Foreign Drama -Love & Life & Lie

Love & Life & Lie

41 episodes 2017

This is only on Viki, that I’ve found.  This is a story about two babies who were accidently switched at birth.  One is poor and the other is spoiled and cruel.  She will do anything to have the man she wants.  An who she wants is Li Yao Nan, played by Chen Xiao began his acting career in 1997.  He is a Chinese actor who has performed in many films, including Detective Dee.  Legend of Lu Zhen was his first leading role and earned a 9.3 rating on Viki.

Zhou Dongyu portrays a character who loves everyone but she can be fierce in protecting herself and her mother.  This temperament lands her in all kinds of trouble with the Ji family.  Even though Dong Yu has had many roles in her short career, this is the only film available on Viki.

Ye Julia can convince us her character must be truly the most spoiled self absorbed child a family could ever raise.  She will stop at nothing, and even make plans with a horrible man to hurt others, in order to win.  The only films I recognize that she has previously acted in are Scarlet Heart and Scarlet Heart 2.  Scarlet Heart is available on Drama Fever and was made in China, 2011.

Merat or Mi Re.  His character feels cheated by his older brother who is his father’s only legitimate child. He wants what his brother has, and will have.  All that is Yao Nan’s he will destroy, or own.  Violence, trickery and manipulation are his means to win.  But can he?

This drama really had me hooked until about episode 31.  It received a 8.7 rating on Viki but even the translations dwindled away after this episode.  By the last few only 33% translation was the norm.  This was disappointing because many things happened that I would have loved to read what they said.

I skipped much from episode 31 on.  Why? I really wanted Zhu Zhen’s brother (I don’t know who he is) to be a good man.  When I discovered he was faking his cancer to get Xin Tong to stay by his side -it was too much!  It was the final deceit I could not handle.  I have never liked the deceitful nature of these dramas but I can handle a few.  Many times in these shows that last over 23 episodes, they get to the point of ridiculous.

That being said, the love between your leading characters is adorable.  The scene where Xin Tong learns of his love is pathetic to the point you have to smile, and watching them cry over one another feels real.  This makes for a great drama -if we could leave out the useless crap.  Did nearly everyone in this drama have to be such a horrible person?  Was the only good people Xin Tong, Yao Nan, Zhi Zhen’s dad and the female cousin?

Xin Tong’s mom is mean to her. Zhi Zhen is horrible to everyone. Ouyang is vicious and cruel. Zhi Zhens mom, played by Liu Xue Hua, is rude with a superiority complex.  The list goes on.  If they would have left out several episodes and kept up with the translations I would have scored this drama higher, as much of it I loved.

	Dee
Cinematography	9
Script	8
Music	6
Acting	8
Story	7
Total Score	7.6

 

 

 

 

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Foreign Drama -Memories of the Sword

Memories of the Sword

121 Minutes 2015

I found this movie on Netflix and recognized Kim Go Eun, from The Goblin (a 2016-17 Korean Drama).  Since she has made more movies than dramas I thought I’d check it out.

Right from the beginning I was drawn in as Go Eun’s character stares up at a mega sunflower.  Yu wonder what she’s doing when in an instant she jumps over the flower.  If that didn’t draw my attention enough she leaps through the field into town a faces a great warrior in the arena.  Didn’t hurt matters that Lee Joon Ho is a handsome young man.

Joon Ho began his acting career in 2013, but he didn’t really begin to see his career blossom until 2015.  In 2016, he was in Memory and my beloved drama –Uncontrollably Fond.  Now, this year, he has another leading character in the drama Chief Kim, alongside Namgung Min. He is also a member of the boy band 2PM.

Lee Byung Hyun play a man who will betray or even kill those he loves the most to have all that he desires.  He convinces himself to never allow emotion to break the wall of victory -thus losing his best friend, and the woman he loves.

Jeon Do Yeon carefully crafts her blind character to move easily among the world through sound.  She is a skilled swordsman and marital arts.  When her friends die she caries their daughter away, intent on saving her life and teaching the girl to seek revenge.  When Seol Hee is old enough she is told their are two she must kill – Yeo Baek who becomes Deok Ki (who seeks to rule the kingdom) and herself.

Lacking the skills to kill the great swordsman, Doek Ki, Seol Hee nearly dies.  Joon Ho’s character saves her, going against his master.

