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Reviews
Ki Hwanghoo (2013)
Poor script ruined what could have been a good series
Cinematography was great, costuming and set design were beautiful and elaborate, and it was good to see several stalwart character actors that I've seen in other programs. They are solid in their roles, whatever the plot.
My personal feeling is that anything billed as historical fiction should attempt to somewhat stick to known facts and main characters. This series failed miserably. Some scenes e stretched credulity, as when the FL, at possibly 105 pounds soaking wet, pulled a 170 pound man on a stretcher over a long march and managed to keep up with the group, no less.
The final straw was the script for Togon, played by Ji Chang Wook. As written, his character bordered on the psychotic with his obsessive and controlling behavior toward the FL. Additionally, he threw tantrums and in general behaved like a four-year-old. I kept waiting for him to display even a hint of growth and maturity, to no avail. I gave up along about Episode 12.
Overall, a disappointment except for cinematography and costuming.
Lighthouse (2023)
Quite inspiring!
I'm glad I read the critic reviews after watching the series; if I had read them in advance, I might not have watched and I would have missed this great series. Professional critics felt that viewers unfamiliar with Japanese culture and nuances of the languages would fail to fully appreciate the episodes. Depending on what the viewer hopes to see, that might be true.
As a westerner, I am totally unaware of Japanese culture, yet I was fully absorbed in hearing the journeys of two very popular Japanese entertainers. Their early experiences seemed to parallel the experiences of many entertainers, no matter the country. The experiences of feeling isolated from one's peers, the lessons learned from staying true to their principles, the responses to perhaps the unrealistic demands of fans -- all those conversations were very honest and authentic. It's amazing that two such well-known figures would so openly discuss all of these subjects in a public forum.
I have since become a fan of Gen Hoshino since he is more readily available on Youtube and I think he is the Japanese counterpart of John Denver.
Nolajuneun Yeoja (2024)
Did not hold my interest.
My Sweet Mobster seems to be a parody of so many cliches not so cleverly put together but perhaps I'm not sufficently well-versed in the genre to judge fairly. The ML has the frozen demeanor and the husky voice of a Marlon Brando or Clint Eastwood and is unappealing. The plot twists are predictable way in advance. Perhaps the scriptwriters were aiming for a screwball comedy along the lines of Howard Hawks and Peter Bogdanovich with its miscommunications and slapstick, but the script lacks momentum and bogs down. The second half of episode 3 became totally bizarre and out of character for the ML, who is supposed to have started out as a thug - all the characteristics of the ML metamorphosis from Episode 1 to the end of Episode 3 are inexplicable. I found myself saying, 'What in h*** is going on?'
The FL shines as a content creator and when interacting with the children but her overall character arc seems lacking. The supporting actors playing thugs are fun to watch, especially Im Chul Woo in his role as rival mob leader, but overall, I did not find the series particularly engaging or funny and I quit early on. I just wasn't interested in the characters.
Soosanghan Pateuneo (2017)
Entirely too much angst slows the momentum
If your goal is to watch interminable close-ups of Ji Chang Wook, then this is the series for you. The scriptwriting wanders all over without clear logic; the killer starts out with a specific motive for targeting his victims but by the midpoint, it appears he's become just another serial killer choosing his victims indiscriminately.
No one seems to share information that would lead to finding the killer or killers. The ML develops some insight as to the killer's motive about a quarter of the way through but then goes off on a tangent agonizing over the FL and his developing feelings for her. Similarly, the FL withholds information, thereby putting herself in danger, and equivocates endlessly about her own feelings.
The prosecutors involved are much more focused on their personal relationships to the detriment of getting any real work done.
I'm halfway through and would like to see how this mess gets resolved, but don't know how much more slogging I can tolerate. I, too, chose this series because I've seen Ji Chang Wook in better series and this is a disappointment.
Good Doctor (2013)
No logic and painful to watch.
