[MINIDRAMA REVIEW] Splash Splash Love

This was my first time to watch a mini drama. When I heard about Splash Splash Love being on works I automatically added it to my must watch list. I mean, who wouldn't anticipate it when you have Yoon Doojoon and Kim Seulgi together as a couple on screen? I love Doojoon as an idol and that love strengthen more when I watched him as an actor in his most famous role which is Go Dae Young. He is one of those Kpop idols whose acting is not cringeworthy. While Kim Seulgi is charming on her own. The girl is talented as a comedianne, singer and actress. Splash Splash Love contains all of the emotions and humor in its 2-episodes run. Its a must-watch but be warned because you might ask for more.

Splash Splash Love Poster

[SPOILER ALERT!!!]

[PLOT] Splash Splash Love, Pongdang Pongdang Love, MBC Minidrama 2015

Dan Bi (Kim Seulgi) is a highschool senior who is not that good at studying. On the day of the National College Entrance Exam, Dan Bi got worried and became afraid in taking it. Dan Bi decided to run and skip the test while blaming herself as a failure. The rain suddenly poured that day which results to Dan Bi experiencing more anxiety. A noise she heared in a rain puddle attracted Dan Bi. With curiosity, Dan Bi walked closed to the rain puddle which transmitted her to the past. Now, Dan Bi is forced to be in the Joseon Era and must help the then young King Lee Do (Yoon Doojoon)  to make the rain pour in Joseon again.

Splash Splash Love Teaser

I watched Splash Splash Love with much anticipation. Yoon Doojoon and Kim Seulgi are just oozing with charisma together. I actually can't believe that Kim Seulgi is still young. Shes a '91 liner. When I first watched her in Flower Boy Next Door I thought she was in her mid 20s that year. Well, she was a scene stealer in that drama and the character that she plays there was very stressed out so its natural to think that she was older than her actual age. Here in Splash Splash Love, Kim Seulgi played the role of a highschooler effectively.

On the other hand, I don't know what is the actual tone of acting for a saeguk drama so I can't judge Doojoon's acting that much. But I never felt that he was cringeworthy or anything. He did a great job playing the role of a king. With the drama's story, I was attracted with what happened in Korea's history so I searched about it. 

Lee Do or famously known as Sejong the Great was the one who invented Hangul, the Korean alphabet. In his reign, a lot of technology advancement was achieved. He was the one who supported the works of Jang Yeong Shil which most famous inventions and designs are the water clock, sundial and rain gauge. Despite Jang Yeong Shil social status being in the lowest rank, he was able to work with his creative mind with the help and funding of Sejong the Great. These events in the history was tackled in the drama with just enough humor and carefulness.

You see, after reading the Joseon history, the events on Splash Splash Love actually made sense to me. So, I recommend that you read some of the scripts too. But read it after watching the drama for a little surprise. On the other hand, in the romance department, the scenes were wholesomely made. Its heartwarming, charming and it will make you smile. I was just a little frustrated because I know that all of it will just last in 2 episodes. How I wish that this was actually a weekday drama...

Yoon Doojoon and Kim Seulgi's humor and acting matched so well I hope to see them act together in the future. Splash Splash Love also actually aired as a 10 part web drama in the Naver platform and it now surpassed a million view. Just imagine that being a weekday drama. Anyways, I hope to see these two cuties again together in the future. Perhaps in Let's Eat Season 3? Oh Baek Sooji sorry! But if that happens I am in! :)

Cheese in the Trap Writer Soonkki Expressed Her Stand in the Criticisms of the Webtoon Drama Adaptation

February 25, 2016 - Soonkki, the writer of the popular webtoon Cheese in the Trap wrote on her blog her stand in the netizens' criticisms about the drama adaptation. The writer expressed that the production team had contacted her during the early preparations of the hit tvN drama. With the webtoon still ongoing, she had shared the possible ending to the production team. She expressed that she wanted the drama to have a different ending in order to avoid spoilers in the webtoon which she couldn't confirm now because no one from the team had consulted her after. She wrote that upon reading the script of episode 6 she had lost contact with the production team and now doesn't have any relations with the drama's story.

[SPOILER ALERT!!!] [UPDATED]

What was being criticised?

