Right off the bat. This is my first Cdrama. Reason why I watched it was because I would see and read the summary and it would draw my attention and then id see the 62 episodes and it would put me off.But I got sick and said hell ill watch it.
So here is my humble opinion.I came into the series not expecting much and it really got me involved.Lets break it down.The story line it enthrall you, you get to the point where you really feel drawn and curious, you want to know what will happened, yes it has its part where the drama drags a bit over 2 or 3 episodes but it didn't get me bored, yes it has scenes where you see lots of flash backs but its good cause it keeps you on track, you don't loose yourself wondering "wait when did that happened?" Best part it doesn't leave you incomplete all characters come in full circle with their stories.
Effects, yes it has lots but its a fantasy. There are some effects you'll go mmmm that looks bad, or that cape is twisting to weird or those wires where pulled to taunt for it to flow realistic, wow she/he was in water and didn't get wet, or nope she isn't riding a horse.But I think maybe its me.I do pick and grit a lot sometimes and hey I am sick so I was overly focused on it. Apart from that they have beautiful landscapes and really good costuming to the point I keep think Damn I should really get into a cosplay with one of these.
Yes episodes are 62 but trust me you wont notice it, you want to really see the whole thing and even a bit more. Acting well I can't judge I don't know Asian actor's but ill be honest I instantly loved various actor's/actresses for the sold each character quite good. You'll love most and some you'll hate , and a couple you'll find obnoxious but its all part of the plot.
The only thing I might add is girls/women keep a box of tissue/roll of papers cause you'll have water works in various episodes.Just enjoy the series this was pretty refreshing and good. Id definitely would rewatch it.
Hope this helps and sorry if its to long
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Not every relationship ends up happily but I guess you first need to have some experience to actually understand her pain. Instead of only focusing on the story I have to say that Suda Masaki and Komatsu Nana did an amazing job in this movie. Their expressions and emotions gave me chills while watching the movie and I hope to see them together again.
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STORY (No spoilers)
For me, the idea of a couple gradually growing to love each other through an arranged marriage is an appealing concept because I am someone who carries the belief that while passion and romantic love is great for its drama and high tension, it doesn't stand the test of time. What stands the test of time is the love and devotion that comes from slowly knowing a person for who he/ she is, faults and all, and still choosing to forgive and accept the person into your heart, and to strive to make things work. Warm, gentle love vs explosive passion = warm gentle love wins for me. So, the fact that this is not your average dramatic, explosive slap/ kiss Thai lakorn, already makes this a very different beast.
The story is set in a sort of 1950s setting - love the period feel of it with the fashion and the sets. The pace might be a bit slow for those who are used to fast-paced, snappy, dramatics. By contrast, it has a relaxed, dreamy feel here. The show takes it sweet time in showing us the background of the main characters, and bulk of it is focused on your everyday living during that era.
However, this show is not exempt from the some of the usual drama tropes of bitchy second female lead. I am honestly shocked at her outrageous and ridiculous behaviour. And I am not sure if it is dramatic license or not, but some of the scenes with her come across incredibly unrealistic to me. There is also a running plot through the series of a criminal group which the main male lead is supposed to apprehend. The leader of the group, the White Tiger, practices black magic and uses it for nefarious purposes. Some of this will probably seem rather far-fetched to a viewer who does not subscribe or believe in this sort of thing, but as I come from an Asian/ Oriental culture myself, I do know that some people really do believe in this sort of thing. So, if this aspect of the show does not float your boat, feel free to ignore or fast-forward those scenes. I certainly did that myself and found that it did not detract much from the main storyline which was about how the two main leads fall for each other gradually through living with each other and discovering more about one another.
There are other secondary couplings (the 2 sisters of the female lead), but I freely confess that they did not really catch my attention because my main focus throughout this series was on the 2 main leads. But these events certainly lend some drama and also break what some people might deem as monotonous from watching the 2 main leads interact.