If I could give this a -1, I would. I'm only halfway through Episode 2 and finding it painful to watch. The portrayal of autism focuses on the worst stereotypes. The ML is shown as an autistic child, followed by the hospital director telling the staff meeting that he tested normal at age 17. Next, he is shown as a medical school graduate, although once again severely autistic. There is also talk about possibly being able to cure him. No! Autism is not a condition that comes and goes. Autism can be managed to a degree, but it is not curable. It never disappears. Perhaps whoever did the subtitles was unfamiliar with the nuances of the English language.
I've watched other medical K-dramas and I'm aware that the Korean culture is much more formal in following hierarchy, but the smug arrogance shown by the majority of the doctors is over the top. It's also unbelievable that the medical doctor who insisted on hiring him would bring him on board without assigning a mentor/buddy of any kind to ease him into a hospital system, just throwing him to the wolves, as it were. Logically, one would expect that a student who has successfully passed his internship would have learned how to conform to some degree of hospital protocol rather than bouncing off walls on his first day of residency.
This script and the characterization of autism, along with most of the roles, does a huge disservice to Korean filmmakers. The industry as a whole has done much better.
Nangmandakteo Kimsaboo (2016)
Solid storyline with believable characters.
The 'romantic' in the title is somewhat misleading as it does not refer to love between humans; rather, it's used in the classic sense of a dreamer, an idealist, one who reaches for a beauty and perfection that is just out of reach. If one is familiar with the song, 'The Impossible Dream,' from "Man of La Mancha,' that comes closest to describing this type of romantic hope.
The cinematography perfectly captures the contrast between the gleaming polish, bright lights and sharp angles of a modern hospital in contrast to the warm wood paneling, the out-of-fashion tile flooring and the hazy ambient lighting of the aging country hospital where most of the action takes place.
Each episode is well=paced and ends with a cliffhanger that lends the series to binge-watching. The ensemble cast works well together; versatile Yoo Yeon-seok turns in his usual solid performance and love interest Seo Hyeon-jin shows a character development that is interesting to watch. I wish both of them had signed on for at least part of the second season.
Much action takes place in the operating room and may not be for the squeamish. From a medical standpoint, some of the diagnoses seemed a bit improbable and farfetched, as if the writers pulled out a medical dictionary and said, "Okay, what terms can we use to sound dramatic and complicated?' A pivotal character is discovered to have advanced, terminal lung cancer on the eve of a heart operation. With all the testing prior to a complicated cardiac surgery, one would think the very competent lead surgeon would have discovered the significant mass much earlier.
Invisible (2022)
Could not get past 20 minutes
The opening dialogue does not bode well for the rest of the series: Police officers responding to the emergency alert of an explosion and rushing to the scene of injured and dying scattered all around stop to ask an on-scene rescuer, "What are you doing? " The rescuer responds, "Look around. There was an explosion," only to have another police officer say, "Explosion? What happened?" One can only hope it gets better. Unfortunately, it doesn't and the inane dialogue and unprofessional behavior of the police department continues. My patience gave out after only 20 minutes. I really expected better from a Japanese series.
Nigeru wa haji daga, yaku ni tatsu (2016)
Not for everyone, but a perfect gem in its own way
An engaging, charming series that imaginatively addresses the learning curve in building relationships, whether it's a young couple working through a somewhat unconventional courtship and early marriage or a mature couple or a gay couple. Changing societal norms and expectations are addressed and resolved in varying ways to everyone's eventual satisfaction. The chemistry between Gen Hoshino and Yuri Aragaki is great, as well it should be since they subsequently married in real life, and the relationship provides plenty of opportunity to for this couple to experience a range of the usual emotions from insecurities and uncertainty to confusion and ultimately trust, happiness and contentment.
This series is probably not for everyone, but it's a perfect gem for viewers looking for substance beyond the so-called swoon-worthy genre. It deserves thoughtful and attentive viewing.
Chief Detective 1958 (2024)
Kept me hooked!
