Tomorrow With You (Korean Drama)

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy

Episodes: 16

Main Cast:

Lee Je-Hoon as Yoo So Joon

Shin Min-A as Song Ma Rin

Jo Han-Chul as Song Doo Sik

Kang Ki-Doong as Kang Ki Doong

Synopsis:

Is it possible to prevent a future of misery? Yoo So Joon (Lee Je Hoon) is the successful CEO of a real estate company who has the ability to time travel when he takes the subway. Going back and forth in time, he sees his future self living a life of torment and unhappiness. To try to offset his doomed future, he decides to marry Song Ma Rin (Shin Min Ah), a cheery photographer, even though he does not love her. Can Ma Rin help So Joon change his unhappy future?

My Thoughts (Review):

To be honest, at first glance, I didn't felt like watching it. I thought there's nothing particularly interesting about it. So, I put it aside for months and just recently I cam across it again and decided, Why not? And when I researched more of the drama, i was surprised to learn that it was Lee Je Hoon acting as the male lead and that pretty much was one of the reasons I decided to watch because he is a favourite since watching Signal. He was so good there that I kinda was hoping the same from him here and he does not disappoint.

On to the story, it is of course a cliche 'Knowing the future and trying to change it if something bad happens' kind of story  I was going along it, accepting it as that. But, it being a cliche just serves to improve the watching experience, thinking how the male lead can change the bleak future he has seen, and how he creates parallel worlds with his actions. Though there was no mention of the parallel world since this story focuses on one timeline, but it is evident in the story line. The story keeps on providing mysteries to be solved by the viewers and even if some questions were never answered till the end but surprisingly, even if unanswered, I still love the story and the plot. 

About the cast, of course Lee Je Hoon played his best but I was more surprised at Shin Min Ah, I don't know where I got it, but I had felt that she somehow doesn't suit the role despite not even watching the drama yet. Like the story's gonna go bland because of her. BUT, watching the drama, she totally showed how the role is hers. How there's no one else who can perform Song Ma Rin like she did. And My God, the chemistry between these two was just too fiery. They hit it off immediately. Their characters are both so different and yet they managed to find a common ground and were able to act on it and fall in love. They were just too cute and full of love that it made me smile during those moments when they are trying to understand each other.

There's so much I want to say about them since it's mainly because of them that I got so invested into this drama, going on marathon to finish it because I can't help being curious about what's going to happen. There are times when I get so worried about them, worried that they're gonna get hurt or anything. Also times, when I just get so happy when they get those calm moments before the storm despite knowing they will in the end face the storm. I just am so shocked at how much I felt involved in this drama, how the characters felt like someone I know. It just goes to show how well they developed the character. That to me, is one of the strongest point of this drama.

Also, this story provided so many variables that it just keep on clouding my ability to somehow predict the story. Like, there was one time when the male lead found out he's suddenly married to the girl. I was wondering how the love story would develop to reach that point that fast. But, a different thing unfolded and I found myself fooled. It doesn't stop putting in different variables right to the end. Sometimes I felt like they can't fight destiny and then yet again, sometimes it feels like they could. As the time keeps ticking to the fateful day, it really feels like the best ability would be to pause time as the lead male mentioned.

All in all, I was pleasantly surprised at how well thought out this drama was and especially the awesome chemistry between Shin Min Ah and Lee Je Hoon. I was so happy to watch how their story developed when their destinies were never meant to intertwine in more ways than one, or were they always meant to be together? I may never know but what's for sure, they're in love and I'm in love with them. So, come on and don't miss this awesome drama!

I See You (Thai Drama)

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Supernatural 

Episodes:  12

Website To Watch: WatchAsian ~ I See You

Main Cast:

Chansangavej Chayanit (Pat) as Pairin

Amornsupasiri Arak (Pae) as Dr. M

Jiravechsoontornkul Lapalal (Mild) as New

Leeratanakajorn Thanapob (Tor) as Dr. Men

Paladesh Kemisara (Belle) as Chaba

Synopsis:

Pairin works as a nurse in the hospital and also has the ability to communicate with the dead. She strives to keep this a secret while doing her daily tasks so that she can pretend to be normal like everyone else. Dr. M is one of the acclaimed doctors of the hospital, being able to handle numerous cases. But his cold and sometimes arrogant personality puts him at odds with some of the patients and fellow colleagues. With ghosts such as the playful spirit, Chaba constantly pestering her, and Dr. M who seems to know of her secret, can she ever have a peaceful life?

