[Korean Drama] Rooftop Prince (2012)

WOW! I just finished watching Rooftop Prince and all I can say is just, WOW!

Rooftop Prince begins 300 years ago in the Joseon era of South Korea and the Crown Princess has been found dead. The Crown Prince along with his four most trusted officials vow to find the truth of her death. However, they find themselves being chased over a cliff and "falling" into the 21st century and onto the rooftop house of Bak Ha!

From there, it's a 20-episode phenomenal ride full of incredible romance, plot twists, and drama.

The Story:

Rooftop Prince has one of the most unique story-lines that I have ever seen. In all of the 50+ dramas that I've watched, none have impressed me as much as Rooftop Prince. Sure there may be other impressive dramas, as I haven't watched all that many considering, but Rooftop Prince is brillantly executed. There were several plot lines occurring at the same time and feeding into one other--the crime mystery, both past and present and the romance.

Rooftop Prince's intriguing plot also had the most brilliant twists that were almost too much to handle, as well as splendid pacing and tension and a whole lot of drama--heart-wrenching, breath-stealing drama. I mean, I just want to give the writers a big ole kiss, they were just so brilliant! Just when you think you may have gotten things figured out, the writers are like "Nuh-uh, we have more for you, there are TWENTY episodes, remember?" Then you're all like, "Oh yeah. Crap. Now what?" I never watched a drama that made my jaw drop, put my hand over my mouth and gasp "Holy Shit" as many times as this one! Especially in a Rom-Com! They're not usually so suspenseful, but this one was simply awe-inspiring.

The Characters:

I've watched quite a bit of dramas and many of the most acclaimed ones (at least in Romantic Comedy) and I do not think I can say that I have seen more superb acting anywhere other than in Rooftop Prince. Each character was absolutely believable and authentic in their portrayal of their role.

Bak Ha was an inspiring female lead. She was so beautiful and possessed an inner strength to be admired. Even more importantly is that she had a strong sense of self-respect and integrity. Her emotions were so real and pulled viewers right in. Also, her honesty regarding her feelings was really refreshing as it's a rarity in other dramas.

Your Highness/YiGak/Tae Yong was so handsome (duh. Just look at that face). His character as a Prince from the past was believable and adorable. He was also an amazing actor in emotional scenes drawing viewers in.

While Bak Ha and Tae Yong played the role of Mom and Dad, the three officers Chi San, Man Bo, Yong Sool played the role of the three kids and they were perfect secondary characters as comic and cuteness relief in the most stressful or emotional scenes. They made the drama as enjoyable as it was. Without them, I probably wouldn't have kept going.

Se Na and Tae Mu played the perfect villains. I've never been so impressed or awed by the sheer evilness of the bad characters before. The actor who played Se Na, especially impressed me. She was believable in her role from beginning to end. And they just wouldn't quit! They were involved in many of the plot twists. It was insane and entralling!

The Romance:

... was absolutely freaking perfect! Bak Ha and Tae Yong's love was so strong and real that it spanned 300 years (how can you beat that?!). They could play with and tease one another, bicker like an elderly couple, and trusted one another deeply. I loved watching their interactions on screen, especially the various scenes of loving tenderness. Perfect.

The Soundtrack (OST):

Almost has perfect as Bak Ha and Tae Yong. Each song fit its scene perfectly, or added an air of suspense or irony. The writers (or whoever is in charge of the sort of thing) made very good choices! I'm in love with Ali's song "Hurt" in particular. (See both Korean and English versions below.)

The Ending:

Watching the last episode was so stressful! I was so afraid of how it would end. Viewers weren't given as many clues as we may have liked. Until the very end the writers kept surprising us, but they didn't disappoint us and the ending was nearly perfect. Though all of the loose ends were not completely tied, it was satisfying.

Looney Verdict:

Rooftop Prince is a definite must watch. It may very be the best drama of 2012. It has the most amazing acting I've ever seen in a long time, possibly ever. It has an intriguing and attention grabbing plot with excellent pacing that keeps you hooked for all twenty episodes. The perfect mix of serious emotion and comic relief, great music, and a satisfying ending. Everything a drama addict can ask to have mixed in her drug. In short, it deserves the honor of being placed amongst my "Favorite's List" and so it shall!

