Brilliant From Start to Finish

This was a superbly directed, excellently acted, perfectly paced, satisfyingly finished, extremely well-told story.

Being someone who prefers a well-told story over one filled with unnecessary filler dialogue, gore, action, romance, and sidekick characters, I have to give this a 10/10 for having absolutely none of those things. Everything, every scene, every character had a story and a purpose that you weren’t left hanging too long to find out what that was.

I’d like to see much more of this type of directing in the future.

If you are after non-stop action, this probably isn’t for you. If you like a well told story, it most definitely is.

Read More

Beautiful Blend of Genres

Though the ML got on my nerves at times, and the FL was good, but not as good as her childhood character, this series manages to blend sports, murder mystery, romance, small town beauty and drama, friendship, and past secrets seamlessly. It’s not too much of anything, and just the right amount of everything.

I was completely wowed by the sportsmanship of the ML (and supporting characters). They made every match interesting and engaging, but it was not the total focus of the show. I still can’t believe they were able to mix all these things in without creating a total mess. Color me extremely impressed.

The entire cast was amazing, but the child actors really did me in. They were outstanding.

Read More

Disappointing Finale

Though I enjoyed the show for what it was, and the ML is a personal favorite, and the acting of most of the other characters was top notch, I was a little bored at times with this dialogue heavy and slow-rolling series. There was so much reading of the subtitles only for them to not have actually said much to advance the story, that I just felt weary after each episode. I can't say much one way or the other about the FL. She just seemed stuck on one expression, and frankly looked way too feminine to be convincing as a man, no matter how hard I tried to suspend disbelief. If they are going to keep making shows about women convincingly dressing as a man in the Joseon era, they ought to try with someone taller than 5'4" and a little more body presence than the fraily built supermodel types they keep casting.

Episodes 14 and 15 were quite good, so I was expecting some good wrap up of the main "problem", but alas, they just wouldn't do it. The finale was either rushing you through time with narratives from side characters, or plodding through nonsensical scenes from the leads. It's absolutely unclear why she'd be avoiding him, the queen dowager's issues never get resolved, the maidservant clearly has a crush but we never see anything come of it, and the overarching dilemma never gets addressed at all - how will they reintroduce this person as a woman who the king wants as his queen. I mean, sure, the villains getting their due was interesting and all, but the woman dressed as a man issue was the main point of interest and I feel emotionally ripped off by them not properly tying that up.

Read More

Captivating

I found myself captivated from the start due to Kim Seo Hyung’s sheer presence. She’s a favorite actress of mine anyway, but her portrayal of a self-esteem stripped demure housewife at the outset was believable and quite jarring. Her character’s development and actions were an understandable and seamlessly woven together tapestry of chain events.

The husband, (played brilliantly by Gong Jung Hwan), was astonishingly one of of the most calm (usually), callous and selfish characters I’ve ever seen. At one point I became convinced that the character had to have studied all the ways to strip a person’s soul of any self-worth.

Lee Shi Hoo was another important character, and his arc was poignant, though disappointingly familiar.

I felt the elder actor’s performances shone brightly and I appreciated the sympathy or lack of sympathy each invoked due to their role’s character.

I now realize this is a remake, so as such, my only criticism is probably not valid: I would have preferred a more complete ending. We do get a lot of closure, so I am thankful for that. But I still have questions. That said, I definitely recommend this and would watch again.

*Be aware of a couple of racy scenes that are brief, and in my opinion, shouldn’t shock the senses of your average adult who recognizes and appreciates that attraction and intimacy are things that don’t belong to only one gender or age group.

Read More

Underwhelming

Pros:

The opening sequence

Fight scenes

OST

Flashback scenes

Talented actors doing what they could with the direction.

Cons:

Forced humor, often too over the top

Several annoying characters (the entitled/loud/boy-crazy daughter; the deadbeat brother; and the pathetic sister-in-law)

The annoying scene jumping I’ve seen on several Hulu/Disney produced Kdramas

A plethora of non-productive family scenes where the problem people never grow or resolve anything

Plot holes right up to the bitter end

So to sum it up in a non-list form, I *wanted* to enjoy it, it just wouldn’t let me. I didn’t hate it, and what was good, was quite good. It just didn’t balance out with the plot holes, conversations that didn’t happen but should have, lack of any resolutions at all, and unnecessary time with the very annoying characters. It would have been a 7.5 had any one of those issues been properly addressed. Will not watch again, but I wouldn’t insist people not watch it either.

