Please Note:

One * = Didn't like it, Don't recommend. Two ** = Typical. Worth seeing at least once. Three *** = I enjoyed it! Worth seeing more then once.
Four **** = It's great! Add it to your all-time favorites list! Five ***** = Epic! Highly Recommended. A totally memorable drama/film.

Friday, May 31, 2013

The Worst Guy Ever

The Worst Guy Ever/ 내 생애 최악의 남자/ Nae Sangae Choiakeui Namja ** (Korean)
Movie 94mins

Shin Sung-Rok as Kwon Jae-Hoon
A quarrelsome duo wake up after a night of drinking with friends, in eachothers arms. The second time it occurs, they decide to marry, but it isn't long before rivals show on the scene to tempt them away from the marital knot.


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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Hyunhaetan Marriage War

Hyunhaetan Marriage War/ Doenjang-gun and Natto-jjang's Marriage War/ 된장군과 낫토짱의 결혼전쟁/ Doenjanggungwa Nattojjangui Kyeolhonjeonjaeng ** (Korean-Japanese colab)
2 episodes

Im Joo Hwan as Kim Dae Chun
Fun romance with several chuckles at the silliness of the situation. Favorite scene(s): The dad's are finally getting along.

Japanese girl and Korean guy, very much in love, break the news of their desire to marry, to their folks, the father's of whom are badly surprised and against marriage outside their own country.


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Monday, May 27, 2013

The Secret Angel

The Secret Angel/ 秘密天使 / Mìmì tiānshǐ ** (Korean-Chinese colab)
web drama 10 episodes.
Jang Woo Hyuk as Hwan
Interesting tale. Those 100 days flew by on speedy angel wings too!, Could be the reason I thought it seemed a little too short. I do hope I get to see more from the actors in this drama sometime soon. Favorite scene(s): The angel wings attack.. which was no more then a few light pounds on the death agent's chest.

Story about a clumsy angel who gives away her necklace to a dying human and then has to protect his life for 100 days from an agent of death.


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Sunday, May 26, 2013

Two Weddings And a Funeral

Two Weddings And a Funeral/ 두 번의 결혼식과 한 번의 장례식/ Du Bunui Gyulhonsikgwa Han Bunui Jangryesik ** (Korean)
Movie 106mins
Good story. I could somehow sympathize with Min-soo's 'cowardly' fright at being found out. Something like that, which could become quickly violent(and did) would be difficult to want to step into the limelight for. A bit of guy-n-guy and girl-n-girl smooching and underwear moments. There is also a Tragically sad/angry moment in this movie. Favorite scene(s): discovery of co-'bottom' bed splat and Sweet Tina's invite to be a supporting hiding place whenever it was needed.

A closeted gay doctor, Min-Soo, Trying to get out of his parent's arrangements, and a coworker, Hyo-Jin, who wants, badly, to adopt a young child, and needs a marriage license to do so... agrees to a fake marriage. Hyo-Jin and her girlfriend, choosing to live across the hall, just in case they are needed together to keep up appearances.


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Saturday, May 25, 2013

Antique

Antique/ 서양골동양과자점 엔티크/ Sayangkoldong Yangkwajajeom Aentikeu **\ (Korean)
Movie 109 mins
Ju Ji-Hoon as Kim Jin-Hyuk
Good story. There are a few suggestive and underwear scenes in this movie. As argumentative and alluring as Jin-Hyuk and Sun-Woo are, throughout the film, their mutual chemistry/bond was perfectly strong. It did rather have a creepy overtone to the whole, concerning the news broadcasts but it kept the plot moving along even as the shop dealt with the day-to-day mishaps and foibles.

A boy is kidnapped, and mysteriously reappears two months later with little to no conscience memory of the time. Having grown, he opens a cake shop, hiring a school classmate for patisserie who studied in Paris.. and with his own set of trouble and quirks. Then comes along an ex-lightweight boxer with a love for the cakes created by Sun woo. And the clumsy 'bodyguard' who somehow finds his place in the bakery.
And somewhere out there, was a kidnapper and murderer of young boys, looking forward to another sweet bite.


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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Legend of Hyang Dan

Legend of Hyang Dan/ 향단전 **\ (Korean)
2 episodes

Huh Jung Min as Bang Ja
Fun Romantic Comedy take on a classic tale. I enjoyed the whole storyline and the characters as well. And I just gotta say, Si Wan is quite talented with the comic characters imo. Favorite scene(s): The picnic trick.

A Young noble, secretly part of a thieving group, Is looking for a place to hide after taking the heat for another member on horseback, hides within the room of a lady. Unfortunately, he interrupts the musings of the lady's servant, trying out new clothes, and falls in love, mistaking her for the lady. He soon realizes his error and sticks to his love with glue, in spite of the lady who wishes to betroth him. The servant, knowing that the class differences between them was impossible, Tries to trick him into being with her insistent lady... Then makes a promise with him that she would marry him if he passed the scholars examination.

