KDrama to Watch: Fated to Love You (2014)

Fated to Love You (2014)

Grade: B+

20 Episodes

Meek office worker Kim Mi-young wins a free trip to Macau and at her friend's suggestion, she invites a lawyer from their office to go with her. It's her first overnight trip with a man. CEO Lee Gun is also heading to Macau, where he plans to propose to his girlfriend of six years. However, the CEO had recently decided to shut down the factory on a small island, so the president of the factory and another worker (who happens to be Mi-young's brother-in-law) plot to destroy Lee Gun's reputation. They manage to drug the young CEO and attempt to send a prostitute to his room, but not before losing one dose of the drug beforehand. Mi-young unknowingly drinks some drugged water and stumbles up to her hotel room, ready for a night with her boyfriend, but she ends up in the wrong room. Lee Gun and Mi-young have a wild night together, unaware they have the wrong partner! Will Lee Gun take responsibility for getting Mi-young pregnant? What will happen to his position in the company? What will Lee Gun's girlfriend have to say about it all?

*This drama starts off more risque than normal (premarital sex between two virtual strangers, although they don't show anything), but if you can get past that premise, nothing else promiscuous happens in the show. Lee Gun's character is a bit odd, and his weird loud laughter reminded me a lot of Dokko Jin from “Greatest Love.” but Lee Gun wasn't as appealing. I didn't like the pacing in the second half of the show, as it skips ahead three years, then three more years at the very end. Skipping years ahead seems like a cheat of some sort, giving license to change a character's personality without having to explain it other than “time passed.” The ending was tied up too neatly (I know, I'm picky – I like just the right amount of closure), and there was some pretty sad stuff in the middle that was hard to watch. Lee Gun is also already a pretty nice guy, so there wasn't as big of a transformation when he falls for the girl, making it less satisfying. Still a pretty cute drama, so I might watch it again sometime.*

KDrama to Watch: Good Doctor (2013)

Good Doctor (2013)

Grade: B+

20 Episodes

Autistic Park Shi-on has only one desire in life: to become a pediatric surgeon. Abandoned by his mother, beaten by his father, and having lost his only brother in an accident, he is raised by a local town doctor. The autistic boy becomes a medical prodigy, memorizing human anatomy, physiology and everything in-between, with the rare ability to visualize body parts and systems with pinpoint accuracy. The local town doctor later becomes director of the country's foremost hospital and makes an appeal to its pediatric department to allow Park Shi-on to become a resident and earn recognition as a certified doctor. Will Shi-on finally completely overcome his autism and learn to interact normally with the world around him, or will he have to give up his dream forever?

*This was not like the typical dramas I watch, as it did not follow the rich guy/poor girl love story , but it was pretty good overall. It was sweet watching Park Shi-on's character grow and mature throughout the drama, from an insecure, immature boy to a fully aware, self-sacrificing adult. I was wondering how the show would handle romance for the autistic character, but it turned out well. The music for the show was unimpressive, rather run-of-the-mill, but the medical emergencies kept things interesting. I might watch this again.*

InFilm to Miss: Hasee Toh Phasee (2006)

Hasee Toh Phasee (2006)

 

After seven years of being together in an on-again, off-again relationship with girlfriend-turned-actress Karishma, Nikhil finally proposes and a date is set. Unfortunately, Karishma's runaway sister Meeta enters the scene, and Nikhil is forced to deal with the family disgrace amid all the wedding preparations and attempts to procure a final investment for a business deal. Meeta just wants to see her father again, but Karishma refuses to let her sister see the family, as it could give their father another heart attack. It is revealed that Meeta had stolen from her father once before, and she needs even more money to get out of trouble once again. Will Nikhil and Karishma finally tie the knot before Meeta's whereabouts are discovered by the family? Or will all that time spent hiding Meeta disrupt Nikhil's single-minded devotion?

*This film was actually a lot more somber than I was expecting for a “romantic comedy.” Also, Meeta's character takes antidepressants, but it felt like the writers didn't understand how those work. They gave Meeta's character drug addict mannerisms. This could also be a reflection of their culture, not understanding that kind of mental illness. Either way it was unclear what she was even taking until the movie was almost over. The one part of the movie I really enjoyed was Meeta's return and her father's reaction. It was just like the father from the Bible story “the prodigal son.” He did not accuse her of stealing because he considered it hers anyway. Very touching. I did like the musical numbers, and the actors were attractive, but overall it fell short of charming. I probably won't watch this again.*

KFilm to Maybe Watch: Miss Granny (2014)

Miss Granny (2014)

Oh Mal-soon is living with her grown son and his family, but her daughter-in-law has heart disease and the family blames Mal-soon for stressing her into a cardiac episode. They want to put Mal-soon into an old folks' home. Sad and lonely, Mal-soon stumbles across a portrait studio and decides to go inside. The photographer tells her he will make her look 50 years younger, and he does! What will Mal-soon's family do when they think she has gone missing? Will her grandson catch on that the girl with the beautiful voice singing in his band is actually his grandmother? Will she stay young forever, or is there a way to go back? Does Mal-soon even want to go back?

