KDrama to Maybe Watch: Big (2012)

Big (2012)

Grade: B-

Episodes: 16

Gil Da-ran is engaged to a quiet, handsome doctor - the same doctor that treated her after accidentally knocking her down a flight of stairs. It sounds like a dream come true, except as the wedding draws closer, Yoon Jae (Gong Yoo) makes all kinds of excuses to not meet with her and finish wedding preparations. Da-ran finally calls him on it, asking if he even actually loves her or if Yoon Jae is simply marrying her out of a sense of duty. On his way to give her an answer, he is in a car accident with a young man - one of Da-ran's new students - and both fall into a resevoir. Yoon Jae reaches out for Kyung Joon, and Kyung Joon wakes up in Yoon Jae's body. Will Kyung Joon go through with Da-ran's wedding? When will he return to his body, and why were they switched in the first place?

*This is one of the most upbeat dramas I've watched, with some of the best ethereal, mysterious music to fit the fantasy storyline. The only reason this didn't earn a higher grade is because we never see Kyung Joon after he returns to his body, and we never find out Yoon Jae's answer or what happens to him after he wakes up. I loved the energy Gong Yoo brought to his character - an 18-year-old boy trapped in a 30-year-old man's body - and the villains of the show turning out to not really be all that bad kept this drama light. I'd watch this again. 

EDIT: I watched this again in 2019, and it dragged so badly for the last half. I probably didn't realize it the first time through because I hadn't watched as many Kdramas at that point, but this is not the best Hong Sisters work, and the ending is not satisfying.*

InFilm to Watch: Chak De! India (2007)

Chak De! India (2007)

Disgraced field hockey champion Kabir Khan volunteers to teach the women's national field hockey team – a position that most regard as a joke or cushy government job. The girls are all from different areas of India, proud of their individual accomplishments and unwilling to work as a team. Kabir does his best to unite the girls, even pitting them against him, but nothing works until he is about to leave and the girls defend one of their teammates from some sexual harassment. Then they must prove themselves to the Association in order to receive funding to attend the World Championship in Australia by playing the Men's field hockey team. Will they be able to defeat the men and go to the World Championship? If they do, will they be able to make a name for India while in Australia?

*This is your typical ragtag sports team story, but it was interesting to see how another country portrayed the issues common in a competitive sport. Entertaining. I might watch this again.*

ChFilm to Watch: Shaolin Soccer (2001)

Shaolin Soccer (2001)

Crippled, former soccer star Fung is humiliated by former teammate Hung and is determined to seek revenge. Fung then meets kung fu master Sing who wants nothing more than to promote Shaolin kung fu because he thinks it can benefit any and all who use it. Fung then gets the idea to use Shaolin kung fu in soccer as a way to beat Hung, and he convinces Sing to find and recruit his kung fu brothers. Will they be able to defeat Hung's team and promote the Shaolin way of life?

*This was a silly little film, with very slapstick, exaggerated and clearly CGI effects. Fun and clean. It comes with English captions, but the script is half Mandarin, half Cantonese – similar to the Indian films that are part Hindi, part English. Good for a giggle, might watch again.*

KDrama to Watch: Heirs (2013)

Heirs (2013)

Grade: B+

20 Episodes

 Cha Eun-sang is a poor, hardworking high school student who takes a trip to America to deliver some money for her older sister's wedding. Eun-sang discovers her sister is living a lie, working as a waitress and not attending college. Illegitimate son Kim Tan (Lee Min-ho), second heir to a large Korean company who had been exiled to America, witnesses the sisters fighting and offers to help after Eun-sang's sister runs off with the wedding gift money. Eun-sang and Tan develop feelings for each other, but they go their separate ways once Eun-sang returns to Korea. Eun-sang discovers they lost their apartment (the wedding money was the deposit) and has to move in with her mother as a live-in maid for Kim Tan's mother! Then Tan's father finds out about Eun-sang and sends her to Tan's private school. Will Eun-sang and Kim Tan be allowed to date? What will happen if the other students find out about Eun-sang's poor past?

*I love how the first few episodes took place in California, and it's always interesting to see how other cultures portray Americans (albeit in an unflattering manner). The drama had a more somber feel than I was expecting because of the soundtrack, but while it was dramatic, it wasn't too heavy or serious. Lee Min-ho is always adorable, but I wouldn't say this show is a favorite. Interesting back stories – I actually cared what was going on with the supporting characters – and decent pacing. Lots of familiar faces and the resolution was clever and cute (looking 10 years into the future, imagining how everyone might be doing). Not everyone gets a happy ending, though. Might watch this again.*

 

TDrama to Watch: Easy Fortune Happy Life

Taiwanese Drama: Easy Fortune, Happy Life (2009)

Grade: B-

27 Episodes (42 minutes each)

Country girl Xie Fu An lives with her younger brother and Chinese herbalist grandmother Chun Xiang in the mountains. One day while out gathering medicinal herbs, Fu An and her brother find a protected rare fungus after it falls off a poacher's truck, which they bring home until they can turn it in to the proper authorities. Meanwhile, the cold and self-centered Yan Da Feng contacts the poachers in order to find a gift for his grandfather's 80^th birthday – the man who founded a $2.5 billion pharmaceutical company, Ba Bao Tang – and get on his good side. The poachers steal the fungus, starting a house fire on their way out, leading to the grandmother's death. Fu An vows to fulfill her grandmother's last wish: to see the man whom she had met 60 years ago, fallen in love with, and waited for her entire life. That man is none other than Da Feng's grandfather, the owner of Ba Bao Tang, and the one who had pretended to love Chun Xiang in order to steal her herbal remedy recipe. What will happen to Fu An in the big city?

