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Shinnosuke_Lee
In Rainy Forest, In Deep Ocean, On Foggy Hills <3
Hide': A Suspense Drama that Misses the Mark.
Despite its promising start and the attraction of thriller and suspense tags, 'Hide' ultimately falls short of delivering a gripping experience. While the initial episodes set the stage for a suspenseful ride, the predictable plot twists and lack of genuine surprises leave much to be desired. The recurring theme of cheating as a subplot feels overused and detracts from the overall suspenseful atmosphere the drama tries to create.However, 'Hide' does have its strengths, notably in the stellar performances of its cast. Lee Bo Young shines in her portrayal of Na Moon Young, skillfully capturing the nuances of her character's various roles. Lee Chung Ah also impresses with her portrayal, adding depth to her character beyond mere stereotype.
Unfortunately, the inconsistent pacing and frustrating plot developments, such as Cha Sunge Jae's continuous escape from arrest despite being a known culprit, hinder the drama's ability to maintain suspense. While the cinematography and soundtrack are serviceable, they fail to elevate the viewing experience to a higher level.
The suspense thriller development in "Hide" falls short of expectations, failing to effectively cultivate doubt or intrigue among its characters. Instead of carefully crafting a narrative that keeps viewers guessing, the drama quickly reveals which characters are dubious or on the side of good by the fourth episode, robbing the storyline of its potential for genuine suspense.
Finally:
'Hide' may offer moments of enjoyment, particularly for fans of the Thriller/Suspense genre, but it ultimately fails to live up to its potential as a gripping thriller.
Good pick for Thriller lovers..
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A Cinematic Masterpiece: Kingdom Redefines the Zombie Apocalypse Genre
A word before my review:- "I'll be honest, zombie apocalypses aren't typically my go-to genre. In fact, I had a traumatic experience watching a non-Korean zombie movie when I was just 11 or 12 years old. I didn't understand the context, but it left me terrified, and I avoided the genre altogether since then. However, thanks to a friend's enthusiastic recommendation, I decided to give Kingdom a chance, and I'm so grateful I did! This series has completely changed my perspective on the zombie apocalypse genre, and I'm now hooked."THE DRAMA - KINGDOM :-
This Korean drama is a Stand-out drama in the thriller genre, setting a new standard for zombie apocalypse stories.
The decision to set the series ( the story point of Zombie) in ancient times was a bold and really challenging move, but the makers pulled it off with finesse. Mainly where the " Sageuk" dramas main elements rule on the classic love-revenge-wars-betrayal, power-struggle for the throne. it's a really tough challenge to the writer - director to create Zombie world in this classic sageuk elements. But their hardwork shines in every scene and every character makes us emotional, survival tense.
and the Netflix 's Korean drama wave started from here.
*THE EXCELLENCE OF KINGDOM'S SOUNDTRACK AND CINEMATOGRAPHY*
"When it comes to the thriller genre, I'm particularly discerning about two crucial aspects: soundtrack and cinematography. Kingdom excels in both areas, elevating the overall tension and suspense to new heights. The soundtrack is masterfully crafted, with the subtle sounds of the zombies and the haunting background score for the main leads perfectly complementing the on-screen action. The cinematography is equally impressive, with a keen attention to detail that immerses the viewer in the dark and foreboding world of ancient Korea. The cinematography in the Kingdom is nothing short of breathtaking, transporting me to a hauntingly beautiful ancient ( sageuk/historical ) Korea time'. The dark tone cinematography is a masterclass in crafting suspense and tension, expertly leveraging lighting, shadows, and composition to create an atmosphere that's both foreboding and mesmerizing and capturing a hauntingly beautiful scenery of Korean old days with bare trees on the mountains, their silhouettes etched against the eerie backdrop like nature's own work of art."
The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a haunting score that perfectly complements the on-screen action, amplifying the emotional impact of every scene and character. The combination of these two elements creates a truly unsettling and thrilling experience that keeps me on the edge of my seat.
ACTING:-
"The acting in Kingdom is truly exceptional, with each actor delivering a standout performance that leaves a lasting impact. Ju Ji Hoon, in particular, brings his character to life with a depth and nuance that is simply awe-inspiring. The entire cast, including Bae Doona, Kim Hye Jun, Ryu Seung Ryong, Heo Jun Ho, and Kim Sung Kyu, delivers fantastic performances that are both convincing and compelling. The cast's extraordinary acting skills are a testament to their dedication and talent, and they play a significant role in making Kingdom the thrilling and unforgettable experience that it is."
OVERALL :-
"I'm a little late to the party, but I'm thrilled to have finally experienced the masterpiece that is Kingdom! The script is nothing short of brilliant, weaving a story that's both captivating and unpredictable. The director-writer's vision is masterful, transporting me to the eerie world of the Kin and plunging me into the midst of a zombie apocalypse like never before. With its flawless pacing, heart-pumping action sequences, and emotional depth, Kingdom has raised the bar for K-dramas and zombie apocalypse stories alike.
My Rating: 10/10
If you haven't yet indulged in the thrill ride that is Kingdom, do yourself a favor and dive in without hesitation! This unforgettable experience will leave you breathless, craving more, and forever changed. Trust me, it's worth the binge!"
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OVERHYPED - OVERRATED - Nothing Fresh Except for the CAST, One More Wasted Potential.
