Can You Hear My Heart

Hey Everyone!

So, I just finished another drama called Can You Hear My Heart. I have been putting this drama off for a while because I knew it would be a tear fest! Indeed it was, but the summary on dramawiki does not give it justice! This drama had everything in one - familial problems, disabilities, inheritance issues, sibling rivalry, manipulation, etc. I watched every minute of every episode this time. It is a bit longer than the usual drama that I mention, but it was worth every minute! So, before I get too excited and analyze the drama too much, here goes the plot. The drama mainly revolves around two families; the Bong family and the Cha family. The two interrelate through offspring I suppose. In the Bong family, originally existed the grandma, Bong Young Kyu, and Bong Ma Ru. YK is a mentally disabled person and is called a "fool" a lot in the drama. Yet, he was the most charismatic and lovable character in the drama! He fell in love with Mi Suk who was deaf and had a daughter named Bong Woo Ri (little Mi Suk at that time). MR always loathed being in that family because he could not understand why his father was such a "fool" and why he had to suffer so much. One day, MR met the Cha family because they were giving out scholarships. There he met Tae Yeon Suk, Choi Jin Chul, and their son, Cha Dong Joo. MR instantly fell for YS because she was such a loving mother to DJ. However, instantly disliked JC because he was such a jerk to him (disregarded MR because he was poor and "ill-bred"). That same day, DJ met WR and the two became instant friends. However, soon later, MR's mother came back, and it turned out that MR was not actually YK's son, rather his sister's (Kim Shin Ae) son. She had abandoned him when he was a baby so that she could go to America to make something of herself. But, she had returned for her son, and to make him the next inheritor of the Cha inheritance (that's right, MR is JC's biological son). Anyways, one night JC murdered DJ's grandfather and DJ witnessed the murder and fell off of a ladder and lost his hearing. Meanwhile, MS was working at one of the plants that JC owned, and died in a fire (because she was protecting something she bought for MR - to get his approval for the marriage). Somehow, JC instead framed YK and his family for causing the fire (when it was JC's fault), and forced MR to go to DJ's mother for help. At that time, YS already knew about MR's birth parents, and so, she took MR with her to get her revenge on JC in the future. 16 years later, DJ, MR, and YS returned to Korea from Saipan, and made everyone believe that DJ could hear (he could read lips really well). DJ and MR had become really close brothers, and MR was now a doctor (his childhood dream). Eitherways, YS showed MR off to JC without him even realizing that she had adopted his son (very dramatic!). Soon later, DJ comes into contact with WR again through company related business. The two did not hit it off initially, but eventually they did rekindle their old flame. WR was the only one (other than her father) that realized that DJ could not hear (well obviously, her mother was also deaf!). Anyways, all the drama began once MR realized who his real birth parents were and what YS had done (used him all these years). All the abandonment issues began, and all sorts of evil thoughts entered his head. Anyways, I will not spoil the ending, nor all the dramatic events that occur in the last third of the drama, but it is a relatively good ending.

I felt that this drama really showed a lot of important issues like, "be grateful for what you have", "listen to the people you love", and mainly "blood is not necessarily thicker than water". I really felt that this drama did justice to its title Can You Hear My Heart, because it was not only the people that could not hear, but really, the people that could hear, that were not listening! Also, it seemed that, sometimes you need tragedy to actually bring people together again (sigh).

I also really loved the character portrayals through the actors. They really did justice to their characters! I especially was fond of MR and YK. MR, mainly because he went through so much, but still managed to keep his cool. He was able to protect everyone he loved (or at least tried to). I felt that this drama emphasized his character to what was required. I did like the chemistry between DJ and WR, but I felt that romance was not the main theme, rather one's love for their family. WR and her family waited 16 years for MR, and sometimes you just need to open your eyes to see what you are missing out on. MR always wanted a family, but he did not realize till near the end, that he always had a great family, he just needed to open his eyes and see it! Regardless, it was an excellent drama, with a great plot and great characters! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a meaningful drama. Definitely not light-hearted, but worth a watch. I am pretty sure you all can figure out that I give this drama a 5 out of 5 stars. It was just that good! Let me know if any of you watch it, and how you found it. That's it for now (and it is late, almost 2AM, need to sleep!).

I'm off,

- B

The Vineyard Man

Hey Everyone!

