I'd only say that it is a con-story set in Korean during the Japanese occupation and that you should be prepared for adult content, but that this film is much more than that. Indeed, it has the right mix of mistery, humor, erotism and romance, all with a gallery of weird characters and breath-taking sets, costumes and photography.
My only criticism would go to the explicit sex scenes, beautifully staged and filmed, but that feel a bit exploitative toward the actresses, especially because one of the characters is precisely trying to escape an exploitation situation... In my opinion, the film would be equally interesting without such explicity.
But all in all, it's an outstanding film!
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By the end of the 4th episode the quirky humor and an hilarious scene with a guitar had already won me over. As it evolves, the show becomes very meta, but in a fun clever way. The characters are flawed and a bunch of dorks, but they are utterly quirky and charming in their own different ways.
Kudos for the first gay character that I've seen depicted in kdrama as a real person and not defined by his gayness, it's a shame he doesn't get more scenes, but, hey, baby steps! Double kudos to the Show for remaining centered in the female leads and not presenting romance as the goal of the story!
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Rebel is a show centered on relationships and families (real and makeshift) that happens to also have a lot of action and humor, which makes it unusual in sageukland. Besides, the romantic OTP communicates and has a trusting relationship with none of the usual secrets and lies and noble idiocy.
It also features a lot of interesting cultural manifestations, such as dances, traditional music and a funeral (also a wedding, but it is low-key). The OST is so good that it stands on its own.
Finally, female characters are interesting and have agency, which is always refreshing.
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Just watch it!
I've developed affection for the main trio and the fusion of ghost story and historical drama really worked for me. Chicago Typewriter sometimes is laugh out loud funny and some moments are terribly tragic; there are scenes that make your heart flutter and scenes that give you the feels; the settings and costumes are on point; there are unexpected twists and turns, a lot of character development and, for the faint of heart, there are two paralel endings that leave you satisfied with the ride.By the last third, things slow down a bit and get tropey, but the slump is overcome and the show reaches a very satisfactory conclusion, revealing that the writing is solid and that there is cohesion for the show as a whole.
Do yourself a favour and don't look up for recaps or spoilers. Just watch this show!
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