2
2
Feel Good Drama - Musical Hit - Visually Beautiful
I end up loving the second couple more than the main couple, and I got an open ending. :) This is my opinion: the 2nd couple's story is more powerful & deeper than the main leads. Even the main lead couple got father & brother sentiments in their love track, but the 2nd couple story provides a poignant counterbalance to the main romantic plot. Their story highlights the complexities of long-term relationships, personal sacrifices, and challenges of pursuing individual dreams while being in a relationship.This The subplot of their story enriches the drama's exploration of love & personal growth. Lee Jun Young & Jeon So Nee give life to their lead roles, especially since this couple's acting & story in the last few episodes was an emotionally well-crafted story. Great acting from Park Bo Young & Choi Woo Shik.
Cinematography & Visuals & Art—10/10
OST—SOUNDTRACK—10/10
Every track is pure melody 🎧 in the daily listening category.
Some disappointments.
No big scope for brother sentiment, and yet I loved every moment of the brother story; ep 7 was great, and it had a good emotional touch. But that's not strong enough for Jun's role to be written off. Need a standalone episode between them, not 10 to 20 minutes of screen time, to portray a strong emotional touch. To be honest, Jun's role doesn't have many lines except for a 20+ minute standalone screen time of his backstory. But Kim Jae Wook's acting is great even with a less dialogue role.The main couple's story in the last 2 eps feels like nothing, just going with the flow.
Feel Good Drama :) no boring only butterflies
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a hidden friendship becomes something more as they both deepen their relationship
Short Synopsis :-“One String Night” is a drama about the romance between two ordinary people. It tells the story of librarian Lee Jung In (Han Ji Min) who values the life she wants, and pharmacist Yoo Ji Ho( Jung Hae In) who is warm and sweet but has a fiercely competitive side. In the drama, Lee Jung In has mixed feelings about the idea of marrying her long-time boyfriend Kwon Gi Seok (Kim Jun Han), and is faced with further dilemma when she befriends Yoo Ji Ho, a single father who is direct with his emotions.
Review point :- The show is the slowest of slow burns, but that’s what makes it so wonderful.
One spring night begins with two adult protagonists running into each other and feeling strange attraction towards each other. The first few episodes are interesting, with "hidden tension" between the main characters. This romantic Korean drama then explores to a very real and mature subject: single parents and the possibility to start over again their life also this drama is not a regular love story; the characters encounter life challenges that every one of us can faces. It featured without antagonists, depending on their personality the characters can change into antagonists ( Kwon Gi Seok We see both of them struggle with Jeong-in's ex-boyfriend, who is an entitled jerk who doesn't want to leave them alone, not because he loves Jeong-in, but because he refuses to accept the reality that she is better off with someone else. and his father). This drama highlights the crucial nature of love, timing in relationships and emotions, and how, even as adults, you can't always predict how situations turn out at anytime.
PERFECT DIRECTION, PERFECT WRITTING, PERFECT SOUNDTRACK ,PERFECT VISUALS.
The show's director, Ahn Pan Seok, did not include any other elements. The pace of the drama is slow, however, it shows Jeong In's enthusiasm and Ji Ho's helplessness as his love for her grows.
This drama had some excellent writing; Kim Eun did an excellent job developing the storylines of the characters in today's society. The music in this show is fantastic and perfectly compliments the scenes it’s used in, Rachel Yamagata refreshed my OST playlist.
