This review may contain spoilers
Riveting
April 2024The Worst of Evil, 18+, 2023, 12eps, Disney+
Synopsis and cast attached.
Very intense, violent and multi-layered drama with excellent pace, characters and acting. The script was intelligent and apart from 1 character's antics, very believable.
A stubborn, relentless, but 'good' police officer (Ji Chang-wook), with a no nonsense and short fused personality, goes deep undercover. Watching how his personality changes with almost every episode, is often an uncomfortable and anxious watch.
The rules by which organisations operate, whether they be gangsters or the establishment, are all basically for totally selfish reasons, although often disguised as being for the good of others, or a better life.
It comes across strongly in this, how just about everyone uses others, or gets used, purely to meet their own agendas. Characters are incredibly fickle, with making and holding on to money and power, plus kudos, being the nr.1 motivators.
There are lots of links between characters, with some being quite a surprise. There is a weird, but unstoppable, connection and bond between the main characters, as they are forced to cover the backs of their targets, yet also find themselves being protected and trusted by them. This impacts on outcomes, in so many ways.
I found that the most irritating, vile, and stuck-in-the-70s character, was Detective Hwang Min-gu, excellently played by Yoon Gyung-ho. I absolutely detested him! A real bullying sleaze ball! Why his character was allowed to constantly get in the way and jeopardise such an important international police investigation, was beyond me.
He was subtle as a brick and openly turned up at scenes already under surveillance. Yet at no point did any higher ups reign in him or transfer him out of the way, until the operation was concluded. I found that ridiculous.
The ending was conclusive and not surprising at all to me, but was confusing in one pretty major aspect. I did not understand JCW's behaviour at all and say why further on.
An exciting watch and whilst not something I'd see again, it certainly captivated and entertained me.
** SPOILER AHEAD **
The part that confused me, was Jun-mo shooting Gi-cheol, rather than letting him kill himself, as he was about to do. If Jun-mo had shot him in the arm, shoulder, or anywhere else, to incapacitate and prevent him from shooting himself in the head, I could have understood it; but not shooting to kill him. It seemed pointless and actually turned it into murder.
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An absolutely epic love story
In the real world, if a Si Feng existed, the bar for romance would be set unattainably high. The loyalty, staying power and crazy patience of this character is second to none. At times he made his own problems even worst, but this is fantasy!This 59-episode series features impossible choices, secrets, anger, betrayal, resentment, grudges, hate, guilt, hypocricy, racism, battles and one of the most manipulative characters I've watched; but it also provides laughs, loyalty, kinship, friendship, trust, selflessness, devotion and, of course, love.
There were a very few times when I felt certain aspects of the story were a little laboured. Some characters also had the most frustrating habit of constantly ignoring advice (always messing things up, yet never learning), being overly judgmental and not listening to anyone!
But isn't a good story one which makes you shout at the screen?! 😁
Some of the evil characters were portrayed a little pantomime-like (think wicked laughs... "mwa-ha-ha"); however, the casting of actors and acting though, really were spot on.
The accompanying music was mostly good, but sometimes I found the electric guitar stuff a little intrusive and not quite appropriate.
Cheng Yi and Crystal Yuan were wonderful to watch. I loved that she didn't mumble, whisper or talk like a 5-year old ~ which too many actresses often do (perhaps they're directed to, but I loath that).
The way he looks at her at times is breathtaking. He didn't overplay the role at all and for such a powerful character, the gentleness he portrayed, even when being cold and detached, was so appealing. A joy to watch. The drama is stuffed full of great characters (Lord Flying Snake being a favourite).
I will definitely watch this again one day and it's been added to my list of favourite dramas.
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Namgoong Min gives another fine performance in his multi layered character, whose story opens up with every episode, right to the last.
Loved the character of Jamie Layton, so well played by Lee Chung Ah. Cool and quirky.
I wasn't particularly surprised by the story's development, but that's not to say it was dull ~ surprises were still waiting.
The 3 child actors who played the young versions of Jung-woo, Jamie and Jae-woong, were so good. I find most Korean child actors excellent.
I binge watched this drama and loved almost every second. Decent OST too.
