My Secret Romance (Korean Drama)

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Episodes: 13

Main Cast:

Sung Hoon as Cha Jin Wook

Song Ji-Eun (Secret) as Lee Yoo Mi

Kim Jae-Young as Jung Hyun Tae

Jeong Da-Sol as Joo Hye Ri

Synopsis:

Cha Jin Wook is a son from a wealthy family who runs a large company. He usually only pursues short-term love, but when he meets Lee Yoo Mi, who has never had a boyfriend before, he changes. In a dating world full of busy people who tend to flirt and chase “some” relationships rather than having meaningful connections that allow them to show their true feelings, this couple has a one-night stand. They meet again three years later, whereupon they kick off a shaky push-pull romance that’ll keep them on their toes as they fall in love.

My Thoughts:

To be honest, I did not pay much attention to this drama at first because I felt it lack the attraction that I desired. That is until I saw a few FMVs of the couple that I decided okay, why not let's try giving this story a chance. 

It is a simple love story and that is probably what I liked the most about this story. Everything was not over exaggerated. They did it within the realistic ranges of relationships. Two people, one guy and a girl, met by chance, went through a series of embarrassing happenings, through them, seriously took notice of the other. They had a meaningful conversation and from there, they bonded, followed by attraction. Supposedly, this would just be your one-way ticket to happily ever after. But, we won't get 13 episodes of them if it just ended like that. Fast forward in time, they finally got to know each other's names and from there, it all started again. It was love paused in time, and then the play button was hit. They don't even really hate on each other. Once they found each other's feelings, that's when they really get it on. 

Their love was just cheesy and sweet. Hahaha... remembering the days when I have to feel second hand embarrassments are just funny.... The lead male was just a real flirt with the female lead. How they cared for each other and just took noticed of the little things that they found out about the other person. How they took each challenge in stride and solve each misunderstanding. Sometimes they just get so sweet to each other that I feel diabetic. Their simple romance blossoming was just a thrill to watch. 

Finishing this drama was of course sad, because I loved their simple love interaction and the look on their faces when they felt each other's love. The situations they made up to get closer to the person they love. This is a worthy drama to watch for sure!

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (Korean Drama)

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Thriller, Action 

Episodes: 16

Main Cast:

Park Bo-Young as Do Bong Soon

Park Hyung-Sik as Ahn Min Hyuk

Ji Soo as In Gook Doo

Synopsis:

Do Bong-soon was born with superhuman strength. Her strength is hereditary and passed along only to the women in her family. Her dream is to create a video game with herself as the main character. She desperately wants to become a willowy and elegant woman, which is the ideal type of her crush, In Gook-du, a police officer. Thanks to her strength, she gets the job of a bodyguard, to a rich heir Ahn Min-hyuk, the CEO of a gaming company, Ainsoft. Contrary to Gook-du, Min-hyuk is an odd man who is playful, a little spoiled, and has no regard for rules, and dislikes policemen. He has recently received anonymous threats, blackmails, and has even been stalked at an occasion.

One day, a series of kidnapping cases break in Dobong-dong, the district Bong-soon lives in, and she is determined to catch the culprit after her friend was targeted. Under the help and training from Min-hyuk, she manages to control her strength to use it for good causes.

My Thoughts:

OMG, OMG, OMG, this story is just too good to be true. Man, I was utterly, body and soul hooked to this story and those two up there. Have to say, I was intrigued by the setting of the story. A girl who obviously seemed very weak actually possessed superhuman strength, stronger than 100 men combined and this strength is hereditary from the maternal side and only get passed down to female members of the family. In this kind of setting, you can't have a "I will protect you because I'm the man" line coming from the lead male because the lead female is many many times stronger than the male and of course that produces an interesting story that strays quite far from cliche. No damsel-in-distress as long her powers are intact. 

On to the drama, the content is very wide-ranging, I mean it can go high up to down low easily and quickly. Like happy and bubbly, to sinister and evil the next second. It's hard to keep up sometimes. Like, I'm not even ready to let go of the romantic scenes and then its the dark scenes. The writers are pretty good at developing both sides of the content and truth be told, I like it like this, Compared to pointless external forces disturbing the balance of the romantic relationship just to develop the story to 16 episodes, I like that the external force in this story, the antagonist, is independent and secluded from the relationship and develops by itself and does not require the relationship. I hope you understand what I'm trying to say. Both plot lines develop by themselves to an intersection point. I believe that's when a story is good, they don't need anything to back it up and it's good enough by its own.