"Queen of Tears" is a highly anticipated drama that unfortunately falls short of its potential. Despite boasting an impressive cast and crew, including Kim Soo Hyun, Kim Ji Won, Park Sung Hoon, Director Kim Hee Won, and Writer Park Ji Eun, the series fails to deliver a truly groundbreaking narrative.One of the main issues with the drama is its lack of originality in storytelling. While the initial premise may seem promising, the plot quickly becomes predictable and fails to introduce any fresh elements to keep viewers engaged. As a result, the story plateaus early on, leaving audiences wanting more. The drama's themes of love, family, and power were not explored in a nuanced or thought-provoking way. Instead, they were presented in a simplistic and superficial manner, without any real depth or complexity
KIM SOO HYUN - KIM JI WON :-
The chemistry between the leads, while acceptable, lacks the spark needed to elevate their performances. Kim Ji Won delivers a solid portrayal, but her character's development feels shallow and fails to fully explore the complexities of her role as the wife. Similarly, Kim Soo Hyun's performance falls short of expectations, with his character feeling one-dimensional and lacking depth, relying solely on the actors' performances without proper story and character development may not always yield the desired outcome. A great drama isn't just about having talented actors; it also requires well-crafted stories and fully developed characters. While strong chemistry among the actors is crucial, it's not the sole factor for success. Having talented actors is important, but writers and directors must also write a compelling story and develop strong characters. If they don't, the production will miss its full potential.
WHY 7.5 FOR ME : WHERE DRAMA LOST ITS 2.5 :-
ACTING & CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.
The character development in Queen of Tears falls short, with the main characters feeling more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out individuals.
• Kim Soo-hyun's character, Baek Hyun woo, suffers from poor writing, with his motivations and emotions feeling unclear and underdeveloped. His acting performance, while competent, doesn't bring any new depth or nuance to the role, making it feel like a rehashing of his previous performances.
• In contrast, Kim Ji-won's character, Hong Hae In, is well-written up to a point, with a clear and compelling backstory and motivation. However, her development stalls midway through the drama, and her character feels like a trope. Her performance is decent, but not enough to save the character from feeling like a missed opportunity.
• Park Sung-hoon's character, Cha Jae-wook, is a one-dimensional villain, portrayed as a ruthless and cunning businessman with no redeeming qualities. While his acting performance is settled and convincing, the character feels like a caricature, with no nuance or complexity.
• Kwak Dong Yeon's current character is similar to his previous role in Vincenzo. He plays a lovable but clueless person again. He does a great job of making us feel happy and sad at the same time. His character shows how hard it is to prove yourself in a rich family, where no matter how hard you try, you always feel like you're not good enough. Director Kim Hee-woon knows how to bring out the best in Kwak Dong Yeon, so she used his character like same as in Vincenzo but bit characterization this time.
• The supporting actors deliver solid performances, adding much-needed depth to their respective characters. Kwak Dong-yeon, Lee Jo-bin, Lee Mi-suk, and Na Young-hee all bring their characters to life with their performances, making them feel more fully fleshed-out than the main characters.
• Themes of power, family, and loyalty are explored in the drama, but feel underdeveloped and lacking in nuance. The plot is predictable and formulaic, with characters making unrealistic and contrived decisions to further the plot. With some supporting actors manage to shine in certain episodes, the overall acting of the main leads remains stagnant. Additionally, while the cinematography may be technically proficient, it fails to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
SOUNDTRACK - OST :-
• One saving grace of "Queen of Tears" is its phenomenal soundtrack, which succeeds in enhancing certain moments throughout the series. However, this alone is not enough to salvage the drama from its reliance on tired tropes and underutilization of its talented cast.
TOP QUALITY PRODUCTION:-
The production's grand scale and impressive attention to detail make it a richness visual treat, leaving a lasting impression on ours with beautiful costumes and sets. Each character's design is unique and detailed. The scenery is amazing and makes you feel like you're in a different world. The production is big and impressive by TvN
PLOT PROGRESSION & PACING :-
• The pacing of Queen of Tears was sluggish and meandering, with an overabundance of repetitive scenes and a lack of meaningful plot advancement. This made the viewing experience feel like a tedious obligation, rather than an engaging and immersive escape. The slow burn of the narrative failed to build tension or suspense between the characters or main characters , instead, it felt like a monotonous trudge through familiar tropes and clichés. The repetitive nature of the storytelling made it difficult to become invested in the characters' journeys, and the lack of plot progression left viewers feeling frustrated and disengaged.
SAME CLICHÉS & SAME TROOPS, BUT LACKING FRESH TONE :-
• Rom-com and family-centric k-dramas often rely on familiar tropes and storylines, but that doesn't mean the execution can't be fresh and engaging. To breathe new life into these genres, it's essential to focus on character depth. By crafting relatable, well-rounded characters with unique personalities, backstories, and motivations, the story can feel more dynamic and unpredictable.
GOOD TO WATCH :-
• The cameo appearance of Song Joong-ki as Vincenzo in Queen of Tears was a thrilling surprise for K-drama fans, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to TVN and Director Kim Hee Won for reviving the Vincenzo nation three years later. This impactful cameo was more than just a brief appearance; it brought a significant boost to the drama, particularly in Episode 8, leaving a lasting impression on the K-drama lands.
