This review may contain spoilers
An intense, powerful and emotional thriller.
„If you’d have all the money and power in the world, what would you want next? To live forever.”I didn’t expect much when I started this drama. Sure, I finished the first episode and thought „ugh, another 16 hour show about serial killers.” I was so glad I was wrong. Oh boy, It is MUCH deeper than that.
To be honest, it is extremely hard to express how dark and emotional this drama really is. As we arrive to the second half of the show we realize that our beloved ML is not only fighting against the antagonists, but also his own darkness.
The cinematography and music was on point. The combination of the dark atmosphere and the sometimes suspenseful, other times overly emotional music just came together perfectly, making a drama that feels like a punch in the gut – in the best way possible.
While some characters could have been a little bit more interesting, and some things did feel a tiiiny bit convenient and exaggerated, I have to say: everything connects BEAUTIFULLY. The writing is actually so good that even when you see a twist coming, you're still going to feel the things you’re supposed to.
That is a word I would use to describe this drama: FEELINGS. All kinds of feelings and maybe too much of them, because I swear to GOD it ripped my soul apart.
The plot is really well done and there are many twists throughout it, constantly keeping us on the edge of our seat and eager to see what happens next or just simply feeling hopeless.
The three main leads are phenomenal and the side characters are great. The old man was my favourite. The acting is incredible. Seol Hyun's acting was just too good. At times I could feel what her character was feeling. I wanted to cry with her.
I could go on for hours about how good the fight scenes were and how explosive the chemistry between the leads was, but I’m just going to tell you to watch it. It’s something everyone needs to experience. Go watch it.
So what is Awaken really like?
Addictive. Unforgettable. Emotional. Brilliant.
Also it's great to see more dramas get more than one season, but why not do the same with this one? There is so much potential here for a second season.
Was this review helpful to you?
The blurred line between right and wrong
This one took months to write because I wanted to use big words (I know...) and I watched the show 3 times before submitting.Prepare for a binge-watch session like no other, as Awaken sets a new standard for action-thrillers. This drama delivers heart-pounding suspense and electrifying action that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This series has solidified its place as a must-watch for anyone seeking entertainment that lingers in the mind long after the credits fade.
Story:
Is it murder or suicide? It's hard to tell when it comes to the mysterious case this show throws us into. Seems like another one of those detective shows, but do not be fooled. As the story progresses, things escalate and you find yourself watching something entirely different. Buckle up, because the action-thriller show that is about to hit your screen is an absolute rollercoaster ride.
Characters:
The characters in Awaken are three-dimensional gems that shine brighter with each episode. From the brilliant and mysterious lead Do Jung Woo, who adds a touch of humor amidst the chaos, to the brooding yet brilliant FBI agent grappling with her dark past - each character evolves realistically as they face moral dilemmas and personal challenges.
Acting:
The performances in this drama are nothing short of exceptional. The cast effortlessly brings their characters to life, infusing every line with emotion and depth. Each actor's portrayal contributes to the show's gripping atmosphere. Not even a single drop of disappointment here.
Writing and Dialogue:
Now believe it or not, there is not a single show without loopholes, not even this one. Perfect writing doesn't exist, but this one is pretty close to it. The writing is razor-sharp with dialogues that keep you engaged. The pacing is expertly handled, combining heart-stopping action sequences with moments of quiet introspection that give insight into the characters' motivations. Twists and turns are seamlessly integrated, creating a narrative that leaves you craving more after every episode.
Cinematography:
The camera work amplifies the tension, capturing the energy of chase scenes and the raw emotion in the characters' expressions. The use of light and shadow enhances the show's gloomy atmosphere, immersing viewers deeper into its world.
The haunting soundtrack adds an extra layer of intensity to key moments, heightening the emotional impact.
(No, literally. I can still hear "set me free", even though weeks passed since I last watched it.)
Message:
Beneath the adrenaline-fueled action lies a harsh message: where's the line between right and wrong? It's blurred. Can you see it? Awaken doesn't shy away from exploring complex topics, giving viewers food for thought long after the credits roll.
Viewer Experience:
As a viewer, I was gripped by a sense of exhilaration that's hard to put into words. The heart-racing action, the intricate plot twists, and the genuine emotional connections between characters create an experience that is deeply moving.
Final Verdict:
Awaken is a triumph in the action-thriller genre. With its compelling characters, relentless pacing, and thought-provoking themes, it delivers a viewing experience that's not to be missed. If you're a fan of adrenaline-pumping suspense and intelligently crafted storytelling, this series deserves a top spot on your watchlist.
Beware: You'll probably lose a lot of tears.
Was this review helpful to you?
INTENSITY WILL HAVE YOU DYING!!!!!!!!!
