DLanaDHZ
Not the Strongest but Still Worth It
The premise is fantastic - some people being monos and having a probe in the world that can let them see colors so long as they're around. It's a soul-mates plot if ever there was one. With a dash of worry about becoming too obsessed.
The series is coded heavily as a metaphor for being queer in a world that doesn't accept/villainizes being queer. The lack of color that Yeon Woo experiences can easily be interpreted as varying levels of self-isolation, loneliness, and depression that he only gets relief from when around Yoo Han, to whom he is attracted. Yoo Han represents being accepting of your sexuality, presenting as more flamboyant and effeminate than Yeon Woo. Yoo Han never shies away from invading Yeon Woo's personal space or touching him. He instantly recognizes their mutual benefit from being around each other, their mutual interest in each other, and he latches on instantly. Yeon Woo, on the other hand, tries so hard to resist the pull Yoo Han has. He denies and denies his interest until he can't.
The desperation shown by Yoo Jun as Yeon Woo is well done. His emotions come across very well and I never doubted his struggle. On the other hand, Hyun Jun's acting felt weak and basic. He's got a decent face and his soft voice worked for making the coloring scenes feel intimate, but his tone in every scene felt the same. He only had one setting, and it felt incongruous with many scenes.
The script had some great parts but it felt rushed or weak in others. I filled in spots I felt were emotionally lacking or where information should have been put in, or however else the scene felt weak, but it was me subconsciously giving leeway to the show. The script shouldn't have needed as much forgiveness as I gave it while watching.
The cinematographer needs a raise - or whoever was in charge of the color rush scenes. Yoo Han explaining the color palette was so intimate and innately sexual (without being sexual) that I got literal chills. The color rush scenes were beautiful, moving, intimate, and definitely coded as sexual experiences, however small. They were very well done.
Overall, I'm not against rewatching it with a friend, and most of the movie was well done.
TW: there is a scene of attempted suicide.
The series is coded heavily as a metaphor for being queer in a world that doesn't accept/villainizes being queer. The lack of color that Yeon Woo experiences can easily be interpreted as varying levels of self-isolation, loneliness, and depression that he only gets relief from when around Yoo Han, to whom he is attracted. Yoo Han represents being accepting of your sexuality, presenting as more flamboyant and effeminate than Yeon Woo. Yoo Han never shies away from invading Yeon Woo's personal space or touching him. He instantly recognizes their mutual benefit from being around each other, their mutual interest in each other, and he latches on instantly. Yeon Woo, on the other hand, tries so hard to resist the pull Yoo Han has. He denies and denies his interest until he can't.
The desperation shown by Yoo Jun as Yeon Woo is well done. His emotions come across very well and I never doubted his struggle. On the other hand, Hyun Jun's acting felt weak and basic. He's got a decent face and his soft voice worked for making the coloring scenes feel intimate, but his tone in every scene felt the same. He only had one setting, and it felt incongruous with many scenes.
The script had some great parts but it felt rushed or weak in others. I filled in spots I felt were emotionally lacking or where information should have been put in, or however else the scene felt weak, but it was me subconsciously giving leeway to the show. The script shouldn't have needed as much forgiveness as I gave it while watching.
The cinematographer needs a raise - or whoever was in charge of the color rush scenes. Yoo Han explaining the color palette was so intimate and innately sexual (without being sexual) that I got literal chills. The color rush scenes were beautiful, moving, intimate, and definitely coded as sexual experiences, however small. They were very well done.
Overall, I'm not against rewatching it with a friend, and most of the movie was well done.
TW: there is a scene of attempted suicide.
Was this review helpful to you?
