aimsat
Beauty in Staying Ingenious
It has been a long while since I sat to write something about a drama that touched the deepest part of my heart. Odd how a fantasy drama turned into something completely realistic. Hidden beneath the magic, fantasy, and musicality lay the yearnings of an innocent soul who tried to break all shackles of presumed social stigma. When aberrant from the usual flow, family, friends, and society express ambivalence toward a “different” person. In various scenes few dialogues caught my attention focusing mainly on incinerating the real self of a person. We all need validation and recognition for apprehending the “normalcy” of society. Why can children growing up not just be themselves? Why cannot they follow their own dreams? Why they cannot be just an average person? Why is it always necessary to have a dream? Why is it that being a little deviant earns you the title “abnormal”? What kind of race we are all after? At the end of the day, ninety percent of human beings are just engaged in modern-day slavery. We achieve big degrees to earn money, to gain acknowledgment from society, to impress them, and to satisfy our ends by meeting the ever-unquenchable thirst for materialism. In course of such superficiality, we lose our innocence - our true self.When some people, do not accept insubstantiality being their pillar of existence, they fall victim to other people’s doubt and unnecessary resentment. Sometimes, prison is created by setting high expectations we attach to our own children without even realizing what harm it might cause them. It is alright to remain average, to remain free-spirited, to live in independence, to find peace in solitude – the message given by this beautiful story. Being an adult does not mean being an imposter or following the regular crowd; apparently, some people admire living in an unconventional world where they could unleash their full potential. However, the trivialities of life ultimately ensnare them to nothingness. The extreme competitions we put our children into eventually is futile, rather harm them physically and mentally.
Also, felt a strange attachment with the magician mainly with his 16 years old self. Could relate to the same stress, frustration and mental breakdown I was going through before the important board exam and like him, I was screaming inside for someone to at least hear me out. Alas, my parents who should be the closest were completely in oblivion. These parents could be so cruel sometimes, living in a delusional world of knowing, feeling and giving to their children everything at the same time without understanding their personality or nature, forcing them with their unhealthy greed of winning the rat race of this imbecilic societal system. Now as I realized this, a long time has already passed to mend anything. Still trying hard to fit into the “society’s standard”.
Ji Chang Wook, Choi Sung Eun and Hwang In Youp all played their part sufficiently well. Liked the fact that all three protagonists’ characters and individual stories were depicted properly without exaggerating. It was heart-wrenching to know more about Ji Chang Wook’s character as the story unraveled. The songs were all wonderful with meaningful, hopeful, and positive lyrics.
The story seemed unfinished, do not know whether there will be season 2 or not but I would personally like to watch more about the magician’s character. Yet this first season was well rounded and the makers successfully finished depicting what they intended within six episodes.
Overall, this drama is fantastic. Enjoyed it intensely.
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Move to Heaven beautified this death. Although we come without anything and also leave without anything but each human creates a web of relationships, complex emotions, needs, wants, expression of tastes, longing for a smooth and better life; however, it might cut short. We have stories to tell which are left untold, we have grievances to share which are left grieved upon, we have love to express which are left unexpressed, and we have multifarious wishes to fulfil which are left unfulfilled. All humans are unsung heroes of their own life or someone’s life. The depiction is truly heart rendering. Portrayal of every death was truly magnificent.
We live as if we are immortal beings. Different sorts of love, respect, dignity, sympathy, empathy, ugly human greed, societal issues made its place in this drama from humanistic point of view. Every interaction every words we speak every gesture we make has meaning(s) though often times we try to hide our genuine emotions underneath our superficial façade. The drama basically highlighted all these factors from philosophical perspective. How the living perceive the death and how the end of a person is just his/her mortality and physicality that expires only. Nonetheless, either good or bad, they keep on living as enriched memories of some other people.
Impressive was also the direction, cinematography, editing and some specific camera angle managed to retain the true aesthetics of the story. Individual stories were solid and sufficiently shown without making them too overdramatic or too draggy.
Tang Jun Sang, this child actor stole my heart away with his untainted innocent acting. His talent is boundless. Such adorable young fellow has a really bright future ahead. All the ensemble made their characters believable by putting their heart and soul into displaying a natural acting. They all did exceptionally well.
