WILL WATCH AGAIN/KOREAN
My standards for re-watch value are as follows:
- Writing must be intelligent, believable and fluid.
- Few or no cliches.
- Humour that is witty and unforced.
- Main characters that are strong within themselves or journey to become that way.
- Bonus points for casting that is done based on skill rather than looks.
- Bonus points for a plot that is fresh and creative.
- Bonus points for forcing me to learn something about the world I live in.
There will be exceptions to some of these rules for a multitude of reasons. I will try to remember to express 'why' in the comments.
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101. Idol's Doctor
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
This series was quite enjoyable. It's a nice, intelligently written mush of genres without being ridiculously light or ominously dark. Well done casting, you picked a superb cast, all of which are fresh faces to me (probably not to anyone else), who did their job so well that I forgot they were working. I will definitely watch this again in the future.
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102. Sungkyunkwan Scandal
Korean Drama - 2010, 20 episodes
This was a joy to watch.
Intelligent, funny, enough drama to keep it under that heading, a thread of romance that was quietly unobtrusive, and an exceptional cast.
What makes it more remarkable is that its 24 years old. It is obvious that everyone involved in the production worked hard to maintain it's dignity with writing that incorporated the 'mandatory' cliches in a way that made them not feel like daggers in your eyes and ears...
...except for the one below...
I do think the whole scenario with the adult child that was pursuing the ML could have been cut from the script, I've thought of at least three different routes they could have taken that would allowed them to accomplish the same outcome as was here...all with intelligent writing for intelligent adults. Whiny ass toddlers in grown ass bodies are a blight on any production.
I will definitely watch this again some time. -
103. One Thousand Dollar Lawyer
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
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104. Gyeongseong Creature
Korean Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
This is set in what would become Seoul, during the Japanese occupation.
Very uncomfortable to watch; while obviously not historically correct with regard to the creature, it is accurate in its presentation of the oppression, violence and torture that so many suffered while their countries were occupied by a fascist regime.
The acting is brilliant. The writing is better than much of what is out today.
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105. Gyeongseong Creature Season 2
Korean Drama - 2024, 7 episodes
This is set in the present day Seoul.
Very uncomfortable to watch; while obviously not historically correct with regard to the creature, it is accurate in its presentation of the oppression, violence and torture that so many suffered while their countries were occupied by a fascist regime.
The acting is brilliant. The writing is better than much of what is out today.
I wouldn't mind seeing another season of this, I can think of many avenues they could pursue that would support strong plots.
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106. The Gray
Korean Drama - 2024, 6 episodes
One season with only six episodes is NOT enough. WHY?????
It was well acted, almost completely written intelligently, but still had the cliche a holes.
This is my second time through, and I'll likely watch it again next year.
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107. Things that Come After Love
Korean Drama - 2024, 6 episodes
This was sad and sweet and intelligent and, and, and...
I'm enjoying the acting of this new younging (new to me) Kentaro Sakaguchi, he's quite good at his craft.
I will watch this again sometime. Will there be a second season? It doesn't need one, but I feel that the story could definitely support another six episodes. -
108. Kairos
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
One of the better productions I've had the good fortune to stumble across.
Acting was brilliant, story line isn't new however it was presented in a way that kept me hooked. There are parts that I just skipped through, usually that is because I'm bored and have no patience for filler crap, in this instance it was because I was impatient for 'what happens next'. Well, more that I wanted to confirm my guesses.
I will definitely watch this again sometime.