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omo-omo-omo
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Mother of the Kingdom? Nonsense! Life of a Queen is really Hard
• Reasons to Watch:- You like Historical Dramas that has equal amounts of suspense, slow-burn politics with a pinch of comedy
- Banter and Political games between the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law a.k.a Queen and Queen Dowager
- Amazing acting by all, the cinematography, costumes and overall vibe
- Handsome Princes!
• Things that became "meh" as episodes progressed
- Story premise seemed to make it like a competition between the Princes (think Hunger Games/Maze Runner, but Royal)
- But it unfolded as past secrets/wrong-doings and how corruption snow-balled to affect the present characters
- The role of the Princes was shadowed by Queen and Queen Dowager - so some might lose interest in the constant back and forth, on who was more cunning/sharp and gets the winning point
• Things that could be better [MILD SPOILERS]
- While there is an underlying theme of who is the main antagonist, some plots (like the rebellion) was dealt very lightly. It ended before it began when the time for showdown came. It would have been a good point to show case how a Crown Prince defends his kingdom, but seemed fizzled out to me.
- Avoiding the whole romantic plotline for the Grand Prince - it seemed completely unnecessary, forced and CRINGE!
The series stays true to its title. Throughout the series, we saw how the Queen nurtures as the Mother of the Kingdom, not only towards her sons - but also step-sons and those in need. She protects them when she takes them under her wing, but does not coddle them but rather allows them to grow - so that they may take flight when the time is right.
Even though the last 2 episodes seem highly rushed, it is definitely a good watch for those who like such plots and enjoy great acting, the star cast will not disappoint. Minus the meh moments, it would definitely be one of the best series to end 2022 on.
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Best Thriller of 2024 - Every Second of Every Episode is Exciting!
“Black Out” is one of the most captivating thrillers I’ve ever seen, in any language. With just 14 episodes, it kept me on the edge with its clever, suspenseful narrative, brilliant acting, and haunting background music. It’s definitely one of my top dramas for 2024! I always say "Life’s too short for bad, draggy dramas" but believe me this one will keep you hooked every second. This is definitely going in my Hall of Fame, and going to be my Top 10 Drama recommendations henceforth!⦿ Story & Pace:
Clever writing and direction - making you watch every second of every episode with bated breath for the mystery to unfold. The pacing is just right - not too fast or slow, and we see every character, every situation analyzed well, so when all the pieces fall in together - the end result is logical, sad but satisfying. The narrative is of the present, with flashbacks from the past. This could be obvious from the drama title and summary - given this about a man who has no memories of the crime he may have committed, and therefore trying to put the pieces together.
⦿ Acting:
Sheer brilliance - from every character: the good characters will make you root for them and hope that they triumph, the bad ones will you want to slap them from the screen and the grey ones will make you pull your hair, be shocked at the revelation and sometimes sympathize with them & their situation (as you might have guessed some lines are blurred with those good/bad characters, and therefore is one of the reasons this is such a brilliant drama)
⦿ Special Mention:
(1) Byun Yo Han (ML) playing Go Jeong U: I had seen him only in Misaeng: Incomplete Life, a drama which is iconic in itself. There too he had owned the character even though it was a support role. In this drama, he depicts a man who has lost a lot in life, but is still not able to come in terms with what he has been accused of. The frustration he shows is with all around him as well as himself, because he cannot remember whether he is guilty or not. When you watch the drama - as an audience even we are perplexed, half the time making us think he is innocent, and sometimes giving us a doubt - which is something beautifully portrayed by this talented actor.