Of course, there's the problem there that I was afraid to happen when I first noticed these separate plots. When two plots are different and not relying on each other, it'll be hard to continue working on developing these two plots to reach the satisfying conclusion for the viewers. Usually, a writer would have to end up focusing on the one that viewers were most likely to watch, to conclusion and just give a simple finishing to the other. BUT, the writers for this drama was really good at balancing the two plots, though there was the problem of perfect transition between plots but the effort to develop both plots at the same time makes me disregard the transition. The questions are being answered even though late but better late than never.

DID I Mention the feels I have for this drama???? I don't think so so OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!! The romantic relationship side of the drama was just so cute and the right amount of cheesyness and respect!! Min Hyuk did not force himself onto the Bong Soon and slowly let their relationship develop and blossom into more than just colleagues. The treatment he gives to her is just goals hahaha.... and the fact that he doesn't treat her coldly and with fears is just pure great respect. He respect her as a person and just slowly decrease the distance between them. They are such a cute cute couple. The way he reacts to her is just adorable af, how he can't stand just seeing her smile at him. What am I doing and what are you doing reading this? GO AND WATCH IT NOW! I am not ordering, I am just squealing out of excitement. By far, the feels of this drama almost can come close to Just A Smile Is Very Alluring and that's saying a lot because I super super like that drama.

I guess opposites do attract well towards me. I feel if a story just continues smoothly and have that feels all the time, I am so gonna have a hard time finishing the drama. The dark and crazy parts of the story just brings the mood down faster than the speed of light. You get to see the plans and actions of the villain and see how his work is executed in a pure absurd way. I can't believe that guy sometimes. I just don't know what to say about that part, just that the villain is a super genius and psychopath on the loose. He plans his actions really well. Like, becoming a witness to one of his crimes, for two reasons, direct the police the wrong path and also putting a hidden camera in the station to know what they're up to. I watch his parts to see what kind of crazy antics is he up to or what kind of clever way he is using this time?

This story packs a powerful punch in its contents. It's not just a simple love-hate love story. It hides an evil and sinister crime by a crazy genius psychopath. It cleverly intertwines the two different sides of a coin which increases the value of that coin to me. This story is a real roller-coaster unlike any other, it brings your emotions high up to the sky and then bring it down lower than the earth. These emotions are strong and hard and real and will make you enjoy this ride so completely. So, go ahead and watch! I promise it will be more than just good, it will be AWESOME!

Senior Secret Love : My Lil Boy (Thai Drama)

Genre: Romance, School, Youth, Comedy

Episodes=> Season 1: 6

                    Season 2: 8

Main Cast:

Kirdpan Korapat as S

Songmuang Kanyawee as Belle

Synopsis:

Season 1=

Belle is known for her beauty throughout the whole school and she has always been successful getting the man that she wants. Yet her charms don't seem to work when it comes to a junior boy named S that she has taken a liking to. Determined to get S, Belle asks for the help of her two best friends.

Season 2= 

Belle is enjoying her life as a first-year student in university, while S is still in high school. However, now that Belle's attention towards him seem to have decreased, S realizes he has feelings for the girl. S is now the one chasing after Belle and he will do his best to win her back. But it's not as easy as he thinks.

My Thoughts:

Finally, I felt like posting a post about this series. I still can't get over the fact that episode 8 of Season 2 was the final episode so I am still in withdrawal mood. Anyways, this was one heck of a cute youth drama with of course the school setting and I will tell you why slowly. This drama is part of a project of young and old counterparts with this being 14(boy) and 17(girl) and then they get one year older in Season 2.

This was a plain story of crushes in high school, just with a few twists and turns as you know, cliche. I at first thought nothing much of this drama, I just had so much time to kill and I thought of this drama so why not? It was a pretty simple story really but the fact it brought together 3 of the major things in my dreams into a story got me into this story: High school life, Japanese elements and a romance in high school. I'm a simple guy really. Give me cute and supportive story and I'm hooked.

So, about the characters, they both have their own story for sure. S, being a super introvert and nerd on comics, also he's super innocent in love, being young and all, never dated once and never felt in love and of course, doesn't relate to love songs of today. Belle, on the other hand is your simple high school girl at first who got attracted to a senior and then got cheated on, but still she had some experience with love, she's also an extrovert in a sense. Both got entangled because of Belle meaning to prove something to her ex by making S fall in love with her.

