DryedMangoez Good Ol’ Reviews written after a television series has completed its premiere run.
Ahead of this weekend’s finale of Top Class, I’ve finally caught up with the Filipino audition program aiming to form the next hit P-pop group. And it’s been pretty good. Both on its own as a TV show and competition as well as a sign of P-pop’s rapid rise. Far from perfect, to be sure. But a solid production.
KBS’ Going to You at a Speed of 493km (너에게 가는 속도 493km) is a charming and relatable slice of life story about growing up and overcoming the everyday struggles and hardships of life. I will refer to the series using its original Korean title as I feel that it better captures the series’ wonderfully poetic storytelling and direction than the more generic English title of Love All Play. The series is a balanced blend of lighthearted romantic drama and coming of age angst. The characters’ personal stories and relationships provide the backbone for the series’ 16 episodes. And the talented young and veteran cast do an excellent job bringing them to life.
MBC’s Tomorrow (내일) is one of the most complete and well-put together dramas of the year so far. That’s in addition to being perhaps the most envelope-pushing, timely and profound series as well. Tomorrow‘s excellent cast, led by the always captivating Kim Hee Sun, bravely shines the spotlight on topics and stories that rarely get touched upon in mainstream Korean entertainment. Even when tackling such difficult topics is more important now than ever. Tomorrow‘s ultimate success is being able to carefully and respectfully tell these stories while effectively building a colorful world of characters who each have their own worthy stories as well.
Considering my dislike for Saber and my increasing disappointment with Revice, I went into Kamen Rider: Beyond Generations (仮面ライダー ビヨンド・ジェネレーションズ) with apprehension. I had no idea what to expect and my expectations were definitely low. But perhaps that’s partly why I’ve come out of the film actually liking and enjoying it. Really enjoying it, actually. And much to my surprise, even succumbing to a huge MaGMCM at the end of it.
Pachinko (파친코/パチンコ) is a breathtaking television event. The eight-episode (first!) season of this Apple TV+ series is truly a stunning experience. It is the kind of grand epic production and storytelling that you rarely, if ever see on Korean television or even from any of the recent streaming exclusive local series. It is certainly a coup for Apple TV+ to have secured the rights to this Kogonada and Justin Chon-directed series as its first foray into Korean drama. And the adaptation of the epic novel from journalist/author Min Jin Lee is the perfect source material for such a production.
KBS’ Naked Fireman (맨몸의 소방관) is an intriguing four-episode miniseries that finds a perfect mix of comedy, mystery and legitimate danger. Lee Joon Hyuk and Jung In Sun lead the 2017 series that gives a fun first impression before it leads the audience down a much darker, yet engaging path.
Life can be just as unpredictable as the weather. And no matter how much you try to predict and prepare for either, you’ll never be 100% accurate or perfect. This is the idea at the center of JTBC’s engaging, character-driven drama series Forecasting Love and Weather (기상청 사람들: 사내연애 잔혹사 편/Meteorological Administration People: Office Romance Cruelty ). Park Min Young and Song Kang lead a strong ensemble cast through the always unpredictable road of life all while dealing with the rigors and responsibility of their work at Korea’s national weather service.
Ahn Bo Hyun and Jo Bo Ah deliver enthralling performances in tvN’s engaging, fun and timely drama series Military Prosecutor Doberman (군검사 도베르만). Mixing the always ripe for excitement revenge drama with an unflinching look at the realities of today’s society and particularly the inner-workings of Korea’s military and justice system, Military Prosecutor Doberman is never short of material. And it is material that the series delivers with a confidence and sincerity that really connects with the viewer through its 16 episodes.
Netflix’s latest original Korean drama The Sound of Magic (안나라수마나라 / Annarasumanara) is quite the unexpected adventure. On the surface it is a whimsical musical fantasy. But it is when it manages to dive deeper into the characters and speak of the world at large that it is at its most captivating. With a talented cast led by Ji Chang Wook, Choi Sung Eun and Hwang In Yeop, The Sound of Magic is indeed a magical, emotional and meaningful series.
There is always room for a good ol’ fashioned romcom. The kind that easily puts a smile on your face with sweet, fluffy moments and an endearing and charming cast. SBS’ Business Proposal (사내맞선/The Office Blind Date) is exactly that kind of series. The romantic comedy features Ahn Hyo Seop, Kim Sejeong, Kim Min Kyu and Seol In Ah in a wholesome, feel-good story that takes on very familiar K-drama elements and puts together what is ultimately a fun and enjoyable time.