And Then There Were None

Since the miniseries was really mini (3 episodes), I decided to watch this. Especially that it was packed with known names, some of which I even like. 

The series is based on Agatha Christie's one of the most famous novels under the same title. The title itself was changed, as it was deemed to be offensive. Also, the poem and the island's name were also changed (to "ten Little Soldiers" and Soldier Island respectively).

I read people were wailing about the ending not being exactly as it was in the book, but sometimes what works for the literary world, doesn't translate well in other medium.
At least, they didn't run into the sunset together.

Tzuyu drama - a historical background

Pop-culture tries to stay oblivious to politics and history, which is hard, especially in such volatile region as East Asia, where every country is hating its neighbors, while maintaining diplomatic, economic and cultural relationship. Russia and Japan still do not have peace treaty signed, ending the WWII, North Korea and South Korea are in the same situation since 1953 having only signed the armistice, North Korea kidnapped Japanese citizens and some never returned, S. Korea and Japan fight over Dokdo/Takeshima, China and Japan fight over Diaoyu/Senkaku and Taiwan was erased from world maps in 1972.

That's why I love history. It helps to understand the dynamics in some regions or countries, it provides a background to what is happening now, in 21st century. But the tricky part with the history is this: it's always written by the victors, so one needs to be extra critical when it comes to the sources. It helps to read from various perspectives, even if it's a little tiring. In the latest spat over a tiny flag held by a tiny girl, no side is without a fault.

Immortal Song 2 - Ryeowook

He did not win, but I'm more than happy to see him on IS2 again! The rumor has it - he wanted to be back. They sang the songs of Kim Gwangseok today.
The cut is below.

January music

Some of these songs are ballads, so be warned. But actually it's a mix of folk, indie, rock, and R'n'B.
Not much, only a handful.

Thirty Something - First Impressions

I know little about the insurance companies' policy, so I try my best to follow the plot here. I liked this drama from the first episode, mainly because of Xiu Jie Kai, who has a spot in my drama landscape.

Bromance ruminations

I think at this point I can honestly say I am ready to write some thoughts I've been having regarding this series. Twdramas are in constant pendulum motion from cute/sweet/cheesy/lovely to serious. This bipolar disorder is not something that is easy to accept and appreciate. Personally, I do not like all-serious episodes after episodes. Sure, I can appreciate, but I do not enjoy. There has to be light so we could see the shadows (oh, what a pathos, good one) and fluff is something to counterbalance our real life. I'd much rather see a silly series that makes me feel good, makes me believe world is not what it seems every damn day, makes me all giggly and happy inside. And one day, Bromance came my way as I intended to return to dramaland. And what a return it was! Two series were mentioned on Instagram and I decided to watch first episodes of both, Marry Me, Or Not? and Bromance.

Riders: Catch Tomorrow - first impressions

 It is visible from the start it isn't Main 3 drama. The synopsis from Asianwiki doesn't sound too exciting, right? 

Ki-Joon (Kim Dong-Wook) has been working at a large company for one year, but he is now sick and tired of being overworked at the company. He quits his job and starts a rickshaw business with friends Yoon-Jae (Choi Min), Joon-Wook (Yoon Jong-Hoon) and a former national cyclist Tae-Ra (Choi Yeo-Jin). Meanwhile, So-Dam (Lee Chung-Ah) begins part-time work at Ki-Joon's office. Ki-Joon falls in love with her at first sight. 

The only common thing is one over-controlling Mother-From-Hell.

Started to watch this because my friend, @arakiraz tweeted about this. But be advised, if nuna romance ends badly here, I will end you!

[Book Review] Hyeonseo Lee - The Girl With Seven Names

Reading about North Korean people is like walking on a tiny path through quicksand at night. Surely, there's some thrill to it, but one wrong step and you may end up checking whether the sand has any bottom. The pitfalls of such books are easy to point out - we associate ourselves with oppressed people, those who desperately want to run or those who have no say and no opinion, being stripped of their human traits. Some weird people find other meanings - how wonderful Juche is, whole politics of songun and society "unpolluted by capitalism". It's best to deal with books about North Korea the same way we deal with every other documentary or autobiographical work.

Bromance introduction post

If you don't like the drama after this scene, there is no hope for you...

Two more from episode 6 down there:

The Man in the High Castle

I might have returned to the sweet bosom of Asian drama, but that does not mean I won't be posting something about some other TV entertainment. Especially if it involves Rufus Sewell.

First - The Man in the High Castle.
And it has been renewed for season 2!

2015 Through Headphones

The year of 2015 was not the best in music. Surely, Jonghyeon and SHINee released an album and my review of the year could and probably should end here, but while going through some notes I made past year, I decided to make a monthly list with releases that are actually good. That is months worth mentioning
But then again, 2015 was not a good year in anything.
Without much ado, let's go!
Video heavy.