I tried to explain this better in my review, but with a clearer head it seems even more obvious to me: the ending ends up undermining much of the ambiguity, the layered complexity, and even the symbolic framework that the drama had so carefully built up to that point.
Everything is reduced to a sweeping, all-encompassing explanation which, in effect, undermines the discourse on art, the double, and perception — elements which, in my view, were among the most interesting aspects of the series.
Ultimately, the ending comes across as rather consolatory, reassuring, almost ‘educational’, giving the impression that it wants to tie everything up without leaving room for doubt or grey areas. And it is precisely this lack of ambiguity that I found rather unambitious.
The result is that the drama, whilst remaining excellent for most of its run, ends up somewhat betraying itself at the very decisive moment. Perhaps it’s partly down to my own expectations, but it’s a feeling I’m personally finding myself experiencing quite often in many contemporary productions
In any case, for those who are curious, I’d also recommend watching the original Japanese version, “Ice World”, which explores similar themes but maintains a far more consistent and less accommodating ambiguity right through to the end.
Ha ha! I got Kopiko too 😊 (though I’ve never actually tried them) – and I’ve got quite a few right first time, at last! These quizzes are really lovely, thanks!🌺
I am so happy right now ;___; After meeting Gong Yoo in Florence this weekend, this news made my whole year. I…
I’m absolutely delighted to hear about your wonderful experience! Unfortunately, right here in Italy, the Florence Korea Film Fest always seems to fly under the radar and never gets the recognition it deserves, which is absurd, because every year it goes out of its way to showcase truly remarkable films and stars; a bit more TV or press coverage really wouldn’t go amiss! Gong Yoo is one of those people who, even in interviews, comes across as a truly wonderful person (down-to-earth, as the English say) and deserves all the love his fans give him; Years on, ‘Goblin’ remains a work of immense value, thoroughly satisfying in terms of both story and cast; I’m not in the habit of ‘handing out’ a 10-point rating here on MDL, but this drama fully deserves it! It’s certainly not one for repeated viewings, as it’s so dense and layered that it leaves you feeling quite drained after watching it, but it must absolutely be considered a cornerstone among the most beautiful and important works in the Dramaverse, truly...
Happy Birthday to our wonderful Yoo Ri! 🎂🎉❤️ Is something brewing for 2026!? It would seem so, judging by the signs circulating on the web, lately. Let's hope for some pleasant surprises!
Personally, I already expressed everything in my review at the time... I think it's only fair to give credit to the authors of “The Art Of Sarah” for their narrative choice, which is quite far removed from the reassuring clichés of many recent productions, moving into a more uncomfortable and complex environment, compared to glossy, perfect romance series and various rather conventional thrillers with often carbon-copy mechanisms. There is both social criticism and criticism of a system that thrives on appearances, status, ostentatious luxury, wealth (?), image over substance, incredible contradictions, etc.
It leaves you with more questions than answers, which is unsettling for those viewers who want clear-cut endings and well-defined morals, but ultimately the structure justifies this choice. She is simply perfect❤️ and is perhaps 50% of the drama's success. I'm glad that the overall response has been excellent, rewarding the idea behind the project. I hope it's a step towards other stories that choose to question rather than reassure.
Complimenti davvero! E' una delle recensioni meglio argomentate che mi sia capitato di leggere ultimamente; ti leggo spesso, trovando il più delle volte spunti interessanti, tutt'altro che ordinari e, in diversi casi, indubbiamente condivisibili; se posso permettermi, dimostri una notevole capacità di sintesi e di scelta delle parole che esemplificano il concetto di "critica costruttiva", senza fronzoli etc. Mi ha colpito particolarmente la parte sulla protagonista, Oh Yeon Seo, che personalmente non conosco; scorrendo la sua pagina dedicata, non ricordo nulla con lei, è indicata in "Babyfaced Beauty", un drama abbastanza dimenticabile che ho visto giusto per la splendida Jang Na Ra; ho sempre "A Korean Odissey" parcheggiato, mi riprometto tutte le volte di iniziarlo, ma c'è sempre qualcosa che passa prima... Noto che l'attrice citata riceve un sacco di apprezzamenti qui sul forum, però, non avendola mai incrociata in film o serie, non so come interpretare questo consenso diffuso; delle volte resto basito dal termometro-misuratore del successo di attori e attrici qui, su MDL, ma è opinione strettamente personale e assolutamente opinabile! Scusa "l'invasione" e complimenti ancora!🌺
I discovered this a little late, but it's great news: Park Chan-wook will be the President of the Jury at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. As explained in the linked article, he is the second Asian director after Wong Kar-wai to be honoured with this prestigious role. Congratulations! https://cineuropa.org/it/newsdetail/489636/
It's interesting that Park Min-young initially turned it down: in the original "Ice World", the character thrives on ambiguity and subtraction, suspended between fragility and moral opacity. It's a construction that requires great expressive control and makes the role so stimulating from an acting point of view. That's precisely why I consider it a fascinating challenge. I'm glad she changed her mind, I can't wait!
