This review may contain spoilers
3 ☆ ── first disappointing korean thriller.
i think it tried to be something deep but couldn’t? maybe i couldn’t see the vision. i HATED the psychopath and since her backstory isn’t well-developed i couldn't even understand her psyche. she is just evil, no excuses. we don’t know whether she was actually abused, we don’t know why she is so bent on trying to grab other peoples' properties. the only explanation can be that she is a silver spoon princess and wanted to carve a niche for herself for which she had no talent. i didn’t like yeongha much either. my fav character will be ui-seon, girl acted well and did all she could. the cinematography and the set are really pretty and the production is cool. i think it’s the visual aspect where the series gains points because the story/stories are weak. chanyeol’s acting wasn’t impressive but it was okayish. all in all, slightly disappointed as a korean thriller watcher.Was this review helpful to you?
If a Kdrama is a Netflix suggestion, and has polarizing reviews on MDL, do you click play...
I started watching "The Frog" without knowing anything about it, not even the genre. I finished watching it not sure how much I liked it or not. It certainly turned out to be an interesting ride. Sometimes thought-provoking, sometimes ridiculously frustrating, but the suspense kept me watching the entire time. This thriller/mystery follows two separate yet related not quite linear stories that explore awful luck, questionable choices, and unapologetic evil. The two male leads each run remote vacation rentals and both learn the dangers of hosting the wrong guest.What kept me engaged more than the story were the characters. Yes, I wanted to know what was happening and why but I was more interested in why the characters reacted the way they did. Many of the characters had me yelling at my screen over how they could do what they did or how they didn't do what I thought they should do. The fact that many of the characters are morally gray left me unable to guess what would happen next. Even characters I empathized with would often make decisions that I would consider to be problematic, but I think this show explores the idea that poor choices made as a response to horrible circumstances beyond your control don't make you less of a victim. Each episode starts with the famous "If a Tree falls and no one is there to hear it does it make a sound" question while simultaneously making us question if characters who choose to look the other way and not get involved when they suspect something is wrong are also guilty or complicit.
The characters being so essential to this story means the performances are crucial and every cast member delivers. Kim Yoon Seok as the passive protagonist Jeon Yeong Ha is perfectly cast. He is the epitome of plausible deniability. He is both easy to empathize with and irritating for that reason as we watch him slowly and reluctantly get pushed into action by escalating events. Yoon Kye Sang as Koo Sang Jun acts as a mirror to Yoon Seok and in my opinion, is the most heartbreaking character as we watch his positive and helpful nature become broken. He is the quintessential nice guy, which is said ominously by another character, and that mentality can't spare him from despair. Lee Jung Eun and Ha Yoon Kyung as cold and observant Yun Bo Min in many ways is the glue that connects these two main characters but I found her to be the least interesting character. I don't fault the actors for this, who I think did a decent job, I just think with so many interesting characters her storyline often slowed down the pace without adding much more to the suspense until the later episodes. There was an opportunity to make a very memorable detective character which I think was missed by choosing to make her blank-faced and seemingly detached.
The rest of the cast is great, and even some minor characters were surprisingly hard to read or to predict their actions. The cast's grounded performances helped as the story became more and more extreme and borderline unrealistic. Speaking of extreme, the clear breakout performance in this drama is Go Min Si as Yoo Seong A. It was so much fun to watch how unhinged she could get, to wonder if she was really that evil or misunderstood, and to watch how far her performance could go. I hope it's not too much of a spoiler to say that if you love an antagonist you can openly hate - she over-delivers! She seemed to be in her element as a manipulative and irrational villain. The crazier she got the more I was entertained. Her performance reminded me a bit of Christian Bale in American Psycho. She is without a doubt the biggest highlight in this drama for me. She deserves some extra praise for her performance.
Would I watch it again? Definitely. Even though the story was initially confusing to follow and dragged in some places I was always intrigued, even rewinding when I thought I missed something important. A 2nd viewing without that confusion, and understanding the characters better, would be fun to watch with a revised perspective. I could spend less time focussing on guessing what will happen and instead enjoy watching the dynamics of the characters. Plus the cinematography and soundtrack are great too. The use of the popular Bobby Blue Bland song "Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City" in a sinister way was geniusly done, like one would expect from a Jordan Peele movie. Some people may think this drama relies too much on atmosphere and too little on story, but it made even the locations feel like an important character. I have no complaints about the director's choices, and was often impressed by how certain highlighted images set the tone, or how they leaned into the overall theme of not trusting everything you see.
