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Coolforthesummer

Coolforthesummer

Hierarchy korean drama review
Completed
Hierarchy
239 people found this review helpful
by Coolforthesummer
16 days ago
7 of 7 episodes seen
Completed 8
Overall 7.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 5.0
This review may contain spoilers

A Fully Pretentious Drama with an Empty Plot

This was a drama i enjoyed to some extent but i cant ignore its flaws. First of all, there is no real plot. Its just a pointless love triangle with a predictable murder mystery and a few twists. The plot was heavily inspired by Western teen dramas like Elite and the approach was similar. It was made for those who enjoy shows with attractive leads, sex and glamour but no substantial plot. At least in Elite, there were erotic scenes, here there was nothing.

The story revolves around Kang Ha, who transfers to a prestigious high school to take revenge and expose his twin brother's murderers. He becomes entangled with Jae Yi, the female protagonist and her ex boyfriend Rian, which forms the main plot.

Not gonna lie, the first episode really impressed me despite its shortcomings. But as the series progressed, i realized it was just a pretty facade with nothing inside.


Here is what i liked and disliked:


What I Liked:

1. Production Values: The first thing anyone will notice is the gorgeous production. Every shot looked expensive. I was quite impressed by the money spent on it. Costumes, sets everything was meticulously designed.

2. Direction: The direction was absolutely perfect. The director understood his assignment and did a fantastic job. Its a shame that the plot and actors were not strong enough to do justice to his direction.

3. Cinematography: The cinematography was stunning. Every shot looked cinematic and the color grading was flawless.

4. Background Music: The background music was catchy and perfectly conveyed the emotions of each scene. Overall, the BGMs were very well done.

5. Ending Scenes of Each Episode: Each episode ended on a high note with scenes designed to leave viewers exhilarated.

These are the few things i liked about the drama.


What I Didnt Like:

1. Plot: Was there even a plot?? It seemed like it was cobbled together from various Western shows, mainly Elite, trying to create a korean version but failing. The love triangle was pointless and the murder mystery, while initially intriguing ended predictably and unsatisfactorily. This show is a perfect example of a pretty exterior with nothing inside.

2. Acting: The acting was bland except for Ji Hyewon. None of the other actors impressed me. Roh Jeong Hui was expressionless throughout the series. I dont understand why she was cast. Both male leads were just okay and did nothing remarkable. The supporting actors were also mediocre.

3. Characterization: The characterization was the worst aspect. There wasnt a single likable character, not the female lead, the male leads, nor any supporting characters. Yoon Hera was the only character who showed some growth and the actress nailed her role but she alone couldnt save this empty drama.

4. Pretentiousness: The entire drama was pretentious. The flaunting of wealth and everything else felt very contrived. Among all the series i have watched about chaebols this was the most pretentious. Even in Glory where Yeonjin and her gang were super rich, they never came across as pretentious.

5. Lack of Chemistry: There was absolutely no chemistry between the female lead and either of the male leads. There were no emotions or connections at all. This could be due to the female lead's casting but the male leads also seemed disinterested.

6. Teen Characters Pretending to Be Adults: I hated how all the teen characters were trying to act like adults. They havent even turned 18 but they behaved like 35-45year old ahjussis and ahjummas. Even during the breakup scene between Rian and Jaeyi, they acted like they had been married for 10-15 years and were now bitterly divorcing.

Overall this is a good timepass drama. I dont regret watching it but it was really below average. If you like western teen dramas like Elite, then this is for you. Just dont go in with high expectations.
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