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Amazing Youthful Entertainer - Clean Hit of 2024
I'm a big fan of time travel dramas; I watch time travel dramas most of the time." But after watching Some Day Or One Day," the time-travel rom-com caught me on the spot to explore these dramas. But I don't get enough dramas to freeze in those cute rom-coms, except for last year's "Twinkling Watermelon.". So I waited for this drama to breakout from the time-travel slump, as well as for the cast of Kim Hye Yoo, Byeon Woo Seok, and the trend of webtoon adaptations.I watched all the episodes at once (I did not watch them when they were airing because I had exams), so I think I'm late to the party. The start is as good as I expected. The time travel aspect watch is another new element joined in the time travel mission. The synopsis tells the entire plot of the drama, so now it's up to the makers how they will keep the audience engaged with the plot, but it makes the drama watchable, like, Let's see how she will save him. Every episode is purely made as a youthful entertainer, especially the chemistry of the main leads, Kim Hye Yoon and Byeon Woo Seok, which makes the drama even more beautiful. The scene settings are impressive, and the use of the element "If the time traveler talks about the future or about the time travel, then the time will stop and no one in the past could hear anything from the time traveler '' made the plot engaging, but it will disappear suddenly from the drama. No love triangle; it has one but is not a complete one. The construction of a drama without a love triangle in a teenage love story is really something that we could appreciate from the from the director and writer because they focused on one story progression rather than love triangle points. With that unnecessary love triangle, sometimes the story progression is ruined. Emotional character development is pretty good. Kim Hye Yoon from funny lovable to emotional caring. Byeon Woo Seok a student with dreams to protective lovable. Song Geon Hee is a free-bird student and an understanding friend. The comedy plot is really a good entertainment aspect, and the execution of the comedy is also reasonable according to the story; there are no unnecessary side tracks, especially the comedy scenes of Kim Won Hae, Jung Young Joo, Seo Hye Won, and Song Ji, which will make the drama more enjoyable.
My only disappointment :-
This is not a thriller—time-travel—but they attempted a plot twist in the thriller zone by using a mysterious man (a killer), but the execution of that point is weak for me. If they try to give it some valuable scope and make it interesting, then the output is even better than this. Put the villain character only in boundary to show his face and drive a van or car. The director and writer got the friendship element to create a friendly environment around the male lead, but the protection point of the main lead was overshadowed. I agree; drama had the friendship moments between the main lead and his friends, but that's not enough for me. Even though it was a short time, it was good (male-led friendship).
ACTORS :-
One of the biggest elements of this drama's success is the chemistry between the main leads and the short girl tall guy troop. It was a classic troop in Kdrama Land, and we are missing it. So in the correct time this drama dropped their weapon, short girl tall guy love, it quickly gained the attention of every kdrama lover (also plot). Their acting is simply charismatic. Kim Hye Yoon I've been watching her dramas since "Extraordinary You," and she explored different genres, from dark to lovable, in every character she did an extraordinary performance. And in this drama, she really made me cry and laugh again, but this time more. She gave life to the Im Sol character; her superb emotional acting and ability to make you cry in funny scenes also contributed to her character development. The first half is totally funny, and the second totally emotional—multit character portrayal in a single-layer character—which is what made her one of the best actors in the upcoming generation.
Byeon Woo Seok, although this is my first main work of him, did great as Ryu Seon Jae. He caught me on the spot with his acting and I am now going to check out all his works (movies and dramas). And the supporting characters of Seo Hye Won, veteran actor Kim Won Hae, Jung Young Joo, Song Ji Ho, and Song Geon Hee gave complete decent acting performances in their respective character roles. They will make us laugh. Feel pain and emotion. What I found interesting is that, except for veteran actors Kim Won Hee, Jung Young Joo, and Seo Hye Won, no other supporting actors had a known face. Yet, this drama was a big success with them.
Writing - Direction - Screenplay - Sound Track Departments :-
Since it's an adaptation, the writer Lee Shi Eun's splendid script works very well. Attractive dialogues, lovely lines between the main leads, and hilarious conversations between supporting characters shine in every scene. Director Yoon Jung Ho, this is what made me excited because his previous masterpiece "Flower of Evil" is one of my favorite dramas, so I'm really excited to watch his other work, which is a Rom-com. He did pretty well his job as director. Every scene is stunningly beautiful, and no wonder I got thriller vibes with the killer plot in this drama. The scene settings are absolutely amazing, and his bold move for casting with limited big supporting actors and Byeon Woo Seok, Kim Hye Yoon is really appreciated. The screenplay in this typical drama is a really important aspect, to give the detailed drama structure from going in time backwards and forwards. There is not a lot of scope for the screenplay in this drama, but it is pretty good when it comes. One of the strongest pieces is the melodramatic sound track; it was amazing and fresh from the start to the end.
I would like to recommend this drama to every kdrama fan.
Note :- I’d like to notify that the following thoughts and words in my review are purely my own and not intended as criticism of any actor or drama.
