Watched in 2023

Drama
Finished 1/5

*Started last year*
Tomorrow is a drama that deals heavily with suicide, with a lot of triggers, thus it can be a hard drama to binge through. While I don't agree with the way some of the earlier episodes played out, I did appreciate the ways our character grew and were molded by each other to be better at their grim reaper job of keeping people alive. The drama's driving theme is that the right words at the right time is key to helping someone through tough times and find the courage to continue on and that, at some point in the future, you will find it was all worth it for today. I am glad it puts forth that message, but it shows the result as a more, one and done than the battle that it is. However they may have tried to change it by addressing "it was all worth it for today," as Goo Ryun understood her client's pain. I do appreciate the way it showed everyone's pain, from those struggling to those around them, as well as give hope and teach, much like our main crew learn as well, how to help each other and be each other's supports.

Drama
1/7

*Some type of God*  (13)
I wanted to enjoy this more than I did. It is a genre that I enjoy, however was slow moving and very frustrating at times. Onyang kai definitely stole the show for me with how much his character was willing to grow and learn. Meanwhile, other characters remained at the same place they were since the beginning of the show, which became frustrating to watch. I think the show had a fine premise but ultimately failed to deliver on what could have made it amazing.

Movie
1/7

*Suspense*  (13)
Innocent Witness is a beautiful little movie, if not very predictable. I don't suggest it if you want accurate courtroom cases >.<'  I am not qualified to talk about it's depiction of autism either, but from what I do know, it seems to be a thoughtful depiction, as it would need to be for the movie to work. The movie stresses the need for people to take a moment to understand another human being, not to just write them off for being different, as ultimately, we are all different. I love that you follow a lawyer who really wants to be good, but as his father says, everyone stumbles and makes mistakes. So we watch him learn to be a better person, by taking the time to understand Jiwoo, from someone who gave her child's puzzles to much more difficult logic puzzles, and by proxy what she and others are indeed capable of.

Movie
1/8

*Female-Centered Plot*  (13)
Although the base story is nothing new, many points have to go to the acting which really brought the movie to life. 

Drama
1/8

*Cover has Light Colors*  (24)
A semi-episodic, relaxing, touching, murder mystery drama. Suda Masaki plays our Doctor Who lookin', empathetic Sherlock minded... university student. Did I start it 'cause the cover reminded me of The Doctor? Mayyybeee... Did I stay because the show was just that good. YES. While there are some parts that I didn't care for, I overall had a very fun time. Although Totono is able to solve things quickly, and notice patterns quicker than the rest. It is by his mere curiosity in everything and he is wonderfully careful to try not to offend others as he is talking, which leads the drama to also take on a calmer tone. However there better be a second season coming! >.<

Mini Series
1/9

*Domesticated Animal on the cover* (24)
Through a girl who's become a shut in due to high anxiety, and a talking(ish) dog that found his way into her apartment, viewers are given a really cute short series that really highlights the importance of pets in our life.

Movie
1/9

*Character Development*  (13)
What's really nice about this one, is that it's based off of a true event. Of course there are creative liberties taken, but the movie grabs your attention. Our leads do an excellent job acting as well. You can tell it's a strong patriotism movie though, as the driving reason for the team being created (China's team) are basically 2D big bad, no goods. However, I'm letting that slide mostly slide as that's not the main focus, that being the joining of North and South and the players and coaches being a symbol of hope that it is possible.

Movie
1/10

*Discrimination*  (13)
The juxtaposition of Tomo's family being investigated while she's at her uncle's with his girlfriend Rinko, while at the same time Kai's "caring" mother is driving him to attempt suicide, was poignant. Especially giving we can assume exactly who had made to the call. Not to mention, Tomo was given actual love from Rinko and her uncle, while her birth mother will leave Tomo alone at a drop of a hat. While there is a lot that was warming about this movie, I did have some qualms that made it hard to watch, one of which being Rinko's mom. While I'm glad she had her to support her growing up, the lady literally stares down an eleven year old girl to protect her grown daughter, and then has the gall to talk about how Rinko is "lucky" because her boyfriend's parents are dead or in a home, and can't object to them... in FRONT of the family involved. 

