Image: Prime

Title: Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938
Director: Kang Shin-Hyo
Writer: Han Woo-ri
Number of episodes: 12 episodes
Release date: May 6-June 11 2023

Four months after Lee Rang's death, Lee Yeon receives the power of the nine-tailed fox again, on the condition that Lee Rang be reincarnated. An uninvited guest slips in during the lunar eclipse and steals the guardian stone created by the King of the Dead to protect the boundary between the Worlds of the Living and Dead, then disappears "into the cabinet"

***

Yeay, after Alchemy of Souls, I think Tale of the Nine-Tailed is the next series that I really adore. Well, I should admit that the first season is full of a romantic side between Lee Yeon (Lee Dong-Wook) and Nam Ji-a (Jo Bo-Ah). But, this second season, is more about the brothership between Yeon and Rang (Kim Beom) and the friendship between Yeon, Hong-joo (Kim So-Yeon) and Mu-young (Ryoo Kyung-Soo).

The Story

Because of an unexpected case, Lee Yeon should travel back in time to the year 1938. There, Yeon meets Ryu Hong-Joo, Yeon's long best friend. Well, just like Yeon, Hong-joo was once a guardian spirit of a mountain in the West. Now, in 1938, Hong-Joo is the owner of Myeoyangak--the best high-end restaurant in the capital city of Gyeongseong. 

Another unexpected thing is, Lee Yeon also meets his younger brother, Lee Rang. What's happened in the present makes Lee Yeon try his best to cherish every moment with Rang. He wants to be the best hyung for him. Yeah, it's like paying the price for everything that he couldn't do at the present time.

Meanwhile, there is Cheon Mu-Young, another friend of Lee Yeon and Hong-Joo. He used to be a guardian spirit of a mountain in the east. Sadly, a hurtful event made Mu-Young despise Lee Yeon so much. This incident also made Mu-Young try to seek revenge on Lee Yeon.

Aside from the conflict between Yeon and his two best friends, we also meet another conflict about the independence movement from the Japanese colonization. There were Sunwoo Eun-Ho (Kim Yong-Jin), Snail Bride (Kim Soo-Jin), and grandfather from Afterlife Immigration Office, Hyun Ui-Ong (Ahn Kil-Kang). Therefore, these 12 episodes are really compact and interesting. I really love this season a lot.

The Opinion

So, this season has made me smile a lot. Since we lost Lee Rang in the first season, the second season showed the brotherhood between Lee Yeon and Lee Rang. Of course, with everything that happened, Lee Yeon wants to take advantage of the remaining time that he has with Lee Rang. He knows that Rang won't be coming back at the present time, but in those short moments, Lee Yeon wants to make up for everything. I really love when Lee Yeon without any hesitation always said, "Don't mess with my dongsaeng!", "If something happened to my dongsaeng, you will pay the price." and else.

I couldn't help but smile when Lee Yeon always takes care of Rang, even though Rang sometimes feels annoyed by it. Ahh, I love their bond has become deeper from several events that happened in 1938.

Then, in my opinion, this opinion is war more comedic than the first season. The first episode made me laugh so hard, moreover when Lee Yeon meet Hong-Joo again for the first time. Their battle scene is really hilarious. As the drama progress, a lot of comedic scenes have been executed well in this drama. Good job, PD-nim!

In some interviews, Dong-wook and Beom said that this series will unleash more of the urban legend, including the legend from outside Korea. Well, compared to the first season, this season has brought more urban legends and ghosts from all over Korea. Sadly, as someone who couldn't watch a horror movie, I definitely muted the sound from episode 6 when watched it. I couldn't stand the horror vibe, let alone from the Korean movie--I have a big trauma about watching a Korean horror movie.

