Going further, what makes this drama so engaging is that it puts the human emotions and experience of betrayal, vengeance, love, family, friendship, and money into a universal context that possibly anyone can relate to. First and foremost is the betrayal. You may have experienced in life when you felt betrayed by the very people/person who trust and admire...simply being used up and tossed aside like trash...one can't help but feel betrayed thus leading one into seeking vengeance for the pain that one has experienced...it is only justice, right? "Eye for an eye", as the saying goes...they made you suffer, you've experienced emotional pain, now they will get a taste of their own medicine...there's an interesting double karma that occurs in this drama that really makes you think, "Could there have been a better course of actions?"...
Along the way in one's vendetta, you meet people or someone who brings love and friendship into your life...your heart wavers because you begin to fall in love with this person...what will you do, when your heart betrays you as well? Will you give up your vengeance for this person?...seems like a very plausible thing to do and just forget about everything while you're still trying to complete your master plan...will falling in love mess you up?
Family is also important as well, as your action may consequently affect everyone in it...as well as those who are connected to your family...however, what if your family hides a dark secret, will it still justify for your actions and vengeance? Often in the scheme for power, it is really about about the money, the Benjamins...as greed is quite an over-powering human desire for more of everything in life...after all, money is what makes the world go round, right?...I think...well not really in my opinion but nonetheless we need it in order to survive in our current societies.
If you're not into those sappy and sad dramas...this one will be a treat for you...it's a thriller filled with twist and turns and I think blends very well with the love plot between the individuals who create a love triangle that's rather interesting to watch and see it unfold.
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This review may contain spoilers
Far from a perfect drama and yet it will pull you in right from the first scene. I usually do not watch melodramas or revenge dramas, but this one seemed interesting enough. This drama's strength lies in its plot, cast, the great camerawork and the TERRIFIC soundtrack!! I thought the plot of this drama was really creative. A lot of things introduced in the first episode tie up well towards the later half. The revenge part and the parallel investigation by the cop were wonderful. There was no need for romance in the drama according to me. It could have done well on its own. Although it can be a bit slow at times, it won't bore you.
Kim Nam Gil is the star of the whole drama. This is my first time watching him in anything and I must say, I was totally enchanted by him. He has an amazing screen presence and acts with such depth and emotion that its impossible to tear your eyes away from the screen. I will also mention his long hair and moustache- suits him rather well. :D His character was the type you would want to see in a revenge drama. He is willing to go to any length to destroy those who did him wrong. Of course, he is very, very human and you'll see his soft side a lot of times.
Kim Jae Wook was super likable in his role. I would love to see him play a tortured guy again. He was a breath of fresh air, because he wasn't your typical doormat second lead. Although he gets too repetitive after a while, I enjoyed his acting. Plus, he's great to look at! In fact both guys are eye candies.
Han Ga In didn't impress me. She's pretty to look at and wore fabulous clothes but her character was really fickle and annoyed me at times. Her part in the drama made no difference to me. She was interesting in the beginning but went redundant later on. Her sister was a far more interesting person and she was the only HILARIOUS person in this drama.
Although its one of those dramas which screwed its ending, I wouldn't say that it ruins the drama. The drama is worth watching minus the last 3 episodes. From the beginning I was prepared for what was about to come. If I hadn't known the ending, I would have been super mad at it. So I'd recommend to be prepared beforehand by reading the spoilers or skip this drama altogether.
Bad Guy's OST will probably always be in my Top 3 Kdrama soundtracks ever. Every single song is beautiful, melodious and will make you want to listen to it over and over. Even the background scores were amazing.
I liked how this drama was filmed. Its camera work managed to capture the right tone and mood of the story.
Though this drama is not meant for a rewatch, it was entertaining enough the first time around.
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From the first episode I was sucked in and curious as to what was going on. I did not understand much, I did not know what was happening or where it was going, but I was somehow captivated and hypnotized and could not stop watching. I mean, KIM NAM GIL - I had never seen him before in my life but I was instantly enthralled by him. It was love at first sight. Until this day I do not know what it is about him that I like so much. In this drama his character was mysterious, we are supposed to think he is bad and yet his actions seem contradicting. Each character makes you wonder who is really the "bad guy/gal" in the story.
