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Chugakusei Nikki (2018)
So Much Wrong With This
To summarise:
New Qualified teacher for middle school catches the eye of a 15 year old lad (he looks like 21 in reality). Usual uproar. She leaves goes to another school/town and 3 years later they meet up again with even more angst. With him confess love and she hesitent the parents and staff and his cohorts all get involved to the point where she quits teaching again and everyone works towards keeping them apart. A few adventures, to the point o accusations of kidnapping and police involvement, they separate and five years later meet up overseas still very much in love.
No matter how much love is painted in this story. Facts are facts. She is the responsible adult and he is a minor and there and laws in most countries against these teacher&student relationships.
The sub plots of his mother depriving him of contact with his birth father. The child being neglected by her mother because she committed adultery and the ex fiancé getting his girlfriend pregnant, and she deciding to raise that child by herself.
The teen friend group are just that a bunch of noisy teens trying to have to best days of their lives at school. The teen angst of the ML is palpable yet the acting surprisingly good. He matures slowly but gets there.
The FL is weak and slow realising she has fallen in love with the young student. Does she really understand that it is illegal? But it all works out in the end. The cinematography is exceptional. Lovely wide sweeping shots of the countryside with facial close ups only when absolutely necessary.
It will always be a puzzle to non asians to comprehend Confucian edits on filial piety and respect. The control of parents over the children is bewildering.
Don't recollect and comedic scenes.
Japanese Audio + English subtitles.
Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)
SCHOOL STORY IN HISTORICAL DAYS or SONS AND FATHERS
Where do I begin.
The basics were fine. Once again a girl pretending to be a boy enrolled in a boys only college and has to room mate with two boys. She is clever, so clever she learns and becomes and expert archer in a matter of days, learns and plays field hockey and tops her class academically.
One of the roommates falls in love with her (and one of the others too) and turns out she likes him too. Yeah! One finds out acciddently that She is a She and the other just guesses. The ML has to discover this much later.
Again like all the other girl pretending to be a boy dramas, the Actress playing the role doesnt even remotely look like a boy! But you have to roll with it!
Its a simply good humour story with the bad guy always one step behind. The driving filial piety towards parents is constant in this KDrama, alongside the reality of sons having to come to terms with their fathers' ruthless past.
Have to say this, the fighting scenes were very poor quite stiff.
Otherwise, just enough comedy, lightheartedness, drama and HEA to not get bored even though you know exactly how it will end.
Watche in Korean audio and English subtitles.
Not that much kowtowing to the King (why not?) and mysterious mysteries to solve, before the ML & FL live happily every after.
Naui Haebangilji (2022)
Stick with it
Attracted to this as Ioved "My Mister" and saw this was the same writer.
About a family with three siblings still living at home - way outside Souel - with parents who have a small piece of land they farm and the dad also have a sink factory. There is one employee, Mr Gu.
This family have no warm, tons of silence and no praise for each other. They seem to be merely existing going through the physical motions with no fun or love. The employee, Mr Gu, is an alcoholic drowning himself alone in bottles of soju nightly.
Lots and lots of (unnecessary) scenes of eating food. The overworked parents and clearly bored adult children make this a very slow series and it can be easily just abandoned but stick with it. There are some surprises.
Watchen in audio Korean with English subtitles.
Rimembeo: Adeul-ui Jeonjaeng (2015)
A Sleeper and Certainly Worth watching
The trope of the underdog family being crushed by the son of a wealthy chaebol son, whilst the underdog son seeks revenge - Yes, but with such a different twist.
A father accused of murder while he is suffering from Alzheimers, is defended by his attorney son who has Hyperthymesia syndrome (an ability to remember life experiences and items of his surroundings in precise detail.
The character development of the main leads stands out in the KSeries. Well done to the the scriptwriters!
The acting of Namgoong Min and Yoo Seung-Ho just excellent.
The ending was phenomenal, whilst heartbreaking it was reality. Although justice was achieved the final touch was so real it was heartbreaking.
Supporting Brilliant Acting right across the board.
Watched in Audio Korean and English subtitles.
Sejak (2024)
Had Potential in StoryLine But Zero Passion
Really looked forward to watching this. Waited until all the episodes were available to start watching so could blitz to the end.
The "accidental" king who takes the throne when his brother the King is poisoned falls in love with a wannabe spy/traitor who is disguised as a man. Let me say right here right now the she/he does not even pass as a boy! Not even a twinkie. Ayway, Yeah the she/he falls for the king too.
