Netflix & Scribble

[netflixmarathonreviews]

Pandora (2019)

No, it is not related to the jewelry company. 

Pandora speaks about heroism and selflessness as the nuclear power plant workers try to save the residents of South Korea from a deathly explosion. It is choosing to do the most practical solution despite the aftermath.

This movie made me ask myself - if I were in that position, would I have done the same? It spoke volume to me as I wondered whether I was willing to sacrifice myself for the nation or not.

Here are the life lessons I acquired from Pandora:

P - rotect your loved ones. Whether it’s from a small wound or massive accident, as much as possible, try to save the fragile ones.

A - ppreciate every moment of your life. Nobody expected it to happen on that day. Life is very uncertain, but it is what we do with every minute of it that is most important.

N - ever look down on anyone. In the future, he or she may be of help to you, so do not bring anger and wrath throughout your life. Learn to forgive.

D - eal with the consequences of your decisions. Do not run away from them. Do not lie to escape from it. Own up to your mistakes.

O - vercome every challenge. Do not surrender. There’s a solution to every problem.

R - ise from the fall. It may be painful, it may even be petrifying, but at the end of the day, remember that there is a rainbow after the rain. Do not allow yourself to drown in bitterness. 

A - lert everyone immediately. Every person has the right to know what is going on, especially when it involves him/her. Hiding it from them will only make them panic more. 

Though it may not be a horror film, Pandora scared me in ways that I could not comprehend. I began to worry about what may happen to my country if that would happen, but I realized that I should use this time to prepare for all the possible disasters, man-made or natural. 

Nothing in this life is for certain. No one can fully be sure that tomorrow will come. But, you can always be alert and prepared to face every challenge. Keep the faith flowing.

[netflixmarathonreviews]

Memories of the Alhambra (2018)

Memories of the Alhambra brings an augmented reality game into the real world that was inspired by the stories of the Alhambra palace in Spain. 

Have you ever played a video game and wondered how it would be like to be involved in the actual missions and battles? 

This Korean drama series revolves around a company CEO Yoo Jin-woo (Hyun Bin) who exerts a lot of effort in finding the developer of the said game, the younger brother of Jung Hee-jo (Park Shin-hye). Along the way, he meets and loses people to complete a quest. 

The Memories of the Alhambra imparted the following lessons:

M - ake the most out of every moment with your loved ones. You'll never know if it's your last memory with them.

E - ngage in activities that uplift you. Don't force yourself to love things that do not make you happy.

M - arry because of love, not because of fame, fortune, or peer pressure.

O - pen your mind to the endless possibilities and potential of technology.

R - econnect with hobbies that you are passionate about.

I - nfluence others in a positive manner.

E - mbrace the different sides of love, even the pain it may bring.

S - uccess speaks for itself.

O - wn up to your mistakes. Try to fix them.

F - ocus on your goals. Don't let them bring you down.

T - hank the people who were loyal to you.

H - ave at least one person you can always believe in.

E - arn experiences, not just money.

A - llocate ample time for your family. Don't take them for granted.

L - earn how to trust people, even if their choices are incomprehensible.

H - umility is a component of true success.

A - rt is not just paintings. It is everywhere we go, every song we listen to, every line we write, and every person we meet.

M - aster the art of letting go and holding on.

B - ragging your achievements will get you nowhere.

R - unning away from your problems will only make them chase you.

A - ppreciate the people who never lose faith in you.

Honestly, this series ignited my interest in the different types of technology that we are developing today, but it also reminded me of the certain limitations that we must keep in mind i.e. the dangers of what human beings can build and produce.

Technology can either bring the best of us or destroy us. We might be overwhelmed by its competence and control, but remember that the creators and inventors have greater power over it. It is up to human beings, ourselves, to determine what role it plays in our lives. 

[netflixmarathonreviews]

Tune in for Love (2019)

Tune in for Love is a movie that is set in the 1990s as the love story transcends to the 2000s.

Do you believe in the saying that “True love waits.”? And no matter what happens in life, if you’re really meant to be together, you will be together in the end? That is what this movie is all about. 

The main characters, Mi-soo and Hyun-woo, portrated by Kim Go-eun and Jung Hae-in, try to stand the test of time and distance as they find a way back to each other. It teaches the viewers about another shade of love that is not filled with just sweet memories as love is bundled with challenges. It teaches people to wait, to be patient, for the right person and the right timing. 

Tune in for Love teaches the people to:

T - hink about it carefully. Don’t make drastic decisions, especially when these have a great impact on you.

U - nderstand that the world of your desired partner does not revolve only around you. 

N - ever think that you will never be loved. You just have to be patient. 

E - xhibit positive energy. Don’t let them get the best of you. 

I - nspire others. Just because you committed some mistakes does not mean you are not allowed to have a new life.

N - ever think that you are less of a person because of your past.

F - ollow you heart. Feel it. 

O - ld but passionate. Love may have been old, but it can never be too old not to be noticed.

R - ise from the ashes. Do not let them drag you down. 

L - ive the way you want. You are not their slave.

O - ffer understanding, patience, and respect. Not just love.

V - alue what you have before time makes you realize what you had.

E - mbrace the person you love with all his/her flaws and shortcomings.

With all those lessons in mind, Tune in for Love reminds everyone that love is a daring adventure. It is never simple but it will be worthwhile, especially with the right person. If things don’t seem to be right for you, they will be one day. Just wait. 

[netflixmarathonreviews]

Itaewon Class (2020)

Itaewon Class is based on the webtoon with the same title. 

I have to admit - Itaewon Class is one of my most awaited Korean Dramas of the year because of its interesting plot and charismatic cast. Congratulations to the whole team!

I don’t think it’s full of plot twists as one scene after the other were pretty obvious from the start. Though, I do commend how the actors and actresses portrayed their roles. It may been a usual rags to riches kind of story and a quest to plot his revenge on his enemy, but how they tackled the impending issues of society, such as gender inequality and social class discrimination, became its launch pad to secure a spot in the Top K-dramas of 2020. 

It taught people the following life lessons:

I - nvest in good and loyal people.

T - hink of your weaknesses as your strength.

A - chieve your dreams no matter what the circumstances.

E - mbrace a productive day. Know your goals and have a plan in mind.

W - ork hard to gain what you want. No pain, no gain.

O - pen your heart to someone who helps you grow, not to a person who only wants to satisfy herself/himself using you.

N - ever think that your past defines your future. You are the author of your life. You can make changes easily.

C - ome and be yourself. You do not have to be sorry for having different principles.

L - eave the negativity behind. If it’s not helping you grow, let it go.

A - ct accordingly. Do not be gullible.

S - tart with people. Businesses should be about the people, not money.

S - imilar goals create a great team. Trust them.

I recommend Itaewon Class to people who need a motivation to carry on with their goals. Do not give up on your dreams. Just hold on, you will get through this.

Also, listen to the original soundtracks as these songs strengthened the whole series! I’m looking forward to more Korean dramas with Park Seo Joon and Kim Da Mi with their adorable chemistry!