And then, in S2, S is no longer who he used to be, he is now a much more confident person and bright and cheerful. With his feelings realized, he began pursuing Belle and entering her world like she entered his. Normally, it is a simple happy ending because both liked each other. But no, the story had to get complicated with Belle having doubts and playing hard to get pretty much and wanted to see S prove his love for her. It was a tough road really with many twists and turns that is unnecessary. But, at least I am loving his efforts to change himself for her and yet Belle does not like that one bit because she knows how tiring it is to become someone for someone else, also she loves S for he is. But a little change does not hurt, hahaha... you'll see which part of the change he maintains. 

In short, this was an easy story to understand and follow through with though some parts are just exaggerated and unthinkable but you'll learn to ignore it. It was an interesting development from beginning to end and I can't think of another better way to say it but just heartwarming and smooth pace, not too rocky in S1 but manageable in S2. It is a case of plain opposites reaching their middle point and learning to love each other despite each quirkiness and trying to get on each other's best side and receiving attention. Go ahead and watch this short drama!

Because Of Meeting You (Chinese Drama)

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama, Family

Episodes: 56

Remake of : Come, Jang Bo Ri

Main Cast:

Sun Yi as Zhang Guo Guo/ Jin Yi Bei

Deng Lun as Li Yun Kai

Wu You as Zhang Yu Xin

Dai Chao as Li Yun Zhe

Synopsis:

Zhang Guo Guo grew up in a Wonton shop and is also the food-delivery girl for the town. Although Guo Guo did not receive very high education, she is loved by her neighborhood because of her enthusiastic and sincere personality. But what people don’t know is that Guo Guo is actually a famous embroidery workshop boss‘s daughter, and an accident caused her to grow up in the small town. Guo Guo has a unique talent when it comes to embroidery. Even though Wang Ai Yu strongly opposes it, Guo Guo worked with dedication and persistence until she gained approval and earned a chance to study at her biological mother’s embroidery workshop. 

Guo Guo is very grateful for Wang Aiyu for raising her, so she views Wang Ai Yu’s biological daughter, Zhang Yu Xin, as her own family. Unexpectedly, Yu Xin turns out to be Guo Guo’s biological mother Xu Hui Jie’s apprentice. Yu Xin had studied design overseas and integrated that knowledge into her embroidery, and became Guoguo’s rival. 

On the road to pursuing their dreams, the two girls meet brothers Li Yun Kai and Li Yun Zhe, and love blossoms. Yu Xin lost herself to fame and wealth, but Guo Guo, despite challenges and setbacks, never changed her goal to learn embroidery. Ultimately, Guo Guo used her heart to awaken everyone’s conscience and made great achievements in embroidery.

My Thoughts:

Okay, another remake drama, I know. Why go through the trouble of watching a remake when there's the original and it's shorter and faster. But, I will elaborate on that later. Hehe... I always keep myself updated on any dramas from a few main countries and this pop out one day. I read the synopsis and thought hmm... should I give it a try? I read the comments and found out it was a remake and the commenter was doing spoilers according to the original. That and the fact that it is a remake got me interested since I was not too fond of watching the original at all years back. So, on with the show.

This is another take on heavily-used cliche. If you read my other posts, you know me with cliches. I just love them so much because of the excitement and expectation they give me. The excitement in seeing how the writers is going to make a cliche story into a unique story of their own, this was further enhance with the spoilers the commenter gave based on the original plot line. The expectation in waiting for certain things to finally happen since I know it's going to happen sooner or later. So, I went with a few episodes. And honestly, it was not too bad. A few key events that I love in the prologue, the embroidery competition, to see the characters doing embroidery was a sight and the highlight would be the interaction between Yun Kai and Yi Bei, they are just too cute. Hahaha...

So, about the reason I chose to give a remake a try rather than the original, every country has their specialty, Japan with plain humor and slapstick comedy, Korea with its dramatics and unrealistic situations. China on the other hand, there's just something about the way they handle remakes and their own dramas that really pulls me in. You gotta have skills to drag a story out and still be able to get me tuning in, a person who is easily bored and lack patience. China has that ability, no matter how many times the story repeats itself or the enormous time skip or the repetition of the same lines and plots, I still watch it, expectant to see how the story unfolds. You can't imagine the satisfaction I had watching Chinese dramas as everything reveals itself finally and it leads to a conclusion. The wait is always worth it with Chinese dramas.

