Review: Marriage Not Dating (2014)

Ki Tae: "Shall we do it for real? Let's get married?"

Fake it 'till you fall in love.

In the vast garden that is K-Dramaland, how many shows have had this premise? And how many shows, so to speak, have had awesome execution using this premise? Sure there'd be Full House, My Name Is Kim Sam Soon, Lie To Me, and the recent Fated To Love You... but none (and I sure think none) have nailed such a plot (and the comedy that goes with it) as strikingly good as Marriage Not Dating did.

Image via Edaily.

Locally known as Let's Get Married (shown weekdays at ABS-CBN, 4:00 PM), Marriage Not Dating depicts the story of Gong Ki-Tae, a 33 year-old plastic surgeon who prefers to live alone than mingle with everybody else. He has no interest in marriage whatsoever, yet due to some unexplainable twist of fate, he finds himself faking a marriage agreement with 29 year-old Joo Jang Mi in the hopes of stopping his family from pestering him... knowing that they will never approve of her. Yeah, or so he thought.

Wacky, funny, yet so full of heart; Marriage Not Dating is one of those rare few shows whose actors aren't afraid to drop pretty images all for the sake of making everything work — which, actually, made Marriage Not Dating work. Ha. Han Groo and Yeon Woo-jin's commitment to the roles they were playing was sooo dang amazing they made me only ever see Jang Mi and Ki-Tae even after the show has already ended. I'm serious! I'm watching Divorce Lawyer In Love now (all because of Woo-jin), but I'm still not seeing past Jung Woo just yet as remnants of Ki-Tae still linger whenever I see Yeon Woo-jin on screen (plus, chemistry with his current leading lady isn't as effective as what he had with Han Groo... or so I think).

Add to that the wonderful comedic timing the show has invested so much in, what we get is a breakthrough drama that is sure to last most raved romcom lists for a very long time. 

❀ RAVES ❀ »•» 

Oh, hi there!

1) Han Groo as Joo Jang Mi. I know I've already said this, but let me just say it again: I absolutely love how this actress doesn't mind being wacky and foolish as Jang Mi, considering how absolutely pretty she actually is. She isn't afraid to drop her pretty image to make the show work; and that commitment, for me, is a winner. Indeed, Han Groo is really one remarkable discovery in the world of K-Drama and I love that she isn't being just one of those pretty faces we usually see in TV. She has talent, and I love how natural her acting can be. The way her eyes smile whenever she smiles? Ah, that was captivating.

2) Yeon Woo-jin as Gong Ki-Tae. Yeon Woo-jin... I sure liked him before as Joo-Wal (Arang and the Magistrate); and though I am a self-confessed Lee Jun Ki fan, I admit I've seen so much potential in him despite not liking that complicated, good-boy-not-good-boy, angst-full of a character he once played. Plus, he's pretty good in crying his eyes out. Heh. But watching Marriage Not Dating made me admire him even more in that he can pull off a plastic surgeon in love act pretty well; and that he's so adorable with all the facial expressions that he does. Him playing Ki-Tae is a breath of fresh air from the cold-blooded killer role I used to know, and I sure am going to remember Ki-Tae's wonderful character for the rest of my viewing life. Thank you, oppa.

3) Comedy and Sound Effects. One word I have for that sound effects trick: creative. I knew the addition of sound effects make a show all the more appealing, but I never thought that aside from the appeal, adding these would make the show even funnier. I think pairing those sound effects with the characters' gestures and facial expressions made the comedy even more appealing. It's hilarious I tell you. I've never laughed hard enough while watching a drama, but Marriage Not Dating made me laugh so hard I almost had myself rolling on the floor laughing! And therefore I conclude... Marriage Not Dating = Comedy. Yes, it's this show's strength. Comedic timing is so spot-on for Marriage Not Dating that no matter how over the top the characters' reactions are, it ain't gonna feel that way because of execution. Kudos to Han Groo and Yeon Woo-jin for portraying such multi-dimensional characters—never once did Jang Mi and Ki-Tae felt unreal. I love them to bits.

