My Korean Movie Collection is Now Yours | Twenty (20) Must-Watch K-Dramas

Need a Friday night movie pick for a date, a Saturday afternoon double feature, or a Sunday night at the movies with family and friends? My K-drama movie collection is an awesome cross-section of Korean cinema — folklore, horror, revolution, music, crime, psychological thrillers. Below is my personal hand-picked watch list of 20 films (i.e., not on an official published listing elsewhere).

(1) 11 A.M. ~ We Only Time Traveled for 15 Minutes and Saw 'The End'

11 A.M. is a 2013 Korean film that explores time travel, survival, and the unraveling of a research team facing its own future destruction. It's a gripping deep-sea sci-fi thriller.

(2) Exorcism Chronicles ~ The Beginning (2025) ~ Save the Child, Save the World

The 2025 Korean animated dark fantasy film, adapted from the first chapter of Lee Woo-hyeok's acclaimed book series “Toemarok” ( “A Record of Exorcism”).

(3) Go Go 70s ~ Nirvana Was Shut Down in 1979

This film celebrates the birth of Korea’s first generation of rock and soul musicians, following Sang Kyu, Man Sik, and their band The Devils as they rise from small club performers to national icons after merging their talents and winning a major contest.

(4) Heung-Boo ~ The Revolutionist ~ Who is the “True Man”?

This movie reimagines the classic folk tale through a Joseon-era drama of divided brothers, political unrest, and the power of storytelling. Yeon Heung-Boo, a banned writer known for scandalous books, searches for the heroic older brother he lost in childhood.

(5) I Am the King ~ Where is a Doppelganger When You Need One?

A Crown is switched. 'I Am the King' reimagines the destiny of a crown prince through crazy comedy and chaos.

(6) Pawn ~ I'm Not a Pawn. I Have a Name.

A tough debt collector unexpectedly becomes a father figure to a little girl. She is the daughter of a widowed illegal immigrant. It’s simple, heartfelt, and perfectly reflects the film’s theme of unlikely family.

(7) Search Out ~ A Sick Way to Use Social Media

Two jobless friends decide to investigate a disturbing pattern of suicides linked to a manipulative online figure.

• Memorable Quote: “If someone tells you to die… that’s murder.”

(8) The Last Princess ~ Exiled Royalty Hoping Until the End

The emotional historical film about Princess Lee Deokhye’s forced exile, her struggle for identity, and her heartbreaking journey to return home to Korea.

(9) The Mimic ~ She's a Little Girl But is She Dangerous?

It reflects the core horror of the Jangsan Tiger legend and the little girl’s unsettling ability to mimic the dead, warning that familiarity can be fatal.

(10) Where the Truth Lies (aka “The Case of Itaewon Homicide”) ~ True Crime Story

Based on a true crime story about a murder at a fast-food restaurant in Itaewon in 1997. Two Korean American teens are charged with the brutal stabbing of a college student.

(11) Big Deal ~ A High Stakes Soju Showdown That Redefines Korean Corporate Drama

A devoted finance director and an ambitious investment strategist clash over the fate of a beloved Korean soju company. Set against the turbulent backdrop of South Korea’s 1997 Asian financial crisis during the 1997 financial crisis.

(12) Asura: City of Madness ~ The “C” is For City, Chaos, Corruption and Moral Collapse

A detective chooses to become corrupt and justifies his dirty deeds by using the money he accepted to pay for his wife's medical treatment. He gets trapped even deeper into a dangerous web when he ends up between a corrupt mayor and ruthless prosecutors. He has to choose sides.

(13) Phantom ~ It's Hard to Aim a Weapon at a Ghost

“Phantom” strikes fear in the hearts of the Japanese occupiers in Joseon. But aren't the Japanese supposed to be a mighty military force? Yes. But does one aim a weapon at an invisible target? It's hard to see “Phantom”. They're like ghosts. Those unwelcome and unwanted foreign occupiers BETTER BE SCARED!

(14) Clean Up ~ Why Can't I Clean Up My Conscience?

A woman and her husband kidnapped a child because they needed money. Later, their own child died. She not only grieves the loss of her son but is burdened with guilt because she committed a crime against another child about the same age as her son at the time. That boy grew up to be a criminal. Did the kidnapping scar him and ruin his life?

(15) Insane ~ You Gotta Believe Me! I'm not Crazy!

Mental Health Law 24 was passed. According to this law, involuntary hospitalization only requires the consent of two guardians and the diagnosis of a specialist. Now … imagine if the guardians and the specialist are in cahoots with each other and they want you to be hidden from public view. A woman is wrongfully imprisoned in a mental hospital but manages to escape. After her daring escape, she is accused of murder and put in prison to serve time for the crime. Did she do it?

