A hot Mess plot with good actors
I never rate but I literally made an account just to rate on this trash. I woke up at 1 am and I was gravely disappointed. The plot holes where too many to ignore . I don’t even know how to explain what a mess it was . The main characters had no essence that I ended up rooting for the second female lead because at least her story was more intriguing than the MCFor example the male lead in the fiat half was obsesesed with ex wife then 1 episode he just decides oooh I hate her actually like please what happened . Them with the female lead 1 expression through out is she even in love .
and the trunk ?????? it should be called the CONFUSION
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Love is temporary and marriage is a service
"The Trunk" is an enthralling mix of romance, mystery, and emotional drama that intricately weaves together the lives of its complex characters. At its core, the series explores the fragility of human connections and the lengths people go to protect their secrets, blending suspenseful twists with deeply personal moments.The story centers around Noh In-ji, a field wife working for a marriage service company, and Han Jeong-won, a gifted but emotionally fractured music producer. When they enter a contract marriage, both carry emotional baggage that gradually surfaces—In-ji from a string of failed relationships and a painful betrayal, and Jeong-won from a past haunted by unresolved guilt and a toxic relationship with his ex-wife. Their initially transactional bond slowly transforms, revealing their vulnerabilities and sparking an unexpected intimacy.
What sets *The Trunk* apart in the ocean of contract marriage K-dramas is its ability to balance layered storytelling with sharp social commentary. The concept of contract marriages serves as a metaphor for modern relationships—transactional yet yearning for depth. The show doesn't shy away from themes like betrayal, emotional manipulation, and the scars of childhood trauma, but it handles them with sensitivity and nuance.
The characters are the lifeblood of this drama. Noh In-ji is a fascinating protagonist—a woman who seems unshakable on the surface but harbors deep emotional wounds. Her journey of self-discovery is as compelling as her dynamic with Jeong-won. Han Jeong-won, meanwhile, is a man trapped in his past, struggling to reconcile his unresolved feelings for his ex-wife with his growing affection for In-ji. The supporting characters, particularly Jeong-won's enigmatic and complex ex-wife Lee Seo-yeon and the unsettling stalker Eom Tae-seong, add layers of intrigue, ensuring the plot never loses its momentum.
The production quality is top-notch. The cinematography captures both the tension and intimacy of the characters’ lives, with dimly lit interiors and wide shots of isolated landscapes mirroring the characters' emotional isolation. The music, composed with a mix of melancholic strings and ambient tones, enhances the mood, making even the quietest moments resonate deeply.
Ultimately, The Trunk is more than just a romance. It’s a deeply human story about facing the shadows of the past, learning to trust, and finding meaning in unexpected connections. The title trunk does not point toward the actual trunk. the trunk here is metaphorical, about all the past traumas each character carries.
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A Slow Burn That Ignites
The Trunk is a series that demands patience. Its initial episodes might seem slow-paced, perhaps even mundane, to some viewers. However, those who persevere will be rewarded with a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of human nature and the dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface.The show's strength lies in its character development. Each character is multifaceted, with hidden depths that are gradually revealed. The slow burn allows for a deeper understanding of their motivations and the intricate web of relationships they form.
While The Trunk offers a thought-provoking and suspenseful viewing experience, it's important to note that it's not for everyone. Its mature themes and darker tone may not appeal to all audiences.
If you're willing to invest your time and patience, The Trunk is a rewarding journey that will leave you questioning the true nature of reality.
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Flawed drama about flawed and broken people
The Trunk was filled with deeply flawed and wounded people. No one walked away looking like a hero by the time it was all over. There were many moments of frustration over truly idiotic decisions and the never welcome noble idiocy. Through it all Gong Yoo showed why he is a top actor regardless of country.Han Jeong Won cannot get over his ex-wife, Lee Seo Yeon, and takes the pills she supplies to sleep and get through the day. In order to maintain any contact with her he has to agree to a 1 year contract marriage to Noh In Ji. Lee married a younger man, Ji O, and uses him like a Boy Toy. Jeong Won and In Ji tie the knot by signing a contract which is stored in her designer trunk. The trunk and a dead body are later found with the police investigating this damaged group of people.