There's that and I just love the way Chinese drama are toned down, not too much dramatics, no dramatic cliffhangers. With Chinese dramas, I want more not because I was left hanging but because voluntarily I want to know more. The slow paced, and humble nature of the drama is pretty much what makes this drama even that much more worth the wait and expectation. Less is more as the saying goes. They don't need to go out of their way to get me excited, just focus on how they will lead the story excellently is all I need, and that's exactly what they gave me. I was pretty satisfied with how things turn out so far. The romance, I need not say more than just pure adorablely cringy but not uncomfortable. They presented the perfect balance there and I love it. Not only there, but many other areas as well. Well, find out yourself.

If you read my posts, I'm all about knowing the characters in depth, the numerous episodes provides the foundation for just that, I get to know more about the characters and get surprised by their different sides. If not for the many episodes, I would never feel that much pity for a character or an understanding for an antagonist's actions. I really really love this type of dramas and now I am finally close to the ending of this drama, and I am feeling pure bliss for the harvest of the fruits I have planted since episode one. This time's post is not about the drama but is about what makes the drama that much more worth watching despite the many episodes. I just really want to talk about what makes Chinese dramas that much more worth watching despite everything. So, despite the lack of information, go ahead and watch this drama, binge-watch it, get mad at the characters, get attracted to the characters and support the drama! I approve this drama! Hehehe....

Introverted Boss (Korean Drama)

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Business

Episodes: 16

Main Cast:

Yeon Woo-Jin as Eun Hwan Ki

Park Hye-Soo as Chae Ro Woon

Yoon Park as Kang Woo Il

Kong Seung-Yeon as Eun Yi Soo

Synopsis:

When a young, energetic employee joins a public relations firm with an introverted and severely misunderstood boss, she makes it her life’s mission to show the world who he really is.

Eun Hwan Ki is the boss at a PR company. he is really shy. So shy that even his employees don't know him that well. he prefers to hide in his office. everyone thinks he is a cold, prickly, arrogant grouch. They call him the "Silent Monster".

Chae Ro Woon is a recent hire at the same company. She is energetic, bubbly, loves to be the center of attention and always has something to say. the exact opposite of her boss, who she seems to have an old grudge against. her goal in life is: to expose the big boss man for who he really is and take her revenge.

The same company also employs Kang Woo Il, co-boss at the company. He, unlike his partner, is warm, sensitive and well-liked. Eun Yi Soo is a chaebol heiress who has been engaged for three long years. 

My Thoughts:

I seriously don't know what's with this drama, I don't know what specifically pulled me to continue watching this drama. There's just something that is so charming about this drama that makes me want more and more and watch more and more. Maybe it's the theme of the drama itself about an introvert boss who is just bad at speaking in front of people and takes what people says at face value in fear of burdening other people. He cares too much about people to the point he thinks he is being selfish for wanting to do some things.

Or maybe it's the humor of misunderstandings that this story gives that makes it that much more fun to see what kind of things these people can make up about Hwan Ki. Like looking into his eyes can kill a person or he carrying suitcases that can fit a person. That's not all, I tell you. There's many more. Besides how ridiculously funny those rumors were, the even funnier part was the truth behind those misunderstandings.

This show is just ridiculously funny. I guess that happened after the rewrite. Yes, this show had rewrite while still being released. The change is noticeable at that it was pretty heavy and dark at the beginning but after doing so, it became light and much simpler and less moody. But that "noticeable" was only after a few more episodes because I was not so seriously watching this drama. I just focused on watching it and less comprehension probably because I binge-watched it. Other viewers were able to notice the discomfort of the story and then the change in atmosphere immediately. I on the other hand, only "noticed" it after a while, when the story really piqued my interest, and I began comprehending the characters and the story.

About the characters, I realized that they are all onions. There are just so many layers to them, Layers I did not thought existed and seem imposed upon and unnatural at times. Layers that I did not thought they would possess. Layers that just makes me love them even more despite the tear-jerker. Layers that seem so sudden that I just take it in stride and accepted them and begin to love the story even more. Another thing that probably caught my interest was the portrayal of the introvert character is so relateable to me that I just love Hwan Ki even more because I understand him so much. I so much want to stay hidden in my hood away from prying eyes. Hwan Ki is pretty much, a wallflower, standing in the background watching people interact and seeing through people that way.

