Trippy, fascinating and could I dare say... lazy?
I was hooked from the first moment. The story left enough mystery to keep me going. Unfortunately, this mystery, that drove the intrigue at the beginning, ended up being their cover for the lack of plot.At the beginning you felt everything developing naturally. Only the remnant glances were the clue that something more was happening.
But was it?
This movie was momentarily intense and punchy. You cannot take a breath, so you do not miss something. And then it dissipated. Strong climax was countered with bland descent. In the last quarter of the movie you constantly have a feeling of being rushed and missing important plot as if it happened behind the scenes.
I have questions -- what was the content of the play they were acting? I want to know in more detail because I want to discern what was the acting and what was reality. They purposely took that away, in a most obvious and sloppy manner -- chop the play so you get the viewer thinking. I know the creators were aiming at confusing the viewer, to make them doubt every scene. It did seem as they took a shortcut, and made the doubt obvious. Again, sloppy if you ask me, but perhaps a strategy on their part.
I have a lot of critiques for such high output. Yes, because I feel strongly about performances. Park Sung Woong as Jae Ha was phenomenal. I encountered him before but always as a supporting character, and his performance here as a lead showed that he is a veteran action, how in the play, so in real life. He was convincing in each of the scenes as a professional should be. Even though I assume playing this role and this character in Korean society in 2017 (even now) was a challenging undertaking.
Oh Seung Hoon as Young Woo unfortunately he did not shine brightly until the last quarter of the movie, where he was absolutely, insanely captivating. His character was fascinating in the way he subtly manipulated the couple. Innocent but cunning. I could see other more senior actors killing this role, but then Young Woo was decent and brilliant in some scenes.
An absolute recommend! No critique can make this compulsion of wanting to rewatch stop. I just want to check and check whether I missed something and find the answer to this damn question:
Was it method acting or not?
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Shock effects and toxic bonds, both felt out of place in the storyline
Well, what happened here really? I have no idea. I am seated after watching this, kind of in trance, captivated, kind of having feeling of having witnessed something bizarre. But all of that happened with last 15 minute development.As for BL aficionados, this one was not it in any obvious sense. Se Joon definitely had a strange obsession with Yoon Jae's validation, but there was no indication that attraction stemmed from any romantic feelings. Then on Yoon Jae's side in one scene, you will know the main one, after he meets him, he seems more sad to see Se Joon in such state than any other consequence that led to it.
So in one way or another they seemed to care for each other. Unexpected plot. Kind of unnatural. I think there was more shock value because Se Joon was not developed as a character that he ended up being. Weird movie. I do not think I like it.
A lot of loose ends. Acting was great though. Overall, meh.
Not a recommend.
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Like the characters... the more I ran away from Trauma, the more Gang Hyeok drew me to it
Wow. I am so shocked how engaging this drama was. I was inspired by the lead and his authentic self ...and how that spilled over to his relationship with others. While offputing at first glance, it seemed like his blatant honestly attracted all the right people.Despite only having 8 episodes, almost all characters relevant to plot also went through development. Nothing was forced. Tbh, the case scenarios were forgettable and Gang Hyeok occasionally annoying but yk this is a drama and not a real world where this guy would not fly for more than a week.
I respected how each character experienced development in a realistic and genuine matter. Jae Won-- from anxious and scary but bright surgeon to more confident and loyal version. Gyeong Won who subtly really superbly portrayed his affection towards Gang Hyeok. Then Yu Rim's transformation probably my favorite part of all. They all exhibited such human pitfalls and qualities throughout these 8 episodes that I am still wondering if I am tripping.
Them all running away from trauma to come back to it. Because a mentor matters. Truly, the mentor makes all the difference. This is what makes Trauma Code different from other medical dramas. The role of mentorship, gradual growth of trust, growth of oneself with challenges. It had it all. They really did it justice, and in 8 episodes you cannot ask for much more.
I can -- please season 2, and then 3, and then 4. To push is until 32, not a lot, ok?
Absolute recommend.
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Netflix money fell flat
This is my rewatch actually. Because the first time around I did not follow Im Siwan, and I wanted to understand how did I miss his performance in Unlocked. I do understand now, why the movie and his performance were unmemorable.Beautiful cinematography and colouring, but there is no category for that in ratings. Also some gorgeous shots and scenes. I thought it was a fine watch, manageable until the end. I see the Netflix money... But they should have cashed it out on screenplay.
The biggest problem is that the story made no sense; and after watching you are left neither entertained or taught anything, nor impressed.
