For a drama that received so many rave reviews and has such a high rating, I expected too much. The key elements of a good revenge drama are (1) great acting, (2) good writing that fleshes out the psychology of the characters well, and (3) well-crafted and tight-scripted execution of the revenge with attention to detail (good screenplay, editing, and writing). I thought Part 1 was average (still watchable though), but Part 2 dragged too much, failing on all 3 levels, with long-drawn monologues and character arcs amounting to nothing, abuse / violence shown for shock value, and plotholes that became bigger. All in all, an average drama that does not deserve the hype and ratings it got. More in review / spoiler: https://kisskh.at/profile/chillingindoors/review/512974
"I’m still waiting for a revenge drama where the lead has a solid, well-thought-out plan that doesn't rely on sudden plot devices or savior side characters." You should give Zeni Geba a try. https://kisskh.at/439-zeni-geba Best revenge drama with none of these bullshit plotholes you mentioned.
Some other good ones without those plotholes you may wish to try: Bump Off Lover Ouroboros The Count of Monte-Cristo: Great Revenge
Ths was something for sure.But i really hated the way they tried to conclude tht trash bag ryo character that's…
Why, thank you *takes hat off* I am glad we enjoy the same movies. I am assuming you like darker movies that leave a deep impression. These are some more recommendations you may wish to check out :) https://kisskh.at/list/1zygeMx4
Some others that are not on the above list - I Am What I Am I Just Didn't Do It Traces of Sin Picnic Mother (2020) Monster (2023) Rashomon
For a drama that received so many rave reviews and has such a high rating, I expected too much. The key elements…
Giving credit where due, the best things about this drama - - The acting of everyone (minus the main female lead Song Hye Kyo) - it was addicting and enjoyable, very easy watch - the bully's husband; the only character that made sense and had some natural, sizzling chemistry with the FL, their meetings were well-done and natural - the cinematography
Other than that, everything else was a mess, esp the writing. Now we'll get to all the bad stuff.
1. They spent so much time showing the violence (for shock value) but did not give the viewer an understanding as to why the bullies treated her that way, and how it all started. Clearly one-note characterisation. When she came to openly confront them about their dreams in the school hall (when they were kids), why did they just let her go so easily? It didn't make sense at all, especially after the extent that they were shown to be brutal to her. Was their intention to have her drop out? Or was it to just torture her for fun? And if for fun, why? Also, if they were this brutal to her, there ought to be other victims. Where were the other victims? Why were all the school scenes only scenes of violence? What about class time? What about other kids, I amsure they knew what was going on. So many plotholes.
2. For someone living her entire life planning this revenge, she teamed up with the housekeeper that easily, knowing that she could either become someone who could double-cross her in the future or be a weakness.. Not just that, the housekeeper is not some private investigator or expert who has been trained in this job, and the FL just took her on?! The way she stalked the air hostess and others had zero thrill or mystery. It was so obvious. It's only time before she gets caught. Also, can someone explain to me when exactly does the FL plan to kill the maid's husband and what is she waiting for? Then she teamed up with Myeong O who could again double-cross her any moment?
3. For someone executing a so-called revenge, she revealed her cards too soon, rather than slyly infiltrating herself into their world and then revealing herself in the end. That made the whole drama unrealistic because if these bullies had that much power at school, that too as kids, then imagine the power and influence they would have as adults who are heirs to various empires. Who is she? Just a nobody. The fact that she revealed herself to them one by one at the teacher's residence, the store, then the alumini event and the classroom.. and you're telling me these influential bullies did nothing after that?! She continued to walk around carefree. Given how violent they were as kids, why was the FL not kidnapped or drugged or killed after she became the homeroom teacher? Again you want me to believe they just let her be so that she can play out her domino effect and games?! Huge plothole that did a disservice to the entire drama.
4. Song Hye Kyo is pretty and has screen presence, but that's about it. Even after all these years, she remains a mediocre actress. She was blank and expressionless in so many scenes. On the other hand, the bullies were all solid actors.
