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Reviews
Hwan Hon (2022)
Jumbled mess with mostly good acting
First, I loved the historical/mythical setting of Alchemy of Souls and its large cast. At times, the soul switching/ sharing becomes complicated to the point of being incomprehensible, though. In the first few episodes, character A is established as kind, smart and good at about everything while character B is whiny, lazy and lacking. When it turns out that viewers are supposed to prefer character B, I felt manipulated and cheated. Having failed to clearly establish their main character, the writers struggle to obscure character A for the rest of the show. B finally comes into his own in Part 2 which I preferred for that reason.
There is some overacting, but most of it is solid. The character arcs (except for the very end) and acting are best combined in the characters of Park Jin and Maidservant Kim. They were a joy to watch. In the last episode, character A gives a "movie nod." That's my term for the clichéd, usually cringe-inducing nod that one character gives another to show silent agreement or respect. It's usually awful, but the actor gives the best movie nod I've ever seen. Good for him to make the most of his allotted moment!
I'm sure there is lots of background information on this production and its actors, but I'm not Korean and don't read its hyped-up fan material. Not being part of that system, I'm just reacting to the story.
Geuraeseo Naneun Antipaengwa Gyeolhonhaetda (2021)
What happened?
There are some dark, but interesting, subjects here such as suicide, pathological jealousy, and unhinged fans. But apparently Korean dramas are sometimes changed as they air due to pressure of some type, such as from fans. It seems as if that happened to this series. Several plot points don't match themes that had been carefully set up. The fate of the reality show which is featured within the series hints at this complication as well. Still, it's fun to watch competent actors portray beautiful young people who fall in love. I suspect that this show wanted to depict a rebellion against the K-Pop music system but couldn't get away with it. Either that or it's poorly written. I'm going with the first possibility which is why I gave this show an "8."
Bombam (2019)
Just about perfect!
"One Spring Night" has the charm of a romance like "Sleepless in Seattle" but with16 episodes, a less contrived ending, and commentary on serious social issues. It's about all types of relationships, including a trio of sisters, two great friend groups, and one positive, long-term marriage. There are several seriously dysfunctional relationships as well. There is real personal growth shown for the main couple while a middle aged mom also changes for the better. The actress who portrays her nearly steals the show. The male lead holds his own as he portrays a nuanced personality who happens to be good looking. (It seems unfair that other reviewers expect him to portray the same character as in a previous role.) I loved how the basketball scenes reveal that his single-dad character hadn't completely suppressed his confident younger self. That's good writing, as is the wonderfully satisfying denouement. Thank you to the writers, actors and director who created this show. I still don't understand all the dynamics of Korean culture, but "One Spring Night" explains why I've all-but-abandoned American television.
Bap Jal Sajuneun Yeppeun Nuna (2018)
Superb acting
There is lots to love about this series. The acting is just excellent; I really cared about these characters. The writing is solid with subplots about workplace harassment, overbearing parents, and how new relationships can upset old friendships. It is also a rare Korean drama that admits that sex happens. For me, though, the couple were struggling or separated for too many episodes. This caused the ending to be rushed which was a real shame. Both the couple and the audience deserved more of a pay-off. Still, I would take this drama about two ordinary people over just about anything else on Netflix.
Binsenjo (2021)
7.8
First, I'm not into Korean fandom, so I'm just accessing the actors as they are in this show. For me, the best-acted and written character was the villain's brother. That actor is the only one who made me truly care about his character.
This show was entertaining, but I'm not sure why so many lists have it as a must-see. It picks up at the end, but does not need to have 20 episodes. I even skipped a few of the early ones. Mostly, I had trouble accepting the show's view of the Mafia and was disappointed that the main characters changed so little. And yes, the guy looks good in a nice suit, but that didn't move the plot along.