SIMPLE YET SWEET 90s ROMANCE
It is sweet and nostalgic teen romance set in 1990's Busan. It follows Se Ri, a girl who thinks her curly hair is stopping her from confessing to her crush. But when a new student, Yoon Seok gets involved in her plan, she discovers more about love and herself.The movie shines with 90s vibe, warm atmosphere, and natural chemistry between the leads. It captures the innocence of first love and delivers a touching message about self acceptance.
Still, the story is a bit predictable, and the idea of treating curly hair as a problem can feel uncomfortable, especially to modern audience. It's forgivable in context since it's set in the 90s, still worth watching.
Overall, it's a light and a heartwarming watch. It's a kind of movie you can rewatch whenever you want to feel cozy, relaxed, and a bit nostalgic.
Plot 6/10
Acting and Characters 8/10
Cinematography 9/10
Writing 7/10
Pacing 8/10
OST/Score 8/10
Overall 7.5/10
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A STORY NOT FOR EVERYONE
Aema begins with a good start, immediately drawing viewers into its world with an authentic recreation of 1980s. The costumes, make up, sets, music, and cinematography capture the decade with eye catching detail, immersing the audience in a retro atmosphere that feels both rich and convincing.Beneath its polished aesthetic, this show delivers a sharp critique of the entertainment industry. It sheds light on the objectification of women and the way films (porn in particular) of the era were often created primarily for the male gaze. Most of the male characters are depicted as exploitative and corrupt.
At the heart of the drama is Hee ran, portrayed with depth and intensity by Lee Ha Nee. Her performance is layered and commanding, showing Hee ran’s vulnerability as well as her quiet strength.
One of the most memorable moments comes with the line “You will have to be a bitch from now on, because bitches survive.” This peace of dialogue is iconic captures the central theme of the drama, women protecting women.
What makes Aema unsettling is that while it’s fictional story, it’s believable. The events in the drama could have happened in the 80s or could even happen today. That possibility makes it disturbing to watch. The plot is told in simple and conservative way but that works for the story. It doesn't need crazy twists to be effective. It ends in a satisfying way. Not only wraps up Hee ran's story but also highlights the corruption, misogyny, and exploitation that actresses went through.
Overall, Aema is both beautiful and powerful. A visually rich and emotionally unsettling drama that balances style with substance, leaving a lasting impression.
Plot 9/10
Acting and Characters 9.5/10
Cinematography 9/10
Writing 8/10
Pacing 10/10
OST/Score 8/10
Overall 9/10
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THIS SHOW DELIVERS RAW EMOTIONS AND COMPLEX CHARACTERS
This drama really moved me with mix emotions in every episode. From the first episode until the last, it kept me hooked and never let me down. Each episode built up the tension while also showing deep and meaningful character moment.What stood out the most to me aside from the gritty fight scenes was the contrast between Si eun and Beom seok in the relationship with Suho. When Suho stopped Si eun from going too far with Yeong bin, Si eun was upset at first but he understood Suho's attention and grew from it. Beom seok on the other hand, took it negatively misunderstood Suho's actions, which created a rift between them. This difference in perspective highlights how people deal with care and friendship in very different ways.
Beom seok is probably one of the most complex characters I've seen in Korean dramas. He's my favorite because his story is written with such depth that made me feel something, sympathy, frustration, angry, and even sadness at the same time. His journey shows how insecurity and pain can twist someone's view of the world. Just wow, it's well written.
This drama is more than just a school action drama. It's powerful story about friendship, pain, and the choice people make when pushed to their limits. The writing is sharp, the acting is strong, the ost is fire, and the emotions feel real.
Plot 9/10
Acting and Characters 9/10
Cinematography 8.5/10
Writing 9/10
Pacing 10/10
OST/Score 9/10
Overall 9/10
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A DARK CLASSIC IN THE MAKING
It is a drama that takes hold from the very first episode and never loses its momentum. The lead actor, Ji Chang Wook delivers a performance that defines the series. He embodies both menace and vulnerability, making the character unpredictable and unforgettable.The writing is equally strong, carefully balancing crime, loyalty, and emotion. The love triangle adds another dimension, creating tension that isn’t just about romance but about trust, betrayal, and survival. It pushes the story into even more powerful territory, making every decision matter.
