March Watched

I've been running around busy with work and travelling, so the dramas have been in the back of my mind. I'm still watching currently airing ones but had a hard time finishing something.

Has your month been better? What have you seen and liked? How do you feel about my reviews?

First impression: So many good reviews, so unlikeable characters

Last impression: Was the angst really that necessary?

Going into drama, all I knew was that it was named the underrated gem and that two people had mental health issues. So when the first episode ended and I wasn't sure about the characters I kept watching.

The characters become a bit more likeable in the series as you see them grow as people. Slowly resolving their mental issues, and finding a small getaway in the community.

Thus, I have to say that I enjoyed the women's association moments when they all stood up for each other. I would even say Part-Timer and Samantha were great but without the singing part. That took me out of the drama and back into the real world.

When I was feeling all good about the drama, the last three episodes came. It felt rushed, not the ex-boyfriend part but more on the police-drug cartel story. Everything fell onto them so easily. I wouldn't have minded more episodes just to solve one issue before going on to the next one.

I'm still a bit confused after watching the ending; not with what happened but with the rush of everything. That kind of angst and the last-second break ups are just not my thing. 

7.5/10

First impression: This is going to be absurd but fun

Last impression: Please everyone stop laughing...

I randomly saw this on Netflix when I was searching for a fantasy film. The bit that I saw looked a bit ridiculous, but I wanted to see how a Cinderella reimagining would play in Japan.

The start of the film was pretty fun. The witches are absurd, and what is Red Riding Hood doing in Cinderella's story?

However, somehow the absurdity got boring very quickly. The editing is a bit weird: why do we even have a shot of a mouse-turned-man laughing into the camera? There was also the repetitiveness of jokes, prolonging of them. I rarely watch Japanese films, so maybe this is how they do comedy but it wasn't my taste.

The mystery part was interesting at some points. Still, everything fell, so easily. Maybe it's because Red Riding Hood had a supernatural power to see things as she touches them but even with powers the mystery can be a strong plot.

The characters also didn't help much as they were very one-dimensional. There is a feeling that they're trying to change things but in the end, nothing was done.

The end of the film indicates that there might be more films like this with Red Riding Hood probably, as a detective and having her adventures. I might tune in to watch them but hopefully, it can improve.

At least make one character developed and very likeable.

(Also I think the murderer did nothing wrong. Nobody even liked the dude)

6.5/10

First impression: I wanted to watch this as soon as it came out just never had a chance

Last impression: I'm bored...

This film caught my eye because of the casting. The leads are Kang Ha Neul and Han Hyo Joo, and there are many well-known actors in this movie (Lee Kwang Soo, Chae Soo Bin, and Kim Sung Oh, to name a few).

Though, in this case I think having such actors didn't help. There were a lot of scene stealers with Kwang Soo taking that place and I don't feel like we got to know any of the characters.

There were hints to it, like the ship Captain talking about her brother but nothing more.

When the big fight near the end of the film happened, I didn't care, if they won or not. When romance happened I thought 'Oh, cute' and moved on.

So, maybe, focusing on just a few characters from the ship/bandits would've been better.

One thing, I didn't know going into the film - it's the second part. However, it's perfectly fine to go in without watching the first movie. The actors are different, the characters are different, and it's only pirate-themed.

The action parts of the film were nice to watch, and it did have funny moments from time to time. Though, I wouldn't have minded if it would stray away from those penguins.

However, with all the action scenes they tried to bring I couldn't enjoy the film fully. For the first hour, I was focused on it but after that, my attention weakened.

It's not bad, it's just boring.

5/10