Lola-53999 Reviews

Midsummer Night (2024)

A lovely series

[10/10 · 13 April 2024]

Disregarding reviews from «top critics» in different medias, we started to watch «Midtsommernatt» in Netflix. It was quite late, so we decided to see just one episode. However, after episode 1, we were hooked... we continued. Then all of a sudden, we finished all 5 episodes!

«Midtsommernatt» is definitely worth watching. The cinematography is beautiful, the casting is perfect, the music is good, storyline is simple yet compelling and I love the way the series «grow» from start to end.

There is no doubt , Pernilla August is an excellent actress. Once again, she's amazing here as Carina. Nonetheless, the entire cast lends her a wonderful support with their lovable rendition of each character they play. Especially Sofia Tjelta who is remarkable as Helena. She is lovely to watch! I don't want to be unfair to Amalia Holm. She did a great job too as Hanne.

Hats off to the director and thanking him for making a TV-series which is entertaining yet quite relatable to the viewers.

The Childe (2023)

Kim Seon Ho steals the show!

[10/10 · 16 November 2023]

«The Childe» is quite a remarkable movie. Watching it makes the viewer gets mesmerized of the villain (played by Kim Seon Ho) who totally owns every single scene he appears in. He definitely steals the show! He gives life to a mysterious character, the Nobleman, who is a good looking, well-dressed hitman. He is a mad, crazy, annoying, smart, effective villain yet quirky, funny and very entertaining. Kim Seon Ho portrayed the role excellently! Kudos to the remaining cast too.

«The Childe» is one of the best action films I have seen. It reminds me of Tarantinos films. Bloody but absolutely worth watching!

Love Like the Falling Petals (2022)

Heartbreaking. Heartwarming.

[9/10 · 25 March 2022]

I thought I was prepared emotionally when I decided to see this Japanese film, «Love Like the Falling Petals» in Netflix. The title itself gives a premonition how the plot of the story will evolve. Yet when it ends, it somehow gives a much deeper impact. Yes, it is heartbreaking... and yes, it is heartwarming. It reminds me of the Taiwanese series «More Than Blue». Both revolve around a young couple whose endearing love was brutally hindered by the twist of fate.

One thing for sure though, these two dramas are undoubtly gifted with excellent performances, especially the male leading roles. They are just fantastic actors and actresses!

I still can't get over K and Cream's most unselfish love to each other in «More Than Blue». This time, it is Harutoo and Misaki's.

Feel the happiness and the sadness they feel... and be enchanted how true love can give us pain and satisfaction.

Skyggen i mit øje (2021)

The reality of war

[10/10 · 16 March 2022]

My husband and I tried to avoid watching this film because of ongoing war in Ucraine. It feels not right to see scenarios of bombing and people's suffering when the media feeds us, every single hour, real scenes from Russia's invasion of Ucraine. However, the urge to know what really happened in this horrible «mistake» in Copenhagen during WW2 won at the end... and we did right. The film is one of the best war films I've ever watched. The story moves from introducing the main characters in their innocent and fragile moments to giving us the horrifying scenes depicting the reality of war. It was so painful to see innocent lives being offered. So brutal... so agonizing. This was beautifully (sorry for using the word) narrated by the amazing cinematography and impressive performances of the cast... especially the three children, Henry, Rigmor and Eva.

Though it hurts, watch this war drama and be one of those who appreciate how a good film is made.

Catch the Ghost (2019)

Kim Seon Ho steals the show again

[8/10 · 23 December 2021]

Kim Seon Ho proves he is an actor to watch in «Catch the Ghost». It is hard to get out once you've been trapped by Kim Seon Ho's charm. Not only by his looks, but by his natural acting skill. An actor with a capital A! He lives in every character he plays. The viewers remember each of them. He is Han Ji-pyeong whom we warmly embraced as the witty, kindhearted and loving guy in «Start-up». He is Hong Du-sik whom we love as the handy, adorable and mysterious Chief Hong in «Hometown Cha Cha Cha». He is Jin-gyu, the spoiled brat who turned out as caring and well-mannered guy in «Strongest Delivery Man». He is Jong Jae-yoon, the clever and loyal adviser to the prince in «100 Days My Prince». He is Gong Su-chang in «Two Cops», one of most lovable ghosts ever performed on screen! Who wouldn't be fascinated with Seon Ho's sweet and irresistible portrayal of Rae-wan in «You Drive Me Crazy»? He even gave a remarkable face to his supporting role as Sang-tae, a sweet and delightful officemate in «Mr. Kim/Good Manager». In «Welcome to Waikiki 2», he showed his potential talent as a comedian as Woo-sik's... that has been fully developed and was deeply admired when he joined the casts in 2D1N show.

