Foxy Lady (여우야 뮈하니)

CAST:
고현정 Go Hyun Jung (Sand Glass, Spring Day, Woman On the Beach, H.I.T.) as Go Byeong Hee (Vicky)
천정명 Chun Jung Myung (Fashion 70s, Goodbye Solo) as Park Cheol Su (AJ)
Jo Yeon Woo (Bad Housewife, Love in Heaven) as Bae Hee Myeong (Lloyd)
Kim Eun Joo as Go Jun Hee (Lizbeth)
Ahn Sun Young (My Little Bride, Rosy Life) as Park Seung Hye (Margo)
Choi Woo Je as Seon Woo (Ericson)
Kwon Hae Hyo (My Name Is Kim Sam-soon; Thank You Life) as Hwang Yong Kil
Yoon Yeo Jung (War of the Roses, A Farewell to Tears) as Choi Soon Nam
Son Hyun Joo (Conditions of Love, Rosy Life) as Park Byeong Gak (Pocholo)
Episodes: 16
PD: Kwon Suk Jang (Marry Me)
Writer: Kim Do Woo (My Name Is Kim Sam-soon)
Official Website: Foxy Lady

Synopsis:

The story is about a not-so-bright older girl who dreams of a “fantasy love” and her relationship with her friend’s brother who is nine years younger than her. The drama stars Ko Hyun-jung and Chun Jung-myung as the odd couple with such a huge age gap. Ko Hyun-jung stars as Ko Byung-hee, a girl with the heart of a 24-year-old who is actually 33 and working as a reporter in a third-rate magazine company. She frequently finds it hard to cope with the blandness of her life. What she dreams of is working for a company that she can be proud of and finding a man who can provide warm support when she needs it. In addition, she wants to go on a world tour in a camping car with her new love. Suddenly, she gets into an accident with her friend Seung-hye’s brother, Chul-su (Seung-hye and Chul-su are played by Ahn Sun-young and Chun Jung-myung, respectively). Chun Jung-myung stars as Park Chul-su, a 24-year-old male working as a mechanic at a car repair shop. Chun makes his first appearance on an MBC drama with this show. Although Chul-su does not have much in life, he is filled with ambition and enjoys life by doing the things he loves: working as a mechanic and traveling. How many people actually find the love they dream of? Until they realize that true love is just around the corner, this couple continues to pursue this unique romantic relationship of “dating a friend’s brother” and “dating my sister’s friend”. “Foxy Lady” is written by Kim Do-woo who also penned the wildly popular “My Lovely Sam-soon”. Producer Kwon Suk-jang, who has created such fun-loving dramas for women such as “Lady Next Door” and “Marry Me” is in charge of the production.

My Take:

When I first watched an episode of Foxy Lady (actually, my first serving was episode 4), and even though it was raw (meaning the spoken language is foreign and there are no subtitles), I could honestly say that it was highly commendable/recommendable because I definitely enjoyed it. I looked idiotic, I think, when I laughed out loud once and my unnie saw me when I was watching Foxy Lady. I wasn’t able to understand what they were talking about but I was hitting the floor with laughter saying, “What a show !”

The female and male leads were excellent and pretty to look at. Their facial expressions were enough to showcase their talent in conveying what the character wants to tell the audience. Also, my little knowledge of the Korean language helped a lot. And because the lead actor and actress were too cute/pretty to be true, I made some research to learn more on the net. So, for more information, I dug hard, real hard (because most sites dedicated for the drama were all in Korean) just to find facts and figures. Good thing I already knew the title (What’s Up Fox/Foxy Lady) but I still didn’t know who the lead stars were. Thanks to my broadband, I was able to gather information and even found sites where I can download the episodes and their respective subtitles (thanks to soompi, d-addicts, withs2 and naynay123’s clubbox). So I had a marathon. And it was truly worth it.

Each and every episode made me laugh and cry at the same time. There was an over-abundance of wacky scenes, times where you can relate to the funny moments because the main character is as ordinary as anyone can be. But this k-drama is not all about comedy. It also contained serious tones of life. The fears, the heartaches, the journey of love.

At first, I loved this drama because of the fact that it was written by Kim Do Woo, who wrote my favorite kdrama of all time, My Name is Kim Samsoon. There was some scenes reminiscent to MNIKSS but those were minimal. I only noticed the similarities because I’m a certified MNIKSS adik and I could swear that I know it by heart. LOLZ. So I distinguished almost immediately the teeny-weeny instances where I felt like watching MNIKSS again, through Foxy Lady.

All right, let me enumerate some:
1. The venue where Byeong Hee’s house stood (I think it’s Samsoon’s neighborhood. It would have been fun if they knew each other, meaning Samsoon and Byeong Hee);
2. Byeong Hee being clumsy and loud;
3. Family troika [omma (mom), unnie (older sister) and dong seng (younger daughter)];
4. May-December affair (well in the case of Samsoon and Samshik, it was just a 3-year gap. But the girl was still older);
5. The drunken scene. LOLZ (Complete with the barfing and sleeping somewhere not the girl’s house, and both on Episode 2);
6. Characters associated with stuffed animals (Byeong Hee to a yellow fox, Samsoon to a pinky pig);
7. Catchy OST. (Woooh, I lurv the love theme of Foxy Lady);
8. The karaoke scene, both in Epi 14. (But Samsoon’s was totally hilarious).

Those were some that I could remember at this time. But I’m sure there were more. But it was not a big deal. Just a passing thought, hehe.

But the real reason why I finished the drama in just 2 nights (marathon to the max! musta naman eyebags, harhar) is Go Hyun Jung. My new-found adopted unnie (wish). She’s so pretty. I lurv looking at her smile. I lurv seeing her face in a close-up shot. I lurv it when she distorts her face yet she still manages to look good and cute. And when she absorbs herself in a dramatic scene, she really is mesmerizing. Pretty unnie, fighting!

And just like what I did with Kim Sun Ah (Samsoon), I researched Hyun Jung unnie’s background and just like Sun Ah, I got inspired with Hyun Jung.

