Had great potential but inevitably dragged under the weight of stretching out an already thin plot.
This show is not worse by any means but it ain't much good either, one of those shows I'd recommend watching only when you feel like "I have nothing but,TIME TO SPARE"For most of it's runtime Bulgasal continusly kept giving me the impression as if its an example of:- diffrence in visons of a writter vs difference in vison of director/producers [maybe showrunners wanted to make it a more commercial successful drama by adding those family moments, few comical relief dialogues and the fated-lovers angle whereas the writters wanted to make a thriller show which relys heavily on dark fantasy horror and timeline complexity with a hint of 'karma and retribution' added to it] Since, maybe the writers and directors/producers had conflicting views, by the end all they could think of was come up with an idea of making the both parties negotiate with each other landing on an agreement(something that incorporates views of both departments) which then goes on to become the actual script of the drama thus giving us what we now have is an average existing show called BULGASAL
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Bulgasal Leap Card Displayed
Not the worst, changed my mind; it's just that it had bad writing all alongWon't say much (because most have been reviewed), just to summarise: I keep this to watch until the end thanks to the types' of ghosts backstories and antagonists' as well. But when it comes to protagonists' actual backstories, to begin with, I find it still lacking until the end of the story. The overall cast did an amazing job, but a decent plot; so does cinematography (I appreciate again so thank you very much). It's a messed up one that only we, as viewers, arrange/organize on which should be first and which should be last. Sometimes, when I ponder it back, almost gave the vibe of Curious Play (anime adaptation from manga, but clueless-reset). I'm alright with how the ending is, just in-between, from ep1 to finish.... again, it has potential, but as everyone stated: a mess. Can't believe some crews made The Guest, but unsure how to manage this narration instead. A huge miss, but leave good memories in my heart
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Everything was good except the romance...
When I first started watching, I was hooked instantly. Everything about this drama seemed to be what I was looking for, however, I was wrong. The cinematography was amazing, the music was great and the cast was definitely well chosen but the romance didn't do justice to the story. I felt no chemistry whatsoever between the two leads and their "romance" completely ruined it for me... The ending is extremely disappointing and feels quite bland and flat. Honestly, the antagonist was the sole reason I kept watching. I expected better. I recommend this drama only when you have nothing better to watch.Was this review helpful to you?
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Mesmerized by Lee Jin Wook and Kwon Nara's chemistry. Beautiful story and cinematography!
Mesmerized by Lee Jin Wook and Kwon Nara's acting and chemistry. Beautiful story and cinematography!
The story is very unique, and there are a lot of plot twists. It makes the audience more curious after each episode and urges them to create theories about their past lives. I was mesmerized by Lee Jin Wook and Kwon Nara's acting and chemistry. Also, the story is so poetic in love. The story and the cinematography are so brilliant and poetic!
I cried too much on episodes 15 and 16. Why did they have to finish the drama like that!!?? It is so unfair to Hwal and Min Sang Un bulgasal couple!!!! After the events, there should have been more screen time together rather than showing the human's min sang-un protected and died for 1.000 years ago. Or they could have added more episodes! They should have put more emphasis on the bulgasal couple!!!!!!!!!! Lee JinWook and Kwon Nara chemistry is so perfect, and their acting is beautiful wanted them to have more story and screen time rather than showing the brother and sister that Min Sang Un saved :((((((( So sad that they couldn't even talk properly after remembering their past lives. Waited for this moment for weeks, and they only give 5 min for the most important part of the story. However, I am thankful for bringing them back, reincarnating and making them meet :(
I hope Nara and Lee Jin Wook will work again. They have such great chemistry. Also hope the producers can give us a bonus episode of how Hwal and Sang-un lived as a bulgasal couple in the past or hope they can give us a season two on what happened after they reincarnated and meet again:(((((
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I loved it I did but we weren’t fed enough !!!
