Reviews

Off with a Bang, Out with a Dang

It’s been quite a while since I watched my last K-drama, The Impossible Heir, which I dropped at ep 4 because of the lackluster plot and unreasonable characters. Hence, I started avoiding K-dramas for months until I noticed Family by Choice at MDL. FYI, Family by Choice is a Korean remake of the much-loved slice-of-life drama Go Ahead. Previously, I’d watched Go Ahead but could only withstand 9 episodes so far. I was curious of what Family by Choice could do, therefore I decided to bite the bullet and give it a go.

Family by Choice’s plot doesn’t stray much to that of Go Ahead’s. It tells the story of unrelated-by-blood 3 siblings (Yun Juwon, Kim Sanha, Kang Haejun) who find solace on each other’s company and become parts of a found family alongside Juwon and Sanha’s dads. I see that they’ve toned down Juwon’s tomboyish attitude and made her look more girlish while the boys are no different with the OG version’s. For Go Ahead’s watchers, I’m sure you know about the boys’ toxic mothers and how much emotional impact they’ve caused on their children. However, in this version, they don’t seem to care much about it and make it looks like a normal family conflict (thank God Juwon isn’t jealous of Sanha’s new half-sister). Also, in the OG version, Park Dal (Juwon’s bestie) has a crush on both boys, but she’s only interested in Haejun here (so no toxic third wheel, which is a breath of fresh air for love triangle’s haters).

At first, the childhood and teenage years of the 3 siblings are very captivating and I really love their interactions. The way they support and heal each other is just so, so heartwarming that I nearly shed tears for them. Nevertheless, nearing the end of the show, their adult years start to drag here and there, and I quickly lost interest. To be honest, I stopped until ep 14 but still marked it as completed since I don’t want to drop shows anymore. I know there’s no point in watching the final episode anymore because it’s going to be an HE and them reunited once again as a family.

I have no comments on the acting, though – everyone seems to be doing fine with portraying each character’s complex emotion, a very crucial aspect when it comes to slice-of-life drama.

If you’re into slice-of-life and found family theme, you can try this out and it’s shorter compared to the OG version so that you won’t waste much of your time (the plot is similar, anyway). Good luck and happy watching!!!

Memorable quotes:
'Everyone is special in their own way' - Yun Juwon

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Brilliant!! Excellent!!

After a long time, finally I watched this epic drama which has a captivating plot with perfect execution and excellent presentation.
The plot is all about Ning Que,the male protagonist,who sets on a quest for revenge to avenge the massacre of General Lin and all the people in his manor.
Firstly,the locations were scenic and excellent.To be precise,they are the main reason this drama keeps you engaging and continuing forward.A big thumbs up to all the locations and sceneries.
Next,the costumes were perfect and very good.They really made the scenes grand.
The screenplay was well paced.All.the scenes were perfectly linked and written and well executed.
The palace and Tang empire was bright and lively.I really liked the Tang empire and also the emperor.He is a sensible person who is very decisive and prevails justice and protects his citizens and country.He deserves a special appreciation.Leon Lai 's acting was also on point and excellent!!
Arthur Chen who plays Ning Que,has really brought life to the character.He is arrogant,reckless,yet helping,caring,responsible, hardworking,dedicated person.His rise from nobody to the Thirteenth teacher of Tang academy and then the protector of Tang empire is stellar.It is really inspiring.
Sang sang,played by Song Yiren,is my most lovable character in this series.She is cute, innocent, calculative,helping,loving and the most lovely character.
Ning Que and Sang Sang relationship deserves a special mention.Their relationship is though complicated,but still stands as an epitome of pure ,devoted and rare love in this world.I love how they care for each other and how Ning Que always stresses that Sang Sang is his life.
Fu Zi,Chen Pipi,First, Second,Fourth,Fifth,Sixth,Eight,Ninth, Tenth,Eleventh senior brothers and third and seventh senior sisters are the most impressive characters in this drama.The whole Tang academy is a lovable place.I like how they always support each other, especially how they stand with their Little Junior brother in all his endeavours.A big 👍 to the whole Tang academy.
Old Ma,Tang Xiaotang,Mo Shanshan,Chao Xiaoshu,are also very good people.I liked their roles and performances too.
All the actors were perfect and I can never imagine anyone else in their roles.
The brotherhood between Chen Pipi and Ning Que is really interesting and and very good.I like how always he gets the support of his twelfth brother.
Hu Jun and Sun Zu Jun were excellent as Xia House and Long Qing respectively.They are really the perfect antagonists.
The action scenes deserve a special appreciation.The fight choreography is excellent.Music is good and apt.
The whole journey of Ning Que has been very interesting for me.I really loved this drama.
A big Thumbs up 👍 to the Ever night team.A must watch drama!!!!