*I actually liked this drama a lot more than I thought I would, considering some of the cinematography is very cheesy and it's definitely a lower-budget drama than most Kdramas I've watched. It seemed to not take itself too seriously, as can happen with some Kdramas - perhaps because in Mandarin there just isn't the same range of verbal expression, since their speaking patterns are so much more structured. Some of the clothing and scenes were more risque than what's in most Kdramas as well, but nothing exceeding a mild PG-13. I didn't like that the main character never really acts like a changed man, but it had a fairly positive message about the importance of family life and the ability to change and become better. Might watch this again.*

KDrama to Miss: Cheongdam-dong Alice (2012)

Cheongdam-dong Alice (2012)

Grade: C+

16 Episodes

Hardworking but poor designer Han Se-kyung believes she can achieve anything with sheer determination and effort, until her boyfriend dumps her because he will never be able to provide for her. Se-kyung also comes across a former classmate/rival who has “entered” the upper-class South Korean scene. Se-kyung then decides she's tired of working as hard as she can while making no improvements in life and asks her former rival for help. Se-kyung sets her sights on the rich owner of Artemis, working with who she assumes is his secretary, when it is the CEO in disguise. Se-kyung starts to have feelings for the secretary but then puts him aside to achieve her dream of entering the upper-class, until she learns his true identity. Will Se-kyung choose love or money, honesty or lies?

*I dislike the fashion industry and that “world,” but the Artemis CEO, Cha Seung-jo (played by Park Si-hoo), is absolutely hilarious and crazy and so fun to watch in the beginning episodes as he realizes he is developing feelings for the poor designer and he kept me watching. The first half of this show is definitely better than the last half, as all the humor is lost while the characters struggle with real life issues. I didn't really like how it ends – she's not a good person, but she's not really a bad person, either – and while they do end up together, it's just not very satisfying. It's her stupid choices that put everyone in their predicaments. I also didn't like all the music of the soundtrack. I probably won't watch this again, but I will look for more shows with Park Si-hoo.*

InFilm to Maybe Watch: Barfi! (2012)

Barfi! (2012)

The story starts in the 1970s in India, and not much is in place in society at that time to help those with disabilities lead a normal, productive life. Shruti is engaged when she meets the deaf-mute “Barfi” (that's how he pronounces his name “Murphy”), and while there is a mutual attraction, Shruti chooses the financially stable fiance over the happy but poor Barfi. Meanwhile Barfi crosses paths with a childhood friend, the autistic girl Jhilmil, and he is accused of kidnapping her for a ransom. Will Shruti come to his aid and finally choose Barfi? What will happen to Jhilmil?

*This was an interesting story, and I loved the physical comedy from Barfi's character. The cinematography was quite beautiful as well. The actor reminded me a lot of the young Dick Van Dyke in his motions and funny faces. The story between Barfi and Jhilmil reminded me of the American film “Benny & Joon” (1993), and while some enjoy that, it's not quite my taste. Again, it was a different kind of story, but I probably wouldn't watch it again because it's bittersweet. I could recommend it for one viewing, however.*

ChFilm to Miss: Journey to the West (2013)

Journey to the West (2013)

 Chinese Film

Buddhist acolyte Xuan Zang is attempting to understand his role in the world while defeating demons. In a local fishing village he manages to slow down the efforts of a fish demon and is in the process of taming it when another demon hunter, Miss Duan, steps in a quickly disposes of the beast. Their paths cross once again when Xuan Zang is in the pig demon's human-catching lair, and Duan declares her love for him. As a monk in training, Xuan Zang blocks her advances and takes off on a journey to seek the imprisoned Monkey King's help in conquering the pig demon. Will Xuan Zang discover his true purpose, will Duan's female charms get to him, or will the Monkey King trick him?

*This was a really bizarre film. Apparently it is loosely based on a Chinese novel from the 16^th century. Very violent, some comedic moments, some lewd parts and innuendos, brief nudity, but also downright sad – a little girl is eaten alive by one of the demons in the very beginning of the film. I wouldn't watch this again, but it was interesting to see what China's opening-weekend record-breaker film was about.*

KFilm to Watch: Baby and Me (2008)

Baby And Me/Baby and I (2008)

Entitled, irresponsible, eighteen-year-old high school student Han Joon-soo (Jang Keun-suk) is out grocery shopping one day and turns around to find a baby in his shopping cart. There's a note with the baby, claiming it is his, and suddenly Joon-soo is a father. Meanwhile Joon-soo's own parents have “run away” from home, unsure of how to deal with their rebellious son. Will the high school father be able to balance caring for the baby with finishing his education? When will Joon-soo's parents return? Is Han Woo-ram even his baby?

