Another run of the mill 'Zombie' Drama
Korea has no dearth of Zombie and post apocalyptic movies and dramas and sadly Happiness adds nothing new to the table.There is nothing here that you probably wouldn't have seen in some shape or form already. It's the same old formula that has been repeated quite a few times.
Now there is nothing wrong with reusing well established tropes and using the same formula as long as you can make it work with a good storyline. But that's where Happiness falls short. It is riddled with plot holes so much so that after a point I just stopped counting them. Left and right all the characters keep making stupid decisions that makes absolutely no sense. And most of the side characters were so weakly developed and annoying that I could not care less about them. And to top it all off we have such an abrupt ending it makes you wonder if the writers just lost interest in the middle of it.
But where this drama falters in all other aspects, it makes up in terms of the two main characters. Especially Yoon Sae Bom, she felt like a breath of fresh air. Honestly I loved her, if not for her I probably would have dropped this.
And even though the romance between the leads was not the focal point there chemistry still knocked it out of the park. It was not too much in your face but they had a quiet domesticity between them that I absolutely adored.
It is however addicting to watch, it is the kind of drama that you binge watch at once and then forget it even existed because that's how low the impact was. Overall I'd say it's an oksyish one time watch.
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Does personal happiness always mean making others unhappy?
I wanted to watch Happiness originally when it came out but it took some time before I actually got to it. And to be honest I don't regret it. This is a drama for binge-watching for sure. And before I go more into why, let me tell you, this review says 8.5 but my personal rating is 10. This drama is definitely not for everyone, a lot of people might even drop it. But let me tell you more...What is old/what is new: The story sounds like your typical zombie post-virus infection story with people turning out to be the real monsters and turning against each other. There are a lot of those dramas and movies going around, in that regard the drama is very cliche. What makes the drama stand out is mainly the characters, relationships and the disease itself.
Unusual relationships: The main leads are in quite the unusual relationship and I do have to say I absolutely loved that they weren't your usual lovey-dovey couple who have to face crisis or bickering strangers who become each other's savior. First and foremost they are friends, they trust each other and they even trust in each other's abilities. And at the same time they care for each other in a loving and pure way. It's just such a fresh breeze compared to all the overly dramatic love story lines.
There are many other interesting relationships and characters in the drama, some expected, some unexpected and despite the obvious "villains" you will end up liking some of the characters you might have disliked in the beginning. There is just no chance to hate them and their character development is astonishing.
Character consistency: One thing I absolutely hate in dramas is if characters aren't consistent. If it's part of their character development and their change makes sense, then fine, but if it's just a 180º from their usual actions, it's just unnatural. Happiness does a good job at this. There is character development but at the same time all characters are consistent in what they want and what is most important to them. You get to understand their motivations and how they think and you understand how they arrive where they are at the end of the journey.
The disease: One of the most interesting aspects of this is the disease itself. Not like other zombie dramas, the focus of the story is not just on surviving but also healing. The characters never really forget that there might be a cure out there. And if there is a cure, is it really reasonable to kill a person who is infected? The cure is definitely a key focus and plays a big role.
The moral dilemma: For me there are two big questions in this drama, one being the typical "What actions are reasonable when someone is trying to survive in an apocalypse?" and the other unusual one is "Does my happiness always mean making someone else miserable?" Everyone in the drama tries to achieve their own happiness, in whichever way possible, but at the same time some find it in themselves to overcome their own selfishness. I love how the leads never really make it a "will we act in everyone's best interest" or "will we act in our best interest" but they clearly thought their and the other people's happiness didn't have to exclude one another. An interesting take on humanity and happiness...
Watch if...
you like romantic (as in it touches your heart) but not too lovey-dovey couples, zombie shows, mystery solving shows, fast-paced shows.
Do not watch if...
you love romantic dramas (or rom-coms), are easily scared of zombies and blood or if you expect this to be an absolutely mind-blowing drama. If you don't like it after 2 episodes, don't continue watching.
Is it a must-watch? No. Is it worth the time watching? Yes.
This drama is definitely a nice break from all the usual dramas, shining with their character design and acting (which honestly is top-notch on all sides) and gives you quality drama time. I hope you enjoy!
