Funny, dark and bitter sweet.

Well! Where to start?
This drama honestly has it all. It wasn't quite what I was expecting either.
There's edge of your seat threat, violence, manipulation, deceit, blackmail, bullying and murder. That's balanced by laugh out loud humour, trust, loyalty, friendships and a bitter sweet plot.
Copious amounts of retribution are divinely dished out too.
Some truly awful characters and many I loved.
I wasn't keen on the lead female character (played by Jeon Yeo Bin) at first, but she quickly grew on me, with her quirky antics. SJK was sublime as Vincenzo and I loved Kwak Dong-yeon in this; he really made Han Seo come to life. A very different role for Ok Taecyeon too, so well portrayed.
The entire cast, who seem made to work so well together, were perfectly matched to their roles.
Clever story with twists, turns and some shocking moments. I also shed a few tears.
A superb watch.

Leia Mais

Too drawn out

I thought the 2 leads, Zhu Yi Long and Bai Yu, were so good ~ their acting portrayed the characters' attraction to one another really well; the eyes can say it all.
Lots of very diverse characters, action, emotion and different worlds, making for entertaining viewing.
I did have trouble sticking with it though, as it just went on too long for me. The last few episodes were amongst the best of all and saved the drama, to my mind. The emotion from the leads was heart felt and definitely confirmed that Shen Wei and Yunlan loved each other, and there was nothing 'brotherly' about it.
It is a great shame that China feels any sexuality other than straight, is abhorrent. Lines don't need to be crossed, but as with straight romance dramas, they aught to portray love as love. Just what are they so scared of?

Leia Mais

Not only the monsters are bad

This is a great drama I've already watched twice.
The main and supporting cast all give excellent performances, including the children.
The effects of living in an environment where society has broken down leads to very different behaviours for the characters, as they really need to pull together in order to survive. The changing opinions and morals of some, as it becomes apparent no one is safe from infection, makes for many characters developing with each episode.
Our human establishment is yet again to blame for messing with things that shouldn't be and fearing everything different. Tarring everyone exposed, with the same brush, can also be seen as the way in which so many laid blame after the outbreak of Covid. Lessons never seem to be learned, as this has and will, happen time and time again.
The pace is a mix of slow burning, menacing and violent. It isn't a particularly happy watch, but there are many touching moments.
The soundtrack is excellent too.
I believe Netflix are waiting for ratings stats before committing to series 2 and I so hope it goes ahead, otherwise the ending is less than pleasing; that would be my only complaint.
I LOVED it.

Leia Mais

Disturbing

First off, great cast and very good acting. I'm a big Woo Do Hwan fan, but all the leads wete excellent, as were supporting cast.
I found the first few episodes quite disturbing and not an easy watch. I really hate bullies and those that treat physical disabilities as though that makes a person less or stupid.
S.Korea is so often portrayed as a country where those with power, position and/or money, can get away with just about anything. This drama is no different in that respect.
The friendships that are tested and the struggles to "do the right thing" are well portrayed... blood is often thicker than water, as they say.
The story got a bit far fetched at times, but the tension and feelings of threat were well written, directed and acted.
It would need a long time before I'd watch this again, mainly because of now knowing what happens.
I kind of enjoyed it, but watching was also unpleasant at times. Means it's a well made programme though.

Leia Mais

Huge shame it was aired before all episodes filmed, as I've read that COVID-19 disrupted filming and so airing was juggled. This spoilt the flow and in the last 2 eps, the actors didn't seem as natural in their roles.
The storyline at the start of the drama got completely lost. The plot suffered due to this as well, with Fighter & Tutor's episodes completely overshadowing Zon & Saifah's.
That aside, the stories were good, especially F&T's, which felt quite realistic.
Sometimes the actors didn't seem entirely comfortable in their roles (a little wooden), but that may have been due to the series' problems or lack of direction. The last ep felt very rushed. Such a shame, as would otherwise have been a 10 rating for everything!

