Innocent Witch aka Moju No Joken

The Plot
Hirose Michi, an engaged high school teacher encounters resistance from family, friends and peers when she falls in love with one of her 17 year old students, Kurosawa Hikaru.


The Cast
Matsushima Nanako - Hirose Michi
Takizawa Hideaki - Kurosawa Hikaru  
Bessho Tetsuya - Kitai Masaru




Foxi Feels
I'm telling you, before the Koreans managed to conquer the hearts of global audience with their creative, colourful and well constructed entertainment industry - which they have rightfully and deservedly so - the Japanese were well on their way to creating classics of international standards.


I am not even talking about the 50s and 70s classics like Akira Kurosawa's 'The 7 Samurai' or Toshiya Fujita's 'Lady Snowblood' or even Yoshi Yamada's 'The Yellow Handkerchief'. That would take me a thesis.


Let us just go back to as far as the 90s and early Millennium, with the more popular genre of today that brought us classics like The Ring (horror), Princess Mononoke (anime) and Beautiful Life (drama). And of course, at the point of writing, only Marvel and DC combined can outbid the Japanese Manga industry.

The Japanese were known to make thoughtful and intelligent yet commercially acceptable movies/dramas those days. 

Beautiful Odagiri Jo
& Yukie Nakama of Shinobi

The actors too had a unique brand of attractiveness that rivals the current Asian idols (re Takuya Kimura, Miho Nakayama, Takenouchi Youtaka, Odagiri Jo and Takeshi Kashiwabara); and while some of my friends were already gushing at the early Korean melodrama international breakthroughs like Winter Sonata and Stairway to Heaven, I used to brushed them aside in favour of the Japanese kinds instead.






One of my all time modern Japanese favourite is Majo no Joken aka The Innocent Witch aka The Temptation of the Witch aka Forbidden Love.     


Produced way back in 1999, the drama tells of the taboo, forbidden love affair between a young 20-something teacher and her 17 year old student.

There have been too many brilliant reviews written on this drama series and to write another version will just be wasted efforts on my part and will definitely show my literary incompetencies if one were to make comparisons (grins = lazy).


So, I'll just link and credit some good ones below and instead talk about the great lead actress and actor that made the drama into what it is. And also divulge some spoilers at the end. So, if you guys are up for it, read on for thou have been duly warned....


Before that, my revered and humble acknowledgement goes out of the following reviewers (especially the first two) - for during the early days of foreign movies without subtitles, they were my ultimate salvation and I would forever be grateful and in their debt.

• Episode Recaps by CJ Morikai (3 Nov 1999) - This wonderful lady started her recap blog way earlier than the ever competent Javabeans and GirlFriday did, or the ever up to date Koala, can you imagine? And in the early days of foreign movies without subtitles, she was my saviour! Thank you is just not good enough for you, CJ (bowing profusely)
• Reviews by Gunner (10 Aug 2004) - Gunner is known to lace his/her reviews with quotes and connotations derived from the dramas/movies; always one with the intellectual take of a drama/movie. You are a guy, right, Gun? I've always wondered (scratch head)
• Reviews by TheFatGeisha (23 Jan 2011) - a concise, tongue in cheek take on the drama series; this lady writes as if we are in the same room as her (ha ha)

Revered Actress

On Nanako
I'm not really a big fan of hers. She's often quite whiny in her portrayal of damsels-in-distress. And her Michi is no less. And if one were to speak about the drama as a coming of age story, I personally believe that this story is really about Michi's coming age rather than Hikaru. It was Hikaru who was often the more matured on in the story. But then again, her popularity proved me wrong :P

Talented Lad

On Takky
Once you get passed his weird, course, anime like orange hair, you'll soon find out that this dynamite of a boy (now a man) packed a fistful of talent in him. Despite his young age, he delivered a very believable portrayal as the poor-little-rich-boy Hikaru; only unlike most irritating born-with-silver-spoon characters we have out there, Takky's Hikaru is matured, sensitive and intelligent in most aspects. All the ladies I know online and off said that, if the boy in question was Takky, they would run away with him too.


Also, while gushing on Takky, let it be known that this boy's career started as a member of Johnny's Junior in 1993 (you may switch on your light bulb as to where the Koreans got their idea to form Super Junior, perhaps...dink) with a talent agency Johnny's Jumisho that staterd their operations representing and creating boy bands from way back in 1960s till now (re SMAP, Kinky Kids and Kat-tun).

(spoiler alert)

Question is - did Michi die in the end? My take is that she did. Why?