My Thoughts (Review):

First things first, let me state something about myself. I am afraid of ghosts and the like, I never watch the acclaimed horror movies but for some reason, I was pulled into watching this series despite knowing it is related to ghosts and comes from Thailand who is pretty great at their horror presentations. Also, it might be obvious but I picture a drama to follow what its synopsis is saying but only one or two sentences were correct. Therefore, I tweaked the synopsis and added the necessary information.

So, not even halfway through the first episode, I was greeted with a supernatural event and damn I was spooked especially since I was viewing it alone in my room. I covered one of my eyes to see through the whole episode. But then, I was able to manage and found the series to be pretty intriguing and has similarities to one of the Western Ghost-related series that I have watched before in the female lead's role in the story. But, I found that the first episode was to ensure that the viewer had the capability to continue into the story by upping the horror element. Since after that, I can manage other ghost encounters in the story.

On the cast, I enjoyed watching the leads of the drama but well, what else can I do since they're pretty much the only ones who are in the hospital. Every time a case occurs, it is always the same doctors and nurses who handle them. Others who came are like cameos. You don't really notice them there as their presence was just that weak. Even still, I still enjoyed the acting performance given by the leads. 

By the way, there is a love triangle but it is not obvious enough to affect the story negatively in any way and I like it. My ship kept sailing all the way to the end and I love every moment of it. I am in love with the main leads. Their interactions were cute and casual and most importantly, pretty direct without even revealing their feelings. The male lead had a one-tracked mind and so did she, in the sense that they do not see others but the other. Their love story kept developing and never had a moment where it could have fallen. Their chemistry was just too good that I did not find any fault in their acting. I could rewind their scenes many times and never get bored. They are just fun to watch. 

One of the things I don't quite like is the abundant use of product placements throughout the whole series to the point where I go, "Oh, here we go again. Another PPL... Hmm..." You cannot go an episode without two to three PPL scenes. Another thing, I don't like about it is how effective it is since it made me crave for what they are having. Hehehe..... There are even some scenes where the PPL was not that smooth that it seems odd to be having it suddenly there in the scene. Putting PPL is one thing but to make it so obvious is another one thing. Everytime, the PPL scene occured, they would either blur the surroundings or zoom to the item. It is like ads all the time. I am okay with PPL where it is not that obvious that they are promoting it, being that for a drink, they have it or something. Or a scene which perfectly suitable for it occurs. But well.... ANYWAYS, I am probably exaggerating it a bit here but surely I can say, the PPL only disturbs a few minutes of your time watching the story.

In conclusion, go ahead and watch this drama. It is simple, cliche and all of the above but still overall a great drama to watch. I am definitely excited for another drama from Pae after watching this series seeing how good he was in his role and most definitely, I loved this drama despite the kinda rushed ending because they are pretty cheesy that it is enough to win my heart. Come on and Let's Drama-Watching!!! Hehehe....

Hirunaka No Ryuusei [Daytime Shooting Star] (Japanese Movie)

Released Year And Length: 2017 (2 hours)

Main Cast:

Nagano Mei as Yosano Suzume

Miura Shohei as Shishio Satsuki

Shirahama Aran as Mamura Daiki

Yamamoto Maika as Nekota Yuyuka

Synopsis:

Yosano Suzume is a first grade high school student. She lived in the countryside, but, due to her parents transferring overseas for work, Suzume now lives in Tokyo with her uncle. Suzume has never had a boyfriend before, but she has feelings for her homeroom teacher Shishio Satsuki. Meanwhile, her classmate, Mamura Daiki, becomes attracted to Suzume.