What makes this drama stand out is how carefully it balances its noir edge with human emotion. It has the grit, the suspense, the atmosphere of noir masterpiece, but it never loses sight of the character at its core.
This is the best Kdrama I’ve watched so far, and honestly, the type of drama I’d recommend to my film club friends. It’s not just worth watching, it’s worth rewatching again and again.
Plot 10/10
Acting and Characters 10/10
Cinematography 9.5/10
Writing 9.5/10
Pacing 10/10
OST/Score 9.5/10
Overall 10/10
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A FLAWED BUT ENTERTAINING RIDE
This movie begins a strong exposition that immediately hooks the audience. Gil Bok Soon embodies a fierce, badass character, while her mentor Min Gyu projects an intimidating aura that makes the opening act interesting.The pacing however kind of fell of in the middle. Some of the energy and tension established early doesn’t fully carry through, which weakens the momentum of the story. That said, the action more than makes up for it. The fight sequence are top notch, and the dynamic score elevates them into highly entertaining, rewatchable moments.
The story shows plenty of potential but falls short in places, with plot holes and a lack of emotional depth particuarly in the relationship between Bok Soon and her daughter, which feels underexplored.
Fortunately, the third act brings the movie back on track. Its payoff ensures the film remains worth watching, offering an ending that leaves a solid impression despite its shortcomings.
Plot 8/10
Acting and Characters 7/10
Cinematography 8/10
Writing 7/10
Pacing 7/10
OST/Score 9/10
Overall 7.5/10
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PARK EUN BIN'S ACTING CHOPS SHINES DESPITE FLAWS
A kdrama that something darker and more daring, led by Park Eun Bin’s extraordinary performance. Her character is written as a true antihero, a surgeon who is brilliant but far from perfect. She shows this side with such depth that you don’t know whether to cheer for her or fear her. This mix of charm and ruthlessness makes her character unforgettable.The surgery scenes are some of the best parts of the show. However, some parts of the hospital politics are left unclear, and a few character stories feel unfinished. There are also some holes. There could have been a better ending than the one given, but overall it’s still a good watch.
In the end, it may not tie everything together neatly, but its strong, memorable character like Jung Seok, and daring storytelling make it a drama that deserves a praise.
Plot 7/10
Acting and Characters 9/10
Cinematography 8/10
Writing 6/10
Pacing 7/10
OST/Score 8/10
Overall 7/10
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A STUNNING MYSTERY THAT STAYS WITH YOU
This isn’t a typical mystery, it feels almost poetic. Park Chan Wook frames each scene with such precision that the film often looks like a moving painting. The mix of tension and romance stands out most. The subtle looks and pauses between Tang Wei and Park Hae Il often carry more weight than dialogue. It’s a film that lingers in the mind long after it ends.It’s not an easy watch for everyone because it is very slow pace. Some parts felt more style over substance, where the beauty of the shot mattered more than moving the plot forward. For viewers expecting a fast, thrilling crime story, this can feel frustrating.
Despite these flaws, Decision to Leave remains a remarkable work. It’s the kind of film that grows on you, where the atmosphere and emotions matter just as much as the mystery itself.
Plot 8/10
Acting and Characters 9.5/10
Cinematography 10/10
Writing 8/10
Pacing 7/10
OST/Score 8/10
Overall 8/10
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WELL PRESENTED BUT FEELS SHALLOW
This film tries to stand out by moving the classic gangster story from Korea to 1990s Colombia. It looks different, it feels bold, but in the end, it doesn’t bring much that’s new.The best thing about the film is Song Joong Ki. His role as Kook hee, a poor immigrant who rises in the smuggling world, is strong and convincing. He gives the film its heart, even when the story itself feels weak.
