#3s of holidays19

[kdramalands]

film recommendations for summer break

6. Teiichi: Battle of Supreme High (2017)

Note:

Do you want to know how to make your own country?

If I had to choose king and queen for my live action empire, this film would definitely get a crown.

You can count on Teiichi if you want to travel into another realm, that of crazy school politics of all-boys school. I thought I wouldn’t like it, because politics is definitely not my thing, but it wasn’t just all about that, and honestly? Everything made sense and it was very logical as well. Explanations that appeared somewhere along the film were very helpful and it was very pleasant to watch.

This film is straight-up crazy, mad funny, and gripping as well. Cast of this film is soooooo damn rich too. Just look at them flower boys… #squad.

Part 1  ||  Part 2  ||  Part 3  ||  Part 4  ||  Part 5  ||  Part 7  ||  Part 8  ||  Part 9  ||  Part 10  ||  Part 11  ||  Part 12

[kdramalands]

film recommendations for summer break

The holidays are ending... at least for some of you. Back to school and shit like that. Sorry for reminding you about it XD

I was thinking what should I do next for my blog, and I’ve been thinking about some Asian film recommendations for quite a while. I have a thing for ends as well, so I thought the last two weeks of holidays are perfect for that entertainment spice up to prolong summer vibes. And here it is! 

Something Short, Sweet & Satisfying, perfect to relax to, to fit in that short film screening time slot in the evening, and to keep your mind off the responsibilities that will come. I would love to present to you a list of 12 Asian films (mainly Korean and Japanese). As usual, I will be posting one short recommendation a day, and at the end of those 12 days, the completed list will be available at the end of every post from this series. One kmovie a day keeps back-to-school blue away, ey?

1. My P.S. Partner/ Whatcha Wearin’? (2012) [+19]

Note:

Boy, I really started this list on a high note.

This is my go-to film to watch during rough days, and it hits me right in the kokoro. It’s funny, light, and sexy as well. I’m sure it will brighten your day instantly if you’re into more steamy films. And that SONG at the end... It sits right at the top of my best drama songs playlist. Shin Hae Chul’s the best!

Part 2  ||  Part 3  ||  Part 4  ||  Part 5  ||  Part 6  ||  Part 7  ||  Part 8  ||  Part 9  ||  Part 10  ||  Part 11  ||  Part 12

[kdramalands]

film recommendations for summer break

4. Midnight Runners (2017)

Note:

It’s already midnight here so...

If you think you’ve seen all good kmovies, and you’re ready to throw yourself into a world of mediocre entertainment with no hope for anything better, you need to check out Midnight Runners before you completely give up.

I really had a lot of fun with these two. Ha Neul and Seo Joon have more chemistry than any kdrama couple (ok, maybe Ahn Yo Na and Oh Ri On were a little bit better).

If you want to watch something that is action packed, funny, and so GOOOOD you will think about it for the rest of the week, watch this... pls. I watched it during Ha Neul’s military service, and I can assure you, this film sweetened my day even in that dark hour. Midnight Runners is foolproof. I swear.

Part 1  ||  Part 2  ||  Part 3  ||  Part 5  ||  Part 6  ||  Part 7  ||  Part 8  ||  Part 9  ||  Part 10  ||  Part 11  ||  Part 12

[kdramalands]

film recommendations for summer break

3. Hot Young Bloods (2014)

Note:

My list of summer recommendations is just old but gold in disguise. But is anyone mad at this point?

Park Bo Young is super charming, and Lee Jong Suk fits perfectly that goofy and awkward playboy-wannabe student role. And again, MUSIC. The moment I heard the first song I knew this film will be a disco time for me. For sure, you’re going to enjoy the cast, as well as the costumes. It was produced so well, I think I am going to cry.

Part 1  ||  Part 2  ||  Part 4  ||  Part 5  ||  Part 6  ||  Part 7  ||  Part 8  ||  Part 9  ||  Part 10  ||  Part 11  ||  Part 12

[kdramalands]

film recommendations for summer break

5. Mood of the Day (2016)

Note:

This world needs more sexy romcoms.

