I will be explaining what i thought about this drama
Honestly, this drama is amazing. I really love the actors acting and how there are so many plot twists!. There are 3 season’s but i recommend watching all 3 season’s because this drama is amazing!. If i had to say which actor did the best acting it was joo dan tae/Um Ki-joon his acting was really good. People always say if someone annoys you in a drama they were in then they good at acting. That’s what i mean by his acting is really good. I like all the actors acting though its like as if its happening in real life and not just in a drama. If you are looking for a drama with plot twists and great acting then watch this drama its an amazing drama and i 100% recommend it.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A very exciting and addictive tragicomic Thriller.
I'm doing this review after I've watched all three seasons of the series, but I'll forget the other two to focus on how I felt watching season 1. Honestly, I think it's one of the most exciting and addictive Korean dramas I've ever seen. The story hooks you almost from the first minute and keeps you desperately impatient to see what happens in the next episode, which is its best virtue. Obviously, it is an ensemble story, where all the characters are very important within the story and almost all the subplots are very interesting. It is a perfect mix of comedy, drama, action, and suspense, an intense, convoluted, and funny tragicomic thriller. The main characters are very charismatic, both the heroes and the villains, especially the three leading women (Shim Su-ryeon, Oh Yoon-hee, and Cheon Seo-jin), and the leading male villain (Joo Dan-tae). The story of the character Min Seol-ah, whose murder is the cause of all the action this season, is quite moving, I empathized with her a lot. The characters of the rich, both the adults and the young, are so despicable that it is impossible not to hate them and want them to suffer the worst revenge (although at least the adults are charismatic and funny). In general, the plot is well constructed, to be exciting and fun, although it is evident that it has a lot of melodrama, in the style of a soap opera (which is normally something negative but here it is forgivable). Although there are little things about the plot that I don't like, watching the entire season is such an enjoyable and exciting experience that in the end, the rating has to be a 10. The ending would be disappointing if it weren't for the fact that it is an open ending to allow a second season. In conclusion, it is a fun story of intrigue and suspense with a good dose of action and drama. The opening credits sequence deserves high praise.Was this review helpful to you?
keep my tense up
now I understand why people said its sky castle, class of lies and the world of married all in 1 drama and I understand the hype. the storyline was great, keeping my tense up every single episode and curious on what will happen next. it is full of twists, when you thought one thing is going to be over there's always another thing stopping that to happen. Same goes to the characters, you thought you will like this person but then it turns out to be another evil character. just keep in mind that this is a very dramatic drama or so called makjang for you to make sense of everything. The acting was top notch, love every character especially Lee Ji Ah. Can't wait for season 2, and I hope in the next season there will be more about the kids (well i need more of kim young dae).Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
literally just sky castle, vip, and world of married (MAJOR SPOILERS IN SKY CASTLE AND PENTHOUSE)
I kinda rate this drama as 50/50 (if that's how you say it) anyways first of all this drama focuses on high-class families and about getting into prestigious high schools then getting a student get murdered. Well, I have watched Sky Castle already and so I can say that Penthouse just tried to be Sky castle. I will now be comparing SKy Castle and Penthouse, first of all, these two have so much in common except for these parents having an affair, the most common thing about it is the prestigious school and a high school murder. Let me get to the point eventually in Sky Castle there's also a "Seola" in there, a girl in Sky castle also is an orphan, dies because of getting adults threatened, and then their parents find out about them being their child after the child dies. Then we have VIP and world of married which applies adults having affairs and yeah idk anymore LOLI'm not into family dramas too much but anyway I think this drama is too much, I don't know if the director did this because they hate high-class families or because Korea is getting out of hand too much, oh and Korea is actually high on suicide cases, and mental issues due to strict parents, school, and netizens. (And also the fact that this is trending in Korea?)
The acting here is lacking but the main roles did so much, Suryeon was a very interesting character honestly I skipped half of this drama because of how annoying and boring it is and the only parts that I did not skip is Suryeon's parts (Also the kids because I'm into high school dramas). Seojin's acting was very good she stood out the most to me. The kids' acting was a bit bland but of course, Seokyoung's acting stood out the most to me. The drama was just full of screaming and throwing a tantrum for no reason it's annoying, I get that it's to make their acting immersive(?) but like there's no need for that it's a waste of time it's not like somethings gonna change. The drama just lacks common sense and too dramatic.
Anyways I don't really think there was a reason for this to have 21 episodes, I think there were just too many characters leading to so many subplots that did not even matter and a waste of time comedy.
Would I recommend it? Depends on your taste, but personally sure give it a try. Would I rewatch it? No, as I said I skipped half of this drama.
