Jia M
Hong Kong
Kawaki (its more original title based on the novel by Akio Fukamachi, literally translated to Thirst) is graphic, gritty and insanely beautiful in its own twisted way. The crazy amount of jump cuts from one place to another, overwhelms to the point of suffocation and dizziness yet it makes you pay attention, it makes your eyes glued to the increase with the fear that you might miss a beat. It's almost as if you're being assaulted with all these images rushing before your eyes. Maybe for a thriller, it is a little too extreme.
There are four timelines, while complicated (and rather annoying) at first, it's not meant to make your head spin because it's actually just rather simple. When you adjust to this style, you'll eventually connect the dots. It's not meant to be a puzzle. Yet it gives off the vibe and makes everything so mysterious when it's really just...simple.
That's Asian cinema for you. A simple plot yet an insane mashup of sorts to make it engaging and edgy. The transitions are quick, spontaneous yet they are needed as it contributes to the overall storytelling and ironically, end up making things smooth. The colors are dull, empty and almost dead. Even with scenes with Kanako, where things are suppose to be brighter (or livelier), the colors are...empty as if to reflect her character. Yet it is beautiful to watch because there are empty colors and empty light flares yet the extreme close-ups gives you a light, almost seductive and evil vibe very much like our femme fatale, Kanako.
There's also the corny old-style music that plays during intense scenes which in general wouldn't fit but here, it acts as a contrast, to draw out the scene and the characters and their actions. And speaking of characters, while the story is about a search for Kanako, it's really her father, Akikazu Fujishima that we get to know more about. Other than the fact that he's a miserable old man...through his search for his daughter, we also come to understand more about his personality, the destruction of his family and eventually himself. His love and hate for his daughter is just like his white coat soaked with blood. Of course, Koji Yakusho gives a great performance. This father-daughter pairing makes you question if the fruit truly does fall far from the seed and that parents (and children) themselves can destroy each other. This a tandem deemed for oblivion.
But newcomers like Nana Komatsu (whom I love so I'm probably biased here) plays the good-girl-image so well and in the end, we don't really know anything about her except from what people think of her. That what makes her disappearance interesting and what thrives this drama. It backs us up in a corner, thinking how much of a monster our characters are based on what we are shown or what we are told. But are they really? Also, Fumi Nikaido and Hiroya Shimizu are amazing as well.
I love the metaphor around Alice in Wonderland and how it plays a part on Kanako's character. If you're expecting a closure at the end, don't. You have the "freedom" to choose what to believe in the end. (Ironically, freedom is destruction here) With issues like drugs, prostitution, rape, murder...The World of Kanako is truly a mashup of sorts. What is The World of Kanako in a nutshell? It's in the opening lines. "I love you...I'll kill you." It's really a film about twisted, destructive love. Nakashima plays around with so many elements, the beginning connects with the ending and so forth. It's actually been a roller-coaster watching this.
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For me, Miki Honoka as Aihara Kotoko is perfect. I haven't read the manga but I think that she has a fair amount of innocence, of "stupidity" of naiveness and a perfect image of a girl in love. Her acting isn't that exaggerated and annoying just because she isn't smart. And I actually think that Honoka being young is perfect since it started in high school and all the way to college. Of course there are times that Honoka looks like a 12-year-old girl but she clearly has this aura of a bubbly, care-free and determined Kotoko that I imagined.
Yuki Furukawa is the real life Naoki Irie. Yes, he does lack expression at times but I think that perfectly captures Naoki's I-don't-give-fuck / "boring life" attitude. I think that compared to the others, he embodies that cold demeanor well. He doesn't just look good, he looks smart and it actually helps that Furukawa speaks English fluently as it makes it REALLY smart.
I know that some would say that Furukawa and Honoka look like brothers and sisters because of the obvious height difference and I beg to disagree. The fact that Furukawa is actually 26 and Honoka is 16, that's 10 year age difference yet it wasn't THAT evident in the drama. Furukawa looks young. And in fact, it looks like a bittersweet high school love story to a blossoming hate-love college love story. I find the height difference cute because it makes Honoka seem vulnerable yet it contrasts with her personality and Furukuwa can make her feel safe especially when he hugs her. (Though Honoka being 16 and already having romantic scenes...)
Still, the characters are far from perfect. Naoki is like a jerk who keeps Kotoko at arm's length because he knows she's madly in love with him. And Kin-chan is the typical second male lead that's a good guy and madly in love with the girl but gets friendzoned even if he deserves better. But it's an interesting love story of how a cold and smart guy (who hates dumb girls) falls in love with one showing that lack of IQ does not equal to stupidity, personality matters too.