(16) Number One ~ The Descendants of Dangun Are Alive and Well

A high school student with supernatural abilities wants to know why he has to hide his great strength and endure until the “right time”. What is the “right time”?

(17) Joint Security Area
This award-winning film is based on Park Sang-Yeon's novel "DMZ".

A Swiss captain of Korean descent is sent to the DMZ to investigate a deadly shooting between North and South Korean soldiers, only to find that both sides are hiding the truth and “neutrality” is impossible in such a charged environment. After she’s removed from the case due to her father’s North Korean ties, she continues digging on her own and uncovers a surprising reality behind the conflicting accounts.

(18) Psychokinesis

A debt-ridden average man suddenly develops psychokinesis and tries to use his newfound power to protect his estranged daughter after a corrupt construction company causes her mother’s death. When powerful forces frame him as a societal threat and target his daughter as well, he refuses to stay imprisoned and becomes determined to save her and expose the truth.

(19) Ransomed

Based on a true story, and set in Lebanon. A Korean diplomat is sent on assignment in Lebanon because another Korean diplomat has been kidnapped. He crosses paths with a Korean taxi driver who speaks fluent Arabic and knows how to get around in Lebanon. Unfortunately, the cab driver is also a swindler. That's terrific! He can't even trust a fellow countryman in a foreign land.

(20) Unlocked ~ Sometimes Smart People Are Not Very Smart

A young woman loses her smartphone and a serial killer finds it. He turns her life into a living hell!

Collapsible Silicone Microwave Hot Air Popcorn Popper Bowl 

(Secret Santa gift exchange ~ Gifts under $10)

Check out my detailed reviews for each of these movies via PopGeeks.com.

References to Western Literature Mentioned in Five (5) Korean Dramas

Korean dramas often spark curiosity beyond the screen—whether it’s real events, food, or references to Western literature woven into the plot. 

These five dramas use real books as emotional and thematic markers to deepen character development and highlight Korea’s blend of global influences. For me, these literary references make the stories richer and inspire me to explore the books behind them; I wonder if they do the same for you.

(1) The Lucifer ~ Inside the Mind of a Dark Genius

• People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil, a book written by M. Scott Peck.

The drama uses “People of the Lie...” to frame its exploration of human malice, self-deception, and moral corruption. Peck’s psychological insights become central to the protagonist’s investigation, shaping the entire narrative.

(2) Born Again ~ 3 People Reincarnated, Love Triangle Recreated

• Emily Brontë’s gothic classic novel about obsession and fate, Wuthering Heights.

The story mirrors “Wuthering Heights” through themes of longing, fate, and emotional obsession. Three souls connected in the 1980s are reborn to repeat a tragic love triangle across lifetimes.

(3) My Love From the Star ~ A Cosmic Romance Phenomenon

• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, a children’s novel by Kate DiCamillo.

The drama references “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” to highlight Do Min Joon’s emotional evolution from detachment to love. Like Edward, he learns through loss, vulnerability, and connection what it truly means to care.

(4) The Nice Guy – I Just Want To Live Happily Ever After

• The Sun Also Rises, is a classic novel written by the Nobel Prize-winning author Ernest Hemingway.

A gentle-hearted heir trapped in a violent family clings to the hope symbolized by Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises”. The quote about the rising sun becomes his reminder that a peaceful life might still be possible.

(5) Notes From The Last Row ~ A Mentorship Turns Into Psychological Warfare

• The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Referencing "The Sorrows of Young Werther" signals the drama’s focus on obsession, unrequited longing, and emotional unraveling. The mentor-student relationship spirals into a tense psychological battle echoing Werther’s intensity.

Condensed from content published via PopGeeks.com.

Elle (2026) First Look: Prime Video’s Legally Blonde Prequel Reimagines Elle Woods’ High School Years

Elle (2026) is Prime Video’s vibrant and heartfelt prequel series to Legally Blonde, transporting viewers back to 1995 to explore Elle Woods's formative high school years. At sixteen, Elle is living her dream life in Bel Air—surrounded by friends, fashion, and the comfort of her family’s glamorous world. But everything changes when her parents announce a sudden move to Seattle for her father’s job, uprooting Elle from the sunny, social universe she knows and thrusting her into a gloomier, unfamiliar environment.

The series follows Elle as she navigates tricky friendships, budding romance, and the emotional turbulence of adolescence. Her signature optimism is tested as she struggles to fit in at her new school, where her all-pink wardrobe and California confidence make her stand out in ways she didn’t expect. Through comedic missteps, fashion faux pas, and heartfelt moments, Elle begins to discover her inner resilience. She learns to rely on her close bond with her mother, Eva, and her father, Wyatt, who help her stay grounded as she faces new challenges.

