blahblahfriend Reviews

A Killer Paradox (2024– )

Grimy crime drama exploring guilt and justice

[8/10 · 10 February 2024]

"A Killer Paradox" is Netflix's latest Korean crime drama series. It features a protagonist with a unique crime-fighting ability. Some are approaching this with high expectations due to the caliber of past roles by the two leads, Choi Woo Shik and Son Suk Ku, but it might be best to temper your expectations. It's mostly entertaining, exploring ethical dilemmas related to justice, guilt, and innocence, but seems to be missing the extra something (maybe emotional impact) that the top shows in this genre possess.

The show is generally fast-paced and combines suspenseful storytelling, psychological thriller elements, and grimy action. The narrative is at times non-linear and gradually unveils layers, keeping the audience engaged and guessing. It is more plot and mystery driven and doesn't invest as much into character development as many Korean dramas do. As a result, it's not as easy to sympathize with the characters.

The production quality stands out, with meticulous attention to detail in set design and cinematography. The cast delivers compelling performances. This is a thought-provoking addition to the crime drama genre.

Inseparable Bros (2019)

A heartwarming tale of a brotherhood that transcends limitations

[8/10 · 25 December 2023]

This Korean comedy-drama film tells the story of Se-ha, a wheelchair-bound intellectual, and Dong-goo, a physically capable man with the mental age of a child. The two share an unbreakable bond, formed over 20 years, complementing each other and relying on each other to navigate the complexities of life.

The film presents a nice balance of comedy and drama. I loved the bumbling antics and playful banter. The realistic yet dignified portrayal of disabled individuals was much appreciated.

There were solid performances from Shin Ha-kyun, Lee Kwang-soo, and Esom. LKS won a number of awards for his supporting role. While some scenes seemed overacted, this was an overall enjoyable film.

It is a heartwarming film, celebrating resilience, interdependence, and the value of human connections that transcend disabilities.

Death's Game (2023– )

Are you really living when you're in constant fear of death?

[10/10 · 18 December 2023]

This show is phenomenal! It is a must-watch for its cutting-edge storytelling (based on the acclaimed webtoon) and intense emotional journey. But viewer discretion is advised for its stark portrayal of death, suicide, and related disturbing content.

It is a gripping psychological K-thriller along the lines of Netflix's The Glory. The work probes into dark themes related to the struggle to survive. It explores mortality, love, family, and regret. The suspense waiting for the lead's next demise is balanced with gallows humor, and there is tremendous emotional depth to the story.

The production features an ensemble cast, similar to this year's Moving. Their performances are amazing! Writing is tight. Cinematography is beautiful and meticulous. For example, watch for an incredible one-shot action sequence reminiscent of Birdman. VFX might not match top Hollywood quality, but there are masterfully choreographed set pieces that keep you on the edge of your seat.

For fans of the genre and newcomers alike, this is a series that demands attention.

Welcome to Samdalri (2023– )

A delightful rom-com with a colorful small-town backdrop!

[10/10 · 3 December 2023]

This rom-com is a contemporary take on classic romantic tropes set in a charming town on Jeju Island. The two charismatic leads, Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun, carry this story, owning every moment they're on screen.

For Korean drama buffs, the themes are familiar. They are soulmates born within minutes of each other (à la The Good Bad Mother) who break up although they still have feelings (Our Beloved Summer). They reunite in the setting of heartwarming friends and endearing locals in a beautiful small town (Hometown Cha Cha Cha; Our Blues). Amusing twists and turns (and slapstick comedy), not to mention challenges, abound. Those who love these themes are likely to find this show delightful as well!

On the other hand, the exaggerated problems and crises that punctuate the storyline could be viewed as flaws. It might be helpful to keep in mind that Korea has an especially harsh cancel culture. It's not unheard of for baseless accusations to stymie careers (Tablo of Epik High comes to mind).

Enjoy this journey of two inseparable friends rekindling love, supporting each other, and helping each other grow!

Twinkling Watermelon (2023– )

Viva la vida -- Long live life!

[10/10 · 15 November 2023]

This Korean drama is at turns delightfully light and emotional. The music is superb. The actors are adorable. There are elements of coming-of-age, rom-com, and fantasy time travel. But, foremost, it embodies a celebration of life -- especially of aspects that are sweet and sparkly like the title, Twinkling Watermelon.

The emotional core involves the enduring dilemma faced by young people: whether to live a life that makes their heart beat or follow the lead of their parents. The main character Ha Eun-gyeol, a CODA (child of deaf adult) youth, grapples between following his passions and serving the needs of his family, when he is presented with an opportunity to change the trajectory of their lives by slipping back in time when his parents were his age. We're also presented with the question, would life really be better if the past changed to our liking?

As the story transpires, we see some of the joys and sparks of youth, its conflicts and uncertainties. It delves into teenage anxiety and mental health issues and the pressures from parents and society. The show also portrays beautiful friendships and loving, albeit sometimes misunderstood, family relationships. The deaf character portrayed by Shin Eun-soo is a gem. And Choi Hyun-wook is a master at capturing the spirit and zest of youth.

In a way, the show follows some of the winning formulae of other recent successes. As in the movie CODA, it peers into the lives of the deaf who face many challenges but lead meaningful lives. As in Someday or One Day, it makes you dream about rewriting the past, preventing accidents, and letting go of guilt and resentment. As in 2521 and the Reply series, it taps into 90s nostalgia, when times were simpler, when you had to run to a pay phone to answer urgent beeper messages and could drop by your friend's home anytime. So, in a way, it is not groundbreaking but a good story nonetheless.