I liked that dues were paid, one way or another, even though for one hateful character it wasn't witnessed, but the description of their demise was pretty gratifying.
I did feel for Jae-woong, although he seemed content with his lot.
Great watch and cast.
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Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow
7 people found this review helpful
My kind of Drama
It's over; the final episode has aired and overall, it did not disappoint. I will so miss my weekly fix.Equalling S1 and very similar in its slow build, with the action, intrigue and surprises, increasing with every episode.
The shift in Jang Uk's character and the effect on all the characters of S1's finale, was immediately felt from ep1.
There's more obvious romance in S2 as the eps role out, but it was never out of place or eye rolling. Quite the opposite.
I loved Go Yoon-jung's portrayal and the character of Naksu/Jin Bu-yeon. Still feisty, independent, capable and witty. Her interactions with Uk were as amusing, touching and frustrating, in turns, as S1. Subtle differences, as after all, the character has suffered and undergone a big change, but just as strong. Both actresses brought so much to their roles and credit has to go to everyone involved for making it pretty seamless.
There are twists, turns, revellations, just deserts and some shocks in S2.
There are some flash backs featuring Jung So-min's character, Mu Deok, in later eps and I'm really pleased these were included, as it stitched what was unfolding in the story together and was a reminder that the souls and their bodies had shifted to start with.
The ending was thrilling and all gets neatly tied up. It wasn't rushed, but did feel a bit like a conclusion, rather than extension of the story. Some characters and their stories did take a back seat in S2, which was a shame, however, it was still pleasing and unless S2 was to run for another 16+ episodes, the only way to complete the central theme.
With the closing 2 eps, there were a very few times the dialogue felt a little lazy and it only stood out for me because I never thought that in all the other 28 eps.
The special effects, soundtrack and sets were spot on all the way through and Car, The Garden's "Scars Leave Beautiful Trace" is now a favourite song.
An absolute favourite drama of mine now too, which in its entirety of 30 eps, is possibly top of my list. Ticked all my boxes!
All involved did a great job.
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Really engaging and enjoyable watch
March 2025A really enjoyable watch. Liked the cast a lot, some funny characters, good pace, with several intertwining storylines that kept me interested from start to finish.
The outcome wasn't obvious to me, but eventually I remembered something I saw in a particular episode, which gave me strong suspicions.
Ahn Bo-hyun is great in this. His character is extremely cocky, but the fact he isn't pretentious (unless winding up colleagues), nor spoilt exactly, stops him being hard to like. Quite the opposite. He appeared to me to have no respect for the wealth he became surrounded by, and with each episode we see why. He is caring though, and once invested, does nothing but his best.
The police team are not stupid or inept, for a change, but as with so many dramas, the higher ranks are portrayed kowtowing to the wealthy.
Lee Gang-hyeon (Park Ji-hyun), lead of one of the police teams, is brainy, tenacious, thick skinned, and smart. I loved her, as do her loyal colleagues. She also has a personal axe to grind, yet rarely let's that cloud her decisions.
It isn't real life by any stretch of the imagination, and nor is it meant to be. What I did find it to be, was fun, energetic, and also quite moving at times.
Definitely worth a watch.
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Unfortunately Won't Stay In Mine
Liked the cast, but the story has a lot of flaws, as do some of the characters.Kim Dong-wook plays Jung-hoon, with his incredible memory, which unfortunately enables him to not only recount events in video-like accuracy, but with the attached emotions too, beautifully. He is gentle, mild mannered and polite, but ruthless in his profession of news anchorman. Due to the pain that close relationships have caused in the past, he is a little reserved and closed off, but not cold.
Moon Ga-young as Ha-jin, is saccharin sweet and comes across a bit ditzy, but this is due to an event that caused her mind to block off all memories during a specific time in her teenage years.
The 2 are linked and their growing relationship begins to uncover a hidden story.
Within this are stalkers and murderers, as history seems about to repeat itself. Jung-hoon is pretty unlucky on the GF front it seems.
Keeping the facts from Ha-jin (for 'her own good') whilst also trying to maintain their relationship, protecting her from the past as well as present, are the general story lines.
