Shar's Blog

Jae Hee, one word ... GORGEOUS.

2007-02-19T14:57:00.000-08:00

Since I just finished watching Delightful Girl Choon Hyang. I decided to make a banner for it. Well...okay, I decided to make a banner of Jae Hee. At first, his character in the beginning of the drama was a bit snotty and mean. However, as the drama continues on, he begins to mature and soften up. Especially at the ending, boy can he really work those glasses and a suit real well!

So, with that, I was experimenting with a coloring tutorial and came up with this. Not my best work, but I'm satisfied and I'm here to share with you all!

I'm watching One percent of Anything. I'll be sure to post the reviews up for Autumn in my Heart & Delightful Girl Choon Hyang as soon as I'm finished with this drama.

~ Taaa taaa!

Quick Update!

2007-02-17T13:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Even though I'm a few days late. I hope everyone was spoiled by their significant other and that you spoiled your significant other as well. <3 Have fun eating those sweets and don't forget to brush & floss!

I'm sick. I'm coughing, I have a sore/dry throat and a running nose. Ugh, some weekend, also - family problems have arised. Let's not get into that for I don't have that time nor the energy to do so. Thank goodness it's a 3 day weekend, hopefully I can rest up and get well by Tuesday.

I have another drama to post my reviews on, Tree of Heaven. Google it, Wikipedia it, whatever; good drama - sad ending. I dislike sad dramas - which is why I stick to the light, fluffy dramas!

Currently watching Delightful Girl Choon Hyang, if I finish this before Tuesday. I'll post the links and my commentary to this drama. It's like a mix of Goong, Full House and Smiling Pasta. It's rather cute. <3

All right, I'm off to continue watching this drama. Barely on episode 5 and there's about 16 or 17 episodes all together. So.. ~ ta ta.

Full House

2007-02-09T22:49:00.000-08:00

Cast:
• Song Hye Kyo as Han Ji Eun
• Bi (Rain) as Lee Young-Jae
• Han Eun Jung as Kang Hye Won
• Kim Sung Soo as Yoo Min Hyuk

Synopsis (Provided by Wikipedia):
A naive, cheerful albeit, somewhat of a recluse writer, Han Ji Eun is swindled out of everything she owns. Not by strangers, but her best friends! Stranded in China, she is determined to get home with the help of an actor, Lee Young Jae. She borrows money from him after coming up with a clever lie and plans to pay him back after landing in Korea, only to find that all which is precious to her has been sold. In an attempt to get her possessions back, she has entered in a contract marriage with Young Jae for three months. It is quite simple, until strong feelings start to develop. Everyone around them test the "love" Young Jae and Ji Eun have for one another.

In spite of it all, Ji Eun manages to be humorous and endearing - even when her heart is breaking.

Personal Rating: (3 out of 5)
= All right to watch if you have nothing to do.

Personal Commentary:
So my first Korean Drama, I was suggested this drama by a friend. Even though it was more laughs than 'aw`s' I guess it was all right. I wasn't impressed by the chemistry the two leads had with one another. After completing this drama, I decided the only reason why I agreed to watch it was because its sort of like Smiling Pasta, the Taiwanese Drama. The basic story plot was similar; a celebrity male marries a regular female. Even though at the beginning, both thought they would never fall for each other; throughout their time being married the two develop feelings for each other. However, they must overcome past crushes, former boyfriends and girlfriends. I reasoned that I liked Smiling Pasta way more, although the dance in this drama was just as cute as the one in Smiling Pasta!

It Started With A Kiss

2007-02-09T22:05:00.000-08:00

Cast:
• Joe Cheng as Jiang Zhi
• Ariel Lin as Yuan Xiang Qin

Synopsis (Provided by Wikipedia):
After an earthquake destroyed Xiang Qin's house, she and her father move in with her father's college buddy, uncle Ahli. To her surprise, the kind and amicable aunt and uncle are the parents of her cold and distant schoolmate Jiang Zhi Shu, a genius with an IQ of 200 whom not too long ago rejected Xiang Qin's endless crush on him for the reason that she isn't exactly very bright. Will the close proximity give her a second chance to win the boy's heart? Or, will she break down under his cold, cold words?