So, I finished another drama today called The Vineyard Man. It was a romantic comedy about a girl named Lee Ji Hyun and a guy named Jang Taek Gi. The main storyline revolves around JH finding out that she may inherit a vineyard from a distant grandfather if she farms for 1 year. She finally decides to go after getting fired from her company (since her manager stole her design, she made a commotion and got fired!). JH first met TG in Seoul, the day she lost her design, and TG was accused of being a rapist since JH mistook him for the police officer and tried to take his clothes. Eventually, TG was found innocent, but that same day JH lost her job. The two met again on the farm, since her grandfather took care of TG since he was a child (his parents passed away when he was younger). At first, the two could not stand each other, but eventually they developed feelings for each other. During their harvesting period, JH met her old sunbae from college days, and the two started dating (honestly, this guy was better looking). But, slowly, JH was falling for TG because of seeing him so often and realizing his real personality. Meanwhile, TG also fell for JH because of her determination and hard work. The two did get together finally, but I disliked the fact that JH's character was so annoying! First, she was very spoiled and disregarded the farm work (even though she could only gain from it). Second, she was so undecided. She could not pick between the two guys until the second last episode! Personally, the start of the show was slow (I think I fast-forwarded it a bit), but eventually it got better. I liked seeing the romantic development between the two. It was a happy ending, so I am happy none-the-less. A very light hearted drama and definitely worth a try if you want to see a classic drama. I give this drama a 4 out 5 stars because of JH's character. That's it for now.

I'm off,

- B

Fireworks from the Heart

Hey Everyone!

So, I finished another Japanese movie today called Fireworks from the Heart. It was a really heart-warming movie. It was mainly about a girl named Hana, who comes out of the hospital from fighting Leukemia. When she returns home though, she realizes that her brother, Taro, has become a "social recluse" (only stays in his room). She decides to make her brother come out of there and become part of the family. He eventually comes out and gets a job. The village that they live in, has a fireworks festival every year, where the 20-year-olds and 60-year-olds create firework displays for everyone (some individual sponsors too). Initially, Hana tried to get Taro to join the 20-year-olds, but they did not accept him. But, when Hana has a relapse, he decides to be persistent with the 20-year-olds and gets permission to join. He continues to work his paper route and help with the fireworks. However, soon, before the new year, Hana passes away. At that point, Taro becomes secluded again, but then on the "day of age" (when you become 20), he received a video message from Hana, saying that she hopes to see his fireworks. So, he decides to quit from the 20-year-old group, and started to save money to make Hana a fireworks display on his own. Eventually, when the day does arrive, he joined the 20-year-olds, and in the end, his display was shown. He also received a gift from Hana, a framed picture of fireworks made by flower petals. It was really beautiful since earlier, she said that Taro represented the colour orange; someone warm and gentle. The colours of the petals were orange. It was a really touching scene. I would definitely recommend this movie, to anyone that is seeking a nice plot. I give this movie a 5 out of 5 stars. That's it for now.

I'm off,

- B

Cain and Abel

Hey Everyone!