(2) Go Jun playing Detective Noh: Oh where do I even begin with this man? I think this actor has been rightfully nicknamed "Dirty Sexy" cause he literally embodies it. He is your typical brawny cop who lives by the books, but when he meets the ML and he observes, doubts creep in his mind - on whether justice was really handed, or are there more secrets that need to be uncovered. From acting as a tough cop, to be sarcastic to his seniors, to getting his way cleverly in order to get to the bottom of the mystery - he shows a diverse range, and along with the ML, their subtle bromance/camaraderie is really great. This is my first drama technically in a main role and I can't wait to binge his other works - for the looks and acting both! (I saw him in Misty last but that was a support role, but totally sexy ;)
⦿ Overall:
If you like such genres - I'd highly recommend this show. I never waste my time in a drama if it doesn't grab my attention in first 10 minutes, and drop it no matter what if it wastes even a single second. Since Life is Too Short to Waste on Bad/Draggy Dramas. Therefore, take my word - every second of this drama is worth your time - and be warned, you'll not be able to keep it down until you complete it.
⦿ P.S.: Why 9.5/10 for some aspects in MDL Rating?
In my ratings break-up - the music and rewatch value are not 10/10 only cause - honestly I was not focused on the music as the story was enticing. So after completing the drama I just know that it supported it well, landing it during the suspense/thrills and twists as needed from a background score for such a show.
The other aspect of rewatch - this is a personal opinion, I usually never go back to watch crime/mystery/thriller/suspense shows - cause I know how it all unfolds. And since I know the ending I will never rewatch it completely. But otherwise, I would definitely watch some of the best scenes from in between.
Therefore overall the drama is 10/10, but these are some minor aspects which can be overlooked, but I thought to add cause MDL ratings ask for it. And in case anyone wonders why some factors are less than 10 but overall the drama is a 10/10 score from me.
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Strong Start, Weak Finish | Amazing Rom-Com, Mystery But Failed to Tie the End
I went gaga as this drama began with all the right elements: beautiful romance of main & second leads, right dose of comedy and mystery that piqued interest in past/present timelines. They also maintained focus on women empowerment which was executed well through the FL's work in past/present. But ALL this is maintained and peaked till Ep 10, but the last 2 episodes seem to be written by some other writer/director, cause it was just a chaotic mess that leaves you disappointed especially after the high that initial episodes gave.Best Parts:
- Amazing Cast &Performance in respective roles. Especially of ML, FL, SML, FML, FL Mon, ML's StepMom, Step Bro ❤️
- Great chemistry and Romance of ML/FL & SML/SFL
- Good build of of past/present timeline and mystery
- Pretty dresses, locations!
- Great intro & build up of evil characters
Messy Parts:
- Could not deliver the ending well for romance or the mystery
- Some support characters are just forgotten in end episodes
VERDICT:
Recommended for one time watch, just be cautious of the ending being a mess. So if you can handle it for the sake of concluding the story, watch it.
PERSONAL FAVS:
- Was already a fan of the FL and SFL - but now am also in love with the looks, acting and voices of the ML and SML.
- I really want the actress who plays Step Mom to be cast as a Good Mom role. Have already seen in negative roles here, Extraordinary Attorney Woo and My Lovely Liar. She deserves better although in all 3 she has a redemption arc.
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Must watch for Unique, Crisp Story & Flawless Acting | Mixed feels for Ending
This drama blends superheroes, con-artists, and time travel in a rom-com—a unique mix that works surprisingly well. Weekly episodes kept me intrigued with their perfect balance of plot, acting, short format, and music. Rated 8 (Great with Few Flaws) because the ending, while fitting the "atypical" theme, left mixed feelings.➥ Strengths:
✦ Unique Story: Fantasy, romance, suspense, comedy, and heavy topics (trauma, depression, death, school bullying, body image) are all given proper attention with satisfying conclusions or hints for the future.
✦ Pace: Loving the short formats. Initial episodes build the foundation, then the plot picks up, giving answers and introducing new suspense/twists.
✦ Acting: Flawless. Main leads have natural chemistry. Supporting characters also shine, offering insights into their own stories/challenges/motives.
✦ Music: "Lee Sora’s I See You" is haunting and perfectly placed, adding to the drama's mysterious and atypical nature (Link Below)
✦ Cinematography: Aesthetically pleasing with well-blended fantasy effects. Visuals of characters' clothes, make-up, and settings are balanced and fitting.
