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This review may contain spoilers
A decent, if disappointing, adaptation that takes its own direction
This adaptation definitely stayed more truthful to the Webtoon in certain aspects, but veered into new territory in others, with one notable twist, and several minors ones. Thus, the movie offers a new experience, even if you've watched the Kdrama or read the Webtoon.
Personally, I much prefer the characters in the Kdrama. While this problem may partially lie with lacking screentime, I think I take issue with the writing too.
Here I find Yu (Jongwoo) entirely unsympathetic, and lacking in depth. I felt little pity for him. While this may have been intended, the movie loses some necessary tension by not making us care more about our main character's safety. Additionally, unlike in the Kdrama, the gangster literally told Yu he didn't plan on leaving. I expected the writers to have added this interaction so Yu would suspect the Ark's residents earlier on, but this was not the case. Instead, you have more reason to shake the screen in frustration. One other thing I found a bit strange is that Jun was given the role of "suspense writer" (here, "showmaker"). Not sure why they did that.
The movie equally stripped Kirishima (Moonjo) of some dimension. He tells us he's an artist, but we're never really shown his artistry. In the Kdrama, he creates jewelry. He reads classics. Here... he wears a colorful shirt. Kirishima lacks the creative spirit of his Webtoon and Kdrama counterparts.
I found their dynamic unfortunately weaker, and less compelling in this movie. The at times questionable writing decisions are the reason I docked 3 points compared to my rating of the Kdrama.
On the positive side, like the Kdrama, the movie offered fun cinematography, with a particular focus on color and patterns. The acting was well done, particularly Kirishima's. I believe the new twist to be decently written and aptly foreshadowed.
Overall, while I prefer both the Kdrama and the Webtoon, I think this adaptation is worth a watch because even if I don't agree with all the writing decisions, it brings something new to the table. You experience the same awesome "what" moment you did in the Kdrama's finale. For first time viewers, though, I would suggest the Kdrama.
Personally, I much prefer the characters in the Kdrama. While this problem may partially lie with lacking screentime, I think I take issue with the writing too.
Here I find Yu (Jongwoo) entirely unsympathetic, and lacking in depth. I felt little pity for him. While this may have been intended, the movie loses some necessary tension by not making us care more about our main character's safety. Additionally, unlike in the Kdrama, the gangster literally told Yu he didn't plan on leaving. I expected the writers to have added this interaction so Yu would suspect the Ark's residents earlier on, but this was not the case. Instead, you have more reason to shake the screen in frustration. One other thing I found a bit strange is that Jun was given the role of "suspense writer" (here, "showmaker"). Not sure why they did that.
The movie equally stripped Kirishima (Moonjo) of some dimension. He tells us he's an artist, but we're never really shown his artistry. In the Kdrama, he creates jewelry. He reads classics. Here... he wears a colorful shirt. Kirishima lacks the creative spirit of his Webtoon and Kdrama counterparts.
I found their dynamic unfortunately weaker, and less compelling in this movie. The at times questionable writing decisions are the reason I docked 3 points compared to my rating of the Kdrama.
On the positive side, like the Kdrama, the movie offered fun cinematography, with a particular focus on color and patterns. The acting was well done, particularly Kirishima's. I believe the new twist to be decently written and aptly foreshadowed.
Overall, while I prefer both the Kdrama and the Webtoon, I think this adaptation is worth a watch because even if I don't agree with all the writing decisions, it brings something new to the table. You experience the same awesome "what" moment you did in the Kdrama's finale. For first time viewers, though, I would suggest the Kdrama.
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