What I love the most about the plot (it's very typical shoujo) it really the time span. I love that it started in high school, graduation and extending all the way to college. It makes a cohesive and unity plot that ties everything together. Every character here compliments each other and the actors have great chemistry, be it Jinko and Satomi (Kotoko's best friend) or Kotoko or Mrs. Irie. Of course, it's also a very hilarious drama and not much drama OR that cliche complicated family background. THANK GOODNESS. If there's anything cliche it's the romance. But still, I love how it takes its time. It actually a slow progress, making it more believable especially with the change of Naoki's view on Kotoko.
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Rain is probably a household name in Korea. Rain knows what's he doing. He's been in the industry for long. I think he was able to act out his character well. Krystal Jung, in my opinion, is such a very flexible artist. In The Heirs, she's able to play a rich, sassy girl. When you look at her photo shoots, she transforms into a high-fashion model and here she plays a funny and laid back girl-next-door. Infinite's L is adorable and funny. So what I mean to say is that the actors INDIVIDUALLY are talented, no doubt. However, addressing the issue that Rain and Krystal having no chemistry, I think they have chemistry AS actors (like brothers and sisters). But romance chemistry? NO. None at all.
It's not only because there's an obvious age gap (12 years) but the fact that Rain is just so...big and huge, it doesn't compliment Krystal's character. Which is why I'm suffering from second lead syndrome because L (or Myung Soo) has greater chemistry than Krystal that every time Hyun Wook (Rain) and Se Na (Krystal) have romantic scenes together, I just can't help but cringe. Yes, Rain does hug like a drama which makes it worst. There's no romantic tension AT ALL.
Hyun Wook is a character that's very bland. His prominent personality trait is just the fact that he's in so much pain from losing his girlfriend. Does he develop? I'm not even sure. He does have those moments when he tries to pull a joke or try to be funny but it doesn't suit Rain. It just makes me laugh not because it's funny but it looks pathetic. Se Na on the other hand doesn't have much characteristic to be called "lovely" or "lovable" so I don't even know why the title of the show is that (it could've been related to music). She's a character that's a mess with not solid foundation. (I may be biased here because Shi Woo, played by L captured my heart) but to me, he has more foundation than the two who eventually become canon. At least his character was explored, mommy-issues, outcast, lack of confidence thus, he uses his witty (or not so witty) jokes to look cool but he's scared deep inside. My only problem is sometimes it doesn't suit him because L looks tiny compared to Rain, it doesn't suit him trying to act all cool.
The lack of flashback in the drama also drag down the character's foundation, even the hate between Hyun Wook and Producer Seo is only evident because of his bantering but the lack of flashback doesn't create much tension or dynamic. Not to mention, Producer Seo isn't an effective of a "bad" guy enough. The show lacks that bad guy to keep the viewers excited about.
Realistically though, will a songwriter like Se Na make it especially in this age where education is valued so much more than talent? (especially in Asia even?) I don't know but you can judge that for yourself. That magic cellphone device was terrible too. And then it was forgotten later on. Which made is much more terrible.
Plot wise though, I find it rather pathetic that accidents have to play such a big role here. It's a plot cliche. It's also a plot cliche that Hyun Wook blames himself and punishes himself for it. It's also a plot cliche that Hyun Wook and Se Na are alone. It makes Se Na seem pitiful if she wasn't such a character who's hardworking then she'd probably will wallowing in self-pity. However, I find appreciate that the drama didn't go down the rabbit hole of complicated family issues of this actually being the father of whoever the hell this is cycle. At face value, it is indeed just a very simple and straightforward plot using music and the entertainment industry as a back drop but the romance becomes the driving force though sloppy. And then there's that annoying cliche of breaking-up-going-back-together that I really hate.
I also find the romance rather pathetic. (As I mentioned, the lack of chemistry is one reason) The other reason is the fact that I don't even know if Hyun Wook fell in love with Se Na because of who she really is or because she's like a rebound for the sister. I wish this issue was addressed more OR this could have been the struggle of their romance. After the "big" secret was revealed. The plot just declines especially Se Na's stupid reason to leave. The Big secret was a better reason to leave THAN her own reason for leaving. And using time skips suck. It started out really well and interesting given the conflicts that were presented to Rain's character for him to develop, hopefully. Then the pacing became sloppier later on.
Did music play a big role? Yes and no. I think it played a bigger role for Shi Woo and Se Na rather than Hyun Wook and Se Na. And I didn't like that though. But still, I like the soundtrack and Se Na's music style.
And that was a terrible ending. I get it if films want open-ended endings because it's just 2-3 hours short. But a 1-hour run of 16 episodes to have that kind of "open-ended" ending is terrible, there is not resolution at all. And it doesn't give justice to the characters.
But my favorite in this drama is none other than Dal Bong. Dal Bong is the one that captured my heart.
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Yes, I liked the concept that the show takes on. Narcissist, charismatic yet lacking the knowledge, money to be rich and pretty face, Ma Te (oppa)'s mission to conquer ten different women to climb the social ladder is somewhat refreshing to watch. It's also interesting how Ma Te, who is poor and lacks the basics of making money would use only his pretty face to get to the top. And of course, I thought "FINALLY! A show without complicated family drama cliches!" And boy, was I wrong? Yes, I was. At the last minute, the show fired off two family dramatic "twist" which also proved to be its dramatic climax and well, downfall.