Miniseries
1/12

*Geometrical Shapes on the cover* (24)
Absolute adorable fluff that makes you wish it was longer than 2 episodes though possibly enclosing it to that amount of time really made it work. Jungmin's younger sister really made the show, and I absolutely loved the sibling relationship depicted here; they nagged, annoyed, and supported each other. 

Movie
1/12

*Flower on the cover* (24)
The movie that inspired Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill saga (although I've never actually seen that one myself... >.>). Lady Snowblood is extremely bloody and violent, however is visually beautiful. The majority of the film is in darker, cooler colors, making Yuki's snow white kimono, purple wagasa, and inevitable blood spatters really pop on the screen, commanding the viewer's atention. 

Movie
1/13

*Door on the cover* (24)
Literal Tears. My heart is breaking. D":
A++ Acting. Love Son Ye Jin and everyone did absolutely excellent. It's based off a true story, I can't tell you how accurate it is, I assume (as I usually do with these sorts of stories) creative liberties were taken as it was made into a movie, but it was so moving, and you get a end credits what happened to everyone. Without spoilers, a lot of it was hard, but the last part is what really got to me.

Movie
1/14

*MOVIE that lasts  180 minutes or longer.    3h 57m *   (5)
A masterclass in film making. Somehow you can both feel and never be disengaged by the 4 hours this movie goes through. While relatively slow in pace, time has a weird way of making this movie seem short even. The viewer is transported to the time, made to feel a part of it as we watch especially one child (though there are many throughout the film we meet) get shaped by the world around him.

Web drama
1/15

* Short Length Series*   (5)
I was intrigued by the integration of 2D animation with the live action, so decided to give it a try. In that field I was not disappointed. The animation seems to depict his journey as he comes to term with his terminal diagnoses, discretely going through a mixture of the stages of grief. Meanwhile the live action part gave a view into the people and interactions around our main character. As they too grapple and are hurting but there to support their son, brother, and boyfriend. But for me, the drama seemed to lack something still. However, that didn't stop my heart from hurting seeing how much his life had affected those around him, as a part of him will live on in them.

Drama
1/16

*DRAMA with  30 episodes or more.       32 Episodes*   (5)
I know this drama wants to have a lot of heart in it. Heartwarming moments to reflect the real world, and give teaching moments. However it falls short, missing it's mark. Majority of the characters are just frustrating with little depth other than to play their role in the story. I can count on one hand the characters that weren't just annoying, miscommunication, childish problem creators. That's not to say there were very nice, hit the feels moments, but more that situations that would happen really didn't make sense if the characters would think anything through.
Shout out to the security couple and Yang Seo Goon for getting me through this one lol.

Miniseries
1/16

*DRAMA with 8 episodes or less      4 episodes*     (5)
A sad tale that really underlines the need to appreciate the people around you and what they bring to your live while they are still there and to be attentive to their needs as well as your own. What I couldn't stand was the information being given to the husband, and him just not sharing the information (since it was hard) and making decisions himself. I understand it being hard, but she needs to know what's going on with her body but just isn't told the full truth of anything? Literally she doesn't know, her family is mostly in the blue. I just kept yelling at the screen...

Drama
1/18

*DRAMA with 30-40 minute episodes      32min*      (5)
I... either wasn't paying attention or was in a mood when I made this block for the watch challenge... Three in a row about terminal cancer is pretty depressing. >.<
As it is, it's easily my favorite so far. It gives a quiet, calm, introspective look at the subject, to the point that, along with the characters, I'm smiling though my heart is breaking. It was healing as much as it was sad. Recipe for Farewell shows a love that beats through food and just being there when you are needed most. It asks to take the time to communicate in the two way street. What I loved is you follow a couple on the brink on divorce. They had lost the ability to communicate effectively, however they still did care for each other deeply. This way of their love comes out in the whole 2nd premise of the show, the love and attention the is put into the food created. The show gives us narration of the main character, Kang Chang Wook, and later his wife Jung Da Jung, where we watch him learn that cooking for someone else is the true joy of it, and then later her repeat the sentiment in a similar way, showing just how much both parties understand and are able to reconnect by the end. I just absolutely loved the way this was put together. Chang Wook later realizes in the last episode, "Looking back, all the recipes I posted on my blog... were a diary, of the happiest moments, in the painful time battling cancer," and that is exactly how the entire show feels. The happiest times, in the painful times. 

