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O21

Lie To Me (SBS 2011)

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It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a Koala in possession of a keyboard, must be in want of writing about Lie to Me (“LTM”). While my proverbial pen is hardly mightier than the critic’s sword, a heart in want of expression most often than not trumps logic in service of persuasion.

I set forth the presumption that a drama existing solely as a showcase of love hardly merits scientific analysis. Really LTM ought to be enjoyed through the lens of airy emotion. But who can turn off the brain when it governs equally as the heart does? Perhaps the most fitting perch from which to view LTM is in the context of the divide between Sense and Sensibility.

For those of you who loved LTM because it engaged your full sensibility, and those of you who hated LTM because it aggravated all your practical sense, a viewer can and may find a common ground between the two.

So come take a walk down a cherry blossom lane with me. If it pleases you, do stay for a visit. If it befuddles you, feel free to traverse another path. This is one drama where folks have some mighty strong opinions, perchance review is warranted to parse the extremes for a comfortable medium. Continue reading →

O2

A Princess and A President: A First Impressions Review

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Come one, come all – come and gape at this rare creature. She looks like a koala from the outside, but from the inside she’s likely as crazy as that scrat from Ice Age. She doesn’t acknowledge that there are divides better left unbridged, subjects of discussion that shouldn’t be broached in the same forum.

She thinks all that matters is “but it’s really good, and I want to talk about it!” She may just be right. So give her a moment of your precious time, will you? She wants to share her thoughts about a masterpiece-in-the-making called President (KBS 2010), and a scrumptious delightful little romp called My Princess (MBC 2010).

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O3

Mary Stayed Out All Night: First Impressions (KBS2 2010)

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There is no one with a completely objective ability to enjoy a drama. Beyond the one man’s trash is another man’s treasure saying, everyone subconsciously inserts their own experiences into any viewing, and out pops a litany of reactions from love to hate. From the most highbrow viewer to the least discerning watcher, I find myself encompassing the entire gamut of views depending on time, place, and weather. Yes, sunny days make me crave makjang dramas, and rainy days make me long for trendy rom-coms. Or is it the other way around?

Mary Stayed Out All Night (Marry Me, Mary! or M3) might as well hang a flashing neon sign on its head – enter all ye who wish to find the charming in the ridiculous, who wish to experience the addicting with the pedestrian. It forces me as a drama watcher to engage in an hour-long bout of bipolar discussion in my head twice a week. For a drama that is ultimately a confectionary treat, it sure fills me up just right.

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O4

Sang Doo, Let’s Go To School (KBS 2003)

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Prologue: This story must be a modern folk tale. Getting passed down from viewer-to-viewer – the story of Sang Doo and his Eun Hwan, the story of Eun Hwan and her Sang Doo. Like all folk tales that have come before it, it feels both real and whimsical. Like all folk tales that will come after it, it will linger in your subconscious.

Was it a dream? Perchance it was. But the tears you cried, that was not a dream. Was it an illusion? Mayhap it was. But the laughter you experienced, that was not an illusion. Let us once again believe that true love never dies, only the chance to love pass us by. When you get that illusive second chance, it must not slip through your grasp.

Come meet a pair of fateful lovers that loved and lived, in celluloid and in an existence that is neither real nor fiction. One day you will be sitting somewhere, an errant cloud will pass by, and you will wonder what Sang Doo and Eun Hwan are up to. Are they laughing? Are they arguing? Are they content? They feel so real, did we really not just dream it all?

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O17

Sungkyunkwan Scandal: Episode 2

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Don’t ask me why I, not Thundie or Serendipity, bless their infinitely superior writing skills, am recapping this episode of Sungkyunkwan Scandal (“SKKS”). All I remember is that one minute I was sitting on my arse minding my own business whilst chewing on some rubbery eucalyptus leaves, and the next minute I was feverishly recapping SKKS. It may or may not involve a high speed pursuit, some bad fruit, and a case of the badly-needed-subber.

[Tis the third reason, I confess, although I wish it was a high-speed pursuit instead, one involving a certain Yoo Ah-in. Hugs and kisses to ockoala for coming to my rescue at such short notice! I will be back after Serendipity with more SKKS recaps. –thundie]

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