Kdrama Reviews: A-B

Hey!  I'm finally getting around to posting kdrama reviews.  And mind you, unless I have REALLY strong feelings about a show, you're going to get the abbreviated version.  We shall start at the beginning, as it is, indeed a very good place to start.  As we watch more shows, we'll continue to fill out the page.  

I'm using the same scale that E uses to grade her anime review, which is as follows: 

No
Meh
Decent
Pretty Good
Good
Awesome

So, let's get started!  

A Gentleman's Dignity:

Origin/Genre: Kdrama/Romantic Comedy

Progress: Finished 

Rating: Decent

30 Second Synopsis: Four guys in their late 30's/early 40's realize they're at the point in their lives where they should probably think about growing up. So they try it, to mixed results including romantic entanglements (literally), paternity surprises, and general mayhem.

Verdict: Worth it for the great vignettes on friendships between the four main guys - and the secondary character humor. The main romance will absolutely drive you nuts if you don't have patience for massive miscommunication and people walking tragically past each other while the sad OST plays in the background!

Watch it on: Dramafever, Hulu, Viki (?)

Would I/Do I Own It?: Nah, I'll just watch all the good bits on dramafever when I'm in the mood.

Standalone Review?: Yes

Boys Over Flowers (Boys Before Flowers) 

https://www.dramafever.com/st/news/images/BoysOverFlowers_A5GLDKW.jpg

Origin/Genre: Kdrama/Romantic Comedy

Progress: Finished 

Rating: Pretty Good

30 Second Synopsis: A dry cleaner's daughter gets a scholarship to the most posh school in Seoul, and proceeds to butt heads with the infamous "F4" the most handsome, rich, and influential guys in school. Naturally much romantic entanglements and kimchi making ensue. Based on a manga, anime, and Japanese live action (Hana Danjo Yori?) Basically if Pygmalion/My Fair Lady took place in a exclusive Korean High School with the Professor being the most obnoxious, popular, rich kid in school - this would basically be it.

Verdict: It's easy to see why it took teenage girls by storm. But be warned. Ridiculous, ridiculous Fluff - watch in sections lest you plunge into a sugar coma. Worth it for Lee Min Ho (his star-making role) sporting ridiculous curls and ridiculous ascots, and ridiculous furs (and this is coming from someone who likes wild fashion choices) and Sh*t rich kids do (you know, car racing, horse racing, playing Pygmalion.)

Watch it on: Dramafever, Hulu, Viki

Would I/Do I Own It?: I do. I don't watch as much as I thought I would though. I mostly use it as a limitus test to someone stamina for kdrama fluff.

Standalone Review?: Not Yet

Bride of the Century:

Origin/Genre: Kdrama/Supernatural/Mystery/Romance

Progress: Finished 

Rating: Decent

30 Second Synopsis: Due to an inexplicably vindictive curse, generations of a chaebol family marries off their oldest heir, only to have the bride die on the wedding night. The mother proceeds to try and thwart the curse, and the heir tries to fall in love on his own terms, while our heroine deals with everything from unwanted romantic attention to doppelgangers.

Verdict: It's...frustratingly weird, but you keep watching... plenty of romantic tension capped off by kinda bad writing, but you kinda want to know how the whole mysterious twin thing works out. Lee Hong Ki (of F.T. Island) has a pretty good showing here.

Watch it on: Dramafever

Would I/Do I Own It?: Meh....

Standalone Review?: No