Not a Pretty Sight: Korean Drama Withdrawal

As you've already noticed, I've gotten back onto the Asian drama bandwagon. I hadn't watched a SINGLE drama episode since Winter Break back in January. Blasphemy!

Senior year of college is really no joke. I found a worthy adversary against my Kdrama addiction; the only thing strong enough was taking 18 credits, working 14 hours a week on campus, leading a student organization, being an active member in two other organizations, while still going out with my co-workers every payday. There simply wasn't enough time to squeeze in an episode or two.

After a few weeks, when I noticed that I hadn't watched anything in so long I was devastated (DramaFever and Viki posts on my Facebook news-feed were certainty no help).  I also began to notice myself exhibiting some peculiar behaviors.

1) I would post the most angst-ridden comments in response to any and all drama-related posts on Facebook or blogs. I would go on and on about how I missed my Lee Min Ho-baby (especially not having watched his new drama, Faith yet and how much school isn't worth it anyone. And cry, wail, sob etc.

2) I added researching new dramas to my Procrastination Regime. I would simply minimize the paper I happened to be working on and google "New Korean dramas 2013," "New Korean romantic comedies February 2013," or "best new Korean dramas." Then I would read endless reviews and episode summaries and video comments to soothe the pain.

3) I changed my desktop background to various Kdrama actors and actresses.

4) I would start organizing my "Dramas to Watch" folder in my bookmarks in order to decide which series to watch first once I find time, school ends, or I quit school (whichever happens first).

5) I began having elaborate dreams about various series I was looking forward to seeing, essentially playing how I believed the series would go based on the synopsis.

As you can see, things were getting pretty bad and I was miserable! I just wanted to find time to watch ONE, just one episode of Rooftop Prince, or Flower Boy Next Door, or Prosecutor Princess or King of Dramas, or Faith or Answer Me 1997, or Bridal Mask, or Full House 2, or The King 2 Hearts. Was that too much for a gal to ask for?

But now? Now it is time. School has finally ended and I will BINGE like I have never binged before. I will watch 8, no 12 episodes a day. I will not take the time to shower, dress, or cook. It will be just ME in my favorite strawberry printed pajamas, Life Savers Gummi Collisions, and my laptop until September. That is the life.

[JMovie] Kimi ni Todoke (2011)

Sawako is a quiet girl who resembles Sadako from the horror movie, "The Ring." Add tense facial expressions and awkward mannerisms when she's nervous and you get a girl who has all of her classmates thinking she can see ghosts. However, Kazuhaya, the most popular guy in class, falls for her on the first day of school when she helps him find the way because he had gotten lost (it's okay that he's not too smart, at least he's pretty). The movie follows Sawako as she comes into herself and opens herself up to friendship and even a little romance. Whooo!

This movie is based on a manga series of the same title. There's also an anime, which I have watched and reviewed here. I loved loved loved the anime series and loved the live action movie as well. It's just as good as the anime, just in a more condensed version.

The movie had great pacing, allowing for a nice build up of emotions and development of Sawako's relationships with herself, her friends, and Kazehaya.

Sawako's character is naive, sweet, honest, and surprisingly charming. In real life, I would find her annoying as hell, but in the movie she's oddly endearing as she opens up and forms close ties with Kazehaya, Yano, Yoshido, and Ryu. The deep relationships between the other characters (Ryu/Yoshino, Yoshino/Yano etc) are also just as important and add to the dynamic of the entire group. Plus, I simply loved how quirky they all were; such an odd bunch! (Especially the homeroom teacher, who was a hoot and a half.)

As a result, there was great comic relief among the tenderness. In addition to making you laugh, this movie makes you smile and even tear up a little (or a lot, depending on how much of a sap you are). There's just so much feeels!

The ending, oh the ending was simply perfect. It was the gushiest, most adorably heartfelt ending I've seen in a long time. In other words, it was completely squeal-worthy.

