A superb work

The first episode starting with the plastic covered room in which a murder was about to take place made me think about Dexter (2006). After watching that American drama series I decided I've had my fair share of cruelty and won't watch something similar again. The intensity of the entire episode and the way that lady was terrorized was noting less than the former mentioned series. Every now and then other scenes were of the same intensity and cruelty so, yes, I found myself making this parallel between the two dramas. And no, the entire drama isn't filled with grotesque cruelty. There are only a few such scenes and they are very well integrated in the fabric of the whole narrative. Watch it and you'll understand. :)

As a result, my expectations were great and fortunately the show didn't disappoint me at all. Strong and charismatic characters, exceptional actors (I would grant an award to each and every one of them), thrilling action, suave emotions, cruelty and compassion, good music, exceptional filmography, you name it. This show isn't lacking in any area/ direction. The pace was perfect, nothing was redundant and nothing was too little. Even the finale is perfect. I know many would argue with that and I know they would argue that it's only fit because a 2nd season is bound to be released, but even if this wasn't the case, what other ending would be more soul up-lifting for heroes who put everyone else's wellbeing above their own, who every minute sacrifice their own lives in order for others to continue living? They are heroes in a war as cruel, as unjust and as real as any other war. That ending actually had me feeling elevated. Of course, if I didn't know there would be a 2nd season, I would have cried. That's a given. :))) But still, I think that finale is triumphant.
It's a full-score from me.
And I'm looking forward to seeing that bad ass Jin Ho Gae mf again! Hail K action dramas! :)))))

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May contain spoilers

Story - 10
I liked the plot, it's not something new, but I was very enthusiastic about the idea of Sand Box and the philosophy on which it was based. So for the concept of Sand Box alone I give them a full score. The pace is good (fast enough to not get me bored) and constant. (Actually the main reason I chose this series was because it has only 16 episodes. I don't like those dragging dramas demonstrating to us, again and again, some aspects. I mean how many episodes, dialogues and monologues does someone need to understand a character's depth and complexity? If the script is good and the actors are too, a scene or two are just enough. But if they are not so good, then, irrespective of the amount of time given on screen, they will not manage to convey the message meant to be conveyed. ) I also liked the fact that the love story and the business story were approximatively equally present and they were mixed together beautifully. I laughed, I cried, I had intense moments and relaxed moments; this series has them all and serves them appropriately in terms of time, quantity, quality and logic. I've read some harsh critics regarding the narrative of the plot (actually quite many), but I find them not very befitting. Probably their authors are not very observant of life or maybe they simply lack experience. During my life so far I have encountered every single aspect, situation, action and reaction presented in this series. Yes, they are real and they do occur in life. Just because I wouldn't necessarily act the same way as these characters here, it doesn't invalidate them. I would suggest: be open-minded. If I were to talk about an aspect with which I disagree, that would be someone denying their own feelings. For me it's just so hurtful and unjust. And illogic. But than again, I also saw this happen in my life so... yes, it's real. I myself have done it. I'm not proud, but I also don't regret it (not very much, just a little) because I like to think that I've learned from my mistakes. So whenever I see this cliche in Asian films my heart tightens because I've been there and I empathize quite strongly.
Acting/Cast - 10
Although I'm not a fan of any of them, I must say that the actors are good. They managed to express all sorts of feelings beautifully, especially the inner struggles related to young and inexperienced people trying to start their own business and prove themselves. The 3 boys from Sam San Tech were absolutely adorable. They made me laugh so hard that I woke up my neighbors in the middle of the night. I also liked their emotional side because it's only natural to cry when you feel defeated. I like super strong characters, but I also like those who are nearer to the average human behaviors. Yes, some people are stronger, but some are more sensitive. This doesn't make them less valuable. Of course, Kim Seon Ho outshines them all and he was the only cause of my suffering throughout the entire series. Nam Joo Hyuk/ Nam Do San is adorable but still I was thorn because I would have liked Kim Seon Ho/ Han Ji Pyung to end up happy. And that's only because his acting is so good that it made my heart ache for him so hard. And since I am of a certain age, :) my favorite character in this series was grandma Choi Won Deok/ Kim Hae Sook because she impersonates that ideal of goodness and selflessness which I'm striving to achieve in this life. :) (That was an unnecessary detail, sorry).
Music - 9
To my shame I must admit I was never interested in the soundtrack of any movie/ series. Generally the soundtracks are well matched to the works and very, very seldom was I annoyed or impressed with a soundtrack. So since the soundtrack in this series didn't make any impression on me, I suppose it was good. I scored it only 9 for this reason exactly.
Rewatch Value --
I had to score it 1 because otherwise I couldn't submit my review. Seems that's mandatory. But in reality I cannot score this one because I never rewatch a movie/ series irrespective of how much I liked it. I suppose it's something that has to do with my psychology or philosophy of life: since it's in the past, let it be in the past. Why dwell on it? However, I did rewatch 2 movies in this life of mine. :)))))) Hollywood movies.
Overall - 10
Yes, it's a good work and it's worth your time.

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Sensitive and with a sense of depth

This is the first food series which didn't actually make me crave food. Maybe because I was down with the flu or maybe because they were too fancy when eating, I don't know.
But it's sensitive and with a sense of depth like most of the Japanese films. I found it very, very enjoyable.

Story: 10
As always the Japanese succeed in exploring the depths of the human heart and mind. Stories which we would usually dismiss as being trivial are told here with much sensitivity and make us rethink our way of perceiving others. Yes, we are fragile and yes, we are susceptible of changing our hearts during the course of time. We usually judge ourselves by the society's standards, thus we are susceptible to feeling guilty towards others and ourselves. And guilt is one damn mf! Fortunately this aspect was merely suggested and it didn't drag on. Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to watch it. I would like to say a few more things about the story but my English isn't good enough, so I'll refrain myself.

Acting: 9
The acting wasn't all that bad, but it was unconvincing at times (i.e. when the mother was intentionally interrupting the main couple's sweet moments, their acting startled seemed quite fake to me). In the beginning, I wasn't very attracted by the actors, but they managed to gradually captivate me.

Music: 5
I just didn't like it. But it's just my personal taste/ opinion, so please don't be influenced.

Rewatch value: 8
As I have already stated in another review, I don't rewatch films. But if you're into this habit, I think it's worth it.

I would also like to add that I had a hard time seeing Sakurazawa Jun as being fashionable as it was stated in the film's description. Actually, except Sara, none of the other females was fashionable. (Especially the shoes. Oh, they were just horrible! ) But then again, it's just my personal taste, so please don't be influenced.

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