I watched this movie because it played at the cinema when it was the world movies festival. It was the only Korean movie so I didn't chose to watch this movie because the trailer was good or because I've hear it's good.
One moment there was a smile on my face, the other moment my eyes were teary. It's a story that hits the hart.
In the beginning the writer doesn't give us all the information we need to know what's Han Gong-Ju's mystery story and background. The flashbacks tell us what we wanted, or maybe didn't want to know.
This movie is a little different. It's not the average Korean movie. What I like the most about the movie is the feeling I get from it. The movie/story feels 'real'. In Korean drama we often get a lot of lovey-dovy dramas and a lot of cry-with-buckets movies. But most of them are unreal and we let them go when finishing the story. Sometimes the truth is harsh. This one still stays in my mind, even if it's a few day ago that I watched it.
The actors don't get a lot of make-up which shows the real beautiful Korean beauty. It's Chun Woo Hee second main role, I have never seen her act before but I'm totally convinced of her great acting skills. You'll see that she's very talented. The supporting roles were also really good. I'm looking forward to more of these good actors and other works of the director. I'm definitely a fan!
The rewatch score is only a 4 because I think the movie is at it's best watching it for the first time because of the stepwise construction of the story.
I think the director, the writer and the actors did a great job. I really recommend this movie.
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Perfect reflection of Corporate Affairs; Quite unique as a drama.
Let's say that ON THE VERGE OF INSANITY is the office Kdrama of the year 2021 or probably the best Office drama out there? I mean you ain't gonna find another Kdrama with pure office affairs (95%) in the story, so yeah!This drama is realistic enough for the audience working (or have worked) in corporate sectors to relate and reminisce their life as employees or employers. The drama touches various sides & shades of a regular corporate life such as: responsibilities, work pressure, competition among peers, colleague relationship, management techniques, job hunting, dismissal, resignation, worker layoffs, corruption, etc, etc.
STORY & PLOT:
There is no solid plot here to back the story. It's more of a slice of 'office' life Kdrama portraying the day-to-day life of people working in Electronics Industry at various positions and designations. But of course for the story's sake, the drama is set up in a time period during which the company is going through critical phases of financial downturn and rounds of laying off plus shutting down of branches.
Hanmyeong Electronics, famous for it's high-tech home appliances, is one of the top 3 Electronic Product Manufacturer in South Korea. The Company enters into a moderate financial crisis to tackle which the Head Quarter decides to shut down few of it's business departments and lay off more than half of the people working in those branches. So the major plot is all about the attempt to throw out the people and sell off a particular branch which also includes the competition to develop products and the efforts of survival in the company.
The story itself starts with these procedure in one of the semi-urban branches. Dang Ja Young, assigned to lead this is then transfered to another rural branch to reorganize and execute the selling off of another branch. Choi Ban Seok, an expert developer at the company is transferred from the previously vanished branch to this branch is forced to work with Dang Ja Young in the HR team. Han Se Kwon, a greedy and highly ambitious person always putting effort to climb the ladder, can go to any length get his work done.
The drama also portrays dirty sides of business and corporate sectors. People trying to drag each other down to save themselves, some others plotting tricks to humiliate others for personal grudges, some trying to gain from crisis, some committing corruption in the greed of money, etc are very well shown that implies the need of countermeasures to stop such deeds. OTVOI also emphasizes on hierarchy complexes in corporates as well as mistreatment and sexual harassment, which are some of the concerning issues in all kinds of workplaces.
Obviously, Dang Ja Young and Choi Ban Seok are the leads but there's no definite couple. There's no romance storyline which is totally fine but in the last 4 episodes there's a subtle portrayal of a developing closeness between the 2 leads.
The drama has few side minor storylines about office dating, personal and private lives of the main characters, friendship between adults, etc.
CAST & ACTING:
It's obvious that the drama isn't getting it's well deserving recognition internationally because of the cast but what matters are the acting skills of the actors and in this regard all the main and major characters are actually very good. It's sad that such a good and realistic story isn't getting the attention but I must say it's not everyone's cup of tea.
