If your criticism of a movie that STATES CLEARLY it's dark, adult, violent, is that it is dark, adult and violent, seriously learn how to read. I don't care about the four grade school children who got "offended" by the view of nude human bodies (THE HORROR) and I assure you neither are any of the actors or creators. I don't understand why you seek out such movies? So hypocritical. Anyway, moving on. I'm a total wreck right now because sure this is a gangster film some heartbreaking was expected but honestly when Korea does cinema right, it becomes PHENOMENAL. Obviously, this is an ADULT film so please don't watch if it's not your thing. If you're a well adjusted adult and these things don't offend you I would absolutely recommend this. The filming, the acting, the two main leads are both my favorite actors but what I love about this one is that Lee Minki isn't some desperate guy mulling over making a kill, fuck no, HE IS A KILLER. That was established in the very first scene. But he's the protagonist. So yes, I absolutely loved it

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"When it's near, you can't see it."

That right there is the entire heart of Murakami's story.

Yes, like every other pretentious snob I picked up a copy of Kafka On the Shore when I was a teenager and read it cover to cover by morning. And then I still remember using my measly allowance on buying whatever Murakami titles I could get my hands on because I still love paperbacks. The second purchase was the Hard Boiled Wonderland and The Elephant Vanishes. Both titles that will literally grab you and if you don't become a Murakami fan girl by then it's probably not for you.

I know I'm rambling because honestly there's a reason I used the phrase fan girl.

But while I love Murakamis works I never read him all the time. Like I love Black mirror but can't watch them without feeling all of my existential dread all at once. Give me gore I'll watch it read it no problem but when it's someone like Murakami who doesn't show a knife but you feel the cut deep down in your gut, he shows you a hole in the ground and you feel the claustrophia and choking sensation, what do you even call that?

Basically it's inscrutable horror of the worst kind.

So when I was finally able to get the courage to see Burning which btw I like Yoo Ah In obviously but ok Steven Yeun doing a Murakami interpretation-- my heart couldn't freaking handle it!!!

So many times I had to pause just to keep my heart from exploding. Fuck ok there's just something about watching THE GLENNspeak Korean asksdksds jeez he's so SEXY with that fucking charismatic look and the hypnotic voice jeeeeez and when the person you love so much does a fantastic job playing a Murakami character it's freaking Christmas and Birthday all at once.

So when I finally was able to stop fangirling long enough to watch the film it finally gutted me like I expected it to and what I loved about the film is it very much retained the main feel of Murakamis story.

I love the pantomime bit, when she peels the orange she was mesmerizing! I mean all three main leads NAILED their roles.

Jeon Jeong Seo played her earthy, bohemian, impulsive character Hae Mi in such an endearing way you couldn't help love her and even her sadness that seems to constantly plague her even though she's constantly laughing and talking, it's so heartbreaking to watch her fight those two sides of her.

YooAh In's Jong Su is a writer who is not sure about his own feelings and finds himself in an unlikely relationship with Hae Mi who's known to travel and is prone to leave for trips without telling anyone and he loves her even when she brings home Ben from her African trip.


Both Hae Mi and Jong Su are a little lost and traumatized by their pasts.

And then of course there's Ben, played by Steven Yeun who is the antithesis of everything Hae Mi is. She's bohemian, unpredictable, loud. He's practical, self-composed, hypnotic low but commanding voice.

When Hae Mi suddenly springs Ben on Jong Su he gets hurt but he also can't stop being a little fascinated by him. He even calls him Gatsby, because while filthy rich the source of Ben's fortune remains something of a mystery. The thing I loved was the way Yeun flawlessly and brilliantly played Ben's role in a nuanced, compelling way , bringing the complexity of his person so you couldn't stop falling for him (or maybe that was just me XD)

Omg I want to say soooo much but I'll stop now and please just watch this beautiful heartbreaking film.

And by the way this is one of those films that are entirely in metaphors just like Murakami especially Burning Barns (from The Elephant Vanishes if you're so inclined) so if you don't get metaphorical writing and visuals you probably won't get this film or the original story but let me know if you need some explanation feel free to pm me.

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Warning

This review is full of spoilers.

Korean crime drama all have the same trajectory - crime gets committed by good main characters which becomes entangled into something more evil, and then the real evil people are only there to justify the main characters role because 'I'm bad but not that bad' and then naturally they'll meet another character, possible shipping couple, and then you get unpalatable amounts of lecturing along the same lines 'don't do crime kids' and then the villain gets their comuppence. Everything from Watchers, Voice, to Psychopath diary, to Gap Dong, ALL follow this same pattern and no one besides me gets bored? Lol i dont understand!

