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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.
A drama that's both beautiful and powerful. A visually rich and emotionally unsettling drama that balances style with substance, leaving a lasting impression.
Plot 8.5/10
Acting and Characters 9.5/10
Cinematography 9/10
Writing 9/10
Pacing 10/10
OST/Score 8/10
Overall 9/10
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NO DOUBT, A MUST WATCH THRILLER!
NO DOUBT, it's one of the best psychological thriller kdramas! Doubt blends mystery, emotion, and a solid storytelling.Jang Ha Bin is one of the most intriguing characters. She is mysterious and has this kind of reserved personality that makes her presence important, and you can't help but be curious about her. Jang Tae Su, her father and a detective, gives the story its heart. His role as a both parent and investigator is handled with nuance, and gives the drama emotional backbone.
The two new officers, Dae Hong and Eo Jin brings good dynamic to the team. Their opposite personalities was good written. Dae Hong being warm and emotionally intelligent, while Eo Jin is rational and calculated which added more depth to the investigation. I like that the drama gives them enough story to understand who they are. Dae Hong especially stood out to me as genuinely kind character.
The plot is well put together, well placed twists, and sustained tension that keeps you on edge. The middle episodes, in particular, showcase the show just keeps getting better as the story unfolds.
Visually, the drama is top tier. The cinematography is so good, the camera angles, aesthetic, and details were consistently impressive. The drama for me feels cinematic, reminds me of the drama Lies Hidden in my Garden. You can tell that a lot of thought went into each scene was framed.
Performance wise, Chae Wo Bin as Jang Ha Bin absolutely nails her role. Her aura futs the character perfectly, mysterious yet assertive. And her chemistry with Han Seok Kyu (as a father and detective) was good. The reconciliation in the finale wraps up their arc beautifully. Overall, definitely a must watch!
Plot 10/10
Acting and Characters 10/10
Cinematography 10/10
Writing 10/10
Pacing 9.5/10
OST/Score 9.5/10
Overall 10/10
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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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TRAGIC VILLAIN ARC
This season honestly felt like an upgrade. I like season 1 for the revenge cases, but it sometimes felt like "villains of the week". Season 2 still gave us those satisfying takedowns, but also tied everything into a bigger storyline, which made it way more engaging for me.The Rainbow Taxi team really felt like family this season. Their little moments of humor and warmth balanced out the darker cases so well. And Kim Do Ki? Still a beast. The way he slips into all those disguises and completely sells them is crazy. But I liked that it wasn't just him carrying the show. Everyone in the team had more presence this time.
The real highlight though was the villain arc. He blended in so well that I didn't see the twist coming at all. His story wasn't just evil guy exposed. It felt tragic, like he was stuck in system he couldn't escape, and that made the betrayal more painful.
This season was darker, and I love it. It wasn't just about revenge, but also it was about betrayal, trust, and what it costs to fight against something bigger than you. Definitely one of those sequels that actually outdid first.
Plot 9/10
Acting and Characters 9/10
Cinematography 8.5/10
Writing 9/10
Pacing 9/10
OST/Score 8/10
Overall 9/10
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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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A FAST PACED THRILLER WITH IMPRESSIVE ACTION SEQUENCES
This drama has a really interesting concept at first. Every single character carries deep wounds and heavy back stories which made it pretty unsettling to watch at times.One thing I’ll give credit for is the fight choreography, it’s good. The pacing is also quite fast, so it’s not so boring. But story wise... I found it unrealistic. The decision making of the parents didn’t make such much sense to me, and some of it feels forced for the sake of inhumane or trying to be provoking story. The plot had so much potential, but it didn’t quite land the emotional punch it was aiming for. It’s like they had a strong idea but didn’t fully know where to take it.
Would I recommend it? Probably not. As someone who enjoys thriller dramas, I’d say it’s just average. Still if you’re in it for the action, the sick fights scenes might make it worth the watching once.
Plot 7/10
Acting and Characters 8/10
Cinematography 7/10
Writing 7/10
Pacing 8/10
OST/Score 7/10
Overall 7
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This review may contain spoilers
GREAT PRODUCTION AND ROWOON NAILED IT
First off, the production is superb! From the wardrobe and makeup to the settings, and locations, everything looks realistic which is amazing and it fits the tone of the story perfectly.The drama mainly focuses on the three characters whose stories are connected through revenge, loyalty, and survival. Si Yul, a man who has trauma and loses his friends and is consumed by the need to avenge them. The death of his friends was truly heartbreaking and became the turning point for his character. The other two leads also have solid roles that add meaning to the story.