There is all the usual Palace intrigue with the women stuck in there at their very best at being devious. 10/10 to the Dowager Queen, but you can't really act that role badly
There has been a spate of dramas with girls pretending to be boys and confusing the ML who begins to think he is Gay and so here is another one.
The story is basically good. But the absolute lack of PASSION between the ML and the FL literally ruined this drama. It was like watching a Kdrama from the '80s - stiff and unemotional. Not once was I convinced these two were in love or capable of being intimate. This Director should watch "My Dearest/Lovers" for tips on how to film deep affection/love in a historical context! Even "Mr Queen", was way better at filming believable affection between the leads. Can't believe this was filmed in 2023, not tepid or tame, just ice cold!
The cinematography is feeble. When they finally have one night together where the king discovers she is a woman, the light in the room was like a DOZEN led bulbs! Ridiculous.
This is good to pass the time if you are looking for a historical drama but I had to leave it a few times as I was getting so frustrated with the poor acting. And we know that Jo Jung Suk is a brilliant actor but in this he was so wooden I was baffled. Maybe this twas the directors plan? Didn't work for me.
Oh and there is no secondary relationship to ease the boring moments and zero comical moments.
Finally have to mention; watched with Korean audio and English subtitles. The absolute worse subtitle translations! So much American modern slang that was totally wrong for the status of the leads. Someone who couldn't comprehend that Royalty do not speak like working class bums and translated as though everyone spoke 'street'. Ugh.
Nae Nampyeongwa Gyeolhonhaejweo (2024)
SO HILARIOUS!
Kang Ji-Won (Park Min-Young) is married to Park Min-Hwan (Lee Yi-Kyung), who is very lazy and in debt with a useless father and appaling mother. Kang Ji-Won discovers she is terminally ill then catches her husband and her only friend Jung Soo-Min (Song Ha-Yoon) in bed together. She accidentally dies and is re-born ten years previously. She decides to change her "new" life by making Jung Soo-Min marry Park Min-Hwan. She also gains in confidence and determination.
Now what I have not seen anywhere in any of previous reviews is the comedy of this series. Touted as a Revenge drama - yes I suppose it is. BUT I never stopped laughing as it was so totally unreal and the brilliant acting of the husband, Park Min-Hwan (Lee Yi-Kyung), is just so good. Don't know how they managed to keep a stright face even filming this as I was just folded over in laughter. As far I am concerned its a COMEDY!
Korean audio English subtitles.
First Love (2022)
Was surprised, this is actuall a delightful drama of First Love
Right of the start let me say this is a perfect example of how it is just fine and certainly possible to have a drama/series of less than 10 Episodes and still have a pleasant conclusion.
This is about First Love, coupled with a dramatic loss (amnesia trope used) interfering parent and a firm belief in Fate. The struggle to continue with life and living after the loss is very real.
It was a pleasant drama and well acted by the ML & FL playing Yae and Harumichi WITHOUT inserting an equally secondary love story.
The FL was good but not as good IMO, however the ML certainly acted very well. The younger counterparts were surprising good.
Would have been interesting if her son had turned out to be the ML and not to nerd she was briefly married to.
Wo xi huan ni (2020)
Gentle rom com with the usual tropes
This is about a CEO who falls slowly for a much younger woman, a chef, through their mutual appreciation of food. Although I fail to understand how stone cold (or reheated) special friend rice can change a CEO decision to buy or not to buy a Hotel. Like Really?
The couple are so poles apart, that it is a slow realisation and acceptance that the couple really have feelings for each other before they go any further.
They are at completely different social and class levels and have to meet and learn about each others friends and family.
The drama focuses more on HER cohorts who are entertaining down to earth, rowdy, lively and genuine, her grandfather has a food stall. His are the usual stiff necked business people, with the possible exception of his driver, particularly his mother who is determined that he should not marry "down". Throw in a semi neer do well younger brother and it speeds up.
The ML is very good and the FL has some way to go but came across as genuine with a huge amount of potential. She would be fabulous in a historical drama.
The script could do with a little/lot more work. The filming of the food was clearly given priority and done very well but over all it a good drama to pass the time when bored at home sick in bed.
Yes it is a HEA ending.
Lover (2023)
A MASTERPIECE. The Acting is "Chefs Kiss"
It's the second Kdrama I have ever given 10 stars! Many have written synopsis on the story so I will refrain. Except to say this is absolutely no GWTW copy.