The only ones that broke the mold -- WHITE CHRISTMAS. And HELLO MONSTER to some extent because at least it was obvious Jang naras character was being judgemental and self-righteous to some kid who grew up thinking that killing was the norm. But Seo in Guks character DID NOT which makes more sense and is more realistic because things change drastically when a sibling you think of as your own baby becomes a murderer. Even DUEL was extremely nuanced. Save Me. Children of Nobody. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.

But that was years ago!

These dramas had nuance and complexity. I see this frequently in Jdramas like off the top of my head Aku No Hado, SCAM (Scum), Todome No Kiss, death note, Bokutachiga yarimashta, and even DYING EYE , again most of these are CURRENT DRAMAS or a year old at most.

But this preachy self-righteous lecturing really isn't the mature way to do things imo.

So, naturally this drama was no exception.

That said I was truly entertained watching this drama and Lee Ji Hoon s characters death gutted me. As did pretty much all the cast performance at some point. So I will say this, acting and direction was great no doubt. But the script was really just a very typical Korean crime drama.

So, not terrible but nothing memorable either. They kept killing people off because the story was just so bland so all the death of the brother and Lee Ji Hoon was so pointless! No character acts the way they were set up and the so called 'growth' felt more like the characters doing something really convenient to bring about a plot twist. Eh. Okay I'm done lol

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This show is so trippy I totally got hooked by the very first episode. And even though it starts out becoming entertaining because of the mystery aspect, there's a lot of depth to the story which I loved. It's the story of trying to overcome your trauma and for once the characters act like people who have suffered trauma. Both physical and emotional. Hyun Bin plays Yoo Jin Woo a tech hotshot with two broken marriages, who is rude and overbearing. Through chance he gets involved in the life of a hostel owner in Granada played by Park Shin Hye who happens to be the older sister of a genius game designer played by Chanyeol. To give out anything about the plot would be a spoiler tbh so I'll just talk about the other details and things that I liked. First off great acting by all the cast. The cast was picked well even the supporting cast you fell in love with. The shots are beautiful and the script is good for the most part. The concept is unique and the execution is not bad. The only thing that felt somewhat anticlimactic was the ending. But Hyun Bin is so handsome and just gorgeous! I could have watched a hundred more episodes. Especially that one episode where he's completely desperate and goes to his office to start the server and encounters the real side of his boss who once kicked his own son out for monetary gain. That scene the way it was shot, just heartbreaking to watch. And then all the sadness regarding the constant struggle between the friends only because of that one awful person. And especially jinwoos secretary, he was my favorite character! Even when he started playing and their banter, and Hyun Bin says "do you like me" lol and he responded with "I have a gf" I was laughing and crying! So it's the kind of show you really get emotionally invested it. That end if it was second season bait I'm fine with that but on it's own I think a proper conclusion would have suited this one more. But hey that's just personal preference and it didn't change my actual viewing pleasure of the show at all. I wish Chanyeol had a proper role considering he's a good actor! Regardless, I was not disappointed with the show at all and in fact would have happily watched more episodes. Another thing I want to mention is I love the subtleness of the love story. It didn't feel forced because the characters started to feel love when they actually developed a rapport and as a viewer you don't feel cheated because it feels natural. Also, the love story is not too fluffy which I think is perfect for someone like me to enjoy. The mystery part is more prominent. And it's a good mystery, really well done. Overall, a unique dark drama but darkness wise it wasn't as dark as The Smile Has Left Your Eyes or Children or Voice or Save Me. It was mild comparatively.

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Seriously your first thought when the show starts you're like omg EXO being all decent and elegant let's watch this new phenomenon. But... give them two seconds lmao you'll be asking yourself what zoo let them out for this long ^_^ ok, so this is basically behind the scenes for their 2017 photobook (one of my favorite photobooks btw) and you'll get to witness them enjoying the most picturesque destinations in beautiful Fiji. You'll also get to witness all the regular EXO shenanigans -- Chanyeol telling people not to encourage Suho by laughing at his lame jokes, Suho at hismost dorkiest, DO enjoying a buggy ride, and a hot, shirtless, gorgeous Xiumin. I think this is one of Baekhyuns best looks and Kai in red hair and Sehun in platinum, yes please. Chen was so excited as always and adorable ♡
A fun watch!

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Not For the Faint of the Heart. Some super disturbing content and gruesome violence. The main characters are all a group of sexual deviants. The three brothers they love each other but the oldest son is the only one who isn’t a deviant while one brother can only get off on some sadistic stuff with helpless women and the youngest brother tries to force his military buddy into sex, an action that ends up horribly. But much worse than them is the father who went to prison for pedophilia and is a terrible influence on his sons. I just wanted to say something. I know people either use dark humor when it comes to sexual deviants and child molesters or have the same 'cut off their dicks or execute them horribly' narrative and I hope when you think that way you'll realize that all these things are mental illnesses and not something you should use to propel your own personal resentments. Otherwise you should not consider yourself part of a civilized society if someone still has to have the capital punishment debate with you.