5. The characterisation of the FL - I expected her character to have some depth but she fell flat for me as well. SIGHHHH. Who was the FL before these bullies made her life miserable? How are we suppose to understand her character when we don't even understand how she changed, and how that impacted her. They should have spent some time focusing on how she survived by herself. Not having much contact with ppl on an emotional level can make one very distant, and anti-social but she came across as very normal and just someone who doesn't smile. Her only characterisation is the victim who wants to take revenge. But who she is beyond the revenge? Where did she get so much money to afford 2 cars and the apartments and all her expensive clothing? Her telling the housekeeper that she will not 'kill' anyone or cross a certain line - it's like the writer wanted her to have her revenge, and yet at the same time, give the audiences a lolipop that she's actually a nice person who has a moral compass. Bullshit. Anyone going on a revenge path is not a nice person, and neither are they are morally upright, regardless of whether the revenge is justified or not. Second, for someone who was tortured so brutally and kissed that way, I was surprised they didn't show her having PTSD or any other mental illness whatsoever, that too, when she's all alone and has no other source of emotional and financial support. Yes she reacted on seeing the meat and Jae Jun etc but that's not totally how PTSD works. Little things can trigger you, but the biggest trigger would be the very people who did that to you. The PTSD was used very haphazardly when convenient and not in a consistent manner. The way she was able to confront the bullies so easily (that too as a kid) - this writer clearly knows nothing about psychology. She says the bullies destroyed her dreams to become an engineer. But then she educated herself and became a teacher. So by that stretch, why couldn't she become an engineer? Am I missing something here? Why would she leave her mother right at the lion's den?! Oh wait I know.. so that the writer can use that as a way for the villains to one-up the FL later on.. such lazy writing. SIGH.
6. The doctor angle (romance) was not at all required and dragged the story. Plus, they had zero chemistry. Instead of the doctor, they should have spent more time showing us how the bullies operate. Also, this story is about her VS the bullies. What need of the doctor's character? Also, I get that the doctor likes her (why, though) but his reaction to her revelation of revenge was too nice and understanding.. most ppl would be taken back and need some time to process it.. i mean how much does he even know her?!
Highly recommend 'Zeni Geba' instead. One of the best in the revenge genre.
For a drama that received so many rave reviews and has such a high rating, I expected too much. The key elements a good revenge drama needs are (1) great acting, (2) good writing that fleshes out the psychology of the characters well, and (3) well-crafted and tight-scripted execution of the revenge with attention to detail (good screenplay, editing, and writing). I wanted to love this, but it fell flat on all 3 levels, with clumsy writing, too many plotholes, and Song Hye Kyo's bland acting in so many scenes. I have seen far better written and acted revenge dramas which remain underrated. Going to give part 2 a try hoping it will address some of the major plotholes.
It was really horrifying to watch the brutal bullying in this drama. I see that there are a lot of K-dramas depicting…
I'm watching the drama currently and on E1. This one does seem like an extreme depiction of violence, and it's definitely not the norm. But I am pretty sure there are individuals who went through this. The bullying in a lot of dramas is not always an exaggeration. As someone who worked there for a while, I can tell you that their culture is extremely toxic (not saying other cultures are not). A lot of things are normalised. I don't know how much has changed in the past few years but back then I think the bar for defining the bullying and taking action against it was really low. Like slapping or hitting wouldn't count as violence or abuse, it was normal. Action wasn't taken until it was extreme. Many bullies didn't fear the law because many of them were influential and their families just took care of it. Also, the S Korean society, in general, encourages demeaning of ppl based on class, which has further perpetrated the gap and led to more bullying. Those that were not as influential got caught if the victim opened their mouth. Even then, not all school authorities took action because they wanted to save their asses. Not to mention, a lot of teachers were abusive too, esp verbally. Some slightly physically too. Having said all this, it's not like South Korea is the only one with the bullying problem. It happens in many other countries too.
What a criminally underrated and unique drama with a fantastic story, full of depth, darkness, despair, and hope. A must watch for those who love superhero stories with substance. Season 2, when?
