A Story in a Story, Emotional Without Emotion
This is a story like a wolf in sheep's clothing. The synopsis draws images of a playful harem; the embodiment of Japanese cliché with an embarrassed but perverted protagonist and several brainless beauties surrounding him. You can tell otherwise from the first seconds of film. Be it the muted music, the monotone narration of our solemn main character, or the efficient and bland description of our premise, we're instantly hit with something entirely unexpected. And, as the show continues, and we continue to peel back the layers of our characters, discovering more about this mysterious world we've discovered, we find a thoughtful and pondering piece of media with near perfect execution.One of the most impressive aspects of this show is the tone. From the very beginning, they find one and stick to it. Each carefully placed, immaculately framed shot lends to the slow feeling (even though the plot moves quite quickly). Every drawn out, ominous beeping of the fax machine spreads a layer of darkness behind the otherwise neutral setting. And every line of dialogue tells of the no-nonsense, to-the-point feeling which embodies our main character. Even the comedy, sparse as it may be, feels solemn and dull. It's clear, from the very beginning, that our protagonist is drifting, though we do not yet know why.
The greatest purpose of a show can be to convey feelings or ideas which cannot be so aptly expressed by a bundle of words or a collection of phrases. Like music, and art, and poetry, television has the power to show you things which you can only see through the lens of a story. And, within these stories, writers and directors, costumers and set designers find small places to drop symbolism and meaning, things which start out as background details but evolve into a greater depiction of all that the story represents. The forever wrinkled suit worn by the main character. The unexplained death threats which continuously appear in the fax machine, and the unspoken habit of the girls to silently throw them out as they enter and exit the room. That cat which is simply named "cat," and it's presence over time. The dying flower plants outside of a grieving mother's home.
No story is complete without compelling characters, and this cast is diverse and complex. Each character has their own backstories, motivations, and personalities. From the tear-evoking brotherhood between the author and his devoted publisher, to the jealous hatred of his rival, to the always unclear affection from the residents of his house. Although the side characters and villains are stagnant, the main cast evolves throughout the show, affected by their circumstances and each other. Each heavy past is barely revealed, leaving more room for who that person is now, and who they'll become when it all ends. And it's clear, from the very start, that it will all end eventually.
A harem is something which is difficult to balance while maintaining unique, driven characters (especially ones with typical morals). This may be why the romance of the show is often left by the wayside, but I think it's also an intentional aspect of the main character's healing. That said, one of my only criticisms of the show is that some of the girl's affection for the main character seems a bit forced and unexplained, and only for a few of the girls do their feelings make sense. If we choose to think of the premise simply as a catalyst for the events and arcs of the story, then I don't think the show even qualifies to be a harem, as the girls don't openly and simultaneously show affection for the mc, and the mc shows no reciprocation either, even commenting at one point that he doesn't feel capable of love.
A harem was never the true focus of the show. It's not difficult to imagine it only as ploy to get it pitched and green lit, but boy are we lucky that it was. Because what we got was something truly unique, with so much to say that I couldn't begin to say it. It's a story of loss, a story of love. A story of power, and corruption. A story of pain, and acceptance. Fear, failure, and success. A story of someone broken by his circumstances, with a face visibly absent of emotion. A story which follows him, heals him, and then breaks him again, until finally, at the very end, when he sheds a tear. With the weight of all his pain. I recommend this show.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Perfectly Told Story, what TV Should Aspire to Be
I was absolutely blown away by this drama. It's the first full length show I've given a 10. With an incredibly unique story and satisfying romance, with interesting and diverse characters with multiple and changing dimensions, with setups and pay offs executed perfectly and just the right amount of unpredictability, I was drawn in from the beginning and gripped until the end. I fell in love with every character, loving the enemies while also hating them, and rooting those who were trying to change or overcome hardship. Every emotion, I was along for the ride. When the characters cried, I cried. When they cheered, I cheered. When they loved, I loved. It's perfectly done, and I wish every show I watched from this moment forward were just like it.It's not something to be taken lightly when I say I liked all the characters. In almost every other show I've watched, even the good ones, I tend to find a single character I care about above all others, and so my enjoyment of the show hinges on their experience and actions and plots. This time around, I cared about everyone. Not only did every person feel real and developed, they each were reaching towards their goals, all of them pushing past their own hardships. Instead of feeling for the characters through their attachment with the protagonist, I felt each one of them as a person, through what I knew about them and what I knew they valued. Because of this strong empathy, I was able to experience strong vicarious emotions in every situation. No moment felt unjustified or unearned. This one element is, in my opinion, the most important aspect of any show, and what makes or breaks whether you even decided to watch it, and whether it is memorable and exciting. These detailed and empathetic characters are exploited to their full extent, producing moments that lift you into the sky or crush you into the ground or set you on fire with rage, all while maintaining a balance of conflict and resolution that isn't too taxing on the viewer. Even better is that each character changes throughout the show, completing arcs which are believable and well-earned. I could easily name each internal flaw they all faced, although this is a spoiler free review and so I cannot (you can bet if there were spoilers the whole review would just be me ranting about every specific detailed that I loved). Long story short, the characters are perfect, and that's what's really important.
