Change Your Image
crosswithyou
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Lists
An error has ocurred. Please try againReviews
Aseudal Yeondaegi (2019)
Hidden gem
I went into this series with very little expectations. It seemed like a huge undertaking for a Korean production, and I would have considered it a success if it could at least satisfy my appetite for some good Song Joong-ki. Well, the series delivered in spades.
Arthdal Chronicles has the epic vibes of series like Game of Thrones or The Last Kingdom (minus all the sex). It really does feel like something produced in the West rather than in Korea. The series isn't without its critics who call it a GoT imitation but I didn't feel that was the case at all. They've got a similar atmosphere to them because the fictional worlds are so vast, but I didn't find that to be cause for any decrease in enjoyment.
The first season is divided into three parts, six episodes each for a total of 18 episodes. The first episode lays down the basic foundation and from the second episode is when we are properly introduced to the main cast of characters. Part 2 is when things start to get REALLY good.
The story is engaging, the characters are well-developed, the acting is top-notch, and the stunning visuals allow you to easily becoming immersed in the world. And can we please talk about Song Joong-ki? WOW. Especially if you've only been exposed to his portrayal of Yoo Si-jin in Descendants of the Sun, boy are you in for a treat! Big Boss's charms may be harder to find in Arthdal Chronicles, but this is without a doubt one of SJK's best performances. He is SO. GOOD. I can't even go into detail for fear of spoiling it. Once you get to a certain part of the series, you'll understand what I mean. (Check him out in The Battleship Island too! Good stuff.)
I am honestly surprised this series isn't talked about more. It has a wide appeal in both its themes and cinematic presentation. This is a real hidden gem on Netflix. The wait for the second season will be excruciating.
Na-neun Heang-bok-hab-ni-da (2008)
Hyun Bin delivers
You have to know what you're getting into before starting this film. Throw out any notions that this is going to be a "happy" movie or else you will be sorely disappointed. No romance or comedy here! This is a slow burner but worth a watch for Hyun Bin's excellent performance.
If you're seeking out this movie in 2020, you're probably curious about Hyun Bin's other works after having watched Crash Landing On You or Memories of the Alhambra on Netflix. HB's filmography includes many lead roles where he plays the handsome rich guy but his role as Man-soo in I am Happy is anything but.
In this film, you get a scraggly HB who suddenly develops megalomania after having to constantly deal with his mother who has dementia and his abusive older brother addicted to gambling. It is unlike any other role HB has done and it allows him to really shine as an actor. Man-soo is not an easy character to play but HB delivers a stellar performance that, if you have a heart, will surely evoke feelings of empathy and pity.
The way the film is shot can be a little confusing with scenes jumping between the past and present. There is no real action and the movie is pretty dark, but if you have the patience, you will be treated to a great performance by a great actor. To think that this movie is only three years after Hyun Bin's breakout role in My Lovely Sam Soon is telling of his skill.
Sarangeui bulsachak (2019)
The gold standard
Why, yes, I did create an IMDb account just to review this series and give it a 10/10. I would give it even higher marks if I could!
Crash Landing on You was the second Kdrama I watched. I instantly fell in love. The story, the cast, the acting, everything about it is perfect!
The series portrays daily life in N. Korea with a human touch but without overly romanticizing it. The character development is excellent, not only for the main cast, but the supporting characters as well. From the main couple (BinJin 4ever!!!!), to Ri Jeong Hyeok's subordinates and the N. Korean villagers, everyone was a delight to watch. The series has a perfect blend of drama, romance, comedy, and action. It also has the wit to take jabs at typical Kdrama tropes in a fun, playful manner.
And can we talk about BinJin? Wow. Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin are AMAZING and their chemistry is out of this world. They are soooooooooooooooo good! You truly feel for Ri Jeong Hyeok and Yoon Se-ri. You cry when they cry and laugh when they laugh. Every scene they have together just makes you melt. This series made me fall in love with these two, especially Hyun Bin. I don't think there's any woman who didn't fall for Hyun Bin after watching this. I binged all his dramas and movies after and am at least $700 in the hole collecting the Japanese releases of his fan meeting DVDs and other media. I even joined his Japanese fan club! I never imagined learning Japanese would come in handy in this manner. I should've taken Korean too, haha. In short, I AM IN LOVE.
If you're like me and can't get enough of these two, definitely check out their other work together, the movie The Negotiation (available for rent on Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV). I truly came to respect the pair's acting abilities after this. The movie is nothing like CLOY and the characters are of course very, very different. Yet, they pull it off with perfection. And HB as a baddie is hawttttttt!
I've recommended Crash Landing on You to several friends and they all loved it. I've watched a number of Kdramas since finishing this and I have to say that nothing has come close. CLOY is my gold standard. The rewatch value is great and the series is a perfect introduction to Kdrama.