So, I just finished watching another drama, called Cain and Abel. It is derived from the biblical story about Cain and Abel, the first sons of Adam and Eve. The story is well known for its introduction of jealousy and murder in the world. In the biblical story, Cain is the older brother, who is jealous of Abel, and so decides to kill him. In the end though, he takes in all the punishment for his sins. This drama, has a very similar story line, but of course not as simple. The main characters in this drama were Lee Cho In (Abel) and Lee Seon Woo (Cain). SW returned to Korea after being away for 7 years, whereas CI stayed and began his residency at their family hospital. CI was adopted by SW's father because CI's parents were good friends of SW's father. However, SW's father gave CI all the attention, ever since they were very young. Likewise, SW's mother only showed affection for SW and never for CI. Regardless of all this, the two brothers were always very close. This was shown by their reaction to SW returning from his long trip. But, when Kim Seo Yeon (SW and CI's childhood friend) confesses her love for CI, things become more complicated. Not only that, but it turned out that SW's father was in a coma and had left CI the rights to a new center being created. Initially, SW realizes it was him that left everyone, so he had to accept what had happened in his absence, but soon, SW's mother sends CI to China to do research on a surgery for their father, yet really hired hitmen to keep him there until the board meeting passed. While there, CI met Oh Young Ji, a North Korean defect, that was trying to get passports to smuggle her family and herself into South Korea. So, while working as a tour guide, the people that were going to kidnap CI, hired YJ to be his guide, and offerred her a lot of money. At first, YJ thought CI was a playboy and a scammer, but soon realized he was a kind doctor, that helped the poor (took hospital drugs to help a small village in China). While there, YJ had her appendix removed by CI. At that time, YJ started having feelings for CI, but realized that he had a life in S. Korea, and someday would go visit him when she got the chance. In the meantime, one of the people working for SW's mother, ordered to have CI killed because SW's father left the center to CI. The hitmen then took CI to the desert and shot him and left him to die. Miraculously, some North Korean defects found him and saved him. But, at that time, he had amnesia and did not know who he was or how he got there. During the time with the N. Korean defects, he started talking again, and met YJ's brother. The two became really close, and eventually were going to meet YJ in S. Korea, but one of the members decided to backstab them, and killed YJ's brother for the money. At that time, CI wanted to still take YJ's brother, but he shot himself so that he would not be a burden. But, before his last breath, he asked CI to take care of his sister. While CI was lost, SY searched everywhere for him. One time, they even went to the jail where CI and YJ's brother were, but SY fell ill (heart problems) and when SW saw CI, he pretended not to recognize him. Later, another man's ashes were sent with CI's couple ring with SY, and so everyone thought he was dead. At that point, a few months later, SW finally confessed to SY, and all the truths about his past were revealed. It turned out that SW had a tumour in his brain, and that is why he left, but he did not want to worry anyone about his relapse. The two then started dating. Meanwhile, when CI finally returned to S. Korea, he and YJ started to live together. But, the traitor returned and tried to hurt YJ, so the two left Seoul. During their time together, they became really close, but YJ felt guilty about lying to CI. She knew who he really was, but did not tell the truth because she wanted to escape loneliness and because she wanted to protect him from his killers. However, soon, CI started regaining his memories, and eventually YJ told him the truth. At that point, he was going to return to Seoul but got hit by a car since SW sent the hitmen to kill CI this time. But, since YJ came to intervene, the two faced less damage together. At that point, CI left, and went to the Seoul hospital. Everyone was shocked to see him alive. He was pretending to have lost his memories for the 6 months he was away. YJ thought it was best not to bother him since he was finally back to his loved ones (or so she thought!). At that point, CI found out about SW and SY. Not only that, but he was remembering more about his time away, and started creating a timeline. Soon, he realized his brother was in on the murder plots against him, and he was shocked. YJ started working at the hospital since CI wanted to protect her against the traitor. As well, as he uncovered more and more about the past, SY found out about SW's plots (saw the timeline CI created). Eventually, it was all out war between the brothers, for the two centers. In the end though, SW required surgery, and asked only CI to perform it. If he had to die, then that would be fine, but he wanted CI to perform it, so that he can receive his punishment. In the end, he became in a similar state as his father, where he was in an internal prison, awake yet unable to move. It was a painful way to live the rest of his life, but he did not mind making up for his sins. Finally, CI went to get YJ (since she left after the everything went down), and the two went to visit SW and SY. CI finally told SW to get out of his prison, and to enjoy the rest of his days. The drama ended with a scene of the four standing near a lake, smiling. It was a nice dialogue in the end too, where CI talked about how everyone has at least one really great memory, and the only way to get past bad ones, is by a fellow man (like how YJ helped CI). Well, that was long, but it was definitely a great watch! I missed a ton of little details, but it was one of the better dramas. The plot was excellent, and there was great character development. A definite must-see! I give this drama a 5 out of 5 stars for sure! That's it for now.

I'm off,

- B

Hanamizuki

Hey Everyone!