Cried buckets and learned many things. No one should refrain oneself from watching this gem. Indulge yourself in this short journey, you would not regret.
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Dive into the Unknown
Oh what a mesmerizing emotional ride for the entire ten episodes! The perspicacious storyline, the role played by each cast with such éclat, the refractory emotions drawn out of every scenes and every dialogues macerated my heart, my mind, my soul and my existence with intense ineffable joy and sorrow both at the same time.Navillera portraying a dirge vibe with its tone, filter and mood, have shaken my whole being with overwhelming emotions. Each and every episode made me cry out bucket of tears. The message of the story has been enunciated through suave sadness. Let me point out the diaphanous depiction of the story one by one which actually resulted into such level of admiration from numerous viewers.
The inevitable and uncontrolled curse of old age, yes that can be changed possessing gargantuan enthusiasm. Looking at life beyond what it is. Celebrating it amidst the flak, malignancy, wretched society, weltering failure, rising and shining again through fiasco is called life; living a wholesome life, living a deserving life. A simple message it contained. Splice up life in all adversities, in all maelstrom it throws and rise and shine again. Life is ephemeral not a single living being denies it yet irrespective of age, situation or whatever the condition a person is facing without debilitating, one must move forward.
The talented, crotchety young ballad student who was living diligently in this harsh competitive society and a 70-year old pertinacious man who was gradually turning senile, both of them come in contact for their greater passion for ballad. Both of them were adamant in their own stand; having extreme grit the first wanted to win renowned national and international competition and the latter wanted to soar at least once in his lifetime. So much of wholesome and platonic love developed between these two. Nearly five decades apart their age were, however, their camaraderie made everyone inebriated of various emotions for sure.
Many issues were depicted via this heartwarming story. The struggles of young people to live a decent life in this robust technological, globalized and competitive era. The struggles of old people who simply have no clue what to do with their life instead waiting for their life to end. The struggle of a person who wants to fulfill their dreams, their hurdles are seemingly endless. When a child, family restricts prospering a dream tagging a taboo, at young age too swayed with the hardships of life, at middle age too inclined in making a living for sustenance for his own family when at an old age the shame of getting revealed to the society or his own children. Shame is to die without trying, shame is to not venturing into one’s dream obtusely, shame is to not being able to satisfy one’s agog.
The portrayal of the story fused between mettlesome and pensive. Mettlesome in the sense that it forces one to hold onto that little straw called hope in one’s life and dive into the unknown without caring a single ounce about readiness with a fiery spirit; pensive in the sense to reflect at least once how to lead a more productive more fulfilling life till the end of our time.
Through terminal illness, through daunting young age, through superficial societal norms, through malicious judgment, through irreversible failure, through harsh rejection, through unbearable dejection – soar at least once. This one life given to us, make it quintessential.
All the casts were pure resplendence to enjoy. Haven’t seen such perfect cast so far. Each role was played meticulously by all the super talented individuals of all ages. I want each of them to soar like an eagle elegantly in their career for many more years to come. They all stole my heart especially one of our cutest duo – Chae Roki and harabuji. Haimoni was also the cutest.
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Amanza depicted a character, who at the age of 27 diagnosed with stage-4 liver cancer where the survival rate is only 5%. He was frustrated, his family was devastated and his friends were remorseful but initially they did not express their dejection. Every single person related with the patient dealt the illness with perseverance except whining or bawling their eyes out. In fact the patient himself make terms with it though time to time he showed a little despair over this abrupt change happening to him.
Making of this drama was out of the ordinary as they incorporated some animation scenes reflecting the dream, the patient were having. Those are some interesting depiction of how a patient although living in a reality visualizes something indescribable in their mind. They fight in between the life and death situation where their mind becomes gradually foggy of their existence.
Apart from all these artistic depictions, it has some beautiful lessons: all lives are important, there are no lives without regret, living with passion and meaning makes you important, you are also a reason many people around you find their meaning in life and you brought joy to them, it is not only hard for the dying but also the people who would continue living with the dead person’s memories – he was someone’s son, brother, dear friend and lover. We all would meet our inevitable fate one day. Some people get to know in advance when they’re going to die others live like there’s no tomorrow. We are guests of this world, nevertheless, we live in such a manner as if we are going to stay in this earth eternally.