Across eight episodes, Elle’s journey is filled with dramatic twists—from confronting bullies and navigating rumors to organizing her school’s first homecoming and uncovering a conspiracy hidden in school records. Each challenge pushes her closer to becoming the iconic Elle Woods audiences know: determined, compassionate, and unafraid to stand up for what’s right.

With its blend of humor, heart, and nostalgia, Elle offers fans a fresh look at the beloved character’s origins while introducing new relationships, conflicts, and emotional depth. The series celebrates the spirit of Legally Blonde while carving out its own identity as a coming-of-age story about confidence, reinvention, and the power of staying true to yourself.

• Release Date: July 1, 2026

• Genre: Comedy, Drama

• Film or Series: Series (Season 1)

• Number of Episodes: 8 episodes in Season 1

• Based On / Inspired By: Prequel to Legally Blonde (2001), exploring Elle Woods’ teenage years before Harvard

• Memorable Quote (from trailer): “Whoever said orange is the new pink was seriously disturbed.” (Episode title & recurring Elle Woods line)

• IMDb Rating: 6.9/10 (5.1K ratings)

BIO & CAREER HIGHLIGHTS —

Lead Actress: Lexi Minetree

Lexi Minetree stars as teenage Elle Woods, stepping into the iconic role once portrayed by Reese Witherspoon. Minetree, age 25 at the time of casting, gained attention for her uncanny resemblance to Witherspoon’s Elle, which helped generate early buzz for the series. Before Elle, Minetree worked in television and independent film, building a reputation for expressive comedic timing and youthful charisma—qualities that align naturally with the character’s charm.

Her performance in Elle marks her breakout mainstream role, with support from executive producer Reese Witherspoon and Amazon MGM Studios. The series positions Minetree as a rising talent capable of carrying a major franchise prequel, blending comedy, drama, and emotional nuance as she redefines Elle Woods for a new generation.

Related Links of Interest (MLA 9 Format)

• Gruenwedel, Erik. “Prime Video Releases Trailer for ‘Legally Blonde’ Prequel Series ‘Elle’ Launching July 1.” Media Play News, 9 June 2026.

• “Elle | Prime Video.” Prime Video Press, 9 June 2026.

• “Elle (TV Series 2026– ).” IMDb, IMDb.com, 2026.

• “‘Legally Blonde’ Prequel Series ‘Elle’ Gets First Trailer From Prime Video.” MovieWeb, 6 May 2026.

• “Prime Video Releases Official Key Art and Trailer for Season 1 of the Legally Blonde Prequel ‘Elle.’” The Futon Critic, 9 June 2026.   

  

Bride of the Century (2014) ~ An Old But Gold Fantasy Korean Drama About Curses and Charms

"Bride of the Century" is an old but gold 2014 Korean drama series, with 16 episodes. It blends romance, mystery, and fantasy into a story centered on identity, fate, and the weight of family expectations.  Where to Watch

Main Characters:

• Na Doo-Rim / Jang Yi-Kyung (played by Yang Jin-Sung)

• Choi Kang-Joo (played by Lee Hong-Ki)

• Jang Yi-Hyun (played by Sung Hyuk)

Viewership and Rating:

• IMDb: 7 out of 10 stars

• My Drama List: 7.8 out of 10 stars

• Viki viewers rated the series 9.3 out of 10 stars

***

STORYLINE:

A century-old curse shapes the lives of those connected to the influential Choi family. According to legend, the first bride of the family’s eldest son is destined to die—a chilling prophecy that has haunted generations from the Joseon Era and continues to cast a shadow over the present.

Choi Kang-Joo, the aloof and impeccably groomed heir to Taeyang Group. Choi Kang-Joo is intelligent and capable, yet emotionally distant due to past trauma and the heavy burden of his family’s legacy. His arranged marriage to Jang Yi-Kyung, a poised and calculating heiress, is intended to strengthen business ties and uphold tradition. However, Jang Yi-Kyung mysteriously disappears just before the wedding, throwing both families into crisis.

To preserve the engagement and avoid scandal, the Jang family secretly recruits Na Doo-Rim, a cheerful and hardworking young woman from a small island village who happens to be Jang Yi-Kyung’s doppelganger. Na Doo-Rim's personality is the complete opposite of Jang Yi-Kyung. She is warm, sincere, and refreshingly honest and in need of money. Jang Yi-Hyun, Jang Yi-Kyung’s half-brother agrees to provide financial support for her grandmother’s medical needs, if Na Doo-Rim would impersonate his missing sister. Of course, she is unaware of the dangerous curse tied to the first bride. But no matter. She does not plan to actually marry the chaebol heir. It's just a temporary gig.

