Korean Drama: Moving

Year Released

2023

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Ryu Seung-ryong, Jo In-sung, Han Hyo-joo, Ryu Seung-Beom, Kim Sung-kyun

Storyline

Plot revolves around a pitiful group of super power human beings in the Black Elite group being used for political purpose. As their abilities are passed on to their children, these parents tried hard to hide their children identities but the government sets up a school Jong Won High. The purpose was to train these gifted children to work for the government. 

Meanwhile, another force aims to eliminate all these super powers to the extend to killing all their children.

My View

As usual, Disney Plus and Netflix series always have cliff hangers which make us viewers craving for more. Not disappointed with Moving and I cannot wait to see who is the real owner controlling these government bodies.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: Lost You Forever 长相思

Year Released

2023 (season 1)

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

39 - running time of 45 minutes per episode (season 1)

Starring

Yang Zi, Zhang Wanyi, Deng Wei, Tan Jianci

Storyline

There was once three kingdoms Xi Yan, Hao Ling and Chen Rong until Xi Yan conquered Chen Rong leaving only two kingdoms. The defeated royalties of Chen Rong became Central Plains clans. Xiyan Cangxuan's (Zhang Wanyi) parents passed away when he was still young and he went to Hao Ling as a hostage prince. His cousin, Haoling Jiuyao aka Xiaoyao (Yang Zi) lost her mother, Xiling Heng (Jin Feng) when she went to war on behalf of Xi Yan and lost her life.

Xiao Yao was sent away by King of Hao Ling (Zheng Guolin) to Mount Yu due to internal war in Hao Ling Kingdom. Cang Xuan who was young at that time was unable to keep his promise to fetch Xiaoyao from Mount Yu. Xiaoyao felt alone and helpless as her father, mother and cousin all left her. She has an internal power being sealed and she could changed herself into another person.

Meanwhile, Cang Xuan went to Hao Ling as a hostage prince but King of Hao Ling takes him in as his disciple and passes all his teachings. Cang Xuan reunited with Xiao Yao when he went to Qingshui town where Xiao Yao is now under the identity of a male physician Wen Xiaoliu. Not knowing that Xiaoliu is Xiaoyao, Cangxuan tortured her due to misunderstandings with Haoling Yi, A'Nian (Xiaoyao's half sister).

Xiaoyao restored her princess status for Cangxuan's sake to help him attain the throne as King of Xi Yan. They were assisted by Tushan Jing (Deng Wei), Chisui Fenglong (Wang Hongyi) and other central plains clan. Xiaoyao also came across a snake demon Xiang Liu (Tan Jianci) who assumes the identity of Fangfeng Bei. 

My View

I watched this drama three times just so I could enjoy each time and re-cry all over again. The part where Cangxuan found out Xiaoyao's identity, the part where Cangxuan was assasinated, the part where Cangxuan was trying to quit being a "drug addict", the part where Xiaoyao telling Xiang Liu she wished she was the one who save him from slave gambling den. 

It is pretty sad as not even one of the four male leads could give up their status/career just to be with Xiaoyao. I seriously hope she just be carefree forever. Waiting for part two to be out in 2024.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama: Vincenzo

Year Released

2021

Genre

Action

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 1 hour 25 minutes per episode

Starring

Song Joong-ki, Ok Taec-yeon, Kwak Dong-yeon

Storyline

Vincenzo (Song Joong-ki) is an Italian mafia's adviser who flew back to South Korea after his master passed away. He is back to retrieve the golds hidden underneath the basement of an old plaza waiting to be demolished. The owner from Babel Group is difficult to be dealt with as they have connections with all the higher powers.

My View 

Vincenzo is an interesting story with good twists and watch till the end to see those villians getting taste of their own medicines.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama: Move to Heaven

Year Released

2021

Genre

Family, Slice of Life

No. of Episodes

10 - running time of 52 minutes per episode

Starring

Lee Je-hoon, Tang Jun-sang, Ji Jin-hee

Storyline

Right after Cho Sang-gu (Lee Je-hoon) was released from prison, he was tasked to be the guardian of his late half-brother Han Jung-woo's (Ji Jin-hee) son, Han Geu-ru (Tang Jun-sang). Jung-woo and Geu-ru have been running a trauma cleaning business "Move to Heaven" whereby they cleaned up after one's death. However, they do safekeep those memorable and important belongings to be passed on to family members/loved ones who would cherish them. Now, it is Sang-gu's turn to grow together with Geu-ru as a family and friend.

