Hidden gems
Hidden gems of dramas or movies.
The list will be updated and current order is based on the year at the top the most current year and at the bottom it'll be 2020 as I could say my proper drama journey started in 2020.
Disclaimer: hidden gem from my perspective doesn't mean that I had to rate it with 10, it's more about coming without much of expectations and enjoying movie/drama much more than I could imagine. Other option is that I was specifically captivated by certain thing e.g. acting, plot, directing, cinematography etc.
Additionally for me hidden gem also requires to not be really popular in terms of MDL I'd say having less than 20-25k watchers.
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1. Like Flowers in Sand
Korean Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
I always enjoy dramas which leave Seoul and in case of Like flowers in sand it not only has story happening in countryside, but also shows quite traditional sport for Korea which is ssireum. Other than that really lovely, slow paced story of old friends, old scars at the same time with strong family, friendship vibes.
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2. Agency
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
I've decided to see it because of Lee Bo Young. I kept watching Agency not only for her amazing acting, but also for really well done office drama. Son Na Eun plot was a bit less intensive for me, at the same time she did good as a meanie, bossy and rich girl who always gets what she wants.
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3. Tell Me That You Love Me
Korean Drama - 2023, 16 episodes
If you're looking for mature romance story I highly recommend it. Yes, it has some tropes which makes pacing of it a bit worse, but the acting was great. Also I always enjoy when I can see people talking in sign language which was another point captivating me to this drama.
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4. Lies Hidden in My Garden
Korean Drama - 2023, 8 episodes
For me overall I wouldn't call it a hidden gem as plot got a bit unnecesarry complicated for no other reason than ariticially confusion. But it got to this list with one point cinematography. I believe this was first one which I saw from kdramas which play in this kinda way with color/sepia/monochromatic tones through out different scenes.
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5. Silent
Japanese Drama - 2022, 11 episodes
Lovely story with as in Tell me that you love strong emphasis on sing language. I was captivated each time any character was talking in sign language. Also really well showed that becoming disabled doesn't have to mean end of the world.
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6. Project Wolf Hunting
Korean Movie - 2022
Story wise, acting isn't something new, but first time I've watched proper slasher, gore story as a kmovie. Hectoliters of thristing blood, well done scenes of killing definitely for someone who would like to see this genre with Korea vibes.
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7. Lost
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Really mature story which is much more than just another noona drama. This is more about finding soul mate no matter different social situation. And through this connection also managing to find way to understand yourself. I've liked that this theme didn't only touch FL/ML, but overall it spilled on other characters.
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8. Inspector Koo
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Quirky, dark drama with twists where it isn't that important who did it, but WHY. Additionally what moves people to do certain things they do.
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9. The Good Detective
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Great detective drama, with nice pacing of friendship between unlike main detectives. Both of them have different methods of working and come with different backgrounds, but through bickering they become together close fit.
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10. Train
Korean Drama - 2020, 12 episodes
Quite tropey story, but at the same time it kept me intrigued till the end. Mystery was well plotted. Normally, I'm not big fan of parallel worlds, but this time it was done in finely manner.
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11. When My Love Blooms
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Another one with Lee Bo Young. This time mature romance story