If you are a fan of Asian dramas based on historical world war times, then look no further! Apple TV+ Original production, Pachinko, stars an internationally renowned cast and is narrated across three languages – Korean, Japanese and English.

Credits: Apple TV+

Credits: Apple TV+

A recollection of memories by elder Sunja (Youn Yuh-Jung) in current time Japan, takes us back to her life growing up in a fishing village in 1915 while Korea was colonised by Japan during war times. Teenage Sunja (Kim Min-Ha) begins a forbidden romance with wealthy gangster-like businessman, Hansu (Lee Minho). Despite the anti-Korean sentiments, they relocated to Japan and started a new life during the war time through to post-war economic recovery.

Credits: Apple TV+

Concurrently, the drama focuses on Sunja’s grandson, Solomon (Jin Ha) who is an educated banker hungering for success in America. He visited his father who owns a pachinko mega business in Japan, and adopted his linguistics and charm to close a sale of land as he faced questions about his life’s direction and cultural identity.

Credits: Apple TV+

It was an interesting experience for me, trying to grasp the characters’ background as they communicated in their native language despite being in a “foreign adapted” land. The drama series is based on The New York Times best-selling acclaimed fictional novel written by Min Jin Lee. Keep your eyes peeled for the quirky and fun opening credits, which I found random yet hilarious.

The drama itself, I feel, is fairly relatable as it showcased the differences between the generations. Speaking our native language and even understanding how certain traditions affect the future of a family. For instance, wearing the tailored-made Kebaya around the house was important for my late grandmother as it was a sense of pride despite Singapore’s weather and her daily routines.

Pachinko is now available on Apple TV+ on Fridays!