I've just watched the first episode and loved it. I really enjoy dramas and movies in which actors are able to…
"I really enjoy dramas and movies in which actors are able to stay quiet..." I agree; however, I hope it doesn't become frustrating like it was in "Chocolate" (which I did enjoy, overall). I'm speaking of those situations where a character's quietness comes across as infuriatingly obtuse; often allowing gross misunderstandings to continue. Many dramas employ such a tactic, but a few do it well such as V.I.P. & this one...so far!
I rated this the lowest out of all the series I've ever completed, & if I'm being honest, I'm not all that difficult to entertain! If it wasn't for all the hype around this back then, I'm pretty sure I would have dropped it. I think I kept hoping it was going to get better; that I'd finally understand what all the buzz was about, when, really, the only good thing to happen was that it eventually ended.
I like your take on the show, & especially agree with your opinion on Cha Eun Jae...except I don't believe she has a problem with blood, per se. Rather, it's when an incision/wound is retracted that she seems to lose it. I can't judge her too much given how it gives me the hubba jubbas, too!
I'm just about to start Ep. 9, but it took a while (almost through to the seventh episode) to begin feeling invested; caring about the characters. I usually drop a series I can't get into after four eps, but this snagged me just enough to keep me clicking the next one. I haven't been able to marathon it, either. Although I know some people don't enjoy the multi-faceted plot (Is it a mystery? A romcom? etc.), I happen to like the approach. I like all of the different flavors, if you will!
I'm a social/recreational, Horror movie viewer. ; ) My husband's & my best friends (also a married couple) are BIG in to Horror/Gore, & they're two of the most well-adjusted, content, fun people we've ever known. I mean, they are solid; as individuals, as well as together. It's a shame that even needs to be pointed out, but after reading this article, I guess it does. It's kind of like what I hear once some people learn I'm an atheist. I get the "But, you're so nice! So kind! You're not arrogant at all!" :insert eyeroll here: Our besties have turned us on to some great films during our hang out, Horror movie nights, & it is so much fun! However, I'll rarely give the genre a go when I'm alone. That's not fun for me. At all. I love me some Supernatural Asian drama, but not the kind that leaves me dreading walking through my own home at night. Thanks, but nope!
It's ironic how a show that featured what seemed to be the most delicious food in all of Creation failed to leave me as satiated as I had hoped. I really, really want it to go on!
One of the tropes that frustrates me is the one where a child is burdened with the parents' crimes/wrongdoings/debts, & is blamed for every bad situation that occurs to the remaining/adoptive family for the rest of their lives no matter how irresponsible, greedy, &/trifling those relatives behave. I'll call it "The Sins of the Father" trope in case nobody has jumped on that, yet. The child believes it themselves even into adulthood, long after Reason should have kicked in...until the day comes when they suddenly realize the injustice of it all, of course.
I've really enjoyed this drama, & am kinda bummed out about it being completed this week. Although I'm curious about how it's all going to end, I wouldn't mind hanging out in their lives a bit longer, you know? My only real complaint is how there's a lot of not-talking/drawn out silences scenes. How frequently this approach is used in dramas is quite frustrating; especially in Chocolate. Just say it already! SAY IT!!!
Ikuta Toma's portrayal of Rinko in "Close Knit" (2017) was incredible! Such an amazingly gifted talent! I can't wait to see what he has brought to other roles!
Based on your recommendation, I watched Eps 52 & 53 with Choi Min Soo, & it you hit the bullseye with it. It was inspirational, hilarious, incredibly touching...& just what I needed.
I guess this could be considered "pornography" by some...possibly even by many, but that's not how this movie played out for me. Good thing, too, because that's not what I was looking for this time. Was there a lot of sex a-happenin'? Uhhh, yup. Absolutely. Although it's relatively vanilla sex (voyeurism is about as kinky as it gets), sex IS a major player. If watching people want to have it, plan on having it, agree with others to have it, actually have it, talk about it, then have it again & again & again & again amidst other important things happening between folks kills your buzz, click on a different title. There are plenty of other movies out there that deal with similar aspects of human nature, social constructs, social contracts, etc., but rather than from inside a quasi-Den of Iniquity, the setting is usually friends playing Truth or Dare at a dinner party sometime after the drinks started going down easy. I'm very much of a "To each their own" kind of chick, but I was still challenged. There were definitely aspects to some of the characters that left me cringing & even downright judgmental. A thought-crime isn't an actual crime; however, some thoughts skirt that edge of "Okay...so you must be stopped" territory. Not a good feeling. Still, I enjoyed it very much! Give it a whirl! (Heh heh...I'm done.)
"Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds" "Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days" (sequel)
While you're waiting to find the right series to come along, I highly recommend these two movies. The visuals are stunning. The drama, compelling, & the comedy is just right, imho. Although I liked "The Two Worlds" better than it's sequel, both are definitely worth a watch. It does have a strong Fantasy element, which some people wouldn't be into, but even if one isn't, I believe the story is interesting enough to get one through it w/o much complaint. Hit me up if you decide to watch them. I'd be curious to know what you think.
...& just to throw a series recommendation out there, "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim" might be worth a try.
All that Jang Hyuk can portray, without even speaking a single word, is absolutely remarkable (no pun intended)! Whether he's gritty, vulnerable, or anything in between, it's done with an elegance that, imo, is undeniable.