But the best-laid plans often don't go as planned.

Na Doo-Rim enters Choi Kang-Joo’s world, and her genuine personality begins to soften his guarded exterior. Their interactions shift from formal and tense to unexpectedly tender, creating a slow-burn romance filled with emotional nuance. Choi Kang-Joo, who initially views her as a strategic match, finds himself drawn to her authenticity—never suspecting her true identity. Meanwhile, Na Doo-Rim struggles with guilt and fear, torn between her growing feelings and the deception she must maintain. Jang Yi-Hyun, the half-brother, becomes increasingly entangled in the unfolding mystery.

Before meeting anyone in the Jang or the Choi family, Na Doo-Rim helped a woman in distress. The woman gave her a good luck charm and told her it would bring her love. Love is great.  But can a charm break a century-old curse?

***

TRAILERS/TEASERS:

Viki Global TV. (2020). BRIDE OF THE CENTURY - OFFICIAL TRAILER [Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=2lbdPS2WbHc.

♦- Thanks for reading.

The Cosmic Charm of Do Min‑joon: How the Korean Drama 'My Love From the Star' Became Iconic

The keyword for "My Love From the Star" is "destiny".

This classic Korean drama, released in 2013, is about Do Min‑Joon (played by Kim Soo-Hyun, “The Moon Embracing the Sun”,  “Queen of Tears”), a centuries‑old alien living secretly on Earth.  He is just months away from returning to his home planet when his quiet, carefully controlled existence is upended by Cheon Song‑Yi (played by Gianna Jun, “The Legend of the Blue Sea”), a glamorous actress whose chaotic life keeps pulling him closer.  Their "connection" is rooted in a girl he once failed to save in the Joseon Era.

When Cheon Song‑Yi crosses his path in modern-day Seoul, it forces him to confront emotions he has avoided for 400 years. His interactions with the snobby actress are further complicated by the people in her life who get tangled up in his quiet life.  

• a best friend who is really not a friend, 
• a close friend who insists he's her boyfriend, and 
• the brother of the alleged boyfriend who is murderous and ruthless.

Complications involving Song‑Yi’s "circle of friends(?)" threaten to expose the alien's true identity. 

As Do Min‑Joon struggles between duty and desire, "My Love From the Star" unfolds as a modern tale of star‑crossed lovers—destined to meet yet destined to suffer. 

The series remains beloved not only for its cosmic romance but also for its compelling characters, sharp humor, and, as of 2026, the real‑world resilience of actor Kim Soo‑Hyun, who overcame damaging AI‑generated allegations before returning to the screen.

This 2013 sci-fi romance is Kim Soo-Hyun’s most iconic role.

⭐

See full article at PopGeeks

My Fair Lady (1964): Hollywood Elegance, Iconic Fashion, and the Musical That Defined a Generation

Pure Hollywood Magic

Few films embody the golden age of Hollywood quite like My Fair Lady (1964). Lavish, witty, romantic, and visually breathtaking. It remains one of the most celebrated musicals ever put on screen. Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which itself is based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion. 

This film classic pairs Audrey Hepburn’s luminous charm with Rex Harrison’s razor-sharp sophistication. Their onscreen chemistry created a timeless, magical story about transformation, class, and identity. The movie won eight (8) Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Costume Design.

Image credit

STORYLINE:

A phonetics professor transforms a poor flower girl into a “proper lady” as part of a social experiment.

Set in Edwardian London, My Fair Lady follows Eliza Doolittle, a spirited but impoverished flower girl whose thick Cockney accent keeps her firmly rooted in the lower class. When phonetics expert Professor Henry Higgins boasts that he can transform any woman into a refined lady simply by teaching her proper speech, Colonel Pickering challenges him to prove it — and Eliza becomes the unwitting subject of their wager.

What begins as a social experiment soon becomes a battle of wills. Eliza endures grueling lessons, emotional frustration, and Higgins’ infuriating arrogance. Yet her determination pays off when she dazzles high society at the Embassy Ball, passing as royalty with ease. The triumph forces both Eliza and Higgins to confront deeper questions: Who is she now? And what does Higgins truly feel for the woman he has shaped but never fully understood?

The film’s charm lies not only in its music and spectacle but in its exploration of independence, identity, and the complicated bond between two people who change each other in unexpected ways.

⭐ Memorable Cast (and In Memory Of)

• Audrey Hepburn (1929 – 1993) — Eliza Doolittle

• Rex Harrison (1908 – 1990) — Professor Henry Higgins

• Stanley Holloway (1890 – 1982) — Alfred P. Doolittle

• Wilfrid Hyde White (1903 – 1991) — Colonel Pickering

• Gladys Cooper (1888 – 1971) — Mrs. Higgins

Can you believe some of the actors were born in the 1800s?????