My Thoughts:

I found this movie through Youtubers and decided it to be pretty interesting through the trailers of it that I saw. But, thanks to the trailers, I am forced to search for clips of its ending to see whether the ending which I desire will come true or not, if not, I will be broken hearted rooting for the person who is not meant to be with the girl.... And so, the ending was what I desired which meant I watched it! Of course hahaha...

So, there's nothing particularly special about this movie, it was just a simple love story with a little drama of teenagers experiencing love for the first time and reciprocating them. I think that this movie tops quite a few other movies I have watched in that, it does not go into a dark tone with the love triangles and everything happened in a sort of "kind" way. It was a smooth ride pretty much. Argh, it's hard to explain this movie when it's just that simple of a story. A little reveal goes a long way in spoiling the story. 

Anyways, I adore the romance in here. It was really cute watching the awkward and fresh interactions of peoples beginning to be in love and dating. The actors and actresses really portrayed well the innocence of youths about love with the stiff and formal confessions. I initially wanted to watch this movie because the setting is in high school so I expected a lot of the youthful style of acting. And they conveyed it pretty well. 

Go on and watch this simple slice of life, love story. Their cute romances will melt your heart and the ending is just so satisfying for my part. So, hope you all enjoy(ed) watching it! 

While You Were Sleeping (Korean Drama)

Genre: Romance, Thriller, Comedy, Fantasy

Episodes: 32 Half Episodes (16 full episodes)

Main Cast:

Lee Jong-Suk as Jung Jae Chan

Bae Suzy as Nam Hong Joo

Jung Hae-In as Han Woo Tak

Lee Sang-Yeob as Lee Yoo Beom

Synopsis:

Hong-Joo lives with her mother and helps her run a pork restaurant. Hong-Joo is haunted by seeing the future deaths of others in her dreams. What's worse is that she does not know when the deaths will happen, but she tries to stop her dreams from becoming reality. One night, Hong-Joo dreams about the death of her own mother.

Meanwhile, Jae-Chan is a rookie prosecutor. He meets Yoo-Beom at the prosecutors’ office. Yoo-Beom was Jae-Chan’s private tutor when Jae-Chan was a student, but an incident caused Jae-Chan to dislike him. Yoo-Beom was a prosecutor, but he now works as a lawyer. He takes on any case that brings him money.

Jae-Chan and his younger brother move to new house and they become neighbors with Hong-Joo. One night, Jae-Chan dreams that Yoo-Beom drives Hong-Joo's car and this leads to a chain of events including the death of Hong-Joo's mother and then Hong-Joo. When Jae-Chan senses that his dream is about to become real, he takes extreme action to stop it. Yoo-Beom becomes furious at Jae-Chan, but Hong-Joo hugs him and thanks him. Jae-Chan and Hong-Joo later work together to solve other cases.

(Review) My Thoughts:

This was the first Korean drama I watched after the big companies in Korea started making moves to salvage their profits so at first I was confused at the arrangement. Like was it 2 half episodes per week or 4 half episodes per week? I was completely blur until the weeks went by and I understood that it's still the same 2 full episodes per week with just a few tweaks... Anyways, of course this drama is awesome and still ongoing.

Lee Jong Suk is super awesome as always. I like the way he portrays his characters and how he brings them to life and not just plain boring characters. Suzy, to me, has improved by leaps and bounds compared to last I saw her. I mean, comparing her to when she was in Dream High, she is so much better. She seems much more natural in here and delivers her character with so much sass. Together, these two has such an amazing chemistry on-screeen. I absolutely love it and moreover, this story is not petty to include ridiculous love triangles to lengthen the story. To me, I feel that this shows a certain degree of confidence in the writers and concept maker, that they are able to engage the audience with a wide variety of cases that is winding the thread into an impactful plot which definitely requires an amount of episodes to unfold. I hate dramas where the plot gets heavy and I'm like turning to the couples for support and yet they have drama created by obnoxious exes. Here, their interactions are a breath of fresh air.