4) Heart. Sure Marriage Not Dating is a light, fluffy and funny watch; but let's not forget the heart and depth there is to it too. Family relationships, love and marriage... it isn't just the comedic aspect the show was able to play consistently. Real-life problems had been a constant motif too. I loved how Marriage Not Dating stayed true in tackling these sort of issues. No sugar coating. No white washing. Just. plain. truth. Because in reality, love and marriage isn't always about flowers and butterflies but hardships and sacrifices: how much you are willing to endure, what you are willing to accept, and how much you are willing to make things work for the sake of your love. No expectations. No assurance. Just plain love.

Jang Mi: "I love you and I don’t know if I could trust you, but I want to trust you. I love you and I don’t know whether we’ll be happy or not if we get married, but I want to be happy with you."

5) Chemistry. Han Groo and Yeon Woo-jin as separate entities are amazing. But these two together? Addicting. Their chemistry may have been unexpected, but it's seriously addicting! Jang Mi and Ki-Tae's character grow in you, and watching Han Groo and Yeon Woo-jin on screen together for the longest time spells KILIG. I see confettis all over the place. Hahaha! Seriously, these two are absolutely adorable together. I love them so much I want to squish them together forever.

❀ RANTS ❀ »•» 

1) Cold Open. Flashforward, as a literary device, is used by taking a narrative forward in time from the current point of the story to arouse the interest of the viewers or readers. Marriage Not Dating uses a lot of this, references to a scene further in the future utilized to twist viewer expectations. Most of the time it works, other times it doesn't. And that other times? That part I hate. Cold opens can be a clever way of undermining audience expectation, but when played improperly, it becomes a lie. And I hate it. I hate it when the show uses footage of something that hasn't really happened more so because I feel like I've been trolled. Purposely misleading viewers is in no way the same as twisting expectations, and yeah, I hate fake-outs like that.

❀ RULING ❀ »•» 

Nevertheless, Marriage Not Dating still is an unexpected standout among dramas aired during 2014. I love it, I rave about it, and I know I still have a lot more to say about it... but I think I won't be able to go on any longer without spoiling a thing or two. So yeah, you be the judge. Go ahead and give Marriage Not Dating a try; you sure won't be disappointed. 😃

READ MORE »

TAGS: Dramas, Han Groo, K-Drama, K-Drama Reviews, Marriage Not Dating, Yeon Woo Jin   Edit

Forevermore: Episode 04/13/15 (Deadline)

Eh yung tawang-tawa ako kay Xander... Hahaha!

I have no issues whatsoever about Jay. Yes he's handsome. He's a gentleman. He is very patient, and loves his mother so much. He endures, and knows not to complain. On top of that, he sings! He's a rockstar! So yeah. I'm not blind to all of that and I can see that he's a good man and is pretty serious about Agnes. 

The batman!

But... when the leading man is not a jerk, when he shows how much he cares—how much he really really wants to get the girl back, and he is as handsome as Enrique Gil, what's there not to love? I know I'm usually one of those very rare few who almost always has a second lead syndrome (say Empress Ki), but when the lead is as lovable as Xander is (and you know their backstory, and you know his noble idiocy isn't as idiotic as it seem to be), it is hard to change ships and fall for the second lead. Yes. In circumstances such as this, it really is hard not to fall for our main man. So yeah... Sorry, Jay.

And Agnes, this girl. Sometimes I love her, other times I hate her. And when she's being like this (or worse, like what she was during their training camp), I feel like I'm hating her even more. I get that she was hurt. She was left behind, and thus was brokenhearted. But with what she is doing now... isn't she over reacting? Isn't she being childish? I don't know if it's just me, pero... para kasing ang arte-arte (na) niya. Besides, Xander is still her adviser. Ditching his suggestions like that... isn't she being unprofessional? A snark contrast to her self-note about remaining professional with her ex.