*This movie is an odd mixture of playful and somber moments. Some of the musical numbers were fun, but it would keep flashing back on Mal-soon's life and the hardships she went through raising a child on her own as a young widow. The film also touched on issues related to how society views its elders, how they are often seen as a nuisance, and how the elderly must feel being mistreated that way. Kim Soo-hyun has a cameo at the end of the film, so it does end on a happy note, but I'm not sure if that was enough to make me want to watch it again.*

KDrama to Watch: Hyde, Jekyll, Me (2015)

Hyde, Jekyll, Me (2015)

Grade: A-

20 Episodes

Jang Ha-na is returning to the famed Wonderland in order to take over for her father as the circus manager after his death. On her way back to the theme park, she inadvertently saves the CEO and a crowd of guests from an escaped gorilla that remembered Ha-na from its younger years. At the sight of Ha-na, however, CEO Gu Seo-jin starts to hyperventilate, his pulse skyrocketing into a dangerous zone. Despite Ha-na's heroic actions, Seo-jin opts to end Wonderland's contract with the circus, so she follows him to his doctor appointment. There the two run into a mysterious figure, but the CEO leaves Ha-na behind, pushing her out of the elevator to face the attacker alone, determined to keep his heart rate down. Hanging over the edge of the high-rise's balcony, Ha-na is about to be strangled to death by the unknown figure when someone tackles the attacker from behind. Ha-na is falling backwards, heading for the pavement, when Seo-jin leaps off the building after her, changing their trajectory to land safely in the water feature next to the building. Was it really the fearful, cold and calculating Seo-jin that saved Ha-na? Who attacked Seo-jin's doctor, and why? What happens when more and more people find out about Seo-jin's condition?

*I was so excited when I realized Hyun Bin was the main actor for this drama! He played the straight-laced Seo-jin very well, even though he wasn't my favorite character. The music for this drama is absolutely EPIC, and it totally set the tone for this show. It is interesting that the “bad guy” ends up with a form of redemption, as the writers make it pretty easy to forgive him, and the fact that no one dies as a result of the “bad" guy's actions helps. My only real complaint is about the sadness during the last few episodes – even though it is a fantasy-type situation that the characters deal with, it has strong ties to watching a loved one go through Alzheimer's or even cancer. Most of the other characters are pretty cute, and this has a decent pace overall, so I'd watch it again.*

TDrama to Miss: Fall in Love with Me (2014)

Taiwanese Drama Fall In Love With Me (2014)

Grade: C

20 Episodes

Lu Tian Xing is an advertising genius, CEO of a company run with his best friend and owned by his adopted aunt. However, with all the pressures of running a successful business, Tian Xing feels like he's lost his creative edge. While he's disguised and sneaking away from his best friend, COO Lance, he runs into the small-time advertising company OZ, which is actually the same company that inspired Tian Xing to go into advertising in the first place. Tian Xing decides to continue helping OZ during his vacation from his own company once he discovers that it has been struggling ever since the founder, Tao Le Yuan, had died. Tian Xing creates an alter ego named Xiao Lu, and OZ's current boss, Le Yuan's little sister Tao Le Si, starts to develop feelings for Xiao Lu. What will she do when she finds out it's really the arrogant Lu Tian Xing? What will Tian Xing's best friend, best friend's sister, and their mother have to say?

*This drama lasted about ten episodes too long, and all the “cute” moments felt far too forced. Taiwan dramas have a lot less money than Korean dramas, and it was evident in everything from the camera angles to the script. This definitely had potential to be a cute drama, but everything took too long to happen, it was so slow, and the main conflict is basically resolved about halfway through. Everything after that feels forced and the psychological warfare these characters inflict on each other is horrible to watch. The length of the drama does allow the antagonists the chance to change and redeem themselves, but it was just so uncomfortable to watch them get to that point. I won't watch this again, no matter how cute Aaron Yan is. Definitely skip this drama, unless you like long, drawn-out, poorly written stories. It does have a decent ending, though (again, if they had only ended the show after 10 episodes instead of 20).*

KDrama to Watch: Falling in Love With Soon Jung/Falling for Innocence (2015)

Falling in Love With Soon Jung/Falling for Innocence (2015)

Grade: A-

16 Episodes

Kang Min-ho is a ruthless businessman bent on revenge against those who took everything from him when he was young. Min-ho's uncle is the primary perpetrator who slandered Min-ho's father's name, and it seems like he will succeed in bringing down the company, but Min-ho only has until his defective heart gives out. Meanwhile the energetic, youthful detective Ma Dong-wook is investigating a crime that his friend of 24 years, Lee Joon-hee, may be involved with; it is the same company that Min-ho's uncle owns. What happens when Min-ho receives an unexpected heart transplant? Will he continue in his efforts to bring down his uncle's company, or will the sudden personality changes after the surgery alter his life's work - and his love life?