This was a very rewarding series for me. The overall look and feel of the series were very 1950's, very authentic, including the occasional cigarette smoke-filed rooms. The character arc of the ML was believably developed from the insouciant, rather naive detective transported from his village to the big city with all its politics and corruption.
The pace of each episode moves right along so that the series moves right along. I wish some of the backstories and plot lines could have more development, particularly the university graduate who defies his father and joins the police force. However, the final episode is left open-ended, leaving me to wonder whether there will be a second season, which I will watch just as enthusiastically.
Comedic touches were nicely done and -- finally -- a touching and mature love story believably handled and so nice to see.
Sseul-sseul-ha-go cha-ran-ha-sin-do-ggae-bi (2016)
Not worth my time
I watched five episodes and called it quits. It's a poorly written script with subpar acting. The female lead is a giddy nineteen-year-old who is either laughing or crying and bemoaning her pathetic life. What a 900-year-old goblin would find attractive is beyond my comprehension. The interaction between god and human is handled much better and more plausibly in Tale of the Nine-Tailed and The King: Eternal Monarch.
At times, the bromance between the three men is clever and entertaining, but that level of writing is not maintained and it sinks abysmally.
Lee Dong Wook is capable of much better; I've no idea why he would settle for such a script and I hope he avoids such messes in the future. His name is what drew me to watch this -- big mistake on my part.
Bojwagwan (2019)
Jumps right into it from the first scene!
Right from the beginning, we're plunged into the center of political power struggles in this powerful depiction of the backroom machinations and the sleazy toadying that goes on in the quest for political power and it keeps right on moving. We see the character arc of Jang Tae Un, the chief of staff, as he tries to maintain his ideals while seeking the power to accomplish his goals. We can read his struggles in his eyes.
This tightly written script portrays the degrading humiliations, large and small, endured by some of the support staff and the dogged loyalty and dedication of others who believe in their leaders.
This excellent ensemble cast delivers in every role. Two seasons covered all the bases for a satisfying end.
Orenji deizu (2004)
Outstanding all the way around!
My listing is for clarity and does not in any way reflect a ranking of best to mediocre. All aspects of this series are top-notch.
First of all, kudos to Japanese filmmakers for producing a series of this caliber. It brings deafness into the mainstream and makes it ordinary, another way of being and living in the world.
Second, the actors are fantastic. They all learned sign language as well as their spoken dialogue and they made it look so natural; they were so fluent. They all deserved awards for that feat alone. The work they must have put in is extraordinary.
Third is the beautiful cinematography and lighting, enhancing the theme of orange days.
Fourth is the script, which is excellent. The writing brings out distinct personalities and shows their growth as they prepare to move past college, good times, conflict, problem-solving and all. The pacing is just right and moves fluidly between the storylines.
Hollywood could learn a thing or two from Asian film-making. Unfortunately, they are too focused on blockbusters and raking in the $$$$.
Keopi Hanjan Halkkayo? (2021)
Perfect in every way
All the characters were so well cast from the main characters to the supporting roles. The warm lighting in the cafe and the muted colors of the costumes created a comfortable ambiance overall, a restful feeling that, along with the pace of the movie, gives the viewer time to absorb all the nuances. At 30 minutes, each episode is the right length, not compressed nor stretched out unnecessarily. The storyline is a reminder that the ordinary occurrences in ordinary lives are often the ones most meaningful and worth remembering. There's no great drama, no unsettling conflict, just a learning series to give the viewer something to think about and appreciate.
Ji pin jue pei (2017)
More than just a rom-com; must see
This series is difficult to rate because it doesn't seem to fit neatly into the rom-com category. Nevertheless, it is enjoyable and well worth watching in its entirety.
Initially the chemistry between the two leads didn't seem that great and it appears Shao Wei is a better fit for Fen Qing, but by the end, both Fen Qing and Ting En have grown into a good match and I was solidly in their corner. The script was well-written, the casting was good and some plot twists were unexpected. Kang Ren Wu did an outstanding job as a Cordon Bleu trained chef and Yu-Wei Shao's character matured beautifully and touchingly as the series progressed. Both were very well done.