When a drama or movie bounces back and forth repeatedly in time, it’s usually a clue that the story isn’t that deep but the writers want to make it appear to be mysterious. Such was the case with this drama.
The story itself dragged most of the characters over the coals of desire and despair. Han made a terrible decision during a moment of anger and desperation. In Ji seemed to see what Han could not, yet made numerous idiotic decisions. Lee had a right to be angry even though she created a deadly situation, yet decided to punish Han into self-destruction. Not exactly the most likeable lot, yet Jeong Won and In Ji slowly dragged their way toward atonement. I was disappointed that a few of the familial elements were never cleared up.
The Trunk was stylishly shot and had a beautiful OST. Some of the acting was exemplary while some of it was perfunctory. The scattershot approach to storytelling was confusing at first but by the fourth episode was clearly laid out. Han’s mansion resembled a fun house with mirrored scenes and wild swirling circles and lines. The cold, severe decorating scheme would be enough to cause isolation issues. Shortcomings in stalking laws were brought up as well as a tyrannical view of bisexuality and terrible invasion of privacy and internet laws. For me, the only thing that held it together and made it worthwhile viewing was seeing Gong Yoo once again in a starring role even if his character was often shoved to the side. This was closer to a 7.5 drama but the cinematography, music, and GY’s acting bumped it up to an inflated 8 for me. Welcome back, Gong Yoo, don't stay away so long next time!
29 November 2024
Triggers: Sexual content and nudity. One gratuitous scene and other more “artistic” ones and two shower scenes that go lower than Kdramas.
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8 episodes, complete series.
This is definitely not your typical K-drama. It's more explicit and violent at times. There are aspects of it that I would associate more with a western / US made TV series, which is one of the more frequent issues I have with Netflix created K-dramas. It's almost as if they're slowly morphing the beloved K-drama format into a western / US made thing and thus diluting what attracted many of us to the genre to begin with.Content wise I like the overarching idea and theme of the drama, the actors do a great job as is to be expected of what can only be thought of as veterans in the field. Piecing together the past and present of those involved, seeing the true personalities and agendas coming through, all in only 8 episodes makes this a bit of a ride. There's no room for the "first kiss in e8" and "spanner/wrench in the gears in e12" tropes we're so used to.
I will need to watch the drama again to fully appreciate it as this first experience was too colored by my annoyance at what to me felt too western / US like. Now that I am aware of it I should be able to put it to the side and appreciate the K-drama more.
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This review may contain spoilers
Beautifully Written & Executed! Perfect at 8 episodes!!
If you enjoy a drama that does a nice mix of melodrama, romance (and healing each other) between very very flawed people, and a touch of suspense... The Trunk is for you. This isn't really about "who done it" or even "will there be a HEA" it's more about how a group of very f*d up characters deal with their past, traumas, the things they've used as a crutch (drugs, other people etc) and how they can move away from it all and into a better place.Acting was very well done. I saw some people saying the FL was too wooden etc but literally her character is written in a very specific way and that she's shut off all her emotions. She portrays this very well but you can see her sense of justice and outrage shine through as well which really pads out her character.
The vibe and pacing was perfection and if you enjoy a drama with emotional DEPTH and pacing that allows us to dig deeper into characters, motivations, and plot... then you'll enjoy this a lot. If you can't enjoy a drama unless you're being slapped in the face with drama for drama's sake, over the top characters, or action happening every 30 seconds, then, you may want to pass on this for something with less emotional substance and try for some fluffier or drama-y.
P.S. this is for 18+ with some sexual scenes, drug use, and other hard-to-watch themes that you should be warned about just in case you can't deal with those kinds of shows. <3
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This review may contain spoilers
Riveting tale of two broken people that find themselves in a contract marriage
I don't write reviews for shows, but I guess I'm going to start after watching this show. Fair warning to viewers, this show handles themes that are quite mature and doesn't shy away from displaying explicit scenes unlike most other kdramas I've watched.Nonetheless, I was enthralled by this story of how two deeply broken souls find solace in one another. In a way, I even found it healing, despite the dark themes overlaying the story. The leads have genuine chemistry.
