JSM StaM

One of the best Korean psychological crime dramas with thought out / well researched scripts covering across a spectrum of human behaviours, personality traits, childhood trauma, familial and societal norms and judgements, work burnout, work demands etc. Great acting by respective actors in the role they portrayed from detectives, profilers and criminals. So realistic and thought provoking. This drama has gory moments. Not for the faint-hearted (I had to fast forward - or got my partner to do so while I shut my eyes). Subtitles were well scripted and on time (unlike some others). Well done!

Interesting movie with a twist at the end. There were gaps but worth watching through the end. Great acting by Del Torro. Found the suspenseful music annoying though as it invoked a horror-like movie (not). Dawn Munro - that’s hot wax / paraffin treatment for injuries and helpful for circulation over the joints in your hands and feet. I’ve had it after hand surgery.

I decided to watch the show with an open mind amidst the mixed-reviews. And am glad I did! Fubar is an awesome action packed series - like an extended movie that keeps the excitement and thrills going from one episode to the next. For a Netflix action drama I was blown away by the high quality visual and sound effects. Watch it with surround sound to feel the action and adrenalin rush. Arnie and the well selected cast make the show. One that stands out for me is Fortune Feimster (Roo / Ruth) who brings the show a notch up - she plays her character well with witty one-liners and code names for the obvious. The funny moments, slapsticks, one liners, poignant scenes, complexity of relationship connections, ridiculous bureaucracy red-tape directions and gory moments left to one’s imagination - all add a contrast to the highly action-focus script. Look out for some familiar yet subtle verbal and facial expressions from Arnie’s blockbuster movies. Looking forward to season 2!

The first season was captivating like a jigsaw puzzle being pieced together with each episode. Talented cast. Would have given it 5 stars. However, the second season has resulted in a much lower rating. Second season seems to be a let down with Nicky Shen being the “all-know” lead making some ridiculous decisions or blunders at the peril of all those around her. The supporting cast is impressive - pity not much is being focused on the elders like Nicky’s parents, and other relatives who have more knowledge and wisdom about the family history and secrets (although snippets get introduced sporadically). The storyline for season two relies on guessing moments and assumptions made by the likes of Nicky which sometimes is annoying and unbearable to fathom any sense at all. I know it is fiction - however as a fan of martial arts movies - some indepth research into the ancient Chinese culture and customs enmeshed with contemporary 21st lifestyle and thinking in a “western” multicultural society should have a balance of authenticity including martial arts component and law enforcement. Nicky’s 3 years of Shaolin training is only the tip of rookie learnings yet it’s as if she has gained all wisdom and martial arts of lifelong learnings in her short time in China. There is no humility on her part. I like that season two includes the family’s dumpling restaurant and lighthearted moments of Nicky’s parents’ pride in perfecting the best dish to uphold family tradition and maintaining “face”. I still watch the show as I live in hope for future captivating episodes and intriguing storylines.

Loved it!!! Beautiful acting - so authentic- touching, emotional, bits of comedy and tragedy. What a great script. . No wonder the two main actors (the mermaid and con-artist) won best drama award.