What Watching a Novel Come Alive on Screen Looks Like
This is definitely not a beginner's watch. If you are expecting the typical K-drama feel, with cute characters and hearts and flowers and a generally good vibe, this is NOT IT. It markets itself as a horror genre, but I don't think that horror is the correct word to describe what was going on in this drama. The writing is *chef's kiss*, disjointed, surreal, no narrator is reliable, yet every narrator has a compelling story to tell, it felt like watching a novel come to life on screen.The aesthetic that the director used to narrate the story was very grim and dark; the atmosphere in the first couple of episodes of the drama is sure to scare the weak-hearted watcher. But it is a story that requires patience and time to sit through, so that you don't abandon it in the first couple of episodes, but watch it till the end to see how each character meets their resolution.
If you are a fan of writing, then this is a series for you. It's a masterclass in how to weave multiple narratives into a coherent plot. If at all, there needs to be a tiff with the series, it is that its OST is nothing remarkable. But that is again a writer's/director's choice; it uses silence to signify death, loneliness, grief, horror, tension, everything that the series deals with.
The only advice to anyone watching this is DON'T GIVE UP IN THE MIDDLE, watch till the end. Overall, a solid 9.5 on 10 (deducted 0.5 because ep 7 got a bit boring).
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A story in 2 part that just delivers until the end .
The first 4 episodes almost made me believe that it wasn't a gem.... During those, we don't understand much and we are in a strange atmosphere which keeps us within it without convincing us either . The breaking point is the end of episode 4 where we are shown the different characters in the hospital. The following 4 episodes are just magnificent, showing us all types of relationships and developments, each more poignant than the last. Tears come repeatedly throughout this journey on the thin edge between life and death. All the characters have their importance, play their role perfectly and are carried by very good actors.Was this review helpful to you?
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A perfect healing drama
I know what you're thinking; Light Shop, a healing drama?But hear me out, I have my reasons:
For someone like me who hadn't even read the synopsis and had no idea what the premise of the drama was it was a very confusing ride at the beginning. when you begin the drama you feel completely lost and yet you can't look away, every scene to me was super gripping, and it kept me wanting more, the emotions and the arcs that each character went through although were quite sad, at the same time it had a healing effect on my psyche, don't know how else to explain it🥺it had the same kind of vibe as "Move To Heaven" for me, just like MTH crying with the characters helped me unburden myself too😭 so chances are if you like MTH you'll like Light Shop too😜
What the drama did so well:
1. The acting by each actor/actress was in one word: "perfection" they played their characters like their life depended on it(literally🤣)
2. the background music was top-notch too and managed to set the mood for each scene perfectly.
3.they did a fantastic job portraying how each human being is different and might make a different decision, or how each ghost differs from one another, like how Seon Hae decided to stay, that was such a touching moment.
4. the fact that they didn't keep the identity of the other world vague or open to interpretation was fantastic too, a lot of dramas do the vague and never mentioned outright tactic which I hate.
5. the fact that they didn't make excuses for the bus driver in the afterlife was a nice touch too, they outright said that he was at fault and left it at that, so many dramas try to absolve individuals that are at fault by making a montage of their life with a happy music and attempt to force us to like said character.
6. loved that Won Yeong finally met his daughter and now has her and even a dog as companions now.
7.the different aspects of Delirium after ICU was a brilliant touch too, again emphasizing how each human is different from one another.
Stuff I didn't enjoy in the drama:
1. Nothing, it was perfection
PS: my girl Ji Yeong deserved someone so much better than Hyeon Min, and I was really hoping Hyeon Min's mom to be prosecuted for murder, but that was more wishful thinking on my part, cuz I knew they would never go there.
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A Show That Is Not All It Seems - And It’s Very Good
The Light Shop is a magical tale that the Koreans do well. In some ways it is reminiscent of that very good kdrama remake Life on Mars. The use of a bus in this show also draws out some parallels with the fabulous CDrama: Reset. Not is all that it seems, little hints are dropped along the way of what show might be about and we are exposed to characters that the actors truly relish.As such, The Light Shop is very much a story in two halves. The first is mysterious with elements of horror. We are introduced to all the characters, and in a way that we want to know more about them. The second half provides an in depth breakdown regarding the role of each character. Questions raised in the first half, culminate in an explanation during episode 7 regarding the light shop that makes perfect sense.
