What I Watched in January

I will do this every month with short reviews of the dramas, movies and variety shows I have watched. I have written individual reviews for tons of dramas but sometimes there is not much I have to say about it. This will be better for those times.

January was a bit disappointing month for me. Not with the ratings you will see, but nothing is airing that I fully enjoy. Plus I’m in a bit of a slump, so maybe, it adds to that.

First Impression: A lot of people have already started before me, and it got popular very quickly. I was intrigued, to say the least.

Last Impression: Get me out of here.

This drama was a roller-coaster. It went from making me want to watch every single episode to being barely able to finish it.

I loved the chemistry between the actors and the storyline. How they both tried to get closer to each other. All the intrigue behind the phone calls got me very excited.

However, with the last episode, they did not only mess up by mentioning Palestine/Israel. The whole episode was boring, and I skipped through a lot of parts.

By the end of the drama, my love for it died down. Some moments were still cute but I'm glad it finally ended.

What I am happy about is that both Hong Hui Joo and Baek Sa Eon learnt how to stand up for themselves. Hui Joo more so, but I'm happy we have this strong female lead.

Unpopular opinion: Ji Sang U and Na Yu Ri are better as friends. I never saw them as a couple.

8/10

First impression: Suzy and Park Bo Gum are in the same movie and everyone wants more of them.

Last impression: I did not expect this to be so elaborate.

I was always interested in the topic of grief, especially when it comes to technology. We always talk about wanting to see our loved ones who passed away. This film makes you wonder about the possibilities and how it can differ with people.

What I enjoyed the most was seeing different people use the ‘Wonderland’ program and their reactions to it. Some get worried about the use of it, some get so attached to the virtual people and see no boundaries.

What I saw from the film’s marketing or what made the people talking was Suzy and Park Bo Gum. Imagine my surprise when I start the film and I see Gong Yoo, Choi Woo Shik and a lot of other well-known actors.

Their stories are also very touching and I was happy to go through it with them. I got to connect with the characters and understand all their perspectives.

The pacing didn’t feel abrupt or too slow. Every story got the right amount of attention. I do agree that some questions are left unanswered but I’m still happy with the ending.

I think, it only needed more clarification on Gong Yoo’s character. Most of the time I was trying to find out who he was, to read a synopsis and see that he’s the husband of that dead woman??

9/10

First Impression: Looks fun but can it be like that throughout the drama?

Last impression: Where is a kiss scene???????????

This drama knows what it is and I’m here for it. It is pretty cliched but so much fun!

The first 20 episodes are more leaning towards the romantic, comedic side of the story. After it becomes more serious, not in a bad way. It starts to focus more on friendship and an actual fantasy plot.

For me, the story was quite predictable. I have read about these scenarios, watched dramas etc., so nothing came as a surprise. But it doesn’t mean I found it less entertaining.

The characters in the drama are the reason you will keep watching. Zi Qi (male lead) is not the only person whose love meter went up, I could not resist the charm of these five characters too.

I wish there were more scenes between Miao Miao and Zi Qi (the leads) in the later episodes, not even needing a kiss scene. I feel like after they got together they had less screen time.

At least, give me one more episode after the ending… I want to see how they live!!!

I couldn’t get enough of this drama and binge-watched all the episodes. Now that it’s ended I’m going back to reading a webtoon where the female lead travelled to a drama.

9.5/10

Have you seen any of the dramas? What are your thoughts on it?