The thing that excites me about Liar Game is not only the puzzles, but the look and feel of the series as a whole. When Liar Game: Reborn started it was typical of the show. The kind, unassuming heroine discovers a box of money and an invitation to the game. This was expected. And our hero is reluctantly pulled into the games, seemingly against his will. This was also expected.

But once the players entered the playing field…That is when I sat up straighter, started to smile, munch happily on my overly buttered popcorn and get that excited feeling as if I am sitting in a theatre waiting for something good. Let the Games Begin! The game played in Reborn is intricate and will keep you entertained.

The cast of characters in the series are as quirky as ever. Mushroom Head and Gold Tooth both make appearances but most of the characters are new so it kept things fresh. The location is crazy. It looks like a really cool upscale techno nightclub that has been bombed and forgotten. The set design was awesome.

The execution of the game and plot was fun and entertaining. I love how smart Akiyama is when breaking down the game, forming alliances and figuring out his incredibly clever strategies. He is so cool in his plotting, so patient for the outcomes and totally badass when he needs to be.

The one thing that brought this film down a notch for me was indeed the absence of Kanzaki Nao. There was a chemistry between the lead actors and a relationship that developed between their characters that was lacking with this new pairing. There was a special dynamic from the series between Nao and Akiyama; his cynicism was attracted to her goodness. She softened his edges and that little touch made Liar Game a little more than just a drama about puzzles and ultimately enhanced the tension of the outcome. I felt the loss keenly. Matsuda Shota is a very solid actor and the rest of the cast does a great job...I simply missed Nao. I wish that wasn't the case.

The music was actually great. I liked the techno beats and some of the strange compositions that fit the mood and the tension of some scenes. As always, the theme playing when Akiyama enters the game was just as cool as his character. Loved it.

Overall, I totally recommend this film. It wasn’t perfect but it was a lot of fun.

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Hard Romanticker is set in a hard and unforgiving urban underground world. Every character is a thug. This includes the lead protagonist Gu played very convincingly by Matsuda Shota. The word 'romanticker' suggests the literal version of the word because this film is anything but romantic.

There really is no true plot to this movie. It takes place in the span of a few weeks and encapsulates a time period in this man's life. Unabashed and raw; showing all the nonsensical violence of the world he lives in whether it be by himself, those he keeps company with, his enemies and just about everyone in his sphere.

When I was finished watching the movie it took me some moments to think of what to say here in this review. This is a violent and dark movie and I came away from it having almost no sympathy for any of the characters save one. And it wasn't Gu. I suppose I had a sliver of sympathy for him in certain moments because Shota has impressive acting skill but ultimately the character was undeserving of very much. That said; overall, the acting in this was really great and as unsettling as the film is, the story is well told. They certainly were convincing but it is more than disturbing to think that this kind of world actually exists. Most of the characters showed almost no caring or sympathy toward one another. So harsh.

There are some movies out there where you can watch, appreciate the quality of writing and acting but yet have no desire to ever watch that film again. Hard Romanticker is one of those movies for me.

I gave the re-watch value a 'fair' (6) because even though I might not watch this again for the subject matter I don't want to lower the score unfairly and have people mistake it for bad quality.

The music was fitting. I am not sure what to say about it other than I don't believe this movie is the kind you walk away from even wanting or needing an OST. But the score was right for the film; sometimes comical and sometimes dark.

If you appreciate darker (and I DO mean darker) fare and don't mind intense subject matter than this is the film for you. But you have been cautioned here...it is graphic. And fangirl moment...even at his darkest, Shota impresses me with his ability to absorb into a character for good or ill.

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So much badassery in this show it was amazing. First: Jang Hyuk and the way he played Dae Gil. I love that the lead character was constantly straddling the line between sanity and insanity; redemption and damnation; coldness and having feelings that ran so deep he must try in any way he could to kill them. Well Played Jang Hyuk! Second: The storyline was interesting and detailed. Along with the mix of drama and humor it kept me hooked to the very end. The cinematography, the pacing; the fact they were constantly on the move kept me moving right along with them. Third: The fight scenes were very cool. Usually I do not like a long drawn out fight scene but I found myself thinking a lot of other dramas could take a lesson from the director and the fight choreographers of this show. Well Done! Watch this if you are hesitating!

