DryedMangoez reviews of television series, films and music.
SBS’ Let Me Be Your Knight (너의 밤이 되어줄게) is a lighthearted, but sincere story looking at connections, bonds and relationships with the always interesting world of K-pop as the backdrop. The always charming Jung In Sun is accompanied by the talented young men that bring to life the fictional band Luna. And together they make for a series that is easily enjoyable and unexpectedly satisfying.
A good ‘ol, stress-free rom-com can always be a welcome breather from all the dark psychological thrillers and crime dramas that fill the airwaves. Which is one reason the 2020 KBS series Men Are Men (그놈이 그놈이다 /To All the Guys Who Loved Me) is such an enjoyable and entertaining ride. Hwang Jung Eum leads a charming cast in a series that takes familiar themes and situations and blends them together into a refreshing package.
Studio Dragon’s tvN fantasy epic Bulgasal: Immortal Souls (불가살) is a melancholic, though breathtaking series. Led by a commanding performance from Lee Jin Wook, the excellent cast brings to life an intricate and bloody story that spans centuries. And all while touching upon the most human of emotions and relationships, making this story as relatable as it is captivating.
If possible, go into this series knowing as little as possible about it for maximum effect. So before getting into major spoilers about the series, the bottom line is the Studio Dragon-produced tvN/iQiyi original series Bad and Crazy (배드 앤 크레이지) is simply crazy good. Lee Dong Wook and Wi Ha Joon are absolutely electric as their performances and perfect chemistry power an unexpectedly fun, wild and fascinating action thriller. I did exactly that and it made the experience all the more satisfying and exciting.
Netflix has definitely gotten swept up in the Korean Wave as it releases its latest original series All of Us Are Dead (지금 우리 학교는 /Now At Our School). The zombie thriller-slash-high school drama series ticks all the boxes of both genres and them some. And while it can feel a bit bloated, the series is ultimately enjoyable, mindless fun.
That interest led me to checking out the show those clips were apparently from which was their debut series together entitled Fish Upon the Sky (ปลาบนฟ้า). Finding myself in a bit of K-drama hole recently, I decided to go ahead and watch the 12-episode series. And though it was far from a perfect series, it easily made me a fan of its stars and reminded me how fun and refreshing these interesting Thai BL series can be.
WHYNOT Media has been one of the leaders in producing Korean web dramas since launching in 2016. And their 2021 romantic drama Light on Me (새빛남고 학생회/Saebit Boys’ High School Council) might be one of the best web series yet.
KBS’ venerable School franchise has not only catapulted young up-and-coming actors toward stardom, it has also presented an honest and (sometimes unfortunately) realistic look at education in Korea. And this is all while allowing for an endearing and relatable character-driven experience. The latest entry in the franchise, School 2021 (학교 2021) certainly continues following in those footsteps. And in a well-written, well-acted and thoroughly engaging package.
It’s been a while since I’ve regularly followed a Filipino teleserye. Biggest reason for that is we unsubscribed to GMA Pinoy TV back in the early days of COVID. $14.99 is $14.99, after all, and there wasn’t exactly new programming airing on Philippine TV at the time to warrant the extra expense. There is also an alternative to subscribing, but we weren’t about to watch low quality pirated episodes on sketchy blogs. Watching short, bitin clips on YouTube is never appealing either.
But one new Filipino series has caught my attention. And that is the GMA Network-Regal Entertainment co-production Mano Po Legacy – The Family Fortune.
To commemorate the 45th season of Super Sentai and the 50th year anniversary of Kamen Rider, Toei presents Saber + Zenkaiger: Superhero Senki (セイバー＋ゼンカイジャー:スーパーヒーロー戦記). The crossover film will feel familiar to fans who may have enjoyed the Super Hero Taisen series of films where numerous legendary Sentai and Kamen Riders come together to fight a vicious foe. And though there are certainly a few hurdles this film needs to overcome, it ultimately is a loving tribute to Shotaro Ishinomori, the father of the two long-running tokusatsu franchises. As well as to children, young and old, who have enjoyed both series the last five decades.