Her past was glamourous but profoundly sad. And she’s still struggling til this very moment. I felt so sad, still feels so sad about her marriage. Napunjashikka. That’s for her ex-husband and his rude family. So sad. Now I don’t want to buy Samsung products. (LOZ apekted?) Her ex is an heir to the vast Samsung/Shinsegae companies and being chaebols (uber rich), they shunned unnie as if she’s just a commoner. The nerves! She is like a princess. Duh!

Anyway, Foxy Lady is a good watch, I tell you. You will not be disappointed. It’s something you would want to watch over and over again. And even recommending it to friends and family is understandable. Try and watch and you’ll find out what I’m saying. And what I’m saying is true, hehehe.

And if time permits, and if I still feel inspired, I might also do a Filipino transcript for this. Yah Eimich!! Finish the last two episodes of MNIKSs already! LOLZ!

Miss Go, fighting!!!

Bokura ga Ita (We Were There)
僕等がいた
Genre: School Drama, Romance, Comedy
Based on the manga with the same title by Yuuki Obata
Director: Akitaro Daichi
Duration: July 3, 2006 – December 25, 2006
No. of episodes: 26

Plot:

Bokura ga Ita is a story of a girl named Nana, who falls in love with the school’s most popular guy, Yano. The anime begins as Nana starts school and meets Yano for the first time, after hearing about the rumors revolving around Yano. As the story continues, Nana discovers that Yano’s ex-girlfriend had died in a car crash during the summer.

Finding out that Yano still indeed loves his ex-girlfriend, who also happens to have the name Nana, Nana tries to understand Yano and hopes that he will like her.Yano soon realizes he has become accustomed to Nana, no matter how hard he tries to keep her away. In the end, they begin dating. (wikipedia)

My Take:

How could 15-year old kids have such complicated love stories?

Yano is popular, bright and cute. But behind the cheerful facade, he’s hiding a past which he wants to be buried forever.

Nana is timid and has no confidence. So it’s a shock to her that the most popular boy in school confessed his love to her on their first summer festival together.

Their love story is a roller coaster ride. Happy, playful, sad, suspecting, insecured, etc. The past hinders their trust for each other. Nana feels unconfident that her boyfriend still has feelings for his ex while Yano feels his girlfriend doesn’t understand him and his circumstances.

Though young and new to the realities of what love will bring, their feelings for each other are intense and true. And as the story unfolds, the two of them discover what is important than what they feel is right. And as their relationship progress, they find the maturity they needed to confront the problems ahead of them.

Aigoo! They are so young yet they’ve complicated their relationship. Why don’t they just have fun while being young. It’s not like their getting married immediately. Lolz.

And I’m so envious of their love. They’ve become stronger as they undergo the hardships that come alongside their love for each other. I was really cheering them on to give their best to their studies and to their feelings. Gambaro!

This anime love story is fun to watch and as an episode finishes, you can’t help but anticipate what will happen in the next installment. I’ve finished the 26 episodes in three days. I wish the story is longer but I feel that there will be no thrill if the end is different from what I’ve seen. The audience is left hanging to give their own conclusion and I feel that’s a great way to end this fun yet profound series.

The animation is wonderful. All of them are so kawaii! At first, I thought the graphics were a little off and unattractive, but as the show progresses, I’ve come to love the artists who worked on BGI. I especially love the way the tears form in the heroine’s eyes when she feels hurt or sad. And Nana’s hairstyles are so pretty on her. I wish I could style my hair like hers, hahahaha. So cute.

The soundtrack is very suitable to the story. It’s easy to listen to and although those who are watching cannot possibly understand the lyrics (if not Japanese or who doesn’t understand nihonggo) unless they read the karaoke fixed by the subbers, the song still makes the audience relate with the story. The opening theme (Kimi Dake Wo) is upbeat enough to make anyone excited to watch the series. It’s melody is interesting and makes you wonder what the story holds. Listening to the song, you will expect that the story is funny yet serious which is what the audience will find and which you will hear from the theme. I also like one ending theme (Merry Go Round). It’s become my LSS for a while and I’ve been playing the two tracks over and over again, hehe. And I’ve learned that two ending themes, including Merry Go round, was sung by the seiyuu (voice actor) of Nana herself. Nice!
Here is the official sound track of the series;

Bokura Ga Ita Vocal Album - Eien

1. Kimi Dake Wo
2. Aishiteru
3. Koko Ni Ite
4. Sunset
5. Suki Dakara
6. Futari No Kisetsu Ga
7. Utsukushi Sugite
8. Merry Go Round
9. Aozora
10.Kimi Ga Iru
11.Hoshi Wo Kazoeru Yori MO
12.Kotoba

I have the audio files saved in my HD and if any of you wants to download it, just post your request at the comments section.

Title: Hana Yori Dango (Boys Before Flowers)
Genre: Romance
Production: TBS
Duration: 10/21/05 to 12/16/05
Length: 9 Episodes
WebSite: http://www.tbs.co.jp/hanayoridango

Cast
Inoue Mao - Makino Tsukushi
Matsumoto Jun - Domyouji Tsukasa
Oguri Shun - Hanazawa Rui
Matsuda Shouta - Nishikado Soujiro
Abe Tsuyoshi - Mimasaka Akira

Hana Yori Dango OST (in zip file)

Planetarium MP3 (Ai Otsuka)

Wish MP3 (Arashi)

Synopsis
Makino Tsukushi is a new student at Eitoku Academy - an exclusive school attended by rich families’ children. Being poor, she tried hard not to be noticed by her schoolmates to avoid being bullied. But things turned bad when she stood up against the leader of Flower four or F4, the group of super rich elites whose parents donate large amounts of money to the school which made them untouchable, even by the teachers. But one member of F4, the silent Hanazawa Rui, became her friend, and eventually, she fell for him. But Domyouji Tsukasa, the head of F4, wanted Tsukushi for himself. And Tsukushi found herself thinking of him more often than she wanted.