The story revolves around mainly 3 people though there are plenty of side and supporting characters with a fair share of screen-timing.
1. Dang Ja Young played by Moon So Ri is a workaholic long-term employee at Hanmyeong who aspires to become an executive director by the meana of her work. He has given her 100% to the company and has strived for its progress. She does whatever given to her as a responsibility and is very rationale. She's brave, competent and knows how to get her job done well. Despite the difficult road traveled, she never gives up. She finds herself in a tight spot after being appointed as the HR team leader of a branch soon to be sold off.
2. Choi Ban Seok (Jung Jae Young), a senior hardware developer with 20+ years experience has been successfully saving his spot in the company. He's very excellent at his job but mismanagement of company disgusts him. He gives up an international offer and after bring transferred to another branch he joins the TF team but soon after framed and shifted to HR, a dept he's no idea about. He still hangs onto the job and tries to learn. Fortunately, his skill gets him back to the R&D dept but he still faces issues from people who are jealous of his skills. His character and personality in this drama is something to love and respect. What a man!
3. Han Se Kwon (Lee Sang Yeob), the TF team leader and a prominent face of the company, is also the ex-husband of Dang Ja Young. As a person who's high ambitions he can literally do anything to stay at the top. He's very insecure of his skills yet clever enough to create opportunities for himself out of crisis and sly enough to escape out of downgrading situations created by him. Seeing Choi Ban Seok's skills and confidence he constantly tries to bring him down by playing cheap tricks. He keeps stopping lower shamelessly as the story progreses.
Choi Ban Seok is a family man with a daughter and both lives with his mother since his wife's demise. Dang Ja Young after divorce, lives with her friend Shin Jung Ah and has a mentally disable father at a nursing facility. She's divorced from Han Se Kwon who's currently dating a co-worker. Shin Jung Ah (Cha Chung Hwa) and Shin Han Soo (Kim Nam Hee) are siblings.
The drama has also some other good actors like Cha Chung Hwa, Ahn Nae Sang, Kim Nam Hee, Jo Bok Rae, Kim Joong Ki, Park
Won Sang, Park Sung Geun, etc. Other than these popular faces, there are also many young faces which are new & old as well as some known faces who did their roles well with the screentime provided. The character arc of all the major and minor character are very well-done.
DIRECTION & EDITING:
Given that this is the debut of the director, I think it's very good as well as suitable script for him. He's been able to do his job well hence creating good opportunities in furure. The screenplay editing also gives the vibe of perfect office environment with light comedy dominating intense moods. Background sound scores are very less giving it a urban drama vibes which I think is a good decision. In fact the OSTs are not utilized that much but that's very fine with me. One notable editing device is that for the later half of the drama, the episodes end with a prologue and in the next episode the story goes back to a day or two back that eventually leads to the scene where the previous episode had ended. I recall seeing this device in no other drama.
Many people might say it's boring because of the lack of a intense solid plot and urban editing but I'm very pleased for the fact that it is very realistic and throws light on real life events and issues in the corporate sector.
OSTs:
My only problem with the OST collection of this drama is that the production has unreasonably put Han Se Gwon in the poster of 4 tracks when he's an utter trash. Whereas Choi Ban Seok is featured in only one poater wtf. Also, Seo Na Ri, Han Se Kwon's girlfriend is got a place in one of the track posters as well as shown as one of the 4 main casts in the main drama poster z WHYYYY? She doesn't even share more screentime than side characters.
Okay, so OSTs are actually nice. The urban comedy drama doesn't use OSTs in the screenplay that much given the office environment to give off the perfect vibes. My favourite ones are "find me" by PL and "please" by The Daisy. The former is a jolly track creating moods for doing your work and the later is a softcore feel-good song. Other likeable ones are
"trace" by KLANG
"vacuity" by The Lime
"I dream of you" by Seo Sung Hyuk
"man's Love" by Kim Jin Woong
ENDING:
Last 2 episodes of the finale week are very good as well. One of the major twists that happened in ep 15th made me both sad and angry which also led me to expect something dramatic enough to turn the tables. Well, tables weren't turned as a countermeasure, rather the scenario led to a new beginning. I was sooo happy tbh watching the last 15mins of the 15th eps, it has quite a few time leaps, small or big. The 16th eps was even more dramatic (not so realistic) but I guess that was a reward from the writer for all the sad elements we had been witnessing throughout the last few episodes. Anyways, sooo glad it was a sorted, reasonable and happy sending.
