No Dark Deed Goes Unpunished
Trigger warning: This series contains scenes of heavy violence, bullying, and abuse.The story revolves around two men: Kyung Min, who, due to certain circumstances, begins to remember the trauma of being a victim of school bullying. This recollection sparks a deep thirst for revenge and retribution, leading to a series of mysterious serial killings. Meanwhile, Detective Jong Suk, Kyung Min’s childhood friend and also a victim of school violence, finds himself tied to these vengeful murders.
The core of this drama is tragic. It explores the origins of school violence and bullying, which remain prevalent in modern society. The show doesn’t shy away from the darker side of human nature, delving into physical, sexual, and mental abuse that these children endured, often under the watchful eye of teachers and parents who either turned a blind eye or participated in it. The narrative is not easy to stomach, yet it’s compelling and hard to look away from.
The production and script are outstanding. Each episode keeps you hooked, especially when the story delves into the past through powerful flashbacks. As new perpetrators and shocking twists are revealed, the pace keeps you on the edge of your seat. The series also dives deep into the concept of revenge—a theme explored in many thrillers, but here it feels particularly gripping. The show effectively questions the justice system, showing how it often fails to provide true justice, leaving many to take matters into their own hands.
The actors deliver exceptional performances, particularly in their portrayal of Kyung Min’s desperate pursuit of justice and Jong Suk’s refusal to confront his past. The tension and emotions are palpable, drawing you into their struggle. This is a series that will make you think long after the credits roll. However, it is not for the faint of heart. If you're a fan of psychological crime and Korean revenge thrillers, this show will resonate deeply, but it’s not recommended for those sensitive to heavy themes.
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Slow-Burn Descent into Darkness
Legend of Zang Hai is a heavy series, no question about it. It kicks off with an eerie scene inside a secret tomb filled with zombies, which might seem random unless you know this story is set in the same universe as ‘The Lost Tomb’ and its many spin-offs. That said, ‘Legend of Zang Hai’ stands more as its own story, with only a few nods to its predecessors. So yeah, there’s some supernatural stuff, but it’s kept minimal. Most of the tomb mysteries and puzzles rely on logic, geography, and numbers, grounding the story more in realism than fantasy.We first meet Zang Hai as a little boy, excitedly waiting for his father, the Imperial Astronomer, to return from a trip. Thing is, we’ve already seen his father exploring that creepy tomb and finding a strange object. During the return parade, young Zang Hai accidentally meets two other children who’ll be important later, a foreign princess, Xiang An Tu, and the second son of Duke Ping Jin, Zhuang Zhi Xing. These introductions are subtle, but they set up future dynamics.
Then things go dark, fast. Zang Hai learns the tomb collapsed, and his father is presumed dead. But later that night, his father returns home, disheveled and panicked, urging everyone to pack and flee. Before they can escape, soldiers led by Duke Ping Jin storm the estate in the search of that mysterious object. What follows is brutal. Zang Hai hides while watching his entire family, including children, get slaughtered. The show doesn’t hold back. It’s graphic, emotional, and a clear message that this series is not for the faint-hearted.
Honestly, it’s kind of brilliant. Chinese dramas often drag out the protagonist mysteries or rely on vague flashbacks. ‘Legend of Zang Hai’ hits you hard from the start, grounding the revenge arc in raw trauma. As a viewer, you feel Zang Hai’s pain and rage, which makes his journey all the more compelling.
He’s rescued by a mysterious, masked man claiming to be a friend of his father. Zang Hai, bent on revenge, is taken to a secluded place where he’s introduced to other two of his father’s old allies who become his mentors. In a disturbing but powerful moment, he undergoes surgery to alter his face and body, essentially erasing his family traits. It’s symbolic and painful, he's not just hiding his past, he’s burying his sense of self.
Instead of training in martial arts, Zang Hai focuses on his mind, studying architecture, strategy, and statecraft. Years pass, and when he’s ready, he heads to the capital with a new identity and a plan: to infiltrate Duke Ping Jin’s household as an aide and get close enough to strike.
