of live action adaptations.

Leggi di Più

Beautiful and uplifting

When I Fly Towards You manages to capture the fleeting moment in life when possibilities are endless. Back when we say goodbye to childhood and we become young adults going out into the world to expand our understanding as we discover ourselves through others.

On a technical aspect the cdrama is shot digitally but there are snippets filmed with an analog camera, visually making you understand you are being told this story from the POV of someone remembering. This adds a layer of nostalgia. Smart and beautiful to watch.

The acting is what I expect from a youth drama that understands itself: good natured, solid and well-rounded performances of characters growing up as we see them going through different every day experiences involving school, friends, family and love.

Overall, I fully enjoyed this cdrama that features an easy to cheer for characters, with good chemistry, learning about life and themselves. This is why I love youth dramas, they can be a source of joy and energy.

Leggi di Più

Good acting carries a seen before story.

You have probably seen this story before: young love torn apart by adults who disapprove of the relationship, leaving two people forever changed and pinning for each other for years. Until they are reunited and now they must decided if fight for their love and move on.

Story-wise, the script brings nothing new to the genre. There's the angst and pinning, unreasonable and manipulative parents, the flashbacks to happier days, the depressing present life of two adults who can't move from that time in their lives. Almost every decision made it's based on that brief time in when they were happy.

The first half of the drama we must meet the characters to understand their motivations and why they must heal first before contemplating whatever or not they want to be together. It's very frustrating. Particularly because of how manipulative leading lady's mother is. She has no absolutely no redeeming qualities and it's been a while since I wanted to strangled a fictional character so much.

The second part of the drama is less frustrating. Characters start to snap out of it and becoming far more proactive into trying to build the life they want for themselves, with the support of friends and peers.

Yang Yang and Wang Churan carry this drama with their performances. Their chemistry is off charts and they deliver a strong melodrama full of action, angst, personal trauma and romance, heightened by the life or death situations the leads find themselves in because of their field of work.

Overall, a solid story.

Leggi di Più

Waiting for Rain does not deliver

Despite the amount of talent gathered, Waiting for Rain does not deliver. A story about loneliness and nostalgia, it leaves much to be desired when the flashbacks to the past, in which the entire premise of the film is based on, don't really grip at your heart in order to break once you understand the present. I have seen this done before and much better in recent years (e.g.: 20th Century Girl).

The script and directing of this film is weak and mild, it manages to deliver what I can only describe as Kang Ha Neul's most mediocre performances to date. He's still good because he's Kang Ha Nuel, but his best efforts could not save this story. Same goes for Kang Sora, Chun Woo-hee and the rest.

The editing is a mess, trying to play it cool and smart but only manages to mix the timelines and confuse the viewers. I can't...

Don't waste your time.

Leggi di Più

In what can only be described as the korean adaptation of the Nicholas Cage's Christmas classic The Family Man, Kwon Sang Woo's character gets a taste of what life could had been like if he had made different choices.

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!

Leggi di Più

A very sweet and mature youth drama!

Desk mates. Friends. Lovers. Through growing pains, separation and reconciliation, Si Yue and Ding Xian remain earnest to what they know to be true: their relationship. They are each other's constant through everything and a love based on mutual respect and understanding is meant to last a lifetime.

Yes, the story follows a pattern and it has troupes. But I can overlook all that thanks to good story development and performances. Besides, Chen Zheyuan and Xu Meng Jie have GREAT chemistry. If you are looking a drama to relax to, this is it.

The teaser trailer for Our Secret is accurate but also misleading af. It has all the sweet moments but the story is more mature than what is shown. I was pleasently surprised.

Overall, this was a very endearing youth drama, with solid character development and performances. The story is sweet and if you are looking for a drama to relax and smile to, this is it.

I recommend it!

Leggi di Più

What is the point...?

The premise of All of Us Are Dead is simple: a group students try their best to stay alive while being trapped in their school through a zombie apocalypse. When I first heard about this drama and saw the talent attached to the project, I thought this was a promising story.

After watching it, I feel mostly lukewarm about it. Sadly, most of the developments that don’t sit well with me are major spoilers, so I won’t be sharing it. Instead, I will be talking about what I liked about it and what didn’t quite reach the potential it had.

What I like the most was that I got to watch the story from several perspectives, from desperate teen survivor, detective and the framed science teacher, to military and political government. The different points of view on what to do in this situation was very interesting.

The first half of the drama was very compelling. Its rhythm fast paced and adrenaline infused but also took its time to develop characters and their inner and outer demons. In the final six episodes the story shifts and the drama suffers from it a little.

The acting is a mixed bag. The adult performers do a solid job but it’s the young talent where it flattered. I personally think what is really attracting people to watch this drama, more than the story, is the charming new actors and actresses. Particularly Park Solomon, whom I admit is a find and probably the next big thing. I can see a little of Go Soo in him and that should tell you everything you need to know. Lee Eun-saem and Ha Seung-ri are another two really strong performances. But the most impactful presence is Lee Yoo Mi who demonstrates the meaning of the word range.

The zombie action is top notch, no surprise coming from a korean production. It is gory and blood thirsty. Their origin story, however, it’s one of the things that just don’t sit well with me.

The school violence, bullying and sexual abuse display in this drama is far more disturbing than the actual zombies. I am sure this was the intention, so we as an audience can understand and empathize with the logic behind the creation of the zombies. The adult solution to the problem is anarchy and destruction. From this situation, a group of kids is left to figure out what’s morally correct, ethical behavior, justice, the importance of kindness, and so on. Lord of the Flies: Zombie Edition.

This is the point where I am left wondering if this is what of All Of Us Are Dead is actually about. Is this a gore fest showing me the worst a human can do? People so detached to what others feel, so already dead inside, that everything they do is worse than what a zombie does? Is this a brutal bullying survivor story? But then why none of the main characters were part of the bullied? Or someone who stood up to the bullies before the zombie apocalypse? Or part of the bullying storyline at all?

As I mentioned before, I found the conclusion of this series lukewarm, up in the air, as I am sure it was the intention since Netflix or the powers at the studio who produced this drama are probably wishing for a second season. Or more.

Overall, if you like zombies stories, you might as well give it chance.

Leggi di Più