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Amazing！
I haven't been watching Makjang especially after finishing Temptation of Wife at one go years ago.And so, I've checked the writer and only to realize that she wrote the script of Temptation of Wife and was amazed by her writing (again).
The acting from all the actors are amazing and especially for Leee Ji Ah and Kim So Yeon (whose personality, in reality, is really different from her character in the drama)
The way every single actors and actress are able to make you sit on the edge and curse them out (LMFAO, I really did for the whole 21 episodes) and it's crazy.
People who are in for suspense and thrills, this is gonna be the one for it.
If you are not one who can stay for 3 seasons, this drama probably won't be for you.
The second season is coming out this Jan 29 or February and I seriously can't wait to see how the story goes on!
Rewatch value is low because normally for Makjang, once you know how the story goes, the suspense and intensity you feel will no longer be there when you watch it for the second time.
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THE BEST!!!
I have never in my love fell in love with any drama like this. I was scrolling down and looking for something to watch because I was out of drama and I found the best! this is the first time I'm seeing these actors, and I fell in love instantly. the first episode was a bit boring for me but I continued to watch and trust me this drama will never disappoint you. every episode will kill you with curiosity. I love this whole drama because it shows what you can do with money and how it will ruin you. how many things you will have to throw away to keep that status and money you have. loved the whole storyline and I must say Penthouse has one of the best plot twists ever!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I actually started this drama after the series ended. It was already creating a buzz on the internet during the broadcast period, even renewing for 2 more seasons. I entered the drama honestly with high expectations and objectively it did met most of the expectations I had for the show.STORY
Story wise, this genre has been increasingly popular I guess? Focusing on higher ups in the society, and real estate + education corrupt systems in S.Korea. While such occurrences will not be relatable to none, it definitely has the effect of piquing one's curiosity into a life that we may never dream to occur. It revolves around a privileged estate made only for the top 1% of the richest in Korea. A murder occurs that changes the lives of our main characters and of course their kids. The premise begins with Seol-A who struggled to make end meets. To stay afloat, with her smart brains, she was engaged as the tutors for our Hera club kids (Eunbyeol, Joo Twins, Minhyuk & Jenny) to help them enter Chung A Institute, which is founded by one our main villian Seo Jin. The premise also showed the bad blood between Seo Jin & Yoon Hee, who's talented daughter, Rona dreams of entering Chung A. Well of course, things don't go well given her feud with SJ & her having no support. While the little Hera club kids pass their music tests with flying colors (thanks to bribery by their parents + rigging), SA came in first place, with RN being first on the waiting list to enter her dream school. Her fake identity being exposed & jealousy by her same aged friend drew her trouble & she was unfortunately bullied. It doesn't help that she happened to chance upon SJ & Joo Twins' Dad (Joo Dan Tae's) adultery which draws her more danger together with Yoon Hee's desperation for her daughter to enter Chung A. The only temporal warmth SA could enjoy was the kind Joo Twins' mother, Suryeon whom turns out to be her biological mother. However, all was late, and before SR could reunite with her, she witness her die, right in front of her eyes in Hera Palace. SA's death was however covered, by the Hera kid's parents, and the series finally opens to SR beginning her quest to uncover the culprit and to avenge SA's death. Along the way, we see the unjust in education systems, real estate businesses and how the kids are because of their parents. And along SR's lonely quests to fight against DT & SJ while trying to uncover the truth of her daughter's death, she uses YH but eventually came to care for her genuinely as a sister and aided her up the social ladder and her admittance into Hera Palace. Along the way also appears Logan Lee, an American-Korean businessman who harbors vengeance towards the Hera people due to the death of her adoptive sister (SA). However, with threats and greed, this show really make one ponder how far will you go for your ambitions ? Murder seems like an answer, for these rich people with barely gripping from remorse. Their kids have turned to little monsters, but most with traumas of their own. YH is the epitone of how one changes. The more you gain & the greedier you are. The more you have to lose, the greater the monsters inside you grows. The plots and twists of this show is definitely unpredictable. While there are some loopholes and questionable executions along the way, I was able to look pass it because of the suspense of the drama! While i did felt the first few episodes were abit dry (understandable since they introduced alot of characters etc) I felt the series did picked up at the back. The overall experience was enjoyable and it was a surprised to me that this was made by SBS. The series reminded me of Sky Castle + The World of the Married, of which both were under JTBC. I am curious what Season 2 & 3 has for us now!
Cast & Acting
The stars of these shows will definitely be imo SR, SJ & YH.
SR is always smart and ahead of DT's and SJ's evil tricks. She looks effortlessly elegant and composed eventhough she is putting up a fake front in front of the Hera people. I found it especially thriling when she started revealing her cards one by one and tripping over the villians & having them go nuts + begging for her forgiveness. I totally love her scenes with Logan? And how her English is so flawless. She may have died at the end of S1, I am not sure if the writer can miraculously revive her in S2? I really hope so because there are still many unanswered questions about her death and the identity of the Joo twins real mother?
