Great storyline with amazing acting
The film was immediately captivating right from the start. The storyline is brilliant, anchored by truly phenomenal acting.What makes it even more terrifying is the fact that the case is based on actual true events (the Hwaseong serial murders). The movie brilliantly captured the atmosphere of the 1980s, particularly highlighting the enormous difficulties the police faced compared to modern-day investigations with advanced technology.
On the darker side, it also serves as a stark commentary on the era, where the authorities felt entitled to use brutal methods—even beating suspects—to force a confession.
The final scene is masterful and gave me genuine chills. I immediately had to look up what eventually happened with the real killer—a testament to how deeply the film hooks you into the investigation's failure and enduring mystery.
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Great acting, cinematography but lack of execution
While the first episode was a little slow, this drama quickly found its footing and became genuinely engaging. The moment it moved past the initial setup, I was completely hooked. Much of this immediate draw is thanks to the stunning cinematography, which beautifully captured the atmosphere of 1970s Thailand. The visual appeal and the quality of the acting were consistently top-tier throughout the series.The central relationship between Trin and Tanwa was intended to be the focus, but the script had noticeable weaknesses here. The drama missed an opportunity to explore their individual traumas and internal conflicts in greater detail. Furthermore, Trin's unexplained decision to leave felt like a plot hole, and despite events like what happened with Victor, the narrative failed to show him truly fighting for justice, which felt like an unfinished arc. Critically, if the filmmakers intended the political situation to be a main theme, they failed to explore the historical context properly and execute the political storyline with the required depth, leaving it feeling underdeveloped and incomplete.
However, the undeniable stars of the show were the second couple, Krailert and Naran. They completely stole the spotlight. Their unconventional communication, particularly their heartfelt communication with letters, highlighted the strength and depth of their bond. This storyline culminates in Krailert's heartbreaking sacrifice—a choice he makes to accept responsibility for his life, captured in the devastating quote: "Choose the life you want and live it on my behalf." Watching him compose the music, his pain evident, powerfully illustrates the cost of a life lived under duress.
The drama offers a clear reflection on the dichotomy of the human experience: the choice to hide or to live. Knowing the story was set against the backdrop of a military-ruled Thailand meant you knew things wouldn't end happily for everyone. Despite the narrative inconsistencies with the main couple, the finale still managed to be incredibly impactful. That closing scene, especially, was a stunning moment that delivered a powerful punch. Overall, the drama features great story potential, amazing acting, and fantastic chemistry across the board, but is ultimately hampered by its lack of focus on its core leads and the proper execution of its political themes.
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Good action, great chemistry nothing more
This action drama is the definition of a solid watch. It has an interesting story and executes its action sequences effectively, making for a genuinely fun couple of hours. However, it's the kind of movie where the star power shines brightest, perhaps compensating for a plot that is merely good rather than exceptional.The highlight of the entire show is the pairing of Ja Yun and Gong Ja. If you loved their dynamic in Our Beloved Summer, you're in for a treat here. Their chemistry is effortless, and every scene they share is engaging. With actors of this caliber, you know you're getting great performances, and they certainly deliver, elevating the entire production.
Ultimately, this is the kind of movie that gets high ratings but doesn't quite earn a spot in the 'masterpiece' category. It sits comfortably in the middle: a good, entertaining film that’s worth your time, but perhaps not one you’ll rush to rewatch immediately. It’s definitely a strong watch, powered by two fantastic actors.
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I loved the second half of the drama
The final seasonis much better, can't quite compare to season 2, it delivers much more action, and it was great to finally see our main characters consistently featured in every episode.One of the highlights was the interaction between Cha Hyeon and Lee Eun; it was genuinely fun to watch. Lee Eun especially shines due to her unwavering loyalty to both characters, even when facing off against the monsters.
On the other hand, the character of Park Chan was quite annoying. His obsession with her and constant overreactions really detracted from the experience for me.
