Suspenseful, never boring and...great cinematography
Overall: I loved this one. It's visual quality and production is superb, with the gory and the scary, on par with Strangers From Hell. OST contributed so well to the overall atmosphere and is def worth your playlist. Which reminds me of myriads of emotions this drama made me go through. I was freaking scared (and I watch horrors w no problems), but also I connected to the characters so much that I found myself getting emotional at certain points. This drama does not get boring or monotonous from 1st to last episode, which says a lot on a drama that is based on a single, repeatable purpose, of catching a spirit. This makes it definitely is a worth watch. However, I do not find it rewatchable; while entertaining I did not take the message of the drama, which arguably could be familial love and loyalty as motivation for difficult steps (or revenge?), I did not find drama's message as something clear or meaningful enough for a rewatch. Just meh in that portion.Detailed Breakdown:
Actors: 8/10
Actors were great, especially main lead, the taxi driver. I forgot their names already but that does not take away from overall exceptional performance. This drama really stretched the characters across spectra of morality, preoccupation, emotions and relationships and I have to say that I trusted the characters 100%, they comfortably switched between one extreme to another.
Storyline: 7/10
The storyline was very refreshing. I thought that three main leads coming together against the spirit, that has ruined their families (and lives), was executed superbly. I did believe each character in their actions which means, for me, that characters were developed well, and they make the storyline.
Entertainment:9/10
I don't know why for so many people mention this drama was not scary. I was freaked out throughout. I find myself recently not finishing most of the dramas I start, I wane off around ep. 12. However, the writers of the Guest knew how to build up tension and make it every time feel different. It definitely kept me in my seat.
Graphic and Aesthetic Quality: 9/10
This show did not hold back on presenting murders in the most graphic way possible. Also the whole demonic-exorcist procedures going on were in intense, and they really used the names of real figures in Catholicism while performing exorcism. This is 2018, but it's gory quality reminded me a bit of Strangers From Hell.
OST: 10/10
The main OST really contributed to the experience of the drama. I absolutely loved how they used their music.
Rewatch: 5/10I am certain that I will go back to the OST, but while it is entertaining and a great experience, I don't feel the need to rewatch it.
----
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...shows you that genuine chemistry and decent casting can carry it all
This is a quick one and definitely not a pass. It was intended as my evening chill binge and it perfectly met the expectation.I cannot say that they have not done well for seven episodes. The relationship was believable and genuine. The contrast between the mains was subtle but powerful. The premise with the sexual frustration and rain did work for the most part.
On the other side, the girlfriend did not have layered rationale for her acts, although she could have been written worse (I have seen way worse). The artist friend got better treatment than her (also his acting was bomb) albeit incomplete. Also it felt like the drama could be stretched to a few more episodes.
I loved Hagiwara's stability and consistency as a character with straight-up morale (I do see evident irony in that sentence ok?). He is quite simple but efficient. Casting was amazing. I did not see one second of poor acting.
Nothing disappointed me and nothing blew me away.
A recommend!
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Is there pain that is at the same time unbearable and subtle?
Oh what can I tell about this drama except that it is fully exhausting the meaning of the word "subtle". It is almost as if its purpose is to establish tempo of dull pain with each episode maintaining the intensity just right... And by the end of the drama you do not feel easier or burden lifting. You still feel pressure that makes you realize you have been holding your breath. And after you release it... You still feel something inside you ache.Everything in this drama feels heavy with meaning but all is said in little words.
Han Dong Jin on one hand seems predictable and flat, but on the other so thick and comforting. A partner we should choose but do not choose. False expectation of masculinity. The actor did a marvelous job.
As for Sim U Ju, I love Biblee, anyone knows it. She seemed so different here. She almost has not smiled at all. I did not relate to her character and thought the chemistry with the lead was not as strong as it could have been. But perhaps her intensity was lowered due to demands of overall vibe of the drama, which was never dramatic or too much.
The OST absolutely shattered my heart into pieces. Roy Kim, do I say thank you, you bastard? Absolute stand out and perfect accompaniment.
If you liked the melancholy and "background noise" grey vibe of My Mister, you will definitely love this one.
Ahh, I hate how much I can feel it still.
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A loved premise but feeding nothing than toxic fetish... for those with an inkling for it
A well loved premise on how the least popular boy (1st lead) becomes the love interest of the most beautiful and popular student in school (2nd lead). But this premise gone wrong wrong.The depiction of the popular guy as the god and the king in the eyes of the muttering mess of a first lead... like why god?