The netizen's criticisms started when the story became just like any romantic drama. You see, in a typical Korean drama a love story will not progress without a love triangle. Cheese in the Trap is never an exception. The drama was highly praised during its early run but things got messy when the writing focused on the character of Baek Inho and then Seol becoming confused who to choose which was never in the webtoon.

Park Hae Jin's entertainment company also expressed their frustrations with the drama's direction. It was revealed that a lot of Park Hae Jin's scenes was cut in the broadcast which they couldn't understand. The original script is a proof that a lot of Yoo Jung's scenes was being deleted. 

Rants and Opinions:

I know, I even wrote that you should watch the drama adaptation. It is fun. Really! Don't get me wrong! I enjoyed the first few episodes. It is worth to try. The thing is, honestly, I found another drama that made me more excited which I will write a review later. 

I am a super fan of the webtoon.  I remember finishing the last 3 Seasons in just a week. Its because I can see Hong Seol in myself. Her expressions, her thoughts, and concerns, it just screams me all the time. Also, I can find a little Yoo Jung in myself too, but I am not that manipulative though. What I am trying to say is, I became so invested with the webtoon characters that watching the drama just became so familiar and so that is why I am so frustrated with how the story is wrapping up. For me, the webtoon's charm is its unique representation of Yoo Jung and Hong Seol's relationship.

People in twitter are raging about how Inho is a jerk in the webtoon. I never saw him as a jerk, never. The boy was lost. He lost his dreams and is still broken with how his life turned out but he was never a jerk for me. As the webtoon goes on, you can see that he is trying to conquer himself. He was trying to find a place where he could belong again. But the drama, the frustrating drama, made Inho a hopeless romantic guy who wanted to catch the main actress' heart which never formulated in the webtoon. Its just a pity because Seo Kang Joon was doing a good job in portraying the character and now he getting hate.

I guess its the pacing that actually sucked. The drama's story was a little fast paced for me. I was hoping that they could at least give emphasis to Jung's manipulative side. Like that one story in his childhood where he made a girl drunk out of annoyance. Or that one time when he manipulated one of his grade school classmate during a project session in his house. Yoo Jung is a dark character that can be so frustrating but at the same time he has this emotional side that should have been tackled. How I wish Seol and Yoo Jung's drama characters bickered more before finding comfort in each other. Park Hae Jin's visuals and acting are turned into scrap by the drama's production team. 

The main problem to this is the webtoon's future. How I wish that tvN made the drama adaptation after the webtoon finishes. I know what I'm saying is kind of nonsense but I feel sorry for Soonkki the most. She loved, protected and cared for every character in the webtoon but the drama adaptation just made everything a mess. I mean Misaeng which was also an adaptation of a popular webtoon  but it was successful with just nothing but praises during its run so why can't tvN do that with Cheese in the Trap. That is another with adaptations when you go right you will please the hearts of millions of fans but once you go wrong you will always be witch hunted. As the saying goes, "Never judge a book by its movies". I personally think for Cheese in the Trap its just a matter of pacing and connection with the original writer. 

Although, we as netizens has say whether its praise or criticisms to the drama, the main point is we cannot change anything now because the filming was already finished. All episodes are ready to air. The cast even had their wrapped up party just recently. Our point of view will only remain ours. We just have to wait for the drama's ending. That is the main thing with a preproduced drama.

Even though things are becoming messy, I still thank the production team for without them we would never appreciate the talent of Kim Go Eun, Park Hae Jin and Seo Kang Joon. I just hope that the scriptwriter director was not an obvious fangirl of Seo Kang Joon. Not that I don't understand her because the guy is gorgeous and I like him too. The thing is Hong Seol and Yoo Jung should have been the main focus of the story. I guess this time Soonkki experienced being trapped between the tvN team and the netizens just like just like the webtoon's story.

[MANGA REVIEW] Fruits Basket, フルーツバスケット

Fruits Basket is story that is a part of me. I remember watching the anime adaptation and boy was I addicted. That was when I was grade school I think. You see, before my love in Kpop and Kdrama, I was first an anime addict. I think most kids my age was. Its just a pity that the anime adaptation ended without clear conclusions. So, with my curious heart I managed to finish reading the original which is the manga. I promise you, you would love reading it...

[SPOILER ALER!!!]