Have no idea why I started watching this and confess at the second Ep ready to abandon it, but suddenly it picked up in Ep3 and really took off. Through the horror of war and hunger I settled in for the ride and became mega hooked. Appreciation sank in as I watched masterful acting and took a personal interest in the outcome of almost all these characters lives.
The lead actors are both utterly astonishing! Both the ML and FL are a dream together. They take my breath away with the skill and genuineness with which they interpret the scriptwriter's intent with this plot of love loss in a difficult time in Korea's history. The Director deserves applause and a bouquet for his direction.
The cinematographer comes in bang on target with appropriate wide sweeping shots, magnificent colour and moving scenes. (the kiss in the field was excellently shot), With yet another massive bouquet for the Casting Director. Nearly forgot (slap wrists), the Costume Designer! The Qing Dynasty outfits are astonishingly beautiful and don't look like some fake Halloween get up, but genuine clothing. You can see the research that went into creating them. Altogether the production is a rare joy. I cried, laughed, was anxious and lived alongside the joy, war, tears and escapades of this historical Kdrama series.
Whilst waiting for the Second Series to be aired I rewatched the first 3 episodes to comprehend the intent of the scriptwriter as the foundations It helped get me ready for the airing of the 2nd series.
The ML initial inability to seriously commit to a relationship and the growth of the FL which I found compelling; once her teenage immaturity, silly flirting and feisty outspokeness passes, she comes into her adulthood with a compelling inner strength during the war, and later when she initiates and run a business, whilst becoming responsible for proving for her family and servants. The ML makes it clear it is her "brazenness" that he admires.
Currently at Ep 16, with four more to be aired but absolutely no hesitation in declaring My Dearest/Lover is easily my favourite Kdrama. I highly recommend it for viewing.
Update: Ep 21. The perfect ending.
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
Viewed: English subtitles + Korean audio.
Him-ssen yeo-ja Do Bong-soon (2017)
Rom Com thats actually funny
Bong Soon the FL, comes from a long line of super strong women with the caveat that the strength must only be used for good and can be lost if used incorrectly.
Taken on as an intern by a Games company this slow burner Kdrama precise, is that she falls (round about ep 11) for her boss who initially hires her as a bodyguard when he witnesses her feats of strength. But our FL really wants to be a game developer in his company. The cute handsome ML. However she has had a crush of the second ML since elementary school and he apparently hasn't picked up on it. When he finally does its too late!
There are several subplots with the main one being a creep that is kidnapping girls from the FL home district.
There are loads of laugh out loud moments in this drama which was appreciated. The FL is a warm funny and loves her family although there are some relationship issues with her mother. However in an unusual twist for a Kdrama, instead of a mother hell bent on destroying her relationship with the ML, the mother is very active in encouraging the daughter to sleep with the ML. Going so far as to visit a shaman and praying at the temple to get them together, which sometimes is quite comical.
The FL has a twin brother who is a Dr in the main hospital where everyone ends up being treated by him as though there are no other Drs in this hospital (suspend your disbelief for a moment and roll with it!)
It can seem a bit slow and choppy with the sub plots of other relationships, the many thugs (who are all actually warmhearted), and the baffling appearance and disappearance of the ML family!! But bear with it.
It has a HEA, but for the life of me I couldn't work out why none of the ML family, not even the father, were not seen on such an auspicious occasion at the end, but every oddball thug was present. Someone tell me why please.
In terms of acting, surprisingly good all lead actors were up to scratch, didn't feel anyone had a botox frozen face!
If you want to chill and laugh then recommended this Kdrama.
Ballerina (2023)
Excellent Revenge Story
This is a surprisingly good action packed revenge movie. (nearly gave up as it is a slow start). A female body guard seeks a successful revenge on behalf of her dead friend who clearly got in with the Criminal underworld who are blackmailing her. Unable to see a way out she commits suicide. Her friend who sets out to avenge her death is The FL. She is very convincing in the action scenes. There is no waste of time, space or dare I say it dialogue in this movie. A kdrama series could have stretched it to 50 episodes, so it was an absolute delight that it was over in less than 1.5 hrs.
The ML & FL are brilliant actors 10/10 for both, with the ML just edging the other out for dead pan facial expressions!
The cinematography gets a straight up 10. Just brilliant photography.
Most Europeans will note the blatant action and the motorbike cribbing of Lisbeth Salander, from 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' or maybe its a homage!
Biggest gripe and totally unnecessary was the endless smoking. One scene about 20 men in a room over a invalid in bed all smoking! Come on! Thats so dated! Its 2023! Marked down for that. Second gripe was the ancient guns. Did I miss something, a significant reference there? Why were they so antique?