The dreaded photo... Lels

Oh well. I guess there's a lot more episodes to look forward to anyway, so let's just see what happens next. In the mean time...

More Xander fervor beybeh!

He really is sooo in love. ❤

READ MORE »

TAGS: Dramas, Enrique Gil, Forevermore, Liza Soberano, Pinoy Soap Ramblings   Edit

Forevermore: Episode 02/04/15 (Change)

Time flies... Memories fade...

Official drama poster. Image via IMDb.

O. M. G.

Di ko kinaya ang acting ni Liza!!!

Of all the scenes from today's 40+ minute episode, this less than two minute scene right here is what pumped me the most.

Yes, it was that great. Liza was so emotionally engaging today, not because I can relate to her being left behind (but come to think of it, most of us did relate... I guess), but because her vulnerability is so transparent the pain she is feeling transcends way way beyond the television. Agnes' emotions were so raw and very well contained; watching her deploy that too raw a tear will definitely make viewers tear up with her. I know, and I can assure you, because I teared up with her.

Xander leaving was definitely no easy thing to deal with, and I'm absolutely hating Kate right now for ruining somebody else's life by being a spineless, over the top clingy bitch; but as I said in a twitter post, at least the guy's leaving to protect Agnes. Not because he doesn't love her anymore. #hugotpamore

So there. I know, and I believe, that there's still gonna be a second chance for these two hearts... because seriously, when does a lead ever not get the lead in a love story as such?

Forevermore, starred by Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, airs at ABS-CBN's primetime block—weekdays right after Dream Dad.

"Time flies. Memories fade. But only love (and change) can last forever."

READ MORE »

TAGS: Dramas, Enrique Gil, Forevermore, Heartbreaks, Liza Soberano, Pinoy Soap Ramblings   Edit

Itazura na Kiss 2 Love in Okinawa First Impressions

This!

How come I never got updated that the second season had already been out when I have been waiting for it for almost a year now? Was I that busy? Too pre-occupied? Hahaha whatever. At least I've already caught up (and that's saying something I guess, since I started both Joseon Gunman and Fated To Love You last June but haven't gone anywhere near finishing any of the two until now). 

Official drama poster. Image via My Drama List.

It's already been three episodes after the pilot ep Love in Okinawa has been aired, and the chemistry that both Yuki and Miki was able to exude in the first season doesn't seem to be sinking on me in this season just yet. I don't know if it's just me, or if I'm comparing this season so much with the Taiwanese version, but I seem not entirely sold to the fact that Kotoko and Naoki are, in actuality, already married. It's like there's something missing in the romantic aspect, whereas Naoki isn't acting as nice and sweet a husband as Zhi Shu was in They Kiss Again (except for episode 4).

And the pacing... The story seems to be moving kind of fast, what with Kotoko already presumed to be having a baby by just the third episode (and each episode runs for only 40-mins, compared to TKA which ran for an hour). And Kin-chan? Him falling for Chris in like what, a snap? was... lol. But seriously, whichever way I look at it, it all seemed rushed. There hadn't been that much of a connection built between Chris and Kin-chan yet to even make the latter bawl his eyes out at the airport screaming "OMG why did you leave me?!?!" after the former left. Hah. I guess that was kind of ridiculous.

It may seem like I'm complaining, but nah. I am so, so not. Besides it's still probably too early in the game to judge. With 12 episodes left before the series concludes, a lot could still happen. Developments could still happen. So, in the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy watching Miki in all her cuteness, Yuki in all his handsomeness, and the rest of the gang in all their crazy antics. Enjoy the show, as they say. Just enjoy the show.

Image via heenimkyu

That reminds me... Last year, I spent the remaining of the days going to new year watching Yuki, Miki, and the rest of the gang be all cute and fluffy in ItaKiss Season 1 while finishing our school's contest issue paper. This year, I seem to be doing the same exact thing: ranging from the school paper work to ItaKiss Season 2. Tell me... what sorcery is this? Hahahaha.

On a different note... Merry Christmas, everyone!