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A Perfect Blend of Romance and Action

This drama was an absolute gem💎 to watch. The story is engaging, the leads are incredible, and the emotional connection between them makes it truly unforgettable.

What I loved most was the trust and communication between the leads. It’s rare to see such a mature dynamic in dramas like this. The female lead’s unwavering faith in the male lead, despite his dangerous profession, stood out to me.

FL acceptance of who ML was and his honesty about his job early on set the tone for a relationship that felt authentic and strong. Also, can we talk about their chemistry? The leads were stunning and their moments together were mesmerizing.

I also appreciated how the FL wasn’t written as some clueless or helpless character, which is often the case in dramas. She was smart and grounded, which made her all the more relatable. Add to that a solid storyline, and you’ve got a drama that keeps you invested from start to finish.

That said, there were a couple of things I felt could have been better. The ML’s birth secret, which was revealed towards the end of Episode 17, should have come earlier in the series. It would’ve added more depth and drama at the right time. Also, the earlier episodes could have given us more romantic moments between the leads—I couldn’t get enough of their connection, and a bit more romance in the beginning would’ve made it even better.

Overall, though, this was one of the best Thai dramas I’ve ever seen. It’s got a great mix of action, romance, and heartfelt moments. Totally worth the watch. 9.5/10 💜

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A drama with wasted potential and wasted actors

A drama with wasted potential and wasted actors, the first few episodes seemed very promising, a plot that deals with split personalities and childhood traumas, I thought I was going to see something like "Hyde Jekyll, Me (starring Hyun Bin)" or "It's Okay Not to Be Okay" or "Kill Me, Heal Me" (which were excellent dramas) As the episodes progressed, the cruelty also arrived, the whole plot went wrong into one big mess, there is no focus in the plot, I love and appreciate the actress Shin Hye Sun very much, and here too she demonstrated her professional and versatile abilities, but her acting alone cannot hold up the messy plot. The music was mediocre and there was a lot of background noise bordering on annoying. All in all, a plot that had tremendous potential and somewhere along the way it was wasted, such a shame

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Sweet love story ticking all the boxes

Whether you have heard of NEET or Hikikomori spectrum is unimportant for the enjoyment of this drama. You will find out about them soon enough but I’m afraid it is only scratching the surface. This drama is not about addressing social problems. This is a love story first and foremost. As such, it is very well told.

Watching Marry Me is like participating in a script writing class. All the tropey elements are present and accounted for. They pop up on cue and play their parts to good effect. We have SM/FL and they stirred things up before moving on. The ML’s parents showed up unannounced and the stress level jumped as expected. Reconciliation arrived just in time and we find out that they are good people but they do need to work on their communication skills. This is the one True Way.

I know it sounds humdrum, but this show is better than that. This is largely because our leads are so adorable. They do not have a mean bone between them. They have total trust and love for each other. Time and again, they express their happiness just being in each other's company.

This means most plot developments are window dressing. They move the story along and our leads have their growth and mini breakthroughs. We watch them fall in love and use their commitment to overcome whatever obstacles placed before them. This is not high drama by any means but a steady and satisfying march towards the HEA ending. All the boxes are ticked methodically. Those little ducklings line up with military precision. Huzzah!

This show is not for everyone. If you are a romantic then this is a must watch. I certainly enjoyed it a lot and I'll binge watch it again over a wet weekend.

