Romance is a bonus book: Kdrama Review

October 2, 2019November 19, 2019 ~ dramaindna ~ 1 Comment

I finished watching the drama Romance is a bonus book. I started watching the drama after I saw a few clips of the actor, Lee Jong Suk that caught my attention. And also the title was something that really caught my eye. It was different, catchy and mysterious. This show has been the longest Korean show for me in terms of the time I took to finish it. It is beyond 1 month, not because it was boring but because I was busy. But yes, stretching it over such long period may have made it a little less interesting for me.

The story is about a woman named Kang Dan-i who is desperately trying to comeback as an advertising copywriter after years of break. Her best friend is Cha Eun-ho who is a successful author and a senior editor at a publishing company. During her difficult phase, Cha Eun-ho tries to help Dan-i overcome her personal and professional obstacles. Slowly both realise their underlying feelings for each other and how romance is just a bonus on their everlasting friendship.

The first 2 episodes were really really interesting. Like I said not a lot Kdramas start of with a bang for me. I need to dig deep into the story first. But this one did it for me. The actress has played the character absolutely beautifully. She feels irreplaceable (although I don’t know a ton of kdrama actresses).
The first few episodes were so realistic, I could actually relate to her story and her struggles to make her comeback, wanting to do something for herself after a long time. It was touching. When I learnt about how the two of them became friends, I thought that Eun-ho should have done a lot more. (Spoiler Alert!) I mean the person saved your life, made you a successful writer. You should be indebted.
I realised later that not only did he do a lot for her, he thought a lot for her too. A guy or a friend may do a lot for you but they may not always think for you. This made Eun-ho different.

Anyhow, the show in general made me learn a lot about books, what goes into making them, behind the scenes of publishing. It made me realise it’s not as easy as it seems. And also I had a new found respect for books even the ones I don’t like. There is so much backstory to a book and so many people involved, it is actually matter of life for some people. The deadlines and how people relentlessly work for it like it’s their baby. This is writer’s gold.

The marketing ideas discussed are unique and something I haven’t seen, if not new. I really loved them, it was an eye opener. There is an epilogue at the end of the episode which includes quotes and captions by the characters. This in my opinion is such a nice way to kind of take the story forward or reflect on something in past but from a different perspective. The comic scenes induced in between are not so subtle but they do make you smile if not laugh. Something’s however were highlighted more than necessary like the writer’s story, it kind of became more important than the characters itself. The protagonist’s child was dropped from the picture altogether only to be talked of at the end, which gives it a round end but does not look realistic. It makes me wonder if she talked to her child the whole time? Not even told her daughter about her boyfriend?
I really like how they have used the ‘Moon is Beautiful’ phrase. How Eun-ho used it to convey I love you to Dan-i. How they even used it to thank the viewers for watching the show. It reminds me of the phrase ‘I purple you’ from BTS.

I am not a big fan of ost from drama. It wasn’t something I listened to again and again. And for some reason unbeknownst to me, I kept picturing Dan-i and Eun-ho more as best friends than lovers, maybe because their friendship was real solid and enduring.

I liked the ending it was really soft and deep. It talked about how we should be like a book and the book we are may not be liked by some but it will also be loved by some. Be a book for someone.

All in all, it was a great drama with a good and different storyline. If you like thoughtful dramas, books, or are struggling professional, this one might just be for you. It definitely makes up on my must watch list if not the top ones.

The drama teaches us that life is about giving second chances even to yourself.

Why Watch it?

If you like bestfriend to lovers dram theme
If you are a Lee Jong-Suk fan
If you are a Lee Na-young fan as she has comeback with a bang
To explore friendships, books and life
If you wish to watch something deep and thoughtful along with a bit of humour

Continue reading “Romance is a bonus book: Kdrama Review” →

Uncontrollably Fond: Kdrama Review

August 18, 2019December 5, 2019 ~ dramaindna ~ Leave a comment

I watched this series right after ‘the heirs‘ primarily because of Kim Woobin. When I first started the series it did not catch my attention. I tried to watch the first episode over a number of days again and again. I skipped off a bit from initial 4 episodes. The background scores in 3rd episode helps a lot.

Image Credit: Pinterest

The story is about Shin Joon Young and Noh Eul who were best friends. Shin Joon Young wanted to become a lawyer but a tragic incident made him switch to acting and singing. Noh Eul, on the other hand is a documentary producer who tries to be righteous however her rigorous conditions sometimes make her behavior unethical. It is when she is asked to film his documentary the two meet again years later and love blossoms.