Anyways, this is a great drama to watch, filled with unexpected surprises and of course, a lead who takes charge of his own life and begin growing stronger to support himself. It is truly a pity that it got reduced to 16 episodes from the intended 20 episodes. FYI, I am a pretty good Yeon Woo Jin fan, and seeing him here is probably what piqued my small interest to check out this drama. And damn he's good at acting as always, his emotional expressions are just fantastic especially being an introvert. Like when he's blushing, oh so cute man! Want to experience them then go ahead and watch this drama!

The Legendary Shuttle (Korean Movie)

Also Known As: The Legendary Lackey

Released Year & Length: 2016 (1 hour)

Main Cast:

Lee Ji-Hoon as Kang Chan

Kim Jin-Woo as Seo Jae Woo

Seo Ji-Hoon as Jo Tae Woong

Synopsis:

A legendary transfer student that won a 17:1 fight is here! Tough kid Tae Woong is the top of the social food chain at his school in Busan! Then shows up the legendary transfer student from Seoul, Kang Chan! And just as peace is restored another new kid from Seoul shows up! It’s Jae Woo who went to school with Chan! Why does Chan always seem nervous around Jae Woo? And Tae Woong isn’t happy with the new changes in school!

My Thoughts:

First, this is not actually a movie. It is a KBS Drama Special. It is a drama that has only one episode, I can't say it is a drama because it doesn't fit the requirements so I termed it as a movie for comfort sake. NO synopsis analysis: It is a short drama and basically any elaboration on synopsis would give a rough easy gist into it.

So, about this story, I found out about it through a youtube random showing FMVs of it and I was interested in Lee Ji Hoon playing a part in here. I've been following him for a bit so I was excited to watch him act somewhere. I was surprised that it was just a one episode though. Anyways, I truly really enjoyed it so much that I can't help but to post it into my collection even though I just watched it today. The developments in the story is so unexpected and unpredictable. And I love being surprised by a story in a good way. I truly am loving the surprises of this story. By the way, this story houses quite a number of rookie actors but I did not notice that at all. I'm always like, 'Why haven't I noticed you all before?' because they're so good at it despite being new, that I originally thought that they were quite veteran and I just missed them at some of the dramas I watch. Seriously, everyone is really good at acting, I guess it's because it's just a short drama so they can put more effort and enthusiasm into it. The energy is strong here and I/m absolutely loving it. 

Did I mention that this story is super funny? I mean seriously hilarious that despite in a serious environment, I can't hold myself back from looking like a crazy person laughing to myself. I was highly worried this story would touch a lot on bullying but it didn't generally touch on it, it just focused on the budding relationship of the main characters and how that relationship affects the other characters. I highly do not want so much negativity in my life. 

I absolutely adored Lee Ji Hoon in this, he was so great at developing contrast in his character. Tough at one point and then fragile the second. His acting really livens up the story into hilariously funny or deeply emotional sometimes funnily. The other two leads are pretty good too. With friendship being pretty much the main focus in this story, it create an interesting ride to see the friendship contrast and how it affect Kang Chan. It is really cute to watch these friendships bloom in their own way against adversity. 

I can expect a little from watching this story but overall I was fondly surprised by each event in the story. This slice-of-life story is just casual and smooth and not too heavy. It proves to be an excellent ride for me watching this story. I just have a hard time to explain that feeling when watching this story. I guess I would call it a very heartwarming story to see teenagers dealing with their problems together with their friends and grow mature together. It is just so cute to see the friendship deepen. Bromance game going as strong as ever!! Maybe you can find out for yourself, those feelings, while watching this story. It won't take long, just an hour. Enjoy!

U-Prince The Series: The Absolute Economist (Thai Drama)

Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy

Episodes: 4

Main Cast:

Patharamanop Isariy as Teddy

Jirakul Focus as Chompink

Thitipoom Techaapaikhun as Pascal

Synopsis:

Teddy, a senior majoring in Economics is a heartbroken and lonely man due to being dumped. He began pursuing popularity as a way to distract himself from the loneliness, For this, he and his junior, Pascal began openly being friendly with each other, more than friendly at times, suggesting a deeper relationship to those watching. 