Honestly, when I found that film I didn’t have high expectations, but then I actually got to watch it and I had so much fun. It was a wholesome piece of romantic comedy, one of the most amusing I’ve ever seen. And it is so light and effortless! Time flies when you're having fun.

I like to get back to it and rewatch sometimes, you know, when I’m in the mood.

Part 1  ||  Part 2  ||  Part 3  ||  Part 4  ||  Part 6  ||  Part 7  ||  Part 8  ||  Part 9  ||  Part 10  ||  Part 11  ||  Part 12

[kdramalands]

film recommendations for summer break

8. The Liar and His Lover (2013)

Note:

I could marry a bass guitar, and nobody would be even surprised.

Have you seen kdrama The Liar and His Lover? No offence, but imho this is a better version of it. 

It is a fast-paced, interesting story that ties catchy music and cruelty of the market with an incredibly soft romance and soulful eyes. Elegant, beautifully worded, and tasteful. I believe that the story fits well the film format, and putting it into a 16-hour one was not a good move. 

I was totally snatched, precisely at 00:22. Yes, this is the exact moment when the bass guitar starts playing. The sound composed well into the scenery at the rooftop. It was simply magical.

Part 1  ||  Part 2  ||  Part 3  ||  Part 4  ||  Part 5  ||  Part 6  ||  Part 7  ||  Part 9  ||  Part 10  ||  Part 11  ||  Part 12

[kdramalands]

film recommendations for summer break

12. Twenty (2015) [+15]

Note:

What? It’s the last recommendation?

This isn’t a list of film recommendations for summer break. It’s actually a welcome back Kang Ha Neul list. You were fooled... jk. But he actually picks very good projects to star in, so no surprise he has appeared 3 times here.

It’s a great coming-of-age film with an A+ cast. It’s not only full of jokes, but it also has some heartwarming moments. Main leads are charismatic and immature at the same time, which creates a very interesting contrast. 

The thing I like about this film is that even though you can see a lot of slapstick-like comedy and hilariously absurd situations, this film delivers a pretty realistic image of what it is really like to try to define and find yourself at that age. Whether it is finding a job, lacking experience, surviving college or being totally lost and fearing what’s to come, Twenty has it all and wears it well.

 Thank you for sticking with me till the end! It has been fun posting these recommendations and doing something regularly like a real grown-up. See you in the next one.

Part  1  ||  Part 2  ||  Part 3  ||  Part 4  ||  Part 5  ||  Part 6  ||  Part 7  ||  Part 8  || Part 9   ||  Part 10  ||  Part 11 

[kdramalands]

film recommendations for summer break

7. Fashion King (2014)

Note:

I guess I take a very big risk including this film in my list, but what a life would be without a little bit of a thrill.

From what I’ve read, a lot of people didn’t like Fashion King, and I respect that opinion, but I don’t really understand it. I really liked it, and I recommend it to you with the purest heart and the best intentions. If you realise that the film didn’t captivate you within the first 30 minutes, it may be not your type of entertainment, and actually the best thing to do is drop it and do something interesting.

It’s definitely a witty film that should be taken with a grain of salt. Fashion King is a satire, and therefore it relies heavily on stereotypes and enhancing those stereotypes. Those things combined lead to overdone situations, and that creates quite hilarious composition.

Supposedly, it is no match when it comes to film-webtoon comparison, and fans of Fashion King webtoon spot a lot of innacuracy in the film, but as a stand-alone piece, without the comic’s context, it is funny, and satisfying. 

Part 1  ||  Part 2  ||  Part 3  ||  Part 4  ||  Part 5  || Part 6  ||  Part 8  ||  Part 9  ||  Part 10  ||  Part 11  ||  Part 12

[kdramalands]

film recommendations for summer break

2. Beck (2010)

Note:

Don’t ask me what I like about this film, because I will never shut up and your day will be wasted.

