[[Drama 2017-2018] A Korean Odyssey/Hwayugi 화유기]

The post production issues are a little frustrating.. not going to lie, and I kind of wished everything was better planned. But I suppose, I totally understand that it's the holiday season and people are probably slacking a little bit. :/ 

The CG is definitely not the best, and it's hardly as grand as .. Goblin (For comparison). But since it's not a pre-produced drama, I think they're doing a decent job with the limited time. I'm wondering how they're going to deal with the time constraints for the future episodes though.. since CG is a prominent part of the show. (I mean, they're dealing with flying spirits and badass Son Oh Gong kicking butts after all) 

I just finished episode two, and I'm 100% going to be staying on this ship despite the wreckage it has already suffered. Maybe it's too soon to call it my crack drama, but I'm happy to be entering 2018 with Hwayugi. I just have a gut feeling it's going to satisfy all my fantasy rom-com cravings!! Which, I didn't get in 2017 (Unfortunately). I have the same feeling about this show as I did with My Girlfriend is a Gumiho. It's just so so cheeky and cute. The chemistry is sizzling and piping hot. The humour is so blatant and all up in my face, but I eat it all up because it's my favourite kind of humour. The meta is so hilariously done. It just gives me such OG Hong Sister vibes!

Granted, it may not be THE loyal adaptation of Journey to the West, but I think it's done a fantastic job so far incorporating the key elements into the show, and adding unique flavour! 

I love it, I love it!!! I don't know where it'll take us, and I know it'll hurt in the future. But since it's Hong Sisters.. I know it's going to HURT SO GOOD!! PLEASE DON'T LET ME DOWN. 2017 ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED THAT FOR ME.

[[Drama 2017] Because This Is My First Life 이번 생은 처음이라]

I can't believe next week is finale week. This year has been so horrible to me for dramas. I have only finished Age of Youth 2 and nothing else, falling in and out of love with shows.. and then finding myself unable to watch it through to the end. 
I knew this drama was the one for me since the premiere. It's just such a perfect mix of lightheartedness and poignancy. I trust that the writer will deliver right up to then end. 
At least there's one good drama this year for me. And I can't believe it's going to end .. my Mondays and Tuesdays will never be the same again with Jiho and Seehee!! T-T 

[[Drama 2017] Because This Is My First Life 이번 생은 처음이라]

This show is so wacky and insane. 

I LOVE IT !!~ 

[[Drama 2017] While You Were Sleeping, 당신이 잠든 사이에]

Really enjoying this series, so glad I decided to tune in.
The director has a magical touch. I really appreciate how he draws emotions and connects scenes.. he lingers on scenes just long enough for it to have that feeling of melancholy, without it being overdone. 
The story is so intriguing. I originally thought it was just Hong Joo who could see the future and Jae Chan was the prosecutor that tries to prevent it from coming true, which was already an interesting plot. But I actually like that both of the leads can see the future, and now Woo Tak as well. I like the connection between them, and I really enjoy the way the writer reveals some answers, but at the same time leading to more questions. Park Hye Ryun is a fantastic writer. I love how she plays out mystery. 
I've already mentioned before, but I really love the chemistry between the leads. It's not forced at all.
Also.. Jae Chan is such a wonderful character. I think it's hilarious how he freaks out after spurting crap.. he's an everyday man. A bit of a wimp trying to be a big man. But it's endearing. He's a realistic character. 
Also, compliments to the music director. Eddy Kim's OST is so beautiful.. I have it on repeat. 
This drama is right up my alley. Can't wait for the next episodes.

[[Drama 2017] While You Were Sleeping, 당신이 잠든 사이에]

Woooooow there...

While You Were Sleeping crept up on me.. and now I'm in shock!
I just finished EP1+2.. and I'm absolutely in awe of the directing and writing. Originally just wanted to tune in for the premiere since 2017 has been so dry for dramas...at least for me.

Aside from Age Of Youth and Temperature of Love, I haven't been getting into any dramas. Nothing has really captivated me. But I'm going to hop on board WYWS. I think it'll be a fantastic ride judging from the premiere! 
Very surprised by Suzy's acting I have to say. She was always very green for me, but I'm actually incredibly impressed by the variety of emotions that she has offered so far. Lee Jong Suk is charming as always, and I agree with everyone.. It's refreshing seeing him play an everyday kind of character.. someone average.. and not a genius or someone special. 
The chemistry between the leads is off the charts, but I've always found that LJS has wonderful chemistry with his all costars. He acts brilliantly with his eyes.
Looking forward to tomorrow's episodes and where this writer will take us. I have enjoyed all her dramas, and I don't doubt her writing abilities. I trust that she'll bring us on a roller coaster!! Paired with the director of You From Another Star.. I think it's safe to say it'll be very beautifully directed with plenty of emotions and jaw dropping cinematography! 
 

