AJ_McAninch Reviews

The Idea of You (2024)

I enjoyed the characters; the problem is the harassment and sexism

[7/10 · 4 May 2024]

I have not read the novel, and I'm addressing only the film. The writer, director, and producer totally missed the real story and opportunity to challenge the public harassment of public figures with impunity. They also missed the opportunity to call out these critics and help end the heartache for people just trying to do their jobs.

I like the leads and rest of the cast: they developed the characters, had great chemistry, and did the best they could with a plot that caved beneath the harassment of this couple and a teenaged girl by media hounds baying after them. The hounding of celebrities has become so horrific in South Korea that the beloved male lead in "My Mister" recently committed suicide.

The couple in this film should have hired big burly private detectives to build the perimeter around them AND the daughter. The hounds and their mags should have been threatened with lawsuits. This harassment was an invasion of privacy as well as bald sexism/ageism that would not have existed in the film had the genders been reversed. They all should have stood up to and called out the mobs until they backed off.

I liked the actors and found Nicholas charming and talented. But the harassment and resultant suffering of one of the lead characters and the teenaged girl really ticked me off. If the purpose was to tick us off, it worked. But the searing unfairness doesn't. For me, it was heartbreaking and left the central issue still unresolved. The actors deserved better as did the film.

Fury (2014)

Irresponsible and Unbelievable.

[6/10 · 30 March 2024]

Though the cast, cinematography, and production are admirable, the story itself does not finally rise to their abilities when they are used instead to celebrate the actually worst possible decisions in war. No responsible leader would set up this outcome, nor would a responsible director suggest it is acceptable not only to suggest it but to celebrate it. Innocence is destroyed by the decisions of both, and what is left is a cynical glorification of the sergeant and his men, and the saving for another day of the callow youth now considered a stunned hero. It is absolute transparent nonsense masking as glory.

Crime (2021– )

Almost Overcome by the Dark Forces of the Plot.

[7/10 · 5 January 2024]

As almost everyone comments, Dougray Scott is brilliant in this police procedural series, which unfortunately flattens out. He is so one with the character, the actor and role seem melded together. But for me the role is almost overcome by the darkness of so much of the story, other characters, and scenes that almost overwhelm the storyline itself. Even moments that attempt a lighter load on the viewers quickly meet the dashing of hope that the story can hold together despite the relentless dark elements. I think this is a mistake on the writer's part that leads to the closure seeming rushed and results in its being flattened out into a cliche ending. It's a shame because there is an important theme and fine presentation on the actors' parts that deserve more from the plot that becomes predictable and then just seems to repeat itself into a tired cliched stop.

Good Manager (2017)

The Cast is Better than the Storyline

[7/10 · 3 November 2023]

I think the scores are high because of the MLs' enormous popularity as well as a really fine cast. On this level, I did enjoy myself watching the actors have a great time with their parts. It was often fun, especially in the final episodes.

The problem for me is the writing is uneven, with too much repetition, some frankly boring scenes, especially at the beginning, that stretched, and way too many episodes. This series would have been stronger if much shorter and better focused. I had an okay time watching it, but-though I love both the leads--I would never watch it again, and that's my personal test case for a great film or series.

Han River Police (2023– )

Wasted Talent.

[5/10 · 3 October 2023]

The scores for this series steadily go down; in fact they plummet. Though KDrama and films are among the best in the world-maybe THE best-most fans know that they are not all superb or even all good. So when many people who love it so much score some of them like this one so low, there is a reason. We feel they are not very good, and there are too many more that are. I watched all 6 eps, and regarded it as a muddled mess, heavily influenced by the western demand for repetitious violence, sex for sex's sake, cliches, weak character development, and just a lot of plot and character confusion. It's a shame because the actors' talents are wasted in this series. They are not even showcased.

Song of the Bandits (2023– )

Recommended Historical Action Series.

[8/10 · 24 September 2023]

I liked "Song of the Bandits" very much: good opening graphics, OST, writing, direction, action scenes, and fine actors who poured their hearts into their roles. I also learned about a part of Korean history and another group of freedom fighters I didn't know before. Weaknesses, however, in the awkward shooting of some scenes like embarrassingly fake horseback riding and some over-the-top, wide-eyed arguing most of which contrasted awkwardly with the usually stylish direction. Otherwise, this series was enjoyable: I cared very much about the characters, and admired the writing, actors' intensity, and directors's decisions. Recommended.