 

Anyway, I almost forget that indeed there is a romantic story here. In this season, we gotta meet with the cute story between Lee Rang and the mermaid lady, Jang Yeo-Hee (Woo Hyun-Jin). Their story is not too much but still cute. I laughed so hard when Yeon said something like, "How dare you bring seafood to our family line." That's so funny. Thankfully, Yeon is very supportive of Rang's relationship. At first, Rang maybe looks so cold, but he becomes warmer once Yeo-hee is always on his side when he needs the most. Aww, melting. 

Conclusion

Very well, I know that there will be a next instalment for this series. I mean, how about that origin mountain spirit that has been awakened? Also, the hint at the end of the episodes when Yeon come back to the Joseon dynasty. So, I am more than excited to wait for the next season to come. Ahh, seriously. I love this series so much. I love how Dong-wook and Beom can make the brotherhood between Yeon and Rang felt so real. 

8.5 out of 10 stars from me.

Sincerely, 
Ra

Title: Queenmaker

Director: Oh Jin-seok

Writer: Moon Ji-young

Number of episodes: 11 episodes

Stars: Kim Hee-ae, Moon So-ri, Ryu Soo-young, Seo Yi-seok, Yoon Ji-hye

Watched on Netflix

Hwang Do-Hee works as a general manager for a strategic planning team at Eunsung Group. She is good at dealing with public opinion. She takes care of disturbing cases for the company and she is highly trusted by her employers.

One day, she joins Oh Kyung-Sook's  campaign to become the mayor of Seoul. Oh Kyung-Sook is a human rights lawyer, who often went up against Eunsung Group. She decided to run for mayor with the goal of fighting for the weak.

During the election, Oh Kyung-Sook and Hwang Do-Hee often butt heads with differing opinions, but they strive for the same end goal. That is to make Oh Kyung-Sook the mayor of Seoul.

***

When the two powerful ladies join hand in hand to take down the corrupt wealth a family, it won't be easy. There will be so many challenges and also tears when doing it. But, both of Hwang Do-hee (Kim Hee-ae) and Oh Kyung-sook (Moon So-ri) proof that their powerful collaboration does miraculously amazing.

The Story

Do-hee is the general manager of strategic planning team at Eun-sung Group. She infamously being called as The Cleaner. She can managed to take care all of disturbing cases for the company. You know, to make a strategy to retain the public opinion about Eun-sung family. 

Meanwhile, Kyung-sook is a human rights activist lawyer who demand the people in power to be accountable for their action, including their mistreatment toward the worker at Eun-sung Group. She did what she can do protest and campaign what she believes is right. 

Some event made Do-hee realize that Eun-sung family is really evil and corrupt. Therefore, she decided to ask Kyung-sook to be the Seoul Mayor—compete with the Eun-sung Group's in-law son, Baek Jae-min (Ryu Soo-young). At first, Kyung-sook rejected Do-hee proposal. She thinks that Do-hee is just crazy. But then, Kyung-sook realizes that Do-hee is very serious with her plan. 

The Opinion

To be honest, I have a bit of expectations from this drama. Moreover, several weeks ago, I happened to just watch Pandora: Beneath the Paradise. Both of these dramas are political drama. Therefore, I thought that will be a huge twist as the story progress. Sadly, there wasn't any in my opinion.

First thing first, I really admire Do-hee and Kyung-sook's friendship. Both of them is really charming and powerful. They did what the best they can do during the campaign period. I love how at the end, Kyung-sook can one hundred percent trust Do-hee's judgement and plan. 

Second, in a way, Kyung-sook's persona has reminded me with someone that I know in real life—hello, Mbak Asfin🙃 I mean, a powerful human rights activist lawyer just like her. The thing is, in Indonesia, it won't be possible for us to pursue a mayor position without the support of political party. I don't think it would be possible to be an independent candidate? Correct me if I'm wrong, even though it's possible, but the requirements are ridiculously so hard to be achieved.

Third, maybe the most relatable situation with what happened in Indonesia is about the oligarch who want to extend their power in politics. This powerful people, decided to involved in politics so they can get advantage from their position. Sometimes, their way is reallt brutal and unjust. They did everything they can do, in dishonest way to reach their goal.

