Movie Review: The Con Artists (????)

Sabtu, 29 April 2017

This 2014 South Korean film on con artists and deceptions was a fun, entertaining watch.

When it comes to cracking open safe and counterfeiting, no one beats Ji-Hyeok (starring Kim Woo-Bin). With Koo-In (starring Ko Chang-Seok) as his sidekick (he is more into the mechanical works), they have worked on countless "projects" without fail. Koo-In then introduces elite hacker, Jong-Bae (starring Lee Hyun-Woo) to Ji-Hyeok so as the trio could work with each of their expertise to steal some very valuable jewellery at a high-end jewellery store. That store's owner is none other than Director Jo (starring Kim Young-Chul), and he has plans for the trio.

Director Jo has been eyeing the stacks of million dollars which are stored in the highly secured Korean customs in Incheon. He believes that all would be benefited from the fraud once they have their hands on the money; after all the trio wouldn't know of this information without him, isn't it? The trio then work on a plan on how to get past the security and how to get the money out safely without alarming the custom staff with their fully equipped high technology gadgets.

But of course there is always a fault when it comes to high risk jobs; and all the more when trust and greed become an issue and this is where the plot starts to thicken and intensify.

As I mentioned before, this film was an entertaining watch. Kim Woo-Bin played a charismatic thief with brains and Lee Hyun-Woo was a cute hacker to boot. I didn't want to say more about the story to avoid spoilers but suffice it to say I enjoyed it. 

� 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

The River at Night by Erica Ferencik

Rabu, 22 Februari 2017

Scout Press | January 2017 | 304 pgs

Source: Library

I have never tried white water rafting but after having read The River at Night I have more or less understand much about this recreational outdoor activity and not to mention how challenging (and yes, dangerous) they can be especially for a novice, such as for our four protagonists in this book.

Winifred Allen's life has always been simple and quiet but she still feel crushed by the death of her younger brother and the end of a fifteen-year marriage. Her work as a graphic designer doesn't seem to be any better and when she began to feel stifled by this thing called life, her three best friends coax her into going for an outdoor adventure as a getaway for their annual girls' trip.

Pia is optimistic and a daredevil among the girls, while Rachel and Sandra are more realistic and level headed. Wini feels most connected with Sandra, partly because Sandra understands her and knows all the right words to say, unlike Pia or Rachel. While they are enthusiastic about the trip, Wini feels otherwise. She isn't sure about hiking and rafting in the remote Allagash wilderness. Pia assured her that an experienced guide would be with them and that they have nothing to worry about.

What seems like an exciting excursion suddenly becomes a nightmare after a freak accident leaves the women stranded in the wilderness without their raft and their surviving kits. As they stumble and wander deeper into the woods, they will soon find out that they are not alone. Saviours or not, the women know that they must get out of the wilderness before death gets to them.

The River at Night has all the elements I want in a thriller - actions, intensity, fear factors and not to mention a setting in the remote Maine wilderness. The author skilfully captures the voices of the four protagonists, although Wini remains the narrator throughout the story. But what really drew me in was the setting and that harrowing rafting journey; and then of course, that terrifying turn towards the conclusion (it was something out of my expectations, but didn't lessen the thrill nonetheless). I don't remember reading such a book with that kind of adrenaline rush and had me on edge from the beginning till the end. It is definitely a book not to be missed if you are a thriller reader who wants some adventures to go along with the thrill. 

� 2017 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

Drama Review: W

Rabu, 14 September 2016

This drama tells a story between two characters living in two different worlds and will most likely appeal to comics fans since the plot is set in the reality world and the comics world as well. 

Oh Yeon-joo (starring Han Hyo-joo) works as a surgeon and her father is a popular comics artist. His project "W" has garnered lots of attention and praises from many fans both online and in print. The character he created in "W" is a wealthy and good-looking man named Kang Chul (starring Lee Jong-suk) and is a skilled marksman. He was also an Olympics winner but that glory was taken away from him after he was a suspect for murdering his family members. His last appearance in the comics world saw him lying on the ground bathed in blood, apparently being assaulted by someone who wanted him dead. 

