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Innocent taiwanese drama review
Completed
Innocent
1 people found this review helpful
by K_K
Nov 15, 2021
4 of 4 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 6.0
Story 4.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 4.0
Rewatch Value 4.0

Biting off more than you can chew...

I really hoped this series was going to turn out good because the storyline (at least as it's summarised) is really interesting and unique for a queer series. Sadly, it didn't really hit the mark in the actual show.

The storyline was the biggest issue with me for this series: there is A LOT of ground to cover with the childhood trauma aspect, the split personalities, the romance arc, the self and family acceptance AND (to add even more to this) a secondary couple too (with their own host of issues!)! In 4, 20 (ish) minute episodes, a lot of these themes and issues get glossed over really easily or explained away in short insufficient scenes. As a viewer, I wish they had simplified a little bit just to give the series more room to breath (story telling wise). Each episode had such a jarring pace and feeling that the experience changed from watching nothing happen for 20 minutes, to watching 3 flashbacks, 2 big climactic moments and then a flashforward all in the span of 10 minutes. The overall incoherent pacing and story just made it hard to appreciate anything else about the series; I always felt I was watching the 'middle' of some longer show and I was just getting little cuts and bits and pieces. The main themes the show wanted to deliver on are so big and bulky that it needs time and attention to deliver and flesh them out well: it's one of those things where it if it's going to be done, do it well...or not at all. Otherwise, it just leaves a lot of confusion and ambiguous storytelling.

I guess that's where it being a "short" series is both helpful and hurtful: it's good it's only 4 short episodes because, at least, you aren't losing a huge chunk of time should you choose to watch it. But also, the 4 short episodes means a lot gets lost and poorly executed - leaving a very unsatisfying feeling at the end of it.

Another big nitpick was the introduction of the secondary couple (at the VERY end). I can't quite see why they were introduced only to have a few scenes and an extremely ambiguous ending. They seemed to serve very little purpose in the main themes of trauma/mental health that the series has, so, all they seemed to do was take away screen and storytime for no real reason. Not to say I didn't find them interesting: I still want to know what exactly went down between them! But the series is just too short to offer any kind of answer.

I do have to give some love to the overall 'look' of the series though! Despite some weird shaky-cam moments, the series is really beautifully staged and shot. I loved the apartments and the night-street shots, and all those beautiful scenes with the early morning light pouring out over the main couple. The camera work was well done for such a small production and it did an excellent job at complimenting and accentuating the chemistry between the two mains (which is another HUGE plus for this series!). The leads had such great chemistry together during the tender and romantic moments that it really saved a lot of this series in my eyes. The affection felt so wholesome and real that I couldn't help rooting for them! It never felt awkward or forced and even the dialogue was delivered so well that, when the moments were sweet, it was hard to not feel heartwarmed by them. If there's anything at all I'd reward this for, it'd be for the main actors.

Oh, and, the music was pretty fine too. Nothing too special or horrendous. Honestly, I didn't really notice it. The only obvious track is the ending theme which has a really...interesting sound? But, I skipped it as soon as it starts so I can't say too much about it.

Overall though, it can't hurt to check it out if you're interested but...I'd go in with low expectations. It's a pretty average title that, if you don't end up watching it, you won't miss out on much.
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