The uniqueness of their relationship soared them to popularity, until everyone knew of them except for Chompink, a bubbly and joyful girl, who is always in her own world and sometimes delusional until her encounter with Teddy which got her falling in love in first sight. Once she knew the nature of Teddy & Pascal's relationship, she was determined to make him "straight" and fall in love with her. Her efforts led from one thing to another until she was stuck in huge debt. The debts finally ended up with her having to do Teddy, a favour every single day until she pays off the debt.

The daily interactions and Chompink's cute antics brought light and warmth to Teddy's cold and dark heart. He becomes ready to sacrifice his popularity to be with Chompink, but what would happen when his ex comes back and now says she wants him back? Will the unlikely couple face the weird odds of opposites and go through the obstacles such as a mean ex and scary fanclub?

My Thoughts:

Okay, to be honest, I am so bad at synopsis that I think I just almost told the whole story right there and then. Yeah, the synopsis up there is all by me! I felt the given synopsis is not suitable and a bit too different from the drama I just watched so I decided to give my own synopsis based on what I have watched in the drama, maybe when you're watching it, it'll be different from my synopsis, who knows, because this is based on my perspective and more about it later.

I found this drama while on Youtube and have to say I was drawn to it through what I thought was the trailer and since then, I was like, I want more. So, I waited and waited until finally they released the drama, though the "trailer" is not the right one, I was not fully disappointed. Taking into account, the weirdness of the characters and the determination of the female lead, I decided well okay, let's try watching this. I will tell you though it was so hard to finish one single episode because the plot is so cringey that I can't stand it at times, like how the female lead thinks too much and just very interesting thoughts about the male lead. Every single time, she gets close to him, she would just talk to herself about how hot he is or how good he smells and other stuffs. She gives me second-hand embarrassment so many times I couldn't count.

The downside of this drama is that with all the exposition on Teddy & Pascal's relationship, there is no further development of actually why and how they started on it, subtle hints is all I get so from there, I created my own synopsis. I am not so sure about the plot itself because they focused on how Chompink will attract Teddy to her and T&P's relationship is like just supporting role when I believe it should be main role as well. It's like they are just aiming on that Teddy fall in love with Chompink, they just made up all that other stuffs to make it easier. It's like your modern fairytale come to life, little interactions here and there and abracadabra, he's in love.

The story is great and I absolutely loved it but damn, I want more. I feel that it is not enough. Everything went by too fast that I could not comprehend at times, and sometimes things that humans should not even think to do happens in that period of time. I sometimes feel that they are forcing the story and exaggerating a few things. It's like they have a goal in mind and they will do whatever it takes to reach that goal. The only thing that I could comprehend was the budding of love between Pascal and Piglet, Chompink's best friend. Damn, those two are a cute couple. Theirs was a simple love story, he likes her, he hits on her, she plays hard to get, he gets sad, she comforts him, they became official.

Okay, I know my review is a bit messed up today but simplifying things, what could've been a simple love story turned into an exaggerated event. I wanted to hold on to the message that this drama is good in its own way and that there are going to be bad parts about it but if you just held on, you would get to see the rainbow after the storm. Hehehe... There's just too much of that and too little of this for this drama. Therefore, if you have watched this and don't like my review, I was just talking on my perspective. On an ending note, nothing is perfect and there's so much I didn't tell you about this drama, some good ones and some bad ones, I think it's better if you find out yourself, so head on drama-watching!

Pretty Li Hui Zhen (Chinese Drama)

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Episodes: 46

Remake of: She Was Pretty

Main Cast:

Dilraba Dilmurat as Li Hui Zhen

Peter Sheng as Bai Hao Yu

Sierra Li as Xia Qiao

Zhang Vin as Lin Yi Mu

Synopsis:

Li Hui Zhen used to be gorgeous, but years of declining family fortune added much pain to her life, and her looks slowly drifted away. Her friend Bai Hao Yu, on the other hand, was once an ordinary looking guy and grew up to be suave, successful, and immensely likable. So when she comes across him years later and witnesses their reversal of fortune, Li Hui Zhen is too embarrassed to even meet him and instead asks her stylish friend and roommate Xia Qiao to assume her identity. 

However, that amazing plan also has a problem in that Bai Hao Yu is actually Li Hui Zhen’s boss, and she now has to pretend to be someone else while working for him. Slowly, even without knowing her true identity, Bai Hao Yu becomes attracted to Li Hui Zhen. Li Hui Zhen's supervisor Lin Yi Mu also starts to take an interest in his new intern. Can Li Hui Zhen break away from the insecurity that came from once being pretty and open up to the man she truly cares about, or will she forever live in fear because she thinks she once was pretty?