My View

Speechless this drama, every single episode I cried without fail. Highly recommended!

Rating

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama: Dr. Romantic 1, 2 & 3

Year Released

2016 - 2017 (Season 1), 2020 (Season 2), 2023 (Season 3)

Genre

Medical Drama

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 1 hour per episode (season 1), 16 - running time of 1 hour 10 mins per episode (same season 2 & 3)

Starring

Han Seok-kyu, Seo Hyun-jin, Yoo Yeon-seok, Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Sung-kyung, Kim Joo-heon, Jin Kyung

Storyline

Dr. Kim Sa-bu (Han Seok-kyu) has a triple board certification and he impresses everyone with his medical skills and knowledge. He acts as a mentor to all the doctors and nurses who aim to become like him. Kim Sa-bu's passion in saving lives touched everyone around him.

My View

Dr. Romantic is pretty dramatic in its plot but at the same time engaging. I watched 3 seasons at one go until a point where I don't feel disgusted anymore. I could literally dine and watch them operate at the same time. Looking forward to season 4 and hopefully Seo Hyun-jin will be back. I loved her.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama: Hospital Playlist 1 & 2

Year Released

2020 (Season 1) & 2021 (Season 2)

Genre

Medical Drama

No. of Episodes

12 each - running time of 1 hr 30 mins (Season 1) & 1 hr 40 mins (Season 2)

Starring

Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Jeon Mi-do, Kim Dae-myung

Storyline

Plot revolves around a group of professors from Yulje Medical Centre. They are also university best mates who gather during weekend to jam with songs. Lee Ik-jun (Jo Jung-suk) from general surgery specialises in liver transplant, Ahn Jung-won (Yoo Yeon-seok) one of the few paediatricians in Korea, Yang Suk-hyung (Kim Dae-myung) an experienced gynaecologist, Chae Song-hwa (Jeon Mi-do) a calm neurosurgeon and Kim Jun-wan (Jung Kyung-ho) a cardiologist with an attitude.

My View

I'm not a fan of medical drama but Hospital Playlist series make me cry so much that I have triple eyelids with swollen eyes after watching. Written by the same screenwriter from Reply series and Prison Playbook, Hospital Playlist is love. So much love and tears.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: Till the End of the Moon 长月烬明

 

Year Released

2023

Genre

Fantasy

Number of Episodes

40 - running time of 53 minutes per episode

Starring

Luo Yunxi, Bai Lu

Storyline

Li Susu (Bai Lu) was sent back to 500 years ago to stop Tantai Jin (Luo Yunxi) from turning into Demon God. Waking up in the body of Ye Xiwu, she needs to find a way to destroy Tantai Jin's Demon bone which was inside his body since birth. Xiwu and Tantai Jin have a love-hate relationship which leads to multiple misunderstandings.

In the end, Tantai Jin loses Xiwu and seeks for her in the underworld. Little did he know, she went back to her own body as Susu. When they both reunite, another huge obstacle awaits for them.

My View

Anything xianxia already earned at least a 3 stars. I'm okay with the ending though because it has to be that way or drama would be going round in circles.  

Rating

5/5 Stars

Chinese Drama: I Will Find You a Better Home 安家

Year Released

2020

Genre

Business, Office, Slice of Life

No. of Episodes

53 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Luo Jin, Sun Li

Storyline

Plot of how a group of people from different family backgounds come together and survive in Shanghai. It depicts the day-to-day life of property agents.

My View

Very down-to-earth and everyone can relate especially those who leave their hometown to earn for a living.

Rating 

5/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama: The Rise of Phoenixes 天盛长歌

Year Released

2018

Genre

Historical Fiction

No. of Episodes

70 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Chen Kun, Ni Ni

Storyline

Ning Yi (Chen Kun), the sixth prince of Tian Sheng Empire had been imprisoned in Zhong Zhen temple for years after being plotted by Crown Prince Ning Chuan (Hai Yitian). After his release, all the other princes died one by one as part of his revenge for the late third prince Ning Qiao (Liu Zhehui) and his late mother Ya Le (Mei Ting).

Ning Yi meets Feng Zhiwei (Ni Ni) and initially uses her as part of his chess piece to bring down Crown Prince. The both fall in love but were unable to be together due to their statuses.