Overall, this is an ambitious 8 episode drama that has a lingering quality I really appreciate. It was easy to binge and kept me too curious to be bored. I don't think it was overly philosophical or deep but it did leave me still thinking about the various characters long after it was all over. The ending was decent, not necessarily predictable or wildly original but tied up the story neatly. I was not profoundly moved, even during the saddest scenes, but I was disturbed in an oddly fun way throughout. I'm not surprised that the reviews so far are on the extreme ends of low or high ratings. It has a polarizing style that won't appeal to everyone, even if you're a fan of the genre or the actors. I can't say it's a favorite of mine, but I think watching it without expectations made me appreciate the journey this drama took me on.
Maybe it also helps that remote woodsy areas are automatically creepy to me, and I won't be planning a vacation in a rural area any time soon, even if there's a nice view! o.O
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EXCELENTE DRAMA
Realmente desde que vi el trailer sabía que estaría bueno el drama pero quede super sorprendida desde el primer episodio y como se fueron desencadenando los eventos y los desenlaces, fue demasiado atrapante todo, me lo vi en un día porque te deja esa sensación de seguir viendo más y más sin parar hasta el final.Los actores fueron perfectos en sus roles sobre todo Chanyeol y Minsi que interpretaron a sus personajes excelente
Cada música de fondo fue perfecta en cada escena y el suspenso es muy bueno 10/10.
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This review may contain spoilers
oscura
empecé a verla sin haber leído la sinopsis, pensé que iba a ser un thriller más pero sobrepasó mis expectativas por completo.cualquier persona que la vea va a coincidir en que el cast es increíble pero minsi se destacó con una habilidad maravillosa para ser la psicópata perfecta. también quiero decir que chanyeol evolucionó mucho en su actuación y lo demostró con giho.
si te gustó extracurricular, the frog es para vos.
***el primer episodio va de la mano con un infanticidio, así que si es un tema que las sensibiliza les recomendaría que no la vean.
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What would you do in extreme circumstances?!
This captivating thriller boasts stunning cinematography and vibrant colors. The first few episodes are a bit slow and confusing, but after that, everything becomes clear, and you will be hooked.The first storyline reveals the profound impact of bullying on victims and the consequences for bystanders' inaction, who often suffer the most. The second storyline explores how people choose to look the other way to protect themselves without considering the consequences and are consumed by guilt. But what would you do in extreme circumstances? I really like the message in this drama. Also, I like the two timelines that intertwine with each other as both males end up in similar situations because of their actions.
The acting is amazing, and Min Si slayed the role! I found the ending very satisfying. I am glad they did not end it as a cliffhanger, as they like to do these days.
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Interesting plot(s) but the actresses stole the show!
Another one of those mystery/thriller k-dramas to binge, kind of like A Killer Paradox. Ordinary gets involved with crime and has to dodge the consequences somehow. In that sense, maybe this drama could be boring or generic. The vacation home setting was a fun concept. I liked the multiple perspectives. Though it was confusing for almost the majority of the 8 episodes, I'd say the payoff for when things start making sense was pretty satisfying. The wrap up wasn't my favorite but it didn't offend me.But the 3 significant females roles were so captivating, definitely the best parts were when they were on screen front and center, so for that I'd recommend watching it. You'll be so impressed with the level of energy and control they put into their characters. Additionally, I loved that they were capable and active characters with significance rather than plot devices. I'll praise them again and say that they were the most memorable aspect for me to take away from the series, because other than that the drama could feel tedious or repetitive given the plot(s). Maybe it just wasn't my thing though, I wasn't into A Killer Paradox or The Glory or Little Women so much for the plot either. And I'd say The Frog reminds me of those series.
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When the frog gets pissed!
A slow burn mystery in the first half and a thrilling train wreck in the second half.✅Brilliant direction BUT it's mandatory to not know anything about the plot to fully appreciate this type of storytelling and for the twist to work. (Obvioulsy MDL's synopsis is not helping in this regard. (DON'T READ THE SYNOPSIS and TAGS)
✅The overall vibe: anxiety, suspense, thrilling;
✅Acting: the cat/mouse game between Kim Yoon Seok and Go Min Si is totally nuts. She is in full psycho killer mode on.