My Take
Tsukushi is the typical girl who wants to live her life just the way she wanted it. She’s shy but outspoken, timid yet brave, aloof but loving and she doesn’t let anybody step upon her and her loved ones without getting a tongue lash from her. She first had a crush on Rui but she just can’t get Tsukasa’s strong personality out of her system.

Tsukasa is an obscenely rich brat who gets his way with just a flick of his finger. Whatever he says, everyone will bow to his wishes. He’s the heir of the Domyouji Group of Companies and he’s being groomed to lead it. But deep inside the stone hard facade, he’s a kid whose lonely and afraid. And when Tsukushi stood up on him, he reluctantly accepts the fact that she’s one tough cookie who can be the girl he approves of.

Rui is the gentlest among the group, if that could be considered gentle. He lets his friends have their fun as long as they do not interfere with his. He came to Tsukushi’s rescue which made them close as friends.

This drama does not have a single boring moment and after an episode, you find yourself craving for more. Not only the teenagers can relate to this genre, but kids and adults will also enjoy this drama. It’s comedy, romance, action, drama all in one. And the cast are all eye-candy.

In my opinion, this adaptation is better than the Taiwanese version (Meteor Garden). And of course, my estimation is due to my two new babies, Matsumoto-kun and Oguri-kun who are also in Gokusen, another teen drama with angst.

Watch this and you’ll surely enjoy!

Ima, ai ni yukimasu (Be With You)

Title : Ima, Ai Ni Yukimasu
English Title : Be With You
Direct Translation : Now, Im Going To Be with You
Genre : Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Release Date : 30 October 2004 (Japan)
Runtime : 119 minutes
Director : Nobuhiro Doi
Writers : Takuji Ichikawa (novel), Yoshikazu Okada (Screenplay)
Cast:
Yuko TAKEUCHI (Mio)
Shido NAKAMURA (Takumi)
Akashi TAKEI (Yuji)

Synopsis (by me):
“After one year, when the rainy season comes, I’ll be with you again. In six weeks, we’ll be together again”

That’s what Mio promised to her husband (Takumi) and six year old son (Yuji) before she died.

As wild as it may seem, from the bottom of their hearts, both father and son believed in her. So they waited for the rain to pour and the chance to be with the departed loved one once again.

So when the sun hid in the clouds, while walking in the woods, there they found a woman, who strongly resembled Mio, but who didn’t remember anything, even herself.

Is this a fantasy? Or is this the fulfilled oath?

My Take:

I love, luv, lurve the movie. It took me sooo long to download the whole film, (eight portions and only one part per four hours in megaupload, drat!) but it was worth it.

At first, I thought the movie is horror or something, hahahaha. Boy, I was sooo wrong.

I liked the lead actress, Takeuchi, in her drama “Lunch Queen” coz she was so quirky, so cheerful, so passionately in love with life. But in this film, she was oh soo sweet, innocent and sensitive. She really fit the role.

Nakamura’s character was a perfect gentleman. He was not dashing and gorgeous, but he could be the man of any girl’s dream.

And Takei is sooo kawaii! His older version looks cute too.

The movie was narrated in a way that would not make anyone bored or sleepy (That’s what I felt when I watch those sappy recent teen jmovies). Each chapter unfolds with a rhythm that made the viewer understand the beauty of the love of the son to his mother and the love of the husband to his wife. And of course the love of Mio to her child and husband. It may seem out of this world but while into the movie, I wished it really was true. I really fell for Takumi’s overwhelming feelings for Mio.

Haaay, love, so mystifying…

And the story left me so mushy and so in love.

Really!

I wish the kind of love that Mio and Takumi shared is rampant in this world. It would be such a great place to live in.

It’s such a bliss to wish. Am I right or am I right?

Go watch the movie, it will not disappoint. You can see it in youtube (but there’s also a drama series based on the novel/movie with the same title but critics say viewers must not expect anything as good as the movie, or in other words, don’t waste your time watching the series, hehehe). Or you can download it in idols-unlimited. Just be patient with megaupload.

Movie Trivia :
*Copies of the book that Mio creates for her son Yuji, promising to return from the Archive Star during the next rainy season, are on sale in Japan.

*Yuko Takeuchi and Shido Nakamura got married after shooting the film. (How sweet)

*A Hollywood remake is in the works with Jennifer Garner taking Mio’s character. (Is there any other? Someone much younger? Lolz)

After Kim Samsoon, I thought I wouldn’t go gaga over a drama again. But here I am, still drooling and reminiscing.

It’s not that LOVERS is an exceptional drama like Kim Samsoon, it’s just that the lead male actor won me over with just his piercing eyes. Oooohhh. And those oh so lovely smile and oh so sexy lips. Aaahhhh. And that bewitching dimples. Mmmmmmm. And those hard, hard muscles. Haaaayyy. What can I say? I’m soooo smitten. *smooch smooch*

And who am I talking about? It’s my “new” man, Lee Seo Jin. Now I can finally call someone oppa, hahaha.

And I already noticed him in Phoenix, but I thought then he wasn’t that much of a looker. I was soooo wrong. And now, I’m searching the net for Phoenix downloads. Darn! And he was also in Damo! Both dramas were shown in QTV. Haaay. (bonkself) Why, oh, why did I let those dramas pass me by?

Anyway, it’s a good thing I got to chat with a friend of mine recently who is a Kim Jung Eun lover. She told me that KJE has a new drama and that I should check it out. She also gave me a very intriguing pointer why I should watch it. She said the male lead is currently being rumored to be dating KJE. Now that made me decide to watch it. Why? Because KJE is my Sun-ah unnie’s bestfriend and I really want to know what’s happening to the both of them, lovelife and all, teehee.

So I clicked the link she provided, and voila! I got hooked!

But in my heart, “My Name is Kim Samsoon” is still the best!

