Cruel tale amazingly acted! Brace yourself!
This series could have been another common revenge story...Instead, it turned out to be the captivating first part of a cruel tale amazingly acted. The script was well-built with effective setup payoff and credible plotlines. The well-thought pacing creates a very bingeable show. The tone of the drama is really dark making the few instants of respite and hope really bright for the protagonists.The ensemble cast is great: most of the actors are doing an impressive job. I found the younger characters particularly gifted: each of their scenes left a strong impact on me. Song Hye Kyo successfully plays the complex (anti)-heroine. The performances of the others characters (allies and enemies) are not to be outdone either. I totally fell for the charm of Lee Do Hyun and will be looking forward his new -(and old) dramas.
The production is really great, there are a lot of scenes that are poignant and even harrowing for your soul while still at the same time being beautiful and healing in some way. The opening generic is fascinating as well as the overall soundtrack, haunting at some points.
I would recommend this to people looking for a captivating revenge drama. If you like dark stories and have appreciated thematic around social classes like in "Parasite", this one is for you! Be aware that this is a really brutal story which can be very triggering as it is centred around bullying and very violent.
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Add to Watching List!
I binge watched this so bad, I started yesterday evening and ended in the same night! I didn't think I would watched all at once, but I have to say that it was really good. It comes with a lot of revenge dramas around, revenge is a tipycal guide line in kdramas, but sometimes it gets tired to watch or you just start loosing interest because it's dragged, this one is really well made in my opinion, the pace is stable and the characters are well developed.I mean, with the end of season one it's not like nothing happened, but the real revenge it still has to come, within all season one the story is built, you see the developoment of all the characters and some new entry, and how the protagonist is paventing the way for revenge, and did not get bored, you stay there and watch every episode with curiosity.
The acting is amazing, a really high level, you can receive all emotion from them, the choices for young/adult are really amazing as if they 're real! And maybe I' m a sucker for villains, but I have to say that Shin Ye Eun and Im Ji Yeon who play the same character (young/adult) are really spectacular, when I looked at them I got shivers!
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This review may contain spoilers
This is the ultimate in oh-so-satisfying revenge dramas. The acting by Lim Ji Yeon, who played the antagonist, was superb. (I just wish that they had found a better actor for the younger version of Park Yeon Jin. I had a difficult time connecting the two actors into a single character.) But Jung Sung Il, who played Park Yeon Jin's husband almost stole the show. He, along with Kang Hyeon Nam, were my favorite characters. Rumor has it that there will be another season of The Glory. If true, I hope that they bring back these two characters. Was this review helpful to you?
Nothing lifts the heartbeat better than a revange goals
Song Hye Kyo (as Moon Dong Eun) and Im Ji Yeon (as Park Yeon Jin) were beyond amazing. The way they conveyed the relationship between their characters, the emotions swirling inside and the madness in their eyes was all unforgetable. I already knew in Descendands of the Sun that Song Hye Kyo is a very good actress, but here ... paired with Im Ji Yeon, she is untamed 😈 She bloomed like a flower.I don't know if I've ever seen such a well-created evil female character. I'm not just talking about Korean productions, but generally everything I've ever seen. Im Ji Yeon seems to have played role of her life as she was flawless from start to finish. 😌 But praise should also go to the young actresses that playes teenage versions of main characters Shin Ye Eun as young Yeon Jin and Jung Ji So as young Dong Eun. They gave character and dynamics to the relationship of the main characters.
