Candy Online (2019)

I really wanted to stop watching this. I didn't want to understand why these kids were acting so abominably. But I kept thinking...just one more episode. Then by episode 5 I was hooked. This isn't a fast tale of youthful debauchery, in fact it is just the opposite. As the story backtracks to its initial roots, I was completely entranced. In addition to exploring that space between virtual and real world experience and meandering through parent-child relationships, it incisively peels back societal expectations with revelations about the supposed keepers of propriety. It was like watching a car wreck about to happen that I could do nothing to stop. That agony was somewhat staunched by its Bollywood-like finale and the ridiculously delightful dancing (which has no relation to how the story itself ends).

Some might contend that the drama's characterization is a bit off/extreme. But I believe it is spot on with its illustration of how people treat the "other" and what bad actions (or inactions) jealousy can prompt. Yes, the lead is a strange combination of genuine naivety and gregarious, bubbly wisdom. But I have known a few iconoclasts like her; they are rare. They often serve like zeitgeists catalyzing radical changes to prevailing systems.

So is it a believable story? sure...in the same way Breakfast Club was believable. It highlights the cracks in the social order while providing teachable moments for those who pay attention. And frankly, I'm not sure if the believability even matters. I'm fairly stingy in my ratings, so bear in mind that this is a drama worth viewing.

Read More

Seichtes Drama über Mobbing

Dieses Drama hat, finde ich nicht direkt das Thema Mobbing, dafür ist es viel zu harmlos. Viel mehr geht es um das Machtverhältnis zwischen arm und reich (mal wieder).

Ich fand das Pacing des Dramas furchtbar. Irgendwie ziemlich durcheinander, stellenweise sehr schnell oder schrill.
Der weibliche Mainlead war ebenso furchtbar. Das ist aber meinem eigenem Geschmack geschuldet. Mir war sie zu laut, schrill und frech.

Es werden verschiedene Perspektiven von unterschiedlichen Jugendlichen gezeigt, wobei diese aufgrund der wahrscheinlich kurzen Folgen recht schnell erzählt werden.

Das ganze Drama ist nichts rundes und ganzes, man kann es mal schauen wenn man bisschen Zeit totschlagen möchte, aber für mich eher Zeitverschwendung. Trotzdem 3 Sterne, weil es kein totaler Reinfall war.

Read More