➥ Weak Points:
Ending 5 Minutes: True to the atypical theme, but the implied conclusion leaves mixed feelings. Some may want a more detailed explanation, though the time jump is lovely to watch.
➥ Overall:
Highly recommend binge-watching this drama—a neat package of romance, suspense, superpowers, family/friend support, scams, comedy, time travel, and action. The cinematography and music enhance the viewing experience, making it a delight to watch!
➥ Links:
Main Theme Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zazbv65uEVo
My Rating System: https://mydramalist.com/profile/omo-omo-omo
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Wasted Potential - Failed on Story & Acting trying to be Korean GoT
With a star-studded cast & premise, it had promises of a great sageuk - but it just came close to being meh. It failed as it tried to be the Korean GoT (even some of the sigils were similar + unnecessary nudity) but its main downfall was the weak confusing narrative and some of the main actors not living up to their potential (the Queen and Prime Minister).► Story: Too much of anything is bad
The constant back and forth between past and present in every episode got boring and did not help in creating a seamless storyline. Some of the twists/turns were badly explained or rather left to interpretation - making situations illogical, with gaps. They just increased the volume of the background music, giving that epic heroic vibe but failed to showcase it through story and characters on-screen. Adding nudity just for the sake of it - does not help the story either. It does not work like that - at least for me for a Political/Historical drama of such repute.
► Acting:
• The Queen carried the Resting B*#ch Face which I guess was supposed to emote that she was a noble figure and her mind was strategizing moves way ahead - but it did not feel that way. It just felt inexpressive - and I do not dislike the actress per se - but this is her third work, that am seeing - the previous one being Burning and Money Heist (Korea) and seems like this is ongoing phenomenon. Sad to say but I do not think she is an expressive person, and therefore not a good actress in my books now. Just by doing some bold scenes and keeping a stoic face does not cut it for me.
• Most surprising and disappointing was Kim Mu Yeol as the Prime Minister, Eul Pa So. His character was supposed to be the twist, but it was delivered so flat and lifeless. You'd expect a twist to be delivered with some kind of shock value in the revelations but this did not, in fact the narrative was so bland we did not even realise when the twist for his character even came in. Not sure if I should blame the writers or directors, cause I have seen other works of the actor and he is one of the most talented actors in the industry who literally make any role their own.
• The only saving graces were Lee Soo Hyuk, with his flawless portrayal role of the barbaric 3rd Prince; AND even in the limited screentime Ji Chang Wook (the late King), Jeon Bae Soo and Jo Han Chul (Queen's father & uncle) and Park Ji Hwan (Commander) delivered their characters to a perfection. But sadly, they could not salvage everything else that was going wrong with this drama.
► OVERALL:
With all the negative points highlighted above, the drama does has its positive moments. For example: it does try to keep a level of excitement for the audience to know what the Queen will do to survive. But the bad parts overshadow the good by a long margin, and I have seen some other gems in similar genre and themes. And if the story and acting is weak, then nothing can save this drama, no matter how good the action, visual effects and feeble attempts of suspense were. Therefore, I have given it 7/10 which for me means a good/decent drama - had potential to be great but was missing a lot, especially with the ingredients it had in hand.
Would recommend to watch only if you have nothing else.
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Good Drama, if you go with right expectation (i.e. lower them)
Prepare yourself mentally before starting this drama - that this would be cliched in every sense: characters, situations, romance & mystery. It is one of those dramas that does not need a lot of brain power, and should be taken lightly.Acting: This is my first drama seeing both the FL and ML for the first time in drama (I have seen the FL in some minor role and ofc as part of her girl group). They both do not act that will make you sit up and applaud but are not terrible either. The rest of the cast are also easy on the eyes & brain as the drama progresses, but nothing memorable.
Plot-wise: Too cliche to the core - but then sometimes one is in mood of such plots when you do not want to use much of your brain cells. In that respect this drama delivers, but if you go with high expectation you will be highly disappointed.
Overall - recommended only if you have nothing else to watch. Nothing is memorable about it, but when you watch it somehow it passes time really well.
