The Writers Room: 2018

Sunday 2 December 2018

Memories of The Alhambra Recap

Series Review

“Memories of The Alhambra” is a swift-paced series. It follows Jin-woo, the CEO of J-One holdings as he starts playing an AR game ‘Memories of the Alhambra’. He plans to obtain the licence of the game once he learns that his archrival also intends on purchasing it. Little does he know what’s in store for him once he starts playing it. Jin-woo unknowingly walks down a path of no return and realises that he has no option but to see this through till the end.

The series nailed the fantasy and suspense aspect of the story, as they were amazing. The game which starts as addictive and interesting begins to become deadly and spirals out of control really fast.

The AR game was definitely the highlight of the series and it was enjoyable to watch. The game’s concept is well conceived and the gameplay is thrilling. It makes the viewer want to try out the game too.

This drama has a fascinating way of unravelling the suspense using the editing. There are umpteen numbers of flashbacks in every episode and the editing adds only to the suspense of the storyline without creating any confusion. There are some unclear aspects with respect to the timeline but that doesn’t affect the plot.

The romance is slow to develop and it was significant only in the later part of the series. The part played by the romantic line in this series was unexpected but essential to the plot considering the way it progressed. The romance and the main storyline don’t cross paths often and they are like two different parts of Jin-woo’s life.

Hyun Bin portrays Yoo Jin-woo, the CEO of J-One Holdings. Jin-woo comes across as a self-centred and haughty person at the start of the series. As the series progresses we find out that 2 failed marriages and betrayal from his best friend have made him that way. Throughout the series whether in the AR world or the real world, he is unflinching when faced with accusations and adversity. Jin-woo is portrayed as a gallant and frank person which makes the character even more appealing. His scenes with Hee-Ju’s sister Min-Ju are my personal favourite as it shows Jin-woo’s warm side and every scene with the two of them are well made making them a delight to watch.

Hyun Bin has given a stellar performance as Yoo Jin-woo. This series is totally a hero-centric one and he is totally convincing in his role of the determined and unyielding Yoo Jin-woo who stops at nothing once he puts his mind to it. Jin-woo is a character who has both warm and a cold side to him and Hyun Bin has nailed every emotion wherever the scene demands it.

Park-Shin Hye portrays Hee-Ju, the eldest child of the family who becomes the sole breadwinner after her parent’s death. She literally raises both her younger siblings Se-Ju and Min-Ju. Though she cries too easily and is a highly sensitive person, her behaviour is rational in any given situation. She is considerate with Jin-woo whenever he is vague with his explanations (which is always). The scenes with Jin-woo and her in the later part of the series are well made. Her relationship with Jin-woo mainly focuses on how a loved one’s support can make an impact on one’s life while going through a tough time.

Kim Eui Sung portrays antagonist Professor Cha Byung-Joon in a compelling way that makes it very easy for us to dislike the character. Professor Cha is one hard-hearted character who leaves the viewers astounded when its revealed as to what great lengths he can go to, in order to get his way. He is insensitive and has absolutely no consideration towards the people around him.

The significance of the supporting cast came later on in the series and my personal favourites were Jung Min-Ju, Seo Jung Hoon and Park Seon Ho. They added more emotion to the series.

Though the ending scene was abrupt and unsatisfactory, I am glad that it wasn’t a tragic ending but a hopeful one leaving a strong possibility of a happy ending.

This series is gripping and one cannot help but come up with theories throughout the entire show. The screenplay sets our mind thinking of the various possibilities that could have happened and that is what is expected out of a fantasy series. The storyline is intriguing as quite a few times the viewer is left wondering as to when the fantasy has crossed over into reality. Memories of Alhambra is a treat for people who are interested in both Gaming and Korean Drama. The visuals in this drama are appealing. This is one of those series that have to be seen in order to be appreciated to its fullest.

-By Soul Sword-

Saturday 29 September 2018

Terius Behind Me-- Korean Drama Recap

Terius Behind Me-Korean Drama Recap

Series Review

Terius Behind Me/My Secret Terius is light-hearted drama. It beautifully combines the comical and mystery aspects of its plot.