READ MORE »

TAGS: Dramas, J-Drama, J-Drama Impressions, J-Drama Ramblings   Edit

[Jo Seung Woo] God's Gift - 14 Days: Episode 9

Have you seen my heart? I think it just got stolen....

Lol at 1:48. 😂

God's Gift has slowly been gearing towards that heavy, dark path, so hearing Jo Seung Woo sing (and seeing him be silly in that BTS) does wonders in lightening the mood even for just a bit.

I'm in love. ❤

READ MORE »

TAGS: Currently Stalking, Dramas, God's Gift — 14 Days, Jo Seung Woo, K-Drama Ramblings   Edit

Review: My Love From The Star (2014)

You From Another Star (alternate title: My Love From The Stars), that SBS drama featuring a 400+ old resident alien who falls in love with a top actress in the modern era, came to an end like... a few days ago. In a normal situation, I'd get occasional post drama withdrawal symptoms for a show this good. But You From Another Star became somewhat of a different story I moved on from like, snap! Or was that because I'm just busy with work?

Image via SBS.

Ha. Either way, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying the drama isn't any good because it is. I loved it—really really did. Jun Ji Hyun was perfect as Cheon Song Yi and Kim Soo Hyun nailed that 400+ old alien gramps Do Min Joon. However, the ending wasn't much like I expected it would be, considering that it started with a premise that wowed and was followed by an execution that wowed even more. Though it was a good thing that Min Joon's fate to stay or to leave wasn't given away up until the last week, I find the open-ended ending not much of a gratifying resolution to our couple's cosmic rift. I mean, come on. You throw in a wormhole in the last minute of the show to reason out Min Joon going back and forth from home for his happy ending? Sawrey, but it doesn't make sense. I get that it is needed to establish the happy ending our couple should be having, but a deus ex machina is still a deus ex machina. Period. 

So yeah. I wasn't completely satisfied in an intellectual way, but character wise it's another story.

❀ RAVES ❀ »•» 

1) Jun Ji Hyun as Cheon Song Yi. Cheon Song Yi, that audaciously laugh out loud diva who takes on almost anything and anyone with so much gusto to boot, is a totally seriously really unforgettable character. I love how in need of love she is and how vulnerable she can be because of it. I love that despite this, and the many other downfalls she's had, she refuses to back down. She's flawed, but at the same time a strong woman—much stronger than she appears to be. I love how selfish yet selfless she can be, and how she mirrors Min Joon's depth at love in that she'd rather choose to send Min Joon back to his own planet than live with him thinking he'd die the soonest. And I love Jun Ji Hyun for totally owning such a character.

2) Unique series of epilogues. This scene at episode 11 where Min Joon told Song Yi that he never really felt anything for her, but took it back by kissing her in that stopped time, was just... love. Trapping his feelings in that frozen lake and time was candid and heartbreaking it slayed me. Most poignant thing I've seen in television. Ever.

3) Prettiest of stills that can very well pass as a painting. Cinematography is breathtaking in You From Another Star. Be it a scene from the Joseon era or the modern time, it's pretty evident that attention to detail has been observed in the making and filming of this drama. I love the rich and profound colors apparent in each shot, and the tone it exudes as you watch each scene unfold before your eyes is just so gorgeous. I also love how the director matches tinges of emotion currently played in a scene, in that warm combinations are present during happy moments, whereas palettes turn into cool by the time it forebodes into the unknown.

Seriously Kim Soo Hyun, don't you attempt to get a perm like that ever again.

  

4) Lawyer Jang and Do Min Joon. I love Lawyer Jang and his decades old relationship with Min Joon. You know there's so much more than just friendship between them, and that last goodbye they had in the park where they first met spoke for hundreds of emotions built from all those years of caring and looking out for each other. Lawyer Jang even mentioned that him sending Min Joon away feels like him sending a son away. Woot woot. Way to go, Lawyer Jang.