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Twinkling Watermelon - A Heartfelt Symphony of Youth, Family, and Timeless Bonds

Twinkling Watermelon - Review

Twinkling Watermelon (2023) is a heartwarming and unique blend of music, fantasy, and coming-of-age storytelling that leaves a deep emotional impact. Directed by Son Jung-hyun and featuring a talented cast led by Ryeoun, Choi Hyun-wook, Seol In-ah, and Shin Eun-soo, the drama captivates viewers with its originality, touching themes, and nostalgic charm.

Story and Themes

The drama revolves around Eun-gyeol (Ryeoun), a musically gifted teenager born to deaf parents. After a mysterious incident, he travels back in time to 1995, where he meets a younger version of his father, Lee Chan (Choi Hyun-wook), and other characters tied to his family’s past. Together, they form a band named Twinkling Watermelon, bringing their love of music to life while navigating their relationships, dreams, and hardships.

The story is a masterful exploration of family, love, identity, and the intergenerational connections that shape us. It beautifully portrays the struggles of the hearing-impaired community and the emotional complexities of growing up. The time-travel element adds depth, allowing viewers to see how past decisions ripple into the future, blending fantasy with real-world emotions seamlessly.

Performances

Ryeoun shines as Eun-gyeol, delivering a heartfelt performance that balances youthful energy and emotional maturity. Choi Hyun-wook impresses as Lee Chan, embodying a playful yet deeply vulnerable character with charm and depth. Shin Eun-soo and Seol In-ah also bring grace and emotional weight to their respective roles, particularly in their portrayal of complex relationships and unspoken emotions.

The chemistry among the cast is natural and engaging, making their individual struggles and shared moments feel authentic. The dynamic between Eun-gyeol and his father, both young and present-day versions, is particularly poignant and serves as the emotional core of the drama.

Visuals and Cinematography

The cinematography is visually striking, with vibrant and nostalgic scenes set in the 1990s. The juxtaposition of modern and retro aesthetics creates a visually compelling narrative. The use of lighting and symbolic imagery adds a layer of artistry, enhancing the drama’s emotional resonance.

Music and OST

As a music-centric drama, Twinkling Watermelon delivers an exceptional soundtrack. The band performances are electrifying, with a mix of rock, ballads, and heartwarming melodies that resonate deeply with the audience. The music not only enriches the story but also becomes a character in itself, symbolizing connection, healing, and self-expression.

Strengths

Unique and emotionally rich storyline that blends fantasy and reality.

Outstanding performances by the cast, especially Ryeoun and Choi Hyun-wook.

Beautifully crafted visuals and nostalgic 1990s setting.

A memorable and emotionally impactful soundtrack.


Weaknesses

The pacing can feel uneven at times, with certain subplots either rushed or underdeveloped. Additionally, the time-travel logic may not satisfy viewers seeking a strictly coherent explanation, but this doesn’t detract from the emotional journey of the story.

Final Thoughts

Twinkling Watermelon is a gem of a drama that combines heart, humor, and music to create an unforgettable experience. It’s a celebration of youth, family, and the bonds that transcend time, making it a must-watch for fans of coming-of-age tales with a touch of fantasy.

Rating: 9.5/10
A moving and beautifully crafted story that will leave your heart full and your playlist enriched.

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MY ALL TIME FAV AND CLOSE TO MY HEART ?

King the Land - Review

King the Land (2023) is a charming romantic comedy that brings lighthearted fun and feel-good moments to viewers. Starring Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoon-ah, the drama blends humor, romance, and heartfelt storytelling into a delightful package, making it an enjoyable watch for K-drama enthusiasts.

Story and Themes

The story follows Gu Won (Lee Jun-ho), a stoic and reserved chaebol heir, and Cheon Sa-rang (Im Yoon-ah), a cheerful hotelier with an infectious smile. Their worlds collide when Gu Won is forced to manage his family's luxurious hotel chain, King Hotel, and Sa-rang becomes part of his team. The drama explores themes of love, personal growth, and the pursuit of happiness while offering commentary on workplace challenges and the social divides between the wealthy and working class.

While the plot doesn't break new ground in the romantic comedy genre, its execution is charming and engaging. The narrative is simple and predictable, yet it works well because of its lovable characters and lighthearted tone.