Drama
1/28

*Time Loop*    (6)
I was very excited about this drama after the first two episodes. The characters acted as one would given their circumstances. Kang Chil, having been in prison for 16 years since he was a teen, had a hard time adjusting to outside life well, so he can act a little off putting to most though he really means well. Ji Na, who finds out one rainy night, is untrusting of the stranger she literally just met. Each action they did makes sense, and the show held together well... at least in the beginning half. I feel like the show could have lost one thing happening that made the ending unsatisfactory for me, and probably be at least 4 episodes shorter and been brilliant. Unfortunately the ending dragged, characters hadn't really learned anything to grow by the end, and the up and downs of the relationship really made me wish Kang Chil liked Hyo Sook more. All of which brought down the drama for me, which was disappointing as, as I said earlier, it was gearing up to be a really good drama.

Movie
2/1

*Healing*    (12)
While their meeting may have been rough to say the least, the bond and affection these two have for each other is just a beautiful little found family. 

Drama
2/3

*Time Travel*     (6)
With fights in almost every episode, this show made what would have been a drawn out drama of 24 episodes very fun to watch for me. I fell absolutely in love with the King and Queen's relationship as well. There were a few meh points of the drama where it could have been better, but overall it was a fun ride with a complete, satisfying ending which I had been craving for for a while after the past handful of titles.

Movie
2/4

*Summer*    (6)
I've watched the Korean adaption to this movie, so I knew what to expect. The story is split into 4 parts, 2 movies. With beautiful shots that highlight the nature and scenery of Komori, Little Forest gives it's viewers just a calm, cerebral glimpse at out main characters life as she if farming various ingredients through the year that she uses in meals. While those meals are really the only thing pushing the movie forward, it's slow, calm movement really gives you a moment to just sit back and destress... just make sure you've eaten before or have food on the standby.

Movie
2/5

*Spring*     (6)
(Connected to the previous Little Forest thoughts)

Movie
2/11

*Child Actor/Actress*     (16)

An absolute gut punch. Miracle in Cell No. 7 will make you smile, cry, and very angry.

Movie
2/12

*Former Child Actor/Actress     Yeo Jin Goo*     (16)
I absolutely love Jin Goo and he does his role flawlessly, however it is clear that Lee Jung Jae and his character both are veterans in their field. The sheer acting chops of the leads for this movie. <3 Unfortunately, while there are very powerful scenes, the overarching plot has a feeling of falling a little short if they didn't have the actors pulling it up. Beautiful cinematography.

Movie
2/12

*Hidden Identity*     (16)
So Thriller isn't my normal genre, but I'm pretty sure a lot of this has all the basics of what one would expect from a thriller without lending anything too out of the ordinary. However I do really like the twist near the ending, and the emotions evoked. Seo Ye Jin did an amazing job propelling the entire story as without her acting chops this storytelling would not have worked. Kim Kang Woo also did a wonderful job playing his character to keep you on the edge.

Short Film
2/12

*Trans gender identity     Transwoman*     (16)
I had to re-watch this short in order to fully appreciate all the small details in adds to tell it's story. Even in the quality I could find it, it's clear a lot of love and attention was put into it. It is beautifully done for the short 11 min it takes. 

Movie
2/13

*Living with a disability      Cerebral Palsy*     (16)
I was very happy to see that an actress with cerebral palsy was the one to play the character with her condition. It adds a realness to the scenes, and she was able to give input as well. I also REALLY need to remember to read tags cause this one had me blushing and fast forwarding through some scenes... though that's due to varying content ratings in countries I think.
My job works closely to people with varying disabilities, and while I can't speak to their experiences, this movie really highlighted a few things for me.
1) The mother was annoying me. She has a daughter who is able and willing to be independent, but won't let her to the point of stifling her. That independence is what Yuma craves though, and should be supported by stepping away. I mean her mother even cut her food!
2) The importance of inclusion. So many characters say things along the lines of; I was originally scared 'cause you were disabled or I never realized it could be so fun together, or is looked at differently, all because they had never met or interacted with anyone. However, she patiently shows them the beautiful kind person she is.

Drama
2/14

*Smart Female Lead/Smart Male Lead*     (18)
A fun mystery drama. Excellent and beautiful cinematography, which may be my favorite thing about this show? 

