Connect with us

Top Five Binge-able Korean shows on Netflix

Published

on

 

Rugal

Police officer Kang Ki-beom lost his eyes and his wife and was set up for the whole thing after he put all his efforts into taking down the large criminal organization Argos. Now recruited to the super-secret NIS special task force known as “Rugal”, where the members are given biotechnology implants to replace their missing body parts and thus gain the equivalent of superpowers, Kang Ki-beom, and his teammates set out to really take down Argos, and bring his wife’s killers to justice!

The show is full of kick-ass fight scenes, fun Robocop-like scenes courtesy of Kang’s bionic eyes and his co-worker’s replacement parts, and all the Korean cop drama you can shake your kim-chi at!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZtgPv3LjrI

Mystic Pop-Up Bar

Mobile outdoor tent pop-up bars known as pojangmacha are a staple in Korea, but this one is special! Run by sharp-tempered proprietress Weol-ju and her stoic partner Chief Gwi, Mystic Pop-up Bar actually solves their client’s issues through a supernatural method of dream incubation. Both Weol-ju and Chief Gwi are spirits sent back to the Living Realm as a punishment; Weol-ju has to settle the grudges of 100,000 souls to be forgiven for her crimes in a past life and Chief Gwi has sworn to help her.

Han Kang-bae is a kind young man who was cursed since he was little with the ability to make anyone pour out their innermost truths to him through physical contact. And when Weol-ju meets hapless Han Kang-bae, it’s a match made in the supernatural realm, and ripe for all kinds of nefarious shenanigans!

Full of heart and snark and the continual reminder that people really need to just talk to each other instead of keeping it all in, Mystic Pop-up Bar boasts shades of the beloved Japanese anime Xxxholic and is a great supernatural jaunt for a Korean drama.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0RfpPHksRA

100 Days My Prince

The first of a few saeguk (Korean historical drama) entries, this one begins with an unusual premise – a prince suffering amnesia who finds love amongst the common people.

So Lee Yul is the crown prince, whether he likes it or not, after a successful coup completely rearranges the power and King of the Court. From a devastated boy who loses his beloved mother at a tender age too, he grows into a bitter and cold young man who seems to delight in pegging-down everyone around him. Resentful and angry, during a drought plaguing the kingdom and everyone else plaguing him about consummating his marriage to the crown princess, Lee Yul commands for all unmarried people under a certain age to wed.

And then en route to the rain ritual, a botched assassination attempt sends the crown prince with a head wound amongst the common folk, to be taken care of by Hong-shim, her adoptive father, and a cadre of other very-common peasant friends. Facing arrest if she doesn’t obey the new law, Hong-shim ends up marrying the newly-arrived and rechristened amnesiac Won-deuk, and hilarity ensues!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LxsJGR7DgU

Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung

A fictional story of one of the first four female historians of the Korean Joseon period to ever be involved in compiling the Veritable Records of the dynasty.

Goo Hae-ryung is plucky and smart, but also young and undeniably female, which of course means everyone thinks she’s destined for an arranged marriage with a stranger, a passel of children, and likely young death from overwork. Instead, Goo Hae-ryung takes her destiny in her own hands and determinedly joins the testing for female historians, passing the challenge and joining a highly exclusive formerly mens-only club of historians that compile the Veritable Records for future generations.

As she struggles to work on the same level as the men, Hae-ryung meets the throwaway prince Yi Rim, himself an frustrated and overlooked soul who loves to write romance novels, of all things, and that earns him arrogant sniffs from his peers too.

Workplace romance shenanigans ensue, the constant struggle for the stability of the Joseon dynasty leads to life-threatening political entanglements, and through all this, Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung is there to fearlessly endure and record it for the precious historical records.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqaGhUJ9Vgs

My Country The New Age

Another saeguk entry, this one focuses more on military battles and aristocratic political mongering, though there is a small, sweet romance laced throughout the bloody business; a pretty pair of pink shoes abandoned on the battlefield as Korea fights its blood-soaked way from the Goryeo dynasty to the new Joseon dynasty.

A pair of friends begin the story by taking the state military exam together – Seo-hwi is a blacksmith and the disgraced son of a man wrongly executed for embezzlement, while Seon-ho is technically an aristocrat but still looked down upon as his mother was a concubine. Seon-ho commits an unforgivable act of betrayal against Seo-hwi at the exam, setting off a downward spiral that pits the two brothers at odds with each other, set against the backdrop of epic dynastic changes as one era ends and a new one attempts to rise from the ashes.

