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The dissension between bourgeois and proletariat were presented with two families where obviously one belongs to the privileged class whereas another from the lower middle class. Fate turned up in a way where both families come in contact with each other through adopting shoddy method by the latter. Eventually the temporary elation transformed into repugnant misfortunes costing both the families’ life of a loved one though there was no pernicious intention whatsoever from the beginning.
Basically to my perception, the writer wanted to elicit that accepting one’s socio-economic condition is the best way rather than being wafted by greed. Precipitous actions would always bring-forth debacle. As the very name suggests itself “parasite”, this social parasite had existed, existing and will exist but instead of indignation it is ideal to work consistently and persistently towards changing one’s situation.
All in all it is a fantastic movie. No wonder it already secured a reputable international award. The casts had all shown remarkable performances, alongside smart writing and direction. Everyone interested in movies in general should watch it because I have personally never seen such an unusual portrayal of a typical subject matter.
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Firstly, the story does not at all fall into the category of typical horror genre. I was bit aversive at the beginning about whether to start it or not; however, I do not regret at all because it is ravishingly well made. This is the first time I am watching any drama genre which has given a completely different message using horror-thriller concept. Maintaining an aberrant concept with spirits/ghosts/any supernatural being to portray an underlying perfidiousness of mankind expresses perfect erudition of the writers.
One harbinger, one priest and a detective - are the three unfortunate people- relatively of same age are the three main characters of this drama. Through thick and thin and utter turmoil they fought with the unknown iniquitous power which has the ultimate target to make the entire human race its sycophant. During the time of atrocity, corruption or belligerence or in general during the weakest time of a human, when their morality dwindles, integrity shaken and corruption becomes rampant that’s when this invisible being becomes supremely powerful. Thus it possesses people claiming it would chew his/her heart, making them torpid and would take full control of their soul. The portrayal is rather a complex one enough to give the viewers harrowing feeling yet the charm of the story is simply ineluctable. Although many macabre scenes may produce nausea but it is a kind of masterpiece that has one prime message to deliver.
Upon hearing quite a number of dialogues regarding pinpointing at the facinorous characteristics of human, I became quite doubtful about what they want to depict. It is not at all an usual one. Never have I seen any dramas of this genre possessing deep edification. Everything became clear when the writers' thoughts have been expressed as an epilogue at the end of the finale episode. Following is what they said, “The guest tried to look at the problems in our society through another perspective. All bad things eventually start from the heart of people, and this is what we wanted to depict. They say humans are the most frightening beings. Just like the viewers called Yun Hwa Pyung “Yun Peace”, we hope all viewers find peace of mind”.
Apparently, though all the episodes are petrifying but if can be concentrated past the horror scenes, viewer can find the vehemence the writers depicted on the dark psychology of humans. As they have said it is simple, a person’s unscrupulous acts submerge them into intense evil. Thus the weakest heart full of malevolence would subject to debacle.
From the beginning till end the story, acting of the ensembles, cinematography, cliff hangers, OSTs and most importantly the pace are extremely intriguing. Chill would run down one’s spine still one would be glued to his/her sit. Guaranteed. All credit and a huge round of applause should go to the ensembles for doing marvelous job of frightening us even in the broad day light. Moreover, I cannot eulogize the directors enough for their meticulous and well thought out direction and the writers for presenting us a discerning story through the lens of supernatural action/thriller. In one word the drama is enigmatic yet the message it holds is explicable.
OCN always present us the darkest, most sombrous dramas with captivating plot twists. I cannot say much due to the fear of giving out spoilers. So, if you do not want to live in quandary and quench your utter dismay you should go and watch it.
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Metaphorically, some concurrent/pressing societal yet universal issues were sublimely portrayed which I would like to list down in the following:
1. Divorce rates are at rise in SK as per some authentic statistics whereas the marriage rate is decreasing every year. Through this drama it is expressed several times that life might get extremely difficult still divorce should not be the immediate reaction for a couple to break up rather both the person must respect each other’s space. Best is to talk it out and solve the issues at hand with patience and perseverance. None of the humans are perfect and both the spouse goes through some kind of hardships which they refrain from sharing from each other rather resort to superficial expectation or keep on grousing at each other making the relationship derailed and the problems irresolute.
2. Teen pregnancy is also at rise in SK. Adoption rate of these children are the highest in the world. Most teen parents (especially woman) abort the child due to heavy social stigma against single unwed mothers and also due to lack of support from the biological father. Subtly 18 again shows, mistake or whatever if you have the sensibility to satisfy your whimsical hormonal need then you must also be prepared to take full responsibility of the human(s) you’re bringing into this world. It would be excruciating to nurture but giving up should not be a viable option.
3. Respect towards in-laws. Often times it is seen that both the spouses are just sufficiently good to their in-laws on their face. There is always lack of ingenuity. However, taking care of the in-laws to the utmost and taking care of some of their basic needs is a candor habit many lacks. Just because they are aging doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be disposed or neglected.
4. Stereotypes about working mother, discrimination against women, sexual harassment, starting job at a later age and so on. All these female related issues are wonderfully portrayed and how women with utmost grit tolerate all these. Hurdles are numerous yet they manage to reach success if have confidence and hardheadedness. Empowering oneself no matter how much dirt are being thrown at and holding up one’s head high during adversities is also one of the hidden messages of this drama. Nonetheless, relentless support from the partner also makes a huge difference in boosting up a woman’s self-esteem has also been highlighted.
5. Empowering a girl child. Although the couple has twin children (one son and one daughter), mostly the daughter’s adoration, care and struggles are mostly emphasized for a reason.
6. Importance of martial arts for women. With abnormal hike on violence against women worldwide, undeniably martial arts are imperative for any women at least at a minimum. Both the mother and daughter in this drama are capable of applying few tactics during some unexpected events.
7. Workplace harassment. Nepotism, favouritism and cronyism are practiced intensely in high power distance countries like SK, where many becomes frustrated affecting their personal, social and familial life. Deserving candidates are always overlooked or are not given chance to show their true potential or are harshly treated by their higher-ups. The male protagonist of this drama has been unprecedentedly belittled by his higher up which in turn made his life completely upside down, only earned him disdain from his own family members due to their misunderstandings. Hence one issue could branch out to create several severe issues in a person’s life.
Last but not the least the epilogues stole my heart away, especially the one which says that there is no room for regret for life choices, if you regret that’s the end but if we take all the experiences as a learning process then every lesson will open a new phase in life; a new beginning will take place.
About the performances of the casts, Lee Do Hyun overshadowed everyone with his unflawed natural acting skills. What a superbly matured acting at such a young age. No wonder just after playing a supporting role in Hotel Del Luna, he landed up in a main role in a high profile drama like 18 again. His expressions, emotional portrayal, gesture, posture, looks, stares all are sufficiently perfect for the role. He might win few awards this year without a doubt.
Most importantly, the nine OSTs are the nine gems of this drama. Oh my my my each and every songs captured the right mood and set another mood which may be the scenes itself should not have done. So much feelings and emotions oozed out from every song. Especially, whenever, I listen to “Hello” and “Somebody” tears automatically rolls down, takes me back to which world or which era I can’t comprehend. They are simply magically to say it the least.
I really loved this drama a lot due to its tasteful balance of entertainment with some serious issues which was completely unexpected. Although I found the last episode bit cheesy but underlying points I mentioned above were the main reasons I have rated it 8.5.
It is overall an excellent watch.
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