(Upto 8 episodes )
• In the intricate tapestry of the rich business family, Every character is precisely placed within the carefully crafted mosaic of rich business family's story The family setting, a complex web of relationships and alliances, is expertly crafted to reveal the intricate dynamics at play. From the cunning machinations of the queen dowager to the tender moments of familial love, every character's design and motivation is carefully orchestrated to drive the plot forward. In Queen of Tears, the family setting is not just a placement, but a living, breathing entity that shapes the destiny of our characters and the fate of the drama
ENDING:-
Beautiful ending :) loved it. I'm so grateful for the incredible cast and crew of Queen Of Tears ! .. thank you for giving your hardwork memorable drama to our kdrama fans.
FOR ME :-
Overall, Queen of Tears was a enjoyable one but a wasted potential due to its overreliance on tired tropes, poor character development, slow pacing, and lack of nuanced themes. With a more innovative approach to storytelling and character development, this drama could have been something truly special.
In conclusion, "Queen of Tears" disappoints as it fails to break new ground in storytelling and falls short of leveraging its impressive cast and crew to their full potential. If you're a fan of the cast, it's still worth checking out, but be prepared for a narrative that doesn't quite live up to its full potential.
Note -
Thanks for reading my review! I want to emphasize that my comments are solely my personal opinion and are not meant to offend or criticize any actors or the drama. I'm sharing my genuine thoughts and I'm grateful for your understanding. - @Shinnosuke_Lee
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"Wonderful World: A Compelling Blend of Mystery, Drama & Emotional Revenge Thriller
Off-Thriller, On-emotional experience. An Unforgiven Vengeance of A Mother, A Son - 8.0/10The story of "Wonderful World" starts as a straightforward mystery thriller but gradually evolves into a gripping revenge drama, offering viewers a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected twists. The narrative centers around two main protagonists, Cha Eun Woo and Kim Nam Joo, both driven by their individual motivations for seeking revenge. Their complex relationship adds layers of intrigue and keeps the audience engrossed throughout the series.
Kim Nam Joo delivers a standout performance, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. Her portrayal of a devoted wife, a mother seeking justice, and a strong-willed individual grappling with complex emotions is truly commendable. Nam Joo's ability to convey raw emotion in the most intense scenes leaves a lasting impression on the audience, drawing them deeper into the story. Cha Eun Woo's performance is equally impressive, with his flawless execution and nuanced portrayal of his character. His ability to convey the inner turmoil and conflict of his character adds depth to the narrative, making it easier for viewers to empathize with him. Additionally, supporting actors like Lim Se-mi and Kim Kang woo deliver solid performances, contributing to the overall quality of the drama.
Plot and Pacing:
While "Wonderful World" may follow some genre clichés, it manages to keep viewers engaged with its well-paced plot and perfectly timed twists. The storyline may be somewhat predictable at times, but the execution and the chemistry between the lead actors elevate the viewing experience. The gradual evolution of the narrative from a simple mystery to a gripping revenge thriller adds layers of complexity, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Cinematography and Soundtrack:
While the cinematography department may not be the drama's strongest aspect, the powerful and emotional background score effectively maintains suspense and enhances the overall viewing experience. The soundtrack complements the mood of each scene, adding depth and intensity to key moments in the story.
Why 8/10 for me :-
• Predictable Plot: Despite its well-timed twists, "Wonderful World" may suffer from a somewhat foreseeable plotline, potentially hindering its ability to surprise and fully captivate audiences.
• Lack of Cinematic Innovation: While the drama offers a compelling blend of mystery, drama, and some action, it may not introduce groundbreaking storytelling techniques or fresh perspectives to the genre, limiting its appeal to viewers seeking more cutting-edge storytelling that breaks new ground and offers fresh perspectives."
Finally :-
"Wonderful World" may not break new ground in terms of its premise, but it is a well-executed drama that delivers on its promises of suspense, drama, and compelling character development. With standout performances from lead actors Kim Nam Joo and Cha Eun Woo, as well as a solid supporting cast, the series offers a thrilling and intense viewing experience that will keep audiences hooked until the very end. If you're a fan of the thriller genre and enjoy watching captivating character-driven narratives, "Wonderful World" is definitely worth checking out.
As a thriller lover :-
I came for the Plot & Director ( of Missing Noir M ) well made one..
In the thriller genre, it's common to see excessive Thriller elements & suspense elements more than character emotions driving the plot, with suspense being the primary mode it's really hard sometimes for the emotional character development.
However, this drama stands out as a prime example of an Emotional Thriller within the realm of Gripping Thrillers. Good to see excessive emotional touch in thrillers from the starting to end of the drama.
brought by :- Shinnosuke_Lee
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Disney+ Strikes Again: [Blood Free ] Offers a Fresh and Unique Cinematic Experience
Writer - Lee Soo Yeon ( Stranger series )Production House - Disney+ ( Dominating Netflix from last year )
Actors - Ju Ji Hoon, Han Hyo Joo, Lee Hee Jun ( Versatile actors )
And the plot all these elements caught my attention to watch Blood Free.
"Blood Free" marks a compelling departure from conventional K-drama narratives, introducing audiences to a captivating new genre known as "The Blood-Free Drama." This innovative approach, spearheaded by acclaimed writer Lee Soo Yeon and produced by Disney+, offers viewers a refreshing alternative to the typical bloodshed and violence often associated with the genre. Instead, the focus is on nuanced storytelling and character-driven narratives, setting a new standard for K-drama excellence.