[Fruits Basket,  フルーツバスケット Plot]

Tohru Honda is a highschool student whose father and mother already passed away. Tohru after the accident of her mother, decided to live with her grandfather and auntie and uncle's house. But then, with a renovation plan underway and the atmosphere in her relatives' house seem to darken with her stay, Tohru decided to leave promising her grandfather that she has other place to go. Tohru without her grandfather knowing decided to just live and build a tent in a forest. One day, in her way to school Tohru spotted an ancestral house which is owned by the Sohma's. Living in the house is Shigure Sohma, a writer. Yuki Sohma, a popular guy in Tohru's school and Kyo Sohma, a guy who is also her age has a bit of a temper. Tohru not knowing that the Sohma's owned the forest where her tent is got into an accident. With a kind heart, the Sohma's adopted Tohru to live with them instead. But, Tohru found a secret that the Sohma are hiding all these years. Tohru began protecting their secret and learned to keep the Sohma's as her new family.

Fruits Basket was written back in 1998 and finished its run in the year 2006. The story was written by mangaka Natsuki Takaya. It is her most famous publication. Fruits Basket is considered one of the best selling mangas in the world. The story appeals with children, teenager and even young at hearts. I super admire Japanese writers with their solid character and story development. Just the fact that Natsuki-san thought about playing with Chinese Zodiac and putting each of the qualities in a manga character is pure imagination and talent. 

Back when I was in grade school I remember that the anime was being shown during weekends. The time slot was in the early morning so I used to wake up early just to watch it. I was addicted. I was broken hearted when that local TV network didn't even finished airing all the episodes which I just found out because of the internet. 

Gladly I remember to search about Fruits Basket again last year. I finished watching all the episodes of the anime and then found myself looking for more. So, I started reading the manga and with just a week I finished the story. Just as I thought I still have a moving on problem.

I always have that in every book and every story that I read or watch. The sense of not letting go of something I truly learned to be into. The story is just so warm, so romantic, so nostalgic. Fruits Basket is a story that will always have a place in my heart. Tohru is a lovable character. She is not that strong in the first part but gradually with her sense of protection she made a soft but strong hearted character progression. Shigure on the other hand is a character that blends everything. He is a pervert but he can be quite lovable oftentimes. Yuki is someone who seems so hard to reach but towards the end of the story I was so happy for him. You will know why when you read it. Yuki is a man that you will want to be with in real life. He is so gorgeous, broken and at the same time very dependable. Kyo is a character that is broken hearted which is the reason of his temper. His strong desire of acceptance and love brought freedom to his character. 

I love how the story wrapped up. Every character has their moments and every revelations will give you surprises. The anime and manga has few differences and if you will ask me which is better. For me, it is no doubt the manga. The manga has a lot of things that had me going crazy. 

I support Tohru's choices in love, friendship and family. I think she is one of the few female manga characters that you will find yourself loving without the hint of hate. She is such a sweet heart. I also love the characters of Hatori Sohma, Momiji Sohma, Kisa Sohma to name a few. 

Last 2015, Natsuki Takaya announced that with the released of Fruits Basket Collectors edition is a sequel called Fruits Basket Another which will tackle the story of Sawa, Mutsuki and Hajime. I am reading it now. At first, I can see the resemblance to the original and as I turn pages I finally know why. Its fun so please read it too if you have time.

Lastly, if you wanted to read a romantic comedy manga don't forget to include Fruits Basket in your reading list. I am sure that you will be addicted and finish it in no time. Its a good read and has a beautiful heartwarming story about family, friends and love.

[RECAP] Youth Over Flowers: Africa Episode 1

I haven't even finished watching the Iceland edition but here I am watching Youth Over Flowers: Africa. That's how much I love Na PD. This director sure knows how to do surprises. Also, how can I miss these cuties, Ryu Jun Yeol, Park Bo Gum, Go Kyung-pyo, and let's include charming Ahn Jae-hong there. 

Youth Over Flowers: Africa

The series starts with the clips of Na PD's evil planning on how to capture his stars this edition. He talked to the director of the Reply series then to the actor's managers. I admire Na PD for not taking a break because after Iceland is another travel which sure is exhausting. But then, in travelling every bit of your pain and sufferings can be renewed by the wonderful sceneries and charms of the countries that you visit. Also, Africa is a good choice after experiencing being frozen in Iceland for 10 days. I am beginning to think that Na PD's biggest dream is actually to travel all over the world and the show is just a front. Not that I am complaining though, especially in the fact that he is bringing charming men with him. 

