KWeb Drama to Watch: Spark (2016)

Spark (2016)

Grade: B

12 Episodes, 14 minutes each
Viewing Platform: Netflix

Son Ha-neul finds a part-time job working on the crew for Dexter, a hot male singing group. The leader of the group, Yoon Ga-ohn, hears a suspicious noise while on break and investigates. Instead he finds Ha-neul, who was relieving herself by some trees and making wishes on stars (it was a bathroom emergency, but still a gorgeous night). Ga-ohn starts to accuse Ha-neul of being paparazzi, but then a bright light envelops them both and they fall to the ground. What happens when Ga-ohn awakens the next day, only to find he can't touch anything metal or electronic, because sparks shoot off him? Will he be able to write his song in time for the concert? How will Ha-neul react when she finds out she is the only one who can neutralize the arrogant Ga-ohn's electricity?

*I'd have given this a higher grade but there is NO KISSING. Other than that, it's a cute story line, with a touch of supernatural and some fun music. It's also short, making it easy to finish in one sitting. I'll probably watch this again.*

InFilm to Watch: Dear Zindagi (2016)

Dear Zindagi (2016)

Viewing Platform: Netflix

Kaira is a young, single working girl, busy trying to make a name for herself in cinematography. She has fun with her friends but seems unable to keep a man in her life – either from poor communication of her own feelings or from pushing them away. After the latest relationship failure, Kaira is kicked out of her apartment through no fault of her own besides being single and has to move back home to Goa. She treats her parents very rudely and is evidently unhappy with her life, but her biggest immediate problem is she can't seem to get a good night's sleep. When she accidentally overhears a mental health lecture at the local hotel while filming a small potatoes commercial for a family friend, Kaira decides to seek therapy for her insomnia. The talented, slightly unconventional psychologist Dr. Khan starts meeting with Kaira, and her past is revealed. How does Kaira's relationship with her parents now interfere with her love life? Will Dr. Khan be able to help Kaira be free from her fears and sorrows? And what will others in her life think about her therapy?

*Kaira is obnoxious in the beginning of the movie, but as the viewer sees more into her life and hears her story, it's easier to understand that all of the self-centered behavior and anger towards her parents were symptoms of her emotional pain. I also saw the film as an attempt to normalize therapy in a culture that still talks of counseling and meeting mental health needs as a “hush-hush” affair – an effort to give a glimpse into what actually goes on in a therapy session. I'm glad that they handled the affection Kaira develops for her therapist in a realistic manner, instead of having them run off together. Shah Rukh Khan did an excellent job in that role. Overall, it isn't the typical type of movie I watch, but it was pretty good, and I'd probably watch it again. Oh, and “zindagi” means “life” so she's saying “dear life” in the end, reflecting on everything she's learned.*