Peter Shin

Better Call Saul—what a masterpiece. The attention to detail is simply stunning, with real, complex actors bringing their characters to life in a way that feels both fun and serious, desperate yet deeply humane. Every episode is perfectly linked to the next, weaving together memories and moments that hit hard. The show runs the full gamut of human nature, showcasing every kind of person you can imagine—from the morally grey to the utterly unpredictable. The screenplays? Sharp and precise. The music choices? Absolutely on point, adding layers to each scene that stick with you long after the credits roll. And the close-up shots? They pull you right into the heart of the action, making every small gesture feel monumental. And Jimmy—oh, Jimmy. He’s as much yours as he is mine, a character that sticks with you, whether you love him, hate him, or somehow do both at the same time. This is the kind of show that demands more than just a single thumbs-up. It needs all the thumbs, in every direction. I’m ready for more, and I bet you are too.

When I was young, I didn’t even know what religion was, but sitting on the candle-polished wooden floor of a cold yet pristine country church, I followed along with that hymn. It became a melody and set of lyrics I would occasionally hum to myself throughout my life. Like our song Arirang, it is simple, sorrowful, yet somehow comforting. It carries that healing quality, a lyrical serenity that has become trendy these days. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms... Throughout the Coen brothers’ revival of the Western revenge film True Grit, this hymn plays slowly in the background. If you went in expecting a classic Western with an almost omnipotent hero relentlessly hunting down villains, you might wonder whether such a gentle song fits the tone of the film. But after a few episodes in the first half, I found myself irresistibly drawn to the warmth and softness of this slow music. What fascinated me as I watched was how, even as images of the dead and murdered kept appearing, the melody transformed the atmosphere, softening the scenes to the point where the sight of a hanging body, a bullet-riddled face, or the frozen, bloodied corpses didn’t invoke terror or dread. It was as if, in line with the lyrics, they had been cradled in everlasting arms and laid to eternal rest. Carried by the director's choice of this kind, gentle tune, the dead silently depart to their world, while the living move on to their own fates. Meanwhile, the vast and beautiful wilderness bears witness to human life and death without a word, just like the hymn. Watching the brave young girl embark on an impossible journey to avenge her father was one of the film’s greatest pleasures. She, not the seasoned gunslingers, is the true grit of the story. Throughout the film, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms serves as her theme. There is also an odd pleasure in watching the villains—though they’re villains, they still maintain a certain moral line. And then there’s Jeff Bridges, whose portrayal of the U.S. Marshal feels as natural as if he truly lived in that time and place. "I used to rob banks... because banks are the real outlaws. Ahem." His character’s weathered nature and rough justice blend seamlessly with the old Western landscape. Finally, there’s Matt Damon, who plays a Texas Ranger in such a way that he seems rigid, even stupid at times, with an awkward bravado. And just when things couldn’t get worse for him, his tongue is injured, making it impossible for him to speak properly—it’s hilarious! Once, these men of True Grit ruled the lawless West with a swagger, but now, years later, they find themselves mere sideshow performers, reenacting Western shootouts at the circus...

I’ve watched all four seasons of Fauda, and each episode was perfect. I’ve become a huge fan of Lior Raz and Rona-Lee Shimon. Before watching this masterful miniseries, I didn’t know much about the longstanding conflict between Israel and Palestine, or more broadly, between the Arab and Jewish peoples. Sure, I’d heard about the Middle Eastern wars, Yasser Arafat’s Palestinian Liberation Organization, Hezbollah, and the constant news of Hamas rocket attacks and Israel’s retaliatory bombings. But this war was far more tragic and deeply embedded in daily life than I had imagined. At first, I questioned whether I, living in North America, really needed to understand the bloody history of the Middle East. I don’t speak a word of Arabic or Hebrew, so why was I straining my eyes to keep up with the fast-disappearing English subtitles? Yet as I kept watching, the drama took hold of me—not because of the specific, heartbreaking events unfolding in the Middle East, but because of the universal human themes it explored. Fauda made me rethink and redefine complex, abstract concepts like patriotism, loyalty to one’s people, family bonds, devotion, friendship, fear, anger, compassion, regret, and the deepest sense of camaraderie. The show doesn't just tell the story of a localized conflict; it shines a light on the shared human values and struggles that resonate with people no matter where they are. This isn’t just a regional drama—it’s a powerful human story, intricately woven, emotionally gripping, and beautifully acted. It’s no wonder I’ve become such a fan of this exceptionally well-made Israeli drama.

너무 솔직하고 적나라해 외면하고 싶을 정도의 '나이 들어감' 의 현실이지만, 가족간의 사랑, 그보다 더 깊은 우정, 그리고 그 어렵고 민감한 상황을 제데로 전달한 대배우들.. 정말 대단하다. 감사한 마음이 차올랐다. 한의 애가를 담담하고 깊은 울림으로 전달한 노희경 작가와 모든 배우들에게 다시 감사. 걸크러쉬 윤여정 배우는 역시 압권!!