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Stranger
My first review on this site was about my best friend who had passed last year from a drug overdose. How 'Hi Bye, Mama!' explored the permanent effects of a sudden loved one's death had on them, and how unfair life is that you can never give them a proper send-off, was something that resonated deeply with me - especially having watched it so soon after my friend's passing.A year has gone by, and I came across Stranger one day and finally got around to watching it amidst a lacklustre summer of productivity (or lack thereof). While it was genuinely a solid drama backed by an intriguing plot and excellent acting (as expected when you have Bae Doo-na in the line-up), there was a scene in particular that brought back the same sorrow I experienced while watching HBM.
It was revealed that Yoon had murdered Park due to his involvement in a traffic accident that led to the death of Yoon's 6-year-old son, along with thirteen (fourteen?) other kindergarten kids, through a web of corruption and cover-ups. He had murdered Park as he lost all belief in the justice system, and how the people responsible for such an atrocity were walking around as free men and growing more and more powerful every passing second - while he had to deal with the pain of suddenly losing his son as a result of the people he worked under.
I was confused as to whether or not I should despise Yoon.
He mentioned that he had a wish. Before the coach carrying the children exploded into flames, it had flipped over. Yoon's wish was that he hoped his son died on the impact of the crash - rather than the slow painful sensation of burning to death, one rarely fit for anyone let alone a child. He refused to participate in his son's autopsy, as he didn't want to risk knowing that his child died from inhaling the flames that would soon turn his lifeless body into nothing but a slab of charcoal.
It dawned on me that I had expressed similar hope for my best friend when I heard about his death. While dying from a drug overdose is considerably different from dying through impact or fire, I had wished that, for someone who suffered through such a troubled upbringing, yet was so unimaginably filled with love, his final moments were that of such utter bliss that he had simply forgotten to breathe to the point that he peacefully left... rather than have the thoughts that had torn his life apart up to that point ultimately overtake him.
The idea that my best friend died in a state of nirvana was the only thing that kept me going at the time. And in a way, I empathised with Yoon with what he had done; not because I agreed with his self-righteous action of killing another human being, but because I could understand his pain of losing a loved one -- and the self-inflicted compromises that naturally come with the cycle of grief.
If my best friend did die in a euphoric state, I hope that stayed with him on his journey to Paradise.
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a MASTERPIECE. enough said.
I’ve watched several titles of prosecutors, police officers, lawyers, but this drama, would be the most memorable for me. The male lead, who was the prosecutor, wasn’t “perfect” like what several other dramas often characterized. He had a super painful past, and he’s not always correct in every of his predictions. He failed several times, but got back up again and finally succeeded.Although we didn’t see much of Hwang Si-Mok celebrating his success with the team, I’m super duper satisfied just seeing him smile at Han Yeo-Jin, it totally warms my heart. I hope, on the S2, we can see more of Hwang Si-Mok and Han Yeo-Jin scenes together! Great drama, super great storyline (although it’s somehow complicated with so much character names), excellent casts, and lastly, an OST that really matched.
Totally recommended, a 10/10 ⭐️ Can’t wait for the 5th season, Si-Mok-ah! See you there! ;)
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This review may contain spoilers
You never really know someone
I watched this show purely because I love the serial killer genre. I was surprised how this good was this series. Shi Mok inability to feel emotion makes him a decisive attorney who is able to see things as it is without being skewed. His very uncanny first encounter with Lieutenant Han started off on the wrong foot but they shared such a bond later. She always believed in him and he always trusted her. There is no romance but there is definitely something between them.Shin Hye Sun plays a young attorney who is under his wing at prosecution office. She does not know about his inability to feel and she keeps trying to impress him but he keeps her at bay. Eventually when tragedy strike, Shi Mok does feel he could have done more for Eun Soon and finds her killer.
The plot is engaging and keeps you guessing. Ultimately the truth comes out. Watch season 2 as well.
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Guessing till the End
OverallThis show is one of the few mystery shows that managed to take me by surprise with the culprit and made it believable still. I continually guessed at it throughout the show, but in the mass of morally gray characters, it was difficult to know who was the true and ultimate evil at the end. I loved that. The characters didn't have unique ideas to them, but the actors played them with such personality that they really seemed unique and each developed in their own way. The Plot was born out of the characters actions, so that I never knew where it was going to go next, or who was going to be evil or get exposed or get arrested. This is really everything a mystery should be: I never knew, until they revealed it, who was guilty and who was good.
Spoilers below in the rest of my review!! (BIG spoilers in the characters.)
Characters
A strength of this show is that it had so many characters (which allowed us to be surprised by the mystery and the culprit) but it introduced them in a steady way that wasn't confusing.
