WILL WATCH AGAIN/KOREAN
My standards for re-watch value are as follows:
- Writing must be intelligent, believable and fluid.
- Few or no cliches.
- Humour that is witty and unforced.
- Main characters that are strong within themselves or journey to become that way.
- Bonus points for casting that is done based on skill rather than looks.
- Bonus points for a plot that is fresh and creative.
- Bonus points for forcing me to learn something about the world I live in.
There will be exceptions to some of these rules for a multitude of reasons. I will try to remember to express 'why' in the comments.
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1. Flowers that Bloom at Night
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
Age gap...why care? Neither one is a child and both are mature enough to make sound decisions regarding themselves.
I love the humour as well as the thought put into the darker story lines of this series.
I am quite impressed with the strength of character the writers chose to give the leads, it doesn't happen often, and certainly not enough with female leads.
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2. Rainha Cheorin
Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
I will watch this series once a year for the rest of my existence for the humour alone, this is where it's brilliance lies. Kudos to the writers.
The FL carried this show singlehandedly, casting hit the mark with her...well done.
I would like to see a sequel made but from the perspective of the poor girl that went to the future, there is a lot of room for a good dramedy there also.
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3. Bad Prosecutor
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Ahhh, this was fun. It has the perfect balance of everything an action, drama, comedy should have. A very big shout out to the writers for a job well done and to the actors and their support staff for outstanding effort.
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4. De Homem Para Homem
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
9.5 for everything except writing, I will give only seven stars. Some of the storylines and behaviours of various character left me scratching my head in either disbelief or confusion...or just rolling my eyes and groaning.
The casting was well thought out and the actors did the best they could with what they were given.
This is in no way cerebral...just bring your eyes and your awake brain and enjoy this series that has and entertainment value of 10.
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5. O Rei: Monarca Eterno
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
I've watched this a few times now and it is still as intriguing as the first time round. While parallel universes aren't a new thing, this series offers a fresh view of it, nice change!
I wasn't a fan of any of Lee Min-ho's characters until this series, so he gets extra credit for winning me over...because THAT is not an easy task!
Some of the characters and their behaviours, annoyed me...cliche, cliche, cliche...so I lay full blame for not being able to give it 10 stars in the laps of the writers...at the same time as I give them full shares in the credit for me giving it the high rating that I did...because that's how I roll.
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6. W
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
This is my second round with 'W' and still enjoyed it.
The female lead is incredibly skilled at her craft, thus allowing us to believe in her character. The ML, while one of the better written chaebols demeanor-wise, still seemed a little stiff...I'm not sure if that is because of the writing or the acting.
It's obvious the writer put time and thought into the creation of this story, his characters in the "now", their back stories and the unique twisting and turning of the plot.
I think this production will be enjoyed by all demographics because all the genres used to describe it are appropriately divided, lending to a nice comfortable balance.
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7. Goblin
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
I enjoyed this...it was nice and light and for the most part, cheery. A good show to watch when you don't have a lot of time but still want quality.
If I had to give it a flaw, it would be that it was too short. However, that being said, the producers did a fantastic job within a very confined time frame. There wasn't any time to get bored and yet they somehow managed to convey all the information needed to allow the viewer to understand the story.
I honestly believe, given the correct writers, that this could have been a 16 hour series. -
8. Apenas Entre Apaixonados
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
I've watched this series a few times and I still can't make a connection between the story and the title. I know it as Rain or Shine, which, with a little imagination you can make it work.
This story is about the scars you can and cannot see and the arduous road to healing. It is both understated and gritty.
There are a few of the inescapable cliche characters and behaviours, but the rest of the writing keeps them from taking centre stage.
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9. The Miracle Brothers
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
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10. Extraordinária Você
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
This was considerably more intelligently written than I had expected as well as being not at all what I had imagined. The concept isn't completely new, but this is by far the best interpretation of it.
