On my list of top mangas of all time (around 30 or so currently reside on said list) is Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story (るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚). It’s one of the rare shonen mangas that I love without reservation, with great storytelling, illustrations, and a gut wrenching story at the core of all the battles and lighthearted moments. Kenshin is about … Continue reading →
Another TW-drama filming goes underway, but this one has some interesting casting choices. It’s a GTV production that will be filmed in China, starring Fahrenheit‘s Calvin Chen and Victoria of the K-group f(x). The title is tentatively called The Prince without a Castle (失去城堡的王子). The third lead will be Zhou Mi, also a member of a Korean pop group, being … Continue reading →
It’s a veritable feast of Winter dorama premieres next week, and I’m keeping my eye out for Hungry! as well. Starring Mukai Osamu as a bassist for a rock band who takes over the family restaurant in accordance with his late mother’s will, he will be entangled in a love triangle with Takimoto Miori and Kuninaka Ryoko whilst battling the … Continue reading →
Oh ho ho, what do we have here? When did Matsumoto Jun grow up? I mean really grow up, not sorta pretend to be a grown up such as in Natsu no Koi wa Nijiiro ni Kagayaku where he romanced Takeuchi Yuko. And when did Eita get so hot? I’m doing double takes here, and it’s mostly because both guys … Continue reading →
I’m going to be so sad when Office Girls. This drama has been my steady companion for months now, always good for a laugh and some swooning once a week. It’ll likely end at episode 23, though TTV will preempt one episode this month since it’s Lunar New Year that week. Part of me thinks Kai Er has been wreaking … Continue reading →
Next Thursday sees the premiere of Saikou no Jinsei no Owarikata~Ending Planner~, marking Yamashita Tomohisa‘s return to dorama land since Code Blue 2 back in early 2010. The teasers have been released, and it’s clear that whomever styled Yamapi is going ALL OUT in making him looking as much as young KimuTaku as possible, with the same liony mane. Though … Continue reading →
I thought long and hard about whether to even bother translating the rest of the character descriptions provided by MBC for The Moon that Embraces the Sun (I’ve translated the ones for the leads of Hwon, Yeon Woo, and Yang Myung here already). But then I realized how complicated this story might get, and it’s always nice to have some … Continue reading →
Yes, I calmed the heck down since my spazzing about episode one of The Moon that Embraces to Sun. This drama is settling in nicely with a great steady pace, building on story and character developments with ease and a light touch. Sageuks normally take their time to create the universe and allow the narrative to proceed at a fluid … Continue reading →
Early February sees the premiere of a new weekend drama on MBC called Feast of the Gods. Casting was finalized awhile ago, but the drama just started quietly releasing official promotional stills. The show will be partly filmed in Jeju, so the still above is of the lead Sung Yuri filming a melancholy scene on Jeju back in December. I’m … Continue reading →
As a sports fan there are just teams you effing hate. The greatest sports rivalries in history spawn the best fan wars, which begets the central conceit of Wild Romance. What if a die hard fan of one team were to become the bodyguard for the star player of the rival team? Who just singlehandedly ensured your team lost the … Continue reading →
Love. LOVE. I love it, I love it, I love it! Episode 1 of The Moon that Embraces the Sun was everything I wanted, and then some. Heavy political intrigue, gut-wrenching betrayals and sacrifices, the headiness of young love, this drama might just have it all. It’s beautifully filmed, gorgeously scored, and wonderfully acted. It just hit the trifecta of … Continue reading →
New year, new ArJoe. Maybe it should be call ArJoeRain? Both Ariel Lin and Rainie Yang posted pictures on their respective Weibos today showing that the longtime good friends hung out with mutual friend Joe Cheng over the holiday weekend. They dined at a restaurant owned by Joe called Destino located in Taipei, and both ladies were thrilled to have … Continue reading →
What a wild ride the promotional circuit for Wild Romance has been. My interest in this sucker keeps revving upward against my better judgment, until this final long preview for the drama tips it over into the OMG-I-Love-It edge. WR has tons of physical humor which the two leads are completely game to tackle. I find it funny and good-natured, … Continue reading →