I can only describe the new Rainie Yang mini-movie filmed for her new single “Wishing for Happiness” in two words – stunning and exquisite. This is what Taiwan productions are capable of outside the cute fluffy idol dramas I typically watch. It’s gutsy and earnest, modern and fresh. The story is pretty much a twist on Chasing Amy, still Kevin … Continue reading →
I think melodramas are the backbone of dramas. Whereas some other genres can thrive in other mediums, such as novels or mangas or movies, the live action extended period visual medium lends itself almost perfectly to the notion of a story that comes across as intense and protracted. Issues need time to simmer and stew, feelings need time to foment … Continue reading →
I’m still shaking my head at the inexplicable success of The Magic Blade (Tian Ya Ming Yue Dao) this summer in reviving the pure wuxia genre in C-dramas, because that drama was so crack-a-doodle and nothing like its source material the Gu Long novel that the result was like watching William Hung sing “She Bangs” on American Idol. The collective psyche … Continue reading →
I have to confess that watching Oguri Shun in Rich Man, Poor Woman does things to my ovaries. Yes, scientifically speaking I shouldn’t be able to actually feel any movement in my ovaries, but lately they have been speaking to me. When Shun shows up onscreen as Hyuga Toru, my ovaries fairly screech “OMG, I want to have that man’s … Continue reading →
Is there something in the water in Taiwan, or are Taiwanese celebs suddenly super affectionate with their same-gender pals? Following on the heels of James Wen and Chris Wang smooching three times to pay off a bet for the box office success of The Fierce Wife movie, this past weekend Ariel Lin presented an award to her good friend Rainie … Continue reading →
This is about as high wattage as it gets for movie premieres in South Korea. The upcoming Joseon-era sageuk movie Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King (English title Masquerade) starring Lee Byung Hun, Han Hyo Joo, and Ryu Seung Ryong held its star-stubbed movie premiere in Seoul this week which was attended by a veritable who’s who of actors young … Continue reading →
After the intensity and roller coaster of revelations and betrayals, episode 9 of Rich Man, Poor Woman was like a soft warm sweater that wraps up poor battered Hyuga in some comfort and security. Old habits die hard, and Hyuga was already a prickly loner who didn’t have much interpersonal trust when he met Asahina, but after what he just … Continue reading →
Episode 6 of Miss Rose felt rather like a transition episode. I’ve just been so swamped and mentally fried the recap was parked somewhere in my brain for longer than usual, but watching it later again confirmed the episode had tons of sweetness and great plot reveals. I think it’s pointless to look too deeply into TW-dramas, the best ones … Continue reading →
Kyaaaaa, it’s finally a wrap! From the set of Rich Man, Poor Woman came this latest picture showing leads Oguri Shun and Ishihara Satomi posing with their two directors as the final scene for the last episode was completed. No, the dorama isn’t magically getting extended, though an SP is possible but I wouldn’t hold my breath for it. What … Continue reading →
I know I made the connection that Miss Rose was the TW-drama version of City Hall, and while the general outline does rely heavily on CH’s construct, overall the drama is deviating significantly that it only adds to my enjoyment because I’m not waiting for known scenes to show up. I enjoy watching Si Yi and Cheng Kuan’s gradual and … Continue reading →
This might be my last recap for Arang and the Magistrate, depending on how next week’s episodes go and whether Nice Guy completely owns me from the get go. I hate dropping recapping projects, but sometimes it has to be done if my heart isn’t in it anymore. I still enjoy watching Arang, but my enthusiasm doesn’t rise to the … Continue reading →
I can’t take Jang Geun Seok seriously anymore. I haven’t written him off, because a boy that immensely talented as an actor cannot simply be written off being he’s apparently going through what appears to be a phase. At least that’s what I’m hoping it is, because if he continues down this path of doing shitty dramas and holding money-making … Continue reading →
Ahhh, Nice Guy. I can safely bet cold hard cash that someone, if not everyone, in that drama is going to get royally screwed. But whatever magic brew Lee Kyung Hee is concocting, I’m hoping this one is as delicious as some of her other works that I loved dearly because I am so ready to get addicted to some … Continue reading →