I get it. Revealing it towards the end to fire off the suspense and create tension in this somewhat funny and laid back series. However, it also becomes a weakness because not only is it important and crucial but it doesn't allow room for the characters and the audience to take in. And then the show ends. The subsequent actions and events that took place aren't enough of a reflection for such a big bomb being dropped. The show also lacks cohesiveness. For a plot where there are ten women, I expected all those ten women to be "successfully" conquered in a balanced and clarified manner. However, some of the women have longer spotlights than others. Some were not even "conquered" or nothing was learnt from them. They are merely Mary Sues for Ma Te to be successful so you question the credibility of his success. Can he really be independent?
Also, I would have appreciated the end for Ma Te to put into action or summarize all the things he learned from these women. Still, I love how the password concept came into play. And what it turned out to be becomes crucial to the characters. The only cohesiveness I found here is the connection between the three leads and the family minus the women. It's true that they were pacing problems, the first few episodes were taking its time and then towards the end, it felt rushed, that's why the women concept didn't successfully worked towards the end because of the pacing.
Ma Te is such an interesting character. From a nobody to a somebody. It's a struggle. And he's changed in some way. To me, this series isn't really man vs. man, yes, there were some aspects of that but for the most part, it's man vs. self. Ma Te's struggle to become a somebody. I maybe biased here because I love Jang Geun Suk but as always, he never fails me with his acting whether witty, serious or romantic. Though Ma Te still has some fragments of Tae Kyung, Jang Geun Suk's iconic role. It's exciting on how with every women, his hairstyle changes. IU, playing Bo Tong is probably one of my favorite characters. Not only is she cute but she's innocent, naive yet passionate, determined and strong-willed. And what I love the most about her is she never ever wallows in her self-pity. I love how she doesn't give a damn about being poor. Of course, her undying love for Ma Te is also admirable. She's this hopeless romantic. She's like my animal spirit.
But truth be told, as much as I love Geun Suk. I believe that Bo Tong would have been more suitable for David Choi. I think that his love is more sincere and more passionate. Geun Suk actually takes Bo Tong for granted and it raises my eyebrows whether he sincerely likes her or because she's the only one he has left. But I guess, it's Bo Tong's life long dream come true. Oh, I love how the show didn't fall into the romance cliches:
1) There wasn't any repetitive I-love-you-but-I-have-to-let-you-go back and forth going on. IN FACT, there's only ONE.
2) FINALLY, the girl who's in love with the lead for so long gets to be with the lead. I hate this romance cliche the most, character C in love with character A for YEARS but character A choose character B. This is such a painful cliche.
3) It's not forbidden love or a love that's like me-and-you-against-the-world despite the fact that Bo Tong thinks she's just down there. But that never became an issue in the story in general, perhaps in the characters only.
4) Bo Tong loves Ma Te for so long. They didn't need to get to know each other to fall heads over heels for each other. At least no disaster or fate or coincidence happened for them to meet. It just happened, like life.
So as a whole, the series does shy away from cliches. I think this series is one of those underrated series and that's a pity. I like how the artists here aren't also a repeat of the others, they're all fresh faces unless Geun Suk.
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But I admit. The Heirs is not exception from the common plot cliches. Lead A is rich, lead B is poor and together they fall in love because of destiny or pure coincidence. And that is exactly how this drama works. It's a pity that the plot is quite similar to Boys Over Flowers (which I haven't seen, I've seen the Japanese and Taiwanese version) making it difficult for Min Ho is move away from that typecast. Of course, his character here has its individual characteristics that sets him aside from the icon role of Jun Pyo. But still, it somehow and in some way, go down the same rabbit hole. So that's cliche number one.
Cliche number two is really how dramas make use of the Iceberg effect. It has a tendency to just show these little details in the beginning but like an iceberg, it has deep hidden ones below the surface and once discovered will cause great disaster. Needless to say, those under the tip of the iceberg are pretty little "twists" that don't seem to be twists at all. In fact, I've become fed up with the complicated family secrets of cliche plots. This person's mother is actually this person's blah blah blah, it's embedded and will always somehow connect the two leads together. Yes, The Heirs suffers from this cliche. Again.
But what the good points? Perhaps, plot wise, a good aspect might be that being a tycoon's child and having to deal with that kind of responsibility and how it burdened the characters made the plot interesting and exciting. I didn't particularly like the high school setting (it seemed similar to Boys Over Flowers again but okay) but it's really how with power comes great responsibility and how it forced the rather young characters to carry such burden somehow pushed the plot and developed the character.