I loved the drama. It was well scripted, well directed, well acted with precision and wholesomeness. Most importantly, I liked the fact that without getting distressed or showing despair how the whole family and friends dealt with the illness is a new way to showcase somewhat a clichéd theme the story is based on. Lastly, life goes on for the living holding the precious memories of their loved ones they already lost.
The filter used for this drama is also impressive. Chrome yellow displays the gloom and melancholy mood while living with the guaranteed tragedy the characters were all living a normal day to day life was an amazing artistic approach.
Overall this short drama was quite impactful, emotional and full of life lessons which I love about in any stories.
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Metaphorically, some concurrent/pressing societal yet universal issues were sublimely portrayed which I would like to list down in the following:
1. Divorce rates are at rise in SK as per some authentic statistics whereas the marriage rate is decreasing every year. Through this drama it is expressed several times that life might get extremely difficult still divorce should not be the immediate reaction for a couple to break up rather both the person must respect each other’s space. Best is to talk it out and solve the issues at hand with patience and perseverance. None of the humans are perfect and both the spouse goes through some kind of hardships which they refrain from sharing from each other rather resort to superficial expectation or keep on grousing at each other making the relationship derailed and the problems irresolute.
2. Teen pregnancy is also at rise in SK. Adoption rate of these children are the highest in the world. Most teen parents (especially woman) abort the child due to heavy social stigma against single unwed mothers and also due to lack of support from the biological father. Subtly 18 again shows, mistake or whatever if you have the sensibility to satisfy your whimsical hormonal need then you must also be prepared to take full responsibility of the human(s) you’re bringing into this world. It would be excruciating to nurture but giving up should not be a viable option.
3. Respect towards in-laws. Often times it is seen that both the spouses are just sufficiently good to their in-laws on their face. There is always lack of ingenuity. However, taking care of the in-laws to the utmost and taking care of some of their basic needs is a candor habit many lacks. Just because they are aging doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be disposed or neglected.
4. Stereotypes about working mother, discrimination against women, sexual harassment, starting job at a later age and so on. All these female related issues are wonderfully portrayed and how women with utmost grit tolerate all these. Hurdles are numerous yet they manage to reach success if have confidence and hardheadedness. Empowering oneself no matter how much dirt are being thrown at and holding up one’s head high during adversities is also one of the hidden messages of this drama. Nonetheless, relentless support from the partner also makes a huge difference in boosting up a woman’s self-esteem has also been highlighted.
5. Empowering a girl child. Although the couple has twin children (one son and one daughter), mostly the daughter’s adoration, care and struggles are mostly emphasized for a reason.
6. Importance of martial arts for women. With abnormal hike on violence against women worldwide, undeniably martial arts are imperative for any women at least at a minimum. Both the mother and daughter in this drama are capable of applying few tactics during some unexpected events.
7. Workplace harassment. Nepotism, favouritism and cronyism are practiced intensely in high power distance countries like SK, where many becomes frustrated affecting their personal, social and familial life. Deserving candidates are always overlooked or are not given chance to show their true potential or are harshly treated by their higher-ups. The male protagonist of this drama has been unprecedentedly belittled by his higher up which in turn made his life completely upside down, only earned him disdain from his own family members due to their misunderstandings. Hence one issue could branch out to create several severe issues in a person’s life.
Last but not the least the epilogues stole my heart away, especially the one which says that there is no room for regret for life choices, if you regret that’s the end but if we take all the experiences as a learning process then every lesson will open a new phase in life; a new beginning will take place.
About the performances of the casts, Lee Do Hyun overshadowed everyone with his unflawed natural acting skills. What a superbly matured acting at such a young age. No wonder just after playing a supporting role in Hotel Del Luna, he landed up in a main role in a high profile drama like 18 again. His expressions, emotional portrayal, gesture, posture, looks, stares all are sufficiently perfect for the role. He might win few awards this year without a doubt.
Most importantly, the nine OSTs are the nine gems of this drama. Oh my my my each and every songs captured the right mood and set another mood which may be the scenes itself should not have done. So much feelings and emotions oozed out from every song. Especially, whenever, I listen to “Hello” and “Somebody” tears automatically rolls down, takes me back to which world or which era I can’t comprehend. They are simply magically to say it the least.
