#kDrama
The Producers
(2015 - Viki, 12 1:25 eps + 1 special)

Finally, a drama where I enjoyed Gong Hyo Jin's character (aside from one Aigoo scene which she can't pull off - but maybe that was purposeful?). It's a story about producers at a broadcast station who have been friends since childhood, a new rookie producer who got into the business for the wrong reason, & an idol who has suffered from bullying & isolation.

The characters & relationships develop slowly compared to current dramas & we gradually come to know them. Excellent acting - IU was great, Kim Soo Hyun was fun to see as a puppy in love. Recognizing what's in front of you, women in the workplace, & bullying all provide food for thought.

The special talks about show popularity, then clips - but the bloopers at the end - especially Kim Soo Hyun singing when he messes up - are worth a watch.

https://mydramalist.com/13445-the-producers

#TheProducers #프로듀사 #ChaTaeHyun #차태현 #GongHyoJin #공효진 #KimSooHyun #김수현 #IU #이지은 #WhooshReview

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The Most Ordinary Romance (Crazy Romance)
(2019 - Viki, 1 1:55 movie)

I watched this because I did not like the characters that Gong Hyo Jin played in the other 3 dramas I've seen her in - they all came across as very annoying - and she's supposed to be one of the queens of romcom.

I actually liked her character in this movie. It's a story about 2 people dealing with failing relationships and falling in love while sharing their pain. Unfortunately, they both dealt with their pain by getting drunk a lot.

Good acting, but not a great story.

https://mydramalist.com/31009-the-most-ordinary-romance

#TheMostOrdinaryRomance #CrazyRomance #가장보통의연애 #KimRaeWon #김래원 #GongHyoJin #공효진 #WhooshReview

#kDrama
It's Okay, That's Love
(2014 - Viki, 16 1:00 eps)

A mental health medical drama, with a bit of comedy, romance, & mystery, but mostly about a group of psychiatrists, a famous author, & a few patients, where everyone has trauma of some kind. The episodes deal with different mental health problems as well as the healing & growth of the main characters.

The story was well-done, the acting was great, & it had a good OST. My favorite "mom" - Kim Mi Kyung - portrayed a mom with a complex story. The ML & DO were perfect together. The character of the FL was difficult for me to sympathize with. I often found her actions unexplainable. The ending was a tiny bit rough, but satisfactory enough. It was worth the watch for me.

I liked the overall message of acceptance.

https://mydramalist.com/9289-its-okay-thats-love

#ItsOkayThatsLove #괜찮아사랑이야 #ZoInSung #조인성 #GongHyoJin #공효진 #WhooshReview

#kDrama
When the Camellia Blooms
(2019 - Netflix, 20 1:10 eps)

Some romance, a bit of comedy, & a serial murder mystery. 20 eps is enough time to move gracefully between the genres. Motherhood, the flaws & heartbreaking sacrifices of the moms is the central theme.

It contains the I-can't-be-with-you-because trope. Aside from that personal peeve, the show is very well done. The sinister mystery has unexpected twists.

FL's name means camellia, representing faithfulness & longevity, which fits. They also represent spring & this series is about the awakening of the FL.

The cinematography was part of the story - not grand sweeping vistas, but good at conveying the scene's emotion. It also has the most beautifully coordinated neighborhood costuming I've seen.

The last eps was not what I expected, but tied up all the story lines nicely.

https://mydramalist.com/30911-when-camellia-blooms

#kDrama #WhenTheCamelliaBlooms #동백꽃필무렵 #GongHyoJin #공효진 #KangHaNeul #강하늘 #KimJiSuk #김지석 #WhooshReview