I'm getting pretty tired of the overly curated and sleek look kdramas have these days. It's bordering on dystopian, and it's so disconnected. Everything just feels a little too contrived. The series itself is, unfortunately, nothing of note.
I am glad Park Shin Hye felt no qualms about playing a fresh graduate, as the industry has forced us to bear witness to hordes of overgrown men squished into high school uniforms. And it has been unfortunate every single time. That said, I found that there was little for me to latch onto in this story, which is disappointing.
I think the best word to describe this show is: agreeable. Doesn't move the needle as you might assume in the first few episodes featuring the VR game. It's just kind of... there.
I went in with the expectation that I would loathe this, so I was surprised. I personally prefer ANNA (2022) as I find it to have an air of realism that is extracted here for the purpose of entertainment, but this is simply reflective of the netflix model and what it prioritises.
Honestly, this show advanced at a lightning speed that felt unnatural. Many story advancements were unearned and felt like a grand illusion. The writers wanted to convince us of a love for the ages that defied human logic without laying any of the groundwork. It was an absurd experience to be coaxed like that.
Shld i watch the 6 eps series or the extended version?
I think it depends on your preference as a watcher. The 6 episodes are sharp and intentional. The 8 episodes are still pretty to the point, but good for those who don’t like their dramas to end so soon. It’s been a while, but I don’t remember favouring one over the other. However, a fully developed series in 6 episodes is impressive.
Episode 3 has to be a standout for me because of the pace change. It trades in the laughs for something more sombre and introspective. In taking this to the next level, it would've been great to have several of those moments. And I'd say that's what slightly separates it from a series like Hot Stove League. For instance, Seong Jun's inferiority complex was a fleeting moment that could've formed the basis of a much richer storyline and an insight into his character.
I found myself drifting in and out of that first episode, but once Lee Yoo Mi's character made their entrance, it had my undivided attention. However, the little footing it had was lost about halfway through. There was a noticeable shift in tone that veers into melodrama. Episode 2 was so well done that it almost feels out of place in the series. And I must agree with a reviewer, I'm not sure the co-lead was the best fit for the project.
On a positive note, I appreciated the intention behind not directly depicting the violence in shots and having it somewhat out of frame. It made it more haunting while feeling considerate (?).
Something was brewing here, particularly in the first few episodes, but they didn't stay the course. I can only liken the end product to that of a dull knife; frustrating and ultimately ineffective. That said, some really beautiful and raw, yet fleeting displays of emotion, even if not adequately propped up by the storyline.
I don't know what it is about PMY's drama selection as of late, but it's been far from the calls of her past. As much as I wasn't fond of Marry My Husband, I could understand the appeal. This, on the other hand, was really haphazard in execution. I feel like this show tries to be fun and flirty, but just feels like unwanted advances.
I finished this drama in the wee hours of the morning, and I had an overwhelming sense that I needed to praise it everywhere. It's criminal how underpromoted this was. Some of the best writing by far this year, rivalled only by the likes of WLGYT. This series is not ideal for those who think in strict dichotomies.
Yes!! That’s exactly how I felt! I thought it was so interesting during the part where the romance was just…
Heavy on the repetitive part. I feel like it had so much more to offer with the healing aspect. Felt like self-sabotage on the highest level😭 Yeah, they did what they could with the ending…
One of the most original and concise introductory episodes I've seen from a kdrama. So to see what it devolved into... This is becoming a sad but common occurrence.
I still need to collect my thoughts on this drama, so I may come back and expand. It started strong. Every scene served a purpose, and the romance was very subdued but fulfilling. I think I was thrown off episode 4 onwards. Personally, I favoured the story being driven by the switch of the twins and their developing perspectives of each other and their "perceived" lives. It was a nice approach to shared empathy and understanding. That all gets muffled. The only thing grounding everything after that was the Miss Rosa story. Bummer.
On a positive note, I appreciated the intention behind not directly depicting the violence in shots and having it somewhat out of frame. It made it more haunting while feeling considerate (?).