Go Soo is incredibly talented, he has been a remarkable actor for many years and never disappoints. What's more, he is often accompanied by some of my favorite actresses, so I have a lot of faith in this project too. Min Young, so prolific and consistent actress, she never leaves us too much without a new TV series to watch. She's wonderful! Let's hope for the best, great prospects...
These teasers really do their job... Between ‘Siren's Kiss’ and ‘Climax’, March promises to be full of high tension! ❤️Ha Ji Won❤️ is back to delight us, but how wonderful is this actress!? And what a cast, really!
While watching ‘Confidence Queen’, I noticed that most of the time, with skirts, short dresses, etc., the editing and framing of the shots almost never showed her full-length (with a few exceptions, often in long shots), even though in several previous series they often found the right clothes to highlight her figure and her beautiful legs. Please, PMY, don't follow certain extremes like the American Method-style acting of total physical identification, because you do not need it! You are very gifted on your own, and remember that you are already perfect in your individuality! ❤️
Her name is song hye kyo, she was absolutely stunning. Her make-up and fit amazinggg!
I had completely forgotten that she had been in the drama, so her appearance had exactly the desired effect! Absolute beauty, that captivating gaze, playful in the role! This woman is truly on another level...
It's called sarcasm. I'm saying the opposite of what I think to make fun of the situation. Did you see the emoticons? Did you see my profile and the actresses mentioned in it? The roster of my favorite actresses? Did you see my previous comments about Park Min Young? Did you see my review of “Ice World”? I'll say “hello” with a flower.🌺
In small doses, one episode at a time, without rushing... it's incredibly well-structured and full of characters, everything is constantly shifting but it definitely works... the cameo in episode 8... she's just... wow! Absolutely gorgeous!
42 seconds of teaser and at least 7/8 different outfits for Park Min Young; if she follows the same pattern as in her latest series, we're good to go! Kim Ji Won, start trembling! (Just kidding😊, who can beat the “Queen of Tears”?👑)
I don't care about grammys...its American awards and they are heavily politically biased. Its like america and…
Well said! In my opinion, this is one of the best definitions that can be given to this event: self-celebration, triumph of lobbies and major labels, which is basically the same thing! Musically, I would also extend this to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which has little to do with rock... normalization of a phenomenon that doesn't disturb, becoming institutionalized mainstream; pure marketing, I'm staying well away from it!
Hello 👋🏻Which two new projects are you referring to?- The Married Couple Is Jobless.- Hello Singles.If they're…
Ah! See!? I was wrong 😅, my fault for not checking the sources carefully; let's hope he doesn't keep us waiting too long for the new project, then! She seems to be pretty regular in the time between one job and another. ThankyouThankyou! 😉
Ah, without a doubt, there are many questions, and I reserve judgment until after the second part of the story; I am pleased to find some of my own reflections, such as the ambiguity and fascination of evil, the physicality of the character adapted to his status ("bigger than life"...), and, clearly, the similarities with the contemporary world, not necessarily limited to South Korea... As I have already stated in another thread, I am quite confident that the relationship between the brothers will be expanded, which could lead to some interesting narrative developments. A truly wonderful interview that also gives an insight into the acting method of an actor who always manages to perform at an excellent level... I'll save it and keep it in mind for a future review, thank you, Lily!
Everything is reduced to a sweeping, all-encompassing explanation which, in effect, undermines the discourse on art, the double, and perception — elements which, in my view, were among the most interesting aspects of the series.
Ultimately, the ending comes across as rather consolatory, reassuring, almost ‘educational’, giving the impression that it wants to tie everything up without leaving room for doubt or grey areas. And it is precisely this lack of ambiguity that I found rather unambitious.
The result is that the drama, whilst remaining excellent for most of its run, ends up somewhat betraying itself at the very decisive moment.
Perhaps it’s partly down to my own expectations, but it’s a feeling I’m personally finding myself experiencing quite often in many contemporary productions
In any case, for those who are curious, I’d also recommend watching the original Japanese version, “Ice World”, which explores similar themes but maintains a far more consistent and less accommodating ambiguity right through to the end.
(though I’ve never actually tried them) – and I’ve got quite a few right first time, at last!
These quizzes are really lovely, thanks!🌺
Unfortunately, right here in Italy, the Florence Korea Film Fest always seems to fly under the radar and never gets the recognition it deserves, which is absurd, because every year it goes out of its way to showcase truly remarkable films and stars; a bit more TV or press coverage really wouldn’t go amiss!
Gong Yoo is one of those people who, even in interviews, comes across as a truly wonderful person (down-to-earth, as the English say) and deserves all the love his fans give him;
Years on, ‘Goblin’ remains a work of immense value, thoroughly satisfying in terms of both story and cast; I’m not in the habit of ‘handing out’ a 10-point rating here on MDL, but this drama fully deserves it!