My Dearest (2023– )

That Rare Gem

[9/10 · 2 September 2023]

The series is superb and heading for greatness in the KDrama lists of its classics. First, there are wonderful aspects of "My Dearest"--great acting from the entire cast, superb writing, excellent, careful direction, gorgeous soundtrack, and more. Yet along with the carefully evolving FL, who is superb, it is the master class in acting that Namkoong Min is developing for us that makes me gasp. I am so deeply touched by what he has given both to AEJ as her Co-Star to work with and to us for our enjoyment. It is an unforgettable work of dramatic art in both his delicacy and strength. Plus those deeply expressive eyes and his quiet, beautiful voice. He has worked so hard for years and become one of the finest actors of his era.

This series began by teasing us with flirtations and long looks: a beautiful man with a fan loving a charming woman more than himself. It then advanced to the man dropping the fan that was only a distraction anyway to the real man, the experienced warrior behind those eyes who risks his life repeatedly, and the "girl on a swing" revealing herself as a brave warrior who assumes the leadership role to protect other women and children.

The series has steadily moved us through numerous scenes of increasing danger and heartbreak, that were leading us to where we are now. It is a love story, yes, but it is also about invasion, war, escape, resistance, horror, and the violent treatment of the poor, elderly, women and children in a horrific reverse of their community into a war zone with them as the sacrifice.

It is terrifying, heartbreaking. And no love story can change that. But it can give us hope. The woman in the love story is brave and resolute in protecting others. GC has become the woman LJH saw and fell in love with the first day as he watched her floating high on the swing. And he is not just the man who loves and protects her but is also revealed as the resistance fighter who saw her and knew who she was. As he tells Ryang, "you do not know what she means to me." But we do. They are both wonderful as is this constantly evolving story.

Update

"My Dearest" Eps 18 & 19 I was able to sit down with my morning coffee and enjoy both episodes this weekend.

And it was very interesting to see how the entire series was moving this way all along-just as the writer and direction teams intended. For this is not just the romance most of us here share an abiding hope will be fulfilled, but also a historical study of the Qing invasion and its effects on Joseon, its people at all levels, and its future. These are all seen in the madness of the king taken out on his own people and family, the grief of the people-symbolized in the death of the baby, that the mother must bury with her own hands-and the shared anguish of the citizens just trying to return home but slaughtered by the misuse of power.

Additionally, there is more than one love story, and they are on multiple levels. But of course the central love story is that of JH and GC, who at the beginning seem to be a man with a waving fan but who is so much more, and a woman with a rising swing who finds out who she really is through his love for her. If the writer closes next weekend the way she seems to be moving, the outcome will be complex, as is the historical reality. And it should also become one of Drama's greatest achievements. But even if it falls short, the writer, production team, cast, and composers have given us a series that many of us love. That is an achievement in itself. So onward to next weekend and closure with hope and maybe a few tears.

Final Episodes 20-21 Closure

There are tragedies, of course: this is a violent invasion; we will lose characters we care about and be disappointed in some others. But there are also blessings: GC's growth into the strong, protective, loving woman she becomes is one of the finest in film. And JH always knew who she was. Ahn Eun Jin's transition in her performance is magnificent. And even the princess who wants JH so much does the right thing in the end: because she in fact does love him in her way. The cast on all levels is one of the most talented in KDrama-and they made us care. The production team taught us about the Qing invasion of Korea along with the monstrous political behavior of Koreans in power, and kept those effects, especially on the people, firmly in front of us.

Min Nam Koong as Jang Hyun created one of the most heroic characters in film, and he does it with his deceptive fan, steady calm, interrupted when needed by explosive defenses of his people and the woman he loves. But he is also funny, ironic, and adorable, created through his warm, beautiful voice, and the delicate expressions from his eyes and mouth. The man is simply beautiful and so gifted we fall in love with his characters. All of the cast and production team are outstanding-but it is Min Nam Koong who commands every scene he fills-and we cannot look away.