Kimi ni Todoke is a very nicely done movie that portrays the strength of friendship and connections with others in helping you come into and accepting oneself because as the oh-so-wise Dr. Suess says "Those who care, don't matter and those who matter, don't care." This movie is so sweet that I need to make an appointment with my dentist tomorrow morning!

A must watch, so get to it! I'll even provide a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gBYcTpg9es

Sweetly Yours,
Tuma
Looney Express

[KMovie] Seducing Mr. Perfect (2006)

There's been a recurring theme of car crashes leading to romance in the movies I've watched lately. Min Joon has really bad taste in men. They're not particular jerks or anything, but they always dump her, placing the blame on her--she's too nice, too clingy etc etc. In short, she's a bit pathetic. Anyway. After being stood up by her boyfriend (after skipping out of work with a fake medical excuse *rolls eyes*), she crashes into the car of none other than Robin Heiden, who she discovers is her new boss. Uh-oh! To make matters even worse, Min Joon is assigned as Robin's assistant. They get close really quickly and Robin eventually begins giving Min Joon love advice. And of course they fall in love in the process.

The plot line was really cute, however the execution needed some work. Certain aspects of the story were drawn out too long, or weren't portrayed when you thought they should have been, or not given as much attention as you'd expected. The best part of this movie is how Robin spoke entirely in English while everyone else, including Min Joon, spoke in Korean. Daniel Henney (the actor who plays Robin) was raised in America and doesn't speak much Korean, so the director worked around it in a really cute way. The premise is that Robin can understand Korean pretty well, but finds it different to speak and so refuses to do so. I expected to find that aspect of the movie annoying or frustrating, but instead I thought it was SO adorable and his voice was to die for--so sexy!

Other than the pacing of the story, Robin and Min Joon's relationship developed nicely and I enjoyed watching. There was a bit of humor thrown in with some really cute, awww, scenes. Overall, Seducing Mr. Perfect is worth watching. Find it on Youtube!

Laters Gators,
Tuma
Looney Express

 

[HK-Movie] Fighting for Love (2001)

Fighting for Love is a 2001 Hong Kong movie about office-lady Deborah, who's a loud, chain-smoking, hard ass. On her way to the hospital to visit her more normal sister, she sideswipes a man's car, taking his rear-view mirror with her! Despite the fact that his ailing mother is in the back seat and he was on his way to the hospital, Tung Choi gives chase! When he finally catches up to Deborah, he attempts to intimidate her into paying for damages by kicking her car door. But that only results in her calling the cops and a bleeding toe. And this is the beginning of a loving relationship. Really.

I don't watch too many Asian movies produced in Hong Kong, having only watched Drink Drank Drunk. I'm not even sure why I watched this one. It's pretty obscure and there's not much info about it online, but I randomly saw it on YouTube. To begin with, I was put off by the low quality of the movie in terms of the filming and washed out look, acting, cinematography etc. It's obvious that there is a far smaller budget than that of Korean movies. However, I still found the storyline and romance in Fighting for Love cute and enjoyable to watch.

Though the plot was a little underdeveloped, the pacing a tad slow, and the ending a little anti-climatic, I found the lead couple endearing and lovable. And if you've been following my blogs, you know that it's often the characters that make or break a film for me. If I love the character(s), even if the film is horrible, I can usually tolerate it.

Fighting for Love is a drama you can watch if you've nothing better to watch, but it certainly doesn't stand out as something you need to watch immediately. So, give it a try if you think it may be your cup of tea, or you currently have nothing better on your to-watch list. It's a nice, lighthearted, even sometimes funny, film.

Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGfolMnGpGo

[T-Movie] Bad Girls (2012)

Taiwanese Movie - 1 hour, 35 minutes

Released: April 2012

Romantic Comedy

Starring: Ella Chen and Mike He

This was such a wacky movie, but I enjoyed it! You have this trio, called the Bad Girls Trio who go around kicking the butts of boys and men who bully girls. The female lead, Ah Dan (played by Ella Chen) is the leader of this trio and the main butt kicker. An up-and-coming star, Justin arrives at their school to film a movie. After the female lead is put out of commission, Justin decides that Ah Dan should play the female role in the movie about two sports students falling in love as they run together everyday. -___- Thank god that the plot of Bad Girls was a lot better than the that of the movie within the movie. Drama-ception

Anyway, Ah Dan and Justin gradually fall in love, though to the viewers, it's very sudden. This is the downside of asian movies versus dramas. Dramas allow you to watch the romance unfold at a much slower rate making it more moving and poignant. In movies, however, things seem to happen too quickly. 