Let me quickly mention the diversity, which was extremely welcome amidst the generally homogenous production of Asian dramas. Perhaps there still isn't as much as we're used to in the west, but you have to admit they're making great strides. Obviously I'm referencing the Afro-Asian character Toni (although this could have been handled a tad bit better in certain areas), but what I'm really impressed by is the transgender character, Hyun Yi. She, after helping the other protagonists overcome their own preconceived judgements, manages to overcome her own flaws and learn to be confident about her identity, and the show fully accepts this identity in a mature way. Especially considering the often biased views of many other kdrama regarding even homosexuality, transgender representation is just great to see.
I loved the plot. Holy cow. I won't say it's the most genius plot, I've definitely seen shows that are smarter, but this plot embodies all that a drama should strive for. A clear set of values, a core message or two, and a thorough and interesting exploration of all these things wrapped into an intense and exciting main storyline. Where other shows might drop the ball while trying to subvert expectations, and others still might crank out something mind-numbingly predictable, Itaewon Class toes the line between the two effortlessly, leaving you without a clue as to where it'll end up but still being satisfying, justified, and most importantly gripping. This is one of the few long-form shows which have managed to keep me interested enough to binge it in a few sittings.
I hope I've said enough to convince that this is well-worth a watch. Don't judge it by it's premise like I almost did and just give it a chance to snag you and pull you along. I one hundred percent love this drama and implore you to watch it, as soon as possible.
Was this review helpful to you?
A poorly thought out and morally devoid yet ultimately entertaining experience
There are two ways to view this movie, those being through the critical eye and the general audience's. From the media critic's perspective the movie was an unstructured, plot hole riddled, and generally nonsensical experience. The setup was poor and confusing, the main character has few redeeming qualities, and character arcs are rare and abrupt. If you're looking for a tight and well-written plot here, turn back now. However, if you're looking for a superhero action flick with a sprinkle of emotions and a dash of comedy, the movie will deliver. Not in any way that's particularly exciting or memorable, but in a way reminiscent of a hastily made kids cartoons. You'll watch, be entertained while doing so, and probably forget everything about the experience a few moments later. With this in mind, I'll split this review into two parts: the purely entertainment aspect, for those in a hurry, and the critical review aspect, where I'll do my best to rip this movie a new one. Okay, let's begin.First of all, it's a superhero movie, so there's going to be action. Don't expect any exciting hand to hand combat though, this is the sort of action where a guy waves his hand around and the enemy topples like bowling pins. Main character too powerful? Just add more henchman! Are they getting hurt? Are they dying? Doesn't matter! They're henchmen, which as we all know are not actually people. It may sound like I'm phrasing this negatively, but I actually mean everything. Having an overpowered, otherwise unskilled protagonist is fun in it's own way. Perhaps the fights are messy and filled with our hero waving his hands around like an orchestra conductor, but it allows for comedy to be injected and gives room for proper shock value. Shock value is one of the few redeeming aspects of the movie, besides the comedy, and that's because most characters actually react how you'd expect they would in a real world scenario. They are startled, disbelieving, and afraid. It may seem basic but many many modern superhero movies screw this up.
That brings us to the comedy. It's there, but it's mostly just the lead actor carrying all of it. A complete lack of witty jokes and dialogue is made up for by an exaggerated yet not outlandish performance, which manages to bring a light tone where the movie really needs it (this movie could not pull off a dark tone, not with it's screenplay). In other words, you're never going to laugh out loud (bummer, but it's not a comedy movie) but the comic relief will step in occasionally to lighten the mood.
As a wrap of for the first part I'll mention some other things I did like (or didn't dislike). Firstly, the CGI is decent (except for some parts towards the end), so that's good. The music is forgettable, but it's there. The main character's daughter (who we're introduced to first) is extremely kind, caring, motivated, and a good leader, so there is tension when she's in danger or facing a threat. It's not boring, because the plot moves quickly enough to avoid pointless or predictable discussions. There may be pretty much no character development, but that also means you don't have to sit through any hyperemotional drama, if you're the type that avoids that kind of thing. Finally, and probably the greatest defense of this movie... is that it's free. Freeing. There are no rules. There are so many plot holes that you stop caring about them entirely. Who cares if we switch between throwing bombs at our enemies to saving them from falling off a building? Things just happen and it's fun. Disbelief has been suspended as far as it will go, and frankly it's liberating. And so, I'll reiterate. If you're into superhero movies, yes watch it, and be entertained. Just don't look for realism, a message, or anything profound.