If you think the drama is boring after watching few episodes don't make to drop it because The story will take new side from Cultured Meat to organs transplantation that where our main lead got some small super power with unexpected events. From this is where drama went to it's peak to track the mastermind behind blast and the rival new strategic attacks starts on Blood Free. We guess who is the Mastermind who is the main villian and who are the betrayals and who are the loyalty but somewhere our predictions goes to worng a little. Keep us in suspense who are they. With the Sci-fi plot the makers never neglected the mark of the storytelling with combination scenes of Woo Chae Won & Yoon Jae Yo to make a perfect picture of the story and their character motivations, and their chemistry, to keep us root for their pair give more. And another that -- Lee Soo Yeon mark in Emotional development of her works are exceptional, because majority of story contains with the suspense and thriller or Investigation elements, so with the limited space for emotional development it's really hard to handling the balance between limited emotional development and those elements (I saw them in other dramas, not comparing but saying how the writer perfectly placed all of them equally in her works.) But we can really make tears by some characters irrespective of main characters or supporting characters in her dramas, she showed her mark again - making good emotional development with bounded characters depth ( not to spoil here, you can experience it when you watch the drama ). Some Episodes feels bit bore but i think it's common in sci-fi thriller because this drama dealing with 10 eps sometimes it will miss some actual pace. But for me it was good paced and well structured story with serious paced story narration.
Yes, The drama's serious and well-paced narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat, expertly crafting a thrilling experience that's more focused on intellectual suspense than action-packed sequences. While the action scenes may be limited, the few that exist are impactful and satisfying. However, it's the unexpected moments of humor and heartwarming camaraderie between Woo Chae Woon and Kim Ho Seung that truly shine. Their brief but poignant bromance is a masterful stroke of storytelling, leaving you with a lump in your throat and a deeper emotional investment in the characters' journeys.
QUALITY DRAMA ELEMENTS :-
1. Intricate Plot: Led by writer Lee Soo Yeon, "Blood Free" boasts an intricately woven plot that keeps viewers engrossed from start to finish. The story follows Yun Ja-yu as she navigates the complexities of saving her company while delving into political intrigue and personal backstories, eliciting intrigue and speculation about the underlying mysteries.
2. Futuristic Setting: The show's exploration of the conflict between humanity and technology offers a compelling glimpse into a future world from the present. Through advanced technology disrupting the food chain, "Blood Free" presents thought-provoking themes that resonate with contemporary environmental and ethical concerns.
3. Exceptional Cast: With Ju Ji Hoon, Han Hyo Joo, and Lee Hee Jun leading the ensemble, "Blood Free" benefits from the talents of versatile actors who breathe life into their characters and infuse the narrative with depth and authenticity.
4. Cinematic Excellence: The cinematography in "Blood Free" is visually stunning, complementing the intricacies of the plot and enhancing the overall viewing experience. Each scene is meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the story and evoke emotion in the audience.
5. Han Hyo Joo & Ju Ji Hoon On-screen chemistry :- Their on-screen chemistry is truly amazing! While we're still in the unknown about a potential romance plot, and there aren't any hints suggesting one, their dynamic chemistry is enough to make the drama more enjoyable and entertaining, even amidst the intense survival storyline. Their chemistry is a compelling aspect of the show, and we're loving it!"
Plot seems potential but -
• Demanding Attention: Given the complexity of its plot and thematic depth, "Blood Free" requires viewers' full attention to grasp its intricacies and appreciate its nuances. Casual viewers may find it challenging to keep up with the narrative without dedicating sufficient focus.
• Initial Impressions: As with any new series, it's essential to give "Blood Free" a fair chance beyond the first few episodes. While the opening scene sets the stage for the main storyline, the true depth and complexity of the drama unfold gradually, rewarding viewers who invest time in exploring its themes and character dynamics.
CINEMATOGRAPHY !!
The Cinematography and the graphic CGI is brilliant, i don't know how to express this experience but i really felt the same vibes with
Hollywood movie " Blade Runner 2047 " like - drak tone cinematography in first episode ( it's clearly what I felt, so this may be different to every watcher ).
And Any chances for rom :-
Perhaps there's a strong chemistry without any romance. After watching four episodes, it seems like the upcoming episode will primarily focus on the female lead's survival and the pursuit of catching the mastermind behind the bomb blast. If they introduce a romantic plot between characters with strong chemistry, it might overshadow the main plot. Given that the writer is from the "Stranger" series, it wouldn't be surprising if she follows a similar formula, focusing more on chemistry rather than romance. However, I hope she incorporates a bit of romance this time. The scenes between them just make me want to see a new romantic drama again. ?
Finally
"Blood Free" emerges as a groundbreaking addition to the world of K-dramas, offering a compelling blend of suspense, drama, and science fiction. Through its innovative approach and thought-provoking themes, the series challenges traditional conventions and invites viewers on a captivating journey of exploration and discovery. With its stellar cast, intricate plot, and cinematic brilliance, "Blood Free" will stands as a testament to the limitless creativity of K-drama makers and promises an unforgettable viewing experience for audiences seeking something truly extraordinary. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of "Blood Free" and embark on a quest that will leave you enthralled and enlightened.
brought by :- Shinnosuke_Lee
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This review may contain spoilers
Sorry.....
