Worth every minute
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this show. The story was captivating, the performances were exquisite and the production was just excellent. I'm often skeptical about everything I watch but this had me from the very first episode. I loved how they explored the complexities of a character learning how to identify and understand emotions even though he wasn't sure he felt them. Everyone clearly brought their A-game for this drama and it shows. I wish I could watch it again for the first time just so I could experience those thrills again.Was this review helpful to you?
Amazing drama!!!
At first I was very skeptical of watching a drama with already a married couple. This year I watched dramas such as Memorist, Lawless Lawyer, Voice, and Mad Dog. These dramas don't focus on romance plot so I decided to give this drama a shot. I absolutely loved every moment of it except the ending. It was still a very AMAZING drama with AMAZING acting and ost's. The acting was top class and the main actor is so handsome!! The way he learned that he had the ability to feel emotions broke me and I was so happy. Whatever, this drama is a freaking rollercoaster. If you enjoy crime dramas give this drama a try!!! Also, I will rewatch this drama a year later.Was this review helpful to you?
Thrilling ride of a masterpiece
This is the first review I have ever written and probably the most deserving.This whole drama keeps you at the edge of your seat wondering if you should root for the ML or be scared of him. He is the best antihero possible. You know that many of his choices are questionable at best and downright scary at worst, but still your are pulled in by Baek He Sung( Man Lee Joon GI can sure act). His eyes convey everything in spite of how expression less he seems.
The supporting cast are also wonderful... you end up feeling sorry for the most unlikeliest characters. Also whoever chose Kim Ji Joon for his role nailed it. He is one actor I never expected to shine so much . He kept on par with the ML.
So just watch it you will be missing a gem if you don’t.
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This review may contain spoilers
One of the Best Thrillers Out There!
This is a brilliant Korean thriller that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat—possibly literally! While it has very good writing, it’s the performances—especially from Lee Joon Gi (Do Hyun Soo) and Moon Chae Won (Cha Ji Won) that truly captivates the viewer. I am not sure I’ve seen two performers dig so deeply into their feelings and emotions, and I believe that a big reason for this is their obvious chemistry. If I didn’t know that these two were acting in a show, I’d have sworn that these two truly love each other. That is how believable they are. Now, I have seen other performances that come close, but these two may be the best I’ve ever seen in 45+ years of watching movies and shows. It also depicts the worst parents I have ever seen in all of my years. Man Woo Baek and Mi Ja Gong are unconscionable. I really don’t care if it’s their son. To knowingly help a man kill other people is absolutely no excuse. None. And I had absolutely zero sympathy for such deplorable people who turned out to be as monstrous and sick as their son.Do Hyun Soo is a man living with a horrific past. The son of a serial killer, Do Hyun Soo is diagnosed with Anti-Social Disorder. However, after reading up extensively on Anti-Social Disorder, I will argue that he is misdiagnosed. Given the lack of empathy, prone to violence, and especially substance abuse, Do Hyun Soo doesn’t really fit the bill. I believe that due an obvious lack of love, affection, and the ability to simply interact with others, he’s more like someone who has simply cut off that part of him that is capable of those feelings. That is, until something—or someone—provokes a response. He’s unable to identify various feelings, but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have them. It’s clear in his smile, his warmth, and also his love, that he’s more than capable of those feelings. He’s simply like a foreigner who can’t read or identify things. His character is captivating, harrowing, and heartbreaking. And the absolute anguish that he feels when he believes this Ji Won is dead, was raw, powerful, and conveyed everything I knew I would feel as well.
Now, the best thriller I’ve ever seen is “Stranger” which was a show a bit more taut and well-written than this one. It also deftly depicts a man who is incapable of empathy in Hwang Shi-Mok, and that actor gave a very real and stellar performance of such a person. And while Hwang Shi-Mok wasn’t diagnosed with Anti-Social Disorder, he’s much closer to being someone with that disorder than Do Hyun Soo. You really have to take into consideration the amount of abuse and trauma that Do Hyun Soo undergoes in his life to truly grasp what a person might be like coming out the other side of it.
Cha Ji Won may be my favorite female TV character of all-time. I’m not joking either. Now, it may be due to personal bias, because she encapsulates everything that a woman should be—to me, anyway. She’s strong, fiercely loyal, dependable, loving, compassionate, dedicated, and someone who is everything any man would ever want in a companion. I don't know how any sane man would ever let her go. My only issue with Ji Won is in how the writers depicted her as a police officer. Frankly, Doona Bae was far superior because she was smart, competent and held her own with anyone. Here, we find out that:
Ji Won is a terrible driver, allowing a cab driver to knock her car off the road by throwing the meter against her windshield?! Come on! Any seasoned cop would never react that way because they are trained to deal with those kinds of situations. Now, if she’d been forced off the road, that would have been believable.
Ji Won leaves a suspect alone. Now, she actually does get chewed out for that one, but it’s still a very big “rookie” mistake that someone like her isn’t likely to make.
Ji Won can’t remember Do Hae Soo despite meeting and speaking with her not long ago? Police officers are trained to remember faces. That one made no sense.
