Florence Ong

The storyline is pretty good. It's also pretty fast-paced (thank god, otherwise I'd have to fast-forward every episode). I like the battle of the two generations. The character, Asli... is played well. Very good acting. Got a bit bored and annoyed at seeing Lale crying most times that I had to fast-forward her crying/sad-faced scenes. She looks sad most times. Didn't find her character inspirational at all. She's so collected and cool in most of the episodes that it makes her look like a robot... low-key fake. In my opinion, Asli is a better actor than Lale (she carries her character well in the many mixed emotions scenes... from being ambitious, and going berserk, to being a sweet girl and also a psycho). Lale character feels boring - maybe that's what they're trying to achieve (tired, old working lady). Would I watch it again? Nah... Would I recommend it? Well... if you've run out of films to watch or are bored of cliche films, this can be a good time-filler.

I wasn't drawn to it despite seeing it being the current top-viewed series. I'm not a Korean drama fan even though I acknowledge the Koreans produce great, creative work. Always with a highly unsuspecting twist, invokes a lot of emotions and many indirect messages. My sister recommended it, and I begin seeing few people were talking about it too. All I heard based on comments were: "There's a lot of killing". That's it. I'm not into the violent genre, but curiosity got the best of me, I decided to check it out. Watching it made me reflect on early human civilization. That was how it was then wasn’t it? It doesn't seem to change much to this era ey? Survival of the fittest. I smiled the moment I saw the train station scene of 'paper-game' in RED and BLUE. Remember, in The Matrix? The RED and BLUE pills? It's about the choice between the willingness to learn a life-changing truth by taking the RED pill or remaining in contented ignorance with the BLUE. My takeout on this series: basically it demonstrates that mankind is generally neutral. No one has the intention to harm another. Everyone is just focusing on their own needs. The act of separation (people beginning to form cliques) and violence however arises when desperation to survive calls for it. It's sad seeing the betrayals involved between husband vs. wife, new-formed alliance, and siblings. For some scenes, I had to mute it for I don't want to be energetically affected by the violence (sounds carry frequencies that are meant to invoke us and can have an effect on our vibration on a subliminal level). The last thing I want is to instill unnecessary fear in my system. It speaks so much of how humanity operates in the 3D world, being controlled and act based on fear. This series isn't about the importance of money. Money is just the catalyst in this show. It's about humanity and the choices we have in life. There's a reason why few choose to play the game or a.k.a the 'red pill' (the subliminal message here is, it leads to the truth). Sure, in the show their motivation is to win the money (catalyst), but only when they are in the game, a lot of values arise - f/ship, support, care, compassion, people begin opening up, people begin being kinder, etc despite not knowing each other (it goes back to the basis of humanity - we are generally beautiful within, it's our natural state). However, when one is put in such a desperate situation, being provoked, and in need to 'survive', that's when it pushes men to do whatever it takes to be alive, even if it means killing another (an act influenced by the low vibrational state of fear, leading to survival consciousness). I think this series is very well done. Lots of messages. Apart from demonstrating the matrix, it's a smart way to share with the world Korean childhood games. A way of introducing/promoting the culture. That's one of its strengths: entertainment (K Pop, Dramas, etc). Btw, this is my first time leaving a movie review.

The best cooking shows I've watched. I like it that it has no drama elements to it, unlike Hell's Kitchen, which can be toxic and unhealthy for the contestants. The Final Table is professional, and it goes straight to the point in showcasing each professional chefs' creation. I also enjoy the story of individual chefs' journey shared. I like that it's professional and the chefs are respected and not ridiculed by the judges.

Season 19 got to be the best in my opinion! Apart from the exciting fiery passion of contestants, it touches me see the close bonds of the participants. Friendship were build despite everyone competing. Contestants were supportive of one another, it's really heart warming to see that, it shows the maturity of the contestants. It wasn't toxic like the rest of the other seasons where contestants were hating each other a lot and cursing one another. It warms my heart to see how Kori was so big hearted to remember and get a gift each for Mary Lou and Big D over her winning prize with the 2k shopping spree at Macy's. It shows what a beautiful person she is within. A team player and definitely a leader in how she handles things and people. So much grace and maturity :)