[[Drama 2016] Moonlight Drawn by Clouds / Love in the Moonlight ☪ 구르미 그린 달빛]

8 minutes ago, honeywell said:

Is anyone else having a hard time starting a new series?  I'm attempting to start Signal but my mind is still thinking about LITM.

 I'm just glad that since LITM ended towards the end of the year we won't have to wait long to see the cast again during the KBS awards.  Two months away.  

Oh yes! I miss Moonday so much  I tried watching the new drama that replaced MDBC's Mon/Tues slot.. but I can't seem to get into it. In fact, I can't get into anything right now.. Feeling a lull in my drama life.. TT^TT *Proceeds to rewatch MDBC*

[[Drama 2016] Moonlight Drawn by Clouds / Love in the Moonlight ☪ 구르미 그린 달빛]

I can't believe after eighteen fantastic episodes, the wonderful journey that is Moonlight Drawn By Clouds has come to an end. 
All MOONLIGHTERS, in for one big embrace. 

I'm actually very very very content with this finale. Can you tell? 
Albeit, there are some imperfections but the show played it out beautifully.

I think I'll start off this post by acknowledging the entire MDBC's team hard work.

The writers who turned a typical romantic sageuk into something extra special. Youthful, poignant, dramatic, endearing and delightful in all ways. Twists, and turns that we can never predict, and never have imagined- transforming classics drama plots into unique scenes that always feels like a breath of fresh air. 
The directors who manages to capture every single drop of emotion in each scene. Beautiful, jaw dropping cinematography from beginning to end. Dynamic fight scenes, brilliant attention to detail and the amazing use of flashbacks. The moon, bracelet, and the sign language symbolism. I will never find a drama that makes 'hand acting' so captivating and manages to draw out so much emotion.
The music director has a magic touch and I enjoyed every single OST, and I love how each song fits into each scene. They really know how to connect the song to the scene.
The actors and actresses for bringing this drama to life. Making ordinary characters on paper into remarkable figures. Honestly, everyone stood out in their own way, and are deserving of endless praise.

Yes, I'll admit.. this drama, it's not perfect. But it doesn't need to be, because it is the one drama that I've connected with emotionally. Feeling for all the characters, engaging with every scene, enthralled by the romance, the friendship and the family love. It doesn't need to be flawless, because it's one of those dramas that made me feel so good watching it. Made me watch and re-watch. And I know, in a couple years time.. I'll still find this drama refreshing in it's own way.

Final thoughts: 

- I'm still heartbroken about Yoonsung's death. Truly a pitiful character from beginning to end. I knew it was coming, the writers foreshadowed this.. it was impending.. but still, it managed to come at me with full force and knocked me out with so much heartache. He was lonely all his life, always second best, constantly holding back.. What a pitiful character. I like that the show did let him die in the arms of the only woman he had ever loved, but sadden that he was destined to have an unfortunate end. 

- In contrast to Hayeon.. who despite the fact never received the love from CP, at least she still had the freedom to go on and love. I pity her, I do. I understand her point of view.. and her optimism that one day CP would love her back, but she needed that heartbreak and confirmation. And seeing CP with RO really allowed her to fully move on. She's such a breath of fresh air as a second lead.. and hey, in an alternate drama.. I'd root for her.

- As for BY, I like that he continues to watch over CP. Always the protector, the loyal comrade, the true friend. Hopefully he doesn't stay far too long, and please tell me he has occasional nights drinking with YeongOn. Oh, I hope.

- I kind of liked how they killed off PM. For a character that once had everything in his hands, all mighty and way too powerful, I enjoyed the way he ended his own life, as if it was the only thing left that he had control over. It was satisfying to see him lose everything and all at once.. but at the same time I might have felt a pinch of sympathy for him.. but only a pinch.. and it only lasted about a millisecond. I promise.

- Actually, in this episode I felt so much for the Queen. Yes, she's evil but with PM as her father.. how can she not be. She wanted acknowledgement. Even if it wasn't as a daughter, then just as a tool for power. She was so desperate by this desire to be appreciated that she became blinded. We don't know what actually happens to her, but I'd like to think that she lives raising her daughter up to be a wonderful person. Pouring eternal love into her daughter to replace the love she never had. 

- As for the King, I hope he is resting well with Concubine Suk Ui.. and they can have their own love story.. And I'm happy to see that glimmer of hope with the little Princess, who is the bravest little girl I've ever seen grace my laptop screen.

- The side characters are so much fun.. Deok Ho and Princess Myeong Eun's love story, Eunuch Jang who looks so proud of his CP. Raon's two Eunuch friends who became head eunuchs.. Kim Seulgi's adorable cameo was an added bonus btw.

