A love story which fits the taste of modern time

Introduction

A modern fairy tale where Prince Charming is obnoxious and only focuses on protecting his money. Cinderella is not hard-working but is focusing on finding his Prince Charming to leave her sad and pathetic life.
Jae Rim is suffocating in her poverty-stricken life. She lives with her stepmother who is expecting a child with her late father and two step sisters who are not vicious. She joins as a manager of the social club run by Cha Min to meet a prospective groom. But she ends up finding herself falling for the confused and irrational Cha Min who has been shelved due to his own demon.

Review

Helmed by Kim Min Kyung, the modern-day take on the fairy tale is the perfect sauce to serve with a main dish. Jae Rim is not a no-nonsense heroine but is realistic. She admits to being not good at anything and looking for a shortcut to change her life. Her outlook towards her grief-stricken life justifies her action when she goes beyond the limit for the director who enters through the door. But she is not a poor judge of characters. Cha Min who was scarred at a very early age of his life is dragged down by his grief-stricken father who demotivates him every time he looks for love. His confusion builds up his hesitation which forbids him from feeling truly happy.



This modern take on fairy tale keeps true to the new arch. Cinderella does not have a vicious stepmother, but instead, someone who is more busy living a peaceful life. Stepsisters do not invest energy in ruining their lives, they are building their own stories in the process. As Prince Charming is not looking around for Cinderella with shoes, a snob yet solace-seeking second hero takes in the scene. The director and scriptwriter make the story logical and sound given it is 2024. People do not fall in love blindly anymore but look out for the person who feels them and makes them feel better as humans. Cha Min and Jae Rim both have been broken by the challenges of life. It is peace and comfort which their heart has been seeking. They are looking for the person before whom they can be real.

Pyo Ye Jin, the Moon in the Day girl is back with another heartbreaking love. She fits in the shoes of modern-day Cinderella who does not wait for the prince to come and take her away. She goes to find him on her own. Like her previous character, Ye Jin adds a nuance in her Jae Rim who does not flinch. She makes the heroine adorable and challenging at the same time. Lee Jun Young got a lightheaded graph after his grey shade in The Impossible Heir. His Cha Min is wronged and he is still harboring that wounded child inside him. He illustrated the strength of Cha Min in the scene of his interaction with his mother who has been seeking forgiveness after all this while. Kim Hyun Jin who donned the second lead again after his successful rendezvous in Cheer Up did a brilliant job in his few minutes of screen space. From a ladder-riding director to love smitten hero, he leaves a charm that makes you want more of him. Supporting casts of Song Young Joo, Kim Chae Eun, and Ryu Seoong Soo did a great job in pulling the story.

Conclusion

This is a time when we do not believe in fairy tales anymore. As our hearts are getting hardened, stories like freaking fairy tales come in as breakthroughs. Meeting Cha Min is not just our secret desire but a fresh wind that reminds us to breathe wholeheartedly once in a while.

Read More

Could have been beautiful but plot missed

Spin off to the popular story "Bossam: Steal the Fate", the story is another political historical fiction cooking through palace dramas.

The opening of any drama plays a significant role in drawing the attention of the audience. In this story, the drama opens at a slow pace. The introduction of important characters was not surprising but cliche. The scene opens through a night, with robed people carefully walking through the palace gate. The director tried to use darkness to intensify the schemes being plotted behind those thick walls. It took a while to shape the story and establish the main aspect. The Queen mother, her immediate hands, and constant plots - all-star players of this drama remained powerless throughout.

There are many historical fiction which have been stealing the hearts of audiences even after many years of release. Call it Scarlett Heart Ryeo or Empress KI- these dramas intrigued audiences through the well-laid plot. This is where The Missing Crown Prince lacked. It failed to generate interest among viewers.

Suho in the titular role tries his best to deliver a vivacious prince who is cheerful and trying his best to survive through the thick and thins of a gruesome palace. His chemistry with leading lady Hong Ye Ji lacks the spice due to the narrowness of the plot. The huge holes in the beginning made the story bland.

Read More

Do you believe in destiny? Do you believe that destiny can changes the direction of your tale? Destiny holds the immense power of changing everything you have been hoping and putting you in a complete different atmosphere.

2023 has been a year of short yet sweet dramas and the latest Casteaway Diva gives a sweet tale while dealing with serious issue of domestic violence.