Unfortunately, there were a few problematic elements being a gross misrepresentation of counselling and lack of substance to the leads' backstory that took away from what was potentially a heartwarming and sweet story. Okada Yoshikazu has written so many stellar dramas that I did not expect such a subpar work from him. Japan needs to stop teaming up with Netflix because they keep churning out content that is taking away from the brilliance of J dramas.
Some specific recommendations you might want to try -
Evol (fantasy story; pretty interesting) Enjiya (unique revenge story) Zeni Geba (one of the best in the revenge genre) Iribito (for the cinematography) My Dear Exes (for the cinematography and conversations) Fence (for the strong female characters) Spec: Birth (for the eccentric leads) Influence (for the strong female characters) Doronjo (for the strong female characters) Watashi no Otto wa Reitouko ni Nemutte Iru (revenge + psychological) Mukou no Hate (mystery)
3 
9 
2 
1 
1 
All in all, an average drama that does not deserve the hype and ratings it got.
More in review / spoiler: https://kisskh.at/profile/chillingindoors/review/512974
You should give Zeni Geba a try.
https://kisskh.at/439-zeni-geba
Best revenge drama with none of these bullshit plotholes you mentioned.
Some other good ones without those plotholes you may wish to try:
Bump Off Lover
Ouroboros
The Count of Monte-Cristo: Great Revenge
I am glad we enjoy the same movies.
I am assuming you like darker movies that leave a deep impression. These are some more recommendations you may wish to check out :)
https://kisskh.at/list/1zygeMx4
Some others that are not on the above list -
I Am What I Am
I Just Didn't Do It
Traces of Sin
Picnic
Mother (2020)
Monster (2023)
Rashomon
Will come back with more. Enjoy!
- The acting of everyone (minus the main female lead Song Hye Kyo)
- it was addicting and enjoyable, very easy watch
- the bully's husband; the only character that made sense and had some natural, sizzling chemistry with the FL, their meetings were well-done and natural
- the cinematography
Other than that, everything else was a mess, esp the writing. Now we'll get to all the bad stuff.
1. They spent so much time showing the violence (for shock value) but did not give the viewer an understanding as to why the bullies treated her that way, and how it all started. Clearly one-note characterisation. When she came to openly confront them about their dreams in the school hall (when they were kids), why did they just let her go so easily? It didn't make sense at all, especially after the extent that they were shown to be brutal to her. Was their intention to have her drop out? Or was it to just torture her for fun? And if for fun, why? Also, if they were this brutal to her, there ought to be other victims. Where were the other victims? Why were all the school scenes only scenes of violence? What about class time? What about other kids, I amsure they knew what was going on. So many plotholes.
2. For someone living her entire life planning this revenge, she teamed up with the housekeeper that easily, knowing that she could either become someone who could double-cross her in the future or be a weakness.. Not just that, the housekeeper is not some private investigator or expert who has been trained in this job, and the FL just took her on?! The way she stalked the air hostess and others had zero thrill or mystery. It was so obvious. It's only time before she gets caught. Also, can someone explain to me when exactly does the FL plan to kill the maid's husband and what is she waiting for? Then she teamed up with Myeong O who could again double-cross her any moment?
3. For someone executing a so-called revenge, she revealed her cards too soon, rather than slyly infiltrating herself into their world and then revealing herself in the end. That made the whole drama unrealistic because if these bullies had that much power at school, that too as kids, then imagine the power and influence they would have as adults who are heirs to various empires. Who is she? Just a nobody. The fact that she revealed herself to them one by one at the teacher's residence, the store, then the alumini event and the classroom.. and you're telling me these influential bullies did nothing after that?! She continued to walk around carefree. Given how violent they were as kids, why was the FL not kidnapped or drugged or killed after she became the homeroom teacher? Again you want me to believe they just let her be so that she can play out her domino effect and games?! Huge plothole that did a disservice to the entire drama.
4. Song Hye Kyo is pretty and has screen presence, but that's about it. Even after all these years, she remains a mediocre actress. She was blank and expressionless in so many scenes. On the other hand, the bullies were all solid actors.
