2019 watchlist
Hi my dear readers. Finally, I stopped by here with my 1st post in 2020 and as a title says I want to summarise and talk about my watchlist in 2019.
Firstly, I feel like I need to point out that I just write about my personal opinions and remarks - what I liked, what caught my attention or what I did not liked and why about certain dramas/movies I watched... Please note, I wont provide wikipedia-like article so if you are interested about certain infos please kindly search it on your own. So without further ado lets start...
* all dramas listed below are Japanese
The Memorandum of Okitegami Kyoko- (2015)
It was a long time since I watched japanese mystery/detective drama. This one was in my watch list since it was airing in 2015 (mainly because I am huge fan of both Gakki and Masaki Okada) but I could not watch it during that time and so I waited for the right timing. And I am glad I was saving this cute detective story this long... Watching it in 2019 felt like I came back to my roots, when I began to watch jdramas. I was always into this genre but latelly I just could not find the one which would catch my attention. Even though this one is not typical detective drama it still made me interested and hooked. As usual for Japanese, it is adapted from manga and the story is about unique detective Kyoko (portrayed by Gakki). She is a very clever girl but her memories reset everytime she sleeps. Despite this fact she is successful in her job as a private detective. Then we have Yakusuke (Masaki Okada) who helps her with investigations. He is so clumsy and unlucky (I am worried I inpsired the writer for his character :P lol) so he is total meme material and I laughed so hard thanks to him. Well yes, I love him. XD But back to my "review" - the characters are lovable, main leads had adorable relationship, cases are interesting, cinematography is quite good and OST is cute and catchy. But even though it is detective drama you should not expect a lot of suspense or mindblowing cases. Yes, this drama introduces an interesting cases but still let its viewer rest his/her mind. One should simply enjoy the puzzling and tricks in these cases packed with cute humor.
Arakawa under bridge- (2011)
Till this day, I dont know what I watched XD Honestly, I think I am alrewdy used to almost every weird Japanese bullshit XD (no offense), but this one is probably still the most wtf jdrama I saw drama to this day. I always had it on my watch list (because of the great acting cast ♥ Kento Hayashi, Mirei Kiritani, Yu Shirota, Shun Oguri, Takayuki Yamada) and just randomly watched it to pass some extra time in sharehouse. Story is about young salaryman (Kento Hayashi) who was "trapped" in weird place full of weird "creatures" living under bridge doing weird stuff...but enjoying their weird yet somehow ordinary lifes. For some reason I liked it even though it was weird...weird but in a good way...I mean weird but in a unique and funny way. Somehow, it was a nice relax.. just letting myself focused on interesting weirdeness of the drama, dont think of anything, just enjoying the funny story...I must say I enjoyed the shifting from random weirdness to implications of more serious thoughts about life wrapped in humor. Well, this unusal drama will give you mix of both- funny yet kinda gloomy feelings...And acting cast was brilliant, they did their best to portray their weird characters and put everything into dialogues which led almost nowhere lol. The most remarkable character for me was "sister" / pronounce šištá XD/- a fighting nun lol - portrayed by Yu Shirota :D. (he really nailed it XD I still cant) So if you have some free time and you are bored, give this drama a try for some wtf feeling, some laugh and little bit of philosophing about life but in a light way. :)
Switched- (2018)
Very interesting topic (at least for me) of switching bodies (which was used many many times in cinematography etc) portrayed in fresh way while sharing very important message to the modern audience of teenagers. I think this is definitelly important message, mainly for Japan and Asia (but not only) where it 100% matters how the girl looks... I highly support that media- importantly TV should support such messages, especially to teenagers. Inner beauty is indeed more important than outside appearance. And yes I must say this (not because I am a bit chubbier/curvier) but the chubby girl Umine ( Mie Tomita) who was suppossed to look fat and ugly totally nailed her role and I thought she was very pretty despite the fact she does not belong to Asian beuty standard. I really loved character development and acting of both leading actresses. I must praise how the drama played with the emotions and thoughts of the characters without it to be confusing but yet interesting and twisted. I really enjoyed watching this show, mainly because it was very refreshing to see the topic of "self love" or breaking the standar in jdrama. What surprised me was that Johnnys actors did quite good job with their acting too (janiwotas no offense ok, just chill ok? :3) Oh and Ken Arai again nailed the soundtracks... All in all this one should belong to the best modern dramas for the teens.
