The first episodes are a bit slow but they always leave you hanging at the end of each episode and the second half of the drama is thrilling from start to end.
Save Me is also a very dark, heavy drama, don't watch it if you don't like to suffer. Is also very realistic, the ones that comment that it isn't.... Cults are terrifying, very real, they brainwash people and make them give up on their families and lifes. Also have in mind when you watch this drama that you as a western probably think "wow why doesn't she leave? It's so easy to scape" but South Korean Culture is completely different, you have a much hardcore submission towards elders and a sense of responsability and respect we usually lack, so I feel the female lead is very consistent and clever.
The cast is superior, I love everyone in this, the chemistry is mind blowing, the reactions are logical and very human too, I love the little moments that allow you to understand each character motivations and relations.
I enjoyed this SO MUCH. My life is now empty. If you're doubting, go watch it, it's worth it.
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NOT YOUR TYPICAL KDRAMA !!!
Yes, not your typical kdrama!! It was my first time watching this kind of genre and I’m surprised on how dark it is. I always get this uneasy feeling watching this because it is dark. The story line was great as it spreads awareness that cults like that exist. Cast? We got to see a different kind of Seo Yeji here! She really fits the role, her acting was super b! Felt realistic!! I have to rate low on rewatch value because I can’t watch it more than once because it really drives you crazy with every event that is happening in the drama.Was this review helpful to you?
- - - STORY - - -
It was interesting and somehow surprising as well how they've created a connection between all characters in this Drama. While it seemed like Dong Chul was the only one from the group who is going to suffer throughout the story, one after another got involved into it. While the viewer learns about their past and why they would act like they did, we also get to know about their intention. While I was confused about the reason why the friends would undergo such a risky rescue even though they have a lot to lose (except Dong Chul), it became more clear towards the end of the Drama which does not make a lot of sense. Only after they've found out about their family members being involved in this case, it would've make much more sense for them to take action afterwards especially because Sang Mi was a total stranger for them. However, Dong Chul should've been the 'hero' but he was never portrayed as such. He was the only one from the beginning who has not simply looked away. He was accused, sentenced, and got beaten up hundred of times but at the end Sang Mi was unpleasantly cold towards him which made me really sad. However, in my opinion Sang Hwan was more like a 'plot filler' who, although he has also decided to help, wasn't as important as Dong Chul but got all the attention tho.
Nevertheless, I do think this Drama was not about the group of friends but rather wants us to think about how powerful words can be and how a single narcisstic personality (talking about the cult's leader Baek Jung Ki) can lead to manipulation, power and innocent victims. Additionally, because he was narcisstic, he managed to influence people on all levels with bribe money and also blackmailing them while people in poverty or those who are mentally unstable have to make amends and suffer in his favour.
This is something we will all recognize. We just have to take a look at our politicians, lobbyism and overall corrupt systems. It does not even require a religious cult to get in on the act.
- - - ACTORS AND CAST - - -
Well, I don't think it requires a long explanation about how well all of them - including the side and support actors - did. Seo Ye Ji, Jo Sung Ha, Woo Do Hwan and Yoon Yoo Sun were my favorites in this one.
But, to be honest, Jo Jae Yoon, who has played Jo Wan Tae (Goosunwon's apostle) has had an outstanding performance. I fell in love with his character from the very beginning. It was obvious that he's going to play the badass insensitive man who's willing to do everything to achieve his goals. But I was just thrilled by his acting and not mention his looks with this cute curly hairstyle. In my opinion his character was without doubt the most authentic one besides Baek Jung Ki and Sang Mi's mother.