I really loved this drama a lot due to its tasteful balance of entertainment with some serious issues which was completely unexpected. Although I found the last episode bit cheesy but underlying points I mentioned above were the main reasons I have rated it 8.5.
It is overall an excellent watch.
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The drama basically depicted the cluelessness and lost feelings during the twenties and gradually becoming more matured and composed while entering thirties. It is very practical, rational and logical. Nothing what was showed was unrealistic. Inevitably to exist in any sector is quite grappling more so in the entertainment industry. Our lead protagonists, facing various odds and adversities, tried to make their own names in the industry, making honesty, diligence, modesty, humanity and truthfulness their sole weapons. Pragmatically they tried to hold on to their dreams no matter what storms swept their steadfastness, persistence and self confidence. Realistically speaking that’s how it should be. Sometimes it is difficult to always remain hard-headed, afterall we all are human. The characters' vulnerability has been shown as well. At night, during their lone time, they bawled their eyes out when nothing seems their way. Nobody can deny we have never done it many a times.
Secondly Korean dramas are always one of the best to show some practical family issues. All the issues presented with each young person’s parents are undeniably genuine. I could relate to every single of the issues, either I face some or I have seen other people facing the same problems with their parents. Despite the fact they sometimes become the terrible judge of our lives or want everything to be perfect, at the end they are ones who by default stand by us and want the best for us. Every single aspect of the familial issues shown irrespective of rich, middle or poor class families are undoubtedly most credible.
Thirdly, the romance aspect between the leads is what can be normally seen in the entertainment industry. Often times the couples part their ways due to ridiculously overbearing work schedule; work comes first before romance. Deliriousness overpowers between choosing romance and work as both are imperative for existence. Also hackneyed topic but romance between people from completely different social strata is truly sort of impossible which is portrayed by another couple.
Moreover, another point is also worth mentioning which has gone a little unnoticed is the fact that age does not matter if anyone has the motivation and will power to commence something. The grandfather of this drama took initiative to do something for himself though much later but he never despair for his old age. This also gives an appropriate message to the elderly (in fact to all ages)- "better late than never", a person can do anything if they set their mind into it and should utilize their time in a best possible way before they die.
What should I say about the acting of the casts? They all made me cry, laugh, happy, sad and irritate all at the same time. One of the best ensemble casts selected who made their own individual character extremely convincing. Additionally, the main leads dialogues are full of eloquence, it has smooth texture which is unbeatable. Both of the protagonists have the best lines to say in any given situations resulting into breaking any sort of monotony one might develop while watching this drama. Admittedly, I have full admirations for such intelligently written dialogues. The soundtracks are also one of the best portraying the right kind of feel during many scenes.
This is overall an excellent drama to say the least I could relate to about youth, friendship, romance, familial chaos and unity, workplace scuffle and constant fight to better oneself. Yes it could have been better but I understand the writers did not want anything flashy to make it unrealistic. I thoroughly enjoyed more than sixteen hours of my wonderful journey.
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May be I would have never watch this among all the hyped airing dramas but thankfully I did. To my utter astonishment I enjoyed this more than any other airing dramas which started with Oh My Baby.
The story writing, representation and organization of scenes were excellently done. The main subject matter was “baby”. Everything is related and revolved around the one particular issue. A serious issue about artificial insemination has been raised, how society views an unmarried woman to have IVF, what the law of the country states and how to deal with all these struggles along with the subfertiility issue. The biological clock is ticking for the female lead. So how she should approach to have a baby of her own? There were large mountains she needed to overcome just to achieve her goals. No miracles no surprise occurred to the main protagonist Jang Ha Ri.
The whole point of this story is to give a generic view on infertility, subfertility and fertility. All sorts of characters were there single father, single mother, married couple struggling to have kids, married couple who don’t want to have kids, working woman with kids, mother who took break from work for kids but want to return to work life badly, woman who gave up kids for pursuing her career and also woman who gave up work to care for kids. It is a portrayal of today’s society – where we stand with our perception of having children with or without partner, with or without marriage.