The old man of great wisdom and power, played by Lee Kyoung Young, brings her back from the brink of death and teaches her how to feel the memories of the sword that was once carried by her father.

In the end, you learn of the twist in each of these lives.  It teaches us life can only be ugly when we turn our backs on people and cherish power and gold. It also teaches that when death is near it is love that will allow us to die in peace.  Dying with love is beautiful over living with lust.  Great ending!

	Dee
Cinematography	7
Script	8
Music	8
Acting	8
Story	9
Total Score	8

 

 

 

 

 

Cracking the Past’s Glass

the quill that shatters glass

Source: Cracking the Past’s Glass

Foreign Drama -The Legend of the Deep Blue Sea

The Legend of the Deep Blue Sea

20 episodes 2016-2017

This much anticipated drama hit the screens with many fans glued to their computer, TV or Ipad each week.  Fans of Lee Min Ho and Jun Ji Hyun (Gianna) couldn’t wait for these two together, and now sadly, it has ended.  How did it go by so quickly?

Did any of you know that Ji Hyun had a son this last February?  I sure would not have thought so because she is always perfectly thin, beautiful and so tall.  This made her perfect to stand next to the over six foot Min Ho.

It is fascinating that this drama is only Ji Hyun’s fourth drama.  Yes, I said it right.  She has made 12 movies, but only four dramas.  What an impact she gave us alongside Kim Soo Hyun in My Love From the Stars, and now this.  She won three awards for her performance with Soo Hyun:

1. Best Couple Award
2. Best Actor or Actress selected by director
3. Grand Prize

She also won two awards for this drama:

1. Best Couple Award
2. Ten Star Award

She also has three more awards on top of these for other films.

I can’t express how much I love this actress.  The very fact that I am mentioning her over Min Ho is proof enough.  Even though I’ve mentioned her first -my heart will always be first with the incredible Lee Min Ho.

Min Ho has won 18 Awards, with three of them for this drama.  It is too many to list, so check out Asian Wiki.

Lee Min Ho has been a favorite of mine since Heirs.  I know, he made several great dramas before this one, but I had to fall in love with him before I wanted to entrench myself with his past dramas.  Yes, I’d already watched portions of Boys Over Flowers, and Faith.  I didn’t watch much of Boys Over Flowers -maybe two episodes.  Why?  I hated Min Ho as this character.  It was too much.  I never got that it would turn into such a beautiful story.  Once I fell in love with Min Ho I went back and it continues to be a fav.

On the other hand, I loved Faith -but still skipped episodes because it just wasn’t my kind of drama.  I probably skipped some great love scenes but I was still knew to Kdramas and just didn’t understand what I was missing.  I should go back and re-watch.

The only film Min Ho’s done (that I’ve watched) that I didn’t care for was Gangnam Blues.  He was awesome but the movie was horrible.  If you’re looking for more Min Ho, check out these dramas:

1. Heirs
2. Boys Over Flowers
3. Faith
4. City Hunter
5. Personal Taste
6. I Am Sam

Now, what did I think of the Deep Blue Sea?  It was beautiful.  These two together were magically childish, endearing, sweet, gentle, and perfect.  I did not see the magic that happened between her and Soo Hyun, but the simplistic love they had for one another was still there.  It wasn’t heated -but it was perfect.

That being said, I missed the heat that both these actors are known for.  You can’t get any hotter then screen moments between Min Ho and Park Shin Hye or the power and connection she had with Soo Hyun.  But, you can have a beautiful love story unfold like the blooming of the tulip.  That is what they gave us.

It was different but just as perfect.  Ji Hyun always delivers her audience a woman.  Not your everyday run of the mill woman, but one that has maintained her innocence while dripping with feminism.

Min Ho is pure sex appeal while showing us his many different sides in this drama.  It was the first time I got to laugh at his childish behavior, watch him smile over being in love and still be magnetic.

Lee Hee Joon’s character surprised me a couple of times.  I don’t usually get surprised by scenes -but he did.  I never saw either one of them coming he was so convincing.

Shin Won Ho was so cute throughout the drama.  I really wish we could have seen the scene where his girlfriend proposes to him.  That would have been adorable.  Those eyes of his shocked by her words and actions -I didn’t want to miss that.