CONCLUSION:
The best thing in "On the Verge of Insanity", for me, is Choi Ban Seok, a personality that I will aspire to be. He's confident, morally upright and is always focused. His way of talking and behaviour acc to person were so on point, I fell in love with him. Dang Ja Young is surely an inspiring character with a lots of traits to learn from, loved how strong she is. Han Se Kwon is a character that should be hated and openly shamed. It's unfortunate cheaper people exist in the corporate world for real.
Again, I am sad this drama isn't doing well internationally in real time but hopefully people will recognize later. The drama is definitely a very good work, if not excellent. The way it throws light upon harsh truth of corporate affairs and the measures to tackle it are very real.
Overally, this drama is nice and deserves a place in the top 20 Kdramas of the year 2021. PLEASE watch this and I am sure that'll be worth spending time on. I binged it in 2 phases but I am sure the episode by episode progression of this drama would have been quite interesting and anticipating for those who watched it ongoing. This will go down as one of the best Office Dramas that Korean Drama Industry has ever produced. That's all.
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"In this vast universe, all mortals' lives move in parallel lines, alone and ahead.
When somehow the lines meet, the moment of encounter, even if it was fleeting, is a miracle."TLDR: A Balloon's Landing was both beautifully written and beautifully executed. Definitely worth a watch, hell a rewatch even. Also, Guava is the best gps in the history of humanity.
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This movie is about a novel writer, Tianyu, going on a journey to locate the Bay of Vanishing Whales where he believes, and has been told in a letter years ago, that he can find a paradise. Does it sound slightly odd to go looking for a paradise and put your whole faith into a letter? Probably, but once you discover the reason behind this, it no longer sounds as odd. Many of us have moments in our lives where we feel completely lost and emotionally detached from everything (and in what he was suffering from, depersonalisation is common), not so much different from a balloon drifting aimlessly and looking for a place to land, yearning to call something home. And all I can say without giving away any spoilers is that, Tianyu is the same and have been feeling this way for quite a long, long time due to his past. Both that letter and the 'paradise' is what tugs at him, becoming his sole focus and (although a bit flimsy) connection to the ground and life itself.
He meets A Xiang in this same journey, perhaps exactly when he needed someone the most. A Xiang who initially started out as the seemingly not-so-reliable tour guide he never asked for, ends up becoming the person who helps him find his landing and feel like he belongs somewhere. These two are opposite in nature yet fit together like puzzle pieces, as differently shaped as these pieces might be (as in different pasts, goals, personalities and perspectives) they still belong to the same jigsaw puzzle; once they meet, they're bound to click in place. Perfectly. Because some people are just meant to be and they're definitely one of them.
Storytelling-wise, it was an experience for sure! almost made me feel as if I'm on a journey with Tianyu rather than just watching this. One of the things I absolutely adore about this movie is that it shows, not just tells. The characters won't grab the camera, look you dead in the eye and say, "I currently feel [insert] emotion, I am [insert] type of person, we are doing [insert] thing." They let their actions speak, their expressions speak, even the shared glances and comforting silences between them speak for itself. All of that makes each scene feel so alive because they actually seem like real people going through real situations, and the entire cast portrayed their characters so naturally which only made it even more believable. Plus, the seamless integration of weighty themes with a touch of humor felt perfectly balanced, it didn't undermine the very sensitive topics it dealt with imo.