I really despise Baek Jae-min in this drama. He is really an evil person. He thought he could has everything with his wit and power. Then, of course Son Young-sim (Seo Yi-seok) is also an evil human being. Oh, goodness. Meeting her standard is just pushed you being the monster who shouldn't have a heart.

As I said before, there's no a huge twist at this drama. You have known whos is the bad and the good from the very start. There won't be any awed moment that could make you shocked. About Do-hee's plan to confess everything about the campaign fund, in a way, I have predicted it. There should be a reason why Do-hee asked help from Eun Seo-jin (Yoon Ji-hye). 

Then, even though there is betrayer in the Kyung-sook's campaign team, there is no significant effect from it to Kyung-sook's strategy. So, yeah. 

Conclusion

I love seeing Do-hee and Kyung-sook's collaboration. I also intrigued with the political competition in the South Korea. I also want to know more about it. I think, I should find another political drama again to watch.

But, if you expect there will be a lit of twist and drama, well, I could say that there's no many moments of that in this drama.

Well, 7 out of 10 stars for Queenmaker.

Sincerely, 

Ra

Title: Doctor Cha

Director: Kim Daejin

Writer: Jung Yeorang

Number of episodes: 16 episodes

Date of released: 15 April-4 June 2023

Watched on Netflix

Cha Jeong-Suk (Uhm Junghwa) is married to Seo In-Ho (Kim Byungchul), who works as a chief surgeon at a university hospital. He has a strict, sensitive and thoroughgoing personality. Cha Jeong-Suk has been a full time housewife for the past 20 years, after giving up her career as a doctor during her medical resident years. After all those years, she decides to restart her medical resident course.

*** 

How does it feel to work again as a doctor after 20 years being a housewife? Of course it won't be easy. Moreover if your husband is such an asshole who cheated on her and always disgrace her. Well, Cha Jeong-suk (Uhm Junghwa) finally took her last chance to change everything on her life. 

The Story

After marrying Seo In Ho (Kim Byungchul) for 20 years, Jeong-suk realizes that she is not ever happy in her life. Those realization hit her after she got a major operation because of acute hepatitis. How her family treat is absolutely unreasonable and made her realize that she has wasted everything in life.

Therefore, with the encouragement from her mother and doctor, Roy Kim (Min Wookhyuk), Jeong-suk decided to pursue her residency again. Even though she became the oldest one in her batch, she do everything she can to get what she wants.

Of course, doing residency in her age won't be easy. She has to catch up with the younger resident out of everything. Then, she also has to mind about balancing her work as a resident doctor and responsibility as a mother. Everything is getting worse when her daughter actually needs her for her college preparation and the fact that her husband has an affair with his first love in college. It's such an hectic and emotional days for Jeong-suk.

The Opinion

Well, to be honest, I watch this drama in order to look for a light and comedic drama. In a way, it fulfills my expectations, but not really being my favourite. Doctor Cha, not like Hospital Playlist, focused on more the story of Jeong-suk and her family problem. So, it won't be a good drama for anyone who searches of medical drama. 

I should admit that In Ho character is really annoying. I mean, geez. The guy who cheats on his wife is the worst. It's disgusting in my opinion. I really despise him. What kind of charm that he has to make those two bright and attractive woman ever fall for him? Sigh.

Then, this drama also emphasize the situation of a patriarchal family who is also degrading the daughter in law position. I sympathize more of Jeong-suk since her mother in law is also the worst. Just like In Ho. I think, it's the In Ho's family that like to degrade the other who hasn't the same level with them.

Near the end of the episodes, I didn't feel any emphaty at all to In Ho for everything's that happened. I feel that it's what he deserves. Cheater is a cheater and he shouldn't be forgiven ever.

Well, other than that, I love how Roy is such a charming character. Even though sometimes he got a ridiculous scene with In Ho, he still has that charm. To be honest, I also has guesses that Roy maybe like Jeong-suk. But, for Jeong-suk, a relationship with him won't work.