The second half of the series was fantastic—I really enjoyed the drama and the intense plot developments. It’s a real shame that so many characters had to die, but I’m happy with how things ended for our main trio. That last scene was perfect!
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This season feels more like a filler...to show that the monsters are humens too
A Season That Sets the StageThis season of the drama was a bit slow. It felt necessary to move the story along, but it had clear issues with how fast things moved. Even so, it offered enough interesting parts to keep the main story going.
The best part of the season was the way it slowly showed that the "monsters" are also human. The show explored the difficult truth that these creatures are not simply evil, which blurred the lines between monster and person. This complex look at good and bad was a solid reward in the second half.
However, getting there was tough. The first half, which focused mostly on the people in the stadium, really struggled. I just didn't connect with those side characters, and their stories often felt like unnecessary filler that took attention away from the main mystery. Because of this, the first episodes were the weakest and easiest to lose interest in.
The show finally got exciting in the last few episodes, which were definitely the highlight. The main characters returned and took center stage, and their appearance was captivating. They delivered the action and emotional rush the series needed. That final scene was done very well and clearly set up the next season.
Overall, the season did what it needed to do: set up a huge finale. Even though the pacing was better at the end, and I missed the main leads for most of the run, the new themes and the strong ending make this season an okay, if uneven, watch. I'm ready to see how the story finally ends.
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A Touching Story That Loses Its Way
There are some dramas you know will be a tearjerker from the very beginning, and Hi Bye, Mama! lives up to that expectation completely. The show’s emotional foundation is its greatest strength: a truly heartbreaking narrative centered on a loving wife who dies and the family she leaves behind. We're given a beautiful glimpse into her and her husband's life together, making his grief and her spiritual return all the more poignant. Each episode is a testament to the pain of loss and the power of love that transcends even death.A standout element of the story is the gentle and empathetic portrayal of the new wife. Instead of being a source of conflict, she is a genuinely kind character, making it impossible for the audience to dislike her. This moral complexity elevates the drama beyond a typical love triangle, focusing instead on the shared love for the same person and, ultimately, a child.
However, the show's greatest strength is also its biggest weakness. While the main story is captivating, the pacing is significantly disrupted by what feels like unnecessary side plots involving other ghosts. These stories, while sometimes charming, add little to the main narrative and often feel like filler. They were so boring that I found myself fast-forwarding through them just to get back to the main characters.
In the end, I had to drop the drama midway through. A 16-episode run is already a long commitment, and when half of that time is filled with irrelevant side characters, it becomes a shame. It's a testament to how good the main story is that it kept me going as long as it did. Ultimately, the beautiful core of the drama is diluted by the filler, preventing it from being the perfect show it could have been. It's a missed opportunity, but the moments of pure, heartbreaking emotion make it an experience worth at least a partial journey.
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Great concept which did not deliver
The Defects is a drama with a powerful premise, but it struggles to maintain its emotional core as the story progresses. The first half of the series is its clear strength, excelling at building an emotional connection with its characters. We are introduced to their backstories and get to understand the tragic world they come from, and the genuine bond they form with each other, creating a powerful sense of family. This makes it easy to become deeply attached to them.Unfortunately, not all characters receive the same level of attention. For example, Dexs character; there is no real development for him throughout the entire series. This is especially frustrating as the story itself shifts dramatically in the second half. The characters transform from vulnerable victims into a perfect, unstoppable commando group that survives everything.
This feels like a missed opportunity and undermines the emotional depth the series built in the beginning. The show would have been more powerful and impactful if it had focused on a different direction, lke exploring the realities of child trafficking and the long-term emotional damage it causes, rather than creating "perfect" children.
Ultimately, while the drama has some engaging moments and characters, it fails to leave a lasting impression. This is compounded by an ending that feels lackluster and fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion.
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Refreshing storyline that missing proper screenwriting and directing.
