I feel if it was a show with 12 or 14 episodes it would have been excellent show.
The acting was quite good but I found the ending not satisfying at all. I thought it was pointless after so much effort.
Well I would recomend it but it is definately not for the faint hearted as its quite deep and dark, I wish it had more romance to counter its heaviness.
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This series had its flaws but the specialness of it does a lot to override it and it exceeded expectations. This isn't one of your typical crime/suspense dramas where there are cool dudes or evil villains. In fact, having watched so many action-driven series prior to this, it took a bit to get used to this type of pacing (in a good way). The only way I can describe it is that it is closer to "real-time" pacing, where it gives off a "slice of life" feel despite its darker atmosphere.
The script is done wonderfully and is loaded with insight. I couldn't figure out which male lead I was empathizing with as it kept me switching back and forth until it neared the end when I thought I knew, and then it messed me up again. The female lead felt a bit one-toned for a large portion of the story but boy, was I appreciative of her presence. Almost all of your characters are humanized with realistic gray tones. I won't go into the plot details because I made the mistake of reading what was stated as a minor spoiler, only to realize it ruined quite a bit of what could have been a nice unique surprise.
The negatives for me that hurt the series was they spent too much time on emotional lingering with at least a couple of scenes an episode. I did fast-forward a bit on these sections and some repeated flashbacks but not in the areas of dialogue. The only other negative was the video shots weren't great and took some getting used to.
Don't go into this one expecting gruesome serial killings or exaggerated supernatural powers. This is actually another reason why it was done so well. It didn't need this to build up emotional intensity or suspense. I'm also confused as to why some state this one has no romance. Sure, there wasn't your sappy/tragic type of love story and it wasn't the main focus, but it is most definitely there.
I recommend this series if you are the type who values content over flashy. It isn't episodic in crime-solving but rather a movement across multiple crimes that all gather under one umbrella.
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Powerful Greek tragedy in Korea
Intelligent, powerful drama of revenge posing the question: is the act of revenge morally better than the bad act causing the revenge in the first place? with the added twist of two supposed upholders of the law (or justice? they are not necessarily the same) - a detective and a lawyer - set against each other. Both the male leads are excellent in their very contrasting characters. Joo Ji Hoon is masterly. Also the female leads (Haein and Seungha's supposed sister)and the love element play a crucial role in the story. Can't say more, would be a spoiler.Jung Dong Hwan was also notable as a menacing, machiavellian character in the background. After slowing down in the middle, which had me thinking of dropping it, this really picked up in the last third of the series and became terrifically gripping. Comparing it with the Japanese version, this is twice as long, which led to loss of dramatic tension in the middle, but giving it more space for character development and to explore the morality. Even so, it could imo still have been shorter and done so equally well. Still the quality of Greek tragedy comes across in both versions as events come full circle (watch where it ends). This drama gets really HEAVY, so be prepared for some real catharsis. For once the word drama has its real meaning.Was this review helpful to you?
I found myself... well, cheering the devil on, which sounds kind of weird. He had my sympathy, while the people getting killed off I mostly felt indifferent towards. This series really made me question my morals, since I was on the side of the one getting revenge.
The actors... awesome. Especially Joo Ji Hoon. Since his character mostly kept a straight face during this drama, he truly got the opportunity to act minimalistically; and he did that very well; while keeping a mostly straight face and the tone of his voice always even, he managed to convey emotions just with his eyes and micro-expressions.
I wasn't really bored at any point, the police investigations weren't so interesting for me, but all the parts with the 3 main actors I really looked forward to. And while I usually hate, hate, HATE flashbacks and childhood stories, I found myself looking towards them in this drama.
I would recommend this to anyone who wishes to question their morals from time to time, and wants to watch some great acting. (If you like this, also check out the Japanese remake, Maou. For me it's nowhere as near as great as this one but it's also very good and has good actors in it.)
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This review may contain spoilers
LOVED this show so much.
LOVED JJH as the calm and collected handsome lawyer making everyone dance to his tunes like puppets on a string, which he doesn't even need to control directly! The plot he set in motion was merely kindling for the fire already going on in the lives of those he set out to take revenge from. He is sinister in the initial episodes, transforming into someone who isn't sure of himself anymore, and somehow turns helpless to stop the plan he himself set in motion. The good guy being the bad guy, realising that the world isn't black and white at all. He has several people around him trying to make him see light at the end of his pain, but he realises it isn't easy, and that maybe he can't do it now even if he wanted to.The second lead, UTW as the hard-working detective who has been suffering all his life after a truly unfortunate incident which destroyed so many lives, to his overbearing father who set it in motion by underestimating the power of someone vowing revenge. He pushes everyone away from him, wants support but doesn't seek it, watches his whole life crumble before his eyes, realises that nothing he believed in was real, and is powerless to stop his family and friends from breaking apart due to their own actions.
Our lovely female lead, SMA as the innocent and optimistic librarian who can't help but fall for one of our leads (don't blame her for her choice of love interest btw) , and tries to offer them both the support they both desperately need because it's obvious that she cares about them both. Her psychometric abilities prove to be useful but ultimately useless as she is able to predict events a little too late every time, and has to see the people she has come to care deeply about fall into the never ending path of suffering.
TLDR: The cast was perfect, the main leads were brilliant at conveying their feelings and emotions, and story did everyone justice. The soundtrack was perfect, and the story moved at a slow pace but fit the overall theme of the show. One of the best Korean drama I've seen and I highly recommend it! The end was perfect, and no other ending could've given it justice.
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Revenge by Proxy!