All these characters mentioned, gave him a «good boy» image. Go Ji-seok in «Catch the Ghost» is no exception. He is good, kind and caring both as a police officer and a son. The hospital scenes with his mom is as touching as Ji-Pyeong's confrontation scene with grandma Halmoni in «Start-up». He acts yet it as if he does'nt... he seems to possess the person he plays on screen without trying hard at all. That is talent! The leading lady, Moon Geun-young deserves also an applause with her double performance as twins. Catch the Ghost is a good drama. A bit long? There are some scenes which are not necessary and needs to be cut off. Nevertheless, «Catch the Ghost» is entertaining, no doubt. I certainly enjoyed watching it.

More than Blue: The Series (2021– )

A most touching love story

[10/10 · 2 November 2021]

I never imagined that a very beautiful love story could hurt that much! Yet gives happiness and contentment. This series is a tearjerker!

«K and Cream» grabs my heart and will sure take a long time before I will be convinced again that there is another love story more touching than theirs. The two other pairs in the story hit me likewise, not as hard as K and Cream, but wow they're out of this world couples too! After watching the last episode, I needed a break to breath normally again.

Wonderful leading actors and actresses! K's (Fandy Fan) acting is superb! No doubt about that. He really impressed me! The five other leads were also excellent in portraying their respective roles in the series. The supporting cast did very well too. The script, the cinematography, the soundtrack, the direction, etc... awesome! I just can't find enough superlatives to praise all of them!!!

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021– )

Most heartwarming tv-series!

[10/10 · 18 October 2021]

I gave a review before, after 12th episode. Now, I am more confident to tell my opinion after watching the last episode.

«Home Cha Cha Cha» is a very heartwarming drama that gives so many insights to our existence: birth/death, love/hatred, happiness/sadness, braveness/fear, marriage/divorce, youth/old age, village life/city life, poor/rich, loneliness/togetherness, etc.

I am very aware that this series is fictional. Yet it gives the feeling of being a part of the show. The characters seem real. We share their worries and their laughters. We sympathized with them. We see them as members of the family. That is exactly how I felt when I was watching this 16episode-tv series. When the finale came, you just wish the drama continues and stays longer.

Those who are trying to put the rating down, are being unfair to the writer, the director and the actors and actresses who gave their best to give the viewers a wholesome tv experience that they can both enjoy and relate. «Hometown Cha Cha Cha» is one of the best K-dramas I have seen so far! It is entertaining (Thanks to the director) ... it is beautiful (Thanks to the cinomatographer)... it is healing and rewarding (Thanks to the screenwriter and songwriters/singers)... it is loving (Thanks to the awesome cast) and it is definitely Kim Seon-ho's (Thanks to his charming personality, his looks, his chemistry with his leading lady and his undisputedly good acting contributed to the overwhelming success of this series)!

My best wishes to Kim Seon-ho! «Fighting!» Love from a Mama/Grandma.

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021– )

A series with a lot of positive adjectives. Hats off to Kim Seon-ho!

[10/10 · 3 October 2021]

What a charming series! One of two most lovable K-dramas I've seen , along with «Crash Landing on You» (I've seen 3 digit tv-series, so far!). You will be absolutely addicted once you watch it (the epilogue of each episode are incredible!) ... and will fall in love with the leading stars, especially with Kim Seon-ho.

Kim Seon-ho is making a storm in K-drama world these days! «Home Cha-Cha-Cha» is doing great. Fans of him are going crazy how good he is in this TV-series and the very lovable chemistry between him and his leading lady, SMA.

I think, it actually began with his role as Han Ji Pyung in «Start-Up» where he totally outshined the leading actors.

