REVIEWS

MOVIE AND DRAMA REVIEWS

2009-04-02T04:30:00.000-07:00

TV DRAMAS

KKOTBODA NAMJA

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Episodes: 25

CASTS:

Lee Min Ho as Goo Jun Pyo

Koo Hye Sun as Geum Jan Di

Kim Hyun Joong as Yoon Ji Hoo

Kim Bum as So Yi Jung

Kim Joong as Song Woo Bin

DESCRIPTION: Another remake of the popular Manga series, Hana Yori Dango by Yoko Kamio.

Jan Di owns a dry cleaners, one day while delivering clothes to one of the students in the prestigious Shinwa High School, a tragic incident occurs that led her to become one of the students in the said to be, school of the rich. She than meets the popular F4, who is lead by Goo Jun Pyo (Tsukasa/Dao Ming Si), annoyed by the rude behavior of Jun Pyo she lets it all out in a place where she thought nobody would hear. Here she mets Yoon Ji Hoo (Rui/Lei), whom she thinks is the only one who is different in F4. She falls for Ji Hoo but Ji Hoo already has someone else in his mind at that time. Slowly, Jun Pyo falls for her but when the time he did Ji Hoo already liked her. Who will have Jan Di’s heart? (Yes, we all know that it is already obvious, so let me change the question, who will we your heart? XD)

Among all the dramas I’ve watched, Boys Before Flowers (kkotboda namja/boys over flowers) is now my number 1. Of course, Goong is still in second place. This reminds me of Goong sometimes, especially how I always cry because of Yul’s broken heart. He is almost similar to Ji Hoo but not entirely.

CHARACTERS: Very well portrayed, they seem to have given their own unique touch in their roles. Their character eventually grows on you. Like Ji Hoo, he is very similar to Hyun Joong when it comes to being serious. Only difference is when Hyun Joong speaks in serious tone, what comes out is rather funny. Kim Bum on the other hand, is the same as Yi Sung when it comes to having his heart closed for true love, he say that his career should be prioritize first. But as we all know, Yi Sung is player, while Kim Bum is too shy to actually go near a girl.

PLOT: Solid plot, as if everything was destined not scripted, weird but true. Very passionate and emotional, I often forget that this only a drama.

ACTING: Most of the time, it seems like they are rather in acting in theater than in film. Their facial expressions are sometimes seems unnatural. But then again, some people really do act like that and it wasn’t a bad thing for them, since it gave emphasis on the emotions they would like to portray. They were able to mold their characters to their own selves.

SOUNDTRACK: Definitely the best! I really can’t chose a favorite, but I love Paradise, because I’m stupid, stand by me, fight the bad feeling, making a lover, something happened to my heart and yearning heart the most. The gave AST’1 and T max some great hits.

OVERALL: To not spoil anyone who hasn’t seen the drama yet, I’ll be more discreet about the ending. So instead of giving the ending, I’ll just say what I thought about it. The ending could either be satisfying or gravitating, but for me, I was satisfied. I think it’s because I am a hardcore Ji HooX Jan Di fan and I don’t want Ji Hoo to be badly hurt. As I read, kkotboda namja is a bit different to the previous meteor garden in Taiwan and hana yori dango of japan. Since I didn’t watch both of them as a whole (I only got to watch some of the scenes), I can’t tell what the best is. But base on having eye-candy cuties, Boys Over flowers is the best for me.

I really enjoyed this drama, it’s very addicting. I cried a lot too, weird. I heard that Main Land China is also making another version. I would love to see it after I finish Japan’s and Taiwan’s version. Yes, I’m obsessed, who wouldn’t be? The cast are great, the story rocks and the settings are beautiful. Another one I love is every moral lessons I get from the main casts, I might watch this again just for those.

NEWS: ABS CBN bought the series which means it’s going to be aired here in the Philippines. I do hope ABS CBN would give justice to Korea’s F4.

MOVIES

100 DAYS WITH MR. ARROGANT

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Another internet novel turned into a movie, a typical hate-love romantic comedy. I really wished this was rather a drama series than a 95mins movie. Ha Ji Won and Kim Jae Won (both are in Korean drama, Hwang Jini) do make a good pair. I didn’t really liked Jae Won when I when he was in Hwang Ji Ni, probably because I mourned too much when Eun Ho (Jang Geum Suk) died in the series. But as time flies, Jae Won did get a lot cuter. I liked the movie but everything happened too fast. But I have to say, I thought it would be corny but in the end it was put together really well. The beginning met the end, literally.

Thinking about it, I didn’t like it when Ha-young would rather marry Hyung-joon than go to college. But I was glad the Hyung-joon didn’t comply with her request, instead he became the way for her to pass the entrance exam. It’s funny that the ending seems to be another beginning. If that’s the case, I wonder what would happen to their relationship.