And the main culprit is the screenplay.
Like, why did the serial killer do any of that? The serial killer's role was not written as crazy enough for it to be a no-reason-Jokeresque type of MO. I recently started follow Im Siwan's acting and I know he can deliver a killer punch in terms of complex roles. Why didn't you give him one? Like a really heaviest, most complex role of all? I believe he would excel. If you can pay for high caliber actor, you really should use him to the maximum his skill. But even he could not save such weak script. Like his acting felt so diluted because he was not portraying any character. Literally his character had zero development in plot, past or present. I do not think the actor himself knows the character he portrayed. But then the movie was focused on the main actress and not on the serial killer. The main actress definitely did a better job acting because we had some development for her. Yet even her parts eventually fell flat for me. Bad screenwriting, and that is all there is to it.
Also, going on my Im Siwan rant, I know nowadays he wants to expand to international audience so he accepted this weak script for the sake of Netflix visibility, but honestly I am disappointed in him as well. Like reject this nonsense. Unknown for me tarnished his 10/10 record.
Ah, what to do.
Not a recommend. If you liked him go watch Merciless (action movie) or Strangers from hell (psychological thriller drama). I promise you will have a great time.
As always -- thanks for reading. <3
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Seon Ho carrying it all without a doubt..although even he was just above average
Bro, this killer is so handsome. Like what is this.Rather than psycho, he seems more of a Joker type of killer --there is no meaning to it, it is my job. He is funny and pro, as he likes to emphasize.
Well, the story had an interesting premise but ultimately no meaning. I thought the ending might hit us with an interesting twist but it did not deliver.
If there is part two I will watch it for Seon Ho's wild smile as this character. I think he could have shone even more if the script was better.
Ultimately, it is a fine action movie if you want to mindlessly pass time with an action movie. It is a genre of comedy-action, there is no emphasis on any themes or sense of seriousness. But then Seon Ho was not crazy enough for this genre I believe.
Nonetheless, a recommend.
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Underdeveloped and unmemorable as a watch in 2025
I mean, for the time in which it came out (2014) it probably has its place, but I cannot see that it had a point except a show of a relationship. It was too short to give characters any substance, so they have none. Shima's concerns seem underdeveloped. Togawa's intentions abandoned. Way too short for a viewer to make any sense of anything.I liked Togawa, he was so himself..a bit quirky and kind of no nonsense type of a guy.
Overall, it did not give much, if anything to me. But it is not offensive or annoying in any way.
Therefore, I do not think it warrants a recommend from me.
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Pointless violence, unless that is the point. And suprisingly...memorable
Action movie outside its box. After watching this one I feel so unsettled. What was the point tell me? I am hurt, all over.Then the chemistry between Jae Ho and Hyun Soo was impeccable. I did not care that everyone else was average, how well they sold their roles. I did not feel such strong emotion from a cast in such a long long time. Jae Ho filled a role for Hyun Soo that he did not have, and then Hyun Soo did the same for him. It seemed like a perfect toxic relationship of chosen a son and a father. Visual impact was 10/10 -- Cinematography and costume design.
Merciless is the perfect title for this movie.
Acting from both leads Kyung Gu and Si Wan was just phenomenal. I wish we had some closure, not just being okay with pointless violence. Unless that was the point. But this kind of seemed like a movie without point.
Then to break down acting -- Si Wan just trumps all of complex roles. He is such a gem of an actor, and is slowly climbing to be my fave.
If you like this genre, fast-action packed, pulp-fiction type. And some good acting, you should go for it. It is an action movie that goes out of its genre. Emotionally moves you and then leaves you. Hm, kinda manipulative if you ask me :D.
Watch it. Thanks for reading.
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"Being alive gives you an opportunity."
This drama is interwoven with earthy colors , subdued action scenes and sense of solidity and then there is a strong poetic undertone. You feel the weight of the subject matter and pacing is rather appropriate to maintain this tension throughout 32 episodes.What a gripping premise. It has to do with murders of the people who have gravely mistreated children. Themes are related and interesting, victims and perpetrators seem to be everywhere. Many interesting questions arise among which the most important seems: "Who has the right to judge?" or "At what point is the punishment justified?"
Have to say the producers were smart with execution so the beginning and end felt meaningful...even though there were many loose ends in the story. (Personally, I wish the policeman and the main protagonist adopted Ha-na and ended up together. )
I watched this after Blind, which thematically perhaps addresses the similar issues, and have to say Children of Nobody did better job with the story and the ending in. Although they had 32 episodes to do so, the plot did not feel like a drag. Blind had a more interesting premise and perhaps better villain. Acting was average I would say. There is not a single character that stood out, but neither there is any disruption. The topic seems to have been the focus, which perhaps might have been even an intelligent choice.
