Uncontrollably Fond Review

Title: Uncontrollably Fond

AKA: Recklessly Affectionate

Genre: Melodrama, Romance, Comedy

Episodes: 20

Broadcast Period: Jul-2016 to Sep-2016

Cast: Kim Woo Bin, Bae Suzy, Im Joo Hwan, Im Joo Eun, Jin Kyung, Choi Moo Sung, Hwang Jung Min, 

Shin Joon Young (Kim Woo-bin) and No Eul (Bae Suzy) were a couple who were separated during their teenage years due to an ill-fated relationship, but later meet each other in adulthood. Shin Joon Young is now a top actor/singer while No Eul is a documentary producer.

No Eul had a tough childhood; her father died in a hit-and-run prompting No Eul to quit school and make a living for her and her brother. Shin Joon Young, on the other hand, had his life planned out for him. His mother wanted him to become a prosecutor; to follow the footsteps of his estranged father, but an awful incident caused him to quit law school and become a singer/actor. The two reunite when No Eul is tasked to film Shin Joon Young's documentary. Joon Young initially gives No Eul a miserable time before finally agreeing to do the documentary and even plans to win her heart back.

Throughout the drama I was still reconsidering whether to continue watching or stop. So as you’re reading this review, you know that I managed to finish it ;)  What this drama did was wrapping up all the sad terms in kdramaland, and putting it in one drama. From the begining it broke my heart, and for that accomplishment I would give to Kim Woo Bins extraordinary acting skills. This story is tragic as hell. This is like Secret level melodrama. Here I was expecting light and fluffy, but within two episodes it already had two traumatic car accidents, one terminal illness, loan sharks, corrupt politicians, birth secrets, and star crossed love. This isn't at all what I thought it was going to be. I can’t put my finger on what it was that did it for me, but I know for sure what didn’t. Suzy. I just can’t take that idol-actress, and yes, I can’t call her an actress, because that wouldn’t be fair. The directors knew who to pair her up with, because she’s toootally overshadowed by Kim Woo Bin when they together. All in all this drama is not one of the best out there, although its a must-watch for Kim Woo Bin fans. 

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥ (1/2) / 2 (1/2) out of 5 hearts

Gu Family Book Review

Title: Gu Family Book
AKA: Ancient Medical Book / The Writings of Nine Houses / Book of the House of Gu / Kang Chi , the Beginning
Genre: Fantasy, human, melodrama, historical, romance
Episodes: 24
Broadcast period: 2013-Apr-08 to 2013-Jun-25
Cast: Lee Seung Ki, Bae Suzy, Lee Sung Jae, Jo Sung Ha, Yoo Yun Suk, Lee Yoo Bi, Sung Joon, Choi Jin Hyuk, Yoon Se Ah, Lee Yeon Hee . . .

In the deep forest there are some mythical devine creatures that protect and take care of nature. They have special powers such as making nature bloom, but if they are treathened they might turn into a dangerous animal, a beast. To the people these creatures are known as monsters or gumihos. This is the story of the creature Wol Ryung (Choi Jin Hyuk) who falls in love with Yoon Seo Hwa (Lee Yeon Hee & Yoon Se Ah) and decides to turn into a human, a process which takes 100 days. 20 years later, it is the story of Kang Chi (Lee Seung Gi) now half beast half human, the son of Seo Hwa and Wol Ryung. Kang Chi has been taken in by the a great nobleman and raised as human, but will soon have to face his true self, and even experience being an outcast.

What is really nice about the drama is the continues presense of Wol Ryung and Seo Hwa, otherwise it would have just been a repeat of history, quite boring. I really liked that couple and that they appeared again, and not just stayed as the couple that failed in the past. For a fantasy drama I think it did really fine. It touches the story of mystical creatures in the fores which is quite famous in asia, mainly china and korea. But it is not quite about Gumiho's which could be a bit confusing. The people in the drama call the beast a gumiho but it isn't the story of gumiho.. The actors did a great job, I did see some awkward acting from Sung Joon.. But overall it was good. In my opinion Suzy did well as well, also the character fits her good. Seungi did good althought I just couldnt see him as a 20 year old. Anyhow, nice drama, it was very alright but not the one you burn for watching. But close to it. I recommend it, a nice historical drama.

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Bunji's Verdict

To start of I don’t think there is a drama like this one out there, in the positive way. But the storyline is seriously typical. You know the entire ‘monster-wanting-to-be-human-falls-in-love-with-a-human-who-loves-him-for-whatever-he-is” kind of drama. Though the beginning was fresh, even sad, and the drama continued in the same tragedy kind of feel, I was a bit annoyed by the general story of ‘history’ being repeated. Even though I can say I was excited at the ending by the thought there might be a season 2, I remembered how the first season started, and how they would just continue to repeat the story.

I love Lee Seung Gi and his characters, also the way he is portraying them, which is always a treat. Though this is my third time seeing Suzy in a different role, I can’t seem to enjoy her acting. She seriously needs a better character to portray. Generally the entire cast was good, so not much to say there.

Now, should you watch it? I think it is a good story about the Gumiho’s and a decent love story, so yeah go ahead!

☆☆☆☆ / 4 out of 5 stars

♥♥♥♥ / 4 out of 5 hearts

Architecture 101 Movie Review

Title: Architecture 101

AKA: Introduction to Architecture

Genre: Romance
Origin: Korea
Release date: March 22, 2012   

Cast: Uhm Tae Woong, Han Ga In, Lee Je Hoon and Bae Suzy.

Lee Seung Min (Uhm Tae Woong) is an architect who does odd jobs and small assignments for his boss. One day his old school mate Yang Seo Yeon (Han Ga In) turns up and ‘gives’ Seung Min his first job, designing her old childhood house. After several of his ideas are turned down, one of Seung Mins co-workers asks about their past, and how they met.

17 years ago, young Seo Yeon (Bae Suzy) joins architecture class - the “Introduction of Architecture”, which young Seung Min also attends. The two happen to live in the same area, and both take the same bus home. For Seung Min, the moment he laid his eyes on Seo Yeon, he fell for her, and when he is approached by her and asked to do an assignment together, he can’t say no, even though Seo Yeon seems indifferent.

This movie follows the two timelines running parallel with each other, as we find out what has happened to this couple.

(Lousy summary, biyan!) This movie has been on my pc for a very long time, and I actually completely forgot about it. But to be honest I don’t really get it. Or yeah I do but it somehow is… Dull. Like I think the idea was good, but somehow everything was just slow paced, and you don’t really see any storyline, or I didn’t. The acting was good, but else, yeah 2 hours of random - well partially. It feels uncompleted AND short: like I don’t get how they could go 17 years without clearing up ONE misunderstanding, and how they are able to just continue with their lives, even though the feelings are back. I sort understand the concept, like first love and all but it sort of doesn’t have any depth, not really anyways. Yeah, I can’t recommend anything I don’t get…

☆☆½ / 2½ out of 5 stars

♥♥½ / 2½ out of 5 hearts