There's no strong emotional development between the main leads; the male lead's acting is average; there's no proper explanation about the future (present). If there's time travel, going back to the present is an important element of the story, but without dealing with it, they give a simple ending with the past.This drama is good for K-drama beginners (time travel genre), but after watching many time travel dramas for me, they presented a simple revenge drama with the time travel element.
They had the choice to create a more dynamic relationship between the main leads by using her ex-boyfriend, and they had to create love triangle points too, like one spring night, but did not utilize those elements. It's better to sometimes use a third person to create strong emotional development between the main leads, like One Spring Night. If they use it more, it will become trash.
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A Simple Thriller.. The Trio treat to watch
Hello Monster is A simple thriller drama, that presents an emotional rollercoaster story about one's love and concern with a twisted fate..This drama came into my list when i was at the starting stage of adapting thriller/mystery genres from love/fantasy, and completed in 2 days.. After watching no.of Thrillers in kdrama this drama is also standout for its unique story selection. The main story runs with the investigation part but However, In my opinion the most compelling and freshest element of the plot is the second part of the story, which centers on the brotherhood bond (you will know once you watch the drama ).
And the first Criminal-Profiler drama i watched, they presented very well and detailed manner of new-coming thriller elements like criminal profiler in S Korean dramas, They put forward the topic of criminology to us and showed existential-humanistic theories with different solving criminal cases that explain criminals, serial killers, and psychopaths by examining their motives, behaviors, growth! It was the drama that showed almost everything related to Profiler. And I'm saying too much on Criminal parts means this is not a dark thriller or complete psychological thriller :) this is less romance but complicated brotherhood bond and overall an emotional thriller. A thriller plot twist is the core part of capturing the viewers interest to complete the drama and Hello Monster plot twist challenges our expectations, creates tension between characters and often reveals new layers to the narrative, making our viewing experience more immersive and satisfying adding an emotional backdrop story to it, once the plot twist was revealed it adds unpredictability and suspense and keep engaged and eager to see how the story unfolds from this moment. Plot twist along with additional twists might look simple, but with skilled script work, they created a major impact on the story narration.
Decent performance from the whole cast, especially the trio Seo In Guk, Park Bo Gum, Choi Won Young fictional characters they trigger us to experience a wide range of emotions beyond the relationships with well connected naturally and the bloodline that never want to aprat from us in any circumstances. This trio is a treat to watch.
And Jang Nara was given a settled performance. The Soundtrack & Camera good, the Screenplay highlights in some scenes to surprise with good story telling..
I will recommend this drama to those who are interested in a simple thriller that explores criminology as well as the good emotional bonding between brothers..
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This review may contain spoilers
TWENTY FIVE TWENTY ONE -- ONE OF THE BEST DRAMA IN KDRAMA HISTORY..
All beautiful things will eventually come to an End, and sometimes it happens much earlier than you'd like to..25 21 It's a unique drama about youth which highlights young love while beautifully stating the lives of the 5 protagonists. The protagonists and drama takes you back in time to your youthful days that you cherish the various viewpoints on life in different stages of life. Mostly 25 21 delivers the valuable life lessons like it centers on pursuing one's dreams, mother-daughter relationships, sacrifices, first love, friendship, and family, rather than just romance line it covers every element from love to family relationships.
Yi Jin & Hee do love story is beautiful, realistic and heartbreaking. Throughout their journey we can find one's real love, supportive and care towards our loved ones.
I enjoyed the platonic friendship between Ji-Woong & Seung-won because not every close person can be lovers for me it's more than love called friendship. I like Seung-won character & her personality bold and honest straightforward person.
Bona masterfully portrayed her Ko Yu-rim character it represents many of us in today's generation, like complexities, as an ideal and fresh-faced star fencing player on one side but a struggling 19-year-old on the other side.
And the mother daughter relationship between Hee do and his mother is more realistic. Baek Yi Jin family story would represent the family affection and parental love, brothers relationship beautifully..
And one the best part is they choose the 3 Major World contemporary issues to run their story in these days. And WoW they perfectly dealt with the contemporary issues like the IMF crisis, 9/11 and COVID 19 pandemic how this are effected the real lifes of people in those days.
Screenwriting & Direction & Cinematography departments cast departments :-
Another element that can be appreciated about Twenty-Five Twenty-One is that director Jung Ji-hyun has used nostalgia as props rather than mere timeline elements. The director has also maintained a fast pace for the storytelling, keeping the audience engaged. It requires a team effort from the cast, crew, and writer to create an experience for the audience that can move us from tears to outrage to laughing in minutes.
We deeply value their efforts.
The cinematography is also one of the key highlights of the drama. Many Korean dramas carry outstanding cinematography, but I'm marking this as one of the best aspects of Twenty-Five Twenty-One. Dramas typically use a variety of lighting effects ( Colour grinding) to differentiate between two (or more) story timelines. Interestingly, in this drama, they used the same colour filtration. This helps the story telling ( narration ) to connect the two timeframes of the story displaying that certain feelings and experiences travel from present to past generations of characters.
It’s hard for me to imagine anyone else playing Hee-do and Yi-jin and other 3 main characters but them. The entire cast delivers excellent performances, but Kim Tae-Ri as Hee-Do and Nam Joo-Hyuk as Yi-Jin stand out for their ability to capture how the characters support one another.