Personal Rating: (3 out of 5)
= Kind-of, sort-of kept my attention.

Personal Commentary:
Although this series contained the light, fluffy stuff I'm usually into it. I found it a turn off to me. I ended up skipping through many of the episodes because of the slow pace. However, I'm pretty glad I did watch this drama because this is the first drama I watched where Ariel Lin starred in; so I guess that's a plus to watching this.

ETC.;
• Watch it ONLINE! (Click)

Chae-kyeong & Shin Goon Pictures

2007-02-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

Images Provided By; (Asian Fanatics)

Drama Index

2007-02-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

Taiwanese Dramas:

Korean Dramas:

Full House
Goong/Princess Hours
Autumn In My Heart

Princess Hours/Goong

2007-02-04T20:50:00.001-08:00

Cast:
• Yoon Eun Hye as Shin Chae-gyung (Chae-kyeong)
• Joo Ji Hoon as Lee Shin (Shin Goon)
• Kim Jeong Hoon as Lee Yul
• Song Ji Hyo as Min Hyo-rin

Synopsis (Provided by Wikipedia):
Goong is a story about young love in face of tradition, politics, and intrigue. In the imaginery world, Korea is a constitutional monarchy and the Royal Family lives in a grand Palace, the Goong. Story opens with a startling diagnosis that the King is terminally ill. Faced with the decreasing popularity among the public for the Royalty, a grand wedding for the Crown Prince, Lee Shin (Joo Ji Hoon), is decided to be the best publicity move to improve the image of the Royalty and at the same time prepare Shin for immediate succession. The intended bride? The headstrong, awkward, and sweet spirited Shin Chae-gyung (Yoon Eun Hye) that just happens to go to the same exclusive art school. Chae-gyung was betrothed to become the next Crown Princess by her grandfather and Shin's grandfather.

After 14 years of living in England with his mom, Lee Yul (Kim Jeong Hoon) appears all of a sudden. He is Shin's cousin as well as the former Crown Prince. Everything seemed to be going normally until Chae-gyung's optimistic spirit wins the heart of internally lonely, Yul. As the Crown Prince Shin and simple-minded Chae-gyung's relationship appear to developing deeper feelings, a series of scandals are exposed to the public right after the pair were officially announced married. Will love prevail all in a world of political pressures and martial hardships? Or will being in the spotlight of the public be too much for the young newlyweds to endure?

Personal Rating: (5 out of 5)
= Totally worth watching!

Personal Commentary:
I wasn't sure if I would like this drama when I first started watching it, but after looking up the summary about it I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, I was hooked after the first or second episode. Downloading it was worth it, in my opinion. YEH's (Yoon Eun Hye) acting was superb even though she's new to it. Her on-screen performance with JJH (Joo Ji Hoon) was cute to watch. Although they extended the series to four more episodes, they originally decided for it to have 20 episodes, but with it's sudden high-ratings they're extended it. They were a drag in my opinion, but I don't care now. I was bummed out when I finished the series and I still find myself re-watching their cute moments.

ETC,:
• Watch it ONLINE! (Click)
• Download the episodes & OST! (Click)
• Goong Special 1.5 (Click)
• Chae-kyeong & Shin Goon Pictures (Click)

Monday, less than 24 hrs. away...

2007-01-28T20:51:00.000-08:00

It saddens me to say that the weekend is almost over. Then again maybe I'm just saying this because the thought of going back to school to learn makes me tired. Just this past week, it felt like a year to get to Friday. I don't think I'll be able to survive if this continues...just joking! :)

However, I've decided to really push myself this semester. Do all my homework the day its assigned and no slacking! I barely past Geometry with a 63% and with that it struck me that how well I do in these four years of high school will determine where I will be in life. So, time to buckle down!