Despite all of that, this was a pretty good movie. The plot was a little strange and the female lead was unique. I laughed at the many shenanigans and cried when things got a little angsty. The ending was really freaking adorable and completely satisfying. I love it when they give you a glimpse of what happens after they finally get together. 

While this won't join my fave list, it's a new member of the "glad I watched it and it wasn't a waste of my time" list. 

Also, hellllo, did I mention Mike He? He is a GOD. I love him so much and I'll watch any Taiwanese movie or drama with my hubby in it. I also enjoyed Ella Chen quite a bit in Down with Love, so I'm not surprised that I enjoyed this drama.

Go give it a try yourself over at viki. Also, check out the following starring Mike He while you're at it: Bullfighting, Devil Beside You, Love Contract, Love Keeps Going, and Why Why Love. Love Contract, Love Keeps Going, and Why Why Love are my faves.

Until next time, 

Tuma

Looney Express 

Crazy Reviews

[T-MOVIE] Lovesick (2011)

Also known as Love Phobia

Starring Ariel Lin and Wilson Chen

Taiwanese Movie - 2011

Romantic Comedy

Review: 

In Lovesick, you have Ariel Lin playing Ariel Lin (which a little odd, but let's go with it), a young woman who was burned by her high school sweetheart. Joining a group of divorced aunties, Ariel Lin learns the three rules that will govern her future love life: 1) To barricade herself from men forever, 2) Be your own hero, and 3) There is no true love. Everything is going swimmingly until she meets the good and handsome doctor, Dr. Lu Zhe Han. Doubtful at first about how perfect he seems, she strives to reveal his true inner wickedness. Any man that handsome has to be a sleazebag, right? But wait there's more! Color Ariel Lin surprised when she realizes that not only is Zhe Han one of the rare (but not actually so rare) nice guys, but she's also falling for him!

Hilarity, silliness, and wackiness ensues! The lead couple was a refreshing mix of clumsy-cuteness. The storyline was a bit silly, but part of what I like about Taiwanese cinema is the wacky exaggerations. It's a bit outlandish and not what most Americans are used, but I like it and find it amusing. The characters were all fun (sometimes even ridiculous). In addition to the lead couple, I especially liked the Divorced Aunties Trio and the random taxi-driver. 

Lovesick had a lot of great and amusing scenes. Also, what I really enjoyed was that it gave a traditional scene, like the-chasing-to-the-airport-to-express-your-feelings scene a  wacky twist. The scene began traditionally, but then I was surprised when it didn't end the way I expected and even more surprised when a fist and TV cameras became involved!

There were also some great lines. Two of my favorites are: "This taxi is like a jet engine" and "At what point is she better than me? My heart. She has my heart." Ahhh, *melts* I loved it! 

Overall, this is a cute one to watch and is pretty enjoyable. It starts a little slow and you're not sure what to expect, but you soon find yourself giggling and shaking your damn head at some of the shenanigans. But, don't take my word for it. Go watch it for yourself: VIKI.

[KMovie] Petty Romance

Korean Movie

Romantic Comedy/ Rated 18+

118 Minutes/ 2010

Synopsis:

An adult cartoon contest is announced offering a W130 million prize.
Da-Rim (Choi Gang-Hee) does translation work for an adult magazine. Da-Rim wants to become a writer. Due to her creativity, Da-Rim is always making mistakes and gets fired by company. Talented cartoonist Jung-Bae (Lee Sun-Kyun) is constantly turned down by publishing companies because of his poor story lines. The two, who seemed perfectly matched, team up for the adult cartoon contest. Trouble is set to brew.

Click here to read my thoughts about Petty Romance!

