Obsessing Over Hometown Cha Cha Cha

30s/ always books/Secret Forester/ screaming firehawks

[iamherefortheships]

Juror #2 is Meh

I don’t understand the 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s a courtroom drama in the vein of 12 Angry Men and Witness for the Prosecution, but it doesn’t quite deliver the same magic.

Without sharing details to avoid spoiling the plot, the story is about Justin (Nicholas Hoult), who is chosen to be a juror and faces the greatest moral dilemma of his life. A recovering alcoholic with a very pregnant wife, Justin already has enough emotional stress, which multiplies when he realizes that he was a witness to the very case he is asked to be a juror on. What follows are moral gymnastics: how much should he disclose, and will it change the outcome of the verdict? There is some half-baked commentary on truth, justice, and redemption. Yes, the cast is amazing and the courtroom drama itself is mildly riveting. However, this Clint Eastwood-directed movie tries to be both a thriller and a character-driven drama but doesn’t.

[iamherefortheships]

Manifesting Reality Through Kissing - only in Kdramas!

Again, I must thank kdrama expert @mirambles for a great recommendation. The premise of the show is so outrageous that it would never have hit my radar.

The heroine, Hong Ye Sul, can see snippets of the future whenever anyone brushes against her lips (platonic or otherwise). And no matter what she sees, it always comes to pass. One day, her mentor, tormentor, and boss of five years, Cha Minhu, accidentally kisses her—because that happens a lot in kdramas!—and she sees them making out passionately in the future. (Yes, those weird situations which happen so often in the kdrama/cdrama world, when two people fall and their lips end up together! What function of gravity or physics is this?)

Anyway, I digress. Ye Sul sees that they will end up sleeping together. The idea of having sex or being in a relationship with her boss is so outrageous to her that she decides to tell him about her superpower and just get it over with. But Minhu refuses and lays down the condition that she has to date him first before they jump into bed! Because, all these years, he has been really into her and now he wants to have a real relationship.

So, after a few hurdles, they actually get together pretty quickly and satisfactorily! In fact, the number of kisses and make-out scenes in this show are more than anything I have seen in a kdrama. It’s refreshing to see adults behave as adults, and also nice to see at least a couple of episodes of the main leads in an actual relationship.

There are several enjoyable things about KSS:

Professionalism: Romance aside, both Minhu and Ye Sul are consummate professionals. They love their jobs, are ambitious, and never let their work suffer. I love go-getters, even in fiction.

Setting: I liked the insight into the advertising agency, too. I'm not sure about the accuracy, but it seems like a tough job.

Chemistry: Finally, the most important thing: the chemistry between Yoon Kye Sang and Seo Ji-hye is through the roof. They make this ridiculous plotline work!

This show is not one of the kdrama greats, but if escapism is what you are looking for—this is it!

Rating: A Must-Watch for the chemistry and the execution of a wild premise (7/10)

TL;DR: A wild, supernatural premise involving "kiss-induced" future visions that turns into a surprisingly mature adult romance. A joy to see high-flying career professionals navigate a relationship with insane chemistry.

[iamherefortheships]

Review: A Prison Diary (Hell) by Jeffrey Archer ⭐⭐⭐

This book sat on my shelf for over a decade. I’d outgrown Archer’s style and had no sympathy for a jailed politician, but I finally picked it up.

It’s an accessible outsider-looking-in view of the British prison system—made unique because the "outsider" is an elite member of parliament. The result is a fascinating clash of two different worlds.

"Prisoners and guards routinely line up outside my cell to ask for my autograph, to write letters, and to seek advice on their appeals." - Jeffrey Archer

[mirambles]

Yes we get you Cha Mu Hee

[iamherefortheships]

I am enjoying Can This Love Be Translated more than I thought I would...

A busy weekend prevented me from binging this much awaited drama. I am glad, coz when I finally got to watch the first couple of episodes - I knew this show was not like beer that you gulp down to quench your thirst but more like wine which you need to sip slowly.

At episode 7 now and here are my initial thoughts :

This is Cho Muh hee's journey to find acceptance and love…and GYJ delivers. We have seen her heartbroken, in heady infatuation and deeply insecure (with a violent alter go inside her head!!)…and GYJ just dominates the screen. I love a complex, interesting female lead - and this show is it.

