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Zogitt

Australia

Zogitt

Australia
Top Star Yoo Baek korean drama review
Completed
Top Star Yoo Baek
2 people found this review helpful
by Zogitt
Oct 14, 2022
11 of 11 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

Pantomime, Korean style

From time to time, I’ve made remake like “your mileage will differ” in my reviews and it applies doubly to this Show.
The reason being the Show amps up certain aspects of various genres like a pantomime. It has over the top characters, barely there plots, questionable logic and even a dose of magic/superpowers. Yes, it is a mashup that can do your head in, or it can be a lot of fun. It really depends on what you are looking for and your tolerance of this style of production.

Without spoilers, it is a fish out of water type tale with both leads finding out what life is like outside of their respective "bubbles”, and what bubbles they are! One is a superstar with a troubled upbringing and a basic distrust and distain for people while the other is a country bumkin (their words) who lives on a tiny island lost in time (the 80/90’s).

Of course, romance is a foregone conclusion once the initial push-pull is over. It is this romantic thread that tied the show together. Without it, it is just a bunch of weird subplots, standing jokes and crass humour. Because of this. the storylines and cast of characters probably will resonate much more with the local audience rather than an international one. Speaking of the cast, some of the roles are so exaggerated that they are caricatures. I’m sure the older cast members had a blast playing those roles. I almost half expecting them to break the fourth wall and give us a wink. Both leads put in solid performances.

My only real gripe (other than the overuse of toilet humour) is the application of the misunderstanding/noble idiot trope around the 2/3 mark. It was the only real angst in an otherwise swoon-y love line. It was resolved satisfactorily within a couple of episodes, but it felt heavy-handed while it runs its course.

Production and OST are both fine. Rewatch is possible but a liberal application of the skip button is probably a good idea when it comes to some of the banalities and silly side plots. The last episode is worthy of a rewatch.

In the end, it is a harmless and mostly enjoyable romp for me. Some may love and laud it while others will disagree strongly. Individual taste will be the ultimate test in this case and (wait for it....) your mileage will differ. :D
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