Review: Aogeba Totoushi (2016)

Plot: Koichi Hikuma is a former saxophone player who turned his back on music. However, through his passion he found hope in being an instructor to a high school brass band. Due to inevitable circumstances, the band consisted of some delinquent students in which he struggles to train.

Characters:  

Koichi Hikuma by Akira Terao

Ren Kitora by Mackenyu

Hiroto Aoshima by Nijiro Murakami

Nagisa Arima by Anna Ishii

Review: Beautiful Mind (2016)

Plot: Lee Yong Oh is an excellent neurosurgeon suffering from antisocial disorder. However, he became involved in the series of deaths of his patients. A police officer, Gye Jin Sung assumed the responsibility to put justice in these events. She was inevitably prying too much and eventually became of help to Lee Yong Oh to overcome his inability to emphatize.

Commentary:

Started from the bottom and now we’re here. I am so glad that I watched this series because it was totally worth it and compelling. The controversy surrounding the drama when it was cut short urged me to watch it since it was so intense coming from the viewers. Nonetheless, I heard good reviews from others. But my expectations were quite average that I didn’t expect it to be as awesome and stirring as it was. If you could get pass the first or two episodes of the series, then you are good to go because sometimes we tend to want to find what’s so great in the drama from those two episodes in which you will find nothing but merely an introduction. I believe that a good drama will make sense in the end and the story made me feel that way. 

This drama when compared to Doctors is more into the medical aspect than the romance while balancing it with the backstory and the development of the characters. Despite having low ratings, the story was solid and there was an actual direction to where it is going. Also, some people find few of the scenes boring especially when the topic is about politics and business but it was one of the element that encompassed the story so it was a given thing and there is nothing much to talk about it anyway. Therefore, I will overlook whatever issue that they were not able to put a conclusion in the end for as long as the important issues raised were given the emphasis of its resolution. Since it’s not a family drama that airs for 50 episodes or more, we should it them some slack because they were tremendous at the procedures that they have shot at the operating room or even at the medical terms that they used.

Review: Doctors Episode 7 and 8

Doctors First Impression

I couldn’t be happier with how episode 7 and 8 turned out. Doctors is a hot drama right now and it’s unstoppable with the team up of two Korean Drama royalties Kim Rae Won and Park Shin Hye. These two are great examples of experienced actors who can really make chemistry through every ounce of talent that they got. I mentioned before that I loved Kim Rae Won in ‘My Little Bride’ and now; I love him as much in Doctors if not even more. I think that he’s an actor with a true character from the role of Hong Ji Hong. He’s a believable actor as a doctor and I am impressed not only with his role but also to the script of the drama which I think is a great help to making it as real as possible.

In episode 7, Hye Jung’s friend Kim Soo Chul came into the picture putting Dr. Hong in a jealous mode and in addition to Hye Jung’s admirers, Dr. Jung Yoon Do is captivated with our heroine’s charm. The character of Soo Chul is supposed to be a threat to the romance of the one true pairing according to the perception of Dr. Hong which was dismissed by the reality of Soo Chul being divorced and having a son. Basically, I think that Soo Chul’s feelings for Hye Jung is still strong but now, he’s become mature so he’s also ready to letting go of her. Perhaps he just wanted to say goodbye before he moves on. Also, this character is a revelation of Hye Jung’s past which was being forwarded. It was revealed that Soo Chul lent a helping hand to her when she had no desire to live after her grandmother passed away. I feel that their friendship is bounded by a true foundation of it and so, Hye Jung showed him more compassion which she wasn’t able to show to her family.

Review: Descendants of the Sun Episode 5

 As expected, this drama gets better in every episode which is the reason for reigning on the top spot of the ratings battle that leaves its competitors behind by a huge margin. This is expected to continue next week however, with Goodbye Mr. Black's premier which is a comeback drama by Moon Chae Won (from Innocent Man) which is an exciting event because she will be facing off Innocent Man's co-star, Song Joong Ki. So I wonder how Lee Jin Wook and Moon Chae Won's pairing would fair among the K-netz. But I have seen snippets already and I must say that they have prepared a good competition for DOTS. But first, let me talk about how detail oriented this drama is and how it is put together once again. 