Watched in Korean audio + English subtitles.
Jinjjaga Natanassda! (2023)
Exhausting Tedious etc
The series depicts the story of an unmarried pregnant woman and an unmarried man who enter into a false contract which leads them to romance, pregnancy, childbirth, and childrearing.
Suffice to say that despite this having 50 episodes it had absolutely no romance, No Comedy, No dramatic moments or anything memorable! Can't remember if anyone ever kissed despite several relationships within this series. (One or two seemed genuine).
Really bad script writing. Awful costumes (I mean ankle socks for the FL making her look infantile WTH was that about?!). Crap casting (fire the casting agents now!) Really bad acting. Alongside the boring stereotypical hysterical screaming idiotic/bullying females; mother, sister in laws and grandmother. And continues with the tiresome trope of grown up married couples living together under the grandmother's tyrannical rule in the 21st century in extremely pokey bedrooms. I mean please why would wealthy people live like that? Only finished this because I always finish what I started. This did nothing positive for the Korean film and television industry except to highlight how poorly constructed it can be at times. Cannot think of one single actor who was memorable or worthy of the term. In this series.
Some attempt to have a debate on Abortion but really sub par. The only angst and real reason it gets any stars from me was the genuine debate on infertility and IVF, alongside the distress of the couple struggling to conceive.
And please this is the third Kdrama I have watched where the pregnant FL never ever LOOKS pregnant at four or five months; boobs still small and tummy flat as a pancake! Still wearing tight jeans and tucked in shirts. Come on the entire series what about being pregnant, lets see that baby tummy rise.
Laughed once once once in the entire 50 episodes.
Do Not Waste Your Time Watching This Rubbish!
Aetaneun Romaenseu (2017)
Started so well then Downhill
Its a straight forward rom com.
Completely unlike any Kdrama watched before this series opens with not just a couple meeting and drinking wine on the beach but, wait for it, they end up obviously tipsy and have a mutually agreed one night stand in the guys car. MInd Blowing!! He the ML is a resort chairmans son on some kinda reluctant ground level work experience at the resort. She the FL, is there for her mothers 3rd wedding.
Full of remorse next morning the FL tiptoes away and disappears for three years. He (and her) both go into a state of celibacy (unreal)!
We discover her mother is a "supposed" adult movie star which has given the FL a lot of angst through her school years.
Its very funny in places with a lot of (usual) misunderstandings when the couple reunite. Its clear that the couple are still attracted to each other and I never couldn't work out why the FL was so reluctant to restart a relationship with the ML. I mean ticked so many boxes = he had money, style, great bod, handsome etc why not?
There is a cutesy younger half brother that gets mistaken for hers/their child and both the ML and his father, the Chairman, think the child is the FL. Anyhow the child isn't - such shame that, would have made the story more interesting.
The worse part of this series is it is absolutely full of flashbacks- I mean loads. At least four episodes could have been deleted there were so many flashbacks!
No more steamy scenes after the opening one night stand in the car. None None None. Instead there is a reverting back to prudery, and the eyes open stunned kisses that are prevelant in Kdramas. Had to remind myself that this couple had already been seriously intimate. So any hopes of further titillation are totally dashed. Shame that!
But watching their silly games, I laughed, cheered them on and was satisfied with the happy ending. Its a straight forward rom com.
Enjoy.
Sesang Eodiedo Eobneun Chakhan Namja (2012)
THE INNOCENT MAN IS MR NICE GUY ON NETFLIX
Ok this is essentially about REVENGE. Slow long term REVENGE.
A real drama that reels you in and hooks you with a bit of getting lost in the middle where you don't know who to side with. Empathy sways from one character to the other in love/hate emotions, but you keep snacking, watching and never stop until the last episode.
The character development in this series is just top notch! Everyone grows over time whether for the better or worse. Revenge seems to be the key but occasionally you begin to wonder if it is just revenge or passion.
The ML is beyond excellent. Song Joong-Ki fits the role of Kang Maru perfectly. A fine actor. Both the female leads were a bit wobbly with the actress playing Jae-Hee practically script reading, and not quite up to the standards of Song Joong-Ki.
I will quote another reviewer here because it perfectly sums up exactly my thoughts "I would say that this drama is a near accurate account of the lives of the entitled and the lives of the forgotten."
Yes it drags a bit in the middle with lots of sub plots relating to the business and his friend which never really get explained, but I rolled with it. If it was a book I would have been skipping chapters!