Won Ho is a member of the boy band Cross Gene.  If you are interested in their music check out their 2016 album Game.

1. Hey You, Noonah
2. My Face
3. Kki
4. I’ll Be Fine
5. Mr. Secret

Sung Dong Il is a magnificent character actor.  He really gets into his roles.  You may remember him from:

1. My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox
2. Color of Woman
3. Reply 1997
4. Iris 2
5. Reply 1994
6. That’s Okay, This is Love
7. Reply 1988
8. Moonlovers: Scarlet Heart Ryo
9. K2
10. Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth

If you look close 3 of these are from 2016-2017.  He also made a movie in 2016, Proof of Innocence and he has four movies slated for the 2017 season:

1. Young Cop
2. Real
3. RV: Resurrected Victims
4. Because I Love You

He may not be a lead actor but he makes a mighty punch at stealing the lead.  That must be why he is in such high demand.

Lee Ji Hoon seems so sweet at the beginning of this drama as the older step-brother to Min Ho.  You might remember him from School: 2013; Blood; Six Flying Dragons; Mirror of the Witch and Gogh the Starry Night.  He just began his career in 2012, making this his 8th drama.  He also has two movies, one of them is Proof of Innocence with Dong Il.

Moon So Ri is perfectly vicious in this drama.  She doesn’t have many dramas under her name but a long list of movies.

Shin Rin Ah was adorable.  She has already performed in 9 dramas and 3 movies while only being 7 years old.  You may remember her in My Love Eun Dong; Mrs. Cop; or Endless Love.

Don’t forget the great music for this drama.

1. Love Story –Lyn
2. A World That Is You –Yoonmirae (not out yet)
3. Shy Boy –Ha Hyun Woo
4. Somewhere Someday –Sung Si Kyung
5. Wind Flower –Lee Sun Hee
6. Fool –Ken
7. Why Would I Do Like This –Coffee Boy
8. Day by Day –Park Yoon Ha (not out yet)
9. Love Road –Min Chae (not out yet)
10. Hidden Story –Second Moon feat. Han Ah Reum
11. My Name –Second Moon feat. Han Ah Reum
12. As This Time –Second Moon
13. The Way To Looking For You – Second Moon feat. Han Ah Reum

The most perfect moment throughout this drama was the scene you see a picture of above.  Not the first time he reached out his hand, but at the end.  I got chills.

 

	Dee
Cinematography	10
Script	9
Music	9
Acting	10
Story	9
Total Score	9.4♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign Drama -One More Happy Ending

One More Happy Ending

16 episodes 2016

Jang Na Ra is a wonderful, endearing actress that always steals my heart each time I see her on the screen.  There is something about her face that leaves you feeling she is precious.  I adore her.

This is the second time I’ve watched her.  The first drama was Fated To Love You and oh how I loved that drama.  She is also in Mr. Baek, School 2013 and will be in Housewife Detectives in 2017.

Jung Kyoung Ho is not one of my favorite actors, but he always reminds me how much I like him each time he appears before me.  The first time was in Fall in Love with Sung Jung.  I guess he was in Because It’s the First Time but I don’t remember him.  I’m currently watching him in Missing Nine.  I’ve only watched one episode so far, so don’t ask me what I think.

Kwon Yool is new for me.  I wasn’t in love with him but he had some good scenes.  Apparently, he was in Lie to Me but I don’t remember.

Yoo In Na was so precious in this drama.  Her desire to have a husband yet repeatedly failing was sad and cute at the same time.  She was perfect for the role.  Nobody’s hair can get quite as wild as hers can.  There is the freaky hair of Hwang Jung Eum, but hers isn’t as pretty when it goes wild.  However, I love this actress too.

Ahn Hyo Soep -this boy may not have had a lead but after talking about Yoo In Na, this is the perfect place to insert him.  Hyo Soep plays the nine year the junior boyfriend.  He wants to wait five years to get married, and her biological clock is ticking.  She decides to date other men -setting this boy off to claim her forever.  It is sooooo cute!  Not to mention that he is adorable!

You Da In followed this drama up with Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo.  She also had a part in Doctors as well.  Busy woman.  Her and her husband must rekindle their love and begin attending a marriage retreat of sorts.  As this relationship finds its path you will fall in love with them.  However, I never understood the beginning of this marriage.  I could have skipped all of that mess and gotten straight to the funny and memorable moments.