Thank you - @Shinnosuke_Lee
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The Best psychological thriller i ever watched !!!
short synopsis:- The main protagonist, Yoon Jung Woo (Im Si-wan) lives with his mother and an elder brother who suffers from a mental illness. After failing to find employment that fit his needs, one day his collage senior offered him a job in Seoul. He agreed to the offer and moved to Seoul.After arriving in Seoul, he found a motel in a redeveloped area which suited his budget, despite the fact that he would have to share the kitchen and bathroom with other residents. He eventually discovers that the other residents are strange and suspicious, mainly the dentist Seo Moon Jo (Lee Dong-wook).The drama delivers a fantastic job of capturing the unpleasant and dark atmosphere of the small, filthy dorm with strange and frightening neighbors of a motel. The director and writer were successful in keeping the story moving at a steady pace while balancing the dark and horror elements.
Screenplay plays crucial to reveal plot twists in this drama and make to think the characters are illusional or real. And the characterizations perfectly designed like webtoon ( i haven't read )..
This drama acts like an eye opener to not ignore those who need help.
And the psychological manipulation does not just come from any one person or thing. It comes from people, their physical surroundings and the greater society.
Two main protagonists:-
Im Si Wan was excellent in his role given his career best performance and Lee Dong-wook, Compared to his previous roles, his character in this drama was entirely dii different. You'll witness a completely different side of Lee Dong Wook that highlights his versatility as an actor.
Finally:- Strangers from Hell gives the best psychological thriller experience with a superb cast, outstanding direction and Screenplay with a completely gripping story.
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A Slow Burn That's Worth Watching !
If anyone comes from the comments section to this review section, you find some of the watchers saying the story is confusing. Let me tell you one thing Sometimes it's not about fully understanding every detail of a story - it's about how it makes you feel. This drama falls under this category.The plot looks simple but the real thing lies in the execution, how to show & execute the story by avoiding confusion. I like the drama's main theme " If we are destined for each other then fate will bring us together, no magical things required".
We connect to the story' from Episode-01 with a typical school story and the storytelling narrates the story with two main leads Point of View so in early episodes we get some repeated scenes with slow pace and almost all main characters were introduced in the first half. Decent acting from both main leads. After completing 5 episodes the story turns into methodical investigation mode just like a detective procedural. And the writer perfectly blended Science & Belief themes in the story, when Lee Dong Jin starts his methodical investigation the tension between rational ( science) and unexplainable ( belief ) makes the story gripping and makes watchers curious about what happens next.
Positives
Park Jun Young & Roh Jeong Eui acting.
Story and Narration.
Musical Tracks & Soundtrack.
Drama's dark atmospheric sets & art.
Challenges between Science & Belief themes.
No Forced Romance Between Main leads.
Perfect Ending.
Some Weak Points
Slow pace, watchable with 1.5x speed.
9th ep twist & weak plot twist.
Some repeatable scenes.
2nd Couples story.
If you want to watch something interesting with a non romance genre, I recommend this drama.
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One Word - Rowoon saved this drama !
The drama starts off strong. The story is set in the 16th century backdrop, coming to the drama's story- the bandits are controlling the trade ports in the Joseon kingdom. Basically this might be the core story In the first three episodes it shows the bandits' hierarchy, the protagonist's partial backstory, and the other main characters' introductions. And there's a scene that is very short but impactful on the entire drama; that scene is not fictional—it really happened.Acting is appreciable; charming boy Rawoon's surprises with his makeover into a raw and rustic character, revealing a new side of his a new side of acting but we barely get to hear any character dialogues from him.
Despite limited screentime Shin Ye-Eun's leaves a strong impression as well as Park Ji Hwan.
Technically the production values are top-notch with the re-creation of 16th-century Joseon era atmosphere; the production design team succeeded in bringing the originality of the people in that Joseon era—their costumes, makeovers and location sets feel authentic. Good Cinematography.
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This one surprised me :)
While watching excessive rom-com dramas I want to watch fresh drama that only ( majority ) humour/laughing in this way i found Mad for each other. This my first drama of lead actors, but impressed by their natural performance.Quick Roundup on plot :-
He is a crazy police officer who can't control his anger.
Due to a particular case, his life changed and he started to have anger control disorder due to the aftereffects.