On to the story, this drama feels like it brings life to 2017 again after many dramas that looks not so interesting, the plot was cliche in the sense that using superpowers to prevent crisis. But, the writer who wrote this story was amazing because they were able to put forth so many variables in the story and also look at things in so many different angles that it makes me as a viewer really get my brain going to thinking mode on understanding the variables and the angles to better understand what the writer is trying to convey. The writer is even genius in the fact that she was able to use these known variables against us viewers, developing the variables into something much more powerful to keep us on edge, clueless as to what might occur after the development of the variable. The way she arrange her plots and hints is so deep that cliffhangers are so common. Cliffhangers here as in as a viewer, I seriously don't know how something shall unfold. And that's what makes this drama so great. You don't know what's going to happen and the build-up of excitement makes you desire for more. 

All I can do at the moment while watching the drama, is gathering whatever clue I can see in the story to somehow predict what could the character decide on doing. Sometimes I'm right, sometimes I'm wrong. Being wrong sometimes also is what again makes the writer so damn good. She is able to put the viewers off the track that they think is right by putting forth new substances. When the dots are connected, she could just put in a new path. She/They must have thought very far into this drama, thinking what else they could expose to engage the audience attention. There are so many cases and many are so unique in their own way. The research put forth into writing this drama is worthy of immense praise.

I won't really mention the actual plot and story, You should check it out yourself. All I'm doing here is to build up excitement for this drama which is sometimes bad for I am making you have high expectations for the drama but I believe that this drama has the confidence to not disappoint ever. If that's not enough, this drama also casted pretty interesting casts that made me felt nostalgic of past dramas and also made me sick to the stomach from laughter. Surely, they light up the drama even more and some are even scene-stealer hahaha...

This drama is just wow, wow, wow. I feel that it is on pretty much the same level as W~ Two Worlds that Jong Suk also starred in but this is from what I've seen less dark and much more mystery than W itself. Get ready to rack your brains on understanding the multitudes of variables and clues given by the writer. But also, prepare your heart for the cute romantic interactions of the couples hahaha and also the amazing wide variety of soundtracks for this drama. All are amazing and sound so perfect for the scenes they were placed in. I've been hearing them on a playlist for the past couple of days because they are just so intense, angelic, impactful and all the other descriptive words you can say. ANYWAYS, what are you waiting for if you have not heard of this drama yet? Go and watch the first episode, and get hooked on the ride until the final episode!! XD

It's Not Easy Being King (Chinese Drama)

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Historical, Supernatural

Episodes: 20

Main Cast:

Zhang Yi Jie as Ji Man

Bai Lu as Da Xi

Zhao Yi Qin as Shao Yong

Synopsis:

Da Xi, a girl who is very good at cooking has only one dream: find a peerless beauty husband. One day she met a Royal Guard, Shao Yong, and fell in love at first sight, so she decides to stay near him and the only way to do it is entering the palace. Da Xi became a maid, only to find themselves fooled, so she decided to escape palace, she ran overthe wall, but she met by chance the emperor Ji Man. The emperor thought that she was an assassin, so he tried to stop her escape but instead, an accident occurred: their souls were swapped, she became him, and he became her.

(Review) My Thoughts:

I first saw this drama because the photo looked interesting and the fact that it had the genre 'Supernatural' involved means that things could get out of hand and I loved it that way but the moment I saw that it had soul-switching involved, I almost passed it over because that plot is just too overused that the storyline is cliche. I thought I should find another one but I can't. I got so damn bored and then I thought why not give this one a try. One episode won't hurt.

But that one episode took me. The story is actually very comedic that I love it so much. They did a good take on an overused cliche. I was floored by their humor and antics. It was just so cringy and funny for my little heart to take. Knowing the gist of the story line makes it better for this drama for I am left wondering when exactly will they choose to let a specific plot twist happen? The transition between scenes for the most part was smooth and I can't help but say this story is so much comedy that that is where it slightly failed. 