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11. Uma Advogada Extraordinária
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
Prior to watching this series, I'd not seen any productions with the FL as part of the cast, she's done a brilliant job here. I would think that she had to allow the character to completely absorb her in order to remain true to the physical mannerisms of Attorney Woo...her dedication is evident throughout.
This series could have easily continued for a few more seasons.
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12. Miau, o Garoto Secreto
Korean Drama - 2020, 24 episodes
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13. Doutor Romântico, Professor Kim
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
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14. Doutor Romântico, Professor Kim 2
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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15. Lovers
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
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16. Sinal
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
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17. O Conto da Raposa de Nove Caudas
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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18. O Sacerdote Impetuoso
Korean Drama - 2019, 40 episodes
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19. A Grande Doutora
Korean Drama - 2012, 24 episodes
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20. Descendentes do Sol
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
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21. Voltem Cônjuges
Korean Drama - 2017, 12 episodes
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22. Você é Humano Também?
Korean Drama - 2018, 36 episodes
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23. A Lenda do Mar Azul
Korean Drama - 2016, 20 episodes
I passed over watching this, many times, because I thought it looked cheesy. Well, it's not. The humour is spot on, I laughed all the way through. It is well written and the casting was impeccable. I gave it a nine because it, like all other K-anything, has so many vicious people. Whilst there are a LOT of people like this in the world, it is more believable that a mermaid would exist than that every dramatic scenario must include them to keep an audience. I will likely watch this again every year or two. Highly recommend
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24. Desgraça ao Seu Dispor
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
I've watched this a few times...there are dialogues I would write differently to eliminate the pestilence called crap cliches, but the storyline itself is different and has a depth to it that I didn't expect.
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25. Curador
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
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26. Céu Vermelho
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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27. Unlock the Boss
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
I've watched this a few times already. Honestly, I can't peg a reason or reasons why I keep coming back to this production...I just do.
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28. Taxista
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Ah, what fun!
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29. Taxi Driver Temporada 2
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
And MORE fun!
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30. À Distância, a Primavera é Verde
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
A very raw journey through the lives of these young adults.
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31. O Detetive Fantasma
Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes
Ah, Lee Joo-young's character was brilliant (medical examiner/coroner). I'd watch her doing a character like that a million times over, regardless of the job they placed her in, she definitely made the entire series for me. Most of the stars go to those casting her, the writers in charge of her character and how well she played her part.
I agree with others that the scenarios were repetitious and that there was a good deal of room for development, however I can't give as low a rating as them because the plot is still unique and for the most part, the actors did their part.
The first production I saw Park Eun-bin in was Extraordinary Attorney Woo and I thought she was bloody brilliant, so I know she can ply her trade with the best of them. Since then, I've watched a few more that she's been part of and I've have not enjoyed her acting nearly as much. I can't pin down a reason for it...is it the parts, the writing, or her interpretation of the characters? -
32. Amanza
Korean Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
Oh, my heart, do not watch this with anyone...do watch it with a box or two of Kleenex.
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33. Hotel Del Luna
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
I'm not sure what I expected when I started watching this series, but what I got was surely a million times better.
It's a wonderful compilation of stories about life and afterlife.
I didn't like the FL's character much, but it is what it is.
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34. Pinóquio
Korean Drama - 2014, 20 episodes
This gets 10 stars for the overall production, and that it was this well done in 2014.
One thing that I admire about the South Korean media industry is that you have to go quite far back to be able to judge the age of a production based on visuals alone. Western productions...not so far.
I find it embarrassingly trashy that we are such a fad-based society and don't have the foresight or the want for the class of timeless visuals. Was the writing perfect? No, it wasn't, but the few things that I found completely illogical cannot detract from the overall quality of this series.
Why are we not allowed fractions of stars? Nine is not enough and 10 is a bit too much...sigh. Definitely worth the watch
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35. Duas Semanas
Korean Drama - 2013, 16 episodes
10 stars toward every part of this production. Even the "not as happy as it could have been" ending was well done because it was decidedly closer to a real life scenario that the typical portrayal expected.