Kim Seon Ho is back to what he does best - look hot, throw those dimples and act his eyes out. His character is the calm to Muhee’s chaos, but it also means that his acting range is not fully utilized. He is perfect in what he delivers – but I wish he had more to do.

The show delivers on the comedy part of the romance in the first half – KSH and GYJ should do a pure sitcom. I have laughed out at every gag – so cleverly written and naturally acted.

Seeing some chatter about people being disappointed that it was not the rom com they expected. I honestly love some angst and human drama – watching 12 episodes of people falling in love is not entertaining if there are no stakes in the game

I love stories around mental health and at episode 7, we are full in alternate personality territory. Curious to see where this leads

Why the f**k is everyone so good looking? From Hiro (played the narcisstic angle so well) to , I want everyone to have a happy ending.

So far a solid 9/10 ( taking a point off for bad subtitles and that Hojin is still in love with someone he met eons ago…<)

[iamherefortheships]

I know I am late to this party, but what a joy its to discover All Creatures Great and Small. Everything about the show is perfection.

I have always enjoyed James Herriot’s stories based on the writer’s actual life as a vet in Yorkshire Dales. They are funny, with farm-animal drama, and quirky observations about small-town life.

The latest books-to-screen adaptation is a worthy watch just for its stunning pan shots of the Dales, Surely, there is no other countryside as gorgeous. Season 1 starts with a young Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) finding a position as a vet in Siegfried Farnon’s firm (an utterly delightful, scene-stealing Samuel West). The young vet works hard to gain acceptance in the local community, where he is initially seen as little more than a wet behind the ears rookie from the city.

He is joined by Siegfried’s younger brother, Tristan (played by Callum Woodhouse, who you might remember from Durrell’s in Corfu) another vet-in-making who, while loved locally, is constantly struggling under his brother’s exacting and demanding gaze. Mrs. Hall, played wonderfully by Anna Madeley, is the housekeeper who runs this bachelor pad.

It really is an ensemble show, and ACAS successfully gives each of these characters’ distinct personality and life stories. Each episode deals with a couple of distinct veterinary cases, glimpses of the farming life in the Dales and the goings about in the eccentric Farnon household.

The show is set in the 1930s, so the memory of the first war is still large, and another one looms on the horizon. But life in a little village in England goes on. The three bachelors even find some time for romance. Every episode is like a comforting cup of hot chocolate, making All Creatures Great and Small the perfect Christmas watch.

[soupydimsums]

‘Dinner Mate’: One Of The Most Underrated K-Dramas Of 2020

My first access point to K-dramas has been Netflix, so it was quite a while later when I realized there are thousands of great dramas not listed on the platform that I could probably access elsewhere. Of course, there were a lot of trials involved in stumbling upon a high-quality, free streaming platform, but I managed.

The Story:

‘Dinner Mate’ a 2020 drama, fit the bill for my next watch. Two strangers share a meal coincidentally and what follows is a relationship where they refrain from sharing personal details as they continue meeting over dinner to enjoy food.

I came to love this drama SO much. Every element in the story has a purpose and a place. 

Dr. Kim-Haeyoung, a psychiatrist uses food therapy to heal his patients while Producer Woo Do-Hee breathes and slays B-Class tacky content at 2N Media Box. Both of them have survived terrible heartbreaks from long relationships.

What unfolds is not just a story of healing but also of how the acceptance of our pasts can allow us to make the most of the present moment. While their ex-lovers show up, demanding a place back in their hearts, it is wonderful to watch Kim-Haeyoung and Do-Hee let go of residual pain and hurt, as they begin to accept and flourish the love that’s blooming between them.

I love badass characters, especially female leads and Do-Hee is one of them. She’s bold, fierce, proudly weird and says exactly what’s on her mind. Kim Haeyoung is calm, composed and yet bears a childlike curiosity that always leads him to unexpected adventures.

Jin-Eol and Jae-Hyuk, the ex-lovers of our protagonists map a trajectory that begins with entitlement to the love they once walked away from, to fighting a one-sided fight and finally, understanding the beauty of letting go. There’s my favorite Nam A-yung, the 43-year-old CEO of 2N Media Box. She’s as wild as her wardrobe but has a heart that’s more open than any of the lead characters we see.

