Category: Review

DryedMangoez reviews of television series, films and music.

Good Ol’ Review: KBS’ “Youth of May” a Profound, Character-Driven Portrait of One of the Darkest Periods in Korea’s History

Good Ol’ Review: KBS’ “Youth of May” a Profound, Character-Driven Portrait of One of the Darkest Periods in Korea’s History

Youth of May (오월의 청춘) is essential viewing. This stunning KBS drama series is a profoundly character-driven look at one of the darkest periods in Korea’s history. Set in the days leading up to and during the deadly Gwangju Uprising fight for democracy in May 1980, Youth of May tells the story of people whose lives are forever changed by this turbulent time. It is a stark reminder (or introduction to some) of this moment in history, but also a moving and poignant story of love, family and friendship that you won’t soon forget.

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Good Ol’ Review: Kim Hye Soo and Kim Go Eun Deliver Mesmerizing Performances in Memorable “Coin Locker Girl”

Commanding performances from Kim Hye Soo and Kim Go Eun power the bloody and heartbreaking 2015 film Coin Locker Girl (차이나타운/Chinatown). The stylish crime-noir is wrought with pulpy action, but well-balanced with an unexpected bit of heart and emotion.

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Good Ol’ Review: Irresistibly Charming “The Secret Life of My Secretary” Will Not Fail to Put a Smile on Your Face

Good Ol’ Review: Irresistibly Charming “The Secret Life of My Secretary” Will Not Fail to Put a Smile on Your Face

The 2019 SBS romantic comedy The Secret Life of My Secretary (초면에 사랑합니다/I Loved You From the Beginning) is one of the most charming, wholesome and feel-good series I’ve ever watched and enjoyed. The series is an irresistible blend of sweet fluff, engaging characters, hilarious comedy, emotional drama and even some thought-provoking situations to top it all off. The minimal stress, all-fun series has plenty of laughs and just as much heart. And it is one to watch for anyone who is willing to have a smile on their face from the first to the last second.

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Good Ol’ Review: Chu Young Woo and Won Hyung Hoon Charm and Endear in Romantic “You Make Me Dance”

Good Ol’ Review: Chu Young Woo and Won Hyung Hoon Charm and Endear in Romantic “You Make Me Dance”

You Make Me Dance (유메이크미댄스) is a simple, familiar, but irresistibly sweet and endearing romantic drama. The eight-episode web series (though I suggest watching the movie compilation version) stars talented newcomers Chu Young Woo and Won Hyung Hoon as two lonely hearts who are able to find each other in a unique situation.

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Good Ol’ Review: Adrenaline-Fueled, Character-Driven Thriller “Taxi Driver” Makes Its Case as One of the Year’s Best

Good Ol’ Review: Adrenaline-Fueled, Character-Driven Thriller “Taxi Driver” Makes Its Case as One of the Year’s Best

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more fun, exciting television experience than when watching SBS’ latest blockbuster series Taxi Driver (모범택시/Deluxe Taxi). The adrenaline-fueled thriller captures the perfect balance of emotionally affecting-drama, roaring action sequences, lighthearted moments and vicarious satisfaction as it follows a team of on-call revenge specialists. An exceptional cast is just icing on the cake of what could end up being one of the year’s absolute best.

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Good Ol’ Review: Absolutely Enthralling Performances Power Character-Driven Thriller “Beyond Evil”

Good Ol’ Review: Absolutely Enthralling Performances Power Character-Driven Thriller “Beyond Evil”

Baeksang Best Drama winner Beyond Evil (괴물/Monster) is a fascinating television experience. The 2021 JTBC drama series is a unique blend of psychological thriller, crime procedural and slice of life character study. Unique indeed. But it is that combination, along with an excellent ensemble cast and meticulous direction that prove just how much Beyond Evil deserves the accolades.

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Good Ol’ Review: Lots of Potential as Charming Characters Power Fun “Justice High”

Good Ol’ Review: Lots of Potential as Charming Characters Power Fun “Justice High”

The 2020 film Justice High (공수도) takes the all-too familiar theme of school violence and turns it into a fascinatingly fun and charming story. Endearing characters and the actors bringing them to life carry the film that has much more potential than there is room for in two hours.

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Good Ol’ Review: MBC Miniseries “She Knows Everything” a Dizzyingly Awkward Whodunit

Good Ol’ Review: MBC Miniseries “She Knows Everything” a Dizzyingly Awkward Whodunit

The 2020 MBC miniseries She Knows Everything (미쓰리는 알고 있다/Miss Lee Knows) is a dizzying whodunit that perhaps could have benefited from having more episodes.

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Good Ol’ Review: Netflix’s “Move to Heaven” an Absolutely Captivating, Resonant Must-Watch

Good Ol’ Review: Netflix’s “Move to Heaven” an Absolutely Captivating, Resonant Must-Watch

Within the first minutes of the premiere episode of Netflix’s Move to Heaven (무브 투 헤븐: 나는 유품정리사입니다), it is easy to see how the series is well on its way to being one of the year’s very best. So far, it is certainly one of the most moving, charming and fun series of the year. Powered by a sincere and emotionally resonant story and a pair of absolutely captivating performances from Tang Joon Sang and Lee Je Hoon, Move to Heaven is an unforgettable must-watch.

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Good Ol’ Review: OCN’s “Rugal” a Unique, Memorable Character-Driven Thrill Ride

Good Ol’ Review: OCN’s “Rugal” a Unique, Memorable Character-Driven Thrill Ride

OCN’s 2020 series Rugal (루갈) accomplishes what other similarly themed series do not. And that is to make a character-driven action thriller. There’s definitely nothing wrong with mindless, adrenaline-fueled fun. But there’s definitely something to having mindless, adrenaline-fueled fun with well-developed and emotionally impactful characters to boot. And that’s Rugal.

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