Took points off for the appalling end! I could almost hear some shout "Wrap it up now, right now, I said now!" The worse ending tie up ever seen and still it wasnt clear.
Still, watch it you won't be disappointed.
Bap Jal Sajuneun Yeppeun Nuna (2018)
Sweet yet Traumatic Love Story
Watched this several times and did enjoy it.
An older woman falls in love with her best friends younger brother who has just returned from the US.
The first 6 or so episodes brought back so many memories of early dating with my husband; the meals, the walks, the laughter, the sheer nonsense of discovering and sharing every spare moment while exploring each others minds and bodies. It is real in this series.
The story could never translate in the western world because of the East Asian filial obligations to parents alongside heavy expectations regards marriage by a particular age and with a suitable class of person. This was difficult to get my head around the first time I watch this. After watching a couple dozen other Kdramas and returning to watch this with more cultural comprehension it only made me feel very sad.
In her late 30 living at home and dating her best friends younger brother seemed utterly hysterically wrong to the mother and although the sister tried to understand she was similarly distressed. Me, as a mother or a sister I would have been ecstatic! Thats the huge cultural paradox that the film rests heavily on.
Sadly the portrayal of the mother is comical, hysterical, unpleasant and quite violent - very off putting. Not sure if this was what the director wanted or if the actress ramped it up to this level but it was not good. A sense of parental ownership, not meddling, prevails and is at time ludicrous.
It is also difficult to understand the near obsession of work colleagues (top to bottom) with others relationships. Instead of talking about what they saw on TV last night or the match, the constant persistent and instant questions as to who you are dating is nauseating. This happens all the time in Kdramas and one wonders why and if it is actually accurate, or if its just to move the story line along. Irritating.
The workplace sexual harassment is not really dealt with strongly but they tried. The actors were very good a coming across "creepy". The women were clearly not used for their educational skill and the team dinners looked like utter torture! Also their was a brief mention of person distress could lead to suicide, but that was quickly move on from.
This is a sweet series and I would watch it again, but skip over/fast forward the hysterical mother scenes and the team dinners.
What I commend the Director for is the finale. No mega moment with sweeping music and starburst or sunsets, just a gentle realisation in the rain that even after all the time has passed they want to be with each other and yes it needs to be somewhere else to have the relationship flourish.
The ML and FL had great chemistry which some of the secondary actor were lacking.
Mobeomtaeksi (2021)
Taxi Driver - Excellent!
This is one of the best Kdramas I have watched. I blitzed it in 2 days!
Lee Je-hoon the male lead is an actor of the finest class. I won't repeat the synopsis as others have done, suffice to say it is about revenge when criminal/prosecutions cases fail to give adequate justice. Who you call? The deluxe taxi service. A small team who at a price will exact revenge on your behalf.
Each of the team has their own back story and reason for enabling revenge. The action scenes are some the best Have seen. With a few comedy scenes thrown in to lighten the stories. Every actor in this series is top notch but as I have said the actor Lee Je Hoon who works underground and becomes various characters as he investigate undercover, is just amazing. Hollywood look and learn!
A confusing moment; thought that the ML's mothers killer had died in prison, but the convicted killer was released and then turned out to be the wrong guy. The right guy was very much alive in prison. I will have to go back and watch the earlier episode to see if I misunderstood.
There is no distracting love story, just a basic cops and criminals and revenge seekers. Some of the scenes are gory and some very violent but it didn't distract from the deep angst of relatives suffering loss after their loved ones had been murdered. The revenge seeking nonjudicial actions are checked and questioned regularly by the prosecutor's office which I appreciated.
I know I will watch it all again albeit much slower, so as not to miss a moment of action.
I highly recommend this series.
Sa-rang-ha-neun eun-dong-ah (2015)
So Much Potential Doesnt Quite Hit The Mark
Really wanted to like this series and have been generous with the rating.
It is carried entirely by the leading male characters with a special mention to Kim Tae-hoon, playing a deeply complex emotional paraplegic who has lied and schemed to get the FL to marry him with both sets of parents colluding in the marriage. It is a one sided love. Money and having a caregiver is clearly the motive here.
The actor that totally carries this series and makes it bearable is the ML, Ju Jin-Mo. An brilliant actor and the only reason I watched the series. Will watch anything he is in because he ACTS!
The FL and the secondary women are all terrible actresses. So bad that one literally cringed when they were in scenes for any length of time. JustoOne facial expression throughout. All need to go back to acting school.