First of all, how could anyone fall in love with the 1sr lead? I mean the guy has zero interest in anything except the 2nd lead. What is the appeal? And he goes into servitude (I am not exaggerating) mode after being called disgusting so many times, willingly. Socially inept, stuttering, depressed, quasi autistic. Is he supposed to be disabled without knowing? if this is how a person with disabilities depicted, bish I am offended. What in the weird fetish is all of this? And not really entertained cos everything boiled down to the damn 2nd lead, so if the 2nd lead is causing all of those characteristics above, I find my watching time even more pointless. Cos that is really not it.
Which brings me to the 2nd lead, Kiyoi. I mean dude you may be beautiful or whatever but his behavior is absolute shit. Excuse my muse. Like I can see a glimpse of an attempt at portraying him as abandoned child and therefore having his inner child calmed by an obsessive 1st lead.
I love a bit of push and pull between characters in a drama and the fact there is a person behind every "untouchable" character but I have seen none here. I know it is entertainment and does not have to serve meaning but I do feel it serves
propaganda for toxic relationship based in each of them feeding their traumas by using that relationship as a coping mechanism.
And that is me interpreting. Not like the drama said anything of depth.
Ah.
I've said what I said.
Not gonna entertain S2.
Unfortunately I did not see the brilliance other reviewers have. Myb it is something in the air over here.
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Quick watch with interesting premise
I came into this one from Secret Love Affair, hoping to find something similar. I have watched quite a few dramas but none with this premise that Kenja no Ai had. Really interesting ideas and use of literature in the plot, also interesting psychological profile of different characters with ambiguous lives and motives. I was not disappointed with the way this was executed.I was shocked at times and there were loopholes in the story, despite so many flashbacks. Also, Ryu was flat as heck as a character, and I still do not understand where Mayu's loyalty lies. It's all just, one big sad story.
After watching it, the departing is the feeling of being unsettled by it. Mostly because I am still uncertain of Naomi. I do not think that that young man, no matter how functional he seems, is mentally well.
The drama is four episodes long, and I think it is a worthy watch because of beautiful cinematography, decent acting and interesting storyline.
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Trying to see a point, any point...but it is escaping me
Well, let me write this while I am waiting for the last 4 minutes to finish. They better be the best last 4 minutes of any movie ever made..for this review to take another turn.I am also wondering why have I wasted other 157 min.
What was entertaining here?
Plot, where?
I truly have no idea what I have watched.
Absolute waste of time. I cannot even call it pointless violence or glorification of torture/fetish or psychological consequence of trauma... because there was no thread connecting on any level.
A skip.
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Acting was great but narrative could have been tighter
The chemistry between the leads was palpable. The first 18 or so episodes kept me engaged, and then the plot took unnecessary turns that they could not justify with narrative or budget. They could have kept this to 16 without issues. So why stretch it? It had a lot going for it, but I forgot everything good because the story became more and more ridiculous as it went on.Actors did a great job, overall. There was a standout and it was the actor behind Chi Cheng. I, by no means, have found him appealing or attractive before seeing his acting. But afterwards, I was just waiting for his scenes. I think he may be a truly promising actor. His mannerisms and reactions seem just so appropriate to his character. Also friendship between Chi Cheng him Cheng Yu was wholesome. Altho why is it so deep was unclear.
I cannot fully trash the story as I appreciated subtle mature moments, such as the way they overcame the main hurdle of the plot. Also Xiao Shuai as the doctor was cute and interesting.
So you see I am full of confusion. I would recommend this drama as a watch. Output was pretty decent and I agree, it was decent. I would watch both leads in dramas again, this drama deserves a rewatch as well, it just was not particularly memorable as a whole.
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Among all pointless movies I watched, this one is the most pointless
I want to ask everyone working on this movie, why did you make it? Perhaps 2013 is indeed to far away from 2025, but how far did we come? And most of all, I want to know, what was the standard back then to get movie greenlit?Trust me when I say, the time watching this you cannot return.
Handsome serial killer? Ok, and? No background story? Plotless exploitation of minors?
I wasted more than 2h of my time. I cannot see a person who would enjoy this.
Ah, to bring back time.
A strong pass.
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Plain shock value to delude the viewer into thinking they saw sth of substance -- not impressed
Can I say I expected the ending? Yes. I had a feeling from the very beginning.Great performances from all the actors.