- I love the ending for Crown Prince. When he enters the court as King, with people on his side, Deok Ho, Teacher Dasan, Eunuch  Jang.. He's growing one step closer to the new Joseon.. and that is a beautiful thought. I wouldn't have accepted an ending in which he didn't end up as the King. It was written in the stars, he NEEDED to be the King. Yeong is honestly the best CP I've seen in a sageuk. Wonderfully smart, and understands his people. How can I not love him when he is also a man with so much passion.

- As for RaOn, I like that she's spunky and happy. Doing the things she loves. I wished we would have been able to see just a bit more of her life as a lady. I feel like if we were given just one more minute to get that insight, it would've been fantastic.. but having said that.. I'm still happy she can finally wear a hanbok and live the life she was supposed to live.

We don't know what will happen to their love story, but they left the queen spot vacant ..so I guess it implies she'd eventually end up there anyways. And sure, this drama had always been about eternal love, and it is such a prominent theme that I truly believe no matter what happens.. the future of Yeong and Raon wouldn't be complete without each other anyways.

Lastly, I appreciate this drama for what it is. On paper it's a youthful romance, but in reality it is much deeper than that. I don't need a million kiss scenes to validate their love. That would be too manufactured. It's the stares that makes my heart beat, the words exchanged that feel genuine and not cheesy, and the intimacy that goes beyond physical touch.

For others, it may be boring, juvenile and unrealistic, but to me it's everything I wanted and more.

And hey, let the high ratings speak for itself. 

Thank you for all the good times everyone. What a journey it has been. 

[[Drama 2016] Moonlight Drawn by Clouds / Love in the Moonlight ☪ 구르미 그린 달빛]

10 minutes ago, Jillia said:

I'm still hoping for a ending in which Ra On gives Lee Yeong his bracelet and he gives her hers...

Omg, me too!! I mean they keep referring to the bracelets.. at least once in each episode.. And it plays such a prominent role, and holds so much symbolism.. I'd love for this to happen too. 

1 minute ago, Jillia said:

So how about this: sick Lee Yeong is saying "Ra On Ah~~" in his sleep. Ha Yeon or whoever hears it prepares things so Ra On can visit Lee Yeong? And then we get another spindle.....errrr... bed scene.... You know comfort is needed right?

Haha love this too!!

[[Drama 2016] Moonlight Drawn by Clouds / Love in the Moonlight ☪ 구르미 그린 달빛]

HELLO EVERYONE, 

It's the last MOONDAY. 

Honestly, I can't believe the show fake killed BY. I have never cried so much at a death scene... like.. EVER. But gosh, the show did it so perfectly, with the whole 'I'm always loyal to you' and 'I always trust you' and that flashback WHICH actually reveals scenes rather than replay scenes LOL.. To be honest, I would've actually accepted BY's death just by the way they played out that scene. I mean, not to say I'm not content with the fact that he didn't ACTUALLY die. In fact, I'm so damn relieved. That moment YS felt BY's fingers twitch with the small sign of hope. I was like GODDAMMIT SHOW..That was NOT okay. DO NOT TOY WITH ME!!

Also, I feel like this separation between RO and CP is so magically done as of now. It allows the plot to move along nicely, and keeps the viewers wanting more, anticipating that reunion scene.. and their happily ever after. 

So glad Minister Dumb and Dumber is finally taken down.. I was genuinely cackling at that scene, especially when Minister Dumb starts to whimper and protest in the most pathetic way EVER. YES, one step closer to Prime Minister Kim's wretched end! 

Let's not forget the Queen today, who continues to be all kinds of evil. I was surprised when she stood up to Prime Minister.. because I always felt like although she was undeniably wicked, she almost feels like the female equivalent of the king in that she is mentally distraught, constantly under the power of PM, and lacks control of her own life. Speaking of the King, still waiting on that scene where he actually stands by his son, and gets all BADASS on us. Probably isn't ever going to happen, so at this rate I'll accept that he'll be a worthless character that I feel nothing for. Unless you decide to surprise me show, then by all means.. go for it.

Not sure if anyone else did this, but the scene where CP sits outside reminiscing the good times with RO and BY, and then HY creeps up in the background.. I actually screamed "NO! NOT NOW" at my computer screen. I engage way too much with this show. Haha.. but despite that, I still feel pity for HY... even if she drives me insane 99% of the time. 

NOW PLEASE DRAMA GODS, NO MORE FAKE DEATHS.. DEFINITELY NO ACTUAL DEATHS (unless it's PM).. AND PLEASE GIVE US ALL A HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

[[Drama 2016] Moonlight Drawn by Clouds / Love in the Moonlight ☪ 구르미 그린 달빛]

The King really is an incompetent king. I tried so hard to justify his actions and I understand he is mentally traumatised, but geez that doesn't rationalise his decision to constantly rely on PM over his own SON.. Relying on a corrupt official for every minor to major thing, failing to even see that his trusted official is completely and utterly dishonest (but crazily smart).. It makes me wonder did he ever notice that the people of his country were suffering? I mean, no wonder Hong Gyeong Nae wanted to rebel.. 
Speaking of PM, he truly is disgustingly wicked, coldhearted and cruel.. I can't wait until the truth is exposed so I can drink up that satisfaction with a big grin on my face. Yes please! Add the Dumb and Dumber Kims too!