The script had potential but needed a ton more work. The wardrobe and makeup both were tepid. The Director could have tried harder with the night scenes, but at least they recognised and showed clearly that the lead couple had a steamy bed life which was very loving. Although its time this sleeping in long sleeve winter clothes was done away with..smh.
Gae-in-eui chwi-hyang (2010)
REALLY BAD STORY BAD SCRIPTWRITING BAD ACTING!
This was so bad it was embarrassing!
The FL has a relationship with a guy who cheats on her with her Housemate of 10 years to the point of walking down the aisle and she still didn't know! Like Really!
The ML pretends to be gay (and yes its Lee Min Ho), so he can get inside the house designed by a famous architect. Coincidentally the FL is this architect's daughter. BTW the ex boyfriend of the FL is also into construction and design but NEVER knew that the FL dad was this famous architect! HIS dad finds out and is all for them getting back and getting married, because it would elevate his status and connections.
The FL's Best Friend that has loads of fairly good reasonable advice apparently never gave the FL this advice when she was with the cheating ex boyfriend.
The FL is still communicating and opening her door to the ex boyfriend AND the ex housemate who ran off together - Pleeeeeze!!
The repeatedly mentioned naivety of the FL wasn't naivety, it was just immaturity and childish - who would date a girl like that not the son of a major construction company! Actually maybe a narcissist possibly!
The ML is sooooo stiff and pan faced I really couldn't believe it was Lee Min Ho as the acting was just so bad.
The clothes, particularly Lee Min Ho's vile cardigan type things, are all absolutely all terrible. The costume designer and the script writer should be sacked! Wouldn't even put this on a resumé.
Way too many characters that flitted in and out. E.g. The ML ex girlfriend. Pointless.
Someone wrote "If I ever see the Male Lead actor in a show again I'll stop watching immediately" Well just want to say that Lee Min Ho acting skill have improved greatly (maybe he took classes?) but this must make him cringe to look at now.
Two weird things that haven't aged well in this series: 1. She wouldn't sleep with the ex although they had been a couple for absolute ages and 2. The ridiculous fuss about a grown ass man and a full blown woman house sharing - unless he was gay! So disrespectful to Gays!
Hung in to the end to see it this would get better. It didn't.
The House designed in the traditional Korean construction and style was the best bit of the entire series.
Gyeolhongyeyak (2016)
Promising story but failed to live up to the idea
Seemed like such a good story line, but had the usual tropes, e.g. Miserable rich old dad trying to control everyone and everything! Also the usual stupid immature brother.
But the killer to the drama was the FL. She was utterly badly cast and insipid with only one emotion on her face throughout the entire series. Big staring eyes - that was it all the time!
The ML was excellent and carried the entire story. His pain and loss when he realises he loves her was well acted (compared to her) and his joy at being in a positive family environment quite genuine.
However the star of this Kdrama is the child actress, who is absolutely brilliant and deserving of every Award for supporting actress!
Not sure if I can recommend this series as there are so many others so much better.
Cheolinwanghoo (2020)
So Funny!
Lots of Laughs. Bit of History, usual love triangle with a twist. Some modern references that are just as funny.
The actor Shin Hye-Sun is absolutely convincing in the initial episodes as a man. The personality changes are subtle as the drama unfolds. The other actors step up brilliantly. The story is a bit fanciful but who care when there is non stop laughter.
A different approach to what is essentially a love story set in the Historical Joseon period. Could almost miss the secondary love interest as it was so underplayed by an older couple.
Yes, there is a "Happy Ending", if thats important to you
Kudos to the script writer and the Director. Highly recommend this Kdrama.
Update: Rewatched this drama and although I did laugh again, something was clearly missing. I realised it was that the male chef did not get his HEA when he got back to the 21st c. The Queen and the Emperor got their HEA in Joseon, but the chef is still single and dare I say it a little loss. There should have been some companion concerned and waiting for him, I mean even if its his family.
Trolley (2022)
Deep Trauma of the
An excellent interpretation of the "Trolley Dilema".
The plus points are the incredible acting of the leads and the demonstration of an affectionate supportive long married couple.
The primary issues are sexual assault and the high prevalence of suicide in S. Korea. Bravo to the writers at this attempt to combine these two very disturbing topics. 1. The women (young girls usually) who have to live in an extremly conservative society that wants them "forget and move on" and 2. The families who are left behind after a loved one commits suicide.
Sadly the ending disolves into a messy whirlpool and characters that we were once rooting for are now questionable so thats just too confusing.
But still worth watching.