Ending :- There is absolutely nothing about this series that I dislike. Especially the ending.. The ending received mixed responses simply because Most of the watchers wanted/expected Yi Jin & Hee do end up together irrespective of the story point, but it was unexpected they gave a realistic ending and in my opinion that is what ultimately makes the ending memorable and satisfying. It reflects our real-life scenarios and characters from everyday life.. Yes, in real life or fantasy ( drama world ) not everyone lovestory and gets a happy ending, How
1) Most people don’t end up with their first love because it depends on the circumstances around them.
2) Not everyone doesn’t choose love over their career.
(be rational)
3) Nothing is predictable, that is what the drama is about so as a kdrama lover we are always ready to adapt new/realistic endings not criticizing them badly.
Finally:-
It's a complete nostalgic ride, I may never encounter a coming-of-age drama like 25 21, It's literally created a deep, unique spot in my Heart. This drama made me cry, laugh, and experience all kinds of emotions and 25 21 - overall a love-friendship-inspirational drama for every viewer irrespective of age. The side characters and friendships were equally important as the lead couple, the humor was wonderful and the time span the backdrop presented the story with an enjoyable contemporary environment.
I recommend this drama to everyone who loves kdramas.
My Favourite Line " Life is precious. Let’s love with no regrets while we’re alive " - Baek Yi Jin ?
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Flex X Cop - A Perfect mixture of COMDEY-ACTION-MYSTERY-THRILLER !! ENJOYABLE
Waited for this drama since the day when they announced the cast and production crew.. Because this is another collaborative drama between Ahn Bo-Hyun and Writer Kim Ba-da after " My Name " is one the best Action thriller. Did they got another hit ? Let's See..Premise feels simple " _ " However, the plot setup and story narration make it exciting to watch and move forwards to explore the comedy thriller.
COMEDY - ACTION - THRILLER - MYSTERY
It's unique to find comedy-action-mystery-thriller aspects in one drama; typically thrillers erase the humor plot and increase the seriousness of the story, but Flex X Cop effectively combined its four parts and delivered an enjoyable drama. Not only is it a comedy thriller, but it also has a continuous secondary plot about a family troop and their conflicts, including a father who seems to care while ignoring his own son, and a kid who craves his father's love but is constantly turned down by his stepmother.
It's an amazing blend that guarantees each episode is interesting, every case solving is thrilling and you're kept on edge. Especially the Psychiatrist Case-ep is really wonderful given that the case is the critical point of Jin Isoo's hunting dream break down. Let's appreciate the very good cinematography.
GOOD CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
A unique mixture of adrenaline-pumping action and funny entertaining moments. "Flex X Cop" hits the perfect balance between solving serious criminal cases, entertaining and deliveries comradeship between the leads and their fellow detectives. Good character development. Female lead develops from unsettling detective who overlooks the ML because of his social status to an understandable person, like a buddy who helps him find his path in every difficult moment. And Rich pampered Conglomerate Son to be a good officer; he wants to prove himself since Jin Isoo is a cop who has a responsibility to defend and enforce the law.
Overall a enjoyable drama with engaging story.. Good acting from every actor..
They announced season 2 :)..
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An Exciting Thriller..
The drama [ Extracurricular ] takes a different aspect from typical school dramas, like a struggling male lead who manages trafficking businesses. It ( his work ) can be troubling at times because things frequently get away from his control and he is unable to deal with his unexpected situations. So, despite the dark atmosphere, the story was well-constructed and captivating to the end.As a kdrama lover I'm not defending bullying, sexual assault, or whatever else they shown in this drama, but what i liked is how the K-drama ( Extracurricular ) subtly unveils the depth of a crime-filled plot with teenage school story line. Let's appreciate that Netflix work brought a different subject theme this time allowing the writer Jin Han-Sae and Director Kim Jin-Min to move away from the common Korean high school storyline, cut off the classic love story element, and brought the crucially dark topics such as school bullying, payed dating, online sex work, and a variety of other issues navigating young adolescents in today's online world..
You will most certainly feel a wide range of emotions from sadness to love to frustration to anger to excitement through the main characters. And those emotions help add what can be an incredibly enlightening view of today’s youth and crime.
Kim Dong Hee is a brilliant actor and one of the young korean talents, After receiving prominent status for his supporting parts in the two biggest dramas, Kim Dong Hee jumps into leading roles & conveys an emotionally intense performance that will leave us question ourselves what you stand for at the end of the drama, Park Joo Hyun another talented young actress, no word how to appreciate her work, A Perfectionist. She really gave her 10/10 performance here, Portraying raw emotions with parental pressure and like a deep hurting inside daughter she perfectly played her role. Jung Da Bin did an excellent job giving her character depth.
Both ScreenWriter & Director were given a good thriller by showing the School Bullying, harassment, social norms, and parental pressure are all aspects of the life of a high school student in South Korea.
Cinematography and Soundtrack two are top quality that they capture us into a thriller mood.
Still waiting for season 02..
I enjoyed the drama and thanks to the Kdrama Judge who was given[ recommendation ] to me one of the best Kdramas. If you’re looking for an exploration in Korean highschool thriller with an engaging plot then this is definitely a must-watch..
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Incredibly Fantastic ! EMOTIONAL, EVOCATIVE and POIGNANTE !!!
