Sunnyelf's blog review of Asian Dramas and Movies.
This blog is a personal labor of love in a constant flux of improvement.
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.
A fairly mellow drama, Slow yet constant. The storyline had a good start but seemed somehow cut-short toward the end and left far to many questions unanswered. The main female character kept weebling between 'this subject' and 'that guy' so much I started to wonder if she'd end up with either of them, hidden Gumiho or no. The boyfriend, was a sissy/toughguy to the point of urgish annoyance and the original love was a serious wuss. He gave up waay to easily and put little feeling into even a possibility that they might have a chance together. Even the third wheel was a kind of ehhish character and had to have his perspective changed by being verbally chewed on by his rival for being a selfish nitwit to the girl he liked. This story could have been a whole lot more interesting then it ended up being.
Girl looking for a muse of inspiration for an original story, sees a guy helping someone out and follows him to a nail salon. Since the shop boasted an all-male cast of artists, she dresses down, cuts her hair, and is hired on as the cutesy guy, Bunny. While the guys deal with several hearthurt customers, she becomes more curious about the woman owner (thinking her perhaps a gumiho she once met when young.) and her daily updates on her web-story closely reflect the people she has met, casting herself as a half-gumiho half-human and two of the guys in the shop as hunter and helper.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Gu Family Book/Ancient Medical Book/ The Writings of Nine Houses/ Book of the House of Gu/ Kang Chi, the Beginning/ 구가의 서/ Gugauiseo ***\ (Korean)
24 episodes
Yoo Dong Geun as Admiral Lee Soon Shin
Terrific watch. Amazing storyline, and great acting all around! I consider this one something of a must watch. What a Wonderful tangle of adventure and romance! Favorite character(s): old master/cook/medic and the girl's 'bodyguard'.
An immortal mountain spirit falls in love with a human woman in trouble from a cruel cold-hearted man. Their time together is shortened by feelings of betrayal and she returns to the human lands. Just after this time, a baby is found floating down the river, and is given into the family of an innkeeper. The child, Kang Chi, grows up without care until the day the cruel man returns once more to the area and changes the lives of the people at the inn. The half Human young man is then given sanctuary at the academy nearby, under the protection of of an admiral who plans to repel the cruel man's plans of dominance. Just as lines are drawn, a foreign merchant group with mysterious illusion abilities enters the fray and the mountain spirit's anger reawakens.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Children.../Ahyideul.../ 아이들... (Korean)
Movie 132mins
Don't let them fool ya. This Korean film is nowhere close to being in a fantasy romance genre. No real favorite scenes or characters for this one. Just really felt for the children and parents... And a fair bit of understanding for the frustration of the local law as well. Horrible tragedy involved.
5 Young children are out for a day of doing what kids love best.. playing. While they are at it, the township is having an election so it is a bit of time before anyone -really- notices the children have not returned from the nearby mountain. From there it turns to panic, then desperation, then bitter tears as days slowly turn into months then years. Then along comes a prize-winning producer hoping to get back on top of his game with a new sensational story. Along with a conspiratorially-minded professor, The two work up quite a furor in town.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Spring Bears Love/ Do You Like Spring Bear?/ 봄날의 곰을 좋아하세요?/ Bomnalui Gomeul Johahaseyo *\ (Korean)
Movie 98mins
Oh Gwang-Rok as Hyun-Jae's dad
Kind of melancholy I thought. Just another girl who can't see the trees for the forest. yep, that's right. The trees being whats up close and most important.. and the forest being ideals, or.. what/who else could, however remote the possibility, still be out there. Made me want to shout her down from her stary-eyed surveyance of the too-slight possibility that its all about her, in favor for the fellow who dearly loves her, right in her very face! Thankfully, he was still there when she finally floated back down to terra-firma. Favorite Character(s): Her suffering boyfriend! I know you were mentally dumpt on, guy, I apologize for her. Wasn't really your fault.. she was just being overly dense.
Girl fetching a library book for her dad, sees mystery writing of someone desperately looking to meet his unrequited love at last. Thinking it's herself, she dreams of the writer and follows his writing through several art books in the library. As she does so, the guy who knows her best and loves her most tries his best to gain her attention, even going so far as to check out the art books with the writing in them.. all while she goes about trying to figure out who it could be.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
High School debut/ 高校デビュー/ Koko Debut **\ (Japanese)
Movie 98mins
Junpei Mizobata as You Komiyama
Ito Ono as Haruna Nagashima
Sweet and silly movie. I liked the brand of humor in this one. Not the crazed over-the-top stuff that passes for funny like many Japanese shows seem to show, but a simple clumsy and slap-at-the-forehead humour for being a bit behind in 'normal' life, mixed with some easy mind-reading laughs. Favorite character(s): I liked them all really, well.. except perhaps, for the freakish dog/person statue in front of the school. It was quite the character though.
A girl, having spent most of her previous school years embroiled in baseball, makes the decision, at last, to concentrate on getting a boyfriend before Christmas. If efforts to gain control of her woahfully out of date wardrobe and dating skills, she begs a more popular guy to help her out. He reluctantly agrees, with the condition that she not fall for him.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Substitute Princess/ Jin Da Hua De Hua Li Mao Xian/ 金大花的華麗冒險/ The Adventure of King Flower ** (Taiwanese)
20 episodes
Nikki Hsieh as Jin Da Hua
A market girl look-a-like, is asked to sub, in secret, for a rich guy's girlfriend, who was in a hiking accident. This comes at a time when Da Hua's father is horribly in debt due to gambling. As Da Hua undergoes transformation in secret, Her 'adopted' brother and love, Guan Jun, makes a deal with the shark holding the notes... and takes on a job as realtor and 'date' for the shark's daughter. Then, just as things seemed to be smoothing out a bit, Ouyang Tai's gf.. dies.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
(Jang Tae-poong) Lee Wan/Kim Hyung Soo -in- My Sassy Girl, Snow White, My Fair Lady Let's Go To The Beach
(Yoon So-ra) Lee Chung Ah -in- Flower Boy Ramyun Shop, That Fool, My Tutor Friend 2 Let's Go To The Beach
(Park Jae Hyun) Kim Jung Wook -in- Couple of Fantasy Let's Go To The Beach
(Yoon Man Bok) Baek Il Sub -in- A Man Called God, Marrying the Mafia, My Boyfriend is Type-B, Spy Girl, My Tutor Friend Let's Go To The Beach
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
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.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