I'm not familiar with the FL but I will look for more of her work because of how well she presented herself in this series. The ML, I am familiar with. I'm slowly going through his works, this is my fourth and I've yet to be disappointed by this man's tallent. -
36. Sending Me to You
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Oh, I enjoyed this series. I give it 10 stars because of the intricacies of the plot and that the king was not a tyrannical jack ass...nice change. Rowoon's acting has evolved nicely, it is no longer obvious that he is new to his craft...he does a brilliant job of presenting his maturity and diversity.
There is humour to temper the greed and intrigue, enough so that I did not once groan in exasperation throughout the production...which I, sadly, often do.
I found this production to be a comfortable mix of emotional pulls, it wasn't 'too' anything.
Watch and enjoy. -
37. O Beijo do Duende
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
I enjoyed this...it was nice and light and for the most part, cheery. A good show to watch when you don't have a lot of time but still want quality.
If I had to give it a flaw, it would be that it was too short. However, that being said, the producers did a fantastic job within a very confined time frame. There wasn't any time to get bored, and yet they somehow managed to convey all the information needed to allow the viewer to understand the story.
I honestly believe, given the correct writers, that this could have been a 16 hour series. -
38. Príncipe do Telhado
Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes
This is just plain fun. Entertainment value is a 10. Definitely not cerebral, but still time well wasted.
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39. Vincenzo
Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
Ahhh, my Vincenzo, man after my own heart. I'm not violent, but there I was cheering him on in every act of violence he committed, go big or go home!
All 10 stars go toward the ML's character; he carries the entire production with the entertainment value he provides. If his character wasn't written so large, there would be no reason for me to watch as I found all of the other characters annoying in one way or another.
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40. Move to Heaven
Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
10 stars aren't enough, just like 10 episodes aren't enough. If I thought a petition would work, I'd put it in motion to have this series continue until all of the writers succumb to old age.
The writing is superb, giving each of the characters such depth within their very real humanness.
The casting was spot on. I truly can not imagine anyone that could stand in for the present cast.
The only thing I would change would be the FL's mother's character...she's a bit over-the-top, dragging down the intelligence of every scene she is in.
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41. Missing
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
Where is season 2???? Why is it not available anywhere??? This grumpy old hag wants to know!
This is one of the very few productions that I did not skip any part of. I watched it a while ago, I'll write a better review once I've had a re-watch.
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42. Nightly Photo Studio
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
Grab every emotion you own, have a seat and dump them all in your lap for easy access.
The entertainment value for this series is 10, while it's not cerebral, it still finds a way to make you think...well played. It is intelligently written and for the most part, presents in a way that doesn't make me roll my eyes or groan.
Kudos to the writers for not forcing me to skip ahead by seconds, minutes or episodes.
NOTE: Don't be me! If all episodes in your language aren't available yet, WAIT UNTIL THEY ARE, you'll thank me later.
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43. A Juventude de Maio
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
I must have had my head up my arse when the history surrounding this story unfolded, I have no recollection of any part of it.
Full stars for forcing me into this historical rabbit hole and ensuring that I left the day a little bit wiser.
All of the actors did a fine job of plying their trade, as did everyone else involved in this production.
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44. Trinta, Mas Dezessete
Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes
This review was written by ribbittoad5 on Feb 22, 2024 on another platform all credit must go toward them. Their words mirror my thoughts exactly so here we are:)
Thoughtful, poignant, cute, and funny.
It had beautiful fateful encounters without the forced moments from the characters' past that kdramas typically have. Wonderfully acted and directed. The writing was beautiful and mature, while maintaining a bubbly innocence. The writers obviously took their time. They definitely did not cut corners, and plot holes were kept to a minimum.
