The Remake…of Mistake?

Alright, everyone – it’s finally here. The moment of truth! HOW will the remake of one of Asian Cinema’s biggest hit, My Sassy Girl, fare in the US and will it be able to stand on its own? More importantly, will it be able to stand on its own in good terms like its counterparts? See the trailer for yourself and decide.

Addiction, Addiction!

It’s official, I am now addicted to another drama series. A pleasant surprise, I am now back to the awesome goodness that is Kdrama thanks to a little something called Hong Gil Dong! A surprise even to me because I haven’t watched any ancient series for awhile let alone a Korean ancient series. I am now on episode 16 but must refraim from continuing because I still have a massive amount of artworks to finish and tests to study for. After I am done with everything school related, this series will be my reward. It’s THAT good. And so the show’s story goes as follows:

Hong Gil Dong played by Kang Ji Hwan is the illigitimate son to Minister Hong Pan Seo (the Interior Minister to the king). Borned to a mother who’s a servant of the house, he too is a servant though he shared the blood of his “noble” father. Naturally brilliant in the mind and body, Hong Gil Dong could have been the master of the books and the sword. Unfortunately, given his social status he could do little to advance his thirst for knowledge. His future seems bleak when his own father tells him to “not try anything as you’ll amount to nothing.” Great advice, no? Thankfully, he met a strange monk when he was young and was taught martial arts among other “great” advice offered by this monk.

Gil Dong grows up to be a lazy, carefree individual who cares about himself the most. But on a bright sunny day, everything changes when he meets a young, stupid girl name Yi Nok played by Sung Yu Ri. I’m using the word “stupid” because she really is not a very bright person and was given the nickname by Gil Dong. Yi Nok, though not the shinest tool in the shed, is a caring person who believes in justice and morals. She is also a devoted friend who will never doubt anyone she trusts. As the story progresses, many accusations are thrown at Gil Dong as many know he won’t be able to defend himself with his lowly status. But Yi Nok believes in him and with that he strives to be better.

Hong Gil Dong touching something he shouldn’t have.

This show is an interesting twist because it combines scenery of olds but modern ways of talking, interacting, and ideals. Think of it as any modern drama series with everyone in ancient clothing. The ideals of the character is though you are born to a lowly life, you can outgrow it. Nothing stops this from happening but your own effort. Coupled with hilarious characters like Yi Nok, her grandfather, the monk, and even Gil Dong himself, it is a funny comedy with a heart and a mind. Moving, funny, brilliant. I can’t wait to continue watching it!

The Real Liar Game?

A recent featured news story on Yahoo sounds remarkably similiar to the concept of the Liar Game drama. The entire story can be read here, but here is a small sample:

An unemployed man in Japan had an unexpected windfall in his mailbox when he found one million yen (10,000 dollars) in cash from an anonymous benefactor, police said Friday. The 61-year-old man discovered the wad of cash last week along with a slip of paper with the message, “Please make use of this in your everyday life,” written with a black ballpoint pen…

- Yahoo News

What’s going on here? Is it some kind soul with tons of money or a devious organization wanting to put the poor man into more debt when he loses the “game.” Interesting. Very interesting.