I loved that I could never tell who was really evil, just a bit morally gray, and who would betray who. This show kept me on my toes guessing at all the characters, which might have been a problem if we didn't have Si Mok as our center of moral gravity. It was just so well written and acted.
Hwang Si Mok: I really liked him. I liked the slow development of his emotions and how his "sad past" of his surgery wasn't made a big deal of, and wasn't even really exposed until the later half of the series. It was refreshing from other Kdramas.
Lieutenant Han: I loved her. She was so believable, and her struggle with morality in her own team and work place was so well done.
Yoo Eun Soo: I miss her. The beginning had me doubting her and I really liked how her truth was simpler than what Si Mok and the audience was expecting.
Seo Dong Jae: Same as with a lot of the other in between characters, to me he was realistic in that he never committed to one side. He wanted survival, and to get that, he backstabbed whoever he needed to in order to stay on top;. I hated him in the beginning, and by the end if I didn't like him I at least understood him.
Lee Chang Jun: Evil. Eviiil. Even though he did something right in the end by working to expose the corruption, he still participated in it, orchestrated murders, and was overall really, really terrible. What a good villain though. I doubted that he was the ultimate bad guy sometimes; sometimes I thought he might really be good, and other times I was convinced he was satan. His story was so well done (I know I'm repeating it, but I'm really in awe of this show).
Plot
The plot was created by the characters, which is a basic element of storytelling that is so often ignored by TV shows in general. It was so well crafted in Stranger: the plot revolved around the audience being kept guessing at who is behind everything, who is going to backstab who else, who is going to die. At no point did I feel like it slowed down, or got boring, and unlike a lot of other Kdramas, I really liked the pacing towards the end.
My one problem with this show might be that there were too many flashbacks. Kdramas love to show flashbacks, and sometimes it is helpful, but mostly it just takes away trust that the audience will connect the dots themselves, and drags dramatic moments out.
Soundtrack was amazing. This is the first time I've had an instrumental stuck in my head and I didn't mind at all. I want to watch season 2, but I'm also scared that it won't hold up to season 1.
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True suspense thriller
From the first scene of the drama, we are introduced to a hero that is not your typical hero. He' seems rude and anti-social (although there is reason for this), but what you'll come to find out throughout the drama is that he's very honest, not subjected to manipulation or bribery easily, and wants to do right by his job, which is to seek justice. The same is true for our female lead, she's definitely more likable but is also righteous in seeking justice. The two of them make a dynamic duo (opposite sides of law & order). It's great to see them form a lasting bond. Someone like Shi-mok often seems so lonely that its great to see at the end that he has friends. The murder itself is intriguing, but is just a small drop in the larger overall conspiracy that is swirling around them. There are also complex side characters, that you either love or hate, but they are never black or white. The chase scene in the beginning was thrilling and sets you up for the ride that the show will bring you on. I love the way they film the different scenarios that Shi-mok reenacts in his head when trying to figure out what happened. The look of the show also seems grittier, darker in tone, and the accompanying music adds to the overall feeling of suspense. Doing a re-watch, the drama is still great and that's due largely to the acting, writing, and directing of the show. You may know what is going to happen, but the excellent performances still pull you into the story.Was this review helpful to you?
I do NOT want to skip to the end. The journey is clearly entertaining, and each twist is an ending in and of itself.
I stopped guessing. The clues will take me to where I should be headed. It is a wonder filled path. Enjoy.
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Amazing acting! Amazing Story!
Should you? Would you? Could you?You should watch this one (YES! )
You would recommend this to others. (YES!)
You could watch this again. (NOT REALLY)
Ending: Justice served for the moment
I must commend the writers of this show. They have taken the story to another level with their in-depth analysis of politics within the judicial framework.
While the cast is simply brilliant, it’s the story with its twists and turns that keeps you on your toes.
The start is slow and then it gradually climbs to a height that seems unattainable.
The cast is excellent each in their respective roles. I can’t think of anyone who hasn’t done a great job. So so impressive. What I also liked are the subtle undercurrents of a possible romance that keep you hooked in anticipation of one and yet doesn’t take us away from the severity of the main plot. And yes l loved the background score. In a drama that is steeped in mystery, the background score adds a lot to the entire effect. The perfect beat, a good rhythm & haunting tunes are needed which is in sync in this drama.
Watch it with patience ( because there will be times that you will be tempted to fast forward just to know who the mastermind is behind all the mystery.... I know I was tempted....but just don’t succumb to it)
Enjoy it. About to start season 2 and hoping it will be equally good ( I think it will).
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I was about to drop Korean shows, this pulled me back.