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BIO & Career Highlights of Hepburn and Harrison

⭐ Audrey Hepburn (Eliza Doolittle)

Born May 4, 1929, remains one of cinema’s most beloved icons. Known for her grace, expressive eyes, and humanitarian spirit, she starred in classics such as Roman Holiday (for which she won an Oscar), Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sabrina, Funny Face, and Charade. Beyond acting, Hepburn dedicated much of her later life to UNICEF, becoming a global ambassador for children’s welfare. Her role as Eliza Doolittle showcased her versatility — from comedic grit to regal elegance — and solidified her status as a fashion and film legend.

⭐ Rex Harrison (Professor Henry Higgins)

Born March 5, 1908, he was a distinguished British actor known for his sophisticated stage presence and signature “speech singing” style. He originated the role of Henry Higgins on Broadway and won the Academy Award for reprising it in the film. His career included notable roles in Cleopatra, Doctor Dolittle, and numerous stage productions. Harrison’s portrayal of Higgins — equal parts brilliant, exasperating, and vulnerable — remains one of the most defining performances in musical cinema.

🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia:

• Audrey Hepburn’s singing was dubbed by Marni Nixon, though Hepburn recorded full versions of every song.

• Rex Harrison refused to lip-sync, so the production used early wireless microphones — revolutionary for the time.

• Cary Grant turned down the role of Higgins but insisted the studio cast Rex Harrison, saying he wouldn’t watch the film otherwise.

• The film cost around $17 million, making it one of the most expensive productions of the 1960s.

• George Cukor won his first and only Oscar for directing this film, despite decades of acclaimed work.

Image generated using ChatGPT

Fun Facts About Audrey Hepburn’s Iconic Ascot Dress

The black-and-white Ascot dress is one of the most recognizable costumes in film history.

• Designed by Cecil Beaton, who won the Oscar for Best Costume Design.

• The dress weighed over 20 pounds due to its heavy lace and embellishments.

• The enormous hat — nearly two feet wide — became a fashion symbol for decades.

• The monochrome palette was chosen to reflect the real Ascot dress code of the era.

• The look has been recreated in fashion magazines, runway shows, and costume events worldwide.

RELATED LINKS:

• Hollywood Screen Legends and Icons: Audrey Hepburn (May 4, 1929 ~ January 20, 1993)

• My Top 10 List of Iconic Female Celebrities

Disney Animated Classic: The Aristocats (1970)

Growing up during the 50s and the 60s was the best of times! We did not have cable TV or online streaming back then, but most of the local stations always showed cartoons on Saturday from early morning until around noon. My siblings and I would watch them together. My youngest daughter is an adult now, but when she was little, we often watched animated movies on Saturday mornings. It was “our time”. I would go to the local library and check out videos. They had a great collection of animated videos for kids.

One Saturday morning, I was really tired. I went into her bedroom, popped the tape into the VCR, lay down on her bed, and fell back to sleep! When I woke back up, my daughter was singing “Everybody … everybody … everybody wants to be a cat!” LOL. 😀That movie had her full attention. She did not even notice that I had fallen asleep. Later on, I watched the movie by myself. I was curious because my baby girl clearly enjoyed it. After I watched it, I knew why.

A one-word description for this Walt Disney film? Adorable!

Also, it's a great movie for jazz music lovers!

• "Scat Cat: Everybody wants to be a cat / Because a cat's the only cat who knows where it's at. 

Image credit:  * Happy 50th Anniversary, The Aristocats! by RichTheVoiceTrumpet: deviantart.com

The voice actors were well-known entertainers from my generation that I have always loved, such as Eva Gabor (“Duchess”), Scatman Crothers (“Scat Cat”), and especially Sterling Holloway (“Roquefort the Mouse”). I would recognize his voice anywhere! His voice was used in the “Wizard of Oz”, “Winnie the Pooh,” and so many other animated films I watched as a child. His voice is memorable!

PLOT: The butler did it! A wealthy retired opera singer leaves her money to her cats. But the woman's butler drugs the cats and abandons them in the countryside so that he can inherit the fortune himself. The pampered cats meet up with a street-smart, easygoing alley cat who decides, with the help of his other cat friends, to help them return to their rightful home in Paris.

If you want to watch a delightful animated film with your child or children, I highly recommend The Aristocats (1970).

