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.
My Love From the Star/ You Who Came From the Stars/ You Came From the Stars/ My Lover From The Stars/ You From Another Star/ My Love From Another Star/ Man From the Stars/ 별에서 온 그대/ Byeoleseo On Geudae **\ (S.Korean)
21 episodes
Kim Soo Hyun as the alien Do Min Joon
First episode for me was a pass. Came back for another round and was hooked. Good story! Ok, so the whole goodbye thing seemed to drag a bit, but they managed to keep it moving along with the twists of the plot and the handsome/beautiful faces of the characters in the story. And Yes, I did laugh and giggle at all of the E.T. references. Prickly and impassioned meets apathetic tenacity equaling a worthy mix.
Favorite character(s): The lawyer, friend, and 'father' figure, of Do Min Joon.
Favorite scene(s): The drunken moments of the Alien and that of the actress in turn. The kiss aftermath, expected but no less funny for the frustrated yowls of the girl at having to suddenly bear his weight.
An Alien, having lived in South Korea for over 400 years, is getting ready to leave on schedule, when he chances across a woman who looks quite remarkably like a girl he once knew long ago and he falls in love while seeking to protect her from a wealthy and near untouchable killer.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Heart to Heart/ 하트 투 하트/ Hateu Too Hateu ** (S.Korea)
16 episodes
Choi Moo-Sung as Butler Aun Byeong Yeol
Kind of a weird start for this story. I warmed up to it by about the 4th episode and glad I did. It was worth watching. Not to be a sorry spoiler but.. Favorite scene(s): A chat-back heart to heart with grumpy ol grampa.
A girl with a couple of.. embarrassing quirks preventing her from confessing.. or from having any sort of conversion at all with her crush of the last 7 years, has, first, a run-in with, then, an agreement with a published psychiatrist (with issues of his own) to help her 'fix' them. If, that is, she will help him with one of his own rather debilitating issues.. a fear of his patients.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Sweden Laundry/스웨덴 세탁소/Seuweden Setakso ** (S.Korean)
16 episodes
Song Ha Yoon as Kim Bom
Chang Jo as Yong Soo Chul
It started out kind of light and meandering but quickly became a bit more focused of the central plot of Bom's family and friends revolving around the laundry location. I felt a bit sorry for the somewhat star-sighted and abused love of Soo Chul in spite of all the energy he put into into the possibility. Favorite scene(s): sleeping together in the shop and the many conversations with grandma.
An independent girl opens a laundry and is gifted a special sight or insight to her customers problems by her passed-on grandmother. These visions are then useful in helping to solve the issues. She is joined there by a guy who has dreams of becoming an illustrator, who uses the laundry as a 'home base'. This also enables him to better help with Bom's adventures as well as to get to know her better.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Cute concept. Light comedy romance story. Could have been expanded upon, I feel, It was so short I couldn't quite catch the purpose of the drama.. other then to showcase the dancing talent of musical JYP groups? But still, it was fun. favorite scene(s): The girl waking up to find four good-looking guys resting beside her.. and their insistence on staying as it was their home too.
A girl, having a seriously hard time in her life, due to illness and death, is given a bit of magical support by 4 dream knights and taught to dance for a school competition. But then the knights run afoul of 3 ex-knights who give them difficulties.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Yamada and the Seven Witches/ 山田くんと7人の魔女/ Yamada-kun to nananin no majo ** (Japanese)
8 episodes
Cute story. Putting excessive number of smooches aside for the moment, it was a funny light romantic romp with a bit of adventure thrown in just to keep the short story moving along. Favorite scene(s): splatted and unrolling at the foot of the stairs. the heart of a Pomeranian. and the exuberant buddy kiss.