My View

Definitely a great political struggle drama but rather slow and steady one. It seems too long a story but to bring down every single prince, falls in love and the plot twist at the end shocked me really.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama: Love Between Fairy and Devil 苍兰诀

Year Released

2022

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

36 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Wang Hedi, Yu Shuxin

Storyline

Xiao Lanhua (Yu Shuxin) whose real form is an Orchid since birth, had accidentally released Dong Fang Qing Cang (Wang Hedi) the Supreme Lord from Moon Clan, from a seal made by Immortal Clan 30,000 years ago. Due to this, both their fates had been locked by a curse in which if Lanhua is hurt, Qingcang would also be injured.

Therefore, Qingcang has been looking for an ancient sword to kill Lanhua so as to lift the curse. When Lanhua is being tortured by Immortal Clan, Qingcang has no choice but to save her life and bring her back to Cang Yan Sea where Moon Clan resides. The reason why Immortal Clan is afraid of Qingcang is due to Hellfire where only those without any emotions could master this skill.

Qingcang gradually falls in love with Lanhua's kindness and love for him. Lanhua helps Qingcang gets back his emotions be it good or bad. However, once his emotions is back, Qingcang loses the ability to use Hellfire which gives Immortal Clan a good chance to attack Cang Yan Sea. Lanhua sacrifices her own life to break the curse and revive everyone from both clans.

My View

I skipped some last part so as not to provide more spoilers. Cang Lan Jue may seems hilarious, too sweet or boring at first but if you follow through, it shows us love, sacrifice and kindness. I'm especially touched by Rong Hao's (Xu Haiqiao) love for his master Chi Di, God of War (Guo Xiaoting) apart from two main leads. This drama made me cried a lot and what Qingcang and Lanhua did for each other, just too much to bear.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area

Year Released

2022

Genre

Action, Crime

No. of Episodes

12- 1 hour 10 mins per episode for Season 1 & 1 hour per episode for Season 2

Starring

Yoo Ji-tae, Park Hae-soo, Kim Yoon-jin, Kim Sung-oh, Jeon Jong-seo

Storyline

A group of thieves led by 'Professor' (Yoo Ji-tae) take over a mint located at Joint Economic area between North and South Korea. Their aim is to trap innocent citizens and workers of the mint in order to stall time for them to print billions of dollars. Some want the money, and some are for political reasons.

My View

Understand this is a remake of Spanish Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) but I really enjoyed this drama. The wits of these thieves against the North and South Korean police department are truly amazing. 

Rating

5/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Sword Snow Stride 雪中悍刀行

Year Released

2021 - 2022

Genre

Action, Historical Fiction

No. of Episodes

38 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Zhang Ruoyun, Li Gengxi, Hu Jun, Qiu Xinzhi

Storyline

King of Northen Liang, Xu Xiao (Hu Jun) is feared by all epecially the Royals in Liyang City. In order for his son, Xu Fengnian (Zhang Ruoyun) to take over him and his 350,000 army, Xu Xiao manipulates everyone to be Fengnian's supporter.

Fengnian vows to choose a different way instead of following Xu Xiao's plans. Fengnian believes there is a best of both worlds path which he could take. That is to be in charge of Northern Liang and also to keep Jiang Ni (Li Gengxi) by his side despite her identity.

Fengnian learns swordsmanship from God of Sword Li Chungang (Qiu Xinzhi) throughout his journey to Wu Di City. Along the way, he meets up with various high skilled fighters and improves himself.

In the end, Fengnian manages to avenge his mother's death by killing one of her murderers.

My View

I have not watched such an awesome wuxia drama in a long time. I kind of enjoy watching anything with Wang Juan's as the scriptwriter as he introduces a million characters which keeps the story confusing but intriguing at the same time. Two thumbs up!

Rating

5/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Ancient Love Poetry 千古玦尘

Year Released

2021

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

49 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Xu Kai, Zhou Dongyu, Liu Xueyi

Storyline

There are only four true gods in the God's Realm and they are Bai Jue (Xu Kai), Shang Gu (Zhou Dongyu), Zhi Yang (Li Zefeng) and Tian Qi (Liu Xueyi). Borned to be the Chief of God, Shang Gu needs to master the power of chaos. Under the guidance of Bai Jue and the former Chief of God (who turned evil), Xuan Yi (Zhang Xiaochen), she managed to become one.

However, Shang Gu has to go through tribulation and sacrifice her life as this is her mission. Tian Qi happens to know about this secret and made a decision which costs him his life. After Shang Gu died from tribulation, Xuan Yi attacks God's Realm. Zhi Yang and the rest of the immortals gave their lives away too to kill Xuan Yi.