It’s certainly not one for repeated viewings, as it’s so dense and layered that it leaves you feeling quite drained after watching it, but it must absolutely be considered a cornerstone among the most beautiful and important works in the Dramaverse, truly...
I still have to see ‘First Lady’ but I won't miss it.
Many happy birthday wishes, Eugene! 🌺🎉🎂❤️
Is something brewing for 2026!?
It would seem so, judging by the signs circulating on the web, lately.
Let's hope for some pleasant surprises!
I think it's only fair to give credit to the authors of “The Art Of Sarah” for their narrative choice, which is quite far removed from the reassuring clichés of many recent productions, moving into a more uncomfortable and complex environment, compared to glossy, perfect romance series and various rather conventional thrillers with often carbon-copy mechanisms.
There is both social criticism and criticism of a system that thrives on appearances, status, ostentatious luxury, wealth (?), image over substance, incredible contradictions, etc.
It leaves you with more questions than answers, which is unsettling for those viewers who want clear-cut endings and well-defined morals, but ultimately the structure justifies this choice.
She is simply perfect❤️ and is perhaps 50% of the drama's success. I'm glad that the overall response has been excellent, rewarding the idea behind the project.
I hope it's a step towards other stories that choose to question rather than reassure.
E' una delle recensioni meglio argomentate che mi sia capitato di leggere ultimamente; ti leggo spesso, trovando il più delle volte spunti interessanti, tutt'altro che ordinari e, in diversi casi, indubbiamente condivisibili; se posso permettermi, dimostri una notevole capacità di sintesi e di scelta delle parole che esemplificano il concetto di "critica costruttiva", senza fronzoli etc.
Mi ha colpito particolarmente la parte sulla protagonista, Oh Yeon Seo, che personalmente non conosco; scorrendo la sua pagina dedicata, non ricordo nulla con lei, è indicata in "Babyfaced Beauty", un drama abbastanza dimenticabile che ho visto giusto per la splendida Jang Na Ra; ho sempre "A Korean Odissey" parcheggiato, mi riprometto tutte le volte di iniziarlo, ma c'è sempre qualcosa che passa prima...
Noto che l'attrice citata riceve un sacco di apprezzamenti qui sul forum, però, non avendola mai incrociata in film o serie, non so come interpretare questo consenso diffuso; delle volte resto basito dal termometro-misuratore del successo di attori e attrici qui, su MDL, ma è opinione strettamente personale e assolutamente opinabile!
Scusa "l'invasione" e complimenti ancora!🌺
Park Chan-wook will be the President of the Jury at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
As explained in the linked article, he is the second Asian director after Wong Kar-wai to be honoured with this prestigious role.
Congratulations!
https://cineuropa.org/it/newsdetail/489636/
It's a construction that requires great expressive control and makes the role so stimulating from an acting point of view.
That's precisely why I consider it a fascinating challenge.
I'm glad she changed her mind, I can't wait!
Let's hope for the best, great prospects...
Between ‘Siren's Kiss’ and ‘Climax’, March promises to be full of high tension!
❤️Ha Ji Won❤️ is back to delight us, but how wonderful is this actress!?
And what a cast, really!
Please, PMY, don't follow certain extremes like the American Method-style acting of total physical identification, because you do not need it!
You are very gifted on your own, and remember that you are already perfect in your individuality! ❤️
Absolute beauty, that captivating gaze, playful in the role!
This woman is truly on another level...
I'm saying the opposite of what I think to make fun of the situation.
Did you see the emoticons?
Did you see my profile and the actresses mentioned in it?
The roster of my favorite actresses?
Did you see my previous comments about Park Min Young?
Did you see my review of “Ice World”?
I'll say “hello” with a flower.🌺
it's incredibly well-structured and full of characters,
everything is constantly shifting but it definitely works...
the cameo in episode 8... she's just... wow! Absolutely gorgeous!
if she follows the same pattern as in her latest series, we're good to go!
Kim Ji Won, start trembling!
(Just kidding😊, who can beat the “Queen of Tears”?👑)
In my opinion, this is one of the best definitions that can be given to this event: self-celebration, triumph of lobbies and major labels, which is basically the same thing! Musically, I would also extend this to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which has little to do with rock... normalization of a phenomenon that doesn't disturb, becoming institutionalized mainstream; pure marketing, I'm staying well away from it!
I was wrong 😅, my fault for not checking the sources carefully;
let's hope he doesn't keep us waiting too long for the new project, then!
She seems to be pretty regular in the time between one job and another.
ThankyouThankyou! 😉
As I have already stated in another thread, I am quite confident that the relationship between the brothers will be expanded, which could lead to some interesting narrative developments.
A truly wonderful interview that also gives an insight into the acting method of an actor who always manages to perform at an excellent level... I'll save it and keep it in mind for a future review, thank you, Lily!