2013: Top 3 Picks (Personal Favorites)

What a year of dramas for me. This is the first time in years to officially seal my obsession with watching dramas through this blog - where I can write my insights about few of the Korean and Japanese dramas I've watched over the years, and of course the current dramas I've devoted my time with this year. As we are approaching the end of 2013, I realized that I have to make a year in review of my favorites, apart from the previous official long talks I've made about them. So, now I'm here to share with you my top favorites from this year hoping to share my experience of watching them to everyone.

1. Heartless City: Review

Safe to say that this is first to be mentioned without thinking much of what to talk about first. So why Heartless City? Maybe because it was my first time this year to officially got hook with a character and unexpectedly, I saw myself watching a noir series which is pretty much not my type of drama nor have I witnessed myself watching one. I think, Heartless City, upon reading its synopsis and multiple descriptions from different blogs would still leave a great doubt of its ability to catch interest among the followers. There is still a need for emphasis that, how ever you find it impossible getting into it because you are not a fan of the plot and simply because this is not your type of drama, I think that when you get yourself pass episode 1 or 2, the interest will finally kick in as I can totally relate. To my curiosity about this drama, I couldn't care of what to take place at first and I can't concentrate on the events in episode 1, perhaps I just wanted to get over the episode and start the drama already.

The thing is that drama starts directly at episode 1, where keen attention is needed to be able to understand the coming episodes ahead, anyhow, of course you'd get to know more as you arrive to the story. But I will tell you that whether you are interested or not, for as long as there is curiosity in you, I assure that you will come to love it. Though, the process is where this drama has specialized its value.

First Impression: Heartless City Episode 3

Start. The beautiful view of the city yet full of dark elements around it. The theme of this drama is highlighted through the expressive contrast between black and orange that is evidently used in the cinematography. I see it as a good thing, I learned how to appreciate the tone of the mood that it wants to project. Usually, I am not a fan of sensible action dramas and such but this one is an exception.  Good job!

Who is Doctor's Son and why is he so heartless? Is this everything that is within his sense of being? Definitely not, I knew that I would be extracting more of him in the next episodes but why does he speak like that? It feels as if he's going to dominate this world as the King of all drug-lords. He speaks so highly, confident, fearless, and furthermore, heartless. I feel the need to know more of him, and find the reasons why he's doing this. Who is he exactly and what is his major drive for doing this?

Gyung Mi made this for Soo Min's hearty breakfast. I love the heart shaped egg she put on top of the kimchi fried rice which definitely looked tasty and made me crave for some Korean food. Why do k-dramas do this to me?

A letter that Gyung Mi wrote to Soo Min saying she's sorry for misunderstanding her - that is she's working as a hostes. Read Reference - Episode 1

First Impression: Heartless City Episode 2

Heartless City Episode 1 - Character Introduction

When this drama introduced the names of our gangsters: Doctor's Son, Safari, Pusan, Meth Kim, etc, I was really amused with their creativity to make up names. Where in the world did those come from? That's one of the reasons why I loved the series even more. 

In the field of drugs, there's also a competition that happens among the druggies. Hmm, it's getting interesting now. Even though we have an evident star, I wonder how far could this coup goes among them.

Cinematography wise, the series is amazing. Maybe, I was too amazed because it exceeded my expectations, actually.

Review: Heartless City

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Commentaries:

The story has come to its finale and I’m left here trying to absorb everything about the series, on how amazing it has been! It totally was worth of an emotional ride and excitement. I can clearly claim this drama as my favorite now simply because of the overall impact that it has brought to me starting from its brilliant editing, story line, and cinematography down to the great images portrayed.