First let's talk about the boring technicalities:Direction during almost the whole drama was really bad.Weird close-ups,bad camera use and many shaken scenes,made me dizzy.Unfortunately direction not only ruined my experience but also the acting partially.There were many emotional moments when Ml expressing his feelings,and the damn camera was turning from one face to another every 5 secs and the scene seemed so incomplete althought the Ml still was saying his lines.I mean i was pissed,seriously,practically ruined all the emotions the actor was trying to build up. Rough editing and average cinematography too. Overall not a very pleasant watch regarding the visuals.
Music:One of the best Osts.Made me wanna modify my profile page and add it there.I really liked it,mostly instrumental,i felt the dark story was told through the notes.Especially the main score was just brilliant (i think violin is the main instrument there,but i might be wrong,)and every time i think the word Revenge this tune comes into my head.Although not much variety and kinda repetitive,still got under my skin."Prince of Darkness", "Don't love me" and "거짓된 사람들,false people" Just listen once and you instantly fall!
Cast & Acting:
Familiar actors except Uhm Tae Woong,the Detective.This was the first time watch one of his works.I can't really judge as this is an old Drama and i can't tell about his development or progress as an actor but surely he wasn't bad.
As for Joo Ji Hoon,obviously not just a pretty face!Loved him in Hyena but here..oh boy!Yep he was amazing!Into his role 100%,delivered the range of all emotions.He carried half of the show along with the other ML as the story is mostly about those two characters.
Story & Plot:
Pace is slow.Is not really about the number of episodes or the length of them.Althought 20 hourly eps were indeed too many.But it wasn't boring at all.It has the bizarre excitement of how things will go on wihouth having the expected suspense.Why?Because within the first few episodes,we already know the story and the main Villain.Not that it was too hard to guess,anyway!The purpose is not to keep us guessing or confuse us about his identity.
That's why it was given too easy and too fast.And that is the appeal of this Drama.The true beauty is the two main leads,their characters and the ill fate which connects them.The "after the revelation" story.Past and present is mixed up to give us the "what,who,where and why" behind the main story.And most important the true colors of each character.Their feelings,their history,their inner fears,remorses and struggles.We get to see their souls,undressed layer by layer,until totally naked.
A masterfully organized and planned Revenge plan unfolded infront of our eyes,step-by-step.The Master pulls all the strings,making his puppets dance in his tune.He is always ahead of the facts and everyone around him.He has thought every single detail,using people and has no regrets.Yes he is an evil character..(is he really though?)Dead bodies piling up around him.He has that cold smile but he is not a psycopath.He is not doing the deeds himself.He has the "charisma" to manipulate people.That is why i chose to give the "Revenge by Proxy" title here!He is so focused on his Revenge,it consumed him,he gradually looses himself.The references to Dante's Inferno were brilliant but at the end he himself experienced his own journey through Hell...And as always,when it comes to Revenge...Dig two graves!
The Detective is fighting with his own Demons as well.Hard working and dedicated to his job he wants to redeem himself by doing his duty the best.Although many clues and hints were thrown around him about who was behind all these,he took him way too long to connect all the dots.I got too excited when he did,i literally screamed. That part was a bit frustrating for me.It would be more interesting if he found out sooner and made his own plans to uncover everything and play a hide and seek game with the Lawyer.I guess this way the pace would be faster but oh well never mind.
The FL and her Supernatural gift was there to unify the story as a main link. Not a very exciting character but at least wasn't annoying.
Not room for Romance here.A tiny hint between FL and one of the Mls but thats all.I didn't miss it,anyhow.
In this story i couldn't take parts.I couldn't favor neither the Detective nor the Lawyer.It was like i was detached.I was there for the drama..Not because i didn't like those two characters.Not because i judged both were guilty.Nothing of these.I was afraid to get too emotional and pick a side because I LOVED them Both.I feared to choose.I didn't want to "lose" none of them.I felt i had no right to judge and if it was on me i would redeemed both.
To summarize:
This is an old Drama.It has some serious issues regarding the direction(my point of view)
Due to it,i didn't enjoy the acting that much,but all actors were really good.
It has a slow pace,focusing mostly in characters through the plot.
Is not for impatient viewers.
Watch it because..
Has great music themes.
One of the best revenge stories.
Characters with real depth.
It will make you question about the human nature several times.
Also has one of the most compelling endings.Honestly the last 15 minutes is an unquestionable 10!Not for all but definetely the kind of ending i do love.
I gave 9,5 instead of 10 only because of the really poor direction.
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Meh...
Poor directing that reflected on the cast middling performance, especially Joo Ji Hoon who was barely acting maybe because this was his second project. The thriller aspect was weak and the mystery didn't exist, the "baddies" were known too early, like in the first few episodes. Don't even get me started on the supernatural element, total flop. Some may watch it for Shin Min Ah but this is her weakest project imo.The ending was extremely over dramatic that it straight up made it bad. It's okay to have the same "outcome" but what led to it "the final 2 scenes" needed a re-write as it is completely nonsensical in its current state.
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Корейский вариант вышел раньше на год, и тема и исполнение так понравились, что японский ремейк не заставил себя ждать. Сравнивать - дело неблагодарное, тем более, главный тандем и там и там хорош до безобразия. Но тут главная героиня была поярче, тем более играла ее Мин А.
Eom Tae Ung создал образ грубоватого, но честного полицейского, "глупость юности" которого испортила ему жизнь и он это понимает. Понимает, но выбрал жить, чтобы нести свой крест - за это я его и уважаю, ведь уйти всегда легче. Второй герой, которого играет Ji Hun, выбрал месть, его право, однако он понял эпитимью "врага", за что я тоже его уважаю. Вот только остановиться уже никто не смог - и ведь так это всегда и бывает - разогнавшийся поезд руками не остановить.
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