Okay, let's get nasty. Um... I didn't like the main character! His backstory is that he abandoned his daughter, which pretty much gives me no reason to empathize with him or root for him when he's trying to reconnect with his daughter. She's right to be mad at him! Pretty much the only reason any sort of progress can be made in their relationship is because he gains powers, because before he reveals this he acts immaturely, greedily, and harshly. What makes it worse is the inconsistency. Instead having a flawed character who gradually learns and changes, we have one who frequently switches between a caring father and a stingy slob who only cares about himself. His journey into power is fun and funny, and so we'll follow him, but it's hard to care when he fails or he's shut down by those he's wronged because it's essentially, irreversibly, and perpetually his fault.
There are no character arcs throughout the entire movie. Okay, well maybe there's one, but it's cliché and obvious and happens when no one's looking (I still won't spoil it though). Instead of character arcs, we get confusion. Things are foreshadowed that never come to fruition, and things are set up that never pay off. Characters seem to play musical chairs with personalities every time the scene changes, and character motivations are called into question without ever being resolved. Oftentimes the problem is that you're looking for nuance and complexity where there simply isn't any. Characters and their behaviors serve only to further the plot while constructing some semblance of change in the protagonist, a change which is unmotivated and not believable in any way.
Yikes, there are a lot of things that don't make sense or aren't realistic in this story. I can't list most of them for fear of spoilers, but suffice it to say that a lot of it comes down to the law only stepping in when we need a villain and miraculously vanishing once a single fight is won. These nonsensical details permeate the entire movie, until you get bored of keeping track of them and decide to stop thinking entirely. Once you stop thinking, you can enjoy the intensity or emotional connection as if it actually exists.
My conclusion of this analysis is that we have a poorly written movie which was made well. The people who worked on it cared while the writers didn't. The result is an entertaining and technically acceptable movie which lacks any creative vision or memorable aspects. Once again, I'd recommend a watch for those interested in superhero movies if you have extra time and want to have fun, but in any other situation you can stay away.
Was this review helpful to you?
Peak asadora
This is one of those shows that I had to take a break from halfway through because the thought of it ending was emotionally scarring. Everything asadoras do well is in peak form in this show: character development, non-stop plot, complex themes, and- in this one much more than any other- strong feminist and anti-discriminatory rhetoric. Part of what elevates it is the deft interweaving of the various perspectives and implications of law and equal rights with the character-driven plot, which adds an importance to each arc. The show is also able to bring in very somber themes like war, the atomic bombs, and unspeakable crimes while somehow maintaining an overall light tone.The core group of friends established and sustained throughout is so strong is comparable to Hospital Playlist (in my opinion some of the best friend group chemist ever put to screen), and is load bearing in emotional moments. In keeping with asadora form, characters are given ample room to grow and change, and no villain is irredeemable.
The music is incredible. A strong theme which is carried into background music seamlessly, as well as the truly heartbreaking "You are so amazing." Never have I heard a song which gets me choked up from just a few notes on the piano.
Perhaps my favorite part of this show, however, is the main character. She is driven, she is passionate, but she is not perfect, and must learn and grow from her mistakes. Having a main character who can push for what they want and drive the plot forward is to me what makes a show truly special. My only critique is that things felt a little cramped and the end, and also lost a bit of steam. It feels like the main character isn't really pushing things forward any more at that point, which could be why. Also, I'm not sure why they went with 130 episodes on this on rather than the usual 156, but it definitely could've been a bit longer.
Regardless, loved it. Love love love. I shall definitely be rewaching sometime soon, and here's hoping we get more like this in the future!
Was this review helpful to you?
An Almost Perfect Masterpiece of Comedy and Drama
There's so much to love about this drama. The vivid characters, the intense plot, the incredible soundtrack, and even the premise itself. This is gender bender in its finest form.First let me talk about the characters. While all of them are extremely well written and performed, The Queen is one of my favorites put to screen. Finally a main female lead with strong elements of masculinity, only slightly diminished by the fantastical reasoning behind it. The queen is clever, strong-willed, and hilarious in her anachronistic tendencies, to the point where she could carry the show by herself.
Luckily, she doesn't need to. As this is technically a historical drama, there are of course going to be political plot lines. These are executed very well, in a manner that keeps you invested and interested in the events that transpire. Another thing to love about the plot is it's devotion to character arcs. Besides the main lead's arc (which I won't spoil but I absolutely love), many side characters have arcs including villainy, redemption, love, rejection, and everything in between. These arcs are realistic and profoundly affect the plot of the show.
