Hope or Dope (2022)

Dope Web Series - Leaves An Impression

Goosebumps through and through - For anyone who likes noir teen dramas with a dark concept. The story is quite tormenting and not easy to watch - still addicting ...

Production / Music >> 9.0
Hope or Dope consists of a heavy and dark plotline that is undermined by a capable filming and editing crew. Several closeups enable the audience to get a set image of emotions and mental states, which are worsening as the story carries on. On one hand, the lighting consists of mostly warm colours during the night and is used as another tool to set the mood which contrasts with the cold and dark vibes, on the other hand, some moments during the daytime are giving off a more cold coloured vibe.

Plot >> 8.5
Generally said, the plot is extremely thrilling and emotional, clarified by how pathetic and miserable each character is and how natural and not exaggerated their situation seems because they almost have no unrealistic turns/ twists. I also found their in-character behaviours quite appealing since they never really acted OOC.

Cast >> 9.0
There is nothing that irritated me while watching, rather the opposite, I kept admiring Wo Ji An for her portrayal of such a complicated and bitter character like Kyung Da Jung. The two brothers Gong Yoon Tak and Gong Yoon Jae, portrayed by Yoon Chan Young and Yoon Hyun Soo, also left a positive impression on me. All appearances in this drama were solid.

Rewatch Value >> 6.0
Eventhough this drama is quite good and I really enjoyed the story and kept admiring the crew and cast behind it, it´s still sometimes heavy to watch. Therefore my second run might take some time but who knows, I´ll eventually be back since 25 - 35 minutes per episode is not dragging to watch.

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Dark themes in a light way

What I liked?
1. Plot
It was something new and refreshing. We get to see a lot of different people, from different backgrounds, dealing with different stuff. This drama was pretty much fast-paced, so I absolutely wasn't bored, while watching
2. Character portraying
Also not typical. Almost all of the main characters (maybe beside crazy mum) are morally grey. Their characters are very realistic - they don't have a lot of luck, sometimes they are acting very emotionally, just as we all do.
3. Production (graphic)
As for web series, I was really impressed. The colors were amazing, my fav of it all was the top floor in the motel. Besides that, whole show was giving this special "youth" vibe, but not in this standard, highschool and a bit cliche way (it has to be said, I am not a fan of highschool drama), but more serious (still not very dark)
4. Format
Sometimes, especially when I am tired by the day, watching long dramas can be even more tiring. I also don't like a lot of filler scenes. Here, we have 10 eps, which was for me ideal for this kind of drama

What I didn't like?
1. Lack of romance
Don't get me wrong - I really enjoy no-romance dramas and I watch them a lot. But as for series, which genre is romance, I would expect something more. Chemistry between main leads was pretty much okay, but I am kinda disapointed, as I expected something more
2. Untapped potential/ plot holes
I know there will be a season 2, so I am hoping for explanation. There was a few unexplained things, which for now doesn't make sense, but we will see how they are gonna to solve this, But also I am not a big fan of more then one season (this is one of the reasons I stopped watching most of the Western shows)
3. Why did they all hate that one character?! I completely didn't understand how could they could hate character for what they parent did..?

Overal, I pretty much liked this series. It was good, nothing special and won't be in my mind for a long time, but fun to watch. If you want something quick to watch, with cool vibe, but not boring - I reccomend!
If you reading this, I hope you will have an amazing day/ night! <3

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