Silly but Not Insufferable
The drama was a slapstick comedy about an out-of-favor military noble and a hostage pawn of a neighboring country. The pawn suffered from a split personality which initially drew the suspicion of the rough ML, but her elegant and kind personality captured his attention.I had to take breaks in watching, because broad comedy isn't my favorite. I'd keep coming back simply because the ML was so respectful of FL's autonomy, and that is often a rarity in Dramaland.
Added a half star because the ML insisted the FL should decide her own future. At every juncture when the 2ML wanted to protect her and prevent her from risky choices, ML would step in and champion her right to free will.
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A Graceful Liar - Lies, Greed, Ambition, and Revenge Within a Family Dynasty
So overall, I didn't hate this drama. It could've been MUCH better, but I didn't hate it. The plot was pretty interesting, and I liked the unconventional FL we had. I didn't hate the ending either, because not every drama needs a happy ending, and this is one of them. It was bittersweet, just like I predicted.That being said, I am LIVID that YC got a happy ending! WHY? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT??? AND JW ENDING UP ALONE?! I feel like she got punished far more than YC did- just for stealing her identity and being ambitious & greedy for a little while? I mean, I don't mind that HN and JW didn't end up together- it's what I wanted- but writing it like that just makes me feel so bad for him! 😭 NS's ending felt so lazy to me. Also, there were so many questions unanswered? So those politician guys were introduced for nothing? The model ex & his fate? JW's ex? The drone video of YC killing the model ex? SH's bio dad? HELLO?!
However, the strongest parts of the drama were some of the character arcs and the acting. Everyone did a great job, and even Lee Shi-Ah's acting stabilized later on (it wasn't too great at first.) The best character development has to go to Nan-Suk, who turned around towards the end. Then Ha-Neul, who finally stepped up in the second half of the drama and became the MVP, and then Hye-Ra. While her character arc & storyline was confusing sometimes, her redemption (and Lee Il-Hwa's portrayal) saved it. Jung-Won fell somewhere in the middle, I honestly would've rather seen her become a villain than stay as an anti-heroine or become semi-good. The writers put her character through too much for her to not go completely dark. But I liked that she was introduced as someone who wasn't a good person and didn't take any BS. That aspect of her character was consistent, I loved it.
Worst characters/character arcs go to Se-Hun and Young-Chae. Young-Chae ESPECIALLY. She was a flat, BORING ass character from beginning to end. There was NOTHING likable about her. I hope the few YC fans are happy here, because she got pretty much everything she wanted. 🙄 When you have me liking the final boss more than YOU, that says A LOT! Se-Hun was slightly better, if pathetic at times. But he was a sympathetic guy from the beginning, deceived by everyone. I actually wanted him and JW to work out. I hated how he went dark and it just... went nowhere? Nothing to say about Tae-Seok, I hated him, his actor did amazing, and I'm glad his character is dead. Thank goodness! YIPPEE!
The cinematography was amazing though. This felt less like a daily drama and more like a weekend drama. Things were more intricate and real, there were outside/real location shots and the drama was aesthetically pleasing to watch. KBS2 daily drama budgets have clearly gone up! I love that! The music was also incredible! Especially the BGM, I hope it's released someday. The plot... okay, so the first half was amazing. The second half, not so much. Some parts dragged on. Didn't really mind the birth secrets, but the one with JW genuinely shocked me. It was a very good, well-executed twist. As for the themes, well, I think... they were examined well? Greed gets you nowhere, family can be chosen, and sometimes revenge can hurt you (the avenger) more than the person you want revenge on. Also, lies can destroy a family, your relationships, and people who love each other. Sometimes it's not worth to get power. Basically none of the characters are running Gun-Hyang Group anymore. There was no point in fighting over the company, all they did was destroy themselves in the process.
Would I rewatch this? Not really. Maybe some parts, but not everything. If the ending was a bit better, if some questions were answered, and if some character arcs were changed, then it could've gotten above an 8 rating from me. Nonetheless, a decent drama.
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The slow, unique kind of introspection that will intrigue some and bore others.
This drama encompasses exactly what I wrote in the title. It develops slowly, but the type of stillness that makes you feel as though you yourself are present in the scene, watching it unfold and sharing the main character's experiences and emotions with her. Involved in her quiet turmoil, her numbness, confusion, and twisting love and silent regret as it shows her past failed relationships. The naturalistic acting and quiet music do an exceptional job at creating the immersion.A noteworthy point is the exemplary cinematography. Especially the long shots done in just one take, at one camera angle. One angle could be nearly three minutes. The lack of music overlaying created a silent ambience that made you have to sit in the emotions, no matter how uncomfortable, instead of forcing you to feel them. Almost as if you are taking a pause, like a breath of fresh air. The scenes feel so real and give the actors space to flourish, making the characters feel like real human beings.
The story is one that slowly follows the life of Ayana, a novelist, who falls in love too easily, and so she tries to be with people who she will not fall too hard for. She meets her current boyfriend Yukio in a laundromat and they bond over an awkward yet sweet exchange. As the story develops, the drama delves into Ayana's past and her failed relationships, and her development and progression to becoming a better person.
Some may write this drama off simply because it contains unconventional themes, such as cheating. Please, don't be that person and reduce this show to a single moral transgression. The drama does not glorify the infidelity. It explores the reasoning behind Ayana's actions, her emotional complexity, the unmet needs of the characters, and the fragile dynamics of the relationships they are in.
A unique, introspective, and slow Japanese drama. It's becoming one of my favourites.
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