I found the inclusion of the slapstick comedy childish, annoying and distracting; however, the choreography and comedic timing were admirable, being both skilled and excellently done. Some of the flashbacks were overly long and I began fast-forwarding through them. The voice-overs added depth to the storyline and I began looking forward to them.
Throughout the series, definitions of family, trust, loyalty, respect, understanding, responsibility to self and others, forgiveness and love are explored and become heavy duty in Episode 18. It seems a heavy load for a rom-com to carry, and some of the exploration seems, by Western standards, overdone and stretches credibility. Some of this may be due to cultural differences. However, this is what gives value to the series and I urge everyone to watch the entire series thoughtfully and looking beyond the romance. Many of the stated points deserve in-depth discussion following viewing of the series. Life is indeed a tangle and love can be difficult.
Yi Yeonaeneun Bulgahangryeok (2023)
Starts well, then begins falling apart.
I was drawn to the fantasy element and some of the comedic interplay in this and watched it twice trying to better identify the positives and the negatives.
The premise of a previous life influencing the present lives of the main characters was interesting, but the subplot with the gardener was an illogical digression, a waste of time. It's as if the scriptwriters couldn't decide whether they wanted a drama or a cliched rom-com.
Rowoon's acting is all over the place. Half the time he's a competent lawyer -- well done, by the way -- the other half he's annoyingly weak with his parents and his fiancee, or he's silly, presumably influenced by the spell. I put it down to a really bad script paired with poor directing. Rowoon deserves much better. I'd like to see him outgrow the pretty boy rom-coms and start taking on more sophisticated comedies as well as trying more serious roles as part of a well-written ensemble series such as Diary of a Prosecutor and finally becoming a seasoned dramatic actor.
The FL fares no better in the script. She's very effective as the comedic and spunky working girl, but again, veers off into really foolish decisions. She is being stalked and yet she insists on traveling around city and countryside by herself, both day and night. She even slips away from the bodyguards hired to protect her. The ongoing feud with Na-Yeon left over from high school days is beneath the dignity of both Hong-Jo and Na-Yeon.
Ha-Jung and Kim Hye-Ok shine in supporting roles as does the actress playing Shin-Yu's mother.
All in all, a series that fell far short of what it could have been.
Geu Gyeowool, Barami Boonda (2013)
Stars for cinematography and some supporting cast members
Winter scenery is absolutely beautiful and Eun-ji Jung carries her role of Hee Sun with pluck, energy and humor, perhaps the most enjoyable part of the series.
That being said, this is one of those stories billed as romantic when it is anything but. The script is illogical and lacks any sort of coherence. As it is written, the main characters are all narcissistic and controlling. The character of Oh Soo starts off quite believably as a charming, hedonistic con man but undergoes a farfetched personality change during the series.
Supposedly Oh Soo is abandoned in the middle of winter and left under a tree, yet survives alone there for three months?
So Ra double-crosses Oh Soo to the tune of $7 million, leaving him to spend a year in jail and then at the mercy of a murderous mob, then returns expecting him to join her in Switzerland? She is one psychotic character.
Episode 1, Oh Young independently follows Oh Soo down the steps, and yet later on, he has to carry Oh Young up and down a mountain?
Oh Soo rants about Secretary Wang's failure to educate Oh Young about the difference between a little brother and a grown man and nevertheless climbs into bed with Oh Young, however chaste it may be.
Finally, by the end of the series, Oh Soo is demanding that he be allowed to share Oh Young's bed even while she refuses and locks her bedroom door. This is not love; this is abusive behavior.
Perhaps as an American, I am too ignorant of Korean culture and I'm judging this too harshly. Nevertheless, I find it disturbing on many levels.
Miseuteo Shunshain (2018)
Many layers of a complex history -- and a love story.
It has taken this Western viewer three repeats of the series to finally get up to speed on the gist of the series and feel confident to comment on it. Maybe it's my advanced age.
