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Decent but not that decent and worth to try!
I think there are already tons of stories about con artists, but what really makes this drama stand out is how the writer adds layers to explain why Sarah became a con artist, while also maintaining a great pace across all 8 episodes. Every episode ends with an intriguing cliffhanger that keeps you constantly guessing. I absolutely loved Shin Haesun as Sarah she really embodies the character without ever making it feel like she’s acting. She’s effortlessly charming. Her chemistry with everyone is fantastic too, whether it’s with Junhyuk or the senior actors connected to Sarah.From a technical standpoint, I think the drama is very well done, especially in how they use smooth transitions between scenes to strengthen the storytelling. I really like how the director takes advantage of that.
That said, one thing that slightly bothered me is the drama’s timeline, which seems to be around 2018–2023 (cmiiw). I feel like the story would be much more believable if it were set in a time when internet access wasn’t so easy. Because honestly: 1) sure, some rich people might be naive, but with the huge revenue from Budoir, wouldn’t someone question whether the brand is actually legit? And the boutique accepting that much money in CASH wouldn’t the employees be suspicious about where all that money came from? (Even though in the early episode, a staff member did run off to check whether Sarah’s cash was real.)
Kang Jihwon’s role is important in my opinion, but I don’t think the casting was quite right. Kim Jaewon isn’t exactly bad, but while watching, I felt an imbalance between him and Haesun, which made it hard for me to fully enjoy Sarah and Jihwon’s dynamic. Compared to Sarah’s interactions with Yeonjin, Choi Chaeu, or even Hong Seongsin, their relationship just didn’t land the same way. I feel like if Kang Jihwon had been played by someone like Song Geonhee, Nam Yoonsu, or Jung Gunjoo, the character would’ve felt more convincing and better matched alongside Shin Haesun.
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I also really enjoyed the supporting characters played by Chae Soobin, Lim Semi, Kim Dongwook, and Moon Woojin. Even though they don't have as much screen time as Jingoo or Jungwoo, their roles add to the movie's atmosphere.
I can't comment much on the technical aspects, but I am quite impressed with the cinematography. The camera movements dramatize the scenes (both outside and inside the plane). The unique costume design, which accurately represents the past, adds a plus point to the movie as well.
This movie is perfect for your weekend, with a mix of suspense and emotion. Enjoy watching!
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Mundane but not `that` mundane
I watched this movie because some of my friends said they liked it after watching it. At first, I wasn’t interested because I thought the story was like a classic American romcom. But in the end, I liked the whole movie. As I get older, I realize I don’t need a glamorous love story in my life. I just want to sit and drink with someone I’m comfortable talking to until late, like Woori and Jayoung. I like the chemistry between Son Sukku and Jeon Jeongseo.Was this review helpful to you?
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A strong premise that forgets what made it interesting.
I went into The Ugly (dir. Yeon Sangho) genuinely curious the premise sounded simple, sharp, and full of potential. And to be fair, the cast holds it down. Park Jeongmin and Kwon Haehyo are reliably solid, Han Jihyun fits perfectly as the TV PD, but the real MVP here is Shin Hyunbeen. Most of her performance lives in her body and voice, and somehow you feel everything Jang Younghee feels without even seeing her face. That’s skill.But somewhere along the way, Yeon Sangho seems to have misplaced the “why.” Why is Younghee hated so much? What’s actually fueling the disgust toward her? Without that context, the whole thing starts to wobble. I kept wondering, were Korea’s beauty standards back then really that brutal? Because honestly, Younghee isn’t ugly give her some powder and she could headline a weekend drama.
If Yeon wanted this film to resonate internationally, he probably should’ve fleshed out that emotional backbone. The movie starts like it has something bold to say, but by the end it just… forgets to say it. Great performances, great setup — but the follow-through? Kinda vanishes into thin air.
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A romance film you should watch at least once in your life.
I watched this film because my close friend likes Zhang Jingyi, so I decided to give it a try — and I ended up really liking it! I love everything about this movie: the story, especially the pacing, the acting, and the technical parts like the cinematography — all felt just right. To me, this movie feels more like a romantic horror film, haha, because the realistic approach really stands out.Was this review helpful to you?
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seems decent but not that decent
Oh My Ghost starts with a theme that feels “ordinary,” but you can really feel the mix of sadness, joy, and hardship through Noh Mujin’s journey as a lawyer fighting for workers who are denied their rights by the powerful. I liked that even though the story is fictional, it’s still presented in a realistic way. Kim Botong shows his strength as a writer by giving the story a good ending. It’s just a bit sad that there’s no background story for Tang Junsang’s character. Still, this show is enjoyable to watch thanks to the solid performances and fun banter between Jung Kyungho, Seol Inah, and Cha Hakyeon (and finally, Hakyeon gets the girl!). You won’t feel sleepy watching it—maybe just a little during the early episodes.Was this review helpful to you?