Ji Won is unable to secure a suspect. Another rookie mistake when she lets Yum Sang Chil escape and nearly kill her. Again, she doesn’t follow standard police protocol.
In episode 15, it made no sense that Ji Won wouldn't answer her phone. She knows her husband is out there and that he might try to contact her. This was another mistake on the writer's part in order to make the plot work.
I’ve said it before: never sacrifice character for the sake of the plot. The only big vice I have with the series is at the end of episode 13 when Ji Won suddenly suspects her husband of killing the housekeeper. Now, I understand that Do Hyun Soo doesn’t help his case by not telling her the truth, but Ji Won has already been through several of these scenarios, and she’s always realized that her husband isn’t capable of murder—until now? Plus, Ji Won never bothers to ask herself—what motive would Do Hyun Soo have to kill the housekeeper? None of it makes sense, and frankly, I felt deeply for Do Hyun Soo when he cries out in disbelief, “How do you not believe me? How do you not trust me?” Now, I know this was done to for the sake of the plot, but it was also a mistake because now you’re sacrificing character for plot. In other words, you’re making the character suddenly do something that goes against their character! For me, this is the only really glaring flaw of the series. “Stranger” and “My Name” had better scripts because they never deviated from or sacrificed character for the plot.
Now, the series is masterful in how it makes you suspect Do Hyun Soo for the first few episodes. You aren’t sure of what to make of him. This was genius! Then, you began to wonder, who is the “other accomplice” in the next set of episodes. And finally, you wonder how they are—not only going to catch the accomplice but do so where Do Hyun Soo is not only exonerated but can finally live a real life.
Outside of “24”’s Jack Bauer, I can’t think of another TV character who’s put through so much suffering and torment. Jack gives his all for his country, and Do Hyun Soo gives everything for his family. And perhaps that is also why I wasn’t entirely enamored with the ending. First of all, using the whole “killer grabs the policeman’s gun” ploy is a plot device that has been overused so many times in so many movies and shows, it should literally be retired and never used again! And I didn’t like the gimmick it used to suddenly rob Do Hyun Soo of his memory. How much more does this guy—and Cha Ji Won too!- -have to endure?! It felt like one step too many. However, the writers did their best to give us “hope” for Do Hyun Soo, that he might ultimately learn how to love his wife and daughter again. Except for Jim and Pam from "The Office" I don't think I ever cheered so hard for an on-screen couple more than these two!
This series is unforgettable. There’s no question that once you start, you can’t stop. It also has unforgettable songs and music—the track “Flower of Evil” is something that I’ve listened to so many times, that it’s literally in my head when I go to sleep. Don’t get me wrong. Despite the few issues that I have with this series, it’s still a great watch! And if I could ever personally meet Lee Joon Gi—and Moon Chae Won especially—I would give them my utmost thanks for giving us one of the best “couple” performances I’ve ever had the pleasure to watch. When they smile, you smile. And when they begin to shed tears, you can’t help shedding a few yourself. That is what true art as an actor is: making us feel what you feel. I will look for these two in future shows to watch!
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This review may contain spoilers
It's one of those dramas that don't let you leave your seat until it's over
One of the best dramas of 2020 that I've watched and a solid 10/10!!I don't usually leave reviews but this one, I had to~~
Moon Chae Won and Lee Joon Gi gave amazing acting, their expressions were on point! I could really see the emotions being portrayed and I felt like I was living through the story with them. It was sad, thrilling, exciting, and just heart breaking.
*Spoilers ahead*
Firstly, I felt so sad for Ji Won - she reallyyy loved him and then when the truth came out, you could tell from her acting and expressions and the choices that she made...that her world just crumbled. It was so sad and heart breaking to see that even she couldn't believe what and why these things are happening to her.
Secondly, Lee Joon Gi. That's it. He is a work of art HAHAH his acting was also on point as both a loving husband and a potential psychopath. I think the drama didn't really conclude whether he is or isn't a psychopath, but I would like to think that he is, considering the choices he made and how the character was portrayed. But i'm really glad to see at the end that he makes the effort to be "normal" and to really find himself for who he is, and not as a murderer's son.
Thirdly and lastly, Baek Hee Seong! I actually thought he was innocent until Hae Su went over to the house and there was a scene showing him eavesdropping on the conversation while biting his nails...OMG. That. Scene. I was terrified by his expression and the look in his eyes. His acting was phenomenol.
Conclusion: this drama is a very strong contender for drama of the year and the OST "Feel You" should also win OST of the year because it is amazing and just by listening to it, i can already relive all the scenes in the drama
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It's a must watch
I haven't written any reviews about the drama and I felt the very need to write it. I binged watched the whole series and I have to say that the whole team of the drama( actors, director,writers everyone) have done a really brilliant job. The whole story is so well delivered , I liked how they told a bit of the past and gradually the things unfolded instead of investing entire 1 or 2 episodes just to tell the whole past and then making it boring. It kept me curious till the last moment. The plot was really interesting and it all made sense and was realistic. Also the do hyun so's family had an amazing chemistry. I fell in love with the main leads' characters. The series was really well balanced.Was this review helpful to you?
