DryedMangoez reviews of television series, films and music.
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.
OCN’s The Uncanny Counter (경이로운 소문/Amazing Rumor) is an exciting and heartfelt series. A stellar cast is the perfect match for a story that is an effortless blend of character-based drama, comedy, action and fantasy.
Having just wrapped up its second season, Korean drama Penthouse (펜트하우스) has proven that it is a force to be reckoned with. And the formula? Engage viewers in a wild, nonstop roller coaster of a ride through soapy plotlines and shock and awe twists and turns brought to life by a talented cast that relishes and embraces the outrageous camp. And best of all, it is a fun ride. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll get angry. But you enjoy it all.
Lee Isaac Chung’s 2020 film Minari is a captivating slice of life story. Following a Korean family as they move to rural Arkansas in the 1980s, Minari brings to life a uniquely immigrant story while also being a universal and relatable story about family, community and the American dream.
When it was first announced that TV5 would be airing a Cignal/Viva Entertainment-produced Philippine adaptation of Korean drama Encounter, I was shocked and a little confused. Of all the Korean dramas they could adapt, they chose this Song Hye Kyo-Park Bo Gum romantic drama?
Zombie Detective (좀비탐정) may just be the happiest, most heartfelt zombie television series ever! At least, that’s my immediate reaction after watching this 2020 KBS series. Choi Jin Hyuk effortlessly leads a stellar ensemble cast as the titular Zombie Detective. Mixing drama, comedy, fantasy and mystery, it all comes together into what is unexpectedly a hilarious and emotional adventure.
The first season of Love Alarm (좋아하면 울리는) was one of the very first Korean dramas I watched last year at the start of stay at home/lockdown orders. I thought those first eight episodes were wonderful. So color me surprised that these six season 2 episodes had almost none of the things I enjoyed and liked from the first season.
KBS’ 2015 series Cheer Up! (발칙하게 고고/Sassy Go Go!) is as timely today as it was back when it first aired. The high school-set drama tackles issues that, unfortunately, continue to be pervasive in today’s society. But as the title suggests, the series depicts a story that aims to be hopeful and positive in the midst of the difficult pressures of everyday life.
It’s always a nice treat when you go into a film expecting one thing and it ending up being something completely different. But in a great way. That’s the 2011 Korean film Always (오직 그대만/Only You). The film is a romantic drama that hits every mark and delivers a roller coaster of emotions powered by wonderful performances and sizzling chemistry from stars So Ji Sub and Han Hyo Joo.