The first episode opens with Mok Ha dreaming to become singer and share the stage with her idol Ran Joo. She seeks help from her fellow classmate Ki Ho who even takes charge for sharing his bike with others. Life in Chunsam Island does not seem like a dream as violence erupts in the life of these kids anytime.

Mok Ha gets lost in ocean while trying to run away from her abusive father. She lands up in a deserted island and her wait to meet her dreams starts.Pen behind the lovely story has gifted us beautiful tales like Pinnochio, While You Were Sleeping and the recent Start Up. Park Hye Run always makes a strong girl but holds her back with an unprecedented weakness. Mok Ha is no exception. She sings like a diva. Her talent earns her a spot with Ran Joo when she was sixteen, but destiny betrayed her mercilessly.

The biggest twist is the confusion of Woo Hak and Bo Gyeol. Audience were waiting eagerly to meet Ki Ho, but the twist with the entry of Woo Hak in the frame who has forgotten his childhood memories puts us in dilemmas too. As we try to read eyes of Bo Gyeol, our heart gets drawn to innocent Woo Hak who tries to bring in his memory. The sweet revelation at the end will tear your heart.

Love, a small yet such an important emotion which rules our life. Why has been divorce increasing this days, is it because life has become tough or we are changing into worse? The answer is varying from one to other. But definition of violence has always been the same. People who hurts their own person does not deserve a second chance in life. They are responsible for causing emotional damage and nothing can explain that.

Director Oh Choong wan, who previously helmed tales like Big Mouth or While You are Sleeping always reflects on a major social trouble while sketching a heart warming love behind. Casteaway Diva, glammer through the light of stars that shines across stage. But he did not limit himself in the light. The lens brought alive the darkness that fades the singer as they cross the age bracket. People do not stop living because failure but the darkness eats them through and makes them feel hopeless.

The Director brings in a musical satire with the viciousness of entertainment industry that tends to forget talent over age. But is age everything and even dominates over talent. What if you are a great singer and you find your stage at the age of thirty? Why it is said that audience will not resonate with you because you are old now.

We are living in 2023, isn't it time to tell the world to put the bracket away and give warm embrace to the talent or the abilities?

Read More

A lovely story

Joo Eun Ho finds herself falling apart at the sudden breakup with her boyfriend Hyun Oh. She starts taking shelter in her alter ego Hye ri who is vocal about her feelings and quite positive which is the opposite of her characteristics. The situation takes a salty turn as Hye Ri falls for the very neat Joo Yeon.
It's been a while since Korean dramas work on a mental disorder at such a crucial level. Unlike the journey of Kill Me Heal Me, the journey of Hye Ri is more complicated than it is supposed to be. With each passing episode, the conflict between Eun Ho and Hye Ri makes life and emotions difficult for Hyun Oh and Joo Yeon. Unaware of the existence of the alter ego, Joo Yeon falls hard for Hye Ri. This arc within the story is the biggest twist which never leaves the car park at its proper place.
As the story progresses and the scenes start resolving a new unplanned situation appears. This keeps the aura alive.
What say....are you looking for a parking spot? Hye Ri is there to help you.

Read More

A brutal watch

The Korean drama industry always makes sure to deliver two to three stories yearly on school violence. All of Us Are Dead or the Glory has been wowing international fans with their killing game.
Song Su Ji transfers to Baekyeon Girls’ High School in Seoul. Students of this cynical game indulge in a deadly game of ranking to determine who will be the punching bag of the month and who is going to be the top dog of the place. Oblivious to this cruel scene, she finds herself in the den of wolves soon. And soon everyone starts walking all over her.

Appears Beak Ha Rin who is the mind of this torture play. As the story progresses battle between Ha Rin and Su Ji intensifies as none of them wants to let go of the leash.

Bona as Su Ji delivers a strong graph throughout the season. She establishes herself as a maestro in drawing the attention of the audience on an emotional note. Compared to her performance in Twenty-five Twenty-one, she comes out as a stronger player in the ring. As her character suffers she starts replying more cruelly. Jang Da a as Ha Rin delivers a cream performance. Her effortless enactment of the vicious character has made the audience forget all the cruel queens from the past.

Korean Dramas are sharpening their hands in making thrillers. Each and every character are arch nemesis of each other and variances in character layers never make the story monotonous. The pain dripping from the face of Su Ji to the remarks of Ha Rin- the audience lived on edge throughout the ten episodes. It is important to eradicate this type of cruelty from educational institutions once and for all.