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Love, in its purest form - can create Miracles ❤️
What is a miracle? One of the answers could be: finding love that is selfless and pure, especially in today's world. Which is why movies like this make such a deep impression on you & tugs at your heartstrings!Story-wise: An intellectually-challenged man & his daughter live happily in their own world. However, their lives are disrupted when the father is wrongly accused of a heinous crime & sent to prison. Fellow prisoners & the warden mistreat him, given the gravity of his crimes - but over time, they realize their mistake & conclude that the man is framed. To make amends - they try to unite him with his daughter within the prison cell and in doing so - experience a Miracle that will last them all a lifetime! ❤️
Within this straightforward narrative lies a tapestry of powerful emotions:
• Anger/Frustration: when you witness the injustice.
• Happiness: when you see the love between - father/daughter, fellow prisoners, warden and officers
• Sadness: when you realize that there are somethings beyond you & you give in
• Hope: when you know even when everything seems lost and at the end, that is when miracles happen! ❤️
I know the focus was the above, but I wish they had shown the wrong-doers getting punished & accepting their mistakes in front of the main leads.
Overall: Highly recommend this to ALL. I myself held off watching it since long as I knew it would be a tear-jerker. Late to watch it, but glad that I did not miss this gem - one of the greatest film experience of our times, that has become a classic. In case you have not seen it yet - don't wait, keep a tissue box handy & watch the miracle unfold! ❤️
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Beautiful Tales Celebrating Life & Death with underlying Rom/Mystery
It is a very mature and well-written drama where a heavy mystical element of life/death blends in beautifully with romance & mystery. At end of every track - romance, the stories of the departed, accident/murder mystery - you get absolute closure, and there is a sense of understanding more than any other emotion.Brilliantly narrated the different stories of the 21 souls who have passed away but momentarily resurrected by the FL's gift/curse to share their regret/last wishes. Each story is heart-warming & provides closure not only to the bereaved but at times are the missing pieces of the underlying mystery that impacts the lives of the main & supporting characters of drama.
The romance and mystery element are synced perfectly with these stories and at no point you feel like they are parallel tracks.
Very rarely you get dramas where they are able to seamlessly blend such a heavy subject of life/death with romance. The mystery also was not dragged but done neatly, leaving you with a heavy heart cause in the end you must learn to forgive & move on for the sake of the departed.
Would highly recommend watching it for the following:
• Great storylines - amazing mix of heavy topics of death, romance, mystery, comedy! For this seamless blend it is a 10/10.
• The acting by all but especially - ML,FL, FL's father & uncle. ML's uncle is top-notch.
• I am giving it 8.5: only cause in some instances for the last episodes I felt the pace dipping & [minor spoiler] I wish the ending case could be someone else. Not a masterpiece, but almost perfect!
❤️ Special mention for Lee Jun Young
Hyeri (FL) is already known for her work & as an idol. Many would also know Lee Jun Young but he is still called an upcoming actor. I think in 2024 we should declare him a superstar - cause the man has got it all - the looks, the talent (Acting and Singing), he's a complete package. I have been following him from some time now & the range he has in acting, who'd say he is an idol-actor? Only wishing him more success & can already see he has many projects planned!
❤️ [WILD SPOILER] MAN CAN KISS!
Omo, Omo, Omo! In a land of cardboard and fish kisses, this man make your toes, feet, arms, body curl & tingle in ways I never thought was possible with the way he kisses. Like seriously, he is already panty-dropping hot and handsome but the moment he kissed that was just another level. I literally choked on my spit - Hyeri you lucky woman! ~(˘▾˘~) New watchers you have been warned, LOL!
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one-time-watch for the sake of the talented Shin Hye-Sun & Unique Story/Concept
What Worked: The story/concept | The brilliant FL | Mystery of Past Lives | Supporting Actors | Romance (ML/FL & SML/SFL)What Did Not Work (for Me): The casting of the ML (-2 points) | The rushed ending (-1 point)
Final Rating: 7/10
PROS:
Kudos of the original & refreshing concept goes to the webtoon, but even the screenplay was executed beautifully in these 12 episodes and the mega-talented Shin Hye-Sun simply shines! The story focusses mainly on the romance of the main leads & the mystery of the past lives and both are interwoven well with strong cinematography!
