Review: When Life Gives You Tangerines

THE SHORT VERDICT:

This is a case of Show living up to the hype.

Everything about this show, from the writing, to the direction, to the delivery, speaks so deeply, of genuine tenderness, and I just love how it all comes together, to become something that’s even greater than the sum of its (already impressive) parts.

Our story is simple and approachable, yet so profound in its humanity and compassion, that one cannot help but find it affecting.

Our entire cast is fantastic, but in my opinion, our core cast, IU, Park Bo Gum, Moon So Ri and Park Hae Joon truly stand out, playing our OTP in different timelines. They deserve all of the awards, and then some. 🥲

A masterpiece that’s well worth your time.

Continue reading

Review: Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born

THE SHORT VERDICT:

Given that Show is, at its heart, an homage to pansori and gukgeuk, it is surprisingly approachable; ie, you don’t need to actually already know or love pansori or gukgeuk, to enjoy this one.

The underdog theme running through, the characters and relationships, and the excellent performances of our cast, make this easy to get into – and then the pansori / gukgeuk education comes as a bonus.

Show isn’t perfect, but it manages to be engaging and absorbing, in spite of any flaws, and on balance, I liked this very well.

Continue reading

Flash Review: Little Forest [Korean Movie]

I am so pleased with my in-flight pick today, you guys.

Lately, I find myself swopping out my regular drama nightcap (woah, right?!) in favor of the wonderful cooking videos by YouTuber 꿀키honeykki. Not only are her videos super relaxing to unwind to, I just love the focus on food and sound.

The sound of ingredients being chopped; the sound of food being cooked; the sound of food being eaten with relish, which is how 꿀키honeykki ends all of her videos.

Every night, after watching these videos, I feel so much more attuned to the sounds around me, as I prepare to actually put myself to bed.

This movie is like the almost-perfect marriage between two of my favorite things: the celebration of food that nourishes, and storytelling that feels personal and wholesome. Yes please, and thank you very much.

Continue reading