The protagonists never gave up nor did they bawl their eyes out all day long due to the failure of not getting what they want. They faced booms and troughs of their life - enjoying their romance, working like normal people and at the same time going through their own troublesome life sportingly. Isn’t this the real life?
Another interesting fact was the patience and resilience of a mother of an early 40s daughter. She might not have agreed to whatever her daughter did or want but she understood her and supports her all along. The serious conversation between the mother and daughter seemed light hearted but was deeply edifying.
The story is also focused on the fight of a magazine company to keep their business amidst the sea of “online” era. It was appreciable to show the practical approach of keeping the company or not and how the female lead went out to open her own one.
Oh My Baby is very aesthetically presented story with laughter, tears, comedy, practicality, rationality and romance. All the characters depicted have given appropriate approach to a same issue from their individual perspective in a different way is just what can be seen in our surroundings.
I have grown huge respect for the scriptwriters, directors and ensembles of this drama. It’s been so long I have seen such a beautiful drama with a realistic approach of a particular subject matter. The OSTs are also wonderful. Jang Na Ra and Go Joon were quite natural with their acting. They are my favourite from now on. I appreciate and like every scenes every story portrayed in this drama.
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The whole story started with one utmost tragic turning point of PSJ’s life which ultimately led him to the success he always desired. The main moral of the story depicted was that whatever it is if people are put forth foremost before anything then any venture will be successful. Greed, arrogance, self-absorption in the end engulfs into nothingness. PSJ’s character was an overall package of level headedness, gritty, charismatic and an undaunted true leader. A true leader tries to encourage and motivate people under him/her which this character exactly portrays. All the other characters both the antagonists and protagonists have their own story to share but the focus was mainly the lead male protagonist who after facing plethora of hurdles thrown at him by his enemies could get out of it scathed but much stronger than before. The more he faced the trials and tribulations of life the grittier he became in achieving his goal. The point is to portray that life for each and every living human soul would throw lemons but we have to know how to make lemonade out of it.
Moreover, this drama through another characteristic of the main lead’s character portrayed that not necessarily every single person has to gain higher education. Without gaining much education, having right attitude, morals, values and righteousness it is possible to reach any apex in life, of course with the help of some true companions. Sae Ro Yi (main character played by PSJ) had some wonderful people working for him who turned into his family members. His love interest is also one woman among them.
Next about the two female leads, the one PSJ chose is one of the best written female characters in the history of Korean dramas. Never have I seen a female character given so much empowerment, strong self-determination, confidence and free spirit like the character Jo Yi Seo. Without a single regret she always chose her destination exactly responding to her mind. It is interesting to watch how she accomplishes her goal as per her set target. She was shown as a bit eccentric unsocial person yet she was sacrificial for the one whom she truly loved with pure dedication. Her self interest never stumbled on her way since she made that one single person her final target.
Although the story is nothing new about the same old subjugation and corruption by the rich to the poor strata of the society but the interesting part of this drama which made it truly beautiful are the characters. More or less it can be referred as a character based drama. PSJ was the scene stealer in every single of his expressions and dialogue throwing. It is undoubtedly his best performance so far. Dedication is evident from his natural acting skill. Truly commendable job he has done. The rest of the ensemble cast did justice to their roles but PSJ overshadowed everyone.
This drama through the various characters had basically tried to teach and preach about maintaining humane quality no matter what and to remain honest irrespective of hardships of life. The moral and philosophical base of the story is quite strong.
Although it has gained humongous popularity so there’s no harm in watching it if you haven’t yet watched it.
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It has proved my expectation completely wrong. Apparently many viewers would guess everything wrong from the very beginning and could base their judgement on mere heinous homicides committed by some callous serial murderers; however, it is beyond some grotesque serial murder cases.
The psychological aspect of the drama would hit anyone harder though there will be many questions which would be left unanswered as there are considerable number of loopholes in the story. Chill ran down my spine when the last scene was shown. Many things became clear like crystal.
This drama to my view is loosely based on the insecurity or complexities of a human mind depicted on the novel, The Metamorphosis written by Franz Kafka. After I studied a little about the pshycoanalysis of it many things got even clearer.