The 2 lead characters are chalk and cheese. He is mature whilst she is like a teenager. Yes, she lost memories, but of a specific point in time and the people related to the incident, not of everything before that point. The way she behaves is infuriating. I really struggle when grown women speak in a child-like manner as a large part of their character and behave like one too.
She is disorganised, treats her manager-sister like a servant and brushes off low-key inappropriate behaviour from a film writer/director, when she should nip the advances in the bud.
The story has a lot of toing and froing as well, as they are caught up in countless scandals, which become an eye rolling "not another, please".
Frankly, I would have preferred he found someone else during the lazy '2 years later' bit of the story. Another thing I'm not at all keen on.
Two characters that really pushed the bounds of realistic, for me though, were Park Kyung-ae ~ how the hell an agency survives run by a woman like that...; and Yoo Sung-hyuk, a morally challenged, unethical, inhuman excuse for a professor/clinician (never mind father), who should never be allowed near patients and whose character should have been held way more accountable for his actions.
Not a drama I would watch again, or recommend. I watched to tge end because I wanted to know the outcome, but it really wasn't worth it.
Dong-wook playing Jung-hoon was its only saving grace. Oh and Ha-kyung and Il-kwon were sweet together.
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Stunning
This is SO good! I loved every second. Amazing production, packed with action, great characters, effects, costumes and stunning sets.Loved the cast (especially Aloys Chen as Qin Ming).
There is humour, warmth and good v evil. Fab monsters too . The main supporting duo of Bo Ya and Shen Lee provided the lighter comedic moments (as did the various animals and 'familiar' monsters) with their youthful personalities and bickering.
The character of Qin Ming is a dual personality to a point and I really liked that even though he'd been let down, he remained loyal to those he loved. He was confident and aloof, but not arrogant. The family vibe of the various monsters he took as 'familiars' was heart warming and quite moving on occasion.
Really very entertaining and a feast for the eyes. I'd love a follow-up!
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Great characters and I was surprised by how several that I found really irritating and/or unlikable, I ended up rooting for, as their real personalities and reasons for behaving as they do, emerged.
The cast were excellent (all favourites) and I totally fell in love with all 3 main guys and a certain shining Police Officer ;)
It was also an absolute joy to have couples behave naturally ~ no gawping eyes-wide-open females in the numerous kiss scenes. No reactions on hand holding that would be more fitting to being groped! Realistic bed scenes (doesn't need nudity to portray sex) and almost all experiences and issues being pretty representative of the highs and lows of falling in and out of love.
I only found 1 character's reaction to breaking up somewhat overdone. A particular scene where a dumped boyfriend was humiliated in public, was a step too far. I absolutely hated her at that point.
The OST is great, the locations varied (surfing never looked so appealing) and even the ending was good... true to life, which is rarely neatly tied up.
I don't feel a second series is needed, but they could easily make one, featuringing the characters whose love lives weren't concluded and maybe a couple of new ones to fill in those that were; I'd definitely watch it.
Very enjoyable and hard to turn off (binge addicts like me, beware).
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Ending felt rushed and chaotic
Feb 2025Lots of colourful varied characters, sub plots, and slow burn romance. Also beautiful sets, costumes and cast, which are a standard of costume fantasy C-dramas.
I enjoyed this more than I didn't. Whilst the FL character unfortunately spoke with the usual childish voice, her personality after ep.1, thankfully, was generally anything but. Yes, she had a child-like fascination and bubbly excitement for things, but she also often had a very mature and thoughtful outlook, which kept her the right side of my "you irritate me to death" line! 😅
The early episodes set scenes, build the main characters, and lay the story's foundations. There are lots of vengeful spirits and demons for the hunters to round up, once the main small group of characters eventually go off in search of a top demon, called The Resentful Woman.
Throughout the story, Miaomiao, the character who has been sucked into her favourite author's latest novel, as the villainous main supporting character, has to try and stay alive. At the same time, she has to complete tasks set by the novel's 'system', and fit into the storyline, but she also wants to change her character to a good one whilst doing so.
