words are not enough to describe this
the writing is absolutely masterful. it’s almost like you are living alongside ae sun and gwan sik. I wanted to give myself some time before I wrote this review but I still don’t have the words to describe this. it leaves an ache in you. one that reality brings as you love and lose. as life comes at you with difficulties after difficulties and not until you are far from them can you appreciate those moments. it’s a promise that if you have that same retrospect now than you will LIVE. you will BREATHEWas this review helpful to you?
An abosolute joy (and pain) to witness
Objectively, this show was not perfection. There are quite a lot of flaws plot wise that when thought about shouldn't make sense. However none of that matters. This show brought out a whole teenage-hood that I never got to live. My world was brightened up from the light that this show was. It was nothing short of magical. Getting to watch this show was an honor, to witness the creation of greatness. I wish nothing more than to experience it again and again.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Almost had a point until it lost it...
Trigger was a good critque of what may happen to a society if it had easy access to guns. It does not hide from where it cites it's sources (cough america cough) and makes it clear what the stance of the writer/directer is to unregulated guns.However it seems that while the commentary is meaningful, it misses the mark at being profound. The story to seemingly display as to why people may turn to gun use -- whether it is mental illness that is further trigger by the circumstances an individual lives in, revenge of the system that fails to bring justice to victims whether that is in a workplace or school. However this is completely shut down near the end of the show, as it then places individual responsibility behind the issue with gun violence. Negating all these former things creates a harmful narrative that there is some intrinsic rage within us that fuels this violence rather than the circumstances we find ourselves in, grouping characters like the sex predator who killed out of annoyance and the victims of extreme bullying as the same when they are in fact not.
The mentioning of the "middle east" proves my point even more, not only did it not contribute anything to the story at hand (because the PTSD aspect of the officers motivations for abandoning guns was only mentioned ONCE and solely for drama not because it had anything valuable to add in terms of what PTSD actually is) it also contributed to this harmful narrative that "children and men just.. have guns". That is an extremely dangerous narrative perpetuated by non-SWANA, ESPECIALLY in the current state, is straight up propaganda. Again, it doesn't question the larger system -- how did those people get guns? Why were they using it? Why were Koreans even in those conflict zones to begin with? Had these questions been begged it would've given the viewer to see how the system ultimately is what leads to issues with violence.
The story had great potential and was so close to being great criticism of the systems that promote violence among common people until it didn't. It is a shame considering the great cast and OST.
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may not have been perfect, but did a great job
there are MANY triggers in this film so be mindful!!!while there is no storyline to guide the film, it is a heart wrenching portrayal of what children who end up in streets as a result of failed/lack of parental figures turn to. it portrays the uncertainty of being homeless child not knowing what is going to happen next. as much as I wasn’t a bit fan of it, I do recognize that it was likely an artistic decision to have a not-so-cohesive story line.
this film has incredible acting which carry the rather lackluster scenes (which I would also recognize may be a creative element to the film, still wasn’t the biggest fan of it). the middle definitely tore me up. it pains me to think that we have deprived children the right to be just that. it certainly raises awareness of a greater issue that we are often to overlook through our judgement and harshness about the subject.
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Ethereal
When I say this drama altered the trajectory of my life I truly mean it. Everything has been done in such a diligent and loving way, every person working on this show did so out of nothing but care. That compassion flows through the show, the project handles such delicate themes beautifully. Every episode works to break down the stigma around patients struggling with mental health disorders.There are no words adequate to describe the beauty of the show.
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Utter masterpiece
I feel numb. It is as though all the grief in the show is mine to dwell on. In a way it is. My soul has come to know and love all the characters. While watching I could think one thing through tears streaming down my face: we live then we die. It's the most tragic yet most sacred part of life. Through Cha Yu Ri, we see that. The preciseness of the world we live in, of the people we love.I will grieve this show for the upcoming years. I genuinely don't think anything can have such a strong impact as this. I sincerely hope your life is also altered.
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