Still, the series seems to be overflowing with characters. And it's come to the point where I ask myself if having this character here is really necessary or if it's crucial to the development. Sometimes, the answer is no. Having too much characters creates unbalance and results in distraction. A character needs a purpose to be there. Not to be manic pixie character but at least to have some sort of purpose if not to the main lead then at least to the story.
As for the romance. Yes, it's like a modern Romeo and Juliet, Min Ho and Shin Hye against the world. For the most part, The Heirs lacks cohesiveness in general maybe because there's too much characters. But it also lacks consistency. Instead, it's consistent with this pattern of breaking-up-letting-go-going-back-together cycle that the leads keep going to that just becomes frustrating. You see, each episode is an hour long. In one episode, they're happily together and in the next, they're avoiding each other. And this keeps going on and on and in the end they'll be together anyway. I know that it's to show the endless power of their love but does it have to be repetitive. I notice that this is another romance cliche.
Having said that, I ship Kim Woo Bin's character with Shin Hye's character more. For me, I believe that it would have become a much more interesting romance to see how Do Young changes from this I-hate-everyone-so-I'm-going-rebel attitude to becoming this vulnerable person who can actually love but just covers up his wounds to cope with his brokenness. I'm not saying Kim Tan (Min Ho) is not having a difficult time because he is too. But at least he has a mother. Or at least he can pursue his brother's approval and just focus on that. But Do Young is just...so broken. I'm still waiting for that day where second leads will break this cliche and get the girl (or guy).
Now Shin Hye's character is really just wallowing in some much self-pity. Unlike the main lead in Boys Over Flowers who despite being poor and attending a rich school is bold, daring and brave and fights head on. But Eun Sang is just so miserable and still so pessimistic that it becomes annoying. It becomes a character that doesn't have independence or strength to draw from herself. I mean it's good that Kim Tan gives her courage and take care of her (how sweet!) but despite being a couple, one must still be great as an individual.
Did I mention how I love Kim Woo Bin and Kim Ji Won's acting? They're the ones that left the mark for me.
Hence, as I've mentioned before, the plot is good when it shows how these youngsters handle power and responsibility and that's one the message. Another one would probably be the power of love. Or even young love. (And yes, you shouldn't underestimate it) Young people are indeed fearless when it comes to love but this drama shows that an 18-year-old's love can be fearless and it can conquer. Perhaps, love is not in age after all.
Nevertheless, it's these dramatic plot cliches and intense romance that becomes the show's greatest asset. Because of that, it leaves so much emotions as a viewer who's watching. It's moving, it's dramatic, it's intense that makes you wanting for more and just ignoring all these cliches as you watch. I guess for entertainment value, the show hits the mark.
Lastly, I'd like to comment on the criss-cross and slow motion combination of "sweet" shots like hugging, kissing or whatever romantic scenes there are. This is to emphasize, sure. But it's become a cliche shot in Korean drama. And a soundtrack.
Despite all that cliches, the series moved me. So for entertainment and FEELS value's sake (because it made me cry which left a lasting impression), I would have to give it this rating.
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Leaving that detail out in the beginning fails to tie in and give connection to the film's ending (which confused me a lot). I haven't read any of Murakami's book but from what I've gathered, his works are difficult to adapt because of the nature of his writing: poetic and full of prose. Now, if you have such a difficult source material to adapt, to me, it it necessary to ensure that everything ties together. Without knowing that this is a recollection, I would've not get the other symbolism or metaphor in the story itself.
The ending itself is already difficult to show visually (the reflection of "Where am I?" by Toru) isn't justified enough. As I've gathered, the ending is open-ended and the film does show that but the open-ending nature of it ties back to the fact that he's recalling it now that he's in his 30s (despite the voice-overs). This chosen past contrasts with the heavy air of death and suicide and grief that dominates the film and that I believe is important to break out of the cycle of wanting to be saved from yourself.
I haven't read the book so I don't know the reason but I feel like the reason behind Kizuki's death is important especially since Naoko and him are madly in love. There needs to be justification even in death. Why would he just leave the girl he loves and the best friend? Now, these two are forced into this cycle together.
I feel like Hung is trying to do too much here that the characters seem to be in generals rather than specifics. Toru's character despite the narration seems very detached from the audience and focused more on observations from others rather than his itself. This is both a strength and a weakness. It shows Toru's character as not wanting to open up and present himself entirely to others by creating distance but this also shows the lack of development on his part. Of course there are some exceptions. Some scenes where we were able to see his vulnerability. Also, because of this detachment, the film's direction seems aimless and I'm not quite sure what goal the story or the characters are trying to head on to.
I do, however, love the contrasts in this film especially with Naoko and Midori. I might be bias when it comes to Kiko Mizuhara (she's my favorite model) but I think she's incredible in the mood. She has this mysterious aura but lively and simple yet still sexually alluring. And I love how that contrasts with the disturbed and troubled Naoko played incredibly well by Rinko Kuchiki. I think that Kuchiki is able to really portray the grief that Naoko has outshining Toru played by Ken'ichi Matsuyama. I don't want to touch to much on the sex but I guess I have to comment on it since it's very prominent in the film. Because of that I believe that it's not just there for the sake of being there, it's there because it's suppose to be there and it was a conscious choice.