A heart-wrenching story.
Albeit very confusing. The last 30 minutes tied some ends, but everything before that, I was wondering what is happening. who is who and how they relate. so many unnecessary characters just overwhelmed my cognitive space. Also it seems they used graphic scenes to manipulate you into believing it is a good story because it is "in your face" story. But really it is not -- the script is weak, and we don't get to know the characters well. None of them. And there is too many characters. And so many painful scenes that you should feel pity for. But you feel like intruding. Because you have no sense of heaviness to seeing gruesome scenes, except for the emotions left as the consequence of blatant surprise effect and feeling sorry for the brother who was handicaped and murdered. Cmon, please, you can also give viewer emotions through your story, cinema and script without fully exploiting our pre-existing bias towards the premise.
On the other hand, the main antagonist had quite an intriguing characterisation. I don't wanna give out spoilers so I will say they seemed to have such layering to them that could have been expanded on. By the end you get a bit into their mind and see how being a sociopath is complex condition for a reason. I thought it should have been explored in more depth because they gave them an interesting twist.
As for our main man, Park Jin Young, he did a great job in playing two roles. As the victim, he had the less screentime and he utilized it well, as for the brother role and revenge plot, it could have been more polished. All of it. i think his script was quite plain and boring; and the role could have been more substantial.
Surprisingly, a pass from me.
I do not think you are missing anything by skipping this one. If you wanna watch something with similar flavour, go for drama called Blind or the Children of Nobody. Both explore similar themes in more meaningful manner.
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Bland with a nice wrap-up
Well, I am just hitting it off with all worst Japanese cinematic choices. To be honest, this one probably was not as bad as all the other ones I watched... but the trope is still as clear as water: we have an obsessed second lead and untouchable first lead. Reasons for both do not become clearer as the movie progresses.Why was Imagase so obsessed with Kyoichi? Well, he said -for no reason. Why was Kyoichi impacted by Imagase? Well we don't know that either. Is it pity is it love is it transformation.
Then we have intense and steamy scenes, imo, do not serve the plot efficiently. Too empty to mean anything. Then the ending was somewhat hopeful and shows change in characters but it leaves you wanting more. Because why would he change so drastically? It makes no sense in the context of plot.
I am surprised my output was so high but I can say that I was entertained and enjoyed the watch.
You will not miss much if you skip it. Will not be impressed if you watch it. But it is likely to be a decent watch if you opt for it.
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Trippy, fascinating and could I dare say... lazy?
I was hooked from the first moment. The story left enough mystery to keep me going. Unfortunately, this mystery, that drove the intrigue at the beginning, ended up being their cover for the lack of plot.At the beginning you felt everything developing naturally. Only the remnant glances were the clue that something more was happening.
But was it?
This movie was momentarily intense and punchy. You cannot take a breath, so you do not miss something. And then it dissipated. Strong climax was countered with bland descent. In the last quarter of the movie you constantly have a feeling of being rushed and missing important plot as if it happened behind the scenes.
I have questions -- what was the content of the play they were acting? I want to know in more detail because I want to discern what was the acting and what was reality. They purposely took that away, in a most obvious and sloppy manner -- chop the play so you get the viewer thinking. I know the creators were aiming at confusing the viewer, to make them doubt every scene. It did seem as they took a shortcut, and made the doubt obvious. Again, sloppy if you ask me, but perhaps a strategy on their part.
I have a lot of critiques for such high output. Yes, because I feel strongly about performances. Park Sung Woong as Jae Ha was phenomenal. I encountered him before but always as a supporting character, and his performance here as a lead showed that he is a veteran action, how in the play, so in real life. He was convincing in each of the scenes as a professional should be. Even though I assume playing this role and this character in Korean society in 2017 (even now) was a challenging undertaking.
Oh Seung Hoon as Young Woo unfortunately he did not shine brightly until the last quarter of the movie, where he was absolutely, insanely captivating. His character was fascinating in the way he subtly manipulated the couple. Innocent but cunning. I could see other more senior actors killing this role, but then Young Woo was decent and brilliant in some scenes.
An absolute recommend! No critique can make this compulsion of wanting to rewatch stop. I just want to check and check whether I missed something and find the answer to this damn question:
Was it method acting or not?