Overall, I’t wasn't so bad nor was it so good, it was OK. I didn’t get bored watching it.

JENNY, JUNO

Genre: Drama, Romance

Similar to Juno, the makers of Juno stated that they did not know the existence of Jenny, Juno after making their own movie entitled Juno. I’m not sure if it’s true but I do believe that things like that happen. As much as I’m concerned some people thought that my story, My Robotic Boyfriends, is actually taken from another cyborg-like story. But truthfully, I didn’t really know that that story exists. Until now, I haven’t watched it but I would like to watch it once I remember the title.

Anyway, about the movie, I would say that I couldn’t believe how innocent and cute the couple looked, puppy love to exact. The story reminds me of Sugar and Spice, only this was more decent and realistic. I really like Juno’s (Kim Hye Sung) character, despite his wrong doing, he still stayed with Jenny to take responsibility. Although he planned to ran away, he didn’t. He is always ever-so sweet and thoughtful, it’s hard to find guys with a personality like his.

If you look at, it seems like they are trying to say that being pregnant at 15 is fine. But if you look at the brighter side, you would clearly see that they are trying to reach out to those who had already committed this kind of mistakes, that being pregnant at the wrong time doesn’t have to lead to abortion instead it’s to be willing to admit your mistakes and take responsibility for everything till the end. But of course, it’s always better not to do such errors and well, to just study first.

200 POUNDS BEAUTY

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Who ever thought of this is a genius. Unique story, instead of having girls who would look like swans after a make-over in the salon or maybe after taking off their glasses, Hanna took a harder path, head-to-toe plastic surgery.

Being talented but fat and ugly (as she describes herself), she was treated unfairly. Her voice is used by the beautiful yet untalented Ammy. After a year, she came back as the beautiful girl named Jenny. The movie was a big hit in Korea it would have been because of the main topic the movie focused on, cosmetic surgery. There are several truths revealed, like how a man would understand surgery as long as it’s not his girlfriend. And even about life, like how only God can do everything, we on the other hand do what we are capable of.

The movie can mislead the audience about how it’s alright to have silicon placed in your body as long as you admit it which may not be a good thing. But overall, the story was pretty good and heartwarming.

SUPER JUNIOR 3JIB

2009-03-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

SORRY, SORRY

SUPER JUNIOR

RATING: 4.7/5

Hot, trendy, and elegant these are the word to describe Suju’s new album. The album was released on March 12, 2009 and imminently gained the interest of the fans who waited for more than a year to see their comeback.

Compared to their “Miracle”, “U”, and “Don’t don” days, “Sorry, Sorry” is definitely a breakthrough. Removing their cutesy images, I can’t imagine them giggling in their MVs anymore. I can’t even laugh at them, my eyes simply stares at them. Sungmin once said that they never really gained respect with their bright, cheerful image. It’s time to try something new. I actually miss their old image, but their new music style is actually worth the wait. Although I do wish to see the same Super Junior in variety shows and programs.

The only downfall of the album is that some members hardly sings or is practically invisible in the music videos and live performances. Some are probably used only as back-up dancers, while some are not present at all. Like Ki Bum who is still learning the choreography of the dance, due to staying in the US with his sick mom while the other members practice. It’s the same with Hee Chul who pops up from time to time, because of his leg injury.

When they perform, it’s not that they are less amazing than before, but rather they seem incomplete. And they are, I guess that’s the reason why I’m disappointed. I can’t feel everyone’s presence, although it’s understandable that SM wants only the best singers to sing live but I know all of them are good. For years they have trained hard, so it’s sad not to see everyone singing. But it’s great to see some members, who are hardly noticeable before, have more screen time. It can actually be one balancing act, since the more popular members are now in low maintenance.

Therefore, it’s all good. It’s great to see the others shine as well. But I do hope, Super Junior will be together again, all 13 of them.

TRACKLIST:

#1: Sorry, Sorry

Choreographed by: Nick Bass and Trent Dickens

Composed by: Youngjin Yoo

Hot and catchy song. I never really liked techno music or the like but this song is an exemption. When I first listen to it, I didn’t really like it, but after awhile, I fell in love with it. The song is about a guy who fell deeply in love with a girl he can’t escape her. He says sorry because he fell in love before her, while shawty is probably synonymous to the sorry baby. (not sure about the shawty part through)

The choreography was great, but sometimes I feel like they are all over the place. Although even so, when I look at it closely, it’s actually more organized than I think. I find their dance fascinating; it’s something I would love to learn (if I can dance XD).

Overall the song itself deserves 5 stars. It’s as addicting as SNSD’s Gee, only Sorry Sorry is hotter. The lyrics makes sense, whenever I read the translations while listening to the song, my hearts beats faster. It just shows how attractive the song is for me.