But theory only takes you so far. Zang Hai quickly learns that navigating real people is way harder than solving puzzles. Between cruel superiors, power-hungry women, and shocking brutality, he’s constantly forced to adapt. This isn’t just about revenge, it’s about survival, manipulation, and becoming someone who can win in a corrupt world.
There’s no romance focus here, the main appeal is squarely on the plot, the politics, and Zang Hai’s slow, painful climb toward vengeance. There aren’t big martial arts display either, this is basically a thriller drama, not an action series.
I want to say that there's something oddly satisfying about watching a wolf in sheep’s clothing quietly slip into circles of power, outsmarting those who think they’re above him. The best part? Their own arrogance is what brings them down.
It’s a slow burn for sure, and won’t be for everyone. But if you liked Joy of Life, The Rise of Phoenixes, or especially Nirvana in Fire, and you’re into high-quality, well-paced political revenge stories with a strong male lead, this is absolutely worth your time.
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An Emotionally Gripping Prequel with Complex Characters and Heartfelt Friendships
The series delves into high school bullying through the untold backstory of Gray, aka Shi Eun, based on the webtoon Weak Hero. Unlike the webtoon, which quickly touches on the events that shape Gray’s antisocial and harsh nature, the series takes its time to build the world around the characters, highlighting the connections that will ultimately lead to their downfall.The narrative is primarily seen through Shi Eun's eyes, focusing on his complicated relationships with both friends and enemies. Shi Eun is a deeply antisocial character, disconnected from his peers and uninterested in seeking companionship or approval. His cold, empty gaze, brilliantly portrayed by actor Park Jihoon, destabilizes those around him, evoking fear and curiosity from others.
The series is intensely violent, exploring psychological abuse, group violence, bullying, mistreatment, and child abuse. The brutal and raw nature of the scenes, especially in the opening moments, is gripping and shocking—so much so that it becomes almost addictive to watch.
What stands out in this series is the poignant friendship between Shi Eun and Soo Ho, a bond that becomes the emotional backbone of the story, especially for the upcoming season 2. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, boundaries, support, and protection—a true bromance that adds depth and warmth to the otherwise dark narrative.
The friendship between Shi Eun, Soo Ho, and Beom Seok adds another layer of emotional richness. At first, their bond is heartwarming, but the series gradually reveals the depth of Beom Seok’s trauma and his responses to it. In the webtoon, Beom Seok is portrayed as a shallow, jealous character, but here, the show adds significant depth to him, making us empathize with his pain and struggles.
Overall, the series feels deeply human and offers a strikingly realistic portrayal of the emotional complexities of high school life and the consequences of trauma. As a prequel, it sets the stage for the larger story, providing essential context for Shi Eun’s character and leaving us eager to uncover the full picture in the next season.
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The Chronicle Of An Atypical Killer
The summary of this series doesn't quite capture its unique appeal. At first glance, it may seem like another "vigilante" story with a dark protagonist who punishes criminals, playing a cat-and-mouse game with the police. However, the series takes a much more intriguing and original approach, setting it apart from the typical genre.The story follows Lee Tang, a young man stuck in a slump with no real prospects in life. He works a dead-end part-time job, lives in a rundown apartment, and is largely ignored by those around him, fitting the classic "loser" archetype. However, his life takes a dark turn when he unwillingly becomes a murderer. What follows is a rapid descent into a world of crime, deception, and police pursuit, all while a bigger, more sinister game unfolds behind the scenes.
Despite the grim subject matter, there’s an odd sense of supernatural luck that seems to follow Lee Tang. Every time he makes a mistake, something bizarre happens to cover it up—whether it’s a dog unknowingly removing evidence, a fly obscuring a camera, or strange coincidences that keep him from being caught. It's a bizarre mix of dark drama with an almost comical twist, as the universe seems to work in his favor, despite his inability to cope with the consequences of his actions.