If splitting hairs, the series is not without imperfections. Time travel presents logic problems. It's apparent from the proficiency of signing that the actors are not deaf themselves. And there is a reliance on common tropes to create obstacles for the characters. But I recommend you watch this for its emotional journey and uplifting message.

The main character's parents are deaf, but they are 'cheerful, healthy, and happy because they could communicate with their eyes, their hearts, and their hands.' We all have problems, but we can also grow, adapt, and have fun. The show promotes embracing music and loved ones: Seize the day, its joys and opportunities! ¡Viva la vida!

Castaway Diva (2023)

If you wish for something with all your heart, it'll come true one way or another in an unexpected way

[10/10 · 31 October 2023]

This Korean drama is a story of resilience, hopes, and dreams. It highlights the enduring spirit of a woman who continues to reach for the stars despite the odds. Mixed in are celebrity drama, family conflict, mystery, and doses of rom-com.

The series is the third collaboration of writer Park Hyeryeon and director Oh Choonghwan, after Start-Up and While You Were Sleeping. They masterfully interweave humor with depth of emotion. The female lead, Park Eunbin, of Extraordinary Attorney Woo fame, brings quirkiness and charm, not to mention some impressive singing. The plotline is at times whimsical and imaginative. The visuals, sound, and design are polished, as to be expected from Studio Dragon.

Pacing is dynamic. Each episode generally contains some balance of serious problems and inspiring moments. The writer excels at portraying heartwarming friendships and is known to keep you guessing about who will end up in a relationship with whom. There are mystery elements here, and you're drawn in rooting for their dreams to come true. There is some rewatch value as you can notice the crumbs and intentional miscues throughout the story.

Parts of the first episode could be difficult to watch due to scenes of physical abuse. But I recommend you stick to it to watch a beautiful and inspiring story showcasing the struggle and merits of chasing your dreams and the value of loving family bonds.

Doona! (2023– )

Cinematic aesthetic with moody storytelling

[8/10 · 20 October 2023]

There is plenty to appreciate in this drama, but it won't appeal to all audiences. It is driven by beautiful cinematography and a wistful, moody ambiance. The actors are gorgeous. But the pacing is deliberate and the slower side, and the storytelling could disappoint those looking for something more dynamic.

It's a story that follows the torn feelings of an earnest and hardworking college student who moves in to a home occupied on the first floor by the titular former kpop star, Doona. She is sassy and out of his league but irresistible. The plot thickens as he reunites with a longtime female friend who attends the same college. Bonds form and feelings clash as they grapple with their pasts and futures.

This drama is for those who love the aesthetics within the first few minutes and fans of the actors. But the series is not groundbreaking in its storytelling. I give it kudos for exploring the pain and sacrifice of celebrity figures.

--- Edit 2023/10/22, adding spoilers and discussion of ending

I'd like to add that the language is mature and romance, more intimate for a typical kdrama. I also couldn't help but notice some male gaze/voyeuristic shots. The lingering shots of Suzy's feet seem almost fetishizing.

Regarding the ending, there's some controversy among viewers. The ending is probably bittersweet for most, but there's ambiguity leaving it to interpretation. Some are referring to the intro and vignettes to point to a happy ending, pointing out that the scenes from the intro are scenes that take place after the final conversation between the leads at the end of the series. The intro includes scenes of the sharehouse group at the beach on the "field trip" that Jinju promised to Doona, which is not in the drama itself.

There's enough to interpret either a happy ending or a star-crossed love. Near the end of Ep 1 as Doona enters Wonjun's class, she repeats the words from his texts she first reads in the final episode, saying: "You once said to me that you and I are from different universes. That though we had been living in completely different universes, we found ourselves sitting side by side at the same station purely by chance." (The train station vignettes/intro further this theme.) Then she says, "Even though you may be right--I was happy that it was you." This last expression could be interpreted as nostalgia, not necessarily that they rekindled their relationship. At the same time, there are clearly scenes showing they had additional encounters after their final conversation of the drama. Perhaps the ending is intentionally ambiguous, reminiscent of jdramas with a wistful, dreamy tone.

Finally, I find it amusing they teased webtoon readers when they showed Wonjun sleeping over at Ira's home!

Moving (2023– )

An intriguing story with an ensemble cast!

[10/10 · 16 August 2023]

There are many things to love about this series! A stellar, ensemble cast; impressive production value; and an intriguing storyline with doses of action, adventure, mystery, coming-of-age, and rom-com--this is a bold entry by Disney into K-Dramas.

I felt the series was strongest when focusing on characters and their development. There were excellent use of flashbacks and clever editing showing different viewpoints. The family relationships added depth and relatability. It was possibly weakest with some of the plot development--the English dialogue and interactions between government agencies did not feel compelling or sufficiently fleshed out. But I am fully satisfied with this being character- and action-driven.

The series commits much to building the Moving universe and characters. It seems the producers and the writer (who also created the eponymous webtoon) might be interested in sequels and spinoffs using the stellar cast.

I am happy to see another big player like Disney entering the K-Drama arena. Given the company's recent financial struggles, I sure hope this turns out to be a great success and leads to further projects for us to enjoy!!