On the other end in reality world, Yeon-joo's father is missing and while searching for his whereabouts she stumbles into the comics world and found the injured Kang Chul. She managed to save him and later learned that he is the lead character her father created in "W" after she finds herself back in the reality world. 

Filled with mystery, action and romance, W (aka W - Two Worlds) was one intriguing fantasy which had me at the edge of my seat. Aside from the refreshing concept of having the comics world co-exist with the reality world, I was also quite fascinated by actor Jong-suk's portrayal of the charismatic Kang Chul and the mystery surrounding him (by the way, I loved the illustrations! See above.) While one may have to pay extra attention to what's happening between the two worlds, it didn't really create much confusions, at least not to me. There are some scenes which took me by surprise and of course there are also a few romantic scenes which would make female viewers' hearts flutter. Chemistry sizzled between Jong-suk and Hyo-joo and it made me wonder if their romantic relationship onscreen continues offscreen as well. Overall I enjoyed the drama. I had also watched an older drama starring Lee Jong-suk and review will be forthcoming.

(Above images credit to Google Images)

---

 

(Love Is and my TBR pile)

Jong Wen Books Co., Ltd | August 2016

Source: Purchased

Love Is was featured in W as we saw Yeon-joo showing Kang Chul a few things they could do together to make their life more colourful and meaningful. Illustrated by Korean artist Da-mi Park (Puuung), this is a great collection especially for married couples and although some of them are a few simple things we may be doing daily, the artist added some thoughts and sentiments alongside these illustrations which I felt makes this book such a wonderful read. There are two editions (Korean and Chinese) and I am hoping that there would be an English edition in the near future. 

� 2016 Melody's Reading Corner (https://mel-reading-corner.blogspot.sg/), All Rights Reserved. If you are reading this post from other site(s), please take note that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

komentar | | Read More...

Drama: Descendants of the Sun (?????) (Thoughts)

Kamis, 14 April 2016

Starring: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Kim Ji-won, Jin Goo, Kang Shin-il, Onew

Written by: Kim Eun-sook, Kim Won-seok

Synopsis from DramaWiki:

This story tells of doctors stationed in the fictional war zone of Urk, and follows the love story that develops between a surgeon, Dr Kang Mo Yeon (starring Song Hye-kyo) and a special forces officer, Captain Yoo Shi Jin (starring Song Joong-ki), both elite in their respective fields. The story will track both their personal and professional struggles while exploring issues about the value of life.

---

Is Descendants of the Sun really over? The finale of the drama was aired last night and here I was still in denial. I am sure many fans of DOTS will share the same sentiments as me. Unlike the other Korean drama series, DOTS was pre-produced so it is unlikely the producers would prolong this popular series with a few more episodes but hey, I understood that there would be a 3 special episodes next due to the popularity of the drama so I am looking forward to that. 

So, my thoughts on DOTS? I loved, loved, loved this drama series so much that on few occasions I had to search the raw clips without any subtitles on the same night it was aired because I just wanted to know what happened. And then the following day I would watch it again with English subtitles (not every episode, though, as there were some nights I couldn't find any raw clips and had to endure the wait). 

And so, what made DOTS so addictive? The premise, the cast and not to mention a few beautiful scenes shot at Zakynthos Island, Greece. Plus, it was an action thriller with lots of alpha males in military gear and yes, there is romance in it, too. For the romantics, there are enough unforgettable and romantic moments as well as swoon-worthy dialogues (quoted a few below) that had had me sigh, and sigh some more. 

