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.*