Read More

Different tale

Unlike other Goreyo story or Joseon drama, this story does not revolve around royal families.

The opening episode starts with a boom where the lady crosses the wall and does somersault to reach home before her mother in law sneaks in. It gives a fresh vibes. Unlike other period pieces, this story does not rely on lives of royals even but solely revolves around two commoners in search of their own identity. Despite living an unfateful life, Yeo Hwa is a positive person. She has her motto and does not rely on others for her life, Soo Hoo has been digging around to bring a twist in his career graph. He bumps into Yeo Hwa every time he looks out for a crime scene and her sneaky life piques his interest. But unaware of her real identity, he is being drawn to a widow who is waiting for her brother to come and take her.
As the story progresses, Yeo Hwa finds herself engrossed in affairs that has been shaking the nation. Her fierce moves which have been meant to help people needs to use it for a bigger cause that can turn the nation upside down.
Based on a webtoon of the same name, the drama is unfolding the definition of love in a time where the emotion has been limited and not allowed. But does love really follow time and management?

Lee Han Hee as the widow daughter in law of a prestigious family living a double life makes the story a fun watch. Her enactment as the obedient daughter in law and the masked woman helping people in need adds multiple layer through the storyline. Actions scene portrayed in a subtle note , quirky dialogues of Yeo Hwa makes it look like you are driving a racing car and there is no signal. The scene quickly shifts, thus making audience heart flutter. You never feel like leaving. Lee Jong Won as royal inspector Park Soo Hoo is the new love of the town. He fits in the shoe of child whose identity is a challenge for himself but tries to help Yeon Hwa in helping people in need. He is confident in his skin, which makes the untold romance more soft.

It is the storyline which keeps the audience hooked at first level. The unexpected twists offered by the tale, the subtle chemistry and the background music.....its been a while Korean drama offered such an enigmatic yet poised tale.

Read More

The bilingual story is a sadistic tale of masochistic romance

A slow love story starts when Korean student Choi Hong bumps into Aoki Jungho. They start living together at a very early stage, and every moment they spend together is full of oh-so-love. But one day, Hong asks for a breakup, and she leaves.
One of the biggest perks of a slow-burning love is that it takes time to build. In the case of this love, the continuous travel between past and present sometimes made the audience wonder. Sometimes the past seemed too happy, thus confusing the audience about the demeanor of Hong in the present life.

The performance of Lee Se Young after donning the marvelous The Marriage Story of Park is quite gloomy and nonchalant. Maybe it's the character graph that drags her more down. Every time she came on the screen, I felt more sad than hers. Kentaro Sakaguchi in the role of sad Jungo is less expressive than he was needed. His calmness made everyone around him uncomfortable.

For the first time in my life, I really wanted a sad ending to make the love less bulletproof and more logical...

Read More

An action packed thriller to make you drool

The story of a pro golfer who gets married into an ultra-rich family and finds herself in a maze of love, betrayal, and scheme.
As Oh Wan Soo faces life life-threatening attack, an undercover cop Do Yoon appears and saves her from a fatal encounter.

The thriller opens extravagantly with a lavish house set up, magnanimous parties, and rich fountains adorning the place. Wan Soo who is called as Goddess of donation is aware that her husband has been cheating on her. But she cannot call off the wedding because of a promise she made to her father-in-law before his death. Soo Do Yoon plucks out issues around the death of the ex-CEO.
Helmed by Park Hong Kyun, who mostly tried his hand at romantic stories. The journey of Wan Soo has been melancholic and burning since its inception. With only foes surrounding her, the lovely woman is struggling hard to identify who wants to kill her. Kim Ha Neul as elegant and strong-willed Wan Soo adds a freshness to the character arc. She has not stopped loving her husband but the vicious gap is prominent in her eyes. It's been a while since to watched Rain in the shoes of such a tough nut character. As per the report, he portrayed his actions himself which is quite hot and lip-smacking. The silent bond between leads is sensuous and sizzling. Jung Gyu Yoon, the infamous husband of Korean dramas is back with another nasty arc. The man who is two-timing his wife is suffering from his childhood trauma. The confrontation scene between Yong Guk and Mi Ran encapsulates the darkness, the former is harboring throughout.
Away from the cliche revenge tale, this ten-episode series offers revenge served with a dash of romance. Perfect amalgamation of thriller, action and love- this latest serving is hot cake on plate.

