alternateuniverse

"It's a vision of happiness but it's Yi San's vision...not Deok Im's". - I couldn't have explained this any better.

I loved this drama alot, but the final scene threw me off a bit. Did anyone else find it counterintuitive that after what Yi San experienced in the dream, he still chose to hang on to her rather than let her go? I understand it may have been too late (with her being a concubine already), but still heartbreaking how he clung to her, knowing that at some level, she was experiencing an inner death.

I don't think so. This might encourage or discourage you from continuing to watch, but for me, it was a 7.5-8 till around the last quarter of the series. Then it became a full 9, and one that has a lingering effect.

Wow! In Swahili too! Didn't know the word meant the same in so many languages <3

Also in Swahili! (Dunia means world)

Many people work in such toxic, soul-crushing environments, all around the world. Especially those in fields like law, investment banking etc. This is pretty much typical of the corporate world actually. It's probably why Misaeng resonated so widely.

I struggled with the first few episodes too. It does pick up though.

I'm with you on that Ha In pain!

I may be too late in responding, but it has a couple of bed scenes. Nothing with full nudity, if I remember correctly, but the first 6 episodes in particular, are rated R for mature content - so I'd go in with that in mind.

I also felt that it was pretty average through the first half, but it really hit home in its last stretch. The characters feel much more fleshed out, the stakes are higher and it plays out so organically that the emotional pay-off might catch you off guard. Definitely worth sticking around for.

I found the first few episodes artificial/a little much. Like you're watching someone's "idea" of affluence and psycopathy, rather than actual thing. The start and the end don't hold a candle to Sky Castle. But the mid-section's maybe a 7-8 if Sky Castle's an 11.

I also found it a bit annoying and lacking in depth for the first 7-8 episodes, but it really picks up after that!

Who else was waiting for her to end up with Daniel Kim (President of Tifone who was afraid of mirrors)? Was so sad he never came back!

Three Worlds, Ten Miles Of Peach Blossoms

This drama made me think a lot about humanity and how our interests ultimately define what we see as right and wrong/just and unjust. It does such a good job of showcasing the characters' lives and motivations in a way that makes it difficult to root for any one person singularly. I'd give it a 10/10 for portraying its characters in such a nuanced way, but a 9/10 on the whole because while I found it well-acted and remarkably written, I did not experience a sense of deep and lasting emotional connection with any of the characters (as I typically would after a 50-episode drama). I did connect with some of the characters at varying points in the drama (Gil Tae Mi in his final speech, Lee Bang Ji in his shame and solitude, Lee Bang Won in his lonely choices, Sambong in his resolve, Moo Hyul in his conflict between self and loyalty); but I just didn't care for any of them throughout the drama. But again, its a testament to great character development that I cared for each of them (hero and villain alike) at different points. I'm now watching Tree with Deep Roots (which is a follow-up of this with a different cast) and can't help but have fond flashbacks of the SFD characters. Only in retrospect have I realised how much I liked SFD. Definitely give it a go!