I can explain though this on-going phenomenon. Kim Seon-ho is gifted with a baby face which is sweet, innocent and handsome... and a youth-looking body (hoping he stays that way and won't be pumping much muscles like most actors do) with an amazing physique like an athlete. Just watch his remarkable performances in 2 Days and 1 Night... he stands out in almost every task he does! His charm... Wow! Who doesn't melt seeing him smile or laugh? Add his dimples too!

What impresses me most though is his acting skills, either with or without dialogues. He is such a natural talent! Every facial and body movements of his give significance to his role/character. Need I mention, «micro-expressions»? The way he delivers his lines is beyond perfect. He owns the stage/screen when he performs! He steals the scene/show from his co-performers and he absolutely captures his audience! We smile, when he smiles... we cry, when he cries.

I hope I am not being unfair to the remaining cast and to the crew, being so focused on Kim Seon-ho. The leading lady, Shin Min-a is totally captivating too on screen. She's so lovely and a fantastic actress. She and KSH act so naturally that definitely make the viewers to believe they're a real couple. As I said, their chemistry is just great! This «dimple couple» has created an unforgettable screen-sweethearts. So heartwarming scenes of them! The supporting cast are adorable too!

The producers, the very delightful script/plot, the beautiful cinematography, the admirable soundtrack/OST, the director's fantastic job, the enchanting setting, the commendable film crew/production team and all the lovesome actors and actresses make «Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha» a huge success! Congratulations!

Man in Love (2021)

A must watch movie

[10/10 · 20 August 2021]

The storyline gives the viewer a somehow premiditated ending already after 30 minutes of the show. However it does not make the movie less interesting. The love the leading actors radiates to each other is all over the screen. Their joys and pains tell the audience to follow them until the end. You just can not ignore their outstanding performances, most especially the leading man Roy Chiu, of the character they portray. Wow!

Just tell yourself how lucky you are to be watching such a beautiful love story!

Mr. Queen (2020–2021)

Very entertaining

[10/10 · 17 June 2021]

I never been so entertained by a historical drama as in Mr. Queen. The plot is crazy unique... and the cast is crazy hilarious, especially the leading lady who steals the whole show. Shin Hyu-sun as Kim So Yong/Mr. Queen is just incredible! She's perfect to the role. Undoubtly, the queen! Kim Jung-yun too as King Cheoljong is lovable as well. He radiates a good aura everytime he appears on the screen. He gives justice to his role as the well-mannered king, the mysterious swordman and the loving partner of the queen. Everytime these two main leads are together, they somehow sparkle and ignite. They have an awesome and very sweet chemistry despite the unconventional relationship they are in to. You can't help but love them.

Some scenes may seem boring though, like the rivalry between the two «Queen Dowager» and the political agenda of the Royal advisers. However, each episode satisfies the viewer, craving for more until the final episode, the 20th.

I do not have to give credits in detail to each in everyone who is involved in making this series. You all have done a great job! My gratitude for giving us exciting, delightful and joyful moments while watching your wonderful piece of art.

Mr. Queen: The Man Who Knew Too Much (2020) Season 1, Episode 4

Very entertaining

[10/10 · 17 June 2021]

I never been so entertained by a historical drama as in Mr. Queen. The plot is crazy unique... and the cast is crazy hilarious, especially the leading lady who steals the whole show. Shin Hyu-sun as Kim So Yong/Mr. Queen is just incredible! She's perfect to the role. Undoubtly, the queen! Kim Jung-yun too as King Cheoljong is lovable as well. He radiates a good aura everytime he appears on the screen. He gives justice to his role as the well-manered king, the mysterious swordman and the loving partner of the queen. Everytime these two main leads are together, they somehow sparkle and ignite. They have an awesome and very sweet chemistry despite the unconventional relationship they are in to. You can't help but love them.

Some scenes may seem boring though, like the rivalry between the two «Queen Dowager» and the political agenda of the Royal advisers. However, each episode satisfies the viewer, craving for more until the final episode, the 20th.

I do not have to give credits in detail to each in everyone who is involved in making this series. You all have done a great job! My gratitude for giving us exciting, engaging and delightful moments while watching your wonderful piece of art.