They put so much effort on the comedic and humor that I find it hard to keep up when they went all serious. It's like two different extremes in there. I definitely enjoyed the casual way they bring along the plot but when it got too heavy all of a sudden, the story suddenly lost its charm as it focuses on the heavy matters and the lighter ones are hardly seen. Sometimes changes are too abrupt and makes no sense at times too. I find myself questioning how the characters can suddenly adopt a certain manner suddenly? And of course, I get confused by the advances a male soul in a female body can do. But well that's nothing much but still, I get confused.

Oh well, that's just the later parts of the series and what's for sure this series has a sequel and I'm wondering what kind of sequel it will be. I hope the ending skits are still being utilized. Did I mentioned they also involved future versions of the characters as a skit as the ending of each episode? Because they're so damn funny and perfectly executed. If you can't go for the drama at the later parts, go for the skits, they always deliver no matter what! Anyways, there's that. I hope to give this a try despite my bad comments about it, it's still a decent drama to watch to relieve some stress and fatigue. Have fun, drama-watching!

Make It Right The Series (Thai Drama) ~BL~

Genre: Friendship, Romance, School, Youth

Episodes: Season 1=> 12

                 Season 2=> 14

Main Cast:

Panichtamrong Peemapol (Peak) as Fuse

Udompanich Krittapak (Boom) as Tee

Chittsawangdee Pawat (Ohm) as Frame

Imerbpathom Sittiwat (Toey) as Book

Techakumphu Manapat (Bonne) as Nine

Ratanaumnuayshai Boonyakorn (Beam) as Rodtang

Synopsis:

Based on the popular BL novel "Make It Right", this drama follows the adventures and love lives of high school students. Fuse is a gentle and sensitive boy who is heartbroken because of his girlfriend who cheated on him, so he tries to get over her by getting drunk with his friends at a party. However, he meets his friend Tee there - and ends up sleeping with him that night. How is he going to cope with his new feelings for another boy and just how many boys who struggle with the same feelings are there at his school?        

My Thoughts (Review):

Another great series adapted from a book. I was looking for a drama to watch last year and came across the first episode of this series, and decided to give it a try. I was instantly roped in from that first episode and had been watching the story as it unfolds week by week because this story is just an awesome story as always. The actors are all pretty young, late teens to early twenties but they were super great in the portrayal of their characters. The interactions were cute and there were many funny moments and absurdly weird but humorous ones as well. The tone was lively and bright, truly embodying youth.

The chemistry between the couples are just to die for. I mean, they look so compatible with each other more than you can think of. They just seemed meant to be. Like OTP, OTP all the way!! Fuse and Tee was seriously a cute budding relationship that I just enjoy watching all through season 1 as they flirt with each other, fight and then cutely make up with each other. It was just so much fun watching them. Despite how many people were into the Frame x Book ship, I find myself just abandoning their ship. I just don't really like watching their scenes and I don't know why, just my preference I guess. I look forward more and more to TeeFuse's scenes, like I can't wait to see their adorable little love, the vague lines are all but words between them, I'm always "Get together already, OMG!" 

But, a few episodes towards the end, my attention got dragged to another emerging couple. As soon as the RodNine ship set sail, I was already dead. Like seriously, they were adorable to the next level. I can't help but cringe at how cute they are. Even more at how they really suit each other so much, like the budding relationship between them is just too much for my little heart to take.Their scenes were so little in the first season but they slay every single scene they come out in. Their scenes occurred during the episodes where Fuse was in a dilemma over his own feelings and things were not so good between him and Tee. So, RodNine was a much needed relief from that. I am telling you Nine was just too damn adorkable. I can't help smiling at his expressions when he was touched and affected by Rodtang's gestures. Like, this is it, down for the count! You are irrevocably in love with him. Seriously, the both of them are just a couple you have to look out for! 

The story was super well played in season 1 that when I saw that season 2 is out, I was super excited and immediately can't wait. But despite it being season 2, I rather not have truly watched it at all. I was deeply disappointed with how things turn out in season 2. It lost the expression of vibrant youth that season 1 had, it went on and on in a serious note. I did not truly enjoyed watching it. For two reasons. 