Rebel goes to an elite school and in an effort to ask for help with a failing grade, learns of the legend of 7 witches... each with a spell passed from one person to another through a kiss. After a bout of the switchero gains him the needed help with his test, and curious about what spells each has, he and his new-found friends begin a quest to find the other 6.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
The Night Watchman/ Night Watchman's Journal/ Records of a Night Watchman/ Diary of a Night Watchman/ 야경꾼 일지/ Yakyungkkoon Ilji ** (S.Korean)
24 episodes
Wonderful story! ..right up until about the 17th episode, when the good guys somehow became incredulously dim and for a time there, I totally lost connection with the tale and began to howl in frustration at the unbelievability. Particularly the female shaman, who seemed to walk brainlessly into the enemy's hands, not once, but more then three times! This in spite of having been told beforehand that the powerful snake priest was wanting to use her for his plans. I also didn't understand, Knowing this bad guy was super bad and powerful, and Knowing they -had- to have more people to help, did they try repeatedly, to go against him with but a single person? Even givin their tendency for self sacrifice, this was the equiv of throwing their lives away for the achievement of nothing what-so-ever. The child who played Rang Yi did a wonderful performance. Favorite scene(s): the introduction of the grown prince, enjoying his time with a ghostly guarded prostitute.
The good king, in efforts to right the wrongs committed by several vengeful ghosts, obtained a special flower at the cost of his sanity and eventual death of much of the royal family and court. The dowager and prime minister lift up the second of the two princes for king, in spite of knowing full well that only the one being ousted from the palace could be the rightful king. Years later, the prince, now grown, is enjoying a life of purposeful ignorance when the dreaded snake priest shows up and worms his way into the palace with intent to re-raise a dragon to smite those who stood in his path. The prince is brought to the 'reality' of the situation and revives the legendary night watchmen to help battle the corrupted spirits plaguing the palace and thwart the priest's evil schemes.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Master's Sun/ The Sun of My Master/ The Sun of the Lord/ 주군의 태양/ Joogoonui Taeyang ** (S.Korean)
17 episodes
Choi Jung Woo as Secretary Kim
Fun drama. Nice to see the character announce the passage of time in context instead of the usual '3/5/2/4/1 years later' plastered across the screen. Good to mix up the routine a little bit once in awhile. I do kind of wish there was just a little bit more info on some of the characters, particularly on some of the ghosts,. and just what kind of accident Gong Shil was involved in.. and whether or not this also somehow involved Yoo Jin Woo.. or was he just 'a somebody' with his own random accident? Tragedy is naturally involved. Favorite character(s): the coffee-loving ghost Joon Suk and the two little boys whose too-busy mother gave them a needed and concerned hug.
A girl is involved in an accident and wakes years later with an ability to see and hear ghosts. Being afraid of these constant and abrupt appearances in her life, she eventually develops insomnia. One wet evening she is picked up for a quick (and rather unwanted by him) ride by a Hotel CEO who, when she touches him, makes the ghosts temporarily dissipate. Viewing this as something of a miracle, she works really tenaciously to stay within reach of her perceived lifeline. Half believing in her words of having seen a ghost from his past, he agrees to be her anchor, hoping to learn the truth to the events of his past kidnapping which left him unable to read and eventually led to the estrangement of his father.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Prime Minister and Me/ Prime Minister & I/ 총리와 나/ Chongriwa Na **\ (Korean)
17 episodes
Im Yoon Ah as Nam Da Jung
Yoon Shi Yoon as Kang In Ho
I think this drama has given the adorably sexy Yoon Shi Yoon another swooning fan. The storyline was alright even though at one point or another everyone in the story seemed afflicted with either a horrible sense of self-sacrifice or an interruptus bull-headedness, even a bit beyond the usual "every-drama-gotta-haves". Favorite character(s): The 'buddy' reporter for finding a worthy place for a drugged drink, The kids, for being totally convincing kids.. with all the angst, snottish sniping, tears, giggles and puppy-love included, and the clear-eyed Chief of Staff who, in spite of his promised plans, discovers a compassionate truth with good timing.