I am new to kdrama. Just starting watching it a few months ago. Your article and comments make me laugh so hard…
I'm very excited for you! There are so many incredible movies & series I'm sure you'll stumble upon as you go. The caliber of actor, too, is something I find remarkable, as well. Welcome to the abyss from which you won't want to escape!
I don't think fans can do much. Agencies should set up support systems and provide artists with mental diagnosis…
Ah, okay. All I had known was regarding BigHit going after sasaengs. I'm relieved to learn other agencies are stepping up to the cyberbullies, as well as the new laws trying to be passed. I agree that the cost is worth it in order to protect the artists. However, I also know that companies often try to limit the sections of their businesses that do not generate income, & with all of the legal fees of which I'm assuming will be incurred going after these people, I'm sure there are more than a few execs &/investors who'd rather keep things as they were. I'm relieved to hear agencies are implementing better ways of protecting their people regardless of the monetary cost.
I've enjoyed reading these articles so much! I don't know how likely it would be, but I'd be very interested in reading a response written by somebody within the industry. Granted, the kissing scenes have gotten a bit of a glow up, but it's only very recently & they still have a ways to go. Besides that, the usual tropes are going strong, & I'd like to know "Why?"
I don't think fans can do much. Agencies should set up support systems and provide artists with mental diagnosis…
There's also choosing to boycott those companies until they change their ways (loosening up on restrictions regarding free time & personal relationships, paying their artists fair wages, limiting the number of work hours, not pimping artists out to international & domestic V.I.P.s, providing artists with appropriate medical help; both mental & physical, short or long term, etc.). Unfortunately, much of the damage is done before artists even debut; long before most of us even learn they exist. They have been allowed to be treated as disposable for decades upon decades at this point, & it's long past time for it to stop. I also believe fans &/netizens can do their part by not allowing hate commenters & cyberbullies to spew their poison w/o being confronted, flagged/reported. There's not much we can do beyond that as far as I'm aware so I like your idea of the agencies going after them. Unfortunately, how many of them will be willing to do so? An effective, ongoing campaign of this type will definitely cut into their profits, & it's clear they typically prioritize money of the well-being of their charges.
Although I know some people don't enjoy the multi-faceted plot (Is it a mystery? A romcom? etc.), I happen to like the approach. I like all of the different flavors, if you will!
Our besties have turned us on to some great films during our hang out, Horror movie nights, & it is so much fun! However, I'll rarely give the genre a go when I'm alone. That's not fun for me. At all. I love me some Supernatural Asian drama, but not the kind that leaves me dreading walking through my own home at night. Thanks, but nope!
My only real complaint is how there's a lot of not-talking/drawn out silences scenes. How frequently this approach is used in dramas is quite frustrating; especially in Chocolate. Just say it already! SAY IT!!!
Was there a lot of sex a-happenin'? Uhhh, yup. Absolutely. Although it's relatively vanilla sex (voyeurism is about as kinky as it gets), sex IS a major player. If watching people want to have it, plan on having it, agree with others to have it, actually have it, talk about it, then have it again & again & again & again amidst other important things happening between folks kills your buzz, click on a different title. There are plenty of other movies out there that deal with similar aspects of human nature, social constructs, social contracts, etc., but rather than from inside a quasi-Den of Iniquity, the setting is usually friends playing Truth or Dare at a dinner party sometime after the drinks started going down easy.
I'm very much of a "To each their own" kind of chick, but I was still challenged. There were definitely aspects to some of the characters that left me cringing & even downright judgmental. A thought-crime isn't an actual crime; however, some thoughts skirt that edge of "Okay...so you must be stopped" territory. Not a good feeling.
Still, I enjoyed it very much! Give it a whirl! (Heh heh...I'm done.)
"Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days" (sequel)
While you're waiting to find the right series to come along, I highly recommend these two movies. The visuals are stunning. The drama, compelling, & the comedy is just right, imho. Although I liked "The Two Worlds" better than it's sequel, both are definitely worth a watch. It does have a strong Fantasy element, which some people wouldn't be into, but even if one isn't, I believe the story is interesting enough to get one through it w/o much complaint.
Hit me up if you decide to watch them. I'd be curious to know what you think.
...& just to throw a series recommendation out there, "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim" might be worth a try.
Cheers!
I'm relieved to learn other agencies are stepping up to the cyberbullies, as well as the new laws trying to be passed.
I agree that the cost is worth it in order to protect the artists. However, I also know that companies often try to limit the sections of their businesses that do not generate income, & with all of the legal fees of which I'm assuming will be incurred going after these people, I'm sure there are more than a few execs &/investors who'd rather keep things as they were. I'm relieved to hear agencies are implementing better ways of protecting their people regardless of the monetary cost.
Unfortunately, much of the damage is done before artists even debut; long before most of us even learn they exist. They have been allowed to be treated as disposable for decades upon decades at this point, & it's long past time for it to stop.
I also believe fans &/netizens can do their part by not allowing hate commenters & cyberbullies to spew their poison w/o being confronted, flagged/reported. There's not much we can do beyond that as far as I'm aware so I like your idea of the agencies going after them. Unfortunately, how many of them will be willing to do so? An effective, ongoing campaign of this type will definitely cut into their profits, & it's clear they typically prioritize money of the well-being of their charges.