Many of the social issues and tragedies raised in kdramas are in this drama too. This show deals with them in a way that is very different and at the same time, engaging. and perhaps a little bit less sad due to how the issues are resolved. Show concludes in a way that provides little surprises here and there - they are delightful. If possible, binge this show - I think it’s worth it.
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Best supernatural series with great acting and unique concept
It masterfully blends mystery, emotion, and stunning visuals, the series delves into the lives of interconnected characters, blurring the lines between life and death, good and evil.**Plot & Concept:**
The story unfolds slowly, revealing the secrets of its characters as story progresses . By the middle, you’re questioning everything—who’s alive, who’s dead, who’s truly good or bad. The plot is intricately woven, with each character’s story tying into the next, leading to a jaw-dropping finale.
**Characters & Depth:**
The ensemble cast is phenomenal, each character layered and compelling. Their intertwined fates are revealed with precision, making every twist feel earned. The shop owner, in particular, is a standout, his mysterious past adding depth to the narrative.
**Cinematography & Atmosphere:**
Visually, *Light Shop* is breathtaking. The play of light and shadow, the warm glow of lanterns, and the cold realism of the outside world create a hauntingly beautiful contrast. Every frame feels intentional, adding to the emotional weight of the story.
**Final Thoughts:**
*Light Shop* is a masterpiece of storytelling and cinematography. Its slow-burn plot, complex characters, and stunning visuals make it a must-watch. By the end, you’ll be left in awe of its brilliance.
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Biggest plot twist for me
Biggest plot twist for me is the connection to the Series "Moving" at the end. OMG i screemed. After crying buckets i was so happy at this twist. Loved the Moving so damn much!!!! Just...WOW. The finger snapping guy was also mentioned in the Moving series but faceless. He will probably get his own story next now that his face is revealed.Was this review helpful to you?
Great Suspense Building, Eerie, Sobering
My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.I went into this drama completely blind, which I would suggest to do it that way. I'll try not to say too much in this review. Also, be in the mood to watch a drama that builds suspense gradually. If you're in a rush, you may find it slow. I didn't find it slow at all. I think this drama builds suspense very well. I was also completely unaware of the world behind this drama (I had no idea it was connected to another drama) and that seems to have affected my opinion of this drama.
Acting/Cast: The cast is what attracted me to this drama. Good cast with good acting. I don't think anyone in particular really stood out to me through their acting alone though. There are many different characters in this drama, so the scenes between each character don't last very long before switching to the next. There are certain storylines, however, that stand out. 8/10
Writing: I was able to figure out very early on what was going on. It's not much of a mystery. I'd say that this drama is mostly psychological, which is good because that's my favorite Korean drama genre. I like the writing style of this drama a lot - how they give us little pieces at a time throughout the drama to put together ourselves. The way it's done makes this drama extremely emotionally heavy, with it becoming more and more distressing as the drama goes. This is not a happy drama by any means, but there are times of hopefulness. The best way I can describe this story is that it's psychologically realistic. It doesn't sugarcoat anything, but it also isn't overly dramatic. The story does start to get confusing towards the end. This may be because I have no prior knowledge of the webtoon universe this story comes from. There's a cameo at the end, which caused me to realize this drama is part of something bigger. I don't feel like I can fully appreciate the story now. 7.5/10
Direction/SFX/Music: This drama is very well-produced. They did great in creating a very eerie, somber, and a sort of nightmarish atmosphere through the lighting, SFX, and music. There is a point where the drama switches to black and white. I'm not sure why. I wasn't a fan of it though. 8/10
Entertainment Value: This drama changes genres a bit through its course. I don't know if that helped it or hurt it. However, for me, I think I would have preferred it to keep more of its initial vibe throughout the entire drama. I'd imagine it would have made a greater impact emotionally and it would be interesting to see how the writers intermingle the two opposing ideas (horror and despair vs love and hope), but then again...maybe it would have resembled Sweet Home too much. In any case, this drama held my attention through to the end. Eight episodes is a perfect length for this story. It didn't feel rushed. It didn't drag. This drama is emotionally heavy and, for me, it was that way from the beginning. I was confused toward the end though, not knowing what was "real world" and what wasn't and not understanding the world that this story is apart of. 7/10
Overall, I gave this drama a 7.5/10. I liked it much more than Moving (which I had rated a 6). It doesn't feel dragged out like Moving does. I like the thought-provoking nature of the story. It does a good job at straddling the fence between hope and despair.
