Powerful, heavy message. Well balanced drama.
First off, this is not a comedy, so don't be fooled by some of the trailers. It's a drama that deals with very heavy issues, carrying a very serious message. There are comedic aspects that lead to lighthearted moments but the show is first and foremost raw, dark and saddening. It's hard-hitting from the get-go and doesn't pull any punches.
Its message is critical of the military and showcases some harsh truths, which was refreshing and wonderful to see. Most military-based media (in any country) is often so pro-military they happily sweeping away the darker truths hidden there whereas this storyline brought to light some very poignant issues. Very refreshing to see the military in a light that's not tainted with the usual romanticism and propaganda.
The whole drama is perfectly balanced. The comedic aspect (mainly provided by the character Han Ho Yul) gave a nice balance to offset the darker, more tragic storylines. He did a great job of being the comedic relief without it appearing disrespectful or out of place to the wider, more serious story and his acting transitions well to be more emotional when the comedic relief tapers out towards the end. Action/fighting scenes are thrown in to keep it exciting and fairly fast-paced. Yes, the drama is raw and gritty, at times the truths you're forced to acknowledge could be difficult to watch, but they've balanced the show perfectly so that you can easily do so. There is no pretty, happy ending tied up neatly in a "drama-land" bow - the events that eventually happen are fitting and realistic in the confines of the story.
The plot perfectly captures the issues surrounding all types of bullying, corruption and abuse of power. It didn't shy away from the truth that if you sit by and do nothing you are ultimately taking the side of the bully.
Its message is critical of the military and showcases some harsh truths, which was refreshing and wonderful to see. Most military-based media (in any country) is often so pro-military they happily sweeping away the darker truths hidden there whereas this storyline brought to light some very poignant issues. Very refreshing to see the military in a light that's not tainted with the usual romanticism and propaganda.
The whole drama is perfectly balanced. The comedic aspect (mainly provided by the character Han Ho Yul) gave a nice balance to offset the darker, more tragic storylines. He did a great job of being the comedic relief without it appearing disrespectful or out of place to the wider, more serious story and his acting transitions well to be more emotional when the comedic relief tapers out towards the end. Action/fighting scenes are thrown in to keep it exciting and fairly fast-paced. Yes, the drama is raw and gritty, at times the truths you're forced to acknowledge could be difficult to watch, but they've balanced the show perfectly so that you can easily do so. There is no pretty, happy ending tied up neatly in a "drama-land" bow - the events that eventually happen are fitting and realistic in the confines of the story.
The plot perfectly captures the issues surrounding all types of bullying, corruption and abuse of power. It didn't shy away from the truth that if you sit by and do nothing you are ultimately taking the side of the bully.
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