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST MOVIE OF 2024 !!!My Name Is Loh Kiwan is an emotional rollercoaster romantic thriller that takes you on a thrill-filled journey in Belgium. The story runs smoothly from sadness to action-romance-beyond realism the harsh reality of refugees. The plot is well-paced, with the main characters developing progressively the dark tone of rom element keeps the audience entertained. Every one character's actions are legitimate and dependable on eachother, running with Loh Kiwan and Marie story, it represents story between Father-daughter, Mother-son. My Name is Loh Kiwan carries a wide range of all genres that can be really liked by anyone ( watchers). The cast of every character truly symbolizes their specific roles, delivering how the characters feel to life. Loh Kiwan triggers an indication on other cinematic brilliant works of the Korean film industry.
[ 10/10 !!!! ]
Outstanding Soundtrack, top quality Cinematography (Loh Kiwan Close-up shots are good) Visually amazing every scene by setting dark tone; the film displays beautiful atmospheres that reflect each character's existential experience.
[ SONG JOONG-KI ]
Song Joong-ki's physical appearance conversion, and emotionally charged makeover are certainly the film's standout paths. His physical appearance is the centerpiece that allows ourselves to emotionally. engage with the story in a deeper way. He again shown the versatility of his acting with this movie. Giving a chance to Debute director is really a good challenge. He took the challenge and deleveried his acting in new way proficiently. Song Joong-ki as Kiwan has won the hearts of the audience. His versatility is beyond words and after you’ve seen his other projects, it is proved how easily he molds himself as per the requirements of his role.
[ LEAD ACTORS ]
Loh Ki-wan's transformation from at risk to strength is prominent, while Marie's struggles with addictions and issues with her family throw depth to her character. Their on-screen chemistry surpasses geographical boundaries, and their love story narrates overwhelming feeling of mutual suffering and redemption that connects to watchers. As i expected the climax made me cry, especially Choi Sung Eun acting like suffering from outside circumstances and dealing with her own emotions Loh Kiwan feelings will make everyone emotional. And Song Joong-ki classic in climax leave good impression on his character development.
[ DIRECTION - WRITTING ]
Debute movie of Director Kim Hee-jin, she utilised her cast perfectly within the small looking big story, i really appreciate her work of Loh Kiwan, because it's her first movie and cast like Song Joong-ki Choi Sung Eun so I doubted there's a some pressure on her but after watching the movie I understand I was worng.
She carried masterfully every scene. Although it's an adaptation the movie writer brilliantly delivered the script with heart touching lines. Loh Kiwan standout with unique mix of traditional story telling with amazing scenes that make you enjoy and emotional feel in every moment.The performances of supporting actors such as Lee Sang-hee, Kim Sung-ryeong, and Cho Han-chul are also excellent.
[ Finally ]
South Korean Film makers never fail to deliver a movie from Intense battles to emotional tales, and western entertainment media appreciate Korean Film Makers as " South Korea is a goldmine of original ideas and storytelling talents ". And we can saw it from Loh Kiwan.
Definitely one of the most memorable films I've seen. This movie may inspire, sometimes horrify, or send you into an existential crisis, but it will make you think about something new by the time you finish it. Despite its dark underlying themes, the film ultimately delivers an appealing message of hope and endurance, leaving viewers with a sense of satisfaction and emotional ride..
brought by -- Shinnosuke_Lee
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This one surprised me :)
While watching excessive rom-com dramas I want to watch fresh drama that only ( majority ) humour/laughing in this way i found Mad for each other. This my first drama of lead actors, but impressed by their natural performance.Quick Roundup on plot :-
He is a crazy police officer who can't control his anger.
Due to a particular case, his life changed and he started to have anger control disorder due to the aftereffects.
She had everything in the past but because of a tragic incident, she lost faith in people. She has closed the door to her heart and unintentionally causes anger around her. What happens if these two people encounter each other ?
Mad For Each Other is a short drama that presents the art of humour storytelling through characters, with small stories building into a main one. The story is an interesting and enjoyable start from two completely different personalities people encountered each other, the show begins on an exciting and humorous attention with the main characters meeting up and connecting to each other at the same time hating each other.
Yep, it looks like a simple story but dealing with the inner effects of human beings from their taruma with different persons perspectives and It represented modern issues such as diversity, mental health, drugs, and dating violence this drama impressed me.
By showing the simple story in front-side, the writer showed his/her remarkable writing with a well structured plot, Like the drama explores insightful realizations related to one's mental health and how the long-term impacts of trauma reflect itself. You must find someone that you can rely on, the first half of the show, it was mostly these two main leads hating each other but being forced to be around each other. Until slowly they begin to trust each other while unknowingly healing each other of their problems.
Simple soundtrack, nice Cinematography made every scene fresh to connect the drama and its characters. Well developed side characters and good characterizations. And excellent performance from two main leads.
Overall i enjoyed the drama but in some episodes I got bored, but with their humour and fresh plot keeps you watching the entire drama.
If you're looking for a mature humours rom drama then this one is for you :).
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When the Kdrama showed it's truly thriller side from Rom
It took almost 1 year to watch Flower of Evil from my watchlist because at that time I was still loving rom-com dramas. But after watching Flower of Evil I turned into a thriller lover..Flower of Evil is a drama that is mastered in every drama aspect ' gripping story, solid acting, stunning cinematography, excellent soundtrack ' ..
