Kmovie - My Mighty Princess (2008)

Synopis & Photos - Asianmedia

Kang So-hwi, a beautiful martial arts prodigy, is about to embark on a journey into adulthood. But her journey is like no other. Her super-human strength and martial arts prowess scares away her fellow undergrads and even the boy she has fallen for. Devastated, So-hwi decides to give up martial arts and takes a different path. Her father, a martial artist himself, is afraid of losing an heiress to the family’s martial artistry, and missions So-hwi’s old buddy Ilyoung to persuade her to stay in the field. Meanwhile, the evil Heuk-bong provokes a war to conquer the martial arts world with the legendary Fine Blade he stole in the past, killing every swordsman one after another. So-hwi’s father comes to a showdown with Heuk-bong, but the battle leaves him fatally injured. On the brink of her father’s death, So-hwi picks up a sword again with a burning desire for revenge.



I have to admit. I wanted to see this movie because of the hottie - Yoo Gun (which can be spelled in so many ways!! I've seen U Gun & Yu Geon too) Although I've only seen him in photos, I wanted to see him act. Yes, he's that hot. My taste in men are definitely "different," lol. What I mean is most metrosexual-looking guys just don't do it for me. That's why it's so hard for me to find a lot of Asian guys, "hot" only by pictures. Most of them, I fall for when I watch them in movies. Yes, I know. It's funny since I'm Asian myself and so is my husband. However, Asian is such a broad term since there are so many Asian countries. But most people think of Asian cinema just for Hong Kong, Japanease, or Korean movies.



My Mighty Princess was long in the making. It took two years for it to finally be released. I'm not sure of the delay because honestly, I'm not that familar with Asian cinema. Most online sites that I try to get updated information on is not shown in English. Therefore, I rely on a lot of fan sites that provides translations. The cinema that I'm most familar with is Indian cinema, which I put so much effort blogging about it with screen caps. I grew up watching Indian cinema, mostly Bollywood. Even though I grew up with some Hong Kong films, such as the Shaw Brothers, it was Bollywood that won me over. Several years ago, I got into Korean cinema.



Sin Min Ah is just too adorable!! She reminds me a little bit of the famous Hong Kong actress, Vicki Zhao, in some angles. Already saw her in Madeleine and adore her. Her character in the movie just wants to live a normal life. She falls in love but her father wants her to continue her martial arts. Not only is she skilled and talented, she is very strong and can only stop the evil villian from destroying what her father and his friends have.



On Joo Wan. I swear you look like the famous Kpop singer and actor, Bi aka Rain. Looking forward to watching more movies of you cause you are just too cute. His character was a goofy, kind-hearted, sweet, caring guy who knew maritial arts -- I have a soft spot for guys who can kick ass. He played the childhood friend who grew up with Sin Min Ah's character. But they have not seen each other in many years. He accepted her father's propsoal to get her back into martial arts.



Yoo Gun is one of the hottest Korean actors ever to me. He is the college hockey player and the love interest of Sin Min Ah. She follows him everywhere like a puppy dog. But his heart is for an older police woman. When I saw that, I just wanted to say, "hey, I'm older than you, follow me!!!" He appeared more in the beginning of the movie playing hockey, chasing the older woman, and riding his motorcycle, but towards the end, he wasn't shown much. Next time, I want more Yoo Gun.



My kids and I watched My Mighty Princess last night and absolutely adored it. Now, I'm not going to lie and say that it is the best movie or whatso. It is very entertaining. I will watch it again for the many comedic parts. Storyline is interesting and kept us glued to the screen. We love martial arts. The only downfall is the ending.