My Thoughts:

I just recently watched this drama and also binge-watch it all the way to episode 30. I gotta say this is pretty much a cliche love story of a reverse-reality of the leads. Like a pretty young pre-teen into a not so pretty adult and vice-versa. It is usually the cliche stuffs that get me watching because I want to see how a team can make something cliche into a unique item of its own. By the way, this is a remake of a Korean drama, She was Pretty which I once was interested to watch but rejected due to my disinterest in the actors and actresses and besides too much Korean in my hands already. This drama, I accepted due to it being a different language and the actors and actresses are an unknown to me. I would love to see how an unknown portray a character in a story that is cliche. Hehe...

So, about the story and plot, it was smooth, like normal, there were some things that I did not expect and some I did. Some I sincerely hoped not to happen and some I hope it would. Hahaha.... Well, in the beginning chapters, I was just too disappointed with the female lead who was too kind for her own good and too un-energetic and not proactive. I get so mad at times that the male lead who was thought to be quite bad in the eyes of other characters but was actually saying the right things like how the female lead likes to make excuses instead of trying to fix her faults, justifying that she was not wrong instead of improving herself. Well, moving on, I just endured all that and kept watching. Slowly, other characters made the female lead wanting to improve and from then on, I begin to immerse myself in the story and the characters.

There were many things in the story that common sense-wise is not right so I just get uncomfortable watching it sometimes, like a best friend not doing the right thing for the best friend that is like family. A person who does not want to change herself after being nitpicked by the employer. But, I guess it was fine to watch that all because of the cute humour and the mental relief you get between each chapter.

The one thing that got me really motivated to watch this drama to the end was the episode where the female lead will finally, as predicted in the laws of cliche, get her makeover. I got really excited to watch that episode but when I watch it, I get really down because I find myself actually liking her former look now after so many episodes watching her like that. On another level, she got pretty so all's well that ends well.

This is a serious Chinese drama to watch because unlike cliche Korean dramas who can get so dramatic and over sometimes, this drama is more slow-paced(maybe because it is long) and more in-depth to the characters. I feel less suspenseful and feel kinda calm watching it. Like no stress watching it or what thinking of what twist can come in the drama's way. Not too much drama, just pure story-focused. Go ahead and watch this drama! You'll sure to love the characters so much and then hate them and love them all over again. Hahahaha....

Ku Woon Lun Paen Ruk ~ The Fussy Couple's Deceiving Love Plan (Thai Drama)

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Episodes: 14

Website To Watch: Neko Meow Meow ~ Koo Woon Loon Paen Ruk

Main Cast:

Win Tawin as Sila

Kwan Usamanee as Korjan

Bank Artit as Natee

Aun Chayapol as Tawanchai

Aoom Angkana as Deunwari

Synopsis:

A romantic comedy. The story of a gardener's daughter Korjan who was once labeled as an ugly duckling by the brother of a cold businessman Sila. As they grew up, Sila continues to be the obedient, strategic, and mature son while Natee, Sila's brother is a womanizer, dating women until he becomes bored of them. Korjan, now called Angie, returns from studying in the States as a beautiful girl. Her goal is to charm Natee into loving her then dumping him as he did to her when they were younger. Unintentionally, Korjan is drawn to Natee after he helps her escape a fashion show. Natee also returns her feelings this time, however Sila has another plan of his own. Sila wanted Natee to marry a girl (Lena) that he has chosen for him. Lena's father is a well-off businessman who can help support Sila's company which is suffering financially. Sila tries to break the two apart without success, even locking her in his bathroom once. He eventually tries to make Korjan fall in love with him. Love begins to blossom as he gets closer to her. Therefore, the two must choose to continue following their plans or follow their hearts.

My Thoughts:

Yay.... finally finished a thai lakorn. And heck of an amazing one at that as I binge-watched several episodes immediately after finding out about this lakorn even though it's like 90 minutes long per episode but it did not matter. That's because of the comedy of this drama like it gets super funny at times that I get really excited watching it. I will sometimes have to pause it for awhile to let the comedic element register and laugh it out.

This story was something fresh and different for me in terms of the character setting and plot. Like an ugly duckling turned into a swan who decides to get her revenge on those who wronged her while she was an ugly duckling. The loveline was interesting as well as I had thought that the lwo leads do not match or fit each other on some levels but as I continue watching it, I find different sides of the leads that just proves to me that these two characters are meant to be for sure. The story develops their relationship to a point that I just know these things.