To me, seeing this film with a lot of sex enforces the struggle of the characters not only with the heightening of their sexuality but the increasing amount of grief that they have to go through. In so many ways, it's grief that brought Naoko and Toru together. But the sex here also seems like a thread that bounds these character together, which is not really strong in the film. Certainly, it plays an important part in the fate of the characters.
But all in all, the film has beautiful cinematography and has an indie feel to it with the long cuts. There is still some poetic feel given with the cinematography and the narration (voice-over) helps with the eerie silence. It also has a great soundtrack.
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When a Wolf Falls in Love With a Sheep
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The Plot/Setting:
Honestly, I love how the movie began with a montage of happy moments of Tung and Ying's relationship and yet quickly moved on to the main conflict of the story: Ying left Tung through a post-it note that says "I'm off to cram school." I love how that started off because it didn't have to go through a lot of nonsense scenes and just already started off with the story's conflict and well, let the story develop from there. Like I said earlier, there's nothing grand with the movie's plot. In fact, it's a simple love story. The partner left the other partner and then we'll witness how the one who got left behind handles this. And because of that simple story, I think the movie is able to tug at heartstrings of film watchers like me who have a certain weakness of simple concepts of plots like this yet presentation wise is able to stretch the film to greater heights.
I love the setting of the movie. It gave that typical "Taipei" feel even if I haven't been to Taipei. Anyway, the setting of the movie is in the famous "cram school" area. And the film is really able to give of that feel. I love how the connections of characters intertwine in the movie. Watching this movie gives the audience a sense of lightness because it doesn't dwell too heavily on the problems, it's not too edgy to begin with. It doesn't drag your dramatic emotions down because it does have that twinge of sadness yet balances it well with the positive aura and comedic elements of the film. I guess being a student and the rise of cram school (or called tutorial centers here) popularity kind of makes me relate to the story. And that's the thing, the story is relatable because it's about MOVING ON. I think the pacing was good and it was able to build on and explore the relationship and experiences of the character.
The Characters/Acting:
I really really love Kai Ko's performance in You're the Apple of My Eye and I loved him more because of When a Wolf Falls in Love with a Sheep. I think Kai Ko as an actor gives the audience a lighthearted feel because of his jolly and fun nature not only because of his character but as an actor as well. I think that he's always able to portray a frustrated character fairly well and develop throughout the story. As for his character, Tung I really really love how he grows and matures and thinks outside of the box in the movie. I like how how he finally overcame the departure of Ying in his life. His job, a photocopy/delivery guy also symbolizes the fact that he gives back items to the people who left them to remind them of their past highlights how we should move on but we also shouldn't abandon our past because we wouldn't be the person we are today because of it. Man-shu's acting is also great, she knows how to act like an awkward character and yet doesn't fail to shine as well. I think that the simplicity of her character also allows her to develop more in the story. Other secondary characters were also given a fair share of their own spotlight.
The Romance:
If there's one thing to say about the romance it, it's not heavy. Actually, it's more of the getting-to-know-you stage of a love story rather than the getting-into-a-relationship love story. We have two people who are brought together because of being left by their previous partners and we see how they both handle the things differently. There's nothing grand about their love story and that's why I like about it. Kai Ko and Man-shu's chemistry is really seen in the screen and their interactions are both fun and serious, not to mention their damn metaphors of paper planes and counting 1-100 or those drawings of a sheep and a wolf.
The Cinematography:
I think that the cinematography is beautiful. I love the combinations of time-warped-slow motions and animations that blend in well with the atmosphere of the film. I love the vibrancy of the colors, it's not too strong it gives a sense of lightness and thus, doesn't make the film look heavy. It's a relaxing sight to see. I think that the scene where students fly the paper planes was really beautiful and I love how it was shot. I love how there was really emphasis on important objects and how the film was able to combine close-ups and long shots together and make it blend well.
The Theme/Message:
Move on. That's the film's central message. You see, Tung is so busy looking for Ying that he didn't realize what he's actually looking for is just Yang. The film tries to show us not to be too caught up in the past, yet we have to keep moving forward and along the way we'll meet someone new. The idea of flight, of freedom and of moving on with the metaphors of the paper planes, the counting of 1-100, the memories of the items that people left behind all highlight this fact.
The Final Verdict:
Overall speaking, When a Wolf Falls in Love with a Sheep is a lighthearted romance with beautiful cinematography and simple plot. Yet it able to deliver a definite message, there's a variety of fun characters and it's a relaxing watch on a raining afternoon combined with coffee.
