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No Clear Winners: Unraveling the Battle for Happiness
"Battle for Happiness" delves into the intense realm of mothers battling fiercely on social media, each vying for their version of 'Happiness.' At the outset, penned by Joo Young Ha and directed by Kim Yoon Cheol, one might mistake the drama as merely a dull echo of "Green Mothers' Club." Yet as I dutifully watched the narrative around the volunteer moms unravel, I also stayed committed to the moms of Herinity English Kindergarten, curious to witness the eventual victor in this happiness warfare.
What Worked:
1. Lee El's Performance: While some criticized Lee El's depiction of Jang Mi Ho as flat, I found every moment credible. Given Jang Mi Ho's traumatic past shaped by a mother consumed by jealousy, it made sense to see Lee El, as beautiful as she is, in more practical (and baggy!) attire rather than upscale fashion.
2. Set Design: The meticulously curated interiors reflected the distinct personalities of the battling ladies. While most of the drama showcased Jang Mi Ho at her sister's lavishly decorated apartment, her studio provided a stark contrast – it was functional and minimalistic, which was a thoughtful touch I appreciated.
3. Wardrobe: The sartorial choices were a visual treat, with each character, barring Jang Mi Ho, exuding elegance and sophistication. And while the Green Mothers aren't technically in the Battle for Happiness, it has to be said that they would have faced miserable defeat when stacked against these fashion choices.
4. Acting: The cast, on the whole, offered commendable performances, though many left fleeting impressions.
Areas of Improvement:
Storyline: The plot's focus on not just the blingy USB but also its black counterpart – a crucial piece deliberately dropped from a 10th-floor balcony by bleeding Oh Yu Jin in hopes of Jang Mi Ho finding it – became a cumbersome subplot. Interspersed with almost comical close shaves, the relentless quest for the former felt unnecessarily stretched.
In summation, while "Battle for Happiness" parades an impressive cast, impeccable wardrobe (for most), consistent performances, and character-aligned set designs, it often requires the aid of the fast-forward button. It doesn't earn my recommendation.
What Worked:
1. Lee El's Performance: While some criticized Lee El's depiction of Jang Mi Ho as flat, I found every moment credible. Given Jang Mi Ho's traumatic past shaped by a mother consumed by jealousy, it made sense to see Lee El, as beautiful as she is, in more practical (and baggy!) attire rather than upscale fashion.
2. Set Design: The meticulously curated interiors reflected the distinct personalities of the battling ladies. While most of the drama showcased Jang Mi Ho at her sister's lavishly decorated apartment, her studio provided a stark contrast – it was functional and minimalistic, which was a thoughtful touch I appreciated.
3. Wardrobe: The sartorial choices were a visual treat, with each character, barring Jang Mi Ho, exuding elegance and sophistication. And while the Green Mothers aren't technically in the Battle for Happiness, it has to be said that they would have faced miserable defeat when stacked against these fashion choices.
4. Acting: The cast, on the whole, offered commendable performances, though many left fleeting impressions.
Areas of Improvement:
Storyline: The plot's focus on not just the blingy USB but also its black counterpart – a crucial piece deliberately dropped from a 10th-floor balcony by bleeding Oh Yu Jin in hopes of Jang Mi Ho finding it – became a cumbersome subplot. Interspersed with almost comical close shaves, the relentless quest for the former felt unnecessarily stretched.
In summation, while "Battle for Happiness" parades an impressive cast, impeccable wardrobe (for most), consistent performances, and character-aligned set designs, it often requires the aid of the fast-forward button. It doesn't earn my recommendation.
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