All the MCs carry guilt of some kind, and all find themselves becoming more and more connected to the demon they are pursuing, to save the 'world'. There are some very poignant scenes, and I especially liked Mu Sheng's back story.
It did linger far too much in certain parts, and in comparison to the build-up, I found the closing episode very rushed and chaotic.
I honestly just didn't get some aspects, at the end, at all! The twist was just a bit too much so.
However, the cast was good, I liked a lot of the characters, and it was very funny at times (especially the character Marquis Qing Yi).
The music was mixed, but I disliked some of the overpowering electric guitar riffs, which just didn't fit for me.
Not disappointed I watched it, but not as good as some I've seen recently, mainly due to the previously mentioned ending,
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Too drawn out
November 2023I know this has been really popular and just about everyone loves Rowoon (including me), with Jo Bo-ah having lots of fans too, but... I really struggled with it. Sorry for the negtive review, to those who loved it and perhaps read this.
Unusually for me, a big bugbear was the irritating incidental/background music. Once it irked me, I couldn't zone it out.
The main characters around Hong-jo and Shin-yu, were mostly horrible....
From just awful work colleagues (apart from HJ's team Manager, Eun-young), to Shin-yu's father (so unkind about his mother's intelligence), and a delusional girlfriend; all very unlikeable.
I was also not keen on either lead character. One never took control, strung people along and was frankly, weak. The other was mouthy with one character and yet almost weak around all others.
A few tropes I really don't like, such as the father disliking their off-spring's chosen partner, just because they have no parents and are a 'nobody'; and the usual delusional girlfriend. Done. To. Death.
Apart from that, so many scenes were waaaaay too drawn out and slow, full of long stares and bizarre silent phone calls (where one calls other and then says NOTHING... what is all that about!)
HJ's female co-workers are completely bat poop and also delusional... I didn't find them funny at all ~ really not good writing. One in particular was thoroughly unlikeable.
I often found scenes childish and ridiculous; I mean, a Parks worker with no vehicle, no appropriate equipment/clothing, yet often expected to deal with situations for which they are totally unprepared. Like having to wipe up blood, but not having anything to do so with! Or someone with a suspected stalker, going to remote places alone. Eye rolling.
The story also didn't flow. Scenes felt jerky and disjointed, almost like segments stuck together, at times. The MC can regularly be found randomly standing on a beach, for no apparent reason, just gazing into one another's eyes.
Utterly ridiculous plot lines. Especially around the worst example of promiscuity ever, which just because someone is dating, is apparently openly talking with a man, even though there's a space between them (ie, not cuddled up).
There's also an appalling scene with an octopus, too, that really upset me. Totally unacceptable to me, I'm afraid (and 'culture' doesn't cut it, in a developed country that should know better by now). It wasn't even necessary. Hope to God it wasn't real ~ I'm honestly not sure.
There were scenes filmed in the same location as See You In My 19th Life (Mujinjeong Pavilion, with 'falling petal' fireworks), that actually felt like they almost mirrored that part of the other drama. It felt too similar and really distracted me.
So disappointing and I'd looked forward to this drama, too.
The cast weren't a problem, but actually the drama's saving grace. However, apart from some of the historical scenes, the story was just not for me.
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Classic
The synopsis here on MDL is not really accurate for the female lead character at all. There is more to her than that. Anywho....This is what I consider a classic all-round, entertaining sageuk. There is plenty of humour, action, intrigue, tragedy, drama, villains, simple folk and good people that fight for justice.
The plot isn't completely new, with disguise as the opposite sex being needed to clear the FL's name, having been framed for murder. However, the portrayal of an intelligent woman, actually supported by their family and a benevolent Crown Prince not afraid to wield as much influence as he's able, is nicely done and feels different.
PHS must be a go-to for such roles, with his flair for natural humour and good looks, as the righteous Crown Prince.
Type casting, however, is also the bane of any drama and once you see some actors, you know the evil character is them the minute they show up. Directors and casting, please take note! Some, though, were far less obvious... round of applause for that.
I loved the characters though, including those I wanted publicly flailed for being so vile!
There are a smattering of clichés, but not to the point it annoyed me... balled fists and catching the falling FL being the main ones.
