Mini Movie Reviews: 2000-2010 (Part 1)

Korean Movies are a great break from Korean Dramas. It gives you all the subtitles and good looking actors that K-Dramas provide but in a more digestible dose. Plus, movies are an easy way to get your non-drama watching family and friends to open their minds to foreign entertainment. I've gotten more into watching movies and I must say that I am impressed with many of the movies from Korea. Here are short reviews on a few of the movies I've seen.  

Friend

Year Released: 2001

Cast: Yu Oh Seong, Jang Dong Gun, Seo Tae Hwa, Jung Woon Tae

Where I Watched: Hulu

One Sentence Synopsis: Old friends become enemies as they get caught up in the gang life.

Mini Review: I couldn't pass up on the chance to watch a classic movie that people are still talking about. It was a good movie but it wasn't as fluid as I thought it could have been and some moments made me uncomfortable but that's what I get for watching an R-rated movie. Anyway, it was a good gangster movie and a good show of friendship and how it can change in a second.

My Tutor Friend

Year Released: 2003

Cast: Kim HaNeul, Kwon Sang-Woo

Where I Watched: YouTube

One Sentence Synopsis: A college student becomes the tutor for a high school student that is the same age as her.

Mini Review: This movie was bit hard to digest, part that might have been from the horrible quality while watching and part of it might be that it was adapted from an internet series so the movie writers decided to smash as many events as possible in the time allotted. Anyway, the pacing of events was a bit off to me, however the events that occurred were entertaining, so I think it's a movie worth watching. 

Please Teach Me English

Year Released: 2003

Cast: Jang Hyuk, Lee Na-Young

Where I Watched: DramaFever

One Sentence Synopsis: A woman falls in love with a man in her English class, but can't really get him to take his focus off their foreign teacher.

Mini Review: It was funny with just the right amount of romance added in. It was also interesting to see the process (however exaggerated) of learning English as a second language.

200 Pounds Beauty

Year Released: 2006

Cast: Kim Ah Joong, Joo Jin Mo, Ji Seo-Yun, Sung Dong Il

One Sentence Synopsis: A romantic comedy that takes a fat girl to a skinny pretty girl with a lot of plastic surgery.

Where I Watched: Hulu

Mini Review: It was funny and endearing. It also gave thoughtful commentary about the pressures to be thin in the entertainment industry despite being talented.

My Tutor Friend 2

Year Released: 2007

Cast: Park Min Ki, Lee Chung Ah

Where I Watched: Hulu

One Sentence Synopsis: A Korean college student tries to tutor a foreigner living at his dad's boarding house in Korean.

Mini Review: For the most part this was a cute and funny movie, there was only one event that threw it off for me. Park Min Ki's character, Jong Man, is supposed to have been a really great boxer but gave it up. The event that kind of hindered the flow of the movie, to me, was when he returned to boxing. It was a bit out of place, other than that I thought it was a fun movie. 

Crazy Waiting

Year Released: 2008

Cast: Son Tae Young, Jang Geun Suk, Jang Hee Jin, Danny Ahn, Yu In Young, Kim Sam Ho, Han Yeao Reum, and Woo Seung Min

Where I Watched: YouTube

One Sentence Synopsis: Four couples try to stay together as the men serve their mandatory military service.

Mini Review: This was another movie that I felt lacked flow. I know that it was in the anthology style focusing on multiple couples at one time so it wasn't going to be the most fluid movie, but I still feel there was a way to make the movie less choppy.

19-Nineteen

Year Released: 2009

Cast: T.O.P., Seungri, Huh Yi Jae, Kim Young Ho

Where I Watched: DramaFever

One Sentence Synopsis: A coming of age tale of three teenagers accused of murder.

Mini Review: I consider this a good starter movie and Big Bang fans will be pleased with T.O.P and Seungri's acting skills. I thought it was well written and I thought it was very relatable. I am no longer 19 but I still feel growing pains as I am moving into adulthood. I thought this issue was addressed in a very creative and suspenseful way.

Mr. Idol

Year Released: 2009

Cast: Park Ye Jin, Ji Hyun Woo, Kim Su Ro, Lim Won Hee, Jay Park, Jang Seo Won, Kim Randy

Where I Watched: Hulu

One Sentence Synopsis: The pains of becoming an idol condensed into a movie. 

Mini Review: It was pretty predictable, but I still enjoyed watching it. It addressed common place problems within the music industry in Korea, so the situations that came about and how they were resolved weren't necessarily shocking but the movie was well written and the acting was pretty good. I wished they would have addressed the stories of the other boy band members a little more.