I do believe Dasan and Little Princess will play a huge part in the whole revelation of PM's schemes.. and I am so curious as to how the writers will incorporate them into the story. And of course Yoon Sung too, he literally knows everything. Slowly, but surely he will be able to manipulate the Queen and maybe the PM too. Hmm...
Oh my poor Byung Yeon-ie, what are we going to do? My heart breaks for you. 
I really hope the writers don't kill off Hong Gyeong Nae though haha. I doubt they will because it seems ridiculous to bring a 'dead' man back to the story with three episodes left and then kill him again haha, but you never know. Maybe his death will bring about change, and advance the whole "new world" that him and CP desperately wanted. 

Loved the poignancy throughout the scenes of YeongOn, and I'm kind of relieved to have RaOn admit she didn't want to hurt CP, rather than have him believe she didn't love him anymore. Although, we all knew he didn't and wouldn't have believed her anyways, it's just nice to have that confirmation, and have her say it aloud I guess LOL. Admittedly, I was a little frustrated at RaOn yesterday for purposing inflicting pain on CP when I felt she could've given the most heartbreaking farewell speech and parted ways acknowledging their eternal love for each other. But having said that, I did enjoy that scene. I understood RaOn's intentions albeit I didn't fully side with them, and I truly loved CP's reading between the lines of her lies and the whole symbolism of 'cutting the bracelet'. 

Anyways, that's my two cents on this week's episodes hahaha.. Pretty long winded.. 
Now I have to wait again, I can't believe it's the last time I'll wait for Moonday to come around.. 

*Heart proceeds to break more* 

[[Drama 2016] Moonlight Drawn by Clouds / Love in the Moonlight ☪ 구르미 그린 달빛]

@Jillia Even the hand acting in the drama is seriously beautiful LOL

[[Drama 2016] Moonlight Drawn by Clouds / Love in the Moonlight ☪ 구르미 그린 달빛]

Firstly, thank you guys for the very warm welcome.. that was incredibly sweet.. and I felt just like RO, deeply loved. 
Secondly, I loved reading everyone's theories on the next episode after watching that preview. And I'm glad that majority had survived the heart wrenching preview of the impending wedding scene. (WHY DRAMA GODS lol)

Lastly, I can't wait for Moonday. FINALLY A WEEK HAS ALMOST PASSED. I've never ever looked forward to Mondays before.. but ever since MDBC had started, I've looked forward to every single Monday. I can't wait to come home from Uni, and just change into comfy clothes, make myself a hot choco and grab a bowl of snacks. Proceed to wait until MDBC comes out, watch, cry when the episode ends, come to Soompi to join my new family, play the new OST of the week and then rewatch with subs..  (over and over again) 

Haha, no shame. At least I'm not the only one feeling this way.. (I hope)

Catch you all tmr 

[[Drama 2016] Moonlight Drawn by Clouds / Love in the Moonlight ☪ 구르미 그린 달빛]

Hello everyone! Nice to meet you all! 

Late to the fun as always! But, better late than never. 
I mean it's about time I'd join in on the fun.. although I couldn't have picked a crappier time.. with the tears and sadness this week. 

I'm a huge fan of Park Bo Gum, so regardless of whether this drama was going to flop or not, I was determined to devoted all my time watching and re-watching this show.

I'm just so delighted that this show delivered so much more than what I had hoped for.
Sweet, but not saturated. Youthful, yet not juvenile. Poignant but never overflowing with angst. It's the right amount of everything.
I appreciate the actors and actresses' full commitment to their roles, because it truly brought their characters from words on pages to life. And this is the first drama in a long long long time that I've fully engaged with all the characters. Yes, even the incompetent and insecure king.. and the ruthless but pitiful queen... the small minor characters too..
And the director is doing a wonderful job drawing out every single drop of emotion in each scene, and filling my tiny laptop screen with beautiful cinematography. 
The music director is amazing as well, and I actually have all the OSTs on my phone, replayed over and over again.

And the acting. I don't have to say much. My emotions betray me. Tears, grins, laughs, cursing at the screen. I mean, it takes REAL acting to make a viewer, like myself engage like that.

I don't know where this story will take me.. but I've put all my faith into this show and it hasn't let me down once yet. So I trust the whole MDBC's team to give me a satisfying ending that make this drama one of my all time favourites.

Aw man, gotta wait another week. Dreading it.