Hellbound (2021)

What an insightful proclamation

I enjoyed this drama because it showed a lot of insightful facts and meaningful scenes that can align with everyday life. When the first demonstration happened, I was surprised because I saw monsters killing a clearly frightened man in a very violent way. I mean in my opinion if I'm heading to my death, violently wouldn't be the way. So I kinda disagreed with the way they executed the deaths. I'm a Christian and I know that many of the things being displayed in this drama doesn't align with God's words, but they do align a lot with everyday beliefs and doings. Many people think that humans are born sinners, that fear can eradicate those sins. This drama executed it perfectly. The drama is on point, I loved the scenes and I can't wait for Season 2. I mean the ending was extremely surprising for me, so I'm waiting for any news of Season 2. The music was good as well, though I was too focused on the stuff displayed on the screen. The actors did a pretty good job, I congratulate them for showing perfect emotions. This is my review of this drama, if any of you have any comments and questions, just list them below, please.

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How people would react with a constant fear of death?

That's the first time I write a review, I was surprised after seeing ratings because this drama is part of the genre that people like nowadays.

To be honest I put this drama on my list without even knowing what was the plot and started just cause it's short (only six episodes of around 40-50 minutes). Once started, it immediately caught me, and I keep asking what's happening? Did I miss something? What's the truth behind these CGI Monsters?

I liked how the series shows the people reaction, the victims themselves and the "audience", it let us see how people act if they believe they're controlled by a higher power or if they think to have free will.

(I apologize if reading this review you will find only disconnected discourses, I would like to say that it doesn't contain any kind of judgment)

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A really gripping storyline!

I've seen all sorts of korean romcoms, comedies and action movies and this is the first time I'm writing a review for one because I feel so strongly about Hellbound and what seems to me is unfair criticism.

There are so NINE things about this series that I just felt so deeply about.
(Full disclosure: Im a Muslim and I think that does affect how I look at this series as I try to compare it with the world of today and of the future.)

1- The storyline is one that has never ever been done in the history of any mainstream entertainment.

2- All the characters, including the lunatic cultists and its supporters are so well-depicted even with them being so bonkers.

3- The portrayal of how cultism can cultivate such a grim world run by borderline schizophrenic, narcissistic human beings
having no true allegiance to anyone except themselves is so on point!

4- The fascinated on-lookers filming each demonstration with their phones showing false sympathy as the world spirals further down into turmoil almost comes as a slap in the face to people who live such lives today.

5- The masked stinking rich VIPs paying to get front seats to watch what seems to them as another form of entertainment as the 'lower beings' suffer.

6- The way people have to make the hardest decision to die in hiding just so their families aren't ostracised for something they did or did not do.

7- The look of despair when people receive the decree and punishment, with some of them ignorant enough to continue to live a life of sin as if they were still untouchable in a world where seemingly the sinful are so cruelly and brutally punished.

8- The world-wide organized crime and violence that ensues using the new 'religion' as a false front.

9- The blatantly deceitful workings of the cult behind the scenes to ensure they remain in power.

All in all, I am extremely surprised how the writers were able to so accurately illustrate a world with gullible people having no real sense of direction. The on-lookers, supporters and crime syndicate are the perfect fit for the good, the bad and the ugly. If you put some thought into it, it almost feels like this is exactly what the world would behave and react if something so horrific was to happen.

P.S. The chaotic camera work in the latter half of the last episode is so terrifyingly good.

P.P.S. I've never been the sort of person who would rewatch anything hence the low rewatch value.

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CRISPY bite sized (relative for kdramas) kdrama. hope this catches on in the west because that sequel building got me hot. even manages to create a sense of time proportionate to bigger dramas by jumping from current day ahead. after a little while of no dramas its very refreshing to get something that foregoes the usual stretching that eventually happens in most of them, opting for a clean start and finish without much of any padding.

500 characters idk how many to go, the fx was fire, ill never not appreciate some gore in my kdramas, unblurred bloody knives

(no rewatch value rating)

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A Victim of Squid Game's Success

It's important to remember that there is a difference between bad dramas and dramas not meant for your taste. In my opinion, HB is NOT a bad drama.