I won't say much about the OST besides the note that one of the songs is literally written about the premise of the show and it's hilarious.
My one and only caveat is that I didn't like the ending, as others didn't as well, although it did manage to resolve all plot lines.
All in all, this is a fantastic show with an incredible premise, engaging plot, unique and amazing soundtrack, great characters, and awesome comedy. And now that I've run out of positive adjectives I can say that I definitely recommend this show.
Was this review helpful to you?
An Emotional and Pondering Exploration of Romance and Marriage
This drama is a rollercoaster. It made me at times extremely happy, and at others practically depressed. A lot of this has to do with my intense identification with the characters, but that's not to say they don't stand their ground for any viewer of the series. Certainly they are some of the most nuanced characters I have come across, with dimensions that can't be explained away with a single trope. Speaking of tropes, besides the obvious ones there aren't many to speak of, and the context around the contract marriage is quite different from the usual.It's not uncommon to see either a solemn male or solemn female lead, but it is somewhat uncommon to see both. It's the combination of the two that make the drama both fresh and exciting but also stressful and frustrating. There is a sense of slow progress that could all come crashing down at a moment's notice. Simply put, it can be intense and taxing. That's not to say it's a bad drama, though, just a certain style. Oftentimes it's beneficial for a drama to be intense because this makes it more engaging and leads to greater plot investment, which is certainly true in this case.
And, besides all this, the good times undoubtedly make up for the bad, just as in a real romance. I have no doubt you'll have a stupid grin plastered on your face just as I did when the leads are together. The three pairings certainly give you a lot to root for, which is one of the reasons I stuck through the tough parts to see the ending, where I might abandon most shows.
I can't forget to mention the thought provoking messages permeating the narration. The main character- a writer- displays her skill by thinking and speaking in the most interesting of ways, questioning everything to a philosophical level. The level of these observations can sometimes be so deep and complex as to make you pause and think for a bit. And, while they sometimes feel like disguises for possibly simpler motivations, they definitely add to the character's personality and maturity.
I do recommend this show, if only for the glowing chemistry portrayed between outwardly solemn leads, supported by a dynamic cast with just as rich of stories as the protagonists.
Was this review helpful to you?
The Wildest Ride
This show, while not necessarily my favorite or flawless in any respect, is nevertheless one of the most extraordinary pieces of media I've ever consumed. Some things it does, I would argue, better than any other show. Period. Other things, it simply omits altogether. The experience of watching it is infused with the oddities of chinese dramas and a healthy dose of identity crisis. It repeats itself in many ways but is somehow always riveting. There's so much to unpack it's almost daunting.The pace is perhaps the greatest defining feature of Wild Ambition Bloom. It is, simply put. break-neck. Absurdly fast. At times, even abrupt. This is a plot that grabs you by shirt and whips you around for 30 hours until you're left in a daze at the end. Do I wish it took its time more in some places? Uh, let me think... No! Absolutely not! Somehow, this show is able to compress multiple seasons worth of plot into the tightest space imaginable and *it works*. Sure, it's a little clunky when it rolls the credits for an episode halfway through a pivotal scene (pretty standard cdrama stuff), or when it fades to black immediately after the climax of one arc, and then fades in on a new one already full steam ahead. And sure, it's easy to get lost in the details and the many characters if you're not paying full attention, but that just makes it all the more engaging! Things are always happening, and it feels continuous throughout the whole thing because there's no breaks, ever.
Of course, none of this would work were it not for the fact that the contents of said lightning fast plot are astounding smart. Here we have, as is so rarely the case, a writer who understands business and is able to concoct cunning and convincing plans for the characters to out-maneuver each other to get ahead. After every reveal, twist, and victory I am left gaping and cheering. And after each of the several complete upheavals in the story I am left in shock and awe by the sheer audacity of the writers. My only gripe in this department is that after a while they do start reusing tricks, but they were able to make it unpredictable enough as to still be enjoying.
If those were the only things of note, this show might rank among my all-time favorites. Unfortunately, when you venture into other departments things get a little weird and a little less positive. The biggest thing missing here is character growth. I noticed very few instances of characters changing, and when they did it was always for the worse. A corruption rather than a redemption (except for *maybe* one exception in a very minor character). Characters deemed bad never improve on themselves, they only (sometimes) receive justice. Good characters either stay the same the whole time and are never rewarded or eventually spiral into evil and are smited for it. Actually, there is a ridiculous amount of smiting. Like absurd. Most of it not even deserved.
