[REVIEW] TAMRA THE ISLAND

Set in the 17th Century, Jang Beo-jin (Seo Woo) is a young female diver on Tamra Island. She doesn’t particularly enjoy her situation and dreams of one day leaving the island. One day, to her shock, she discovers a young blond haired man laying on the beach. The young man’s name is William (Pierre Deporte) and he is a shipwrecked British citizen. Another young man named Park Kyu enters the island under the disguise of one of the many convicts sent to Tamra Island. In actuality, Park Kyu (Lim Ju-Hwan) is a budding government official known as a Seonbi. These three young people then become involved in a hilarious love triangle. This drama takes you through a lt. You find that in the midst of this bubbly yet complicated drama is political intrigue and maneuvering. Over all it lends toward a lively representation of a culture. Its done very well, as the producers manage to make you believe this is a factual tale and not just the live action version of a manwa. I enjoyed each character immensely, even though sometimes their antics surpassed the boundaries of reality. Taking into account that this is molded after a manwa all their character quirks become loveable. And you become engrossed in their life.

A big part for that is the incredibly phenomenal job done by all the cast members. Regardless of how small their role each character really stands out for their uniqueness.

• Seo Woo as Jang Beo Jin
• Im Joo Hwan as Park Kyu
• Pierre Deporte as William Spencer
• Lee Sun Ho as Yan Kawamura
• Lee Seung Min as Seo Min
• Byun Woo Min as Jang Won Bin
• Yang Hee Kyung as Eom Ssa Boo In
• Kim Yoo Jung as Jang Beo Seol
• Kim Mi Kyung as Choi Jang Nyeo
• Lee Ho Jae as Park Chul
• Bang Eun Hee as Go Ba Soon
• Jung Joo Ri as Han Boon
• Jo Seung Yun as Kim Yi Bang
• Lee Hae Woo as Hyang Dul Yi
• Seo Bum Shik as Jeon Chi Yong
• Kim Ho Won as Hyang Dol Lee
• Yoo Tae Woong as Han Philip
• Park Hee Jin (박희진) as Jong Dal
• Jo Moon Ui as Jong Dal’s father
• Lee Jung Sup as Kim Hoon Jang

Although Tamra the Island did not rate very while it was airing back in 2009 I found it to be extremely enjoyable. It was fun and light while still shining light on the lives of the female divers of Jeju island. I would definitely say its worth the watch!

 

Other K-Dramas to Watch:

The Princess’ Man:

Episode 21: (nationwide rating 22.9)

Episode 22: (nationwide rating 23.8)

Warrior Baek Dong Soo:

Episode 27: (nationwide rating 16.8)

Episode 28: (nationwide rating 19.3)

[REVIEW] PROTECT THE BOSS

To commemorate the end of one my favorite kdramas of late, I’ve decided to do a review in place of an episode recap. After all finales are meant to be seen not read about! Now, if you have yet to watch Protect the Boss there is no time like the present. The series has only just finished and its definitely one of the best of this year. The story centers around No Eun Seol, a struggling ex-trouble maker. She finally lands the job of her life working as secretary to Cha Ji Heon; aka The Nations Papas boy. Sadly he is immature and totally impossible to get along with. Their struggles to get along, the shenanigans they get themselves into, and the complicated relationships that develop makes for one fun packed drama. It’s a completely unique story, with great script writing. The production team creates a rollercoaster ride of emotions that has you gripping your stomach for most of the drama. The cast too is just brilliant at delivering their lines; its believable and alive. And their ability to provide comedy through their expressions and body movements is one of a kind.

 

• Choi Kang Hee as No Eun Seol
• Ji Sung as Cha Ji Heon
• Hero Jaejoong as Cha Moo Won
• Wang Ji Hye as Seo Na Yoon
• Lee Hee Won (이희원) as Yang Ha Young
• Park Young Kyu as Chairman Cha
• Cha Hwa Yun as Shin Sook Hee
• Kim Young Ok as Mrs. Song
• Ha Jae Sook as Lee Myung Ran
• Jung Kyu Soo as No Bong Man
• Kim Hyung Bum as Secretary Kim
• Kim Ha Kyoon as Park Sang Moo

 

The supporting cast is very well selected- complementing the main cast perfectly and never overshadowing.

• Lee Hee Jin
• Kim Chung
• Kim Seung Wook (김승욱)
• Ahn Nae Sang (cameo)

I cannot begin to count how many times this drama had me in stitches. I laughed, I cried, I cheered for the characters, and I loved them even when I hated them! Originally slated for 16 episodes it was extended to 18- giving us a couple more days to enjoy. Again if you havent watched it- DO IT ASAP!!