So though I didn't like JH getting beaten up all the time and being forced to use the amnesia trope not once but twice-I love "My Dearest" and its cast and production team and especially the character Jang Hyun that Min NamKoong created and so many of us fell in love with. He is one of the finest actors in the world today, and new fans are discovering him every day.

What a wonderful experience is this fine drama.

-AJ McAninch.

King the Land (2023)

Uneven Writing and Direction

[7/10 · 6 August 2023]

I love the leads and will watch them every time. They and the rest of the cast worked hard, and they did have some good moments during the series. There were sweet love scenes and a wonderful scene between mother and son that brought tears. Junho nailed that emotional moment as he is an actor who knows how to be still and let his eyes speak for him. He can rise to the moment even with a bad script. But this drama was uneven from the beginning, even without the episode that offended many viewers and with a clumsy, dull ending. Those issues lie right at the feet of the writer and director. What a shame because the cast and audience deserved so much better.

Ming Mauseu (2022)

Great cast and direction; weak 2nd half

[8/10 · 2 August 2023]

Wonderful cast and direction. But to me the series seemed to split, bog down, and then fall apart. When this happens, and the series has both a superb cast and fine director, then it's either the writer or the promo people behind the scenes wrapping things up instead of coming to closure. Or both. At any rate, the first half is excellent and totally involving, quite intricate and an emotional roller coaster. Second half didn't seem to match the tempo, and characters were flipped so much it was sometimes not very believable. But I did like the series, which is why I was disappointed by the pacing and seeming flattening out. Yet the cast is really great throughout. Recommended with reservations.

See You in My 19th Life (2023)

A Time-Slip Story that Becomes More

[8/10 · 24 July 2023]

I enjoyed this series. In the beginning, I found it uneven and slow, but as the pace matured and the actors developed their characters, I stayed with the series and felt good about the storylines. But then the last episode felt rushed when I was really caring about the characters, especially the leads and wanted a bit more. Still, I thought there was also a lot that was charming including the coy flip in expectations between the leads. So all in all, I'd recommend it but also patience as the cast, writer, and director take the audience in an interesting partial time slip direction with a speculative but loving approach., becoming more than it had seemed.

Agency (2023)

Cast Shines in this Boardroom Drama

[8/10 · 22 July 2023]

I will watch any series/film Lee Bo Young is in. She's one of my top 10 favorite actors as is her great husband, Ji Sung. And the entire cast in this one is also outstanding along with most of the writing and directing.

Though I usually don't care for boardroom politics and business shenanigan plots-which sometimes bog down this story also-it is generally a very enjoyable, satisfying series. Particularly fine are the delightful engagements of characters and, except for the occasional unfortunate screeching, the strong, confident women in mutually supportive and leadership roles are a delight.

65 (2023)

Adam Driver, Do Better

[5/10 · 17 July 2023]

Money was spent on this production-both on Adam Driver and the special effects folks. And the two leads worked so hard-literally-but the writers let them down. The plot is thoroughly predictable from beginning to end, and every scene has parallels in numerous sci-fi and dinosaur films. The human interest angle is a good effort and sweet, but it is also predictable and done better in numerous other movies. Finally, in the end we're supposed to believe something good is happening, but it is completely up to the viewer to fill that in-except that it too is predictable one way or the other. I hope Adam Driver will make better choices. He and the child actor both are too good for this lazy script.

The Sword with No Name (2009)

Beautiful Story

[9/10 · 16 July 2023]

I first saw this film over a decade ago and loved it. I re-watch every few years or so. Yes it has flaws, but the relationship between the leads is warm and touching. I watched it for them and still love it to this day because they also are among the most talented Korean stars and made me love their characters. The film introduced me to Korean movies 13 years ago, and I've loved them since.

For me the beauty of the film, based on history but with a romantic overlay, is its story of the young queen's devotion to duty, as well as the swordsman's devotion to honor-and protecting her. He will not leave her side, and she is equally brave and stalwart. It is the story of a woman's love of country and a swordsman's love of her. And it's achingly beautiful.