My Girlfriend Is an Agent

Year Released: 2009

Cast: Kim Ha Neul, Kang Ji Hwan, Jang Yeong Nam, Ryoo Seung Ryo

Where I Watched: Hulu

One Sentence Synopsis: Two exes meet again as enemy agents.

Mini Review: This movie was hilarious. I laughed the whole time.

The Man from Nowhere

Year Released: 2010

Cast: Won Bin, Kim Sae Ron, Kim Hee Won, Kim Sung Oh, Kim Tae Hoon, Lee Jong l, Thanayong Wongtrakul

Where I Watched: DramaFever

One Sentence Synopsis: A girl gets kidnapped by gangsters after her mother is killed, and he next door neighbor starts kicking butt to get her back. 

Mini Review: This was actually my first taste of Korean action films. It was so legit! The back story, the fighting, the villains. At no point was I bored, disappointed, or felt lost. After watching it I fully understood why it was such a popular movie, it was action packed and not did the villain but also the hero sent chills up my spine. Kim Sae Ron also displayed the talent that would carry her into her current status as a promising child actress. Two thumbs up!

First Impressions: Jeju Island Gatsby, Producer, Ex-Girlfriend Club

I spent my weekend like any true K-Drama fan: catching up and starting new shows that I've waited all year to see. I must say that these three shows definitely didn't disappoint. From the acting to the story line, I am officially on-board for these dramas.

Jeju Island Gatsby a.k.a. Warm and Cozy
So far I am totally in love with this drama. The thing I like most is the dynamic between the two main characters played by Yoo Yeon Suk and Kang So Ra. The working chemistry of the two actors is very visible but what's better than that is that the two characters are actually in an amiable relationship from the beginning. I think it's rare to have this type of drama to start off with the two leads not completely hating each other, but I think it fits the setting of Jeju-do. How can you hate anyone with such beautiful scenery surrounding you?

So far the story is off to a good start too. Kang So Ra's character, Lee Jung Joo, gets her house money stolen by her friends so that they can buy a cafe on Jeju. Fortunately she catches them and decides to make the house a cafe herself. Unfortunately, this doesn't really put her on the good side of the locals who also hate Yoo Yeon Suk's character, Beak Gun Woo. Though the drama starts off with Kang So Ra crying, a lot, it seems like it will be light and enjoyable romantic comedy.

Producer:
Although I am really excited to watch this drama, after watching the first four episodes I feel like it's missing something. I can't put my finger on it but I think it's missing some tension or something. I'm not really sure what it's lacking at this point, but I can tell you what it isn't lacking. Right now the show has an really interesting concept that I can't wait to see play out. It also has a very great cast that seems to work together well.

I've never seen Cha Tae Hyun act in anything but I can see why he is such a highly praised actor. I thought it would be awkward to watch him act after seeing him as himself on 2 Days, 1 Night but the way he is playing his character has totally sucked me in. I completely forgot that he's a clumsy father of three. I think my favorite thing is going to be a mean IU. So far she's acting out her character well and I hope that as she softens it seems natural and not forced. I also appreciate that instead of Gong Hyo Jin's character being the nice version of a female lead it's a strong and relatable character. I also like that Kim Soo Hyun's character is similar to his character from Dream High: clueless but talented. I have high hopes for this drama.

Ex-Girlfriend Club:
After just 4 episodes I am completely in love with this show. It's cheeky, funny, and on the tongue-in-cheek side of dramas. I also really love the theme song: Variegated by Jannabi. This drama is for all those people who are looking for realistic and strong female leads as well as a male lead that's strong enough to put up with it all. I think the thing that intrigues me the most is the friendship between the two leads played by Song Ji Hyo and Byun Yo Han. Instead of the writers forcing romance they are focusing on how they work well as friends. Of course, this is a k-drama, so I am expecting them to be coupled off but I am not focused on the fact that they aren't because watching their relationship as it is now is just as entertaining.

If you're looking for a drama to start I would highly recommend one of these. 

First Impressions: KBS's "A Style for You"

The first episode of KBS's newest variety show "A Style for You" was recently released on KBS World TV with English subtitles. When the show was first announced and the MCs were cast I didn't think much of watching it, but upon seeing the first episode on KBS's YouTube channel I thought "It wouldn't hurt to see what the show is about."

When reports of the new show started coming out I couldn't catch on to what the concept of the show was going to be and in all honesty after watching the first episode I am still not sure. The description on the first episode reads: "Global interactive style show is coming up to upgrade your beauty, fashion and life style! To be global style icons, 4MCs of “A Style For You” will work in the field to create their own unique style and become the leaders of K-Style!" 

