DryedMangoez reviews of television series, films and music.
Everything and Nothing (17세의 조건 /17 Year Old’s Condition) is an incredibly fascinating experience. It may seem like a typical angsty teen coming of age story. But coming into what is essentially a four-part, two-hour TV movie, be forewarned that it’s best to expect the unexpected. And even then, you might not see what’s coming as you watch this award-winning 2019 SBS production.
The 2021 tvN drama series Vincenzo (빈센조) is a wild roller coaster of emotions you willingly hop along for and hold on for deal life. Song Joong Ki leads a stellar ensemble cast in the title role as the hilarious, dramatic and sometimes pulpy series grabs you right from the start and never lets go.
Often times, Korean web dramas feel like they are either full-length movies awkwardly chopped up into mobile-friendly bite sized pieces (at which point, it’s best to watch the inevitable movie edit version of the series) or a full-length series premise that ended up underdeveloped and resigned to a streaming fate. The 2020 series Single & Ready to Mingle (솔로 말고 멜로) is the rare web drama that is actually perfectly suited for its format, knows what it is and is trying to do and accomplishes those goals.
The feature film Double Patty (더블패티) is a thoughtful slice of life drama about a pair of young adults trying to find their way and fighting for their dreams, even if they may not know what those dreams might be just yet.
tvN’s Navillera (나빌레라) is simply excellent. A stunningly beautiful drama series about the dreams, obstacles, family and friends that all play a part in our lives. Park In Hwan and Song Kang lead a strong ensemble cast through thoughtful, sincere and profound stories that are just as poignant as they are fun and entertaining.
I like Power Rangers Operation Overdrive. Actually, it’s one of my favorite Power Rangers seasons.
After thoroughly enjoying Kamen Rider Zero-One: REALxTIME, I was even more excited to see that Zero-One Others: Kamen Rider MetsubouJinrai (ゼロワン Others 仮面ライダー滅亡迅雷 ) had also been released and was waiting for me to quickly jump right in. And my goodness. If I wasn’t sure just a day ago, I might be sure now. Kamen Rider Zero-One might have just solidified itself as my favorite season after this film. And there’s still more to come!
Build and Zero-One rival each other as my favorite Kamen Rider seasons. But with the latter still fresh in my mind and me craving for even more, it has the slight edge. Needless to say, I was beyond excited to be able to watch Kamen Rider Zero-One: REALxTIME (劇場版 仮面ライダーゼロワン リアルタイム), the first of several (!) post-series movies. And it absolutely delivered.
Scripting Your Destiny (당신의 운명을 쓰고 있습니다) has an excellent premise about fate and free will. A premise so good that the ten, 25-minute episodes almost don’t do it justice. The romantic fantasy is a lighthearted story with a legitimately intriguing core foundation. And though thoroughly enjoyable in the end, it’s hard not to wonder how much better it might be in a different format.
You can never go wrong with a KBS Drama Special. And Expiration Date of You and Me (너와 나의 유효기간/The Time Left Between Us) is another enjoyable gem. Shin Hyun Soo and Lee Da In’s excellent chemistry power a charming story about the memories of love and youth.