(Zakynthos Island, Greece)

But most of all, I think it is Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo who have brought their roles to life; thus leading us into wondering if their romance in the drama is real in reality as well. I had anticipated this drama since knowing that Song Joong-ki would be starring in it, after all this drama marked his comeback after his discharge from the military service last year. The role of Captain Yoo fits him perfectly especially after his military completion and I think what makes his role unforgettable is aside from his macho-ism, it is his devotion and his protectiveness towards Dr Kang that has won not only her heart but many female viewers' as well. And Song Hye-kyo is as beautiful as before; I remember seeing her on Autumn in My Heart (2000) and that story simply blown me away. In the past, she often portrayed as a vulnerable woman but in DOTS she played a surgeon who took full pride in her job and wouldn't succumb to bribery and political pressures and I like that trait in a female character. However, she also shows us her cutesy side whenever Captain Yoo teases or making fun of her. 

And then, there is our secondary characters, Sergeant Major Seo Dae Young (starring Jin Goo) and First Lieutenant Yoon Myung Ju (starring Kim Ji-won), who seemed to have an on-off relationship and their love is further complicated by the disapproval of Myun''s father, who held a high rank in the military force. Like the lead characters, I enjoyed watching this couple as well. 

(First Lieutenant Yoon Myung Ju and Sergeant Major Seo Dae Young)

Finally, I think what attributed to this drama is these elements in it - humanity, patriotism and friendship that has no boundaries when it comes to racial and countries. I would ramble on like a fangirl would do but I won't so I shall leave you a few interesting links to read here, here and here. 


A few notable dialogues:

• �Don�t worry. Protecting beauties, elders, and children is my rule.� ~ Captain Yoo
• �The doctor will save her patient and I will protect what I have to (protect)� ~ Captain Yoo
• Captain Yoo: �Doctors don�t have boyfriends because they�re too busy.�
  Dr Kang Mo Yeon: �Soldiers don�t have girlfriends because it�s too hard (too much work).� 
• �About that kiss... should I apologize or should I confess my love?� ~ Captain Yoo
• �If I had known I would die like this, I should honestly confessed my feeling � I was kissed by an awesome man and my heart was fluttering the whole time.� ~ Dr Kang Mo Yeon
• �I want our relationship to be a melodrama but it turns into a blockbusters.� ~ Captain Yoo
• Captain Yoo: "What�s your blood type?"
  Dr Kang Mo Yeon: "Your ideal type. A beauty? A doll? The type that would get me locked up in your heart?� 

(All pictures credit to Google Images)

komentar | | Read More...

Drama: You Are All Surrounded (??????)

Kamis, 27 Agustus 2015

You Are First Surrounded was released in May 2014 and I wanted to kick myself for not watching it earlier. Bad villains, police procedural and a sweet romance... yes, these about sum up the drama and now that I'd finished watching I found myself having a hangover. 

Young Kim Ji-yong (starring Lee Seung-Gi) witnessed her mother being murdered at their own house when she attempted to testify as a witness to a crime. Although there wasn't any clue of the murderer, he did leave behind an important evidence - a unique designer necklace. Named as the Masan School Nurse Murder, this case was closed after there wasn't any lead following that incident. 

Eleven years have passed and Ji-yong  became a detective in Gangnam Police Station under the Violent Crimes Unit. To protect his identity, he has since changed his name to Eun Dae-Koo and is placed under the guardianship of the Police Chief after his mother passed. She raises him like her own son, although she is single. No one knew about their relationship. 

The team he is in consists of six staff. Four rookies, including himself, are placed under Seo Pan-Seok (starring Cha Seung-Won), the Team Leader of Team 3. Seo is a legend at the precinct as he is known for solving the toughest cases except the Masan case eleven years ago which still haunts him. 

These four rookies have no intention of becoming detectives in the first place, but of course Eun Dae-Koo's goal is to investigate the murder case of his mother. And his primary suspect is Chief Investigator Seo, ever since he'd heard his name being mentioned after the murderer took a call after finishing his "mission". 

