This review may contain spoilers
Superpowers, violence, and a star studded cast
A Korean superheroes drama? YES, PLEASE! The production value was awesome. You can tell a lot went into making the superpowers look believable. The regeneration, gunfights, action sequences and bloody gore were all high quality. The only disappointing aspect were the flying scenes. I think they may have ran out of money for that as it was very apparent that they were hanging on something as you can even see where the wire or hooks went into their clothes. As a viewer, that kind of sucked because I found it very distracting and awkward.As for the acting, I really liked how there were a lot of high caliber stars in this drama. I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of a Disney superhero drama? Not many opportunities like this come to Korea so it's great to see a lot of great actors taking part. Even the young rookie cast was good. The only one who I did not care for is YDG. I know he only has a minor role, but I really don't understand how he keeps getting roles. He constantly overacts. I thought his acting was so bad in The Forbidden Marriage that I'm so surprised he was able to get cast in this drama.
Now for the pacing, I thought each episode was good, but the overall series was lacking as a whole story wise. Too much of the series was spent on the backstories and flashbacks of each main character that basically only the last 2 or 3 eps were dedicated to the present story. Don't get me wrong...I did enjoy each backstory, but it was building up momentum for the present story except the climax didn't really deliver sense wise. It felt a bit pointless on the villain side. For example, (SPOLIER AHEAD: Why go through all this fighting only to give up so easily at the end? The whole self sacrificing bit seemed out of place because it was rushed in without any build up to make sense of the change of heart).
However, seeing that they left a clip after the credits to allude to a season 2, it would then make more sense that S1 was just part 1 - the set up. If I look at it that way, then the ending is less disappointing. But if they don't have a S2, then I'd have to say the ending felt incomplete because there were so many things left unexplained and some things not quite adding up.
But all in all, I found this drama entertaining and was quite delighted that Disney greenlighted an Asian superhero drama that did not offend me with concepts of Asian stereotypes that we often see in Hollywood movies. It's been a slow journey to get to this point, but I'm glad things are starting to turn around. I hope we get to see more!
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Moving, mindblowing, epic
I enjoyed it a lot.The first 7 episodes were light and cute.
The middle episodes about the parents were heart-wrenching and the storytelling was incredible.
The last episodes were epic yet moving.
What I liked about this series is how they showcased the lives of the villains making you feel for them, it was just sad. The people in power were the real bad guys.
My fav episodes were definitely 9 and 13 coz of Dosik and Minhyun. Their story was the best. I wish they extended the scene where Doo-sik reunited with his family, like I was mad when they zoomed out line excuse me, I waited for this exact moment for forever.
I can already tell a season 2 is coming ( hopefully ) or else they would have shown Bonseok and huisoo together. ( they r officially the cutest couple of 2023)
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The Most Moving Show Of The Year
Moving is one of the most moving action/spy/superpower stories I have ever watched. At its core is love and family, something that’s conveyed through every interaction between parent and child. It, of course, became my new favorite k-drama, because for 15 episodes, out of 20, this show touched me in ways no other show have.My Rating: 9.5/10
My issue with most shows/movies that deal with superpowers is the stakes. Such shows demand us to be on the edge about the safety of the lead characters that we (should) care about. However, usually, they set up the story in such a way that the viewers are already comfortable and know that the leads are safe no matter what. They make the leads so overpowered/smart against the villains that it's obvious that the leads are going to be safe. This is where Moving excels so much. The way the story is framed, makes you feel that a confrontation with the villains is a matter of life and death. The protagonists aren't overpowered in front of the villains so the stakes feel real and scary. It has been able to evoke genuine fear in my heart about the well-being of the characters.
Another element is that superhero stuff nowadays relies so much on the star power of the actor or the existing fandom of the leads that they pay little to no attention to building the character of these superhumans. So it always feels hollow. I'm like- okay I am supposed to care about this person but eh I don't see why I should care. This is where Moving comes in and breaks the mold. The show has painted such elaborate pictures of the lives of all these characters that it is impossible to not care about them. Literally every single significant character is given flashbacks to develop their character so well. This helps in building the stakes of the story as well.
We feel empathy for ones we’ve only just met, who are also fighting to protect their families and who are also being used by those with political power. The battle, the outcome, the final scenes conveyed a much bigger message. Where the death of innocent people is considered a “necessary sacrifice,” and children are being manipulated into becoming weapons to be used for the “benefit” of the state, there is evil. Ultimately (after much violence and many bad deeds) this is a story about two groups of superpowered people who have been positioned against each other but come to recognize who the real enemy is. Some of these characters are far more bad than they are good, but the story ends with a commitment to protecting the next generation and ensuring history doesn’t repeat itself.