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Cinematography is unlike any kdrama I've yet seen
Watched EP 1-3 so far. The cinematography immediately has me thinking of Stanley Kubrick films (e.g. 2001 A Space Oddity/The Shining/Eyes Wide Shut). It's mesmerizing. Pacing, perspectives, and soundscapes are distinct, too. Urged to binge, but have had to sit and absorb what I've watched for at least a full day between the three episodes I've watched so far.Story-wise, still completely clueless on the overall narrative thread, but fascinated. Reminds me of a Stephen King short story.
But so far, more compelled by the artistry of the filming than anything else.
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Confusing but artistically so
I completely get the reviews saying its confusing or those questioning the plot but im not going to lie this drama feels like it was made with a focus on the cinematography rather than the plot which i actually enjoyed sooo much like it was so beautifully filmed.Dont get me wrong, i was confused for most of it and theres still several questions unanswered but it was so beautifully filmed i was confused but simultaneously satisfied.
The colour choices, the lighting (of course), the camera angles, the transitions, that episode where the characters perspectives were in black and white except for certain objects, honestly honestly *chefs kiss*
I saw reviews criticising the lack of depth in terms of acting but again i feel like it was more of an artisitc choice rather than a deficit in the writing, and they all done amazing regardless imo !
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SORRY FOR THE ONES WHO DROPPED
i started this show out of nowhere without any expectations tbh.First of all the story was really good idk why others say otherwise but man it was good the cast was well picked the acting was everything they made me cry nonstop the emotions were delivered to viewers nicely binged watched all the eps in one breath the ending left me excited and confused af like the go young jung cameo??!! ig s2 will be connected to moving??? idk moving was a top tier drama and if it got connected with this honestly idk what will happen but i will look forward to it gladly idk why some dropped this drama tbh i would recommend them giving another chance to this drama thoWas this review helpful to you?
2You have to find your light , No matter what !
Every once in a while you come across a show where you have no idea what is going on but you hang in there curious enough ...and oh man ...a lot of disappointments but once in a while you end up in "absolute awe of what you saw" and that my friends brings us to light shop !!Light shop is not just an everyday drama about what happens in the afterlife ...yeah well no one knows but if a speculation as believable as this is put across I wonder do we actually not know ?
okay so I have no idea how am I to convince you for watching a show without giving away about it (I think that's why all the synopsis about the show are just so fucked up) ...and can't you all take my word for it ...COME ON GO WATCH IT ...PLEASE ...!!!
if that didn't work, then you are just being mean ...but let me try again -
Light shop is a show about the dead but also about the living ...it is a show that promises hope ...a light, in the darkness that surrounds ...it gives you a way to believe that you can make it ..that in fact ,if you " will" ...you will make it ! But it's not your happy go lucky show ...and tragedies aren't just one sided ..they mostly do never have "a happy end" so what do we get then ...
what remains is -- the infinite hope ! Hope of the living ...hope of the dead !
Enough of the poetic expression of my love for the show ....
Light shop is the brightest shop in the dark alleyway that is somehow (ask geometry) situated near everyone's home ...you pass by it a lot of times but only if you "will" you shall find your light here...managed by a suspicious enigmatic man this shop is your one stop solution for lighting ....and oh the aesthetics. While the dead look for their own stuff and the living look for their own this shop is not just lights ...it's stories ....stories that are heart wrenching and stories that promise hope ...stories that are lot more than just stories ....
Here you sign up for a tightly packed mystery driven narrative with a horror backdrop garnished with tragedy and chills, you are in for the emotions it promises.
While initial eps might seem a bit difficult to follow if you let curiosity take the better of you ...be prepared with tissues for the finale !
There are a lot of them that will not seem connected initially and you may not be initially interested in any, but give it time ...as the layers unfold you will reach at a point where even if you were not paying a lot of attention you will be able to connect the dots. It will be easy enough to figure out and while you come up with your own conclusions you will deduce that a lot of them were there served to you right from the beginning.
what made me the most interested was the realization that 72 hours ...the 3 day Korean funeral which I think everyone follows in different forms actually relates to the 72 hours post operative care, 72 hours the golden period of making it through (i hope the lil fact check that I did ...had me with the correct facts) ....This show brings this forth so beautifully.
The depth in the narrative where every detail is paid attention to (another example like ...you have to find your light on your own)...all the answers are handed out by the end very subtly ....you still crave for more ...in a way that you didn't know ....this is a must watch !!
....so when are you visiting the ....the light shop !?
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