I just feel like the concept is so good that I can't help but be disappointed by the execution. like if this was…
Same! It's good but generic. I wish it were darker or creepier or more anything. Both the plot and directing is average. It's a shame bc the premise is STELLAR.
This is one of my favorite dramas of all time, but it's complex. The characters are morally gray; no one is good or bad. The characters are unlikable, flawed, but sympathetic. This is an adult drama. It's serious, tragic, dark, and layered. So why watch it? The incredible acting, in particular, Shin Hyun-bin (I'm a Go Hyun Jung fan but Shin Hyun-bin steals the limelight), the beautiful cinematography and imagery, the detailed, confident directing that creates a realistic world, and of course, the passionate affair. This is based on a short novel and the director is an art major, and those influences make this drama feel like an artistic film.
Imo, they do. They're the end game. The ending is a time skip where they reunite. They're the reason I watched this show. Jung Ilwoo's one-sided love was really sweet and sad. His character was so compelling and popular it burst him into stardom.
Out of the power trilogy (The Chaser, Empire of Gold, Punch) by writer Park Kyung Soo, The Chaser is the best. It has the best acting, most cohesive structure, and most satisfying catharsis. This drama isn't just an action show, it has philosophy and depth. It's about how justice gets miscarried bc of people's ambition, greed, or weakness.
People are the fundamentally the same, both "bad" guys and "good" guys; what separates us is the decisions we make at crucial moments. Most of us will make the wrong decisions because of the heavy price that comes with having morals, and that's why the world is broken and corrupt. But a few people make the right decisions despite the cost, and that's how the world slowly becomes a better place.
Drama still holds up strong 10+ years later. In fact, it gets better as you get older because you will understand the message more.
A new drama by one of the best scriptwriters in Korea, Park Kyung Soo! I can't wait. I highly recommend his previous dramas, The Chaser and Punch, which had high ratings, critical acclaim, and excellent casts.
The premise is similar to Durian's Affair, which I highly recommend. In Durian's Affair, in the Joseon period, a young lady's husband dies. Through a mysterious event, she time travels to the present day and finds someone who looks identical to her husband. There is comedy in the female adjusting to the present day and the husband lookalike not recognizing her. I love this premise so I'm hoping this drama's good. Can't wait for the next episode.
Bloody Game 2 takes inspiration from JJY's The Genius and Society Game, but it is a whole new beast, a radical evolution. This season was legendary. I doubt the cast and narratives can be topped.
There's barely any romance, which is a shame bc they have so much chemistry. They do have some kind of love for each other, but it becomes corrupted by greed. They both have affairs and become a business couple. And this is one of those dramas where the husband is a piece of shit. I enjoyed this drama, but it's about ruthless ambition, not romance.
Watched almost every good healing drama, and tried to watch this one too. But it was so depressing and messy so…
If you'd like to watch a healing drama with Little Forest vibes, I'd recommend One Day Off. It stars Lee Na-young, a high school teacher, who makes weekend trips around Korea. She discovers new places, samples new food and encounters colorful characters during her brief trips.
This is hilarious, especially if you know a little about Korean politics bc there are a lot of caricatures and references to real politicians and events ( Jeon Kwang Hun, real estate scandals, etc). I've also learned a lot about Korean politics through this show. This was chosen as Cine21's best drama of 2021. You can watch this with English subs on Viki and Kocowa, or search "Going to the Blue House Like This" on dc.
People are the fundamentally the same, both "bad" guys and "good" guys; what separates us is the decisions we make at crucial moments. Most of us will make the wrong decisions because of the heavy price that comes with having morals, and that's why the world is broken and corrupt. But a few people make the right decisions despite the cost, and that's how the world slowly becomes a better place.
Drama still holds up strong 10+ years later. In fact, it gets better as you get older because you will understand the message more.