Once upon a curse, there lived a young princess named Aurora. She was known for her beauty and kind heart, but her life took a drastic turn when she was cursed by an evil sorceress. The curse stated that on her sixteenth birthday, she would prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an eternal sleep. The king and queen were devastated by the curse and did everything in their power to protect Aurora. They banned all spinning wheels from the kingdom and hired guards to watch over her at all times. Despite their efforts, the curse came true on Aurora's sixteenth birthday.

Donkey Curse

A cocky handsome young man, Richard Halim, who recently moved back to Nigeria from the UK falls victim to the “donkey curse” a spell cast on him by Madam Florence Ugbebor, a mystical elderly woman from Edo state, after their paths inadvertently cross. The spell compels Richard to say yes and joyfully comply with any request tabled before him.

RiRio de Janeiro, RJ
Brazil
Best Cinematography; Best Editing; Best Actor/Supporting Actor/Supporting Actress

Distribution Information

Biodun Stephen is a Nigerian film director, writer and producer, who specialize in romantic drama and comedy films. She has been noted for getting inspiration for the title of her films, from the main character names as depicted in the film with Tiwa's Baggage, Ovy's Voice, Ehi's Bitters and Sobi's Mystic as notable examples.

A big thank you to KINGSMEN ENTERTAINMENT for bringing me onboard their project. Was loads of fun and we have a gem of a family comedy here.

Review: The Curse

Maria Kaur Bedi, a Swiss filmmaker who trained at the ZHdK (Zürcher Hochschule der Künste) and the Rhode Island School of Design (US), and Satindar Singh Bedi, an Indian filmmaker and FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) alumnus, met a few years ago at the Zurich Film Festival during a Master Class. From this meeting, at once fortuitous and written in the stars (Satindar claims to have had a premonition about it), an intense relationship was born, resulting in the feature film The Curse [ + see also:
trailer
film profile ] , screened at the Solothurn Film Festival, in the Prix de Soleure section.

The Curse is one of those films that captivates you from its very first images, an UFO in the Swiss (but not only) film scene that transforms feelings into pure visual poetry. Experimental without falling into sterile intellectualism, The Curse tells the heartbreaking love story of a Swiss-Indian couple struggling with a monster called addiction. Using a poetic visual language with mystical overtones reminiscent of the violently cathartic power of Maya Deren, the film evokes the struggle against alcoholism that both of them (in different ways, he as an actor and she as a helpless observer) have to face.

The Curse alternates between moments of rage and despair and micro-sparks of hope that vanish, however, like fatal fires. The couple surrenders themselves without false modesty with a sincerity that touches deep inside, offering themselves to us in a cathartic cinematic ritual. What is told in the film is an autobiographical love story that debunks the myth of alcohol (but we could also include drugs or other forms of addiction) as a catalyst for creativity and artistic flair. The magic of cinema is put at the service of an intimate, profound and touching story that speaks with fierce honesty about the devastating consequences of alcohol addiction. An addiction that may never end, and this despite the love that unites the couple.

The choice of using a voice-over as the undisputed protagonist of the story is also particularly successful. The bodies embodied on screen are but shadows, deformed sketches of a reality that is dangerously slipping out of hand. The voice and the phrases recited with heart-rending emotional power are all that remains of the protagonists, now empty shells clinging tightly to their last hopes. In a sort of endless poetry slam, the voices of Maria Kaur Bedi and Sati (as she tenderly calls him) follow one another without meeting, their echoes expanding into the cosmos in search of answers that perhaps do not even exist.

The Curse is a monologue in two voices (three if we consider the obsessive ranting of addiction) that feeds on a sound subtext evoking the past: the chirping of birds, Sati's muffled footsteps in the snow as he recounts his cruel childhood, music that sometimes turns into a mantra with a mystical flavour. The emotions expressed by the two protagonists are visceral, more animal than human, a reflection of an inner struggle that turns into fury. Emblematic and touching in this regard is Sati's description of his mother shortly before she died of alcoholism, a mixture of familiar scents such as incense and kajal and frightening odours such as hospital disinfectant or that emanating from her body now ravaged by addiction.

The Curse is an extremely courageous and aesthetically powerful film that confronts us with the difficulties of loving someone despite their inner demons, an unconditional love that wants to illuminate the darkness.

(Translated from Italian)

My Demon and other highest-rated romantic K-dramas of 2023, based on IMDb

While the best K-dramas to watch have gained global popularity with diverse themes, Korean dramas with romantic storylines and crackling chemistry between leads have a separate fanbase. Be it the cult favourite Crash Landing on You (2019) or the Netflix hit Business Proposal (2022), romantic K-dramas have managed to tug at the heartstrings of viewers over the years. Keeping up with the tradition, 2023 has seen equally entertaining releases.