Movie
2/16

*Tagged Comedy*     (3)
Definitely a comedy, there isn't a single serious bone in this drama. Viewers are given a wide variety of characters (and I do mean both definitions of the word) with a deceptively bumbling fool and a straight-laced guard leading the way as the plan to steal the very ice he guards. The movie continues to give twists and fun obstacles and makes a enjoyable watch.

Movie
2/20

*Rewatch*
A masterpiece that I am so happy was showing in theaters >.<

Movie
3/6

*Tagged Historical*
Giving viewers powerful acting from everyone, especially Junho. While Homme Fatale began humorus, the second half darkened the mood with the hidden social injustices that were originally shadowed by the earlier humor.

Drama
3/6

*found mentioned in an  Article on MDL (add a link to the article)      The Article*     (8)
While packed to the hilt with dispicable moms, this show literally has me screeching like a fan girl and super excited for every episode to come... <3
Absolutely love our main couple. Jeon Do Yeon and Jung Kyung Ho rocked their parts. I loved our students and how their stories played out, how they grew throughout the story. My only wish is that the moms had had any real movement to them as well. No quick turns cause it's the last episode, or no changes at all... I remain convinced that they would all redo literally everything they have all drama... Through that though, this still remains one of my favorite dramas for this year so far.

Movie
3/8

*tagged Action*     (3)
It's called the Great Battle, and is unapologetically an action movie, so it has just one thing to do well, the action. Does it deliver? Oh 100%. While it's story is a simple underdog story, the action is where this movie shines. Seeing the strategy that our group puts out to stand off against all odds is riveting.  Not to mention the cinematography, acting, and production of the movie that really seamlessly brings the moment to life. (Also I don't know the whole history of this, but it's at least inspired by a real battle, if not entirely accurate)

Drama
3/13

*with the newest release date in your PTW list     Jan 7, 2023 *    (7)
The girl power of this one! Literally looking for a strong female lead? a well written working woman? Here. Here it is. It shows the pressures working mothers have, the extra work a woman needs to put in when working in an environment traditionally male, the dress that's pushed irregardless of capabilities. It's a prove your skill/revenge-ish and just completely and totally fun to see our team rock it. While I love Lee Bo Young, I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy the plot, however this drama quickly made it to my favs lists.

Movie
3/15

*Tagged Romance*    (3)
While nothing new, it was an enjoyable ride.

Movie
3/18

*Tagged Political*     (3)
Delightful acting from our leads. 

Miniseries
3/19

*Feat. a Veterinarian*     (19)
Cute mini-series that somewhat has hospital playlist vibes. I also wish it were longer for that reason. It's a nice series to chill to. 

Movie
3/22

*Feat. a Pet*    (19)
Watching the movie from the cat's perspective is pretty interesting. We are able to piece together what is happening but for her it's not so clear. This is a journey plot. Satoru is trying to find a friend to take in his cat, as he does we see a glimpse of his life. It was very heart warming to meet the people in his life and how they touched each other's lives and continued to be important. 

Drama
3/24

*from your most viewed tags          Death*    (8)
I wanted this to be better than it was (though Kim Junghyun does beautifully in his role). Mostly it just seems to fall flat on it's plot. It feel like the writer had an idea, but struggled to make it work longer. However, I do enjoy our supernatural family. 

Drama
3/25

*Items used... A Hoodie*      (15)
If a show's primary job is to entertain, the Heavenly Idol does just that. While not great per se, it is definitely an enjoyable ride with some twists I saw coming and some I did not. It's always fun to watch fish-out-of-water plots (part of why I enjoy time travel) and this reverse isekai keeps up with our main character struggling to fit into his life. Just a very enjoyable ride. 

Movie
3/25

*Feat. a Romantic Ride on a Horse*     (19)
I honestly just couldn't get into this... Childhood friends turn on themselves in childish greed, distrust, and servitude. :/ Not my type of show unfortunately.
The visuals and editing was nicely done however. 