WTF happened 28 years ago? this show will make you ask that every episode. Why the hell is every character so fucking SMART, the male lead could MANIPULATE ANYONE like he was PLAYING CHESS. Reminds me of DEATH NOTE with all the high IQ characters. Being intelligently advanced is one thing but being physically capable of doing anything a human body can is insane and OVERPOWERED.The SECRET MYSTERY will make you binge watch the hell out of this drama until you finally find it out but then another mystery will pull you in. Also its NAM GOONG MIN like do you even need a reason why? Watch this drama and you'll end up having trust issues with every character and end up staying up until 4 am watching this. BE WARNED!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
A Well Made Thriller
Simply Awaken was a really good drama to watch. Not unfamiliar or a new different kind of a story narration but here it has a quite decent balance in both thrilling and emotional scenes which was very interesting to see. The genres were completely stick into mainly three Mystery, thriller and a bit of fantasy. and there were no unwanted or forced romance or anything like that.In The past few years Nam Goong Min Made a big impact in drama industry he was particularly very selective for his works. Especially his last 2 works before this. He is one of the most promising actor we have now. And he has done it again here as well. His performance will be one of the main highlight of this whole show, Just awesome, Very smoothly handled a very complicated role which was outstanding.
Coming to the story and screenplay, by the way i don't want to look further into that part because you can read the synopsis and find the plot and all, but as i mentioned earlier they have a good balance in every aspects so its a kind of a very interesting screenplay also it makes logical.
Also one of the good thing that there was a very good finale Episode which so many other dramas failed to make, but here they done it brilliantly includes a very satisfying Climax also . Nothing more or less needed then that. Overall if you are a thriller fan awaken will be a best choice for you. I loved every bit of this drama without any boring. Try it
Was this review helpful to you?
Nam Goong Min Awakens One's Curiosity
Review based on episode three.Nobody and nothing are what they seem in this drama, filled with mind games, mysteries, and eeriness. Awaken was a bit slow in its start-up, but once it got its groove, it's been nothing but one surprise after another. I love how Nam Goong Min plays Jung Woo. Everything, from the way he walks, talks, carries himself, and the carefree demeanor, belying his true feelings and thoughts. But what I like most is his uncanny ability to know what's going on around him and those he takes an interest in, be it his team members, the victims, potential victims, or the culprit(s). I got the sense there was more than one. Jung Woo makes this show worth the watch but then so do Jamie (Lee Chung Ah) and MJW (Yoon Sun Woo), who seem to mirror each other and are Jung Woo's other halves from an incident thirty years ago.
I like Hye Won's (Kim Seol Hyun) loyalty to Jung Woo; I hope she doesn't let her feelings get in the way. I get the sense Jung Woo picked her, knowing how she or, more so, her father connects to the village. I adore Yoon Seok Pil (Choi Dae Chul), Jang Ji Wan (Lee Shin Young), and Deputy Chief Hwang Byeong Chul (Kim Won Hae). I enjoy the humor and chemistry they bring to the team. I continue to be wary of Lee Taek Jo (Baek Ji Won) for her unscrupulous connections and Lee Ji Wook (Yoon Gyung Ho) for his self-serving reporting. As well as CEO Yong Shik (Jang Hyuk Jin) for his treatment of MJW, but think they are all just puppets playing to the tune of a more persuasive puppeteer. Awaken turned out to be a fun ride indeed.
Was this review helpful to you?
An Interesting Cross-Genre Concept Executed Well
I'm alone on an empty street.The sun is shining brightly.
The clock which is never wrong says it's midnight.
I wonder, is it day or night?
This recurring line (copied NOT verbatim) really hooked me into the premise of this show. The real answer is revealed in the show and while it doesn't exactly translate to a true life lesson, it's interesting in its own way.
Let me begin by saying I LOVE crime/romance hybrids: Flower of Evil, *chef's kiss*, Come and Hug Me + Cruel City, *thumbs up*. This is why I couldn't help but be a little disappointed to find not so much external romance as internal romantic motivation; which, while still nice, is not what I expect from a romance tag.
Add in some fantasy/sci-fi elements, splashes of comedy, and you have all the makings of a drama tailored to my tastes, maybe yours too.
The story is interesting, paced well, and developed in ways that I didn't expect but still made sense. Many characters get their time to shine in different scenes without dragging the drama down.
The cast chemistry is strong throughout and I found myself particularly enjoying Seolhyun/Hye Won's character and journey. Nam Goong Min brings his trademark charisma to this role. His scenes with Lee Chung Ah/Jamie were particularly entertaining as characters who understood each other well.
A weakness or dislike for this drama would be the villains. There are a few and I never really found myself invested or interested in their motivations. They were generic, sometimes weak, but it is easily overlooked IMO because I don't consider the villains, or their POV, to be necessary here. They exist as a set-up, a vehicle for the conflict, and I'm accepting of that. Would it be more intriguing if they weren't this way? Of course, but they're not so I'm moving on.
That is not to say the villain roles were not played well; on the contrary, there were many standout performances, notably Ahn Shi Ha/Hyun Hui/Mad Scientist. I enjoyed every terrifying moment she was on screen.
If you're looking for a well-executed crime thriller from beginning to end with bits of romance feels on the side, definitely give this a try. Thank you!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The series that will keep you hooked until the very end.