From shows like Bora! Deborah, which portrayed the mushy, romantic feelings of the leads in-depth, to Korean dramas like My Demon that explore the complications of an otherworldly romance , 2023’s lineup includes brilliant names that are enough to pique a rom-com lover’s interest.

Not to forget the historical romance My Dearest , starring the popular K-drama duo Namgoong Min and Ahn Eun-jin. One of the best romantic Korean dramas to watch in 2023, the love story enjoyed a solid 12.2 per cent finale viewership rating nationwide , according to Soompi (via Nielsen Korea).

Despite their efforts, the curse came true on Aurora's sixteenth birthday. As Aurora fell into a deep slumber, the entire kingdom mourned. It seemed as though all hope was lost.

Highest-rated romantic K-dramas that are a must-watch

My Dearest

Directed by: Kim Sung-yong

Cast: Namkoong Min, Ahn Eun-jin, Lee Hak-joo, Lee Da-in, Kim Yun-woo

Episodes: 10

IMDb rating: 9.5

Synopsis: Even after two failed marriages, noblewoman Yoo Gil-chae (Ahn) of the Joseon dynasty dreams of finding true love. Meanwhile, the enigmatic Lee Jang-hyun (Namkoong) doesn’t believe in marriage. What happens when they meet amid the tumultuous Qing invasion?

About the show: One of the best historical K-dramas to watch in 2023, My Dearest Part 2 was released in October 2023.

See You in My 19th Life

Directed by: Lee Na-jung

Cast: Ahn Bo-hyun, Shin Hye-sun, Ha Yoon-kyung, Ahn Dong-goo

Episodes: 12

IMDb rating: 8.5

Synopsis: Ban Ji-eum (Shin) can remember her past lives. Currently in her 19th life, she wants to reconnect with Moon Seo-ha (Ahn), a boy she first met as a 12-year-old in her 18th life. When their paths finally cross, Ji-eum discovers that the grown-up Seo-ha despises relationships.

About the show: One of the best Ahn Bo-hyun romantic Korean dramas, See You in My 19th Life is an adaptation of a webtoon of the same name by Lee Hye.

Watch See You in My 19th Life on Netflix .

My Demon

Directed by: Kim Jang-han

Cast: Song Kang, Kim Yoo-jung

Episodes: 16

IMDb rating: 8.2

Synopsis: When demon Jung Koo-won (Song) gets entangled with business heiress Do Do-hee (Kim), his powers end up getting transferred to her. In an attempt to regain his special abilities, Koo-won is forced to stick with Do-hee. This leads the duo to get into a contractual marriage, and they eventually fall in love with one another.

Welcome to Samdal-ri

Directed by: Cha Young-hoon

Cast: Ji Chang-wook, Shin Hye-sun, Shin Dong-mi

Episodes: 16

IMDb rating: 8.1

Synopsis: A scandal forces top Korean photographer Jo Sam-dal (Shin) to leave Seoul. Seeking a change in environment, Sam-dal returns to her hometown, Samdal-ri, and meets her childhood friend Jo Yong-pil (Ji), now a weather forecaster working for a group of haenyeo (female divers). Sam-dal starts accompanying Yong-pil to work and soon realises that Yong-pil can heal her scars.

About the show: With a solid rating on IMDb, this Ji Chang-wook starrer became one of the most loved romance K-dramas of 2023.

Love to Hate You

Directed by: Kim Jeong-kwon and Choi Soo-young

Cast: Kim Ok-vin, Yoo Teo, Kim Ji-hun, Go Won-hee

Episodes: 10

IMDb rating: 7.9

Synopsis: Yeo Mi-ran (Kim) is a highly competitive attorney at Korea’s Gilmu Law Firm. Circumstances force her to fake date popular actor Nam Kang Ho (Yoo), who deeply mistrusts women. However, sparks fly when the two non-believers of love start pretending to like each other and grow closer.

About the show: One of the highest-rated romantic K-dramas to watch in 2023, Love to Hate You is also best known as Love Battle.

Watch Love to Hate You on Netflix .

A Good Day To Be a Dog

Directed by: Kim Dae-woong

Cast: Park Gyu-young, Cha Eun-woo, Lee Hyun-woo, Yoon Hyun-soo

Episodes: 14

IMDb rating: 7.8

Synopsis: High school teacher Han Hae-na (Park) suffers from a curse which turns her into a dog for six hours at midnight every time she kisses someone. Her life is turned upside down when, one night, she ends up accidentally kissing her colleague, Jin Seo-won (Cha), who has a fear of dogs. As Hae-na tries to persuade Seo-won to let her kiss him in her canine form to break the curse, she realises that she has developed feelings for him.