Performances

Lee Jun-ho shines as Gu Won, delivering a nuanced performance that captures his character's transformation from cold and detached to warm and vulnerable. Im Yoon-ah is radiant as Cheon Sa-rang, bringing energy, warmth, and authenticity to her role. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions are filled with both heart-fluttering and comedic moments that make their love story genuinely endearing.

The supporting cast also deserves recognition, particularly Sa-rang's friends and Gu Won's hilarious rivalry with his half-sister Gu Hwa-ran (Kim Sun-young), who adds drama and humor in equal measure.

Visuals and Cinematography

The drama is visually stunning, with lavish settings that highlight the grandeur of luxury hotels and the glamorous lives of the elite. The warm color palette and vibrant cinematography enhance the romantic and comedic atmosphere, making each scene a visual treat.

Music and OST

The OST complements the tone of the drama, featuring upbeat and romantic tracks that heighten the emotional and comedic beats. While the songs may not be as iconic as those from other K-dramas, they are well-suited to the narrative and help set the mood.

Strengths

Strong chemistry between the leads.

Lighthearted and humorous tone, perfect for escapism.

Visually appealing production design and settings.

Relatable moments and endearing supporting characters.


Weaknesses

The story’s predictability and reliance on common K-drama tropes may feel uninspired for some viewers. Additionally, the character development for secondary storylines is somewhat underexplored, leaving a few subplots feeling rushed or incomplete.

Final Thoughts

King the Land is a quintessential romantic comedy that excels in providing light, heartwarming entertainment. While it may not revolutionize the genre, its delightful leads, witty humor, and wholesome moments make it a comforting watch. Fans of Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoon-ah, or anyone looking for an uplifting and easygoing drama, will find this series immensely enjoyable.

Rating: 9/10
With its delightful charm and breezy storytelling, King the Land is a sweet treat for K-drama fans craving a feel-good romance.

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It's gonna be worthit and watchable

Goblin: The Lonely and Great God - Review

Goblin: The Lonely and Great God (2016) is one of South Korea's most iconic and beloved dramas, written by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok. With its unique premise, breathtaking visuals, and a star-studded cast, the show effortlessly blends fantasy, romance, and heart-wrenching drama into a timeless masterpiece.

Story and Themes

The drama revolves around Kim Shin (played by Gong Yoo), a goblin cursed with immortality, who longs to find his bride to end his eternal life. The story takes a turn when he meets Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun), a cheerful high school girl who claims to be the "Goblin's Bride." Intertwined with their love story is the mysterious Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-wook), who shares an unexpectedly hilarious and touching bromance with Kim Shin. Themes of life, death, fate, and redemption are explored in poignant ways, leaving a lasting emotional impact.

Performances

Gong Yoo delivers a masterful performance, portraying the centuries-old goblin with depth, charisma, and vulnerability. Kim Go-eun's portrayal of the optimistic and resilient Eun-tak complements Gong Yoo's character perfectly, adding warmth to their chemistry. Lee Dong-wook and Yoo In-na (as Sunny) steal the show with their subplot, a bittersweet love story that captivates viewers. The bromance between Gong Yoo and Lee Dong-wook provides much-needed comic relief while also tugging at heartstrings.

Visuals and Cinematography

The cinematography of Goblin is nothing short of stunning. From the sweeping landscapes to the intricate details of historical flashbacks, every frame feels like a piece of art. The use of lighting and symbolism enhances the show's ethereal quality, creating an immersive experience.

Music and OST

The OST is a standout feature of Goblin, with tracks like "Stay With Me" by Chanyeol and Punch, and "Beautiful" by Crush becoming instant classics. The music not only enhances the emotional depth of scenes but also adds to the drama's iconic status.

Strengths

A richly layered story that balances humor, romance, and tragedy.

Stellar performances by a talented cast.

Exceptional cinematography and production design.

A memorable and emotionally resonant soundtrack.


Weaknesses

While Goblin is widely acclaimed, some viewers might find the pacing in the middle episodes slightly slow. Additionally, the show's heavy focus on fate and destiny may feel overly dramatic to certain audiences.

Final Thoughts

Goblin: The Lonely and Great God is a must-watch for fans of fantasy and romance. Its unique story, unforgettable characters, and emotional depth make it a benchmark in K-drama history. Whether you are drawn to its supernatural elements, heartwarming relationships, or philosophical reflections on life and death, Goblin has something for everyone.

