I love having time to simply sit and write as I want! I usually have to be very formal and precise in my work, but since this is my personal blog I don’t think it matters too much.
For this post, there are A LOT of webtoons. Most of them are stupid, but I learned stuff while reading them so it isn’t a total loss! Just so you are aware, this is how I rate things I read/watch.
- No redeeming qualities whatsoever visually, aesthetically, or as a story.
- So boring I could barely pay attention.
- I had a headache but somehow made it through.
- I could make fun of it. . . because of how bad it is.
- It’s not good, it’s not bad. It’s just blah.
- There were various interesting aspects but nothing to really gush about.
- A solid story. Good characters, plot, and visuals. However, not amazing.
- I genuinely enjoyed watching/reading it. I could see/read it again with friends.
- A great experience! As a film it is visually stunning and has an incredible story I could go back to multiple times. As a book, I could do the same.
- Near Perfect (nothing is perfect. ) It has become one of my favorites. I could also write entire articles on it.
Movies
The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) 10/10
I don’t think I need to say WHY this movie is nearly perfect. I had fun observing my students watch this movie, especially after everything we learned about filmmaking. It was definitely a breath of fresh air after watching The Return of the King (1980).
Honestly, if you haven’t seen this movie yet and you are a fan of fantasy, don’t hesitate to watch it!
Pinocchio (1940), 10/10
I also feel it’s redundant to really talk about this movie too much. (See my favorite movies of all time list to find out more.)I LOOOOVE it to death and recommend it to basically everyone I know who likes animation. This last watch, I did notice how refined the film score was, as well as the beautiful shadow animation. Figaro’s animation was also fascinating to study.
Books
Between Shades of Gray (2011) 10/10
While teaching World History this year, I assigned this book for my students to read. It is not easy to get through as an adult, so I can only imagine the trauma I induced in many of them. All joking aside, this book is a beautiful/haunting reminder why we need to study history and discuss painful topics like the Holocaust.
Though the main character Lina doesn’t go to a death camp, the Soviet government slowly sends her and her family to Siberia to die. If you are interested in knowing what happened to people from Lithuania, Latvia, and other countries during Stalin’s reign I highly recommend this story.
Manga
How Do You Do, Koharu (2021) 3/10
So, so dull. I never will understand why guys stalking girls they like is considered attractive. It’s not. It’s creepy. One of these days I would love it if one of the female leads sprayed them with pepper spray and reported them to the police.
Webtoons
One Kind of Romance (2017) 9/10
Out of all the webtoons/manga I read this last month this was the only one I can confidently say I thoroughly enjoyed. I like the main characters, their slow burn romance, and how it portrays PTSD and trauma. I genuinely cared about their backgrounds and stories and am sad it’s on hiatus.
A Villain Demands to Be Loved (2020) 6/10
I keep forgetting what this story is about. . . but as far as I remember the main female lead is some super warrior lady who keeps going back in time. Her husband is a nice guy who just can’t seem figure out secrecy never works. He keeps trying to change both their fates because he loves her, but it comes across as odd.
Not a bad read, just confusing to follow at times.
The Tyrant’s Secret Secretary (2021) 6/10
This story finally ended. Why I kept with it all this time is beyond me. There were a lot of loose ends by its conclusion but I didn’t really care. the male lead was a bit boorish at times and the female lead didn’t ever seem to realize she could use her magic to stop most of the bad things happening to her. Oh well. I’ll forget about it and move on.
They Only Remembered 6.5/10
Here’s the thing. I like the female lead and her brother but don’t think any of the male leads have personalities. I kind of wish the story began during her time in the military instead of afterwards. I did like the bookstore owner and the black haired male lead sometimes.
I keep forgetting to read this. . . I don’t get it though. Why do these brothers and their forefathers let themselves be bound by some curse that doesn’t really exist in the first place? Also, character introductions are really lame.
The Beloved Fake Saintess 6.5/10
I like the female lead and am pretty sure she actually is a saint. The Gods commenting on her life are really funny and she isn’t a complete idiot. (Hurray!) However, the priest potential male lead is a creep. Why she hasn’t figure this out is beyond me. The prince is simply too singleminded so I dn’t think it will work out. However, the black haired dude isn’t too bad, even if he doesn’t seem to care about people.
All in all, I’m following it to see what happens but don’t expect much.
My Second Life as a Jerk Magnet 6/10
The plot moves too fast and I can’t fathom why no one has spare outfits. It’s like a 90’s anime with clunky designs and animation. I don’t mind the romance but still don’t know why it has this name.
I Failed to Oust the Villain 6.5/10
I don’t quite know what to make of this story. The two main characters are emotionally scarred and I don’t know if they could possibly be happy with each other. I doubt they know HOW to have a healthy relationship with anyone.
But, I could be wrong so I’ll keep reading it and hoping for the best.
The Cellist 1.5/10
This story was sooooooooooooo toxic and stupid! The male lead was a total stalker who only got away with forcing her to do what he wanted because he was rich and handsome. I can definitely say she doesn’t fall in love with him. She keeps wondering things like:
- “Why am I blushing so much thinking about his kiss?” (Which he forced on her after she repeatedly told him to stop touching her and to leave her alone)
- “Why can’t I get him out of my mind?” (Classic indications of grooming especially after he forced her to live in his house)
- “I couldn’t possibly leave him now, since we are sexually compatible.” (AGGH! He and her get drunk and she’s completely susceptible to him after thinking she injured his hand or something so she feels obligated to do what he says!)
Anyway, this story was dumb and I hope to wipe it from my memory forever.
Kidnapped Bride 7/10
I’m surprised I like this story more than most of the others. It seems like it should be a toxic Game of Thrones like romance, but so far it isn’t. The male lead does NOT force her to do anything physical with him she isn’t comfortable with and tries over and over again to be honest with her about possible repercussions.
The villain is sort of clique and there are a few misunderstandings but overall it is an interesting story. the Male lead insists on them marrying after her peoples’ tradition and honors her wishes concerning her family and how she wants to spend her life.
The Tyrant’s Crush 5.5/10
Right, The characters have as much personality as a barbie and ken doll from those 3D direct to DVD movies. As such, I didn’t care about their problems or basically anything about the story. I’m pretty sure they’ll end up together eventually. *shrug*
I Was Born As the Second Daughter 8/10
I genuinely like this story. It wasn’t about romance as much as it is about family and rebuilding those connections. I’m highly suspicious the Mom isn’t dead but we shall see. It is on break right now and I am sad.
There’s No Friendship Between the Grand Duke and the Marquis 6.5/10
Nothing realy to say about this story. They seem like they hate each other in their youth then they become best friends, now they love each other but the prince wants to marry her to so there is drama. You know, classic clique plot points.
The Matchmaker Gets Matched 6.5/10
So far, I like the main characters but find her brother and his fiancé really annoying. But that’s it. I’ll keep reading it but don’t expect much, much like the rest of the webtoons I’ve talked about today minus 3 of them.
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 