The best part of this drama is that I do not think I would have been as enthralling without its OST. It is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I downloaded it right away and play it often. Even the instrumental pieces are excellent. They really add and create the atmosphere in this drama. I'm so certain that if I would have watched this muted with just the subtitles my opinion of this drama would have been different. It is that incredible.
Again, this drama had me hooked to it, but the last 3 episodes and most specifically the last 15 minutes of it had me breathing hard and chanting: "This is not real, this is not real. It's only a drama. Your husband will kill you if you break the TV"
Overall, even if the ending was not to my liking I do not regret watching this drama. It was one of the first Korean ones I ever watched and because of the music and maybe even bc of the ending I don't think I'll forget it anytime soon.
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This review may contain spoilers
After watching the first episode I wasn't completely sucked in, so I skipped around throughout the drama, got impatient and watched the ending lol. I'm actually glad I saw the ending before watching the complete 17 episodes from start to finish otherwise I would have had a WTF moment. It did however peak my interest even more so I did go back and watch the drama. Obviously it made more sense to me after watching everything play out. Still, having seen the ending and knowing what would happen, I didn't enjoy the drama any less. The story is compelling and the actors were spot on.Story: A little boy gets taken from his family and placed with a new family only to be kicked out and replaced later on. Same little boy grows up and creates an elaborate scheme to wreck havoc on said family. Interesting storyline and never got bored. Shim Gun Wook was an interesting character to watch. At times I couldn't tell whether or not he felt any sympathy to the people he was hurting. I think it was a constant struggle for his character bc at one point in time he was attached to these people. Especially his "brothers" and "sisters". Did they play a part in him getting kicked out. No, but they are part of that family and he wants the entire family to suffer. He was set on getting his revenge.
Acting/Cast: This isn't the first thing I've seen Kim Jae Wook in but it is probably my favorite. Some of his other characters have seemed stiff or the quiet type but not Hong Tae Sung. He's reckless, damaged, always the outcast. I don't think I've ever seen such a sad character. Poor guy started out like Shim Gun Wook and was ripped away from his mother to grow up in a house where no one treated him like family. He was constantly seeking love and attention but when he did find someone who genuinely loved him he pushed them away. The consequences of that were more extreme than he could imagine and, hence, why I'm assuming Shim Gun Wook was dead set on destroying him as well. I just felt so bad for Hong Tae Sung throughout the whole drama. Bravo Kim Jae Wook! He portrayed that character perfectly! Couldn't have been any better! Ms. Shin was also a really compelling character. Probably the most evil, heartless and selfish woman I've ever encountered in dramaland. The lengths she would go to protect her pride and image were extreme to the max! She had no shame and was never once apologetic for any of her actions. Her's and Hong Tae Sung's interactions were the hardest to watch. The way she treated him and the things she said, it's no wonder he was so messed up. Kim Nam Gil was a great Shim Gun Wook. Made you trust him but not without leaving a little hint of doubt. Perfect if you're wanting to get close to those you want to destroy. Also, the way he could be around them day in and day out and keep his feelings in check (for the most part). Most people just fly off the handle but he took it and stayed patient so everything could play out the way he wanted. I didn't care much for Moon Jae In as a character. I guess it's bc I could never do the things she did and treat people like she did. *SPOILER* Even in the end, I felt she brushed off Hong Tae Sung without a second glance even though his world was falling apart too. Maybe it's bc I really pitied Hong Tae Sung as a character that I can't like someone who just adds to his misery.
Rewatch value and Overall: Rewatch value is pretty good. Might pick up on some stuff you missed the first time around. But then again, I'm ignoring the ending. Overall, this was a really good drama. It kept me on my toes trying to follow Shim Gun Wook's moves. And like I said before, even though I had skipped to the ending pretty early on, it still made me interested enough to want to find out how everything led up to that point. Plus, if you're a fan of Kim Jae Wook I highly recommend this drama! You get to see many different sides to him (as his character is a complex one) that I don't believe he's had a chance to play with the roles he's been given.