This isn't a comedy series, though. While the supernatural elements may seem absurd, the show maintains a consistent tone of tension and darkness throughout. It’s a thrilling, fast-paced drama that keeps you on edge without tipping into melodrama or over-the-top antics. The writing and direction shine here, as the story is visually compelling, enhanced by clever editing, suspenseful flashbacks, and an atmospheric score that elevates the intensity. For fans of thrillers, this series is a must-watch—it perfectly balances supernatural intrigue with gritty realism.
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A Dark Tale of Love, Revenge, and the Cost of Ambition
I went into this series completely blind, and I must say, it was a refreshing experience. Many people found the plot hard to follow, but for me, that challenge was a welcome change. I dislike when writers overly simplify the story and spoon-feed the audience, so the complexity and mystery kept me engaged. Even though I didn’t know all the details from the start, I was able to pick up on the key elements quickly. My advice is simple: focus on what the story reveals, not what you don’t know yet.At its core, the story revolves around Ning'er, a woman driven by an unrelenting ambition to become Empress. Her ruthless quest for power leads her to betray Yan Lin, her childhood friend, after his family is massacred. However, her ascent is short-lived, as the Emperor dies and Xie Wei, along with Yan Lin, stages a rebellion that seizes control from her. In a desperate attempt to save Zhang Zhe, a righteous scholar and the man she loves, Ning’er makes a drastic decision that alters the course of her fate. She commits suicide in exchange for his freedom, only to wake up in the past, determined to avoid repeating the mistakes of her former life.
What makes this series so compelling is its exploration of power, betrayal, and redemption. The political intrigue is woven with themes of family strife, personal ambition, and the consequences of one's actions. The show is not without its darker moments, but the execution sometimes felt mismatched—while the story is heavy and dramatic, the production uses bright colors, humor, and slow-motion shots that created a strange contrast with the weight of the plot. Despite this, the story itself is gripping, with surprising twists and complex character relationships that kept me hooked as I discovered more with each episode.
The performances are captivating, particularly Zhang Ling He’s portrayal of Xie Wei. He embodies a character that’s ruthless yet strangely charismatic, someone the audience can’t help but root for despite his dark nature. Bai Lu as Ning'er also does an excellent job portraying a complex character who’s not just a villain but someone who’s deeply scarred by her past. The chemistry between the leads, particularly in the slow-burn romance between Ning'er and Xie Wei, is palpable, though the relationship dynamics are far from traditional. While the romance isn’t the main focus, it’s present enough to add emotional depth to the narrative. Overall, I enjoyed the series for its complexity and compelling characters, and Zhang Ling.
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Emotional Depth Elevates an Otherwise Lackluster Story
I won't go into too much detail, but overall, it was a solid movie. While the production itself wasn't groundbreaking, I found myself following the action and intense moments with a sense of detachment.What truly made this film stand out for me was the performances of Lee Jong Suk and Cha Eun Woo, who play brothers. Without their relationship at the core of the story—the tragic choices and the consequences tied to their bond—I don’t think I would have been as engaged. Their dynamic really elevated the plot, and what started as a rather dull experience quickly turned emotional, leaving me in tears.
In the end, the movie is fairly straightforward, not offering much that we haven’t seen before. However, it’s the emotional depth and the performances of certain characters that truly make it worthwhile.
I would recommend it, especially for Cha Eun Woo fans, as this role allows him to showcase his potential for more complex and tragic roles in the future. Of course, Lee Jong Suk delivers another top-notch performance, as always.
