Details...details...details
- Judy T
- Dec 31, 2022
- 2 min read
Let's talk about specific shows that I've watched. I understand that everyone has different tastes so I'll try to give an overview of a few of the Best Kdramas in my opinion. (Remember, most of these are on Netflix but you can check whichever streaming service you prefer.)
Mr Sunshine - historical drama set vaguely in early 1900's. Some viewers are put off by the first episode which includes some historically correct violence and brutality. Personally I think there is no gratuitous violence in the show and in fact, it is an important feature of the storyline. I don't think you can find a better show on TV anywhere. It has it all; great acting, fabulous story, excellent music, cinematography to die for, and gorgeous costuming. (Plus I'm in love with the male lead.) Trust me and watch it.
Crash Landing on You - also known as CLOY - set in modern times and focuses on a South Korean Businesswoman who inadvertently hanglides into North Korea. Terrific supporting cast
that you will grow to love. Humorous, poignant, and great chemistry between the leads. So great they married in early 2022 and just welcomed a son. Great dimples on male lead.
Something in the Rain - in Korea this is known as Pretty Noona Buys Me Food. Pat and I love, love, love the male lead in this modern day romance. Interesting insights into the pressures of family on picking the 'correct' partner...you'll struggle with some of the family.
Navillera - what happens when a 70 year old man decides to pursue a long lost dream of studying ballet? As we've mentioned previously Kdramas frequently feature unusual storylines and this one is the perfect example. Touching depiction of the student and his ballet teacher and their relationship. A plot twist near the end makes it even more worthwhile.
2521 - another unusual topic; in this case Olympic level fencing. Terrific performance by female lead (who also starred in Mr Sunshine) and set in late 1990s. The evolution of relationships over time and how, sometimes, the outside world can drastically change our trajectories.
Okay, there are 5 Kdramas that I rate highly. Only 1 has any violence so if that's a big turn-off for you chose one of the others. (Eventually I might convince you to go back to Mr Sunshine...) Yes, the subtitles are a bit tricky when you first start out but you'll adapt quickly. We really want to get you involved with us in the conversation... what do you like about Kdramas? Any things you notice that are different than American TV shows? Any shows you can recommend to us?
I'll provide occasional summaries of other Kdramas over time. Keep checking.... and start one of my favorites tonight!
How were you able to stand the soundtrack in Something in the Rain? I thought my head would explode if Stand by your Man played one more time! Made it hard to watch an otherwise interesting drama with good performances.
From the 7 or so episodes I've watched thus far, I would say I find the intro a unique way of reminding us what happened in the previous episode (Mr Sunshine). I also find their use of subtle facial expressions as a more intimate way of communicating what's going on or the feelings trying to be conveyed.
I am a K dramma novice, but interested! I enjoy the contrast to mundane American TV and love Emily in Paris.
I loved all the KDramas you wrote about. I like the romances more than the historical dramas. But it is interesting to learn about Korean history, so maybe I’ll try another historical one to see if I change my mind. I would recommend these KDramas: It’s OK Not to be OK. This is about a young man and his autistic brother. It covers mental illness and families. It’s very powerful. For a light hearted romance, I really liked Boys over Flowers. It’s an older KDrama and it’s over the top with fashion and social class structure. But it was so good. Last one is My Mister. This is more serious, not a romance, but it’s centered on the workpl…
Your reviews are helpful. I'll have to double-down and try again.
I recently finished the third season of Emily in Paris. Such a silly show, but if you love France like I do, it was worth watching just for the scenery and hearing the language.