About the show: One of the most popular Park Gyu-young K-dramas to watch in 2023, A Good Day To Be a Dog is based on the romance webtoon of the same name by artist Lee Hye.

Crash Course in Romance

Directed by: Yoo Jae-won

Cast: Jeon Do-yeon, Jung Kyung-ho, Lee Bong-ryun

Episodes: 16

IMDb rating: 7.8

Synopsis: Retired national athlete Nam Haeng-sun (Jeon), who runs a side dish shop, navigates the private education field to help her daughter. There she comes across Choi Chi-yeol (Jung), a popular private instructor, also known as the 1 Billion Won Man. As their shared passion for teaching brings them closer, the two discover a deeper connection that starts blossoming into a romance.

Watch Crash Course in Romance on Netflix .

Call It Love

Directed by: Lee Kwang-young

Cast: Kim Young-kwang, Lee Sung-koung

Episodes: 16

IMDb rating: 7.8

Synopsis: Sim Woo-joo (Lee) learns about her father’s affair just before his death. She is then kicked out of her house by his mistress. As Sim embarks on the road to revenge, she ends up falling in love with Han Dong-jin (Kim), the son of her enemy.

About the show: One of the best romantic Korean dramas to watch on Disney+, Call It Love’s screenplay is written by the very popular duo Kim Ga-eun and Kim Ji-yeon.

Watch Call It Love on Hotstar .

Joseon Attorney: A Morality

Directed by: Kim Seung-ho and Lee Han-joon

Cast: Bona, Woo Do-hwan, Cha Hak-yeon, Song Geon-hee

Episodes: 16

IMDb rating: 7.7

Synopsis: After making a name for himself in the Joseon Dynasty by avenging his parents’ death, Kang Han-soo (Woo) becomes an attorney to help ordinary people get justice. Amidst performing his legal duties, he takes a liking to Princess Lee Yeon-joo (Bona). But will his busy life leave room for a new relationship?

About the show: One of the best romantic comedy K-dramas to watch, Joseon Attorney: A Morality is based on the webtoon Joseon Lawyer by Jeongjae & Shim Gun.

Our Blooming Youth

Directed by: Lee Jong-jae

Cast: Park Hyung-sik, Jeon So-nee, Pyo Ye-jin, Yoon Jong-seok, Lee Tae-sun

Episodes: 20

IMDb rating: 7.7

Synopsis: Suffering from a mysterious curse, Crown Prince Lee-hwan (Park)’s fate takes a turn when a convicted woman, Min Jae-yi (Jeon) frees him. In return, he vows to protect her from the false accusations of murdering her family. Romance ensues as the two find their way to freedom.

Bora! Deborah

Directed by: Seo Min-jung and Lee Tae-gon

Cast: Yoo In-na, Yoon Hyun-min, Joo Sang-wook

Episodes: 14

IMDb rating: 7.7

Synopsis: Dating coach Yeon Bo-ra (Yoo), who also uses the pen name Deborah, helps others with finding romance but is unlucky in love herself. Her publishing planner, Lee Soo-hyuk (Yoon) oscillates between being passionate and withdrawn and isn’t too fond of Deborah. However, their work keeps drawing them closer.

About the show: One of the most popular ENA romance K-dramas, Bora! Deborah is also known as True to Love.

Like Flowers in Sand

Directed by: Kim Jin-woo

Cast: Jang Dong-yoon, Lee Ju-myoung, Yoon Jong-seok

Episodes: 12

IMDb rating: 7.6

Synopsis: With his team on the verge of disbanding, popular Ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling) wrestler Kim Baek-doo (Jang) is suffering to keep up with the expectations of people. However, when his childhood friend, Oh Yoo-kyung (Lee), joins as a new leader of the team’s management, he finds a new zeal to play the sport.

Watch Like Flowers in Sand on Netflix.

All That We Love

Directed by: Kim Jin-sung

Cast: Sehun, Jo Joon-young, Jang Yeo-bin

Episodes: 8

IMDb rating: 7.4

Synopsis: When Go Joon-hee (Jo) requires a kidney transplant, his best friend Goo Yoo (Oh) readily becomes the donor. After recovering, Joon-hee starts suffering from cellular memory syndrome, where the memory of the donors gets transferred to organ transplant recipients. Things get complicated when Yoo develops feelings for Han Seo-yoon (Jang), a transfer student, and Joon-hee starts experiencing it too.

About the show: One of the best romantic K-dramas to watch, All That We Loved brought K-Pop idol Oh Se-hun, aka Sehun, from EXO back on the silver screen after approximately four years. Before this, he was last seen as the protagonist in the 2018 Korean action drama Dokgo Rewind.