On to the somehow negative parts, well parts I wished were given more attention to in the drama, the OTHER love lines in my case. Like the younger couple or the brother's relationship, both were not given the attention they deserved because I was constantly hoping for more development for the two love lines. Like on the final episode, I had thought that as per the norm, I will get to see the other two love lines enjoy their happy ending already. I mean usually the other love lines are given their happy ending much earlier than the main couple so I was hoping to enjoy their sweet times but no... they were just given a simple ambiguous possibility. I would watch a whole other series just to see the love lines actually becomes concrete.

On to the main couple who I absolutely love due to the way the characters act with each other which is different than how they represent themselves in front of others because I get to see their vulnerable side and clingy side. How they care for each other despite all the drama and unwanted twists. I do have to mention that the dramatic stuffs that leads to the end is sometimes absurd and uncalled for because they never build it up to make it happen like that. Things like that are supposed to be made super obvious since the early beginning. But well, this story just pays attention to the main couple's development which I don't mind and the company which I mind a lot because there's like so many things about that company.

But they do know how to make things excited with a few twists and turns that is truly unexpected because they created hints of one thing but in the end, it was another hint that came out to reveal the truth. It got me so excited thinking of the mystery. This story is one lakorn you gotta watch because it is fun and enjoyable and they just really know their way through the game. Enjoy and have fun watching!

Bride For Rent (Philippines Movie)

Released Year & Length: 2014 (2 hours)

Main Cast:

Kim Chiu as Racquelita "Rocky" Dela Cruz

Xian Lim as Roderico "Rocco" Espiritu Jr.

Synopsis:

Rocco Espiritu and Rocky Dela Cruz have one thing in common: they are both in need of money, fast. On the eve of his 25th birthday, the day he’s set to receive money from his trust fund, Rocco parties, gets drunk, and loses all his money on a poker match. Now he has to produce the amount, otherwise he will lose the client he needs to defeat his father’s TV commercial production company. Meanwhile, Rocky also needs money to pay the rent, otherwise her family will be homeless.

The only way for Rocco to get money from his trust fund is to fulfill the conditions set by his grandmother and that is to get married. That's when he meets Rocky who agrees to act as his pseudo wife in exchange for a “talent fee.” With Rocco's tempting offer and Rocky's need for money, the two seal the deal.

As Rocky and Rocco go through their married life, problems come one after another thus, they are forced to reconcile their differences and work with each other. However the real complication begins when feelings start to grow between the two of them. Will they be able to make their agreement work or will they be a victim of their own scheme and turn their whole pretense into something real?

My Thoughts:

To end the year of 2016, I present to you my favourite Philippine Movie of All Time. Seriously, I absolutely loved this movie. I will tell you that I have watched this movie many times over and never got bored of it and all its comedy. Yes, it's a comedy movie. The laughs and everything was priceless and incomparable to any other Philippine movie I have watched later. The synopsis is a bit much in explaining the story but don't let that get in the way because the movie is so much more than the synopsis. This movie is what got me into the couple's works because their chemistry is just in sync.

Synopsis analysis I guess, it is a typical plot of two leads from troubling backgrounds who meet and change each other's lives and slowly get to know each other deeper until what started as something pretend ended up as something authentic and genuine. When those feelings start rotting away on one's conscience, someone has to do something about it and not let the pretense drown one's voice. What breaks this movie away from the cliche is how they overcome problems and start getting to know each other and start being comfortable with each other. Their story is something not to be missed because of the touching moments in this story and being a hopeless romantic, I absolutely loved the interactions between these two. Besides, there's more to the story than just them, something to ponder about and strengthen in our lives. Find out more by watching, hehehe...

One thing I have to make note of is the amazing soundtrack of this story. The scenes of this movie is further enriched by the beautiful selection of soundtracks. My emotions is further enhanced listening to the soundtracks even though I don't understand it. It just perfectly settles the mood of the scene and make the story that much more worth watching. I get to enjoy the movie even more. Well, it is just something I have to say and appreciate. XD 

This may be your simple love story but I find the cuteness of their interactions and the humor which this story gives, an  A+. The surprising advances by the characters and how the character changes for the better is what makes this story even better. I hope you will enjoy this story as much as I do! Because this story is so worth the chance of at least to be watched once! Enjoy!