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This review may contain spoilers
Powerful performances, powerful script
I forgot where I was, what time it was and when I had last eaten. It was that good. There are other better reviews out there, and I can only concur that the script is extremely intelligent, nuanced and engrossing (Writer -- Song Hye Jin). The actors gave great performances under what looks like inspired directing (Director --Jo Young Min). Kdrama modern, 2025. 15eps x 1hr +- . The excellent production's technical aspects: camerawork, scene dressings, soundtrack (Roy Kim!!!), are all designed not to intrude on a centrally theatrical piece, upon the exposition of the characters' development and interactions with each other.
The script is just too big to unpack in a review, so I just want to clarify what I think is the central point. One of the central pair of friends, Sang-Yeon, is essentially an old-fashioned sociopath -- she is unable to love and uses others without compunction or shame. For me the actual string of tension throughout the grownup life of Sang-Yeon and EunJung is whether or not Sang-Yeon is going to let loose into full-blown crazed stalker mode at any given point.
She ruins truehearted EunJung's college romance because she wanted the boy for herself but couldn't make it happen. She ruins EunJung's career in film production, and makes millions in the process.
From the very beginning Sang-Yeon hates her little friend Eun Jung, in a classic match up -- Sang-Yeon has material wealth but lacks human affection, while Eun Jung , although very poor, is loved by not only her own mom and her own friends, but by Sang-Yeon's Mom and Sang-Yeon's older brother. Giving love to get love is an avenue closed to those who are, like SangYeon, afraid to open up.
As others around them excuse or puzzle over SangYeon's behavior the usual 'nature/nurture' theories swirl --was she neglected by her mom for her needier older brother, was she just suffering from a worm of envy and jealousy which deformed her personality, or was that constant and careful manipulation of those closest to her simply how she chose to live her life?
This is what makes the ending of the series work, despite it getting a little preachy about ethically-assisted-suicide. Because Sang-Yeon is dying, and because she is still strong-willed enough to force EunJung to help, they verbally bargain their way into the switzerland trip. SangYeon ends up making a public apology for her worst deeds and EunJUng ends up helping her to find a 'good death'. Is it true friendship? No. But it is a true life spent in each others' pockets, as a part of each others' found-families at least.
Now if only I could be sure that EunJung's true love would come back to her...But one thing is for sure, Kim Go Eun and Park Ji Hyun will be nominated for all the awards shows for this one! They were phenomenal.
The script is just too big to unpack in a review, so I just want to clarify what I think is the central point. One of the central pair of friends, Sang-Yeon, is essentially an old-fashioned sociopath -- she is unable to love and uses others without compunction or shame. For me the actual string of tension throughout the grownup life of Sang-Yeon and EunJung is whether or not Sang-Yeon is going to let loose into full-blown crazed stalker mode at any given point.
She ruins truehearted EunJung's college romance because she wanted the boy for herself but couldn't make it happen. She ruins EunJung's career in film production, and makes millions in the process.
From the very beginning Sang-Yeon hates her little friend Eun Jung, in a classic match up -- Sang-Yeon has material wealth but lacks human affection, while Eun Jung , although very poor, is loved by not only her own mom and her own friends, but by Sang-Yeon's Mom and Sang-Yeon's older brother. Giving love to get love is an avenue closed to those who are, like SangYeon, afraid to open up.
As others around them excuse or puzzle over SangYeon's behavior the usual 'nature/nurture' theories swirl --was she neglected by her mom for her needier older brother, was she just suffering from a worm of envy and jealousy which deformed her personality, or was that constant and careful manipulation of those closest to her simply how she chose to live her life?
This is what makes the ending of the series work, despite it getting a little preachy about ethically-assisted-suicide. Because Sang-Yeon is dying, and because she is still strong-willed enough to force EunJung to help, they verbally bargain their way into the switzerland trip. SangYeon ends up making a public apology for her worst deeds and EunJUng ends up helping her to find a 'good death'. Is it true friendship? No. But it is a true life spent in each others' pockets, as a part of each others' found-families at least.
Now if only I could be sure that EunJung's true love would come back to her...But one thing is for sure, Kim Go Eun and Park Ji Hyun will be nominated for all the awards shows for this one! They were phenomenal.
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