✅Cinematography
✅OST
❌The plot works only cause characters, mainly the ML, act alone. If in the first part he has a reason to do so, reason that is also the big moral of the whole show, in the second part the script requires a "guilty pleasure" mind to not call out all the shitty moves he makes.
Overall my initial "what the hell am watching" vibe turned into a great thrilling ride. I had a lot of fun watching this.
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VISUAL AMBITION AND A DISJOINTED SCRIPT: WHEN BEAUTY CAN'T SAVE THE CHAOS.
The ambiguity of this drama reflects a production that feels as though the writers weren't in sync. While the past is carefully crafted with well-written dialogues and stellar performances, the present stumbles in quality, offering a script that borders on mediocre and a storyline so absurd that even the most imaginative mind would struggle to accept it.
Nonetheless, the high level of investment is evident, with the beautiful cinematography standing out as one of the drama’s most redeeming qualities, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
As for the performances, they truly shine. Go MinSi delivers an outstanding, award-worthy performance, and Park Chan Yeol complements the cast with his precise and solid acting. Together, they manage to elevate the overall production, even amid the script's inconsistencies.
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An intriguing and intense drama ?
Rayorgold 24 minutes agoI’m soooooooo very in love with this, that mf psycho girl is soooooooooo gooood, the murders were so intriguing and intense at the same time,don’t even hesitate to watch if you are fan of thriller and psychopath stories it’s a 100/10 for me It’s been long I concentrated on a drama and did not want it to end, still eased viewers by cracking little jokes, with the intense mysterious sounds, plus lots of jump scares ,All the actors were exceptional, I felt their intense look and interactions and Gi Ho tattoo on his arm at the end,is looking so cute,the ending was satisfying also.
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Best actress award, Go Min Si?
The story can be a little confusing but once I understood, it was mind blowing. 10/10The acting, Go Min Si is just WOW! 10/10
I've already watched a couple episodes again because it was that good. Only thing I'd change would've been the ending. I would've preferred it having an open ending.
I highly recommend if you enjoy thriller or noir type movies/shows.
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Gripping Plot and acting
The Frog is a touching and thoughtful series that offers a deep dive into the complexities of familial bonds and personal growth. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate character-driven stories with emotional depth. The series is a reminder that understanding and reconciliation often require stepping out of one’s own limited viewpoint to see the bigger picture, much like a frog emerging from its well.Overall, The Frog is a beautifully crafted drama that resonates with universal themes of family and redemption, making it a worthy addition to the world of Korean television dramas.
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"The Frog" or "In the Woods with No One"
"In the Woods with No One," literally translated from the Korean title "아무도 없는 숲속에서", could have been an English title for "The Frog." However, they chose "The Frog" instead, likely because it refers to an old Korean proverb: "A frog dies from a stone thrown inadvertently," meaning that people's actions can have unintended negative consequences for others. "In the Woods with No One," on the other hand, refers to a famous philosophical paradox about perception and reality: "If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? Or does silence prevail?", which is a recurring theme in the drama."The Frog" is a gripping psychological thriller where tension and mystery prevail from start to finish. The series skillfully alternates between two time periods: the past and the present. In the 2000s, Koo Sang-Jun and his partner run a motel in the forest, which turns into a nightmare when a serial killer staying at their motel commits a murder. In the present, Jeon Yeong-Ha, the owner of a guesthouse, faces upheaval when a young woman staying there commits a murder before leaving. Parallels between the past and present quickly become apparent. Are these stories doomed to repeat themselves, or will the outcome be different this time?
This drama invites viewers to reflect on reality, perception, and the consequences of their actions. I particularly appreciated this introspective aspect, which challenges us to consider the complexity of human consciousness. Our choices, even those that seem minor, can have unexpected repercussions. For example, inviting someone to your motel for a bit of extra cash or covering up evidence of a crime might appear insignificant, but the consequences can resurface later. The heavy, immersive atmosphere —like a marshland surrounded by frogs— deepens this reflection. Plus, the acting is simply outstanding.
However, one issue I encountered was with the transitions between the past and the present. These shifts can sometimes feel abrupt and confusing, lacking clear connections, which can disrupt the viewing experience. Episode 6 in particular, while marking an important event in the narrative, completely threw me off.
In conclusion, "The Frog" is an excellent thriller that deserves to be watched for its profound reflections, captivating atmosphere, and impressive performances.
Thank you for reading :)
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