Our Blooming Youth (2023)

Fine Series with a Great Cast

[8/10 · 13 July 2023]

The cast is superb: I love the characters and story lines. And I adore both leads: he is subtle and calm with a wry sense of humor; much of his acting is through his eyes alone. She is adorable and spunky, more than a match for his highness. Their scenes together are funny and touching; the growing affection and mutual protectiveness come through poignantly. Support cast is excellent, and I cared about their characters, especially the 2nd male lead who nearly steals the drama he's so good. My only complaint is the writing could have been tighter, and the plot strengthened. 16 eps might be better than 20 because the longer series too often flounder in repetitive plot re-enactments and filler scenes. Still, I recommend the series: though for me the series just misses being great, it's very good, and I'm glad I watched it.

Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)

Rescue Them Instead.

[5/10 · 13 May 2023]

The story of Hachi is one that books and the earlier Japanese version have told through the years. In this version the dogs are the best characters and actors; and the rest is infuriating. Far more emphasis and time are placed on Richard Gere's character. And though it is clear the actor had a good relationship with all the dogs playing Hachi, he is over-emphasized. And the performances by the actresses playing wife and daughter are bland and boring-to say nothing of the way their characters treat Hachi who is relegated to waiting and living outside even in the snow and cold. Eventually, he is abandoned to his waiting spot year in and year out with only the station workers giving a rip about the dog. In the real story, Hachi had a home after his master died. At any rate, this movie missed the true story by a long mile. It's about HACHI and his love for his master. Joan Allen's character is terrible to him from day one and years later acts surprised to see Hachi still waiting. Because she didn't even try to help him. The daughter feigns caring about him, but lets him go. The writer blew the whole story with poor characters and huge plot holes plus irrelevant threads having nothing to do with Hachi. And the true story is actually disturbing because someone should have kept that dog home and loved him enough. Don't make movies and put up statues about heroic waiting dogs: rescue them instead and change their lives.

Love to Hate You (2023)

Messy Plot but Cast Works Well.

[7/10 · 18 March 2023]

Shaky first episodes, often clumsy scene sequencing early on, playing games with viewers in final episode, around a cringey even potentially sexist attitude toward strong, smart women, but they eventually got it right with good closure that calls out public shaming, doing it through affirmation of both strength and love. The cast is very good and work hard with the director for some enjoyable and sometimes charming moments. Recommended as a watchable but not superior drama-which is totally on the writer in this drama for not having a clear plan for the message being attempted. In an age of superior international movies and dramas, that cannot stand, and neither can the weak drama.

Awaken (2020–2021)

Needed more character development, especially the female leads.

[8/10 · 12 March 2023]

This is a good series, but it does sag occasionally because the sequencing can be too long and limp for the actual plot and character development. Not enough attention is given to developing the female leads or the relationships between characters-considering the outstanding cast, this is a serious drawback. It puts more emphasis on plot than on character development, but even then the writer leaves too many holes that she continues to spin, and not effectively. However, the series can definitely be recommended for its terrific cast and directors who keep the audience's attention throughout despite the writer's occasional oversights.

Jung_E (2023)

Sad exit for a great actress

[7/10 · 14 February 2023]

Considering the cast and director of Train to Busan, this film should have been far better, but the writing and storyline are both thin and clumsy. Some scenes are simply dropped in the middle as if they couldn't figure out what to do with them next. So the film ends up fragmented and changes into an often frenzied, overly long action piece. However, there are some nice visuals in set designs, the two veteran female leads are wonderful, and the mother-daughter story is moving. The tragic death in May of Kang Soo Yeon is heartbreaking. She was a deeply respected Drama star in the original Korean Wave, so this film should have been such a comeback for her. Instead, it is her sad epitaph: And she is wonderful. RIP Lovely Lady 💔

Your Honor (II) (2020–2023)

Tedium with no center

[6/10 · 23 January 2023]

Poor writing, poor decisions on the kid's part, and poor acting: the case is so clearly wrought-I mean we saw the whole thing-that anyone confused about the attention the series gets is justified. There is no story there: the kid carelessly killed another kid and then tried to cover it up. Dad also tried. And we have a lousy series about poor character building and even worse morals being taught, along with hidden truths and of course tribal money.

Still another example of bad decisions in western film making and why so many of us explore films and music from the international front these days.