Initially, I hated certain characters (ML's ex wife) but as the show unfolds, we get to understand the nuances involved and there are really no bad guys here, just broken people.... Well, except for one crazy stalker dude.
The show has romance, but at its heart, this show is about how two people heal each other from their past wounds and learn to move on. All in all, I highly rate this show and definitely suggest this show to viewers looking for a nuanced, mature mini-drama.
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Edge-of-Your-Seat Suspense? No. Compelling Drama? Yes!
Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun Jin, two of my favorite actors, brought their A-game to this series, delivering deeply nuanced performances as emotionally flawed characters. Their chemistry and range truly elevated the story.I also enjoyed the ensemble cast and appreciated how the writers explored the complexities of relationships, though I felt the script could have delved deeper into the these themes.
The flash-forwards to the investigative timeline initially added some intrigue, but they ultimately felt purposeless as the series progressed. I haven't read The Trunk, so I'm not sure if solving the 'crime' was a key element in the original story, but in the show it came across more as an afterthought than a meaningful part of the narrative.
Overall had a good time.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Brilliant Psychological Thriller!!
The Trunk is a psychological warfare between an ex-wife who is hellbent on punishing her ex-husband and the current wife who wants to protect him.Starring Seo Hyun Jin & Gong Yoo in titular roles, the show encompasses the delicate intricacies of a marriage, no matter how fake it is. The story focuses on Noh In-ji, a field wife at a highly confidential marriage agency, and Han Jeong-won, a gifted but emotionally stunted music producer who is an aristocratic heir. Both come from fractured backgrounds with a painful past. Noh In-ji suffers from a failed marriage, when her mother posted videos about her bisexual husband and outed him to the world. The said husband fled and Noh In-ji has been nesting in his home, enraged by his betrayal. Han Jeong-won, on the other hand is haunted by his past where his father regularly abused his mother, who ended up committing suicide; in present, he is fighting against his egomaniac ex-wife who is hellbent on punishing him. On her request, Jeong-won enters into a contractual agreement with In-ji hoping for a peaceful existence where he could avoid his so-called new wife for a year, get a divorce and then reconcile with his ex-wife. Their grand schemes don’t play out as they thought, and they end up entangled in a web of deceit and deception.
Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/12/05/the-trunk-series-review/
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The Trunk could survive without the mystery part.
I have only words of admiration to Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun Jin who really portrayed Han Jeong Won and No In Ji well. ++ to their amazing chemistry. Their chemistry is chemistrying.Also, I have to mention Jung Yun Ha. She's an amazing one. She annoyed the hell out of me proving that she perfomed Lee So Yeon incredibly.
However, the mystery isn't giving that mystery. As said earlier, this series could survive without it. Side stories also shouldn't have been introduced if they weren't concluded properly. I do do love the soundtrack tough. It is wonderful.
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Appreciated by emotionally intelligent people
The Trunk talks about emotions or the lack of exposure thereof, the characters have complex thoughts about their own lives, everyone has done something bad that controls their life or experienced a bad moment that also controls their life. Despite this, The Trunk also talks about mental health, trauma and loss, and how important it is to always have a support network to get out of the pit. It also demonstrates and teaches deep feelings and experiences. It's a series that can be appreciated by emotionally intelligent people.Was this review helpful to you?
Sleek, beautiful, noir. Loved it.
This drama is not going to suit everyone's taste. But for a nordic sucker for a noir atmosphere and grown up, complex and flawed characters this was a total dreamboat and a bag of chips.No work is flawless, its just a question if it matters to me or not. In this case I did not give one f***k and enjoyed every exquisite minute of gorgeous cinematography, intrigue and deliciously dysfunctional everything.
The 8 episode format is perfect so at no point did I feel frustrated with a banal side plot or unnecessary complications or pointless montages/scenes.
The OST was to me tasteful and understated, but very powerful and gave me goosebumps every now and then. Nothing unnecessary, just perfect and the power of silence has it's own life in this sound world.
I could feel that this is based on a book, theres a literary and disciplined feel in the visual language. I was overall pleasantly surprised and satisfied that this did not slip into cliché. As much as I love a good cliché it would have subtracted from this lovely gem.
Thank you Trunk!
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