Emotional tangled mess
Plot: A runaway suspect changed his identity and discovered the truth behind his family when his case was re-opened. It was a tangled mess that you can’t help and find out more. It was fast-paced initially then it became messy.Acting: Everyone did an amazing job in portraying their characters and creating emotional scenes, although I think Lee Jun Ki went overboard with his acting(I guess, instructed by the director to make his character a bit evil-convincing for the viewers).
Music: Since it’s a thriller/suspense drama, there’s not much catchy or worth-remembering OST for me. Although the sound effects/bgm were appropriate for most scenes.
Rewatch Value: Not the type that I can rewatch as it was a heavy drama in a way that watching it again won’t give you the same suspense feeling since you already know what’s gonna happen.
Overall: 7 stars for acting and visuals. It’s not for everyone, especially if you are a fan of fluffy romance. It can be frustrating or boring for some. It wasn’t gripping or something that would keep you on your toes but I liked the fast-paced unfolding of the story.
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The story was gripping and full of surprises and the acting was great -I know people who aren't fond of the leads who gobbled down the drama.
I didn't really knw what to expect when I began this drama but once I hit the play button I was a goner and wasn't one bored or disappointed.
Loved the characterization of the different characters and their back stories.
The plot twists are shocking and I didn't feel there was any loopholes.
It's really a drama to watch.
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Love it! Would watch again!
This is definitely one, if not the best drama that I've seen.Mystery and suspense but filled with romance. The story, acting and music was so amazing. Every episode was a rollercoaster of emotions. Once I reached a certain episode, I couldn't stop myself from watching the next one. It kept me in my toes.
I cried, I laughed, I swooned. It was heartwarming and heart wrenching. It touched me in so many ways. Even the music was unforgettable.
As a fan of happy ending, I'd love to see more scenes. Or at least, see the Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won in another drama.
I wouldn't be able to forget this anytime soon.
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Better than I thought it would be
Yet another drama that I thought I would have zero interest in and it turned out to be a surprise hit for me. The premise didn't sound that interesting to me, but the amount of high ratings and reviews rolling in when it was complete convinced me to give it a shot. My non-Asian drama watching son even watched it with me and enjoyed it.The story really kept me guessing for a long time and had a lot of suspense and thrills that raised my anxiety. I was hooked from the first episode, and was easily caught up in the unfolding of events that lead us up to the present day in the story. It was well-written and well-acted. What was surprising to me was how it was as much a love story as it was a crime drama. But it's not the new love kind of drama that you're probably used to as this is a couple that has been married for a long time. They know each other so well...or do they?
I think even people that aren't generally fans of mystery/crime might enjoy this and should give it a chance.
Believe it or not, this is the first time I've ever watched Lee Joon Gi, but his acting was superb. He played his character very well - watching the flickers of expression on his face (and there were many) as he experienced different emotions showed his remarkable skill. He could be cold and calculating one moment and loving and tender the next. Moon Chae Won had good chemistry with LJG and performed well also. I've not really watched her before either, but I enjoyed her in this a lot. I didn't have any expectations of the actors - maybe even low expectations - and I was blown away by how good they were.
I enjoyed the music in this also, and there were several really good tracks.
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Hands down one of the best Korean dramas
From the first episode this got me hooked on. I really enjoyed that kind of plot twist of Do Hyun Soo's personality. I agree, it might be a bit bloody for some people in some scenes but you're on the edge of your seat every time. It's definitely the kind of show you don't come around every day, not even once a year. The 15th episode was a rollercoaster of emotions.Acting: Lee Jun Ki never ceases to amaze me, he challenged himself a lot taking his role and did it flawlessly! Moon Chae Won was spectacular, the conflicts she had finding out the secrets of her husband were so good acted! Jung Seo Yeon (Eun Ha) played so good, she got me through a multitude of emotions. Kudos to all the actors, everyone did a fantastic job!
The OST was amazing: proof you didn't need tens of songs, you need few to make it memorable!
This is a drama to rewatch not only once, but twice, thrice.
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Season 2 Please?!
Around of applause for all the Actors and Actresses from Main to Supporting for they have Nailed it All!, production,and Music adds goodness in it! Story and Scripts was very catching but there are some imperfections but nevertheless, it was a lovable and thrilling melodrama. It was very exciting to watched them as they have caught my heart whether it be sad, comedy or romance. I've noticed Moon Chae Won in the Good Doctor, she was pretty and very good in acting and I was very happy as well in her role here for she was very good always in all that she does, I saw her improved in her acting from the Nice Guy to Good Doctor and here. She was the reason why I able to watched this drama. Thanks I have watched this! This is so far her best kdrama oveerall! Lee Joon Gi also did very well in his lead role here. I first saw him in Hotel De Luna and I don't like his guest role there but in this drama he was perfect in bringing out his character with Moon Chae Woon. Noona, sister, was very pretty as well, and Reporter Kim was also nailed in His acting in Comedy and or Serious acts. Amazing! Hope there will be a season 2 for this drama! How they continue their lives after the finale and I was looking forward for the family dinner with Do hyun Su family(with Noona)! Reporter Kim and Noona what happened after this? Season 2 please?! :DDDDD
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