Special Mention of FL:
I have been in love with Shin Hye-Sun since I saw her in supporting roles in She was Pretty, Legend of the Blue Sea, Stranger. Was eagerly waiting for her to make a big breakthrough as a female lead in a popular drama cause her talent deserves that recognition. Mr. Queen happened, and the rest is history. So when June came by, I was eagerly waiting for this drama because I wanted to see more of her and the story was exciting and she has delivered in every scene, every minute of the show! Here's looking forward to more of her works and excellent acting!
CONS:
The story pace could have been more even and wrapped up in 10 episodes. Right now for me, it dragged at the start (Ep 2-6) and rushes at the end (Ep 8-12). The drag made me put this show on-hold until it finished airing, and the rush at the end did not do full justice to certain characters (the second pair, family of the ML and FL and consequences of their actions) and the overall mystery of why these past lives occur.
Further the cast of ML is not to my liking - this is first drama of his that I have seen completely. I dropped the other titles, as he was not a very convincing actor & very lethargic; I felt the same here which makes him pale further in front of the vibrant Shin Hye-Sun.
OVERALL:
It is a good watch for the unique story-telling, the mystery , the FL and the romance. Some wholesome moments as other relationships are also explored in respect of the FL and cute moments of the second pair that make you feel good and giddy with happiness. Had the pacing been more tighter and equal weightage given to all characters, then it would have been an 8 or 8.5 for me (can't go further as the ML still drags the show for me).
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one of the best dramas of 2024 - highly recommend to binge! ✨
My life-mantra is "life is too short to waste on bad, draggy dramas" - this drama is definitely not one of them.It has been a while since a drama has been able to balance multiple themes, great acting, story, pacing and entertainment so well in a crisp format of 12 episodes. The closest that comes to my mind would be Business Proposal and I can see many other MDL users citing the same. Breaking it down for anyone still debating to watch it:
❤️ Story:
✦ contract marriage and fake relationships are nothing new, but the writers took a cliche plot & gave it a great re-packaging.
✦ it had every right ingredient in the right amount: comedy, romance, mystery/crime, heavy messages, bromance, chaebol drama
✦ the focus was on main and second leads, but even the supporting characters held their own, blending into the main plots seamlessly
❤️ Acting:
✦ Shin Min-ah [FL] - this the first drama of hers that I was able to complete. She is charming and fierce as her role demands, and vulnerable beneath that tough exterior as we progressed in the drama.
✦ Kim Young Dae [ML] - I'll be honest when I first saw him on Extraordinary You and Penthouse, I thought that he has a great voice and has the acting chops, but he might not be taken seriously and get stereotyped. But am loving the journey this guy has had - while many might still see him as a handsome face - this guy's voice and face is able to deliver such a wide range of emotions, that it seems unbelievable that he had debuted just a few years ago. I have always been a fan and eager to see him on-screen, so I know only good things are on his way.
✦ Lee Sang Yi [SML] - Saw him last in Hometown Cha Cha Cha and My Demon, where I did took note of his acting, but the roles were too small to make an impact. Bloodhound too was a different genre - but this guy is super hilarious, and this drama showed how! His clumsy CEO act, to the serious face, bromance, BL-hints and romance were just too good. I think because of his antics a lot of people were more focused on the ML/SML Bromance and second-couple romance storyline. No wonder we are going to have a spin-off, cause we just can't get enough of Team #BokGyu
❤️ Pace:
This is really a make or break for me while drama-watching. Given I have limited time, I prefer watching dramas that are crisp, on the point and keep me hooked. I am not patient enough to hope that a story will get better and drag myself through episodes. If it is good, it will have my interest from Ep 1, in fact probably the first 5-10 minutes. This drama was of 12 episodes, which already piqued my interest and further it landed a good punch/hook as you'd like to call in every episode, making me want more and wait eagerly for the next episode. This is what I personally prefer - and not a single minute is wasted or is boring. In this aspect this drama is definitely a 9/10 - which is very, very good.