It was a little predictable, but not in the more important plot lines. While they hit all the classic kdrama tropes, they still managed to avoid that cliche feeling. And it was so fun to watch. Even the filler scenes were entertaining.
The only (incredibly minor) dislike I have was the veeeeery end. The kids in pajamas and breaking the fourth wall bugged me, but not enough to ruin the show. Overall, this definitely has rewatch potential, as its strength wasn't in the surprises (although they were lovely), it's in the characters and their relationships.
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45. Sparkling Watermelon
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
I'll leave a proper comment once I've watched it again. My first time round was when it aired so I don't trust that I'll do it justice given the time that's lapsed. I just remember thinking that I'd look forward to watching it again.
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46. Hospital Playlist
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
I can't speak highly enough of the exemplary job done by casting as well as the actors. With five main characters to write for as well as all the sub-stories, I bow to the writers for a job well done. The comradery between the actors, not just the characters, was palpable...it's not often that we are fortunate enough to witness this level of it in any production.
Another shout-out to the writers, the humour...dry wit is my preferred form of humour and this lovely work is bloody laden with it...yay!
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47. Hospital Playlist 2
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
I can't speak highly enough of the exemplary job done by casting as well as the actors. With five main characters to write for as well as all the sub-stories, I bow to the writers for a job well done. The comradery between the actors, not just the characters, was palpable...it's not often that we are fortunate enough to witness this level of it in any production.
Another shout-out to the writers, the humour...dry wit is my preferred form of humour and this lovely work is bloody laden with it...yay!
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48. Navillera
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
This story is heart-warming, dreadfully sad and well worth the watch. It is packed with valid messages about life and how we do but shouldn't waste it.
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49. Itaewon Class
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
I watched every episode from start to finish, the highest rating I can give any production. Yes, there are cliches but the acting and how the important characters are written outshines the crap.
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50. A Lua que Abraça o Sol
Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes
I'm not sure why I like this production enough to have it on the list, it isn't visibly different from the plethora of cliche-infested period dramas I've had the misfortune to watch, yet here we are. For me, the feel of it is somehow different, but I'm at a loss as to how to explain it.
I'll continue to watch it once a year and should the proverbial 'lightbulb' appear above my head, I'll add its contents to this comment.
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51. O Tempo em Que Não Estávamos Apaixonados
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
Well, this was a nice change. There were no pointless villains, no evil parents and only a tiny spackling of cliches. It was nice and light with a sensible balance of humour and drama.
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52. Bumped Into You
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
Well, I'm at a bit of a loss now that I've watched the entire series. This production ticked off all of my boxes: Well written, both leads were quietly brilliant (I have no patience for loud, overstepping characters because they are such a worn out cliché), superb casting and I am always grateful to be reminded of some of the reasons I hated the 80's the first time through...the clothes, OMG, the clothes! Yay me for doing 'cool' to my own drum...I'm a drummer, I can say that, lol.
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53. Fantasy Sonata
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
Ah, now this is something I can sink my teeth into. It is fast paced, intriguing, twisty and somewhat intelligent.
I'm really annoyed at myself for not waiting until the series was complete, having to wait six days for the next episode...UGH!
I've nothing negative to say about any part of this production thus far.
This series was glorious. Not once did I want to stab myself in the eye because of cliches, mindless dialogue or crappy shallow characters. It had just enough of everything to keep it balanced and flowing. I would happily accept a few more episodes, lol.
Enjoy the watch folks. I will definitely watch this again in a few months. -
54. Classe de Mentiras
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
Well, this series deserves it's ratings. Yun Kyun-sang, that giant bear of man...I love watching him ply his trade. If his parents ever give up on him, I will be first in line to adopt him into my own herd, he'd fit in with his humour, ability to intimidate whilst being cuddly and size wise, lol.
The writing, brilliant. That lot should be hired by every production company and paid well for their contribution to making media that doesn't make me want to throw up, groan, or die from the abuse of cliches and cloyingly unrealistic "romances".