The story is simply beautiful with elements of humor, heart and emotion seamlessly supporting and elevating each other. Every episode is a delight to watch, every moment dripping with insight and meaning. 

This is one of those underrated wonders which I’d proudly download and re-watch over and over.

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Pictures | IQUI & Doodle App

GIFs | 1&2 - Dramabeans | 3&4 - Soompi Forums

[iamherefortheships]

I discovered this drama two days ago and it’s been amazing 7 hrs of binge watching . The leads chemistry , the themes of heartbreak , healing and appreciating the present - it’s all well done.

For me what hits the spot is the main leads strangers to friends to lovers - as you see them watch fall in love in spite of themselves.

[kayascodelorio]

THE PITT + TRIVIA • from the cast & interviews (part 1)

[iamherefortheships]

Currently Watching The Winning Try

Thanks to @mirambles for another worthy recommendation. This underdog rugby sports drama isn’t exceptional, but with an incredible cast led by Yoon Kye-Sang (my first drama of his, and I’m loving it), it hits all the right notes. We’ve got a terrible team, a coach with a troubled history, and high school politics—petty on the surface, but in the hyper-competitive world of pro sports, nothing is truly petty. The Winning Try weaves all this into episodes filled with despair, tragedy, hope, fun, and the innocence of youth. It’s an hour of joyful entertainment and a great family watch, just ask my 11-year-old. We’re at the halfway mark, and we’re all-in to see if this team of teenage boys can win that national tournament!

[lanwangjihouse]

vs bts

[iamherefortheships]

Thanks to the wonderful algorithm my feed is full of Lan Zhan and We Wuxian and I could not be happier!

[lanwangjihouse]

[iamherefortheships]

Am obsessed with this show...

who knew a BL under Chinese TV censorship would create the most amazing slow burn of all times!

Also, does Wang Yibo have a bad angle? Coz how does he look like perfection in every scene!

[iamherefortheships]

Yes Minister

Thanks to @mirambles recent mentions of the show, we have been watching Yes Prime Minister and its been a joy. I remember watching this as a kid, but now the context and the jokes land even harder. Paul Eddington and Humphry Eddington are just the perfect odd couple as Minister & Secretary. Each episode is full of such wit, that cheeks hurt from laughing for 30 minutes. The main premise of each episode lies in exposing the inner working s of the British government (or any ) where the career beaureacats and the publicity loving politicians jostle for their own agenda. So this is less sitcom and more documentary.

The show is 30 minutes of handful people just talking governance – in the most funniest & entertaining way possible. Even though my sympathy mostly lies with the minister, Jim Hacker , it is Sir Humphry who provides the nuggets of practical wisdom. And no one can beat him in the art of the word salad.

[iamherefortheships]

Currently Watching Netflix's Trigger

Trigger

After a doubtful start, 4 episodes in,  I can say that I am enjoying Trigger. The positives is ofcourse Kim Nam Gil (always flawless), fast paced script and an interesting concept. Living in the US, where guns are accessible (and gun violence more common), it took a while to get into the main theme of the show. Especially the big ‘dun dun dun’ movements when illegal guns or ammo was discovered, seemed silly, given how many bullets fly on American cop shows regularly, So the visualization wasn’t as shocking.

The premise about a version of South Korea, where there is a complete absence of gun violence , as the state doesn’t allow civilians access to firearms, and how that changes when guns make it into the hands of people. The  recurring theme is that anyone is capable of violence given the right (or wrong) circumstances – a quiet citizen,  a mental health patient, a  routine offender, a bullied student and so on.

The main message seems to be yet unclear, but it appears that for now the show is leaning towards that access to guns makes the emotional & actual trigger for violence much easier.

P.S - Also, KNG is definitely doing some reincarnation of his Fiery Priest role here – which I have no complaints about.

[alienfailboy]

i start giggling like a maniac whenever i see a greying, disheveled, insane character standing next to someone who is polite to everyone and should be considered a weapon

like aww ur so new best friends

[ivyial]

so you’re telling me that netflix’s dept q doesn’t have a fandom yet? when it’s got insane potential to be a prime tumblr fandom candidate? when you’ve got 1) matthew goode as a grumpy, arrogant english inspector riddled with ptsd (heavily reminiscent of david tennant in broadchurch) 2) an empathetic, yet badass sidekick with a mysterious backstory 3) a peppy redhead who’s the exact opposite of the main character and whom he reluctantly teams up with? but then the team works great together? and these guys, they’re all trying to solve their own problems from their past, while working on the most fucked up cold case imaginable?

tumblr cmon do your thing and watch the show already

[eldarwen333]

So good! Loved it and hope to see more of them!