Oh My Venus (2015–2016)

Lovable

[9/10 · 23 May 2021]

No matter how this series seem to some viewers who were sceptical, I can't deny the fact that «Oh My Venus» is one of my favourites. I just love it ! So Ji-sub and Shin Min-a are very good in their portrayal of their roles. So convincing and very lovable! Both oozes of charisma that you can not ignore their presence once they appear on the screen.

The plot may be a bit unusual, yet it gave me full satisfaction and I enjoyed each episode. It has one of the cutest endings (airport scene) I have seen in K-dramas too.

Give this K-drama a chance, go for it and enjoy!

Navillera (2021)

Heartwarming

[9/10 · 12 May 2021]

I usually give a longer review. However «Navillera» needs just two words... beautiful and touching. Just watch and enjoy every episode!

Ps. If you shed some tears while watching, that makes your session complete.

Di-eo Ma-i Peu-ren-jeu (2016)

A gallery of stars!

[10/10 · 12 May 2021]

Outstanding performances! I'm giving it a 10/10 because of the out-of-this-world-performances of the casts. Great to see South Korean film veterans show how to shine in a movie screen. Each one of them gives a stunning interpretation of their role. This drama is a tribute to these excellent actors and actresses. They are all marvellous! Not to forget of course these three from younger generation, Go Hyun-jung, Lee Kwang-soo and Jo In-sung. You can't resist falling in love with them. These two actors, LKS and JIS may have few scenes in this drama, but they are just incredible with giving justice to their respective roles. LKS is so good as the caring son. I am amaze too with JIS «silent acting» as a disabled man who is loyally in love with the woman of his life. His timid smile and his soulful eyes, as Yeon-ha, give me the constant urge to give him a warm hug.

To the director... you have done a great job showing us the best of these wonderful artists! Thank you!

Hats off to all of you!!!

Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)

An unforgettable TV-series with a perfect couple in the leading roles.

[10/10 · 28 April 2021]

After three reviews here, I felt I am being unfair for not sharing my impression of «Crash Landing on You». I watched it last year when Netflix had it on its list. I was hooked completely by this series that I've been a follower of South Korean dramas ever since.

I've seen «Crash Landing on You» three times... the last one with me doing some fast forwarding to the scenes where the two leading stars are in it. Hyun Bin & Son Ye-jin tandem is one of the most perfect couples I've ever watched on screen! Their chemistry in this drama was unforgettable 😍. The scriptwriter may have these two in mind when the story popped out; or maybe the manuscript was actually written for them purposely. Mr. Hyun Bin, with his charismatic smile, handsome face, debonaire personality and his awesome performance as Capt. Ri captivated the hearts of many, including me. No age limit (I'm a grandma). Miss Son Ye-jin, with her beauty and outstanding acting... what can you ask for more? Oh, Yes...the supporting casts were awesome too! The cinematography was wonderful. The soundtrack was fantastic. Kuddos of course to the director and to the screenwriter.

I am still a fan of South Korean dramas. Thanks to «Crash Landing on You» for opening my eyes to their film-tv-music world. The country seems to have a lot to offer. If it was not of the pandemic, I would have visited South Korea last year. It is still on my bucket list.

Go Go Squid! (2019– )

Adorable TV-series, impressive Li Xian and lovely Yang Zi

[9/10 · 26 April 2021]

This is my first review of a Chinese TV-series. I did this just to give honour to the two leading actors and emphasize how impressed I am with their acting, especially Li Xian. Li Xian as Han Shang Yan is just perfect! He nailed it! Every facial expression and body movements of him did justice to the role. He has also a very charming personality that makes you love him the more you see him. Yang Zi as Tong Nian is quite convincing as 19 year old young lady though she sometimes overacts (more like a 14 year old). However, that is forgiven since I totally love her cuteness/loveliness and her adorable performance as Tong Nian. The chemistry of these two and their superb portrayal of their roles are the reasons why I gave «Go Go Squid» a 9-score. It is their awesome tandem that made the viewers ask for more. You feel their love to each other and the audience is given dream moments of «how-to-be-in-love again».

I belong to the older generation whose awareness of the CTF is out of reach. So I just followed the flow of the plot. The competition scenes were real enough for me. The family bonding is touching... Han Shang Yan with his grandpa and stepmother; Tong Nian with her parents and her two best friends; and of course, the brothership of the teams.

Furthermore, I give my respect to the supporting casts too. They all played their role well.