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Thrilling Start But Weak Payoff
This is essentially the story of Lee Do, a man with a tragic past who became an exceptional soldier (and killer), but later chose to continue his career away from high-risk zones and firearms. The plot revolves around guns becoming increasingly accessible to Korean citizens secretly, showing different motivations: someone struggling with mental illness and pushed around, a grieving parent who never got justice for their child, a bullied student, a sexual offender seeking revenge on the police, and more.Case by case, Lee Do unravels the threads, tracing them back to uncover where it all began, or from who. Overall, it’s a solid thriller with good pacing. However, the ending felt anticlimactic, we never learn what happened to the antagonist, and it’s clear that the forces behind him still intend to spread guns nationwide in Korea. In the end, very little is resolved, and the final episode lacked tension to the point that I watched it at 2x speed.
It seems to be hinting at a second season, though honestly, they could have wrapped it up in this one, or at least within 12 episodes. So, I do recommend, it has good scenes but do not expect a pay-off.
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When society allows dark justice to take its own course.
Vigilante is another noir series inspired by a webtoon which tells the story of Kim Jiyong, a young man who witnessed the murder of his mother when he was young by a violent individual and suffered the injustice of the law by only sentencing the murderer to 3 years in prison.Twelve years later, Jiyong finds his mother's murderer who still roams the streets freely with 18 convictions, and he takes justice into his own hands.
We follow Jiyong who becomes a vigilante, reciprocally punishing criminals. I have to say that there is a familiar echo in the cases we are shown and the reality we are experiencing. So many times criminals have been released because the law worked in their favor rather than that of the victims. That's probably why the show is so enticing, it's a sad reflection of reality.
The series also portrays how this initiative is the start of a domino effect on society, where a debate takes place on justice, its application and by whom. The public seems to support his initiatives, to the point where other citizens join in to give justice for the victims, even inspiring a copycat and reducing crime on the streets when criminals turn themselves into the police by fear to face "the Vigilante".
The plot is introduced more broadly with a bigger antagonist in the corrupt police chief and his links with seemingly untouchable CEO and politician who kill people to hide their dark deeds without repercussions.
I must say that Nam Joo Hyuk had a great performance in the role of Jiyong, this character is complex and sometimes even unnerving, he is so righteous that it borders on psychopathy (much like Batman in that sense). His micro expressions are a delight for the eye while his character is a young man of very few words. Although we don't delve much into his background, and the series weighs very little on the emotional side beyond anger, I manage to feel empathy for his character, when he feels terrible pain and loss, or when he screams his rage. He has some scenes that are gripping. Honestly, I hope Nam Joo Hyuk will give us the pleasure of diving into more thriller productions, as much as he's lovely on romcom series, he has potential for more.
As for the rest of the cast, the actor Lee Joon Hyuk was a revelation for me, it was more the script that worked in his favor than the acting itself, but I liked his extravagant and insane character. It's rare to witness a copycat who is not only supportive of the one he's copying even after being rejected, but who is actively helpful. I can only purely enjoy his character for what he is : entertainment. Although I wished they dived deeper in his backstory.
Kim Sojin is also a standout, probably the first time I liked following a noisy reporter, Miryeo. I like that she doesn't let herself be intimidated and like everyone else in this series, she's a little crazy to actively court and protect a violent man but her personal trauma explains it.
The biggest disappointment remains Yoo Jitae, I definitely cannot be convinced by this actor, I have seen him in many series, and his range remains minimal, his acting decent or even bad at times, I remain unconvinced by his characterization of Cho Heon, who only knew how the crack his neck. I know it's to give an unnerving mannerism but Nam Joo Hyuk managed to do that just by tilting his head, in comparison, Yoo Jitae remains bland.
I liked the overall production, with dark tones, great fighting choreographies and realistic sets, the soundtracks are amazing (they need to release those already), and the plot is simple to follow without messy and overly done plotlines.
The only downside would be the lack of emotional depth overall and backstory for the main characters, I had very little care for the characters who died or suffered (aside from Jiyong) and that is probably due to the limited number of episodes but as the ending is hinting the probability of a second season, I think we'll deep dive into some characters stories (specially Cho Kang Ok).
Overall, I can't recommend it enough, it's a very entertaining series and worth your time.
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Waste of a good potential.