I've finished up watching Full House which is somewhat like Smiling Pasta but then its not. What I'm trying to say is, the way the two main characters fell in love is similar. The female role is bound to the male and she agrees to pretend to "be with him." Plus, both male characters are celebrities. If I decide not to slack off, I'll upload the links to that series. It was my first Korean drama and I'm pretty much impressed, but I still love my Taiwanese dramas! <3

Also, I'm going to be looking in changing my layout set up. I came to a conclusion: Rainie Yang and Mike He are no longer allowed to be the center of attention on my site. I've decided to change it! The next main couple will be a secret, so stay tuned for that sometime in the next few days. I'll probably work on it during the school days, but not real big changes will come until the weekend.

That's all I have to say. I have to head to bed early tonight because my mom's nagging me. What else right?

Post-Script:
If you've checked my YouTube account. I re-uploaded Tokyo Juliet episode 1 and bits of 2 because the sounding was way off with the video. I had to download a new video splitter and it's working out just fine. Hopefully I can reach to episode 4 or 5 by the end of this week. Uploading a little bit of each episode day by day. Remember: they're going to be in private if you want to view them except for episode 1. So create an account on YouTube and add me :)

YouTube It!

2007-01-24T18:31:00.000-08:00

^{(Click the image above to view my YouTube account.)}Reminder:

I did finally decide to upload dramas I've watched & downloaded onto YouTube. The only reminder I have for you is that yes, it does look like I've only downloaded the first episode of every drama. However, the episodes after that are all in private. So, that requires you to create a YouTube account then add me as a friend. Then and only then can you view my private videos, kapeesh?

Progress:

^{(Click the image above to view my Tokyo Juliet playlist.)}

• Downloaded episodes 1-3
• Finished splitting & uploading episode 1
• In the process of splitting episode 2

YouTube Account

2007-01-23T21:01:00.000-08:00

I've decided to upload some videos on YouTube myself. This way it will be more easy for my readers to view the episodes/dramas without having to do countless searches on Google/YouTube. The only request I make is that you create yourself your own account on YouTube.

Why?

Because, sure I will upload the dramas I watched BUT! I will only keep the first episode of every drama in public viewing. Every episode after that will be put in private to save my account from being suspended. The only way to view private videos is that you have to be my friend; so create an account and add me.

So that is all I ask. I'm currently doing Tokyo Juliet & Smiling Pasta at the same time. Except with Smiling Pasta I'm working backwards. Once you request me, to view my private videos. You have to click on my play list; there I have categorized the private videos into their drama title for easy access.

Bare with me for a couple of days, I just recently decided to do this so uploads will take a while. I guess after Tokyo Juliet & Smiling Pasta I'll do Mars or find another new drama that I can download, watch & upload.

SharArandia's YouTube Spot.

Thank you for all your support. I'll be sure to mark this entry on the side as soon as I get everything going. As for right now, I need my sleep. :)

Tokyo Juliet; Episode 1

2007-01-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

- First set of screen caps is a flash back to Sui's first moment falling in love. She had gone to a party with her mother and lost her. Seeing her tears, a boy came up to her and offered her a chocolate. Saying it would make her feel happy, accepting it they sat under a table together. That is when he praises her long black hair, saying it resembles a doll's hair. Sui's mother eventually finds her and takes her home. That's the last time she saw that boy.

- Second set of caps. Sui is reunited with the boy from the party. She does not know this at that time though. She is crying at the "Daisy" design display by Chu Xing's company. That is when Liang comes up to her and gives her his hat. After he leaves, she reminds herself not to fall in love until she beats Chu Xing.

Mid-Term Exams Over!

2007-01-20T21:41:00.000-08:00

Yes! No more stressing over silly little tests that balance your overall grade out and no more late night studying. Atlas, I can rest at ease! I sure will miss the half days though-oh well. You win some, you lose some.

I'm so looking forward to updating more. By the way, if Tokyo Juliet continues to please me the way it is right now. You might have to expect a new layout soon :)

Tokyo Juliet; coming soon!

