My Name is Kim Sam-Soon/My Lovely Sam Soon (2005)

It's been a while since I wrote something about Korean drama/movie.
Although I prefer to watch Japanese dramas than Korean dramas because they are usually shorter, I actually prefer Korean drama than Japanese dramas when it comes to cinematography.
Korean dramas/movies are usually very clear while the Japanese dramas/movie usually look gloomy.
Here are some of my favorite Korean dramas in no particular order (be advised that my taste is sometimes weird, not all people will love my selection of dramas).

1. My Name is Kim Sam-Soon/My Lovely Sam Soon (2005)

What will happen when a young, rich, successful, and handsome man falls in love with an unattractive, but kindhearted and unique woman who is a few years older than him?

I watched this drama twice, and I love it both time. I always root for the supposedly 'unattractive' and 'hopeless' leading actress. I think this kind of character is very interesting. The ending is a bit loose though, but still, it is enjoyable. (7/10)

With Love (1998) II

The internet connects us all.

With Love, Teruterubozu.

I just finished watching this drama again. Really like it.

It is so full of hope. It shows how normal people doing normal office jobs are also important human being that have feelings that need to be treasured.

The only thing that I don't like about this drama is the part where Hata-san and Teruterubozu reciting their e-mails. That was so anti-climax, and not to forget, nagai!!!

Oh yes, the opening song is catchy. I think this is what I remember the most about this drama when I was little. 

Detective Conan 15th Movie

Quarter of Silence

Coming soon.

With Love (1998)

It's a wonder how some things remain in our mind for a very long time.

I still remember, when I was a kid, I like to watch Japanese dramas on TV.
One of them that I still remember until now is the drama 'With Love' starring Tekenouchi Yutaka.

I was 12 when I watched this drama for the first time.
Thinking back, I didn't really understand what the drama was about.
All I knew was, the opening song of this drama is so interesting.
'Once in a Blue Moon' and 'Teruterubozu', I remember these so clearly.
I wonder why.

Oh yes, I realized that when I was young, I didn't care how cute the actors were.
All I care was how pretty the actresses were.

Now, I'm watching it again for the second time. This time, the feeling is different.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

May all my friends in Egypt safe under His care. 

May peace prevails in Egypt.

Picture from Google.

Kamikaze Girls (2002)

This movie is so funny. Not recommended to those who dislike exaggerated scenes.
The story is about Momoko, a lolita girl (someone who is obsessed with the Victorian 1800's fashion) who befriends Inchigo, a Yanki (a delinquent youth).
Despite their differences, these two girls get along really well and become best friends.

This movie is based on a light novel, that was also adapted into a manga.
Although the plot is not similar to the novel, but it is very enjoyable.
The main actress are Kyoko Fukada and Anna Tsuchiya.
Both of them are pretty.
Fukada has a cute face and pretty Asian features, while Anna is gorgeous as she is a Japanese-American mix.

Overall, 7/10.

Kyoko Fukada

Kyoko Fukada as a lolita girl.

Anna Tsuchiya

Anna Tsuchiya as a Yanki.

Pictures from Google.

Ballad (2009)

Did I tell you how much I like Aragaki Yui? So basically I watched this movie because she's in it.

The story is about a boy named Shinichi and his parents who were "magically" transported to the ancient Japan (around 1600). There they met a fearless warrior and the Princess of the small kingdom. After the Princess rejected the marriage proposal from the ruler of another kingdom, a war started between these kingdoms.

When I heard that the boy's name is Shinichi, I was excited. This is the first time I come across a character named Shinichi besides the one in Detective Conan =)

While watching this movie, I felt that the boy was quite a nuisance. He's annoying sometimes.
Aragaki Yui made a very pretty princess although it is quite irritating seeing her running all princess-like.
Other than that, this movie is OK. Overall 7/10.

One interesting fact that I just learned about this movie is, it is based on the award winning Crayon Shin Chan the Movie. So that's why the boy is quite annoying.
I learned about this while looking for some photos related to this movie.

First, Nakamaru Yuichi appeared in one of Crayon Shin Chan episodes. Now, a live-action adaptation of Shin Chan movie by Aragaki. This just give me more reasons to love Shin Chan.

 

 Pictures from Google.

Picture from www.gakky.org

Picture from www.gakky.org

Picture from www.gakky.org

Picture from www.gakky.org

Haha no Okurimono (2009)

Mother's Gift.

The story focuses on the two mothers of a couple that is about to get married (DramaWiki).
I have to cite DramaWiki because seriously I don't have any idea what they were saying.
That's right, I watched it without Eng sub because I couldn't find the subbed one, and because I couldn't wait for it to be subbed, and I don't think anyone will sub it in the near future since it is not a famous production.

Obviously, I watch it because Nakamaru Yuichi is in it.
I really hope that this Marufever (hahaha) ends soon.

This short movie takes place in the 1970's so that explains why they wear what they wear.
The time setting is about a day like from early morning until the night before the wedding.
Sadly, they didn't show us the wedding ceremony.
I would really like to see Yuichi in his bridegroom attire.

Althought I didn't understand what they said, but I enjoyed it.
For some reasons, I think Yuichi is a bit overacting in this movie.
Or is he supposed to be so?
Yuichi is very suitable acting as an ordinary guy, he looks so natural. Haha.
To me he is an extraordinary ordinary looking guy.

Press conference. Why so serious Yuichi?

He looks so young.

Pictures from Google.

Nihonjin no Shiranai Nihongo (2010)

The Japanese that the Japanese don't Know.

This is like the Japanese version of Mind Your Language, and I like it so much.

The lead actress in this drama is Riisa Naka, the actress in The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
I like her very much, and I like her in this drama too.

This drama is about Haruko, who has to teach Japanese to a bunch of foreigner, in order for her to get a promotion to be a high school teacher.
It is based on a manga, written by actual Japanese teachers.

At first I thought that the plot is lame, you know, a super teacher who helps her students who are in trouble and teaches them life lessons and that kind of stuffs. Sounds like GTO and Gokusen, right.
But, I still watch it because I like Riisa Naka, plus I'm also learning Japanese, and a bunch of foreigner learning Japanese must be hilarious to watch.

Riisa Naka's acting is so natural and the bubbly character suits her well.

Highly recommended to those who are learning Japanese, or are interested into the Japanese culture.
Overall, 9.5/10.

The Manga.

The live-action drama.

Pictures from Google.

An Italian otaku said that he learned Kanji from manga.

The whole class shouted the name of manga/anime that they read/watch.

Haruko: Ah, that's how foreigners learn kanji. (LOL)

p/s: Should I watch Gokusen 2 and 3? I watched the first Gokusen and I don't really like it.

Tangled (2010)

Many cute and funny scenes.
Many great songs.
Nice animation.

Overall 8/10.

Pictures from Google.