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Phungsan Dog is a tale of a man who is hired to bring packages and people across the DMZ line of North and South Korea. In the discussion thread Rainflower started about this movie, Amrita828 made a very astute comment about the personality of this man: that like the Phungsan breed of dog, he is loyal to only one. He pretty much ignores all but the one who owns this loyalty. In addition, the Phungsan breed rarely even barks unless intensly provoked. I felt the writing of a character's personality around a breed of dog intriguing and I didn't have my aha! moment until I read her comment.

I found this movie extremely well acted. I was beyond surprised at Yoon Kye Sang. Not because I thought he was a bad actor but rather that he was able to make a complete departure from the lighter, more comedic roles he has portrayed in the past. As I watch High Kick 3, Revenge of The Short Legged, I barely recognize him. And I respect the heck out of him for that ability.

After this movie was over I realized I was tense the whole time and as the credits rolled my body finally felt able to relax. It is dark, angsty and joyless but for some reason, I liked it anyway. It was interesting and I've never watched a movie with a plot like this.

If you are in the mood for a tense, intense ride, Phungsan Dog might be something you like. For the acting alone, I recommend this film.

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First, I have to admit that any review I write about a drama when it stars So Ji Sub is probably going to be biased. Just putting that out there. Second, I loved this show. The journey Cho In is 'subjected to' is a fun, intense ride. There are very specific moments in this drama that make it so fun and watchable but I don't/can't spoil them. From episodes 2 all the way to the end it just kind of steam rolls through the story and it took me along with it. There are moments where I was frustrated with some story points but I forgive those for the amazing moments where I sat forward in my seat and went "Ah!". That's why it gets a nine instead of a 10. It has a very sweet romance as well. Plus..So Ji Sub...Pretty!

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Alright...Let's break this bad boy down!

Story: What a story! The writer/s of this drama know how to write! This was action, adventure, revenge and romance done right. As you watch this drama, you notice it is almost like riding a ride. Some of the episodes are packed full of dramatic tension and zip by so fast that when the credits roll you sit there thinking "The hour is over already?" There is a depth and smartness to how the characters are written and for the most part, the pacing of the 20 episodes is framed very well. All good stories need moments of 'set-up' and because there are so many bad ass episodes when the action calms and there is a need for some exposition you don't mind...you understand that its necessary and it builds up the tension for the next stage of "The Plan". There are surprises around so many corners, moments where you suck in your breath. There are times when you want to pump your fist and times when you want to sob your heart out. There are well timed comedic moments that will have you laughing out loud. Pulling these physical and emotional reactions from the audience is the mark of great story telling. It's the best praise and prize a writer can get and the writers of City Hunter certainly got it from me.

Characters: Again, the characters are written so they are not dumbed down for the audience. They are fleshed out so well that you end up having sympathy for a character you know you ought to hate...who deserves your disdain and yet, you feel their pain. Or you may find yourself loving a character that is on a dogged search for and could just bring down your beloved hero. The character of Yoon Sung (City Hunter) is a flawed and fallible hero but he's smart and ultimately good and I found myself behind him and his cause. You get to see so many moments of kick-assery but you also get to see the price he pays; whether it is his body or his psyche. Also, those he's fighting aren't stupid either so he has got a fight on his hands. I like that the writers didn't make the antagonists stupid and they weren't always easy for City Hunter to catch. It made this show a delight to watch.

Romance: While I am all for some loving, hugging and kissing...I like that this drama knew when to quit. They didn't sacrifice the story to serve up the audience lots of drippy, gooey love. Yes, the love is there and the story shows the discovery and build up of that love but City Hunter has a mission. He's got stuff to do! We get to see how that love changes the City Hunter, puts the "true North" to his moral compass, gives him a reason to want to live beyond revenge and that is a beautiful thing. But thankfully, the writers weren't afraid to place that story on the back burner. Not only because it made sense in the framework of tale but also, they didn't pander to us mushy romantic types and force more into play.

Acting: I could go on and on (I know, I already have) but I'll just say t his. Lee Min Ho does a fantastic job. I was not a huge fan of his prior to this drama but now I am. And I would add that there isn't one actor in this whole drama that does a bad job. The main characters were cast well for their roles. There wasn't a time as I was watching this where I cringed or felt cheated that the actor wasn't serving the story or phoning in a performance. Lee Joon Hyuk (Prosecutor Young Joo) was amazing. Park Min Young (Kim NaNa) was often luminous and pretty bad ass in her right. Kim Sang Joon played (Jin Pyo) so well I hated him and had real moments of sympathy for him. Kim Sang Ho (Ahjussi) ~ I love you! I want to buy you an American Express Black card and let you home shop to your heart's content!