Drama
3/27

*Feat. a Farm Animal*    (19)
I was far more impressed by this than I thought I would be. Aside from the borderline red flag of Win (if not just straight up red flag), the body switch is beautifully handled. The show is careful about when we see Win vs. Lin. After a certain event, Win wakes up to find himself in his sister, Lin's body. Win and Korn have a once extremely close, now rocky relationship and Win finds himself needing to go on a road trip with Korn. The show makes it clear that Korn, while physically seeing Lin, actually sees Win by showing the audience Win whenever it is just the two of them together. Meanwhile, if Win interacts with anyone else (sub the one-ish other who knows), we see Lin interacting. I loved this detail. The actor and actress of Win and Lin do a wonderful job of seamlessly playing the same character only enhanced by the quickly and equally seamless transitions.
Quite enjoyable road trip drama... Win just desperately needs to get his anger management under control.

Movie
(??)

A movie by Zhang Yi Mou, what can I say? I expected cinematic greatness with artful fight scenes and was not disappointed. Absolutely wonderful display of how beautiful shades from black to white and lighting can be utilized in story telling.

Kdrama
7/27

*Athlete      Boxer     (17)
A very solid drama, but what else would you expect from a title with Woo Do Hwan. Everyone does an excellent job with their characters. I remember reading one review that stated a little fault with the drama is there are some characters whose stories are not fully explored, and I agree. The drama is good at getting you to love the cast, and then there's some (one in particular) who's full circle you just don't get. 

Movie
7/29

An interesting movie. Wasn't outstanding, but did give a different story from other war/action films. Quite fun.

Movie
7/31

*Killer       (18)
While I can't say I was enthralled by a lot of this movie, and felt that it was lacking in areas, I will say I did enjoy the interrelationships quite a lot. The rocky bonds that are formed amongst the assassins are great. The strained, yet loving relationship between mother and daughter, while I did not feel like I saw enough from it, was enough to cement character motivations. The Actor/tresses did a fabulous job as well.

Movie
8/25

Okay... so... this was a bad movie for me to pick up in the first place, it's not really my type of genre. I just recognized the actor from Isa Pa with Feeling and went with it. >.<
So much could be avoided with just a little bit of communication, it's infuriating. The movie itself however, is just fine, nothing new, but well executed.

Movie
8/27

Movie
9/9

*Bromance      (22)
An adorable movie that if you love pets, you will definitely enjoy. 

Miniseries
9/9

An absolute heartwarming, beautiful little miniseries. No real plot, but many episodic snapshots into the lives of those crossing this little coffee shop. I loved the little stories and approaches it gave. It was a very calming.

10/1

*Sibling     (22)
Song of Bandits hooks you and keeps you there through it's run of episodes. Beautifully shot cinematography, excellent acting from all the cast, and fast, well-choreographed action scenes. 

Drama
10/16

*In a City     (14)
A cute rom com. Quite fun fluff. Can't stand the side characters however. Am I supposed to dislike the co-workers? Like the Co-workers? They are just so unlike-able that I don't care when the drama tries to change them... they are still  just plain awful. Ma Eun Young deserves better... though he does seem to be a decent human being for her. I think most attention was put into the main couple, and 2nd lead however. 

Drama
10/28

*One of your Fav Actors          Yang Se Jong     (9)

The cinematography of this drama alone gives it top marks. Absolutely beautiful shots, wonderfully framed. Each snapshot giving a different feeling, telling the audience new information through picture alone. Top marks.

Yang Se Jong, one of my favorite actors, brings so much life to his character, he feels real. Suzy, while I've seen her in other dramas and wasn't too into what she brought there, here truly embodies Doona. Great acting from our leads and second leads really brings to life the world of our characters.

The most striking part of this drama for me however, laid in it's cinematography. Giving the drama beautiful shots throughout. However it did not only stop at beauty, each shot conveys to the viewer more information on our characters, their feelings, their relationship, each shot has a meaning behind it. 

Drama
11/1

*Glasses       (17)
Being the third season, we know what to expect. Master Kim being everyone's amazing, wise, larger-than-life mentor. It really feels like the writers thought through the main points that remained constant through the last two seasons, Kim Sabu of course, but also 2 doctors that need Kim Sabu to set their life straight and a relationship sub plot. From there you just have the crew that we have come to know and love, and honestly seeing them again always just feels like a warm hug. 