A determined reporter for a scandal paper, Da Jung, accidentally makes a scandal for herself and the new prime minister, Kwon Yul, when her pestering gains his ire and hidden scoop of pictures from another reporter. in order to have the prime-minister's rep at a crucial moment, has their connection together sealed. When her sick father states his fondest wish to hold Da Jung's hand in a bride's walk, they sign a contract and a wedding is performed.. with two of Kwon Yul's three children looking on with animosity. Soon after, its discovered there is a spy in the camp. A spy that could just as easily see an end to the careful relationship struggling to exist between the man and his new wife as it could crumble his governmental status to dust.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Thousand Years of Love/ Loving for a Thousand Years/ The Everlasting Love/ 천년지애/ Chun-nyun Ji-ae/ Love of Thousands Years ** (Korean)
20 episodes
So Ji Sub as General Ari
Sung Yu Ri as Princess Puyeo ju
I totally loved the plot/story-line of this drama. The ending left waaay too many unanswered questions for my tastes though. The lead male in present day, was a total fashion fail, from the tips of his horrible hairdo clear to the ends of his shoetips, and he was supposed to be a designer?! He needed emergency help from an actual professional! Favorite character(s): General Ari in a blast from the past and the hen-pecked hubby next door.
A last remaining princess of a shattered country, has her beloved cut-down before her by the conqueror. She jumps at a chance for freedom and finds herself 1000s of years in the future surrounded by a passel of toughs, once more on the dash-away, she is nearly run over by a man who is a striking resemblance of her lost love. But 'looks' is about where the resemblance ends. The man is uncaring and horribly angry, and worst of all, wants nothing whatsoever to do with her or her situation! As if that wasn't bad enough, It seems that her accursed enemy has somehow followed her from the past and once more seeks to possess her as his own. Not to be out-shown though, are the determined and persistant toughs and the involvement of the enemy's mother who knows a whole lot more about her then she lets on.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Falling for Innocence/ 순정에 반하다/ Soonjunge Banhada/ Fall in Love with Soon-Jung **\ (Koran)
16 episodes
Interesting drama. I really liked the near mystical quality given to Min-ho's personality changes upon gaining the detective's donated heart. And I loved the Father's words to this changed guy... Almost as if he were mentally adopting him as his 2nd son.. being thankful that his son was, in some effect, living on through him. Favorite character(s): Detective Ma's father and Wendy.
One evening, something horrible happened to Soon-jung's intended and her life was changed. Not only by that happening, but by the arrival of a cut-throat take-over artist at her work place, who just happened to be the nephew of the current president. Min-ho was quite determined to gain control of the company before his failing heart was due to end his life.
Only, as fortune would have it, he was given a new lease and personality in life in the form of a working heart and he fell helplessly head over heals in love with his heart's true desire. It was just the beginning of the upheaval though as the already guilty party was again spurred to action to not only tear Min-ho and Soon-jung apart, but to bring the whole company to its knees in angry destruction.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Sensory Couple/ The Girl Who Sees Smells/ 냄새를 보는 소녀/ Naemsaereul Boneun Sonyeo **\ (Korean)
16 episodes
Park Yoo-Chun as Choi Moo-Gak
Shin Se Kyung as Oh Cho Rim
Fairly good story with a fairly unruffled badguy. They missed with the bonding of the leads, I think. Even as I really liked both of the character personalities. The kiss/closeness scenes were a total dud of an excuse for chemistry. Affectionate and sweet, sure, but with nothing serious behind it. Oh-my-goodness can Cho Rim deliver an intensely interested high-speed chatter! Wow!
Young girl is witness to her parents murder, gets into a car accident running from the murderer and loses her memory. The badguy goes to the hospital but silences the wrong witness, The younger sister of the eventual police detective, Choi Moo-Gak, who vows revenge. Time passes during which the girl realizes she has ability to see the smells around her. At first she hides it, then eventually, uses it to assist police in hunting down the expertly elusive barcode serial killer.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Huo An, a Hun, is a commander of the protection squad. Their aim is to keep the silk road a peaceful coexistence in the midst of a whole lot of warring tribes. One day, he and those under him are accused of smuggling gold and are put to work reconstructing the wild geese gate. When a roman army, lead by Lucius, fleeing along with a sickly young royal, arrives at the gate. Hou An takes him on in a sword battle, only to have the winner be a fierce sandstorm from behind. After giving them shelter, food and help for the boy, Hou An asks his new friends for a hand in rebuilding the gate in the short time left. they accomplish this in exchange for a hopeful escort of messengers to the Parthian Empire, to tell of the ploys of the scheming older brother, Tiberius. Hou An heads off to find additional help but with a betrayal at hand, He finds himself a prisoner of Tiberius instead. One risky jailbreak later, He finds Lucius in a terminal state and the great roman legion of Tiberious cutting off their escape.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in...
this list is in no particular order nor is it likely complete.