Read More

Not My Favorite

I can see why this is considered a classic, can appreciate that it was ahead of its time regarding subject matter, and give props to the FL for the most convincing gender bending portrayal I’ve seen thus far.

That said, I struggled to finish this drama. I’ve watched and enjoyed several older dramas, so the hairstyles or early tech was not the issue for me. I think it was the lack of fruitful depth and thoughtful resolution that left me cold. The deception went on for too long and the initial reasons lost their empathetic draw. In no universe would your need for a job outweigh the psychological and emotional damage being inflicted on someone you claim to love. Then for the support cast to expect the ML to just get over it, I was astounded. Sure, eventually, he might get there, but it was painful to see him expected to just bounce back from what was ultimately an existential crisis.

Aside from the ML, his parents, and grandmother, I didn’t really see anyone grow into a better version of themselves. The FL became increasingly annoying just as she should have been appreciating and reciprocating the limitless love she was receiving. I also didn’t find the romance to be very believably passionate after the reveal. It felt forced. The other women’s characters remained rather stagnant. The other men and boys also seemed frozen or slogging towards the next stage of slow-motion maturity sometime in the distant future.

I’m glad I watched it just to say I’ve seen it, but I’ll never rewatch it. For me, it was too long, had too many redundant scenes, the ending was anticlimactic, and the OST was forgettable. Sorry, just wasn’t my cup of coffee.

Read More

Pleasantly Surprised

First of all, this drama gives strong Taxi Driver (which I loved) vibes in that there’s a new case each episode, and unique approaches and devices are utilized in the solving of them. It differs significantly, though, in that these are actual detectives and an actual chaebol/detective working actual crimes. I enjoyed immensely that it didn’t copy a formula, it took elements from it and made a whole new formula of its own.

I appreciated that the backstory from childhood was doled out intermittently between case solving. So you were getting regular closure on the one hand, with periodic clues about the ongoing questions about the past and present. This was smart directing and when the big culmination of truth is revealed, the timing and energy felt exactly right.

I enjoyed the duality of the leads, and several of the supporting cast as well. Being driven in your work but still capable of reflection and altering one’s opinions and biases. Learning to see oneself through an accumulation of small successes, not chance of birth or survived trauma. Coming to appreciate that different approaches can still lead to shared goals. Shedding a predatory career path for one of integrity. There was just a lot of well written character development here.

The romantic innuendo was beautifully subtle, and the friendships were naturally built and strong. Every cast member brought their A game, but Ahn BoHyun’s character arc was masterful. You could always see that his heart was good from the beginning, but the level to which he took what could have been a justifiable descent into a vengeful rage and instead just became an even better person was an inspiration.

Lastly, it’s rare to see a drama this well tied up promise a 2nd season. It’s definitely primed for one, and I love that it’s not based on loose ends; it’s based on a solid premise with characters we’ve come to care about continuing the story.

Read More

Just Okay

Now I’m going to start this review by unequivocally stating that the age gap controversy in many other reviews is sheer nonsense. Kim HaNeul looks absolutely stunning at 46, and she is only a few years older than the male leads, (Jang SeungJo - 42, and Yeon WooJin -39), who in my opinion aren’t exactly the most handsome men in Kdrama land, though I do think they are attractive. These reviews out here acting like she’s wearing dentures and diapers, when the woman has literally no wrinkles and a figure to die for. What a disingenuous and garbage thing to bring up in a review. If there was any lack of chemistry perceived, it is probably because 2 of the 3 leads are married (to other people) and don’t let themselves go all in on passionate scenes. I can live with that. I came to this drama for the plot, not expecting a young adult romcom.

That said, the other points validly open for criticism, do carry some weight. This drama had plenty of potential, but it somehow kept slipping through the cracks. The story on its own is interesting, but the execution felt kind of low-budget and poorly directed. I’ve seen all 3 leads do better than this, and many of the supporting cast were not utilized as well as their talent is worth. Han ChaeAh being the exception - she was extremely convincing and I’m now a fan.

I felt KHN didn’t emote well in many scenes where some more depth was certainly called for. In contrast, YWJ and JSJ were quite good, if a bit limited in what they could do given the dialogue and directional style.

The two things I was impressed by was the disturbing dynamics when a power imbalance exists in friendship. And the unintended/ worst time possible event angle was tough, especially in their culture. I actually appreciated that the drama didn’t shy away from the discomfort those topics bring, and their wistful and incomplete resolutions, in the long or short run.