Conclusion

After binge watching half of the episodes, I think this drama is good to watch. Maybe there won't be any twist or dramatic scene, but the devotion of Jeong-suk to be a resident doctor despite her age should be give us spirit to not ever give up. Yeah, this drama is not that amazing, but still fresh. Just beware that you can feel to throw stone to In Ho when watching it.

7 out of 10 stars

Sincerely,

Ra

Judul: Tale of the Nine-Tailed

Sutradara: Kang Shin-hyo, Jo Nam-hyeong

Penulis: Han Woori

Jumlah episode: 16 episode

Tanggal tayang: 7 Oktober-3 Desember 2020

Nonton di Netflix

Lee Yeon (Lee Dong-Wook) was once the mountain spirit of Baekdudaegan. He sacrificed his life as a mountain god to resurrect the life of the woman he loved A Eum. Lee Yeon now lives his life as a nine tailed fox in human form. He has lived this way for hundreds of years.

Meanwhile, Nam Ji-A (Jo Bo-Ah) works for TVC station as a PD of documentaries. She seeks out stories on the supernatural. Back in 1999, her parents were involved in a car accident in Yeou Gogae. She remembers a man that saved her in that accident. Now, Nam Ji-A reviews CCTV footage from a wedding hall where the bride disappeared. She sees the man that saved her as child walking out the wedding wall with a red umbrella. His name is Lee Yeon.

***

Jadi, akhirnya aku menonton Tale of the Nine Tailed karena Kakpin nonton. Aku kan jadi penasaran. Apalagi, premisnya menarik. Mencampurkan folktales dengan dunia modern gitu, deh.

The Story

Lee Yeon (Lee Dongwook), dulunya adalah penguasa gunung Baekdudaegan. Nah, demi menghidupkan kembali cinta pertamanya, A Eum, Lee Yeon memutuskan untuk tak lagi menjadi dewa gunung dan hidup ratusan tahun sebagai rubah berekor sembilan. Selain itu, ia juga harus membantu Taluipa, sosok yang bertugas menjaga kantor imigrasi yang menghubungkan dunia dan akhirat. Ia juga merupakan adik Raja Neraka (aneh banget, ya, kalau diartiin gini 😅).

Di sisi lain, ada sosok Nam Jia (Jo Boah), reinkarnasi A Eum di dunia sekarang. Saat ia masih kecil, Jia kehilangan kedua orang tuanya dalam sebuah kecelakaan di Mountain Fox. Jia meyakini bahwa kedua orang tuanya masih hidup. Maka dari itu, ia menjadi TV producer untuk program dokumenter supranatural. Jia yakin, menghilangnya kedua orang tuanya bukanlah sesuatu hal yang mudah dijelaskan secara nalar. 

Suatu kejadian membuat Jia bertemu kembali dengan Yeon. Hal ini pun akhirnya mengungkap kisah masa lalu mereka. Apalagi, dengan kemunculan adik Yeon, Lee Rang (Kim Beom) dan juga Imugi (Lee Taeri), kisah mereka jadi sangat complicated. Tidak sesederhana tentang kisah cinta antara gumiho dan manusia biasa.

The Opinion

Dari awal, unsur mystery dan fantasi di drama ini terasa kuat banget. Dari awal kita sudah disajikan penampilan Lee Yeon sebagai rubah berekor sembilan. Aku malah baru memahami kalau gumiho itu ternyata kuat banget. 

Unsur horor juga lumayan kuat ya di awal. Adegan ketika Jia pulang dengan sosok yang bukan kedua orang tuanya cukup bikin deg-degan bagiku yang sama sekali bukan penggemar genre horor.

