This review may contain spoilers
The Sorrows of Old Heo
I hear what people mean by Lee Kang's motive wasn't strong enough... But that is only valid if we insist to observe the show as the thriller only. After episode 3, thriller vibe is probably structurally the weakest point of the show.
Lee Kang is the embodiment of Heo Mun-o's own rot. The devil incarnate of one's own making. The truth is Heo Mun-o was too far gone before Lee Kang even became old enough to do anything about it. Hollowed out by failure, envy and ambition, he couldn't even muster an ounce of empathy even for a child in an orphanage. Manipulating a story out of a boy just to see if there is anything 'special' in it which he can use to inspire himself, and then deciding it's just ordinary wailing not worthy of further attention.
Years later, he finds a 'special' story and ... oh the cruel irony... becomes one himself narrated in someone else's gift. The most terrifying part happens at the very end, even with Lee Kang in front of him, Heo Mun-o is still at risk of being seduced by the story. Lee Kang just holds the mirror to reflect everything ugly that already exists in Mun-o.
I have seen Hyunwook in many shows before, but found him unrecognizable here. I think his performance perfectly summarizes in 'if you are a villain to the villain...are you really a villain?' Deliciously manipulative. I was thinking him both naive and evil somehow simultaneously... There is really not much to say about Choi Min-sik. He is a legend for a reason. The ladies, Jim Kyung and Kim Yoon-jin were amazing. The whole cast is really great and I just wish that the narrative didn't drop the thread on their characters at times.
For me, this remains a 9/10
Lee Kang is the embodiment of Heo Mun-o's own rot. The devil incarnate of one's own making. The truth is Heo Mun-o was too far gone before Lee Kang even became old enough to do anything about it. Hollowed out by failure, envy and ambition, he couldn't even muster an ounce of empathy even for a child in an orphanage. Manipulating a story out of a boy just to see if there is anything 'special' in it which he can use to inspire himself, and then deciding it's just ordinary wailing not worthy of further attention.
Years later, he finds a 'special' story and ... oh the cruel irony... becomes one himself narrated in someone else's gift. The most terrifying part happens at the very end, even with Lee Kang in front of him, Heo Mun-o is still at risk of being seduced by the story. Lee Kang just holds the mirror to reflect everything ugly that already exists in Mun-o.
I have seen Hyunwook in many shows before, but found him unrecognizable here. I think his performance perfectly summarizes in 'if you are a villain to the villain...are you really a villain?' Deliciously manipulative. I was thinking him both naive and evil somehow simultaneously... There is really not much to say about Choi Min-sik. He is a legend for a reason. The ladies, Jim Kyung and Kim Yoon-jin were amazing. The whole cast is really great and I just wish that the narrative didn't drop the thread on their characters at times.
For me, this remains a 9/10
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