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Sunday, May 12, 2013

Kimi ni Todoke

Kimi ni Todoke/ 君に届け/ From Me to You **\ (Japanese)
Movie 128 mins

Haruma Miura as Shota Kazehaya
What a sweet school romance! Favorite scene(s): Abruptly leaving the gym, hand in hand.

Shy and quiet Sawako Kuronuma, seeks only to be of help, but becomes something of the school's pariah, Rumors fly about her resemblance and demeanor of a ghost, of how she can curse with a steady gaze of 3 seconds. Many believe the rumors,..but for 4. her teacher, two girls who became good friends, and Shota Kazehaya, whose eyes and ready smile were always on her.


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K-POP - The Ultimate Audition

K-POP - The Ultimate Audition/ K-POP Choikang Survival/ K-POP Choikang Survival ** (Korean)
14 episodes
Park Yoo Hwan as Kang Woo Hyun
Rather reminded me of another drama in general storyline. The girl looked the part of a tomboy and sounded too much like a girl, especially when singing. Felt like they had crammed a few too many predictable 'ohno!s'... made the ending seem weak. Favorite character(s): Kwon Ji Woo and his grandma.

Girl fails at classical music school in England, returns to South Korea and stays with her best bud for a time, for fear of her parent's angry reaction. As her longtime friend lacks confidence to stand on stage, despite his dreams of being on it, She goes with him to audition and they are both chosen for the next boy idol team called M2 Junior. People assumed the tomboy was male. She bounces several times off the arrogant lead of M2, and falls in mutual love. This is the start of trouble, as forces maneuver around them to dissolve the team before they could get far.


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Thursday, May 9, 2013

A Perfect Match

A Perfect Match/ 좋은 사람 있으면 소개시켜줘/ Joheun saram isseumyeon sogae shikeojwo ** (Korean)
Movie 101 mins
Slow moving movie. Wasn't especially funny, and the romance was light. still, guess it wasn't a bad plot. Favorite scene(s): quiet Hyun-Soo finely becomes obvious about who he had interest in.

A single and struggling woman working as a matchmaker, has issues finding the right match for his quiet lackadaisical attitude and finds herself liking him more and more herself.


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The Righteous Thief

The Righteous Thief/ The Descendants of Hong Gil-dong
/ 홍길동의 후예/ Hongkildongui Huye ** (Korean)
Movie 117 mins
Lee Si-Young as Song Hyeon-Hwa
Good fun. I liked how well-organized the family was... calmly talking of plans, practice, complaining over the lack of meat, and little brother begging to be let in on it all, at the dinner table. Favorite scene(s): overwhelming smooches and the last-ditch rescue of big brother.

Mom is making supper, dad is giving a lecture, big bro is playing piano for his music class and younger bro has a test. Once the sun goes down, the little family breaks out the dark clothing and makes plans for a visit to a wealthy villa, the proceeds of which then go to the city's poor, in an age-old legacy. One day, the music teacher's intended is kidnapped and he decides to break it off with her.. for everyone's safety. The girl's brother also has crises when the warrant he needed is flat-out denied and his thoughts of a grand collar falls through.


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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Gumiho: Tale of the Fox's Child

Gumiho: Tale of the Fox's Child/ Grudge: The Revolt of Gumiho/ The Gumiho's Revenge/ 구미호: 여우누이뎐 / Gumiho: Yeowoonuidyun **\ (Korean)
16 episodes
Lee Min-Ho as Jo Jung-Kyu
The two little girls in this drama well deserve acting awards for this drama imo. Not to say the others weren't amazing as well, just that Yeon Yi stole the limelight every single time she appeared. Not really a romance.. although there was a fair bit of passion. There are also several tragic death's with a sad ending (along with an incredibly loong soliloquy) I soo felt for the ever-supporting mute guy. Favorite character(s): Yeon Yi, her boyfriend, and Chun Woo.

A Gumiho, trying for 10 years to reach humanity, misses the mark when her hubby spills the beans and she is forced cross-country with her just-shy of 10 year old daughter. After a run-in with a tiger, and then a persistant hunter, They are taken in by a 'benevolent' gentleman with a fairly hostile household. Still, they try to stick it out for a time... eventually getting wound up in a web of deceit, as a local shaman manipulates the family, who are desperate to find a cure for their sick daughter.