The cinematography is good and I like the soundtrack. Thanks to the director and the whole crew of «Go Go Squid» for an entertaining drama you gave to the TV viewers.

PS. My apology for not giving the same interest in the sequel «Go Go Squid 2». The two new leads did not reach my expectation. They did not have the charm and vividness as Li Xian's and Yang Zi's in the first season. I stopped after some episodes and just watched the scene in the last episode where everybody was waiting for 😉.

Something in the Rain (2018)

Magical

[8/10 · 19 April 2021]

«Something in the Rain» is one of my first K-dramas I have seen. It all started when we got Netflix. However it was «Crash Landing On You» which got me hooked though, thanks to both leading actors, the dashing Mr. Hyun Bin and the beautiful Miss Son Ye-jin. It was awesome! The series made me aware how gifted Korea is with such talented people in showbusiness, not only the actors/actresses but the whole film, tv and music industry. It made the year 2020/21 bearable too under the pandemic. I'm an elderly woman, with kids and grandchildren, who loves bonding with my family and friends. When restrictions, quarantines, isolation resulted to none-bonding situations and limited social acquaintances... the social media, the Internett, phones, computers and tv were/are of great help. K-dramas did their share for me and for others as well. Thanks to that. I have watched a lot of them in a short span of time.

Anyway, I must admit, not all of them make a good impression. I have my 10-15 favourites in my list. «Crash Landing on You» and «Something in the Rain» are among them.

This will be my second review here. I did my first review of a series that strucked me most, «My Mister». I consider it as a masterpiece and I still could'nt find a Korean tv-serie which can match it.

Back to «Something in the Rain». I have to see it again after a scene clip popped in on my phone. Suddenly I got the urge to watch all 16 episodes for the second time around. I did not regret it. It is so magical to see a series so simple yet so fascinating. You will love the two leading characters and they radiates their love back to the audience. You feel in love again! Thanks to Son Ye-jin (again !) and to her very lovable leading man, this time to Jung Hae-in (no offense, Mr. Hyun Bin... you're still nr.1 😊). They are one of the sweetest pairs I have ever seen on screen! They're acting was so natural and believable that you smile, cry, and feel with them. Kuddos too to the supporting cast (the mother however made me hate her role so much that I can't decide if I will give her thumbs up or thumbs down 😅). Many are irritated of the soundtrack esp. The «Stand By Your Man» repeatedly playing every episode. I don't mind though. I think it suits very well the situation and the plot. The other English songs are also ok for me. I understand though why many dislike it when you think of so many wonderful songs and talented singers/songwriters in Korea!

I only give it an 8/10 because it is quite long. I wish they did just 12 episodes. If it is a must with 16 ep.; then they should at least widen the perspective of the plot in the last 4 episodes instead of dragging some scenes.

I absolutely recommend the K-drama viewers «Something in the Rain». Give it a try. Be in love again 😍.

My Mister (2018)

A masterpiece!

[10/10 · 3 December 2020]

My Mister is a precious gem in K-dramas. A masterpiece! The series may seem depressing (the first episodes) but each episode is worth watching with keen eyes, listening to the dialogues with open ears (to those who understand Korean) or reading closely every word in the text. It tells the reality of life, the struggles of ordinary people: the kind-hearted and unselfish man, Dong-hoon who tries to fight silently his depression; the devotion and loyalty of a young woman, Ji-an to the man she loves from a distance (so near yet so far); the bond of the three brothers despite their differences and problems; the kindness of the neighbours/real friends/colleagues; the mom's sacrifices and real loving care to her sons; the pure and everlasting love between grandchild and grandmother... the sincerity and pain shown by the movie actress Yoo-ra and by the cafe owner Jung -hee; the wisdom and serenity from the monk, Gyum-duk; the turmoil of married couples and the consequences of being unfaithful to the other half. Lastly, but not the least, it conveys the audience that kindness and honesty win over greed and evil actions. The whole cast has done all these beautifully, exceptionally, and perfectly with their fantastic performances! Lee Sun-kyun and LeeJi-eun (IU) are excellent!!! Hats off of course to the director, the screenwriter, the cinematographer and the whole film crew! My heartful thanks for giving me one of the most memorable TV-dramas I have ever watched!