Erased- (2017)
Very well made remake of anime. I am even speculating whether to watch anime or not but I am optimistic I might marathon it one day. Everything about this drama was perfectly on spot. Japanese really did great job on this drama. From the sceneries, the plot, characters, acting- everything was great. I was surprised about the kids actors, sooo talented and they showed awesome acting skills, especially Rinka Kakihara totally surprised me again. The girl should have promising carrier if she will continue at this pace. I cant wait to see her next roles. But all the kids were brilliat as well as adult actors. And wow, finally Yuki Furukawa had great character to play. I enjoyed his acting a lot and he finally persuaded me he can act well...but still I think he is overrated lol XD (sorry not sorry). What I enjoyed next was Hokkaidian accent and Hokkaido nature...The story was really interesting,thrilling and full of plot twists, it made me totally hooked to it. I must praise the director and the staff mainly because they created unoque plot and I did not felt lost despite of many time shifting and flashbacks to the past of the main character. It was simply mind blowing and the story was deep and touching. Even though I am not into sci-fi I admit this one was the best jdramas I saw in 2019.
ATELIER / (Underwear) -(2015)
Fashion and Mirei Kiritani simply belogs to each other. Idk why, but I like Mireis acting and her humor lol. Since childhood I was kinda interested into fashion, to be more specific about fashion design, so ofc this drama caught my attention. I really loved feministic topic this drama presented as well as the strong female lead (Mao Daichi was stunning and I loved her sassy yet hardworking character of Mrs Nanjo). Interesting plot let viewers peek to fashion business and explains a bit something about japanese traditional mindset for marketing. For all of the features I mentioned above it was interesting for me to watch this drama and the characters simply grew to my heart. I recommend this light fashion drama for the calm evenings to every fashion lover but not only for them.
Motokare Mania- (2019)
Sorry to say this, but I must admit this drama was dissapointment of the year for me... I had a huge expectations of this drama so I even watched it as it was currently airing in Japan. I loved the topic, acting cast (I was super excited for Kengo Kora's return to drama), OST, visuals (what is rare of jdramas)... but even feministic quotes in it and smexy Kengo did not help me to swallow half assed and lame plot of this drama. And it was getting worse as the drama was reaching the end. It indeed started promising but as the end was approaching I was fed up with hopelessness of majority of characters...aaagh, I am really debating with myself to take a huuuge break from jdramas, for real. Idk why, but in many jdramas lately, I feel that Japanese totally ruin drama because they make it boring from the half of it. It is shame, because they just let go of interesting plot and topic. However, I enjoyed some comedic scenes, some inspiring dialogues and the many versions of Makochhi (Kengo Kora) or main leading character Yurika (Araki Yuko- she was so cuuute btw♥) and the insight to the life of maniacs lol. But for now, no more japanese rom-coms for a looong time lol :D
TOP DRAMAS OF 2019
Surprisingly, or not? But there is none jdrama among them...You may ask why I chosed these 4 dramas and I must say because I was (and still am) obsessed with them. Simply said I created a emotional bond to them, to the characters and they evoked deep emotions in me. So let me present you that 4 dramas I ejoyed during the last year the most.
4th place - *Shopping King Louie - Kdrama
This was my 3th kdrama ever. And I was hooked to it from the ep 1! I am usually not into cheesy rom-coms, but this one is definitelly the best of this genre. Like for real! It tells story of a young and wealthy man Louie who lost his memory and had to live totally new life without knowing what happened to him. During this time he was saved by poor village girl Bok Shil who was just trying to survive in big city. Together they overcome many hardships and sooner they realise it they are connected by love...