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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Let's Go To The Beach

Let's Go To The Beach/ 해변으로 가요/ Hae Byun Eh Ro Gayo ** (Korean)
14 episodes
Jun Jin as Jang Tae-hyun
Girl escaped to the city, hoping to catch the next plane out to follow her dreams but Grandpa played a trick on her and she had to return to the little beach-side motel. Along the way she is introduced to 2 guys, not realizing that they are siblings. The younger brother has confidence above his proven ability, at least in his father's eyes. He takes on the duties of a lifeguard to which Yoon Sora is soon added to.
The older brother is known as the manager of the large hotel down the beach, Who quickly falls for her in the worst way.. even backing away from his betrothed and troubling everyone with his obsession to have her.


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Sunday, April 28, 2013

Minami-kun no Koibito

Minami-kun no Koibito 2004/ 南くんの恋人/ Minami's Girlfriend ** (Japanese)
11 episodes
Fukada Kyoko as Chiyomi
Ninomiya Kazunari as Minami
2nd version of an original idea, I believe. Not a bad tale really.. almost in spite of the issues. I was expecting the seductress girl to be a bit more ruthless then she turned out to be... not sure just why that was...almost a disappointment. Acting in general was so-so yet not horrible. Could have something to do with having to act through the camera trickery.
Fav scene(s): the implied, 'I'm not worried about you.. I'm worried about..' ... me.(?)

A guy and girl's mutual love is tested, stressed, and then changed.. when one is shrunken to a much smaller version of themselves.


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Friday, April 26, 2013

Doremifasolasido

Doremifasolasido/ Do Re Mi Fa So La Si Do/ 도레미파솔라시도 *\ (Korean)
movie 105 mins
Cha Ye-Ryun as Yoon Jung-Won
A Romance of sorts. I wasn't terribly interested in the storyline, really. Found it fairly boring and a bit depressing. It was nice to see JGS again, looked good in the haircut, I thought. Fav character(s): Eun-Kyu for his sweet smile on an otherwise dreary day.

Girl and her brother meet their new rooftop vista neighbors as they are horsing around, trying to stay out of the way of their martial instructing father. As bro goes off in search of a cat, the girl gets a bit better acquainted with the guitar-playing Eun-Kyu. When he intro's her to the band he plays with, she is forced to let go of him out of guilt for the misfortunes of one of the member's she has a past with.


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Monday, April 22, 2013

Incarnation of Money

Incarnation of Money/ Money Incarnation/ Money Demons/ The Embodiment of Money/ Money Incarnate/ 돈의 화신 / Donui Hwashin **\ (Korean)
24 episodes
Park Ji Bin as Kang Suk
A bit of comic relief, a bit of romance, all wrapped up in a heavily vengeful plan. Favorite character(s): the funny underling and secretary of Lee Cha Don and the loan shark 'gentleman' mother.
Favorite scene(s): messing with the cell-pal's food and.. spiriting away the money from before the oblivious faces of the watchful enemy.

A father who doted on his son, snarled at his wife, and kept a famous actress mistress, is set up for a fatal last day by two legal types, the mistress, and a reporter. Then, after framing the mother and trying to run over the boy, they take the inheritance and sell the property. Several years later, the amnesiac boy has grown under the patronage of a loan shark's money into a fine prosecutor. He attempts to free a suffering woman from a sanatorium and gains confidence and cash as an extortion artist. He suffers near complete loss for it when he comes up bad-side of the killer group. Discovering a possible way to gain ownership of a lot of money that was dug up from the ground, he goes under-cover to get back into contact with the woman he had tried to free. Under deplorable conditions he finds her and is shown a picture of his own youthful face with that of his mother, and his long dead father. From this point onward, he is determined to expose the ruthless murderers for the atrocities they had committed on his family.

"Up & Down"
by Exid
Is it a blank spot? Click to listen & then
mouseover to see player controls.

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Friday, April 5, 2013

Time Slip Dr. Jin

Jin/ 仁 (Japanese)
11 episodes - season 1
11 episodes - season 2

Ayase Haruka as
Tachibana Saki
Osawa Takao as Minakata Jin
Time Slip Dr. Jin/ 닥터 진/ Dak-teo Jin/ Dr. Jin ** (Korean)
22 episodes

Jin Yi Han as Hong Young Hwi


A medical time story, semi-romance based on Japanese manga story. The Korean version could have been a little less gross about the operations, I thought, without effecting the solidity of the storyline. Well I survived and hung on through the blood,guts,n gore clear to the end and, all in all, it wasn't that bad of a drama. Favorite character(s): the death defying brother.

A neurosurgeon removes a fetus from a mystery patient's brain, only to fall off a building and find himself many years in an alternate past. There, he meets and gets entangled in deadly political intrigue, as a relative of royalty covets the throne for his son, and the removal of an old ruling clan. The poor doc is in a race against time and the age, all while trying hard to keep the girl who looks exactly like his sick girlfriend, safe, keep history on its correct course as well as to follow his doctor's instincts to save life for those in need, no matter their rank or what side they might be on..