The cinematography was spot on for the plot.
This was definitely not a waste of time, watch and enjoy. I will watch it again. -
55. A Lista de Desejos Dela
Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
On a normal day, I'd give this a 9 because there are a few things that annoyed me. HOWEVER, this is the first series in a while that I've watched all the way through in a seemingly endless sea of tripe.
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56. O Promotor Militar Dobermann
Korean Drama - 2022, 16 episodes
I can't say that it was brilliant, but it definitely was fun...even though it got a little slap-sticky at times (which I loathe).
The leads played their parts well, as these two always do, with an ease that makes you forget they are acting.
I especially liked the fact that the story got told WITHOUT a damn romance mucking it up.
SOOOO much happened in each episode that at the end of one, it felt like I'd just watch a two hour movie...absolutely no time to get bored.
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57. Gold Spoon
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
So, I've just copy pasted my comments for Military Prosecutor Doberman...same all the way through with a different story.
'I can't say that it was brilliant, but it definitely was fun...even though it got a little slap-sticky at times (which I loathe).
The leads played their parts well, as these two always do, with an ease that makes you forget they are acting.
I especially liked the fact that the story got told WITHOUT a damn romance mucking it up.
SOOOO much happened in each episode that at the end of one, it felt like I'd just watch a two hour movie...absolutely no time to get bored.'
This part is new.
Dear Korean Writers,
WHY do you make all Korean moms as: dead because they are kind and intelligent, nosey airheads that don't understand boundaries, or vicious demons...하지마!!!!!
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58. Under the Gun
Korean Drama - 2024, 6 episodes
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59. Batendo Novamente
Korean Drama - 2015, 16 episodes
Not awful. Casting did their job well as I can't imagine replacements for any of the characters. The production, in general, was well thought out and executed.
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60. Familiar Wife
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
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61. Iljimae
Korean Drama - 2008, 20 episodes
Well now, this was interesting. I think I would give it 8.5 stars rather than 9 because of the crap cliches and the slap stick comedy, so points of for writing...oh, and some of the CGI was cringy.
However, the 8.5 stars are to be considered a full 10 for the acting, and the production in general.
I do think this series would have been better as a 16 rather than 20...it dragged on in spots.
For reasons unbeknownst to me...I will watch this again in a few years. -
62. Marmelada de Laranja
Korean Drama - 2015, 12 episodes
This was sweet for a vampire story. It's about coming of age (over the longest period of time ever), courage and determination when faced with the oppression wrought from the discrimination of what or whom we do not understand.
It is all over the place, time/era wise, but eventually sorts itself out.
It's not cerebral, but it isn't childish either so it gets a re-watch vote from me. -
63. Fantasma
Korean Drama - 2012, 20 episodes
One star off for the gaps in logic and the ridiculousness (albeit scarce).
It's a LONG series of 'nothing is as it seems'.
I did skip episodes here and there, but that was more my impatience than any fault of the production.
Each actor fit brilliantly into the characters they portrayed, kudos to casting.QUESTION/PEEVE: Dear K-anything writers, driving at night with overhead interior light on is;
a. dangerous because it makes it difficult to see ANYTHING outside the car.
b. a dumbass move when you're on a stake out or trying to hide from someone.
c. bloody annoying for the detail jackals, like me.
d. a bit patronizing, don't you think? As a rule, people with functioning brains and eyes are
your audience, we've each been in a vehicle at night, we've all experienced ambient light
working...just saying. -
64. Hyde
Korean Drama - 2024, 12 episodes
Far more than I expected, far less than it could have been. I think this series could have used either a few more episodes to make some episodes a little less 'information overload', or thinned the plot/sub plots a bit in areas. I prefer to be held in a state of suspense rather than a state of confusion. ..the confusion seemed to outweigh and take focus away from the suspense. One star off for writing.
