Kim Min Ha

Review: Typhoon Family

| kfangurl

THE SHORT VERDICT:

To my eyes, Show’s fatal flaw is that it worked hard — just not on the things that would’ve really made its story pop.

What we got: Show spending most of its time throwing obstacle after obstacle at our core underdogs (and those obstacles mostly coming from one single source — another fatal mistake, in my opinion), shoehorning in romantic beats so that the loveline often felt like some kind of non sequitur, and randomly showcasing Junho’s idol abilities.

What I would’ve liked: Show spending that time creating more meaningful character journeys, a deeper sense of found family, and giving the Typhoon team the chance to actually work together and grow together in the face of obstacles that felt organic to the times.

In the end, this was not the worst show ever — but it sure could’ve been better. SO, so much better. 😅

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Review: Way Back Love

| kfangurl

THE SHORT VERDICT:

A poignant, thoughtful, bittersweet-yet-heartfelt little show that has way more meat on its bones than one might first imagine.

The writing and handling is deft and assured, the music is lovely and atmospheric, and our leads, Kim Min Ha and Gong Myung, are very good in this, both individually and together.

This one is lingering with me, long after the closing credits.

Very good, and very underrated.

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Flash Review: Light Shop

| kfangurl

My friends, this is the review that almost never was, not because I almost didn’t watch this show, but because I wasn’t sure how to go about this review, and I almost gave myself permission to just.. not write it a review. 😅 Almost.

If you’ve seen the show, you might have an inkling of why I feel like this isn’t a straightforward review to write, heh.

In the end, though, I thought that there would still be value in adding my two cents to the collective wisdom of the drama community, so here I am.

I make no promises, but I’ll do my best. 😅

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Review: Pachinko

| kfangurl

THE SHORT VERDICT:

A tale that spans generations and borders, Pachinko curiously manages to feel epic, yet everyday, at the same time.

The execution and handling is deft, the storytelling is tender, and our capable cast brings the characters to life in manner that feels organic and believable, across the various timelines in our story world.

Importantly, this story feels representative of all those who’ve ever left their homeland, in search of a better future for themselves &/or for their families.

Overall, not an easy watch, but a worthwhile one.

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