The Penthouse 3: War in Review

I was insanely skeptical about watching the 3rd season because of the ratings and the backlash it was receiving but, I because I am a die-hard fan of the Penthouse so I got through my fear of let down and watched it, and here is my review:

First, the pros, remarkable jobs creating such strong characters out of weak characters from seasons 1 and 2. An example of this is Bae Ro Na, who went from a person who couldn't even get anything her way to stealing Eun Byeol's spotlight completely. Another strong character was Seok-hoon who before couldn't even stop Joo Dan-Tae's abuse was now helping him receive the punishment he deserved.

Second is the incredible character development from some of the worst characters in the show such as Seok Kyung and Kang Ma-ri. Throughout seasons 1 and 2 Ma-ri treated Bae Ro Na like trash but later was able to steal the hearts of many viewers with her change of character filling in the role as Bae Ro Na's mother. Seok Hyung went from not even caring one bit about others to caring about an old man who she doesn't even know. She also became independent and worked without needing others. Her attitude towards others was a major character development that made viewers love her and her realization of all the bad things she's done.

Cons, the deaths... The deaths of major characters seemed too small. I felt like Joo Dan Tae's death was boring in a way that nobody really cared and it seemed like the death wasn't fit for his character because we all thought her would be the villain till the end. The same goes for Oh Yoon He and Yoon Cheol their deaths were made to lengthen the show but only let viewers down.

Next is the played-out deaths where they make viewers believe that characters die then bring them back to life as a way to wow the viewers or to please them. The ridiculous 'twin' trick played on for 3 people and it made it seem like the scripter writers just lost their touch. Every time a character dies viewers such as myself instantly think, "No they're not dead, It's the Penthouse after all."

Last is the ending. Such a cruel ending, Shim Su Ryeon killed herself for no good reason resulting in Logan also later killing himself. Finally they actually truly kill off a character but for the wrong reasons. Both their deaths were unnecessary, Seo-jin's cancer was also an unnecessary plot twist that didn't allow her to pay for her crimes because she was able to escape through death. The major deaths of all the parents with the exception of Kang Ma-ri and Min Hyeok's parents were all because of them wanting to leave a more peaceful living for their children and this can be seen in the way all of their children were living peacefully Bae Ro Na claimed her rightful place as a Soprano with Seok-hoon by her side, Jenny and Min Hyeok both lives peacefully by their parent's side and Seok Kyung was able to find peace in the simple life paying for all that she's done.

When Kang Ma-ri saw a figure that looked like Shim Su Ryeon I instantly went "see? She's not dead." I couldn't stop crying and was confused once the part where Bae Ro Na comes to Logan with flowers only to see a portrait and an empty chair different from the last scene. As the part played out we slowly start to figure why it was shown and this was one of the best but heart-breaking scenes from the show.

All in all this entire show as a whole was a rollercoaster with an incredible but sometimes ridiculous plot twist. I was able to watch and see such amazing actors and actresses. Sadly this is the last time we will all see them together. In my opinion, they should have ended at season 2 where all the key players get punished but I get why they sort of had to create and show what would happen once they are out of prison to ease the mind of people but all were wasted once they were killed off. The happy ending of this show was the most anticipated but we were only given 1/2 of it because of the main character's deaths. Though they die we are given a sense of peace once Logan and Shim Su Ryeon reunite with all their dead loved ones.

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Realistic Touch

I found this film through Netflix's upcoming movies and loved the trailer. The synopsis was interesting and after looking at the cast to see if there was any familiar actors/actress' I decided to watch it.

This was a very cute and often lighthearted film that really tackles two of the challenges that teenagers face the most. One being the separating parents that the female lead (Chen Chen) faces and the other being the love-struck boy who faces the challenges of love. These things that most teens have or have been through are portrayed in such a great way that some can actually relate. The feeling of mixed anger and sadness after finding out Chen Chen's parents are divorcing is something I was able to relate to that made me enjoy the show more. The feeling of being abandoned by someone you love and not receiving an explanation the Zheng Yu faces is something others can relate to.

This film is unlike any other c-drama film I've seen even though it is softhearted and cute it still has a realistic story that makes it even better. Something I'd point out is the lack of backstory in the parents especially Zheng Yu's (male leads) father. I was looking forward to Zheng Yu confronting his ex-girlfriend with Chen Chen but we never get to see it because he decides to let her go. After kissing Chen Chen and telling her he can't reciprocate her feelings which really threw me off.

I enjoyed the film because of the moments like Zheng Yu chasing after Chen Chen to ask her about the situation and she'd just run away while the other students hype them up. These were really hilarious scenes that make you forget the depressing ones.

Once the story starts reaching its climax we witness the downfall of the lead's relationship. Chen Chen is being forced to sign a paper that blames Zheng Yu for everything so the school will let her go which made me really confused because they decided to run away during the weekend so I didn't get why the school became so mad but I don't go to China for school so I don't really know their regulations. Chen Chen confronting her mother about the divorce. Zheng Yu losing his hearing which I felt was kind of unnecessary and the main lead's going their separate ways.

In the end, we see Chen Chen finished with school and go to Sanya with her mother and Uncle Wang which shows that she finally decides to accept everything but we never get to see her with her father. After she goes to a concert and sees Zheng Yu finally being able to be on top of the stage and the film ends. I felt like the ending was lacking in some ways such as the lead's not interacting but I just like to think they became really good friends at the end or maybe even form a romantic relationship.

All in all, this was a good movie that I recommend watching if you are into soft and lighthearted dramas that have a realistic touch to them.

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