Ok to be honest, I enjoyed and love everything about this drama. The adorable well written characters, cute humor, aesthetic cinematography, great OST... Oh and I need to ephasize that Gukkie (Seo In Guk, my precious lol) was perfect and the cutest and the softest as a Louie. His character went from spoiled brat to a lost beggar to a cutie pie commoner and back to wealthy loving puppy with gold heart who treasures his family and knows the hard work behind the money. His character grew into being awesome and wiser man and I am so proud of him. I just fell in love with Seo In Guk more than enough thanks to this drama (seriously, he is the best and yes I am biased now but that time when I watched it I was not XD) Also character of his girlfriend Bok Shil ( Nam Ji Hyun) was touching...she worked so hard and I am glad she found her happy ending. This drama is soooo cute, sweet, fluffly, funny, touching and aesthetically pleasing and all the characters are awesome and lovable. One simply must watch it. It is cheesy romcom but every cliche used there is shown in new and original and cutest way possible. Definitelly a must watch.
3th place *Girl from nowhere- Thai drama
Best thai drama I watched so far, and I have feeling it will take a long time and even more effort to be surpassed by another. In upcoming article (which Idk when exactly I will write XD) I will explain how I became interested in Thailand's showbusiness and I already cant wait to write about it, but lets get back to this particular drama. Really...this one is such a mindblowing masterpiece- the combination of mystery, crime, suspense, thriller, mindgame is just top for me. I had goosebumps and my mind was blown every episode. I loved everything about this drama, the acting, thrilling cases each episode, ost, aesthetics, camerawork everything was nailed. Thai actress Chicha is my ultimate girl crush and I am sooo praying they will make another season with her. What is interesting is that each episode/ "case" was directed by different directors. And one can feel the slight differences in them but still it is great how main charater Nanno - a mysterious, "psycho" student - connects everything. The most interesting and the most terryfing at the same time about this show is that it was based on real cases which happened in Thailand schools. One should simply watch it to understand how great this show is. But it is not for everyone because of its brutal honesty and controversial topics. I must say I really applaud to Thailand for the confidence and creativity their people put into current dramas and how they present it. I am really rooting for Thailand, I bet they will be more famous in upcoming years and I am really excited for it, they deserve it.
2nd place *Smile has left your Eyes - kdrama
My second kdrama I ever watched. It was like a fate which lead me to watch it. Once I saw a short add- something like a intro on viki IG page...and it made me interested. There was just something magical telling me that this drama is special and I should watch it. So I gave it a try and I regret nothing. I was immediatelly hooked to the story. As a novice into kdramas at first I had problems to remember names of the characters but it got better to the end. But anyhow...this show is just wow...it had everything I love...suspense, mysterious male lead, interesting characters I could sympathise with, awesome acting, main lead „couple“ had great chemistry, there was some good humor, and the cinematography/camera work was damn brilliant...and the OSTs give me feelings till this day...simply said awesome and artistic deep drama with deep story. I really feel fate lead me to this drama, because I discovered gem of korean showbusiness which Seo In Guk- my precious boy- is...oh how I love this man... he was great in this drama, his character Kim Moo Young was very complex and he put everything to portray him in the best way. Actully the whole acting cast was amazing, they all did a splendid job. All characters somehow get into my heart- whether I liked or disliked them. And something about the story, hmm I have to say I enjoyed this remake of jdrama much more than the japanese original...why? because this was much more less cringey-ish in all aspects...sorry not sorry...I did not like older brother in japanese version, music in it and the relationship in jver. were not enough described. Koreans did great job to make it more complex, they make it longer ofc but showed a good mind game to the viewers... I dont want drag down j version but I am not a fan of 2000 ish j dramas a lot...like there are some exceptions but in this one japanese portrayed each character very lightly, I missed depth of them from the K version. Idk if I watched the jap. ver first maybe I will like it more? Anyhow, despite the ending, (I have another trauma, yeey) I still love this drama and it belongs to the best one I saw in 2019...PS prepare the tissues if you are brave to finish this drama.