The evil planning

The premise this edition is the super planned kidnapping of Na PD's chosen main actors. We all know that Reply 1988 is from tVN, which is a recent hit drama and whom producers and directors are minions of Na PD in real life so he is well covered up with this. The Iceland edition failed big time because Jo Jung Suk already knows the other cast members he was going to be with and also the country they were going. Na PD doesn't want that to happen this time.

So, with the help of Reply's PD everything in his mind is coming true. Things just start burning when the Reply cast and crew went to Thailand as a reward trip for the successful wrap up of the hit drama. Go Kyung-pyo was even thumbs uping a camera in the airport without him knowing what lies ahead. In a shot of a hidden camera, Park Bo gum is seen a little bored waiting then standing up immediately when Reply PD came to his table that is shared with co stars Go Kyung-pyo and Hyeri. The minion Reply PD told the cast that they have to film themselves which footages are to be added in the DVD edition of the drama as behind the scenes. The casts agreed accordingly. The BTS footage are in fact for Na PD's show.

Thailand famous beach resort

Na PD in Thailand waiting and eating alone 

The crews and casts held a mini party when they arrived in a famous beach in Thailand. On the other hand, Na PD secretly flew from South Korea to Thailand to join the group. When he arrived at the same beach resort, he couldn't even go out with the fear of ruining all his plans. He waited in his own room, ate alone in his bed and waited and waited. Until, minion Reply PD knocked at his door and to perfect the plan Na PD asked him for additional accomplices. Reply PD brought actor Kim Sung kyun, actresses Ra Mi Ran and Kim Sun Young who both played the mother role in the drama. Na PD explained to his newly recruited accomplices the things that were going to happen. When the actresses asked which country they are planning to go, Ra Mi Ran's face just screams apologetic. Kim Sun Young on the other hand said that, "This will be fun!". 

Kim Sung Kyun, Ra Mi Ran, Kim Sun Young as accomplices

After all the explaining done, the moment of capturing is prepared in a small Thai restaurant just nearby their accomodation. With all the hidden cameras checked, all the directions and locations checked, in order to safely go out, Na PD disguised himself with a backpack, a half face mask and eyeglasses. Meanwhile, the actors to be captured doesn't know anything.

Go Kyung-Pyo, Ahn Jae Hong, Ryu Jun Yeol frozen at the sudden apperance of Na PD

In the restaurant, Ra Mi Ran and Kim Sun Young starts asking the young actors if they want to go to a trip or go back to South Korea. Ra Mi Ran specifically hinted that even Kang Ha Neul recently joined a trip to Iceland for Na PD's famous show. She was like persuading and attracting them that she could let Na PD cast them if they want to. Then, she called Na PD which was their agreed signal. In the phone, Ra Mi Ran said, "Oi Na PD these young men are willing to go to a trip with you!." The young actors not knowing that Na PD is in fact in Thailand with them is maintaining their coolness. Not until, Na PD appeared right in front of their eyes. Ryu Jun Yeol, Ahn Jae-hong and Go Kyung-Pyo froze the moment they knew what exactly was happening. Go Kyung-Pyo even cried and turned red which I find so cute. When Na PD asked him why he cried, he said its because he never thought that he can be a part of a program like Grandpas Over Flowers which is loved by many. Also, he seems apologetic for the issues that he had been on in the past months. Now that just too adorable! You can see that he still has a young heart.

Go Kyung-Pyo crying

The young actors remained their coolness when they found out that they will in fact depart that day. Go Kyung-pyo still crying, hugged his co stars and PD tightly for a goodbye. Ryu Jun Yeol after asking Ra Mi Ran if she has a lotion hugged the actress and the others too. In the vehicle, the trio spot a man whom they thought was a Reply PD when in fact he works for Na PD.

Famous Sceneries in Namibia, Africa

After Na PD annonced the country which they are going, the trio attempts to search for Namibia. Armed with books given by Na PD about Namibia, footages of them enjoying the country was shown. The place looks like a big safari, with a little touch of Dubai and wondeful falls like that in Iceland minus the ice. 