This statement definitely helps to pinpoint the point of the show; basically they'll be trying to help these idols find a signature style that will not only work for them and their image but also keep them off of worst dressed lists. Sounds like a fun concept, but I think that the execution of this concept in the first episode was a bit awkward. The four MCs are Kim Hee Chul (Super Junior), Gu Ha Ra (KARA), Bora (Sistar), and Hani (EXID).

First off, they kept referencing videos of foreigners talking about their style and makeup. Since none of the MCs referenced these videos I was left wondering what the point of showing them in the episode was. Maybe it's a teaser of what's to come, but I think it just used up airtime that could have been filled what something else. 

The show seems to be following a mission to mission format, where each episode the MCs will complete some sort of style mission that will help them on their journey. In the very first episode they got rid of their stylists and makeup artists so the MCs were left on their own to pick their outfits for their various schedules and even the press conference for "A Style for You." 

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In this challenge we got to see how the idols like to dress and their thoughts on their fashion. This challenge pretty much confirmed why they were chosen to be on the show. Although none of them looked absolutely hideous, they didn't exactly look like a put together idol. In some ways their fashion senses are refreshing. It is weird and uncommon, especially to international fans (I think), to see people so polished all the time. I understand that they have an image to maintain, but they aren't dolls so I'm sure that the pressure to look "perfect" all the time can be daunting. On the other hand, they have access to a lot of nice clothes but they seem to wear the worst of them. Hopefully they will come to a compromise between comfy and stylish, their personal style and the style that will make them look like stars. 

Who's style do I like the most? Right now I don't think I really like anybody's style. They each have elements that I kind of like but so far no one has but together a whole outfit that made me think "They look so nice!" For Hara, I like that her style is sweet but she's also an adult so I think she should mature her color choices and silhouettes. I like that Bora tends to go for more street wear but I think that even street wear can be styled to look more sophisticated. Hani dresses a bit more masculine which isn't necessarily a bad look for her but she needs to learn when to add in feminine touches. And Heechul really needs to stop dressing like an eccentric ahjumma. It'd be nice to see him dressed as a gentleman, just once. I like that Heechul isn't afraid of prints and color but he doesn't know when to stop. I hope they help him tone it down. It's been reported that Hara is determined to make Heechul cut his hair. I hope that she succeeds. He has such a nice face but he keeps taking away all of his appeal with the sloppy hair. I wish all four MCs the best of look on their style journey. 

So far I have also noticed the dynamic between the MCs. It seems that the maknae, Hani, is a bit on the outskirts of the other MCs. This is sort of understandable considering that she's pretty new to the business and even newer to the popularity that the other three MCs are now used to. Also, they've come to know each other well after being in the industry together for a number of years.  I am hoping that in later episodes the other MCs will be able to integrate her into their circle more. They do seem to want to look out for her though. When she was on the runway for the press conference she started to dance a bit, ruining a chic entrance, and they quickly stopped her. Although the incident was a bit embarrassing I think that as time goes on she'll be able to learn a lot about how to carry herself from the unnis and oppa. 

How would I rate the show? Right now I'd give it a 6 out of 10. the concept seems interesting and the MCs do a good job of actually being entertaining, however, I hope the format and editing becomes a bit more streamlined as the show goes on. If you're into fashion or these particular idols I think you'll enjoy watching, but if you're not then I would skip it. 

You can watch the first episode on YouTube now.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Technicians (The Con Artists/Criminal Designer)

It's finally here! The movie many Korean entertainment fans have been waiting for is available to international viewers (legally) on DramaFever. Right now the movie has only been released to Premium subscribers, but I am sure that in the near future it will be available to all, so if you're not a subscriber to DramaFever Premium I suggest you practice patience. However, if you do have premium access then head over to DramaFever right now!

Photo Credit: AsianWiki

I can't tell you how excited I was to be able to view this movie. I decided long ago that I was going to career stalk Kim Woo Bin, this was even before I saw him in The Heirs. Out of the 11 productions that Kim Woo Bin has credits for I've managed to see seven including The Technicians. Though Kim Woo Bin is still in the genesis of his acting career he has managed to go from random guy on the runway in Runway Cop to one of the most sought after young actors in South Korea. To make such amazing steps in such a short amount of time is not only a credit to his acting skills, which I think he is still trying to sharpen, but also to his eye for a promising production. 

That being said I think it's time I start talking about the movie. 

Plot: Lee Ji Hyuk (Kim Woo Bin) a master safe cracker and art thief works with a master engineer (Go Chang Suk) and a master hacker (Lee Hyun Woo) in order to steal $150 million dollars from Incheon Customs. The plot should be familiar to anyone who is a fan of heist movies. Since the plot is pretty familiar the movie can be a bit predictable, but I think the writers did a good job at throwing in just the right amount of twists to keep the viewer's interested.