This is the first time I'm rating so low a series. Like really. Can't believe the MDL score it up to 8.0, fans of Sehun are really eating up everything this guy does.Really average, barely decent series. The thing is that overall it's an action mini-series but everything was lacking.
The script is bad, I don't understand where the writers were going. The production and filming was horrendous, I mean it looked like a filming project series done by students. The camera and shots were shaking. Not to mention the acting, really lacking here, whether in all the characters or their lines. It was just plain bad.
The fighting choreographies were quite good but so slow, it was obvious that it was acting.
No, really this kind of series is really the opposite of what anyone wants to produce these days.
Honestly, "Weak Hero" tackles the same topics of bullying and school better, but overall "Weak Hero" in terms of production and writing is so much better, and I can't even imagine when we get season 2, who will do the delve into school gangs, what here "Dokgo Rewind" tried to do but ultimately, failed.
I do not recommend, a waste of time.
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Friendship, Loyalty, and Sacrifice: A Powerful Bond Beyond Anything
This drama tells the story of two friends who find themselves at odds with each other during a period of political tension. Seo Hwi, a warrior who has endured unimaginable hardships, faces the harsh realities of life but still manages to keep a smile. On the other hand, Nam Sun Ho is an intelligent and talented individual whose dreams of passing the military service examination are shattered due to a scandal involving his father. This leads to a misunderstanding between the two friends, setting the stage for their eventual conflict.I entered this drama with some skepticism, as historical Korean dramas are not typically my go-to. Having seen Chinese productions take the lead in this genre, I was hesitant to invest in another historical narrative. However, what truly drew me in was the bromance between the two main characters. I have a soft spot for well-developed male friendships, and I feared that the focus might shift toward an unnecessary love triangle, especially with Han Hee Jae, the female lead. Thankfully, the romance remained secondary, and the story remained focused on the friendship at its core. The dynamic between Seo Hwi and Nam Sun Ho was far more captivating, and the writers wisely chose not to add a forced romance subplot that would have distracted from the central theme.
While Han Hee Jae's character brought some depth to the story, it was the bond between the two male leads that truly elevated the drama. Despite the misunderstandings and lies that fueled their conflict, their loyalty to each other was unwavering. They repeatedly risked their lives to protect one another, even after swearing to go their separate ways. Their relationship, described as the sun and the moon—opposite yet inseparable—was undeniably the highlight of the drama. This powerful connection resonated deeply, making their friendship the most moving and significant element of the entire narrative.
The performances from Yang Se Jong and Woo Do Hwan were exceptional. Yang Se Jong, whom I first noticed in "Duel," brought depth and emotional complexity to the role of Seo Hwi. He portrayed a character with many layers, which kept me engaged throughout. Woo Do Hwan, who impressed me in "The King: Eternal Monarch," was perfect as Nam Sun Ho. His portrayal of a character caught in a web of sacrifice and shadowed loyalty was a standout. Both actors displayed incredible chemistry and showcased their ability to carry such emotionally charged roles. The supporting cast also did well, with Jang Hyuk's portrayal of Prince Yi Bang Won adding another strong layer to the story.
The production value was a pleasant surprise, especially given my initial reservations about Korean historical dramas. The cinematography was well-executed, with rich, atmospheric tones that matched the intensity of the story. The fight scenes were beautifully choreographed, and the sets and costumes were visually stunning, immersing the viewer in the historical period. While the pacing of the plot could have been quicker, with some scenes feeling drawn out, the political intrigue and character-driven narrative kept me invested. Despite a few flaws—such as the unrealistic treatment of injuries—the ending felt true to the journey of the characters. The final moments were both heartbreaking and satisfying, especially for Nam Sun Ho. Overall, this series is a captivating, character-driven drama that I highly recommend, with its poignant exploration of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. The outstanding OST, especially "River Flower," only enhances the emotional weight of the story.
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The kind of drama that should be a standard for "k-dramas".