#2 Why I like you

Lyrics by: SHIRO

Composed & Arranged by: Jimmy Burney, Steven Lee, Sean Alexander, Pascal

Definitely one of their best songs, its melody is somewhat similar to America’s music styles. Their smooth voice makes you want more. As some people say, this song does sounds like Neyo’s closer but I think it’s only because they have adapted the American’s music trend a bit. The popular contemporary dance-pop music style has reached Korea, now with a new flavor. Also, the pretty-cool boy image they give whenever they sing this song would make any girl melt and leave all of them dazzled.

The song title itself would reveal what the song is about.

#3 Let’s not

Lyrics & Composed by: Hwan Hee, Junyoung Jo
Arranged by: Junyoung Jo

A sad ballad song by Suju’s KRY. The song is about breaking up, the guy in the song describe himself as a coward for not being able to protect the girl he loves, in the end they part ways. The heavenly voices of Kyu Hyun, Ryeo Wook and Ye Sung would make you feel how sentimental the song is.

# 4 Angela

Lyrics by: Jungbae Kim
Composed & Arranged by: Kenzie

Although the lyrics are sad, the melody has a happy-go-lucky feel in it. The song is a good example of a one-sided love, a martyr.

The first few lines reminded me of Amigo by Shinee, maybe it’s because of the cold-hearted description he gave to the girl. In the end, it was actually about a guy who is happy just to be beside the girl he loves, but this girl only thinks of him as a friend. He tries to hide his emotions, he tries to forget her, but he can’t leave her side.

#5 Reset

Lyrics by: Changhak Park
Composed by: Sutton, Martin Collin/Solanki, Shridhar Ashokkumar
Arranged by: Taesung Kim

When I first heard the line “press the reset”, Shinee’s replay pops up in my mind. This kind of song reminds me of Shinee. But their style isn’t the same, Super Junior has a more manlier and mature image now. So far, this is still my favorite song. The easy to listen and soothing voices of Super Junior is the reason why I press the reset.

#6 Monster

Lyrics by: Kenzie
Composed by: Sigvardt, Mikkel Remee; Kellett, Timothy; Taylor Firth, Robin Anthony; Biker, Peter
Additional Arrangment by: Kenzie

This song is a little different from the previous songs, the song talks about how greedy a guy could get when it comes to a girl he likes. It reminds me of Prince Yul of Princess hours and Ji Hoo of Boys Before Flowers, well not the actually lyrics but the greedy part. Since they once said so before, that they are becoming greedier day by day. As I listen more to the song, I clearly pictured Yul more than Ji Hoo, because of the part where the song used the word “thirsty”, something Yul said so before in the drama.

This song is perfect of supporting actors that loves the leading lady who's eyes are only for her leading man. It's sad that their fate is just like that.

#7 What If

Lyrics by: Yunjung Kwon
Composed by: Hosein, Sean Syed; Deviller, Dane Anthony; Elofsson, Jorgen Kjell; Goldmark, Andrew G
Arranged by: Kenzie

Another song by Super Junior KRY, now with an additional dose of the sweet Sung Min, Sung Min’s voice surely fits KRY. This song is another song about a one-sided love and the hopes of being loved back.

#8 Heart Quake feat Yunho and Micky of DBSK

Lyrics by: Junyoung Jo, July
Composed & Arranged by: Junyoung Jo

After a long slumber, it seems like KRY has finally awaken. This is another song by them, now with Yunho and Micky as rappers. This song made me realize how much SuJu grew, a new kind of music has emerged once again.

KRY’s impressive voices mixed with Yunho and Micky’s strong rap gave the song a superb quality I couldn’t resist. The ending made me want to hear it again, maybe it’s because of the slow than fast than slow singing they keep on doing.

Heart Quake could be described as a broken heart.

#9 Club No. 1 Feat Lee Yeon Hee

Lyrics by: Gapwon Choi

Arranged by: Gabe Lopez, Angela Peel

It’s hard to explain but when I heard the song it gave me James Bond and some detective movies kind of feeling. I love how their voices overlaps one another, how they talk after each other. Yeon Hee’s voice balanced the manly appeal of the song.

#10 Happy Together
Lyrics, Composed & Arranged by: Jaemyung Lee

This song has a warm, light feeling in it. It keeps Suju’s original cutesy image but in a different approach. Listen to this song if you feel down, the soft melody makes you want to smile.

#11 Dead at heart

Lyrics, Composed and Arranged by: Changhyun Park

I love the piano at the beginning. This ballad song expresses the sufferings you feel after a break up.

# 12 Shining Star

This song proves that Super Junior will always be Super Junior, their unique image show in this song as much as it does in Happy Together.

OVERALL, the album is great. You won’t regret a penny if you buy this one, this something new for Super Junior and their fans. Their new wholesome image combined with the uniqueness they were known first known for is something you don’t want to miss.

(i didn't proofread, so sorry if there are some mistakes.. ^_^)