Leia Mais

Rushed, but still highly entertaining

Sep 2024
I love the Sweet Home trilogy and whilst S1 is still my favourite, the 3 combined make for gripping viewing.
As much blood and gore as in S1&2, but far fewer monsters, as this final instalment focuses on the main characters that survived S2, together with a slight twist to the story.
Song Kang is brilliant in this, to my mind. He doesn't overplay the part, but exudes a kind of power and always gave me the feeling there was something more to his monster side.
Further characters lost in S2 are swiftly replaced by the fast moving storyline... a little too fast at times.
There are several surprises, but a couple could get lost in clarity and importance, if not getting enough concentration.
Couple of totally bizarre storylines as well... one being the little boy from S1, which definitely had me scratching my head.
The final scenes were a bit weird and in one instance for me, slightly disappointing, but at the same time not without emotion.
I might give it a break and then watch the whole thing (S1-3) from start to finish.
I really hate these stupid season breaks Netflix and other Western production companies, inflict on us. Really spoils the flow and when the gap between is ridiculously long, the story definitely suffers. Cramming the story's conclusion into the final 2 episodes, doesn't help either.
Having said that, I loved the cast, the premise and with how my imagination carried the conclusion forward, what I perceive as the intention behind the ending too.

Leia Mais

Pretty funny at times

Sep 2024
Bit of fun with a mildly darker element running in the background, as a "too nice to be true" detective (who tries to cover it up by being off-hand), from a somewhat haphazardly run crime team, meets a cold, but brilliant neuro scientist, who's fallen from grace and gets assigned to the team.
The team is overseen by an awful man, stuck in the past, who has a huge complex, using his senior position to verbally bully a mild and weaker character on his team. That's meant to be comical, but often fell very short.
There are very funny moments though, but also the overly silly ones so often included, too.
The idea that psychopathy can be mapped in the brain, is based in fact, but the methods in this make for the darker element, as does the mystery of the death of a main character's parents.
I liked the cast and enjoyed it overall. Would make a good filler whilst waiting for episodes of a currently airing drama.

Leia Mais

Disappointing story, but loved the cast

July 2024
I think I'm going to be in a minority here, as this really didn't do it for me.

I did like the cast a lot. As an aside, I have to say, I find the difference a head of longer hair makes to JKY's features, astonishing. It totally softens his appearance and he looks younger than he does in some of his other roles (which are quite diverse). Took me a minute to recognise him!

I thought the latter half of the drama was better, as the pace picked up, but none of the characters grew on me. Bok I-na got a pass because she was young and surrounded by a selfish bunch of supposed adults, in her terribly dysfunctional family.

Every character in that family annoyed me. All wrapped up in themselves, cold and narcissistic. Whilst they may have lost their powers, it quickly became evident they did nothing wortwhile with them before. The poor father figure was nothing more than a servant and completely taken for granted.

I have only ever watched 2 dramas that involved time-travel, where the plot didn't either cause confusion, or lose its way, and this isn't one of them.

There was just too much of Gwi-ju revisiting specific scenes, refusing to give up on trying to alter events, which his 'superpower' doesn't allow him to do.

He himself seemed to begin to question reality / time, as did Da-hae and to be honest, I was in there with them!

Da-hae's 'family' were unpleasant as well, running a sauna and ruthlessly scamming people on the side. I thought they were all made for each other.

The story attempts to salvage all their personalities, but for me it was too late. I did feel a certain amount of sympathy for Gwi-ju, but more for poor I-na. Regardless of the past, he had a duty of care, but instead wallowed in self-pity. The Grandmother was no better and probably my least favourite character, together with Baek Il-hong.

I found a fair bit of Gwi-ju's bouncing around his past very confusing and most of the time, pointless. The plot feels made up as it goes along at times, with no explanation of why certain things are possible. What lies in the future is another can of worms.

Considering they were born with powers and grew up around them, one would have thought they, and definitely Man-heum herself, would be used to her dreams and how to interpret them; but no.

I found the ending bizarre and simplistic, as well.

The very point of their powers was never touched on either and I certainly couldn't work that out.

Very disappointed; I expected more.

Leia Mais

Every instalment of Himura Kenshin's life is epic!

I watched, back-to-back, in this order:
Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin: Origins, 2012
Rurouni Kenshin 2: Kyoto Inferno, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin 3: The Legend Ends, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, 2021
I watched the first 3 ages ago, but decided to watch all of them again, in story, not release, order, which I recommend doing.

I absolutely love these films to bits. The life of the main character is a mix of almost aimless at times, tragic, enlightenment and atonement.

The fact the film about Kenshin's origins, was made 9 years after the character first appeared on screen, is amazing. The main reason being, when watched in the order I did, it is a seamless story.