Well, this is the story of Hwang Dong Joo whose father was involved in a massive financial scandal and whose circumstances of his death remain suspicious. Hwang Dong Joo becomes a chief of taxation at the National Tax Service. He works hard to achieve his purpose and revenge.Now the comments are mixed on this series in general and contain only two reviews. I want to say I thought it was a thriller as the tag meant but it was more of a drama overall.
So, I had to give up on the thriller atmosphere that I love in general, and although here it was more colorful and light-hearted, there was enough action and thrilling moments to keep me focused.
The series has its somewhat silly and clichéd sides, where Hwang Dong Joo is a step-ahead of everyone else, the false suspense when you're supposed to believe the antagonists are winning, the slow-motion moments a bit cheesy. Well, if we forget that which is inevitably part of Korean dramas, the series is very enjoyable.
Hwang Dong Joo, despite the fact that it is predictable that he often wins, I like his character, he is a smart-ass and moreover arrogant and frank, a little rough but funny. Honestly, a kind of arrogant character that we love because he says out loud what the viewers are thinking quietly, especially to the antagonists. So his character is really enjoyable and a treat for us.
I have to say that the other characters all pretty much have a clichéd role in traditional k-drama fashion. The somewhat dumb but big-hearted teammates, the sometimes annoying superiors and the subordinates who are assholes, the "evil" director, Seo Hye Young (the FL) who is generous and friendly but sometimes a little dumb, and then the mentor who can be trusted.
In short, a quite few clichés, and I would have liked to see more complexity in the characters.
As for the plot and the story, I must say that it's pretty good overall, we have several cases that come together and that lead to the grand finale and to put the antagonists in sight, the words are certainly technical and the meetings quite incomprehensible for us who have no knowledge of how these finance companies work but it is quite easy to follow overall. We follow Hwang Dong Joo with delight in his revenge and taking down the antagonists who are really too arrogant for their own good. The story is really about revenge with a sassy but fun character who is determined to bring down the entire system if need be. There is a lot of fiction, but also quite emotional moments, honestly this drama gives us a bit of everything, and it's very well done.
I would like to add that there are a lot of series produced in South Korea that I could qualify as made in "k-drama fashion" so comedy, silly, emotional and simple, sometimes bad acting.
This series although not hugely elaborate, should be the kind of standard for the industry, this is what a k-drama should look like, not low-end series especially in acting and script. Frankly, this series is solid for its genre.
So, I would honestly say to at least see the series because Hwang Dong Joo is worth it as a character, it's really him who carries the series and makes us want to follow his adventures, certainly it's not ground-breaking but his character is worth it, and like I said, it's pretty solid.
With that, I'm going to get into season 2 right now.
Ps. It's been hard to get good subs for this series which is a shame because it deserves to be commissioned properly, I believe Kocowa did it recently but only for the American continent and in addition the season 1. So I recommend the links shared by Tax Payers Sub Team who did a superb job to sub this series for international fans and the entire two seasons.
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Not bad but not good.
Well, I'm pretty mixed on this series and I might be one of the few people who think this way.This is the story of Oh Hyun Jae who used to be a top criminal profiler, but one day an explosion, caused by a serial killer, ended the life of his fiancé. After the horrific incident, Oh Hyun Jae vanished and he now lives in seclusion. Meanwhile, Cha Soo Young is a police officer in the countryside. She has a special ability which allows her to remember exactly everything she sees. Due to her special ability, she is selected as a rookie detective who will partner with Oh Hyun Jae informally.
For starters, I think the show seems a bit all over the place with the story overall, like the script, the plots and sub-plots, too much estranged. Also, the killers have little light and they're pretty much cartoonish - the insane laughter, the grandiosity, the wish to be the best.
As for the "main" killer, I figured out who he was basically three or four episodes before he was revealed, honestly it wasn't hard and the twist wasn't there. But he was the most interesting character of the whole cast, because he was precise, calm and intelligent.