Firstly, a human behavior is largely dependent on their surroundings. Everyone has both sides - good and evil. Depending on the situation and the outside elements of the surrounding environment where a person constantly comes in contact, provokes him/her to act in a certain way which might lead to cognitive dissonance if being exposed to too much negativity for a longer time. In many cases they fail to understand why they are acting in a certain way they are acting or it ignites certain personalities in a human which was always hidden or his/her consciousness doesn’t allow them to express or reveal it. They cannot keep it hidden when faced with certain circumstances.
Secondly, different neurotic aspects such as anxiety, paranoia, schizophrenia which all sprouted from poverty, low income, low social status, unemployment and dissatisfactory life would also result a person become gradually hysteric or cynical. They would create a nuisance with simple issue which in the first place was never a grave issue to begin with. We all go through many phases in life where we think diabolically and imagine some gruesome thing to happen to the thing or person we abominate the most. Nevertheless we refrain from conducting such behavior due to our conscience. But what if we lose our self control or conscientiousness? Are we going to change into a devil then? “Strangers from Hell” is the literal portrayal of our intense inner negative thoughts.
The story might be unrealistic yet the caliginous psychological aspect is the reality within us which mostly goes unspoken. Human beings are the scariest – that was the main theme. Our mind always get stuck in the fact that some invisible being would scare the soul out of us but how dangerous human can be we forget many a times. No wonder the insanely eerie expressions and feeling every character of the studio exuded was utterly frightening.
The casts are in one word P H E N O M E N A L. Im Si Wan has done a tremendous job as if he has a Phd on acting. The way he walked, eat, breathe, his facial expression in every incident, in every encounter with his costars, his spooky laughter, each and every little act was beyond perfection. He deserves a best actor award in this year. His performance was above effortless and natural.
The OSTs are also excellent. All of them displayed the right mood set by the story.
I wanted to rate it 9.5 but I won’t because there are few terrible loopholes which weakens the story in certain part.
All in all it is spectacular. Watch till the end. You would not regret.
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The dissension between bourgeois and proletariat were presented with two families where obviously one belongs to the privileged class whereas another from the lower middle class. Fate turned up in a way where both families come in contact with each other through adopting shoddy method by the latter. Eventually the temporary elation transformed into repugnant misfortunes costing both the families’ life of a loved one though there was no pernicious intention whatsoever from the beginning.
Basically to my perception, the writer wanted to elicit that accepting one’s socio-economic condition is the best way rather than being wafted by greed. Precipitous actions would always bring-forth debacle. As the very name suggests itself “parasite”, this social parasite had existed, existing and will exist but instead of indignation it is ideal to work consistently and persistently towards changing one’s situation.
All in all it is a fantastic movie. No wonder it already secured a reputable international award. The casts had all shown remarkable performances, alongside smart writing and direction. Everyone interested in movies in general should watch it because I have personally never seen such an unusual portrayal of a typical subject matter.
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Keeping this the main theme, which I suppose the writer got inspired from the book Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, the dramatization took place with some usual dramatic formula. Although it ended with a little unexpected twist but still it maintained to retain its main essence till the end. As the very name of this drama, the makers also ended it in a positive note rather than making it into a heart wrenching one, signaled from the first episode. The story dynamics and the pace of progress per episode was interesting all through.
Also liked the little optimistic message it delivered in the end – to always keep our hopes up and only move forward in order to make everything beautiful around us.
Bullying is a sensitive topic and is a wide social problem in South Korea. No wonder they always try to highlight this issue through visual media to indirectly create awareness. The mood of this drama and story writing is commendable by Kim Ji Woo. She has a certain style of writing which I really love. It exudes somewhat similar feel like the drama Memory and later found out she is the screenwriter of both of them. I just did not like the camera work - the peeping style camera angle or the extreme close shot of every face - which actually gave me a headache. Directions, OSTs, acting by the ensembles all were praiseworthy. All the child actors were excellent, mainly Nam Da Reum and Seo Dong Hyun. Seo Dong Hyun was remarkable in playing the negative role. Unimaginable, how he could manage to pull the skill so maturely at such a young age. He was phenomenal in portraying the evil expressions. Nam Da Reum is always exceptional. They both have the brightest future ahead. The actors in their parents’ role all gave their best performance.
All in all it’s a well - written, directed and acted- drama no one should miss.