I personally did not find the slowness and the gradual budding love and understanding between the main leads to be monotonous or boring in the slightest. In fact this was really the sole reason I kept watching this series to the end because, as I mentioned earlier, I am a sucker for gradual building of love and trust, and for gentle and warm love.
I also particularly liked the sort of themes the show explored, about the type and kind of person one looks for in a life partner, and the kind of flexing and compromising one has to make in a relationship in order to make things work. Because life can be long and paths can be difficult, and it is good for the characters to examine what sort of life partner they would want to have with them as they make this sort of journey. Not many lakorns explore such wide, over-arching concepts and values, so this lakorn has more depth and dimension in itself, compared to loads of others out there.
PS: The editing can also be rather choppy - one of the negative things about this show. Scenes are abruptly cut with the accompanying background music also suddenly ceasing and before you know it, a completely new scene and background music jumps in. This makes for a jarring watch, especially when it happens at particularly emotional/ poignant scenes. The editing could definitely do with more work.
PPS: On hindsight, those sudden breaks of scene could very likely be due to advertisement breaks during the show's airing.
ACTING/ CHARACTERS
As I was mainly fixated on the 2 main leads, this will be my main review point.
BELLA RANEE - who plays Rin aka Brulalee, did well in portraying her to be the sort of noble gentlewoman of high society. Generally restrained, gentle and refined, I enjoyed her character and personality very much. I also like that she comes across very hands-on with the housework (though who really cooks in the kitchen with those outfits?), and is not a wilting wallflower when she feels strongly about something. Rin is not a one-dimensional character, and I like that she is relatable and realistic (unlike the caricaturish second female lead).
JAMES JIRAYU - who plays Saran, looks rather young to be a Deputy Sheriff and the male lead, but I warmed up to him because unlike your alpha-male dominant character, Saran comes across confident but not too aggressive or over-bearing. He is also humanly flawed. What I do like about this lakorn is that Saran rather quickly warms up to Rin and is willing to give her a chance and make things work out with her early in the show. James makes it easier to like his Saran character and understand his conflicts. He has a sweet smile and can carry the occasional cheeky look, which makes his character rather cute at times.
Also, I thought that the 2 main leads looked good together and there is a comfortable natural-ness to their acting which makes their love and warmth believable. It is on the strength of this great chemistry that I enjoyed the series as much as I did, so well done to both James and Bella for their portrayal of their characters in making me like them and root for their happy ending.
MUSIC
I actually like the soundtrack and thought that it suited the mood and the pace of the show very well. There is this slow, dreamy mellow feel to the music which is very reminiscent of the period itself. However, towards the later half, I thought the theme songs for Rin and Saran were starting to get over-played. it would have been nice if they had changed the songs from the second half of the show onwards to prevent song-fatigue.
RE-WATCH
I probably would not re-watch the entire show again but I may re-watch certain bits of it for the Saran/Rin interactions because they were lovely and sweet. Overall, it is a lovely, sweet, warm and slow-build little show. If you like this sort of style and premise, then you really should consider giving this a try - it certainly won't disappoint you on that front.
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This version is not as good as the Korean one, but it’s still a good movie with a creepy atmosphere that makes you feel engaged from the very beginning. It’s very intense from start, but unfortunately loses it towards the end.
My biggest complaints about the movie is the lack of depth and feelings in the characters. They feel very flat and emotionless, which makes you indifferent to what happens to them. The story itself gives good reason for strong emotions, especially in the main character played by Wallace Huo, so it’s such a shame that they didn’t manage to do that.
All in all, it’s an enjoyable movie, especially for those of you that like thrillers.
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The film looks at two characters who longs to be anywhere but here, who live mundane, dull lives dreaming of escape—one they seem to reach, virtually. These two lonely individuals, U-in—a civil servant who works on routines, lives in a big empty apartment, has no 'real' friends and is living away from family is sexually frustrated and lonely and Aya, a young woman preparing for her college entrance exams, has a partner-swapping parents, a brother stuck on manga who wishes to die.