Park Bo Gum's capture

Meanwhile, in South Korea is the Kang Ha Neul in this edition. Park Bo Gum who left Thailand early for his Music Bank schedule is planned to be captured. The trio called Bo Gum who is now on his car. Go Kyung-pyo asked him about a car that is following him. Bo Gum is a little flustered when he found out that there is actually a car that is following him. The trio urged him to inspect the said car. Then, the capture of Bo Gum just went fine because the guy seems like the type to just follow orders. He even sweetly offered some drinks to Na PD's staff. In his travel, Bo Gum assists the staffs and even filmed with them. The guy is a serious angel. Even the way he speaks is very soft.

One staff asked Ryu Jun Yeol of his travel pictures in his instagram account. He apparently travelled to a lot of countries already. Now, Na PD casted a person who is a professional in travelling, Hah!. In the plane, Ahn Jae-hong asked a stewardess for food but the woman said it will be given after they took off. Then, a staff asked him if he is already hungry and he said yes. When the food was given, Kyung-Pyo and Jae-hong is seen attacking it. After sometime, the plane nears its landing. The two saw the view outside and got surprised because there is a vast empty land to be seen.

The trio arriving in Namibia

Ahn Jae Hong mistaking the driver's set

In the airport, the trio exchanged their money to Namibia's currency. It is seen that Jun Yeol and Kyung-Pyo can speak confident english more than the Iceland cast. After purchasing data connection for their phones, Jae hong was suddenly missing. With the famous goat sound of the Reply series, it is revealed that he is still admiring a pick up type of vehicle that he spotted earlier. The trio cannot find a rent a car company that would allow them to take the car to their places of destination. With Jun Yeol's advice they decided to take a taxi instead. With Jun Yeol's smart tactics, they booked a taxi in a cheaper prize than usual. Jae-hong without knowing the driver's sitting position was attempting to sit on the left side until two Africans asked him to not sit there. 

Inside the car, Jae-hong hums to the Hippo Song and the other two followed him and started singing. In Winhoek the capital of Namibia, with the taxi driver's lead, the trio is still finding a car rental service. With their continued failure to booked a car, the taxi driver told them that he knows a lady that owns a car that they could rent. Without any doubt, the trio agreed to meet the lady. 

The trio waiting for the lady rent a car own

They waited in front of a big house and started to be nervous. They joked that they feel like they are going to meet Miranda Kerr or Angelina Jolie. Until the lady whom they thought is coming from the house that they were spotting arrived with the car in the main road. With arms fold, the trio greeted the lady car owner with respect. Jun Yeol began transacting with the lady owner. The lady was a little intimidating so Jun Yeol without fully understanding what she says just agreed to follow her and rent the car. Then, the doomed sound started playing, ooohh ow... In the lady's place are several cars. Jae- hong was very happy to see a car similar with the one he saw in the airport. The problem was that it was manual and he and Kyung-Pyo can only drive automatic ones. Not until, Jun Yeol read that the insurance fee is more expensive than the car rent so with that they decided to depart the place. Why am I happier with what happened? 

Namibia's fast food and water w/ lemon for hand cleansing

To ease their disappointment, the trio decided to take some selcas. After a while, they decided to stopped by a mall to eat. They each ordered a meal. One is roasted chicken with rice and little burgers. The food arrived together with a bowl of water with lemon. It is for them to clean their hands. The trio decided to order a take out for Bo-Gum who they assumed is travelling to Namibia that time. A staff gave her phone to Kyung-pyo with Bo-Gum on the line. Bo-Gum with an already red nose is speaking nervously. He revealed that he didn't catch his plane. In his shots, Bo-Gum enjoyed shopping caps and eating before boarding his plane. Upon going to his assigned gate he mistakenly went near gate A27 instead of A0 with the thought that his gate is A30 so he rushed to the correct gate but the personnel said that its already too late hence him not being able to board the plane. With the trio's dismay, the ordered take out arrived.