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Shock effects and toxic bonds, both felt out of place in the storyline
Well, what happened here really? I have no idea. I am seated after watching this, kind of in trance, captivated, kind of having feeling of having witnessed something bizarre. But all of that happened with last 15 minute development.As for BL aficionados, this one was not it in any obvious sense. Se Joon definitely had a strange obsession with Yoon Jae's validation, but there was no indication that attraction stemmed from any romantic feelings. Then on Yoon Jae's side in one scene, you will know the main one, after he meets him, he seems more sad to see Se Joon in such state than any other consequence that led to it.
So in one way or another they seemed to care for each other. Unexpected plot. Kind of unnatural. I think there was more shock value because Se Joon was not developed as a character that he ended up being. Weird movie. I do not think I like it.
A lot of loose ends. Acting was great though. Overall, meh.
Not a recommend.
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Like the characters... the more I ran away from Trauma, the more Gang Hyeok drew me to it
Wow. I am so shocked how engaging this drama was. I was inspired by the lead and his authentic self ...and how that spilled over to his relationship with others. While offputing at first glance, it seemed like his blatant honestly attracted all the right people.Despite only having 8 episodes, almost all characters relevant to plot also went through development. Nothing was forced. Tbh, the case scenarios were forgettable and Gang Hyeok occasionally annoying but yk this is a drama and not a real world where this guy would not fly for more than a week.
I respected how each character experienced development in a realistic and genuine matter. Jae Won-- from anxious and scary but bright surgeon to more confident and loyal version. Gyeong Won who subtly really superbly portrayed his affection towards Gang Hyeok. Then Yu Rim's transformation probably my favorite part of all. They all exhibited such human pitfalls and qualities throughout these 8 episodes that I am still wondering if I am tripping.
Them all running away from trauma to come back to it. Because a mentor matters. Truly, the mentor makes all the difference. This is what makes Trauma Code different from other medical dramas. The role of mentorship, gradual growth of trust, growth of oneself with challenges. It had it all. They really did it justice, and in 8 episodes you cannot ask for much more.
I can -- please season 2, and then 3, and then 4. To push is until 32, not a lot, ok?
Absolute recommend.
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Netflix money fell flat
This is my rewatch actually. Because the first time around I did not follow Im Siwan, and I wanted to understand how did I miss his performance in Unlocked. I do understand now, why the movie and his performance were unmemorable.Beautiful cinematography and colouring, but there is no category for that in ratings. Also some gorgeous shots and scenes. I thought it was a fine watch, manageable until the end. I see the Netflix money... But they should have cashed it out on screenplay.
The biggest problem is that the story made no sense; and after watching you are left neither entertained or taught anything, nor impressed.
And the main culprit is the screenplay.
Like, why did the serial killer do any of that? The serial killer's role was not written as crazy enough for it to be a no-reason-Jokeresque type of MO. I recently started follow Im Siwan's acting and I know he can deliver a killer punch in terms of complex roles. Why didn't you give him one? Like a really heaviest, most complex role of all? I believe he would excel. If you can pay for high caliber actor, you really should use him to the maximum his skill. But even he could not save such weak script. Like his acting felt so diluted because he was not portraying any character. Literally his character had zero development in plot, past or present. I do not think the actor himself knows the character he portrayed. But then the movie was focused on the main actress and not on the serial killer. The main actress definitely did a better job acting because we had some development for her. Yet even her parts eventually fell flat for me. Bad screenwriting, and that is all there is to it.
Also, going on my Im Siwan rant, I know nowadays he wants to expand to international audience so he accepted this weak script for the sake of Netflix visibility, but honestly I am disappointed in him as well. Like reject this nonsense. Unknown for me tarnished his 10/10 record.
Ah, what to do.
Not a recommend. If you liked him go watch Merciless (action movie) or Strangers from hell (psychological thriller drama). I promise you will have a great time.
As always -- thanks for reading. <3
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Seon Ho carrying it all without a doubt..although even he was just above average
Bro, this killer is so handsome. Like what is this.Rather than psycho, he seems more of a Joker type of killer --there is no meaning to it, it is my job. He is funny and pro, as he likes to emphasize.
Well, the story had an interesting premise but ultimately no meaning. I thought the ending might hit us with an interesting twist but it did not deliver.
If there is part two I will watch it for Seon Ho's wild smile as this character. I think he could have shone even more if the script was better.
Ultimately, it is a fine action movie if you want to mindlessly pass time with an action movie. It is a genre of comedy-action, there is no emphasis on any themes or sense of seriousness. But then Seon Ho was not crazy enough for this genre I believe.
Nonetheless, a recommend.
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