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The acting is beyond professional, especially from Woo Do Hwan, who had only done a few minor roles before his breakout role in this series. He may not be the main lead, but he really captures your full attention with his dynamic acting range. Taecyeon also brilliantly played his strong character, making it arguably his best role, yet. Seo Ye-Ji not only realistically portrayed her character and the traumas she deals with, but she also diligently sacrificed her own sanity for the role (intense method acting). In an interview with OSEN, Seo Ye-Ji revealed that she herself suffered from major depression, after locking herself in her apartment, avoiding human contact, so she could emotionally and physically embody her character. (Read the full interview here: https://www.allkpop.com/article/2017/09/actress-seo-ye-ji-reveals-she-constantly-had-nightmares-since-filming-save-me )
Save Me is suspenseful and it's always perfectly timed while being accompanied by a masterfully thrilling soundtrack. The cinematography is unrivalled, making you feel like you're exactly where the characters are. Overall, the show just grips you and draws you in, leaving you craving for more!
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The story is absolutely brilliant, the way everything was told, portrayed, from the beginning until the end. I absolutely love the story, everhything about the story is perfect. However, as I have said, the beginning was difficult to handle, mostly the first 4 episodes because it was creepy and actually kind of slow at the same time, you could feel the tension, the creepy and mystery vibe deep down. Starting from the episode 4-5, it starts to get more and more dynamic, you start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But you also can see that the tunnel is veryyy long and so until you reach the light, it will be long and you'll need strenght, hope and patience. The end is very satisfying from my opinion.
The topic of the drama, religious cult, is so well thought because it is rare to find those type of story in a drama and it I think it is an important topic because what is told in this drama is similar to what truly happens in real life. I also like a lot the political aspect, and law enforcement aspect.
Plus, I love how they have portrayed the manipulation done by the adults who took advantage of the young people which causes huge damages. Honestly and seriously, the majority of the adults in this drama were absolutely disgusting, annoying, and leaves you with anger. In addition, I would like to say thank you to OCN for not adding any cringe romance. (OCN literally never disappoint).
Most importantly, I love how the young people were portrayed as weak (even the rich ones) and they had to mature to be aware of many things and fight against people with more power, more connection, more exeprience with bad intention. Well, it portrays real life so well actually.
The acting is perfect. At first I was skeptical about the main female lead but from the begining until the end she was absolutely fabulous, as well as the two main male leads. I cannot complain here, really.
The music is fine, I especially like the ost by 'The Vane' called 'Illusion'. It fits the drama clearly.
Please watch it, it is a must-see, but be aware it may be complicated to handle some scenes, if you can handle it, and/or if you are brave lol, it is more than worth to watch it.
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The character arcs are extremely well written and are backed by a strong cast. I empathized so much with Im Sang Mi throughout her struggles with Guseonwon. As well as the antagonists were so interesting with all of their different motives and power plays. Woo Do Hwan in his role of Seok Dong Cheul was transfixing. He really is everything you want in an underdog. This rookie performance will forever be a stand out for him. The only performance I was completely underwhelmed with was Ok Taec Yeon’s Han Sang Hwan. His character is pretty flat and lack luster.
I strongly recommend watching this drama. If you are looking for something different, a little spooky with good writing and story-telling, pick this ONE! Even if this doesn’t seem like your thing, still try this one on for size! It is quite a ride!!!
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It is a plot that has absorbed me completely. I have strongly experienced the story of Im Sang-mi. I also felt a great regret (and anger) about the situation that Woo Do-hwan's character found himself in.
And here I would like to mention one of my favorite actors - Woo Do-hwan - because, as usual, his acting convinces me. I like the fact that I can meet him in different roles. I'm counting on further productions with him.
I also liked Ok Taec-yeon because he gave the impression of being a man to feel safe with. Even through the screen.
The music has a special effect on the viewer's emotional perception. I cannot get rid of my head the melody from the song "Hallucination" by The Vane. It is a song that I will certainly remember for a long time. It made this drama one of those I will recommend to my friends.
The ending is as you could have planned. And well, it is good.
I fully recommend the drama. You can't miss it!
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I loved this drama. The story-line was so good. It was so good that sometimes it gave me anxiety for being so invested in the characters and the story. I think the length of the drama was perfect and most (if not all) of the plot lines were tied up by the end of the show.