Action: Growing up on American action movies, I am used to high octane action. I live for a sizable amount of explosions, car chases, and gun shooting like most fans of action movies. This movie however, didn't really have that. It did have some action: there were car chase scenes, there was an explosion and there was a lot of  hiding from the cops but nothing that was too extraordinary. There wasn't anything that kept me on the edge my seat freaking out over how much it would cost to rebuild the city of Incheon. Truthfully for this type of plot, a lot of action was needed. In movies with a more complicated plot I think scaled back action makes sense but in this one an epic car chase through the streets lasting much longer than it should have would have been AWESOME!

Acting: I think the highlight of the movie was the three main actors, Kim Woo Bin, Lee Chang Suk, and Lee Hyun Woo. They each delivered their character well and definitely had fan girls swooning with their cheeky smiles and manly eyebrow action. Though I wanted to see the movie for Kim Woo Bin, it was Lee Hyun Woo who really impressed me. I hope that he can continue to build his resume with movies like this. Though he's known to be a total sweetheart and charming cutie pie, he has managed to show his manly side in productions like Secretly Greatly and The Technicians. He totally blew me away in this movie. If you saw Lee Hyun Woo on Running Man then you know how smiley he can be, but he was a real bad ass in this movie and I liked that. 

Aside from the three main actors, there were other stand out performers such as Lim Ju Hwan (Shine or Go Crazy) as the evil henchman. He definitely held his own in this movie and kicked some major butt with his silver taser stick. Also in the movie was Jo Yoon Hee (Lie to Me) as Eun Ha, the romantic interest of Ji Hyuk, and Kim Young Chul (Iris) as President Jo, the ultimate bad guy. The two played their parts well and kept the movie going, providing motivation for Ji Hyuk's actions. 

Photo Credit: AsianWiki

Overall Recommendation: I definitely recommend the movie. It's not going to change your world or anything, but it was enjoyable to watch. It had some good action moments, some good comedic moments, and even a decent hint at romance. Overall I think it did the trick, and if you're looking for a Kim Woo Bin fix before his next drama then this is a good way to go. 

My Favorite Korean Variety Shows (At the Moment)

Running Man

Where I Watch: YouTube, DramaFever

Overview: 7 MCs compete through a series of missions that keep them running.

Why I Like It: Running Man was the very first Korean Variety show I started watching. Even though I'm still new to the show I have watched all 219 episodes in just a few months. I like it because it combines comedy with action in a very real form. The MCs are super entertaining and I like seeing a different side to some of my favorite celebrities.

Roommate

Where I Watch: DramaFever

Overview: 11-12 celebrities live in a house together and interact on a daily basis. It's a look into how it would be like if celebrities lived in a boarding house.

Why I Like It: I was really excited about this show because the concept just seemed like such an entertaining one. How often would you get to see a bunch of celebrities actually living together? It was a "Must Watch of 2014" for me. I enjoyed the first season very much, everything happened pretty much how I expected. There were awkward moments, sweet moments, and heated moments but overall it was a very endearing show and cast. The second season recently started and I didn't know if I'd like it since I had gotten so used to the usual cast but I think I'm enjoying the second season much more. The cast seems a lot closer and like they're having a lot more fun together. I don't know if that is the work of the cast or the producers but I think the new format is much better.

Hello Counselor

Where I Watch: YouTube

Overview: Hello Counselor is a show where regular citizens send in concerns they're having and discuss it with the MCs and celebrity guests in front of an audience of 150 people. The MCs discuss about 3-4 concerns an episode and the concern that receives the highest number of votes wins a cash prize and the chance to compete next week.

Why I Like It: The MCs are hilarious but they also are very helpful to their guest. They try to lighten the mood as much as possible but they never take any serious concerns too lightly. As an international fan it is also really interesting to see the types of concerns that people from another country face.

Happy Together

Where I Watch: YouTube

Overview: The MCs including Yoo Jae Suk and Park Myung Soo interview celebrity guests. They do a lot of specials and invite guest that usually have something in common.

Why I Like It: It's always fun to get to know your favorite celebrities better and this show is one of the talk shows that give fans that chance. One of my favorite segments however, Late Night Cafeteria, has been taken away. That was the most fun of the show, but it's still a very enjoyable program. Both MCs and guests have good sense and good senses of humor.

Superman is Back

Where I Watch: YouTube, DramaFever

Overview: Fathers take care of their children for a 48 hour period without any help from the mothers.

Why I Like It: You get to see a softer and often funnier side of some of your favorite celebrity fathers so it's very entertaining for that fact. It's also fun to watch the children learn and grow and depend and communicate with their fathers. The show also tends to have a lot of celebrity guests that are just obsessed with taking care of the children as the fathers.