A few ideas I picked up from the drama that absolutely captured me (and can give you sense of the tone of this drama):
"The crimes of the living are diluted into life and relationships, and then they finally disappear altogether."
"Being alive gives you an opportunity."
"I am glad it was not me." (You will know when you see the drama)
I think it is a worthy watch if you are into these types of dramas. It tackles a serious issue that is worth digging into. I feel certain dose of responsibility after watching this.
Thank you for reading.
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Average it is, but not below average...Eh, what would they do without all those recordings
It is one of those dramas where you don't know until the very end who is the serial killer because the episodes are directed to sway you away. ..Which I do not mind but there is reason in everything including these moves. So why? They really twisted it so much that every reveal seemed as likely as any other. And none particulary satisfactory because they abandon one interpretation they gave you another immediately in the next episode.
There is no depth to any of the characters. They tackled too many stories that at the end they all were one step from being obviously shallow.
I think the screenwriting was an issue. The actors elevated this drama but the gaps in plot were just so obvious. Literally one person in drama reexperiences assaults and they just go on about their life as if nothing happened. Then, the detective knows this person is in danger and drives to save them but his attention gets stuck on an image in the office of prospective victim... so he drives back to his apartment ignoring that someone is still trying to attack the victim next to the mentioned office. Also the recordings, video or audio, were used too much as plot device in this drama. Eh what would they've done without those recordings...
As for good parts. Music accompanying the murderer was a nice touch. Overall, actors did a great job. Although Sungjoon was not as strong of a lead in my opinion. I never changed my opinion of him as all brawn and no brains. But I again blame the screenwriters as Taecyeon did surprisingly well in Vincenzo and I believe he has it in him. Yoo Na's part was wholesome and gripping. Also Jung Insung actor was such good choice for the character. I hope to see him more in similar roles. And overall, plot-wise, the villain arc really took off in the last few episodes... so I was entertained, okay? I was entertained.
While gripping and emotional at moments.... ultimately at the end nothing makes much sense. Nothing gets resolved. Rather you are still unsettled, and I do not think that was intention. I wanted a meaningful punch but was left at 'meh, serial killer killed people I guess. And then we get who it was. And, wow, they all moved on.' I understand it was supposed to deliver a societal message which I got it in one way or another but it was not done in any impactful way.
I do think that this genre was better done by Mouse. So would suggest you to watch that one instead. I do think you will be entertained if you like this genre. It is just average, but not below average.
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So much potential. Unfortunately not actualized in this season. There is second season. Right?
The output is not particularly high, but I did think this was an enjoyable watch with a lot of potential. I really enjoyed it so I bumped it up to 7.Sheng Wang and Jiang Tian had good chemistry, and albeit occasionally cringe, they held out perfectly fine.
Sheng Wang is adorable and funny and showed physical and mental strength in multiple occasions. Jiang Tian, well he was a bit more flat, until the father story came in.
The plot itself got from basic got super interesting around the last two episodes, that it was just begging (or indicating) for second season. There must be because all things started to hook up in the last few episodes, and then ....pam pam puff.. the end credits...come... with zero meaning.
What?
Is it ending like this?
Did their budget disapear under the snap of the fingers, in the middle of the day, they got the call and went "let's wrap it all up in 5, okay?"
Good prep season but only as a playing field for season 2 that must come. Okay? It must! I NEED TO KNOW HOW HE FEELS ABOUT THE SCAR.
Ok, thank you for reading. Bye.
(side note: a recommend if there is a second season. if not I am throwing hands and rerating this to 6)
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Refreshing plot twist and some suprisingly good acting
The story is believable for the most part. The character development for the mains was solid; and for 8 episodes, I was also happy with development of the side antagonist. I find his story quite appealing and refreshing. Also the twist was quite unexpected. This drama has a lot going for it. And in 2024, I cannot say it is just enjoyable, it actually has something to add in the oversaturated field of bl dramas.I did learn to appreciate when a relationship has a consistent character whose actions make sense on a larger scale.
We have Ju Yeong who is consistent and stable in his beliefs and truly, as Do Hoe points out, he indeed remains same after all the timetime. Then we have Do Hoe who is volatile and influenced by his upbringing.