By the way, the killers aren't the only ones too theatrical, the character Oh Hyun Jae was too, too dramatic, emphasizing a lot on his "mystery", like over the top, really playing too much on the behavior, the intonations. Also his monologues which explained the whole situation were frankly cringe and moreover, it does not let the audience think.
Their superiors are self-centered jerks, really it's for the biggest surprise that the female lead, actress Cha Soo Young is the one who saves the drama, her character is relatable, she tries to do her best but doesn't get enough light, and I have found that her colleagues are also the nicest to watch and her relation to her father.
I really feel like overall this series was empty, very little realism, far too much fiction. I couldn't empathize with Oh Hyun Jae, even for his profiler character while I love profilers, also he made me feel like he was more a mentalist than a profiler. The story is based on this killer and the truth of the events that took place 5 years ago, but the show really lacks substance and flavor. As for the end, the epitome of cringiness.
A disappointment to be honest, because the actor who plays Oh Hyun Jae, Jang Hyuk was excellent in his role in Voice, so I expected a lot but he missed the boat. I really finished the series to finish it, but god it was slow, messy and boring, the bad acting of most of the actors really didn't help.
Afterwards, I'm sure that the series can appeal to others, it's quite pleasant to watch - overall - but personally, I haven't seen anything in particular that would make this series stand out.
So do I recommend ? I would say yes, some people will probably find this series fantastic to discover and I think it can fill the time if you are bored, but hey, it's not a masterpiece or a chef d'oeuvre, I have seen a lot better in terms of thrillers produced by South Korea.
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If I had to sum up this series in one word : beautiful.
It's the story of Teh and Oh-aew who were best friends as kids but after a childish argument, they did what a lot of kids do, they didn't talk to each other anymore.And yet, they never forgot each other.
Years later as they're preparing for university admissions, both pursuing interests in the field of Communication Arts, the two meet again in a Chinese language class, and their reunion as a young adult awakens complicated feelings.
It's really a youthful story of coming of age and the discovery of first love.
I would like to say that the production is stunning, in Asia we could compare this kind of production with that of Korea, but coming from Europe, I must say that this production reminds me of the French independent films which are shown at the Cannes festivals.
This series is short but it feels raw, real and vulnerable.
The tones give off the vibes of 90s films, the sets are far from being so polished as you see in the usual BL Thai series, where you have the impression of being in a model house, but here you really feel that it's filmed in Thailand. We see the streets, the restaurants, the temples, the beaches, the schools, it really feels real and it contributes to the vibes of the series which tells a touching and beautiful story.
As for the story itself, I have to say that I'm amazed, the story is simple, the plot is simple but the acting really changes everything, it makes this banal script become a masterpiece.
And I am weighing my words, this series is in my top 3 of the best BL Thai series.
The characters are just so realistic. They are young, sometimes a little stupid, but vulnerable, they have a good heart and their own challenges.
By discovering their mutual feelings for each other, they also realize that they have feelings for a person of the same sex, they have to come to term with this fact, with their family and the gaze of others.
And it's hard, at any age, in addition to discovering themselves and another person, they have to expect judgments, disappointments.
If you want toxic relationships, ridiculous dramas, just move on, this story is to tell a beautiful story, and it's more about introspection and growing up.
I won't say more, everyone can have their own personal tastes, but to me it's a masterpiece and game changer in the BL genre.
It's really to see.
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Mixed review.
The plot is quite innovative in a way, we don't have many series that tell the story of a couple, one of whom has a dark and bloody past, and the other is a detective who investigates a story that seems be related to her husband and his past.So, yes, the plot is really well thought out.
And I'm not going to lie, the acting of the characters is really good, especially the heartbreaking scenes of FL which pleasantly surprised me by being determined, and at times manipulative to find out the truth.
I've seen others ML acting better than in this series, I think his emotionless face was realistic but it was more when he was emotional that I struggled.