*I really liked Keun-suk in the Kdrama “You're Beautiful,” so I was pleasantly surprised to realize he was the main actor in this film. There are a lot of just plain funny moments, from when the teenage father tries to get breast milk for the baby, to when the teenager's homeroom teacher bails him out of jail and then screams at the police because everyone keeps asking if she's the mom. I didn't care for the ending (mostly because I don't agree with it), but it was a cute movie overall. I might watch it again.*

KFilm to Miss: More Than Blue (2009)

More Than Blue (2009)

A recording artist and producer stumble across a lyricist's love story. Teenagers K and Cream meet and end up living together, since they are both lonely orphans, but just as friends. Cream's parents and sister died in a car accident, and K's father died of a terminal illness while K's mother left him. K has the same terminal cancer as his deceased father, but he keeps it a secret from Cream and pushes her to marry someone else. Will Cream discover K's secret and be able to confess her true feelings?

*I hate sad movies! I didn't like the cinematography, either, and while K's character was charmingly, tragically sweet, I didn't like any of the other characters. Also, it is implied that (spoiler alert) Cream commits suicide soon after K dies, leaving her new husband a widower. Won't watch again.*

InFilm to Miss: Veer-Zaara (2004)

Veer-Zaara (2004) 

 Veer Pratap Singh is in a Pakistan prison when the inexperienced female lawyer Saamiya comes to defend the quiet man from India after his case is reopened. Saamiya earns Veer's trust and hears his decades-old love story. Veer was in the Indian Air Force when he first met and rescued Zaara – she was on her way from Paksitan to India to scatter her grandmother's ashes. Veer convinces Zaara to visit his village for one day, and during that time he realizes he has feelings for her. The day after, Veer escorts Zaara back to the border while he returns to work, and it is then that he meets Zaara's fiance. It is a political marriage, a union of convenience, not love. But why is Veer in prison? What happened to Zaara and their families?

*This was an interesting way to tell a story, but I don't think it's one of my favorites. A lot of the film talked about national pride, family honor, and duty to society. I can't exactly relate, but it was interesting to at least try to understand those sorts of perspectives. It was a romantic story, but not a very happy story. No kissing. And one of the voice-over singers was that obnoxious female voice that drives me up the wall (had to skip through some of the musical numbers). I don't think I'd watch this again, although it's not bad.*

InFilm to Watch: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi! (2008)

Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi! (2008)

Taani Gupta is about to get married, and one of her father's favorite pupils is in attendance, the nerdy-looking and shy Surinder Sahni. The fiance and all his family crash and die on their way to the wedding, giving Taani's father a heart attack. The professor asks Surinder to marry Taani instead, so he can die in peace, and both agree to fulfill his deathbed wish. Taani vows to never love again, so she will never hurt from its loss, but Surinder can't help having feelings for the formerly bright and cheerful Taani. Will entering a local dance competition bring them closer together?

*This was a great show – I love how nerdy they made Surinder's character look, especially compared to his alter ego. The musical numbers were bright and entertaining, and I loved the romance between these two actors (the guy is also in “Swades,” and the girl is in “Band Baaja Baaraat” - both films I enjoyed). The only thing I didn't like is that they NEVER KISSED. I might watch this again.*

InFilm to Watch: Swades (2004)

Swades (2004)

Mohan is working on a satellite project for NASA in the US when overwhelming guilt and the death anniversary of his parents leads him to seek out his former nanny in India. Kaveri Amma has moved to a small village where Mohan meets up with his former childhood playmate Gita, a passionate, forward-thinking teacher in the village's school. Mohan went to India with the intent to bring Kaveri back with him, to take care of her in her old age. Meanwhile Mohan is faced with some of India's extreme poverty and the inability of its people to unite and advance as one because so many are stubbornly sticking to the caste system. He unites the villagers on a project to permanently provide them with electricity but has to return to finish the satellite project with NASA. Will Mohan return to his life of comfort or will his native land compel him to stay?

*This was more somber than most Indian films I've watched so far because it deals with deeper issues like Indian pride and the challenges that face any third-world country as it tries to further develop. Thought-provoking with great music, I'd probably watch this again.*

KDrama to Watch: The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince (2007)

The 1^st Shop of Coffee Prince (2007)

Grade: B+

17 Episodes

Go Eun Chan is an independent, hardworking young woman, the official breadwinner for her family ever since her dad died when she was 16. She dresses and acts like a boy, and after a few chance run ins with chaebol Choi Han Kyul, she is hired to work as his boyfriend to scare off blind dates. Then when Han Kyul's family forces him to work at and increase the sales of a local coffee shop, Eun Chan is hired as a male server, all based on a series of misunderstandings. Han Kyul eventually starts to have feelings for Eun Chan, even though he thinks she's a guy. Does Eun Chan feel the same way about Han Kyul? If she reveals her secret, will she ever get to see Han Kyul again?