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Korean version:

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

7th Grade Civil Servant

7th Grade Civil Servant/ 7th Level Civil Servant/ My Girlfriend is an Agent/ 7급 공무원 / 7 Geup Gongmoowon ** (Korean)
20 episodes

Ahn Nae Sang as Kim Won Suk
A bit of a silly romance with a fair bit of action. This drama follows the movie with a similar name, in a general style, Link, with the characters getting close and breaking apart, only to get close once again, wound around a story of intrigue and espionage. I nearly stopped watching after a favorite character was seriously wounded. Favorite characters(s): A loyal son of a badguy, and a discipline officer determined to right past wrongs.

A son of a hardnose company president joins training to become a spy like that of his inspiration, James bond. there he meets a farmers daughter, with a gift for a lie, and falls in love. Someone though, is out to kill secret agents and someone on the inside is working with them because it isn't terribly long before Gil Ro is ousted and the team is threatened with discontinuation. the guy's agency boss though, keeps him checking in under the assumption of undercover work and having him look after his dad. When Seo Won shows up at the company though, he sees through the plan and the little team is hot on trail of the badguys before more people die.


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Friday, March 15, 2013

Dr. Gang

Dr. Gang/ Dr. Kkang/ 닥터 깽/ Dokteo Kkaeng ** (Korean)
16 episodes

Yang Dong Geun as Kang Dal Go
Han Ga In as Dr. Kim Yoo Na
I enjoyed this drama. Romantic Comedy. I felt a little for the prosecutor.. seems like he was a bit too late in just about everything. I thought the director of the little hospital was a rather silly/senseless lush.. both his and Dal Go's 'lazy' walking style caused quite a few giggles in me. Fine acting and a somewhat slow but steadily moving plot with a lovely ending. Fav Scene(s): Hee Jung's befuddled backwards talk, Det. Kim's undaunted brotherly words and concern in the thick of things, Three's frustration at having to whine wheel and deal, and Dal Go's musical love notes.

A gangster, trying to get out, makes a deal with a prosecutor to blow the whistle on his former gang in exchange for protection when he is scape-goated into taking the rap for a detective's murder. He is given a new home and job in Seoul, sharing space with his mother, his love, her sister-in-law and child. But the true badguy manages to escape the prosecutor's hands once again, further complicating all of their lives and is gunning for Dal Go, whom the blame has been pinned.


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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Flower Boy Next Door

Flower Boy Next Door/ My Neighbor Flower Boy/ The Pretty Boy Next Door/ My Flower Boy Neighbor/ 이웃집 꽃미남/ Yiootjib Kkotminam *** (Korean)
16 episodes

Yoon Shi Yoon as Enrique Geum
A fun-loving and enjoyable romantic comedy. Ahh, I want the hat!! Favorite characters: Enrique, hippo, and Watanabe. Favorite scenes: Watanabi's 'escalator' ride and Enrique's panda dash.

Dok Mi, having shut herself away in her apartment, spends an idle moment peeping at the neighbor across from her window, and sees her crush quickly prepping to leave, thinking the fellow's poor dog just got crowned with a hot tea kettle, she races over, only to be caught by the guy's friend and somewhat unexpected new roomy. Enrique, a gamer and game creator, is fresh from Brazil, and thinking to play cupid between a girl he liked and his friend. Realizing Dok Mi has been spying on the apartment, He rushes over to confront her, and gets into a bit of difficulty with the girl's neighbors who are curious as to why he is banging on her door. Then along comes pain from the past for the shut-in editor, in the form of a rather snooty 'high-class' girl who has an unrelenting crush on one of her neighbors, Jin Rak. The struggling webtooner, though, has a long-time crush on Dok Mi. With Enrique in the way of the status quo and destabilizing quiet lives with his exuberance (and stalking fans)... quite the upheaval is quickly underway for all concerned.

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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Love of South and North

Love of South and North/ Love Impossible/ 남남북녀/ Namnam buknyeo *\ (Korean)
Movie 108 mins
Zo In-Sung as Kim Chul-Soo
Kim Sa-Rang as Oh Young-Hee
A number of ehhs in this one. I guess it was alright for a basic plot n delivery.. all within a movie's too-short time limit. It wasn't horrible, nor was it memorable to any degree. There is a bit of hormonal vulgarity in this movie.

Son of a s.Korean bigwig is a dyed-in-the-wool playboy. One day, his teacher gives him an ultimatum, go on the excavation colab between north and south, or completely fail to graduate. Being as his dad is likely to moiderize him for failing, he chooses to take on the excavation. There he meets the girl of his dreams, daughter of a n.Korean bigwig.. and after quite a bit of pursuing and realization, love blossoms between them. But how can love in such a situation hope to survive?


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