Here are some information about the drama, “Lovers” (pics and info from soompi.com, synopsis by me)

★LOVERS 연인★
(Nov 8, 2006 - Jan 11, 2007)

Episodes: 20
Official Website: http://tv.sbs.co.kr/lovers2006
PD: Shin Woo Chul (신우철)
Writer: Kim Eun Sook (김은숙)
*Both collaborated on “Lovers in Paris” and “Lovers in Prague”*

CAST:
Lee Seo Jin as “Ha Kang Jae”
Kim Jung Eun as “Yoon Mi Joo”
Jung Chan as “Kang Sae Yeon”
Kim Kyu Ri as “Park Yu Jin”

A drama about the love of a tough mob leader and a cheerful plastic surgeon. He’s serious and rough, she’s sweet and carefree. He’s an orphan that grew wild in the streets, she’s a reverend’s dutiful daughter. She’s unattached, he’s going to father a baby. How in the world can they fulfill the love that pulls them strongly to each other when the people that matters most to them are against it? Should they defy reason and go for their feelings, or should they stop yearning for each other and end the relationship that has not even began?

-*-*-*-*-

Naks, naloka naman ako sa synopsis, nyahahaha. And wouldn’t you be intrigued with that kind of plot? I was so I quenched my curiosity, and I did not regret it. And there’s a big plus from watching it. Oppaaaa!!!

Great acting from the cast. KJE and LSJ has this chemistry that makes the viewer really root for them. Jung Chan is definitely an exceptional actor. His eyes are so fierce and yet so gentle. And his tears come flowing right on timing. I also particularly liked the support characters. Watch out for cutie Lee Han (Tae San - assistant to Kang Jae) and Choi Ha Na (Hong Soon Jung - Mi Joo’s subordinate/friend). They somehow provide the ice breaker in the story.

I learned from someone that the rights to air Lovers here in the Philippines has already been bought by ABS CBN. Hmmm, when it comes to Kim Jung Eun, they really try to grab it before anybody else. Well, lets see how it fares here. Surely, I’m going to have fierce competition once the Pinays out there find how eye candy and yummylicious my oppa is.

And one LSJ fan said that oppa comes from a very rich family. Hmmm. Lovely.

Anyway, here’s the link for the drama. It’s streaming (like Youtube but with better quality, the screen is larger), with three versions (raw-Korean, Chinese subbed and English subbed), and some enjoyable clips for background (NG’s, interviews, behind the scenes).

–>>Thanks to Shulien for sharing.<<--

Guys, enjoy! And don’t drool too much on my oppa! Hmp!

She’s On Duty

Click on Posters for a larger pic.

Original/Korean Title: Jambok-geunmu
Genre: Action/Comedy/Romance
Released Date: 2005/03/17 (South Korea)
Runtime: 111 min
Cast:
Kim Sun-ah - Chun Jae-in
Gong Yoo - Kang No-young
Nam Sang-mi - Cha Seung-hee

Director: Park Gwang-choon
Script: Lee Won-jae, Park Gwang-choon, Seol Joon-seok
Producer: Jeong Hoon-tak
Distributor: Showbox

Summary:

A female cop goes undercover in a high school to track down an elusive criminal whose testimony could put a notorious mobster behind bars. But along the way, she has to deal with school bullies, exams, and a mysterious classmate she soon develops feelings for.

This undercover cop comedy centers on Detective Chun Jae-In (Kim Seon-Ah of S Diary and the original Wet Dreams). After screwing up a case involving a sex trafficking ring run by the Japanese Yakuza, Jae-In gets assigned to go undercover at a local high school. She’s ordered to conduct around-the-clock surveillance on Seung-Hee (Nam Sang-Mi) by becoming her new friend. This way, she can make Seung-hee tell her the whereabouts of her father, Cha Young-Jae (Kim Kap-Soo), a reformed convict who is the key figure in the prosecution of a sadistic mob boss.

But Mr. Cha is a hard fellow to track down.  Another problem is Seung-hee has closed herself down on others that it takes a lot of prodding from Jae-in to make her open up.  Another is Jae-in’s forced cooperation.  In truth, she’s not so thrilled with her new assignment.  Considering the fact that she was a poor student and onetime gang leader back in high school and looking at her background, it’s no surprise how she reacts to new challenges. When confronted by bullies, the headstrong Jae-In beats the hell out of them. When forced to take exams, she cheats with the help of her commanding officer.

Another distraction is the gorgeous and mysterious Kang No-Young (Gong Yoo), who just so happens to live next door to her. And things heat up when Jae-In’s main rival, a gloryhound police detective is installed in the school as a substitute teacher to speed up the case.

But the wacky adventure turns to a sharp turn as the story segues into the real reason for the assignment.  The light-hearted comedy gone, and the serious details abound.  Action and drama unfolds til the crooks and the hidden villains turn up.

But all’s well that ends well.  Jae-in returns to her usual cranky and silly self as she chase another suspect after another, and the true identity of No-Young is revealed.  And the romance is concluded with him and Jae-in kissing at the end part.

My take

Since the story has been told in the summary, I might as well point out my opinions of the actors. 

1. Of course, the lovely Sun-ah was great in this movie (hehehe).  She fitted the role well and gave a good delivery in the acting department.  But in the action part, uhm, well, it needed more polishing though.  I guess the action director was in constraint (time, personnel, budget, etc) that’s why the end result was not perfect.

2.  Gong Yoo, my jagiya, was dreamy here.  He looked so fresh and young.  I really liked the way he portrayed a mysterious character.  And with his looks, who wouldn’t want to unravel the truth and get to know him more.  I know I would dig him, anytime.  Wanna, wanna, wanna.

3. Nam Sang-mi was so pretty and sad in this movie.  She was effective as the shy but intelligent student who eventually opened up and trusted Jae-in.

4. I also liked the school gang leader and members.  They tried to look tough, and they succeeded in that part, one way or another, but when they came face-to-face with Jae-in, they were reduced to whining, bratty kids.  Lolz.  If they only knew from the start that she was a police officer who was used to street brawls and life and death situations, they might have thought a hundred times before clashing with her.