It also played gently with the old-time romantic idea of destiny, but without making it the focal point or trying to convince everyone that their entire lives are predetermined, instead it showed that change is possible, that relationships evolve, and that love doesn't need grand declarations to be profound. Honestly, what I saw and felt in this movie was simply love that felt like home, it wasn't the steamy kind, it was simple, quiet, but undeniable love and it goes without saying that both types of love can be beautiful on the screen. Love comes in many shades, there's too many people in this world to expect everyone to love and express their love the exact same way. I wouldn't call the relationship in this movie 'subtle romance' either when it mainly just didn't have any breathless make-out scenes or bed-breaking bedroom encounters that'll make their neighbours think there's an earthquake, since it doesn't really fit my definition of subtle when it had enough intimacy that didn't make it even slightest bit of ambiguous to me. They are 'only friends' the same way historical gay couples are friendship goals to historians and they are about as 'straight' as Sappho’s poems about women. There was no love triangle, no unrequited love, just mutual love for life and for each other with the best gps dog (Guava) in the world making a cameo.
Along with that, the cinematography was gorgeous. The beauty of this film lies not only in the characters and their journey but also in how it's all wrapped in the atmosphere of the movie. I especially loved how there wasn't constant background music, sometimes it can be an overkill and there's some scenes that require silence or at least a quieter background so the characters' expressions and dialogues can do all the work. The cinematography, colour grading, and musical score was all perfect. Every element of A Balloon’s Landing worked in harmony, watching it felt like curling up in a warm blanket when it's really cold and listening to the soft sound of the fireplace. Just perfect.
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All in all, there's a paradise, but it's not by the Bay of Whales, it’s in this movie.
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1.Wuxia/ Mystery Storyline
As a big fan of Wuxia, I have watched all sorts of Wuxia dramas.But this kind of Wuxia/ Mystery dramas are very rare. The plot is not unpredictable but interestingly executed. It has its twists and turns and a certain amount of cliffhanger at every episode.
2. Superb Chemistry/Acting
I would say the actors are kinda new faces to me. I have never seen the male lead before.Though I have watched Female lead in Eternal love of Dream, her role is only a few episodes.
But both of their actings are top notch, their chemistry is on point. 2nd Male lead and other support’s actings are very impressive as well.
3.Impressive Cinematography
I don’t know it is whether a high budget drama or not but the fighting scenes are beautifully done. The cinematography can give a kind of Jianhu vibe.
4.Overall
Osts are quite well done too.Overall, it is not a perfect drama but I still like it. It is not time consuming and fast paced.
I would recommend it to all wuxia fans
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2A New Classic!
Alchemy of Souls is pure entertainment from start to finish! Sure, you'll see intense reactions of people complaining about plot holes, pacing and directing choices, etc. But name one beloved classic that doesn't have those (both plot issues and harsh critics). I'll wait. Edward Abbey was right: great art is never perfect; perfect art is never great.We need to keep in mind this is an avant-garde project. It is a multi-genre High fantasy show. Which sounds expensive, and it is. The production is mesmerizing. It drives me crazy to think about all the hard work put into this show. The show serves romance, action, comedy, and mystery with impeccable visuals complemented with a gorgeous OST.
Story-wise, it is essentially a classic fairy tale with some twists. A very familiar tale about love, friendship, and the perils of human greed. A character-driven story penned by the controversial Hong sisters. The writers spend a lot of time showing the characters' motivations, bonding moments, and cute quirks. You can always count on them to create the most memorable and charismatic characters, and Alchemy of Souls has plenty of them. The storyline is not that complex, so the writers opt for omitting things to keep us guessing what happens next. And when they unfold the events, they do it in a concise way, which might not be palatable to particular audiences. They also provide tons of comic relief. Even in the darkest episodes, you'll surely laugh. Especially when it comes to romance, the sisters are too unserious. The Love web (geometrical shapes were insufficient) is there, but there's no obnoxious rivalry.
The unusual nature of this project can make people feel weirded out. Alchemy of Souls is not just quirky; it introduces new/paradoxical experiences to the audience. You might think it's a Sageuk, but you'll see modern-looking styles and pop-culture references. The plot might seem cliché, but you can't predict it. You think you have reached the end but face a new beginning instead. Not everyone is comfortable around such new concepts, so I understand the rage.