She had everything in the past but because of a tragic incident, she lost faith in people. She has closed the door to her heart and unintentionally causes anger around her. What happens if these two people encounter each other ?
Mad For Each Other is a short drama that presents the art of humour storytelling through characters, with small stories building into a main one. The story is an interesting and enjoyable start from two completely different personalities people encountered each other, the show begins on an exciting and humorous attention with the main characters meeting up and connecting to each other at the same time hating each other.
Yep, it looks like a simple story but dealing with the inner effects of human beings from their taruma with different persons perspectives and It represented modern issues such as diversity, mental health, drugs, and dating violence this drama impressed me.
By showing the simple story in front-side, the writer showed his/her remarkable writing with a well structured plot, Like the drama explores insightful realizations related to one's mental health and how the long-term impacts of trauma reflect itself. You must find someone that you can rely on, the first half of the show, it was mostly these two main leads hating each other but being forced to be around each other. Until slowly they begin to trust each other while unknowingly healing each other of their problems.
Simple soundtrack, nice Cinematography made every scene fresh to connect the drama and its characters. Well developed side characters and good characterizations. And excellent performance from two main leads.
Overall i enjoyed the drama but in some episodes I got bored, but with their humour and fresh plot keeps you watching the entire drama.
If you're looking for a mature humours rom drama then this one is for you :).
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When the Kdrama showed it's truly thriller side from Rom
It took almost 1 year to watch Flower of Evil from my watchlist because at that time I was still loving rom-com dramas. But after watching Flower of Evil I turned into a thriller lover..Flower of Evil is a drama that is mastered in every drama aspect ' gripping story, solid acting, stunning cinematography, excellent soundtrack ' ..
Quick Roundup on Plot:-
Baek Hee-sung is a man who hides his past and true identity from his wife Cha Ji-won, a dedicated police detective. Apparently, they are a perfect couple, they love each other and have a precious daughter who adores her parents. But when Cha Ji-won and her colleagues start investigating a case that leads them to a serial killer, she starts to realize that her almost-perfect husband might be hiding something.
Why this drama is a classic thriller !! Surprised many non-thriller lovers !!
Yes it's not easy to set the rom-melo and marriage element in the thriller Mystery genre also where our main protagonist looks like an anti-protagonist in first half drama, but the once move to second half we will know why the writer choose the rom-melo element t in thriller genre, because that element is plays crucial role to connect the story as well as the characters. The dynamic relationships between Protagonist with his wife, daughter, sister makes to create great impact on story progression, there are times when the main character is feared of losing his wife and daughter that what makes to create more sympathetic points towards the protagonist.
The side characters were also well developed, with solid storylines and enough involvement in the main story. Spot on was the family drama as well, with many sweet moments between father and daughter in addition to the warmth of the main couple.
Flower of Evil covers a lot of ground, from the formation of psychopaths to the exploration of someone’s identity to the perseverance of love in the face of uncertainty. This show has it all: suspense, melodrama, twists and turns, and romance.
Finally :-
The show is extraordinarily clean and refreshing. Something that can make you sad, happy, angry, worried, and curious all at the same time. It's an excellent drama that will keep you interested while explaining the inner workings of relationships, such as the way people develop as a result of being in them, the complexities of those relationships, and how they personally affect the people involved.
If you are looking for a perfect thriller and unforgettable experience of a drama then Flower of Evil is for you.
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The way to love anything is to realize that it may be lost.
Quick Roundup on plot -Choi Ban Do (Son Ho Jun) and Ma Jin Joo (Jang Nara) are at their wits end in their marriage as they decide to get a divorce. They got married straight out of university and found it difficult to maintain their feelings for each other after so many years of being married. Shortly after their divorce becomes official, the two travel back in time to when they first met in university. It’s a story that shows what happens after the “happily ever after” in a romance.
GO BACK COUPLE -
The show portrayed the difficulty of experiencing initial encounters, first loves, rejections, friendships, and dreams. Furthermore, a mother's and her daughter's affectionate bond is emphasized. It shows ' The crucial component for every happy relationship is required proper communication/relationship building so while you're at it, learn how to share/ exchange properly your feelings for your loved ones.