Park Bo-Gum revealing that he missed the plane

The trio spends more time in a taxi car. What I like in Youth Over Flowers is that the casts personally take cameras to film themselves. In Iceland edition, Jung Woo likes to hold the camera for selfies. Here in Namibia, its Jun Yeol who frequently holds the selfie stick. Kyung-pyo and Jae-hong also started playing with the camera. After sometime, they spotted a wild boar and were very surprised and happy by the sight. Namibia is a jewel country where you can see animals like lion, zebra, crocodile and many more endangered species living in their normal habitat. With the sighting of the animal, Jun Yeol started singing the Korean version of Hakuna Matata from Lion King. Hakuna Matata in the Korean version means "Don't worry, Be Happy" and the taxi driver approved the meaning and said it can also mean "It will be OK".

The trio celebrating as they successfully rented a car

Our trio arrived in their destination which is in fact the airport. They thank their African driver named Joe and proceeded inside the airport. They again came back to find a rent a car service. After sometime, they finally got to talk to a rent a car service who is willing to give them a car. After the price calculation, they decide to take the deal. It was a whole day of searching for a car to rent so the trio were very happy and pleased when they saw the car. Their journey is just starting. In the preview, Park Bo-Gum is seen to be joining our trio.

Bo-Gum joining the trio next week

My Opinion:

This season is somewhat your usual young guys kind of travel. The thing with the Iceland edition is that Jung Sang hoon who is a natural comedian is present so the casts laughing every minute is understandable. Plus, the Iceland casts with Jung Woo, Jo Jung Seok, Jung Sang hoon and Kang Ha Neul are close in real life so the camaraderie and flow is not awkward. Also, they can be quite clumsy  and a little dummy oftentimes which is fun to watch. 

This edition is slow and a little awkward. Just your usual clips of manly men in a journey together. But still, I expect a lot of things to happen. Jun Yeol is a natural charming guy, Kyung-Pyo has a young heart, Bo-Gum is an angel and Jae-Hong is your usual older brother. I am sure Na PD has a lot of things in his mind that will surprise us in the coming episodes. 

[FILM REVIEW] COIN LOCKER GIRL aka CHINATOWN, 2015

Coin Locker Girl also known as Chinatown is a 2015 Korean movie that stars Kim Hye Soo and Kim Go Eun. I must admit I watched this because of my curiosity in Kim Go Eun's past works. Fans will know Kim Go Eun as the over-thinker Hong Seol from hit tvN drama Cheese in the Trap whom personalities I can relate so much but I guarantee you that she is different in this film. And what I mean by different is that she's BADDASS!

[SPOILER ALERT!!!]

[Plot] Coin Locker Girl aka Chinatown, 2015 - stars Kim Hye Soo, Kim Go Eun

A baby was abandoned in a coin locker of a train station. A beggar took the baby who was in fact a girl and was named Il-Young (Kim Go Eun). After some years, Il-Young with some other abandoned children were sold to a loan shark and organ traficking group from Chinatown. The organization was headed by a so-called Mother (Kim Hye Soo). Il-Young who is now 18 years of age grew up as a tomboyish and courageous woman. With this, she gained the trust of Mother and did tasks for her. One day, as per Mother's instruction, Il-Young went to a house of a debtor but instead met the son's debtor (Park Bo Gum). Their meeting will eventually open Il-Young's mind to new experiences but then little as she knows Mother is on watch of her every move.

Coin Locker Girl aka Chinatown 2015 Trailer

Korean films especially those action and thrilling ones can be quite gross with all the blood and killings. But its a good thing that I am not allergic with those kinds of scenes so I still managed to finish this movie. I haven't watched Kim Hye Soo's past works so I have to Google her first. Then, I found out she is actually an award winning actress and she is glamourous with her outfits and appearance so her portrayal of Mother is something new for her. I love actresses that loves portraying challenging characters.

Just like what I said, if you just know Kim Go-Eun as the curly college girlfriend of Yoo Jung sunbae in Cheese well you are definitely missing a lot of things. I looove her appearance in this movie. I like baddass characters for women like the james bond type or the rebel type of roles. And to warn you, girl can really smoke, literally! 

For me, Kim Go Eun just cemented her talent with her portrayal of Il-Young. What I just don't like is that Kim Go Eun and Kim Hye Soo's characters talk a little lowly or is it justmy headset that time? I don't know. Park Bo Gum on the other hand is such a cutie here. His character is just a little pitiful with the screentime and all but that's how the story is, so yeah, heh! Go Kyung-Pyo who plays Chi Do, another right hand of Mother is very annoying. I can now relate to some netizen's comment now on how even though the guy is cute he has this certain look on his face that can be easily seen as a bad guy. Still, the guy is cute though.