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A masterpiece
Done watching another gem. This drama deserves more hype and recognition and it's definitely 10/10.You will love all the scenes, moments, OSTs, and places in this drama. All the characters — even the ones who have less screen time, and minor roles will make you feel something, it's either love, hate, pity, annoyed, or mad, EVERYTHING. Everybody suits their own roles from the kid, to the grocery girl, to the writer and his brother, even the old couple in the apartment. They really have a great casting for this drama. Even the OSTs will add to your emotions. You will really get thrilled, cry, sad, frustrated and even the butterflies. I believe that all the characters did a great job. A little sad that this only has 12 episodes, I really want to see more about the disease and the love story of the both main characters but I guess 12 episodes are enough to tell the story of this drama.
This drama is lovely and I recommend for all of you to watch it 'cause it's worth it.
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Story is sh...
Wth with the director's mind or whoever create this story. Full of sh... Do you think the viewers were just ˇ(ˇˍˇ) ? Too many senseless scenes just to continue the line??? The characters were prof and it's 2021, but you keep adding senseless scenes just to make up the story. Sh...Wth with the director's mind or whoever create this story. Full of sh... Do you think the viewers were just ˇ(ˇˍˇ) ? Too many senseless scenes just to continue the line??? The characters were prof and it's 2021, but you keep adding senseless scenes just to make up the story. Sh...
Wth with the director's mind or whoever create this story. Full of sh... Do you think the viewers were just ˇ(ˇˍˇ) ? Too many senseless scenes just to continue the line??? The characters were prof and it's 2021, but you keep adding senseless scenes just to make up the story. Sh...
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This review may contain spoilers
Oh, this one was good! I mean, 90% of the characters in this were rotten apples but the drama was so good! I especially loved the main pairing, Bom & Hyun, they were the most perfectly balanced straight pair I've seen in a while, they were honestly, really, truly equals in everything. Loved it!I think my favorite part was how protective they were of each other. They've known each other for such a long time, they've always been there for each other, it seemed, and then the lock-down came and the zombies and all that suddenly became even more intense. And that was simply lovely, the way they always jumped to the front to protect the other from any threat, the way miss Not Bothered(TM) suddenly became So Bothered(TM) when Hyun got hurt... Mwah! Right up my alley!
One thing I didn't understand, though, was why the tenants kept running through the building like chickens with their heads chopped off. I would've stuck to my apartment as much as possible, locked in tight. I had no problem doing exactly that through the various Covid lock-downs so I would just shrug and stay put, especially in an apartment as secure as theirs was. Eh.
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“Very Timely Storyline”
After 4 episodes viewed it’s a rating of 7.5 for me. Production has layers of praiseworthy complexity which sums up the positive aspect of this drama series. The element that merits criticism pertains to the unrealistic handling of the fatal infectious disease by so-called professionals which made me cringe and flinch such as:•Feisty SOU officer (female lead) gets scratched during a scuffle with an infected soldier and yet she doesn’t apply basic First Aid as a preventative measure and just stares at her open wound, unworried that the blood-bourne pathogen may infiltrate her system. Personal records reveal that she has “good survival instincts and problem solving skills” yet she forgoes prompt washing of her hand wound.
•She hands over her service gun and mobile phone to a non-gloved and therefore unprotected Lieutenant Colonel of the Crisis Management Center before surrendering for her imposed quarantine.
•The same Lieutenant Colonel is always in a business attire while everyone around him is clad in full PPE in the facility that houses infected patients.
•Equally negligent police corporal (male lead) casually examines a bloodied crime scene and touches contaminated objects then answers a call on his mobile phone. He also zealously sniffs the contents of a half consumed water bottle, putting the rim at very close proximity to his nose. Afterwards, he heads home and jumps straight to his bed without washing-up and still wearing his dirty work clothes.
•A bloodied suspect is whisked away by gloveless police escorts and yet in another scene there’s a conversation about how COVID-19 has made the public more safety-conscious which is why, “We don’t shake hands anymore”.
•Huge irony in the way the characters frequently allude to the present pandemic but blatantly resort to irresponsible handling with no regard for personal health and hygiene. Perhaps the writer and director can put more focus and attention to this vital detail because it’s really uncomfortable to watch.
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Clever and Charming
Never have I ever repeating two starting episode with excitement. It is almost like an instinct to hit replay all over again. Yes all platform just to entertain curiosity on subtitles presented.Story : full hopes of exhilarating action scene. Pact with thriller storyline in light speed.