The cast was absolutely perfect in conveying every emotion the webtoon and the writers wanted to convey, every single performance gets a 10/10 from me. The OSTs were also very memorable and helps elevate the emotions of the scenes it was put in, and yes I already have the OSTs saved in a playlist to listen to and reminisce from time to time. The CGI is not perfect, there were a lot of dodgy scenes where the characters looked like video game characters bouncing around, but it never happened to their faces, and it never looked unnatural, it was good CG. Spectacular fight scenes and stunt work, great use of the abilities portrayed here, although I do wish the abilities were a little more diverse, rather than 4 or 5 characters just having the exact same powers.
[Spoilers Ahead, so stop reading]
My main complaint is Kisoo's character, and how insignificant he felt. The show would've worked perfectly fine without him. He was just...there. But he did gave some powerful scenes with the teacher around episodes 17 and 18, but then again, that could've been achieved with just Ganghoon. It bothered me because of how in episodes 15 and 16, they made it look like he was some important character, but never went deeper into that. My other issue is when Doosik finally reunited with his family and we barely got to see 5 seconds of it, like it would've been perfect to end the episode with the surplus of emotions if they prolonged that scene of reunion, but it just cut to black, and I guess we'll see in Season 2.
As was foreshadowed during that much earlier conversation between Huisoo’s parents, we got a happy ending. I’m grateful that the main plot points were tied up; to have ended with a cliffhanger, and no promise of future episodes, would have been cruel. The final episode has definitely set things up for another season, and I really hope we get it. If only to give us a reunion scene between Bongseok and Huisoo. Their last on screen interaction was during a really high stakes situation in which everyone was in mortal danger, and I’m sad we didn’t see them meet following that. However, I suppose the bullet still lodged in the arm and the yellow raincoat speak volumes… we know everything we need to know.
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This review may contain spoilers
Moving" - A Dynamic Tale of Powers and Personal Growth
"Moving" is a captivating drama that I recently finished, and it left me with a mixed bag of emotions. The second-generation characters in this series are a testament to versatility, both in terms of their extraordinary powers and their evolving behaviors throughout the episodes.Bong Seok's character development was a highlight for me. His journey from shyness and fear to confidence in his powers was both relatable and inspiring. Hee Soo, on the other hand, stood out with his intelligence and kindness, never once judging Bong Seok for his initial reservations.
Gang Hoon's immense strength grabbed my attention, but I must admit that his character didn't resonate with me as much as the others.
Shifting gears to the first-generation powers of the parents, Jaa Woon's dark past and his wife's struggles added depth to the storyline. Jaa Woon's healing power was a personal favorite, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
Mi Hyen's senses power was intriguing, but I couldn't help but wish for a bit more depth to her character. The same goes for Doo Shik.
The plot, while simple on the surface with the backdrop of a North-South Korea conflict, unfolds in a way that keeps you engaged. It's a testament to the storytelling that even with a straightforward premise, "Moving" manages to entertain.
Overall, "Moving" is a series that's definitely worth a watch. The blend of diverse powers, character growth, and a unique take on a war narrative make it a compelling drama. I eagerly await the arrival of season 2 to see where the story takes these fascinating characters next.
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This drama 100% deserves the hype
In a time when we are suffering from a over-saturation of content and less than mediocre stories, particularly related to people with superpowers, South Korea has released MOVING and proved there's still hope for the genre.Like its tittle the story is in constant move, not only pushing forward but going back to different timelines to give us context o our main characters and how the things happening in present time are a direct consequence to the past. Technically, MOVING is perfect. One of the strongest points is definitely the editing and this can be seen in the way the story jumps from one year to another but you never lose track of what's happening nor leaves you confused. There are gaps to fill but with other episodes that will give you answers. The score complements the actions and emotions of the characters to perfection.
The performances are top notch and it's not surprise considering this drama is stack. If you have been watching korean dramas or films for a while, you will recognize even the most random character or one-episode-cameo it's performed by an award winning actor or actress. These people have a reputation for a reason and they deliver in every scene, with a look, a touch, a smile or a punch that will push you through a wall. For some characters in the drama literally speaking.
Zo In Sung hasn't starred in a drama since Dear My Friends (2016) and I am so glad this is his return to the tv format. In MOVING he delivered a nuance, charming and badass performance that in the hands of another would have fell flat. His character's entire existence it's what pushes most of the story forward: a person used as a weapon to kill but all he ever wanted was to live. The big mystery of the drama it's to find out what was his fate after he got separated from those he loves.
Ryoo Seung Ryong remains one of the most compelling actors of his generation, giving us the incredible story of a good man lost in life until he found his purpose and redemption. His storyline, full of gore and violence, was actually a tender love story about how far a man will go to protect his family. Marvelous.