The story seems to tell me that even in the darkest places you can always find people that you can care about. That no matter how bad you are you can still search for something meaningful. Its just a little bit of sacrifice from here and there but you can still find it if you want to.

Like what I told you the first time, make sure to not eat while watching this movie if you can be easily grossed out with things like blood because there are many scenes like that, just to warn you. This is a great movie to start if you are having an intense girl crush with Kim Go Eun. But make sure that you can watch action movies like this or might as well be prepared and watch it with your close friend. 

[FILM REVIEW] The Girl in the Sunny Place, Hidamari No Kanojo 2013

The Girl in the Sunny Place, 2013

This is a film that I watched months ago. I remember telling myself that I should write a review about it but then personal things happened so I continued to forgot. But, it is not yet too late. Even if I believe this is a movie that should be viewed during Christmas time but then everyday can be Christmas so here it is. :)

[SPOILER ALERT!!!]

[Plot] The Girl in the Sunny Place, Hidamari No Kanojo 2013 - starring Jun Matsumoto and Juri Ueno

The story is about the relationship of Kosuke (Matsumoto) and Mao (Ueno). Kosuke works as a salesman at a Railway Advertising Company and is shy to approach girls not until he met Mao again. Kosuke and Mao shared their first love together but was separated when Kosuke transferred to another school. After they met, the two slowly found their love for each other but little as Kosuke knows Mao is hiding a secret that can break them off again.

The Girl in the Sunny Place, 2013 Trailer

The secret can be quite misleading to the point that I expected other things to happen. But Jun Matsumoto and Juri Ueno's tandem is a much watch. I am a fan of Juri since I watched her in Nodame. She is very pretty and a great actress. She can be in a comedic, dramatic or even horror role and she will certainly deliver. And did I mention I find her so pretty, yeah, I know I mentioned that already. 

Jun Matsumoto on the other hand is being gorgeous despite of the years that had passed since knowing him in his Hana Yori Dango days. I hated him that time because I was this huge fan of DaoMingsu (Meteor Garden), yes the Taiwanese version! I don't actually found him handsome nor cute those times but here in this movie he is! I guess age can do you good. The two are so eye candy in the screen. I almost shipped them actually!

The story can be your casual love rekindled type of film but the secret managed to pull me. One time I was thinking what would be the secret? then, yeah, after some hints and a few guesses I finally discovered what is Mao hiding to Kosuke. I love the cinematography and the colors of every scene. I love Japanese romantic movies because they can bring me to my pasts. Like the first love story, I thought about what I was during highschool when I was kind of innocent. There is something so nostalgic in every frame. I love that the story revolves around the main characters and there are just few people around them. Also, I love that finally they managed to cast young actors who resembles the actual couple. I find Wakana Aoi so similar to Juri and so is Takumi Kitamura to Jun. I love their scenes together to the point that I even made a video of them. The two are so cute! :)

Wakana Aoi and Takumi Kitamura as young Kosuke and Mao

The story seems to say that love can be found unexpectedly. That even if you lost track of someone if you hold on and kept finding it will be yours in an unexpected way. Like what I had mentioned above, the secret of Mao can manage to pull you. Up until now, when I hear "Wouldn't it Be Nice" by The Beach Boys I suddenly think of The Girl in the Sunny Place. It is a much watch romantic movie with your loved ones. Also don't forget to bring your pets while watching it! True love can be just around the corner. Ha!

List of Trending Korean Actors and Actresses You May Want to Check Out

They are not considered new because they've been making movies and dramas all this time but the thing is the public just only had their eyes to these actors and actresses just recently because of their hit performances in dramas and movies.

I watched them maybe one or two times more and I really think that they will come a long long way. Their careers are shining and I hope they will continue to hit the jackpot. Here are my list of trending Korean actors and actresses that you may also want to check out:

7. Park Bo gum- Reply 1988, Coin Locker Girl/Chinatown, Music Bank

Ok, I don't know the guy but people in Twitter are fangirling about this cutie. I checked him out and his cute, Yes!. I watched him in Coin Locker Girl or Chinatown with Kim Go Eun and he suits the good boy act so much I can't even imagine him playing a bad guy, please correct me if he did already. His acting stint in Reply 1988 made him the talk of the town not to mention he made netizens rage because he won the heart of the leading lady... [Ooops Spoiler Alert!!!]