Attraction scene: adorable with a tinge of sweetness. Feels like taking a leap of faith. Hasty but neat.
Music: curated suitably.
Sae Bom our heroin is fast thinking and sometimes people find her action seemed reckless. Then again, how else would you be when facing the inevitable terror. She’s scores the highest assessment, then she must be doing well with her job as Senior Officer of anti-terrorism squad. She is the perfect avenger to fought the dreadful mayhem. Her human compass works divinely well and she will jump to saves lives. Protects will her almighty.
Yi Hyun is charming, adorable and clever. He is hopelessly attracted with Sae Bom. Although pretty good in keeping his calm and composure. Would for sure keep her save. Would for sure keep her by his side. Just like how they held each other hands with the optimist trust, is how we should get addicted with this drama 😃
There’s a lot to learn from this drama and how it relates with the world as we knows it now. That is why it is perfect.
This definitely one of the best drama in 2021.
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Why is it still underrated drama?
The story,the acting,the tension and the storyline are superb.I just can't get enough of it just one defect it has only 12 ep, I wish it had more and if so iwish to have a second season with same male and female leads.They are not giving drama banners for this show in many websites and it is not in top 10 in many websitez.
It will be awesome to see the coming episodes .
And I cant wait for how the story progress from here onwards.
And tvn I know that this year you are killing a lot of good characters but please dont kill the male and female lead.
And please tell me some news if there is a chance of
second season.
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I had high hopes
(contains spoilers)I admit I am only in 3 episodes in but I already got a feel of what this drama is about. Okay, so it’s a zombie thing but actually not.
Plot - it is interesting and the story could have been told better.
Romance - not buying it. It felt so forced. The 2 leading roles have no chemistry at all. Plus! They suddenly decided to get married all for one luxury rental apartment. I found it weird that they could move in in a day and things are smooth. Like, the guy just suddenly packed up all his things and move in a day? It just doesn’t makes sense!
Thrilling scenes - I got excited when the story picked up the pace at the second episode. Yes! Her hyung got scratched! Yes he is going to turn! So okay, this episode got me excited.
Disappointing unrealistic scene - so come this episode where her Hyung gets trapped in the refrigerated container with all the infected people and turned himself, the lead lady went in and tried pulling him out WITHOUT A SINGLE SCRATCH OR BITE! Then comes her “supposedly husband” and went in and pulled them both out! And she got out unscathed! That scene did not make any sense at all!
I am still going to continue watching it for the sake of knowing what really is going on so I hope it gets better towards the end.
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Addicting
As the title says, I think this drama is really catching! More you watch and more you want to see. In my case I've a weird reaction, because I'm watching other dramas right now, that I think are "better", but I don't wait for them as for this one. Happiness has that "I don't know what" that makes you stay with your eyes glued on the screen. But don't get me wrong, it's a really good drama, the acting is really really good I think that what works really good it's the dynamic of the characters.I don't find the story really original, but it works good, as I said in a comment I think who wrote this drama started from the idea of covid, because when I watch this drama I cannot not think it's what happened to us, just amplified to supernatural to make a tv product. And this is in my opinion what's make us love this drama, it's like they're joking us, a sad joke. The lockdown, people going crazy, people not caring, selfishness, stupidity and more..
Anyway I really like the leads and their chemestry, they work really good on screen, their characters compese eachother pretty well giving us balance. As I said the strong point in my opinion is how all the people interact with eachother once they're forced to lockdown together, the characters are so differents, and those two are practically the unwanted guardians of them, I still have to figure out some of them, because obviously, some are really shady!!
Putting all together this is a really good drama, this is just my opinion, but I really recommend this one! :)
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It's realistic but not, at the same time.
So far so great; it's really an amazing thriller. It's like zombies but make it more realistic and there's only one, single officer trying to save the world. It makes sense and follows general logic, but also doesn't in many places. What itches me most is how almost nobody in an entire building other than three police officers and a little girl understand the gravity of the issue. Now, obviously we need one of the residents to mess things up for others for the dynamics but I absolutely hate how literally everyone is so non-serious about a mad person disease, but then again I enjoy when they get in trouble and I go "See, I told ya this would happen!". If things like this don't itch you, it is the pitch perfect apocalyptic drama with, in my opinion, loads of survival skills if you take note.Was this review helpful to you?