2007-01-20T20:43:00.000-08:00

Cast:
• Ariel Lin as Lin Lai Sui
• Wu Chun as Ji Feng Liang
• Simon Yam as Chu Xing
• Tang Zhi Ping as Ai Li Ou
• Huang Hong Sheng as Lu Yi Mi

Synopsis (Provided by Wikipedia):
Lin Lai Sui (Ariel Lin) is an upcoming fashion designer who gets her "Daisy" design stolen by Chu Xing (Simon Yam) which she designed at five. She believes this is the cause of her parents' separation and at the opening day at her university she openly embarrasses and challenges Chu Xing that she will become a much more prominent designer than him and cause his downfall. Lin Lai Sui also vowed that she would never fall in love until this promise is fulfilled but she soon changes her tune when she meets the attractive, flirty, kind and popular senior Ji Feng Liang (Wu Zun). Unfortunately, there are many surprises in store for Lin Lai Sui as she trys to outmaneuver Chu Xing's plans to ruin her while still trying to keep her relationship with Liang steady. Then again, in the world of fashion nothing is secure...

Personal Rating: (3½ out of 5)
= Might be worthwhile.

Personal Commentary:
This drama has its cute parts, then its dull parts. The main reason why I decided to continue watching this drama was well because the chemistry between the leads. I was impressed all up until the 15th episode; 16 & 17, I felt were rushed just a bit. My opinion anyway...

ETC,:
I'm currently uploading this drama on YouTube. (Click)

Smiling Pasta Episode 17: FINALE!

2007-01-20T20:02:00.000-08:00

Screen caps from the part I caught myself giggling and laughing so much;

- This is after He Qun and Xiao Shi meet up under the tree. He decided she should freshen up so he brings her back to his place. There she is refreshed of the memory when she first came to his place and when she drops her towel; revealing herself completely to He Qun by accident. The first 3 set of screen caps is Xiao Shi dreaming of what might happen to her and He Qun. The second set is when they were arguing over how much he saw during her 'dropped-towel' accident. She trips then of course, He Qun catches her and there they are on top of each other!

- A close up of there landing! This scene made me giggling and gave that tingling feeling inside my stomach! <3 Of course this moment is ended abruptly because Vincent calls. Oh well, it was cute while it lasted :)

Mid-Term Exams Week

2007-01-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, is the official day of exams. Tuesday is the review day so that equals to one full day. Wednesday through Friday are all half-days. I will be on during the week, but to start a new drama is impossible so no reviews.

I will keep a look-out for the update subbing of episode 17 of Smiling Pasta so don't worry. I just wanted to give you all a head-ups for the one-week no blogging on here.

Wish me luck with my exams and same goes to all of you who are taking them!

Reminder:
I will try and find the links for you to watch the dramas I've finished. There's just a problem with Mars because the person I watched most of them on had her account suspended. So I'm currently looking for a free-public person who has uploaded those videos!

Smiling Pasta

2007-01-14T13:35:00.000-08:00

Cast:
Cyndi Wang as Cheng Xiao Shi
Nicholas Teo as He Qun
Gino as Ah Zhe
Zhao Hong Qiao as Rita

Synopsis (Provided by Wikipedia):
The story begins with Xiao Shi day dreaming on her balcony, wishing for a successful love. In her dazed state, she accidentally knocks her mug over the edge, which then lands and bounces off the front of He Qun's sportscar, when he happened to be driving past. This marks the beginning of their intertwined destinies.

The next morning, Xiao Shi's flamboyant but nonethless supportive family, conducts a good luck ceremony for Xiao Shi, as it is her and her current boyfriend, Peter's 3 month anniversary. Despite being cursed with relationships not exceeding 3 months, Xiao Shi has a great feeling about today, recalling Peter telling her that he will introduce her to the most important woman in his life. That can only mean his mother, right? Xiao Shi is so confident that everything will go smoothly, even making a bet with her brother that she can bring Peter home tonight.

Enjoying her date, everything appears to be progressing smoothly for Xiao Shi. Peter suddenly brings her right into the centre of a cross section and Xiao Shi assumes that he is going to confess his undying love for her. However, his real intention is to break up with her, claiming that she's 'not his style' and pointing to the scantily clad girl across the street (his new girlfriend) who is his style. Xiao Shi is devastated and a dark cloud looms over her head (literally).