Anyway, I’m glad I watched it. It was a good vehicle for many things and showcased several memorable scenes. The ultimate product was lacking overall and I don’t see myself watching again, but it’s not a waste of your time, so I do recommend at least giving it a chance. Maybe not as a binge, but it’s a nice filler drama, especially if you like the mystery/crime genre.

Read More

Inescapable Consequences

I adore Yoo Seung Ho, and his performance in this did not disappoint. His embodiment of his character was so raw and poignant. I have to say that he pulls off the most anguish-filled scenes with the most earnestness and gut-wrenching acting I’ve ever seen and heard. That’s right, “heard.” His cries of anger, of sadness, of sheer frustration always manage to bring tears to my eyes and pain to my soul. He’s an underutilized gem of the industry and I wish I could see more of him, more often.

My praise of his talent isn’t the only reason I loved this drama, though. Kim Dong Hwi and Yoo Su Bin, (the latter of which’s heartwrending scenes were almost too much to bear), both brought their A-game as well. I was impressed by the entourage of characters who also brought this tragedy of judgement errors to life.

It’s a tale of common enough desperation leading to fortunately not so common actions and the toll those actions inevitably bring to bear on all. I actually even enjoyed the opening sequence(s), (rare for me), and the subtle yet haunting music score. Highly recommend, and will definitely watch again.

Read More

Completely Smitten

I was in the mood for something not a romcom, nor pure crime drama. This had a unique premise so I was hopeful. Wow. I was hooked in the first 5 minutes. The scene is set with such precision that it was instantly understandable and relatable. No, you might not yet have all the facts, but desperation is universally palpable and I was immediately invested through this approach.

The outstanding star is Yuna as Choi Ro Hee. My goodness, she is a rising star to follow and I am floored by her range and presence. She’s bratty but logically so. She’s a child without a child’s usual antennae. And when she feels, she makes you feel it too.

Yoon Kye Sang as Kim Myung Joon was right on her heels and I thoroughly enjoyed his comedic expressions and fatherly mannerisms. His relationship with Ro Hee was a heartwarming and heartbreaking delight to behold. He was also wonderful with his own child Kim Hee Ae.

The support cast was wonderful too, but the stand outs to me were Kang Young Seok as Jayden. He’s a favorite of mine since Insider - which incidentally stars Kang Ha Neul, a quite memorable guest in this drama’s episode 12. This actor, with his adorable dimples and smile, needs more main roles. He is a master of sarcasm and facial expressions that tell a different story than what he’s currently saying. His demeanor can go from 0-1,000 in a nanosecond, and I just cannot praise his performance more. I also want to mention Kim Dong Won as Ho Young. He portrayed an intimidating and dangerous character with a unique ambiguity that made his arc hit differently than I expected it to. I would have liked to see more of Oh Man Seok’s character as Choi Dong Joon, but he did well for the part as written.

I liked Park Sung Hoon as Park Sang Yoon, but he didn’t stand out as much as I’ve seen in other roles. But really, I don’t think he’s meant to. His role is peripheral and he plays it that way. Kim Shin Rok as Seo Hye Eun was not a very sympathetic character, so I struggled with how to feel about her. I will say that for how broken of a person she was, Shin Rok did her character justice.

The OST and intro music were pleasant and not distracting. Personally I prefer it that way, especially if the director is going for keeping your mind on the story.

I especially enjoyed all the little cameos and teases for a season 2 because they’re not based on a total cliffhanger or major plot holes.

Though I gave the story all the stars, I do still have a couple of minor questions that I think a season 2 would nicely round out. I would have LOVED for this to just be 16 episodes instead. That said, I really am mostly satisfied and exceedingly pleased to highly recommend this drama to everyone.

Read More

Interesting Yet Incomplete

I realize this is a remake, so perhaps some of my criticism is not well-founded. They really took the idea that the invisible can utilize that into a strength, and I very much enjoyed that aspect. In fact I enjoyed most of the show, so I’ll just focus on what didn’t quite work for me.

While I empathized with Yong Mi’s character and her issues, I found myself irritated by her lack of transparency to the degree she was always taking it. Whether it be her child with a found poker chip, her roommate’s money, her friend’s trust - she just always waltzed out of those situations without any proper address or believable resolution. It made it hard to cheer her on. In Kyung also started losing me with the materialism, but I could somewhat sympathize, though not as fully after a while. So I became mostly focused on Soo Ja’s distressingly bad home life and wanted her to make it out of there.