Quick Roundup on Plot:-
Baek Hee-sung is a man who hides his past and true identity from his wife Cha Ji-won, a dedicated police detective. Apparently, they are a perfect couple, they love each other and have a precious daughter who adores her parents. But when Cha Ji-won and her colleagues start investigating a case that leads them to a serial killer, she starts to realize that her almost-perfect husband might be hiding something.
Why this drama is a classic thriller !! Surprised many non-thriller lovers !!
Yes it's not easy to set the rom-melo and marriage element in the thriller Mystery genre also where our main protagonist looks like an anti-protagonist in first half drama, but the once move to second half we will know why the writer choose the rom-melo element t in thriller genre, because that element is plays crucial role to connect the story as well as the characters. The dynamic relationships between Protagonist with his wife, daughter, sister makes to create great impact on story progression, there are times when the main character is feared of losing his wife and daughter that what makes to create more sympathetic points towards the protagonist.
The side characters were also well developed, with solid storylines and enough involvement in the main story. Spot on was the family drama as well, with many sweet moments between father and daughter in addition to the warmth of the main couple.
Flower of Evil covers a lot of ground, from the formation of psychopaths to the exploration of someone’s identity to the perseverance of love in the face of uncertainty. This show has it all: suspense, melodrama, twists and turns, and romance.
Finally :-
The show is extraordinarily clean and refreshing. Something that can make you sad, happy, angry, worried, and curious all at the same time. It's an excellent drama that will keep you interested while explaining the inner workings of relationships, such as the way people develop as a result of being in them, the complexities of those relationships, and how they personally affect the people involved.
If you are looking for a perfect thriller and unforgettable experience of a drama then Flower of Evil is for you.
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MASTERPIECE! Excellent Story, Blending excellent characterization, lots of twists.
Stranger is the drama for you if you thrive on law-crime-thriller genres.PLOT SET-UP, A VERY WELL EXECUTED WITH THRILLING AND SUSPENSE ASPECTS :-
A murder turns out to be more complex and puzzling than they initially thought, unravelling a whole national conspiracy behind the scenes. Viewers might find themselves questioning every character’s motives and allegiance while trying to find the real culprit. Not easy to deal with Puzzle.
Plot twists were properly executed, every second the suspense was maintained until the very end, the plot accelerated forward continuously, and the ending pulled more toward realistically than it did toward a perfect cliffhanger ending for season 2.
A amazingly challenging plotline that had me captivated and invested in the story from the start. I kept trying to figure out who the culprit was, but I couldn't. This is a prime example of those stories where you have to pay close attention or you'll become interconnected with the story and end up in the web of events and confused. AMAZING . MASTERPIECE
Finally :-
If you’re sick of all these romantic and cute dramas and want to watch something with gripping twists that makes you binge the whole series at once, this drama is for yo
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Kdrama Action Genre when it's peaks !!! Truly Action Cinematic Experience
Vagabond raised my standards in Action Dramas.
The drama is about a stuntman named Cha Dal Gun (played by Lee Seung Gi) who teams up with an NIS (National Intelligence Service) agent named Go Hae Ri (played by Suzy) in order to uncover the truth behind the plane crash that killed his nephew.
Action and Plot Work :-
Drama primarily runs with the investigation of Cha Dal Gun trying to reveal the truth of the plane crash, but in the background the story extends with big twists and turns power scandals of S Korea.
As an action lover, Vagabond is a great action epic drama for me. If you are into fights, gun battles, and car chases, then this is for you. I'm sure Vagabond wouldn’t bore you. Behind Every action scene there is a plot behind it and a convincing storyline for why things happen the way they do. The story looks small but after getting ep by ep the storyline unfolds a big puzzle. The drama has enough suspense and fast-paced action to keep us on the edge of our seats every episode, and that’s largely thanks to the incredible acting talent of Lee Seung Gi, Suzy and other co actors and also this drama offers a solidly entertaining take on the sub-plots ( government, politics, scandals, middle power, NIS).
Vagabond has an intricately crafted plot and decent production quality of Netflix and SBS.
Actors:-
This is my first Lee Seung-gi drama watching his action scenes can't control myself to fan for him.
He was fantastic by delivering so much intense emotion combined with some seriously awesome action. He was just impressive in every way.
Suzy ( Go Hae ri ) one of my favourite actresses after Vagabond, as a rookie NIS agent who is working overseas and fallen love with Cho Dal Gun ( Lee Seung-Gi) to try to help him given phenomenal acting, her raw characterization suited very well. Hopefully, she will return soon to the action genre again.
Primarily this is not a complete clean rom-drama, but the chemistry between Lee Seung-Gi & Bae Suzy carried the whole drama with action and swoon-worthy.
Also it already forms the outlines of a classic love triangle between its two leads and another male character.
Camera work:-
The filming took place in several locations; Portugal, Morocco and South Korea. The cinematography of ‘Vagabond’ was really well done. The action scenes were well shot. I love the fact that they hardly used shaky cams, yep shaky cam work in action chasing dramas is an important aspect, Watched first shaky cam work in kdrama in vagabond, it's really the best camera work.
Finally :-
I would recommend a watch for Vagabond despite its open ending. This Korean Drama is indeed an action flick that delivers excellent story telling ! The plot is brilliantly developed with solid climax and high octane twists and turns. With actors like Lee Seung-Gi and Suzy, it portrays a decently constructed plot, and gripping action scenes, Vagabond offers a reliably entertaining experience to K-drama fans.
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