Di awal-awal, unsur misteri dan horor cukup banyak terkuak. Aku cukup menikmati misteri di pulau yang akhirnya memgangkitkan sosok Imugi itu. Aku pikir, akan terus ada kisah-kisah folktales dalam setiap episode. Sayangnya, di pertengahan akhir, konflik antara Lee Yeon, Jia, dan Imugi menjadi pembahasan sentral. Yang membuatki kurang sreg adalah fakta kalau ada cinta segitiga di situ. Apa sih yang membuat Jia istimewa?

Otomatis, buat orang-orang yang tidak  prefer kisah yang terlalu romantis, enggak akan suka menurutku.

Conclusion

Meskipun tidak menjadi drakor terfavorit, aku masih suka dengan perkembangan kisahnya. Aku suka dengan unsur komedi yang tetap ditampilkan lewat Yeon ataupun Shin Ju. Salah satu momen favoritku tentunya saat Yeon akhirnya mencoba menyelamatkan Rang dari manipulasi The Darkness. Di sini juga ditunjukin gimana Yeon berhasil melangkah jauh ke depan untuk membaca taktik Imugi.

Tentunya, alasan lain mengapa aku menonton Tale of the Nine Tailed, ya karena ada seri keduanya. Dari awal trailer, Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 terlihat lebih kocak dan fresh.

Jadi, menurutku 7.5 dari 10 bintang lah untuk kisah kali ini.

Sincerely, 

Ra

Title: Pandora: Beneath the Paradise
Director: Choi Younghoon
Screenwriter: Hyun Jimin
Number of episodes: 16 episodes
Cast: Lee Jiah, Lee Sangyoon, Jang Heejing, Park Kiwoong, Bong Taekyu, Han Sooyeon

In order to protect her beloved family, Hong Tae Ra must become the First Lady of Korea. Hong Tae Ra has a perfect life with her beloved husband Pyo Jae Hyun and their lovely daughter, except for one thing. Hong Tae Ra has no recollection of her past. One day, she regains her memory and faces her harrowing past. Her perfect life is now broken and she finds herself in an uncontrollable situation. Hong Tae Ra struggles to take revenge on those responsible for her past. Pyo Jae Hyun is married to Hong Tae Ra. He is an extremely smart developer, who developed new technology in the neural smart patch field. He runs his company with gentle leadership skills and a sensible personality. He is admired by those around him. People in the political world begin to talk about him as the next presidential candidate.

***

So, it's been a while for me to watch an ongoing series. One day, I stumbled into Pandora: Beneath the Paradise. After Crash Course Scandal, I saw that Pandora would fill the time slot. Therefore, I decided to watch it as an ongoing series. I remember how enjoyable to watch Business Proposal in that way. I think it will be not that pressuring when I watch it as an ongoing series. 

The Story

Hong Taera (Lee Jiah) is living a happy life. She got a very perfect husband, Pyo Jaehyun (Lee Sangyoon) who supports her all the time, and a beautiful daughter who she love. Then, she also has a kind big sister, Hong Yura (Han Sooyen) who always helps her.

Sadly, her perfect life has shattered when she started regaining her lost memory. In some of the fragments, Taera remembers her past life as No. 50, a hired assassin that has been trained at Hanwol Mental Hospital. As No 5, Taera is a well-known and skilled killer. She is the best of the best in Hanwol at that time. 

After that, more memories start pouring in when some accidents happen to Taera. When finally she regain all of her memories, she realized that she was entangled with the late President Ko's murder. Yes, President Ko is the father of Taera's close friend Ko Haesoo (Jang Heejin). This fact of course terrified Taera the most. How could she explain everything to Haesoo? 

The Opinion

To be honest, this revenge tragedy drama is full of plot twists. From the very start, there are so many unexpected things that happened. Starting from Taera's fake identity, Jaehyun's plan to become the South Korean president, the entangled fate between Jaehyun, Taera, and also Kumjo Group, Kyojin's accident that lead up to Hatch's smart patch research, and others.

Well, from the beginning, I know that Jaheyun is really sus. I think I have suspected him as the mastermind for everything that happened in Taera's life. But, I didn't expect that this arrogant and psycho human being has fallen for real to Taera. At least, those sides of him make Jaehyun being more human. 