5. I’m disappointed though with the main villain.  He was a mob boss, who dealt with crime, drugs, etc.  But he didn’t even own a gun!  What were they thinking?  And he was chicken when the action heated up.  He was annoying but funny because of his lack of grit and roughness mob bosses should have.  He looked like the underdog instead of the bad man.

6. Kang No-Young’s real identity wasn’t revealed.  The film left the audience thinking who he really was.  I concluded that he was a secret agent and at least, he was on the right side of the law.  Perfect with Jae-in.

This movie is a joy to watch.  It’s not very good but with the way the story unfolds, the simple twists and turns and the eye-candy cast, it would make you feel good after the film ended because all the dilemma is solved.  A typical ingredient to a feel-good movie.  Some gory scenes but nevertheless, enjoyable.  And the OST is interesting.  Wakes me up everytime I listen to it. 

Pics abound here –> My Sun-ah Shrine > Movies > She’s On Duty

Bong eyes Sharon & Regine

A LITTLE BIT

by : Remy Umerez

journal.com.ph

snip
Imus is not entering the 2006 Metro Manila Film Festival. But they have three projects in mind. One is a Regine Velasquez starrer and a Sharon Cuneta teamer with Bong.
snip

Yes, I’ve posted it before but I have a new concern.

I watched “Kapag Tumibok ang Puso (Not Once but Twice) last night.  And I was disappointed.

There was nothing new.  The movie screams slapstick comedy, boring to exaggerated.  But in fairness, I laughed a few times. 

There was chemistry between Ai-ai and Bong, that I have to say.  But a love story involving them is too far-fetched.  Ai-ai’s character is too horrible to be lovable.  There was this scene where Bong’s son accidentally hit Ai-ai’s framed picture (I think it was tarpaulin) which created a hole right in the middle of the pic’s face.  Due to anger, Ai-ai threw the ball with force to the boy’s face which hurt the kid terribly, also making his nose bleed.  The Matrix/Mr. & Mrs. Smith-like fight scene came afterwards.  And after all the computer enhanced fist fight, kicks and spins, and even gunfires all over the place, nobody got hurt, except for the boy, which was earlier.  Is this a fantaserye, I asked.  To end the conflict, Bong and his family took off, leaving Ai-ai behind.  Ai-ai felt ashamed with her behaviour (she should, if I was the boy’s relative, I would slap her silly with my stiletto sandals.  Ooooh, gory, hahaha), so she whole-heartedly apologized to Bong and his children, with a peace offering of a whole Lechon Baboy.  Guess what?  Tada!  She was forgiven.  Oh, how unpredictable, hehehe. 

Hay, I don’t want to go to details anymore.  But I want to add this.  Bong still loves his dead wife but he pursued Aiai and in the end, it was a happy ever after conclusion.  They really think the audience are dull and silly.

But it has it’s funny moments, as I have said earlier that I laughed a few times.  Eugene Domingo is a gem.  She’s a natural comedian.  Janelle Jamer delivered a good performance.  Not laudable but okay.  The son, I think Aaron is his name, was a witty child.  He has the potential.  Innah (is that the right spelling?) is pretty in this movie.  And she has a better acting talent than her brothers (yes, both Bryan and the other one) combined. 

And where’s the connection with Regine?  Well, I just hope that her movie with this production is not a situational comedy as this.  Really, an episode of Bahay Mo Ba ‘To is better than this movie.  And you don’t need to pay P120 for the movie pass.  I really, really wish they’d come up with a good material.  The project will be Regine’s first movie after 2 years and we are clamoring for the best.  Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka received a lot of trashing, not wholly because of the story but because of the camera angles, the execution and the editing.  Hopefully, they’d pick a good writer (enough of Mel Mendoza-del Rosario).  Well, the director has been picked, so no choice there.  Haay…

It’s a pity I did not get to watch the opening.  Everyone’s been raving about it.  Oh please!  Tell me what happened.    (As if my life changed because I didn’t catch that number, heard everyone danced, including shongbirdie Regine.  I can’t imagine.  I mean, the stage is so small, did they even get to jump or sway at all?  I guess they bumped into each other more that 10 times, hahaha.)

Edit:  This is the video of the opening dance number of Regine and Goma to the tune of Hey Ya. (thanks to anakin0730).  Sayang, it would have been nicer to view it in a much wider screen.

But if I had the chance to see it, my Sunday afternoon wouldn’t have been gone to waste?  Why, you ask?  The portions that I viewed in yesterday’s (6/25/06) SOP were rubbish.  Most of it!

First off.  What in the world is Nadine Samonte singing live with an up-and-coming band?  Is April a professional singer?  I hope the two singers (cough) wouldn’t taint the chances of Shamrock of superstardom.  Jusko!  The song Alipin was beautiful but the the two singers (cough) couldn’t even carry a proper tune.  Nadine especially!  It was a torture to listen!  Did they even rehearse beforehand?  I could see Shamrock shaking their frustrated heads during the number.  It was such a pitiful sight.  If I were Nadine or April, I would have hidden my face for the next two weeks.  They literally spread their trash in national television.  Oh, how could I forget, GMA can now be seen worldwide.  Such a catastrophe!  I remember Nadine singing the theme song of her daytime soap opera.  It was forgettable!  That’s why I can’t even recall the title. 

Because of distaste, I switched channel and turned to ASAP 06.  Parokya ni Edgar and Kamikazee were banging the stage with their heavy metal music while Chito rocked the house and the vocalist of Kamikazee doing an interpretative dance (literally) of the song “The Ordertaker”.  It was a funny production.  And I must admit, I enjoyed it, even if it was ASAP.  That’s how a respectable program should treat guests.  And not force them to sing with sub-par talents.  Sub-par, my ***!   My gas is what I mean, hehe.  (Hey, I only meant that portion, not the whole ASAP show)

Next, those birthday segments.  It was okay.  At least they’ve limited it to just one section of the program, though one section per person.  But it was too monotonous.  Sharon’s guesting was like a birthday celebration (tv style) and it was more enjoyable, except for Geleen Eugenio’s.  I liked that portion coz Jolina danced.  But puhleeze, why did Geleen have to thank her daughter too many times just by dancing with her on tv?  As if we haven’t heard her first acknowledgement that she had to repeat it again.  And again.  And again.  Duh! 