(Huo An/commander of
Protection Squad) Jackie Chan
Bride of the Century/ Hundred Year Bride/ 백년의 신부/ Baeknyeon-ui Shinboo *** (Korean)
16 episodes
Another moment for me to stop ooo'ing and giggling over this drama. ahem.. ok. This is a really good story!
Where it fails just a little in the length of time to get to know one another, it more then makes up for it with the history tie-in. Check this one out if you enjoy the depth of bad-guy vs good guy stories with a supernatural twist of both revenge and humor. Favorite chatacter(s): The ghost and the fortune-teller.
A family with the rumor of a curse, a family willing to do just about anything to secure ties (but for self sacrifice) A small family struggling to make ends meet and a ghost playfully manipulating things to gain access to a bit of revenge for a long past grievance, fuel this tale of mystery, revenge, sun and starlight.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Cunning Single Lady/ Sly and Single Again/ 앙큼한 돌싱녀/ Angkeumhan Dolshingnyeo ** (Korean)
18 episodes
Lee Min Jung as Na Ae Ra
Joo Sang Wook as Cha Jung Woo
Moderately fun drama. A little on the dopey-side for the bowl-haircut younger version of Jung woo.. and a little on the abusive-wife/never-learn-side for Ae Ra, which I didn't care much for. Favorite character(s): Gil Yo Han the secretary.
Ae Ra and Jung Woo are an unhappilly divorced couple. Created when the geek in the family was having a hard time getting his company idea underway, and the lady had to foot the bills by stressfully working her unborn to death, she spent the years fighting hand to mouth, and he made a success of his dream. Then they meet again... and discover, even through the feelings of revenge and defense, that they still have feelings for each-other.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
The Con Artists/ The Technicians/ 기술자들/ Gisooljadeul/ Criminal Designer (Korean)
Movie 116 min
Kim Woo-Bin as Ji-Hyeok
Not a bad story. I rather enjoyed the confidence of the safe/lock picker, Ji-Hyeok, and how he managed to guide them around a tricky 'sting' vs a powerful man. Favorite character(s): Koo-In
Ji-Hyeok along with two others, get together and pull off a diamond job, only to be forced into service for an elite company owner with his eyes set on stealing money from the customs storage. Just how will the con artists manage to pull off the job, get their revenge, and keep their lives all at the same time?
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
Marriage Not Dating/ Marriage Without Love/ Marriage Without Dating/ 연애 말고 결혼/ Yeonae Malgo Gyeolhon ** (Korean)
16 episodes
Gong Hyo Jin as Ji Hae Soo
It seemed a typical plot, but was, never-the-less, well worth watching. Favorite character(s): Ki Tae's Grandmother, for being a fairly light-hearted and eager grandmother most of the time. and Yeo Reum just for having a 'Gorgeous Grin'. Well, alright, Also for having a warm and caring personality. So sorry he had to be the odd-man-out in this drama.
Girl stalks ex-player boyfriend. A friend of the player, who wants only to be left alone by his family, convinces the girl to work with him in a fake relationship. During the resultant clutter and created mess, true feelings begin to emerge.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
A psychiatrist with anxiety issues meets a well-known writer of mystery books on a tv program, with a hidden past. A secret of which his big brother has paid for with a lengthy prison stay. Big bro has sworn revenge on Jae Yul for being a traitor to him in court and is looking for an outing that would give him another opportunity to fulfil his threat. Not long after the interview, This Author moves into the shared housing with Hae Soo and two friends. A sort of bantering relationship is started and then complicated as its discovered the scarred results of the author's past in the form of Kang Woo, is set to have him admitted or dead before Jae-Beom is even released.
You can also find:
Links go to other reviewed shows the actor has been in.