U-in seems to embody the non-assert type, perhaps plagued by years of having been alone and frustrated—a type challenged by the assertive, aggressive Mi-a, whom U-in develops an infatuation for. In a way, this relationship is a contrast of sorts, each of them being at the end of each other's spectrum. U-in's quiet and sad demeanour is turned down by Mi-a's rebellious red hair, smug glances and mysterious vibe—something a typical and symbol of absolute freedom, one that U-in doesn't seem to achieve, except perhaps at night when he's engrossed at his internet porn.
But see, rain fascinates him (just as much as his co-workers), the light of his computer and even the happenings outside his room—reminiscent of the office life and tough "salaryman" duties while Mi-a, dully holds two pieces of eggs seeming to dismiss traditional femininity imposed on her and more to that, dismisses it as the film reveals her sexuality—a slap to U-in face.
In some way, Mi-a is also the total opposite of Aya. While Mi-a's rebellious look stands out, Aya is quiet and soft, meek-looking young adult. But ultimately, the very symbol of teenage angst—she wants to die. And die a death that she can choose as she believes that this is the greatest freedom one can have. While Mi-a actively lives the way she wants, Aya wants to die the way she wants, mysteriously, between today and yesterday.
It's interesting how U-in and Aya's relationship played out, starting from the screen, possible because of consumption and money. It seems like compared to Mi-a, U-in has control of "Asako", Aya's virtual identity, having the choice to zoom, pan, control the cameras and it seems like at some point, Asako responds to his command, much to his happiness—this shows how 1. the virtual reality provides comfort "for lonely men", reminiscent of the commodities present in Japan 2. how the two lonely individual connect through untraditional means (sex industry).
It's also interesting to know that Aya's ruby shoes or Alasakan background represent a fantasy. Like Dorothy's shoes, it seems to provide escape, a sense of illusion and fulfilment. But unlike Dorothy's shoes, it does not change anything for Aya—as shown when she just bought it and then a piece of chewing gum gets stuck on it. In a way, like Mi-a's hair, the sparkling ruby shoes seem to show something like a wish, fascinating illusion of escape. The two regardless of ethnicity, of place, of time—connect, made possible through the internet.
The underlying social commentary lies more with inter-ethnic and political reconciliation of the absence of the "South Korean women" in the film.
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Take note that I watched the second half of the film without subtitles and relied on my very little Japanese. But despite that, the film isn't short of what it intends to do. The contrast is particularly strong here.
The narration straight-up unfolds the narration and the setting. And we are introduced to Saori (Kou Shibasaki) who's always in a scowl, looks pissed and feels frustrated. That frustration bubbles up when the she starts working at the House of Himiko.
And the film takes time to get to know the characters through Saori's eyes. Hence, it's not a narrative that just focuses on homosexuality alone but also how others come to accept them. Saori's hatred is apparent. She refuses to hide her anger. Her disgust. She lets it out. To the people there. To her father (Min Tanaka). To Haruhiko (Joe Odagiri). But like Saori, these characters don't flutter. They remain themselves.
The film magnifies how people put on this wall, creating their own disillusionment and why this exists. Haruhiko tries to act together. But eventually breaks down later. Saori hates her father for leaving her and her mother but doesn't really take the time to know why, standing by the wall she built—that wall of hatred.
The House of Himiko acknowledges that its characters are not perfect but it also looks at these choices with reason and forgiveness. By looking at the backstory of these gay men, it gives them a backbone, making their stories understandable. Undeniably, the film does still have tacky stereotypes of dance number, cosplay and pretty boys. But ultimately, these stereotypes do not hinder the characters and what the film wants to show.