When it comes to relationships, again we've got a very mixed bag. On the one hand, there are some very strong and compelling friendships and romances. On the other hand, there are also some very ham-fisted and unearned friendships and romances. They do get resolved, but all but one ends in failure, casting a very negative outlook over the whole plot. Which is not helped by all the smiting. I would say the most egregious relationship is the one with Xia Chu, our "communist hero." This romance is not established at all, and we only learn of its existence through a five second flashback when it starts to have plot relevance. In fact, the whole start of the show is the only place where the pacing was really a detriment to the experience. Things started out moving so fast it was difficult to figure out what was going on.
But, speaking of communism... yeah. Some weird stuff going on here. This show is, at its core, pro-capitalist. The main character runs a business, and runs it well, and the plot is entirely focused on her battling it out in the free market. Love it. But at the same time it tries to get away with a pro-communist viewpoint by shoving in some communist characters (namely Xia Chu) and some very unmotivated sympathies to the communist movement on the part of the main characters. Think about it: why would Shauhua, who was notably very adamant about retaining ownership over her business and assets, support a movement which seeks to end ownership altogether? I'm not buying it. But I suppose it's very emblematic of the current state of China: singing the virtues of communism while reaping the rewards of capitalism.
A very unique aspect of this show is the amount of death. There is a crazy amount. And not even in a way which can be theoretically justified, like Game of Thrones. The amount of death is above-average and exceeds the random chance of death to make our main character absurdly unlucky. I've got mixed feelings here. On the one hand, it is a very effective way for, in a very long show jam-packed with plot, things to basically reset and move us into a new era to start fresh. It allows the show to reinvent itself multiple times and not get bogged down in its own baggage. On the other hand, it is often used as a very lazy resolution to character relationships and conflicts. "Oooh, I wonder how these two characters are going to resolve this heated argument! Oh, never mind, one of them died." Cool.
When I finished this show, I was left with two thoughts: "wow, that was crazy," and "so what was the point?" Despite its lengthy runtime, gluttony of plot, and ensemble of characters, the biggest struggle that Wild Ambition Bloom can't overcome is deciding what it is at its core. It may be a business drama, sure, but that's just the container. What's missing is some human theme, some journey of growth or meditation on the human condition. When it ends, you can't help but think, that after all that happened, has anything really changed?
I do recommend this show. It has its flaws, but it has its gifts too. And it's a wild ride worth taking.
Was this review helpful to you?
Sweet but a little bland
This show had some sweet moments to it, but ultimately it felt to me like there wasn't much of a point. There really wasn't much character development besides them falling in love. Even the female lead went from being a NEET (completely unconvincingly by the way, she had no problems going outside except getting lost once) to full-on house wife in a few minutes, which in my eyes is a lateral move, not really progress. And it happened way to fast to feel like it meant something. The rest of the show is just random obstacles or one of the characters starting to have emotions and then everyone gets concerned until they talk about it and then the conflict is over.By the way, this would all be forgivable if the main character had enough chemistry or charisma (the female lead almost does sometimes, but the male lead was the most nothing performance I've ever seen), but instead they do the jdrama thing of just being polite instead of in love. Like "Ah, excuse me, I'd like to cordially inform you that I love you." "Ah yes, I am most grateful and would agree that I too, am in love with you." Like, come on! Can you make, like a single, joke!? Tease each other? Something!?
Anyway. I'm being harsh, but it's not the worst show in the world. I did finish it, after all. But in my eyes it's not really a lock-in and get invested kind of show, more of a put it on in the background while you're working kind of show. If you're looking for that, sure I'll recommend.
Was this review helpful to you?
Apple is a 29 year old girl in a relationship, but just when a fortune teller reveals she has to get married by 30 or face certain peril, she discovers that her partner's been having an affair! With only a month until her 30th birthday, can Apple find "the one" before the time runs out? Each episode focuses on a new potential partner. The episodes are only a few minutes long and shot in a vertical format.
So what do I think? Well, the premise is somewhat interesting in theory (if not a little cliché), but the short runtime doesn't allow any room for cohesive narrative or character exploration. The episodes are structured almost like a short sketch, except they weren't especially funny. While the cinematography and (sometimes) acting is better than expected, the strange format and short runtime don't quite make it worth the watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Sports Drama Without the Sports, Probably for the Better
It's no secret that sports are a traditionally a difficult subject to make movies about. Their oft repetitive nature and potential reliance on various sets of information and jargon can lead to uniform plots (like in many western films) or necessarily exaggerated depictions (like in the common sports anime). It's likely for this reason that this drama in particular opted to move away from a depiction of a sport itself but rather into the management of said sport, a truly unique approach. Indeed, it's most common that the management behind sports teams are often the villains of the sports world and rarely the heroes. This fresh- and potentially brave- perspective lends the drama elements of unpredictability and intrigue that serve to make it as captivating as the first drama you've ever seen; that is to say, before you'd experienced that onslaught of trope recycling in every genre.Don't get me wrong, there are tropes present in this drama, the most notable of course being the premise of the show, in which a brilliant man with a troubled past and a jaded attitude appears and makes everyone upset in the process of putting some well-meaning ignorants in their place. (But I promise he's a nice guy, see? He almost smiled!) Despite this admittedly off-putting central theme, the show managed to surpass my expectations and keep me captivated enough to finish it in a few sittings (quite impressive, with my track record). How? A combination of excellent acting, building tension, and a fast-paced plot. All while managing to develop characters with believable personas and backstories. At this point I'd usually spend about eight paragraphs describing each of these aspects in more detail, but I get the sneaking suspicion no one really cares about the minutia of that.