*I LOVED Jung Kyung-ho in this drama!!! I always love a good beast-turned-human story, but Kyung-ho was absolutely charming in a slightly offbeat, yet perfectly human manner, bringing humor in to lighten a tense episode with ease. The lighting in many of the scenes had a warm, golden glow that I love, and the soundtrack was perfectly suited to those hopeful moments of love, change, and acceptance. I also liked Min-ho's male secretary/assistant's character – he was funny and paired very well with Min-ho, making their friendship feel real. Dong-wook's character was very enjoyable, as was his partner Na Ok-hyun. (I liked that he had a female partner and that she was the one to help solve the murder out of loyalty to him.) Dong-wook's father was another favorite character – his character was very warm and loving, with plenty of fatherly direction for the other characters. The only character I found lacking, oddly enough, was Soon-jung. She felt somewhat static next to Min-ho, and the more dynamic secondary characters outshone her rather easily. Other than that, I would watch this again.*

KDrama to Miss: I'm Sorry, I Love You (2004)

I'm Sorry, I Love You (2004)

Grade: C-

16 Episodes

Cha Moo-hyuk is living in Australia when he takes two bullets to the head for the girl he loves, even as she is about to marry another man. The doctors are able to remove only one bullet, and Moo-hyuk has a limited time left to live. The girl he took a bullet for gives him money and sends him back to Korea, to keep him safe from her jealous new husband. Before he leaves, he meets Song Eun-chae, assistant to famous singer Choi Yoon, and saves her from thugs. They part ways, and Moo-hyuk then decides to try to find his birth mother in Korea, thinking she must have abandoned him because she was too poor to keep him. He discovers his mother is the rich and famous actress Oh Deul-hee, and she has another son who is none other than Choi Yoon, Eun-chae's longtime crush. Moo-hyuk is set on vengeance, but this means crossing paths with Eun-chae and going after her love. Will Moo-hyuk be able to finish his revenge before he dies? What will Eun-chae do to save Yoon?

*I knew this was a sad drama going into it, but it did have a few funny, lighthearted moments. It is an older drama, so it has some cheesy cinematography that is typical for the time period. It is extremely slow-moving and has a weird start. Again, this is in the early days of kdramas, so a lot of these earlier ones are still finding their footing. If you want a good cry, watch this. Otherwise, take a pass and watch something without a doomed male lead. I won't watch it again.*

KDrama to Watch: Oh My Ghostess (2015)

Oh My Ghostess (2015)

Grade: B

16 Episodes

Na Bong-sun is an aspiring cook working for the famous and egotistical chef Kang Sun-woo, but she is about to be fired because of her timid nature and numerous errors. A ghost with a grudge happens upon Bong-sun and gets stuck while possessing the shy and quiet assistant cook. The ghost, Shin Soon-ae, then realizes she has the opportunity to resolve her virgin status through Bong-sun with Kang Sun-woo because he is a “man of vitality” that can withstand a ghost's cold touch. Will Soon-ae be able to resolve her grudge before the third anniversary of her death, or will she become an evil spirit, doomed to roam and never ascend to heaven? Or is there some other reason revolving around her death that keeps her in the mortal world?

*This is a slow and relatively somber series, and while it does have some humorous moments and supernatural elements, it is mostly what I would consider a “reality” based show. The documentary-style cinematography is distracting (slightly shaky camera and certain angles that go with the style). The mystery behind Soon-ae's death is interesting, a bit of a thrill to help keep the drama rolling since the relationship between Sun-woo and Bong-sun is resolved a few episodes from the end, but the characters are not my favorite. Sun-woo is cocky in a way that falls short of charming, and Bong-sun's apologetic nature is annoying at times. Still, if you have the patience, it's not a bad drama. I might watch it again.*

KDrama to Watch: Greatest Love (2011)

Greatest Love (2011)

Grade: A

16 Episodes

Superstar Dok Ko Jin crosses paths with disgraced former pop star Gu Ae-jung, causing him great embarrassment as he tries to cover for the both of them. While he attempts to work out the misunderstandings, he learns more about the hardworking actress, and suddenly his heart starts to race whenever he thinks of her. The mighty Dok Ko Jin has never experienced feelings like this for anyone before – will he chase her out of his life, let his feelings run their course and get over her, or does Gu Ae-jung have something else in mind altogether?

