5
1
Confused. Diffused.
There is no doubt this drama starts with a bang. Bold images fill the screen. The colours are striking by design. The theme is noir. I'll try keep this spoiler free.
The writer-nim has a clear focus initially. She has a story to tell, and it was a powerful one. It lost its way over its short 8 eps run. The connecting logic falters. Alas, the sum is less than its parts.
If we just focus on the ending, it works, but it doesn't feel right. It is the ending we have to have because the production won't take the high road.
The case is closed. The perpetrator is punished. All the hard societal issues are still there. So, what is the message? What is the point?
Initially, I thought the writer-nim was building an exposé on our obsessions with luxury goods, acquisitiveness and social status. There are many poignant moments early on. They are stark and impactful.
Unfortunately, the story got tangled up with its own narrative. Our FL underwent multiple transformations. It is like watching someone's holiday snaps. Flick, flick, flick. I understand the FL needs to evolve into her final form. It just doesn't feel like a coherent journey.
On top of that, we'd witness her actions yet her reasoning is more nebulous. Is she good/evil/chaotic/lawful? Sometimes there is a hint of a deeper motivation (mayhaps revenge?), but she will counter that with her next move. It is confusing and unsettling for the viewers.
Where this show excels is the portrayal of excess consumption and decadence. I can fully appreciate how those temples to luxury function now. This is matched by the FL morphing from a salaried Iona to a couture wearing goddess. There is no doubt Shin Hae Sun is the star. She gave it her all. She is the focal point of many scenes.
Here lies the fundamental problem. As a thriller, it is passable. It ticked the boxes mechanically. As a social commentary, it starts strong and then the message got confused and eventually faded away. Instead of a strong "burn the house down" ending, it becomes a tacit acceptance of the status quo. The boat is rock steady.
In the end, this show is watchable in a superficial way. It pains me to write this review as there are scenes and moments that will stay with me. It could have been so much more. Peace.
The writer-nim has a clear focus initially. She has a story to tell, and it was a powerful one. It lost its way over its short 8 eps run. The connecting logic falters. Alas, the sum is less than its parts.
If we just focus on the ending, it works, but it doesn't feel right. It is the ending we have to have because the production won't take the high road.
The case is closed. The perpetrator is punished. All the hard societal issues are still there. So, what is the message? What is the point?
Initially, I thought the writer-nim was building an exposé on our obsessions with luxury goods, acquisitiveness and social status. There are many poignant moments early on. They are stark and impactful.
Unfortunately, the story got tangled up with its own narrative. Our FL underwent multiple transformations. It is like watching someone's holiday snaps. Flick, flick, flick. I understand the FL needs to evolve into her final form. It just doesn't feel like a coherent journey.
On top of that, we'd witness her actions yet her reasoning is more nebulous. Is she good/evil/chaotic/lawful? Sometimes there is a hint of a deeper motivation (mayhaps revenge?), but she will counter that with her next move. It is confusing and unsettling for the viewers.
Where this show excels is the portrayal of excess consumption and decadence. I can fully appreciate how those temples to luxury function now. This is matched by the FL morphing from a salaried Iona to a couture wearing goddess. There is no doubt Shin Hae Sun is the star. She gave it her all. She is the focal point of many scenes.
Here lies the fundamental problem. As a thriller, it is passable. It ticked the boxes mechanically. As a social commentary, it starts strong and then the message got confused and eventually faded away. Instead of a strong "burn the house down" ending, it becomes a tacit acceptance of the status quo. The boat is rock steady.
In the end, this show is watchable in a superficial way. It pains me to write this review as there are scenes and moments that will stay with me. It could have been so much more. Peace.
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