Sanoobar Shaikh

“Gong Yoo”. I watched it for this hunk of a cute guy, two words I never thought I would use in a sentence. My love for his dimples goes way back- Coffee Prince anyone? But let me get this straight- I may have started watching the series- perhaps a little late- due to him, but I stayed on it for a million more reasons. So thank you Gong Yoo for choosing roles that make powerful stories! What shines more than “Gong Yoo” (the quotes show my love, so think of them as emoji hearts please)- the Storytelling! A great tale is like a mountain- it stays strong, no matter how many times you climb it, there is always something new to discover, hidden bends, curves that were lost in vegetation, resolute under every weather. It’s unshakeable. And it offers a helluva view! Guardian: the lonely and great god is storytelling at its most beautiful. It’s innocent, the loves are so pristine whether between Kim Shin/ Eun Tak, or the ill fated Wang Yeo and Kim Sun (you root and root for them). Even the tragic story of the Goryeo era Wang Yeo and Queen (Spoiler Alert), had the makings (at least the beginning) of the love of all ages. Poetically- this was an Epic. It was magic- literally- the mythical element was so wonderfully placed in the modern setting that it just fit in perfectly. And the music made the magic and myth more palpable, somehow creating an aura I haven’t seen in a long time. What was totally unexpected was the crazy humor. Oh my god- believe me it’s the kind of humor that just sneaks up on you when you least expect it and then you burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. I have rewatched some of those scenes and I laughed crazy every time. Full marks to Gong Yoo and Lee Dong-wook here- their mad repartee, their chemistry, bromance (for the lack of a better word) is arresting. Please learn to expect the unexpected when the pair of them share the screen. It made me cry. That does not happen often. We learnt all about classic stories and catharsis, but that was more theory. When I watch movies like these I know what they meant. How a mighty narrative can take you through a journey. So yes I cried. The series is a bit of a tragedy in the romance section but not in the classical sense though coz it does the pandora thing- leaves you with hope in some places and a glimmer of happiness in others. Now if I have spoken so much about all the emotions, is there the need to comment on the collective acting powerhouse that put the screen on fire? Not a single character was amiss in its portrayal. You will immensely enjoy even the smallest roles. They leave an impression no matter what their screen time. Technically (disclaimer: not an expert) the cinematography was breathtaking. Music (a little more on that) the main soundtrack- it stays with you, you want it to. I didn’t skip a single intro with each episode only to listen to music again and again. To me it set the tone, was the same yet different with every episode. The editing is so clean and crisp. It is not easy to do justice to a non linear plot line and have a proper beginning- middle and end. But man, they did it. I’m going to end it here or I may start giving away the story. I have been careful not to. Do not. And I repeat- do not get fooled by the silly title- Korean dramas haven’t yet hit the right note in that department. But don’t miss out on the stories that are being created owing to that. The ‘don’t judge a Book by its cover’ analogy is perfect here. So go and experience it!

Hometown Cha Cha Cha gives me the same vibes that The Good Witch gave. The kinda coziness and warmth you feel sipping hot coffee on a rainy day. It’s uncomplicated, with a simple yet beautiful plot line so far. Conflicts that get resolved easily. Things I particularly love about this drama series, the main lead’s chemistry. You don’t have the regular young love, but there is definitely that first love dizziness, silliness and tickle to their love. Especially now when we see it budding, nothing seems over the top or garish. Other actors may not have been able to pull it off so effortlessly, but Shin Min-a and Kim Seon-ho are as natural and raw as they come. My heart cheered for Kim Seon-ho, finally landing the Male lead after playing second fiddle on a loop. The man deserves it, be it his acting, charm, or screen presence. He was born to do it. Shin Min-a is a fire cracker on screen ( need we say more?) The other characters stories just flow in and out, not a single seem forced, or out of place. In a way it’s your typical small town story, but on a closer look, each character has so much depth. As the story is progressing, the town itself is developing a unique character of its own- the seashore, the food, the relationships- all make a delectable spread. If I have to give an analogy- I would compare it to the contentment and nostalgia of a home cooked meal by your mom, after days of binging outside. Go watch it for that feeling!