Miss Panda and Hedgehog

Quick Details

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Film Date: October, 2012

Story: Pan Da Yang also known as "Panda" is a sweet, childlike woman who owns the lovely but unsuccessful Cafe Panda. Go Seung Ji is a young pastry chef also known as "Hedgehog"; not only because of his prickly hairstyle (in the first few episodes) but for his personality as well. As he has experienced many hardships in his life (abandoned by his own father, spent his childhood in prison) he sometimes hides like a hedgehog behind his pricks, instead of clearly expressing his feelings. Panda is the first person to hire Hedgehog without considering his past, based only on his exceptional skills as a pastry chef. They'll work together to make Cafe Panda a success, while... falling in love, making mouth-watering cakes, discovering and settling their past and baking a delicious future. 

Review: Though the storyline is quite simple and predictable, with too many coincidences, I truly truly enjoyed this drama! What I liked the most, is that it focuses on human relationships and beautifully cherishes them. As a result (and unlike any other k-dramas) a really cute bromance* develops between Hedgehog and his main rival Choe Won Il; detectives share delicious cakes with those under investigation, and a very special relationship is portrayed between the main protagonist and grandpa. I would recommend this childlike drama to those who are in the mood for something light-hearted, funny and extra-sugary. Plus, Lee Dong Hae (from k-group Super Junior) did a surprisingly good job in portraying Mr. Hedgehog! 

*word describes the complicated affection shared by two straight males. 

Favourite quotes: 

- Maybe I just don't know how to say things, or maybe words are made in a way that can't fully express people's heart

- Choi Won-Yi: If you were to leave Cafe Panda what would you leave behind?

Hedgehog: The most precious things in the world... The people I like and the people    who like me, also the love that I built with them.

Choi Won-Yi: What about money, fame, power and other things that you gained from making cakes there?

Hedgehog: Could those be more important than people?

Homemaker, x

I need Romance

Oh... such a great, great drama!

Quick Details

Genre: Comedy, Romance  

Film Date: June, 2011

Story: This drama, focuses on the love lives of three friends in their 30's. In Young, a hotel assistant, who is struggling with the ups and downs of a ten-year relationship. Hyun Joo, a respectable lawer, highly inexperienced in matters of love. And, Seo Yeon a fashionista (and man-guru for the other two), with great experience in playful flirtings, one night stands and two-timed partners.

Review: Wow! This drama is sooooo good!!! It's like the korean version of Sex&the City as it has all the right, spicy (mmmm....) ingredients: a group of three open-minded women exploring relationships, beautiful clothes, attractive men, lots of passionate kisses (real ones! nothing like the quick, half-hearted and sometimes, akward touch of lips we're used to in most K-dramas), sex scenes (yes, actual ones!) and humorous, quirky parts. This drama is full of authenticity in presenting the complexity of people and relationships nowdays, which I find refreshing, as most K-dramas have a rather sentimental, idealistic perspective on those. Plus, each episode lasts half an hour approximately (unlike the one-hour usual ones), so, there is no repeated flash backs or dragged scenes. Because of that, the storyline manages to remain fast-paced, interesting and highly entertaining until the very end. Though, it did not get the right attention while broadcasted (I wonder why?), it is actually a truly unique drama that I would encourage every woman to enjoy!
... each episode feels like talking intimately to your best friends, while clinking cosmopolitans (or sojus in that case)... so cheers to girls!!!

Favorite quote

- In goodbyes, the "bye" is not important, the "good"is what's important. What matters is what's good! 

If you have enjoyed i need romance, you will probably like: Still, marry me

xxx, homemaker

Heartstrings

Heartstrings Definition= The deepest feelings or affections

Quick details:
Genre: Romance, Music
Film Date: June, 2011

















Story: Lee Shin is a university student, majoring in modern music, and also the vocalist/ guitarist of the popular, student-band "Stupid". He is widely favoured by female students, because of his charming appearance and impressive music skills. In reality, he is rather arrogant and indifferent to situations unrelated to music or Jung Yoon Soo (a dance teacher, who is greatly attracted to). Lee Kyu Won, is a student majoring in traditional Korean music, and also a member of the folk, school-band "Windflower". She is actually a bright student, highly devoted to her grandfather's dream of becoming a great traditional musician. Both the lives of Shin and Kyu Won, are going to take a fascinating turn when they finally meet, and challenge each other in a traditional VS contemporary music contest…

Review: I admit that at first, I was drawn into this drama because of its lead actors. Both were also starring in "You are beautiful" - one of the best Korean dramas of 2009. However in that drama, Park Shin Hye ultimately falls in love with another man, leaving Jung Yong Hwa's feelings suppressed. Thus, in "Heartstrings", it feels as if a second chance has been given to this wonderful couple, which is rather exciting! I personally believe that both characters are well played, since I was fully convinced of their thunderous misunderstandings, meaningful glances, and tender heartbeats. It was rather charming to experience Shin's gradual change of feelings and warm manners towards Kyu Won (in contrast to his coldness/almost offensive indifference at the beginning). In addition, its soundtrack is quite good, as an interesting fusion of contemporary and traditional Korean music becomes visible in certain tunes. I would definitely recommend this drama, not only for the chemistry between the lead actors that will often make your heart flutter, but also for the message it gives out; that is, to uncover ourselves, our private dreams and to decisively chase them out!

Favourite quotes

-No one tries a new thing because they are confident about it. After trying they get confident, because they actually did it

- There is no one that doesn't fear something

  

 

 

If you have enjoyed heartstrings, you will probably like: You're beautiful (2009), Playful kiss (2010), Mary stayed out all night (2010)

xxx, homemaker