The show’s world, filled with barbarians, corrupts, and chaos. The fight scenes are amazing, the choreography is smooth, and very satisfying to watch. I also love the chemistry among the cast, especially the gang. Their bond felt genuine, and there were even small bits of humor.
Rowoon absolutely nailed this role. It’s definitely one of his most mature performances so far, you can really feel his emotions and inner conflict. The story itself is straightforward, no confusing twists or overcomplicated plots. I think in my opinion, this needs season 2 , as there are other unanswered happening in the story.
I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re expecting something super intense or mind blowing. It’s not that type of drama. But it’s still a good watch, solid, and made better by Rowoon’s presence and the overall production quality.
Plot 7.5/10
Acting and Characters 8.5/10
Cinematography 9/10
Writing 8/10
Pacing 8/10
OST/Score 8/10
Overall 8
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SUSPENSE THAT HOOKS YOU
This drama kept me hooked. The chemistry between the female lead and male lead is one of the highlights. Their scenes together feel natural and make the story more engaging.What I enjoyed most was the female lead’s character. She’s unpredictable in a way that makes you curious about her next move. Her presence adds a layer of excitement and keeps you watching closely.
The suspects and villains are also good written. Each one brings tension to the story, and I found myself guessing and doubting almost everyone at some point. However, the mastermind behind it all felt a little underwhelming. Her backstory and motives weren’t explored enough and some parts of her arc had plot holes. It left me thinking the show could have gone deeper into her story, especially in showing how she carried out her revenge.
On the other hand, the drama shines in its cinematography and acting. Every scene looks polished, and the performances are convincing across the board. Each episode builds suspense bit by bit, and the slow reveal of the bigger picture made want for more.
This drama overall is an entertaining watch with good acting, a strong lead duo, and suspense that carries through each episode. While the main villain could have been written with more depth, the drama still delivers enough twists and mood to keep you invested until the end.
Plot 8/10
Acting and Characters 9/10
Cinematography 9.5/10
Writing 7.5/10
Pacing 9/10
OST/Score 8/10
Overall 8.5/10
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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 REALISTIC STORY, GROWTH, AND GREAT CHEMISTRY
It starts off really well, and episodes 2 and 10 are my favorite. It keeps story simple and realistic, with characters that are easy to love. The overall chemistry of the cast is wholesome which makes the drama even more engaging.Tae Poong is such a standout, he is cool, kind, and incredibly resilient. Mi Seon is just as likable, with her dedication, intelligence, and gentle personality. They make a perfect pair and I like how their relationship grows naturally without feeling forced or rushed.
The soundtrack also deserves credit. The music choices are consistently good, and there’s a fresh, catchy track in almost every episode. Some episodes do feel a bit repetitive, but not in a bad way, those moments actually help show the characters’ development. The drama touches dreams, trust, and greed. All of this is blended in so naturally that you end up getting not just a good story, but a few real-life lessons too.
Plot 8/10
Acting and Characters 9/10
Cinematography 8/10
Writing 8/10
Pacing 8/10
OST/Score 10/10
Overall 8.5/10
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This review may contain spoilers
DIDN'T EXPECT TO FALL FOR THIS DRAMA, BUT I DID
It's one of those dramas that grows on you with its charm. From the very first episode, I couldn’t stop smiling. The chemistry between Lee Ha Na, who plays a woman with scopophobia and Sosuke, a germophobic male lead, is over the top, and I mean that in such a good way. You can already feel their connection right away and it’s so genuine and meaningful, especially because of the conditions they both struggle with.This drama honestly made me hungry with all the pastry scenes. Everything looks so delicious that I wanted to grab one myself hahaa. The kitchen scenes are comforting to watch and Lee Ha Na’s relationship with the kitchen team is just wholesome. It gives that sense of belonging and healing that makes the drama even more comforting.
The second couple is also captivating, adding more flavor to the story without overshadowing the main leads. And don’t even get me started on the cameos, they had me shooked!
Visually, the scenery is beautiful, and the intro alone already hooked me. The leads gave me butterflies I haven’t felt in such a long time. It’s sweet, awkward, and honest in a way that feels almost personal.
Watching this drama made me reflect on myself too on how everyone carries their own fears, insecurities, or battles that others don’t always see. But even with all that people can still find connection.
Plot 8/10
Acting and Characters 8/10
Cinematography 9/10
Writing 8/10
Pacing 9/10
OST/Score 9/10
Overall 8.5
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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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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 8.5/10
Acting and Characters 9/10
Cinematography 8/10
Writing 9/10
Pacing 8/10
OST/Score 8/10
Overall 8.5/10
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