What I didn't really like is how Haesoo's rush attitude and decision made everything worst. I mean, I know that she is brokenhearted by the fact about Taera and her father's death, but as a journalist, she should be diving more into what happened. Why she isn't questioning how a teenager like Taera becomes the assassin? Is that really her intention or there is someone behind that incident? Who hire the assasin and what's the reason? So, I am a little bit disappointed with Haesoo's character here.

Then, among other characters, I even fall for Jang Dojin (Park Kiwoong). Of course, at first, I didn't see him as a potential character that could be lovable, but then, his determination to help Haesoo and uncover the truth amazed me. He is willing to sacrifice everything for other people's sake, in this case, Haesoo.

Ahh, I also should mention Cha Pilseung (Kwon Hyunbin), Taera's little brother. I really love his character the most. I was so relieved that he finally can rekindle with his sister, even though is just for a short period of time.

To be honest, Pandora is a really complex story. Jaehyun's ambition to be a president is really scary. He is that person who utilizes all of his connections to get everything he wants. It scared me when Jaehyun also has a skill to mess with people's mind through a chip. 

Conclusion

Sigh. I know that the ending is confusing. How I wish they will just end it at that cliff scene. Why they should be at that Swiss' scene?

For me, this drama somewhat makes us curious about the story. It's a quite fast-paced drama, therefore you will find a lot of unexpected things in every episode. Is this drama became my favorite? Not really. I think this is an okay drama. Some parts make me bored and the characters are not that lovable. 

Then, the later part of this story make me roll my eyes, especially when Jaehyun who always outsmarts everyone, didn't even realize that Taera didn't lose her memory at all. Then, I did wonder why is it so easy for Taera to give that sleeping pill to Jaehyun? Why Jaehyun didn't suspect anything after that long sleep? 

Last, is the ending. I wonder why they have to choose that ending. Sigh.

So, it's 6.8 from me. 

Sincerely,
Ra

Title: The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Director: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic

Screenwriter: Matthew Fogel

Release date: April 5, 2023

Duration: 92 minutes

Watched in Cinepolis, Depok Town Square

With help from Princess Peach, Mario gets ready to square off against the all-powerful Bowser to stop his plans from conquering the world.

***

Ever since the trailer appeared on the ads in the cinema, I just felt I really need to watch it. Therefore, as impulsive as we were, me and Supri decided to watch Super Mario on their release week. 

What's my opinion on this cute movie? It's great and nostalgic.

The Story

The story began with Mario and Luigi who just set up their plumbing business. Many people looked down on them. Some of their neighbours, or even family, thought that Mario and Luigi's plumbing business is ridiculous. In a way, this situation has discouraged Mario much. Thankfully, Luigi still there to give his brother, support.

One day, there's a big flood happened in Brooklyn. As a plumber, Mario knows better where the problem is. Therefore, he asked Luigi to join him to the Brooklyn's underground.

Strangely, when they go down, they happened to suck by a pipe that disguise

D a portal to the another side of the word.

Mario, as the protagonist, got a chance to land in the Mushroom Kingdom. But, poor Luigi, he landed in the Drak Land where the evil King Bowser ruled that land.

Realising that Luigi maybe in danger, Mario tried to seek help from Princess Peach who ruled the Mushroom Kingdom. After several attempts to make him worthy, Princess Peach finally agree to help.

In fact, Princess Peach also need to confront Bowser as that evil king want to take over the world, including Mushroom Kingdom. Alongside with that, Bowser also has another ambition. He wants to make Princess Peach as his wife. Oh my goodness, where's the confidence come from?

My Opinion

The reason I watched the movie is because of their adorable trailer. I also do wonder how the movie maker will adapt the game into screenplay.

So far, I really enjoy the story. Well, tbh, the story is quite simple and not that much drama there. It's more emphasized on the game features that shoed throughout the entire movie. Ahh, what a nostalgic moment.

