I'm not sold on the writing and production choices (why was the drunk scene so long with repetitive dialogue?). But, episode 3 was funnier and the drama continues to be very nice to look at. The boat scenes were well-filmed. It doesn't demand much from the audience so it's an easy watch.
The voiceover narration that was unrelated to what was being depicted onscreen took some getting used to. I wasn't surprised to find that the directors are more active in film since this device is often seen in cinema. But once I settled in, I couldn't look away. The writing on this show is introspective and often philosophical. You'll actually need to concentrate, unlike with most k-dramas. It's dark and sometimes bleak. Moments of levity are as glimmers of sunlight seen from the bottom of a deep lake. That's not to say there's unrelenting manufactured misery in the way of makjangs. Instead, it takes an honest, unvarnished look at depression and how it can change you and affect those around you. It explores the experience of social alienation in a society that is particularly hostile to "outsiders". You may not finish this show with the warm fuzzies but there is some comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone in our loneliness, it's a universal human emotion. Bonus points for excellent use of Jeff Buckley.
Bleach meets Running Man. There's a lot of running around city streets but that's fine because this drama is quite a rarity in that it is action-packed from the get-go and doesn't let up. Stunts and fight scenes are kinetic and well-choreographed. It's also nice to see main characters that aren't picture-perfect. We even have two middle-aged action heroes! So Mun's school friends are also refreshingly ordinary looking and acting. Recommended for anyone who enjoys action k-dramas and shounen anime.
I just noticed that it's the same director as The Red Sleeve. I hope the writing (and the network and production company) allows her to make this truly female-centric in a way that that drama was supposed to be but ultimately wasn't.
I hope people aren't looking for realism in a drama where the ML owns an English country house, has a butler (only like, King Charles has one these days) and literally parachuted to work.
I did want more plot progression in episode 2. However, the show is still in setup mode and the director clearly likes his slo-mo beauty shots. It was also a bit odd that we didn't get to meet Sarang's grandma after the phone call on the bus. I'm sincerely wishing that they give big sis some convincing motivations and she isn't just boringly mean/jealous for no reason. Sarang as a character is somewhat inconsistent so far. Anyway, stating the obvious, but Junho is doing great. Eyes, hands, voice, all being put to work.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashridge
I did want more plot progression in episode 2. However, the show is still in setup mode and the director clearly likes his slo-mo beauty shots. It was also a bit odd that we didn't get to meet Sarang's grandma after the phone call on the bus. I'm sincerely wishing that they give big sis some convincing motivations and she isn't just boringly mean/jealous for no reason. Sarang as a character is somewhat inconsistent so far. Anyway, stating the obvious, but Junho is doing great. Eyes, hands, voice, all being put to work.