I have to say it was an enjoyable watch. The actors were confident when the scenes demanded it and awkward when it was necessary, but their acting itself was never awkward or rookie-like. I think that made for the overall enjoyment and my forgetting of the plot holes.
The issues of the drama in regards to violence in family, the hardship as prerequisite for the success, betraying the ones you love in order to escape it -- these all are important topics and interesting questions to be raised to a viewer. And while I cannot say the drama went too deep to explore or justify them, it also did not do it injustice in sense they made it feel irrelevant. I think what saved them was clear focus on the relationship between Ju Yeong and Do Hoe. I was relieved by the confirmation that what they choose is each other at all times.
Twisty with a happy ending.
You should def watch it.
Thank you for reading,
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So fresh. Wait, I meant refresh.
Went into this with high expectation. Was familiar with the main antagonist who did a fairly good job albeit I felt he was not captivating enough (as for instance the main antagonist of the Flower of Evil was). Always thought Wooshik would kill a villain role, but whether it is the script or his execution, I just did not believe him as a main lead. The detective and his story also felt unnecessary. Also Roh bin's connection to everyone but low quality script/screen time?All felt underwhelming.
The first few episodes were interesting. Random comedic elements and the element surprise was there to give drama a fresh feel. But the further we went from the mid of show, more the plot has lost its direction... everything became a random mess, useless killing of random characters and honestly as if they tried to just filler even those 8 episodes.
All seems to be indicating for S2. Because what is Lee Tang's gift? And what is the meaning of all characters gaps? Questions fly above my head.
Extremely underwhelming. Save yourself time and go watch Strangers from Hell.
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A disappearing snapshot ...of that unyielding force...to shape the world to one's own conviction
Before we get serious, am I falling hardcore for First? I think so. Someone save me because I need to study....
You will find many issues and topics to latch onto beyond bl and romance:
- The enemy being the one who knowing better than a friend.
- A group protecting your life because your life is an ideological statement.
- Doing something (art, protest, attack) to express the anger with the state world is in.
- Forgiveness and change come in no order. And lastly... the one I will latch onto...
Existing in a world by working for more than yourself:
While I wish the world worked out in this manner the ROT and their mob, humans are rather more complicated, their interests conflicting and therefore less united.
When I tell you I got the chills when the mob united to save the group.
This is many things. Idealistic. Non-sensical. Pessimistic about the world. Hopeful for a change. Angry. Rebellious. Everything what youth is and represents. I kind of love this cloud of delusion that gives one the sense of being alive. But of course in a 14 episode time frame. And then back to reality.
I mean, I will go on a rant but adults like Gumpa who continue fighting in such manner can do so if they have their own garage, resources and no family of their own who financially depend on. Throw in a child and Gumpa would've acted like the policeman. A lot of adults need to either shut down the fire or find other ways to do channel it. Even White abandons his identity to join the gang eventually. but why White? Didn't you like diplomacy? What do you do like? Until when you will act like Black? I mean, the difference between two is larger than outfits and composure. (But the drama did take a large bite, so I do not expect it to deal with every unclosed circle.)
But this also tells us why many do not...Many do not care about social issues, not because of ignorance necessarily but other priorities, like Yok's mother. And honestly, I do not blame them. This, full-on-100% deliberation is only reserved for the kind of privileged ones we forget - the youth.
But I did feel a sting of becoming an adult and wondering am I going to lose it? Am I losing the sensitivity for social issues because life gets in the way?
We need an uprising in our hearts. A continued reminder. To not allow ourselves not to be mistreated as individuals in our lives by anyone. Ignite the spark, and wake up.
This drama reminded me of it. Which makes it a necessary watch for anyone.
...
Also Dan, you bi***, I ain't forgiving you... so it seems I have some adulting left to do.
Eh, life.
10/10.
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I am crushing on Kang, but in all honesty everything was average at best
My impressions:1) BANTER SCENES ARE HIGHLIGHT, THE ONLY HIGHLIGHT
Dangerous Romance execution had a slice of life drama appeal to it rather than some dangerous vibes like KinnPorche or Not me...which I personally like as well because there is always something raw and honest about the formet. Even the better performances such as those of Kang, Max and Nava felt average for a bl. Highlights are mostly from Kang and Sailom banter, then Nava and Guy banter. The plot was not believable, had little consistency (Pimfah lady, wtf you fell in love with whom? how did we get there please enlighten me!!!) and that graduation scene - I am still laughing at the speech. I feel slightly offended when I think that GMMTV made Eclipse and Only Friends and then have this as what? a drama for second tier citizens? But eh I will just forget about it and...