*This is classic Korean Drama writing. There are some great moments between the two main characters, but it slows down a lot in the middle. It seems like a common theme for the female lead to insist on asserting herself before settling down when I think she's just being stubborn and could still have those pursuits without making her man wait so long. I also didn't like one of the parallel love stories, about a couple that had been together off and on over ten years, with cheating on both sides. It is a fun classic kdrama overall, and I might watch it again, but it isn't a favorite. Yoon Eun Hye is better in her other dramas (“My Fair Lady” and “Lie to Me”), but Gong Yoo is charming (and he plays the lead in one of my favorite Korean movies, “Finding Mr. Destiny”!)*

TFilm to Watch: Secret (2007)

Secret (2007)  

(Taiwanese Film) 

Jay is a musical prodigy and starts attending the school where his father teaches when he meets an intriguing girl named Rain. The two start to fall for each other, until one day Rain stops coming to school. (She thinks Jay is interested in someone else.) The twist? Nobody has ever seen Rain except for Jay. Is the young prodigy hallucinating, or are some supernatural elements at play?

*This was an interesting movie. The first half was just really nice, quiet and pretty, with a really amazing “piano battle” scene. Then Rain's story is told, and it's a little sad. The ending seemed a little abrupt, with the father not knowing what happens to his son. I might watch this again, if for no other reason than to watch the cool piano scene.*

KFilm to Maybe Watch: Welcome to Dongmakgol (2005)

Welcome to Dongmakgol (2005)

Set in 1950s Korea during the Korean War, a United States Navy pilot, three North Korean soldiers, and two South Korean soldiers all stumble upon a forgotten, peaceful village high in the mountains. The villagers have no electricity, no running water, or any clue about the war ravaging the country. The outsiders have to find a way to get along, especially after accidentally blowing up the village storage shed during their initial standoff. What will happen to Dongmakgol when the U.S. Army finds out one of their men is lost in that region?

*The beginning was sad, the middle was funny and touching, and the ending was sad yet touching. I loved seeing the three different factions find their common ground as they worked together in the village, and then later to save the village. There was some noble sacrifice involved, but I would have wanted a happier ending. Also, LOTS of swearing, particularly from the white characters – at least half a dozen F-bombs throughout – and violent (it was a war movie, after all). It was an interesting watch, but I don't know that I'd view it again.*

KDrama to Watch: My Love From Another Star (2014)

My Love From Another Star (2014)

Grade: A-

21 Episodes

Do Min Joon is an alien who was stranded in Korea during the Josen era, 400 years ago. He passes his time with intellectual pursuits, studying law and medicine, changing his identity every 10 years or so. He is a professor at a local university when famous actress Cheon Song Yi moves in next door, and then his quiet life of solitude is over. Min Joon has just three months left before his ride home arrives, disguised as an asteroid, but when visions of the actress in danger come to him, he has to intervene, using his unique powers of speed, teleportation, and freezing of time to do so. Is she the same girl he rescued twelve years ago, the girl that resembled so closely the first girl he met on earth those many centuries ago? Will Min Joon return to his home planet or will he choose to remain at Song Yi's side?

*I stayed up until 2 am when I started this show – it's been a while since a drama kept me up that late. I had no real expectations for this drama, but it turned out to be quite romantic. There is mystery, supernatural elements, and it is very unique as far as dramas go. In this show, both the main characters have money and pride, yet Song Yi's character is easy to relate to, even though she is an egotistical actress. I didn't give it a better grade because I'm not quite sure I like the ending (it's almost a non-ending, really). But I would probably watch this again.*

Be sure to look up the song from the film, sung by the actor Kim Soo Hyun himself (he has the voice of an angel!) It's called “Promise.”

Music Video "Promise" 

KDrama to Watch: Personal Taste (2010)

Personal Taste (2010)

Grade: B+

16 Episodes

Clumsy, naïve Park Gae In finds out at the wedding that her supposed boyfriend Chang Ryul is marrying her roommate and best friend, the calculating Kim In Hee, leaving Gae In in need of a renter. Architect Jeon Jin Ho (played by Lee Min Ho, yay!) wants to find out more about Gae In's unique Korean traditional style house for a huge work opportunity. After a series of misunderstandings, Gae In allows Jin Ho to move in because she thinks he is gay and therefore a safe choice. Will Jin Ho land the bid for his struggling firm before Gae In discovers his secrets, or will Gae In be taken for a fool once more?