Anyway, back to the film, that ending was perfect.

It wasn’t a great movie but it had its moments and definitely the triggering content made an impact . This movie takes a nihilistic view and shows us the brutal reality.

It doesn't glorify sexual deviancy or make light of it.

Just shows how hardened, cold, jaded people live their lives amidst all the hostility and the pain of loving people the world tells us we should be hating.

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A warm fuzzy drama with one of the best casting and direction. Son Sang Yeon played the role so well, he was just adorable and genuine and in fact the whole cast is like this. I got so involved in the characters and there was just the right amount of emotional depth and I love that the main focus was always the friendship. It shows how we sometimes take what people say at face value even when it's just a broken person trying to cover up their trauma. And how hard it us sometimes to ask for help even when you desperately need it. And that love is love whether it's for a friend or a partner. And the most amazing part was the way they kept the 'who will she pick' conflict right till the very end so it keeps you guessing and when the conflict does get resolved, it's just the most beautiful way to end it. The script is so poetic and only keeps getting better as it reaches the end. One of the best surprises I received this year!

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This is the perfect action supernatural drama! Entertaining and literally can't stop watching! For the ones who are familiar with the franchise, this season is just epic!!! More thrilling, FULL of action, you'll be even more immersed in the universe. I was laughing and crying and yelling lol and missed the cast when it ended!

I think Neo Hou (Minghao) played Wu Xie so well I was completely satisfied and as always we get more characterization and back stories, but I especially fell hard for the Qi Ling doppelganger story about the Republic, I think that's where Cheng Yi shined, and the role of Xie Yu Cheng played phenomenally by Liu Xue Yi, a super emotional, but morally ambiguous guy who is dangerous to anyone who crosses him yet is deathyly loyal to his cousins and his friends!

And Zhang Bo Yu was just perfect as Fatty, as always with his snark and fierce loyalty, his character made me laugh hysterically even when I was crying sometimes!

I can't wait for the next season!

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"Before your name can be forgotten
I long for you again. "

There's nothing like a drama that makes you cry not just during the sad scenes but also the happy moments. Because it means the words aren't the only thing evoking that feeling of sadness but also everything that you're witnessing on screen. From the shots, to the actors subtle emotions, to the soundtrack, this drama makes you feel. A starcrossed lovers story that reminded me of this Spanish film Little Ashes about Salvador Dalí and Federico García Lorca. I feel there's a lot in fact in this drama that will remind you of Spanish films in general. So, anyway that's how good it is. And truly the most beautiful thing about Hymn of Death is that it feels less about the actual characters portrayed and more about the struggle broken people face when they try to live a life of love and passion. In fact, even more beautiful was the way both the leads cried in many different moments, but don't shed a single tear in the entire last part. Like, that's PHENOMENAL. Because I was still a heartbroken mess for the entire last episodes.
Must watch for anyone who truly appreciates art.

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This is a good, solid drama with hearty, cheerful characters and relationships everything from cute romance to some super heavy bromances. Not my usual fare so I was surprised I even liked it this much but no doubt it was the Thai part of the story and Nonkul that initially got me hooked. But as I kept watching I not only got involved in the swimming plots but also the story of Haoran and Tian Lin, it was heartbreaking to see them struggle with their feelings about one another and not being able to completely let go of the other person and not being able to make sense of their true feelings, for each other and toward other people. But the whole thing is crafted well and great production value makes the viewing fun. But I think for some reason that one scene where Nonkul wears a bear costume and goes to Bailong's house, I don't know why it felt poignant and just so beautiful. I don't think this is the type of drama I'd re watch but regardless great for when you need something light but with some emotional scenes.

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Okay first off SPOILERS AHEAD

Taecyeon - HOLY SHIT.


I mean I've never seen him like this, I just love me a hot psychopath and this guy is a total snack obviously soooo honestly I can't rate lower.

But let me tell you why I was frustrated despite enjoying it too.

It's basically the kind of show where serious stuff happens but then they make a joke so it ends up becoming an entertaining one which is what it should have been because the finale was absolutely one of the worst I've seen for such a drama.

It was all over the place, Taecyeon killed his brother and I felt sad but the way it was shot even, if you shoot two people and make Vincenzo try to save them, it was just cringe the way that and the preceding 'torture' was executed.

It was supposed to be edgy and dark, and it ends up being cringe or pretentious.