Read More

Although Baek Hee Sung is hiding a dark secret surrounding his true identity, he has established a happy family life and a successful career. He is a loving husband and doting father to his young daughter. But his perfect façade begins to crumble when his wife, Cha Ji Won, a homicide detective, begins investigating a string of serial murders from 15 years ago. Ji Won notices changes in Hee Sung’s behavior and begins to wonder if he could possibly be hiding something from her.

The director has woven the story with fine narrative. Till midway, the audience kept on wondering if the hero is the real perpetrator or if someone else is behind the master plan. A subtle yet sweet love tale is hiding perfectly beneath it.
The journey is propounding warm yet suspicious.

Read More

Ending of the Monstrous era

The pinnacle of the much-awaited monster series is here.
Introduction

More monsters are loose here in this installment. With Cha Hyun Su having two personalities, the story unfolds through a new era this time.

As the second season disappointed big time, expectations were huge over the conclusion. Though the first season is still the best of all, the third successfully manages to cover up the losses.

Review

The story follows the correct pace this time. Malevolent Sang Wook is out again to dot over the world. Cha Hyun So in alternate characters is creating a chill down the spine one time and then returning to his real self another time. The blue-eyed and black-eyed versions need to be rooted for.

The conclusion of the series, where our leads return to their sweet home reflects on the essence of the importance of home behind making life sweet and meaningful. The angst of Yi Kyung towards her daughter and how they rebuild the mother-daughter relationship makes the journey more adorable. The conclusion chronicles the power of love through multiple relationship layers.

Conclusion

The journey comes to an end on a happy note. Summing up unresolved conflicts and threading loose ends, gives the ending that we were waiting for. The only complaint is to the editor- more attention should have been paid.

Read More

A fresh and intriguing watch

This science fiction drama gives a break from typical science thrillers.

The story lives in a world where people are hunting down for harming animals to satiate their carving. It includes a desire for non-vegetarian food. While developing livelihood, immense damage has been done to nature, and the company Blood Free or BF has been dictating this issue in this drama.

Highs of the drama
1. Fresh concept: Unlike typical science fiction, it feels close to reality
2. Performance: It lies in the shoulder of the actors to pull a great story. And actors in this drama deliver a high-quality performance that is smooth like butter.

Lows of the drama
1. A few twists were predictable: It is hard to create mysterious twists in every alternate episode.

This whole drama gives a thrilling vibe. As each episode unfurls, a completely new twist comes into account.

Read More

Squid game served in new plate

What is happening with stories this day?
After time travel, we got a psychological thriller served on an old plate.
The first point about the plot is it is extremely predictable. Right from that point losers from all corners came around and agreed to start living in a place that would pay them off if they fulfilled their condition reminded me of the uniformed gunmen. Then as episodes grew, similarities gained more attention than dissimilarities. Nothing was out of the box...

After surviving all the controversies in his love life, Ryu Jun Yeol is back on screen. He is debt-ridden Ji Soo who dreams of becoming rich after surviving third place. Se Ra, Philip, Kin Yang, and others joining in the journey did their best but the story disappointed. Woo Hee, and Jeong Min as subordinates in this thriller piece stood out in their shoes. But what can characters do when it is the story that betrays them from the beginning,
Writers are sadly concocting stories that we have already seen in a different light. The plot seemingly borrowed from The Squid Game often tires out. However, if you are a big fan of thrillers, then this story can be your weekend time pass. Watch the journey of eight strangers living in a house together till the second installment of Squid Game comes over.

Read More

A ghostly watch with a beautiful love unfolding

Have you watched So Ji Sub drama before. Great than, because he will make you fall in love not instantly but slowly.
It's a ghost story and as promised there's scary ghost as well as funny ghost.
What's the difference from other ghost stories, it will show you through the heroine a different phase after death. Some time, the on-off relationship between hero and heroine will tire you. But the crackling chemistry will be there making you wander what the maker wants to do.
Music is not much memorable. There's a second lead in the story. But Seo In Guk as Kang Woo doesn't bring much change in the story. You can rather consider him as a treat to eyes. Popular singer L from Boy band "Infinite" has played a pivotal role. Look forward to it. Gong Hyo Jin, well my first drama with her in the centre and she is such an intriguing performer. She alone can pull the story on her shoulder. That is her charisma.

What are you thinking? Delve into this ghostly journey if haven't yet,!!

Read More