One, the chemistry was lost in the new season. I did not feel the passion in the relationship between Tee and Fuse like they did in the previous season. It's like a relationship gone sour and felt faked. Yes, I see them being lovey-dovey with each other, but the nagging feeling never left that the whole nature of their relationship was changed. And I kept hoping for the prospect of them being who they were before but it went down for the count. I find myself throughout the season yearning for them to return to how they used to be. I look at old episodes of them and felt sad at what they have became.

Two, the actor playing Nine changed because the original actor's schedules clashed with the shooting. I was surprised that Nine was changed. At first, I thought or held hope that this new actor should be able to portray the role of Nine as well as the original did since he kinda look the same as the original actor. But as I see him act and Nine's relationship with Rodtang, the whole ambiance of his character was lost forever. Everytime I see him, it's like I'm seeing a different person altogether. This not only affects Nine's character but the whole dynamic of the RodNine ship. Nine used to portray a pretty dominant role in the relationship, but then Rodtang began to play that role and I see Nine being demoted to a pretty submissive role which I hated a lot. And from there on, the RodNine ship sunk.

In season 2, it's like the scriptwriters rewrote the whole story, it could be the pressure of the first season being so big that they gotta do something to be on par with it, but well, they failed big time. This is the first time I actually commented negatively about a story and I usually refrained from doing so but this story had such great potential and could soar so high. The characters can be developed even more and refined even better. I really enjoyed watching the first season, I was over the moon as I watch it. I expected a lot from the second season, but I guess that expectation is what disappointed me. Season 2 will live in the shadow of the glory of Season 1 in my heart. That's my opinion.....

Nevertheless as to what happen in season 2, Season 1 is and I swear a really really great season to watch. It was one of the best dramas I ever watched, period. Do give it a try despite my words about season 2. But it just goes to show how great Season 1 was! There's always a possibility that you watch the drama with a different view than I do, like Season 2 was a pretty good season as well. But, that all depends on you to judge, I'm just here to give a review. And well damn that was a long review.

Sotus The Series (Thai Drama) ~BL~

Genre: Comedy, Friendship, Romance, School, Youth, Boys Love

Episodes: Season 1 (15 episodes)

                 Season 2 (13 episodes)

Main Cast:

Ruangroj Prachaya (Singto) as Kongpob

Sangpotirat Perawat (Krist) as Arthit

Thitipoom Techaapaikhun (New) as Aim

Suwanamas Neen as May

Synopsis:

There's a university system called SOTUS (an acronym which stands for Seniority, Order, Tradition, Unity and Spirit - a tradition in which upper classmen sometimes exploit and even abuse freshmen and others seeking acceptance). Junior level students are required to mentor those freshmen and be respected in return. Enter a rather assertive and vocal freshy at the Engineering faculty named Kongpob who gets to be under the mentorship of Arthit, a strict Junior who happens to be the boss of his year.

(Review) My Thoughts:

My God, you won't imagine how much of a year I had when this series was released. Each coming episode, I was enormously entertained and undoubtedly hooked with this couple. I seriously can't wait for each single episode to come and got excited when the episode is released and subbed by my current favourite Thai BL subber of all time, Miss Delightful. This was the first piece I saw of her and surely not the last. She is always entertaining in her subs and explains some customs and terms very throughly. Also, you won't be able to describe the joy of reading her side comments on any particular scene. I had to actually pause a scene to make sure I clearly read her comments. It's like having another person watching the episode at the same time as you do. If you all decide to start watching this series, please watch those subbed by her because she is simply amazing. Well, done with complimenting the subber now on to the story but before that, Miss Delightful is really great at her job. Alright, done for now. You'll see me talking about her again soon!

Sotus is simply one of the best dramas I have ever watched, the talent in these actors is just too much to handle, not to mention the awesome chemistry between the couples. Everything started as a simple teasing game by Kongpob which ended into something much more as time goes by and Kongpob started falling for Arthit. The story is simply great and full of heart. It completely deviates from the normal path of other Thai dramas and became a unique existence of its own. No wonder it became a sensation. 

