Refreshing
The series is unique to me because the main lead isn't even the center of the story. Most of the time, we were in the point of view of Jang Nan Gam (Son Suk Ku). At the beginning of the episode, we were in the perspective of Lee Tang (Choi Woo Shik). After being chased by the police, we were mostly in the police's point of view. After that, it became more mysterious with the introduction of Song Chon (Lee Hee Joon), who drove the series until the end. For me, that was a unique way of writing the story, and I love it.The plot is very fresh and interesting. I can't recall when a series or movie had such a refreshing plot, especially in Korean drama or movies where characters can sometimes feel repetitive. The switching of the point of view is truly lovely and unnoticeable. Lee Chang Hee (Director) also directed "Strangers From Hell," and it's no wonder this series turned out to be good. He really did a good job. Additionally, the first few minutes of this series have to be the best-directed sequence of all time.
The transition, THE TRANSITION. It is insanely addictive to watch how they transition from 1 scene in the past to the current scene, or from hallucination scene to reality. And how they project the future character into the past. And they did it multiple time flawlessly. Furthermore, one aspect that many didn't talk about is the use of background music, which was really good. On top of that, the gorgeous cinematography adds to the overall experience. Let's not forget about the acting; every actor performed a marvelous job, especially Song Chon, who, in my opinion, shone the brightest in this series.
Usually, some drama have too much episodes and i would always say that they need to reduce the amount of the episode because the pace become too slow and draggy in most drama. However, this is one of those series that need to have at least 2 or 3 more episode to deal the final blow.
Some say that the pace became stale in the middle and the pace slow down after of the addition of two new questionable characters in Busan who were having a crisis, which I understand why it became boring. However, it picked up its pace again after that. Nonetheless, I definitely recommend it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Enjoyable Movie
I truly enjoyed the whole movie. The intricate costume design and meticulously crafted set in this movie are cool, man. The Japanese armor design is dope af, and they've truly captured it exceptionally well. I love that they showcase the nuanced aftermatch of his campaign in this movie. The cinematography is top-notch, with numerous beautiful scenes that vividly capture the grand scale of war. Usually, other series or movies don't depict it with such precision.However, it's kinda hard to follow the plot, even with my knowledge of the Imjin War. And yeah, I agree that the first movie was much better in terms of direction, but this movie excels in action, in my opinion. As a devoted fan of Admiral Yi Sun Shin, I thoroughly enjoy this movie despite its flaws.
Finally, man, can they just hire a Japanese actor for a Japanese character? After watching so much anime, I can distinctly hear the not-so-Japanese-speaking character. You can almost sense the un-Japaneseness. And I'm not even Japanese. Imagine for people who speak Japanese; it must be hell to listen to. I'm not against the actor, but at least if you don't want to hire a Japanese actor, consider a Korean actor with fluent Japanese.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
As a Thriller movie, its good
First of all, i want to clarify that i haven't watch the original movie. So maybe thats why i enjoyed this movie a lot more.1. Okada Junichi and Ayano Go
The acting in "Hard Day" is amazing, especially Okada Junichi and Ayano Go. Junichi usually plays tough characters, but here he's a vulnerable officer, showing off his acting skills. Ayano Go plays the villain so well with twitchy eyes and subtle moves. You can feel his massive anger, especially after a run-in with his father-in-law.
2. Seeing Both Views
The movie cleverly shows the same events from two perspectives. The villain seems calm from the outside, but when you see things from their point of view, they're just like everyone else. It adds a cool twist to the story.
3. Ost
If you have watch the Movie "Sicario", you'd now that soundtrack in this movie has the same vibe to it, and that's how you now its a good soudntrack.
4. Unrealistic Moments
How, like how the heck did he surived the bomb with insanely minimum damage to his body. He should be burning to hell by now. But then he even got the strength to drive to the vault location? Hell nah.
Overall, even with some unreal moments, "Hard Day" is a simple and thrilling movie. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. The acting and the dual perspectives make it a ride worth taking.
Was this review helpful to you?
Weak Movie, Too Much Action
Hmm, how can I say this? It was decent at most.Yet another film with a post-apocalyptic premise, where the main threat is human instead of a natural disaster or wild animals. Wow, I did not expect that. Can we get something unique?
The introduction of the film is too fast; they might as well not show the earthquake scene. It was too brief, and the introduction of the seductive character isn't good enough. Secondly, how? How did the organization find those teens? How did the female sergeant find Nam San? Why did she need him? She specifically asked him and emphasized his name like she knew him but didn't bother to explain.
The plot is weak, with nothing interesting. The female sargeant (Ahn Ji Hye) and Suna (Roh Jeong Eui) acting is soooo bad. Especially Ahn Ji Hye, her acting is soulless. The action is brutal but at the second half of the movie, it became dragging, with to much action.
As much as I love Ma Dong Suk, I did not enjoy this movie. Not recommended at all.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I enjoyed it but...
The acting carried this drama. Namkoong Min steals the show in this series, delivering a powerful performance that keeps the audience hooked from beginning to end.The problem with Jamie Leighton, don't live up to their special roles, feeling like regular officers rather than FBI or special agents. On god, she is just a burdened for everyone. The way Do Jung Wo dodges capture doesn't seem realistic. In this world, even thou he is a serial killer, you would think that his face would be everywhere in korea, but nope, he can just go anywhere he wants. And Jae Wong's Arc just sort of fizzles out without a satisfying ending. After his multiple identity merged together, he became nobody, and just a "Third child".
The Glass Fake Hype. I though DJW need that glass to have an insane focus inside his brain. They introduce this mysterious glass thing, and you think it's going to be a big deal. But nope, it's just a virtual reality tool for the bad guys to have the formula. It could have been cooler, especially for Do Jung Wo's plans.
The story is good, but it gets bogged down in places. Trimming about three to four episodes could have kept things moving along without unnecessary stuff getting in the way. The last episode feels rushed, cramming in too much at once. If they had taken a bit more time in the last two episodes, the ending could have been stronger and more satisfying.
Was this review helpful to you?