And although the plot was quite simple, its storytelling is so attractive, the writing was simply excellent and well executed that we can really feel like we were traveling with them. This 12-episode Korean drama holds a perfect pace. The writing and directing also achieved excellence in developing a drama that perfectly combined humor and meltdowns of emotion.
The main leads relationship's redevelopment( past to present) was dealt with realistically and at an enjoyable pace. They learned about their problems and matured them, they separated from together instead of just quickly deciding to dislike each other when they traveled to the past that showed but eventually they started to Love each other again that showed only Love, past or present, is the only thing that remains unchanged.
THE CAST IS SIMPLY AMAZING !
Yes, absolutely every character on this show is awesome. The characters themselves, the people who wrote them( writers) and the actors who brought them to life all worked together successfully and flawlessly.
Son Ho jun gave a standout performance in heartbreaking sequences that evoked feelings of innocence and vulnerability, similar to a before marriage situation of being arrogant, making fun of, and immature. How much he destroyed himself to pointless people after his marriage in order to feed his family, but he never told his wife about the awful reality.
Jung Na Ra the way Her portrayal of a mother( She cries every night, recalling her child while realizing that she is currently not with him. It was an intensely emotional time for all kdrama fans.) and daughter ( who never changed her love to her mom, despite realizing that it was her last opportunity to treasure their happy memories together) her acting his so endearing and natural that it will connect with many of us.
Jung Nam Gil gave a fantastic performance as a person how quiet, secretive, and reserved he was, yet it did not hinder him from expressing his feelings for the main female character.
Like other second female leads in typical kdramas, Min Seo Young wasn't crazy or jealous; instead, she was insightful and mature to her age. She was inspirational, supportive, and understanding. Her acting was amazing. ( My personal favourite second male lead ).
The supporting cast makes drama more funny at the same time it highlights the family affection especially mother and daughter emotions.
I would like to highly recommend this drama to everyone looking for a mature rom-com that emphasizes friendship, family relationships, and remembering the good old days of being in love.
brought by :- Shinnosuke_Lee
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EVERGREEN ACTION ROMANTIC DRAMA
Quick Roundup on plot:-The story runs in two different timelines present with 1980's flashbacks. a group of five college friends used to battle against the severely restricted freedom of press in 1980s South Korea., but their close friendship ended in betrayal and an unsolved crime way that has been passed down to their future generations. Now the story runs in present day - Seo Jung Hoo, referred to as Healer, Healer, a man operating illegally whose job is to execute anonymous clients’ orders – everything but killing, is tasked with obtaining the DNA of a woman named Chae Young Shin, an amateur entertainment reporter raised by her father and a band of ex-cons.
Thoughts :-
The story revolves around secrets from the past of a group of friends, that not only affect the cast of characters in the present, but also the political situation of the country and their children. Sometimes the story runs in parallel with past and present events linked up. As the characters dig up the secrets, they realise what they are really dealing with. The drama is fast, it makes you want to see what’s next and Ji Chang Wook's cool action scenes that always maintain the high level of excitement in each episode which makes every episode cool. It presents a well-rounded story with action-rom- Mystery, the action sequences and the mystery angle of the plot get your emotions roaring, the romance makes your heart pounding. The main leads are Jung Hoo (Ji Chang Wook) , Moon Ho (Yoo Ji Tae) and Ji Ahn (Park Min Young) as the actors convey their vulnerability flawlessly. Absolutely amazing acting from the three lead stars, Excellent OST with outstanding cinematography.
Healer entered as Action-romance drama but dealt with all sub-plots perfectly thanks to writers, actors, and directors took a decently engaging plot and executed it with care, transforming it into an incredibly engaging viewer experience.
Finally a word :-
- Everything about the drama just fits together to take the audience on a journey of action, thrills, heartbreak, and love. I guarantee that once you begin the series, you will be unable to stop, It is a drama worth every minute of your time. The action scenes were top class. But if you are not a fan of stunts..You could just skip those scenes. But definitely give it a try to those action scenes :)
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"Wonderful World: A Compelling Blend of Mystery, Drama & Emotional Revenge Thriller
Off-Thriller, On-emotional experience. An Unforgiven Vengeance of A Mother, A Son - 8.0/10The story of "Wonderful World" starts as a straightforward mystery thriller but gradually evolves into a gripping revenge drama, offering viewers a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected twists. The narrative centers around two main protagonists, Cha Eun Woo and Kim Nam Joo, both driven by their individual motivations for seeking revenge. Their complex relationship adds layers of intrigue and keeps the audience engrossed throughout the series.