*I really liked the first half of this show – good pace, super funny, intense romantic moments – but the second half really dragged on and lost all its humor. It had a good ending, but again, I didn't like how it became so dramatic. I'd like to see Lee Min Ho in a more comedic role for sure, since he has that surly, stern character down pat. I might watch this again.*

KDrama to Miss: City Hunter (2011)

City Hunter (2011)

Grade: C

20 Episodes

Lee Yoon Sung's adoptive father, Lee Jin Pyo, is bent on seeking revenge and trains Yoon Sung thoroughly to assist in his vengeance. In 1983, the president and a few others decided to kill 21 elite soldiers who had been sent on a secret mission after deciding the secret mission was a bad idea and then covered it all up. Jin Pyo survived, witnessing the brutal murder of his comrades, spurring his actions to kidnap and raise Yoon Sung as his own. Will Yoon Sung complete his mission of revenge without losing his life, his sense of self, or everyone he cares for?

*I LOVE the actor Lee Min Ho (he was in “Faith” and “Boys Over Flowers”), so it kills me to give this such a low grade, but this show was too dark and sad, with too much focus on politics and a lame ending. There was a little bit of romance, but it definitely wasn't the focus, and there is not enough closure for any of the characters, really. Most dramas that I enjoy spend at least half of the last episode on a solid ending, but this drama only gave it five minutes to explain what happens to everyone. Kind of violent and a bit bloody, too. I won't watch this again.*

New Rating System

As of right now I have a "watch/miss" in the title of each post, as well as a "top three/five/ten" at the bottom of most of my posts. Now that I've watched more than ten shows, it makes sense to tweak my rating system, and I'm just going to use what makes the most sense to me: letter grades. (Star ratings reminded me too much of Netflix, and I want to do my own thing :) 

It's also interesting to go back and think about those first few dramas I watched and how my opinion of what's good is slowly evolving with the more shows I see. So it's possible I will go back and change the rating of a show later on.

I will keep saying "watch" or "miss" in the title of all my posts, but from now on, I will also include a letter grade. Look for the grade directly beneath the name of the show or movie and above the synopsis. 

For the shows I recommend you watch, they will have an A or B letter grade. For everything I suggest you miss, I will give a C, D, or F letter grade.

I hope this helps enhance your visits to my page, and check back often!

KDrama to Watch: The Master's Sun (2013)

The Master's Sun (2013) 

Grade: A-

17 Episodes

 Tae Gong Sil is haunted by the spirits of the dead – ghosts that only she can see that pester and scare her until she agrees to help them fulfill their final wishes. As a result, the sleep-deprived Gong Sil is unable to hold down a job and is wandering down a dark road one stormy night where she meets Joo Joong Won, the cold, wealthy owner of the Kingdom mall. When Gong Sil's hand brushes against Joong Won, she feels a spark between them and soon realizes that any time she touches him, the ghosts disappear. She then decides to do anything in her power to remain by his side, as he is the only refuge for her from the apparitions. Will Gong Sil ever completely escape the spirits, or will Joong Won have her committed? And what happens when demons from Joong Won's past appear?

*I LOVED the first two-thirds of this show. The main girl looks positively insane (the same actress from the show Pasta), and the guy that plays Joong Won is the perfect blend of frank yet not completely heartless. It's a little spooky for the first few episodes, but it's not that bad. I do think the show started to lose steam after about the 12^th episode, and some cliché elements were written into the plot as a result. It did have a good, happy ending, but not as satisfying as it could be because it was so slow. I might watch this again.*

KDrama to Miss: Shut Up Flower Boy Band (2012)

Shut Up Flower Boy Band/Shut Up and Let's Go (2012) 

Grade: C+

16 Episodes

Six friends play in an underground rock band named Eye Candy. They are transferred to an elite, high-class high school when their own school shuts down due to budget cuts, and friction arises between the poor new kids and the rich snobs at the school. Tragedy strikes when one of their group dies unexpectedly, and they have to decide if they want to compete and play without him. The friends choose to pursue the chance to play, wanting the world to hear their deceased friend's song. Will they be successful, or is their band – and their friendship - doomed to break up?

*I LOVED the two songs the band creates, but the sudden death shortly into the show took all the lightheartedness out of it. The show also dragged in the second half, and the female characters were very boring. It probably made the show more realistic overall, but I prefer definite happy endings where everyone stays together. They do remain friends, but they all end up doing their own thing. I probably wouldn't watch this again.*

BONUS: For your reference, the songs from this show that I liked are "Jaywalking" and "Wake Up" by Eye Candy :)

KFilm to Watch: A Barefoot Dream (2010)

A Barefoot Dream (2010)

Former Korean soccer player Kim Won-kang ends up in East Timor to make a living. He attempts to open a sporting goods store in the impoverished, newly free nation but soon finds there is something more important to him than earning money. He ends up coaching the local children – all around 11 years old – after supplying them with goods from his own store, and he lands the chance for them to play in an international tournament. Will the inexperienced team be victorious, or will death grudges tear them apart, much like their country?

