vicknair-66656 Reviews

The Bequeathed (2024)

Great convoluted murder mystery!

[10/10 · 4 February 2024]

As an English speaking viewer, I had to really work at remembering who was who in the beginning, but as the series developed and the characters became more twisted up it was good to get to the Ah-ha moment as the final couple of episodes played out.

Kim Hyun-joo is always a pleasure to watch, although in this character she definitely was not a charmed princess. Rough life and poor choices with the males in her life! Ryu Kyung-soo is a sad character with an even tougher life! I felt so sorry for him being stuck in a situation he didn't create. Park Hee-soon, well he's just such a man! Haha - his rugged handsome looks go well with his character, the tough and capable detective.

Great acting and spooky shaman scenes keep this drama going!

Bad and Crazy (2021–2022)

Bad and Crazy and Fantastic!

[10/10 · 10 January 2023]

First of all, the cast is extraordinary!

Lee Dong-Wook as Ryu Sool-yeol is the protagonist, but accompanied by his hero sidekick, Wi Ha-joon (as K, his alter ego). The two of them create one of the most fun and unusual bromances in film!

But the rest of the cast is just as stellar, with Jung Sung Il as the villain you love to hate, and Kim Hieora as Boss Yoon, the villainess you cheer for, at least at the end.

Han Ji-eun is also great as the super cool detective/ love interest, and it's especially fun when K gets involved.

N (Cha Hak Yeon) is Oh Kyeong-tae, another great performance in the world of detectives.

A really enjoyable watch; I'm hoping for another season!

Bulgasal (2021–2022)

Heartbreaking and horrible, what more is there?!

[10/10 · 20 December 2022]

Highly recommend! As some have mentioned, it does slow down at times, but there was only one point where I felt that it was really draggy... And then it went back to being really great.

All of the main characters are well developed and are excellently cast. Kudos to all the actors, the director and script writer for a well done drama.

I've got to mention that other than Frankenstein, I'm not a big fan of horror/ monster movies. But there's something about K-drama and particularly Kmonsters that makes them more acceptable! The only monsters I've ever felt sorry for are Frankenstein's and Korean zombies, gumihos and other monsters - and well, obviously Bulgasal. There's a special talent to making something horrible have endearing qualities!

Weak Hero Class 1 (2022– )

Just watch it - you'll probably binge watch like I did

[10/10 · 12 December 2022]

Park Ji-Hoon, Choi Hyun-Wook and Hong Kyung are fantastic as this ill-fated set of "weirdo" highschool friends, and all I can say is watch it. ... Except not at bedtime because, like me, you'll keep saying "one more episode" until you reach the end. Bullies are heavily spread throughout the drama and make for douchebags you love to hate. A few of the bullies have redeeming qualities, like Shin Seung-Ho and Lee Yeon, the only young female ingénue in the show, but on the whole, they are a slimy bunch.

Fast paced and violent, be prepared for some terrifying scenes. The most unbelievable aspect is that after most of the horrendous beatings the victims recover fairly quickly and thoroughly. I'm thinking about blood clots and perforated livers, spleens and pancreases... Not such easy recoveries!

And I'm praying that highschool life is nowhere near as horrible as is painted by this drama.

Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned (2016)

Outstanding! Highly recommended!

[10/10 · 10 November 2022]

Shin Eun-soo does a stellar job as the protagonist in Vanishing Time. She is innocent and believable throughout her performance as Su-rin, the girl who gets left behind. Gang Dong-won is a believable adult Sung-min, but the young actor Lee Hyo-je is also brilliant as the boy version of this sadly lost character.

These three actors bring to life this mysterious story of goblin eggs and lives lost to time. I almost didn't watch this film, and now I'm so glad that I did.

Highly recommend watching the film. There is a deep sadness to it, but also a gift of hope. Praises to all the cast who gave such great performances, and to the storyteller and director who brought it to life.

Mr. Sunshine (2018)

Short review because so many have said it

[10/10 · 8 November 2022]

Watch Mr. Sunshine. Then watch it again, especially if you're English speaking, as faces and names can be really confusing at first. But this is one of the most beautifully filmed dramas ever - and I mean from anywhere in the world. The cast is superb, and the story so compelling that I fell in love with the characters, wanting the history that this dramas is based on to be different, better, happier. I'd name the actors, except that each role was so perfectly cast that I would just be copying the cast list.

This is the most perfect film series I've ever seen. If you're a fan of historical dramas, don't miss it. Even if you're not it's well worth watching!

The Queen's Umbrella (2022)

Waiting impatiently for more!

[10/10 · 29 October 2022]

Only a few episodes have been released and I'm already stuck on this unusual sageuk! Great cast, a different view of the Joseon royal court, and some characters who are already catching my interest as to their futures.