Now, I'm not the type to hate operas, Chinese or Italian, or whatever I love all that stuff so I had no problem with those parts. The problem was the way they handled the darkness. He's Psychometric has a way better story that keeps you guessing and the two brothers actually love each other so the eventual unlocking of the mystery makes you cry for them both. Even though Psychometric didn't handle the end with the brothers to my liking at least you see them struggling with their demons and loving each other. Psychometric despite it's faults actually has some good writing.

This is why I find Devil Judge so amazing because its not just solid direction but a fantastic script that has nuance.


That's what Sam and Dean do, you get so emotionally invested. The Lost Tomb has enough Bromance that becomes your favorite even if one person is a abusive.

The thing is either make it Stockholm syndrome or do something that makes them being brothers have a point - But there was nothing in this story. They could have been strangers and nothing would change.

The script was so basic. Another problem because just trying to look edgy is fine if you have solid writing. This one aaah it's all just a bunch of random, convenient stuff happening. Case in point - once Vincenzo was saved by .. wait for it ... A BUNCH OF FREAKING BIRDS. that's how random and convenient the stuff that happened was bro xd

But nothing disappointed me more than that brothers story because they didn't act like siblings and for 20 eps there was barely any explanation for them, barely a past established, you had no idea why either of them was behaving the way they did.

So honest I didn't hate or dislike the characters as much as I found them nothing special. Because like so much convenient stuff was going on, like a guy as RUTHLESS AND CUNNING as Taecyeon and all the prosecutors and officials, just how did they SO EASILY get duped AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN by taking place of their security detail and doing Carrie style blood throwing on the villain - Taecyeon lol


Seriously it started to get hilarious XD

But despite that Taecyeon every time he was on screen I was basically swooooning a hot badass villain ffs for this and for giving me a new ship I'll be grateful ;)

Ohh and also Kim Yeo Jin her character had depth mostly because of how she played it, Choi Myung hee being so loyal to Taecyeon right down to the end made me feel a little better at least, especially when he was dancing with her that was just so WHOLESOME

Song Joongki was Fine. Jeon Yeo Been was fine. Kwak Dong Yeon was fine, Jo Han Chul played a character I've seen him play several times so it was just fine too. But like I said apart from the first episode, the 'clever' ideas just became too strange and unrealistic. The torture scene in the finale was the most disappointing! Taecyeon supposedly had no humanity and so his attitude with his brother would make sense, he's killed people for less, but then CLEARLY forms a motherly bond with Choi Myung hee and stays loyal and faithful, those things are the exact opposite of each other. But like I said the script is so basic, there's no research, nothing. That's why that last torture scene doesn't make sense either because Taecyeon showed no emotions other than excitement and malice even when Vincenzo was holding a gun to his head, meaning his emotions must be off right, but then in the end he was all crying and begging HOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE. If instead of Googling a listicle with cool European ancient torture techniques (we've all done it lol) they should have worried about keeping the character of AT LEAST the main villain consistent like the first season of Voice with Kim Jaewook and Janghyuk, it would have been a much more promising story.

But okay, credit where its due - that finale scene where Song Joongki leaves Taecyeon to rot like I said the execution of the torture could have been done better but the scene where the crow comes to sit on Taecyeon and there's a sun flare - that got to me.

But you can't really make an impact with a scene like this if people are just going to go back to acting like they're in a Mafia rom com.

The action isn't bad either, its entertaining like I said just don't expect much and some bits get draggy and repetitive.

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So EXO L or not this drama had eye candy like you won't believe. Sehun is gorgeous but the villains were all so handsome especially Killer Fist ;) so yeah. But ok, tbh the script was seriously lacking and the characters were so one dimensional. The direction too was messy and the sound was bad in several places. But the technical faults can be ignored for good content and good content this was not lol. Basically if you are an action fan and like a bunch of good looking people beating the crap out of each other you'll enjoy it. I did for sure. Sehun's acting, okay he has potential, you can see it. If you don't believe me watch Busted. It's a cross between variety and drama, and all he does is act. Now I'm not saying he's the best actor in the world but he's gorgeous and convincing enough for you to suspend disbelief and knowing EXO they always work harder and grow and get better at their craft. Butut somehow the people who cast him for Dokgu couldn't make use of his potential. I feel Kai did a phenomenal job in Andante considering it's not a high budget project. Or Missing 9 Chanyeol will make you love him. And Suho is good in pretty much everything and he does a solid job. Xiumin was so good in Seondal I fell in love with his character and Yoo Seung ho and him both made that movie. Sehun, yes, with this drama it was potential wasted because unlike Andante, Seondal, Rich Man Poor Woman, Missing 9, 100 Years My Prince, the script was just terrible. Regardless, because of Sehun and the nicely done fight scenes I'm rating it higher. And Taeil and Jaehyun did the main theme!!! That made me happy!!

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