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You Are the Apple of My Eye is one of those movies. See, I've always been a big fan of Asian dramas and have watched a couple of Asian films that are surprisingly good. I had the same expectations for this movie and it did not fail me.
I love the simplicity of the plot. Sure, high school romance. But the big big big surprise is really the ending. I love how it was pulled out, totally unexpected and will really make a mark in your heart. Totally not wishy-washy. I love how the time span of the movie extends from teenage years to adulthood, you can see the friendship, the dreams and heartbreak develop throughout the film.
I definitely loved the characters. Though childish at times, they actually each have such unique personalities. I love the acting of the actors especially the main character, Ko-Teng. I think he played off the bad-boy-childish-character fairly well enough.
I love the chemistry between Ko-Teng and Shen Chia-Yi. I love the sweet, bubbly and childish nature of this romance. I found out that this was actually based on a book and the author directed it and was his directorial debut, honestly speaking, not bad for a debut movie. And since he wrote the book, I bet he can really make the movie work as well.
Despite some childish elements (which may only appeal to young viewers at young at hearts) I think that the lesson of the movie is fairly clear. There's a lot of OMG revelations, symbolism and foreshadowing (YES!) that I actually missed while watching.
This is indeed a fun and cliche (but also full of surprises) movie that I think is suitable for viewers of all ages. I think that it's time to also give credit to foreign films and probably even time to make their mark in the film industry.
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Not giving too much story-telling here so I'll just say that I grew up with Hana Yori Dango (Inoue's hit-TV series that shot her to fame).
The plot of The Snow White Murder Case is pretty straightforward. There's a crime. Of course what's next is to find the suspect. But what SWMC does differently is instead of trying to pinpoint who the suspect is, we already have one. Miki Shirono played by Inoue. What's left is to identify whether Shirono is really guilty or not. By all means, it seems that all clues lead back to her.
The film features several other characters, Noriko Miki, the one who was murdered, Yuji Akahosi, a reporter trying to solve the case for his 'big break' and at the same time, tweeting updates (which is not allowed in his job), Satoshi Shinoyama and Eimi Mitsushima, both Miki and Shirono's co-workers.
I think that Shirono's character is the one most explored and that's effective given that she is the suspect, in a way, it made her character richer and someone the viewer can sympathize with rather than hate. But that's not to say that the accounts of the other characters are not in vain because they are the pieces of the puzzle that make the story more structured and strong. The flashbacks are great additions to make everything tighter.
There is great storytelling here. The testimonials of the different characters, from co-workers, to the head, to Shirono's neighbour and primary/secondary classmates makes it all the more compelling. Why? Because as a viewer, you need to follow these testimonials to build and finally see the bigger picture. Then you judge. Are all the testimonials true? How can you judge if one is lying or not? That itself is enough to make you focused and think, it's not entertainment but it's also about you as a viewer being involved in the process.
Maybe I'm a little biased when it comes to Inoue but she is definitely one of the greatest actresses of her generation. I have seen her play a tomboy-ish, loud, fierce and strong character in Hana Yori Dango. I have seen her as a girl madly in love in I Give My First Love to You. And here, her performance is superb. The purity, innocence and plain Jane parts of her character here were delivered well. Everyone is full of angst and jealousy and such yet she is the only one full of pain and showing that as an actress makes her the central focus.
Nanao as Noriko Miki is also great. She is able to become flexible with her character, sometimes nice, sometimes not. And it's that type of acting where you just become annoy with the character and you know it's effective because the acting is good enough to make you annoyed. Go Ayano as the desperate Akahoshi is pretty sympathetic to watch and I think his performance also made them film compelling given his up-to-date tweets.
And those tweets made the film show another side of murder mystery. It's showing how the internet (or technology in general) can either help you or condemn you. There's those detective elements and aspects that reinforces the film's objective, making sure you stay focus on the goal as a viewer much like the character.
Cinematography's good. Perhaps there's a tendency for conversations to be long and making shots last longer. But beautiful setting. Not to mention the beautiful score especially by Serizawa Brothers. I love the connection with Anne of Green Gables and the timeline that the film chooses to go back to and tie the whole thing up.
All in all, it is a murder-mystery but it gives you a different side highlighting to what extent would you actually believe people just to get to the answer? In the end, I don't think it'll give you much of a surprise. But how things came to be perhaps might. You would eventually feel bad for the suspect and hate the victim. This film is all about questioning. But that's not to say it's all just about murder. It is the central focus but it's not too heavy on that, there are instances where scenes are light, funny and even dramatic (especially with regards to Shinora's past and I love that).
Maybe the downs of the film is there are times when it seems to good to be true. Sort of wishy-washy. Like you'd actually start to question if such things are possible in real life. Hypocrisy if you think about it since the film tries to establish the "questioning" part. The goal is there true. But the message the film wants to send needs to be stronger. To me in some way, the Curse aspect seems out of place and is not too in sync with the story line though I understand that some of Inoue's past are needed to make her character stronger. (like the reunion-ish with the childhood friend?) Still, some parts of it are questionable.