Rating: 9.5/10
A near-perfect blend of fantasy and reality, Goblin is a show that will linger in your heart long after the credits roll.

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Outstanding production, interesting and touching stories

It reminds me so much of the English series, "Black mirror" which I loved and when I came upon the trailer of "Tomorrow and I", it sparkles a huge interest in me.

Ok, I won’t compare both series, I’ll mainly share my thoughts on this.

I want to say that I’m quite impressed by the high quality of the production and also of the cinematography, the visual effects, it was great. I’m serious because as it’s from Thailand, we know that when some series use effects it’s not that good and I also know it cost probably so much. In this case, I don’t know if they had to get some sponsors or even a collaboration from an American / English team ? But omg that was really good and impressive.

Although each story is set in a fictional world, they’ve still brought some issues that can, not only resonate in Thai people but also, around the world. We are all concerned, we are all revolve around these issues. That’s why I appreciate more the concept and the messages they want to convey, especially in the last episode.

For sure, these stories are not for everyone but I’m sure, atleast one or two can relate to some people. Personally, my least favorite story is Paradystopia, however I really like the retro vibes, it was really colorful and fun to watch it but not for kids.

The first story about a scientist woman on the moon set the bar high in terms of the development of the plot, the acting (for Ink Waruntorn I was quite surprised because she’s my favorite singer and to me she did a good job interpreting her character). And again in terms of the production and visual effects.

The third story is quite sensitive as it’s about religion but it was a bit too personal so I found it very interesting and engaging. The actor who plays the monk, I’ve never seen him in other works but I really thought he was a monk for real, he’s really convincing. However, in terms of the plot, especially the ending I was a bit disappointed as I wanted maybe another proper closure.

The last story is very relatable to me (climate change) but they did in a comical way with dark humor I guess. I'm crazy but I think it was my favorite of this anthology and I was so happy to see the child actress, Tangkwa who’s really talented and a ball of ray of sunshine (I’ve seen her in some previous shows such as Jack and Joker and The Murderer), she’s a rising star let me tell you! Tthe other child actress, I don’t know her but she also did a great job and if it was her real voice, I applaud her, she’s got a really beautiful voice!
The cast was perfect, it was very engaging but I was a bit taken aback by the turn of some event, not really disappointed to be honest.

To conclude, "Tomorrow and I" delivers a nice small anthology of sci-fi stories with cultural aspects and personal elements from Thailand. I hope you can find among these 4 stories, the one that click with you.

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(B)Romance is strong

I’ve watched School 2013 but it’s been a long time ago, therefore I didn’t remember much or nothing, that’s crazy, I just know Lee Jongsuk and Kim Woobin were in it, not more.

So I think, this is a really good serie that depict mainly the special relationship (a deep friendship) of Saint and Shin, and then, in the background, there’s also some high schoolers’ conflicts.

What I really liked is that they took time to introduce little by little some events to catch our attention. The pace was good although I would sometimes find it a little bit too long or maybe, they were focusing on some details that were not that important (or even, what I didn’t consider important).

However, it was still nice to follow their journey, it’s like a bit of coming of age, family matters, friendship matters and even to adapt in this kind of society that being called « High School ».

The school bullying is still alarming, concerning along with a lot of fight scenes so it might not be for you for this part. But still, this serie was very engaging and I also think it’s mainly because of the dynamic of SaintShin (the two actors did a great job) that carry the show. Their bound is very special and precious.

Oh and I really love the intro song, it suits so much the vibes of High school frenemy.

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Like a slap in my face

I’m speechless, I mean I don’t know how to begin with.. It’s raw, beautiful, it’s daring, it’s relatable… The series set the bar high in terms of the great acting, what they want to convey and the topics they’ve brought up in it but also of course, the really nice cinematography.

It feels like, each episode is like a movie in which we kind of witness what happened around him, his feelings, his relationships. It’s like following his chapters of his life.

After watching it, I had bittersweet feelings yet I’m impressed, it was a bit too real.

Sorry it was quite short but I think I sum up my thoughts on this series.

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