Lavish with well-made fight scenes and the kind of drama and tragedy that Korean shows are famous for, My Country The New Age is a tear-jerker of the finest quality.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khANmq-3Too

Bonus entry – Kingdom

Yet another saeguk entry, Kingdom is of course set in the Korean Joseon period and is full of your standard political and social strife, but with one significant addition – zombies!

Three years after the fictional Unpo Wetland Battle, where 500 Korean soldiers and the governor-turned-general defeated an invading Japanese army of 30,000 using some terrible secret methods, Kingdom skillfully weaves a horrific storyline of the unquiet dead through an already-epic tale of dynastic betrayal and manipulation. Featuring a starring role from Bae Doona (Sense8, The Host, Cloud Atlas) as the physician’s assistant turned war medic Seo-bi, Kingdom boasts two whole seasons available on Netflix now!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l-yByZpaaM

 

 

Continue Reading

Movie

The rise of Japanese anime in India

Published

on

In recent years, the Indian entertainment landscape has witnessed a remarkable surge in the popularity of Japanese anime, leading to an increasing demand for localized content. Recognizing this trend, several platforms have begun offering anime dubbed in regional Indian languages such as Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, making these captivating stories more accessible to a broader audience.

Streaming services have played a pivotal role in this cultural integration. For instance, Animedub.pro provides a vast collection of anime dubbed in languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali. Popular series like “Naruto,” “My Hero Academia,” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” are available in these regional languages, allowing fans to enjoy content in their preferred dialects. 

Similarly, Crunchyroll, a leading anime streaming platform, announced a slate of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs for series such as “Dr. STONE,” “BLUE LOCK,” and “Haikyu!!” between May and June 2024, further catering to the diverse linguistic demographics of India. 

The success of dubbed anime is significantly attributed to the talented Indian voice artists who bring these characters to life. Notable examples include:

Prasad Barve: Renowned for voicing Ash Ketchum in the Hindi version of “Pokémon” during the early 2000s, Barve’s portrayal became iconic among Indian audiences. 

Sonal Kaushal: Known as ‘The Motor Mouth,’ Kaushal has been the Hindi voice of Doraemon since 2005, endearing herself to a generation of viewers. 

Ankur Javeri: Celebrated for his portrayal of Goku in the Hindi dub of “Dragon Ball Z,” Javeri’s performance has electrified fans at events like Zee Cafe’s Anime Fest. 

Javed Jaffrey: While not an anime series, Jaffrey’s humorous narration of the Japanese game show “Takeshi’s Castle” in Hindi showcased his versatility and contributed to the show’s cult status in India. 

The localization of anime through regional dubbing has not only broadened the genre’s appeal but has also fostered a deeper cultural exchange between India and Japan. By experiencing stories that blend universal themes with distinct cultural nuances, Indian audiences have developed a greater appreciation for Japanese storytelling. This trend has also opened new avenues for Indian voice artists, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talent and connect with audiences nationwide.

In conclusion, the dubbing of Japanese anime into Indian languages like Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu signifies a harmonious blend of cultures, enriching the entertainment experiences of audiences and paving the way for a more inclusive media landscape.

Continue Reading

Streaming

Thandel: A Riveting Journey Through Social Inequities and Human Struggles

Published

on

Directed by: Rajesh Kumar | Written by: Rajesh Kumar | Starring: Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi

Genre: Drama, Thriller | Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes

Available on: Netflix | Studio: Red Studios

Thandel is a gripping drama-thriller that examines the deep-rooted social and political issues prevalent in rural India. Directed and written by Rajesh Kumar, the film brings to light the stark realities of human suffering, class divides, and systemic oppression while weaving a powerful narrative of hope and resistance. With stellar performances by Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi, this film offers more than just entertainment – it’s a powerful commentary on society.

The story centers around Karthik (Vijay Sethupathi), an idealistic young man who returns to his village after years of studying in the city. He quickly realizes that his community is being threatened by a corrupt political system that is destroying the very fabric of rural life. His attempts to restore justice and bring about change lead him into a whirlwind of tension, deceit, and violence. As Karthik allies with Anjali (Nayanthara), a strong-willed social activist, the two face constant opposition from powerful forces.