My View

As this drama is just too good, I have skipped out lots of detail and also second half of the storyline. You need to watch it yourself to enjoy every single scene. I especially love Tian Qi's character here though Bai Jue is as good. Both of them are willing to give up their lives for Shang Gu.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Miss the Dragon 遇龙

Year Released

2021

Genre

Fantasy

No. of Episodes

36 - running time of 35 minutes per episode

Starring

Wang Hedi, Zhu Xudan, Deng Wei, Pan Meiye

Storyline

Yuchi Longyan (Wang Hedi), a dragon demon who meets Liu Ying (Zhu Xudan) while he was injured due to being struck by thunder. Liu Ying mistook him as a white snake and nursed him back to health. Longyan wanted to return her favour for saving him by marrying her.

Due to the manipulation of Immortal of Fate (Zhu Zanjin), Longyan reluctantly watched Liu Ying went through another three lifetime of reincarnation as the lives of Ruan A'yu, Feng Chengyue and Gu Qingyan. He protected her for decades but just right to the last lifetime, he was badly injured by Xue Qianxun (Deng Wei) who was under Immortal of Fate's spell.

In the end, Qingyan sacrificed her soul to save Longyan.

My View

As a fantasy genre drama fan, glad that this xianxia turns out great and touched my heart. As much as Eternal Love 三生三世十里桃花 and Ashes of Love 香蜜沉沉烬如霜. A good watch with acceptable ending.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama: Penthouse 1, 2 & 3

 
Year Released

2020 - 2021 (season 1), 2021 (season 2 & 3)

Genre

Family, Melodrama, Mystery

No. of Episodes

21 - running time of 1 hour 25 minutes per episode (season 1), 13 (season 2) & 14 (season 3) - running time of 1 hour 15 minutes per episode 

Starring

Uhm Ki-joon, Kim So-yeon, Eugene, Lee Ji-ah, Yoon Jong-hoon, Bong Tae-kyu, Shin Eun-kyung, Park Eun-seok

Storyline

Soprano Cheon Seo-jin (Kim So-yeon) dreams to be the successor of her father's Cheong Ah Foundation and Cheong Ah Art School. Pinning her hopes onto her own daughter, Ha Eun-byul (Choi Ye-bin), Seo-jin forces Eun-byul to win against her peers especially Joo Dan-tae's (Uhm Ki-joon) daughter, Joo Seok-kyung (Han Ji-hyun).

Seo-jin's world collapses when Oh Yoon-hee (Eugene) and her daughter Bae Ro-na (Kim Hyun-soo) appear in her life. Both Seo-jin and Yoon-hee had extremely bad past together back when they were in high school. Seo-jin snatched away Yoon-hee's title to be South Korea's best soprano as well as her then-boyfriend, Ha Yoon-chul (Yoon Jong-hoon).

At the same time, Seo-jin is jealous of Joo Dan-tae's wife, Shim Soo-ryun's (Lee Ji-ah) luxurious life as the Penthouse's owner at Hera Palace, the richest property in South Korea. Wanted to be the next owner, she had an affair with Dan-tae. Their affair was accidentally found out by Min Seol-a (Jo Soo-min). 

Soo-ryun happens to find out her real daughter that she had with her dead ex-husband was Seol-a. However, before Soo-ryun could reunite with her, Seol-a fell to her death at Hera Palace. Soo-ryun vows to search for Seol-a's murderer and little did she know every member of Hera Club seems to be involved in this crime.

My View

Initially, I wanted to write the storyline of all three seasons but I realise I would have provided the entire spoiler. Anyway, first season was acceptable all good. Then come second season, I was totally mind blown at some point. During the finale season, I became very angsty and cried so much towards the end. All I could say is the scripwriter is pretty creative and dramatic.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Reply 1994

Year Released

2013

Genre

Romance, Family, Comedy

No. of Episodes

12 - running time of 1 hour 17 minutes per episode

Starring

Go Ah-ra, Jung Woo, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Sung-kyun, Baro, Do-hee, Son Ho-jun, Sung Dong-il, Lee Il-Hwa

Storyline

A warmth story about the Sung's family who moved to Seoul and started a boarding house welcoming everyone coming from various countrysides. 

My View

Reply 1994 has a combination of hilarious, touching and sad moments. The plot twist is somehow unexpected at times and it's just heart-wrenching. I must say the scripwriter for reply series is extremely awesome.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama : It's Okay to Not Be Okay

Year Released

2020

Genre

Family

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 1 hour and 15 minutes per episode

Starring

Kim Soo-hyun, Oh Jung-se, Seo Yea-ji

Storyline

Moon Sang-tae (Oh Jung-se) and Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun) lost their mother to a murderer since young. Due to Sang-tae's autism condition, the police could not take his statement as a witness to the scene. The trauma haunts Sang-tae for life and Gang-tae has a difficult time taking care of him.