⭐Special Note: Applauding the Crew BTS:
[1] Everyone actor played their characters as if it was them IRL. While I appreciate the individual talent, I think a lot of appreciation should go towards the writing/direction since their work in the background gave the actors the chance and space to deliver their roles so well!
[2] Character and Plot Development - delivering some heavy messaging well
The writers, directors and other involved - managed to showcase some delicate aspects of the story really well, like: sisterhood, unwanted pregnancy, polygamous relationships, brotherhood, abusive parents, dynamics at foster homes and orphanage. It is very difficult to find that empathy to show these aspects in the right light - as too little, or too much can give a bad experience to the viewers. So really hats off to the makers of the show!
Overall: Highly Recommended to Binge ❤️
One of the best of 2024 in my humble opinion, you'd not regret watching this for sure!
I really cannot point out any bad parts in it - the only one would be that at times I liked the second couple's story more interesting than the main's. And the last episode maybe - it was not as entertaining as the others previously, but that is okay as it was the finale and that is meant to tie all loose ends and give us the happy ending. So no complaints - I give it a 9/10 which in my ranking system is an "Almost Perfect" drama!
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Addictive & Powerful: Must Watch show that addresses social hierarchy & its impact
The drama addresses the themes of social hierarchy and school violence that is carried out via a game, against the backdrop of a girls high-school. It explores how the powerful trample on those who go against them, or keep them as their sidekicks for fun and favor, while the powerless strive to climb up the social ladder. The story focusses on the main lead - a new transfer student who aims to break free from this oppression and the 10 episodes capture how she plans to make friends/allies and break the pyramid.⪼ Best Parts:
♥ Acting: I am seeing most of the actresses who are students and central focus of this drama for the first time - and each one of them owns their character. They each bring their own personality into the role - crazy, naive, psychopaths, kind, unbothered, sly and more. It is very interesting to see the dynamics of the students as well as the supporting cast - staff and others related to school and students. Already have taken note of these fine artists - and eager to see their next work!
♥ Plot: I binged this straight in 10 hours after work hours. Was dog-tired but the show's cliffhangers were placed so well, that I just could not keep it down. The story builds up really well and ties it up with a nice explanation on why the characters behaved in a specific way and why the Pyramid Game exists. Every character gets their due - in a realistic way, which was very satisfying and not many dramas can claim that.
♥ Music: Shows like these need to be supported well by a good, haunting, suspense and powerful BGM. Needed as it complements the twists and reveals perfectly, and when there is no action but a mind game happening on screen - you need the right music to convey the feelings of that scene and character back to the audience.
The acting and music go hand in hand - that make you love/hate the characters, plots and eventually the drama, overall - hence this was also done very well. Blended it well with the direction/cinematography that keeps us on our toes - giving us some information, but then revealing the big picture later from the same scene - is an art, and was well delivered here.
⪼ Weakness:
Honestly, there are no weakness to be honest. The reason I am not calling this a 10/10 drama is solely cause of the fact that am familiar with this genre/plot theme and hence it did not blow me away, as it would to someone watching such plot for the first time. And if I have to be extremely critical - I would say the ending though it explained things well - felt rushed compared to the earlier 8-9 episodes. But this is me being overly critical and working very hard to find faults.
⪼ Overall:
"Pyramid Game" is well-crafted drama across grounds of plot, pace, acting, music and a powerful message that will resonate with you as it is something you see in real life - the grassroot of rich vs poor, powerful vs powerless and the never-ending fight to be free! Recommend it as a must-watch for those who enjoy fast paced survival game plots, suspense, thrills, revenge.
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Watch it as a Prequel to 2025 Drama & for Ji Chang Wook ❤️
Saw this movie & writing this review in 2024: This film is a pure blockbuster action-thriller, with focus on car chases, fight scenes, slow-motions, explosions etc. There is not much on the mystery (of the real killer - it revealed very early on), logic/reason behind their action is not impactful/suspensefully revealed, or any time given on any characters' development.I assumed it to be a psychological mystery/thriller given the synopsis of the drama but was disappointed on that front.