*This was based on a true story, or “actual events,” so that always makes a movie more interesting. It's a classic tale of inspiration, heartwarming and thought-provoking. PG-13 for one F-bomb. I might watch this again.*

InFilm to Watch: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Baldev is an Indian man living in London, England, and receives a letter from his long-time friend back in India, requesting that they fulfill their promise to each other and have their children wed. Simran, Baldev's eldest daughter, asks for permission to travel around Europe with her friends for a month in exchange for going through with the arranged marriage. Baldev agrees, and Simran meets Raj, a roguish character that teases her endlessly, but also manages to capture her heart. The trip around Europe ends and they go their separate ways, finally realizing they are both in love with each other. Raj tracks down Simran in India, and tells her to pretend she doesn't know him as he charms his way into the good graces of both families – he won't steal her away to elope. When Baldev discovers the affair, will he force Simran to go through with the arranged marriage, or will he let Raj take his daughter?

*This movie was over 3 hours long, and while it is nearly 20 years old, it was still very entertaining, with a good pace and good music. Raj's character is quite charming as well. I'd probably watch this again.*

Spanish Film to Miss: Instructions Not Included (2013)

Spanish Film: Instructions Not Included (2013) 

Sleazebag Valentin Bravo spends his entire life sleeping around with women, not even bothering to learn the tourists' names who visit Acapulco. Then one day one of them returns, a baby in tow. Julie hands Valentin the baby, telling him she just needs to pay the cab fare, but she never returns. Valentin takes the baby Maggie to California in an attempt to locate the baby's mother. Maggie crawls into a pool while Valentin is asking around for Julie, and he jumps 10 stories down to rescue the baby. A movie director just happens to watch the jump, and Valentin is hired as a stuntman. Fast-forward six years, and Valentin is a devoted, doting father, spoiling his daughter with every pleasure possible. Suddenly the birth mother Julie shows up, wanting to meet and subsequently fight for custody of Maggie. Who will end up with Maggie?

*I didn't like this film, especially the beginning when it shows just how gross this man is sleeping around so much. I understand it was to help illustrate just how much Maggie changed him, but I don't think his change was evident enough. I also HATED the ending, but some people like sad endings, so there you go. I will NOT watch this again.*

KDrama to Miss: Dr. Jin (2012)

Dr. Jin (2012)

Grade: C

22 Episodes

Surgeon Jin Hyuk is a successful doctor dating a pretty and gentle doctor Yoo Min-ah. He is planning on proposing when they have an argument and Min-ah storms off. She gets in a terrible car accident, and as Jin is operating, he has sudden flashes of intense pain. He manages to finish the operation, but then sees a patient on the roof – a man he had operated on earlier that day. He confronts the man and falls off the roof and into the Joseon era. While there, he meets a noblewoman who looks just like his Min-ah, as well as historical figures like the Prince Regent Lee Ha-eung (a man who, according to history, set his son on the throne and helped bring young Korea into a golden age). Jin keeps interfering, however, saving people's lives who turn out to be a threat to the Prince Regent's ability to gain the throne, as well as introducing modern medical techniques before their time. Will Dr. Jin figure out how to get home before he completely rewrites history?

*I've realized I am not a fan of the historical Korean dramas. It probably has to do with the fact it's not my own country's history, so I don't have any sense of pride or connection when watching it. This drama was also highly political (as in strategies and plotting), and while some of the medical practices were interesting to learn about, it wasn't very romantic (NO KISSING). And the means whereby the doctor can travel through time wasn't believable. The plot had interesting turns about every other episode, so it was well-written for keeping a viewer's interest, but I just didn't like the characters. I probably wouldn't watch this again.*

CHFilm to Watch: What Women Want (2011)

What Women Want (2011) 

(Chinese Film) 

Ad executive Sun Zigang is expecting a promotion at work when his boss brings in an outsider to be the new executive over advertisement: Li Yilong. She provides the team with a box of female consumer products, and while Sun is playing around with the makeup, feminine hygiene products and high heels, he falls into a tub full of water and is accidentally electrocuted. The next morning he wakes to find he can hear the thoughts of every woman around him. Will his new power drive him mad or drive him to the top of his company?

*This is EXACTLY like the 2000 American film of the same title, except I liked this version better! From what I remember, there are fewer innuendos and better music than the American version. I'd probably watch this again.*

KDrama to Miss: I Need Romance/In Need of Romance (2011)

In Need of Romance/I Need Romance (2011) 

Grade: F

16 episodes

Three girlfriends in their early thirties are still navigating the different aspects of romance and love. In-young is a hotel concierge and has a boyfriend of ten years; Hyun-joo is a lawyer, engaged to be married and still a virgin; and Seo-yeon is a model and fashion designer who never stays with a man more than 4 months and has slept with countless others. When a young actress enters the picture as In-young's boyfriend starts to make it big as a movie director, will they stay together?