Kou Shibasaki here, barefaced, deglamourized is able to show her versatility as an actress. In the beginning, her face is full of utter distain, disgust. But later on, we see her smile and dance. Min Tanaka, despite his few lines gives an amazing performance. He embodies a seductive yet masculine look despite being a dress. He has power and he holds it right.
Of course I am fangirling over Joe Odagiri. And I cannot believe he was already 29 in this film. I refuse to believe it. But the heartthrob's character here is nothing short of Odagiri's trademark of a quiet, charismatic damaged soul.
Perhaps the lack of subtitles at the second half of the film did left me with question marks. But I gathered that the film's focus on sexuality doesn't only relay on its gay characters but if sexual tension is enough to form a relationship on Saori's part. I mean, I wouldn't be able to resist Joe Odagri too.
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National identity, particularly, Japanese identity has long been a topic that plagues the country and the marginalized communities that live there. As a society, Japan values its pureness and seems to have always tried their best to retain this. Telling enough, Japan is 98.5% Japanese and 1.6% are foreign citizens.
Sugihara, seems to be your average-Japanese high school boy. Except that he's not ethnically Japanese. He's South Korean up until recently. In order to defend himself, he uses violence. While this is deeply used in the film, it actually shows a different side, on how, being an “outsider” requires you to put up an extra level of defence even if it’s a terrible type of defence.
Interesting enough, Sugihara seems to insist that that his narrative is a love story; repeating is countless times. Yes, on face value, it is a love story between him and Sakurai, a Japanese. But ultimately, I see it more as a love story between himself and his identity. Ironically, it seems like Sakurai and Sugihara click because of their love for non-Japanese things. Except that his true ethnicity gets in the way from Sakurai’s very Japanese and prejudiced upbringing.
Yukisada uses love to magnify Sugihara’s struggles. Romantic, friendship and familial no matter how subtle the latter two are. Sugihara’s relationship with his North Korean (who gave up his identity to be a South Korean to be able to go to Hawaii) is strained; reinforcing his own relationship to his Korean side is lopsided. He went to a North Korean school, only to choose to go to a Japanese school, purely his own choice.
References to non-Japanese pop culture like Mariah Carey, The Shining, Magnolia, Fists of Fury, Jean Claude, Shakespeare and classic music reinforce the otherness.
While the film looks into unconscious racism present in the society but it further tackles the issue of racial identity; as in the North Korean/South Korean/Japanese/Spanish parts of the film. In particular, the quote from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet (What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell so sweet?) is telling. Our name is part of our identity and that fact that he’s Sugihara even if that’s not his real name, shows the racial identity here.
The opening sequence is particularly telling; with Sugihara on a voice-over, narrating, sprouting words, isolated from his basketball group, in slow-motion.
Race. Homeland. Nation. Unification. Integration. Compatriot. Goodwill. Makes me sick.
Rulers. Repression. Slaves, subjects rather. Aggression. Exclusion. Chosen ones. Blood. Mix. Pure. Union.
So-called Korean-Japanese. Don't think I'm any different. But they call me this. Zainichi.
Enough.
Yosuke Kubozuka’s performance, the young heartthrob during the film’s release is nothing short to dazzle us. He embodies the hidden anger, the raging desire, the subtle disgust, the crumbled struggle and the flourishing love with such clarity. Kubozuka has a great charm, be it in a punk way, a geek way or a boy in love. Of course, yes, I would have preferred so much more if a real zainichi actually portrayed this character.
Such a treat to see Shibasaki again (after her iconic role in Battle Royale), but there could have been more from her. Though undeniably, her chemistry with Kubozuka is affecting and their romance is relevant in the film to normalize Sugihara’s identity struggle.
To which he asks, “What am I?”
To which she answers, "Japanese-born Korean!"
To which he replies, "...a stranger leaving this country. Any name is okay but I don't think I'm an alien. I'm not a Korean or an alien. I'm ME! No, rather, I'm a question mark!"
But to her, it doesn’t matter.