I thought the mystery that needed solving, which drew together many characters throughout the story, was very well done and kept me glued. I watched this drama over quite a short period and never got bored or lost concentration.
There were a couple of times when the comedy was too obvious and didn't fit... There were no microphones in the 1400s, so pretending to use one in 'interviewing' the Crown Prince, for example, just stood out as totally inappropriate, even though very brief. That is real shame, as there were laugh out loud moments much more natural. It was not needed.
The romance aspect is very light, which for me fit with the story perfectly, but if you are looking for lots of deep snogs etc, you will be very disappointed. However the affection shown between several characters with just a look, is lovely.
I so enjoyed this drama and would really recommend it. The ending was very nicely done and the soundtrack complimented what was being watched too.
The core friendships and trust between characters, even when tested, was also so nice, with no accepting allegations at face value, when a person's true personality should tell those nearest, differently.
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Mountain, mystery, suspense
Excellent cast, acting and writing. A crime drama with a stunning setting, Mountain Rangers as the central characters and even a bit of the supernatural thrown in. The latter actually has a sad feel to it.I loved both Jun Ji Hyun and Joo Ji Hoon in this; her character was strong, capable and assertive, if a little headstrong. It was so enjoyable to see JJH playing a softer character, whose more placid, thoughtful and probing nature, balanced hers.
Oh Jung Se was on fine form as usual, too.
The story twists and turns, moving with the seasons on the mountain, as it is revealed there's a killer on the loose.
The culprit isn't unveiled until the final episodes and so many fit the bill at some point, that guessing was impossible!
I loved the production, location, filming and a soundtrack that suited it so well.
I actually found the ending quite emotional.
What let it down a little were the sudden jumps (from the outset), in the timeline. I didn't get what was going on initially, but once I realised, it was fine; the story is told before and after the events of the deaths, leading up to the capture of the killer.
There were also a couple of characters whose stories and reactions were a bit OTT, but in a drama that had so many good ones, they were bearable.
A couple of episodes were a little slow, but overall this was a great watch.
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Longer episodes please
I liked the story, which gives vampires a modern twist; day walkers and no cowering at crucifixes. Minimal blood and no fangs, so great for the squeamish.Vampirism at its most romantic, with a beautiful character that gives all for love after a tragic mistake.
The acting was fine, but as usual with too many S.Korean BL dramas, the episodes are far too short. I'd rather have that they were fewer and longer, so I can really get into the story. That would also give the actors a chance to show their skills and get into their characters better.
Perhaps the film will be more satisfying in that respect.
A few times the sound quality was poor and the filming felt a bit low budget, but that is not a reflection on the story or acting.
Overall, however, I thought it was a neat drama with a poignant finish. The soundtrack wasn't bad either.
Worth a look.
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This review may contain spoilers
Ridiculous ending spoiled it
I absolutely loved this drama, up to the point where Joon left Ra Ra. Things then proceeded to get ridiculously out of hand. What on earth were the writers thinking?!The bulk of this strangely inviting drama's episodes, were quirky, amusing, wonderfully cheesy and entertaining. The kind of silly-in-a-good-way drama that many of us crave at times.
I'm not a huge fan of Go Ara's work; not because she isn't a good actress, but because many of her roles put her in either frumpy, gaumless, or just plain irritating characters.
For me, this was one of her best roles, besides Ms Hammurabi, which I LOVED! (although she seemed to live in her coat in it).
Totally cosseted by her father and piano teacher, it's like she grew up in a bubble. When that bubble is burst, we are left with a character that has a child-like innocence and outlook ~ though by no means stupid, she is naive, coupled with amazing determination and an incredibly optimistic outlook. Although she is more ga-ga than Ra-Ra, I found her very likeable through her outlook and how she said what she thought, without filtering it.
Supporting characters were mixed ~ wealthy, controlling parents; an idyllic community with gossipy, good hearted middle-aged women; childhood love/hate friends; a villain; inept though menacing private investigators; suave doctor; slow police; and a sweetie of a grandpa figure.
There was lots of comedy, some very touching scenes, romance, lots of cheesy bike rides, piggy backs etc. and a mysterious element of threat for good measure.
