DryedMangoez Good Ol’ Reviews written after a television series has completed its premiere run.
If there was a webseries that best exemplifies the drawbacks of the platform and format, it is Behind Cut (비하인드 컷). This BL series, like many a webseries, has a solid premise. But the limitations of the platform and format keep it from being a more well-put together series. Its story, execution and the performances of its promising cast are held back. And ultimately, while a quick watch, leaves you unsatisfied in the end.
Originally a 20-minute short film released in 2022 and just released on YouTube via three parts, Happy Ending has a familiar story. But its charismatic leads, poetic storytelling and pitch perfect direction make it a memorable and impactful watch.
Writers and directors Werner du Plessis and Inu Baek deliver a revelatory narrative and visual experience in the series The Eighth Sense (여덟 번째 감각). Its careful, nuanced and unflinching portrayal of young love, friendships and mental health offer a different, though very welcome change of pace. And not just for the Korean BL genre, but perhaps Korean drama as a whole.
I regret waiting so long to finally watch this series. Because if I had been able to watch Twinkling Watermelon (반짝이는 워터멜론/ Sparkling Watermelon) last year, it absolutely would’ve made my year-end favorites list. Nostalgic and heartwarming. Fun and dramatic. An excellent, charming cast. Great music. What an incredible treat this series is.
Nobleman Ryu’s Wedding (류선비의 혼례식) might not be able to maximize the potential it has. But a charming cast and fluffy story still make the series an enjoyable time.
Sing My Crush (따라바람) easily contends as my favorite Korean BL series. That title for me goes to Light On Me. But Sing My Crush features many of the same things that endeared the former to me and still resonates even today. This feel-good, heartwarming, cute, sweet and fluffy series doesn’t aim to reinvent the genre. But it successfully delivers the dreamy adventure into young romance and sincere friendship. With the excellent leads Jang Do Yoon and Son Hyun Woo leading the way, Sing My Crush is easily one of the most satisfying series you’ll get the chance to enjoy.
Disney+’s Soundtrack #2 (사운드트랙#2) is a thoughtful, introspective series about love. Whether that is love for another person or love for yourself, the series is able to tell a story about the many complicated feelings that can come about because of it. Noh Sang Hyun, Keum Sae Rok and Sohn Jeong Hyuck (aka Demian) are excellent leads as they bring the simple, though engaging story to life.
Unintentional Love Story (비의도적 연애담) might have a familiar story, but its refreshing approach, charming cast and solid execution make it a thoroughly enjoyable and fulfilling watch.
It is an interesting experience for me going into Kamen Rider Geats × Revice: Movie Battle Royale seeing as how I don’t particularly care for either season involved in this movie. Or I ended up being very disappointed in both seasons by their ends. But since it’s actually a Movie War and not some random TTFC special, I will of course watch it.
And it’s a solid movie that focuses more on the strengths of the two seasons rather than their weaknesses. Thankfully.
Strong Girl Bong Soon was a popular series when it aired in 2017 and has been well-loved since. So it was no surprise when a sequel was first announced. Strong Girl Nam Soon (힘쎈여자 강남순/Strong Woman Kang Nam Soon) is essentially a loose sequel, set in the same universe as the former series. It stands on its own in many ways, but perhaps shares many of the same hurdles as well.