SJ is of course one of the main villianess in this show. Her acting was so good that you really can't help but hate her character! A point i felt bad was, she really craved for love. The stress from being from a prestigious family means stress for her to Excel. Her inferiority complex led to the growth of demons in her, injuring YH, snatching YH's boyfriend whom she doesn't love, leading her to an unhappy marriage. That then leads to adultery & conflicts in her marriage life and misery for her daughter, Eunbyeol whom she bears super high expectations. It's no wonder EB turned out the way she was at the end... her greed for the CA Foundation also led her to indirectly kill her Dad... but i got to say her acting was superb for the scenes when her Dad died. I almost got goosebump from her. Ultimately, it was a pity because she didn't had someone whom cherish her (sorry DT isn't your true love too honey)
YH and her daughter was honestly 2 of my most hated characters in this show (actually you will come to hate most of the characters LOL). They were annoying (esp RN) and ungrateful ! While ok SR used her, i believe she could felt the sincerity in their friendship. She can't deny the fact that SR helped her lived a life she could never have with her own abilities. It's unfortunate that she turned out to be SA's killer afterall, but that was where it went even worst. Her desperate attempts to cover her crimes led her to betraying SR and even joining forces with DT. Wth man seriously. Of course smart SR had figured out all along, but she still ernestly waited for YH to repent, but she didn't made it in the end. Alas, YH was framed and becomes the main suspect of SR's death. I am unsure if she died at the end of S1? But if she survives, she needs to avenge for SR and repay for her sins!
All in all, i think is a show worth the buzz. The acting were seriously splendid. I am not sure what will be covered in the next 2 seasons, but I really hope SR remains alive! This genre is not for the weak heartedly. Be prepared for plot twists and suspense! Season 2 releases next month, so please watch if you have not :)
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Must Watch
This drama starts amazing. The first episodes are mind-blowing. I waited for each episode to come. The end last episodes were not so interesting. However, I wait for the second season. The actors are great.During the whole drama, I feel unfairness. That feeling doesn't disappear but it gets worse in the last episode.
To be honest, at the last episode I was o disappointed that I dint want to watch the second season at all.
But that probably was done on purpose to give us a major plot twist in the second season.
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It was worth the hype
I decided to watch this drama merely because it was so popular and I was one of those people who hadn't watched it yet. I expected a lot from it, which was a reason why I was a little bit scared, but it was better than what I thought it would be and I understand why that much people love it.Story
I like how the drama starts, it catches your eye inmediately and you of course want to keep seeing it, because it shows you something tha will happen 2 months in the future. As I was watching it more things kept appearing, they don't stick to one topic but there are a lot more, although of course they pay special attention to the main one.
Acting / cast
Amazing election for the cast and the acting blew my mind, I mean it. They portrayed really well the emotions and the way of being of their characters. I was specially shocked by Kim So Jeon (Cheon Seo Jin in the drama) because her character had a lot of sides and I think she couldn't have showed them to us in a better way, incredible job.
Rewatch value
I think that all good mistery dramas are worth to rewatch because knowing who did all the things makes you have a different view of the whole story since the beginning and you can pay attention to other details, so yes, in a year (for example) I would watch it again.
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Amazing!
You need to watch it! The plot twists, the actors, the romance, the misterys. EVERYTHINK ITS AMAZING! If you are too sencitive then dont watch it... There is many blood... But still everythink its amazing. The actors did a great job! This drama is my favorite! If you like mysterys and school dramas then this drama is for you! Btw....This drama can get on your nerves... heheheWhen you start watching the first episode of the drama you know for a fact that this will be EPIC! The parents and the kids have their secrets and it soooo interesting. And how every parent want from their child to be the best in their school so they can get in to Cheong A Arts School. This drama kind of remind me of Sky Cstle but its wayyyyyy better!
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In order to enjoy this hot mess.....
So this won't be a long review, many others have written a very thorough one. Instead, here is a tiny survival guide to this hot mess of a roller coaster ride.1 )Throw away your moral compass.
I hadn't done it for episode 1. There almost wasn't an episode 2 for me but I read some reviews that said to do so and I fully agree.
2) Might want to have some sort of headache relief nearby. The amount of screaming that this drama has is ridiculous.
3) Enjoy, the acting is top-notch * chef kiss *
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The actors are really brilliant, but I’m not particularly impressed with Eun Byeul, I find her too much in the acting field but I think they did over emphasized her character. I find the drama messy as well in terms of pacing and all.
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