Ko Moon-young (Seo Yea-ji) was brought up without her parents' love. Her only way to communicate with the world is through her fairy tale stories. She longs for warmth and ends up living as a family together with Sang-tae and Gang-tae.

My View

A story about healing, love and warmth. Usually, the loneliest people attract each other as they understand the pain one is suffering from. 

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Dazzling

Alternative Title

The Light in Your Eyes

Year Released

2019

Genre

Family

No. of Episodes

12 - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Kim Hye-ja, Han Ji-min, Nam Joo-hyuk, Ahn Nae-sang, Lee Jung-eun, Son Ho-jun

Storyline

Kim Hye-ja (Han Ji-min) found a golden watch by the beach during her childhood days. She realised that she could turn back time by adjusting the watch. Downside was that she grew older whenever she used that watch to change her past and stopped for a while.

When her dad, Kim Dae-sang (Ahn Nae-sang) was met with a car accident, she turned back time multiple times until she saved his life. However, she changed into an old Kim Hye-ja (Kim Hye-ja) and no one recognised her.

Hye-ja learnt many life lessons while coping with her 'new' life in another perspective. She decided not to harbour any hope on going back to the past since it meant she had to exchange something precious from her life.

My View

Unexpected plot twist here and this drama made me teared so so much. I had to re-play some of the scenes multiple times each day just to have have a good cry again. Dazzling it's a gem hidden under a rock and you need to watch it.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Hellbound

 

Year Released

2021

Genre

Dark fantasy

No. of Episodes

6 - running time of 50 minutes per episode

Starring

Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Yang Ik-jun, Park Jung-min, Won Jin-ah

Storyline

Jung Jin-soo (Yoo Ah-in), the founder of New Truth religious group, received a prophecy twenty years ago about his own death. He has been travelling around the world in search for similar cases. For those who had the same prophecies, they were burnt to death by three gigantic beasts which seemed to appear from another dimension. The beasts vanished once their tasks are completed.

Jin-soo makes use of these bizarre situations and spreads the words that only those who had sinned would received message from God on their death. Another group named Arrowhead targets those sinners and their families by beating everyone up. Lawyer Min Hye-jin (Kim Hyun-joo) happens to be involved in a 'demonstration' of a victim on live broadcast. She is being attacked by the Arrowheads as she doesn't truly believe all these absurd acts are of God's will.

Fast forward years later where Hye-jin heads an organisation named Sodo which helps victims by making up with excuses such as being chased by loan sharks before they 'disappear'. When suddenly a baby is being prophesied, New Truth struggles to cover their lies while Sodo tries to save the baby.

My View

Okay, the drama ends with a cliffhanger which I hope it really has a part two as I'm very interested to know what's next. This dark fantasy is kind of sick as it portrays the reality in human society. 

I nearly died when I saw the baby being prophesied and thought that the scripwritter must be a psychopath. Was cursing all the way!!

Rating

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Save Me 2

Year Released

2019

Genre

Thriller

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Uhm Tae-goo, Chun Ho-jin, Kim Young-min, Jo Jae-yoon

Storyline

Scam artist Choi Kyung-seok (Chun Ho-jin) disguises himself as Professor Choi from Hankook University in Seoul. He befriends Jung Byung-ryul (Sung Hyuk) from Wolchoori village and later introduces himself as Elder Choi.

Elder Choi helps the villagers in getting maximum compensation from government for their soon-to-be submerged village to make way for a new dam. In return, he gets permission to set up a church in Wolchoori.

Elder Choi directs multiple 'miracles' to the villagers and also turns pastor Sung Cheol-woo (Kim Young-min) into believing that he has healing hands and is son of the God. Once most of the villagers decide to join as church followers, Elder Choi shows them about the religious community, Garden of Eden.

Only Kim Min-cheol (Uhm Tae-goo) is not buying all of these 'sweet talks' and had already seen Choi Kyung-seok's true colours long ago.

My View

As compared to Save Me part one, part two is way better. I certainly did not expect the well played scams and think I would probably be fooled as well. 

For those who feel offended about why a certain religion has to be marked as a cult, don't be. All religions have good teaching and the only reason why they look bad is due to the wrongdoing of evil people.

Rating

5/5 Stars