Okaaay so first of all, this is one of my favorite dramas ... whether it’s the genre, the cast, the chemistry, even the tragic events kept me intrigued ... The only problem is they had a hard time unraveling the secrets in time ... I know you’ve heard this word in another review “Slow Paced” ... well it is in a way that you remain confused and taken aback until the last episode ... I don’t know if they meant for it to be that way to keep us at the edge of our seat ... If they did they have went a tad bit too far ... Like seriously from making us ship him with the female lead’s sister to us going back to the original ship because they’ve finally given them some really warm scenes where their chemistry shone the most and that’s only possible when the male lead is sure she’s no longer a threat ... Like how do you only showcase that is episode 10 or 11 ... There is an ill fated relationship that dates back to 1000 years ago and you only give the last episode to fix that misunderstanding .... Really !!! They had so much potential as a couple ... I watched completely and solely for Lee Jin Wook and Kwon Nara ... Their acting was top notch .,. I was hooked to the screen ... Mr. lee Joon was superb as well ... my type of a villain really sassy and full of sarcasm ... He’s also delusional and in desperate need of a good father or older brother that could’ve guided him when he was younger ... Maybe this whole massacre would’ve been avoided ... The rest of the cast were great as well ... Again the acting is this drama’s strongest point ... The slow paced story its weakness ... In conclusion we needed a happy ending, we needed a season 2 or at least an episode where we could get to see the leads reincarnated and see their story falling in love just like we saw it on Goblin with Lee Dong Wook and Yoo Ina ... it’s an all around tearjerker, but I have no regrets I enjoyed the few bits of romantic scenes and the sappy ending I was givenWas this review helpful to you?
"This is all your fault."
Who's fault is it, and how far back does it go?Bulgasal is the story of people whose lives intertwine again and again from the Goryeo period to the present day. It shows emotions like love and hatred enduring over a very long time... or perhaps forever? It has monsters, sword fights, and fist fights, but it also has romance, family bonds, regrets, and dreams.
I can't believe more people aren't praising this show. Why is it so underrated?
The plot might have intimated some people because it's very complicated. It has a mystery element, history element, past lives, shocking twists, and will make you reflect on many different things. However, if you pay attention to the story then it all makes sense and the reveals are paced perfectly to keep you on the edge of your seat. This is not a show you put on in the background. This is a story that requires and deserves your full attention. The ending is also very deep with many different layers. I've watched the show three times and I'm still finding new details in the ending.
The acting is done at an elite level. Lee Jin Wook and Kwon Nara have AMAZING chemistry as the main couple. I really hope they act together again in the future. Even though this is a romance show without even a single kiss, they look at each other with such intensity that it made me feel hot. We at least get some romantic hugs, even though there's no kiss. I love how Lee Jin Wook is such a mature and manly actor, not like the 'puppy dog faces' in other k-dramas. Lee Joon was also great with his flamboyant acting as the main villain.
Moving on to the fine details... the soundtrack is excellent. The atmosphere of the music matches perfectly with the show, and there's a nice variety of different genres and sounds. The cinematography is gorgeous. It's such a colorful show, with stunning landscapes in the mountains, meadows, and beaches. It is definitely the prettiest looking k-drama I've ever seen.
The director, writers, and actors all should be congratulated. This is a beautiful, romantic, and thoughtful story.
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Bulgasal
Usually I don't write reviews for dramas. That is also because I wait for the drama to complete and binge watch. But I patiently waited a week to watch this.What I liked - Actually the story was different from other fantasy dramas. If you haven't watched it thinking it is like Goblin then don't be. Except the genre they are totally different. The story is catching and the acting is good. I'll always remember this drama for Lee Joon though. He was the best part of this drama. Though he got quite less screen time he was the star for me.
What I disliked - The show couldn't maintain the momentum it had until episode 6. It started dragging after that. Lee jin wook was kind of misfit for Dan Hwal. I would say he couldn't express his emotions as excepted. The second leads were better than him. Kwon Nara was good though.
Music - I have no complaints with the music. All the osts were good.
Bulgasal is not as bad as everyone is trying to make it look. But everyone have their own opinion.
Overall rating - 9/10
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INTRESTING
Basically, this drama is quite good for it's genre. It focuses on the 'revenge'. But as the drama progresses it gives insight of many other things. It has a slow romance plot and if you're looking for a romantic drama this might be not the one. Still there are moments where you feel the connection between the leads even though the romance isn't strong. Loved how they portrayed the villain part. But felt like the backstory was a little bit lacking, yet didn't feel disappointed. The concept of family also really was up to the point. And the acting of the monsters and OMG! Lee joon's acting was just amazing. Idk I was really in need of a hot villain and this was it. Music is also good.The ending was what most people didn't like. But for me I expected the ending. Because most of the fantasy dramas-from Goblin to A Korean Odyssey had a similar type of ending. The finale of these types of drama is quite the same. And everything was neatly tied up.