The story follows Kim Bon (a black ops agent) who is in hiding after a failed operation. Jin Yong Tae is a mysterious and shady antagonist who has his own reasons for leading a secretive life. Both Bon and Yong Tae’s lives take a drastic turn when their paths cross with the seemingly innocent Go Ae-rin who leads the so-called “normal life”.

This series depicts in a funny way as to how civilians can easily foil internationally planned terror plots too. It also shows why the authorities choose to keep certain information confidential and what happens if the information falls into a civilian’s hand. It definitely reiterates in a hilarious way that civilians shouldn’t be taken lightly. The series has its own share of cliff-hanger endings despite its genre.

For a drama that has extremely funny content, it is awesome how the mystery plot maintains its pace without disturbing the comical aspect. Though some of the suspense can be guessed, the screenplay and the storyline make it interesting to watch. Despite the storyline being illogical or far-fetched at some points, it can be overlooked as it isn’t a full on thriller but a romantic comedy. The comical content keeps the drama cheery while the mystery aspect of the plot is gripping and keeps one hooked to the drama.

The series takes a realistic pace in developing the romantic relationships. The subtle take on the relationships is plausible and it makes the show even better.

The KIS (KingCastle Information Systems) is an organisation formed by the residents of KingCastle Apartments. Their investigating skills are amazing and believable. The portrayal of stay-at-home parents is laudable. The series draws a constant comparison between the KIS and NIS agents and this adds to the humour content of the plot.

This drama can be watched after a long and tiring day as it has a lot of scenes that are guaranteed to crack you up. This series also has a unique way of using the antagonists in comical scenes.

So Ji Sub portrays Kim Bon in a convincing way as “Terius” and “sitter Bon” which are two extreme characters. Bon’s evolution from the expressionless and anti-social person to a warm and caring person is subtle but definitely noticeable. Bon’s scenes with the twins are adorable and a delight to watch.

Jung In-Sun has beautifully portrayed Go Ae-rin, the tender-hearted mother of 7-year-old twins. Despite being extremely curious and a nosy neighbour, she is so warm-hearted and generous that she is bound to melt even the coldest of hearts. She is also determined character who always gets back up every time she is hit by adversity. Her courage and investigative skills never fail to amaze the NIS agents.

Son Ho Jun portrays Jin Yong Tae, the unique antagonist with amazing gut instincts. Yong Tae comes across as a cowardly and powerless character with a lot of secrets. He is someone who doesn’t hesitate to do anything survive. It is interesting to see his character evolve throughout the series and we get to know the reason behind his actions. Though he is the antagonist, the funniest scenes have Yong Tae in it. Jin Yong Tae is bound to grow on you as the series progresses.

I'm Se-mi portrays Yoo Ji Yeon’s character well as a caring second lead who is fiercely loyal. The way she deals with her unrequited love is commendable. A character who seems apathetic in the beginning slowly displays emotions and becomes one of the most lovable characters as the series progresses.

Kim Sung-Joo portrays Ra Do-woo, a quick-witted and genius-hacker who likes Yoo Ji Yeon. His confidence, maturity and patience where Ji Yeon is concerned is commendable. His skill-set makes him a formidable and necessary addition to the team.

The twins, Kim Bon’s various get-ups, the action movie titles of every episode and their funny takes on the scenes from action movies are added bonuses that make “Terius Behind Me” delightful, pleasant and a must watch series.

-By Soul Sword-

Tuesday 17 July 2018

Mr Sunshine Recap

Mr Sunshine Recaps

Mr Sunshine Episode 24 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 23 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 22 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 21 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 20 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 19 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 18 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 17 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 16 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 15 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 14 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 13 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 12 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 11 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 10 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 9 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 8 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode7 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 6 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 5 Recap
Mr sunshine Episode 4 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 3 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 2 Recap
Mr Sunshine Episode 1 recap