The setting in another plus. A korean movie shot in Colombia is rare, and the streets, markets, and alleys give the film a gritty and dangerous vibe. It feels fresh, but the story itself is too familiar. It follows the usual crime movie path -rise-betrayal-donwfall- without much depth. Side characters don’t get enough time to grow. The result is a movie that looks well presented but feels shallow.
The tone is uneven too. At time it tries to be dark and realistic, other times it leans toward black comedy. These shifts don't blend well, leaving the film without a clear voice. Still, the film deserves credit for ambition. Even if it’s not perfect, it shows that Korean cinema is ready to take bigger risks.
Plot 5/10
Acting and Characters 6/10
Cinematography 8/10
Writing 4/10
Pacing 7/10
OST/Score 7/10
Overall 6/10
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THOUGHT PROVOKING BUT NO EXPLOSIVE CLIMAX
This drama is dark and timely thriller that raises sharp questions about morality and order. The fact that the government and police officers did not do something making this show too unrealistic. However, the core idea remains powerful and thought provoking.Nam Gil delivers a layered, restrained performance, while Young Kwang brings chilling presence as his ideological rival. Their dynamic is compelling and anchors much of the series, though a few supporting characters don't leave the same impact. Visually, the cinematography is gritty and atmospheric, perfectly matching the unsettling tone and raised the tension of the story.
The writing blends suspense with social commentary, offering moral complexity and food for thought. However, the drama never builds toward a shocking climax or breaktthrough moment, staying on a consistent tone from beginning to end. Something feels missing, leaving the experience less satisfying than it could have been.
The soundtrack is subtle but effective, supporting the mood without demanding attention. Overall, it's not perfect, but still a tense that explore morality, chaos, and order in a gripping way.
Plot 7.5/10
Acting and Characters 6.5/10
Cinematography 8/10
Writing 5/10
Pacing 6/10
OST/Score 8/10
Overall 6.5/10
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A THRILLING RIDE OF JUSTICE, ACTION, AND HEART
It is a thrilling mix of action, emotion, and social commentary that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The revenge driven story is both entertaining and meaningful, blending suspense, humor and heartfelt moments. Lee Je Hoon delivers a standout performance, especially in his intense action scenes, while the Rainbow taxi team adds depth and warmth with compelling characters like Go Eun.Though the antagonists are often forgettable and some cases resolved feel a bit unrealistic, the gripping episodic stories, many inspired by real life crimes, carry strong emotional weight.
The pacing is steady and engaging, the writing is impactful, and the soundtrack heightens the tension even if it's not individually memorable. Despite average cinematography, the drama leaves a lasting impact and stands out as one of the most engaging show in its genre.
Plot 8/10
Acting and Characters 8/10
Cinematography 7/10
Writing 9/10
Pacing 8/10
OST/Score 7/10
Overall 8/10
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This review may contain spoilers
CAN'T BELIEVE THIS DRAMA IS SO UNDERRATED!!
I honestly don’t understand why this drama has low ratings. It deserves atleast solid 9. Sometimes people overlook true art and storytelling, and this one of those cases.What gripped me most was the manipulation and gaslighting woven into the story. By episode three, I completely sold and knew this drama would end up underrated. The quiet tension, the raw atmosphere, and the way the story takes its time really make you sit with the characters and listen. It’s not your typical fast paced drama where too much happens at once, this one lingers, builds, and keeps you unsettled in the best way.
The performances were outstanding. Kim Tae Hee especially, her trembling, fragile, unsure side so well. Both leading actresses carried their roles with such depth that every silence, every glance felt heavy with meaning. The acting, paired with the subtle cinematography (which what I love about this drama) and haunting score, created something truly special.
The writing also deserves praise. The way the story twists, misleads, and some part had me believing things that turned out out differently, which kept the plot interesting. The build up of both characters and plot was executed so well, and by the end, the women stood as the last ones standing, it was satisfying.
Overall, this drama is ART. From the performances to the cinematography, its aesthetic, to the way it leaves you unsettled yet satisfied. It is a quiet masterpiece that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Plot 9.5/10
Acting and Characters 9.5/10
Cinematography 10/10
Writing 9/10
Pacing 9.5/10
OST/Score 9/10
Overall 9.5/10
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