Acting/Cast:
They were so beautiful. Seo Ye Ji was perfect for the lead role, I genuinely felt for her character and was super invested in her. Ok Taec Yeon's character was good, not my favorite but he definitely pulled off the role. I'm glad he wasn't your typical rich guy character. Jo Sung Ha was an amazing villain but in my opinion my favorite of the villains was Jo Jae Yun's character. Jo Jae Yun surprised me this time around, I've seen him a lot in supporting roles but this is one of my favorite of his. Woo Do Hwan stole the show away. In my opinion I liked his character more than Taec Yeon's. Dong Chul (Do Hwan) went through so much and yet still was a good person. Lastly I wanted to talk about Lee David and Park Ji Young. I've only seen him (David) once or twice other than in Save Me and his character was a perfect comic relief but still had a serious side. I'm so glad Ji Young was chosen as one of the cast members, she never fails. She portrayed the character brilliantly.
(Also a shout out to the actors/actresses who played Sang Mi's family, they were amazing!)
Music:
The music was ominous and not annoying like in most dramas. I'm glad the music was like this.
Rewatch Value:
I've already rewatched it once and I'll probably rewatch it again some day. I also got my family to watch it with me and they liked it a lot!
Overall:
I definitely suggest checking this drama out if you haven't already! It's one of the best dramas of 2017. Go watch it!
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...Because apparently women cant't do anything except get hit in the face...
This drama has a dark atmosphere and will make you feel frustration and helplessness. It's like screaming when no one's listening.
For the sensitive viewers:
It does not contain any grotesque scenes to be honest. The worst you will encounter is insanity. Other than that, sharp objects or other unpleasant things will be blurred out. (Of course, this is South Korean television were talking about. People are sent to the army but are not allowed to see sharp objects or dead animals... dead humans are fine though... )
I did not cry one single time!
The plus side:
The acting was very good. I think they all did a very good job. Considering how difficult the characters must have been to portray I think everyone did it perfectly.
It was well executed. The pace was comfortable and it was filmed in a very creepy way.
The minus side:
The women drove me a bit crazy. For some reason the after taste of this drama, tasted like WEAK WOMEN. I felt like all women in this drama were so fragile. Even a little push would break them. The men though, they were punching and kicking like animals...
I would have wanted some romance. The focus was in the right place but giving the audience one emotion for all 16 episodes is like chewing gum. It loses taste. I would have wanted the writers to fit in some physical contact between Sang Mi and Dong Cheol (Don't get me wrong. I mean a hug or something). If you watch this drama you will understand how much it would help. It wouldn't have to be a big deal. Just show a different kind of weakness. The one where you take a second to borrow strength, then recharge.
All in all, it was executed perfectly and it had a great story. I'm Just crabby cause I'm picky
This is the "forced into a cult with your family and being the only sane one, while society is too corrupt to save you" drama.
ENJOY!
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traumatic but really good
Omg this drama is so good, like the acting, the story, production, EVERYTHING.yes, it's a really deep drama with real story and strong topics, so be careful if you're sensitive to those things.
There were scenes that made me feel goosebumps because the acting was so good that you'll feel it in your skin.
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What I loved: 1.) wow! The beginning of this show hits you like a punch! I was hooked emotionally so quickly, crying like a baby for nearly 4 eps straight lolol the storyline continued to be amazing as it developed and I was continually impressed. 2.) the characters, even the side characters, were very well fleshed out. It's not common that you find that in tv shows. very well done here.
3.) omg the soundtrack is outstanding. Melancholic, moody, dark.
4.) excellent acting! For one character, for example, I've never hated someone so much. Honestly, I wanted to reach through the screen and strangle him!
5.) I think from a psychological standpoint, cults are fascinating. They eased you into their world and as a viewer, really made you question what is happening. I wish more shows were like Save Me. Feel like I can always rely on OCN to deliver what I crave, a dark show that hooks me into the story within the first episode.
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