A story about humans
When Jo In Sung received an invitation to star in this series, he thought it was "just another superhero story" and wanted to turn down the offer. But after he read the script, he was greatly impressed and joined the project right away. What some of us thought was going to be a generic Korean version of Avengers turned out to be so much more than that.Moving, at its very core, is a story about humans and humanity. It is also a story about parenting, brotherhood, teen angst, love, betrayal, finding who you are and where you're going, moral gray zones... everything that we as real people could relate to. That's how realistic the characters and their struggles were.
The thing I love most about this drama is that, although the story centers around superheroes, at the end of the day, they are "only human". Although the characters have extraordinary powers, they still struggle with life, relationships, moral choices, and will, if not more than the average person due to their awful circumstances. The worldview is grim and realistic, people are used as tools and must do things they don't want to do just to survive in this world, and every choice to deviate from that path takes courage and sacrifices. This is a prevalent theme to most characters in the drama, even some of the "antagonists". Every character has a well thought out backstory to them that tells you lessons about life, and that takes a lot of empathy from the writer. It is an absolutely phenomenal and unique take to the already saturated superhero genre.
I can't pinpoint who the main character in the story is because they are all main characters and share almost equal weight and screentime. The acting is top notch, especially for the older generation actors. They had to play themselves in the present time, as well as their younger counterparts. You could see them changing through time and hardships.
Plot-wise, the structure has a clarity to it - about 7 episodes are allocated to present time, which talks about the younger generation (high school romance, teen self-searching, generational conflict). 7+ other episodes are allocated to the past, where the parents take the spotlight and we are hit with very harsh realities (manipulation, betrayal, social stigma, child protection). Depending on taste, an audience might favor one of these segment over another, but they may also love both. The last few episodes are wrapped up with edge-of-your-seat action sequences by an ensemble of casts.
I highly recommend this drama for anyone who is still hesitating. It is one of the best dramas to come out this year, and one of the most unique K-dramas to come out in these 20 years. Don't miss it!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I enjoyed the exposition of each major character's story, particularly that of Kim Bong Seok's and his mother's. Han Hyo Joo is one of my favorite actors and I thought that Lee Jung Ha did a great job. I loved the way that the writer teased out the connections and tensions with the more minor characters, which made me care about the minor characters almost as much as the major ones. So far so good. But the drama went downhill for me during the climactic battle scenes between the superheroes. The battle seemed like just the usual over-the-top but predictable superheroes battle. The "surprise" plot twists were emphatically not. Argh.Perhaps I would not have been as disappointed had my expectations not been raised sky high as a result of the earlier episodes as well as by praise from reviewers everywhere? I kept hoping for one of those "I did not see that coming" moments. Maybe it will come in the sequel, in which case, I might reevaluate this review.
Was this review helpful to you?
Extremely Good Series
Moving was phenomenal, to say the least. The pacing can be perceived as a little bit slow if you don't care for the backstory behind the different characters. However, as I watched I wanted to know each character more and more and how they are connected. The trope of hidden people with superpowers is slightly overdone but Moving executes it properly. The drama and action scenes keep you on edge the whole time. I was satisfied when finishing but found myself instantly looking up if there would be a season 2.Was this review helpful to you?
A Pleasant Surprise
I was originally holding off on watching this series as I don't really gravitate toward superhero genres (they usually make me cringe), despite the fact that I really like fantasy (if done well). I gave in one day and decided to give it a shot and I was genuinely surprised. I really like the characters, especially, ESPESCIALLY the parents and their storylines. Honestly, the kids' part was nice but it was a bit too cheesy for me but the parent's stories were what pulled me in and kept me there until the very last minute.Now don't go into this thinking its all rainbows and butterflies, not at all bad for me but for the more squeamish, there is a lot of gore and blood. I usually don't give high ratings but this gets an 8 from me. I would have given higher if there were more loose ends tied, some characters had more screen time and the if the ending didn't feel a bit disconnected and rushed. But I guess maybe these will all be answered in the second season if there is any.
Was this review helpful to you?
A fresh take on superpowers genre, K-Drama style
Moving, a South Korean drama about superpowered teens and the superpowered parents trying to protect them, became Disney's most-watched K-drama of all time. For the past few years, Korean dramas have extensively diversified their genres and viewership, moving beyond the tag of romantic comedies to producing some of the best thrillers, zombie or otherwise! Moreover, they have ventured into genres like dystopia, science-fiction, and now, superheroes! Needless to mention, Moving brings a fresh new entry to K-Drama with its superhero storyline with some family drama.The show is extremely engaging with the pacing, storyline, action sequences, themes, and the performance of the cast and character relations. Moving is a great concoction of fantasy, mystery, thriller, action, and of course, a romcom, the characteristic feature of Kdramas. Moreover, it features the themes of bullying but now from the perspective of the silent observer and ethical questions that accompany the cost of a lost childhood when children are sold into becoming weapons of the state or in a simpler sense, sold into labor.
In a nutshell, Moving is, hands down, one of the most engaging and unique Kdramas released in 2023 and it would be a shame not to give it a chance with its interesting story, pacing, interesting characters, and the numerous mysteries unveiling themselves.
My Rating : 9.5/10
Was this review helpful to you?
Definitely recommend this one!
Alright so I will be honest - first of all I started watching this because I ran out of things to watch, so I wasn't interested in this from the start. To be even more honest - I almost dropped this, as I was watching the first episode I felt a bit bored and thought to myself 'oh no, another drama that will focus only on romance' not to mention that I usually don't watch dramas with superpowers included. But once I started watching the second ep, I got more and more hooked honestly. I'm very glad that I didn't drop it.Personally I think some of the background stories of the parents were a bit unnecessary, I wasn't that interested in everyones story aside from the main couple and juwon. I must say that from the parents/adults my favorite character is definitely juwon. He went through so much pain (literally, but also emotionally) and I'm sure if I was in his shoes I would have given up, but he is such a strong character with good intentions and just.. Wow. I still feel sorry for everything he went through but it made him stronger. His story was the one that touched me the most. Definitely one of my favorite characters of all times in kdrama.