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This drama had everything: A good dark revenge plot, great and super hot actors, pretty good soundtrack, the kind of suspense that keeps you awake at 3AM screaming “OH MY GOD SHE/HE DIDN’T ? =O” … Well everything to be a really REALLY good drama . Until the two last episodes…
I read that the production had to cut off the drama to 17 episodes because of the main’s actor, Kim Nam Gil’s army enlistment. That can be a good explanation for the ridiculous ending. But my heart refuse to accept any excuses.
Many mysteries are still unsolved, some revelations were ridiculous and the end… OH MY GOD THE END. I’m starting to think that Koreans don’t know how to end their TV Shows. I’ve been loving this drama for 15 episodes… The two last should have been existed. NEVER . EVER .
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This review may contain spoilers
*SPOILER FREE*What I don't like from most of Korean dramas is that the plot usually drags. The characters are all hiding something and that caused misunderstanding and that muddied the water - frankly said, the characters were causing their own problems. That's why to avoid this annoying phase I tend to skip boring scenes or "hard to watch" scenes, and hope I can get to the ending faster because I wanted the characters to have a happy ending.
Strangely, that didn't happen to me as I was watching this title. I didn't want it to end - I wanted it to be as long as possible. The pace in this drama is good, the connections are awesome and heartfelt, and most important: the plot doesn't drag. Though sadly, it ended abruptly (last two episodes felt rushed, and especially episode 16 felt as if the whole episode was a filler episode).
Almost all of the important characters here grow for the better - with exceptions, of course. The ending could've been more elaborated, but it's all right the way it was.
It's heartbreaking, and I really REALLY felt for the main character. He was such a tragic character with a tragic life.
This has a fantastic directing - I think I really have to mention that. FANTASTIC directing - especially every scenes regarding Jae In and Gun Wook. The acting also really awesome, and Kim Nam Gil showed his 'prowess' so superbly - I felt like I would've fainted if I were to be treated such way by such an intimidating womanizer like Shim Gun Wook. His acting - and the writing & directing - made me, as a mere viewer - felt his irresistible charm and sex-appeal - even if all he did was kissing. His onscreen presence is MIND BLOWING. I've watched dozens and dozens of dramas and very rare actors/ instances can trigger those feelings and adoration from me.
Now, people might find the ending... unsatisfying, to say the least. I kind of agree - but not because of the plot, but for the execution. It lack details, lack good pacing, felt rushed, and... you know, 'half-assed'. The way the last two episodes was carried almost felt like an insult to the first 15 episodes which were done BEAUTIFULLY. This drama should've gotten perfect mark from me, but the last two episodes took away one mark from me. So I gave it 90.
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Story::
I've always loved revenge plots and this one was written and executed so well its at the top of my list now. The twists, turns and curve ball this drama throws is very nicely done. Always a surprise, always keeps you on the edge. I don't want to say too much. But the main guy is a genius.
Characters/Acting::
Marvellous. Stunning. Fantastic. The chemistry between actors is fantastic. Oh the relationships are astounding, based on a very crumbly base that can either break under the pressure or lock together. The characters play their part so well. I was worried that the main lead actress wouldn't be acting very well (like in The moon embraces the sun) but it turned out to be alright!
Overall: Definitely worth the watch.
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When I first saw the male lead, Hmmm, well I never liked 'here but barely there' mustache, but he seemed to pull it of. The story, I can't say it's unique but it has enough juice to grab hold of you. I was really scared when the story moved to Japan because whenever a Kdrama is shot overseas, it's plain horrible - be it awful foreign cast, extras, never mind the accent. But the part in Japan was flawless, and I knew I wasn't watching it for KJW any more.
The casting was spot on, everyone fit their role and I met my first Korean girl crush - Han Ga In! The story, ah well, I liked it, there was some plot holes here and there but I loved the way it ended.
KJW, you are awesome! Please forgive me for chanting "Kim Nam Gil,Kim Nam Gil" at some points!
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It kept me in suspance from the beginning to the end.
It also made me cry a lot.
It has great actors, awesome locations and one of the best plot wists I ever seen in a drama.
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