First of all, I had no idea the Korean landscape is so varied and beautiful; the cinematography is breathtaking.
So many of the supporting actors are well fleshed out and add so much to the story. I'm thinking of the two slave catchers-turned-pawn brokers, the house servants, the Joseon king -- I could feel his pain. The interaction of the three male leads seemed so natural and realistic and I came to enjoy those sections, brief as they were. They play off each other nicely. I don't know enough about Korean culture overall to comment on the accuracy of its portrayal.
Now the nitpicking -- an American missionary would never be so dismissive of an orphaned child and the fact that Eugene is so fond of him in later episodes has no supporting logic. Portraying the missionary in a more sympathetic light would have gone a long way to explain Eugene's strong allegiance to the USA. Second, the American cavalry has always kept their horses groomed to a T as well as feeding and exercising them so they are glowing and well-muscled. This would have applied in foreign postings as well. The horse Eugene rides can only be described as a dispirited nag.
New Amsterdam (2018)
This series should be listed as fantasy instead of drama!
A hospital where the new director walks in and fires all the cardiologists in one fell swoop? No, I don't think so.
He reads the riot act to a popular, beautiful doctor for spending half her time appearing on TV interviews for fundraising and giving lectures to bring up the reputation of the hospital and tells her, "Don't come back!"? Huh-uh.
Then we learn said director has stage 4 cancer that he just ignores in order to tough it out in pursuit of his vision for the hospital?
I understand that real life is not all that interesting, but watching the first episode made me understand why millions of Americans are so out of touch with reality.
Fu mu ai qing (2014)
Can't believe no one else has reviewed this.
I became quite hooked on this. The story of the two main characters is charming, but more than that, it shows a span of years during which China underwent Mao's cultural revolution and its aftermath. It also shows the impact it had on ordinary people as well as the political fallout on the military. It was a great learning experience for me.
There is humor, pathos, and characters we can all identify with, no matter our ethnicity. I highly recommend this to any thoughtful viewer. I gave it eight stars only because I don't know that much about China nor how realistic it is. If I could find it again on Netflix, I would rewatch it.
The Heroes of Telemark (1965)
Bears no resemblance to the real heroes of Telemark
It is a travesty to see this movie associated with the actual history of Telemark. One must suspend all common sense to become engrossed in the melodramatic histrionics of this bit of fiction.
Ningen no jôken (1959)
I wish I could have watched this
This seems like a promising, provocative movie, but the subtitles are so out of sync that I can't make sense of it. Trying to follow the dialogue is giving me a headache. I truly regret this.
First Signal (2021)
How did this ever get a rating above 1?
Unbelievably amateurish script, static, wooden acting, bare set, and I bailed within the first ten minutes. At least the actress playing the President was of appropriate maturity, although her grooming left a lot to be desired what with her stringy, unkempt hair. I will never trust a high rating again.
The Towering Inferno (1974)
A prescient film for its time!
Whatever one thinks of the acting, script and special effects, this should serve as a cautionary tale for all those who:
(a) think it's too improbable to be real;
(b) want to put profits and the bottom line above safety.
The Winds of War (1983)
Worse the second time around.
When I watched this in 1983, I enjoyed it as a passably good miniseries. Absorbed as I was at that time in the love story between Natalie Jastrow (played by Ali McCraw) and Byron (Jan Michael Vincent), I was somewhat puzzled by the harsh reviews of critics. On rewatching it in 2021, I find Ali McGraw's pouting temper tantrums annoying in the extreme, almost unbearable. It's hard to understand why Byron puts up with her unless he's an equally immature, randy college boy.
I ran out of patience very early on with the main characters and quit watching just before the halfway point.
Shadow and Bone (2021)
Unbelievable even for fantasy!
It's pretty sad when the best thing about a movie is the gorgeous CGI stag!
I gave this two stars for sets, cinematography and overall consistent feel of the movie. However, even for fantasy, there are too many holes. The characters manage costume changes and supplies of food and water while wandering the landscape without even knapsacks. Magic, I guess.