Last but not least, this show beautifully displays some relevant messages. I'll focus on one message because this review is already too long. Throughout the series, you'll see the writers emphasizing that everyone can turn into a "monster"; either by choice (bad decisions) or by force (conceptions imposed by others). Then you see the male lead saying we can protect said monsters, keep them in check to achieve peace. It is a powerful statement, especially when getting rid of freaks and problematic people is the norm. Are we achieving peace by doing so? That's some food for thought.
Those are the reasons I think Alchemy of Souls should be considered a new classic. It excels at moving people with beauty and disturbing the conformed minds. It offers wholesome entertainment and also instigates passionate discussions. It is a light-hearted show, but it has its dark moments. Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow comes out in December 2022!
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1One of the best action, comedy and fun packed dramas!An Absolute Masterpiece
This drama is a pleasant surprise, it has everything I was looking for. Suspense, adventure, action and comedy are superbly balanced. The story is super captivating and entertaining.YGM is extremely fascinating person, it's mind boggling how he manages to be a failure at studies despite being a committed and hardworking student. Its very commendable that even though he has fantastic talent in martial arts, he insists to pursue his dream of achieving what he wants. I love how incredibly witty, bold, brave and zealous he is. He appears to be a nerd, but very ironically he is anything but that which throws his opponents off. Making them believe that he is a weak person and then underestimate him. Anyone who messes with him or his family/friends finds out!
While YGM is trying to realise his own dreams, he is unintentionally solving the root problems of the high school. His determination to fight through bravely in the face of discouraging, oppressive, brutal and corrupt system, is inspiring others to do what they always have wanted to do. ML and his study group team mates teaching all the villains the lessons they deserve in very creative and hilarious ways is extremely fun and satisfying. His goals, dreams and actions are helping his teacher LHG achieve her goals of reforming the YTHS for the better and getting justice for those who were oppressed, deceived, used, bullied, belittled, framed, threatened and harmed.
YGM's chemistry with all the new friends is very smooth and dynamic. It's very impressive how all the characters are improving and developing subtly. They all are supporting each other, becoming more trusting, understanding and reliant on each other - becoming a caring family and a very formidable team. All the actors have done impeccable, immaculate and remarkable jobs of portraying their characters perfectly. They have brought the webtoon series' characters to life very cleverly. The iconic scenes of the series are executed astonishingly well.
The fight scenes are the heart and soul of this drama, they are very innovatively and expertly choreographed to perfection. I am absolutely stunned by the unique and powerful and at times funny fighting style of ML. I find it very hilarious that ML's mom is also an awesome martial artist too. An apple doesn't fall far from a tree. It's making me very curious about ML's uncle.
Sun Cheol and his grandfather's story is so touching and beautiful. Its really heart warming how YGM and his friends are saving these lost and trapped souls in the deep dark abyss. He is not only capable of protecting himself but everyone around him. He always extends his hands and holds firmly those who need his help.
This drama is very unique in showing that in this day and age while many students take oppurtinities for studying and peaceful environments for granted, some students around the world like the ones at YTHS were at serious disatvantage. There are students in this world who have to fight very hard to be able to study or follow their dreams. The motto of study group is "i will create opportunities even in hellish situations", its there to establish hope for those kinds of students so they can be encouraged to pursue their dreams.
This drama also shows that although violence is bad but at times its vitally needed when innocent people have to fight to protect people and things precious to them. Martial arts and fighting ability is a tool of self-defence and to protect. The study group members in order to realise their dreams, had to go as far as to face not only school bullies but corrupt teachers, headteacher, deciplinary committee, unsupportive parents, killer street gangs, corrupt police, paparazzi and hidden political agendas. In addition, they had to fight their own inner demons, personal handicaps and socio-economic difficulties to latch onto the hope and motivation to be able to pull through and never give up on themselves and others. The moment you give up on yourself and others is the time you have truly lost. PHU believed firmly that struggling against corrupt embedded system was futile thats why he never tried to change himself but forced others to feel hopeless and fearful like himself under the tyranny of his dad. YGM chellenged his beliefs that he and his friends, family, teachers and good people will show him that people/situations can be changed.