Moving on to other perturbators. Each of them contributed to the destruction of the life of the main character and several other girls from high school *********** SPOILER *********** and I will reveal that each of them received the punishment they deserved.*********** END OF SPOILER *********** When it comes to their acting, they also did well because you hate them from the beginning of the series to the very end without a moment's hesitation 😁
I don't know what else I could say about the series without revealing its content .... It's brilliant and that's probably the only thing that matters before you start watching it 😎
If you want to read more about my thoughts about The Glory (and other dramas): visit my blog: my-asian-dramas.blogspot.com
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Gritty intense and brutal
The Glory Part 1 and Part 2 (2023)Likes
1. Wow story was fast paced, acting was briliant. The whole revenge plot was perfectly developed and executed by Dong Eun. And the best part is she didnt even have to get her hands dirty. She merely exposed their sins, and they destroyed each other. I thought every bad guy in the story deserved their fate.
2. My fave scene of SHK was when she found out her mom betrayed her again and they had their argument in the apartment and the mom started the fire. Plus the last episode when she was crying after everything was done and she was at the rooftop. (It was just weird how Yeo Jeong's mom was there to stop her from jumping. Did she follow her?)
3. Yeonjin was so bratty and self entitled all through out. I cant believe the nerve of her! She bullied kids, killed 2 people, yet she refuse to admit them, and is even the one getting angry when caught. She had no remorse at all!!!
4. Loved the 2 male leads, cute puppy doctor Yeo Jeong who would do anything for Dong Eun and the hot ahjuicy Do Yeong who probably would have pursued Dong Eun in another life (my alternate ending).
5. Also loved Hyeon Nam. Hope she gets a chance to go to the US and see her daughter.
6. The other bullies were also evil. Plus Yeonjin's mom, the corrupt detective, Hyeon Nam's husband, ugly haired pervert teacher. Lol everyone got punished!!
Dislikes
1. Son Myeong O's disappearance went on for too long when he was obviously dead. And it was obvious who had the most motive to kill him, yet the writer tried to prolong the reveal by giving other characters possible motive.
2. Instead they could have focused on finishing Yeo Jeong's revenge on Yeong Cheon and showing the couple moving forward and living happily together.
Rating: 9/10
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unflinching portrayal of school bullying
The Glory is a long awaited drama helmed by Goblin and The King: Eternal Monarch’s visionary writer - Kim Eun Sook, much driven by a lone victim’s desire for revenge.Firstly it must be acknowledged that this is the first work I’ve seen from Song Hye Kyo, having tried to take on the infamous “Descendants of the Sun” and failing after the first 2 episodes. Her portrayal as the protagonist Dong Eun is utterly compelling as well as heartbreaking. More than the graphic scenes of bullying and violence, the real tragedy lies in SHK’s expressions that emphasised the deep trauma that remained unforgiving through the years into adulthood. And in a recent panel talk, it detailed her efforts to also showcase this through a frail and weak body for a particularly vulnerable scene.
There have been plentiful dramas that have touched on the subject of school bullying (Penthouse, Who are You: School 2015, Boys over Flowers etc), but The Glory is quite possibly the first I’ve witnessed to undertake a character study that is the driving force of the plot itself rather than it being a sideline. It does not shy away from depicting the horrors of school violence that, appallingly, seems to be the norm in South Korea, but also how corruption influences the actions taken towards a victim who desperately needed the support of an adult.
Dong Eun is a strong testament to victims who were either silenced or made to believe that somehow, it’s their fault. And while the praise is deserved for SHK’s performance for the cathartic elements to follow once the revenge kicks in, I have to commend Jung Ji So, who plays the younger Dong Eun. The way her mannerisms varied as the ep progressed and her dwindling innocence and hope are visceral, and one can’t help but root for her “glory” against her perpetrators.
Regarding supporting characters, the performances from those who portrayed the vicious band of bullies left no room for viewers to sow forgiveness, and it’s a likelihood of very real individuals who aren't capable of seeking atonement in the slightest. The contrast between Dong Eun and the perpetrators appears to be undoubtedly a black and white situation, eliminating all potentials of “feeling sorry for the villain” trope that has cropped up since Joker.