"From the first moment I saw you, maybe I already knew."
Perhaps in love, there is no boundaries. Ethnicity, race, upbringing are all rendered useless. She's the tough guy outside, the one that break through his safe circle.
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Seonam Girls High School Investigators
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this drama have all emotion i really addict......and enjoy every episode !!! i really love how the character in series act its make this series have all emotion not just sorrow or happy but all !!! this is the best part of this series !!! the theme song of this drama was epic SAY YES (chage aska) this song was in top 10 of the best selling single of all time in japan !!! the story have some anoy part especially for heroine......she was the most anoyed woman in series
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This review may contain spoilers
AmazingI've seen this show recced several times and I was planning on checking it out as soon as, but having tried to watch Love Me, If You Dare several times it was not a priority (I might be a minority in terms of preferring this to LMIYD, but this show really grabbed me. Sure... Huo Wallace is better looking than Wang Kai but WK is his own kind of hella sexy and HW's Sherlock-esque character really grated on me as I'm a massive fan of BBC Sherlock and I couldn't help but compare) Then I stumbled into the VERY enthusiastic recap page for this show on dr-myri's blog (who did such a great job recapping Eternal Love) I trust those ladies so why not?
I started at ep1 and I was all...'Ok cool good-looking bad-ass in the house this is interesting' then as soon as Xu Xu appeared I was 'Yusss! Alternative/Atypical/equally bad ass female lead! I am all over this!' I thought Xu Xu was a little cutie from the get go (the hair cut took some getting used to though), so unlike most FL. She was this teeny tiny robotic ball of smarts. She was uncanny, enough to make people uncomfortable, blunt, a little arrogant (I laughed when she straight up admitted she thought normal rules don't really apply to her as she's a genius) with a lot of mannerisms and attributes one expects of a male character, I even loved the way she talked, the low intonation and the matter of fact way she speaks (This whole feminine whine 'aegyo' thing annoys the hell out of me) I actually initially thought the snail referred to the ML but quickly realised it was her and this was her story, I could not be any happier. I absolutely adore Xu Xu. I couldn't wait to see her meet Cool Bad Ass ML and honestly from their first meeting it was all gloves off love. Kudos to Wang Ziwen for her portrayal, she did an amazing job.
The other side of the equation Ji Bai (played ably by the swoon worthy WK) is the Popular Big Brother type. Upstanding, personable, smart, accomplished and a natural leader. He was what I wished more ML could be...actually reasonable and logical! Although the drama did not delve so much on his past (aside from what was relevant to the case) you can tell that through hard work and natural talent he has risen to his position as the undisputed best in the police force with the support of all his friends, coworkers and superiors. He's the embodiment of a lion fiercely protecting his pride. His chemistry with Xu Xu was amazing (I loved the fact that the way they filmed make it seem like he can just fold her up and put her in his pocket but the dialogue really emphasise how equal they are and can be) Scenes of him picking her up by the scruff and her nonchalantly ignoring this just make me happy. Romance fans have to live off this and other subtleties, like the amount of eye contact and mind reading as the romance was not the focus of this drama at all.
The story overall was great, suspenseful and nail biting with enough twists and turns and tangled up connections that I was glad I was reading the reccap/analysis to help me keep it all straight in my head. Other characters like Yao Meng (I love the fact that she is another atypical female character, beautiful and strong and fully protective and supportive of her female police sisters. She had a beautiful friendship with Xu Xu. None of this bitchy second FL nonsense that's prevalent in almost all dramas) and Wei Han (the bromance is strong in this one) was amazing too. The Villains were chilling and reprehensible (Jesus, the Po and Xu Xu stand off was nail bitingly good and lets not forget to mention Bloody Brother Lu) Everyone did an amazing job portraying their characters
The drama flowed amazingly well, the scenery, the framework and innovative shots and editing made me feel several times like I was watching a movie. The OST throughout was subtle and really fitted the story (there were as lot of tense scenes that had little to no background music and I felt that it specially heightened the tension and made it better) I loved both the opening credits (first C Drama opening with little to no spoilers) but adore the animated lion/snail scenes more. Also got to mention the Cold Opens in every episode, really put viewers off balance and makes you pay attention. Whoever edited this drama has a real sense of timing and flow.