5) Min Joon's Growth. It was amazing to note how Min Joon grew throughout the course of the show. What started out as a layered and stiff grumpypants gradually evolved into someone emotionally naked (okay, maybe not as naked), with his layers and shells peeling off right before us as the show progressed. I specifically love that deep affection he has developed for Song Yi, in that he is able to sacrifice everything—even his identity—just to make sure Song Yi is safe.

6) Best roster of quotes. I am a sucker for clever writing and candid quotes, and You From Another Star has a great roster of those, such as these from Song Yi and Yi-hwa.

Song Yi: "People have a tendency to see somebody in a better place, and rather than wishing themselves to go to that nice place, they pray for the other person to fall down into their own abyss. Sorry, but I won’t go down to the abyss where you live. Hating someone, being jealous, doing hellish things—I won’t do any of that. So don’t try to bring me down to your level.”

Yi-hwa: "Farewells should be made in advance, because if it's truly the end, you can't make farewells. Before I met you, I had no hope for the days I had yet to live. I felt only resignation and resentment. After meeting you, for the first time I felt happy for my future. For the first time, I wanted earnestly to live. I was thankful, and more thankful. I'll not forget. I can't forget. After death, whatever world I come to, I won't forget you."

❀ RANTS ❀ »•»

1) Se Mi's Redemption. Se Mi's redemption, plot wise, was a tad too quick. For someone who had been on the dark side because of love—clinging to a person whom she can never have and abandoning her best friend in the process—being able to realize what kind of person she had become because of her love and doing something about it is a strong point, but the execution fell short and rushed for me. Accepting defeat isn't easy if you have an ego and pride as large as your head, and that's just exactly how Se Mi is. 

2) Min Joon Less Explored. I loved Min Joon and his growth, I loved him for loving Song Yi too, but I probably would have loved him even more had his growth been in full and his character better explored. I mean, with the way things had went for the drama, it somehow looked like Min Joon was actually just living for Song Yi and nada for himself. I know I wanted Min Joon to not leave Song Yi for good, but may he not have really wanted to go home himself? Throwing that option for himself out of the window... Was it really just as easy as that?

3) Deus Ex Machina Ending. Deus ex machina, as a literary device, is when a character or a thing suddenly appears to provide a contrived solution to an apparently insoluble difficulty. The wormhole thing thrown at the last minute of the show is a perfect example of that. And sorry, but no matter how I look at it, it just doesn't make sense.

❀ RULING ❀ »•» 

All in all, You From Another Star is one roller coaster of a drama that will make you laugh, cry, squee, cry, and then laugh again. It was rather overhyped, yes, but is still a cute and entertaining watch that may top the bill for every romcom drama fans out there. And oh, if you're going to watch it for anyone, watch it for Jun Ji Hyun. She's a hands down killer with that Cheon Song Yi role she literally owned You From Another Star—heart and soul.

Edit 04/21/14: I didn't know there was a special episode (or more like, an extended epilogue) for You From Another Star. I just recently found it after searching amid the buzz of GMA airing the drama locally. Upon watching, I came up with this: had SBS aired this special in addition to the final episode, I probably would have glossed over the whole wormhole thing in that the last stills proved that Min Joon was able to stay for good. Which is probably all the fix I ever really needed. Or... maybe not. Deus ex machina is still deus ex machina, after all.

READ MORE »

TAGS: Dramas, K-Drama Reviews, Reviews   Edit

Comparative Review: Itazura na Kiss Live Action

You know the drill. Girl likes boy, girl confesses, boy rejects. Yet due to some convenient coincidence, the two ends up living together. Romance soon blossoms, splotched by a few kisses here and there, and that's that. Pretty simple premise with no overarching plot drivers. Yet this pretty simple premise to Kaoru Tada's timeless story actually became a big hit garnering not only an anime counterpart, but four Itakiss live action adaptations (the first of which I'm not including in this post).

So mirror mirror on the wall, which is the best kiss of them all?

It Started With A Kiss (2005)

Image via Crunchyroll.