In reality, the fault was the script, and the tone of the series, which for me was too light. The ML's actions were sometimes slow, hesitant, and for a person not supposed to feel emotions, he displayed way too many. He wasn't cold enough, not convincing enough, and that's not because of the acting of the ML overall, but because of the way he was written.
And although the producers surely wanted to make the drama as realistic as possible in the sense of a psychological detective series, the colors and tones were not scary enough, the impression of the series was not punchy and dark as in "Mouse".
The intensity quickly left as well as my attention, I finished the series just to finish it but well, as soon as the revelations of the past of ML were made - which were disappointing, in my humble opinion - there was no more addictivity to this drama.
So honestly, with this series they could have made a mind-blowing psychological thriller, with the intensity rising, the couple suspecting each other, the deaths continuing and increasing the pressure for the audience.
But on the contrary, the FL discovered her husband's identity very early - too - soon, then the romance came together to make the ML soft, and the intensity disappeared.
Frankly, I think the potential of what this series could have been left me with a bitter taste, the problem was the producers who desperately wanted characters that were bad but not too bad, to tell a narrative so that we gives sympathy for all the characters.
In short, disappointed with the direction that the plot has taken.
Special mention nevertheless to Kim Ji Hoon, who will soon play in "Money Heist : Korea", he was the only character really disturbing by his intensity, his darkness, frankly the acting of this character was perfect for the vibes of a series of psychological thriller, pity that the script and the tones of the series does not match. He would have been perfect in "Mouse" or "Beyond Evil".
I'm going to end it here, so I think it's a pretty enjoyable drama, the love story is believable but takes it a bit too much of the overall vibes, and makes the characters too soft, so the script is good, no inconsistencies, just not mature and dark enough for my taste.
I recommend it for those who like enjoyable thrillers with a strong romance, however those who really want something dark, very intense with suspense, this may not be for you.
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A Tale of Strong Leads and Unpredictable Twists
The story follows Zhuang Han Yan, who was sent to a fishing village as a baby after being blamed for the loss of her mother's legs and grandfather's death. Raised by abusive foster parents, she kills them in self-defense when her foster father attempts to assault her. Returning to the capital, she seeks refuge with her biological family but is interrogated by Fu Yun Xi, who sees through her lies but chooses not to act against her. It's revealed they were once betrothed at birth, but after she was sent away, her sister took her place and died mysteriously, leaving Fu Yun Xi a widower with a young daughter.Fu Yun Xi is cold and ruthless in his duties, but never abusive. His strategic mind always keeps him ahead of his enemies. As they navigate challenges together, their slowly blossoming romance adds another layer to the story. Fu Yun Xi admires Zhuang Han Yan’s resilience, intelligence, and composure, qualities that make her strong enough to stand beside him despite the dangers he faces. Unlike his first wife, who was too kind, Zhuang Han Yan is strategic and unshakable, earning Fu Yun Xi’s protection and support.
While the two lead actors occasionally struggle with delivering certain emotions or showcasing depth in their performances, the compelling story itself helps elevate their characters, saving them from being uninteresting.
The production quality is excellent, from the visuals and costumes to the set design.
However, the supporting characters are largely one-dimensional, falling into familiar costume drama clichés. The mother-in-law is manipulative and scheming, while the half-sister and half-brother are spoiled and mean-spirited. The servants follow similar patterns.
The exception is the parents, whose layers are gradually revealed over time, leading to some shocking twists (though I’ll refrain from mentioning any to avoid spoilers).
Overall, the drama's most compelling aspect is its story, driven by the two central characters' chemistry and the unfolding mysteries surrounding Zhuang Han Yan’s family and the court intrigues. Without giving too much away, I'll say that while the first arc (the first 10 episodes) is fairly straightforward, the second arc truly picks up and delivers some surprising twists that left me shocked.
If you enjoy historical dramas featuring strong leads, dramatic intrigue, and plenty of hardship, this one is definitely worth watching.
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