What have I been doing this week? I’m glad you asked! Here’s what’s been on my watchlist this week:

*Note: My reviews usually contain spoilers. You have been warned. Proceed at your own risk.*

TV

Good Manager (2017)

It took me quite a while to get settled into the world of Good Manager and our eponymous chief, Kim Sung-ryong (Namkoong Min). Much like his namesake, Jackie Chan, Sung-ryong has a larger than life attitude, a go-getter personality and an indescribable charm. However, it all takes a bit of getting used to, since first few episodes of the series throw us a rather bizarre set of circumstances and personality types.

But if you stick around long enough to become used to the antics, the payoff is incredible. The characters and the relationships between them are heartfelt and endearing. The story finds a nice balance somewhere between the extremes that are absurdist and mundane. The visual style helped to complement the plot is unique and interesting ways.

While I was perhaps a little too invested in the lovelines between Yoon Ha-young (Nam Sang-mi) and Seo Yul (Lee Joon-ho), it was accounting teams dynamics that really got me in the feels. Kim Won-hae is quickly becoming one of my favourite actors, and his portrayal of the surly and cynical Accounting Head Choo Nam-ho was so great. It was particularly rewarding seeing Sung-ryong win over each member of the team, and it was genuinely heartbreaking every time he had to be separated from them.

The other actor who really stood out to me was Lee Joon-ho. Much like a lot of other idols-turned-actors, I wasn’t expecting much out of Lee than simply to look good while he was on my screen and deliver his lines. I was actually quite impressed with the way he managed to take us along with him as his character went from villainous to heroic over the course of the show, and he managed to bring out the nuances of the character quite well. The writing really supported his performance and foreshadowed his journey well, and we could see hints of where his character was headed well before the story actually let the events unfold.

While it was a tough start, I thoroughly enjoyed Good Manager. I was completely charmed by the cast and I’m glad I watched to the end. I’m going to miss our accounting crew.