The themes of the show are clear and easy to understand, yet open for multiple interpretations. The action scenes are directed extremely well. The music never seems too out of place. Despite being only 6 episodes long, at no point did I feel like the story was overloaded or rushed.

On paper, not much happens but it is still entertaining in other ways. Thinking about how HB applies to the real world and what you would do if you were any of the characters on screen was a really eye-opening experience for me.

I must admit that episode 5 and the first half of episode 6 were painfully boring to sit through though. However, the final fight scene makes up for this.

I say HB is a victim of Squid Game's success because if HB was released first, I have a feeling that it would be receiving more positive reviews right now. Yes, HB is not as stimulating as Squid Game since it focuses on broader themes and a smaller pot of characters.

I urge everyone to be fair with their criticisms of this show.

Even so, HB is not perfect.

A few things that bothered me included:

A. WHERE IS THE PRESIDENT IN ALL OF THIS?: Okay, a trio of supernatural creatures condemn people to Hell in public. After the first public demonstration, this should be a nation-wide emergency. So, where is the president in all of this? And how are peoples' brutal deaths allowed to be livestreamed on TV? Last time I checked, your tattoos could not be seen on television in South Korea. I seriously doubt actual death is an exception.

B. WAS YOUNGJAE BORN YESTERDAY?: There's a random 4-year time skip, and the New Truth is practically a stand-in for the government now. There are museums dedicated to the sinners who agreed to be a part of public demonstrations. At this point, everyone and their dead grandpa knows how powerful the New Truth is and the existence of these monsters. So, tell me why Jae is so shocked when his friend gets condemned to Hell right in front of him. He acts like he has no clue what his friend is talking about when his time is almost up.

C. THIS HOSPITAL IS SO RUDE!: Lawyer Min has a mother in her late 60's suffering from cancer. When her already near-death mother is struck on the head with a metal bat and rushed to the hospital, tell me why healthcare officials threw her on a bed and called it a day. She wasn't rushed to the emergency room. She, despite being in an extremely critical condition, is not given someone to supervise her state. Mind you, the hospital was not busy at all. Poor Min had to be the first person to discover that her mother died. I was in disbelief.

Keep these in the back of your mind, and you'll be able to enjoy HB.

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I think some people are watching just to see how bad it really is after reading the reviews and making their own assumption about the film, which by all means, you have the right to. I came in with the same thought but intended to see it through the end. I know a lot of people aren't interested in the drama mainly because they held such a high bar that wasn't reached but I know there are a lot of films out there that didn't make a whole lot of sense until they were released a second part, answering the questions we had and some others we didn't even know we were thinking of. I say we give the drama a chance even though it is ultimately up to the writers, actors, and directors if they want to continue the drama or not.

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Better As It Goes

So I got here cause the name and I gotta say, it was an interesting ride. Ok in the beginning I was a little confused about how people could possibly manipulate/control the will of a GOD but then I remembered... we're humans, and there's no doubt in my mind if something like this began to happen (which I'm surprised something like this hasn't happened yet) that it would definitely go something like this. Where everyone just follows like sheep and puts the blame on everyone else (like how we do now). Anyway, the more things started coming together I started to enjoy it more. There's a few parts that are intense but nothing too serious. As a parent I got kinda angry toward the end but if you step back and keep an open mind, you'll see something's came to a good/satisfying end.
That ending had S2 vibes and I'm ready af for it
Enjoy...

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It had potential

We were introduced to a policeman, Jin Kyeong-hoon, as the team leader was updating them on a new cult, New Truth. I was rooting for him to defeat the cult and whatever monsters that had been shredding and burning people. Amidst the chaos, a vigilante group called The Arrowhead appeared and decided to take matters into their own hands.

Basically, the monsters, according to New Truth, were Angels sent by God to punish the sinful one. And The Arrowheads job was to expose their sin and also punish anyone that was in the Angels way.

Jin Kyeong-hoon team up with Min Hye-jin to help a family when a single-mother got a message that she will be next to die.

Episode 4 continues 5 years later as Bae Young-jae became the next main character. I lost interest here because I was invested with Jin Kyeong-hoon. But, I wanted to know the conclusion of the series.

The New Truth had a new leader who gained profit by broadcasting live the moment the Angels punish someone. Another group emerged to help anyone who got the death message to avoid the live broadcast. The New Truth decided to team up with The Arrowhead to track this group and eliminate them.