[iamherefortheships]

Severence Ramblings...

I had been holding out on Severance because the hype scared me. I was worried I wouldn’t like it, and as a huge fan of Adam Scott, I didn’t want to take that chance.

I was so wrong to hesitate—Severance is easily one of the best shows I’ve seen in a while. It builds a multi-layered dystopian world that explores capitalism’s relationship with labor, thought autonomy, and power dynamics. And it does all of this with plain good storytelling—an intriguing setup, well-developed characters with their own arcs, and even a romantic core.

Not only does the show divide its main characters into innie and outie profiles, but it also makes the audience question which side they’re rooting for, almost splitting our own thoughts in two. I love that the show keeps their personalities consistent on both sides, which is why Helly R is so fascinating. Her innie seems more authentic, while Helena is clearly subduing anything decent in herself to please her father and stay true to the Kier ideology.

Anyway, after Season 1 set everything up, we need some resolutions. I’ve loved every single thing about Season 2, even with its many WTF IS GOING ON moments. Episodes 7 and 8 were crucial in unraveling some of Lumon’s origins. At this point, it’s safe to say—there is nothing redeeming about this corporation. I think they’re setting up a redemption arc for Ms. Cobel, who feels like every scientist whose discovery was weaponized.

With only two episodes left, I’m think we’re either heading toward a severed rebellion or Gemma’s rescue (please!). What I don’t want is another cliffhanger. I want answers.

What is the ultimate goal of the scientific experiments on Gemma? Are we looking at severed workforce en masse? What is happening in the rest of the world? Will Helena Eagan fall on the side of the innies? Can the characters integrate organically ? What was Irving searching for and what did he find?

[iamherefortheships]

After watching the latest episode of Severance I’m feeling completely lost about where the show is headed. I can’t even remember what conclusion we were building toward. Was Gemma’s rescue/fate the only main objective? When will the bigger questions about Lumon’s true purpose be addressed? And when do we finally uncover the mystery of this entire fictional world?

The show is incredibly deliberate with every detail, so I don’t think having three characters "leave" in one episode is lazy writing. However, I’m concerned about how the season will wrap up in a way that makes sense. I don’t mind a cliffhanger, but after two seasons, we need closure on some of the biggest lingering questions.

[iamherefortheships]

Severence Ramblings...

I had been holding out on Severance because the hype scared me. I was worried I wouldn’t like it, and as a huge fan of Adam Scott, I didn’t want to take that chance.

I was so wrong to hesitate—Severance is easily one of the best shows I’ve seen in a while. It builds a multi-layered dystopian world that explores capitalism’s relationship with labor, thought autonomy, and power dynamics. And it does all of this with plain good storytelling—an intriguing setup, well-developed characters with their own arcs, and even a romantic core.

Not only does the show divide its main characters into innie and outie profiles, but it also makes the audience question which side they’re rooting for, almost splitting our own thoughts in two. I love that the show keeps their personalities consistent on both sides, which is why Helly R is so fascinating. Her innie seems more authentic, while Helena is clearly subduing anything decent in herself to please her father and stay true to the Kier ideology.

Anyway, after Season 1 set everything up, we need some resolutions. I’ve loved every single thing about Season 2, even with its many WTF IS GOING ON moments. Episodes 7 and 8 were crucial in unraveling some of Lumon’s origins. At this point, it’s safe to say—there is nothing redeeming about this corporation. I think they’re setting up a redemption arc for Ms. Cobel, who feels like every scientist whose discovery was weaponized.

With only two episodes left, I’m think we’re either heading toward a severed rebellion or Gemma’s rescue (please!). What I don’t want is another cliffhanger. I want answers.

What is the ultimate goal of the scientific experiments on Gemma? Are we looking at severed workforce en masse? What is happening in the rest of the world? Will Helena Eagan fall on the side of the innies? Can the characters integrate organically ? What was Irving searching for and what did he find?