Forbidden Love

Firstly, the audience, with the moral standards at the time, will just not allow a happy ending between these two. If the younger man in question has reached the legal adult age, then probably the ending would favour our couple.


Secondly, if your girlfriend were to wake up from a coma after a long while, would you just stare and smile at her, or would you jump up from your chair and grab the first passing doctor, nurse or even the cleaner, to look into the matter.



Thirdly, I was secretly hoping that Hikaru would end up with Jun; they actually have quite a chemistry together - and besides, she was more his age and height (grins).

Yamada Maiko as Jun

(end of spoiler)

All in, Innocent Witch may serve as the Korean Winter Sonata, if you may. A melodrama that held no bars. Only difference is that, the nuances of the society and their preferences or dislikes were dealt with in a very powerful yet subtle manner.


Last but not least, what would this dorama be without its hugely popular theme song - First Love. You may not think that you know it, but once it is played, you will recongnise Utada Hikaru's sweet debut instantly. While the single only peaked at the number-two spot in the Japanese charts, her debut album First Love went on to sell over 7 million units in Japan alone, with an additional 3 million overseas, bringing it to a sum of at least 10 million units, becoming the highest selling album in Japan's recent history. (credit - wiki)

(Download First Love by Utada Hikaru)

Seriously, give it go. Despite the grainy texture to the film, you may actually be surprised that you will like it. 

(Watch Innocent Witch)

  

You're My Pet - Trailer

A josei manga (ladies comic) that tried hard to be feministic

Seriously, I am never one to wait at the edge of my seat for a drama or movie release; but after watching the trailer of the Korean take on Kimi Wa Petto (a manga turned J-dorama in the mid 2000s) starring my man, Jang Geun Suk and older but pretty Kim Ha Neul, I am seriously wishing that November would come early this year.

Watch the Eng Subbed Trailer at youtube

Kimi Wa Petto or You're My Pet tells a story of how a bored, young executive found herself a 'pet' in the form of a drenched younger man one rainy night.

Watch the J-Dorama version at Mysoju

The series started as a manga that ran from 2000 to 2005 before the Japanese did a drama version in 2003 (starring Koyuki and Matsumoto Jun (scrunched nose) as the 'master' Sumire and the 'pet' Momo respectively - a bit S&M, if you were to ask me).

While seemingly a silly and far fetched plot, You're My Pet is actually a story that tells us the importance of imagined ideals and real needs.

The original manga charted a relationship between Sumire (Ju In for the K version), a self destructing and depressive, young professional, with her 'pet', a semi homeless young chap who actually happened to be a ballet prodigy deemed too short for professional dancing - deep, huh?

But since Momo (In Ho in the K version), the name given  by Sumire to her 'pet', who's real name was Takeshi Gouda, did not fulfill Sumire's higher pay, higher education and higher height requirement, the 'master' dictated that the two of them should just be pet and  master - ie friends and nothing more.

But when a suitor whom actually fulfilled Sumire's requirements came along, the young lady had to re-assess her situation and feelings with Momo; and ultimately decide whether it was her high H ideals or the real Cs - comfortable, cooperative and compatible - that were more important and more fulfilling for her.

As implausible as the plot may sound, I am actually giggling in anticipation for the K-version's this November 2011. Actually the Japanese version is pretty good as well, with Koyuki doing a perfect job on Sumire; but I can't bring myself to like Jun....(tho, his undying fans might throw stones at me) (pouts).

So, let's hope that Sukkie will do better interpretation of Momo/In Ho character.

The shorter K-version

The story was thoroughly delved in both the manga and the J-dorama, so I'm kind of sceptical that it can be dealt with the same charm and depth in a mere 1 hour plus seating.

But then, with Sukkie in the role of Momo, I'll sit the movie through at any cost.

Sukkie of course had to sport Momo's trademark curly hairdo (urgh) but unlike Jun's put-on childish sweet voice (eww...), Sukkie's manly voice somehow promised a deeper personality to his In Ho than Jun's Momo (let a woman have her hopes, why don't you...).

(I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait,....)  

So, let's just wait and see, shall we? Will keep you posted....

A Frozen Flower

The Plot

In protecting himself from the dominance of Yuan Dynasty China and to establish an autonomous state, the King of the Goryeo Dynasty Korea formed a band of personal palace guard composed of thirty six young soldiers, called the Kunryongwe. Trained from young, the band was led by Chief Hong Lim, whom the King chose as both friend and lover.


But as politics would have it, the King who was joined in matrimony to a princess of the Yuan Dynasty, was expected to produce an heir.


To save his throne and honour, the King did the unthinkable - task his male lover, Hong Lim, to sleep with the Queen to produce the much needed heir and be the saviour to the country.