❀ RAVES ❀ »•» 

1) I strongly believe that this adaptation is what nailed the chemistry best. Joe and Ariel are sooo good together! Seriously, I squeed and squeed while watching these two I'm left like an emotional ball of squeeing mess after the show ended.

2) I love how ISWAK tended to delve deeper into the budding romance. Though it was quite long (30 episodes at max) and may have dragged a bit, pacing was never a major problem (for me) since the length of the show was mostly spent in the development of Zhi Shu's feelings for Xiang Qin. Him falling in love for the girl was absolutely the highlight of the show for me.

3) I think Joe Cheng did the best portrayal of Naoki. Jiang Zhi Shu's transformation from an ice cold jerk to someone warmer and cozier is the best part that other adaptations botch, and I love that he isn’t as stoic and though quite subtle, is a tad more lovable and humane. 

4) There’s season two! I love season two.

❀ RANTS ❀ »•» 

1) Yuan Xiang Qin is the most awful Kotoko to have sprung to life. Suffice it to say she’s my least favorite. And the problem here isn’t about Ariel Lin, but how Xiang Qin's character has been written. She’s supposed to be a bubbly burst of sunshine and optimism – a characteristic which led Zhi Shu to fall in love with her – but most of the time Xiang Qin is just an awkwardly over the top doormat I want to reach past the screen and strangle her for making me cringe too much. 

2) Of course I love that there’s a wedding. Who wouldn’t? But... couldn’t they have just gone through it without swapping dresses? I know that Jiang-mama originally wanted a girl thus dressed Zhi Shu in various baby girl dresses when he was a child... but seriously, making him wear a gown on one of the most important events of his life is just weird.

Playful Kiss (2010)

Image via Hancinema.

❀ RAVES ❀ »•» 

1) I must admit, Jung So Min did a pretty decent portrayal as Oh Ha Ni. Compared to Xiang Qin, Ha Ni was delivered as someone dumb yet not as overly irritating. And I love her for that.

2) Baek Eun Jo is the cuuuutest kid brother of all adaptations. Right? Right.

❀ RANTS ❀ »•» 

1) Yes Kim Hyun Joong is hawt, but somehow I just can't find it in my heart to connect with him. He seemed rather... bland. Don't even get me started with his perm.

Itazura na Kiss~Love in Tokyo (2013)

Image via Amazon Japan.

❀ RAVES ❀ »•» 

1) Best portrayal of Kotoko. Ever. Hats off to Honoka Miki! She tends to act under and over the top at times, and that excessive duck face thing isn’t the cutest scene to see on screen either. Yet of all Kotoko portrayals, hers is the most realistic. She’s able to capture that essence of a teenage girl in love and I love that she isn’t written as stupid to not have her own spine. She exuded that bubbly burst of enthusiasm and optimism expected from her, and thus showed more personality and depth, as compared to her regional counterparts.

2) I love Kin-chan! Yamada Yuki was a breath of fresh air from all Ikezawa Kinnosuke adaptations. And though Lee Tae Sung was good doing Bong Joon Gu (compared to Jiro Wang), it is only with Yuki that I've seen that heartfelt connection between Kin-chan and Kotoko, despite of the latter not being able to return the former's feelings. 

3) Irie-papa... He's just soooo cute! 

❀ RANTS ❀ »•» 

1) The drama itself even mentioned that "the probability of a house being hit by a shooting star is one in a million", so why did they even bother with this trick? It would've been better had they stuck to the intensity-two-house-collapse-reason instead, because seriously, when does a shooting star ever hit a house?

❀ RULING ❀ »•» 

All adaptations are good in its own right, but after all this is said and done, my loyalty is unwavered and thus still lies with... ISWAK. I think it was able to delve deeper into the story and the feelings of the characters, and had the best chemistry. Plus, the fact that it continued to tell the story of the leads' lives through a second season had me reeling for it even more. Did I mention I absolutely love the second season? Itakiss though is a really good contender... and had the second season aired prior to this writing, who knows... I might have changed my mind. 