Then, we also can find so many comedic scenes on this movie. I couldn't stop laughing with Bowser attempt to flirt and sing for Princess Peach. I also should agree that most of the mushrooms are just adorable.

Conclusion

Tbh, in the middle of the resurgence of horror movies, Super Mario is your go to movie if you want that cheerful or vibrant movie. For an OG Super Mario player, the setting would give you a lot of nostalgic feeling.

7.5 out of 10 stars.

Sincerely, 

Ra

Image: Netflix

Title: Kill Boksoon

Screenwriter and director: Byun Sunghyun

Genre: Action, thriller 

Release date: March 31, 2023

Duration: 2 hour 17 minutes 

Watched on Netflix 

Gil Bok Soon is a single mother. She is also a lethal killer, with a 100% success rate on contract killings. She works for M.K. Ent, which is run by Cha Min Kyu. He has trained Gil Bok Soon as a killer, and they hold mutual respect for each other. At the same time, Gil Bok Soon is aware that Cha Min Kyu is a dangerous person who can take away everything from her.

Cha Min Hee is the younger sister of Cha Min Kyu, and she works as an executive at M.K. Ent. She doesn't show her feelings to other people. Han Hee Sung is a killer for M.K Ent. He is highly skilled at his job, but he is not recognized by others for his work.

Right before Gil Bok Soon is set to renew her contract, she gets involved in a kill-or-be-killed confrontation.

***

So, where should I start? Kill Boksoon is the latess movie that I recently watch. I decided to watch it because Jeon Doyeon. Moreover, the poster for this movie is awesome. I just love the coolness of Doyeon there.

The Story

To be honest, the premise for this story is intriguing for. It told the story of Boksoon (Jeon Doyeon) as a renowned assassin. She is known as the high-ranked killer in her company. Yet, in home, she is a single mother with one teenage daughter. 

Well, of course killing maybe is so much easier for Boksoon than parenting. But, she has to do both since her daughter need her.

The Opinion

At first, I love how we can see a lot of beautiful action scene from Boksoon. Doyeon can perfectly portrayed Boksoon as an assassin very well. I mean, you can believe that she is a skilled assasin with her acting and attitude. 

Then, if I remember correctly, the assasin business reminds me a lot with the idol training system. The soon to be assassin should have a trainee period before they are 'debuting'. So much reference from idol system, right?

As much as I love the action scene and premise, I felt that the plot of the story is flawed. There are many things that I didn't get it. Start from the politics of the assasin company, the background story of Boksoon so she was motivated to be a killer, the story of Boksoon's daughter, Jaeyeong (Kim Sia), and that weird relationship between Chairman Cha (Sol Kyunggu) and his sister, Director Cha (Esom).

Even though I tried so hard to understand it, I just couldn't engage with most of the plots from this movie. I felt a lot of elements that has been forced to appear in the story.

Aside from that, I am so happy that there's Lee Jaewook here. Yes, he is appeared as the young Chairman Cha. I can feel his charisma when playing that tiny role!

Conclusion

I don't know why, but I just feel the story is lacking in so many ways. I couldn't engage with it. I also hard to find an emphaty for Boksoon or her daughter. It's hard for me to love this movie.

Well, it's just my personal preference, tho. I still like the thriller action part and how Doyeon giver her all for Boksoon's role.

Trivia: 

I just realized that Boksoon's name is 길 복순 that can be romanized into Kil Boksoon ㅋㅋㅋ

So, 6 out of 10 stars from me.

Sincerely,

Ra

Image: GKIDS

Title: Weathering with You
Other Title: Tenki no Ko
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Writer: Makoto Shinkai
Duration: 1 hour 52 minutes
Date of release: 2019
Cast: Kotaro Daigo, Nana Mori, Tsubasa Honda, Sakura Kiryu

Tokyo is currently experiencing rain showers that seem to disrupt the usual pace of everyone living there to no end. Amidst this seemingly eternal downpour arrives the runaway high school student Hodaka Morishima, who struggles to financially support himself—ending up with a job at a small-time publisher. At the same time, the orphaned Hina Amano also strives to find work to sustain herself and her younger brother.