Kongpob and Arthit is just too much for my little heart to handle. The developing romance between these two is really not for the faint of heart. And I'm serious. There are times when I'm heavily strucked by Cupid's arrow of love. I had to pause the video at times and regain my composure and then continue and endure the blows. The story was just perfect, how it continues the interaction between the two from being senior and junior to a much more comfortable relationship and then to a higher level. How Kongpob chases after Arthit is just entertaining to watch and how he is touched by some gestures by Arthit is just cute to say the least. I would say the boy fell seriously hard for Arthit. What I admire the most in the story is how they portrayed LGBT acceptance. Arthit at first had some troubles accepting his feelings for Kongpob and then after talking with a friend and then a senior, he finally got rid of his inhibitions and the journey to there was just a spectacle. And what more the journey after that. But I will leave finding out about that to you yourself. How he fought with his conflicting feelings and then, their relationship became official.

And I have to say I was ultimately super duper surprised at some developments in their relationship. I honestly did not expect it to happen and then so smoothly. The story is just pure joy to watch. The thing I liked here is that there is no love triangle or whatever, it is just them there and the highest challenge in their relationship for this series was them accepting their feelings for each other. Seriously, you all, those who haven't watch it, if the genre does not bother you, by all means, do give this series, a try, I am certain that you would not be disappointed. FYI, the sequel is out now called SOTUS S THE SERIES, and I'm watching it with pure excitement because Arthit x Kongpob is one of the strongest OTP I have ever rooted for. Be sure not to miss this show!

Diary Ng Panget Ko ~ Diary of An Ugly (Philippines Movie)

Released Year & Length: 2014 (2 hours)

Main Cast:

Nadine Lustre as Reah "Eya" Rodriguez

James Reid as Cross Sandford

Yassi Pressman as Lorraine "Lory" Keet

Andre Paras as Chad Jimenez

Synopsis:

Eya, a poor, self-described ugly girl, an orphan whom as soon as she turns 18, her aunts kicks her out of her house. To make ends meet, she takes a job as a nanny for Cross, an egoistic young man who completely dislikes her presence. Through certain events, they became involved with each other and bonded. In school, Eya became friends with Lory, a rich young lady who had been eyeing Cross since kindergarten. Eya also got to know of Chad, who she found out, had a crush on Lory. As time went on, Cross and Eya got entangled up in many events and feelings develop while some hearts were broken and comforted. In the end, a masquerade ball was held and Eya was entranced by her dance partner that night. Who is this dance partner? And what is to become of the love story between Cross and Eya?

My Thoughts:

This was just pure simple romantic comedy. It developed well in the beginning and finishes pretty smoothly. I would guess that this movie was the start of love pairing of James Reid and Nadine Lustre and their continuing co-starring roles. I would say I was surprised that this movie was actually originated from a Wattpad story who got famous. And I have tried to read it, the original book that is, and and the name suggests, it was written in the form of a diary. And of course,  a movie can't do that, it has to have a third person perspective, most of the time. But, you'll see they pretty kept some of the essence of a diary there. 

The leading stars have a pretty good chemistry, I felt really absorbed in their interactions. Their scenes once they bonded are so sweet and I enjoyed their moments. They're just plain simple ones but the impact is strong. Like the moment that they were on the hospital bed, I would say that's my most memorable moments due to atmosphere in the room at that point and the words exchanged within that room. One of the things that really intrigued me is how Cross is such a tough guy but he has his moments where he is not and for me that's where Eya comes to play really nicely.

The only thing that annoyed me while watching the story was that the flow of the scenes were not consistent around close to the end of the story, like I was lost in trying to understanding when does this scene happens like movies do a lot of the split chronology in scenes but at least, the viewers should be informed when certain scenes occur because it was confusing the heck out of me trying to justify the story. To me, that's the biggest flaw of the movie, but not the story, the story was pretty well designed but just the after effects from editing that was poorly done.

As always, the perfect thing is when a girl doesn't need to look pretty for a boy to fall in love with her, she just needs to be herself and let the boy chase after her, hahaha..... So, come and watch this movie because it is just that good despite the FLAW it has, because there are pretty cute love moments occurring in this movie within just a simple 2 hours. 

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....