I'll try to watch this again in a few years. -
65. O Leitor de Memórias
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
I enjoyed this, except for the cliche elite tyrants...sooooooooo oldddddd annnnnd borrrrrrrrring.
Other than that, the story was interesting, the casting and acting were spot on and the production as a whole was well done.
This is my second watch and I'll likely do so again in a few years. -
66. Rugal
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Right out of the gate, was annoyed. Really??? He killed his wife, dug out his own eyes and disposed of them then laid down with the murder weapon so he could be the prime suspect??? Really, writers???
The Star Trek uniforms are kinda lame and the cliche, top of the food chain tyrants...sigh.
Other than those, well done. I'll watch it again in a few years. -
67. Bom Disfarce
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
This series is silly but quite fun. You don't need to bring your brain along to watch it, just open your eyes and enjoy.
Love the diverse casting of the mains, they gave this thing a life of it's own. Without them, I doubt I'd have been able to make it through this. All stars go toward casting, acting and general production.
It does get a little laggy in places, so I did have to FFWD at times.
I will watch this again in a few years. -
68. Delayed Justice
Korean Drama - 2020, 20 episodes
This was fun.
Heads up, the actor that played the male reporter is swapped out later in the series and their portrayals of the character are very different. If you can get past that, you will enjoy this to the end. -
69. Bossam — Roubar o Destino
Korean Drama - 2021, 20 episodes
I enjoyed this production as it was more intelligent than I was expecting. It still had the typical K-anything cliches, but not to the degree where they gave me enough grief that I had to stop watching.
The over all production was well done and the casting was spot on. There were quite a few faces that I didn't recognize yet they played their rolls seamlessly.
I'll watch this again in a few years. -
70. Nine Tailed Fox
Korean Drama - 2004, 16 episodes
OMG, the CGI and cinematography are so cringe worthy...I lol'd as much as I groaned, and that somehow allowed it to dig it's hooks into me and couldn't stop watching.
I would like to see a remake of this with cleaned up the writing, better CGI and believable fight scenes. I might even watch this again in a few years...I'm cringing even as I say this, yet here we are.
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71. Time Walking on Memory
Korean Drama - 2024, 16 episodes
This was well written and well executed. Everything in this drama can be found in every K-drama, what's missing is what sends this high up on my list of productions I will repeatedly watch again.
What was missing? Almost all the cliches an other assorted tripe the media companies would have us believe we want. I'm not saying there are none, but there is so little that it's easy to pass it by.
It's not cerebral, but it is intelligent as well as congruent, with some profound insights thrown in for good measure. I wasn't left confused by the timelines nor did I wonder about the why of the contents of any scene...there is so little filler that it's absence was decidedly noticeable...well done folks, well done!
Casting was impeccable, acting was brilliant and the sets and scenes were well thought out.
I will likely watch this once a year. -
72. Ei Fantasma, Vamos Lutar
Korean Drama - 2016, 16 episodes
This is my second time through this series and won't be my last.
I burst out laughing almost as much as I was caught on the edge of tears...I am NOT a crier, yet here we are.
This is not cerebral, but it does have a depth of humanity about it that many other 'coming of age' productions are sorely lacking.
Well done to the entire production crew with a special kudos for casting, actors and writing.
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73. Floresce na Adversidade
Chinese Drama - 2024, 40 episodes
There are reasons to take off a star or two, but the reasons it deserves a 10 star rating far out-weigh them.
The lead characters are always the calm in the storm, even when they have caused or are caught up in the storm. This calm keeps the viewer quietly anchored to their importance as well as maintaining a fluidity throughout production.
The intelligence of the writers and their care for the characters as well as the production is evident by the absence of constant cliches, the evolution of the characters and the nuances of the relationships between them.
The CGI dolphins...really? Who okayed that crap for the last scene. CGI is too advanced for that to be acceptable and you've left that as the image we say our goodbyes with???? GRRRR!