Both fates intertwine when Hodaka attempts to rescue Hina from shady men, deciding to run away together. Subsequently, Hodaka discovers that Hina has a strange yet astounding power: the ability to call out the sun whenever she prays for it. With Tokyo's unusual weather in mind, Hodaka sees the potential of this ability. He suggests that Hina should become a "sunshine girl"—someone who will clear the sky for people when they need it the most.

Things begin looking up for them at first. However, it is common knowledge that power always comes with a hefty price...

***

So, after watching Suzume, I finally decided to watch Weathering with You. To be honest, I kinda forget that I haven't watched this movie yet. Hmm, maybe I wasn't much into Shinkai's work back then.

The Story

The story began with the runaway journey of Hodaka Morishima. He went to Tokyo in order to leave his hometown which was in a rural area of Japan. 

In the middle of the trip, Hodaka witnessed a hardy storm that almost flipped the ship that he rode. Even, he almost fell into the sea if Keisuke Suga saved him. But, in that accident, Hodaka also witnessed some weather changes that made the storm away. He wondered why that could happen. 

Arriving in Tokyo, Hodaka didn't know what to do. He didn't have any money to stay and cannot apply to work because he is basically underage. When he ate at a fast-food restaurant, he met Hina Amano, a part-time girl who took an interest in him. Realizing that Hodaka is running away from home, Hina is kindhearted enough to give Hodaka a more worth its menu. 

Not knowing how to settle in Tokyo, Hodaka finally decided to call Keisuke, a guy who saved him on the ship. At first, Hodaka really hesitated to call him cause he looks sus, but having no choice, forced Hodaka to do so. Thankfully, Keisuke is not a bad guy. Actually, Keisuke runs a small occult magazine publishing company, where they investigate many urban legends related to the unusually rainy weather in Tokyo. They hear the legend of the "sunshine girl" who can control the weather. Therefore, Hodaka along with Natsumi Suga tried their best to deep dive more into that sunshine girl.

Then, one day, Hodaka met again with Hina and he finally knows that the renowned "sunshine girl" is her. Realizing that ability, Hodaka and Hina, along with Hina's brother Nagi, run a sunshine girl business. To put it simply, they can be hired to clear the sky from the rainy weather. At first, everything seems to be okay, but like the old folks say, there are always consequences for everything. 

The more frequently Hina controls the weather, the more her body becomes affected. Legend said the goddess of the weather should sacrifice herself to save the world. 

The Opinion

Well, not like in Suzume, Hodaka and Hina's relationship grow in a gradual way. Therefore, you won't find that unbelievable love at the first sight. Every character here is also interesting and their own. They have their own problem and in a way relatable to what could happen in real life.

But of course, there are some parts that somehow bothered me. Of them, I still feel that Makoto Shinkai didn't explain why Hodaka had to run away from home. Was he having a fight with his parent or something else happened in his hometown? I still don't get why he has to go to Tokyo by himself.

Aside from that, I really love their animation style. It's just beautiful. Well, I don't think Makoto Shinkai ever disappoint the viewer regarding his animation. Then, what I love the most about it is the soundtrack. I love RADWIMPS so much after listening to this movie's soundtrack.

Conclusion

Well, I don't know about it. After watching both Suzume and Weathering with You, I prefer Suzume more. I love a lot of thrill feeling that stimulates the viewers from each of the scenes in Suzume. Meanwhile, you won't find that in Weathering with You or maybe Kimi No Nawa. But, I also admit that Kimi No Nawa has its own unique plot. That plot twist still gives me a chill, tho. 

After all, Weathering with You is one of the anime movies that are worth watching. 

7 out of 10 stars.

Sincerely,
Ra