From the students I definitely like bongsok, but the female lead as well! Both of them seem like genuinely nice kids and so love able characters. I just wish the fl would have had more scenes at the end when.. You know THAT happened.
[SPOILERS ALERT]
The only thing I disliked was that the guy with missing finger (forgot his name) had to die in the end. I completely understand his point of view, that he felt guilty for surviving as only one as everyone else was executed, that he had to go there with his comrades. It just made me cry because he clearly didn't hurt anyone even though he could have and he could have started a new life there too, of course I'm also somewhat sad about his friends since they showed their backstory too that they aren't just evil villains but humans too who were forced to do this in order to survive and/or protect their family. They all had no choice, though they wanted to kill the innocent children so I don't feel that sad for them as for the guy I already mentioned.
This kdrama made me feel so many different emotions and that's just good story writing right here, whether you like the end or not. The dynamics and chemistry between all those characters and the acting itself was spot on, so I truly recommend this - watch it, give it a try, it's worth it!
Was this review helpful to you?
Moving: Teenage Superhumans
The series have a very exciting early episode. I like the action-packed episodes particularly the later ones. But somehow it to meet my expectations on why it was titled that way. Although a sequel or another season can be a welcome idea to quench the uncertainties the viewers would like to see what a great ending will be.I am blur as to where it can climax as the teaser to the continuing next sequel if ever there will be. But the concept and story is great. I am just not sure if the story will be enough to create a political ripple between the north and south (hope not!) since the disclaimer says it all that it was just a work of fiction.
The title likewise seems somewhat misleading and/or controversial. Does it mean 'moving from north to south'? I feel the title should highly relate to the extraordinary life of the main characters. Except that it should not be somewhat similar or near like to the title of the tech savvy secret agent kids' film: Spy Kids Armageddon.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Usual teen drama with elements of interesting superpowered spies fighting for survival
I'm gonna be honest, so far I couldn't give 2 damns about the teens and their storyline.Too much focus on the will they-won't they romance and the typical teen drama arcs (school bullying, teen angst and rebellion against parents, accepting oneself) which completely doesn't go well with the extremely serious and thrilling plot of the 'adult storyline' full of spies, murders, hunting people for their abilities, betrayal and the John Wick style of trying to survive.
In my opinion, show would be 10/10 if you removed all of the teen stuff and focused on the parents instead and lean into the teens' pov at the last few episodes, instead of the other way around. I'm way more interested in Lee Minhyun's, Kim Doosik's, Lee Jaeman's and Jang Juwon's characters than their kids - Lee Kang Hoon maybe being the exception because I find his family's story particularly touching and heart breaking.
As of now, I really cannot go through the scenes with the teenagers. It's just too boring when compared to every scene with the adults. If you go into watching this expecting a lot of action, then be prepared to skip a lot of scenes of teens running around with a crush.
Was this review helpful to you?
Great plot
One of the best fiction I've watched. They are like superheroes, but human-like heroes, no one gets an advantage with their powers if they can't wield them properly, making it useless. From the first quarter of the episodes in the drama, there will be plot twists, and that's what hooked me because there's actually a deeper story than what initially appears.Every main character has their own story, and the show dedicates respective episodes to each main character, making each one the protagonist. This somewhat bored me at some points, although the idea and storyline are good, my focus is on the main protagonist, so I searched for a lot of screen time for them.
I'm not entirely satisfied with the ending, it's not what I was hoping for. In my opinion, the ending happened too fast and was boring, considering how the plot started off so well.
Was this review helpful to you?
It's a moving TV show
This show feels distinctly different from what I associate with kdramas, but I guess I tend to stick to rom-coms.It is a moving, heartfelt, suspenseful, sometimes graphic with violence and gore, but at its heart it's about people and the relationships we have with our family and what we'd do to protect each other.
I enjoyed it, but often found myself distracted because some story lines dragged. I understand why some back stories were introduced and showed, but then it sometimes was too long and detracted from the suspense of the action that was happening!
There are SO many hints dropped along the way, so it didn't help when I got distracted and didn't connect/notice the hints dropped along the way. But I feel that's a problem with the pacing. I know some people say it had 'perfect pacing', but I do think this was a problem. I was engaged, but it was also a series I felt I could drop too because it lagged and dropped with pacing.
I didn't cry, so I feel that says a lot, but I did feel a lot, and my heart squeezed in so many moments.
Not likely to rewatch, not eagerly anticipating season 2 that was hinted at during post credts (MCU style), but I'd give it a go if and when it ever comes out. I'd imagine a lot of the actors/characters we saw this season would only make guest appearances in season 2 though.
Worth checking out!
Was this review helpful to you?
Kdrama of te Year 2023
Moving is the best Kdrama of this year probably the decade. With 3x the budget of Squid Game, Challenging VFX & very hardcore action sequences, this show has surpassed expectations.Episode 8-9 were pretty nostalgic & delicately romantic & one of the best thing about this drama. It shows how humane can Superheros be, a handicapped Superhero, Dying Superheros, Romantic Superheros, Kid Superheros, forced to be Superheros, Useless Superheros - It's a one of its kind drama that every Marvel & DC fan should watch.
Brilliantly acted by everyone. Some scenes are quite lengthy but overall the show is worth it.
Was this review helpful to you?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Was this review helpful to you?