Given how much, often excessive, detail we are given for each project, the side stories didn’t get their due time at all. I guess Yong Mi’s husband’s new wife has worked through her worries about a blended family. I guess a coffee truck fixed the materialism. I guess the husband and son have hearts now (did they divorce? I wanted and needed that reaction). And I guess that Young Shin is finally going to start his romance up with Yong Mi.

It was worth a watch, but I had to break it up a bit to finish it because it was long on the projects and short on the interpersonal dynamics that round the story out and leaves you satisfied at the end.

Read More

Missed Potential

Pros:
Loved the cast
Liked the soundtrack
Found the premise interesting

Cons:
Plot holes
Sometimes disjointed editing / scene jumping
Adding new questions without answering the old questions
Adding new characters at the end
Leaving too much to a potential S2, instead of a safe 99% conclusion with a slight hint of potential for more

I have been disappointed in the finales in Kdramas the majority of the time for years now. I can usually handle it as a mild frustration. This one left me shaking my head in wonder and for a while, I had no words…

I hope the director learned that you have got to provide your audience with actual answers that they have been faithfully watching for weeks and waiting for.

Read More

Educational & Compelling Time Capsule

I’d never heard of the original drama before, so I find myself astounded by the depth of historical detail and emotions I’m feeling after watching this prequel. Having now read that the kind old grandfather, Choi Bool Am, was the original Inspector Park, I’m even more touched and impressed.

As another comment stated, Lee Je Hoon’s Detective/Chief Park is a subdued version of his Taxi Driver character. But while elements were similar, he still made this role uniquely his own. The cases changed each episode, but the thread of his moral character as a police officer remained consistent, and you couldn’t help but root for him and his circle of friends and family.

I loved all the cameos from notable actors, in particular, Kim Min Jae who was quite convincingly awful. I enjoyed the leap back in time learning about what was happening in the post Korean War years, watching good old fashioned sleuthing, being amazed at how much change S Korea has achieved in a relatively short period of time, and what remain challenges to this day.

I too would have like another couple of episodes, and I’m not totally against another season, but I think the ending was bittersweet and poignant as it stands, and I hate the thought that the elder actor might not be here to participate. I highly recommend this homage to the elder originals, and for the quality of the drama in its own right.

Read More

Quite Unique

This is a thought provoking mystery/crime/political/medical and personal ethics ride.

Yes, Disney has inserted their weird abrupt cut/jump into next scene thing they often do with their Kdrama productions, but once you get used to that, it doesn’t take away from the quality of the work.

I have enjoyed seeing so many favorites show a lot of range, as well as just getting to think about exactly how I feel about the subject matter. The dialogue is extremely good and well delivered, the action scenes are great, and the subtle depth of the characters (they all have some baggage that isn’t immediately apparent) was top notch. I’ve already rewatched a few scenes just because I was impressed. I highly recommend, and will be waiting with lots of excitement and anticipation for season 2.

Read More

Intriguing & Suspenseful

I have not watched the original, but I found this absolutely engaging from start to finish. I’m shocked at the excessively mixed reviews. I haven’t seen reviews this mixed about a show I liked since…ever.

I’ve seen rave reviews of shows I’m lukewarm about (10 when I think it’s a 5), and poor reviews of shows I’ve loved (5 when I think it’s at least 8-10). But never have I seen a show that I was this impressed with range between a 2 and 10. That’s an abnormal range for something of this quality.

I can only guess that perhaps some of the undeserved poorest ratings stem from this not being the original, instead of judging this series on its own considerable merits. Based on the quality of this remake, I’m even more inclined to watch the original La Casa del Papel.

All that said, I had to come lend support through review. This is a high quality, suspenseful, thought-provoking, social commentary series that will have you wondering who you’re supposed to be rooting for, because life is actually just not that black and white.

I really appreciated the aspect that this whole fictional scenario, set in 2025, is not out of the realm of possibility between North and South Korea when money is the object and point. It’s completely feasible that the longing for reunification by the people might make them overlook what could be ulterior motives at the root.

Fair warning: There are a couple of s*x scenes, but they’re not anything to be overly offended by in my opinion, and they don’t last too long. Of course there is a lot of fighting and shooting, but nothing gory or over the top.

I do recommend this drama. I would watch it again and will. And I commend the entire cast for their very apparent hard work.

Read More