Han Hyo Joo's character could have easily fallen into the Smurfette principle but no. She's an equal to the men who love her and those that want to kill her, with a very strong motivation to keep herself on the top of the game. This character's loneliness comes through every scene she's in, bottling everything up in order to be strong for her family but you can tell she's waiting for a chance to be free and, most importantly, for her son to be able to live freely.
Ko Yoon Jung, Lee Jeong Ha and Kim Do Hoon are really promising actors, particularly considering they hold their own while performance with so many household names. I think Kim Do Hoon and Kim Sun Kyun probably gave one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful stories in the drama.
Like I mentioned before every single actor in this drama brought their A+ game face but I would be doing a disservice if I didn't mention Kim Hee Won, Cha Tae Hyun, Ryoo Seung Bum, Park Hee Soon, Yang Dong Geun, Jo Bok Rae, Park Kwang Jae, Kim Joong He and, of course, Kwak Sun Young. She in particular was SPECTACULAR.
None of these characters are one-dimensional, they are not defined by the label society wants to put on them. They are all joined together by the experiences, hardships, love, motivations and ambitions they share. At the end of the day, related or not by blood, they are a family. Even the so-called enemies.
MOVING it's absolutely worthy of the hype that surrounds it through all social media and news outlets putting in the category of one of 2023 best tv shows. I only regret I didn't have the time to watch it sooner so I could have add it to mine.
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The long wait was worth it!
So, I had been waiting for this show since my Jo In Sung obsession developed...sometime in 2021, I think? And Then when it came out, I don't know, it had just been too long, I wasn't invested anymore so I didn't touch it for months until my mom said she had seen a random scene from this show that she thought was cool and she wanted to watch the rest so I just recently binged the whole thing with her and I have to say, it was worth the wait. It's true. My only investment in this show was initially JUST Jo In Sung and no one can blame me for it because he is like a rare orchid that blooms every five years or something. So I've been frustrated and desperate BUT the show is very well-made and the teenage characters are sooooo cute, omg! I thought teen boys could only be mildly threatening or absurdly annoying. Who knew they could be adorable sunshine bunnies?!Anyway, the little cutesy friendship between the two teen characters made me so endeared and as the plot developed it became more interesting (And also I kept waiting and waiting and waiting for Jo In Sung to show up...ㅠㅠ).
My only issue with this show is too much violence and not enough Jo In Sung. It was disgusting how much violence I had to endure. I got bored with it, too. So instead, I spent a good deal of the fight scenes scrolling through my phone, while being stuck to the screen during the romance parts. It was just too much. Very gross. Sure, the CGI work was amazing and I applaud the crew for that (the production overall was amazing) but gratuitous violence is so tacky.
The acting in this show is amazing. Obviously, with heavyweights in the main roles, no one was expecting anything less but even the younger cast members were great. They brought the characters to life and I was shocked to find out one actor is 26 years old?! I thought he was 15! :o Everyone was so well-casted and they acted their butts off.
I'm not even a superhero story fan. I don't like marvel and don't watch any of their stuff. But I enjoyed this one. Maybe because it was so fundamentally different from a superhero arc. However, the plot felt a little like a prequel, to be honest. So I can imagine a more traditional superhero plot in a potential second season. This felt more like an espionage family drama; if the families in the espionage had superpowers.
So between the endearing character relationships, an interesting and engaging plot, amazing casting, and a very professional production, this show was basically perfect...except for too much violence. And not enough Jo In Sung.
The music was also very good. It was scored like a film, very ambient but never distracting. Just as it should be.
Will I rewatch this? No...except for rewatching Jo In Sung's scenes. :) And I've already done that...a few times!
I recommend it if you can handle violence and if you like espionage plots, romance, and a bit of mystery.
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This review may contain spoilers
'Fast, witty and emotional', with VFX analogues to western movies!
Review frequently updated: EP1-7The first few episodes guide us through the fictional world where the government has been involved in recruiting (might even creating, not revealed yet) superhumans as agents. From what we know the agents are retired and the story is now revolving around their kids. We see how their abilities have affected their lives and how their parents (former agents) are trying to protect them. The family and friends relationships are laid out pretty well initially. We are also introduced to what I can assume will be the main plot line, that the governments of different nations are trying to kill the former agents of South Korea. Why and how is not something we discover yet. From my understanding, the powers seem to be inherited genetically and the kids can have abilities of both parents, like our main lead Kim Bong Seok and the killer, a CIA operative (a native Korean who was sold as a child) has been tasked to take out all the former agents and their kids. The story is interesting and I cannot wait to see where it is taken from here.