* * *

Related Links:

The Aristocats (1970) - IMDb

'The Aristocats' Live-Action Remake in the Works at Disney

The Aristocats | Disney Wiki | Fandom

Everybody Wants To Be A Cat (from The Aristocats) – YouTube

Original source

Great family classic movies to watch on @disneyplus
The Aristocats (1970) ~ https://t.co/JemdKC7gqB #familyfun #animatedfilms #classic #entertainment #forkids and for #jazzlovers @goshoppingbees pic.twitter.com/Ktj4jn04V1

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) January 22, 2022

Tomorrow With You ~ Can a Time Traveler Change the Future?

“Tomorrow With You” is a 2017 drama series, with 16 episodes, and can be categorized as Time Travel, Romance, Comedy (Rom-Com) and Fantasy or Supernatural.

• SUMMARY: Suppose you meet someone on one day and that chance meeting saved your life. Then on another day you see your lifeless body being a carried away and the lifeless body of the woman who saved your life is also being carried away. Since you have the ability to time travel, maybe you can go back and sever the relationship you have with her. That should be fix everything. Right? That might work IF ... the ability to travel through time also gives you the ability to change the future. But if it doesn't ...

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♦ Life is Shorter Than You Think

Yoo So-joon is a handsome, young and wealthy CEO. You could say he has it all. What more could he ask for? Love? Well, that's obvious. But what else? How about the ability to travel through time? That wasn't exactly something that Yoo So-joon had on his wish list. But one day while riding the subway train, he felt a terrible pain in his head. The next thing he knew he was in a different time period. As soon as he got off the train he met another time traveler. The time traveler told him he'll have to get used to going back and forth between past, present, and future. But the most important rule is to never be in the same time period with yourself. He can't be with his present self and his future self at the same time. That's bad!

OK! Important safety tip! But guess what happened? Yoo So-joon saw his dead body being carried away on a stretcher. There was also a woman who had died and her name was Song Ma-Rin. Yoo So-joon wondered if it was possible to change the outcome of this tragic event. He time traveled again and it turns out he and Song Ma-Rin were married. In another time period, he and Song Ma-Rin were both on the same train. They got into an argument with each other and got off the train. While they were still arguing, the train blew up! Yoo So-joon had intended to stay on the train that day. If he had, he would have died.

Somehow the timelines of their lives were intertwined. In one period, she saved his life. In another, they both died together.

Song Ma-Rin is unaware that Yoo So-joon has already seen her future. She is barely managing to live in the present because her past keeps getting in the way. Song Ma-Rin used to be a child star but when she grew up she did not pursue an acting career. The problem is reporters keep writing articles about how she has not accomplished anything since her fame as a child actress and this gets in the way of her moving forward. When she met Yoo So-Joon he gave her this advice: "Life is shorter than you think. You shouldn't be hung up on the past.” He could say that, since Yoo So-joon already knew her future.

Yoo So-joon decided to traveled back in time to see if he could break their connection. If he could somehow sever their relationship, they wouldn't be together, they wouldn't fall in love and get married, and they probably would not die in a terrible accident. But does having the ability to time-travel also give you the ability to change your future?

Main Characters:

• Song Ma-Rin (played by Shin Min-A**)

• Yoo So-Joon (played by Lee Je-Hoon, “Chief Inspector 1958”, “Taxi Driver 1 and 2”, “Move to Heaven”, “My Paparotti”, “Time to Hunt”)

** Shin Min-A is a Korean actress who popped up on my radar in “Arang and the Magistrate ”. She stars in several Korean dramas that are still on my watch list: “Diva”, “Chief of Staff 1 and 2”, “Oh My Venus” (award-winning), and “Hometown Cha Cha Cha”. Have you watched any of these?

• Where to Watch: The Roku Channel and Tubi TV

Viewership and Ratings:

• IMDb Rating: 7.4 out of 10 stars

• My Drama List: 8 out of 10 stars

• Dramabeans: 8.3 out of 10 stars

• Letterboxd: 3.6 out of 5 stars

• Google users public rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

My personal rating is the same as My Drama List.

This Kdrama series had mixed reviews. Some did not give high marks for the acting or the script. Others said it was underrated and thought the chemistry between the couple was great.

I am always interested in how a scriptwriter will spin a time travel fantasy / love story. In “Tomorrow With You”:

• The female lead had a difficult time trying to get away from her past, so that she could live productively in the present.

• The male lead was trying to get away from his grim future that had her in it.

He felt should she could easily fix her problem if she just wasn't hung up on her past. Whereas the best way to fix his problem was to get her out of his life, because she is the problem!

I had to see how this was going to work out.

LINKS OF INTEREST:

Tomorrow With You | Korean Drama Review (“A beautiful, languidly romantic time traveling story,...”)