Kim Tae Hoon is You Da In’s husband for this drama.  I’ve never seen a man work so hard to get a divorce and save his marriage all at the same time.  He was in My Love Eun Dong and Reply 1988.  The other dramas and movies I am unfamiliar with, but there are many.

In 2016 he also made the drama, Fantastic and the movie, A Quiet Dream; Trick; and Snow Paths.

Seo In Young is quirky in this drama.  She’s engaged but not sure she wants to marry the guy.  In the end, she goes through with the wedding and discovers her husband is a player.  Well, maybe.  Anyway, their relationship is cute.

This is only her third drama since 2009.  I say she earned herself a few more times on the screen from her performance here.

Park Eun Suk portrays In Young’s husband.  He is cute!  This is his fourth drama since 2012.  He was also in The Village: Achiara’s Secret.  For 2016, he also made The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop/or Laurel Tree Tailors.

Song Joon Hee was an adorable young boy who just wants his parents to sleep in the same room.  He’s also been in Orange Marmalade.

Kim Dan Yul is the teenage son of Kyoung Ho and was also in Let’s Eat 2, Potato Star, I Summon You Gold, and SungKyunKwon Scandal.

Ko Kyu Pil was simply adorable in this drama as Kyoung Ho’s friend and work partner.  His advice as seen from his relationship with his wife, is sweet.

	Dee
Cinematography	8
Script	8
Music	8
Acting	9
Story	9
Total Score	8.4

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign Drama -The Wave

The Wave

105 minutes 2015 Norwegian Film

They say this film won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film even though it wasn’t nominated.  I don’t know how that happened.

I loved this movie.  If you like catastrophe movies, like me, this is one to see.  I wouldn’t say it has the hefty detail of some American made movies, but it was well done and entertaining for its genre.

The movie is actually based on truth.  In Norway, most of the area is mountainous and rocky.  Rock slides happen like we watch for tornadoes.  They have to monitored like an earthquake and centers are dotted throughout the land to monitor this movement.  When a rock slide happens these massive stones fall into the lakes around them and can cause a tsunami.

Kristoffer Joner plays the scientist that first warns of the danger from current readings.  He could be handsome cleaned up but in this movie he looks pretty rough.  Although, he does a wonderful job.

He is most well known for his work in Villmark and The Man Who Loved Yngve.  This actor has a long list of movies over the years, and has been acting since he was 14 according to Wikipedia.  Check out the list and see if there is some more of this actor you can get in your area.

Ane Dahl Torp portrays his wife.  Her portrayal of a mother’s courage and love is brilliant.  I wonder if I would take a life to protect my child.  I believe I would, but in the moment would I?  -well, I still believe the answer is a yes.

Like Kristofer, Ane won an Amanda Award.  Her award was from her performance in the movie, Svarte penger, hvite logner.

Jonas Hoff Oftebro plays their teenage son.  Oh, he is a cutie.  You younger girls should check him out.  He was born in 1996 and has been acting since 2008.  His latest film is Borning 2.  I am unsure if we can see this on any sites like Amazon, Netflix, etc.  You’ll just have to look around.

I watched this film on Netflix.

Edith Haagenrud plays their young daughter.

This is the third film I’ve watched from this area, and I’ve loved all three.  I would be happy if more of them would become available.

	Dee
Cinematography	9
Script	9
Music	6
Acting	9
Story	9
Total Score	8.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 Myths Uncovered About Nutritional Food For Pets

Katzenworld

Hi everyone,

Today’s infographic is provided by Serrena Merle:

Pets are adorable to their owners. Along with the other playful activities, providing the best food is also an expression of love and affection towards a pet.

Unfortunately, most people are ignorant or don’t realize that not following an accurate diet guide, can be harmful to their pets.

Pet food cannot be generalized for all type of animals. Selecting the right diet sheet becomes a huge responsibility, as there are many determining factors like breed, size, life stage, activities of a pet.

Ideally a pet’s food guide should be checked for nutritional benefits, ingredient quality and manufacturing standards. Also, ensure that it should be easily digestible and safe, free from toxins or any harmful chemicals.

Have a clear understanding on how various type of food, such as dry or raw food, meat or even the byproducts react in different animals. One…

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