A little note beforehand: This show is perfect if you've never seen a Korean show before and aren't accustomed to their cinematography! It's very accessible.I study Korean, I'd honestly say I'm quite bad at it so for the past two years I've been manically watching Korean shows and films in order to keep my skill up to date and to get drawn to the language and culture.
There's an abundance of poor, rushed and just plain terrible Korean shows out there, this is definitely not one of them.
I won't make this review too lengthy but I liked almost every minute of the two seasons. The long political-talk scenes were perfect for grabbing some snacks, the action scenes truly thrilling.
This show has your typical 'hurt main character', done RIGHT!
Lastly: can I marry Bae Doona?
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Best Crime/Political Thriller Drama!
Nail-biting. Captivating. Mesmerizing. Words can't begin to describe how much I enjoyed this drama. Plot that was woven like silk, creating a world full of characters with strong but relevant personalities, endless cliffhangers and unexpected twists that left most of us on the edge of our seats through the 16 episodes. The drama started strongly, diving head-on into a suspected murder case in episode 1. The insane pace was kept throughout the drama, with the writer tossing our bits and pieces of clues, each more alarming then the next, leading us to our 'suspect'. But wait, there's more! Absolutely loved how the hints were so balanced, never allowing us to pinpoint which was the real culprit till the finale.In terms of the cast, most would have had their focus on HSM or HSJ, but for me, the winner has to be LCJ. God, seldom do you see a protagonist so charismatic, so smart, with ideals that you could understand. Yoo Jae Myung really hit the ball out of the park with his performance of the character here. Especially with his accent and speech mannerism. Of course Bae Doona and Cho Seung Woo had stellar performances as well. I also loved how each and every side character was developed and was part of the story as well.
Music was stellar as well, capturing and adding on to the mood of every hair raising scene.
Overall, I absolutely adored this drama, almost couldn't bear to finish it as I raced through the first 15 episodes in a flash. I highly recommend this to whoever enjoys crime drama with some sherlock-esque analysis and brainwork.
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Well worth watching! Actors giving it their all!
Wanting to see more mature actors in the limelight? This baby has it all! The first episode eases you into things by partially explaining the main character's, Hwang Shi/Si-mok's (Jo Seung Woo), condition and then the we meet a man framed and his acting is so convincing, that if I was there & it were real, I'd immediately say he's not the killer - a semi-reformed thief who made the wrong choice, but not the killer. I was moved to tears by his performance and the victim's mother too. Compelling and worth watching. I love how strong, grounded & caring Bae Doo Na's character Han Yeo Jin. She's the perfect compliment to Hwang, especially the easy & beautiful smiles she draws out of him. I appreciate how Seo Dong Won's character Kim Jeong Bon was honest enough about his feelings to share his concern & how he still cared about Yoon Se Won (played by Lee Kyu Hyung). The moment voiced this near the end of the first season, it matched my own thoughts. Yoon was easily lovable, and I feel he could've not ended up like that if someone didn't use him. I just wish he got to keep his glasses... he look really hot in them <3I also sort of expected more painful headaches because of the level of emotional turmoil around Si-Mok as well as what he directly experienced. But he's very strong, seeing him get emotional just stops everything around him, it's just that compelling. He's very human & tangible, really really love this character <3
This 1st season ended well. So well that if there wasn't a season 2, I'd be okay with it. Again well worth the watch <3
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Amazing performance by lead actor!
This k-drama has a non-typical lead actor. He's not unrealistically attractive, he's sort of short, and he's awfully understated in his movements/speech. I absolutely fell in love with the weird little dude after watching this drama. There's a presence and force that he has when acting that is really fascinating to watch and this character really played to those strengths. His character in this drama is almost mousey; he's shy, reserved, bowing, almost like background noise. But hiding behind his unassuming presence is a masterful powerhouse of skilled orchestration. It was utterly compelling to watch this character navigate the events and complications throughout this drama.The female lead is similar, she's not your typical k-drama female lead; she doesn't look like a fashion doll came to life to spit lines out on the screen. She is perfectly paired with the male lead, they have such an understated but powerful chemistry together. Her impetuous forcefulness plays so well against his composed reservation. Her character's idiosyncrasies and lone wolf tendencies really fit well with the male character's personality, they feel like they are different representations of the same person, like they just GET each other, like soul mates. Whoever cast this show is a genius.
Apart from the characters/acting, this show actually did a really great job intertwining the various mysteries, bleeding discoveries out slowly and tying everything together at the end in a way that made every single part of the story suddenly even more relevant than you'd previously realized. It was all super masterfully done.
I'd for sure watch this show again because I feel like in all of the various plot threads there were probably little things here and there that I missed or that would play out differently if I watched them with knowledge of the ending in mind.
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