Season 2: When the 20 episodes are over...chances are, you are going to want one! Watch this if you are hesitating. There's a reason why there's about a thousand reviews of this Drama.

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If you are very, very into politics than you'll like Dae Mul. If you are not, you may not like it. But I liked it a lot and felt it was a pretty good drama. It had a well thought out story with a solid trajectory that shows the progression of a woman who goes from wanna-be reporter/housewife to the President of The Republic of Korea. I found it had enough drama and included enough comic relief to keep me interested and entertained. The politics are mostly believable. There is a healthy dose of political intrigue and sometimes fascinating machinations of politicians both corrupt and hmmm...only slightly corrupt. Along with the politics, there is a background friendship and long standing love that is lovely and sweet.

I wasn't sure how I felt about Kwon Sang Woo before this but I enjoyed his character a lot. He plays an honorable son, prosecutor and a loyal, steadfast friend. He's hot headed, prone to fight and often very funny. Go Hyun Jung is wonderful, as always. I like her so much. She has such range; from What's Up Fox to Queen Seon Duk (Evil Misil!) to Dae Mul, she is an undeniably great actress.

This is one drama that uses its side characters well. They all orbit around the leads in believable ways. They are necessary to the story and not distractions, which if you have ever read any of my reviews, you'll know this kicks up a drama's rating for me.

At 24 episodes, I felt the pacing was just fine. It took me a long time to finish this but I blame the springtime glut of obsessive fare like Greatest Love and others for stalling me on this and not a lagging storyline. This drama is worth your time if you are into politics and more adult storylines. It's written well, directed well and most of all, acted well. There is some strange editing at the end/beginning of some episodes but they always clean up the story during the hour.

I'm giving it an 8 over-all. My Re-watch value is low. Not because I didn't like it but because I'm more apt to watch light romantic fare over and over rather than a long political drama.

Again, this drama is worth it if you like political stories or if you are a fan of the leads. They do a great job in this drama.

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I loved this. I was 1/2 in love with Lee Sun Gyun after Coffee Prince but Pasta has sealed my fate. He is such a great actor. I love it when a facial expression can say more than words and he's really perfect at that skill. Chef Choi is a complex man and at times, very tough to take. Lee Sun Gyun made him lovable as well. Gong Hyo Jin did a great job. Her character is strong, talented and ready to break out. I liked how their romance brought out the best in each other. Pasta is great fun to watch. For me, it's up there among my favorites. I give it an 8 because the plot was lacking but I think the chemisty between the leads more than makes up for the loss.

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The Recipe is laid out almost like a treasure hunt; with the treasure being a woman who makes the most delicious Doenjang Stew. The search for her yields clues to the recipe for the stew and the story of the woman, both being intertwined. It also uncovers a love story within.

Almost the whole first half is the reporter looking for and discovering clues that lead to her, step by step, person by person that touched her life. Once he gets close enough, you get a glimpse of her life and her love and the story of how her delicious recipe came to be. It's a little slow going at first but don't let that stop you.

This movie has an ethereal, magical quality to it and it made me want to eat Doenjang Stew really bad...even though I've never had it in my life.

The story is beautifully written and very well acted. The Ume tree forests, the soybean fields and the mountains are all shot beautifully. Once again, Lee Yo Won does a great job and Lee Dong Wook is wonderful. Ryu Seong Ryong plays the reporter and I really like him in this. (He played the gay art gallery owner in Personal Taste) This is a very different role. I didn't recognize him at first.

This is a small, quiet movie but it's a lovely story. I wasn't bored at all but I think you have to be in the mood for quiet.

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This is a cute, quirky movie and I enjoyed it a lot. The main lead, Gong Yoo is a favorite of mine. I like watching him act. He's got a strange sort of beauty to his face but his acting is what gets me in almost everything I have watched him in. In this he pays a nerdy perfectionist with an element of a doom and gloom mentality and a bit of OCD. This ultimately gets him axed from his job.

Im Su Jung plays a harried and hopeless stage director who is unable to forget her first love. She even has a suitor wanting to marry her and she can't seal the deal. She hides behind her work as an excuse to avoid him and turn him down, driving her father crazy in the process.