READ MORE »

TAGS: Dramas, J-Drama, J-Drama Reviews, K-Drama, K-Drama Reviews, Other Drama Reviews, Reviews, T-Drama, T-Drama Reviews   Edit

Review: I Hear Your Voice (2013)

Image via SBS.

Nine year old Park Su-ha (Lee Jong-suk) lost his father in a make-believe car accident conspired by Min Joon Gook to avenge the untimely death of his wife. Little Su-ha might have lost his life too, if not for Jang Hye Sung (Lee Bo-young) who, coincidentally, caught Min in the act that same night. Having been urged by her conscience to testify against evil, Hye Sung mustered all of her courage and opened the door to the court, thus putting an end to Min's not guilty plea.

Su-ha: "Today, I saw another one who looked like you. I haven't forgotten you. When I see you again, I will protect you. Where are you now?"

Cut to: Hye Sung at the public defender's office. Growing as a bold, sassy and smart ass woman, she swept away not only Su-ha nor several helpless cases in court, but also the people who have watched her in this year's hit drama: I Hear Your Voice. A nail biting, edge gripping 18-episode romance/comedy/fantasy series broadcasted by SBS from June 5th to August 1st; I Hear Your Voice follows the lives of Hye Sung, Su-ha and Min Joon Gook, and their 11 year story of love, deception, hatred and forgiveness.

THOUGHTS...

More than writing raves and rants for this drama, this'll probably be just me going over one point to another... since I have tons and tons of thoughts about it but don't know where to begin and how to concisely wrap it up.

1) I Hear Your Voice is a beautifully crafted journey, so much so that it reached the 20% mark of viewership ratings making it the first non-daily weekday drama to have achieved such feat since 2013 rolled. Yes it had flaws, and the legal aspect of the show wasn't its best foot either, but it had perfect execution. Even more so it had that ability to swerve expectations and weave the unknown surely within the plot. It deviates itself from the most typical K-drama norms—no evil bitchy second leads, no noble idiocies, no dominance over its fantasy element nor unnecessary makjang wildcards. I love that Su-ha's mind reading ability didn't go in the way of being the focus of the show, and was instead effectively blended within very worldly situations. 

2) Writer Park Hye-run sure knows how to tug hearts in excruciating degrees. Everytime I watch I Hear Your Voice I get a whole bunch of different emotions all at the same time. I laugh at the cute, bite nails at the building up tension, swoon at the romance, and cry rivers at the sad. It's a whole new spectrum of an emotional roller coaster, and I enjoyed the ride.

3) It has the richest leads and ensemble of characters. I love love love Jang Hye Sung. She's my favorite heroine to date—feisty and smart ass yet has a heart. I love her sometimes contradicting personalities: strong but at times weak, loves but at times denies, acts like a girl and at the same time, a grown woman. I love that she's flawed, and that she eventually grew throughout the course of the show. Most of all, I love how she learned without losing her spark, thus never outgrowing that trademark of personality she had since the beginning.  

4) I love that the extension had been milked well within the plot to utilize its characters. I have always feared extensions—most of the time it is what destroys a good show. I have been dreading that I Hear Your Voice might then become 'a victim of its own success' and it's reassuring to find out that writer Park Hye-run does know how to go where she is heading to no matter the sway. The pacing may have dropped a bit due to lengthening, but I really don't mind since it did well in character development. The extension was a good way to showcase Do Yeon's character depth, and the cute was an added bonus.

5) Acting was superb, and Lee Bo-young totally nailed it. I love how she portrayed Hye Sung with all that charisma and bravado, and adore that scene at the revolving door where she cried rivers after Min Joon Gook got acquitted. She realistically portrayed how Hye Sung was written and acts with so much heart  that I no longer see Lee Bo-young, just... Jang Hye Sung. And yes, Lee Jong-suk can act well enough too; he did pretty well playing Su-ha. It's a bonus that he's handsome. But Lee Bo-young, still... I couldn't imagine I Hear Your Voice any better without her.