TVN’s “Mr Sunshine” is one of the most awaited Korean Dramas which will air on July 7th, 2018. It’s a collaborated work between writer Kim Eun-sook and director Lee Eung-bok. This duo’s previous works include the famed “Descendants of the Sun” and “Guardian - The Lonely and Great God (Goblin)”.
Mr Sunshine is a romantic melodrama, set in the period times (Joseon era). The story follows Choi Yoo Jin [portrayed by Lee Byung-hun (G.I Joe, The magnificent Seven)] who as a child, boards an American warship during the US expedition. He returns to Korea years later, as an American soldier and falls in love with an aristocrat’s daughter Ko Ae-shin [portrayed by Kim Tae-ri – (Handmaiden)]. The drama will honour the unsung heroes of modern Korean History.
The drama boasts of a star-studded cast which includes Yoo Yeon-seok (Gu Family Book, Reply 1994), Kim Min-Jung (Gap-Dong) and Byun Yo Han( Six Flying Dragons). From what I have seen previously in the Descendants of the Sun and Goblin, I assume Choi Yoo Jin to have a magnetic, daring and distinguished personality. I really liked the way both the romance and bromance were portrayed in the makers’ previous collaborations, so am hoping to see them in this one as well. Produced with an enormous budget, the trailer and the teasers promise a lot of action and set a serious tone for the series. With the series airing next month, I am eager to see how the plot unravels, as the makers have given us just a short synopsis of the drama’s storyline.
Stay with us as we recap this series, when it airs .
-By Soul Sword-

Lawless Lawyer Recap

Lawless Lawyer Recaps

Lawless Lawyer Episode 1 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 2 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 3 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 4 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 5 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 6 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 7 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 8 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 9 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 10 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 11 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 12 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 13 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 14 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 15 Recap
Lawless Lawyer Episode 16 Recap

Series Review
Lawless Lawyer (Lawless Attorney) was extremely thrilling to watch as it maintained the same pace and kept us on the edge until the last episode. Though we knew the identity of the killers from the very 2nd episode there was not a single scene that was boring throughout the series.
If you want to watch an action-packed series with elements of humour and romance and that has a happy ending then I would highly recommend watching this series.
The storyline is really thrilling with a lot of twists and conspiracies. The action scenes are swift and a treat to watch while the trial scenes are gripping. This is one of the few series that does not have a second lead in it and I liked that about it. The Chemistry between the leads is a delight to watch and the romance track is matured and steady throughout the series. The humour aspects of the series are well blended into the main plotline and are a welcome change when the plot gets too serious. It has the right blend of legal, action, humour and romance in it.
Every character is well written and the casting is perfect as everyone has done a great job with their roles.
My favourite characters from this series were, without doubt, Bong Sang Pil and Ahn Oh Ju.
Lee Joon Gi has done full justice to his role, Bong Sang Pil- the Lawless Lawyer. He is amazing as he portrays the character, which requires him to constantly switch between being a brilliant lawyer, a skilled thug, a romantic lover and a determined avenger.
Ahn Oh Ju portrayed by Choi Min Soo tops my list of favourite negative characters by far. Choi Min Soo’s brilliant portrayal of Ahn Oh Ju makes us hate Oh Ju and at the same time feel for him. This character possesses dark humour and he has a dynamic personality. Though he is a formidable thug, he is exceedingly loyal to the Judge family until the very end. He gives an indomitable look and he is responsible for bringing out Sang Pil’s full potential.
I enjoyed watching this series as it exceeded my expectations as it started with a bang and finished in a flash. Thank you Team Lawless Lawyer and TVN for giving us this wonderful series that we can re-watch umpteen number of times!
-By Soul Sword-

Wednesday 23 May 2018

Come and Hug Me Recap

Come and Hug Me Recap

Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 1-2
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 3-4
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 5-6
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 7-8
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 9-10
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 11-12
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 13-14
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 15-16
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 17-18
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 19-20
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 21-22
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 23-24
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 25-26
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 27-28
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 29-30
Come and Hug Me Recap Episode 31-32

MBC’s new melo thriller, Come and Hug Me, debuted last week starring Chang Ki Young (My Ahjussi, Go Back Couple), Jin Ki Joo (Misty, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo) and Heo Jun Ho (Ruler: Master of the Mask.) Two young people are haunted by wounds from their past. One’s a cop who wants to atone for his father’s crimes and the other is an actress whose mother was killed at the hands of the cop’s father. The premise and the cast are very promising so I was looking forward to this series.

-Grey Husky