The thing about BECK is that you will hear a lot of good music while watching, but at the same time no music? The idea is that the vocal in Beck is so good, his voice is just magical. And because people’s preferences differ, there was no way to find a voice that could be perfect and magical like that for everyone. So singing parts are muted, and we are left with shocked expressions of the audience and our own imagination.

Fear not, you can find OST for this film WITH VOCALS on the Internet ; )) My absolute favourite is Moon Beams. And if you have bigger appetite, go and check out manga & anime! 

Part 1  ||  Part 3  ||  Part 4  ||  Part 5  ||  Part 6  ||  Part 7  ||  Part 8  ||  Part 9  ||  Part 10  ||  Part 11  ||  Part 12

[kdramalands]

film recommendations for summer break

11. Like for Likes (2016)

Note:

Facebook is as good as dead anyway.

When it comes to film clichés, this film is definitely under category a bunch of strangers and their lives that coincidentally intervene. And when it comes to me, this format never fails. It left a sense of satisfaction, and I knew I spent my time wisely. It’s also a great chance to see and appreciate work of the late Kim Joo Hyuk. He was perfect in this role. 

It is a film full of funny coincidences, surprising moments, and great acting. It also includes this forever-awkward art of flirting, Ha Neul’s smile, as well as hilarious and satisfying conversations. It’s like the characters always know what to say. Despite my frustrations and a few serious problems characters encounter, I can say it’s a light and well-made film.

Part  1  ||  Part 2  ||  Part 3  ||  Part 4  ||  Part 5  ||  Part 6  ||  Part 7  ||  Part 8  ||  Part 9   ||  Part 10  ||  Part 12

[kdramalands]

film recommendations for summer break

9. Spellbound/ Chilling Romance (2011)

Note:

You know, there was an era in the history of cinematography when Lee Min Ki rocked that eyeliner hard, and now he doesn’t do that anymore...

You’ve watched The Ring, and you also felt like the plot is lacking something? Maybe if you slapped a romantic twist on it, the film would get better? Here it is, Spellbound!

Spook levels are way over the top in this one. I did a rewatch and counted around a dozen of jump scares throughout the film, what proves that it isn’t just some mildly scary shit just to pass on as a horror genre to make it more interesting and appealing. What is more important, if you don’t really like horror, it isn’t a piece for you. Don’t underestimate that horror tag here.

I heard that the Japanese like to watch horrors during their unbearably hot summers for that additional chill. Maybe they’re onto something? So I decided to check that out, but by the time I had a moment to watch Spellbound, it was already a chilly night : ( That’s one “theory to verify" that got away. I guess that will be a case for another time.

vv  Isn’t she just adorable?  vv

Part  1  ||  Part 2  ||  Part 3  ||  Part 4  ||  Part 5  ||  Part 6  ||  Part 7  ||  Part 8  ||  Part 10  ||  Part 11  ||  Part 12

[kdramalands]

film recommendations for summer break

10. Tori Girl! (2017)

Note:

Are you ready to fly?

It may not exactly belong to the live action empire, but it’s definitely a royal family of the ad lib one. Or so I’ve heard.

Tori Girl! is simply about a girl who followed a boy straight to the sky, and she didn’t regret a second of it. It actually started with her trying to avoid that smelly commute in the morning, so I kinda understand her.

The greatest asset of this film is definitely Mamiya Shōtarō’s ass. And that’s a fact! Tao approved, no lie here. 

Tao and Shōtarō during their scenes with each other are 100% BONKERS. It’s clearly seen on the screen that they were winding each other up during recordings, and as a result they created some epic improvised moments.

Turn the captions on v

Part  1  ||  Part 2  ||  Part 3  ||  Part 4  ||  Part 5  ||  Part 6  ||  Part 7  ||  Part 8  ||  Part 9  ||  Part 11  ||  Part 12