kyungsoosbae

COMPELLING CONCEPT WITH A SOMEWHAT SLOPPY EXECUTION

The premise of the drama was very intriguing.

As for my thoughts on the story and its elements, I initially thought that they hadn't mentioned anything about a supernatural or fantasy element to maintain interest or surprise factor, and it engrossed me. However, as I continued watching, I realised that the events surrounding Park Mi Jung had nothing to do with magic or a curse, and I was dying to understand why such accidents surrounded her.

Although Dong Jin's actions were extreme in wanting to help solve this mystery, his intentions for her to live a happy life were genuine. His feelings started as a curiosity when he was a high schooler since Mi Jung's circumstances made her the talk of the town, but felt almost like a fixation or obsession rather than a crush at some point. Although I do understand that due to the FL's circumstances, it was less a question of whether she wanted help or not, but more of how his feelings towards her and the mistreatments she faced, forced him to take a stand I helping her when barely anyone was there to stop the horrible rumours and accidents. However, I appreciated how both Dong Jin and his friend admitted to the fact that he did indeed stalk Mi Jung, no matter whether his intentions were good or bad.

The best or unusual side to this drama was how the ML used data and statistics to understand the events and accidents surrounding the FL. Although all the patterns and variables made sense, it was still a bit unrealistic and illogical how someone could have such "Rules of Death" surrounding them, as this drama was depicting real life and not a fantasy story. The ending and the connection between Mi Jung and Jung Hyuk ultimately presented that this drama was not telling a story of whether curses or witches were real, but was more a metaphor of sorts, almost like your typical fairytale ending, where true love conquers all. It was a story of how superstitions and similar beliefs make people's lives so lonely and isolating since they have no control over them being unlucky/cursed. I am still somewhat perplexed by the ultimate meaning, but that could be me trying to get too into depth.

I am going to mention however that Mi Jung confessing her love for Dong Jin at the end felt a bit forced. Yes, sometimes love can come from a place of deep care for someone and grows from there, and she was indeed worried about Dong Jin. Most importantly, she would not have gone to Dong Jin if she did not want to be with him or had some feelings for him. But that last variable, where Dong Jin tried to make her fall in love with him, was it really for her to have a happy life with someone by her side or more him forcefully putting himself in her life by making himself the last variable? As mentioned above as well, both these questions show this obsessive need for Dong Jin to make Mi Jung's life a happy ending.

The lead actors did a good job in portraying their characters, with Jin Young and Roh Jong Eui showing versatility. The cinematography was very well thought out. The grey and almost foggy colour grading throughout the drama emphasizes the sentiment of isolation and loneliness that the FL has experienced her whole life. The OST further creates this eery, sad and mystic atmosphere that further envelopes you in the story.

Yet, the story could be considered disorganised and could have been done better, as the slow pacing and repetitiveness failed to keep many viewers engaged. However, I do believe that for the type of story being told, the pacing and the way it was directed/edited somehow worked in creating suspense and inquisitiveness and managed to keep me engaged till the end.

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