This drama is simple, straightforward and easy to watch. It's perfect for those days you just want uncomplicated comic relief. That said, although its meant to be a light rom-com, the drama still manages to touch on heavier themes such as: abusive relationships, single motherhood, compassion for the elderly, making sacrifices, and facing your fears. And don't skip the ending credits or you'll miss the storyline teasers!

The characters, if not all fully developed, were funny...often silly at times. Matsuda Shota as Dr. Kota was a juxtaposition of a bumbling lovestruck goofball with that of an efficient genius doctor. Matsuda is really such a versatile actor--he never fails to entertain me. Takei Emi as Mako also didn't disappoint. She was the opposite of Dr. Kota in personality and helped to ground his character whenever his eccentricities went overboard. I especially loved Dr. Kota and Mako's chats at the end of each episode--everytime Dr. Kota said anything inappropriate, Mako would mysteriously produce a "blue slipper" and smack him on the head with it. Hah. The supporting characters were also nice to watch--sometimes adding insightful words of wisdom; more often just providing comedic relief with their antics.

This show has a great song that was a perfect episode ender - Taiyou no Megami by Leo Ieiry. Very upbeat and optimistic, like the show.

I doubt I would re-watch this drama from start to finish. But I would definitely replay the funny parts where Matsuda is being geeky and adorkable.

Pros
With only 11 episodes (gotta love jdramas for this), you can easily marathon this in a couple of days. The other plus is its renzoku format--each episode concludes a storyline, so it's unnecessary to watch each episode to get the jist of the show. However, you may miss out on some of the storyline and character development that continues from episode to episode.

Cons
Some of the situations and events are a bit unrealistic in how they are addressed and/or resolved. And just about every episode is a cliche. But I think that's part of the show's charm. And I'll also admit to being guilty of fast-forwarding to the more entertaining parts whenever some of the episodes dragged along.

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'The Haneuljae Murder' is episode 9 of MBC’s 'Drama Festival,' a series of 10 one-act dramas. The dramas feature up and coming directors and writers as well as experimental works. 'The Haneuljae Murder' fits right in with its progressive theme which focuses on taboo relationships. “Things get a little twisted,” as mentioned in the movie description above, aptly summarizes the dramas progression and conclusion.

The movie is set in the aftermath of the Korean War. Yoon Ha, played by Seo Kang Joon, meets Jeong Boon, played by Moon So Ri, as a child. They help each other during a difficult time in their lives. Fast forward roughly 10 years and they meet again. A love triangle develops when Jeong Boon’s daughter, Mi Soo, develops feelings for Yoon Ha. Unbeknownst to Mi Soo, Yoon Ha only has eyes for her mother. In turn, Jeong Boon realizes that any feelings they harbor for each other are doomed, and she rejects Yoon Ha. Consequently, Yoon Ha marries Mi Soo when he realizes this is the only way to stay near Jeong Boon.

The story is well done. I would have given this a 10, except I couldn’t completely buy into the dongsaeng-noona relationship between Yoon Ha and Jeong Boon because of the huge age disparity. We’re talking about a 20 year age difference that could have worked, if the directors hadn’t made Moon So Ri look so aged and more like Yoon Ha's mother, instead of a love interest. This often left me with the impression that Yoon Ha’s feelings for Jeong Boon bordered on obsessive and at times were a little creepy. I like to think this vibe was intentional on the writers part, because they wanted to push our buttons by forcing us to explore our feelings and thoughts on the whole ‘age ain’t nothing but a number’ theme.

As a newcomer to dramaland, Seo Kang Joon is really beginning to show us his acting abilities. I’m happy he opted to play this character, because it’s not an easy role to convey. Kang Joon did well showing the absolute love Yoon Ha feels for Jeong Boon. Often the emotion he conveys is nothing short of palpable. Everyone else also did a fantastic job, making this short drama special a nice watch. Be warned, however, there is no cutesy happy ending and there are moments where the show is downright heartbreaking.

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This movie is twisted with a capital T. I had my reservations going into it after seeing the low MDL score, but I’m glad I viewed it. Just like any other movie, you have to be in the mood to watch the genre—in this case a psychological thriller about a split-personality psychopath.

Overall the story is okay. The theme revolves around the damaging effects bullying can have on a person. You truly feel sympathy for young Juzou and the torture he suffers at Akai’s hands.

However, the movie could have been better if not for the ending. As a middle of the road movie viewer, I found I had to work really hard to understand the final twist. While I don’t like in your face endings, I also dislike obscure endings you have little hope of figuring out. Without spoiling the ending, it involves the viewer reconsidering what Juzou's reality actually is against what could have been.

On the plus side, there are a few artistic highlights that make the movie above average. First are the imaginary house scenes where Juzou struggles with his internal other self. Second, is a part where live action changes into animation. Finally, there are a number of graphic scenes I found utterly disturbing--but in a good way.

The acting was believable by the three leads – Oguri (Juzou), Arai (Akai) and Nakamura (No. 13). Oguri plays the damaged socially inept Juzou well. No offense to Nakamura, because he did a solid job of No. 13, but I would have liked to have seen Oguri play his own alter ego. Arai as Akai was also good—I hated him for being a jerk as a kid and even more so as an adult. That must be testimony to his acting skills.

Overall, a good watch if you’re into psychological thrillers and ready to wrap your brain around the final mystery that is Juzou and No. 13.

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This is a pretty cool movie. It even had me thinking (for all of 5 minutes) that maybe I should try mountain climbing. Ha.

If you're into mountains and/or rescue themed movies, you might enjoy this one. The first five minutes alone are full of beautiful snow-capped mountains and riveting camera shots. Maybe this idea has been done already, but as I was watching the film, I thought this could be a cool drama. Each episode would revolve around a set of characters who at some point, need to be rescued from the mountain.

I recently watched Oguri in a movie where he plays an introvert with anxiety issues. In this movie, he plays Sanpo, an optimistic mountaineer who smiles even in the face of death and adversity. Seeing him excel at playing characters with opposite personalities just amazes me. He is truly a versatile actor.

Nagasawa also does a decent job of playing Kumi. I think, however, the writers could have downplayed her naiveté. It just seemed unrealistic to have an inexperienced newbie join such a demanding rescue squad without a better understanding of what she was getting herself into.

Pros
Oguri, breathtaking snow-capped mountains, rescue scenes, and a portrayal of having a positive outlook

Cons
The movie drags at times and many of the characters seemed a bit two-dimensional for my taste

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