He was recently kidnapped by Na PD and is set to star in another season of Youth Over Flowers which is set in Namibia, Africa with his fellow actors from the Reply series. Well, I will make sure to check that one. 

6. Kim Minjae- Twenty Again, Because It's the First Time, Music Core

Yes, Kim Minjae, that one guy whose voice is soo Yoo Jin Goo and whose face is so Song Joong Ki. The resemblance is very near but he also have these unique charms in him. He can dance, rap and act so yeah! Moving on, I've watched him in Persevere Goo Haera, Twenty Again and also in Because It's the First Time with Park So Dam and Choi Minho of SHINee and his a cutie pie too. He has this highscool crush feel in him and I think if he managed to pick the right role, like that one in Because It's The First Time, he will be continuosly charming to watch. 

5. Ji Soo - Sassy Go Go, Bu Bu Jing Xin Korean, Angry Mom

Ji Soo or who I also call as the dark horse because when I was watching Sassy Go Go without even looking at him in the first few episodes and I was not warned. He is very charming there and so I ended up being torn between him and Lee Wongeun. He is not the overly flower boy looking type but I don't know, the more you see him the more you will fall for him with his bad boy charms and overly sexy voice.

Ji Soo is set to star with Lee Jun Ki and IU in the Korean adaptation of Bu Bu Jing Xin.

4. Lee Wongeun- Sassy Go Go

Together with Ji Soo, Lee Wongeun made me watch Sassy Go Go nonstop. His onscreen chemistry with APink Jung Eunji is just so beautiful that I ended up shipping the two of them. The guy is so fresh looking with his flower boy aura. I just wish he could graduate on his highschool roles already. Although, I wouldn't mind if he and Eunji can be together again for another drama, like a Korean adaptation of Ao Haru Ride perhaps? Yes, please!!!

3. Seo Kang Joon- Cheese in the Trap, Roommate, Laws of the Jungle

I'm not that interested with this guy because of those rumors and negative write ups about him that I read but yeah, now I'm OK, I actually want to say sorry for judging him unfairly. He made the portrayal of Baek Inho so lovable with his pretty eyes and handsome physique. He is just so charming. I just wish he can choose a great project after Cheese in the Trap that would cement him as an actor. 

2. Kim Go Eun- Cheese in the Trap, Coin Locker Girl/Chinatown, A Muse

This girl may be not your average beautiful Korean actress. She's not that pretty when I first saw her but I don't know she's becoming pretty as times goes by. She has this weird charm in her and also a beautiful smile that makes her glow even more. As I mentioned before, she is not the Hong Seol that I was imagining but she made me realize that Hong Seol can actually be her. She's a good actress and that remained in me after watching her in the Coin Locker Girl. She can portray a baddass role, she can also be sweet and charming. She's got this indeniable potential and also did I mentioned she can also sing? Kim Go Eun is an actress that you may want to continually follow. I know that she has a great career ahead of her whether its drama or movie.

1. Park So Dam- Because It's The First Time, The Priest, The Silenced

I love this girl so much. She's so pretty with her single eyelids and innocent charms. Like Kim Go Eun, she's a genuine Korean beauty so whenever I watch her on screen she is just oozing with charisma. She portrayed the innocent first love character in the drama Because It's The First Time and also did a few horror movies like The Priests and The Silenced with Kang Dong Won and Park Bo Young respectively. (I haven't check those movies because I don't actually watch horrors if I'm alone T_T). But I'll definitely follow her upcoming projects and I hope for her continuous success.

Park So Dam is set to star in the upcoming drama called "Cinderella and the Four Knights" with Jung Il Woo, Ahn Jae hyun, CN Blue Jung Shin, APink Naeun and actor Choi Min.

So that's it, the list of trending Korean actors and actresses that you may want to check out. I promise you that you won't regret watching their drama and projects. Do you have other names of actors and actresses that recently charmed you? Please do comment and share it with me...



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