Drama: Black & White (痞子英雄)
Posted by: raison on: April 23, 2009
Why am I deviating from my usual romance-based drama? Because Black & White’s got Vic Zhou (Zai Zai) and hot new guy (Mark Chao). I think these two are reason enough. From the first two episodes, the action shots are very well directed. This is definately a high budget show. Will elaborate when more episodes come out!
TwDrama: ToGetHer (愛就宅一起)
Posted by: raison on: April 21, 2009
Cutest drama I’ve seen in a really really long time. The three major characters can all be described as cute. Even the English name of the drama: To Get Her = Together. Adorable!
As for the main players, I like the fact that Rainie’s character is very solemn. I’m usually not a fan of her upbeat/hyper personality but as the character of Chen Mo Mo, she is forced into a quite role. I love it! She is much more lovable when she is solemn (i.e. her older music video for Ideal Lover).
George Hu as Jia Sen is quiet hilarious. Even when he is trying to be serious or when he’s upset, his character still cracks me up. Jiro is also very funny… Read the rest of this entry »
TwDrama: Story of Time (光陰的故事)
Posted by: raison on: April 20, 2009
It’s long (54 episodes) and it has way too many major characters (31 just look at the poster!) but it’s one of the best real life stories I’ve seen in a while. The story starts in the 1960’s in a small community in Taiwan. The drama is revolves around the lives of several families who are closely tied to each other. It begins when most the major characters are still children and follows them through their rebellious age, their first crush, their growth into adults. It is truly a story of “laughter and tears”. Their childhood and young adulthood is filled with innocent mischief, and the bonds between friends are amazing.
‘Story of Time’ is also filled with history. Many of the family are filled with retired soldiers who left their families in mainland China. They are banned from returning in the ’60s and starts a new life in Taiwan. I’m not clear about the actual history if that period but this drama is a great way to get a taste of life in that period.
Episodes 1-20 | Episode 21-40 | Episodes 41-54
KDrama: Boys Before Flowers (꽃보다 남자)
Posted by: raison on: January 25, 2009
Two episodes a week: you think that I would be satisfied. But I just can’t get enough!
The Korean version of Hana Yori Dango started airing at the beginning of January 2009 on Mondays and Tuesdays on KBS2. As I’m writing this, six episodes have been released. Of course, I’ve seen all six of them 
So what do I think so far? Not bad, not bad at all.
This remake definitely had a big budget, obvious in the helicopter and private island scenes. The F4 boys are all very adorable dressed in their sharp Korean style.I’m not too fond of Koo Hye Sun as Jan Di (aka Makino, the female lead). She really overextends her face too often. Other than that, over adorable as well.
Lee Hom’s New Album: Heartbeat (心跳)
Posted by: raison on: December 30, 2008
Have you heard his new album? I’m not too fond of most of his songs but they usually take a while to grow on me. I am not at all impressed by the second track, Heartbeat, which the album is titled after. Since this is the promotional song for this album, it lacks originality and prowess. At first hearing, it sounds like just another love song. Something to be found in an episode of Taiwanese drama.
However, his voice sounds amazing as usual and he looks even more attractive than before in what has been released of his music video. I just wish he would let others, professionals, edit his lyrics and critic his original compositions. Chinese isn’t his strongest suit and his lyrics are so… unexceptional, uninspiring.
My favorite song as of right now is Track 9: 可敬的对手, loosely translated (by me) to Respectful Competition. The beat and music are very much the style of Wang Lee Hom. I just tried to find it on Youtube but they don’t have it! Yet. But here it is on Todou!
KDrama: Beethoven Virus (베토벤 바이러스)
Posted by: raison on: November 14, 2008
베토벤 바이러스
Beethoven Virus
Best drama I’ve seen in a VERY long time! And I’m not the only one who thinks so. Look at the high viewership.
If you are fan of classical music, this drama is to die for! If you like it just fine, you will love the drama and become a fan of classical music. If classical music doesn’t absolute disgust you, watch this drama!
Now that I’ve advertised this drama. Here’s why I love it and been watching it none stop since last night. (Already on episode 10!!)
The female lead is lovable and not in a love/hate kind of way. The male leads… I can’t seem to figure out if the male lead is the intolerable and occasionally soft-hearted orchestra director or the sweet and talented musical genius. Well, the male leads are attractive in their own way despite their huge age gap and difference in personalities.
All the other supporting characters are interesting in their own way and they fill each episode with little stories that really touches the heart.
Ultimately, I love the music the most. I am personally very passionate about music, classical or not, and each episode of Beethoven Virus contains a mini-concert. Whether it’s an actual concert in episode 4 or scenes set during the orchestra’s rehearsal, the quality of music is up to par. There was one piece in episode 4 that featured a cello solo that I replayed over and over. It’s that good!
I’m not a classical music fanatic. Usually I despise orchestra concerts. But classical music in small doses does amazing things to the soul. It can be uplifting and sweetly sorrowful. Couple that with decent acting and a fast paced plot line, Beethoven Virus is a must watch.
English subs: Crunchyroll
- Movie: My Sassy Girl (US Remake)
- JDrama: Zettai Kareshi (絶対彼氏, Absolute Boyfriend)
- Legend of the Condor Heroes 2008 (射雕英雄传) Part 1
- Mixed Feelings about 'Hot Shot'
- Legend of Condor Heroes: Final Thoughts
- Drama List
- Downloads
- Drama: Black & White (痞子英雄)
- KDrama: Boys Before Flowers (꽃보다 남자)
- Lookalike: Dylan Kuo and Hayami Mokomichi