Overall, Snow White Murder Case is a compelling mystery-thriller. It gives a different side to the story and has great actors especially Inoue's acting.
"Good things are coming."
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It really is simple. Yet as you know with Korean dramas, the plot can never really just stayed simple. So as it progresses, it digs deeper. And effectively at that. I love how the series starts off smoothly, already presenting the plot and its backstory by Hye-song's storytelling during her public defender's interview. This to me, was a great way to introduce everything because we didn't have to go through a painful full-on flashback but rather telling it in a way that contributes both to the present happening and the establishment of what happened back then. It, in a way, also created suspense. And it also made me, as a viewer, connect the dots myself.
I really really do love how I Hear Your Voice made a great connection with all its character. One way or another, each character is affiliated with another. And even if it's just a little, it's central or it contributes to the plot. This connection is really cohesive, concise and very tight. Of course, it may not be perfect but it makes sense and upon discovery, it makes it much more exciting. Hye-song's past is connected to Soo-ha's and Joon-gook. Hye-song is also connected to Do-yeon, Do-yeon is connected to Dal-joong's. Lawyer Cha is connected to Lawyer Shin's in the past and that's only a minor detail yet it's great because it establishes the present relationship of the characters and the chemistry between all of them.
Now, I do love the flow of the story. The connection with the past to the present is strong and has always been reinforced. I liked the time span of the story as well. However, I wasn't really a fan of the time skip (the one year gap). I'm not a fan of time skips in general. To me, it always feel like there's something missing even if it does get mentioned or solved in the future, I want to see everything for myself. And that's exactly what I felt especially with what happened to Soo-ha. But I did like how the story played out. I think the drama's court and law elements is really a great treat for me, I've learnt a lot and my interest in law just intensified. But those elements itself really helped a lot with how the twists have turned out, it allows engagement with the audience to help in figuring out together with the lawyer. To some extent, it addresses what it means to be a lawyer and a public defender especially (even a prosecutor or a judge). There's a lot of value conflict and morals as well as surprising plot devices that you do not see coming. It's a mixture of comedy, romance, drama and even thriller and mystery.
But, I'm sad with how the series failed to really address its biggest plot device: Soo-ha's mind-reading. Given that everything in the plot is in touch with reality, his supernatural ability is in isolation. So it has to be addressed. Like, how? And why him? I'm sure it's not just some random decision to have that ability. It's true that it's very crucial and helpful to the plot and the characters, so for something so important to have no background at all really doesn't sit well with me.
The Characters:
This drama provides me with a deep set of characters that have their own individual characteristics which were explored. The thing is, every character that is in the drama had their roles and they needed to be there no matter how small that role is. Every character compliments one another, every interaction has chemistry even between the antagonist and the protagonist. You see, Min Joon Gook is not the meanest of the meanest but of course he, too is horrible. However, that cruelty is justified, not accepted but at least there are reasons for the way he is. This in a way, makes us as an audience understand his character despite being the villain.
His character compliments Park So Haa's and brings out the "beast" within him. There is great chemistry, I'm telling you. Even between Park So Haa and the two policemen. Every interaction feels like a crucial factor. You can basically come up with a ship for all these characters, they just have a great atmosphere together. One of my favorite is between Hye Song and Prosecutor Seo. It's such a bittersweet friendship. Like these two go way back and have such a long history together (an unpleasant one at that) and they're bickering towards each other is as much fun as how they try to hide their care for each other. It's such an interesting friendship. The subplot for Prosecutor Seo is also great, not only did it give her character depth and development but it also tied in the connections between the characters that no one is left out.
The Romance:
I get it. Lee Jong Suk has great chemistry with anyone. Be it a male or a female. (Okay, maybe I'm being a bit biased because I love Jong-suk but still) I know that age doesn't matter. I know that Park So Haa and Jang Hye Song are wonderful together and I ship them. Though, this tandem is not a romance for all. It has its audience. It appeals to some, it's weird to some. Some would not sit well with their almost 10 years gap. Some wouldn't care at all. That's just what I would say about it as a whole.
But as for me, this romance is not exactly 100% forbidden. There is a tendency to be. But it just depends on your own personal taste. I think that this romance is meant-to-be. It's much more fated than Cheon Song-Yi's and Do Min-Joon's in My Love From Another Star or at least it seemed much more like fate with how their story was presented. The connection, the history and all that are much more cohesive and united. Not to mention that yes, despite the fact that they can seem like brother-sister or pass on as a mere admiration, there is a stronger chemistry with these two. Of course, it is similar in some way to Song-Yi's and Min-Joon's, So Haa is more like the older and mature one of the two, the protector but that itself is great because it shows that differences can bring out the best and change in people. All I can say is, Lee Jong Suk is such a bae.