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Given its factual back story, the entire dramatization was elegantly made without incorporating exaggeration of any sort. For the whole three hours my heart was drenched with intense emotions, establishing deeper connections with the main protagonists. The screen writers and directors basically ameliorated the somber mood of the drama including various features such as correctly choosing the filter, season, particular day for every scene, especially when both the protagonists meet which enunciated the feel accentuated from the story profoundly.
The scintillating sound of raindrops when Kim Woo Jin was immersed into his melancholic thoughts, the rustling sound of leaves into the bamboo forest while the lovers were gradually approaching towards each other are some extraordinary effects combined with perfect acting skills of the ensembles.
Although a forbidden love but the aestheticism of the romance between the couple was pure resplendence to enjoy. Both of them from different social status and having different occupation and dreams were gradually becoming susceptible due to their finicky surroundings. Inured by their circumstances, the misfortune was creeping in where they left with an only indelible option.
Exudation of such poignancy through a dramatization of a saturnine historical fact takes a lot of creative intelligence. The makers should be lauded and awarded for this. Both Lee Jong Suk and Shin Hye Sun left us with no tears in our tear gland with their riveting chemistry and effusive emotional interaction. Their gesture, posture, every facial expressions and dialogue delivery were unbearably doleful yet enamoured and submerged me deeper into their romance.
Moreover, the wonderful piano and flute music as background score aligned with right kind of OSTs seeped out all the pain I could possible feel from my heart and mind. I was enchanted and fell in love with such grandeur; even their chic style and appearance drawn out the sufficient essence of the romance. This is the perfect depiction of a tragic romance.
In one word this drama is ethereal. I am still at awe. I can’t do justice eulogizing this paean of death.
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Firstly, the story does not at all fall into the category of typical horror genre. I was bit aversive at the beginning about whether to start it or not; however, I do not regret at all because it is ravishingly well made. This is the first time I am watching any drama genre which has given a completely different message using horror-thriller concept. Maintaining an aberrant concept with spirits/ghosts/any supernatural being to portray an underlying perfidiousness of mankind expresses perfect erudition of the writers.
One harbinger, one priest and a detective - are the three unfortunate people- relatively of same age are the three main characters of this drama. Through thick and thin and utter turmoil they fought with the unknown iniquitous power which has the ultimate target to make the entire human race its sycophant. During the time of atrocity, corruption or belligerence or in general during the weakest time of a human, when their morality dwindles, integrity shaken and corruption becomes rampant that’s when this invisible being becomes supremely powerful. Thus it possesses people claiming it would chew his/her heart, making them torpid and would take full control of their soul. The portrayal is rather a complex one enough to give the viewers harrowing feeling yet the charm of the story is simply ineluctable. Although many macabre scenes may produce nausea but it is a kind of masterpiece that has one prime message to deliver.
Upon hearing quite a number of dialogues regarding pinpointing at the facinorous characteristics of human, I became quite doubtful about what they want to depict. It is not at all an usual one. Never have I seen any dramas of this genre possessing deep edification. Everything became clear when the writers' thoughts have been expressed as an epilogue at the end of the finale episode. Following is what they said, “The guest tried to look at the problems in our society through another perspective. All bad things eventually start from the heart of people, and this is what we wanted to depict. They say humans are the most frightening beings. Just like the viewers called Yun Hwa Pyung “Yun Peace”, we hope all viewers find peace of mind”.
Apparently, though all the episodes are petrifying but if can be concentrated past the horror scenes, viewer can find the vehemence the writers depicted on the dark psychology of humans. As they have said it is simple, a person’s unscrupulous acts submerge them into intense evil. Thus the weakest heart full of malevolence would subject to debacle.
From the beginning till end the story, acting of the ensembles, cinematography, cliff hangers, OSTs and most importantly the pace are extremely intriguing. Chill would run down one’s spine still one would be glued to his/her sit. Guaranteed. All credit and a huge round of applause should go to the ensembles for doing marvelous job of frightening us even in the broad day light. Moreover, I cannot eulogize the directors enough for their meticulous and well thought out direction and the writers for presenting us a discerning story through the lens of supernatural action/thriller. In one word the drama is enigmatic yet the message it holds is explicable.
