21
34
7
WandereR
Borneo
The World Is Not Enough...Literally
Fans or even dabblers of OCN, you would know what to expect by now. For the uninitiated, just watch this drama and you'll get what we mean. Unlike regular terrestrial channels (SBS, KBS, MBC and the like), cable networks like OCN have more freedom to explore darker themes for more mature audiences (or basically anyone who's into this stuff).
I finished Train in a matter of days, as soon as it was nearing the end so I could binge watch without interruptions. Reading the comments section gave me the impression that this is a not-to-be missed event and true enough, I wasn't disappointed.
Certain elements of this show reminded me of 24 (the US drama), Tunnel (2017, with Choi Jin Hyuk) and, of course TKEM (I didn't actually watch this after hearing how bad it was, but the storyline is based on parallel worlds as well. so that seems to be the trend in this year's recurring sci-fi theme). Every episode was intriguing and suspenseful, leaving you with a cliffhanger and craving for more. If I could break it down into comprehensible parts...
Story - Excellent plot and infused with twists (not all unexpected but fit into the grander scheme of things). Not sure if this came off a novel or short story somewhere but there can be no complaints in this area. Kudos to the screenwriters for bringing to life a fascinating and somewhat original concept.
Acting/ Casting - Yoon Shi Yoon was outstanding here. Admittedly I haven't seen his previous works but having debuted a decade ago and playing the lead in well-regarded dramas like The Nokdu Flower and Psychopath Diaries, surely he could be regarded as an experienced hand. Playing dual roles in any production cannot be easy so he showed his range here. The rest of the cast were generally decent, although I expected more from the usually exceptional Kyung Soo Jin (it's more personal expectation than her fault). I also think we need to give props to Lee Hang Na here - the role truly fits her like a glove.
Overall:
What it is - Intriguing murder mystery, comprehensible parallel worlds concept (it wasn't confusing at least to me), suspense-filled thriller, great cinematography, compelling storytelling, acceptable ending (it brought the necessary closure, although could have been better).
What it isn't - Confusing sci-fi concepts, low budget production, romantic love story (it is not the key element of this production).
I really enjoyed this, Train is one of the better productions from OCN.
I finished Train in a matter of days, as soon as it was nearing the end so I could binge watch without interruptions. Reading the comments section gave me the impression that this is a not-to-be missed event and true enough, I wasn't disappointed.
Certain elements of this show reminded me of 24 (the US drama), Tunnel (2017, with Choi Jin Hyuk) and, of course TKEM (I didn't actually watch this after hearing how bad it was, but the storyline is based on parallel worlds as well. so that seems to be the trend in this year's recurring sci-fi theme). Every episode was intriguing and suspenseful, leaving you with a cliffhanger and craving for more. If I could break it down into comprehensible parts...
Story - Excellent plot and infused with twists (not all unexpected but fit into the grander scheme of things). Not sure if this came off a novel or short story somewhere but there can be no complaints in this area. Kudos to the screenwriters for bringing to life a fascinating and somewhat original concept.
Acting/ Casting - Yoon Shi Yoon was outstanding here. Admittedly I haven't seen his previous works but having debuted a decade ago and playing the lead in well-regarded dramas like The Nokdu Flower and Psychopath Diaries, surely he could be regarded as an experienced hand. Playing dual roles in any production cannot be easy so he showed his range here. The rest of the cast were generally decent, although I expected more from the usually exceptional Kyung Soo Jin (it's more personal expectation than her fault). I also think we need to give props to Lee Hang Na here - the role truly fits her like a glove.
Overall:
What it is - Intriguing murder mystery, comprehensible parallel worlds concept (it wasn't confusing at least to me), suspense-filled thriller, great cinematography, compelling storytelling, acceptable ending (it brought the necessary closure, although could have been better).
What it isn't - Confusing sci-fi concepts, low budget production, romantic love story (it is not the key element of this production).
I really enjoyed this, Train is one of the better productions from OCN.
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