 

Episode 17: (nationwide rating 14.1)

Episode 18: (nationwide rating 14.6)

 

Other K-Dramas to Watch:

The Princess’ Man:

Episode 21: (nationwide rating 19.8)

Episode 22: (nationwide rating 21.2)

Warrior Baek Dong Soo:

Episode 25: (nationwide rating 17.0)

Episode 26: (nationwide rating 17.4)

[REVIEW] THE PRINCESS’ MAN

I have to admit to being a bit hesitant to start this drama. But having done so I can not be happier. just the first scene was enough to glue me to my seat and strap me down. And as the 1st episode progress I became infatuated with all f the characters.

The story is quite complicated but the premise quite simple. Boy meets girl. They fall in love and then find out that they can never be together as their families re mortal enemies. Pretty much the quintessential Romeo and Juliette set in the Joseon period. The story and love between the characters develop seamlessly, quite a feat when the writers are trying t include as much into an episode as possible. I have to commend them for wonderful use of foreshadowing techniques to speed things along but not leave the viewer behind. The story itself, though not anything revolutionary, still manages to draw you in and keep you there.

Even though and old theme it still appears fresh an vibrant and every character has a strong role to play in it’s development. Which over all is quite refreshing because there isn’t an inundation of irrelevant characters. Even though I know how this story will end I cant help but cheer for the leads and hoping that things might actually turn out for the best. Delusions, I know, but the actors and story are just that engaging.

• Moon Chae Won as Lee Se Ryung
• Park Shi Hoo as Kim Seung Yoo
• Song Jong Ho as Shin Myun
• Hong Soo Hyun as Princess Kyung Hye
• Lee Soon Jae as Kim Jong Seo
• Kim Young Chul as Prince Suyang (later King Sejo)
• Lee Min Woo as Jung Jong

Another wonderful thing is the use of music for this drama. A lot f the historical dramas I’ve seen in the past tend to go for contemporary ballads or even pop/rock music. But the music directors of The Princess’ Man went with more classical music. The opening is a beautiful opera piece which I can not wait to hear in full when the OST releases. I honestly can not wit to watch all 24 episodes of this amazing drama!

[REVIEW] CAN YOU HEAR MY HEART

Okay so I have to admit to a new favorite drama. It’s true, Secret Garden was amazing but I have never seen a more touching story in KDrama before watching Can You Hear My Heart. From the first few minutes of the 1st episode I started falling in love with the characters. And as the story progresses I love them even more (or hate them as the case may be for Choi Jin Chul and Kim Shin Ae.

Now for those of you not familiar with the drama Can you Hear My Heart, the story revolves around Cha Dong Joo and Bong Woo Ri. They meet as young children and become close but circumstances force them in different directions. 16 years, and several tragic events later they meet again, and once more find themselves drawn to each other. But, of course, as it is with all great dramas they find themselves embroiled in many difficulties. Whether by the misdeeds of those around them or the misunderstandings that arise between them, their love is not an easy one. Yet the love story of Cha Dong Joo, a man who’s been rendered deaf after an accident but pretends he can hear, and Bong Woo Ri, a woman who’s intelligent but pretends she’s dim-witted to protect the dignity of her mentally handicapped father, reaches through the screen and touches hearts with ease. Definitely a MUST WATCH!! Of course, there is far more to the story than the above mentioned but then I’ll have to go onto spoiler territory and I feel this story is best learned by watching the drama. The story is fresh, and the production  team has done a wonderful job with the story. Not to mention of curse the help of an amazing cast. The actors/actresses give wonderful performances. I find it hard sometimes to remember that these are nor real people.

• Kim Jae Won as Cha Dong Joo
  • Kang Chan Hee (강찬희) as young Dong Joo
• Hwang Jung Eum as Bong Woo Ri
  • Kim Sae Ron as young Woo Ri
• Nam Goong Min as Jang Joon Ha
  • Seo Young Joo (서영주) as young Joon Ha / Bong Ma Roo

 

Even the kids that play the role of the leads in youth where phenomenal. My favorite being Soe Young Joo (what a little heart breaker!)

But, its not just the leads. The supporting cast in INSANELY AMAZING.