OCN always present us the darkest, most sombrous dramas with captivating plot twists. I cannot say much due to the fear of giving out spoilers. So, if you do not want to live in quandary and quench your utter dismay you should go and watch it.
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I CAN SPEAK – this name is used symbolically, is what came into my mind while watching the movie. It is actually a pseudonym for the main story. Surprisingly viewers cannot speculate what kind of seriousness the story holds at the beginning of the movie. The starting is more or less about the introduction of the characters, their characteristics and their individual lifestyles. It was filled with joviality, frustration, lawlessness, boredom and grouch.
The character of Na Ok Boon aka Goblin Granny is dreaded by everyone. Her main task is to pinpoint her neighbours about the wrongdoings, seditious behavior and illegal practices which disrupt the smooth social order. She is nonchalant and valiant. No amount of scorn or condescend towards her can back her down. She would be always ready to file a complaint against any atom amount of illegal doings to the district office. Apart from this which is her regular work, she is highly eager to earnestly learn English for a special reason. Thus the revelation of her main reason for learning English Language on the second half of the film makes it simply wonderful.
Besides, Na Ok Boon another main character called Park Min Jae, a 33 year old civil servant, is a regular office worker. He had dreamt of being into another profession but somehow ended up as a govt. official for familial reason. Fortunately or unfortunately the fates of Ok Boon and Min Jae are intertwined and with much hesitation at first, eventually Min Jae gives up and starts to teach English to Goblin Granny. He becomes his English teacher and along with his younger brother becomes family of the granny.
As the story progressed, through dramatization of few incidents, it is gradually unraveled why the granny is so enthusiastic and adamant about learning the language. It becomes intelligible that why she wants her past predicaments to be hidden from everyone and what importance this language holds in her life.
The movie is made about a sensitive issue which is heart rendering and capable of making the viewers’ hearts warm with reverence.
Both Na Moon Hee and Lee Je Hoon portrayed exceptional performance of their character. Not even a single moment it feels like they are acting. Their performance was natural especially Na Moon Hee being a veteran actress knows the exact thing to do with her role. They were utterly impressive.
Reviews should be written with critical analyses of important scenes and about the story line by line. However, in MDL it is difficult because we need to maintain caution for not spoiling the story for other viewers. Therefore, I’m forced to keep it short otherwise I had galore of good things to write about this movie.
This is the kind of movie I’ll always cherish and would encourage others to watch. “I Can Speak” is a genuine representation of real cinema – a real art and a true masterpiece.
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There wasn’t anything much to do rather than farming, cooking, eating and sleeping. She tried to remember her mother’s cooking and tried those recipes and ate wholeheartedly.
Little Forest actually portrays the backward linkage of interdependence, which means not necessarily city life can only provide or satisfy to meet one’s end and not necessarily fast living is the only way to satisfy ambitions. However, ordinary, slow paced living can also be satisfying in the countryside. It is alright to live just by sleeping, eating and doing simple jobs. Not everyone in the world has to be shackled within corporate lives or unhealthy competition mostly city life has to offer. Living in the tranquil nature and having only what the nature has to offer can also be more than sufficient as well as sustainable rather when people eventually get detached from their root from their birthplace they start to lose their identity, individualism and most importantly simplicity.
The film was set in four different seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Every season’s characteristics were nicely captured. Seasonal fruits and vegetables were also highlighted more or less since the protagonist had to prepare her food based on different seasons. The sounds of nature were also carefully incorporated such as the sound of cricket, rustling sound of paddy field due to breeze touching them and so on. The surrounding scenery were also picturesque enough to create pleasant mood in the viewers’ mind.
Moreover, friendship among the two childhood friends with the protagonist also played a significant part in the movie. Their joviality, warmth and mischievousness were pretty interesting to watch.
Kim Tae Ri, Jin Ki Joo and Ryu Joon Yeol played their role exactly what is necessary without any exaggeration. It felt like they naturally and smoothly blended themselves along with the story, rather than acting they were playing their own lives. Very well enacted.
Overall Little Forest creates rejuvenating and soothing effect. No swashbuckler just an aberration for finding solace among myriad of intricate problems is what a girl rediscovered for herself integrated with nature, food and farming is the main theme of this film.
If you want to feel calm and relaxed by watching something light-hearted yet satisfying then give this movie a shot.
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