Ruffa’s birthday segment?  I didn’t watch it.  Don’t like.  Period.  I switched to MTV and found Mariah Carey gyrating to “Say Something” more pleasurable.

Okay, Sharon’s song number.  What’s the reunion for?  Is anyone leaving?  Is anyone retiring?  For Pete’s sake, is anyone dying?  Wait a minute…  Is she hinting on a change of work office?  Seems likely.  She’s jumping to the bandwagon.  Everyone from the other side is doing it.  Why not her?  Especially now that her talk show is ENJOYING teenager ratings.  Ever since it’s pilot episode

And what’s the snubbing Regine period for?  She used to embrace, kiss, hold hands and hug tightly with Regine.  Why not anymore?  (Lolz, that paragraph sounded weird, melanism perhaps)  And why did she look straightly at Regine when she asked where Ogie was?  And what did she mean by shouting to the whole world that she hates Ogie because he’s unfaithful?  What was that?  Was she trashing Regine in her turf?  Crap!  She’s just fanning the now waning embers of REG-UGE trashy rumor.  But of course, the statement above are worthless assumption, until further facts are established.  For all we know, Sharon and Ogie are sharing a private joke that we, normal people, can never fathom.  Anyway, I’m so sure that Sharon loves Regine and she wouldn’t hurt her deliberately.

But you know what was funny?  After Sharon, Lani, Cherry and Lorna’s song number, the megastar felt so at home on the SOP stage that she started to chat with her chums, live.  But to her horror, the announcer cut her off immediately by declaring the next event and that it was time for the commercials.  Sharon stood there shaking and seething with anger, I believe.  She must have thought “The nerve!  Who the hell do they think they are to cut me off unceremoniously like that?”  It was amusing, really.  Then after the advertisment, she was all smile.  What a wonderful actress!

Another thing, will Ruffa Mae ever improve?  I’m really tired of her body language/laughter/eyeball exercises/shrieking kind of hosting done at the same time.  She might have been a joy to watch before, but it wears me out nowadays.  Her hosting skill is lame to annoying.  She doesn’t belong to be a host at all.  And her dance numbers?  I cannot even recall a perfect routine she has delivered, ever.  Always, always, something goes wrong.  Haayy…

So you think I only have rantings for yesterday’s SOP?  Of course not.  I loved “The Power Within”.  Well, most of it.  Two thumbs up to Brennan Espartinez and Aicelle Santos.  Their duet was superb!  Second best was Jonalyn Viray and Gerald’s duet.  Weee, baby Gerald is really improving.  But not everyone agrees with me.  Oh well, that’s my judgment.  Close third were Jolina Magdangal-Michael (what’s his surname) and Kyla-Jay-r duets.  Both number made me squirm in the edge of my seat.  Why?  Because Kyla looked like she can’t reach the high notes, but she did, wonderfully.  She was always like that.  And Jay-r can’t seem to level with her.  That was the downfall.  Jolina and Michael’s duet was also enjoyable. 

Okay, the segue to Gigsters.  Oops, did I forget something?  Huh?  Teka, sangkamanyo, tsotomate, wait.  Oh, okay.  Karylle and Nino’s duet?  I didn’t want to go all biatchy again, but what the heck!  Here goes.

Did they even know how to blend their voices?  I mean, Nino cannot seem to adjust his voice, should he go lower or higher?  So in the end, he just messed up.  And Karylle?  She shouldn’t have had a partner at all.  She almost ate Nino alive the whole time.  I think, even without the microphone, her voice would still prevail.  That’s how a cooperative partner she was.  I really wonder what would happen if she and Sheryn Regis share the stage together?  I sure hope I won’t be forced to witness that showdown.  LOLZ! 

I’m really hoping that they’d revive jamming.  That’s when you see the main hosts enjoy their work.  And I’ve always looked forward to that segment before.  But since SOP is overpopulated, they have to do with the gigsters segue.  Everyone would have to squeeze their butts together so that the mini stage could accomodate all of them.  Funny!  But not pleasant. 

I did like the pussycat medley though.  Regine sang Don’t Cha with feelings.  She really felt the song, hahaha.  But when it came to Beep and Wait a Minute, she was silently clapping to the tune.  Hindi alam?  hahaha. 

Hooh! 

I used to regret it if I miss one episode of SOP.  I felt I missed a lot just by not being able to watch.  Not anymore.  Because SOP has changed.  It has degraded itself.  But I believe there is redemption.  Hopefully not in the long future.  Now na is better.

 

S Diary

Click on Posters for a larger pic.

   

   

Genre: Comedy / Romance
Release Date: 2004/10/22 (South Korea)
Runtime: 106 min
Rating / Certification: 15+
Cast:
     Kim Sun-Ah [Na Jini/Nah Jin-hee]
     Kim Su-Ro [Jeong-seok]
     Lee Hyun-Woo [Gu-hyeon]
     Gong Yoo [Yoo-in]
     Na Moon-Hee [Jinny’s mother]
     Kim Kwang-il [Jini’s gay friend]
     Jang Hyuk [Lim Chan]
Director: Kwon Jong-Gwan
Writers: Kwon Jong-Gwan, Park Seong-Kyeong
Studio: Bear Entertainment / Spectrum

Movie Summary:
Jini (Kim Seon-ah), breaks up with her boyfriend who says he’s sick and tired of being tied up with her all the time.  He also adviced her to go and seek her past boyfriends and ask them if they really did love her.  And so she did.  She also got intrigued if they were true to her or were just there for sex.  She read her well-kept diaries, one for each man, which contain intricate details of her past relationships.  Her first love was a handsome and religious boy named Ku-hyeon (Lee Hyeon-woo).  He’s her first kiss, first love and first lover but he left her to pursue his dream, to be a priest.  Her second love was with a college boy who’s obsessed with his motorbike, Jeong-seok (Kim Soo-ro).  After her total devotion to him, (body, money, time, school projects, etc) he left her and married a rich girl through match-making. The third man was Yoo-in (Gong Yoo), a street painter who is younger than Jini.  Their relationship margins on passion and fun but Jini soon realized he’s too immature and flirtatious for her, so she left him. 