5. The characterisation of the FL - I expected her character to have some depth but she fell flat for me as well. SIGHHHH. Who was the FL before these bullies made her life miserable? How are we suppose to understand her character when we don't even understand how she changed, and how that impacted her. They should have spent some time focusing on how she survived by herself. Not having much contact with ppl on an emotional level can make one very distant, and anti-social but she came across as very normal and just someone who doesn't smile. Her only characterisation is the victim who wants to take revenge. But who she is beyond the revenge? Where did she get so much money to afford 2 cars and the apartments and all her expensive clothing? Her telling the housekeeper that she will not 'kill' anyone or cross a certain line - it's like the writer wanted her to have her revenge, and yet at the same time, give the audiences a lolipop that she's actually a nice person who has a moral compass. Bullshit. Anyone going on a revenge path is not a nice person, and neither are they are morally upright, regardless of whether the revenge is justified or not. Second, for someone who was tortured so brutally and kissed that way, I was surprised they didn't show her having PTSD or any other mental illness whatsoever, that too, when she's all alone and has no other source of emotional and financial support. Yes she reacted on seeing the meat and Jae Jun etc but that's not totally how PTSD works. Little things can trigger you, but the biggest trigger would be the very people who did that to you. The PTSD was used very haphazardly when convenient and not in a consistent manner. The way she was able to confront the bullies so easily (that too as a kid) - this writer clearly knows nothing about psychology.
She says the bullies destroyed her dreams to become an engineer. But then she educated herself and became a teacher. So by that stretch, why couldn't she become an engineer? Am I missing something here?
Why would she leave her mother right at the lion's den?! Oh wait I know.. so that the writer can use that as a way for the villains to one-up the FL later on.. such lazy writing. SIGH.
6. The doctor angle (romance) was not at all required and dragged the story. Plus, they had zero chemistry. Instead of the doctor, they should have spent more time showing us how the bullies operate. Also, this story is about her VS the bullies. What need of the doctor's character? Also, I get that the doctor likes her (why, though) but his reaction to her revelation of revenge was too nice and understanding.. most ppl would be taken back and need some time to process it.. i mean how much does he even know her?!
Highly recommend 'Zeni Geba' instead. One of the best in the revenge genre.
Going to give part 2 a try hoping it will address some of the major plotholes.
EDIT: Watched part 2, and yes this was bad all the way.
More in review: https://kisskh.at/profile/chillingindoors/review/512974
Heard it Through the Grapevine
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Pasta
Kill Me Heal Me
This one does seem like an extreme depiction of violence, and it's definitely not the norm. But I am pretty sure there are individuals who went through this.
The bullying in a lot of dramas is not always an exaggeration.
As someone who worked there for a while, I can tell you that their culture is extremely toxic (not saying other cultures are not). A lot of things are normalised. I don't know how much has changed in the past few years but back then I think the bar for defining the bullying and taking action against it was really low. Like slapping or hitting wouldn't count as violence or abuse, it was normal. Action wasn't taken until it was extreme.
Many bullies didn't fear the law because many of them were influential and their families just took care of it. Also, the S Korean society, in general, encourages demeaning of ppl based on class, which has further perpetrated the gap and led to more bullying. Those that were not as influential got caught if the victim opened their mouth. Even then, not all school authorities took action because they wanted to save their asses. Not to mention, a lot of teachers were abusive too, esp verbally. Some slightly physically too.
Having said all this, it's not like South Korea is the only one with the bullying problem. It happens in many other countries too.
Season 2, when?
Hope that makes you feel better. Get well soon.
https://kisskh.at/737619-freckles
https://kisskh.at/737619-freckles
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm7QOddwRpatJx9die3Kbuc5HFMfAeJRs
https://kisskh.at/list/LQJEl7R3
Some specific recommendations you might want to try -
Evol (fantasy story; pretty interesting)
Enjiya (unique revenge story)
Zeni Geba (one of the best in the revenge genre)
Iribito (for the cinematography)
My Dear Exes (for the cinematography and conversations)
Fence (for the strong female characters)
Spec: Birth (for the eccentric leads)
Influence (for the strong female characters)
Doronjo (for the strong female characters)
Watashi no Otto wa Reitouko ni Nemutte Iru (revenge + psychological)
Mukou no Hate (mystery)
that's awesome