Many cast members appear throughout, pieces from the earlier, film 1, are blended in so when watching the next instalment, it makes complete sense. I was honestly blown away.

Satoh Takeru is brilliant in every film. The sword fights are incredible and they must have taken all the cast involved, a huge amount of work and energy.

The pace of each film is excellent, with a balance of action, everyday life, love, friendships, fighting for a cause (sometimes blindly) and defeating not only enemies, but those taking advantage of the powerless. Some sad elements too. There is also humour and a growing camaraderie between some characters that began as enemies.

I love Himura Kenshin and how he evolves. Supporting characters are varied, some villains are pretty OTT, strong female characters and the cast in all the films is great.
Films are rarely, if ever, perfect, but these just do it for me. Firm favourites.

Leia Mais

Every film in this epic saga is an amazing watch.

I watched, back-to-back, in this order:
Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin: Origins, 2012
Rurouni Kenshin 2: Kyoto Inferno, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin 3: The Legend Ends, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, 2021
I watched the first 3 ages ago, but decided to watch all of them again, in story, not release, order, which I recommend doing.

I absolutely love these films to bits. The life of the main character is a mix of almost aimless at times, tragic, enlightenment and atonement.

The fact the film about Kenshin's origins, was made 9 years after the character first appeared on screen, is amazing. The main reason being, when watched in the order I did, it is a seamless story.

Many cast members appear throughout, pieces from the earlier, film 1, are blended in so when watching the next instalment, it makes complete sense. I was honestly blown away.

Satoh Takeru is brilliant in every film. The sword fights are incredible and they must have taken all the cast involved, a huge amount of work and energy.

The pace of each film is excellent, with a balance of action, everyday life, love, friendships, fighting for a cause (sometimes blindly) and defeating not only enemies, but those taking advantage of the powerless. Some sad elements too. There is also humour and a growing camaraderie between some characters that began as enemies.

I love Himura Kenshin and how he evolves. Supporting characters are varied, some villains are pretty OTT, strong female characters and the cast in all the films is great.
Films are rarely, if ever, perfect, but these just do it for me. Firm favourites.

Leia Mais

The complete saga is an amazing & gripping watch!

I watched, back-to-back, in this order:
Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin: Origins, 2012
Rurouni Kenshin 2: Kyoto Inferno, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin 3: The Legend Ends, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, 2021
I watched the first 3 ages ago, but decided to watch all of them again, in story, not release, order, which I recommend doing.

I absolutely love these films to bits. The life of the main character is a mix of almost aimless at times, tragic, enlightenment and atonement.

The fact the film about Kenshin's origins, was made 9 years after the character first appeared on screen, is amazing. The main reason being, when watched in the order I did, it is a seamless story.

Many cast members appear throughout, pieces from the earlier, film 1, are blended in so when watching the next instalment, it makes complete sense. I was honestly blown away.

Satoh Takeru is brilliant in every film. The sword fights are incredible and they must have taken all the cast involved, a huge amount of work and energy.

The pace of each film is excellent, with a balance of action, everyday life, love, friendships, fighting for a cause (sometimes blindly) and defeating not only enemies, but those taking advantage of the powerless. Some sad elements too. There is also humour and a growing camaraderie between some characters that began as enemies.

I love Himura Kenshin and how he evolves. Supporting characters are varied, some villains are pretty OTT, strong female characters and the cast in all the films is great.
Films are rarely, if ever, perfect, but these just do it for me. Firm favourites.

Leia Mais

Gripping and SO watchable... all 5 films together!

July 2024
I watched, back-to-back, in this order:
Rurouni Kenshin: The Beginning, 2021
Rurouni Kenshin: Origins, 2012
Rurouni Kenshin 2: Kyoto Inferno, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin 3: The Legend Ends, 2014
Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, 2021
I watched the first 3 ages ago, but decided to watch all of them again, in story, not release, order, which I recommend doing.

I absolutely love these films to bits. The life of the main character is a mix of almost aimless at times, tragic, enlightenment and atonement.

The fact the film about Kenshin's origins, was made 9 years after the character first appeared on screen, is amazing. The main reason being, when watched in the order I did, it is a seamless story.

Many cast members appear throughout, pieces from the earlier, film 1, are blended in so when watching the next instalment, it makes complete sense. I was honestly blown away.

Satoh Takeru is brilliant in every film. The sword fights are incredible and they must have taken all the cast involved, a huge amount of work and energy.

