Billy-75 Reviews

Love to Hate You (2023)

My favourite romcom ever. Of all time. From anywhere

[10/10 · 28 April 2024]

Oh how I loved this. I've just finished watching this and want to watch it all over again. The female lead character is someone I can relate to, unlike other female lead characters in Kdramas that seem like cartoon characters to me as a non-Korean. The two male leads are truly gorgeous. There are so many scenes that I rewound and watched again because they just made me gasp or yell at the TV with excitement (yes, I do need to get a life)..

The back stories are uncomplicated. There are no cringey bits in this, just lots of laughter and tears, and things aren't too drawn out. Definitely a feelgood movie that I would highly, highly recommend. It's not just my favourite Korean romcom but my favourite romcom from any country.

Shooting Stars (2022)

Light and easy

[10/10 · 14 April 2024]

This is what you want to watch if you want something romantic, light and easy. I particularly loved the Oh Han Byul (female lead) character because she was such a competent person with moments of vulnerability and cuteness. Some K-drama female lead characters are just utterly chaotic most of the time and you can't understand why anyone would find them appealling.

There were mysterious backstories and intrigues that didn't drag on too long. When I watched this I was in the mood for something simple and it didn't disappoint on any level. There are lots of funny bits, scenes that pull on your heartstrings, and happy resolutions all round. I don't know how accurate it is but it was also a bit of an insight into the Korean star and star-management system.

The Gong Tae Sung male lead character is utterly delicious as well, with moments where I rewound a scene and rewatched it because he was so engaging.

The Last Kingdom (2015–2022)

Addictive

[9/10 · 8 October 2018]

Enjoyable series with a cast of thousands and lots of male eye candy. Fast moving. What I really love are the bits of humour interspersed throughout it so that it's not relentlessly grim and dark.

It gives you a really good sense of the fragility of the politics of the time.

Bernard and the Genie (1991 TV Movie)

Christmas brilliance

[9/10 · 16 April 2003]

This is my favourite Christmas movie. Ever. It is funny and sweet but not cloying. Alan Cumming is such a cute wee thing and Lenny Henry makes me chuckle. I also love the music in it.