great acting but too slow pace
The acting is great, interesting storyline but its too draggy and I got bored. I had to warch on high speed to finish it. I wanted to know how it will ends.Sang Mi suffered so much and to be abandoned by her family, specially her sick father. It was hard to watch. Sang Hwan character is so annoying and he always makes the situation worst. The real hero is Dong Chul. He risked everything to save her but it seems like Sang Hwan got all the credit for it.
Its interesting storyline and very sad to see how easily people can get brainwashed and even more that places like that exist.
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I was in for quite a rollercoaster. The first time I tried to watch it, I thought it was really bewildering how easily people could get sucked into believing the things that cults preach ( hence why I gave up because I was just ... wtf???? ); however, it makes a lot more sense the more you continue and progress through the show. The reason why I say that it makes more sense later is that you ( as the audience ) start to see how the cult is viewed from the lens of the main character ( who is more than ready to bolt from the cult ) but as well as through those who are devout followers of the cult. While that didn't mean that I felt sympathetic towards the cult members acting out in certain ways, I could also see how easily they could be brainwashed into believing certain things.
I would say that it started to drag at some points ( and honestly, I ended up watching it in 2x speed because things moved rather slowly ) and probably didn't require so many episodes, but I won't complain about getting to watch more Woo Dohwan and Taecyeon on my screen. Dohwan really did a fantastic job and I started seeking out his other dramas after I finished this one.
This isn't a drama I'd really watch again because, for me, those are usually more feel-good dramas, but if someone else wanted to watch it and asked me to watch with them, then that would probably be the only time I would give it another go. Would definitely recommend for the acting and intriguing storyline!
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This review may contain spoilers
intense and gripping
This was def one of the more original and interesting dramas I’ve seen. It was not your typical show that you might be used to seeing. The subject matter was unique and hadn’t really been explored before in dramas but this one did a great job of pulling you into the absurd and frightening world of being in a religious cult. Certain episodes will challenge you not to lose your sanity as the madness around the characters ensues. The writers did a great job with everyone’s characters, especially Sang-mi. Her brother’s death was just heartbreaking. She had suffered much tragedy in her life and her entire family had been turned upside down, so it was extremely easy to root for her to get out of the crazy situation she was in. Seo Yeji is really an amazing actress and I will definitely pay attention to her dramas in the future. Taecyeon as Sang-Hwan was great, but Woo Doo Hwan was the better lead. He didn’t always get a lot of scenes, but when he did he nailed them. I can’t believe he was just a rookie actor in this drama. Also a special shout-out to Jo Sung Ha for his portrayal of the deceiving father of the cult. I’ve seen him play a corrupt politician in another drama but this role is his best I think.This show doesn’t have much rewatch value. It got slow for me after the first few episodes but things intensified towards the end. I love intense gripping dramas like these as they are more my taste. 8/10
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I wanna say that the rewatch value is low because it has so much sensitive content and it's not a drama you're looking for when you're stressed, because, in fact, this is the type of drama that will stress you out!
The plot was really interesting and dark. When I read the description before watching, the word "cult" was the final push before I decided to watch it. The drama was really creepy and it has a lot of content that might trigger one's mental health. As a romance-comedy enthusiast, I'm so glad that I enjoyed so much mystery and suspense thanks to this drama. The plot had an actual story in it and it definitely showed the good and bad characters. Somehow, I think that this whole drama is a reflection of what we have now. We believe in things and we choose to be ignorant of reality.
The cast was... WOW. All I can say that they were amazing. This is my first Seo Ye Ji drama, and I'm so impressed with her acting skills. She executed fear, hatred. and anger very well and all at the same time! Plus, her voice is just so new to me and beautiful. I loved Taecyeon and Woo Do Hwan, but Woo Do Hwan was the character I ended up focusing on more. His character was someone who was very righteous despite being gutsy, and he would definitely protect the people he loves. The supporting cast was amazing too but I would like to applaud for Jo Sung Ha's acting. His two-faced character made my blood boil and that's what signifies him as a great actor! Even by speaking calmly, he can make me mad.
The OST was okay, but I wished they could've used it in the actual scenes of the drama than hearing it by the end credits.
Overall, the plot was very good and the whole drama was really interesting! Every episode was a cliffhanger. It was kinda slow for me at first, but I liked how they slowly approached the climax with intensity to the end. This is my first OCN drama and I'm truly glad to say that they do make amazing crime thriller dramas! Highly recommended for people who like crime, thriller, and suspense genres.
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If you're the type of person to enjoy an interesting but intense story with clever plot twists, superb acting and suspenseful situations, you'll enjoy Save Me.
As is already mentioned, this drama deals with a lot of mature themes that you don't quite see every day in Asian dramas.
Cults are still very much a taboo topic, but Save Me covered every vile, rotten aspect of them in such an ingenious and plausible way, that you're only left to question the amount of evil in this world and why it exists.
The series starts out fairly slow, but picks up rather fast which makes up for it.
You might be confused at first, but don't worry, as everything will soon fall into place.
As you get more sucked into the story, you'll start to get invested in the characters and their backgrounds.
The intense, nerve-wracking situations coupled with the climactic soundtracks followed by cliffhangers at the end of most episodes will tug at your heart and leave you coming back for more.
The acting is on a whole different level; it's kind of scary how you forget that these aren't actual people,
but fictional characters that only serve the purpose of carrying out the story until the end,
that's how good it is.
I have to point out Seo Ye-Ji's acting, she really outdid herself.
Her expressions, body language, voice, especially her eyes;
I don't think I've ever seen someone with such expressive, poignant eyes that capture any emotion with such perfect precision.
I also have to praise Woo Do-Hwan for his impassioned acting, he really brought his character to life.
You can see the diversity and skill he holds shine throughout the show , and especially when he has to act as an entirely different person.
Taecyon was nothing short of incredible, as always.
I really do love how he gets into the mindset of the character he plays,
which is also why he's so successful at pulling off so many different personalities and expressions.
The whole cast was fantastic, everyone did their parts extremely well which is exactly why you sometimes forget that this is an alternate reality.
Save Me unveils every single sickening, appalling act of evil in its rawest form.
It will keep you on the edge of your seat at the end of each episode, and will leave you begging for more.
It does get very hard to watch at times, and you might find yourself taking a breather every once in a while because of how painfully accurate it portrays certain topics.
The lovely feel-good ending comes as sort of a reward for both the characters and you for not giving up and enduring it until the very end.
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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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