Till now the storyline is fascinating and I enjoyed how the first few episodes were used to introduce us to the world and the characters. The series involves a lot of characters and their background stories which could have become messy and tedious if I had not binged watched it.
PS: If you are wondering, the VFx are amazing! Top quality! Very comparable to American shows!
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Another must watch!
I’m going to be completely honest and say that i binged all 20 episodes in a span of 3 days. Which is insane. I’ve never binged a 20 episode kdrama so fast before, it just shows how good it is!Every episode fills you with anticipation for the next episode. Character building and plot pace both so well done, I literally have no complaints!
All of the actors did so well too, I like every ship and dynamic they added in the show.
I really hope there’s going to be a season 2, I know the actors would do a good job again!
Really good show! You won’t be disappointed watching it!!!
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THE BEST
trully the best 2023 drama a 10/10 without fault ! all characters are unique and extremely well writenthere isn't one thing id change about this show. a must watch and a once in a 10 years drama
i had to pause so many times just to scream or pace in my room because the scenes were so exciting so well writen and soooo shocking i was fully focued and engaged in this show omg
i hope and pray there will be a 2nd season im so not over this goodness
iv been imploring all my friends and family to watch it
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This review may contain spoilers
A VERY BORING DRAMA
this drama has very high potential but it fall apart because of boring flashbacks ....by passing of each episode it is getting more and more boring . they did not even explain well how they got these powers and how ANSP is working at its own without government authorisation ...i understand that they want to provide back stories of every cast but this drama shows flashbacks in worst way ...each backstory is 2 - 3 episodes long which can be easily done in 30 minutes to 1 ep ...
the human beings with powers are quite natural genre and there is nothing different about it ...
my advice - do not start this because of ratings ...
in short it is my one of the WORST drama of 2023 ...
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Amazing
I only started my Kdrama and Cdrama journey at the same time, when covid started and I had a lot of free time on my hands, so I might not have watched as much of the older "Must watch" shows that most of you have. Still, I have lurked here for more than 3 years and this is the first time I felt compelled to write a review.This is quite a simple story really, reminiscent in some ways to the old "Heroes" show (at least season 1 when it was great). However, the casting, acting, directing and overall storytelling here was a total masterpiece. It's a more character driven piece rather than story driven, and from the students to the adults, all of them impressed me totally.
Loved them all and hope for a season 2!
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Super powers, but not for kids (18+)
March 2024This story started really well. I loved the characters, was captivated and felt the balance between the every day and violent action, was good.
However, as the episodes progressed, that changed and the violence intensified more and more.
Episode 11 was my breaking point. I actually had to skip through a fight scene, purely because it was way too relentless. This is something I very rarely ever do, for any reason.
The younger characters and the actors that portrayed them, were fabulous. I felt invested in their wellbeing and especially loved Bong-seok and Hee-soo, the former having the cutest smile and sweetest personality.
The adult characters and actors were not a broad mix. They were either goodies or baddies, even though that was actually dependent on perspective.
The story flits, a lot, between various key events in the past and present, from the lives of each of the characters. Sometimes I found this waring. For the depth of the stories from the past, I actually think the drama would have been better being told chronologically. Each time I got into an event, its time period and its characters, it would switch again.
There are some really vile officials in this and human life appears to hold little value for any of them. There is also High School bullying, which is ignored by other students (through fear I hoped to myself, not apathy) and ineffective teachers who dealt with it appallingly. It made my blood boil and, honestly, I'm sick and tired of seeing it, even if it was part of some plan. Name calling, a bit of pushing and shoving, is one thing, but the level I see in so many K-dramas, that has no recourse, or the wrong party gets blamed, and punished, is too much. It's inappropriate in stories with a modern setting, too.
There is also misogyny; plus one character is actually called 'Idiot', a lot, with even his episode titled that. The character wasn't an idiot. I found that offensive, to be honest and was unhappily surprised by it. A big no-no for me, again, this being a drama in a modern setting (fantasy or not; that's irrelevant).
Now and then the plot also went a little askew, because I don't think the writer knew a way around that, or simply got lost.
There were lovely, light and funny scenes, but as said, not enough of them later on. Prolonged violence and threat, with no let-up, is not my thing, it turns out.
However, I liked the idea of the story. The lack of choice or power, to not follow the orders or bidding of others, shown to be felt by both sides, was a bit different. I loved the cast and the soundtrack too. It had a high budget feel and the SFX were very good.
I thought the ending as a whole was OK; the happenings of S1 were tied up and I enjoyed the pre-credits closing scenes (more follow after the credits, too ).
If they decide to make another series, I'd watch it; but I'll be hoping it won't be as intense and heavy going for lengthy periods, without a break, as this one was at times.
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