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Reviews
Chugakusei Nikki (2018)
Dysfunctional parent-children relationship that will inform children's further relationship
Another May-December or Noona romance story, but I would like to comment on parent-children relationship depicted in this film that stood out for me. What kind of a frustrated parent it takes to deliberately inflict pain on their child? One parent deliberates on depriving their unborn baby of the father, another parent torments their child prioritising the parent's own emotional needs, the third parent torments their child by hiding father's letters and prohibiting the budding feelings of love, and the fourth parent at some point alienates their own adult child. Are we dealing with some massive phenomenon of emotional abuse of children in the family or is it a cultural "thing" or perhaps generational? "You aren't wrong about this. You only did what any parent would do. [...] It's OK. People always grow stronger through hardships. They are all precious experiences. It's sure to help in his life ahead." What kind of philosophy is this, furthermore, coming from the lips of a teacher? What is OK or precious about it?
So the story develops against this backdrop with the hope for the future that somehow children who go through this will acquire cognitive sophistication to navigate interpersonal relationship.
Falling Into You (2022)
Don't be discouraged by a sports theme, it's actually a great feel-good rom-com
First, I must note that I found this series recommended by viewer ENIGMA05. I find her reviews, at least on c-drama, thorough, binge-watcher-friendly, unbiased and to the point. And you can rely on her ratings. I would never have chosen a film with a sports theme, but gave it a go and, boy, it did deliver on feel-good from the first episode.
Falling into You (26 episodes) offers a straightforward story, great leads, and OST. For me it did not feel like the May-December or Noona romance as the age gap is small. It's only because of their roles (teacher-student) that this becomes "an issue". Both lead actors are well chosen, impressive performance by the male lead. I also liked the theme of friendship explored in the film.
For those who like light rom-coms, but without squeaky female voices or their homes stocked with soft toys (well there were only 2 soft toys, so I consider it progress) or some other annoying depictions of women.
Neoui Sigan Sogeuro (2023)
Mind boggling
The series starts with an intrigue that leads the viewers to the character called Min-ju. Luckily for the viewers, Min-ju then becomes Jun-hee, because I don't know how long viewers would be able to bear watching Min-ju. There will be more leaps through time which by episode 9 become mind boggling. If that was not enough Min-ju reappears and acts now almost simultaneously with Jun-hee (in Min-ju's head). There are some good takeaways from the film but is this frantic mix worth your while.
Good performance by the female lead and Hyo-Seop. I have not seen the Taiwanese version that many mention here.
Beuramseureul Joahaseyo (2020)
But for the lethargic female lead
It is a well made film overall, nice ost, a good male lead and supporting actors. Content wise the story is interesting and explores a variety of contemporary real world issues as well as certain aspects of human psychology. However, I found the depiction of the main female character by Park Eun-bin way too lethargic, verging on a spectrum disorder, which made me doubt the character's plausibility. Watching such a shrinking violet/loser in the end became tiresome, so I didn't bother finishing the last few episodes. I watched the same actress in the King's Affection where her character did not seem to be so pathological.
Eunmilhagae euidaehagae (2013)
Major emotional roller-coaster
The film has taken me by surprise. I don't think I've ever experienced such emotional roller-coaster watching a film. The film was made in 2013, but it is ever so relevant today in 2022 when the war is waging in Europe on our doorstep started by the regime that has inherited the tradition of showing no reverence for human life, that was built at the expense of the lives of millions killed in inhuman conditions in Siberia, and that is drowning in lies. And there is the unfortunate man, in fact entire nations, trapped by such regimes. So back to the film - before you notice it, the film culminates in the heart-breaking testimony of such an unfortunate man. Simple, yet profound. Respect.
Eoneu Nal (2021)
Great Korean version of the series
Everything about this series is good from the intro, the choice of actors, the story, directing, producing all through to the length of the series. Hiring the most expensive actor pays afterall - the film is just 8 episodes. Kim Soon-hyun acts in his traditional style and is excellent for the role, so are the supporting actors. No crazy subplots, forced acting or leading musical background, just the right amount of suspense - a pleasure to watch the story of the delivery of justice unfold.
Saikojiman Gwaenchanha (2020)
Interesting fairy tale format at the crux
The series offers an interesting story set in the format of a fairy tale. Fairy tales only end well, but are cruel overall (therefore, many modern generation parents even refuse to read classical fairy tales to their children). So the film reflects this element and the atmosphere well. The story is a slow churn, but interest and a certain level of suspense are maintained. Overacting by the female lead, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft (from Harry Potter) style mansion setting and over the top clothing of the female lead to me personally were annoying elements which distracted from the story, although they did play a role in depicting the fairy tale element and character development. Very realistic depiction of the character of the brother by Oh Jeong-Se. Well thought out titles of the episodes.
Chocolate (2019)
Coping with PTSD
The last film I watched under the same title starred J. Binoche and was about a chocolatier. In the Korean series chocolate is a product placement incorporated in the story quite plausibly. It is an emotional drama about people with PTSD with quite a well-constructed story, ending with the feeling of fulfilment for both main characters of the story. The male lead did a great job, but I found the female lead lethargic and monosyllabic. At one point I thought to myself if she comes again clasping hands in front of her groin or sits slumped, I'll draw the line... There is no shortage, however, of such character portrayal (to a greater of lesser degree) in k-dramas, e.g. Run On (male protagonist) or Nevertheless (female protagonist) just to name the most recent ones. Despite this, I think the film does deliver the message of people coping with PTSD.
