KDrama to Watch: Goblin: The Great and Lonely God (2016)

Goblin: The Great and Lonely God (2016)

a.k.a. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

Grade: B+

16 Episodes, 70 minutes each

Viewing Platform: Dramafever

Ji Eun-tak has been able to see ghosts for as long as she can remember. It is why on her ninth birthday she is able to say goodbye to her mother, why she can see a Grim Reaper, and how she hears the whispers from ghosts that she is the Goblin's Bride. She then lives a difficult life with an abusive aunt and cousins, yet she manages to stay upbeat and does well in school. One day the high school senior runs into a mysterious, slightly annoyed gentleman, unaware that she herself summoned him. This man, or rather, this demigod has spent nearly an entire millennium wandering the earth, seeking the one person who can help him rest in peace. Why is this immortal so miserable, when he has all the money and time the world has to offer? What sin did he commit that made the gods punish him this way? And is Eun-tak the answer he's been seeking?

*This drama is sad and romantic, yet lovely. Typically I do not enjoy shows like this, but it is a top-notch production with a well-written score and an intriguing supernatural element. There is even some lighthearted humor sprinkled about. I did not love the inordinate amount of product placement, though. I also didn't love the historical flashbacks as I dislike the historical dramas in general, and that did slow the pace quite a bit towards the middle of the show. The ending was somewhat lacking, as it leaves the viewer with some important, unanswered questions about the workings of this fictional world. How is it that ** spoiler alert ** Kim Shin comes back and retains his powers after the sword is removed? The script indicated that it was the only thing keeping him alive, but now that he has returned sans sword – his only means of dying – does that mean he really is doomed to walk the earth for all time? Aside from that, if I feel the need for a good cry, I'll watch this again.*

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.*

KWeb Drama to Watch: Momo Salon (2014)

Momo Salon (2014) Web Drama

Grade: B

6 Episodes, 9 minutes each
Viewing Platform: Netflix

Aspiring hair stylist Hye Ni has just opened her own salon in a sleepy little neighborhood. It takes time to establish a new business, eager as she is to make it on her own. She also wants to make a difference in the lives of those who can benefit from her services. How long before Hye Ni finds success? And what happens as she influences the lives of those who come to visit her shop?

* This was a cute little web drama. Simple and sweet, with just a touch of romance; it's so short I'll probably watch it again.*

KDrama to Miss: Color of Women (2012)

Color of Women (2012)

Grade: C-

20 Episodes
Viewing Platform: Netflix

Byun So-ra loses her job as a professor after attempting to rat out a higher ranking professor who is embezzling school funds, despite having all the evidence to prove his guilt. She then finds a job at a cosmetics company – the same one at which her friend Kang Chan-jin from college is employed. It doesn't seem like a good fit initially, since So-ra doesn't care about appearances and judges those who do, but with her background in marketing and her chemical know-how, she finds a job with the company. A few days later, she runs into her senior from college, Yoon Jun-su, only to find out that he is the cosmetic company's owner's son. So-ra had been unable to date anyone since he dumped her ten years ago. What happens when Jun-su finally explains the misunderstanding that prematurely ended their relationship a decade ago? How will Jun-su's relationship with So-ra's longtime friend Chan-jin influence So-ra? And what happens when an ambitious manager attempts to take the cosmetics company for herself with secrets and conspiracies?

*Despite my enticing description, this was one BORING drama! A lot of elements from successful kdramas were there, but it just wasn't written well. The characters were not engaging, there were lots of awkward pauses and weird camera actions, and it's a lot of sitting and talking. It has 20 episodes, which is typically a sign that a drama is doing well, but I had a hard time making myself watch it. It was definitely a lower-quality production. There was also this weird shop owner and son that hinted at having some sort of mystic powers, and they randomly showed up to comment on the characters' goings-on but were ultimately unhelpful. It's portrayed as a romantic-drama, but most of the drama focuses on the bromance between Jun-su and Chan-jin. It's not even very clear how the love triangle is dissolved; they're just suddenly okay with each other in the end. Overall, I'd say don't bother watching this drama.*

KDrama to Watch: Descendents of the Sun (2016)

Descendants of the Sun (2016)

Grade: B+

16 Episodes
Viewing Platform: Netflix

Yoo Si-jin is a special forces captain who has a run-in with a pretty doctor after stopping a motorcycle thief and breaking up a street fight, all on his off-duty time along with his best friend Seo Dae-young, a sergeant in the special forces unit with him. Despite the punk's thieving, Si-jin takes pity on the struggling young man who was just trying to leave behind the gang life. Dr. Kang Mo-yeon is suspicious of Si-jin's identity, thinking he's also a thug, but a mutual frenemy – who happens to be Dae-young's on-again, off-again girlfriend – confirms Si-jin is relatively harmless. It's difficult to accept Si-jin's career, however, and Mo-yeon decides to not see the captain anymore. Then, after Mo-yeon abruptly shuts down her hospital chairman's egotistical (and very inappropriate) advances, she is sent to a country in the Middle East for a month on a goodwill service mission. It just so happens that Si-jin and Dae-young are dispatched in the same area. What happens when a natural disaster strikes, trapping Korean workers in a half-finished, collapsed plant with the military and medical teams having to work together? Will Mo-yeon be able to accept what it takes to be in a relationship with a soldier, or will she continue to resist her feelings, opting for emotional certainty and safety?

*For a show about soldiers, it was not based on a central political conflict or war, which I found intriguing. However, it is mostly action and drama, with plenty of violence in the mix, and that combination doesn't hold my interest very well. There was some humor, but it was subtle and only sprinkled in for flavor, and while some characters struggled with romantic feelings, it was not central to the plot. This did lead to dynamic characters that go through some development over the course of the show, including those in supporting roles, which does make for good writing.There is a definite sense of patriotism in this drama as well, which I can appreciate. Then there is Si-jin, who positively drips with charisma (Song Joong-ki from “A Werewolf Boy,” [2012], “Penny Pinchers,” [2011], and “Sungkyunkwan Scandal,” [2010]). I did NOT like how one of the characters broke the 4^th wall at the end of the show, though; it didn't fit the serious, realistic feel of the rest of the drama. And I'm still not sure how the title relates to the show. Overall, it is a quality production, and I might watch it again.*

InFilm to Miss: Heropanti (2014)

Heropanti (2014)

Viewing Platform: Netflix

Dimpy's older sister elopes with a teacher's son, Rakesh, and their father goes on a rampage. Chaudhary's men capture anyone who knows Rakesh, beating them until they give information as to the eloped couple's whereabouts. One of the friends, rascally Bablu, decides to stay captured because he catches a glimpse of a mysterious beauty who previously stole his heart. Once he discovers his crush is none other than Chaudhary's younger daughter, Dimpy, Bablu sends the father on a wild goose chase to Delhi. He also manages to convince the father to take Dimpy along in case she runs off in his absence – ensuring Bablu has even more time alone with Dimpy. What happens when Dimpy starts to have feelings for Bablu? Will she break her father's heart the way her older sister did? How will Chaudhary react when he notices the two stealing glances at each other?

*This drama has lots of violence, and I did not like the overall feel emanating from this group of self-righteous albeit powerful men frightening and grabbing the women in the household. Chaudhary was a law unto himself – he even admits to murdering people early on in the story – and he wonders why his daughters want to leave him. It's frightening to consider there are men today who rule their estates like their own fiefdoms, deciding who to kill, beat, kidnap or disown according to their own laws. The explanation that he was doing it out of “love” for his daughter was inexcusable. The lead guy had some slick dance and fighting moves, but his face looks plastic, and I couldn't like his antics. This was a miss for me.*