 Since everything happens for a reason, I have this gut feeling that Ye Hwa and her husband, Daniel are more than just passing characters to fill the gaps. Ye Hwa carries a gun in her sleep which is a sign that she must protect herself from imminent danger and her husband, Daniel who is a doctor definitely has a job that is more than complicated than what he is able to fix. Though, captain Shi Jin seems to trust them both, I am assuming that they are comrades of his. But I want to know the backstory of these characters and what they can further offer to the story. I hope that their story would be compelling as well.

 Furthermore, these two just kissed which left a lingering feeling for both. With how it looks like, these two didn't have a good night sleep because of each other. Though it's hard to put a wall between these two cause of their inevitable attraction, Kang Mo Yeon is taken aback by Yoo Shi Jin's breezy moves towards her. He is a very charming yet also, dangerous which makes everything hard for Dr. Kang Mo Yeon because of his line of work. I hope that these two would meet a common ground so that they wouldn't waste their feelings and the genuineness of their characters. Besides, these two are well loved for their amazing chemistry onscreen which is apparent on their kissing scene.

Review: Descendants of the Sun Episode 4

 This drama knows how to make a proper resolution to the problem and that is what episode 4 is all about. Shi Jin was summoned by his superior for defying a military order. After episode 3, we have measured the depth of Shi Jin's character for choosing to save a man's life and a doctor who might have been charged of a case that she did not voluntary do. The man is an influential leader of the Arab world and he needed an immediate medical attention so they landed in Urk for a treatment. However, the man's medical record was fabricated with diagnosis that he doesn’t have. Hence, the medical team led by Dr. Kang Mo Yeon assessed the patient and she suggested an emergency operation. However, his security insisted for them to wait for his Arab doctor despite of being in dire situation. It was an emergency case that needed to have someone to judge whether to listen from his security and a military order which tells the same thing or to save two lives that are in the line. Thus, Shi Jin commanded his men to point a gun to anyone who'll try to neglect the operation and took full responsibility for the outcome. Meanwhile, Kang Mo Yeon is a reputable doctor and she lived up to the expectations of Shi Jin. Through these debacles that they managed to surpass together, the connection between the two has gotten deeper.

Review: Descendants of the Sun Episode 3

Every second of this episode is worth the screen time and I love how everything makes sense from the input of events to the development of the characters. They also show the backstory in which the characters are introduced to who they really are which is a good thing guided by the story. I hope that they keep up with this kind of pace so they'd be able to justify each and everyone of them. Every detail that they incorporate in the scenes were made for a reason and that is a big plus points to them because not every popular K-drama these days have it. Moreover, it was easy to watch and felt like everything was done fast-forwardly in a good way. I dare say that the effort and the plot didn't go in vain. Definitely, because I know that this is a well thought production series and now, we just can't help but love it. 

It's been a while since I feel so into a K-drama in which everyone is watching, as I am aware of its popularity in Korea and to the international viewers. I think that one of the reasons why it is doing well is again, the story is commanding the viewers to watch because there're more to it than meets the eye - the gorgeous cast. 

So here are the screen caps I did for pleasure because the experience of watching this episode is just as intense as the first two where I can't stop grinning at the sight of Song Joong Ki. I miss him so much and I'm glad that he's very well acquainted with his character Captain Shi Jin. Every scene that he has is heart fluttering indeed.

First Impression: Descendants of the Sun

Plot: A love story between troop officer Yoo Shi Jin who leads peacekeeping troops in war and Doctor Kang Mo Yeon who dedicates her life to her career.

First Impression:

I didn’t know that this was a rom-com series because there are definitely more than just the snippets I’ve seen. I didn’t expect a lot since I’m in a K-drama slump last year and this year but surprisingly, Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Gyo were boosting with chemistry onscreen. This drama is one of those that you fall in love with at first episode. They also have that slow-motion effect which happens when you have crush on someone and had me grinning so hard.