The storyline was very interesting and refreshing, but I wish they put more effort into the storytelling. It would be great if they spent more time developing the characters and showing their background and the story of the chases; they could spend more time on it as well. It's a shame as I quite liked it, but it was missing the depth, and also some scenes in the last episode were just all over the place. It would be better if they added more episodes and made a proper drama.Was this review helpful to you?
Disappointing....good storyline and freat acting of parents...falls at execution.
I was hooked the first few episodes, but after that I was losing interest and started skipping scenes. There are so many unnecessary flashbacks, which repeat so many times. The storyline is interesting, and it's the only thing that made me carry on watching. The mystery was the best part of the drama. I did not like the OST, and the flute was getting on my nerves...not sure why, but after a while I could not stand it.Also, the acting of the parents made the show. I don't know why, but I did not like the FL. Maybe because of the way her character was written. She cannot speak up and allows others to manipulate her. Watching her is so frustrating. The best part was her friends that brightened the mood.
The middle of the drama is the worst part. I was about to drop the drama but kept watching it, and the drama picked up from episode 9. I would say the last 4 episodes is the best part of the drama. To be honest, the plot twist at the last episode was unnecessary, and they would have done a better job if they finished the drama at episode 11.
The storyline and acting of the parents is the heart of the drama, but unfortunately the drama does not deliver.
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Disappointing storyline....
The first episode was just awesome! My expectation was so high and I was so excited, but in the end I was disappointed. The storyline was not very interesting, and I had a hard time carrying on watching it. I kept going only for Seon Ho, as his acting is just phenomenal, and he is carrying the show. It could have been a great drama if the scripts followed the story of the first episode.Dosan is like a puppy that agrees to everything that DalMi said, especially difficult business decisions. Most of the time he is just crying and acting childish.
On the other hand, Ji Pyong is a strong character, and his words are harsh, but it was always true, and people sometimes need their eyes opened instead of sugarcoating. Also, I love his relationship with harmoni.
I really tried to keep watching, but dropped at episode 10 and skipped to the last episode. It wasn't really satisfying ending for me.
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the drama is sooooooo bad
Wow, it was so bad that I could not pass episode 6 and skipped to the last episode. The ending made me laugh...not in a good way. I am glad I did not force myself to watch the whole drama, as the storyline is so bad and the characters act so stupid.The concept was good, but the execution was terrible. Don't waste your time.
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perfect for you if you want to wach something easy
If you are looking for a nice watch with a typical villain and a happy resolution to the plot, this is the drama for you. It is easy to watch, with a great team that tried to fight the bad guys. My favorite part was how they became close, like a family. Do not expect too much; just enjoy the ride.The story is nice and easy to follow, with great team-building. For me, twelve episodes was too much, as bored towards the end.
Overall it's an okay drama—not great, not bad.
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How to Make Millions before Grandma Dies
0 people found this review helpful
beautiful movie that will makes you cry
It's a beautiful story that follows a student and his desperation to make money using his family. At the beginning, it was sad to see how he tried to use his grandmother, but later on… it made my eyes tearful all the time.It reminds me of myself when, as a teenager, I did not visit my grandparents much, but later on, when I was older, I appreciated them, but sometimes it's too late. The movie is a good reminder not to neglect your grandparents if you still have them!
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Great love story from student era.
It's a great movie. I love the story and the way we can see how their love story unfolds. It left an impact on me, and I didn't expect the ending. The acting was great, as was their chemistry. Definitely recommend.Was this review helpful to you?
interesting plotline but pure execution...dropped
Well...the first few episodes were just pure suffering, but I have read in the comments that the drama really starts after the first 3 episodes. So I was waiting and waiting for the drama to get better, but I am still waiting. 😁 For me, it was not worth the wait. I did not like the male lead as he was very annoying, and the story/plot is nothing special and was not executed very well. I was still waiting for a miracle to happen, but I gave up at episode 8 and dropped the drama.Was this review helpful to you?