The 'Back Packer' and 'Hood' OSTs have become my most favourites ones, its very impressive that this drama's OSTs are rap-based which perfectly suits ML's badass and awesome personality. These OSTs are spectacularly supporting the fight scenes, enhancing their impact many folds. The opening OST's art work magnificently conveys the idea that this work is a live action of a webtoon series.
I'm very eagerly waiting for S2, I must find out what transpires next and how this best school squad overcomes many new challenges in their way to success. I highly recommend this drama for action, thriller and comedy lovers, it's 100% worth the watch!
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One of the most important points of this drama is that is answers EVERY question it posts in the beginning and throughout the series, it has not even once made me hang and guess (not that I wasn't trying, but I mean before the answer was given :P).
The fantasy plot was the main reason I started this drama and it did not disappoint me. The detective story went on very smoothly and I like that my guesses were wrong, I like being surprised by the drama.
To say anything about the acting is really unnecessary, as I enjoyed every second with JunKi and MinAh, they are brilliant, but their brilliancy is mostly seen not in the general picture that I would write about if talking about their acting the drama overall, but in the little moments, and maybe that moments will even seen to you not that important, but I was gasping for breath (note: JunKi's acting when his father was reading the Royal Order, MinAh's acting when she was telling him she did not want to leave him in 19th episode). Also Yun Woo Jin - fell in love with him... I was crying for who JooWal had become and how perfectly he portrayed the pain and fear of that poor person. I'm going to follow this guy now!
I am almost sure the music crew of King2Hearts was working on this, as I got the same vibe from the score. Absolutely matched with the feel of the drama, bravo~
I am going to miss my dark-mysterious-ghostly-but-lovely Arang ^^
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There's only one bad acting from a supporting character, so it didn't affect the story. I liked how realistic the business feels (although it's still a drama), and how the events happened. I wish the main couple got together sooner because at some point the FL rejects the ML because of some misunderstandings, but he made it clear he wanted her, so there was no point avoiding him. But if we ignore this tiny detail, it's an amazing drama.
We have many steamy kisses and affection, I was so happy about that. I loved the leads and loved their chemistry.
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The acting was great and, in my opinion, The Lover is one of the best acted drama out there. My biggest problem with the show was how a lot of scenes were stretched to the point they lost all the fun and made me feel like "okay, I get it. Just move on already". And some couples were given waaay more screen time than the others. There were definitely the main couples and the side character couples, which took a bit away from the show. I would have liked it if all couples had the equal standing.
The Lover has a high re-watch value because it's honestly fun and heartwarming. There are only 12 episodes and that¨s great, the show doesn't get any time to get draggy.
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This review may contain spoilers
Nonchalant, sassy, intelligent - a solid enrichment among law&order dramas
"May it Please the Court" is one of my favorite series amid the flood of Law & Order series 2022. I appreciate its witty and grounded touch. I also appreciate the playful, sassy and natural at ease dynamic between the two leads. You get wit without silliness and on top of that an exciting story. In addition, the question (which is obviously burning at the moment in South Korea) about the solid handling of the rule of law in the face of apparently overpowering forces that control politics, the executive and the judiciary, is intelligently incorporated into the network of relationships and case processing.The story is based on a book with real cases, written by public defender Jeong Hye-jin ("Let Me Start the Argument"). This makes the Disney production a solid enrichment for current courtroom dramas. In addition, this KDrama doesn´t try to downplay its KDrama roots in favour of international streaming market standards. The KDrama remains true to itself and doesn't rely on more violence or sex than usual It rather builds on proven emotional storytelling with an excellent cast and a loving eye for the nuances.
The intro offers an impressive, brilliantly cool stylization of the KDrama orbit, in which the one percent of society is always involved: the fircely quarreling, shaken by internal intrigues and secrets, outrageously rich family clan, in which everything is about the best law firm, the greatest impact on the prosecutor's office or the fat contract. Here you have to be clean, untouched, respectable (which you rarely are). The profession of choice is a lawyer and/or sooner or later assemblyman and ideally a presidential candidate.