The Cast
Jo In-sung - Hong Lim
Ju Jin-mo - King
Song Ji-hyo - Queen





Foxi Feels
First and foremost, I would like to expressed advanced apologies if what I am going to write will offend some of you, in any moral or religious way. I am in no way a homophobic nor do I condone the idea of any type of physical bonding other than the tried and tested way.


All I am going to do is review a good movie as how I feel it deserves to be reviewed, and if I step on anybody's toes (which, I really hope I won't), sue me.


So, if you trust me then, read on........


***


Beautiful is the only way I can begin to describe A Frozen Flower (aka The Frozen Flower or Ssanghwajeom). Beautiful and crazy (smiles).


Be forewarned that this movie will shock you in a lot of ways. For me, it was a rare find, and despite the taboo storyline and sometimes unnecessary sexual scenes, it is an essentially beautiful, yet obsessive and sad, love story.


Like I said, the movie is beautiful. Beautiful leads, beautiful costumes, beautiful choreography and beautiful cinematography. 


Call it the oriental Brokeback Mountain, if you like; set in sageuk Hanguk (tradional Korea), no less. 

Pretty bishounens
 - can anyone spot cutie Song Joong Ki in the pix?

Very quickly, the story is about a Goryeo King (Goryeo Dynasty or Koryŏ (918–1392) was a Korean dynasty established in 918 by Emperor Taejo. Korea gets its name from this kingdom which came to be pronounced Korea), who surrounded himself with a group of trusted personal guards, whom he trained from young, and the politics and expectations that came with his stature of a king.


As per normal monarchy traditions, a King must marry for politics and beget an heir. Betrothed to the princess of the neighbouring (and far more powerful) Mongolian/Chinese Yuan province since in his teens, the King later married her but in name only - having no feelings other than respect and obligations for her. 

Sigh...you don't need  a rock concert
when you can have these two to play for you

The majesty's object of affections (and obsession) however, lay in the form of Hong Lim, one of his personal guards, whom he took a liking to from the very start of the latter's young training.

A reminisce of Emperor Ryuuki
and Seiran in battle

Fast forward to adulthood, Hong Lim, was elevated to the role Chief of the Personal Guards, as well as confidante, companion and lover to the King.


The King himself was really a good man and worthy leader. And since he has been with Chief Hong Lim ever since the latter was a wee lad, the King was essentially a one-man-man (eh?). He fought his own battle and was pretty just in a lot of ways. So, earning true respect and loyalty from his subjects came to no surprise.


In Chief Hong, he found a willing lover, trusted confidante, advisor and voice of conscience, as well as a fierce protector.


However, in order to save the country, the King needed an heir and entrusted his most trusted friend to do the job.

Seriously, sire?

As fate would have it, what turned out to be an incongruous yet inescapable task for Chief Hong also proved to be an eye opener for the young lad. Having never had relations with the opposite sex, Chief Hong found a revelation in his joining with the lonely Queen, and a dangerous affair of the body and soul started.

Declaration of love

You can probably guess where the situation led, of course - with the King suspecting and finding out the affair between his lover and his Queen. But what you may not expect is how the story unfolded and climaxed (excuse the pun). 


To dismiss the movie into a simple love triangle that ended in a raging jealous rampage, would be an irresponsible reviewing on my part.


What really made the movie are the depth and mixed emotions that the leads brought to each of their characters.

First we have the Queen, who grew up in a foreign palace, detesting the man her fiance and then husband was in love with; and then, feeling lust for the said man and ending up loving him to the point of risking a full fledged war between her birth and adopted countries. And the subtly beautiful Song Ji-hyo just excelled at playing the sullen yet stoic Queen.   

Then we have the stony yet handsome Hong Lim, who struggled with guilt between the love, friendship and loyalty he felt for the King and the newfound pleasures of the male-female bonding and growing love he had with Queen. In fact, there were silent eye movements on his part that suggested that he may have been infatuated with the Queen long before the fatal task was given to him by the King. And Jo In Sung.....sigh....I'm so glad you are out of the army, sir (grins).


Last but not least, the King of Goryeo himself. Burden with carrying a country that was in constant threat of being overtaken by the neighbour, his only solace was the company of his playmate - in all aspects of emotions, physique and politics. So, finding betrayal in highest sense ie in the matters of the heart, can just push a man over the edge; and Ju Jin Mo - you just rock!

Knights of the round table...minus Arthur

All that, plus political scheming and personal ambitions within the Kunryongwe itself.