Out of all characters, the intrigue ultimately falls on the charming and mysterious Ha Do Young, played by Jung Sung Il. He is the tranquil greyness in all of this, representing the viewer's experience in the unknowns and knowns of the truth of Dong Eun’s past and the role his wife has played in it. The portrayal is deliberately vague and it is difficult to read his thoughts behind the calm dialogue and the nuanced game of Go. He embodies some undertones of righteousness and consideration but not in an explicit way, making his potential responses in S2 highly anticipated.
I’m not an expert when it comes to music but I thought it’s worth mentioning two soundtracks in particular, both of which did a splendid job in accenting various scenes. The first is “You Remember” by Paul Kim, and “Until the End” by Kelley McRae accompanies the opening episode, perfectly setting the bleak and heavy tone of the drama. The singer did an excellent job in expressing the tragedy of a victim, perhaps also hinting the barest slope of hope amidst the melancholy of the piano.
I’m very much gravitated towards works that involve taboo and difficult themes, but still end up unnerved by the unrelenting violence and assault pictured in the episodes. It was even more surprising to see this from Kim Eun Sook. From her works, it appears that this is the first time she has boldly tackled these extremely dark and vulnerable subjects that weren't explored before in dramas like The Heirs, The King EM, and Goblin. The latter two are more emotionally in depth than sensitive and dark, overall making the Glory quite refreshing to see.
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This review may contain spoilers
Revenge plot with little romance
The Glory's main cast is the bullies, the victim MC and good ML, I hope they put more casts (like any friend for the MC's side besides Yeo Jung). First episode was very hard to watch, I considered dropping it and I pick it up just to see why it is trending in Netflix. The present time was entertaining for me since the MC is aware she is not good to bring revenge to her bullies, her plans so far doesnt involve killing the bullies directly and she just sits back and let them dig their own grave. Acting was good but sometimes the scenes feel slow that I have to increase the speed. Sometimes MC feels like a robot with her dead face. Her dialogue seems like she's talking in puzzles but I try my best to follow.Most of the characters are unlikeable and the bullies cant be redeemed. The only characters I like is the ML who feels OP (with the cast) like his scenes are in a romcom medical drama that is away from the main story. The husband of Yeon jin is the only decent person so far.
Edit: (04/2023) I took a few months break after finishing season 1, it's very dark. Only thing I want is MC to have more allies cos every cast introduced so far is out to bully her (except the driver and ML). I'm planning to continue watching until I drop it lol :>
Rewatch Value- 1/10 never rewatching it since the bully characters are annoying and the story feels too dark for me. (And i watch Dark shonen animes like csm/jjk)
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Disappointing
I came into this drama with high expectations. I was seeing it being hyped everywhere, especially that one scissors scene, and thought that I should try it. There were a couple of suspenseful scenes at the beginning of the drama, but the rest was just boring. It was so slow paced with too much talking and not much doing. I didn't like the fact that they didn't get into much detail about the actual revenge, it was more about the characters' adulthood and the relationship between them, which isn't what I came here for. And after having to force myself to keep watching, we didn't even get a proper end. I'm really skeptical about watching the second season now.Was this review helpful to you?
The story may seem slow at first, but when Moon Dong Eun starts her revenge plan, it gets exciting.
Moon Dong Eun is strong, smart, confident. She worked hard to reach her goal.
The shock face of Park Yeon Jin after seeing Moon Dong Eun after so many years with full of confidence. Hated that homeschool teacher who only supports rich kids.
I was so satisfied when Moon Dong Eun pulled off Lee Sa Ra's hair.
It’s funny as well as cute how Joo Yeo Jung shouted after seeing Moon Dong Eun message and kept on guessing weird stuff like marriage, divorce, & remarriage.
Loved Kang Hyun Nam; she is clever and knows how to use her cards. She is a victim of domestic violence but not a timid person. I loved how she cares for Moon Dong Eun & helps her in every step.
Loved how Joo Yeo Jung accepted Moon Dong Eun injuries & didn't pity or feel disgusted with them instead joined her in her plan.