Hanging her head in defeat, Xiao Shi wanders through the streets and doesn't take notice of where she's going until she bumps into a stranger. This stranger happens to be a disguised He Qun, who's just run away from his own press conference and in the process of fleeing the paparazzi. The clumsy encounter leaves the both of them in a compromising position in the middle of the streets, allowing the nosy paparazzi to get a few happy snaps. And thus Xiao Shi forfeits her first kiss to a complete stranger.

He Qun, being accustomed to this kind of thing, recognises trouble when he sees it, so he runs for his life dragging Xiao Shi with him. Through a series of mishaps, tossed in with a bit of fate, He Qun ends up providing refuge for Xiao Shi in his own bedroom, for the night.

Unbeknownst to them, the newspapers have been working overtime, and by morning, the image of them kissing in the streets cover the front page of every tabloid. The dreary and clueless pair step out onto the balcony, where the waiting reporters are virtually fed evidence of their affair. To protect He Qun's career, his agent Vincent has no choice but to introduce Xiao Shi as He Qun's fianceé.

From this point on, Xiao Shi's world is turned upside down. Yet she begins to realise that there may be a cure for her curse after all. Meanwhile, the poor little rich boy, He Qun, gradually discovers that the love and warmth he's never known, can be brought about by the simplest things (or people).

However, all lies will eventually boil over. So how will this sticky plot unravel itself?

Personal Rating: (4½ out of 5)
= You'll get addicted!

Personal Commentary:
This drama is absolute, hands-down adorable! It's romantic with a sprinkle of humor; it's light and fluffy - everything you'd expect in a Taiwanese drama. What really won me over was the chemistry between leading characters Nicholas Teo and Cyndi Wang. They were able to grace the screen and allowed me to fall head over heels for the acting! They're truly one of the best on-screen couples ever!

Extras (Photos):

Notes:
• Watch the drama here: (Smiling Pasta.)
There's no episode 1; part 1. Every episode is in one episode!

• Completed episodes w/ English Subs!
You can now download episodes 1-17 along with their subs; all thanks to Sublime! Be sure to thank them for taking the time to sub each and every episode!

• Related entries: Episode 17

Devil Beside You

2007-01-07T00:14:00.000-08:00

Cast:
Rainie Yang as Qi Yue
Mike He as Jiang Meng
Kingone as Sang Yuan Yi
Tsai Pei Lin as Qing Zi

Synopsis (Provided by Wikipedia):
Qi Yue (Rainie Yang) is a cheerful college girl who harbors a massive crush on the captain of the basketball team, Yuan Yi (Kingone). With the encouragement of her friends, she decides to confess her feelings. However, the next day, with her love letter in her outstretched hands and her head bent, Yuan Yi walks right by her. Qi Yue looks up to find Jiang Meng (Mike He), the school director's son, who has a devilish reputation and a penchant to bully girls. Terrified, she drops the letter and scoots away.

True to his nickname, the devil orders Qi Yue to be his personal servant, else her letter will be revealed to the entire college. Embarrassed and angry, Qi Yue has no choice but to follow in his shadow. A bizarre twist later, she discovers she has feelings for Meng, who, beneath the cool exterior, possesses a soft and loyal heart. Meng returns her affections as well, and at last the dreamy Qi Yue, whose head is made up of romantic fluff, thinks she has found love.

One thing stands in the way, however... How can they be together, when they're about to become brother and sister? And what happens when an arranged marriage and an old love enters both of their already complicated lives?

Personal Rating: (4½ out of 5)
= You'll get addicted!

Personal Commentary:
When watching the beginning of this series, I was disappointed because I instantly fell for Yuan Yi's appearance! But as I got into later episodes, I fell for Ahmon and that was when my love for this series grew. If you're into the fluffy-love stuff, this drama is surely for you. Plus, it wouldn't hurt if you were a big fan of Rainie Yang too. Also, if you love Kingone, Mike He and Rainie Yang in this series. Keep a look out for Exchange Love, a new drama featuring those three people; coming out this year!