JCW is a treat to watch as always with his looks and acting as a game addict turned action hero. But my expectation were otherwise set - so this was an okay movie for me. I'm expecting things to be better now that the reboot will be out in 2025, played again by JCW. It will also have EXO's DO & other famous cast members, so hoping for the scale to be larger, more detailed and antagonist to be revealed with a twist (psycho character played by DO would be great too!)
VERDICT - Can Pass, unless one wants to know the original story like me, before watching the Fabricated City drama in 2025.
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Brilliantly acted, heart-tugging & transcendent love story of a Beauty & Beast!
An almost-silent film whose beauty lies in simple narration & brilliant acting making it a must-watch classic. The story is of star-crossed lovers overcoming their differences through a common bond with limited/no words exchanged but acts of kindness; helping them grow individually while falling in love. Outside forces threaten their union, forcing them to make hard emotional choices that tests their fates. The film's themes are Beauty meets the Beast, their love transcends time & leaves you with the lingering question of who truly is a monster? (yes, I am looking at us - humans!)Best Parts of the Movie:
+ emotionally gripping love story between two very different people (with elements of supernatural)
+ simple storytelling & pace (even when shifting between 2 timelines)
+ brilliant acting! (a lot is said with almost no/limited words)
+ feel good factors (comedy, good-triumphs-over-evil, nostalgic elements of childhood, warm family & neighbors relations)
Some Minor, Minor Flaws:
- Origin of the male lead/wolf-boy is only hinted, not explained in details
- Background of Antagonist's motives: he does evil stuff, but why?
- What became of a certain support character (Mr. Jeong) in the end?
(Not plot drivers nor do they impact the overall story. But had they been there, it would have made the film perfect)
Overall:
I maybe in the minority of people watching this film in 2023 but I highly recommend all to watch it at least once to experience the beautiful tale & brilliant acting. Just keep some tissues handy. Do not drop it thinking the picture quality would be bad. While it is not the best compared to the present works, I truly believe it is one of the gems of K-movies, deserving all the accolades it got.
SPECIAL NOTE: Acting by the main leads is class-apart!
+ Song Joong Ki's role IMO is his best acting till date as he solely expressed his character with his face & body, only.
+ Kudos to brilliant writing, cause when he finally spoke, the scene is poignant, piercing your heart.
+ Park Bo Young is amazing throughout, but steals the moment specifically in a gut-wrenching scene towards the end.
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Sublime Sensuality, Exciting Paced Drama but Mediocre Revenge Arc!
This Drama is for YOU - If You LIKE:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
♥ Sublime Sensuality:
I love when romance is built up without excessive acts of service, nudity/sex scenes. To me this drama also was about second chance at love. The main characters are distrustful of being hurt again; hence their romance is built with less words, but rather care, understanding. The sensuality/sexual tension is palpable but not in your face. The leads did not even have a single kissing scene but their moments together were charming. Areumdaun/Beautiful (아름다운) to the core!
♥ Acting par Excellence:
As expected of actors in their caliber - all the characters irrespective of the script, played their characters to perfection.
Kim Hee Sun needs no words, she is flawless. Cha Ji Yeon, Park Hoon, Lee Hyun Wook - I have literally seen them in just one other drama respectively where even their minor roles they had left quite an impression. This drama was even better as they had more screentime to show their talent. I personally will now look up their other works & watch especially for - Lee Hyun Wook! Jung Eugene - I have seen her in many dramas, but she was not memorable until this antagonist role. She brings life to the character that is truly despicable. You'll want to pull her hair, bitch-slap her & hope karma hits her hard - which is only the result of her embodying the character to perfection. Kudos!