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Overhyped and Underwhelming
Episode 1 of The Glory actually had me interested and I thought this could be a really good thriller. But the rest of the show is such a disappointment. I quit after episode 5 because it’s painfully boring and completely wastes the potential it set up in the first episode. It drags so much that it’s hard to stay invested, and the story never delivers on the thriller promise.The characters aren’t compelling, the pacing is all over the place, and instead of tension or excitement, you get endless slow scenes that add nothing to the story. Honestly, I felt like I was just staring at the screen, waiting for something to happen that never did.
Everyone seems to love this show, but I don’t. I found it overhyped, underwhelming, and frustrating. If you were expecting suspense or a gripping story, this is not it. Save yourself the time and skip this one. There are plenty of K-dramas that actually know how to keep you on the edge of your seat.
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This review may contain spoilers
House of cards
The Glory is definitely on the next level with the storytelling and character development. Although it recycles the old combination of bullying and revenge tropes, it is not your average revenge drama. It's dark, gripping, and with no promise of a happy ending.Part 1 sets the stage for Moon Dong Eun's revenge. It weaves between the past and the present painting a complex picture of each individual character and uncovering a history of violent bullying. It also shows the source of the heroine's determination. Being a victim built up her character and gave her a purpose. She is no longer a downtrodden victim of violence, but someone who uses that victimhood to eventually push back against her abusers.
The story is a psychological game of chess. Dongeun concocts a careful plan to bring down her childhood tormentors' house of cards and illusions of a happy, carefree life. She uses their weaknesses, arrogance, mistakes against them. But, although revenge is her main objective, Dongeun is not someone who blindly aims to destroy her abusers. She carefully applies pressure on their weak points to reveal their true selves to the world, so they can be judged either in the court of public opinion or being held criminally responsible for past wrongdoings.
The story also draws parallels between individual characters. Dongeun matures from a meek and obscure teenager to an intelligent and calculating woman. She is level-headed, manipulative, and carefully plans ahead. But, the bullies did not change in the slightest. They are still the same bored, rabid, shallow clique of sociopaths and drug addicts who preyed on the weak in high school. And, this lack of maturity and extremely predictable behavior will contribute to their eventual downfall.
My favorite thing about this drama is Dongeun and Joo Yeo Jung's relationship. Yeojung first comes off as a care-free young doctor from a privileged family who does not know struggle. Dongeun even comments about him talking in platitudes without knowing life. In reality, Yeojung is just as broken as her because of past family tragedy. And this trauma is what develops their relationship and brings them close making Yeojung her ally and "executioner".
This is only part 1, but it is already one of my favorites. I am exited to see where the story goes in part 2.
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Lots of Torture, Then the Revenge
This should be taken as one season of 16 episodes. The break is artificial and you should plan for the whole 16 to get the whole story.It took me a year to get through those first two episodes because of the intense torture of the main character victim. What follows is an elaborate vigilante revenge plot executed on the clique that inflicted that torture so easily.
I had no problem with for example the Judge From Hell, which was an enjoyable experience watching the bad guys get their just consequences. However, this one was so difficult. Perhaps the hard scenes were necessary to justify the slow burn building towards the punishment of an adult group, all well established in their lives, thinking that the crimes they had committed on the main character, and others, were forgotten and that they had escaped.
The character that unexpectedly stood out for me was the husband (Jung Sung Il playing Ha Do Young) of the main villain (Park Yeon Jin). Of everyone he proved himself the noblest of the lot.
The single most impressive performance was that of Im Ji Yeon playing the main villain Park Yeon Jin. I'm not saying you'll be rooting for her at any time, but the actress expresses the internal struggles of the character masterfully as she slowly feels the trap close about her step by step until it shuts with a finality at end. As each step is revealed we can read its impact on her face and her actions.
This one sets a high quality bar for future vigilante revenge stories.
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