This review may contain spoilers
This One Tops the Charts!
This is one of the best Kdramas I have ever seen.The story, acting, production value and everything in between was stellar! 10 stars!
Here's what I liked:
1. The characters felt developed
Each one of them had a story, a personality, and a reason for being the way that they were. I loved delving deeper into the show and learning more about their backgrounds. There was always something more to discover.
2.This show kept me guessing
The horrifying situation Se Ri found herself in twisted and turned in ways I never expected. I sat with rapt attention, theories spinning through my mind. Just when I thought I'd figured it out, the plot developed into so much more than I'd imagined. The writing in this show was spectacular.
3. Ri Jeong Hyeok
Really, what further explanation is needed? In a country that persecutes religion, he was the most Christ-like character I have seen in Korean media. His selflessness, patience, kindness, innocence and willful sacrifice made him an exemplary character. I will admit, I swoon for Ri Jeong Hyeok.
4. Their portrayal of North Koreans
I loved how they depicted North Koreans and showed us that they're just like anyone else--they just happen to live in a country that employs an oppressive regime. The people lived under the rules, and they followed them, but they still joked and laughed and lived their lives the way anyone with meager supplies and a good outlook on life would. They were wonderful characters, and I think they show many people that North Koreans are normal human beings, too.
5. Se Ri
I enjoyed watching Se Ri's character develop and blossom as she learned to love and be loved. Although in the beginning she was closed off and cold, underneath it all she had a beautiful heart. She just needed someone willing to care enough to see it.
6. Lighthearted moments
The comedy relief was enjoyable and I felt it was always at the right time when I needed some levity after the heavy scenes. I also loved some of the familial dynamics between the main and side characters.
What I didn't like:
While the rest of the story was really developed, the end felt rather unfinished and abrupt. Some events that occurred in the final episodes seemed to come out of the blue and didn't make sense to me. I felt some things could have been left out or handled differently (Gu Seung Joon). But that is just my opinion.
I also felt we missed out or didn't see enough towards the end of Se Ri and Ri Jeong Hyeok's story. It all felt somewhat hasty and dreamlike towards the end. I would have liked to see at least another episode or two allowing us to say goodbye to these beloved characters and tie up loose ends. I understand with production costs and time this might not have been possible.
Content: (This section may include spoilers. Please proceed at your own risk!)
During a random inspection, a man and woman are caught having an affair. Nothing sexual is shown. The woman is seen hiding in the closet wrapped in a blanket, while the man cowers under the bed in his underwear.
The main leads kiss several times.
Trucks designed for murdering people are used. We see them ram into cars with people inside two different times. We see a man bleeding from the head during one of the crashes.
One of the cars rammed by a truck falls off a cliff and explodes.
A woman stands in fear, looking at a truck coming towards her, but we don't see anything. Later we hear that she has died.
Several gun fights involving life-threatening wounds occur. Some characters die or come close to death from being shot.
Guns are often brandished.
Attackers wield knives and sticks.
As a sensitive watcher, I was bothered by the violent content, but not so much that I felt the need to discontinue watching the show. The good far outweighs the bad, and the fight against evil is pure and unwavering. I would recommend this drama to anyone 15 and up, with a caution for sensitive viewers. Happy watching, and I hope you enjoy! <3
No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends. - John 15:13
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