So far, so good... we´ve seen it many times. Now, however, the story is driven by a new powerful perspective: the world of public defenders who handle legal cases from the world of ordinary, often destitute people at the bottom of society. Worlds clash - worlds both with people involved. The interface is incorporated by No Chak-hee, who has lived in either. As the number 1 in the law firm, in which she has just been promoted to the youngest partner, she is being transferred to the mandatory public defense. What she doesn't know: this is mere political calculation of her very esteemed superior. What she also doesn't know: the encounter with her new colleague and the world of public defense will unhinge her worldview and give her work new direction and grounding.
Suspense has the central characters fatefully under control. A series of murders occur. Crimes emerge behind old, long solved and forgotten cases. No Chak-hee realizes that even she can no longer wash her hands in innocence. Guilt. Innocence. Right. Wrong. Culprit. Victim. Justice. Injustice. The perspectives get a bit out of the sounding line.
KDrama at its finest. Good entertainment, while also being socially critical and up to date. Pithy. Nonchalant. Intelligent. Exciting. Romantic vibes included.
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I kissed a girl just to try it.
This crisp, cleverly written coming-of-age movie with a bit of a twist, explores the usual themes of first love, rejection, self-discovery, and accepting your family for who they really are. It is carried by persuasive and heartfelt performances by both Wu Lei and Zhang Zifeng whose restrained, nuanced portrayals convey the confusion of awakening youth and the utter depth of despair of first love and rejection. In this genre, young actors tend to lose my empathy by over-dramatizing and overacting in such angsty moments but these two truly moved me by not doing so. I also appreciate the well-timed light humor that diffuses tense moments and captures the ultimate resilience and optimism of youth.Zheng Yuxing and Chen Chen couldn't be more different - he is a bit of a rebel, the cool kid with a bit of internet following while she is a good student with bright prospects who unexpectedly flunks out. Thrown together by an outrageous lie, a mutual understanding that becomes a touching, unexpected relationship blossom between them. They embark on a most excellent adventure together as Chen Chen convinces Yuxing he must confront Ming, who is breaking his heart. Instead, they end up facing their feelings for each other and what it means for each of them culminates in an "I kissed a girl just to try it" kiss that says all that needs to be said. The chemistry between both leads is incredible and is exactly as it should be. I can't praise enough how these two young actors effortlessly show us rather than tell us the complex multitude of emotions they are experiencing.
Unfortunately for Yuxing and Chen Chen, there are too heavy consequences for their actions. Once again we see that young people are so much better people and I am left hoping these two stay that way on their long journey ahead. The ending is realistic with the right touch of wistfulness and hope.
So now is the time to confess that I only watched this because I wanted to see my favorite Wu Lei of unforgettable Fei Liu fame's first screen kiss. Needless to say, I got much more than I bargained for. While this movie has received backlash for not being upfront about what it is about, I think that criticism reflects a lack of understanding that that is the whole point. Who is Ming? That is the most irrelevant detail because it changes nothing. Yuxing's emotions, Chen Chen's emotions, our emotions, and our experiences are the same regardless of certain aspects of our identity.
The premise of this movie isn't the most original but the way it communicates its simple message is. And the acting deserves a standing ovation. This is an 8.5 for me with a strong recommendation to watch.
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unique dynamics with confusing execution
Overall: the bizarre editing/timeline in the beginning and lack of explanations made this unnecessarily confusing. I did like the different take on a love triangle. Aired on GagaOOLala and Viki.Content Warnings: harassment, manipulation
What I Liked
- this was a love triangle that I actually liked
- a morally gray character (aka good intentions, wrong actions)
- good production value (except for the odd editing)
- a female character who wasn't a stalker fan or evil ex
- the ending
Room For Improvement
- this has some bizarre editing and I had to re-watch the beginning of episode 1 to figure out what was happening, as an example in episode 2: first minute is a partial recap of episode 1 set 3 years in the past followed by five minutes of new scenes (presumably still in the past), then at 6 minutes in there is a recap of the last episode in the present and a new scene added, then at 10 minutes of 26 minutes we have the final scene of episode 1 and new scenes from then on
- they should have actually shown the kiss right away to explain their relationship three years ago and then they needed to confirm what their relationship is in the present
- never really explain what happened in the past or how all the "plans" would actually work
- lack of agency from Jung Woo and our supposed hero did the exact same thing that the villain did with making choices for Jung Woo instead of making choices with Jung Woo
- multiple mediocre kisses
Question - is self-publishing not an option in South Korea?