Review: Triangle

First Impression

Synopsis: It’s a drama about three brothers who were separated for more than 20 years and later met with no recognition of each other. The eldest Jang Dong Soo has become a police officer diligent in finding his lost brothers and to take revenge to the people who have caused their father's death as an activist leader. The middle child Jang Dong Chul grew up as Heo Youngdal, a known gangster who apparently lost his childhood memories; while the youngest Jang Dong Woo lived as Yoon Yang Ha who was adopted by Chairman of a Casino and was raised to be the heir. Will they be able to make up for the years lost and fill the gaps between them for a reunion?

Strengths:

Its strengths are what I absolutely love about this drama. Probably one of the strengths which is the reason why I favored it mostly is the actors and the sequencing that was excellent to my standard. Since I have been following it from the beginning, I have heard various comments and opinions regarding this series in both extremes. Some viewers even make fun of the small details and some would tend to overlook them because some simply enjoy. To me, it has been very effective because I’m in that category of those who would fall to compliment it first before taking notice of the weak points. So, I would like to further discuss the strengths of it.

Review: MIMI

HalftimeReport

I finished this mini series last night and I found a great motivation to make a review about it today. So after finishing the film, I kind of felt withdrawals which is bizarre because I thought it's an average story, and the acting was lacking immensely despite how they look amazing onscreen. I thought Changmin was cute, handsome, passionate but in most of his acting moments, stiff and dull. On the other hand, Moon Ga Young is satisfactory though, there is still so much to improve in her acting. I found the supporting casts commendable though, like the creepy guy in front of Min Woo's apartment and the death angel or something like that. I was happy by the performances of the supporting casts and that includes the girl who has the ability to guess apartment's passwords that trespass on Min Woo's place but for a good cause - which is perhaps, concern? Maybe the withdrawals was because of the excellent execution of the reunion scene at the last episode in the latter minutes by Mimi and Min Woo. It was the only time that I saw Min Woo come to life through the expressive eyes of Changmin. To be honest, I didn't expect him to deliver the scene that well so at the same time, I was proud of him because I felt him and his emotion coming together so I was like, finally this is what made it worth watching. I had that kind of reassurance that I made the right choice to watch despite not being my instant favorite from the start.

First Impression: Medical Top Team

Expectation: Kwon Sang Woo, Jung Ryeo Won, Joo Ji Hoon, and Choi Min Ho (SHINee) joining this league of awesome casts. Aside from them, I didn’t know much about the story other than the expected that is to set place most probably amongst medical professionals and all that kind of environment. I’m not sure about the writers or the production team of this drama as well, so there’s nothing that is helping me or to give me confidence of what to anticipate regarding that aspect. I didn’t even thought of watching this, at first but because I wanted to take a risk, probably because The Heirs is taking over the kdrama-verse now where the expectation is above the clouds, I needed a setback from all the hype. In other words, I needed you to be classy and to stand out.

In all fairness to Heirs though, I don’t even expect a quality story from them, all I want is for the actors to deliver and them to provide me entertainment. Hee :D

So, what was it all about? I’m curious as well.

First Impression: Boy, I thought the cinematography in Heirs was glorious already but upon seeing this one, I would have to give it to them. Well, I loved how rich they are with colors which I never expected, and blame it to my assumption that this will go through the serious tone and manner. The camera angles are sharp and I was really impressed at how they are able to sensationalize the scenes shot on the operating room. I knew that they are a bit of an exaggerated illustration though because in real life, we don’t get to hear doctors voicing their genius mind before an operation and all that kind of act. Most of the time, they are just relaxing and even playing music while the operation is going on. It may not look realistic to me, but boy I am impressed by the camera work and the editing of the finished product. Oh and by the way, in appreciation to the actors as well, Joo Ji Hoon has not forgotten his skills I could cry. He’s still part of this industry as I felt and as proved by his comeback on the small screen.