Algoissjiman (2021)
Scary good
Overall this is a fairly good Korean take on the Friends with Benefits theme. A slow burner with an OST to match. The filmmakers even invested some thought in the titles of episodes and managed to put a story "in a nutshell" - just 10 episodes! I could not help the feeling, however, that the way it was filmed, especially in the initial episodes, the film had some qualities of portraying a stalker. The scene where the heroine visits an exhibition featuring her ex's exhibit piece, frames depicting fragments of the body of the characters (lips, eyes, etc.) or emphasis on touch were chilling - had I not done my homework, I would have thought I have chosen the wrong genre.
Meteor Garden (2018)
A decent remake
I watched this film after I had discovered c-drama The Rational Life featuring Dylan Wang on Netflix. In the course I also learned a lot about the Japanese manga and various remakes of the story. I enjoyed the 2018 version Meteor Garden because I found it a reasonably well rounded rom-com with attractive leads, good humour, good music, fashion and story. Looking past various film making techniques "typical" to c-dramas, I would say that in terms of directing and producing this film stands out among countless c-dramas and the lead actor Dylan Wang did a good job in portraying the character rather than just serving as a doll on set.
Lizhi pai shenghuo (2021)
Well watchable
I found this film in the romance genre offered by Netflix well watchable for its credibility, good leads and unobtrusive pace. I was pleasantly surprised at the performance of the young lead Dylan Wang (and subsequently even watched the Meteor Garden recommended by reviewers). Although in the current film he is playing along much more experienced Qin Lan, the co-stars portray their respective characters equally well (perhaps I would have liked Qin Lan to show more emotion). I liked that this film managed to escape, although not entirely, excessive emphasis on the rich-poor dichotomy and focused more on human relationships. Many compare this film with the film Find Yourself, but as far as I am concerned in Find Yourself, except for good looks the lead actor did not deliver on content. I wish Dylan Wang some good roles in the future that would reveal his full potential.
Afili Ask (2019)
Good humour at the start
The film is interesting at the start, good humor and story line, but half way through it looks like an attempt to drag out the story. Good male lead (Caglar Ertugrul), but the female lead (Burcu Ozberk) to me is a deadpan face - lacking any facial (and body) expression except blinking eyes. Good supporting actors.
The Chair (2021)
Simply refreshing
Loved this mini series, good cast, simple but engaging story, fast pace, some humour, and a variety of topics, but not sticking them down your throat.
Cesur Ve Güzel (2016)
Good watch
A good, compact story, interest and suspense are maintained throughout the series. Good acting by Kivanc Tatlitug, Tamer Levent and Erkan Avci, although I couldn't help thinking that Tuba's part seemed very similar to that of her heroine in Kara Para Ask.
Mutluluk Zamani (2017)
good actors but does not deliver on story
Great trio of actors in this film - Baris Arduc, Elcin Sangu and Cengiz Bozkurt - and some good humour, but the director failed to build a strong story to the end. I would say that the first half of the film is good, but afterwards I felt the director ran out of show time to disclose the depth of the relationship to make it credible and heartfelt.
Shtisel (2013)
Brilliant series
It's been a treat to discover this series. The character portrayal, story telling, pace, humour, music, and setting absolutely work for me into a perfect cinematic experience at home. The absence of all the stuff of the consumerist society makes the viewer focus purely on human interaction and relationships. Brilliant.
Kara Para Ask (2014)
Stopped watching at episode 72
Although both the romantic and the detective line of the story are interesting and even gripping from the start, it was sufficient for me to keep interest until episode 72 (Netflix) or so. In such a long run not only the story gets off the track, but I appreciated acting skills less and less, particularly of the female lead part with very monotonous and meek tone of voice. The action shifts between 3-4 locations getting boring. I congratulate those viewers who managed to watch until the end.
Kuzgun (2019)
Intense and good
I watched this film after I had discovered Love for Rent, a film with Baris Arduc. Kuzgun proved to be a very intense pace film, good lead and supporting actors, good music. In later episodes the story line gets off the track, but overall interesting to watch. In later episodes the mandolin music which accompanied romantic moments Kimsem Yok (Mandolin Versiyon) Toygar Isikli gets annoying to the extent of making me laugh. I have now watched the film twice, first somewhat poor quality on youtube and then good quality/translation and enjoyed it. Great intro of the film for both seasons.
Çarpisma (2018)
Stopped watching at Episode 9
A very promising and interesting action film from the start. I've never watched any film with Kivanc Tatlityug before, but I liked how the actor portrayed life-like down-to-earth character like we are used to seeing in the best cop/police dramas, rather than one of those typical superheros/superhumans. However, this I felt was the case until perhaps episode 7 (youtube). After that the story line became more and more ridiculous and the characters' actions unmotivated and I stopped watching. I may come back to it just out of curiosity if the pandemic continues.
Kiralik Ask (2015)
Exceeded my expectations
This TV series, my first encounter with the Turkish soap opera (dizi) thanks to the lockdown, exceeded all my expectations I may have had. I would say that, first, praise should go to the writer, then the producer, composer (soundtrack) and, finally, the actors. Putting all the typical elements of the Middle East filmmaking/acting school aside, I absolutely enjoyed the modern setting of the film, the balance between real life drama and humour in all its story lines, elements of suspense and surprise, wonderful music and lyrics, and great contribution of the lead and supporting actors. Initially I watched only the main story line, but then started enjoying the character of the "jester" - Koray, who voiced everything that was going on in the minds/inner world of the main characters, and it fed into the main storyline (praise to Onur Büyüktopçu who memorised all those crazy lines of his character). In sum, this was an absolute healer in the time of the pandemic and made me become a fan of Elçin Sangu (the physical aspect of running in those high heels alone is worth a medal let alone very emotional performance) and Baris Arduç (for his talent to infuse his character with a genuine personality and good performance). Due to good directing, camera work all actors, and in particular the lead actors, were elevated to stellar level.