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Curtain Call
58 people found this review helpful
The plot has enormous potential, yet more bite and sting really wouldn't have hurt.
The share of Makjang in South Korea's series productions seems to decrease noticeably. After 3 seasons of "The Penthouse" in 2021, taking the evil within the "´War of Life´ to the extreme, it might have been somewhat exhausted? Thus, "Curtain Call" may be a noticeably 'softened' Makjang series (if at all). In this manner however, the KDrama represents a social zeitgeist that should not be underestimated: the desire for reconciliation. Reconciliation with the North. Reconciliation between generations, between the past and today. Reconciliation between duty and dream. The search, the longing, the need for South Korean society to balance itself on a new level - finding peace. To me, that's what "Curtain Call" stands for.As so often, the focus is on the rich and beautiful. In this family clan, too, the third generation could disassemble itself in the fight for the golden spoon. But somehow things are a bit different here than otherwise in KDrama Orbit.
The head of the family is (quite progressively) a woman. Matriarchy instead of patriarchy, that makes a difference. While she probably represents business acumen and a strong leadership style, for all the respect she receives, she has NOT sacrificed her heart for her grandchildren and employees on the track. Also: For once, she (at least she) does NOT embody the incarnation of disparaging arrogance. She is NOT someone who mercilessly pursues her own interests without regard for human losses. In the contrary, there is a healthy dose of humility, because even in old age she is still close to the very simple roots of her origins. This is also because her homeland is in what is now North Korea. She remains aware of the painful separation throughout her successful life. No amount of money can turn back time or realign the political structures. Like that, she embodies a vicarious pain shared by many family histories across the country. And so an emotional bridge is practically built to the audience - ´halmoni´ gets some sympathy.
The plot has actually enormous potential: the grandson from North Korea, for whom the now old and terminally ill chair(wo)man longs in her last remaining weeks and months, was actually found. However, his personality seemingly doesn't lend itself to a peaceful happy ending - and so an actor who is versed in the North Korean dialect is introduced into the family as a fake grandson instead. He does his job so well that he ends up doubting his own identity...
"Curtain Call" manages to play out some of its punchlines in an emotional sensitive way. Nevertheless, the story remains more harmless than necessary and the potential isn´t realized. The KDrama doesn't take its chances, instead prefers to choose warm colors and soft images. All in all, "Curtain Call" might find its own pitch in the KDrama orbit, yet it keeps a low profile along the way and unfortunately does not take the next step. It rather remains kind-hearted and thus gambles away a dramaturgical chance. In my opinion, more STING really wouldn't have hurt. Too bad.
Nevertheless: "Curtain Call" is nice to watch. The cast is top notch. In places razor-sharp and at the same time pointedly funny, the KDrama also operates (especially against the background of the North-South dynamic) in a good mood with small socio-critical side swipes here, there and over there as well. The dialogues exploit this potential with relish. The bottom line is that "Curtain Call" is probably worth seeing if you DON´T feel like too much excitement, revenge, action, thriller, legal affairs or romance.
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When a Cheeky Bastard Meets a Goody-Two-Shoes
It's absolutely ridiculous, cheesy, makes you scratch your head and ask why, self-obsessed with a mix of laughingly-bad-side-character-acting, a dash of awkward fight scenes, a healthy dose of suits and abs in rags, chemistry that chemistrys, leads that act like the rent was due two months ago and the power bill is coming in the mail on Monday, and, above all, just a shit ton of fun.When you have a drama with nonsense characters, over-the-top plot points, and cheap effects that is self-aware of its soap-operaness and also has a main romance with sizzling chemistry and sly grins from both parties (one more mischevious Cheshire-cat and foxy than the other though), you have yourself some quality entertainment.
I had a blast not only watching this but pondering what could possibly be awaiting me in the newest episode.
My recommendation? Pop some popcorn, kick your feet back, hit play, and have a good time.
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