Kim Nam Joo delivers a standout performance, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. Her portrayal of a devoted wife, a mother seeking justice, and a strong-willed individual grappling with complex emotions is truly commendable. Nam Joo's ability to convey raw emotion in the most intense scenes leaves a lasting impression on the audience, drawing them deeper into the story. Cha Eun Woo's performance is equally impressive, with his flawless execution and nuanced portrayal of his character. His ability to convey the inner turmoil and conflict of his character adds depth to the narrative, making it easier for viewers to empathize with him. Additionally, supporting actors like Lim Se-mi and Kim Kang woo deliver solid performances, contributing to the overall quality of the drama.
Plot and Pacing:
While "Wonderful World" may follow some genre clichés, it manages to keep viewers engaged with its well-paced plot and perfectly timed twists. The storyline may be somewhat predictable at times, but the execution and the chemistry between the lead actors elevate the viewing experience. The gradual evolution of the narrative from a simple mystery to a gripping revenge thriller adds layers of complexity, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
Cinematography and Soundtrack:
While the cinematography department may not be the drama's strongest aspect, the powerful and emotional background score effectively maintains suspense and enhances the overall viewing experience. The soundtrack complements the mood of each scene, adding depth and intensity to key moments in the story.
Why 8/10 for me :-
• Predictable Plot: Despite its well-timed twists, "Wonderful World" may suffer from a somewhat foreseeable plotline, potentially hindering its ability to surprise and fully captivate audiences.
• Lack of Cinematic Innovation: While the drama offers a compelling blend of mystery, drama, and some action, it may not introduce groundbreaking storytelling techniques or fresh perspectives to the genre, limiting its appeal to viewers seeking more cutting-edge storytelling that breaks new ground and offers fresh perspectives."
Finally :-
"Wonderful World" may not break new ground in terms of its premise, but it is a well-executed drama that delivers on its promises of suspense, drama, and compelling character development. With standout performances from lead actors Kim Nam Joo and Cha Eun Woo, as well as a solid supporting cast, the series offers a thrilling and intense viewing experience that will keep audiences hooked until the very end. If you're a fan of the thriller genre and enjoy watching captivating character-driven narratives, "Wonderful World" is definitely worth checking out.
As a thriller lover :-
I came for the Plot & Director ( of Missing Noir M ) well made one..
In the thriller genre, it's common to see excessive Thriller elements & suspense elements more than character emotions driving the plot, with suspense being the primary mode it's really hard sometimes for the emotional character development.
However, this drama stands out as a prime example of an Emotional Thriller within the realm of Gripping Thrillers. Good to see excessive emotional touch in thrillers from the starting to end of the drama.
brought by :- Shinnosuke_Lee
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Perfect Mystery Thriller with Solid Acting
This is the Lee Hyeri drama after 3 years from May I Help You in 2022. She is one of the finest actors in this generation. She played almost every type of role in her filmography. Yet, most of us want a baddie role from her. To my surprise she came with a baddie role character & made my time worthy of waiting for her new drama.~~ Story, Direction & Writing : A Perfectly Balanced Narrative
The main story is not a new story- same revenge, medical malpractice but it's a new typical drama. I think everyone knew about it already. Now get into the core story of the drama it follows the 4 Students who come from different family backgrounds trying to live up to their dreams. The story begins as short romance and gradually transforms into a psychological thriller then a mystery and ultimately revenge story. Both Director and Screen writer succeed in perfectly placing these elements to shift momentum in every episode.
-- Exploring Bold & Heavy themes with Depth
Everyone knows the drama doesn't shy away from tackling the sensitive topics like drugs use among students as a means to cope with the academic pressure, female sexuality(including mastrubation, a rarely explored subject in mainstream storytelling in kdrama) and LGBTQ representation. The last elements are so rare in kdrama, but these elements added depth to the characters and make the story feel raw & realistic. However these elements execution in mainstream story can be subjective, some viewers might appreciate the blondness while others may find such portrayals lacking nuance.