Unfortunately, there were (in my opinion) a few blunders here and there. Besides the endlessly frustrating trope of a man coming in to do a job better than the woman ever could, there's a bit of plot repetition regarding the main character doing something outrageous, everyone getting upset over it, and then them realizing he was right all along. Also, the reasons he was right can sometimes feel contrived, and other times are contradicted by a later scene. You get the feeling that the writers are hoping some of it will go over your head like with many hospital dramas. And, although I respect the character development they did have, and the character dynamics on the whole were excellent, I feel like we could have seen better explorations of the redemption arcs where they were present.
On the whole, however, this was certainly an excellent show. Even someone like me, who doesn't usually touch sports media with a ten foot pole, finds themselves invested in the conflicts and cheering at the victories. Through excellent execution, production, and perspective, the showrunners created an experience that was utterly interesting and sometimes even moving. And, while the exclusion of a majority of the actual sports aspect of the show is initially jarring, it is quickly revealed for the brilliance that it is: a sports drama without the sports.
Was this review helpful to you?
Short and Sweet Slices of Slice of Life
This drama is so short (less than 20 minutes in total) that it's actually impressive they managed to fit a story in here. And- disregarding my clever title- there is in fact a story, depicting a romance far more realistic than most portrayals in long form dramas. The interesting problem the show runners had to solve is how to split this story into eight episodes of only two minutes! The resulting miniseries is almost like slices of how you might otherwise have seen the story in a longer show.The quick and clever way they depict information within their limited time is quite impressive. We're able to pick up important exposition about the characters, their situations, and their motivations. This leaves the much-needed resulting air time to story moments that further develop the characters and add spacing to main plotline (the romance). All of this is supported by solid production and acting, and clear editing between scenes and perspectives.
Unfortunately, not every mishap can be avoided with rapid storytelling, and there are a few other missteps here and there regarding creative decisions. For instance, it seems very odd and completely pointless to have a male character be the narrating voice from the perspective of our female character. Perhaps if there were internal conflicts about her sexual identity this may be justified, but as there is no such thing it just leaves us confused. Another thing they're forced to do to save time is to cut the dialogue very quickly, which does add a bit of energy but unfortunately also makes it occasionally hard to keep up or completely process the implications of the lines. In addition, sometimes it can feel like the audience is missing some kind of history between the characters, although at other times it is well implied. However, assuming these issues arose from production constraints rather than artistic direction, they can be easily forgiven.
In conclusion, this miniseries delivers a surprisingly well-defined story through clever visual exposition and fast-paced dialogue, only missing a few steps here and there in production and direction on their way to an otherwise successful show. That, coupled with the extremely short runtime and consequently low time commitment, means I will firmly recommend this show.
Was this review helpful to you?
Wickedly Intense, Jaw-droppingly Serious, and Appallingly Realistic
This series startled me with astounding intensity. The urgency of it, the darkness of it, the unparalleled realistic horror. In a story woven through likely events, complex villains, and passive yet perpetuating characters, such unbelievable things occur with plausibility and motive. The main cast, driven by individual problems and personalities, interact in a way that's sometimes friendly, sometimes tense, and sometimes outright criminal. A grounded shaky cam and fast paced contrasting music only add to the realism of a drama which contains meaningful messages about issues that still resonate today.One result of the tone and events of the series is a consuming need for justice and resolution within the viewer. This makes for a riveting show, which I managed to binge in about a day (not too difficult, as the runtime is about five or six hours). The story progresses quickly, with clear (but not obvious) relaying of information. There is no filler, and really no nonsense, which helps the show maintain it's serious and respectful tone. Frankly, it has to be respectful, as the things it covers are not only villainous, but horrific and traumatizing, in a disgustingly real sense.
One thing that stands out about the series, especially in contrast to others like it, is the unorthodox but completely great choice in music. Tense moments are filled with fast paced tracks akin to action thrillers, emphasizing the panic of the characters in them. Music often stops and starts with realizations and cuts between characters, depicting the wildly differing viewpoints of those in each confrontation, and the eerie impossibility of things that happen with ease. All of this is laid on top of video done with a shaky cam that is realistic but not obtrusive, and which still manages to fit in some more artistic shots while conveying information efficiently.