*Cha Seung-won NAILS IT in this kdrama! A cross between Robert Downey Jr. and Johnny Depp, he makes the entire show, and I am able to overlook Gong Hyo-jin's distractingly bizarre wardrobe choices. This is definitely one of those stay-up-half-the-night-to-watch kdramas. Great pacing, great comedy, believable romance, and a sweet ending that isn't so tidy as to be annoying. Gu Ae-jung's character is a little annoying, since she refuses to let herself be swept up by Dok Ko Jin in that stubborn “I'm self-sacrificing” kind of way, but I still would definitely watch this again!*

InFilm to Miss: Chup Chup Ke (2006)

Chup Chup Ke (2006) 

Jeetu is in serious debt, with collectors clamoring for their cash. He ends up jumping into the ocean, as his life insurance policy would be enough to pay back all his debt, despite leaving behind his parents and a loving fiancee. What happens when a hapless fisherman finds Jeetu's body and thinks the list in his pocket are all the people who owe Jeetu money? Will the fisherman's boss agree to take the shameless trickster in?

*This story line had great potential, but some of the physical comedy didn't quite hit home with me (I don't typically like slapstick anyway), and Jeetu's character as the lovable rogue was off the mark. He comes off as a true miscreant, and his one redeeming act isn't even shown on screen. It also felt too heavy and dramatic overall, and the ending was rather abrupt. I won't watch this again.*

TDrama to Miss: My Queen (2009)

Taiwanese Drama 

My Queen (2009)

Grade: C

34 Episodes

Thirty-two year old single lady Shan Wu Shuang is a driven reporter for a local magazine, focused on forgetting her failed relationship six years in her past. Troubled 25-year-old Lucas enters the scene and is hired on as her assistant, unable to move on from his past love as well. What happens when the two start to develop feelings for each other? Will they be able to overcome the obstacles that relate to their eight year age difference or simply go their separate ways?

*This was an interesting break from the Kdramas. While it followed a typical romantic-comedy formula, the pacing was different because it has twice as many episodes as the average Kdrama. There were a lot of funny, goofy moments in the first few episodes, but by the end it became very serious and dramatic, and it wasn't as clean as most Kdramas. The guy who plays Lucas is very handsome and charming, and while Wu Shuang's character also has her charms, the end message of being happy whether or not you're married didn't quite hit the mark for me. Of course we should be happy regardless of where we are in life, but it bothered me when Wu Shuang decides to delay marriage simply because it doesn't matter to her anymore. Marriage is more important than that. So overall, not a bad show, but I probably won't watch it again. Plus they talked too fast!*

ChFilm to Miss: Lost in Thailand (2012)

Lost in Thailand (2012) 

(Chinese Film) 

Scientist Xu Lang has made a breakthrough in fossil fuel use, creating an additive that increases the volume of usable fossil fuel, although it is not yet ready for commercial use. Despite his marriage being on the brink of breakup, he takes a trip to Thailand to convince an investor to back further funding. Once in Thailand he realizes his colleague turned nemesis Gao Bo is attempting to reach the investor before him, so he can sell the additive as-is. Xu Lang uses the simpleton Bao Bao who had been sitting next to him on the plane to try and throw Gao Bo off his trail. Instead, Xu Lang loses his passport and has to rely on Bao Bao to travel around Thailand, and wacky escapades ensue. Will Xu Lang reach the investor before his nemesis, or will Bao Bao lead them into disaster?

*I would classify this film as a bromance action-adventure with some comedy. Ir's also definitely at least a PG-13 rating for situations and language, and while the scenery is interesting and beautiful, I probably wouldn't watch this again. I think it's supposed to be more of a comedy, but I don't think all of the humor translated. I probably won't watch this again.*

KDrama to Watch: My Lovely Sam Soon (2005)

My Lovely Sam Soon (2005)

Grade: A-

16 Episodes

Kim Sam Soon is an aspiring patissier who finds her boyfriend of three years cheating on her on Christmas Eve. Devastated, the nearly 30 year old runs into the men's bathroom by mistake, where Hyun Jin-hyeon, a 27 year old owner of a French restaurant, witnesses her humiliation. Their paths cross again, where Jin-hyeon learns Sam Soon's profession and hires her to bake at his restaurant. Jin-hyeon's mother is pressuring him to date, so he asks Sam Soon to be his pretend girlfriend. Sam Soon agrees when Jin-hyeon says she can name her price – her family home is going to be taken from them unless she can scrape together $50,000 to pay off the debt. How long will the pair be able to fool everyone around them before the fake relationship starts to stir real feelings?