The Themes:
Do not live with hatred and revenge. Hate is heavy. Revenge can make you a monster. But you have the choice not to be a beast. You have the choice not to be slave to your past. As a whole, that's the drama's main focus. But to some extent, it also focuses on the value conflicts of lawyers. What is moral or immoral? Will you defend someone even if you think they commit a crime? Would you actually have to care about that or just do your job? It deals with a lot of themes regarding the past and regrets and it presents it well despite the tangled lives of its characters.
As much as I love the series, it doesn't shy away from the ever-so-cliche, alone and loneliness theme. Though it doesn't heavily focus on that, it does at some point become Min Jook Goon's driving force or at least contributed to it in some way.
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The Plot/Setting:
That's always been the thing with Korean dramas (maybe other Asian dramas too), the plot is always never simple. Even if it does start simple, it'll eventually dig deeper as the series progresses. So, MLFAS definitely have a simple plot at face value but it gets much more complicated than that. Actually, the plot of this seems like one of those sci-fi/dystopian romantic novels that I absolutely hate. However, MLFAS at least, tries to go deeper than what it originally presents. Though I don't like the plot 100%, I think that in some way, it's a refreshing watch. And one that I'd like to think has taken quite a risk (especially to a wider audience) as perhaps this would appeal to local audience.
MLFAS deep history connects (or tries to) connect its characters. Since MLFAS' timeline spans longer, there's more connection that needs to be done. But MLFAS lacks the clarity and the conciseness to connect its characters. Sometimes, it seems forceful rather than letting it smoothly fall into place. Now, there's some loose ends. The connection is not tight enough especially with regards to Cheon Song-yi's "reincarnation" which was touched by the drama yet was left hanging. Those kinds of coherence and unity makes the connection or as MLFAS dubs it, "fate" seem sloppy.
However, besides the characters being the drama's highlight, I think the plot's almost "forbidden-love" concept makes it very moving and really pushes the characters. The villain itself is a slight segment to tear and bring the characters apart as well as destiny's wish. It's a true embodiment of you-and-me-against-the-world. Of course, it's not perfect but at least the supernatural elements are justified and addressed rather than being left out. Though,a realistic ending would've been better even if it hurts. (I cried buckets of tears in the last three episodes)
And each episode ends with a cliffhanger. That was torture because you have to keep watching.
The Characters:
I didn't know that Jun Ji-hyun is the one that plays Song-yi's character but after I did, it made me love the series more. And besides how the love story pushes the characters, the characters pushes the story too. I love how Song-yi contrasts with Min-joon (played by Kim Soo-hyun), this is effective because it brings out the best in their characters. I've seen Ji-hyun play a very sassy, bold and loud character in My Sassy Girl (which brings back a lot of nostalgia) and her personality despite being so annoying is really the exhibit of a fragile character. Song-yi's character is such a fun character to watch. Despite the show's heavy dramatic elements, I never fail to laugh at her and smile at how much she has developed over the course of the series. However, she still manages to show her soft and fragile side using her loudness as a cover-up because of her profession as an actress. Ji-hyun has always been good at playing this time of characters as seen in My Sassy Girl.
Do Min-joon on the other hand has also changed from being a serious, monotonic character to being someone who can love and care for someone so deeply. His character who's more mature, more rational is a complete opposite of Song-yi's and they bring out the best in each other. I'd say that the chemistry between all the characters are such great pleasures to watch. Even Song-yi and Se-mi's best friend rivalry has chemistry. And that's important because it makes each interaction much more pleasing and something to look forward to. I do love all the characters and I think that they were able to form connections with their audience, effective in its emotional approach.
Despite having a seven-year age gap between Ji-hyun and Soo-hyun, the chemistry is undeniable. It just makes the forbidden love more appealing.
The Soundtrack:
Whenever "My Destiny" plays, I already know it's about to get emotional. That is all.
The Romance:
There is an obvious age difference between Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun. In fact, their age difference is like seven years, if I remember correctly. However, there's an instant chemistry despite all that. I think that this "forbidden" love story that both characters have is both beautiful and sad. There's always that thing that pulls you as a viewer to be truly content and happy knowing that Do Mi Joon could be leaving Earth anytime. It's a tangled of secrets and sacrifices. And that in turn, made their romance so compelling that I cried buckets of tears.
The Themes:
Besides the forbidden love drama which later becomes a me-and-you-against-the-world, there's the obvious family drama. The isolation. The alienation. Best friend-zoned and the struggles of being a celebrity. It's all tangled up. As much as I love the drama to frame away from the very cliche past history being connected and loneliness/alone theme, it doesn't. In fact, it needed to. For the sake of Do Min Joon's identity and to make their romance the best of the best and out of this world. Leaving cliches aside, the drama does heavily rely on making the romance the central pulling force of its plot and its characters.
The Soundtrack:
Enough to make me cry. That is all.
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