Another thing which is both frustrating but ultimately rewarding is the complete realism and struggle within plot points and resolutions. Things don't happen by chance here, and if there is any luck it's always on the villain's side. The main character(s) feel like they're facing every possible opponent at once, including the universe. There are no breaks. Every positive change or event that happens is entirely due to a proactive action by one of the characters. This makes every resolution, every win for the characters feel completely earned. It also requires some strong and resilient characters to fight for them.
In many dramas that deal with bullying, the characters fighting against it are weak, and overcome it with luck or extreme help from others. While our protagonist starts out weak, and does receive some help from others, she quickly becomes extremely strong and outspoken, someone worth rooting for amidst the terrible odds stacked against her. Indeed, all the protagonists have their own circumstances and struggles which add depth to them but doesn't prevent them from speaking out against what is wrong (at least, eventually). That said, those who are the protagonists is not always clear. Good characters do bad things, and bad characters do good things, and sometimes you don't even know which is which. But there is always clear motivation behind the actions, leaving us and the hero to figure out what should be done about them.
Some of the most interesting, well written, and pivotal characters are the main villains. There are a few of them who are indisputably the antagonists, even if there are occasional moments of redemption (if they can even amount to that). These villains, in response to their own extreme situations, backgrounds, and fears, act out in terrible ways against those who initially expect kindness from them, using sinister manipulation and fear tactics. These characters blackmail, threaten, pressure, and otherwise extort those around them to do their bidding, wielding public opinion like a weapon against their opponent. On one side, they can be frighteningly clever, while on the other they can be clingy, scared, paranoid, jealous, and even unhinged. There are some moments with these characters that, accentuated by the desperate music and fantastic acting, are genuinely terrifying.
Almost all these characters have some sort of change throughout the series. Protagonists can gain bravery or resilience, gray characters can flip sides or reveal new parts of themselves, and villains can grow gradually more unhinged or just snap all at once. Each character is affected by the events that occur, and change realistically according to those events and their own circumstances. Even in the end, there is no perfect resolution where all the characters unnaturally snap to some universal new understanding of morals and justice, and instead they continue to respond according to what has occurred. Again, it's sometimes frustrating, but ultimately rewarding for the story and the viewer.
While this show is extremely dark, and absolutely not suitable to younger audiences or those with triggers to violence or sexual assault, it does convey some positive messages about these situations. For instance, media often shows kids getting into trouble for reporting on their bullying, which could be harmful for those going through bullying in real life. This show, however does not do such a thing, and rather rewards characters for being brave and doing things that are beneficial for those going through similar situations in real life.
There are also messages relating to the negative acts of certain characters, stipulating potential causes, motivations, and circumstances that could lead people to become like that. A very interesting part of the series are a certain set of characters (usually delegated "the boys" of the classroom) who are typically bystanders but often perform a form of twisted, subjective justice eerily similar to cancel culture. These students act on uncertain information and issue cruel punishments in the form of public ridicule. At the same time, they do nothing while others are being tormented, even if they know or suspect it is unjustified. The show- while not explicitly making a point of it- does a good job showing how these people can be villains too, and how they justify their complicity by quickly distancing themselves from those viewed as being in the wrong.
All in all, this drama is wickedly intense, jaw-droppingly serious, and appallingly realistic in its depiction of what are- in the end- criminal acts of violence and assault in a classroom setting. Whether it is through a desire to make a change or the need to tell a good story, the showrunners manage to convey the urgency of it all with unique and grounded camerawork, impeccable acting, and unorthodox contrasting music. The plot is fast paced, solid, and clearly depicted, while characters arcs occur easily and with reason. I wholeheartedly recommend this drama, with a bit of a warning for those susceptible to triggers and those who can't handle overly tense shows.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Predictable and Unoriginal Delivery of an Otherwise Positive Message
I won't say this movie was abhorrent, as it wasn't, but it was very disappointing for me. Even if it did deliver the positive message of being confident in your own body and staying true to yourself, the actual plot was just entirely too predictable. Every cliché that could happen in this type of movie did happen, which not only made me lose respect for the main character but also the movie itself. Any idea or moral that it tried to convey was undermined by an uninteresting plot. Unfortunately, it couldn't be salvaged by the romance either, as I felt almost no chemistry from the male lead. I am glad they managed to avoid vilifying plastic surgery (especially with the unrealistic beauty standards of the modern world), but there was a bit of fat-shaming in the form of slapstick comedy. Not a lot, but just enough to further diminish the power of the main message. Also, I won't say too much about the ending but it felt very sudden and a little unrealistic. This was a short review as I really don't have a lot to say, but I suppose I'll say this: For a movie from 2006, I can applaud how it's managed to stay mostly inoffensive until now among a veritable minefield of potential discretions, and maybe this plot concept was a bit more fresh back then. But viewing it now, the movie is entirely too predictable and uninteresting to be saved by an occasionally endearing performance from the lead actress. With that, I will recommend against watching this movie.Was this review helpful to you?