*It's been a while since a Kdrama kept me up late into the night, but this one did it! I love how real the characters feel, and Sam Soon's smart mouth is fantastic. In a lot of dramas, the female lead is wishy-washy or gives into the female rival's requests for her to butt out, but not Sam Soon! She is older than most female leads and that age leads to a wisdom about herself that is refreshing because it leads to more realistic responses. There is great character development as well. It did feel a bit slow towards the last couple episodes, and it doesn't show everyone's endings, but again, Sam Soon's spunk bumps this show up into the A range. Also, Sam Soon is supposedly an old-fashioned, undesirable name, but since I'm American, I didn't get that feel. I imagine that an American equivalent might be the name “Bertha.” I'd watch this show again.*

KDrama to Miss: Pinocchio (2014)

Pinocchio (2014)

Grade: C+

20 Episodes

Ki Ha-myung and his family are living happily together until a horrific accident during a fire leads to several firefighters losing their lives. The news reports start speculating that Ha-myung's father - the fire chief - is still alive, since his body was not found in the wreckage and purposely left his men to die in the factory explosion. Ha-myung's mother eventually commits suicide from the slander they are powerless to stop, attempting to take him with her, while Ha-myung's brother is thrown in jail for threatening the reporter who was the driving force behind all the news about their father. Shortly after, Choi In-ha, a young girl with the Pinocchio syndrome (she hiccups whenever she tells a lie or hides the truth) comes to live with her grandfather in the countryside. They discover that the grandfather has adopted a boy he found while out fishing and thinks the boy is his own son who died 30 years ago. Ha-myung, renamed Dal Po, goes along with it because of his love for the old grandfather, and because he does not want to reveal his identity to In-ha, for she is the daughter of the very reporter who destroyed his family.

As interesting as the premise sounds, this was a total miss. It took me over three weeks to finish this show, despite the fact it had nearly all the same elements of many successful kdramas. I had the hardest time sitting through this show, and I definitely won't watch it again. I did like the soundtrack, though, and it did have some favorite actors (Lee Jong-suk from “I Hear Your Voice” and Park Shin-hye from “You're Beautiful”), but again, it did not draw me in. There was lots of crying, probably more from the guys than the girls, which at first I appreciated but by the end it was just annoying. Ha-myung suffered a terrible tragedy, but he cried almost every episode, several times an episode, and it was not endearing.

KDrama to Watch: Tomorrow's Cantabile/Nae-il's Cantabile (2014)

Tomorrow's Cantabile/Nae-il's Cantabile (2014)

Grade: B+

16 Episodes

Note: Do not watch this show if you hate classical music. It doesn't have to be your favorite, but if it bothers you even slightly, you will not enjoy this drama.

University student Cha Yoo-jin wants nothing more than to become like his idol Viera, a famous European conductor. However, a childhood trauma prevents the musical prodigy from boarding a ship or plane, so he cannot study abroad. One day he crosses paths with Seol Nae-il, a childlike piano major afraid of growing up, and she soon develops a crush on the standoffish Yoo-jin. Meanwhile, Yoo-jin's bad attitude leads him to taking piano lessons with Nae-il's professor, and he tells Yoo-jin he doesn't have to come to lessons and will receive an A in the class only if Yoo-jin plays a duet with Nae-il. It is while they practice together that Yoo-jin learns to truly listen and understand just how talented Nae-il is. Will this discovery help Yoo-jin on his path toward becoming a renowned conductor? Will Nae-il develop her talents and keep pace with Yoo-jin or give up the piano forever?

*I liked the lighthearted feel to the whole show – nothing gets too serious, the pace is consistent, and there are quite a few humorous moments in the first several episodes. There is NO KISSING, however, which is always a little disappointing. The characters and their back stories were fairly interesting, although some of the characters were just a little too odd for my taste (Nae-il and Franz). Still, it's a nice, uncomplicated little show with a great feel of camaraderie from the characters coming together to achieve something. I might watch it again.*

KFilm to Maybe Watch: Woochi (2009)

Woochi (2009)

Aspiring Taoist master and local mischief-maker Jeon Woo-chi is trapped in a painting for 500 years after a trio of lesser wizards suspect him of killing his master. His master was in the process of recovering a magic flute that would either subdue monsters or give them greater power if it fell into the wrong hands. Will Woo-chi be able to navigate the modern world and stop the plot to release monsters into the mortal world again?