First Impression: The Heirs

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Expectation: I didn't expect a lot to make space for disappointment if there would be any. However, I had high hopes that it will deliver just enough to keep me looking forward. Since I took a peek at some of the filmed scenes in LA and I would have to thank those who took fancams of them, I already had an idea of what were going to take place right in their location but of course the sequence of events and the script are the things that I would have to watch. As I observed the atmosphere, I wasn't impressed of the casual outfits of our leads during the film, hence I found myself a bit unconvinced with the style that they were sporting in California. BUT I understood in the end, really because they focused on filming the scenes that comprises surfing, Park Shin Hye crying and Lee Min Ho being topless while taking a shower by the beach. So if we were to call them spoilers, I have known them beforehand. Adding to that, I've seen a 14 minute long preview of it and unfortunately, it didn't make a good impression on me and it made me build my doubts in the series. Regardless of all these things, I was excited because finally, this much awaited series is now available so let's take a look at what they got.

Episode 1: The sequence was a bit here and there but the biggest problem that this drama would have to face is that on how to give everybody (the actors and idols) who were part in the snapshot of character, that much deserved airtime without compromising the story. I'm almost familiar with half of that faces that appeared so far but it took me a while to tell myself that it is too much to handle. Seriously. It might even cause complaints from each and everyone's fanbases if in case that one character would be left unleashed fully. Though, I am still awestruck at the thought of how they were able to convince these people to join in the club. I mean, I myself didn't even had enough of Lee Min Ho but then I wanted more of Woo Bin, Choi Jin Hyuk, Park Hyung Shik and Min Hyuk as well. So woah, how do we squeeze in everyone in a composite screen so that there would be less headache of their exposure? I was even complaining already because Hyuk Shik didn't make an appearance for this episode and that means, I would have to ready myself to a higher probability of not having enough of him in this drama. Well, I came prepared but I'm a hopeful individual by nature so join me in crossing my fingers and in sending my well wishes to the writer and in the production team to make our impossible dream possible. Let everybody be satisfied and happy, I beg you.

Review: Petal Dance

In a Nutshell: A soul searching journey of four friends but not quite which was set through traveling in the direction of where the wind is headed.

Summary: The story started with Haraki (Shiori Kutsuna) as a university student who has a part time job and whose character was mostly comprehended by its background. The first scene was with a boyfriend namely Kawada (Shunsuke Kazama), whom along the way didn't have much significance in the story. They also showed the side of her life with her job and few noticeable interactions to a co-worker, a senior (Mariko Goto) who eventually bid goodbye after the boutique where they both worked with closed down. However, the most relevant event that inspired her soul searching is when she developed her curiosity towards the whereabouts of an old friend who suddenly disappeared without prior notice, as she learned that all along, the friend attempted to commit suicide. Hence, she wanted to know what compelled her to hurt herself and she wanted to meet her again whether or not she's alive.

The next introduction is with Motoko (Sakura Ando) who's first scene was through the reunion with an ex-husband Naoto (Masanobu Ando) – and  she asked him to lend them a car to borrow for a trip together with her friend Jinko to visit Miki (Kazue Fukiishi), a classmate from the university who was admitted in rehabilitation because of attempted suicide.

In Haraki’s decision to search for Kyoko (Hanae Kan), she happened to meet Jinko (Aoi Miyazaki) in a library where she borrowed a book on the topic of suicide. Then they came across each other again at the train station. However, Haraki was misunderstood by Jinko when she saw her swaying from back to front repeatedly like that of the starting position for a jump. Thus, thinking of what she might do to herself, she ran up to her and dragged her to the ground to stop her. Because of the event, Jinko injured her fingers and in return, as apologetic as she felt towards Jinko, Haraki accompanied her to the clinic. After that, they exchanged some friendly words while during the conversation, they talked about where are going after. Jinko mentioned about meeting a friend, borrowing a car, and not close to necessary, they needed a driver. After a moment, Haraki volunteered herself because she has so much free time in her hands.

This is where the trip of them together started. They traveled by land, with the objective to meet a friend whom Motoko and Jinko both knew from the university. Both are casually talking about her, saying things like they would never know what to say to make her feel better or to make the situation easier for her to manage. Following these ideas, they are also troubled by thoughts of what could have been done to prevent this moment from happening. Meanwhile, Haraki was driving and consciously listening to the conversation between the two while she has the thought of her friend in her mind. While on the road, the concept of the wind appeared in the conversation, and Haraki could somewhat relate to what the two are feeling because of too much familiarity with the situation. However, she didn't relate her situation to them. There she remembered a moment wherein Kyoko shared to Haraki that when you wish for something and let the wind carry it to its direction, it will come true. Hence, the same thought processes are unconsciously occurring amongst them.