ETC,:
• Watch the drama here: (Devil Beside You.)
There's no episode 1; part 1. Every episode is in one episode!

MARS

2007-01-06T17:52:00.001-08:00

Cast:
Vic Zhou as Chen Ling & Chen Shang
Barbie Hsu as Han QiLuo
Xiu Jie Kai as An DaYe
An Jun Can as Fan TongDao
Megan Lai Ya Yan as Lai QingMei
Xiao Xiao as ShaZhi

Synopsis (Provided by Wikipedia):
Taiwanese actor Vic Zhou plays two characters in the series: twin brothers with intense, but opposing, personalities. Ling is a reckless and brutal high-schooler who enjoys racing motorcycles. His brother Sheng is quiet and reserved and hides his emotions in his drawings. The brothers have an inter-dependent relationship since the death of their mother. Their relationship was tested at the arrival of ShaZhi, for whom both brothers have feelings for. It was believed that Sheng cannot accept the fact that ShaZhi loves Ling and commits suicide. Ling is destroyed by the guilt of Sheng's death and undergoes therapy at a mental institution for two years. He then meets QiLuo (played by Barbie Hsu), who suffers from social phobia after a traumatic event from her teens. As Ling and QiLuo become more romantically attached to each other, they believe that they can help each other walk out of the dark tragedies in their past and rebuild their lives together.

Personal Rating: (5 out of 5)
= Totally worth watching!

Personal Commentary:
This is my second completed TWdrama that I've watched from beginning to end. Not only was I already a fan of Barbie Hsu; after watching this-I soon became a big fan of Vic Zhou's. Their performance as a team blew me away. From the really tense scenes on their past; to the romantic sayings between them. The story line will also get you hooked; I've never saw this kind of plot ever so I was automatically interested. Even if you're not a fan of Barbie or Vic's; you'll like this series. I spent countless nights up watching this series and I hope you will too!

Meteor Garden

2006-12-31T16:51:00.000-08:00

Cast:
Barbie Hsu as Shan Cai
Jerry Yan as Dao Ming Si
Vic Zhou as Hua Zhe Lei
Ken Chu as Xi Men
Vanness Wu as Mei Zuo

Synopsis (Provided by Wikipedia):

Meteor Garden is a Taiwanese Drama that began its broadcast on April 12, 2001 on China Television. It is based on the Japanese manga Hana yori Dango Dango (Boys Over Flowers - Which is a pun since Dango also means sweets). It stars Jerry Yan, Vic Zhou, Vanness Wu , Ken Chu and Barbie Hsu. The plot is centered around a plain and poor teenage girl called Shan Cai, who goes to a universitybasically for rich people as forced by her parents. In fact, the university is dominated by a gang of handsome but arrogant students called F4, because they are the heirs of the most influential families in Taiwan.

In the beginning, Dao Ming Si, the gang leader, hates Shan Cai so much that he makes everyone in university play tricks on her with all efforts. However, Shan Cai's persistence (and ignorance actually) gradually gains Dao's respect and later he falls in love with her. Like many other TV series, the lovers end up getting together after going through tons of painful challenges.

Personal Rating: (4 out of 5)
= You'll get hooked.

Personal Commentary:
Meteor Garden is my official Taiwanese drama that I completed. There were a lot of stuff that I loved about Meteor Garden. I loved all the F4 member's personality; they all got me hooked. However, the storyline was, to me in my opinion, disappointing. I undoubtedly wanted Shancai & Lei to hook up. Also, even though that's how it suppose to go; Shancai the character was a bit too over dramatic. That's the reason for the 4-star rating; even though it didn't get a perfect score in my grade-book it's still a show worth watching. Keep it mind it was BIG across Asia.

First blog!

2006-12-30T15:02:00.001-08:00

Just getting use to the site. I've decided to make this blog site a place for my thoughts and reviews on dramas to get published. So be patience as I get everything settled! <3 :)