I can't wait to see how the storyline develops, and am hoping for a happy ending for those who aren't looking so hopeful at the moment.

The casting is great, and as usual for Korean period dramas, the scenery, costumes and cinematography are outstanding.

I'm looking forward to many more episodes, but I wish that I hadn't found it so early in the screening process, since I really don't want to wait and would definitely binge watch this drama if they were all released! Recommended for sure!

The Wolf (2020– )

Definitely a star cast and great story!

[10/10 · 13 October 2022]

The Wolf starring Talu "Darren" Wang as the Wolf Boy/ Prince of Bo and Li Qin as Ma Zhaixing, his soulmate, is packed with intrigue, action and romance - although often tragic. Talu Wang is remarkable as the wolf-raised young man whose tragic life is filled with one misunderstanding after another. The hauntingly beautiful Li Qin is just as inspiring with her representation of the innocent girl who falls in love with the wild and exotic wolf. Xiao Zhan is also great eye candy as Prince Ji Chong, the third in this beautifully messed up romance. What a trio for a star-crossed love!

Zhilel Xin as the sorceress-type member of Prince Bo's murderous group, does a great job in this this beautiful and deadly portrayal. Shu-yao Kuo is a fun insert in this mess of wars, intrigue and murder as the Princess Yelu Bao-na.

Lots of other really top quality acting in this drama that will keep you watching episodes non-stop! And a beautiful musical score as well as great costumes and sets.

It's a hard to beat drama!

Love Like the Galaxy (2022)

Best Chinese historical drama since Phoenixes!

[10/10 · 9 September 2022]

I compare all Chinese historical dramas to the Rise of Phoenixes, which I consider one of the best dramas ever done. This one actually competes well with Phoenixes!

The story, characters and casting are all great, and I shouldn't leave out the cinematography.

Zhao Lusi is spectacular as Shao Shang, the very outspoken heroine who holds her own in a male-centered universe. And Wu Lei as her main love interest is sometimes terrifyingly focused on revenge and killing. They do a believable job of convincing the viewers that their love is possible and real, but tragic in so many ways.

Other actors are well cast, too, and provide great performances.

All in all, a really good drama and well worth watching. I will say that the very last episodes dragged on a bit, but I was so involved in the story by then that I watched all.

The King's Affection (2021– )

Maybe not so historical, but still a great Sageuk!

[10/10 · 2 March 2022]

Really enjoyed this drama, from the interesting and unique story to the great cast. Just discovered Rowoon (Kim Seok-woo) with this drama and will definitely look for more of his work. I started to list the others, but just know that even the supporting roles are filled with great actors who flesh out the storyline. Well worth watching!

Red Sleeve (2021–2022)

Another 10+ Kdramas! Don't miss it!

[10/10 · 2 January 2022]

Okay, since the Covid lockdown I've become addicted to Kdramas (they're SO well done!), especially the historical dramas. Korea has such a long and colourful history to draw from. From Mr. Sunshine (my first) to The Red Sleeve (just finished) there has been drama after drama of superb quality. The Red Sleeve goes in there at the top of the list with Mr. Sunshine and Chicago Typewriter as one of the best! Everything about The Red Sleeve is so well done - the script, sets, music and of course, the actors. Don't miss it!

D.P. (2021– )

Dark and insightful

[10/10 · 29 August 2021]

Wow! D. P. Is fast moving and gripping - I had to hold back from binge watching all six episodes in one sitting. So much sadness balanced by bits of light. Makes me pray that all militaries are working to end the hazing and cruelty that seem to abound when the wrong people are given power. Beautifully acted, don't miss it.

Stowaway (I) (2021)

Questions, questions, but I couldn't stop watching

[8/10 · 25 April 2021]

How is my big question which remains unanswered. How could someone stowaway accidentally in a space that someone else would have had to bolt him into? I worried about this question for a while, but the excellent acting and dilemma faced by the crew soon had me so entrenched in the story that I was refocused. Good job by all, and great looking set for exciting action.

100 Days My Prince (2018)

Beautiful love story and great casting!

[10/10 · 3 March 2021]

I enjoyed this series so much that I waited about a month and then rewatched it. Great characters and story that makes you laugh and cry and want to know these people.

Vincenzo (2021)

Thoroughly enjoyable and fun - in a dark way!

[10/10 · 28 February 2021]

Only monsters can kill monsters! Yes, and love that the bad guys here, who are very bad, are meeting their match. I read the other review and it makes me wonder if the author works for a competing studio? I've enjoyed every minute of the first four episodes and am looking forward to the rest. Another Studio Dragon hit. Bravo!