Image Credit: weheartit

I actually found the storyline good, it is much more intricate then what is visible on the surface. But the title wasn’t all justified as per the story. I really liked the playback of the story of Eul and Joon Young and how they fell in love was touching. However, later on I expected a lot of hardcore romance on their front. To my surprise there wasn’t much. The romance was mainly indirect like Joon Young beating the other guy who said mean things to Eul. And pushing the girl away because he thinks he doesn’t deserve her. ( But why tell her to love you and listen to only you and confuse her when you know you will leave after sometime. This annoyed me a bit) Also, the show felt a little more inclined towards justice and conscious then the love story to be precise and hence I felt the title wasn’t all justified. Even so I still like the drama for dealing with the darker sides of both good and bad people.

Image Credit: weheartit

The plot was good, the present day and flashback went well together which created enough suspense. The back story played exactly when it was needed explaining everything. I liked that bit about the show.

Image Credit: weheartit

I was a bit confused between Joon Young’s moments he imagined in his brain and the actual reality.
Also, light could be shed on how they met and how he developed the friendship and then love. (There were instances but not enough) I really thought I would cry alot as everyone talks of the show like that but I didn’t that much. Something’s really connected and a few scenes did make me teary eyed but I never ended up crying a bucket. There were three scenes that got me on my feet. The one was when he proposes in the concert. It was too cute. The one where Eul tells him the exact time she fell in love. And the one where his mother visits him and he can’t recognize her.

Image Credit: weheartit

Gif: weheartit

I think the beginning was really stretched out. And the end episodes were a little in rush. The show deserved a proper closure. Like he could have made a video on how much he loved everyone, his mother and especially Eul and how he wants them to live afterwards. Also, much could be shown on how the other supporting characters lived afterwards.

Gif: weheartit

Kim Woobin was a obviously a stand out and the reason I continued watching. In every drama of his that I have watched, he plays this jerk who straightens out later on. It suits him but then I want him to able to live his love in a show atleast. I want to watch him in more shows as lead where tradegy doesn’t do away with his happy ever after. Everytime Kim Woobin was acting sick, I could only think about how he must have felt when he actually went through cancer afterwards. For once, I am glad that reel and real life are different for he came out as a winner. Bae Suzy was very prominent in the initial episodes and the ending episodes. In-between, her acting did not prompt a lot of emotion in me.

Image Credit: wehearit

Regardless, the chemistry between Kim Woobin and Bae Suzy was really good and some front end romantic scenes would have helped the show a lot more. You can’t help but fall for Kim Woobin. His acting skills are amazing. He seems very natural whether it’s a sad scene or a happy one. His smirk. Oh god. His smirk is to die for. Everytime he does, I too have a smile on face. I didn’t fully understand some of the supporting roles. However, I liked Jin Kyung’s acting along with Choi Moo-sung.

Image Credit: kdramastars.blogspot.com

The drama ost is one of its biggest bonus. It is very beautiful and profound. ‘Only you’ by Junggigo is a favourite, it’s a perfect mix of romantic and upbeat. The song ‘A Little Braver’ should be a theme song for this drama along with ‘Only You’. All the instrumental soundtrack are also amazing, something you can’t help but listen to. ‘Love Hurts’ by Hwanhee, ‘My Heart Says’ by Kim Na Young, ‘Don’t Push Me’ by Red Velvet’s Wendy and Seulgi, all make an unexplainable sadness and yearning in your heart whereas the song ‘Across The Ocean’ by New Empire makes for a happy beat. Few songs have also been contributed by the two leads. Even if you are not fond of this drama, you wouldn’t regret watching it for it’s soulful music in the least.

Image Credit: weheartit

Overall, I would still say that if you like a subtle romance that could still make you cry a bucket then this drama is for you.

Image Credit: weheartit

This drama teaches you that you can correct your mistakes, you can seek justice and even love within a limited time as well. It is a matter of choice.

Why Watch it?