She met with them one by one and was shocked with their answers.  And so, to get even, she deviced an unorthodox revenge for each.  She sets up a series of traps and forces them to pay for all the “services” she provided during their relationships.

The movie largely revolves around the true love vs. lust question, but director Kwon eventually settles with the theme of a learning experience many woman go through. This is a sensible choice because a candid answer from the pathetic men in the film is unlikely to be satisfying.

My Take:
What more can I say?    The summary above sums the whole movie up.   So I guess I’ll just post my opinions.

1. Sun-ah was great! (Lolz, adik!)  Okay, back to earth.  Truth is, this movie did not really bring out the best actress in her, she could have exerted more effort, hehehe.  I think her best acting here was when she was playing the piano, after her soul-searching, after sleeping for days, after her depression.  I really felt her loneliness and her confusion but also her conviction that a brighter future is just ahead.  Aja!!

She was effective in the crying scenes, I tell you.  But there’s something lacking.  I think it’s her eyes.  There’s only a small amount of conviction.  But that’s just me, hehe. 

Loved her in the revenge part.   Very, very funny.  Go girl!

2. All of Jini’s boyfriends were jerks!  Especially Kim Su-ro’s character!  Well, I guess, they must have loved her in their own special way, but their love was just not enough compared to the love Jini gave them.

3. I don’t know if I want to have a mom like Na Moon-hee (Pres. Na of My Name is Kim Samsoon).  I mean, in the movie, she was kinda cool, but she could also be not so cool.  She could easily lift her hand and hit Jini anytime if she’s perplexed with her daughter.  Not cool.  She adviced her friends to stop spying on her daughter, instead, slip a condom on her bag.  Whoa!!!  Cool!!!  Hahaha.   She understood her daughter’s feelings just by looking at her.  Cool.  She supported her daughter’s plans and relationships by saying her piece but not really meddling.  Cool.  But she could also be cruel by ridiculing her daughter in front of others.  Not cool!  Uhmm, hmmm…  Okay, she qualifies as my mother.   Actually, my mom is like her, hahaha.  Lucky me!

4. Though he was a jerk in this film, I totally got hooked up with Gong Yoo here.  That smile, that eyes, that hair, that bod! Oooohhh. 

Whenever I watch this film, I skip chapter 2 and 3.  I proceed to chapter 4.   Yoo-jagiya’s part, hahaha.

I’m definitely happy that my friend scouted this dvd for me.  I’ll be eternally grateful to her.  This movie has become one of my favorites. (Wushuuu, biased!)   To be honest, I got bored on my first viewing, on the first parts.  I guess because I can’t relate much.  But when I truly digested the story, I began to watch it over and over again.  ‘Til my sister got fed up. She prohibited me to watch the movie.  But of course, adiks in the world can find ways to nourish their obsession.  After GMA telebabad, hahaha.

This movie is really enjoyable.  It might not win awards, but it can penetrate hearts and occupy a big space inside for a long time.

 

The Touch 

Click on Posters for a larger pic.

   

Release Date:   August, 2002 in Asia
Production:  Mythical Films/Han Entertainment
Distributors:  Miramax Films, Golden Harvest Entertainment,…
Producers:  Michelle Yeoh, Thomas Chung, Gao Feng Jun
Director:  Peter Pau

Cast
Michelle Yeoh (Yin), Ben Chaplin (Eric), Richard Roxburgh (Karl), Long Sihung (Monk), Brandon chang (Tong), Margaret Wang (Lily)

Synopsis
In a time of great danger, the Monks of Dunhuang hid the Sharira — a Relic purported to contain the pure essence of a Holy Man in the Buddhist religion. To protect this greatest of treasures, it was placed where no ordinary human being would ever be able to reach. However, it is destined to happen that someday the Sharira will be recovered. To ensure that it could be retrieved when such time came, the Monks turned to a family of acrobats. For hundreds of years this family has trained, passing on the skills required to perform the ultimate leap when the time is at hand.

In modern Qingdao, Yin (Michelle Yeoh) and her brother Tong are the last heirs in this long lineage of acrobats. Being circus performers, they travel throughout the world, entrancing audiences with their stunningly beautiful gymnastic performance. One day, Eric, a man from Yin’s past, shows up with a Medallion - the Heart of Dunhuang - a key to unlock the secrets, a clue to unveil the legend of the Sharira. Together they embark on a hazardous journey to rediscover what her ancestors once protected. Following closely on their trail is Karl, a merciless, unscrupulous rich man who will stop at nothing to get his hands on the valuable treasures.
Thanks to The Touch Official Site

My Take
One of my favorite actress, Michelle Yeoh.  She definitely dazzled in this movie.  When this movie was shown here in the Philippines, and when I watched it with my friends, that was the time I started to be a fanatic.  I bought all her movies (vcd, dvd, vhs).  My friend and I scouted and combed Divisoria and Ongpin just to get a hold of her movies and we had luck, fortunately.  The only MY movie that I don’t have is “The Stuntwoman”, a drama movie.

Back to the movie.  Can you believe that I even have the OST of this film?  I don’t understand Mandarin and Tibetan language but I enjoyed the music.  I was THAT kind of fan!  Though I don’t regret my behaviour then. 