[HKmovie] Drink Drank Drunk (2005)

Chinese/Hong Kong

Romantic Comedy

100 minutes/ 2005

Synopsis: 

Siu Man (Miriam Yeung) is a sassy, cheerful bargirl who never gets drunk. One night she meets Mike (Daniel Wu), a restaurant owner who is dead drunk as he is depressed over his restaurant’s imminent closing. Siu Man takes pity on him and eventually finds herself charmed by Mike’s good nature and how easily he gets drunk. She decides to help Mike out with his restaurant as a friend… 

[KMovie] Mr. Wacky

Korean Movie

90 minutes

Romantic Comedy/ School

Synopsis:

Woo Ju Ho likes to spend his days – and his money – on good drinks, fun clubs and loose women. Hoping to build his character, Ju Ho’s grandfather threatens to disown him unless he agrees to teach high school for two years. At first Ju Ho approaches teaching much like he did his previous playboy life – lackadaisically. Fellow teacher Yun So Ju finally gets fed up and decides to take it upon herself to set Ju Ho straight. But can a playboy teacher be reformed? 

Click to read my thoughts about the movie!

[KMovie] 200 Pound Beauty

Korean Movie

120 minutes

Romantic Comedy

Synopsis:

Korea’s all-time box office (#8 overall) comedy leader and winner for Best Film, Director, and Actress in Korea’s Grand Bell (their Oscar equivalent), is the story of a singer that resorts to drastic “head-to-toe” plastic surgery in order to become a huge star.

Review:

I have been meaning to watch this movie for long time. I first discovered it and mentally added it to my "To-Watch" list maybe two or three years ago! I'm not really sure why I waited so long before watching. Just kept being distracted by other dramas, I guess.

Anyway on to what I thought of it. Overall, I enjoyed. It's not worthy of becoming a new addition to "My-Absolute-Faves" list, but it wasn't too bad either. It was just a movie. The plot was original, at least to me. This is the first Korean movie or drama I've watched that portrayed plastic surgery so directly. I think the reason why I couldn't love the movie was because it was all so shallow to me in the end. And things didn't quite add up.

Spoilers below! PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

[Anime] You and Me 2

Spring 2012 - 13 Episodes

Slice of Life/ High School

Synopsis: 

"No matter how many years go by, I'm sure we'll still be laughing together." "Twins Yuta and Yuki, Kaname, and Shun have been childhood friends since kindergarten. When transfer student Chizuru joins them, their five man school life becomes all the more lively. Through the changing seasons, the boys will find laughter, surprises, love, and new encounters waiting for them." "The second season of the boys growing a little every day of their invaluable daily lives is about to begin!"

Review:

You and Me 2 continues where the first season leaves off. The five-some is just as fun, lovable, and crazy as usual. There isn't too much to say about season 2, as it's simply more of the first season. We experience some of the issues that the boys go through (love, fights, deciding their future etc). The things that typical highschoolers go through. That's what makes this series enjoyable and a nice slice of life. It's comforting and calming. However, it did feel a little repetitive, but the boys have such distinct personalities that you don't mind. I couldn't help but fall in love with all of them, especially Chizuru. If you enjoyed season 1, I definitely recommend Season 2 as well.

[Anime] Kids on the Slope

Slice of Life/ Music

12 Episodes - Summer 2012

Synopsis:  

The story of Kids on the Slope really starts rolling when the classical piano-trained Kaoru encounters Sentaro and falls head-over-heels in love with jazz. One thing to look out for is the performance scene of an excellent jazz piece in every episode. Up-and-coming young jazz musicians are employed here, with Takashi Matsunaga (Kaoru) on piano and Shun Ishiwaka (Sentaro) on drums. Yoko Kanno produces the sessions, which are then used directly for the anime. Jazz standards like “Moanin’”, “My Favorite Things”, and “Someday My Prince Will Come” are played along with improvisational performances that reflect the mood of the characters at the time, whether they’re in high spirits, or feel lonely, confused, angry, and so on. How these occasional performances and feelings are portrayed and directed is one more highlight of the show. Director Watanabe’s “sessions” are a mix of images and music, so innovative and exciting visual expressions should be expected.

Click below for my review. May contain spoilers, so proceed with caution.