If you are a fan of subtle romance with other subplot taking the mainframe
If you are a Kim WooBin fan, he has done his very best here
If you are a Bae Suzy fan, the chemistry between the leads is really good
If you wish to watch something sentimental that could make you cry or if you like bitter-sweet endings
Amazing Ost

Continue reading “Uncontrollably Fond: Kdrama Review” →

Kdrama Review: The Innocent Man (To love was his crime)

June 14, 2019May 18, 2020 ~ dramaindna ~ Leave a comment

This was right after DOTS, I was still hooked onto Song Joongki so I looked for more of his dramas. The title got to me. There are many shows where it’s a usual to see female being potrayed the good and innocent (especially in korean dramas). However, a man being showcased as innocent and the victim of destiny (and the women) was the attracting point.

Seo Eungi (left), Kang Maru (Centre), Han Jae-hee (right)

So the story starts off at a tragic note. It is a melodrama. There is so much sadness from the beginning so it makes it kinda hard to go on because tragedies usually strike in the middle, right? So I try my best to watch it. I kinda linger on for like first few episodes it takes an effort to watch and I almost stopped as well since it was dragging a lot. I liked the synopsis when I read, it was deep which persuaded me to watch it. It was also different from the cuteness kdramas are known for. But just when I felt like the story was getting somewhere a confusion and irritation would again cloud up. It was around 10-13th episode I became hooked and watched on. There were some happy moments but quickly spoiled by the overall tragedy of the plot. However the end has still left me puzzle. Spoiler alert! First the girl (Seo Eungi) loses memory then she tries to pick herself and then again loses memory and then gains it back. In the end, the guy loses memory and comes back to her years after and proposes with the same rings he bought earlier. Did he gain his memory back or not? I am really confused. I get he sort of prayed for a new life and finding ordinary love with the girl which he got through the memory loss but did he gain his memory back? Why propose with the same rings? Both don’t say anything they just smile and it ends. Did he get his memory back?? I want to know. He did so much for others, why did bad stuff happen to him? Will they live together with all the memories or not? Urrghhhhhh I am left with a lot of questions. The ending could have been better and clearer.

There’s some good acting. There is certain chemistry between the guy and the girl. The opening theme is also good. However, unnecessarily certain twists have been added to the plot which could have been easily sorted out had any of the leads come clean or said some truth. Instead of being made to a 20 episode, the story could have ended in 16 as well.

Image Credit: Pinterest

Another good factor of this drama is that no character amongst the three leads (The guy, the lady and the girl) is pure and goody-good. Each comes with their own shortcomings which have been put out in the open. Each of three character’s behvaiour is projection of their past. The guy (Kang Maru) is crazy in love to choose his lover over his sister because she has been with him since childhood. His lover (Han Jae-hee) is selfish enough to save herself, wanting power and a lavish lifestyle because she had a abusive and difficult past. The girl (Seo Eungi) is depicted being heartless because of her mother leaving her at a young age and having a father who is never happy by whatever she does. All the characters go all out to protect what they want. Initially the guy protects his lady love and then the girl. The lady protects her power and position. The girls tries to protect her father’s business empire.

Image Credit: Pinterest

The drama potrays how the innocent young guy whose only crime was to love deeply goes at lengths to protect his love for the lady only to realise she loved power and wealth more then anyone. Calling his love for her young and foolish would be wrong. If you watch the show you will realise it ran deep into his childhood. However, he soon realises the reality that you can grow out of your love for someone and that you don’t have to only have one love for life. Love can strike you a second time as well.

Kwang Soo’s character was a good friend, his acting seemed real. I guess his real life love for Joongki showed up (Both are best friends in real life). The love Maru’s sister and his best friend have for him, Han Jehi’s child and his affection for Eungi as a sister are the purest things you will find on this drama.

Don’t expect a lot of emotions from Song Joongki’s character as he has tried to turn himself to stone and has lost meaning in life. However his portrayal as someone who is suffering from life threatening illness is commendable. The lady’s behaviour gets on your nerves but also garners some understanding and reasoning from viewers. Turns out Jae-hee is not all bad, she manages to garner some sympathy for her actions. Moon Chae-Won’s portrayal as fierce Eungi and as meek Eungi with no memory is so stark in the same story and frame. It’s deserving of audience’s attention.

Image Credit: Pinterest

In the end, everyone is able to move from their past somehow. One thing I noticed in both Song Joongki’s dramas is presence of strong female lead. (Is that a thing? Let me know in the comments!)

Image Credit: Asian Wiki

Honestly, it was a bit of work for me (Maybe tradegies aren’t my thing), it did not have many scenes that made me hold my breath. I wouldn’t recommend this as first Kdrama for anyone. Maybe when you have experienced atleast 4-5 dramas, understood a bit of their style and portrayal, it would make more sense. I would choose Song Joongki as Captain Yoo over Song Joongki as Kang Maru anyday.