• Go Joon Hee as Kang Min Soo
• Lee Kyu Han as Lee Seung Chul
• Jung Bo Suk as Bong Young Kyu
• Lee Hye Young as Tae Yeon Sook
• Song Seung Hwan as Choi Jin Chul
• Yoon Yeo Jung as Hwang Soon Geum
• Kang Moon Young (강문영) as Kim Shin Ae
• Kim Yeo Jin as Na Mi Sook
• Lee Sung Min as Seung Chul’s father
• Hwang Young Hee (황영희) as Seung Chul’s mother
• Noh Hee Ji (노희지) as Park Dae Ri

 

And to top this all off, they have 3 beautiful OST’s out. The songs are heart warming (I’ll definitely be blogging about them when they are all out!). With only 22 out of 30 episodes aired so far I cant wait to see how the story develops.

[REVIEW] CITY HUNTER

I had been waiting  for what seems like forever for the release of a new series starring Lee Minho. Finally about 3 months ago  hear about City Hunter. Of course I went crazy looking for information on it and anxiously awaited its airing. Good thing I did- its totally spectacular! Best part of course is Minho but not just because I’m obsessed with him. Well a great deal is because I’m obsessed with him but the story also kicks ass. What’s better is that Minho does a wonderful job in this role.

City Hunter’s  plot is a complex one. In fact I’m finding it truly difficult to not give any spoilers. The story starts off with

Lee Jin-Pyo and Park Moo-Yul working as bodyguards at the South Korean President’s home the Blue House.  There is an attack by North Korean agents on the Presidents life and in retaliation five high ranking South Korean officials plan a covert operation to go into North Korea and kill North Korean agents. Without the president’s knowledge, bodyguards Lee Jin-Pyo and Park Moo-Yul gather men who will take part in the dangerous mission.However, with the plan in action, the public officers, who initiated the covert operation, change their minds. In turn the agents on the field are killed off. That is except for  Lee Jin-Pyo, who survives and swims back to South Korea steals Moo-Yul newborn child and plots vengeance. Years later, the kidnapped child, Lee Yun-Seo finally arrives in South Korea. Knowing of the events that led to his fathers life he has joined forces with Jin-Pyo and sets off to put plans into action. Of course while he is at it he meets Kim Na Na and begins falling in love despite Jin-Pyo’s warning not to do so.  

 

 

I for one am so happy to see Lee Minho in  such a different role. Happier still that he is doing such a phenomenal job at it. Of course, the story is brilliant so it shows him off to perfection but so too do the supporting characters. The production team certainly did a great job in choosing actors/actresses that seem to have no problem in nailing their character. They all have great acting abilities. I mean even Goo Ha Ra, a rookie, is good.

City Hunter is actually based on a world-famous novel by Japan’s Tsukasa Hojo. That alone garnered a lot of press and anticipation from fans world-wide. Thankfully, it has really delivered where other versions had failed. With the change of setting to modern Seoul you really get a better feel for the story. And considering the slew of rom com’s currently out, this really is a great change of pace. I for one cant wait to see how the story progresses- I for one didn’t read the novel so the end will certainly be a surprise!

[REVIEW] LIE TO ME

Ok talk about cute! This drama is so refreshing. Even though the plot is pretty cookie cutter, the production team sure picked a great cast. Each performance is believable and keeps the series from being too goofy to handle. Instead you get really fun characters and a silly story about a guy and a girl who get tangled together by a lie gone wrong.

If you haven’t already been watching the drama Lie To Me is a simple enough story. Gong Ah Jung, a Ministry of Culture official, mistakenly lies that she’s married to Hyun Ki Joon, a hotel manager from an affluent family. Their relationship is further complicated when Ki Joon’s ex-fiancée and a close friend of his brother’s, Oh Yoon Joo, reappears in his life.

As per usual, there is lots more going on in the drama but I will not delve into spoiler territory. I will say that though the story is simple enough it’s really perfect if you’re the mood to laugh and have your heart warmed. Being that it’s on 12 out of 16 episodes the story I only getting juicier. I think what I like most about the drama is that it does a great job at making seem real. The ‘villians’ in the story are more comedic than evil so instead you get havoc causing lies. Time and again I find myself thinking “Oh what tangled webs we weave when first we practice to deceive.” In short Lie To Me teaches us a moral…if your going to lie think it through! And of course as in all Korean dramas, love triangles abound. Old flings, puppy love, and even some two timing…all the makings of a classic!

Rated in the top 3 for the past few weeks, Lie To Me should definitely make it to your list of dramas to watch. I’m really enjoying the story development. And plus there is plenty if eye candy if you get bored!