OST is awesome!! My favorite song is "Unfade" by Baechigi f/ AG. The rest of the OST is the following:

"Because I'm a Man" - MC Mong
"Earth, Wind, Tears" - Tree Bicycle
"Past Luv" - 45 RPM
"Unfade" - Baechigi f/ AG

Kmovie - My Father (2007)

Synopsis - Wiki
Photos - Wiki & Google

The movie, which is based on a true story, is about an adopted son who is searching for his biological parents in South Korea. During his search he meets his real father, a condemned murderer on death row. Daniel Henney plays the lead role of James, who works as a volunteer in the United States armed forces in Korea. He asks questions of why his father is on death row and finds out things that he always wanted to know. Then he finds more and more truths unravel about his father and his life.

The release of the movie inspired controversy because the family of the father's victims did not support its production. In its first week on release it topped the South Korean box office sales charts



Most movies that are inspired or based on true stories are usually good. No difference with My Father. Just hearing about the story sparked my interest in the movie. If I liked the movie, then I would do more research about it as well.



Daniel Henney is one good looking guy. He is so hot and I was happy to see him in a Hollywood movie, Wolverine, even though it wasn't a lead role. Although I have seen him in My Name is Kim Sam Soon and Seducing Mr Perfect, I'm not a fan of his acting. No matter how good looking an actor is, I will not give him full props just cause I think he's hot.



In My Father, Daniel has improved his acting. Some may argue that it wasn't a hard role to play. Regardless, I was happy to see him do more acting. Not being able to speak Korean does hurt him a bit, but how can he complain when he's still getting offers? He's hot, that's it.



Kim Yeong-cheol is the one who steals the show. He was great and remembered him in A Bittersweet Life.



Definitely worth a watch! Now, you may not enjoy it as much as me. It's because I love movies with realistic aspects. Not just sappy love stories or romantic comedies.

Kmovie - Heartbreak Library (2008)

Synopsis & Photos - Hancinema

Eun-soo, a librarian watches for book vandalism that currently happens in the library. One day, she catches Jun-oh tearing off certain page of books. Eun-soo accuses him of vandalism but soon discovers the complex story behind his actions. Jun-oh’s girlfriend suddenly leaves him with only a mysterious note. “Look up page 198”. Jun-oh’s girlfriend was a bibliophile and she checked out books regularly at the library. Jun-oh goes to the library and tears out page 198 from every book he comes in touch. As Eun-soo has just broken up, she gives him an advice saying that he has to let her go if she really meant it. However, looking at Jun-oh torn apart by his love, Eun-soo starts to help him decipher the messages on page 198 of all the books.



Originally, I remember this film being titled Page 198 of that Man’s Book. However, of course, most Korean film and/or drama title have literal meanings and different titles if releasing in the USA or so. Being the LDW (Lee Dong Wook) fan that I am, I was unable to wait for this movie. For me, it is hard to find legit DVDs with English subtitles of Asian cinema where I live. Who ever thought that would be a problem in Atlanta? There are lots of Asian shops but most do not rent out movies and/or have DVDs with English subtitles. There goes my luck. Fortunately, I have a few friends who sends me Asian movies when they can. Thank you!



Usually I don't let over-excitement for a movie disappoint me. I just go with the flow. However, that's not the case with Heartbreak Library. Overall, it was a very very very slow movie and was very disappointing. Nothing to do with any acting, just the storyline.



LDW is my favorite Korean actor. He is hot and can act. But I felt he was underused in the movie. It really didn't matter who played Jun-oh because even a newbie could have done the role. Okay, maybe that was a bit harsh since his crying scenes is definitely put me to tears. Other than that, he and Eugene look amazing together.



Eugene is so naturally beautiful. Although I like her as a singer, I've never seen her act. Loved her character. Sassy yet loveable. Looking forward to seeing more of her in the future.



In all, even though LDW and Eugene look good together on screen. There was not enough chemistry with the two. I didn't see much of a "love" story with them. The movie actually was rushed to show what kind of person Jun-oh is/was. Once you learn that, you want to see what is going on with him, Eun-soo wanting to help him out because he's not the bad guy she thought he was. You never got to see Jun-oh and Eun-soo as a couple. Next time, could I please get more of LDW and Eugene in a romantic movie together? Thanks.