So, I just watched a very touching Japanese movie called Hanamizuki. It was mainly about a girl named Sae (girl from Zenkai Girl) and a boy named Kouhei (Toma Ikuka!). The two meet on the train because Sae was trying to reach an exam, but instead got into trouble because she asked Kouhei to drive her there since the train stopped (hit a deer). Soon after that, the two became closer, by talking about their dreams. Kouhei wanted to take over his father's fishing boat, wheras Sae wanted to go to Todai (Tokyo U). Finally, Sae passed the exam, and had to move to Tokyo. This started their long-distance relationship. Initially, they called each other a lot, but soon, Sae had to start working part-time and full-time school, so it was difficult for her to talk to Kouhei. She could not even go home for the summer. She also met Jun (Osamu Mukai! talk about the hottest cast!), a sempai that loved to take pictures of children in third world countries (her father was a photographer like that). The two became close, but Sae only loved Kouhei. However, when Kouhei went to visit Sae on Christmas eve, he witnessed Jun and Sae being friendly with each other. He was really upset the whole date, and eventually took it out on some random kids on the street because they broke his gift for Sae. But, later that night, they solved the misunderstanding and had sex for the first time. The next morning, Kouhei gave Sae a little wooden boat that he had made with a flag stating "gambatte Sae" (good luck Sae). Then, after 4 years, Kouhei had to break up with Sae because his father passed away and he had to take on the responsibility of his mother and sister. He then married this other girl (happens to be the secondary actress from Zenkai Girl haha; Sae's mother was also from that drama as her boss), and Sae moved to New York to work in a publishing company. A few years later, Jun proposed to Sae, Sae returned to Japan to visit a friend's wedding, where she meets Kouhei again. This time, they finally said their goodbyes to each other (Sae returned the boat). However, that night, Kouhei had to declare bankrupcy, so his mother and sister went off to live with relatives, and his wife left him (partially because of the financial situation and partially because he still loved Sae). After Sae returned to New York, she decided to marry Jun, but he had gone on another assignment, but he was killed. Finally, again, a few years later, Sae went to Nova Scotia (where she was born), and found the light house she had visited with her father. There, she happened to find the wooden boat in a shop, and realized that Kouhei had been working on a fishing boat that came to Nova Scotia once a year. She missed Kouhei, since he had left before she make in time to the dock. She had then returned to her hometown in Japan, and started teaching English to children in the area. A year later, Kouhei found the boat again and saw that someone had written "thank you" on it, and he returned home to find Sae there. The two finally reunited and stayed together. It was a very sweet story, and definitely worth checking out. I did mention pretty much the whole plot, but still, it was so heart warming! I definitely give this movie a 5 out 5 stars. That's it for now.

I'm off,

- B

Zenkai Girl

Hey Everyone!

So, I finished another drama today called Zenkai Girl. It was one of the best Japanese dramas that I have seen in a while. It was mainly about an enthusiastic girl named Ayukawa Wakaba. She grew up with pretty much nothing, but had a dream of becoming the greatest lawyer in the world (almost like taking over the law world). Originally, as a child, Wakaba was very poor (dirt poor!), but she persevered because her father was always with her and supported her. She eventually got into Todai (Tokyo U), and passed her Bar exams. She was employed by Smith and Clark, but it turned out that the company was leaving Japan, so she decided to join another company. However, there, she was put on a 3 month trial period, where she had to multitask between work and baby-sitting the boss's daughter. Through the babysitting gig, she met Yamada Shota. They initially encountered each other on the subway because Wakaba thought he was a perverty, but later she realized that he was a really nice guy, that is a stay-at-home-dad. He had been raising his ex-wife's son for a year, and so gave up his old job as a chef in the French restaurant. Wakaba thought he was dumb to even do such a thing, but later realized that he chose it for himself, not just running away from responsibilities. Soon, Shota fell for Wakaba, but it took Wakaba a while to realize her feelings for Shota. There were many instances when Wakaba tried to confess, but every time something came up. For example, his ex-wife returned, then Wakaba's fiance told Shota to let go of Wakaba (so when she confessed, he said he liked someone else), etc. Finally, on the day that Wakaba was supposed to get married, her fiance finally decided to let her go, and she met up with Shota again. They both proposed to each other, and finally were together. Shota left for France to study some more, and Wakaba quit her job and started working for another law firm. Eventually, Shota returned, and the two were reunited again. It was a very cute drama because it was about how to be a good parent, but also how to realize the difference between love and a dream. It was nice seeing the character development of the two main characters. Wakaba, from being someone only after her dreams to someone that followed her heart, and Shota, from being too much of a carefree person to someone that decided to fulfill his dreams and stop running away. A definite must-see, for those people that want a light-hearted drama. It is classifed as a romantic-comedy for a reason! I give this drama a 5 out of 5 stars. That's it for now.

I'm off,

- B

Ouran Highschool Host Club

Hey Everyone!

So, I finished another drama today (well... I have been watching this one on and off a lot). The drama was called Ouran Highschool Host Club. It was a remake of the manga and anime. I liked the drama version, because it was cute, but it was pretty much just a remake. I also would have preferred more love development between Haruhi and Tamaki, but they did not do it till near the end (and still only a little bit). I was glad they introduced Hikaru's feelings for Haruhi, but they did not show that Tamaki realized his feelings yet. I have a feeling they plan on making another season, because the manga had a lot more on the aspect of romance, as well as drama. Overall though, I give this drama a 4 out of 5 stars because it only showed a bit of the actual love development. It was definitely funny, but I would love to see another season to make up for all the lost drama and romance. Anyways, that's it for now.