The ending foreshadowed a 2nd season. I don't have any theory to share to avoid touching on sensitive topic. I mean each religion have their own believe. What do the atheist and Scientologist think about it? I love to know their opinion.

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What is up with the ending?

That was an okay movie.

The acting and visual effects wasn't too bad. The story was meh, I understand the concept of sinners being judged and sent to hell. The story made sense at first, but it took a dive from the middle to the end for me.

Yoo Ah-in ending up murdering some people and getting sent to hell himself. There's a new founder of the New Truth who seems to have taken advantage of the whole situation. You have a group called Arrowhead that goes around and beat up people.

Basically, the New Truth feels very cult-like.

Also my reaction to that ending ↓
What? Someone explain that ending?!?! I am so confuseeee. So, baby survived because of the parents sacrifice (my understanding), but, then what is up with that ending? Was it just a cliffhanger?

Also, did it change cast in the middle?

I mean what????

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They Don't die because they are sinners

The drama started with some serious murder by the monster or we can call them angel from the hell...that really made me feel nauseous,.,,, *lots of blood* as the story progresses it was intriguing and had many jaw dropped scenes and also made me think is it even possible in real life???.... the connection between the characters was beautiful, though there were loop holes in the story and many things that were unexplained and left to viewers judgement, it was good. the CGI was perrrfect!!! and storyline was good. The acting was superb and intense. This season was not draggy and boring. I liked the last scene very much .... they don't die.... so are the all alive... are they born with super-natural power, or are the ghosts... lets wait for next season...there was no moment when I thought of dropping this series. IT'S A MUST WATCH GUYS!!!!

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Wow

This was a really good show in my opinion.

I like shows that revolves around cults as most of the time I dont understand why people follow cults in blind faith.

I am a religious person who believes in hell and heaven. and If anything that we are blessed about the fact that we dont know when we will die or where we will end.
I will elaborate more below but it may contain spoilers along with my character analysis of the drama ...

First lets start with the first 3 episodes and our main Lead Yoo Ah In who nailed his role (as usual), the man who created the cult and received his prophecy 20 years ago, within these 20 years this man didnt try for the least bit to be a better person or do good deeds and defy his fate ( like Satan when he was kicked out and defied God, he promised to guide humans into sin?). There is a fact that the cop detective mentioned to him which is the humans will and freedom of choice, we all own that even if our fate is written its written by our own choices and decisions rather than us being dictated by it, has our ML try to do good rather than try to create chaos and fear would things have changed for him?
The Hellbound concept and these creatures were there just as a factor to bring out the human darkness and see how a human would react in such circumstances and situations. People were driven out of fear to make them believe in God but fear were never a long lasting.. motive? or engine lets say as people rebel towards the end .. like it was mentioned in the first episode about making people fear God.
God, religion and prophets for it to long last should be driven by Love, understanding , guidance and true faith I would say.

Then comes the last 3 episodes in which a child receives the prophecy of hell (we all know that children are without sin and they go to heaven) its the factor that was put there to make people question the reality of the cult, and those people who promote fear, as we are taught that God is merciful and kind, the child who was saved by a mothers and fathers love as they defied that destiny and changed the fate of their own child as they believed differently. Have they not acted and just stood there to watch their child would have faced that very same fate, hence our fate is written by us.

Thats just me focusing on the 2 main stories, if we come to think of the detective's decision in the end to save his daughter, or the people who received the hellbound message when their sins were not unforgivable and so or those who wanted to take God's message as they say into their hands and start attacking and killing those who goes against them in the name of maintaining the system (As they showed in the beginning that those people were minors as they were the easiest to manipulate and brain wash, did those actually have faith in that cult? not likely as they would have prevented from doing bad things out of fear at least but they liked the concept of death and people being hellbound, the concept of something new and exciting as long as it didnt touch them, same goes to that youtuber who were a hard core follower but ones it touched him he lost his faith and fell into nothingness ) .. pretty much alot of things to look out for and think of!

Therefore I found this drama to be really good, I havent read the webtoon and I am glad that I didnt as I enjoyed the drama more this way, and I really liked the tension, the depth and characters along the way, the motives .. etc and I would highly recommend it.

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