The pace of each film is excellent, with a balance of action, everyday life, love, friendships, fighting for a cause (sometimes blindly) and defeating not only enemies, but those taking advantage of the powerless. Some sad elements too. There is also humour and a growing camaraderie between some characters that began as enemies.

I love Himura Kenshin and how he evolves. Supporting characters are varied, some villains are pretty OTT, strong female characters and the cast in all the films is great.
Films are rarely, if ever, perfect, but these just do it for me. Firm favourites.

Leia Mais

Enjoyable overall.

May, 2024.
A time travel mystery rom-com, which has laughs, intrigue, threat, tragedy and romance.

Park Yun-woo (LSY), is not your typical Joseon woman and when she can no longer avoid getting married, her life takes an unimaginable turn. The emotions, characters and her life during this time, make for an entertaing watch, with the usual variety of characters from that period.

After finding herself in modern day Seoul, she becomes embroiled with a chaebol family, but holds her own. Faces are familiar, but out of time, and she has to adjust to modern life, whilst trying to find a way back to her past one.

This part of the story has the most intrigue and mystery, plus the most laughs. Her intelligence and tenacity help her adjust, but a big dollop of 'just accepting', is needed, in how well!

As the synopsis details, she meets a man who is the double of her deceased husband (BIH), with whom she enters into a marriage contract. There are times she feels like history is repeating and begins piecing things together, as so many links to her past begin to emerge. A strange but familiar character makes random appearances, guiding her, but rarely succinctly.

Her deceased husband was a lovely character, very different to his doppelganger; but they share a secret.

I really enjoyed this drama. It's classic romance, with many of the usual elements of the genre, plus some twists.

What I was disappointed with, and frankly didn't understand, was her attitude towards a key charscter, near the end of the story. It made no sense to me, given her feelings in the first part of the drama. I felt so bad and sorry for that person. It is possible to love 2 people, especially in this context.

Don't expect it to be logical throughout, and just embrace the fiction; then you might enjoy it, as I did.

Leia Mais

Gripping ~ needs S2 to continue monentum

May 2024
Not a limited series, therefore a S2 expected, dependant on ratings I assume, so fingers crossed.

I loved the pace and the characters. At 6 episodes there is little room for depth, but to be honest, personally I don't think a series always needs it. If the aim is thrills and entertainment, that's not the point anyway.

There is enough background to understand main characters and the action starts fairly quickly.

Jung Soo-in (actress Jeon So-nee) is a somewhat tragic character; when her Parasyte, whom gets named Heidi, comes to the fore, Soo-in 'sleeps' and vice versa.

That's not a new concept and has been used in many dramas about multiple personality disorder (Hyde, Jeckyll, Me; Kill Me Heal Me). However, with an alien cohabiting Soo-in's brain that can't be psychoanalysed away, it gives things a totally different feel.

The SFX are pretty good and some scenes of confrontation are excellent.

There are sad aspects to the plot, but perhaps due to the lack of episodes, I didn't feel connected enough to characters to get emotional; I was more shocked on a couple of occasions.

I actually loved the character of Heidi (but I am sure we are supposed to) and Jeon So-nee effortlessly carries off switching between the two.

Seol Kang Woo (Koo Kyo Hwan) is a witty, cocky character on the wrong side of the law and self-serving. Circumstances bring him together with Soo-in and he slowly becomes more protective of her, although not always out of choice! KKH is perfect for this role (loved him in D.P.).

Choi Joon-kyung could be a pretty arrogant and annoying character, and whilst a part of me got why, her actions in relation to someone parasitised, I found unforgiveable, considering their identity. I found her very hard to like or empathise with.

A good supporting cast, with familiar faces and no obvious over acting.

I didn't find the look of the Aliens to be scary at all, in fact I found them pretty odd really. I'd love to know exactly where they came from. Their view of us humans is basically as food and a 'home'; fair enough ~ as the apex predator on our planet, we're actually no different in our behaviour towards pretty much all other species. I can only imagine what designs some would have on inferior life forms, if we ever found any from another world.

There are some twists in the story and it's pretty thrilling at times, but not strong on tension.

The close of S1 is actually pretty neat, so whilst it would be disappointing if no S2 was to follow, the story would still have been a decent viewing in itself.

Kept me glued and I wanted more; so, worth watching and I'm hoping for a S2, when hopefully more will be revealed.

Leia Mais