~~Engaging Twists & Unpredictable Storytelling
Every episode is engaging and packed with small twists and no moments to feel predictable. Some unexpected twists push in a darker, thrilling direction. The plot twist is gripping and well executed. However some part of the back story they used to justify the plot twist feels slightly unconvincing. If the makers made changes in the backstory slightly like the one which is aligned more naturally with the characters and their past it might have strengthened the back story.
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Magic with Cinematography, Screenplay - Best Thriller of All Time
First, let's talk about the extraordinary cinematography/camera work.My best appreciation of cinematography and soundtrack. The people who worked for those 2 sections really gave fantastic output. Coloring, lighting too. To precisely say the Cinematography's a truly magical feast here that elevates the dramas story telling to different levels. The slow motion angle shots/slow moving forward frame/slow backward moving frames are really, really well done. It's like cinematography/camera work magic. And writing is good, except for the last episode, Lee Su Hyun's death.
Acting is extraordinary, especially. Chae Won bin really, really done a pure masterclass. I know her character role is i
emotionless person throughout drama, but for an upcoming emerging actress it's not that easy to perfectly convey the same expressions from the start to the end of the drama and to keep watchers engaged. Also every actor gives their best performance.
But the disappointing thing is—no strong story in the detective subplot, same weak writing on police and detective procedural. The Writing in this core area feels underdeveloped or formulaic, with not thrilling investigative elements used as to push the story forward. They do nothing except suspect and arrest the main leads. Writers are using this police procedural plot just for the story engagement and to move the episode forward. Except for this weak writing, every aspect is good.
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Kdrama Action Genre when it's peaks !!! Truly Action Cinematic Experience
Vagabond raised my standards in Action Dramas.
The drama is about a stuntman named Cha Dal Gun (played by Lee Seung Gi) who teams up with an NIS (National Intelligence Service) agent named Go Hae Ri (played by Suzy) in order to uncover the truth behind the plane crash that killed his nephew.
Action and Plot Work :-
Drama primarily runs with the investigation of Cha Dal Gun trying to reveal the truth of the plane crash, but in the background the story extends with big twists and turns power scandals of S Korea.
As an action lover, Vagabond is a great action epic drama for me. If you are into fights, gun battles, and car chases, then this is for you. I'm sure Vagabond wouldn’t bore you. Behind Every action scene there is a plot behind it and a convincing storyline for why things happen the way they do. The story looks small but after getting ep by ep the storyline unfolds a big puzzle. The drama has enough suspense and fast-paced action to keep us on the edge of our seats every episode, and that’s largely thanks to the incredible acting talent of Lee Seung Gi, Suzy and other co actors and also this drama offers a solidly entertaining take on the sub-plots ( government, politics, scandals, middle power, NIS).
Vagabond has an intricately crafted plot and decent production quality of Netflix and SBS.
Actors:-
This is my first Lee Seung-gi drama watching his action scenes can't control myself to fan for him.
He was fantastic by delivering so much intense emotion combined with some seriously awesome action. He was just impressive in every way.
Suzy ( Go Hae ri ) one of my favourite actresses after Vagabond, as a rookie NIS agent who is working overseas and fallen love with Cho Dal Gun ( Lee Seung-Gi) to try to help him given phenomenal acting, her raw characterization suited very well. Hopefully, she will return soon to the action genre again.
Primarily this is not a complete clean rom-drama, but the chemistry between Lee Seung-Gi & Bae Suzy carried the whole drama with action and swoon-worthy.
Also it already forms the outlines of a classic love triangle between its two leads and another male character.
Camera work:-
The filming took place in several locations; Portugal, Morocco and South Korea. The cinematography of ‘Vagabond’ was really well done. The action scenes were well shot. I love the fact that they hardly used shaky cams, yep shaky cam work in action chasing dramas is an important aspect, Watched first shaky cam work in kdrama in vagabond, it's really the best camera work.
Finally :-
I would recommend a watch for Vagabond despite its open ending. This Korean Drama is indeed an action flick that delivers excellent story telling ! The plot is brilliantly developed with solid climax and high octane twists and turns. With actors like Lee Seung-Gi and Suzy, it portrays a decently constructed plot, and gripping action scenes, Vagabond offers a reliably entertaining experience to K-drama fans.
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