*Full of action, some suspense, a little mystery, and a healthy dose of humor, this fast-paced film was difficult to follow at first, as it hopped between present and past without much transition. The rate of speech also seemed faster than normal, and it was a little difficult to keep up with the dialogue in the beginning when the movie's plot is being set up. Not too violent, not too deep - once viewers begin to think about the plot it doesn't hold up very well. Other than that it was a decent film and I might watch it again.*

KDrama to Maybe Watch: Bride of the Century (2014)

Bride of the Century (2014)

Grade: B- (former grade: B+)

16 Episodes

Chaebol Choi Kang-joo is in an arranged marriage with Jang Yi-kyung, and he couldn't care less for his future wife. Yi-kyung's family business is in trouble, however, and the marriage will save their company. There is a rumor about the Choi family, how the firstborn son's first wife always dies, but the Jang family proceeds, hesitant but ready to take the risk. Meanwhile, Yi-kyung's half-brother Yi-Hyun randomly encounters a girl who looks identical to his half-sister. It is then that Yi-kyung's mother plots to use the doppelganger, Na Doo-rim – at first as just a one-time stand-in, but later as a sacrifice to the restless spirit that protects the Choi family (if there truly is such a curse). Will Doo-rim be able to fool Kang-joo, and for how long? What will the ghost have to say about all of it?

*This is an epic-feeling fantasy romance, with lots of humor for the initial “meet cute” between Kang-joo and Doo-rim. It did drag in the middle and felt heavier and darker than I prefer, but it has a good, solid ending, and the soundtrack definitely matches the epic feel to the show. It's interesting how the generally accepted cultural belief is that everyone is reincarnated eventually. Also, I had a hard time taking Kang-joo seriously, simply because I had first seen the actor Lee Hong-gi as Jeremy in “You're Beautiful,” and he plays the comic relief in that show. The girl who plays Doo-rim is pretty adorable, and I think she managed both her roles (as the evil Yi-kyung too) quite well. I'd watch this again.*

UPDATE FALL 2020: This drama is about 5 episodes too long, with such a slow, heavy, dark pace and several character inconsistencies, that I actually changed its rating! This is the first time I've changed a previous rating for a kdrama. I did not enjoy watching the antagonists try to destroy each other, and one of the "good" characters is actually an adulteress, so it doesn't feel terribly satisfying for her to win. I won't watch this again. 

KDrama to Watch: Healer (2015)

Healer (2015)

Grade: A

20 Episodes

Aspiring journalist Chae Young-shin is accosted one day by the infamous, mysterious night courier Healer when he forcefully takes a sample of her DNA for a client. Healer's one goal in life is to make enough money with his jobs to buy a private island and retire there alone, but Young-shin intrigues Healer, and he learns more about the girl as he takes more assignments. The client is famous reporter Kim Moon-ho – but why is he wanting to learn more about this adopted girl? When Young-shin starts to realize she has feelings for the dangerous courier, where will that lead? How are their pasts linked, and will they be able to sever the bonds to the mysterious powers controlling and destroying the lives around them?

*This is an amazing action thriller with a hefty dose of romance. It is a bit dark in places, as the heroes encounter truly evil people, those who will murder and manipulate for their own gain and then cover it with layers of blackmail and lies, and it shows the characters actually dying on screen. The show has a great pace, and just when politics start to bog it down, something exciting happens to catch the viewer's interest again. Healer's character is intriguing, and the actor does a great job with his undercover personality. Young-shin's character is a little weak at times, but the show does emphasize her bravery in other ways. I also loved Healer's hacker partner, played by Kim Mi-kyung – an actress I've seen many times now in these dramas. She reminds me a bit of Emma Thompson, in that she is about the same age and does a great job playing diverse roles. I'd definitely watch this again, despite the violence in places.*



BONUS: I try to post the music videos to any KPop songs that are referenced in these KDramas, so here is 2NE1 and their song "I Am The Best" (which Min Ja refers to as a pat on the back when she pulls off some especially impressive hacking :P ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7_lSP8Vc3o

InFilm to Watch: Bewakoofiyaan (2014)

Bewakoofiyaan (2014)

Mayera and Mohit are two young professionals in love, but when Mohit asks for Mayera's hand in marriage, her father isn't willing to give his approval. When the recession hits and Mohit loses his job, will that ruin his chances altogether of marrying the woman he loves? Will their relationship even survive as pride takes its toll?

*This movie takes a somber turn when Mohit loses his job. It is detrimental to one's pride to be unemployed, especially for men, and it was sad to watch that wear on their relationship. Overall, I liked the music and the obnoxious father-in-law character actually is quite endearing. Not my favorite Bollywood film, but I might watch this again.*

Doppelgangers!

Korean and American Actor Doppelgangers!