The movie had lots of cringe-worthy moments - where you would find yourself squirming either in embarrassment, pain or sadness; and it was laden with graphic sexual scenes - both yaoi and hetero - so, please do not watch this with your in laws (and yes, that includes you 30 and 40 year olds too!).




In the end, you would definitely empathise with all three leads, without going into the morality aspects of the story, and would probably pull your hair and clutch your stomachs at the sheer fatality of the whole situation.

Final showdown

I can't choose between any of the three leads for I felt all of them carried the story equally - with stronger leanings towards Jin Mo (have always loved him ever since '200 Pounds Beauty') and In Sung (looking leaner & better since his 'Memoirs of Bali' days).

You lucky girl, you....

My radar tells me that both men are straight and visually you can probably tell by how the Queen and Chief Hong's tryst were more loving and natural where as the male leads looked like they were in pain filming their sexual escapades (lol). But hats off to both Jin Mo and In Sung, because emotionally, they will knock you off your seat with their silent connection.

Doomed affair

And I'm reiterating, this movie is certainly not for the faint hearted and you have been duly warned. However, it is truly a good movie and beautiful love story.


So, it's up to you really. On my part, I would say, go for it, I dare you to (grins).

Beautifully shocking 

Watch The Frozen Flower Online

(DailyMotion)

Download A Frozen Flower Soundtrack

(The King's Version)

(Spolier Alert)

I dream of the day when....

Did Hong Lim lie when he said he had never felt love for the King? 

For me, yes, he did. He probably said what he did in his moment of rage.

He may not love the King as how the King wanted to be loved, but he did feel (more than just brotherly) love and affection and definitely undying loyalty for the latter (even more so than what he felt for the Queen, I would say).

This fact can evidently be seen when he fought for the King during the assassin attack scene in the beginning, the many quiet moments they shared in the King's private quarters - during the painting and musical interlude scenes - and also from the fact that Hong Lim was prepared to leave the Queen to maintain peace in the courts and as a show respect for the King.

But more tellingly, the fact that Hong Lim turned away from the screaming Queen to look at his mentor and friend during his last dying breath (and the dream sequence at the end of the movie) covertly suggests that the love and loyalty that Hong Lim felt for the King far outweighed the brief ecstasy of the joining of the flesh (and souls, if you insist) that he had with the Queen.


Though, sexually Hong Lim may have been manipulated or brainwashed to think he loved the King sexually too in the early days, I felt that in the end, it was the friendship and respect that were stronger between the two men.

In heaven we unite

(End of Spoiler)

Jo In Sung gushiness tribute


I can't help but to quote a fellow reviewer on Jo In Sung apparent hotness '... can you go through the rest of your life having never seen the HOTNESS that is Jo In Sung???? How can I ask you to deprive yourself like that???!!!!' (ha ha ha...thanks, Countess Bobo, I just fell off my chair laughing at your comment, but I feel for you, dear, I really do...)


And in Mika's Youtube review, she can't get past from saying Wow...at every mention of Jo In Sung's name (lol)

Daisy

The Plot
An elite Interpol agent Jeong-woo and a ruthless hitman Park-yi, both stationed in Amsterdam, are in love with the same young woman, Hye-young. Hye-Young is a simple sidewalk artist with dreams of one day holding a real exhibition in a real gallery. Her pure love will draw these deadly men into a spectacular showdown in the process, revealing Hye-Young's hidden past.
(cr : imdb)


The Cast
Jun Ji-hyun - Hye-young
Jung Woo-sung - Park Yi
Lee Sung-jae - Jeong Woo





Foxi Feels
Would you cut your right thumb to know who your secret admirer is?



Neither would I (lol).


But I would do my darnedest to find out who the person is; and once I have a prime suspect, I would also come right out and ask the person straight to his face if he was the one who has been leaving me flowers each day - and not be coy about it.


Alas, that is not the case for this movie; and hence we are saddled with a melodrama that left you pulling hairs right out of your daisies (excuse the pun).


But a sucker for everything melodramatic, I love this movie!


As I love Jung Woo-sung (of Athena and A Moment to Remember) and Jun Ji-hyun (Gillian Jun of Blood the Last Vampire and My Sassy Girl). 

If all hitmen are this good looking,
they can hit me anytime!

Central to the story is the (initially) one-sided love story between hit man, Park-yi (Jung Woo-sung) and street painter, Hye-young (Jun Ji-hyun). Due to the dangerous nature of his job, Park-yi did not pursue his love interest. Rather, he was content to watch her from afar, help her whenever he can without her knowledge and of course, leave her bouquets or pots of daisies at the exact precise time each day.

Delivery!