*This series had only 40 minute long episodes, much like the show 12 Signs of Love, and it had the same level of promiscuity and sex scenes. It's as if they are attempting to make their programs like many American shows. I did not enjoy this at all. None of the characters showed any real development, and their views of love and relationships are so convoluted and skewed it was ridiculous. I would not watch this again, and I definitely don't recommend it.*

KDrama to Watch: Rooftop Prince (2012)

Rooftop Prince (2012)

Grade: B+

20 Episodes

Joseon Crown Prince Lee Gak wakes one morning to discover his princess drowned in the pond outside their sleeping quarters. He calls his three men to aid him in discovering the truth behind her death, and as they are fleeing from an ambush one night, the four of them are transported 300 years into the future. They land in Park-ha's apartment, and after they spend a night in jail after trying to navigate the mysteries of the 21^st century, she helps them adjust to their new life. The prince sees what appears to be his Crown Princess, who is Bak Ha's step-sister Se-na, and realizes that this reincarnation has something to do with helping him solve the murder of his princess. Meanwhile, Se-na's boss Chairwoman Yeo thinks the prince is her lost grandson Tae-yong (they look exactly alike; the prince figures Tae-yong was his reincarnation). Se-na's boyfriend and Tae-yong's cousin Tae-moo had actually left Tae-yong for dead in New York two years prior. Will the prince figure out who murdered his princess before he has to return to his own time and before Tae-moo silences him?

*Although this series was a bit more dramatic than I prefer, it had an excellently woven story and plenty of mystery. At times the music was more intense than the scene called for, but overall I enjoyed the soundtrack. I'm still not sure if I liked the ending; not all the characters who deserve a happy ending actually get one in my opinion. Tentative top 5 rating. I might watch this again.*

KDrama to Watch: A Gentleman's Dignity (2012)

A Gentleman's Dignity (2012)

Grade: B

20 episodes

The show is about four best friends: Kim Do-jin and Im Tae-san who run an architect business together; Choi Yoon who is their lawyer; and Lee Jung-rok, who married wealthy and runs a local cafe. The men, now in their early forties, met in high school. Jung-rok regularly cheats on his wife but his friends always help him out. Yoon is a widower, but Tae-san's 24 year old sister Im Meari has feelings for him. Tae-san is friends with Seo Yi-soo, a high school teacher and the umpire for his city baseball league. Yi-soo secretly has feelings for Tae-san, but he asks for her friend Hong Se-ra's number instead. Do-jin has a serendipitous run-in with Yi-soo and helps her out of an embarrassing situation, more than once. Will the friends ever figure out how to have a happy relationship with the women in their lives?

*This is definitely a more adult-themed drama, with more promiscuity than usual (discussed or alluded to, not shown). Since all the main characters are middle-aged, it's a bit more somber, which I didn't care for. It did have a happy, neatly packaged ending however, with many very cute moments along the way. All the stories of each character were woven together skilfully, including the numerous flashbacks (which is something you wouldn't see as much of in a drama about high school kids). I liked it more than I thought I would; top 10 overall. I'd probably watch this again.*

InFilm to Watch: Jab We Met (2007)

Jab We Met (2007)

Wealthy businessman Aditya Kashyap (Shahid Kapoor) runs off in a depressed haze, boarding a random train where he meets Geet, a free-spirited girl on her way back home. She misses her train because of him, so he escorts her home. They part ways, and Aditya goes back to his company with a new outlook on life. Nine months pass and Geet's family asks where Geet is, thinking she is with Aditya, so Aditya has to find her and bring her home again.

Cute film, except there are half-naked pole dancers in the last musical number. Also, the girl's view of a cheating wife is that “all is fair in love,” and I do not agree at all. Might watch again

InFilm to Watch: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

Three friends Arjun, Kabir, and Imraan head to Spain for a bachelor trip. Kabir is engaged but he starts to have doubts about his fiancee; Arjun is a workaholic and his buddies try to get him to loosen up; and Imraan is trying to decide whether or not to meet his birth father. As part of their trip and their friendship, each one of them chooses an “extreme sport” for all three of them to do together. Each of the activities comes to represent a fear that they have and are able to conquer with the support of the other two guys.

*This was a fun break from the traditional “guy meets girl” story line, although there is some of that mixed into the story. Very fun, liked the music, liked the camaraderie among the three friends, beautiful scenery. There is some language and one brief bed scene, but still equivalent to a mild PG-13 overall. Will watch again.*

KFilm to Watch: "A Werewolf Boy" (2012)

A Werewolf Boy (2012)

Set in the 1960s, a widow moves to the countryside with her two daughters, for the sake of her oldest daughter's health. The family discovers a feral boy on their property, and eldest daughter Sun-yi figures out how to help him adapt, training the boy like she would a dog. Chul-soo (Song Joong-ki) readily learns everything except to talk. Meanwhile the young man who helped Sun-yi's family move into the country house tries to take advantage of her, and Chul-soo attacks, defending the one who has taken such loving care of him. The villagers are frightened, and Sun-yi's mother moves the family away once again. Sun-yi leaves a note for Chul-soo, asking him to wait and promises to return. Forty years into the future, Sun-yi returns – will Chul-soo still be waiting?