A Fun, Touching, and Beautiful Exploration of Life, Family, and Love
This beautiful movie takes a fun premise and expands it into something so much greater. Embedded in a plot full of hilarious situations and slapstick dialogue is a touching tale of a life long-lived, a family well-built, and difficulties hard-overcome. Without much more than a few brief flashes to the past and the incredibly emotional and soulful singing of our protagonist, a tragic but full life shines through the incredible acting of the lead actor, culminating in a story to relive her youth once more how she always dreamed it, all of it perfectly encapsulated in the final song "One More Time." Every plot line, character, and dream is perfectly set up without the viewer's notice, only to come back later on in the movie and hit you in the gut with emotions: sometimes overwhelming joy, and sometimes painfully beautiful tragedy.At it's most basic, the movie delivers what the premise suggests: a fun comedy of an old grandmother in a young woman's body. The premise is well explored and delivers every moment you'd want from it. But on a deeper level, the movie finds great meaning and purpose in the transformation. Throughout the beginning, the protagonist's talents at singing when she was young is often reiterated, along with the occasional mention of her long forgotten dream of being a singer. When she suddenly regains her youth, not only is it meaningful on a physical and story level, it is meaningful to the protagonist herself, as she is given a chance to finally fulfill her dream after always doing what's best for her family.
Family is an incredibly important theme throughout the movie. Be it conflict or accord, arguments or appreciations, everyone is deeply connected in an important and visible way. This is beautifully portrayed in well-written and well-delivered dialogue. No conflict is accidental, no tension goes unexplored, and the deeper you delve into the family's true relationships, the more love you find woven into it. Amongst the love is tragedy: things taken from those who deserved so much better, sacrifices made in service of loved-ones. The bond between parent and child is so strong and striking it brought tears to my eyes. These moments are earned, buried beneath the everyday commotion until extraordinary circumstances unearth them, and that makes them all the more powerful.
Love, romantic love, is also deeply explored in the movie. Nothing is quite so simple as to have a "main lead" and second lead" or even a "villain," because every character's relationship and personality is so much more nuanced. An supposed enemy might, under different light, appear to be an intimate friend, and relationship decades old may hover directly on the border of love and unbreakable friendship. What is true love? What is just physical attraction? How do you know which is which? Perhaps these questions are unanswerable but we can still weave through them, finding their intricacies and changing with the situation. It's unlike any other romance you might encounter.
At the core of this movie- and what makes it so profoundly impactful- is soul. Feeling. Interactions are built on years of history, relationships on decades of connection. The acting perfectly displays the soul of each character, their past and their present shining through their words. Most incredible in the main lead's actor, who is perfectly convincing in the mannerisms of her actions and words, and who manages to layer every song she performs with so much emotion it stops you in your tracks. Every song that's performed carries great emotion and meaning, layered with the past and the personality of every character (but especially the main lead). I cannot express how perfectly the music in this movie accompanies, elevates, and reinforces the themes and stories and- most importantly- the soul. And it only gets better with every re-watch.
This is a movie with incredible depth where you least expect it. And by that I mean everywhere. Just as my rating suggests, it's a perfect story with perfect acting, perfect music, and perfect soul. The deeper you go, the more feeling and emotion you find, and for that it will always hold a place in my heart. I highly recommend this movie (which is now one of my all-time favorite movies), and implore you to watch it immediately.
Was this review helpful to you?
A Hilarious Mainly Episodic Comedy
I was genuinely surprised by how funny this was. I found myself laughing out loud almost every episode, which is rare for me in any shows or movies. There's not really a whole lot more to say than that, besides some details for you comedy sticklers. So I'll do that as concisely as possible.First of all, there's no laugh track, so that's a plus. It's also not reminiscent of a sitcom; the jokes are often taken much further, which is to the benefit of the show. There's a decent amount of cringe humor, so prepare yourself for that, but if you can bear the brunt of it the jokes made with the cringe are some of the best. There isn't a whole lot in the way of through lines for the show, besides Seok's relationship with Ae-bong and his success with his cartoon (although this is rarely brought up forthright, only as an excuse for the delivery of more jokes). Don't go looking for a story here. It's an episodic comedy. And a really good one at that.
The only crime is that it's too short and they rebooted it instead of making a second season. I definitely recommend.
Was this review helpful to you?