Why watch it?

If you are a Song Joongki fan and can’t get enough of him
To witness the friendship of Lee Kwang Soo and Song Joongki in reel life
If tradegy/crime/thrillers/revenge plot are your thing
If you want something different from the ‘cuteness overload’ of Kdramas

Continue reading “Kdrama Review: The Innocent Man (To love was his crime)” →

K-Drama Review: Descendants Of The Sun (Similar battles, different battle grounds)

June 6, 2019May 18, 2020 ~ dramaindna ~ Leave a comment

The one that took over the world. If you ask any kdrama fanatic this one is bound to be not only on their viewed list but also their favourite list. Worry not if you are new to this kdrama universe as this is a great one to begin with. Descendants Of The Suns, or DOTS as it is called. The title seemed so majestic, one could believe it is mythological one. However upon researching the plot (Yes, I am that kind! The spoilers don’t bother me much. Yes, we exist!) and completing the drama I realised title has its own significance in the contemporary world.

Although it was not my first Kdrama (Boys Over Flowers was, just like for many many people out there), it did feel like a first. I don’t know why. I don’t even remember how I came across the drama, maybe because it topped all the charts? It certainly was a different experience altogether maybe because a lot of time had passed by from Boys over flowers days. For those who have already watched it, hold your breath! A sequel is in planning.

It starts of on what I would say is a different and difficult note. It’s hard to get the inital scenes in the first go and picture a (spoiler alert!) love story. Then it proceeds good a few episodes, it does get me excited at some points. The ost had caught hold of me by then. It seems to stretch a little around episodes 6-9. However the earthquake scenes had been well choreographed, they seem very realistic. The drama picks up real good in latter half. The direction is really amazing even if the episode as a whole wasn’t as entertaining as the next one. There are so many technicalities involved which you can see and there are some that you can’t. I feel it is made that way, some to see and some to understand/decipher. It’s not a 1dimensional drama where things are black and white like they are in many dramas. There are tiny tiny intricacies like after the male and female lead kiss and return back to base, a new scene opens when the light bulb comes to focus in the shape of heart. (Because the love has started to blossom!) The Song-Song couple (male and female protagonists) are married in real life, I was so happy when I found this half way between the drama it made watching the rest of it so much better for me.

Some scenes are real amaze. They get you on your feet. Adreline runs through the entire body. Like the one where Lee Chi-Hoon was bitten. It really made me scream. Other scenes made me smile and laugh and smirk and diss and cry as well (only a tiny bit). I loved the theme music and few songs as well. It’s not all serious, comedy has been carefully crafted at pin points as well. For instance, all the soldiers dancing on Red Velvet songs, the hospital scene where Captain Yoo arrives in the bed just after shootout.

Coming to the characters, I think all have done a fantastic job. Right from Captain Yoo, Doctor Kang to the cafe girl, Valentine. Each character had it’s place. The supporting actors have put an equal foot with the leads. One thing I like is the representation of female characters from Doctor Kang, Lieutenant Yoon, Senior ER nurse Ha Je-ae, Fatima and Valentine. They may be supported by the male characters however they make their own decisions and bear the consequences.

And how can one not fall in love with Yoo shi Jin’s charisma? His fun side and his intense side. Even though the drama has some fine actors as a cast, personally for me Song Joongki was the takeaway.

I like the fact that the characters draw towards realism. With a soldier who isn’t self sacrificing at all times and a doctor who has compromised due to money issues, another who is scared to save a patient because he fears for his own life. It also shows some backend reality of professions. For soldiers, it is not guns and action always many a times it is paperwork (lots of it!).

The concept was good as well, the views of two parallel yet opposite professionals on life. Doctors and Soldiers have similar battles but different battle grounds. It is very interesting to see them come together, and meet at crossroads.

Image Credit: Pinterest

The only major issue I found as an audience is that they are never able to finish the movie that lead was watching as a date.

Overall it was a very different one. It’s the one that married my emotional self to Kdramas.

Why watch it?

If you are into action coupled with some romance
To explore some good acting
The chemistry between song-song couple
A great plot with beautiful ost

Continue reading “K-Drama Review: Descendants Of The Sun (Similar battles, different battle grounds)” →