The narrative is slow-burning at first but quickly accelerates, with each twist revealing more about the characters’ motivations, fears, and hopes. The layered storytelling keeps you hooked until the very end.

Vijay Sethupathi delivers yet another powerful performance, effortlessly transitioning between the earnestness of his character and the complex moral dilemmas he faces. Nayanthara, as always, excels in portraying the fiery yet vulnerable activist, and her chemistry with Sethupathi elevates the emotional depth of the story.

Pasupathi, in a key supporting role, steals the show with his nuanced portrayal of a villain who is more human than one might expect, further adding complexity to the story.

Rajesh Kumar’s direction is both poignant and precise. His attention to detail in capturing the rural landscape of India creates a sense of place that is both beautiful and haunting. The cinematography is immersive, with sweeping shots of the village contrasted by intimate close-ups that highlight the emotional turmoil of the characters. The direction adds weight to the social commentary while never sacrificing the entertainment value of the plot.

The soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, is another standout element of Thandel. The haunting score perfectly complements the film’s dark themes, while songs like “Thamizh Puthu” bring an uplifting energy to the narrative at the right moments. The sound design plays a crucial role in amplifying the tension in key scenes, immersing the viewer further into the tense atmosphere.

At its core, Thandel is a powerful examination of social inequality, the exploitation of rural communities, and the complex relationship between political power and the people. The film touches on corruption, justice, and the role of activism in driving societal change. Through its nuanced portrayal of its characters and their personal struggles, it urges viewers to think about the impact of systemic oppression and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Thandel is a thought-provoking, emotionally charged film that blends drama with thriller elements. Its intelligent screenplay, solid performances, and striking visuals make it an essential watch for anyone interested in socially relevant cinema. While the pacing may be slow for some viewers, the emotional payoff and the film’s profound message make it well worth the wait.

Rating: 9/10

Continue Reading

Movie

Jaat (2024) – A Gritty and Pulse-Pounding Ride Through Rural JusticeJaat

Published

on

Runtime: 2h 17min

Genre: Action, Drama, Crime

Director: Manoj Rathi

Writer: Veerendra Pal Singh

Studio: Rathi Films India

Cast:

Gavie Chahal as Veeru

Aarushi Sharma as Meera

Karamveer Choudhary as Chaudhary Saab

Manjit Singh as Inspector Malik

Rajendra Bhatia as MLA Dhillon

Jaat comes galloping in with the firepower of a rural action epic and the emotional core of a revenge drama. Directed by Manoj Rathi, this gritty North Indian action film pulls no punches, delivering a hard-hitting tale about honor, family, and retribution.

Gavie Chahal commands the screen as Veeru, a former army man turned vigilante who returns to his village only to find it ravaged by corruption and political thuggery. Chahal brings stoic intensity to the role, capturing both the silent rage and explosive force required of a righteous hero. Aarushi Sharma as Meera provides warmth and emotional grounding, while Karamveer Choudhary adds gravitas in his portrayal of an old patriarch trying to hold on to fading traditions.

The film’s biggest strength lies in its raw action sequences, beautifully choreographed and grounded in realism. Hand-to-hand combat, shootouts in mustard fields, and gripping chase scenes through narrow village lanes are highlights that keep you on the edge of your seat.

What Worked:

Authentic setting: The dusty lanes, village politics, and vibrant Haryanvi culture feel lived-in and immersive.

Powerful soundtrack: Folk-infused music enhances key moments, especially during confrontations.

Action choreography: Brutal, believable, and satisfying for fans of grounded action.

Strong lead performance: Gavie Chahal delivers a breakout role with screen presence and emotional depth.

Pacing issues: The second act lingers due to subplots that could have been trimmed. Predictable plot points: The revenge arc follows a familiar path and would benefit from more unexpected twists. Underdeveloped antagonist: Although the villain is effective, they lack depth and backstory, which would make the rivalry more engaging..

Rating: 7.5/10

Verdict: Jaat is a must-watch for fans of desi action with heart. It wears its rustic flair with pride and delivers a satisfying punch of drama, action, and cultural resonance. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it revs up the rural revenge saga with style and sincerity.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2012 - 2025 That's My Entertainment All Rights Reserved May not be used without permission