What follows next is a series of investigations and some twisty turns but halfway through the drama, the mastermind is revealed and the staff of Team 3 has to gather evidence so that he could be put to justice. It is these scenes (gathering of evidences) that makes this drama entertaining; there are definitely some intense moments but there are also comedies as some of the characters could make you giggle. 

Aside from the characters and the sweet romance between Dae-Koo and fellow rookie, Soo-Sun (starring Go Ara), what I liked about this drama is the dreams of these four rookies never waver even though they are young and inexperienced. They show their team spirit despite of their differences, and they never back down even if their leads led them to a dead end. Clich� or not, I still enjoyed the drama and of course, there are some moments that moved me, too. I also liked it that Dae-Koo and Soo-Sun are schoolmates during their teenage years and they've liked each other then but they were too proud to admit it. Soo-Sun didn't know Dae-Koo is the "reincarnation" of Ji-yong initially until much later. 

You know what left me cold about this story? Not the runners who are paid to murder people but the extent of a person's doings just to be more powerful and wealthy at the expense of his loved ones. But of course this bad feeling is replaced by characters such as Team Leader Seo and Dae-Koo, not only of their righteousness but also they are good to look at, ha. 

(Soundtrack: What's Wrong With Me, featuring Dae-Koo and Soo-Sun)

komentar | | Read More...

Name of the Devil by Andrew Mayne

Rabu, 15 Juli 2015

ISBN-13: 9780062348890
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication Date: 7 July 2015
Format: Paperback, 432 pgs
Source: Publisher

Magician-turned-FBI-agent Jessica Blackwood returns in this sequel to Angel Killer; in which the last investigation case requires her intelligence and her expertise in the art of illusions, something which she'd done in the past and tried to bury after she'd left home to live on her own. Her father and grandfather had worked together in countless performances on stage, and Jessica was taught to perform little acts since she was a girl. However, one incident had nearly caused her death, and she'd tried to shun away from performing since then. Her relationship with her grandfather remains lukewarm, but she respect him and would still approach him for some magic advice, just like the case she's looking into in this installment. 

An explosion took away four lives in a church and a local sheriff is the suspect until he was found dead eventually. The FBI has gathered evidence that these people had known each other and that their death are connected to an event happened years ago. But what they aren't sure of is is the sheriff's erratic behaviour is psychological or pharmacological. Did someone lead him to doing something under a confused mind? 

As Jessica digs further, she realises there's something more than meets the eye and someone wants her dead, as well. With no evidence of her suspicion and no support from her superiors, Jessica knew she has to rely on her own to unravel all the truth and she is fortunate she has one or two reliable agents who trusted her and Damian Knight, an ex-boyfriend who seems to have many connections but whose real identity remains a mystery to many, including Jessica. 

From state cities to rural Tixato in Mexico, Jessica learnt that whoever is responsible for the church explosion is someone who has intelligence, resources and power to rid of any links pointing at him or her and the ultimate purpose of all is to seek revenge of what happened on one fateful night involving the sheriff and victims of the church explosion. 

If there's magic and mayhem in the first installment, Angel Killer, then there's actions and more actions in this sequel as there are implications ranging from diabolical forces to drug cartels to the Vatican that have our determined heroine running around. While I found the actions entertaining, what I also enjoyed reading about this book is Jessica's relationship with her grandfather as I felt it is more in depth here. Raised from a family of illusionists, Jessica is fully aware of the danger they are always in and perhaps because of this mindset, she isn't afraid of taking chances and relying on her instincts. I also liked reading about the complicated relationship she'd had with Damian. I still wasn't sure about him, but after saving Jessica for countless times (despite his obsessive attention on her) I think he wouldn't be that bad of a character, right? 

Reading this book has also set me thinking that some things may not always seem what we think them to be. Right and wrong, good and bad... there's always a fine line between them and sometimes it's hard to judge them, viewing from different perspectives. While Name of the Devil is a sequel, it could be read as a standalone but I'd recommend reading it in order for the characters development. 

komentar | | Read More...