Twelve (12) of the Best Time Travel K Dramas And Where To Watch Them | TODAY

Lee Je Hoon: An Actor Review | Drama Homebody

Tomorrow With You ~ Can a Time Traveler Change the Future? https://t.co/qMhn9txwm3 #kdramas #Koreandrama #allthingshallyu #entertainment #popcornworthy #fantasy

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) August 10, 2024

WATCH TRAILER:

Ani-Hongo. “TOMORROW, with YOU (2017) - TRAILER.” YouTube Video. YouTube, March 28, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=824cd8uXz8Y.

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“Interior Chinatown” (2024) ~ A Hilarious Hulu Original Series Starrng Jimmy O. Yang

Interior Chinatown is a hilarious Hulu Original series, with 10 episodes, adapted from a 2020 award-winning novel by Charles Yu; released November 19, 2024.

"Feel like I'm a background character in someone else's story." - Willis Wu

This series pokes fun at Hollywood's stereotypes of Asians while making you laugh and also get involved with the main character, Willis Wu, who has always thought that nothing significant or important ever happens in his life. Then a female detective asks for his help in solving a crime and in the process, he learns things about his own family that he never knew.

If you liked Jimmy O. Yang as a stand-up comedian, you'll probably be happy that he got the opportunity to spread his wings. Getting the lead role in “Interior Chinatown” is definitely something significant and important in his life. In an interview with The Wrap, Yang indicated the his character was very much like him in that he had similar experiences early in his career where he felt invisible or not represented. (Interior Chinatown: Jimmy O. Yang Talks Stepping Into Lead Role |The Wrap)

The reviews on this Hulu Original series are mixed. It figures. Asian-Americans rarely speak out about the racism and discrimination they experience. So when a TV show gets released pointing it out and poking fun at the unfairness and inequality, and it's very IN YOUR FACE, that might strike a nerve with some people. Me? I like Jimmy O. Yang and am happy for this major step he has taken with his career. All of the actors in “Interior Chinatown” were an impressive cast.

CAST: Jimmy O. Yang, Ronny Chieng, Chloe Bennet

GENRE: Comedy, Crime, Murder Mystery, Police Procedural

FILMING LOCATIONS: Filmed mainly in Los Angeles, California (on-location shoots and studio spaces, including the Fox Studio Lot and Universal Studios Lot). Certain scenes were in the actual Chinatown neighborhood in Los Angeles.

• Rajasini. “Where Was Hulu’s Interior Chinatown Filmed? All Filming Location Explored.” Sportskeeda, 21 Nov. 2024, https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/where-hulu-s-interior-chinatown-filmed-all-filming-location-explored.

Viewership and Rating:

• IMDb: 7.1 out of 10 stars

Watch “Interior Chinatown” (2024) | Hulu/Disney+

LINKS OF INTEREST:

JimmyO. Yang Shines in Excellent "Interior Chinatown" |TV/Streaming | Roger Ebert

‘Interior Chinatown’ Struggles to Turn an Allegorical Novel Into a Show: TV Review | Variety

TheHollywood Reporter | 'Interior Chinatown': Jimmy O. Yang in CharlesYu's Meta Hulu Mystery

InteriorChinatown review – ambitious, yet tiring, adaptation of CharlesYu’s novel | Television | The Guardian

Hulu's'Interior Chinatown' impresses viewers and critics with bold satire |YAHOO! Entertainment

Review:‘Interior Chinatown’ is too weird and ambitious for its own good| Datebook

(Original Source)

♦

Café Minamdang | Comedy Korean Drama Netflix Series

Café Minamdang is a K-drama series based on the web novel titled Minamdang: Case Note, written by Jung Jae-ha. This series is 18 episodes, released in 2022, and currently streaming on Netflix.

Nam Han-joon (played by Seo In-guk) worked in law enforcement as a criminal profiler but was framed for a crime he did not commit. After being released from prison since he could not return to his old job, he decides to become a shaman.  

• Nam Hye-joon (played by Kang Mi-na) - Nam Han-joon's sister, who is a former NIS ace (NIS=National Intelligence Service). When it comes to electronic technology, she knows everything!

• Gong Soo-cheol (played by Kwak Si-yang) works as a barista during the day at Café Minamdang and at night he's a homicide detective. He is also is Nam Han-joon's best friend.

• Jo Na-Dan (played by Baek Seo-Hoo) is a part-time employee and every once in a while he gets recruited to work with the shaman on “special jobs”.

• Lieutenant Han Jae-hui (played by Oh Yeon-seo) aka “Han the Ghost”, is a homicide detective assigned to the Major Crimes Investigation Division Seven as the Team Leader.

In addition to performing her duties, Han Jae-hui is quietly investigating the death of her brother who served as a prosecutor. She suspects Nam Han-joon of being involved in criminal activities. What she does not realize is that the people responsible for her brother's murder are also the ones who framed Nam Han-joon.