Worth a rewatch? YES! I'm actually in the midst of rewatching as there's just too many subtle awe inspiring scenes I missed the first time round.
In conclusion, absolutely worth a watch. The romance in this is all about the subtleties, and not the focus. This is not your typical 'lust-at-first-sight' or even the 'hate to love' drama cliche. It's more the mature meeting of minds and I applaud it. You can really tell when they connect and when they start supporting and guiding each other to their mutual feelings (being more personable ML realises it first). The story and overall mystery is what drives this drama and I'm glad that they focused on it because it was very well done.
To those romance fans like myself, read the novel this was based on. I read it after watching this and it satisfied my thirst for more romance for this OTP. Its being fan translated and is available through Novel Updates. You won't regret it. It is too sexy for words and as you read you won't be able to picture anyone else but Wang Kai and Wang Ziwen as Ji Bai and Xu Xu.
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the story was well plotted and acted for a plot that only had a few epiodes frankly to be honest the only thing that i didn't like about it was the fact that it had only 12 episodes which gave me dram fever as to it was very interesting.
the story was just the usual kwon shi yeon is an overweighted teen who is bullied because of her weight and envies her sister kwon si ah who is a member of girl group miracle girls and is known for her for her beauty and her, when shi yeon comes upon a mysterious tarot and gets a wish and she wish for shi ahs body
OK THAT ENOUGH SPIOLERS
kwon shi yeon played by hong yoon hwa was ell fit for the role as she was well not to offend her but she was fat enough for the role and had the charisma but kwon shi ah's (kim na hyun) atitude was best fit for shi yeons visual so if the really switched bodies forever there might be a benefit shi yeon can lose weigh because shi ah goes on diet's alot and shi ah can have a better vioce and not be tone deaf
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So, what do I mean by that?
I mean you skip the whole shebang of the two main leads meeting, possibly hating each other before falling in the end. It has none of that. It skips the dull part and jumps into the important part. Also, of all the romance dramas I've watched, I think this is the most un-cheesy in my collection. The romantic moments where they do say cheesy stuff didn't feel cheesy to me at all.
It was highly enjoyable to watch. Normally, this genre can be easy-to-watch and lighthearted, and some may disagree when I say it wasn't lighthearted at all. The drama had very dark themes ranging from a tough time in high school, battling for your own survival while dealing with the thought of death and learning to appreciate even the dullest/most common moments in life. It had multiple deep meanings and it portrayed them beautifully.
So, should you watch this? Normally when reviewing I leave a few pointers at the end for you to see whether or not this drama is worth your time, this is no exception.
You'll like this if:
- You like a touching romance with a realistic view on love (doesn't sugar-coat it).
- You don't mind the musical themes. (It's was a plus in my book)
- A mature relationship that doesn't need "small accidents" like falling/tripping into your significant other's arms or cheesiness to work.
- You want to see a drama that skips the falling-in-love part.
- Likes to see a good, well worked-out character development in both leads.
- Want to watch something short --> Only has 8 x 30 minutes episodes.
- Great acting.
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Loved everything in this drama, specially their acting, woooah It was my first time seeing Yeo Jin Goo in a drama and woaaah that boy really knows how to do!
The story plot was fantastic, I was expecting an alien / clone topic to be so wonderfull, every , and I say EVERY episode was a plot twist, I couldn't predict at almost everything in this drama, and it was amazing .
I normally don't like to rewatch dramas, but Circle will be an exception sice it "short" (12 episodes) and it realy deserves a rewatch.