But their are many cons in the drama. The ending kind of felt rushed or they just tried to fit most of the important parts to the final episode. But the ride was worth it. There are some plot holes and questions that still feels unanswered. Some of the episodes felt like filler because nothing important happened.
But overall loved how refreshing the plot is and how the leads grow on eachother. And how the drama unfolds, the mystery part is great.
This drama is NOT for everyone. Some will like it and some won't. If you're in for something refreshing and not the usual cliche's, I will totally recommend this. Go for it!
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Another great mystery from The Guest authors!
Before starting to watch I was uncertian because of some negative review, but as i loved The Guest so much and i was amazed by ability of the writers i decided to give Bulgasal a try and i have not regretted one minute of it!Once more I am impressed by how well written the story is, how all details come to fit together like a puzzle by the end of the drama. The characters are interesting and very human, with their flaws and their unique quirks that make you love them even when you do not expect you would. Eul Tae as sociophatic and tormented as he is still manages to make you feel sorry for him. Do Yoon and Shi Ho are so vulnerable yet strong that you want to protect them and see them happy. Go Bun grows on you until you cannot imagine their little found family without her. Detective Kwon ambiguity gets you to both love him and resent him. And then there's Hwal and Sang Un that at times you love and at times you resent but always understand even when they make mistakes or behave cruelly.
Actors do an amazing job with their characters echalting the human sides that will make you feel for them.
Bulgasl is an impressive mix of emotions and mystery that by the end you will miss.
The music of the series merits its own comment because it's very very good and appealing, i was hooked with the main theme after hearing it in first episode. Same goes for cinematography and photogragy both extremely good.
All in all even if I still consider The Guest a superior product but Bulgasal comes in a very high second place.
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I liked it despite...
Bulgasal was the fantasy kdrama I hoped would end up on my fave list. It had everything, a never explored mythical monster, it was immortal with limited strength, not ridiculously invincible and no additional superpowers like tracking down your enemy with psychic powers or something, I loved the explanation for immortality. There were several motives for revenge for several characters. Also, there were additional monsters like Yeongno, Gapsangoe, Teoreokson, etc.I watch all my shows with some speed acceleration be it 1.15X or 2X, I didn't do it for this one. That much I was drawn by this show. I couldn't drop it either because of getting myself invested in the badly written but likable characters along with ML's and SML's amazing dynamics. I have rated low for the story not because it was that bad, but I had so much higher expectations. I don't regret watching the show and on a second chance, I wouldn't stop my past-me from watching this.
Story: I would have just watched the first 4 episodes and the last 4 episodes and be done with it. Aside from these great start and ending, the show was badly written in the middle and I was constantly expecting it to give me answers till they kept dragging it until the penultimate episode.
This had the style of soap rather than a series with its pacing and can easily drag for 20 more episodes. There will be new tiny twists and revelations for each episode just to heighten the emotional impact and (un)necessary hurts, kidnaps, and deaths just for the cliffhanger effect. Maybe, I would have liked this style, had I not binged in a week.
The house hopping didn't help either. I mean if you are planning to hide from someone, then hide and stay hidden until matter subsides but, no, they will be going from A house to B house and back to A house. They ran out of budget to shoot in B house and/or was sort of vacation-type filler content.
This was the only time in a fantasy show I saw people relaxedly eating and doing laundry more than actually fighting and making up decent plans. Heck, now whenever I'll dry laundry, I'll remember bulgasal getting lectured on drying laundry. (Sigh)
Predictability: After watching some 300 plus shows, and all kinds of fantasy shows, the predictability factor becomes moot. That being said, this show was decent with its twists, I wasn't surprised nor disappointed. I saw the twists coming but it wasn't bad.
Characters: I felt they were certain logical inconsistencies in why someone behaves in some way. There is a character who got bored and couldn't watch tv while being in hiding from the bad guys so says let's go and be with others. And one thing leads to another and she ends up straight in the devil's lair and dead. That just sums up all the character rational moves. Every death of any character was utter stupidity of themselves or others. So I could barely sympathize with any of the characters' death. In retrospection, I would call this show more in a lighter mood than angsty. (Coping mechanism, to not cry?!)