Arriving to the place, they met Miki after so long. The moment was a mixed feeling of awkwardness and longing for one another. Anyhow, they realized that they must create something out of the position they are into. This included Miki bringing them to the places where she'd want them to be with. Then the next day, they exactly did what was planned.

I think that from this moment on, it would be better to anticipate of what's going to happen afterwards.

Review: South Bound (2013)

H

Rating: Highly Recommended

South Bound is a Korean adaptation to a novel originally written by the Japanese author, Hideo Okuda. In Japan, the said novel was also published through a film with the same title that was released in 2007.

Synopsis: It is about a film director whose works are inspired by his nature to question what the society dictates. For this reason, it provides him the concept of indifference from everything that is being sold by the media and the society to him. Through his own beliefs and efforts, he chose to live in Deul Island that was passed on to him by his ancestors. The said island serves as a prospect for economic growth and development to some politicians by building hotel and resort at the vicinity. However, as determined as Choi Hae-Kab (Kim Yun-Seok) is to fight for his ownership in the said island, he put all of his power and strength to protect the natural habitat of the people living in the area.

Commentaries:

I came across this movie in an accident and I was so happy, almost felt like finding a treasure without even hunting for it. Anyway, this film has uplifted my day in so many ways that later on, I will try to enumerate them. As you know, I'm not a picky watcher, so for as long as you've something interesting and new to offer, you've got high potential for my liking. I was really glad, I made it to this movie.

The movie is inspirational and insightful, most especially to me who has a very different take on everything that happens in my day to day life: from the moment I wake up till the time I say my prayers in my sleep. So in between these moments, there are handful of events that occur: some are happy and some are sad. And sometimes, when we focus on the things that are out of our own perspectives, we lose sight of our individual judgment. 

Halftime Report: Can We Get Married?

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Synopsis:

It’s a story about a couple who’s been together for three years and now, they have thought of marriage as the next chapter of their relationship. However, there are a lot of preparations that couples have to go through which is why the title leaves you with a question mark in the end. Those hardships include the stress of introducing your family to each other in order to get used with life of being part of each other’s family. In this case, Hye Yeon and Jong Hoon is just a normal couple who went through a lot of ups and downs in their relationship that served as a test to their love. Now, since we know that we have to consider a lot of things before the day of the wedding, can we expect a happy ending for them? Most especially that in the story, their family has the key influence in their lives and most especially, in their marriage.

Reaction:

I am starting to really appreciate Cable dramas more than ever. Nope. Scratch that, ever since I saw Reply Me 1997, I thought that it was the beginning of things changing in favor of cable dramas in the context of producing and directing quality series.

Yeah, like what has been said, Cable dramas are painfully awesome that I come to a point wherein I have no interest or faith in dramas broadcasted by the three big TV stations in Korea like I used to, unless otherwise recommended by many and is approved by the general public through high ratings. But then, yes, I still have a long list of must-watch from them which I think are 3-5  years old as we speak. With regards to the current trend, cable dramas are damn amazing.

Review: Thank You

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Rating: Highly Recommended

Synopsis and Character Introduction: 

Lee Young Shin (Gong Hyo Jin) is a mother who single-handedly raises her 8 year old child, who unfortunately was infected by the HIV virus, Lee Bom (So Shin Ae). The child acquired the disease in the hospital after she received treatment that needed blood transfusion. However, negligence was committed by one of the medical staff who did the procedure. The said medical personnel was a doctor, who repented on her mistake by making her service available in a clinic of a far flung place in the countryside. She is Cha Ji Min (Choi Kang Hee) who had her own share of suffering after being diagnosed of pancreatic cancer that caused her death. Before she passed away, her last wish was to apologize personally to Lee Bom and her family and to admit that it was her fault for not making sure that the blood was safe to be transfused. Unfortunately, she didn’t manage to express her feelings to them because it was time for her to go. But then, she was able to give Lee Bom the special teddy bear she personally bought before going in the island. The place is called Blue Island that is far from civilization.