For the people reading this that didn't watched it already I highly recommed it to you, specially if you like a strong and coerent plot with lots of plot twist and unpredictable story!
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This review may contain spoilers
Posing a trite question: Whether invention of new technology is a bliss or a curse of mankind? With the conjecture of an exclusive scientific research work started in 2017, which fortunately or unfortunately followed a trajectory of quandary took a proper shape in 2037. The whole concept of the story is extremely new where the dramatization involved a fraternal twin and all the incomprehensible incidents they were surrounded by. Like a web of mystery the more they were trying to solve it, the more they were getting tangled with mishaps. Gradually facing series of tribulations and by using their own intellect they tried to overcome their problems though not succeeded fully. According to my understanding (I can be wrong), this drama tried to portray that progressive technology is acceptable which should be free of manipulation, deceit and identity theft. In the process of gifting human race with something phenomenal, the human race by themselves subject to self-destruction. They fall prey to their own greed and take a wrong detour to satisfy their own selfishness. The whole story is like a big board of puzzle pieces cut randomly into different shapes without any connection but as the story development progresses bit by bit all the pieces have been fallen into their correct places. It exudes the suspenseful feel of American sci-fi genre series, nonetheless, the writers maintained originality which is beyond interesting.
From the very beginning till the end it was riveting, breathtaking and fast-paced. No amount of time is wasted on idiosyncratic character development. Each and every characters were necessary and sufficient; none seemed out of place or redundant for the development of the story. The writers tried their best to convincingly elucidate a completely new concept of a non-existent theory on which the pillar of the whole plot was standing. They expressed erudition through their meticulous writing ability. Hats off to the scriptwriters. It may seem frazzling to keep up with the pace since each episode shows two stories of two different years but it is highly engrossing and enjoyable. The ending of every episode left me at the edge of my sit. Thank goodness I binge watched it rather than waiting every week. I would have died out of anxiety and curiosity. The cliffhangers are deadly.
On another note, I never trusted Korean dramas of science fiction genre since never found any solid story so far. Either they make it extremely confusing and superfluous or greatly preposterous. However, Circle is an exception. Every occurrences are given a proper explanation. I feel a strange empathy towards the production team and feel like giving a deep bow for presenting us the show so intriguingly despite having minimal budget. It's perfectly fine of not using extraordinarily top-notch visual graphics as many were complaining, I could feel their urge of showing some CG effect which are common in any sci-fi movies/series but they couldn't and it's beyond ok. At the end of the day I count on story, if the story is good and acting is on par it's intensely satisfying for me.
Acting by the ensemble is praise worthy, especially performances given by Yeo Jin Goo and Kim Kang Woo are commendable as they always are. My words will fall short to describe their charisma. Lee Ki Kwang is also good but sometimes felt like he was forcing too much to draw out his emotions. I appreciate the girls as well. Gong Seung Yeon is one of a kind gorgeous actress, she looks serious with her character display and works hard. She surely has long way to go and I believe she would perform better and better in course of time. That day is not far away when Ahn Woo Yeon & Jung In Sun will be flooded with main roles in dramas/movies. Both of them has utmost potential of rising stars.
Background score is perfectly fitted with the thrilling feel of the drama. OSTs are ear-catching as well.
One thing I have noticed in all these currently airing dramas that female protagonists are given powerful roles rather than being treated as a mere trophy only there to depict love interest of the male protagonist. The roles which were normally given out to male protagonists are now given out to the females which is a very commendable new trend.
I would love to detail out my analysis on every scenes but I’m afraid I’m too conscious on giving out spoilers. Hence, I want to stop and request all the sci-fi/suspense genre lovers out there to watch Circle. You will definitely love it because of - a refreshingly new story, the group of beautiful young and energetic casts and their laudable acting skills.
On the other hand, fingers are crossed this ephemeral drama has left us uninformed ‘bout one thing at the last episode. So we can hope for a second season. ;) ;)
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