1st *Arthdal Chronicles- kdrama
maaan I really miss this drama. Koreans simply outdid themselves with this one, hatts off for them... I admit I had love hate relationship at the beginning with this drama and wanted to dropp it...The first few eps were kinda boring and full of fights but later I realised it was necessary to explain to better understand the characters, their origin, relationships and the myths etc... The director and scriptwriter really amazed everyone who saw this show with how they created a new mystical world full of adventure and difficult relationships of various clans and tribes. I totally fell in love with the story and the characters. I really empathised with them...rooted for the good ones, hated the cunning ones. Cried, laughed, was shocked, angry...really all of them got under my skin. But the one who got me the most was Eun Seom and Saya - the role of them was portrayed by awesome actor Song Joong Ki.
Thanks to awesome and talented actors and skillful staff I felt like I read some real mystical chronicles. The only thing I hate is that there was a huuge cliffahnger at the last ep. I am hoping and praying they left "opened door" for coming back to this drama with another season. I really wont forgive creators if they wont give us at least some special episode XD...
Well to be honest, it so rare for me to enjoy historical mystical fantasy genre but damn this show was my summer and start of autumn. I really got so hooked into it, the OSTs are still evoking strong emotions in me...this was so fresh for a Kdrama and they really should continue... Despite the difficult relationships, many names and many fighting scenes I loved this show...The characters, beautiful nature, scneries, aesthetic costumes and make up, great camerawork - everything was preciselly and artistically portrayed and I felt like sitting on needles during many episodes. I cant even write all my emotions and thoughts properly, because it is such a complex drama...one should simply watch it and let himself/herself sink into this ancient world.
And lastly, let me very briefly introduce to you some films I saw during 2019. To be honest I realised recently I enjoy dramas more and did not see a lot of movies in the last year but here are some worth to mention...
Shoplifters- jmovie
A very touching and human movie. It was interesting experience to see that Japan can talk about their social problem. As a student of social studies this film was kinda eye opening and let me think a lot of about modern society. I think this story can be find in any country may it be now or in the past. Someone may find it boring but I really liked the slow pace of the scenes which let me think about the film, about the characters and their actions. Viewer can get a peek into Japanese society while ethical and prosocial messages are conveyed to him while watching the film, which I think are verz neglected in this era and should be promoted more. I am so glad it got a Palme d´Or award.
Norwegian wood- jmovie
Artistic, deep, gloomy, sensual, philosophical... This is how I describe this film and the book it was based on. I am glad I read the book before watching it because I think I will not understand this film that much. I must admit it can be confusing for those who did not read the book. Also the characters are not portrayed as deep as they should be in my opinion, but hey it is difficult task to interpret Murakami into a film with his complex descriptions and difficult inner world of his characters, so I think the film was quite well made. To summarise it, the film was nice,but I will make it longer and focus more on each characters psychictheir i made me think a lot as well as book did.
Ao haru ride- jmovie
Lovely and well made adaptation of famous shoujo manga and anime. I saw both of them so I can say I was satisfied how they made this one. I also liked the acting cast they have chosen. To be honest I just watch it for nostalgy of my teenage days because I liked anime and manga. I am glad they did not ruin it with this film even though it was not the best...could have pay more attention to the relationship of characters but all in all it was indeed a good live action adaptation.
Okja- kmovie
Very unique story about bond between little girl and her special pig Okja. This film talks about alarming topic of overconsuming of meat, threat of animal experiments as well as it supports love for animals. I think everyone should watch this touching film to open their eyes about this problem. Me being an animaI lover this film made me very emotional . Idk what else to add, just watch it.
Woooow such a long article, did not expect it to rant this much...but well. I made a promise with myself, I will update my watchlist each half year so it wont end up rushed and this long. If you enjoyed my article, or want share your opinion with me let me know in comments below, I will really appreciate it. Bye bye for now. ♥