Review: Sirius

Rating: Average

Synopsis: 

It’s a story between twins who were separated at birth. Shin Woo was left in an orphanage by her mother who can’t afford to raise the two kids together while she brought Eun Chang with her as a single parent. Five years later, they fetched Shin Woo at the orphanage to live with them in an effort to bring the two kids together as a family.

The siblings grew up with different personalities; Eun Chang is more outgoing and the tougher side of the twins while Shin Woo is reserved and an introvert. This has determined their roles in school as well. Shin Woo is someone who gets bullied while Eun Chang is always the one who comes in rescue of him. However, Shin Woo had perceived the concern of his brother, Eun Chang to him. He thought that he's being pushed aside within the family. 

One day, Eun Chang went to school wearing Shin Woo’s uniform to avenge his brother’s dignity from someone who has bullied him. However, things went ugly when he was brought at the rooftop where he was confronted. Accidentally, Eun Chang pushed the bad guy from there and he fell on the ground. The student eventually died and Eun Chang was sent to jail. But their mother asked Shin Woo to enter instead in exchange of his brother who only wanted to protect him. Little to her realization, it has hurt Shin Woo’s feelings as a son and that he has never forgot that moment in his life.

Years later, Shin Woo became a successful high rank police officer while Eun Chang was finally granted of freedom. However, their mother died by that time. Eun Chang asked Shin Woo why he didn’t notify him beforehand and asked what were the last words of hers. Frustratingly, he answered that she’s always mumbling his name until her last breath.

Mandate of Heaven: Character Introduction

My previous post on Mandate of Heaven

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This is the opening scene showing Choi Won carrying Rang while they are being chased by the police brigade for he is accused of a treacherous crime.

Drama Introduction: Nine Times Time Travel

Episode 1: Synopsis / Watch! 

I was deeply impressed and stunned by the beauty of these shots as much as I appreciated its effort to engage me in. If this thing is going to continue for the rest of the episodes, then I'll be there to witness for sure.

The ones who are in charge of the scenery have brilliant eye-view. Thanks for the great visual treats you've given me in your first episode, drama. I owe you a lot.

Review: 49 Days

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Casts: 

Jo Hyun Jae - Han Kang

Lee Yo Won - Sung Yi Kyung

Nam Gyu Ri - Shin Ji Hyun

Jung Il Woo - Sung Yi Soo

Bae Soo Bin - Kang Min Ho

Synopsis: 

The story portrayed the journey of a soul from a person’s body that is at a comatose state in the hospital. At this point, the soul is given a chance to return to her body only if she will accomplish the task asked of her by the death guardian. The task can only be executed through the help of another person's body to borrow, proven that she has pure heart and at the same time, was chosen by the death angel. Her mission is to find at least three persons who truly cared for her in her lifetime in a span of 49 days with exclusion to her family members. At first, she was confident enough to finish the task without a problem. But then, later on as she gets to learn her friends from another person’s point of view, everything is totally different from what she believed in.

Review: Chuno

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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Genre: Period, Drama, Action, Romance
Release Date: January, 2010
Casts: 

• Jang Hyuk as Lee Dae Gil
• Oh Ji Ho as Song Tae Ha
• Lee Da Hae as Un Nyun / Kim Hye Won
• Lee Jong Hyuk as Hwang Chul Woong
• Gong Hyung Jin as Eop Bok
• Han Jung Soo as General Choi
• Kim Ji Suk as Wang Son
• Kim Ha Eun as Sul Hwa

Synopsis:

The story followed the life of Lee Dae Gil, a slave hunter that holds a painful memory of the past. he used to be a young master of a household until one of their servants, the brother of the woman he cared for (Un Nyun) put the household on fire, killing the family members except for the young master who was left with a mark on the left side of his face due to the intentional course of event. This caused Lee Dae Gil to seek revenge to the siblings by trailing his ex-lover whom he believed abandoned him. On their next encounter, Un Nyun no longer exist as she changed her identity as Kim Hye Won.