Heartbeat

Directed by: Lee Hyun-Seok and Lee Min-Soo

Cast: Taecyeon, Won Ji-an, Park Kang-hyun

Episodes: 16

IMDb rating: 7.2

Synopsis: Half-human half-vampire Seon Woo-hyeol (Taecyeon) desperately wishes to become completely human but misses his chance. As a result, he is also forced to move in with the mean and cold-blooded human, Joo In-hae (Won). Given the mutual dislike for each other, will sparks fly between the two opposites?

Watch Heartbeat on Prime Video .

Moon in the Day

Directed by: Pyo Min-soo and Park Chan-yool

Cast: Pyo Ye-jin, Kim Young-dae, Ohn Joo-wan, Jung Woong-in

Episodes: 14

IMDb rating: 7.2

Synopsis: After a fatal car accident, popular celebrity Han Joon-oh (Kim) is possessed by the spirit of Do Ha (also Kim), a Silla dynasty nobleman, who was murdered by his wife. When Ha’s spirit discovers that Joon-oh’s bodyguard, Kang Young-hwa (Pyo), is the reincarnation of the very woman who killed him, he vows to take revenge but eventually ends up falling for her.

About the show: One of the best 2023 romance K-dramas to watch, Moon in the Day is an adaptation of the webtoon The Moon that Rises in the Day by acclaimed Korean artist Hye Yoom.

Doona!

Directed by: Lee Jeong-Hyo

Cast: Bae Suzy, Yang Se-jong

Episodes: 9

IMDb rating: 7.2

Synopsis: College student Lee Won-joon (Yang) is ecstatic to have former K-pop idol Lee Doo-na (Bae) as his neighbour. When Won-joon finds Doo-na mysterious, he tries his best to stay away from her life. But as the duo spends more time together as neighbours, Won-joon realises that he has feelings for Doo-na.

About the show: Produced by Studio Dragon, this 2023 romantic K-drama is adapted from one of the best Korean webtoons, The Girl Downstairs, by artist Min Songa.

However, a prophecy emerged stating that a prince from a distant land would come to awaken Aurora with true love's kiss. The news spread throughout the kingdom, and people started to believe that there might still be a happy ending to this tale. Years passed, and Aurora's whereabouts remained a mystery. The kingdom was changing, but the curse kept its hold over the land. People lived in fear, hoping for the prophecy to come true and break the curse that plagued them. One day, a brave prince named Philip arrived in the kingdom. He had heard the tales of Aurora and was determined to find her and awaken her from her deep sleep. With the help of the good fairies, he journeyed through the treacherous forest that surrounded the kingdom. Finally, Philip reached the tower where Aurora lay, untouched by time. He leaned in, kissed her softly, and true love's magic spread throughout the room. Aurora's eyes fluttered open, and she found herself face to face with the prince who had come to rescue her. As Aurora woke from her slumber, the curse that had haunted the kingdom for so long was lifted. The kingdom rejoiced, and Aurora's parents embraced her with tears of joy. The prince and princess, united by true love, promised to bring peace and happiness to the land, free from the grip of evil curses. And so, the curse that had once held Aurora captive became nothing but a distant memory. The kingdom flourished under the rule of Aurora and Philip, and they lived happily ever after. Their love story became a legend, reminding everyone that even the darkest of curses could be overcome with true love and unwavering determination..

Reviews for "The Curse of Perceived Failure: Embracing Mistakes and Learning from Them"

1. Alex - 2 stars - "Once Upon a Curse" was a major disappointment for me. The plot felt rushed and underdeveloped, lacking depth and substance. The characters were poorly written and lacked any real personality or growth. I found myself struggling to connect with them or care about their fates. The dialogue was also quite weak, filled with cliches and uninspiring lines. Overall, I feel like this book had potential but ultimately failed to deliver an engaging and unique story.

2. Sarah - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "Once Upon a Curse". The pacing was incredibly slow and the story dragged on without any real excitement or suspense. The author seemed to focus more on describing the mundane details of the characters' lives rather than building a captivating plot. Additionally, the writing style was dry and lacked any real charm or eloquence. I found myself constantly bored and uninterested in what was happening, ultimately leading to a strong dislike for this book.

3. Mark - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Once Upon a Curse" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The world-building was severely lacking, with minimal descriptions and a lack of imagination. The magic system felt underdeveloped and poorly explained. Furthermore, the romance aspect of the story was forced and lacked chemistry between the characters. The overall execution of the plot was messy and confusing, leaving me feeling unsatisfied and disinterested. I cannot recommend this book to those seeking a well-crafted fantasy tale.

The Curse of Materialism: Finding Happiness Beyond Consumerism