Cinematography: I liked the wallpaper-worthy scenic locations and camera shots especially the flower shots in the background and the top view shot of bulgasal having his drink by the waterside, the birthing scene and the beautifully shot 600-year segment. Even if half of the effort given for the locations and cinematography, had been given to actual story writing, then it would have been so much better.
Music: I loved the intro title theme music and the intro credits montage was so good. Ost was good. My top three would be Janet Suhh's Beyond The Time, Minseo's Can't Forget You, and 4Men's One Day. They all made me feel the eternal vibe of the drama which it was exuding. The only downside was the grunting roar sounds felt random. They don't seem to make any lip/body action syncing to it.
Fight scenes: they had decent camera work, older kdramas had shaky cameras for fight scenes, and boy, they have come a long way. The fight scenes of ML were pretty decent and others' fights were not so. Action isn't the show's main focus. I liked the color of fake blood and how realistic it looked, and eye color change, with long nails, skin darkening it was nice.
Revenge: 90% of the time I was like where's the revenge? Where is it? If it was the 2 episode arc of each monster then it was okayish. The writer wanted to include the monsters even in the 16th episode. Then least give them a better backstory and good past scenes instead of a one-line description of what they specialize in. I was very invested in these monsters and their nature. Though they could have been gruesome and not some simpleton psychopaths. (Intended to be light-hearted?!)
As for main revenge? who is the baddie? That search itself gets draggy and even if they find it, this has hardly the revenge drama I expected it to be. Nevertheless, I liked the ending fight scene and prophecy coming true part, and whole bloodthirstiness, and the take on humanity. It is sad and bittersweet that despite being immortal, nobody wants to be immortal again.
Acting: I liked the acting of all the actors especially Lee Jin Wook, he was so perfect for the role, he had a mysterious aura, a good guy vibe, demonic vibes all rolled into one. In my opinion, his present-day hairstyle was so out of trend and he has a similar hairstyle for the 1000 year flashback as well. But he looked great in the 600-year segment.
As for Kwon Nara, first time seeing her in the main role after Itaewon Class and Suspicious Partner. She has often played annoying characters, I initially hated her character here as well, but she becomes likable after time progresses, her character was the softest of all. She falls badly whenever she gets slapped was so awful to watch. She looks so amazing in past scenes with the long flowing dress and hair but her present-day look feels like she will fly away with the wind. Her face looks weird in the present-day segment or is that her neck is elongated.
About Lee Joon, first time seeing him, but wow, so smitten by his acting especially, his dejected look for getting rejected, and the pained scenes. Man, I can't hate his character with the way he portrayed it.
Romance: I so didn't want this to be romance. Because this was touted to be a revenge drama. The posters and other things didn't give any romantic vibe at all. Even if it existed it would be with the wife, I had expected. I had a hard time adapting to seeing FL in that way as she is introduced to antagonize even though she is attracted to ML very early on. Maybe the writer changed their mind halfway through drama or it wouldn't be a kdrama if the ML doesn't romance with FL. They could have given hints from early on that there will be romance. I kept wondering where is all this strong love coming from? And the only kiss was CPR kiss, what was that? Despite this, I kinda liked the romance because it felt unconventional. In my perspective, I wouldn't think of this as forced romance as it becomes essential to understand Bulgasal and its obsession. Bromance was written better. With SML actor pained looks and ML saying sorry, woah amazing.
Ending: I was infinitely happy with the ending which wasn't bittersweet, in my opinion. Usually, I hate time jump ending but this was so perfect. I couldn't calm myself down all night.
Euphoria-like happiness sort of emotion is rare for me as the only reason I watch dramas are to feel happy and this show did it for me despite not having good writing, smart characters, and great romance. And I'm still wondering why I like this show and why it made me happy.
Bulgasal: Immortal Souls - but it will be immortal in my heart.
~~~
Extras: (Can contain spoilers)
Lore: Personally, I didn't feel the need to know more about the origins of bulgasal, as it would miss that folklore-y feel. Also, about the ending reincarnations, it is a gray zone. Hwal's words aren't surety, as he wasn't talking from his experiences or other extinct bulgasals. No one knows what happened to extinct bulgasals. As for Min Sang Un, she was an anomaly as the eighth reincarnation gets split into two souls likely resetting her cycle.
Characters portrayal:
Almost all characters have a certain level of slow-wittedness inherent in them. In this sense, I would not be criticizing them harshly and taking the drama lightly.
