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.

Kdrama - My Girl (2005)

Synopsis - Drama
WikiPhotos - Hancinema

When Gong-chan (Lee Dong Wook) meets the lively and beautiful Yu-rin (Lee Da Hae), he finds out that she has connections to his missing cousin, who his grandfather has been searching for a long time. He asks Yu-rin to lie about being his long missing cousin until he can find his real cousin. She says yes, but soon their feelings for each other get in the way of their plans. Gong-chan's friend Jung-woo (Lee Jun Ki) falls for Yu-rin while Gong-chan's ex girlfriend, Seo-hyun (Park Si Yeon), a pro tennis player, tries to win him back. Will the two ever tell each other how they feel? Will Gong-chan ever find his real cousin?

My Girl is another Kdrama that I absolutely adore! My Girl has been getting rave reviews in Korea. First of all, it has my hottie Lee Dong Wook. Yah! I get to see him again. I love him even more because of his character Gong Chan. What I love about Wookie is seeing him from Arang to My Girl was a total transformation in his characters. He can act! Plus he looks good with or with out stubs, long or short hair. I find him sexier with rugged with stubs. Gong Chan was a bit metro sexual but overall, I love how sweet, humble, and kind he was. Love how he took care of Yu Rin.

Lee Da Hae is cute. However, I hated her tacky clothes in the movie. She's a very skinny girl and wearing tight pants/jeans didn't do justice to her. Plus the two ponytails made her character more silly. Yu Rin was annoying at first but started to become likeable. For example, in the beginning because what motivated her was money. She was doing stupid stuff like staying in the guest house and picking up the fruits to sell them as her own.

When I first saw Lee Jun Ki on screen, I was like "Oh my goodness, he looks like a girl!" I love his martial arts move which impress me. The long hair still got to go!! Thank goodness I saw him in A Time With Dog and Wolf later. Whew! Despite his girlish look, I still found Jung Woo so adorable. I love how he cared for Yu Rin so much that he was willing to let her go to Gon Chan because he knew they both loved each other inside.

Park Si Yeon was a bit annoying in the movie but I can see why. She wanted her man back! Her fault for choosing the love of tennis over the fine Gong Chan! For some reason, she has a bitchy look to her. Hate her smile.

The storyline was not the best but I love the flow of the movie. Ending could've been better but overall, a must watch. If anything watch it for Lee Dong Wook. Hottie!!! Definitely worth your time.

Kmovie - Arang (2006)

Synopsis - Arang2006
Photos - Hancinema

Veteran detective So-young (Song Yoon Ah) and her rookie partner Hyun-gi happen onto an incendiary homicide case. While Hyun-gi is goofing up and distracting So-young, So-young (Lee Dong Wook) senses that there is something wrong in the case. They discover that the present case is somehow related to the mysterious death of a girl ten years previously. At this point, So-young becomes plagued with nightmares in which the girl appears. And the serial killings continue.

According to Wikipedia, Arang is a figure in the folklore of the Miryang area of Korea. According to the legend, she was the daughter of a magistrate (busa) of Miryang during the Joseon Dynasty. Her wicked nanny conspired to have the servant Baekga seize her at night and rape her; however, she resisted and Baekga stabbed her to death. Her father, thinking she had eloped with a stranger, resigned his position in shame. Thereafter, whenever a new magistrate was appointed Arang's corpse would appear; soon no-one would take the position. At last a bold man named Yi Sang-sa was appointed to the post, and he promised Arang's ghost that he would avenge her. He had Baekga seized and executed. Thereafter, her spirit ceased to trouble the town. The Aranggak shrine, where Arang's spirit is venerated, still stands in Miryang, on the Yeongnamnu bluff overlooking the Miryang River. Traditionally, rites were held in her honor on the 16th day of the 4th month of the Chinese calendar.

Forget Japanese horror flicks. Watch Korean ones! Much better. Japanese horror flicks became popular when Hollywood starting remaking them - The Ring, Dark Water, One Miss Call, The Grudge, Pulse, etc. Hollywood even remade the popular Thai horror film, Shutter. Although Hollywood hasn't touched Korean horror films yet but remade two popular Korean films My Sassy Girl and Il Mare, I won't be surprise when Hollywood remakes Korean horrors in the future though.

I looove horror/thriller films. Usually I don't get scared easily and always looking forward to seeing more horror films to actually do that, so it's a challenge for me to watch a really good horror film. What makes a good horror film? Good script, sound effects, and editing. Comparing Asian films to American films, Asian films have more of a silent scare versus American films having sound effects. For example, in an Asian film, the girl can look in the mirror and suddenly see a ghost in the mirror. With American films, it will be silent, then all of a sudden you will hear a loud noise to alert you there's something there. Regardless I still love watching horror films - that's why I decided to watch Arang.

Like most horror films, the main character has to investigates why there are such killing. Arang is no different from that. Song Yoon Ah is cute and a pleasure to watch. What makes Arang enjoyable to watch is Lee Dong Wook. I was drooling over him. He's so hot! This was my first dosage of Wookie. Storyline to Arang is not bad. There were moments were you felt like you were watching The Grudge. The conclusion has a big twist which shocked me. Worth a watch for horror fanatics and for eye candy - Lee Dong Wook.