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KAVO

So Cal USA

KAVO

So Cal USA
Mr. Heart korean drama review
Completed
Mr. Heart
5 people found this review helpful
by KAVO
Oct 23, 2020
8 of 8 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 10
Story 10.0
Acting/Cast 10.0
Music 10.0
Rewatch Value 10.0
This review may contain spoilers

Sets the Gold Standard in BL Dramas

"Mr. Heart" sets a new gold standard among the BL dramas I've seen. It hit all the right notes. There are some minor issues with the way the sub-plot of the loan sharks doesn't quite mesh with the rest of the story, but I'll give them a pass on that. Somehow "Mr. Heart" manages to dodge the usual pitfalls in these stories. For example, in formula BL stories there's always a scene like after a drunken night out the two guys wake up the next morning in bed together then freak out when they see each other naked. These scenes are just nonsense. Ironically, "Mr. Heart" overcomes this cliche perfectly with the two guys hanging out in a Jjimjilbang (spa). Excellent writing. What can I say about Lee Se Jin as Sang Ha. He nails this character. When he's not in a scene, you can't wait for him to appear again. While he's slightly less masculine than the Jinn Won character, he doesn't cross into the Uke stereotype. Cheon Seung Ho has the always thankless role of the bully love interest. Thankfully his character gets in touch with his feelings early on and doesn't go down the usual dramatic path of overcompensating. In fact, Jin Won's private enjoyment of Sang Ha's affections, as in the couple of bed scenes, is beautifully directed. We rarely get to see through the bravado of these bully characters until late in the drama. In full disclosure the English subtitles stopped working about 2/3 into the story, so I had to guess what happens from the action on screen. I hope to see the rest of this drama with subtitles some day. Korea could take the crown away from Thailand for BL dramas if they can keep this high standard. Update: I did get to see it with the rest of the subtitles. The film is cinematic enough that I guessed what the dialogue was pretty closely. The sub-story of the debt still seems like an afterthought, never fully in sync with the love story. Jin Won punching Sang Ha in the face in the final scene is out of character and undermines the audience's support for his character. No doubt the director wanted to show Jin Won's frustration but that could have been done just as well with a shove to the shoulder. Violence and love are an incompatible mix, like oil and water. That said, the final scene is very sweet. The movie is worthy of multiple viewings. I hope they'll release it on Bluray or DVD.
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