♥ Beautiful Cinematography, Screenplay & OST:
Costumes, locations, make-up - everything was minimalist but luxurious & the music is hauntingly beautiful & hypnotic. Both interweave with the scenes & characters perfectly enhancing the viewing experience. The screenplay/pace of drama - is not neck-breaking, but you cannot help but end up watching just one more episode. Inconspicuously, all these factors aid in making this makjang drama keeping it thrilling & (almost)-unpredictable.
What MIGHT BOTHER You:
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✘ The Revenge Served is Very Cold. Almost Frozen.
Given the initial build-up & despicable antagonist(s), I thought the revenge was average. Not unsatisfactory, but neither leaving me with a triumphant feeling as a viewer. I blame the script for weakening it, even though I appreciate that it was not draggy & the 8-episode format is a satisfactory timeframe for this story to conclude.
P.S. I do not want to detail the ending, cause that will spoil it - but it came quite unannounced with no preamble to the twist they gave. Again it is satisfactory cause everyone is hoping for it but an explanation would have been nicer, even if it had been in form of a flashback between the characters.
✘ Some Support Characters felt unfinished
Not sure if there will be a Season 2, but there were some characters like the SML & the owner of Rex whose stories felt rather unfinished. I say rather, cause you can be contend with their ending, but personally I had questions on what will happen to them now that the main plot is resolved.
OVERALL: almost Perfect, succinct thrilling makjang! 8/10
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✦ The above negatives are not deal breakers, but it would have made it a perfect 10/10 drama had they been there.
✦ I am slowly getting into makjang dramas, this being my 3rd after Penthouse & Perfect Marriage Revenge. I did not know I would enjoy this genre as much as I do, but if the quality/story is anything like this one- I cannot help but keep binging!
✦ Remarriage & Desires is special cause it is short & beautifully executed. I even rewatched some episodes, as soon as I finished the drama for pleasure viewing (Scenes like the masquerade, yacht, initial tension between the main leads)
✦ For those who enjoy this genre, or want to explore it (like I did) you should not miss this one.
✦ Will recommend watching the drama first to like the OST more, but here is YT link. Memorable piece as is the drama!
Seori - Wicked: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcKMeqRej1g
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A mild thriller - Not an on-the-edge-of-your-seat/nail-biting drama
Why I Started this drama?→ Interested in Crime/Mystery/Thriller
→ This drama is highly rated across sites, and on lists of must-watch series
My humble Opinion: Expectations Unmet
→ Usually crime dramas, have a sense of urgency - mystery of who-did-it?
→ It is more preachy rather than something like stories of Sherlock/or gripping like Signal (2016)
What Works: The Acting
→ Jo Seung Woo - as an apathetic prosecutor is the first role I am seeing him in, and after this series and a little wiki info on him, I know I will see all his work soon.
→ Lee Joon Hyuk - probably the best, showing signs of a corrupt official, trying to come on the right track - but till the end we don't know whether he is actually good/bad? He is in my opinion, a survivor trying to be on the winning side to live.
→ Yoon Se Ah - she played a small support character, but delivered her twisted personality well (and her arc of mystery probably kept audiences guessing - whether she murdered someone or no?)
What Does Not Work: The Story (and pace)
→ The story was average, nothing unseen/unexpected and like a web was slowly revealed to us but we know from the get-go who is the final culprit.
→ This drama is slow paced, building out the characters and storyline but without any cliffhangers, unexpected reveals that would make you stay up all night to watch just one more episode to know what is the end.
Summary:
Forest of Secrets in an apt title - as this drama slowly showcases how deeply rooted the corruption becomes - instigated by people in power and when justice system turn a blind out to it, making the common folks suffer. Like a seed of injustice once laid, becomes a forest overtime, and ultimately harsh measures are needed to cut it down - but then again, can it be fully uprooted?
It is more suited for regular seasons, where the team tries to solve different cases than the usual single-season-wonder. (Maybe that's why there is a season 2 which I will watch).
Also in case you're wondering how I rate dramas since this is an unpopular opinion - please see my profile: https://mydramalist.com/profile/omo-omo-omo (am always up for a healthy discussion on dramas as well!)
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