An interesting, but still incomplete, conclusion.
I was a bit disappointed with part 1 as I felt a lot was left unexplored, especially surrounding the main characters and their relationships together (which, I mean, was kind of the point of the story). This 2nd part did a bit better on this regard with the main group, while still missing a crucial part : Baek Jin/Hu Min relationship. We get that there's something there... but it's so subtle it's too unclear what it is exactly. That's really too bad as it's a, if not THE, core element of the plot...
Also, it's simply too short for my tastes. It's pretty good if you watch season 1+2 back to back, but I still think it's lacking something. The writing IS pretty solid. And I am not easily satisfied. Sure, some things don't make that much sense. You should not think too much. And it's a bit overdramatic sometimes, when it was more 'to the point' in the 1st. There is some slo-mo and some static shots on actors sometimes that is something I really dislike in cinema in general (that weren't to this point in the 1st). There are also too many pending questions that I won't detail to avoid spoilers but that left me waiting. I am disappointed with some key characters (such as Geum Seong Je and Na Baek Jin). They were lacking something. Seong Je in particular was simply too... tame. And as for the fights, there were more numerous than previously. And they were good. But I think they were less 'creative' and sometimes the way they were shot weren't, imo, the best.
Yes, I do think overall Yoo Su Min did a stupendous job retaining enough of the base material, mixing existing elements up while adding his own new ideas and take on it... Really. I like it more than the webtoon, I really do. But the same issues as previous season occur, while adding on some other issues. And it does take away a lot from my enjoyment for this show. The potential is here. It's here. Here. Waiting. It's kind of frustrating.
As previously, it's not 'bad'. It's a great drama. Great ideas. Great characters. Great fight scenes. It's not just violence for violence. There's really something here. It is enjoyable, entertaining, emotional. Everything. But it feels so incomplete. Like a... great summary. Maybe I'd change my mind with a rewatch... but as for this first ever time I watch it, I'm anxiously happy while not at all satisfied somehow. It's really weird. The first season was almost more satisfying than this despite its gloomy finale. The ending here is also... well. Is this it ? Is there going to be another season ? Do I really want one ? It's a bit unsettling, I'd say. Interesting choice but I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. On the positive side... about the 'thing' almost everyone wanted to know... I'll simply say the writer linked the past to the present very nicely. Way better than the webtoon, in my opinion.
Character-wise, Si Eun is also more likeable for me now than at the beginning of season 1. His odd behaviour is, obviously, way more understandable here. His growth is also pleasant to see and I actually prefer this Yeon Si Eun than the webtoon's Yeon Gray, by far. Another good point. Seo Jun Tae is one tough bean, I loved his character. Park Hu Min is a very important part of the plot here and thankfully he's a good, lovable character too. Although, sadly, a bit shallow. Go Hyun Tak, he's cool. But again, not very developed.
To end this review on the more 'superficial' side of things and stop my rambling, the acting is something I very rarely have to complain about in K-dramas. And this is no exception. Everyone on the cast does a great job at what they're supposed to do. The OST wasn't overly noticeable which is, for me, a very good thing. The opening song is the same as previously and I'm not complaining. The rest was pleasant, blended nicely. I don't know about the lyrics though and how they really fit, as I haven't checked them.
SO... To end it here. I won't repeat myself endlessly. This drama ? Good. But is it enough for me ? Not really.
Also, it's simply too short for my tastes. It's pretty good if you watch season 1+2 back to back, but I still think it's lacking something. The writing IS pretty solid. And I am not easily satisfied. Sure, some things don't make that much sense. You should not think too much. And it's a bit overdramatic sometimes, when it was more 'to the point' in the 1st. There is some slo-mo and some static shots on actors sometimes that is something I really dislike in cinema in general (that weren't to this point in the 1st). There are also too many pending questions that I won't detail to avoid spoilers but that left me waiting. I am disappointed with some key characters (such as Geum Seong Je and Na Baek Jin). They were lacking something. Seong Je in particular was simply too... tame. And as for the fights, there were more numerous than previously. And they were good. But I think they were less 'creative' and sometimes the way they were shot weren't, imo, the best.
Yes, I do think overall Yoo Su Min did a stupendous job retaining enough of the base material, mixing existing elements up while adding his own new ideas and take on it... Really. I like it more than the webtoon, I really do. But the same issues as previous season occur, while adding on some other issues. And it does take away a lot from my enjoyment for this show. The potential is here. It's here. Here. Waiting. It's kind of frustrating.
As previously, it's not 'bad'. It's a great drama. Great ideas. Great characters. Great fight scenes. It's not just violence for violence. There's really something here. It is enjoyable, entertaining, emotional. Everything. But it feels so incomplete. Like a... great summary. Maybe I'd change my mind with a rewatch... but as for this first ever time I watch it, I'm anxiously happy while not at all satisfied somehow. It's really weird. The first season was almost more satisfying than this despite its gloomy finale. The ending here is also... well. Is this it ? Is there going to be another season ? Do I really want one ? It's a bit unsettling, I'd say. Interesting choice but I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. On the positive side... about the 'thing' almost everyone wanted to know... I'll simply say the writer linked the past to the present very nicely. Way better than the webtoon, in my opinion.
Character-wise, Si Eun is also more likeable for me now than at the beginning of season 1. His odd behaviour is, obviously, way more understandable here. His growth is also pleasant to see and I actually prefer this Yeon Si Eun than the webtoon's Yeon Gray, by far. Another good point. Seo Jun Tae is one tough bean, I loved his character. Park Hu Min is a very important part of the plot here and thankfully he's a good, lovable character too. Although, sadly, a bit shallow. Go Hyun Tak, he's cool. But again, not very developed.
To end this review on the more 'superficial' side of things and stop my rambling, the acting is something I very rarely have to complain about in K-dramas. And this is no exception. Everyone on the cast does a great job at what they're supposed to do. The OST wasn't overly noticeable which is, for me, a very good thing. The opening song is the same as previously and I'm not complaining. The rest was pleasant, blended nicely. I don't know about the lyrics though and how they really fit, as I haven't checked them.
SO... To end it here. I won't repeat myself endlessly. This drama ? Good. But is it enough for me ? Not really.
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