The Handmaid's Tale (2017– )

Uneven Seasons But Great Potential Depending on Final Season

[9/10 · 23 January 2023]

Season 5 is as good as the first one, and if the actors, directors, and writers stay focused, Seasons 5 and then 6 coming in late this year could produce one of the most important and satisfying political drama series in a very long time. Whether insufferable or beloved and protective, the men are strong characters. But it is the women from the beginning who tell their stories and remind us that we had a women's movement in this country, but the rights gained have been destroyed. We're in trouble. Deep trouble as is this country and the rest of the world. This isn't about being "woke" but about being ready to fight back. Because we will have to. Let's see if they follow through in season 6. Because to save this country and democracy, we need to be in the streets, and the courthouses, not on the trains.

The Glory (2022– )

Bullying is Assault

[7/10 · 8 January 2023]

I am a parent and a teacher.

The behavior from the first episode is not "bullying" but assault. Let's call these attacks what they are. Assault is a crime no matter the age or the perpetrators' roles whether directly attacking, or making the attacks possible. Rather than the numerous drama series showing the criminals attacking other students always with impunity, expose physical and verbal assault in the school system for what it is: a crime punishable by expulsion and imprisonment.

For the victim to become obsessed and as vicious as the criminals-while understandable-makes her no better. I am still waiting for a brilliant writer like this one to stop the histrionics and go after the criminals and their supporters carefully and methodically and legally until they are expelled and imprisoned. Because it never should have gone as far as it was allowed. And it won't stop until it is exposed and punished in the courts. That said, everyone in this drama is excellent. Think how much more they could have been in a true revenge story resolved through the courts.

Mili (2022)

Very Good Survival Film

[7/10 · 30 December 2022]

The negatives out of the way first: there is much that is predictable and stereotypical in certain characters' behavior and plot outcomes. And the opening sequence begins with an ant, when there is a far more impressive creature in the story we are invited to care about.

All that said, even though we know this is a remake and the star is the producer's granddaughter; even though we know it would take far more time and healing for her recovery, that all slips over to the side in light of Kapoor's superb performance. Because that is this film's success: a smart woman, also a nurse, who keeps thinking of viable ways to survive in an increasingly impossible situation. And even tries to save her little patient trapped with her as well. She has both Courage and Compassion that make us want her to survive. I enjoyed this movie. 7.5 Recommended.

Glass Onion (2022)

The Decline of Western Filmmaking

[2/10 · 23 December 2022]

Put an A-List cast in a film with bad writing, give them a poor director who elicits wooden acting, make the whole thing boring and predictable, then nominate this mess for a bunch of awards-and you have another clumsy, dull, ghastly product from the dying west. Beginning in the opening scene, this is one of the worst movies ever made, and the fact it still gets rave reviews here and nominations out there makes this decline complete. There are far better films and series coming from international filmmaking today. I miss great moviemaking from Hollywood-the classics going back over a hundred years. But we have forgotten how to make great movies, and audiences have forgotten what they even are. Good grief this is awful.

20th Century Girl (2022)

Nonsense

[7/10 · 20 December 2022]

I was happy with the movie and actors until that ending. Not because it's sad, but because it was tacked on, made zero sense, is not explained, revealed nothing at all....and was simply there to hurt the audience. Shame on the cynical writer.

When you offer a love story about two really sweet people who take care of others and are devoted to one another, you do not then tack on a deliberately hurtful ending without explaining anything at all. Nothing. We don't know why he died. We don't know why the writer killed him off almost immediately, and we don't know why she never tried to find him, ask about him. For so many years......Nothing. Yet the couple the writer and crew taught us to love never would have done that to one another, nor would a good writer have done it to the audience who loved them. Shame!

All of Us Are Dead (2022– )

Zombie

[7/10 · 5 December 2022]

I thought the cast worked hard and well. But I also thought this series could have been limited to about 8 eps at the most. For me there was too much repetition of Zombie tropes and cliches in the storyline as well as from the genre itself, and slow pace-often dragging itself along. Frankly, I got tired of the Zombies and am probably tired of the whole genre. That said, I really did like the cast, who made me care about them, which kept me watching. But still, the plot itself is predictable and underwhelming except for a few threads that touch the heart. It is okay, but no Train to Busan, Sweet Home, or Kingdom.