Now tell me, which silly girl will not go googly eyed over that!


And true to the tried and tested drama storyline, the daily flower delivery definitely piqued Hye-young's interest but not to the extend of her going out of her way to find out who the mysterious sender is.










But as luck would have it, a twist in the fickle finger of fate, led her to meet Interpol agent Jeong-woo (Lee Sung-jae), who, in pursuit of our outlaw hero, decided to 'blend' in the street atmosphere and pose for Hye-young, with a daisy pot in his hands...uhuh, of all the paraphernalia he could grab on the streets, he settled for that one.

Is he or isn't he?

Thus, our dear girl thinks that the agent is her secret admirer and a courtship blossomed from there.


Well, what do you expect, the girl is pretty and even interpol agents need a breather from work once in a while :)


And so, a triangle love story began and you just have to watch the movie to find out what happens from here onwards.




For me, again I can be biased. I love Jung Woo-sung and Jun Ji-hyun. They are both excellent actors and oh so beutiful. So, their pairing is just one made in heaven. The cinematography is beautiful too - fresh green fields, interlacing with cool arty streets of Amsterdam.

Choice of fresh or cool June air

The movie is more of a love story rather than a thriller, lest you get misled by the trailers and synopsis.


The storyline may be predictable; but for me watching a movie or drama is like riding a harley (like, I have ever been on one), it is the journey not the destination. 


Daisy is a 2006 South Korean-Hong Kong co-production film directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Andrew (not Andy) Lau of the Infernal Affairs trilogy. So, having cool Korean storytellers, pair it up with good looking actors and a revered Hong Kong director - how right can you be?


The theme song is only so-so and has elements of saeguk (oriental traditional) music in the beginning, what gives? But is it soothing.


So, don't take my word for it, check the movie out yourself - it's another oldie, but a definite goody!

Predictable but definitely worth the ride 

Watch Daisy online

(Mysoju.com)

Hey - Daisy

(Download OST)

Mother

The Plot

Frustrated with the cursory investigations and unhelpful public defence attorney, a widowed mother went out to prove her mentally challenged son's innocence when the latter was accused of murder of a young girl.
(Cr : dramawiki)


The Cast

Kim Hye Ja - Mother

Won Bin - Do Joon

Jin Goo - Jin Tae

Yoon Je Moon - Je Moon

Jeon Mi Seon - Mi Seon


Foxi Feels

I must say that the Koreans are getting better and better at their story telling.


Forget about the love between Juliet and her Romeo; or between Delilah and her Samson; or even between Eve and her Adam.

It is a mother’s love that truly knows no bounds.


It is often a mother who will go through hell to bring her son back into the world.


It is always a mother who will continue to believe in her son’s innocence when others won’t.


And it is also a mother who will take secrets to her grave for her son to continue living.


Due to lack of local promotions, I often follow the Japanese and Korean entertainment scenes based on my preferred entertainer. In other words, if I like a certain actor, I will try to follow almost all of his or her work.

Can the real Won Bin please stand up

Likewise with Won Bin, I managed to watch almost all of his dramas and movies; and have just now completed sitting through his first movie after leaving the army – Mother.


Though, the producers naturally used Won Bin’s name to brand the movie, I believe the movie was truly carried by Kim Hye Ja, who brilliantly played the role of the Mother.

While the Korean horror movies always get the best reviews, I tend to shy away from them, preferring the romances and the thrillers instead.


Mother is one such thriller, telling a seemingly simple story of a mother trying to prove her son's innocence in a murder case.

It did not help that the evidences pointed straight to the son; and him, being a  simpleton, played along to the police’s manipulative ministrations.


At the same time, being poor, the Mother and son team cannot afford to hire a proper defence lawyer and had to resort to the incompetent services of a public defence lawyer.


In the end, Mother does who Mothers do best - take matters in her own hands and seek justice for her son.

Beautiful Kim Hye Ja with her on screen son

Personally, I liked it!


I like the twist in the story, the grey overtones, Won Bin's scraggly looks and the brutality of some of the characters. But most of all I really liked the Mother!


As mentioned above, Kim Hye Ja pulled off the character really well.


(while Won Bin proved yet again that he is truly an actor by not banking on his good looks for the role of the mentally challenged Do Joon)

Mother and the mentally challenged Do Joon

If you are a mother, you will identify with her. With her desperation, her need to save her son and to some extent her guilt to her son's predicament. 


But then again, life can sometimes be cruel; and at the end, the balance between right and wrong is only slight tilt of the scale.


Here's to all Mothers out there, God Bless!

English Subbed Trailer of Mother