Initially, she thinks Nam Han-joon's shamanic shenanigans are interfering with her investigative work. But actually, both of them have crime-fighting goals. Eventually, they agree to coordinate and work together on an investigative effort.

Café Minamdang is 18 episodes, released in 2022, and currently streaming exclusively on Netflix. The IMDb Rating is 7.4 out of 10 stars. I agree.

Netflix Original: Korean Dramedy TV Series: My Only Love Song (2017)

Rewatched “My Only Love Song” (2017). It's a Korean drama, a Netflix Original Series. It's silly, cute, adorable, and totally unbelievable! And yes, I did say “rewatched”. I watched it a few years back and wanted to watch something that wasn't really serious, so I watched it again.

It's one of those time-travel series. An actress who was starring in a fictional historical Korean drama, gets into a van named “Boong Boong” and the van sets the GPS destination and takes her through the time portal where she ends up in a real life historical Korean drama

What I like about the main character, On Dal (played by Lee Jong-hyun), is that he looks like Johnny Depp from Pirates of the Caribbean when he puts on his fake moustache. LOL.

I also like the two guys who are support actors.

(1) Byun Sam-yong (played by Lee Jae-jin) who looks like such a sweet baby boy. You want everything to work out for him in the end.

(2) Moo-myung (played by Ahn Bo-hyun). He is the humble and loyal bodyguard for the princess but he is also in love with her. He never talks, yet everybody knows what he's saying. LOL. To best decribe him, I borrowed a line from Byun Sam-yong: “He looks cool without even trying.”

The leading ladies and the support female cast? Song Soo-jung (played by Gong Seung-yeon) and Princess Pyunggang (played by Jin Ye-ju). Eh! They were OK. But it's the guys who actually carried the series through from start to finish.

It's 20 episodes and lots of fun!

Original source

Movie Review : Kung Fu Yoga (2017)

It was a slow night and I was ready to doze off but couldn't quite get to sleep.  I wanted to be entertained but not burdened with the sorrow of a tragedy or excited by the suspenseful intensity of a mystery or a thriller. I just needed something to watch and fall asleep afterward. Found a Jackie Chan movie that did the trick. Kung Fu Yoga (2017).  I didn't fall asleep on it though.  I watched it all the way to the end.

Per The Hollywood Reporter*, this India-China co-production project received negative reviews for perpetuating stereotypes. I think that criticism is valid. However, if you just want to not take life too seriously, kick back, chill out, and be entertained, add this movie to your watch list. They should at least get an A+ for figuring out how to work martial arts action scenes into it and for the fact that the movie was somewhat educational as well as entertaining. It addressed the links between the histories of ancient China and ancient India. 

If you're already a Jackie Chan fan you know to expect some lighthearted comedy. However, if the critics were expecting something different, then I can understand their disappointment. *REF: Jackie Chan's 'Kung-Fu Yoga' Slammed by Indian Critics for Perpetuating Stereotypes by Nyay Bhushan; 2/5/2017 : hollywoodreporter.com/news/jackie-chans-kung-fu-yoga-slammed-by-indian-critics-perpetuating-stereotypes-972335

*

*

Well!  Everyone is entitled to their opinions.  I used to watch a cartoon series with one of my kids and as far as giving out ratings for “adorable cuteness” this cartoon has maintained the Number One spot on my list for years. However, "Kung Fu Yoga" bumped it from its spot. 

I gave this film gets 5 out of 5 stars for adorable cuteness. 

Why? The final scene. Don't want to spoil it if you haven't seen the movie, but that last scene in the movie booted "Kung Fu Yoga" straight to the top of my Adorable Cuteness Entertainment List.

Jackie Chan Movies on Amazon

A Woody Allen Classic Clip: Being Jewish Among Gentiles (Reblog)

This movie won an Oscar but I've never heard of heard of it. That's because I am not really a Woody Allen fan. I know that there are many many people who praise him for is comedic genius, but I was just never into him. However, after reading this movie review, I have added it to my watch list. I'm going to save this for a day when it's rainy or cold and I've comfy under a warm blanket with a bucket of popcorn. Or? Maybe I shouldn't have any popcorn because according to the movie reviewer I'm going to be laughing a lot!  I don't want to choke and cough all through the movie. ☺☺

"It's been 36 years since the release of Annie Hall, the Woody Allen film that won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director (Allen) and Best Actress (Diane Keaton.) But still the movie attracts viewers and stirs funny memories wherever it's shown. ..."

Con't reading:

A Woody Allen Classic Clip: Being Jewish Among Gentiles

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