Drama
11/11

*On a Cliff      (14)
I love Song Joong Ki, and I loved his portrayal of Eunseom and Saya. Same with the others from the first season. I fell in love with their characters and was immersed in the world. So I while I understood all the obstacles that happened in between seasons, and even with Lee Joon Gi(literally my favorite Korean actor), I still had my reservations about how this season would turn out.

First off the new actors do an amazing job. Of course there's Lee Joon Gi doing wonderfully, but the other's shine in their roles as well. I see a lot of dislike on Shin Sae Kyeong's portrayal of Tanya, but I found it very believable. Tanya has learned how to behave, how to put on a mask, after years in Arthdal, only allowing the slightest eye movement to give away her feelings, Sae Kyeong does this well. I have a strong visual memory, so it took a while to get used to the changes especially with the twins. As I said I loved SJK's portrayal of the twins, so I was worried with LJK. It did take a while in the beginning, but he absolutely owned those characters. 

However, I think that's what I want to address the most. Due to circumstances there's 4 years between seasons; actor/ess's schedules no longer worked, production crew changes, and network changes. They worked hard to get this show back running but honesty, it felt a little jarring at times. Enough differences, it felt like too much had happened off screen. The beginning just felt off and I felt more disconnected from the characters I loved in S1. Sometime around the middle of S2 though, the show hit it's groove and gives audience much of what they needed to see since S1.

Also, our returning actors continue the fabulous work they did in S1. I absolutely love Taealha. She is the glue that binds together the two seasons, remaining true to her character. Honestly, if the drama was from her perspective, she could easily be an amazing anti-heroine protagonist. 

Drama
11/14

*Items used... A Hoodie*      (15)
This drama is just so healing, heartwarming, and plain fun. A youth drama that goes beyond it's genre. I saw a clip from it of someone emphatically telling a mother(?), "How could you deny her sign? How is she supposed to be able to express herself?" (paraphrased). I found from the comments he had been defending his mother an there was time travel involved. Time travel and sign language? SIGN ME UP!
As I said this drama was so heartwarming to watch, it's the type to leave a hole after it's done. However I do have some qualms.
Story wise, it can be a bit confusing to follow. I let the 1st episode go as it wants to be for the twist at the end,  but there are points that aren't transitioned coherently. There are also parts that are left open by the time the drama ends.
Then, while I do appreciate our cast's acting and dedication to learning their instruments and signs, I do wish that they had hired SOME deaf people in the roles of individuals that were completely deaf. I understand the marketability value of a show that results from hiring certain people, however deaf people will never have that if they aren't even casted in roles of deaf characters. Now, I'm not deaf and I don't know Korean sign language, so I can't speak to how well that was done. I do think our actors did wonderfully, but a part of me still wishes this was the case. 

That being said, the drama stresses 1) enjoy life 2) dream big and 3) never let anything get in your way. Deafness is not something to hide away, it's not something this be ashamed of. The show stresses you can keep going as long as you believe in yourself and have the support around you to do what you love. You need both things to live happily.

Drama
11/18

This drama is all about trying to breakdown stereotypes, especially that of the autism spectum disorder. The writers and directors reportedly did a lot of research. Woo Young Woo's actress originally turned down the role, afraid that she would offend people, eventually was convinced by the casting crew who waited for her other drama she had taken instead to finish, and in return did as much research. Both groups, reading up on ASD as possible, talking to professors and respected people on the subject. Avoiding previous portrayals in media of autistic characters.
And you can tell from responses. Many people are able to see themselves in Attorney Woo, and really enjoyed it, even if there are aspects the show overlooks. Such as it's continued use of savant syndrome (which is not as common as entertainment likes it to be) as well as overlooking of masking that many may do. Now I am not autistic, these are all things that I have found from various reviews of people who are.

That being said, I enjoyed attorney Woo. I enjoyed the cases and how they push her character in figuring out what her role as an attorney is. I enjoyed the crew, the growth each character takes in learning to accept her and the view she has,  the omission of a "big bad villians" and the fact that everyone just had shades of grey in their own moral compasses. Jun Ho is just the sweetest and man I could use someone like that in my life lol. 

Drama
11/19

Drama

*Strong Female Lead*     (18)

Drama

*Friendship tag*    (21)

Drama

Before I start my review, i believe it's pertinent to also mention that around 4-5 year ago I did read the webtoon.