Kim Jung Nan

Review: Buried Hearts

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THE SHORT VERDICT:

Buried Hearts isn’t the best in its class (that class being makjang revenge thriller), but it is reasonably engaging through most of its run, with some moments that shone a bit extra.

Unfortunately for me, I didn’t enjoy the ending so much, though your mileage may vary. Opinions on the ending are divided, suffice to say.

The thing that everyone seems to be able to agree on, however, is that Park Hyung Sik is pretty darn great in this, and it’s a treat getting to see him showcase a part of his acting range that has heretofore flown under the radar.

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Review: Serendipity’s Embrace

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THE SHORT VERDICT:

If you’re looking for something short, cute and not very deep, this mini drama could potentially work well for you.

Chae Jong Hyeop and Kim So Hyun make a cute couple, and our drama world is very prettily shot, and has a lovely, breezy OST to score it all.

On the downside, there is little to no depth in this, and Show does seem more interested in problem-solving, rather than basking in Cuteness, once it hits its second half.

If you’re willing to roll with that, this does work out to be a harmless little ball of fluff.

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Review: Queen Of Tears

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THE SHORT VERDICT:

Show lands as a loving homage to all – ok, many of – the things that we love about kdramas, while still managing to not feel like a rehash of tired clichés and tropes.

This means that the watch experience feels fresh yet familiar at the same time, which, I’m coming to realize, is one of my favorite things. 🥰

I’d call this one a warm melodrama at heart, with a side penchant for humor – including black humor.

Some lens adjustments would be helpful, which I talk about in a bit, but overall, I’d say this one is a crowd-pleaser for a reason, and – in my books anyway – lives up to the hype.

Very much recommend. ❤️

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Review: Crash Landing On You

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THE SHORT VERDICT:

Show really is everything that many of us have come to love in kdrama.

It’s gorgeous to look at, our actors are pretty darn capable all-around, our characters are mostly endearing, there’s amped-up, epic romance to be had between an OTP that shares solid, sparky chemistry, and, well, Hyun Bin is appealing in this, to a rather staggering degree. Flail.

As a bonus, Show possesses a cheeky sense of humor around drama tropes, even as it revels in them. In addition, the glimpse into North Korean life feels fresh and novel as well, and is a major highlight.

On the downside, there’s a bit of drag in the mid-to-late episodes, which is compounded by rather heavy-handed narrative angst, and Show’s long episodes. That can feel a bit or a lot hard-going, depending on your appetite for angst.

Overall, though, Show does a great job bringing the feels, and is well worth the watch.

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Review: SKY Castle

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THE SHORT VERDICT:

An excellent ensemble cast made up of skilled industry sunbaes; faceted, detailed deliveries that feel convincing and engaging; a tightly written narrative that delivers some surprising twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Thoughtful directing and execution; an expertly applied OST that can be hauntingly ethereal one minute and then pulsing with tension the next; SKY Castle has it all, and it all comes together in one polished, dysfunctional package.

This drama is a very solid, compelling social satire that manages to make its characters come alive, even as it makes its social commentary.

On the downside, Show suffers from an ending that feels like a tacked-on epilogue written by a different team altogether.

Happily, that’s easily fixed by thinking of the last episode as just that, because Show manages to tell a story in its first 19 episodes that feels reasonably complete even before it presents its finale.

Worth the hype – and the monster ratings.

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