I'm off,

- B

Protect the Boss

Hey Everyone!

So, I just finished another cute romantic comedy drama. I have been watching this one for over a week because I have been a bit busier lately. Either ways, it was called Protect the Boss. It was mainly about No Eun Seol, an ex-Player (like Yankee in Japan), who wanted to turn a new leaf, by working as an office Secretary. She gets a job, but only to find out the boss is a pervert, so she gets into a fight with his gangsters and ends up coming into contact with Cha Ji Heon. JH is basically a Chaebol's son, but does not care about being the next in line for the family business. He also had a panic disorder during public speaking. Soon, JH's cousin, Cha Moo Won hires ES to spy on JH as his secretary. But, in the end, she was loyal to JH and always protected him. Not only that, but JH and MW both fell for ES. ES only cared about work and money, so she did not initially fall for either of the boys. However, eventually, she did fall for JH. There were a few obstacles in their way, like MW, and JH's ex (Seo Na Yoon). But, they still ended up together. Everyone was happy, but then, JH's father decided to do some dirty business, and ES happened to find out. Then, MW and NY's mothers decided to frame ES about coming out as an informant on the information. At that time, ES and JH were both transferred to different locations. Not only that, but once JH and ES finally met up again, JH's father became ill. JH then asked ES to wait for him, and after a few months, the two finally got back together again. In the end, the two got married, and JH finally got the courage to leave the company and because a professor (ironic due to his previous struggles with public speaking). ES decided to go back to school. NY and MW finally got together for real, with real feelings (before it was more about the name). It was a cute drama, and not as dramatic as most, which made me happy to have a light hearted one again. I give this drama a 5 out of 5 stars. That's it for now.

I'm off,

- B

Runway Beat

Hey Everyone!

So, I just finished watching a movie called Runway Beat. It was mainly about high school students trying to hold a fashion show because their school was about to close. The story mainly revolved around Beat, a boy who moved back to his old town to take care of his childhood friend while she is in the hospital. He happens to be the son of a famous fashion designer. But, he held a grudge against his father because he held his first fashion show the day his mother passed away. Later, he realizes that he wants to hold his own fashion show with his friends. Many obstacles came in the way, but finally he and his father had made peace, and his father helped him build a runway for his first show. That night, the fashion show went perfectly, and a year later, we saw that everyone had moved on in their separate lives. It was a nice movie overall. I give this movie a 4.5 out of 5 stars mainly because the love development left me confused. That's it for now.

I'm off,

- B

Koukou Debut

Hey Everyone!

So, as you can tell, recently I have not been posting. It's mainly because I want to study and focus on studying. I am really looking forward to getting back into dramas, but first, I want to get my GMAT over with (again =P). Anyways, though I am not watching dramas, I am still watching movies whenever I get a chance. Surprisingly, I have not had that many chances because I study majority of the day, then I watch TV or spend time with family. Oh well, that will probably change back to normal again next Thursday. But for now, a movie (I wish drama) that I had been waiting for finally came out; Koukou Debut. I read this manga a couple of years ago, and they finally made a live action movie out of it. It was just so cute! It is mainly about Nagashima Haruna, who enters high school, hoping to find love. She is unsuccessful for 2 years, and finally decides to take drastic action. She meets Komiyama Yoh one day, and asks him to be her "love coach" because of his popularity in school (she uses coach because she used to be a softball player in juniour high). Anyways, Yoh is reluctant at first because of a past relationship (she dumped him due to a misunderstanding), but eventually gives in (with the exception, that she does not fall for him). Initially, all is well, where Haruna learns about fashion and dating. She even dates Yoh's friend, Fumiya. But it turns out that Yoh's sister liked him, and so, those two started dating, and Haruna was left alone again. Eventually, Haruna starts to fall for Yoh, but decides that it is forbidden, so she fires Yoh. In the meantime, Haruna meets Yoh's ex, and somehow has to give Yoh a letter from her, for Christmas eve. Yoh's friend realizes that he likes Haruna, so to test him, he goes out with Haruna and Yoh does appear (though, Yoh's friend liked Haruna too - what a nice guy). Yoh and Haruna decide to go out (for practice) on Christmas eve, but Haruna gives Yoh the letter and says good bye. She realizes that he is worth fighting for, and returns, and the two meet again coincidentally. Yoh explains that he did meet up with his ex, but he realized he likes Haruna. They to make up, hug, and kiss. It was a cute ending. I give this movie a 5 out of 5 stars since it was a good representation of the manga. That's it for now.

I'm off,

- B