I noticed something strange while I was watching my most recent Kdrama... Several of the actors looked familiar, and not just because I've seen them in another show before! Either that or I'm just crazy :p

Here are the pairings I thought of while watching "Cunning Single Lady" (2014):

Joo Sang-wook and Scott Porter (from "Hart of Dixie")
Lee Min-jung and Allison Scagliotti (from "Warehouse 13")
Hwang Bo-ra and Rose McGowan (from "Once Upon a Time")

KDrama to Watch: Cunning Single Lady (2014)

Cunning Single Lady (2014)

Grade: B+

16 Episodes

Computer programmer Cha Jung-woo relies on his wife Na Ae-ra financially to support them while he chases his dreams of starting his own company, but when the power is shut off and he comes home without investors once again, after four years of marriage, Ae-ra asks for a divorce. Three years later, without a word from Jung-woo, Ae-ra discovers her ex-husband is now the CEO of an up-and-coming software company worth millions of dollars. She then decides to interview for work as an intern, all in an effort to seek revenge. Will Jung-woo fall for it or see right through Ae-ra? And what happens when a younger man starts to take interest in Ae-ra?

*This was a pretty cute, fun Kdrama with a good pace that has a slightly different rhythm than usual. I do think that Ae-ra needed to do more to win Jung-woo's affections, and the issues discussed that surround divorce hit close to home making for some sad moments, but it wasn't a total downer. There are some great giggle-inducing moments as well – the acting and absurd situations combine in a believable manner. The only reason this doesn't have a higher grade is because it wasn't heart-flutter-inducing like the A grade shows. I'd probably watch this again, though.*

KDrama to Miss: Gu Family Book (2013)

Gu Family Book (2013)

Grade: C-

24 Episodes

Wol Ryung is a legendary, immortal creature, living in the mountains of South Korea. One day he meets a mortal woman during the Joseon era, and decides to pursue a course that will make him mortal, too. This mortal, Seo Hwa, witnessed her father's brutal murder – Jo Gwan-woong had framed her father, his friend, for treason, all in an effort to sleep with her. (Noble families who are disgraced are sold as state slaves – gisaengs, or glorified prostitutes.) Wol Ryung saves Seo Hwa, and she marries him, but she doesn't know his true nature. Seo Hwa ends up betraying Wol Ryung once she sees his beast form, turning him into a thousand-year demon, and she then gives birth to their son alone. The half-human, half-monster baby is found by a benevolent merchant and raised as a human for 20 years. When the same villain that destroyed his mother's family threatens Kang Chi's adoptive family, will he choose to become fully human like his father tried to do, or use his gumiho powers to stop Jo Gwan-woong once and for all?

*I really like the fantasy aspect of this story and how it uses the “Beauty and the Beast” theme, but I would not watch this drama again. The first two episodes are filled with lust, murder, rape, violence, betrayal and intense tragedy – R-rated material if I had to guess - and nothing in the subsequent episodes makes up for that (assuming the idea of showing such evil will make the good appear more good later on). I also predicted the ending – it was not happy, it was realistic and predictable based on the number of other dramas I've watched. I liked Kang Chi's character (Lee Seung-gi, who starred in “My Girlfriend Is A Nine-Tailed Fox,” humorously enough), and the supernatural elements were enjoyable, but I still don't like historical dramas. Too violent, too much depravity, and too much of the bad guy winning before he is finally dealt with (which was not even satisfying). I know this was a popular show, but it is just not my taste and I wouldn't watch it again or recommend it.

InFilm to Watch: Kismat Konnection (2008)

Kismat Konnection (2008)

Out of work and out of luck architect Raj decides to seek the advice of a fortune-teller to turn his fate around. She tells him he needs to find a lucky charm, and to his dismay it is the outspoken human rights activist Priya, a girl he had bumped into accidentally. He soon observes that just like the fortune-teller said, every time Priya is in his life, his luck changes for the better, even landing him the chance to have his proposal for a massive shopping mall taken seriously. But when he lies to Priya in order for her to help him, will everything work out?

*This movie was funny more because it took itself too seriously at times, in addition to genuine humor. I didn't like all the musical numbers, and the whole film takes place in Canada (not exactly exotic for American viewers), but it is a great example of a classic Bollywood romantic comedy – as in lots of romantic, longing looks and meaningful hugs, but NO KISSING. Might watch again.*

InFilm to Watch: Daawat-e-Ishq (2014)

Daawat-e-Ishq (2014)

Gullu (Parineeti Chopra from “Ladies vs Ricky Bahl”) is a feisty shoe store clerk who can't find a suitable match in all her father's marriage pairings. The widower can't afford to pay a large dowry, which means Gullu is stuck with losers for suitors. After watching a news report, Gullu hatches a plan to pursue her dream to study in America while collectively getting revenge on every greedy, dowry-hungry family she's had to face in the past. Concerned that his daughter will be left alone in the world, Abdul agrees to pose as a wealthy businessman to lure a greedy husband for his daughter. Gullu will then use India's anti-dowry law to sue or blackmail the man who marries her. But what happens when the man they decide to go after doesn't want a dowry?

