Ah, a chapter comes to an end, and it feels like bidding goodbye to an old friend! Squid Game Season 3 had all the hallmarks of being a truly memorable season finale, but there's just something very sappy and annoying about this show. Although I enjoyed some of the emotional moments, the series feels purely focused on delivering emotions instead of thrills.
I hardly found myself at the edge of my seat, and although some deaths were shocking, I was never truly gasping for air (like in the first season). I will say that it's an obvious problem for the format of this show, but I will be lying if I said that I didn't expect more.
Also, there are some moments that are just too stupid for me to take seriously. And, with the return of the VIPs, it's like being back at cringe station once again.
I (still) have high hopes for this drama. There's a good story there somewhere, but my problem with it is that the 30-minute runtime is turning out to be extremely hot and cold. For example, episode 5 seemed like a precursor for episode 6, with nothing memorable to offer, while the sixth episode had all the interesting twists and turns. They should really have focused on telling the story effectively instead of trying to get more eyeballs to their site/app.
Other than that, I think the actors are fine. Park Yong-woo is terrifying, but Park Ju-hyun's icy demeanour is turning out to be really one-dimensional. By trying to be "steely", it sometimes feels like she's not acting at all, if that makes sense.
Either way, the base story is pretty good; I think the execution is flawed. But who knows? Maybe I will be made to eat my own words after the remaining episodes!
just wondering .... does it really matter??? i am a woman myself and couldnt be bothered ... what matter most…
Of course it does. Half of Earth's population consists of women. So to see an entire universe for 7 episodes without an impactful or even a memorable woman in sight is quite shocking and feels out of touch with reality. And sure, a discussion can be had questioning whether this can be considered "real" at all. But even then, there's not one scene where a woman is present who is not being used by the men.
Watched Mercy For None yesterday, and I have a lot of feelings. Without getting into any spoilers, I loved the action sequences. It's fluid, it looks fantastic, and it leaves you on the edge. The story is also twisted enough to make you take an interest.
However, I think the series is very messy, with more importance given to the action and the gore than to telling the actual story effectively. As a result, you feel a bit confused about what is happening sometimes or, more importantly, WHY it's happening. Moreover, I found Gi-jun's character to lack any depth. He feels like an unthinking killing machine, which is confusing because he's the protagonist.
I can't lie and say that I didn't enjoy it, but I think the series could've been much better.
On a completely personal note – So Ji-sub looks absolutely hot in the series.
Finally finished watching Nine Puzzles, and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The last two episodes were extremely unexpected, and I somehow liked the more emotional approach, instead of the perpetrator turning out to be a senseless madman. I found myself empathising with them, which is surprising.
Kim Da-mi, Son Suk-ku and Park Gyu-young deliver absolutely memorable performances, although I will say that Gyu-young left the most impact on me.
The series looks beautiful and carries the vibe well. The mystery is interesting, and the twists make sense. All in all, 4/5.
If I tell you I BINGED this show, I truly mean it. And I think it was an easy task!
Dear Hongrang is not a horror, but it's definitely a thriller in the true sense. It's also a deep romance and human drama that presents different forms of love in the raw sense of the term. The story is complicated, and you will need to pay attention. However, the best part of the drama is the chemistry and relationship between Hongrang and Jae-yi. Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah are perfect in their roles. Every episode feels like a gut-punch as more and more disturbing secrets come to light.
I really enjoyed this one, but now I think I need a hug or something.
edit: guessing it is her mother
I hardly found myself at the edge of my seat, and although some deaths were shocking, I was never truly gasping for air (like in the first season). I will say that it's an obvious problem for the format of this show, but I will be lying if I said that I didn't expect more.
Also, there are some moments that are just too stupid for me to take seriously. And, with the return of the VIPs, it's like being back at cringe station once again.
Here's my full review – https://www.leisurebyte.com/squid-game-season-3-review/
I (still) have high hopes for this drama. There's a good story there somewhere, but my problem with it is that the 30-minute runtime is turning out to be extremely hot and cold. For example, episode 5 seemed like a precursor for episode 6, with nothing memorable to offer, while the sixth episode had all the interesting twists and turns. They should really have focused on telling the story effectively instead of trying to get more eyeballs to their site/app.
Other than that, I think the actors are fine. Park Yong-woo is terrifying, but Park Ju-hyun's icy demeanour is turning out to be really one-dimensional. By trying to be "steely", it sometimes feels like she's not acting at all, if that makes sense.
Either way, the base story is pretty good; I think the execution is flawed. But who knows? Maybe I will be made to eat my own words after the remaining episodes!
Here are my reviews of all 6 episodes – https://www.leisurebyte.com/tag/hunter-with-a-scalpel-s1/
And sure, a discussion can be had questioning whether this can be considered "real" at all. But even then, there's not one scene where a woman is present who is not being used by the men.
However, I think the series is very messy, with more importance given to the action and the gore than to telling the actual story effectively. As a result, you feel a bit confused about what is happening sometimes or, more importantly, WHY it's happening. Moreover, I found Gi-jun's character to lack any depth. He feels like an unthinking killing machine, which is confusing because he's the protagonist.
I can't lie and say that I didn't enjoy it, but I think the series could've been much better.
On a completely personal note – So Ji-sub looks absolutely hot in the series.
Here's my full review, if anyone is interested: https://www.leisurebyte.com/mercy-for-none-review/ :)
Kim Da-mi, Son Suk-ku and Park Gyu-young deliver absolutely memorable performances, although I will say that Gyu-young left the most impact on me.
The series looks beautiful and carries the vibe well. The mystery is interesting, and the twists make sense. All in all, 4/5.
Here's my full review – https://www.leisurebyte.com/nine-puzzles-review/
Dear Hongrang is not a horror, but it's definitely a thriller in the true sense. It's also a deep romance and human drama that presents different forms of love in the raw sense of the term. The story is complicated, and you will need to pay attention. However, the best part of the drama is the chemistry and relationship between Hongrang and Jae-yi. Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah are perfect in their roles. Every episode feels like a gut-punch as more and more disturbing secrets come to light.
I really enjoyed this one, but now I think I need a hug or something.
Here's my full review - https://www.leisurebyte.com/dear-hongrang-review/