Sugar
A reflection on life
With influences to the production such as Skam and Skins, The Eighth Sense brings upon fairly common critiques on life and youth with unique qualities in a Korean drama. It essentially uses artistic elements and the surrounding atmospheres to introduce us to these characters, mainly in the perspectives of Jihyun and Jaewon.
The one issue I have is that while I firmly respect the directors' visions towards production, I can see why not everyone is able to follow the storyline cohesively during some parts. Whether it be abrupt scene changes, dreamlike blurriness to focus on the character, or "choppiness" in the editing, it's not a familiar usage (at least in my case) and thus had me confused.
With that said though, I truly enjoyed the experience of watching this series build all the way to the end. I loved that this series had a focus on the "human-ness" rather than just exclusively romance. These characters expressed their aspirations, struggles and relatable navigations that added more three-dimensionality than just "insert character here" for "insert scene". Obviously this feat couldn't have been done without the acting, which once again, shocks me as a lot of the cast seem to be very new in the acting world. They did a tremendous job in their roles. It's rare to find a drama that includes mental health in a very raw, respectful and realistic setting. Too many series I find tend to stereotype mental illness that it makes it difficult for me to watch a series that includes these themes. But in The Eighth Sense's case, the inclusion of mental health showcases the debilitating inner battles but also the outward support systems to show that one should not have to fight those battles alone, and they are worthy of seeking help. Though the production at times interrupted my enjoyment, I do have to say the intentional methods in which they light a scene to add onto the authenticity characters feel did have me audibly go "wow", because I could see the TLC in so many layers of the production. And of course, the gradual relationship between Jihyun and Jaewon hooked me into watching more and more. It felt so candid and typical, especially portrayed in early 20's, but there was a magic to their spark that grew into a flame fuelled by their love (I know, ridiculous and cheesy, but there's no other way to describe it). Though the fire was temporarily put out, there was still love in the eyes of these characters shown in different, subtle ways, and I enjoyed every second of it.
I appreciate the dedication the directors, writers, cast and everyone involved in this project put forth into making this beautiful series that went sneakily under our noses until the big trailer drop. By god I hope it doesn't go under the noses in terms of seeking something to watch in one's spare time, because this is an absolute, positive, MUST WATCH. Please support the cast and crew, watch this fantastic series, I doubt you'll regret it. A solid series.
The one issue I have is that while I firmly respect the directors' visions towards production, I can see why not everyone is able to follow the storyline cohesively during some parts. Whether it be abrupt scene changes, dreamlike blurriness to focus on the character, or "choppiness" in the editing, it's not a familiar usage (at least in my case) and thus had me confused.
With that said though, I truly enjoyed the experience of watching this series build all the way to the end. I loved that this series had a focus on the "human-ness" rather than just exclusively romance. These characters expressed their aspirations, struggles and relatable navigations that added more three-dimensionality than just "insert character here" for "insert scene". Obviously this feat couldn't have been done without the acting, which once again, shocks me as a lot of the cast seem to be very new in the acting world. They did a tremendous job in their roles. It's rare to find a drama that includes mental health in a very raw, respectful and realistic setting. Too many series I find tend to stereotype mental illness that it makes it difficult for me to watch a series that includes these themes. But in The Eighth Sense's case, the inclusion of mental health showcases the debilitating inner battles but also the outward support systems to show that one should not have to fight those battles alone, and they are worthy of seeking help. Though the production at times interrupted my enjoyment, I do have to say the intentional methods in which they light a scene to add onto the authenticity characters feel did have me audibly go "wow", because I could see the TLC in so many layers of the production. And of course, the gradual relationship between Jihyun and Jaewon hooked me into watching more and more. It felt so candid and typical, especially portrayed in early 20's, but there was a magic to their spark that grew into a flame fuelled by their love (I know, ridiculous and cheesy, but there's no other way to describe it). Though the fire was temporarily put out, there was still love in the eyes of these characters shown in different, subtle ways, and I enjoyed every second of it.
I appreciate the dedication the directors, writers, cast and everyone involved in this project put forth into making this beautiful series that went sneakily under our noses until the big trailer drop. By god I hope it doesn't go under the noses in terms of seeking something to watch in one's spare time, because this is an absolute, positive, MUST WATCH. Please support the cast and crew, watch this fantastic series, I doubt you'll regret it. A solid series.
Was this review helpful to you?