6) I have always been a fan of figurative writings and symbols, and the use of revolving doors to trap the most candid thoughts and emotions in this show had me right *there*. Hye Sung spinned through it to gather her courage and give birth to a brainchild. Lawyer Shin tried experiencing it to rid himself off of doubt and fear. Kwan Woo trapped Do Yeon in it to make her realize that the law can have a heart just as much as it can be cold. Ah, revolving doors...

7) I am a sucker for quotes. And clever wordplay. How Writer Park ended Episode 16 with the phrase: "July 26, 2013, 3:10 in the afternoon. She was kidnapped by Min Joon-gook. And two hours and thirty minutes later, our story of eleven years came to an end." was intelligently tricky. And how she had Hye Sung get even with Judge Seo using those same words he said to her outside the court was the most awesome comeback I have seen in quite a while. The fact that I Hear Your Voice has several heartfelt quotes is an added cake, making me such a happy camper. 

8) Keen attention to even the smallest detail is a form of consistency for me, and consistency makes a good show. It has been present between Hye Sung and Su-ha when they exchanged the use of a spoon over a spatula as well as opening bottles for each other. It was also present during Hye Sung and Judge Seo's face off. I Hear Your Voice is good at that, using previous details to reverse roles and strengthen relationship.

9) Relationships, for the most part, is the heart of this drama. I'm glad to see an awesome mom in Hye Sung's, which for once differ from those mothers commonly present in a drama. She was one of a kind. I love how she cared for Hye Sung, and that dance she did in front of the chicken shop when Hye Sung finally became a public defender made me love her even more. I also love Hye Sung and Su-ha's relationship. Their love for each other is strong enough to endure, that even if they happen to part ways, Su-ha can still find her... find her, and fall for her over and over and over again.  

Su-ha: "I know why you’re anxious, and I know why you’re always preparing for a time without me. But even if that time comes, I won’t worry. Even when ten years had passed, I recognized you. When I lost my memories, when I had erased you, I came to love you again. Even if ten more years pass, if I lose my memories again, if that time you’re worried about comes… I’ll find you… and I’ll love you again."

10) I Hear Your Voice is truly a rare gem that managed to hold on well to its footing. It started strong and ended just as strong. It tied loose ends and wrapped up conflicts, thus arriving at a well-earned ending—one that doesn't feel convoluted nor rushed. I love Su-ha's last minute narration and how he connected everyone to his growth, all the while learning how important it is to listen to other people, trust their stories, and fight for the truth without just giving in or giving up.

READ MORE »

TAGS: Dramas, K-Drama Reviews, Reviews   Edit

Last Cinderella: Episode 10

The ship is sinking, the ship is sinking... Call the captain really quick!

Dang Hiroto. Why let go? Why? That isn't noble idiocy. That's loser idiocy... And that, Hiroto, sucks. Big time.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rintaro's ship have already sunk since episode 7... Or so I think... Or so I would like to think. I may have started Team Rintaro but the dim man (for me) had blown away his chance long loooong ago. Passive nitwit. So Hiroto, don't you dare say that Sakura is better off with someone else. You can't lie to yourself. See?

Such gut wrenching tears...

"I said leave but all I really want is you~♪♫"

As for Rintaro, I waaaant to believe he's the fairy god mother (or father. whatever) and that the real cinderella here isn't really Sakura. It's Hiroto. Hiroto!!! (Writers, if you play it this way, hats off to you. Really clever.) He probably needs just a little wind of courage to prevent his ship from sinking... A little wind of courage to stay at the other side of the door... And Shima's already working with one.

So fairy god mother, get those wands working too. RIGHT. ABOUT. NOW.

Image via Pinterest.

PS. I stumbled upon this poll by FujiTV over who the end-game partner is better. 広斗 (Hiroto) or 凛太郎 (Rintaro)? May already be too late, but for fun, votes go here.

Team Hiroto all the way! ;))

READ MORE »

TAGS: Dramas, J-Drama, J-Drama Ramblings   Edit