I like the antagonistic relationship between the two leads after the story of "Finding Mr. Destiny" gets going. I like the flashback sequences. Both for how the memories are portrayed and the beautiful shots of India. This film has elements of the unexpected that keep it from being a typical, by rote, romantic comedy.

It's a sweet story. Light but not fluffy, well acted and a great ending too.

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Sunao Ni Narenakute is an extremely well done drama about friendship, love and growing pains of adulthood.

The situations are mature, the friendships are genuine and the love story is refreshingly real and sweet. The writing of this was very smart and truer to life than most dramas. The 11 episodes went by fairly quickly.

I really enjoyed the premise of five friends coming together by meeting through Twitter. It was such an original take on how people meet, grow to care for each other and become an extended family.

This is a slice of life piece about a particular time and stage in a person's life. It is off the beaten path from the usual standard drama fare. I loved it for that. The serious situations were handled in a realistic way that had me walking away feeling bittersweet but much more on the sweet side.

All of the characters were believable; the actors true and natural. My one small nitpick is that while I like JaeJoong and he improved in Protect the Boss, his acting in this felt a little green and new. But I did like "Doctor" and it wasn't so bad as to be distracting.

This drama really is a very nice piece of work. Sunao Ni Narenakute is an enjoyable watch, even with the angst and troubles that naturally come with the previously mentioned growing pains. This drama is about being true to yourself, learning to be brave in life and love. It is done with humor, some very stark realism and a lot of warmth.

The soundtrack was great! There wasn’t a song out of place. They were a mix of pop and alternative that fit perfectly with the age group portrayed in the drama. The songs were also memorable and this is one of those rare times I wish I owned the OST. (I liken the quality to Soulmate and Coffee Prince)

I am giving the re-watch a 10 because I know I will go back to this drama again.

I recommend this drama very highly. It is smart, fun, touching, and romantic. A WIN in my book.

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A Crowd Of Three tells the story of two friends who, for different reasons, are drifting through life. They are both orphans; directionless, scarred by their pasts and unhappy w/their lot in life. This combination serves to make them both a bit volatile. The journey they set out on is where this story starts moving forward.

This movie is dark. While watching I felt the same emotions they did as their journey progressed. I was bored in points, sad, tense and wondering how and where it would end.

The acting was actually very solid. It is no secret I am a fan of Matsuda Shota. He does a wonderful job playing Kento who seems, on the surface, the calm and more sensible of the pair of boys. With his emotions being repressed and boiling under the surface like a dormant volcano. This guy can act. Kora Kengo who plays Jun as more frantic; all his emotions out there for you to see. And almost a relunctant follower who doesn't want to be left behind by the only friend he has. There were many points in this movie when I found them both hard to like.

The plot is a bit wanting. Their journey a bit abstract. The ending intense. I felt as if the writing was good but this movie has quite an "Indy film" feel and so an artistic angle sometimes negates exposition and a solid trajectory of story. This left me unsatisfied.

The music is forgettable but I don't think it was meant to be anything but background sound so I gave it a 6.

My rewatch value is low but I'm not going to express why as that might spoil a person interested in watching. If you are a fan of Shota, I say give it a try. Also, if you are a fan of gritty, independent films you may like this. I'm giving it a 7. Mostly for the two leads.

I stayed with this for the acting and for that I don't regret watching.

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Buzzer Beat is a really entertaining sports/romance drama.

I especially enjoy a drama where the love builds unexpectedly between the lead couple. What I also liked about this drama is that even though there is necessary conflict and a bit of angst between them for drama's sake, they come to the realization of their feelings quickly and that kept me interested. Their chemistry was great and their scenes together so satisfying.

The writing is good. I liked the story trajectory for the main characters. The 11 episodes go by fast. The supporting cast was also fun. Riko's roommate Mei was a standout for me. She was so sassy and blunt. I loved her character.

Yamapi was good. He is one handsome bloke but I liked his acting in Nobuta wo Produce and he didn't disappoint me here either. In watching Kurosagi, I have decided I like when he plays quirky characters a bit more than when he plays a straight lead.

The soundtrack wasn't as standout as other Jdramas I've watched but I did love the opening song and the Beetles and Stones songs in the background.

I give the re-watch value a 9 because this was a very fun watch. I really liked the romance and the friendship of the OTP. Like the Jdrama Pride, this is set in the sports world but there is a great balance of both basketball, character study and romance.

I recommend this drama highly. It's a fast, enjoyable watch. Sweet, romantic and it has something for everyone.

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