It was also a welcome change to have a younger male, older female couple that weren't unnatural. Lee Jae Wook and Go Ara worked well together.
However, the last few episodes descended into the worst kind of melodramatic chaos, which left me feeling so disappointed in the script writing and, to a certain extent, the direction.
First there's the very nasty breakup... why? Then that's simply brushed to one side as Jun apologises via his excuse for it, of leaving the country to 'study'!
We soon find out why, whilst Ra-Ra is kept in the dark. Yet she seems to forgive him, as he leaves, even though she's told his going abroad to 'study' may lead to him settling there. What?!
Eventually, he's due back, only for Ra-Ra to be told he's passed away. Very moving and sad.
The writers should have had him cured instead, or left it at that, but no....
A whopping 5 YEARS later, he turns up fully cured, out of the blue.
What woman, after having her heart broken twice already (3 times if his departure is included), could forgive that?! Yet she welcomes him and comically punches him multiple times on the arms for deceiving her.
I'd have punched his lights out. Yes, I'd be so happy he was alive, but that would quickly be replaced by sheer anger at being allowed to suffer in grief. What if she'd married someone else?
There was also the bizarre giving of couples rings ~ Jun gifted matching rings, which for all intense and purposes were made to look like couples or wedding rings. Then Ra-Ra buys wedding rings with the intention of proposing to him, but that never happens. Bizarre.
Jun's overbearing father simply disappears from the entire story and his mother has a change of heart.
I am SO disappointed in this terribly lazy, badly written conclusion. What could have been a witty, charming rom-com, got mashed up with a dreadful melodramatic climax that ruined it.
I still think that apart from the latter episodes, it's an otherwise enjoyable watch, hence my rating not being 2/10.
However the end of it was its ruin. The writers should be fined and made to apologise for treating the viewing public like idiots!!!
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Emotional ride of 1,000 years
I love supernatural, fantasy and folk lore, so together with a dream cast, I was waiting very impatiently for this drama.Overall, I really enjoyed it a lot. I thought the acting was very good, with neither Lee Jin Wook nor Lee Joon overplaying their roles. Lee Joon gave wonderful facial expressions and could make me feel such sympathy and sorrow for him, just with his eyes. He had great presence in this role and really made OK Eul Tae come to life.
LJW lent very subtle humour to his role, when called for, again with facial expressions alone.
A lonely, bitter, vengeance-led character whose childhood scenes really pulled at my heart strings.
Gong Seung Yeon was also excellent and a character who possessed great strength, I thought, even though she couldn't exercise it in the earlier time lines.
I didn't have a problem with Kwon Na Ra's acting at all, but found her character a little too 'goody-goody' in the present day. She could be quite naive and at times just didn't seem to grasp aspects of the Bulgasal's history or dynamic (and that had nothing to do with memory loss). She did display guts on many occasions though. In fact that's one thing this drama didn't do... present weak, inferior female characters.
The only character that infuriated me (in all his lives), was Jung Jin Young's. He was a total idiot, especially in the present day. His reasons for hating the Bulgasal were just ridiculous and his inept actions constantly put everyone at risk ~ really irritating!
A lot about this story is very sad and tragic, spanning timelines ~ the most important events happening 1,000 and 600 years ago, and the the main story taking place in the present day.
This obviously means there are flashbacks and that is one of my few criticisms.... the same ones were used far too much. In the final few episodes these were thankfully enlarged on, as the true events emerged of the Bulgasal's origin and curse.
The reincarnation of characters I found quite fascinating.
It was not always obvious who was telling the truth and who was lying, either; especially when one character made me feel sorrow for how he ended up the way he was.
The ending didn't really surprise me, but I found it slightly confusing in some respects... hard to explain without any spoilers!
There were some scenes where I felt like the drama was written as the story went along. If less time had been devoted to playing the same flashbacks multiple times and more to developing the ending, I think it would have been an even better watch.
The cast and their acting definitely propped up the less than perfect script, but I would watch it again one day, just for that.
OST was pretty good too and suited the drama well.
I'd recommend giving it a watch and deciding for yourself whether it's a love, hate or indifference vote.
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