2) ....ALLOW THE FANGIRL TO OVERTAKE:
because the way Kang was written vibes with me 100%. Writers seemed to put all of their creative jumble into him. Aside the bully phase, he was a great man and a boyfriend imo. I low key think he is boyfie goals. He stood up at all the right times, manly and attractive but vulnerable and sweet when necessary. Open with his emotions towards Sailom. Quite sincere and childlike in his honesty. Direct and deliberate in what he wants. Attractive character overall. Also his metaphor about Sailom moving Kanghan (wind and windmill) was chef's kiss. Kang was indeed my only impetus to continue watching. He was just good at this role even though sometimes he slipped from the scene he was in. Immense potential.
3) THE PLOT WAS NOT MATCHED TO APPROPRIATELY TO THE CAST
Truth be told, to answer the question of one of the other reviewers -- it was not dangerous really, in fact, the opposite imo. It seems as if someone took the title of another drama and pasted it by accident. The plot seems more mature than the actors themselves. It had potential to be dangerous. It did not get there. 'Not me' had fairly young cast but still did well so idk. Do not hate me but I thought casting for Sailom was not appropriate. The actor did not feel matched to the character and his expressions could be numbered on fingers of one hand, like three at most. Chemistry was also, well not bad per say but not vibrant if you know what I mean. I could feel more chemistry from Nava and Guy, and I did not vibe with Guy's performance so that says it all. Kang and Nava ate and lead their scenes.
THE VERDICT:
Surprisingly I could see this being of a fair rewatch value for me, despite it having all of the ingredients that would predict otherwise. I really liked the build up episodes, loving and teasing banter, deliberate expressions of cuteness. If you do not watch this drama you will not miss much, really. If you watch it, you will have a nice time, some of your brain cells may die but scrolling through insta kills more. Here at least your eyes will be blessed by cute actors.
Thanks for reading.
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I think a very good study in human behavior. Funnily enough.
Explicit. Characters are of all shades of gray. When I say explicit it is definitely on higher end of explicit for a BL. And when I say I overall liked this watch, you may think it was those scenes but not really.It was simply upredictable and exciting to see characters respond to plot demands. So dramatic! So fun! With burlesque quality to it. Cannot pinpoint it but I feel like I have been thrown into the OG Gossip Girl first watch. Does anyone get what I mean?
I was easily invested in the story of each of the characters, so much that I remember all of their names. And I do not have to say leave your morality at the front because these are not good people and they do not pretend to be.
At the beginning, everything and everyone seems superficial and thin like paper but throughout the show they flunctuate as people and do so in an honest and raw way.
The characters were developed with solid back stories that justified their actions in the drama, but were still unexpected when they struck you as audience. Ray was multi-layered character from the get go and fit Khao's emotional and vulnerable performance excellently. Even the lack of chemistry with Mew exemplified that his match was elsewhere. Sand was an absolute favorite in the way he was written, his sass was very well portrayed and his wimpy attitude was toned down but his cool and confident disposition. The chemistry was on point between the main leads.
Ton was consistent as hell in his immorality. He made me think so much. Even though I would condemn some actions in real life, the drama made me consider the angles of forgiveness and contempt and change ...and all in all, letting go. Nuncheon, I thought was useless in the plot. If judging from this as my first time seeing his performance, Force seems better person than he is an actor. In behind the scenes he was funny and charming, seems like a great guy to have around in any team --but his acting I just did not think was complex enough for the role of Top. Book was solid, nothing much to complain about. Mark Pakin the same case as with Force, this is my first time to see him acting and he did not impress, seems like a great guy perhaps the role did not fit. Also strange because his chemistry with Neo was not really lacking in the interviews and behind the scenes so I am not sure why I was not vibing with them. I am throwing all unpopular opinions here, sorry.
In all, a few things carried this drama: complex and unpredictable plot, refreshing mature script that matched perfectly with the scenography and Khao, First and Neo.
I know many people here rate it as trash, even tho I understand I would disagree. depends what you are looking for (or finding). With all those salacious scenes you expect to be kind of at the brink of oversaturation but characters were simply well written so you may end up caring more about what happens to them. Like me.
I think I liked Only Friends more than Eclipse, even though I think Akk fit better First than Sand did, and Ray suited better Khao than Ayan did... And well, I am First's fan girl first, and an objective reviewer (caring about your viewing experience) second, hihi.
Go for it. It's unexpected surprise. And 12eps only.
Thanks for reading.
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