*This was a cute film. The main guy wasn't physically attractive to me at all, but his charisma still comes across well, and while the two NEVER KISS, it's a clean, fun movie. Lots of bright colors, decent dance numbers, and the food looked amazing. Some of the words didn't translate well, as in I could have used more explanation for certain phrases, but that was only a little distracting. Might watch again.*

KDrama to Maybe Watch: It's Okay, That's Love (2014)

It's Okay, That's Love (2014)

Grade: B-

16 Episodes

Proud psychiatrist Ji Hae-soo crosses paths with arrogant author and radio DJ Jang Jae-yeol (Jo In-sung, very handsome) while discussing his latest thriller on a talk show. The two despise each other at first, but they keep being thrown together and a mutual interest develops. Jae-yeol soon discovers that Hae-soo has anxiety related to intimacy and sex in relationships, and she discovers he has OCD and has to sleep in a bathtub at night instead of on a bed. When one of them discovers they have a serious mental illness - in addition to their current issues - will their relationship survive?

*This had a lot of what I would call “adult content” - not that anything much was shown, but since Hae-soo has a sex related anxiety disorder, there is a lot of discussion about it. Jae-yeol's troubled past involves domestic abuse and violence, some of the patients Hae-soo treats also have sex related issues, and there's a lot of promiscuity in the show. It's a strong PG-13 for those reasons. As for the rest of the content, the flirtation between the two main characters keeps things light for the first two-thirds of the show, but once that serious illness is revealed, it immediately feels heavy and more real than I prefer. I really liked the ending, however – very nicely tied up without feeling too heavy-handed. Might watch again.*

KDrama to Watch: I Can Hear Your Voice (2013)

I Can Hear Your Voice (2013)

Grade: B

18 Episodes

High school student Jang Hye-sung witnesses a grisly murder then testifies in court, helping to put the murderer in jail. The young boy, Park Soo-ha, whose father was killed, vows to find Hye-sung again so he can protect her when the murderer is released. Meanwhile Hye-sung has landed a job as a public defense attorney, and that's when she and Soo-ha meet up again. She learns that he has the unique ability to hear other people's thoughts when he looks them in the eye, and he helps Hye-sung win some of her court cases. But what will happen when the murderer finishes his sentence and is released from prison, bent on seeking revenge?

*There was an additional love interest for Hye-sung, played by Yoon Sang-hyun from “My fair Lady,” and he was probably my favorite character in this drama. This show is a good murder-mystery thriller, but it did go a bit dark for my taste and stay fairly serious. I liked some but not all of the music, and I didn't like how Soo-ha's abilities aren't really explained. It was an interesting reflection on the justice systems we have in place, how we are not perfect but we try our best to follow law and serve justice anyway. There are some romantic elements in the show, but it could have been cuter. Might watch again.*

KDrama to Watch: Dream High (2011)

Dream High (2011)

Grade: B+

16 Episodes

Go Hye-mi is an aspiring opera singer when she suddenly finds herself auditioning for a performing arts school, all in an effort to pay off her father's failed business debts. Her friend Yoon Baek-hee tries out with her, but much to Hye-mi's chagrin, Baek-hee makes the cut while she does not. Hye-mi is given special admittance if she can find two more students in time: the rebellious, unfocused Jin-guk who is a friend from the past, and the inexperienced country boy Song Sam-dong. Their fate at the school is also tied to the low-ranking teacher Kang Oh-sun – the same man who cheated with Hye-mi's mother before her untimely death. Will Hye-mi be able to pay off her father's debts and debut as a Korean pop star, working with people she despises, in order to reach her dreams?

*This was an interesting show – it had the potential to go quite dark, yet about halfway through, the characters started to change for the better. Not sure I liked the transition, or the reasons why the characters decided to change. I would have liked more romance and less teen angst overall, but there were some cute moments. Fun music, good choreography. Also, Kim Soo-hyun (“My Love from the Star”) is super cute and very expressive – I mostly watched this to see him. Might watch again, but not an instant favorite.*

InFilm to Miss: Break Ke Baad (2010)

Break Ke Baad (2010) 

Best friends Abhay and Aaliya break up after nearly ten years of dating, all because Aaliya wants to pursue a career in acting and travel the world. She also thinks that Abhay needs to “find himself” since he doesn't really seem happy working at his father's company, so she leaves to study in Australia for a year. Abhay won't let her break up with him, however, so he moves to Australia, too, discovering in the process his love of cooking. Will Aaliya take Abhay back, or will he move on before she gets the chance?

*I did not connect with any of the characters – I thought Aaliya was stupid for risking their love and taking Abhay's devotion to her for granted. Her pride and selfishness is what made her leave such a loving relationship, and while it did help Abhay find his true passion in life, he could have done the same thing with Aaliya at his side the whole time. There was also some language and promiscuous characters, making me dislike the film even more. Normally I like the films Imran Khan does, but this time his character was a bit dull. I probably won't watch this again.*