* I LOVED Chul-soo's character – the actor is the main character from the film “Penny Pinchers”! This was a very well-written film, but it's a love-hate relationship for me because there are elements of the story “Tuck Everlasting” in it – the idea of true loves being separated forever is heart-wrenching! If I can stand it, I'd watch it again. PG-13 for language.*

InFilm to Watch: I Hate Luv Storys (2010)

I Hate Luv Storys (2010)

Jay (Imran Kan) is an assistant film director, but his boss only makes sappy romantic films. Jay is forced to work with a new set designer, Simran, and she loves everything sentimental. Simran falls for Jay, but he does not return her affections, so she returns to her childhood sweetheart Raj. It's not until she's gone that Jay realizes he loves Simran, so he chases her, gets rejected, then has to decide to go for it one last time. Some funny moments when Jay is acting lovey dovey even when he used to make fun of it all.

*Pretty cute film, but it was almost trying too hard NOT to be a cliché. Might watch again.*

InFilm to Miss: Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl (2011)

Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl (2011)

A cross between “Catch Me If You Can” (2002) and “John Tucker Must Die” (2006), this romantic comedy tells the story of con man Ricky Bahl and his lifestyle of wooing rich women and cheating them out of thousands of dollars. One day he crosses paths with Raina, an outspoken businesswoman, selling her a fake painting to hang in her building. She then vents her anger on the news, and two other women, Dimple and Saira call Raina to let her know they think the same man conned them. Raina hatches a plan to catch the “bloody scoundrel” with the other girls' help and enlists the help of her friend Ishika, a salesgirl with excellent conning skills of her own. Will Ricky's reign of thievery come to an end, or will the girls lose even more money in his greatest scheme ever?

*While this film was fun, I don't think Ricky was punished enough (or at all) for his misdeeds. I had the urge to slap this character at several points. The ending was unique but not really believable because he doesn't lose. There was some kissing, which is nice, and some language, but because of how it all ends, I wouldn't watch it again.*

KFilm to Miss: Sunny (2011)

Sunny (2011)

Wife and mother Im Na-mi is visiting her mother in the hospital when she happens to pass the room of her former high school classmate, Ha Chun-hwa. She has cancer, only has two months left to live, and she was the leader of their high school group of friends. Na-mi then takes it upon herself to reunite their old gang, “Sunny,” and half the movie is told in flashbacks as the group slowly reunites. In the process, Na-mi rediscovers herself and her life is enriched.

*Mixed feelings about this film. There are over two dozen F-bombs and lots of other swearing throughout, plus it is a bittersweet film as the friend with cancer does in fact die during the course of the movie. The way the plot was woven with back story was very interesting, though, and it speaks to the heart of true friendship – for the good times and the bad. I don't think I'd watch this again simply because it makes me too sad.*

KDrama to Miss: 12 Signs of Love (2012)

12 Signs of Love/Twelve Men in a Year (2012) 

Grade: D-

16 Episodes

Magazine reporter Mi Roo breaks up with her boyfriend Jin Oh and drunkenly writes an article about it as the famous Sophia, a fickle writer that had signed a contract to submit articles to the XX magazine. Mi Roo's editor in chief prints the article, it receives rave reviews, and Mi Roo then has to continue writing the monthly column since the real Sophia decides to breach contract and leave the country instead of write. The editor in chief gets the idea to make the “erotic column” focusing on a year of Sophia's dates, one article for each zodiac sign. Mi Roo doesn't actually end up sleeping with 12 different men; some of the dating ends before that point is reached, Mi Roo's editor submits one article, Mi Roo's friend ends up dating another zodiac sign for her, and so on. Jin Oh finds out about Mi Roo posing as Sophia and interferes with some of her dates – will they get back together by the end?

*This is a very unusual format for a Kdrama, since it straight up promotes promiscuity, and because the episodes were only 45 minutes long instead of the usual 65. I wouldn't watch this again or recommend it. There were some humorous parts and there were some cute actors, but overall I just didn't like it. I think it's because the buildup just wasn't there with all the sleeping around going on.*

KFilm to Miss: Penny Pinchers (2011)

Penny Pinchers (2011)

*UPDATE* Song Joong-ki plays in the film "A Werewolf Boy" and he is adorable! I knew I liked him when I watched this movie :)

Hong-sil is a cheapskate, taking advantage of every situation possible as she lives an extremely frugal lifestyle. Everyone is going to be evicted from their homes and receive a few thousand dollars to relocate, so Hong-sil pays the landlady to kick out her neighbor Ji-woong early and then rent the apartment to her under Hong-sil's father's name, thus receiving another relocation allowance. Ji-woong is basically a deadbeat, but Hong-sil lets him stay outside her flat and teaches him her frugal ways, and eventually the two start to have feelings for each other. She teaches him to respect the monetary value of things, and he teaches her the value of actually enjoying life.

*There were a few F-bombs in the translation, and while Ji-woong's lovable buffoon act is endearing, the movie didn't quite hit home with me. (I might even look up the actor's history because I wouldn't mind watching him again.) There were mostly sad moments as the couple struggled to earn a living. It wasn't bad, but it's not something I'd want to watch again.*