Most critics didn’t like this movie, even the Hong Kong people.  It was unbelievable that they criticized the movie negatively.  Me?  I loved it.  I wouldn’t be a fan of MY if not for this film.  I think it was great.  I even wished for a sequel.  Unfortunately, Michelle and her rumored boyfriend, who is the co-producer, split so part 2 is crossed out.  *Sigh*

The action direction was fantastic.  Loved Yin’s weapon, her long scarf.  And she’s very adept in martial arts.  Beautiful and intelligent too.  Eric is a wimp.  A thief and a wimp.    But he had some good points.  But this movie yells girl power! Yeba!

Except for the computer graphics (it kinda sucked), the story, the cinematography and the cast were awesome.  You will understand the flow of the movie immediately.  It was simple and predictable yet full of surprises.  The backdrop was superb.  Makes you wanna go fly to China and Tibet to take pictures.

It will be televised tomorrow, Sunday, May 21 over QTV 11 at 9pm.  I’m sure gonna watch this.  Again!

Only You

U.S. Release Date: 10/7/94
Running Length: 1:48
MPAA Classification: PG (Mature themes)
Cast: Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr., Bonnie Hunt, Joaquim De Almeida, Fisher Stevens, Billy Zane
Director: Norman Jewison
U.S. Distributor: TriStar Pictures

Summary:
Destiny. Faith (Marisa Tomei) believes that two soul-mates can be united if they find each other. From the Ouija board, she has found the name of her missing half, and it is D-A-M-O-N B-R-A-D-L-E-Y. Later, at the carnival, the fortune teller sees the name Damon Bradley in the Crystal Ball and Faith is convinced. She is told that “You make your own destiny,…don’t wait for it to come to you”, but she is looking for Damon. 14 years later, she is engaged to a dull podiatrist and plans to marry until she gets a call from one of his classmates who is on his way to Venice, Italy. The classmate is Damon Bradley. Rushing to the airport to see her soul-mate, she misses him and the plane, but decides, then and there, to go after him. So Faith and her sister-in-law Kate both board the next plane for Italy hoping to find her Damon.

My Take
When I watched Forever in My Heart (local tv drama series starring Regine Velasquez, Richard Gomez, Ariel Rivera), I thought it was patterned after this movie.  I was right, in some ways.

This movie brings a lot of memories to me.  This is one of the films that I watched with my bestfriend.  We were young, naively idealistic when it comes to love, so soulmate-related stories are one of our interests.  How time flies.  I wish I could still be like what I was before. [senti mode, hehe]

Anyway, the female lead looked everywhere just to find her fate, no matter if he’s in the other side of the world.  But when she met the person she longs to see for almost half of her life, turns out her so-called fate is not really her fate.  It was just an illusion.   A prank, actually.  Disappointed she was, truly.  But the prankster, who extremely annoys her, became the man of her dreams.  Now, that’s fate.

Does this really happen in real life?  If it does, well, it’s so romantic.  So dreamy.  Sooo, uhm, impossible.   But soo lucky for those who have similar stories.

But the thing that I won’t forget about the movie is the place where they made it.  Positano, Italy.  Such a gorgeous place.  I’m sure I won’t get tired of staring at it, if I get the chance to go there.  One of my dream places.

Right now, I guess, I just have to be content with the pictures. 

Thanks to whyte for the pics.

Man on Fire

Cast: Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, Christopher Walken, Giancarlo Giannini, Radha Mitchell, Marc Anthony, Rachel Ticotin, Mickey Rourke
Director: Tony Scott
Writer: Brian Helgeland (based on a novel by A.J. Quinnell)
Genre: Drama/Action

 

pics from amazon.com and tribute.ca  

Synopsis

In Mexico City, a government operative/soldier of fortune (Denzel Washington) who has pretty much given up on life, reluctantly agrees to take a job to protect a child (Dakota Fanning) whose parents are threatened by a wave of kidnappings. He eventually becomes close to the child and their relationship reawakens and rekindles his spirit. When she is abducted, his fiery rage is unleashed on those he feels responsible, and he stops at nothing to save her.

My Review

This is one hellamovie.  Just watched it earlier, and I thought it would be boring because there are no flair, no fancy artwork, no colorful background, just dreadful gunshots all over and bland backdrops.  Boy, I was so wrong.

It started out a little slow, focusing much on Mr. Creasy’s (Washington) battle with his never-ending nightmares of his killings in the past for a living.  He felt so burned out he drowns himself with wine to oblivion every night just to sleep.  Life has slowly crept out off him and it seemed nothing could make him return to normal.  Until he accepted the role of the bodyguard for Lupita Ramos (Fanning) who’s parents were worried-sick with the never-ending kidnappings in their community.

Denzel was very effective as the serious bodyguard who tried his best not to be too close with the child he was guarding.  Dakota on the other hand is the very lovable kid Pita who tore down the wall between herself and her guard.  Who wouldn’t be moved with that doe-eyed, smiling angel?

And when Pita got kidnapped, Creasy got so angry that he stopped at nothing just to get revenge.  Literally.  Getting shot twice fatally didn’t hinder him from exacting his fury to the kidnappers.  His ways of torture was really terrible and though the camera shots were angled in a manner where you could not see the actual procedure, you could just imagine the torment of his victims.  I actually closed my eyes in some scenes.  I felt it’s too violent to be even shown.  I was shocked that things like cutting off fingers one by one, shooting a hand with a shotgun without batting the eye and killing a person one after the other were done by people in total rage.  I guess the world I live in is a little far from that harsh reality.

It was a long movie.  Almost two and a half hours but I did not feel it was dragging.  I anxiously wait for the conclusion and I was totally surprised about the outcome.  That people who lived by the gun could really have a soft and big heart.  The ending was so poignant I shed a tear or two.  Silly me, hahaha.

I was turned off with Denzel’s outfits though.  That printed red polo was a disaster.  And his suits are ill-fitting.  Most are one size too big and all are creased. Lolz.  And his bod was that of a guy who lived in booze.  Well, Creasy did, for a time, so his bulgy stomach just fits. Lol.  And almost three quarters of the movie you’d see someone smoking.

This movie is not recommended for the weak at heart.  But if you want to watch a different action/drama movie, then this is the one for you.  I’ll give it a score of 7 out of 10.