Dan Hwal was constantly driven by his prejudices and pre-conceived notions, but easy to understand others' views when given an opportunity. He is easily the most complex character and difficult to judge, I kinda understand him without judgments, why he was in a certain way in the 1000 years, in 600 years, and present day. I feel mixed emotions of love and disdain for him. Also, he was easily driven by others' views. It must suck to realize that you had been working for the wrong goals for so many years.
Min Sang Un was truly the saintess of kindness in a world of psychopaths hunting for her. As a child, she was not at all trusting her twin which felt weird. As she grows, she has better sense and she wasn't completely trusting everyone, but sometimes, she still did take stupid decisions. I kinda understand why she is the way she is as the story progresses and the 1000 year flashback made it clearer. I won't criticize her for falling for ML as it was more of an instinctive choice in retrospection.
Ok Eul Tae was the meatier character of three main roles. He was more humanly sometimes and I liked his principle of not hurting until necessary. I couldn't hate him at all maybe except when he was a human. He was the smartest of all, given how he becomes bulgasal, smartly handles every situation, and even adapted well to the present day. He was truly the guy who won't go down without putting up a fight. Also, his dynamics with Hwal were such a treat to watch.
Min Shi Ho was initially don't care attitude, but later on, she cares for others, but she still loved her sister the most. I liked that she was most skeptical of Hwal.
Nam Do Yoon was the eye candy. He was the best of the squad. He could have had a better ending in the time jump scenes. His scenes were just too hearty and funny to watch his interactions with Hwal.
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Everything, and I mean everything is connected.
Yes, everything; From every monster to human. From past life to present life. From every character and their personality.What a wild ride it has been! But where to start? I've seen a lot of people saying it was a waste of time and didn't understand much of the story due to it being slow-paced but to each his own.
I definitely enjoyed a lot of this drama if you knock off some boring scenes, I loved the tense atmosphere between every character.
From the way monsters were portrayed and came back to present life, completely different. You can definitely place it as: In a world where everyone wears a mask, it's a privilege to see a soul. And that was definitely a case here. You wouldn't even expect for such pretty humans to have a hidden monster in them.
I genuinely liked Kwon Na Ra's performance here, I know a lot of people don't like damsel in distress type of girls in dramas nowadays but, it just proofs that even if you are weak, soft and kind, you can still be a badass by the end of the day.
Tears are no sign of weakness, they're just a proof you've been strong for too long. That was the case with Min Sang Un. She's quite a walking proof that you may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.
Hwal was definitely a proof of how do you destroy a monster without becoming one?
I liked it, even with some boring scenes here and there, especially since we don't get a lot of fantasy dramas based on this.
Someone could call themselves a hero and still walk around killing thousands of people. Someone else could be labeled a villain for trying to stop them. Plenty of humans were monstrous and plety of monsters knew how to play at being human.
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There is a thin line between love and hate
There is something about this drama that attracts you. It pulls you in and leaves you mesmerized. Even though its plot is very complex. You don't find the answers to many questions till the very last episode. This drama was not that much hyped too even though it has some of the known veterans in Korean showbiz . I also only found this drama a week or two before it actually started airing. Its cast got me very interested in the drama. It has a pretty good cast. With many veteran actors and some upcoming actors.This drama left me wanting for more from the very first episode. The cinematography in the first two episodes are a chef's kiss. As I have mentioned in my title that there is a very thin line between love and hate. And this drama is the very depiction of this saying. This drama that starts of as a revenge themed drama panning out for centuries may actually not have been for revenge actually.
The plot is very complex here. It takes a full U-turn every few episodes but still i don't know maybe the drama itself has some supernatural vibes that keeps you tied to your seat belts. Maybe you can understand me after watching the show. But yeah, so basically what I am saying is that this drama never gets boring and draggy. And you find yourself looking forward for what is about to unfold in the next episode.
Lee Jin Wook and Lee Joon actually brought the supernatural element back to life with their acting and Kwon Na Ra's acting and visuals leaves you wanting for more of her. A special shout out to Park Myung Shin and Jung Jin Young's characters here. These pro veterans were a treat to watch.
So now that the drama has finished airing you can embark yourself on the journey of The Immortal Bulgasal, whose journey is filled not with roses and petals but with love , hate and redemption.
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