This has to be the series to watch if you're looking for something interesting, something that will keep you watching until the end and not skip. This has to be one of my favorite dramas; I've seen it several times and it never gets old; the story hooked me from the first scene. All of the characters are interesting, and you'll doubt everything until it all comes together. The main character is superbly written, and Nam Koong Min's performance is flawless. All of the actors did an excellent job portraying the characters; it may have made me cry and suspect many times, but it is the best series for me.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Thrilling [Edited]
A truly amazing drama that constantly left me wondering what's going to happen once. As much as I try to predict the next episodes, It always surprised me with their unpredictability and mysteriousness. Every character has their unique characterization especially Gong Hye Won, Jamie Layton, & Lee Ji Wook but everyone is outsmarted by the protagonist mostly, Do Jung Woo, and Moon Jae Woong who is the anti-protagonist for the most part of the story until the true villain surfaces. Jung Woo always is shown to be very calculative regarding his plan and is prepared with a counter-measure if anything goes wrong.I really love it when a story has many smart/strong characters and potential ones while many other dramas intend to have a weak and gullible character especially the FL. Even though everyone gets fool by Do Jung Woo, it's not entirely their fault because he is a mastermind and everyone he fooled has had some form of a deep relationship with him.
Gong Hye Won is a smart and hot-tempered Officer as described in the synopsis but there is more to her character. She is aslo shown to have a feeling for Do Jung Woo who happens to be using her along with the entire group. Gong Hye Won finds out about it but didn't want to believe it until a certain event. But the intention of Do Jung Woo is not that clear as well because even though he seems to be using his team and many others to take down the foundation that started the whole child experimentation. He does seem to genuinely care for his team especially Hye Won and Jamie because the show tries to emphasize that there could be other possible reasons for his recruitments of them other than their relationship to the foundation.
Although the plot is not romance-driven, you can actually feel the intense feeling Do Jung Woo and Gong Hye Won have for one another every time they are face to face or shown to be thinking of each other. The ending also tries to hint it a little bit. I have to say: this drama was simply impressive from the beginning to the end.
Was this review helpful to you?
A very thrilling drama with a mutant kind of characters that full of mystery!
I love how they start and end this drama with an interesting riddle that will hook their viewers to think what really happened from the past, why did he give that riddle and what does it mean. This drama will also makes you think how and why did he made that tragic incident. Also, one of the interesting part is how the writer made it an unusual kind of crime investigation because of a mutant kind of characters, though not all of them has an extraordinary kind of intellectual and physical powers. I hope that there's a season 2 for this drama.I like the casting and acting of everyone except on hyewon. She's facial expression for all of the emotions are the same. As for Nam Goog Min, as expected he owns the character of this drama. He never disappoints me in his acting from 1-16. I also like how he change his tone of speaking for his character here.
Music: I love the music! I'll give 100% score for the composers of the 3 ost. The music will make you feel the thrill and the mystery, the sadness and the curiosity. I personally love Set Me Free night ver of Ha Do Kyun. He sing the song with full of emotions. He delivers the meaning of the song perfectly even the one who cant understand korean can feel the sadness, the frustration, the desperation and the determination of his song. The lyricist really made a great lyrics for this drama.
I will definitely watch this drama again.
Was this review helpful to you?
An Absolute Gem
I watched this show with little to no expectations of it being interesting the whole way through, but honestly it actually was so good I binge watched it. I really wish the romance was developed much better though, but I know it is supposed to be mainly a thriller. Anyways l loved personalities of all the member in that special police force group esp, the females, because at no point were the typical wishy washy female characters a lot of dramas produce. I really enjoyed the various plot twists esp finding out was the president was amazing. I really enjoyed watching this show and I would defs recommend this to anyone who really enjoyed the show "kill it".Was this review helpful to you?
Even better than I expected ...
Started watching this drama primarily as a fan of Namgoong Min. As the story progressed the storyline and the acting really drew me in. Not only was Namgoong excellent but the other actors were interesting as well. The storyline built up slowly setting the stage for the characters, with some unexpected twists and all of a sudden you realize that you are totally involved.Overall a very good drama that I highly recommend.
Once again Namgoong does an excellent job at painting a character, the mannerisms etc. As usual a character for the part - that constant surprise of a good actor.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This is one of the best Nam Goong Min drama.
I'm standing on an empty road all by myself. The sun is shining brightly. and the clock that's never wrong says that it's 12. Then I wonder to myself. "Is it noon or midnight?"To me, this is one of the best Nam Goong Min drama. I got goosebumps while watching this drama. the suspense, the thrill... absolutely catching. One thing I love about this drama is how do Jung woo's every word is a hint to solving the next step in the mystery. the drama is perfectly written and delivered well by the actors and actresses. But i should say that I thought it will end with a bang but instead, it just ended with a whiff of smoke. Although the ending was understandable for a thriller like this i wished there was more to it. but i guess it's okay. Worth the watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
