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I had to compare it to Boss & Me and... Love O2O is in no way inferior to B&M. Both of them have their flaws and slow pace, so I think 7.5 is a good rating for them. This is based on a webtoon/novel as far as I've heard. And after watching this, I can imagine the webtoon being the exact same way.
The drama follows that basic romance concept many shoujo-mangas have. From beginning to end. So, it was quite easy to guess how the story would unfold and also end. It only varies in their executed subtleties.
As for the pace... Like I already mentioned in earlier posts, it's very slow. Though the beginning was more interesting and thrilling in a certain way, the second half becomes very weak. It was an up and down as repetitive trouble for our leads kept appearing, and not all of them could hold my excitement.
The romance part is clear and straightforward. Regarding its execution... It has its sweet times, that even make you blush sometimes but it also had some problems with showing passion in... certain moments. I enjoyed some of the characters alot although they were quite stereotype. The one I grew fond of the most was the male lead. He will linger in my memory a very long time.
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An intense love - A lasting impression
Though I don't always want to write a review, I feel I can get a better closure after putting my feelings into words. And with this one I definitely need a better closure, because right now I can't let go and I don't feel like starting a new C-drama right away. This drama and its characters consumed me quite a lot.The acting of both leads were superb. And as a little bonus you get this little guy (Chen Yu Zhe) who plays the child version of the ML. He was awesome but sadly only appeared in the first two episodes. He stole my heart in the blink of an eye.
Next to multi-layered and well written characters, one of the drama's biggest strengths is the unobtrusive yet unknowingly fast way the main characters develop their strong bond between each other during the first half of the story. Their raw and genuine feelings, their deep affection that runs deeper and deeper the further the story went, the constant shifting between submission and dominance yet always in balance, the trust and responsibility they shared even though there were unknown secrets in the background. I felt deeply touched by their emotions, their support and their sacrifices. They created an intense base for the main plot's later twists and heartbreaks.
Amnesia was of course a big part of the game here. Without it the drama wouldn't have worked. It was well placed and I was quite satisfied, how they balanced and played out the differences in the ML's attitude without changing his core character treats. That way they were able to prevent going beyond reconciliation during the later events and assured the ML remaining in-character.
I admit that even though the calmer and peaceful parts of the story were important as well for character growth, I started to become a bit impatient now and then during those times. And I also thought that they could have put more short scenes of the second kingdom's hidden agenda in between instead of not mentioning it at all for a long period of episodes.
The sidecast was somewhat mainstream but all of them were still entertaining and carved their way into my heart as well. I was especially touched by the ML's growing affection for his new friends even though it didn't always seem that way for the other part. And I was pleasantly surprised that the SFL wasn't hung up by her first love's interest but actually moved on and found happiness. I particularly enjoyed her interactions with Mo Yin.
A nice add-on was the CGI, that was well used here. You know that make-up they always put on the ML when he transforms in dramas? Usually you see that it's just painting on skin. But this time they amplified those skin-changes with well done glowing effects that boosted the make up's purpose.
I probably forgot some things to mention but I also think that everyone needs to make their own experiences with this gem. A well deserved 10 for me.
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Then when you're halfway finished with it, the waiter suddenly takes your meal away and puts the most common dessert in front of you. You know it, you've eaten it so many times and you like it because it's delicious but you just don't want to eat something sweet now. You want your spicy, juicy steak back. But that won't happen. And that leaves two options: Swallow the pill or cancel the rest of your meal. If you do decide to continue eating, be aware that at the very end you might bite on a forgotten nail or something. It sounds disgusting, I know. But don't say I didn't warn you.
One of the worst things that can happen to a drama is mixing up genres the wrong way. You always have one main genre and only glimpses of other ones. It's important to stay true to your roots and never let any side genre take over. Because if that happens, it will ruin the mood like nothing else, especially if they allow the most common plot holes to occur along the way. The story becomes sloppy and all over the place and you just feel like being on a very bad trip. One part of you feels angry and frustrated, the other one feels pity for the impressive first half of the drama that got you so damn invested in the story.
I know that I sound very negative right now and many might wonder why I still gave such a (relatively) high rating considering everything that went wrong. Well, as I said before, those first 9 episodes were almost brilliant. And I would recommend them without a second thought. After that it feels like a sharp clean cut and everyone has to decide for themselves if they are willing to watch the messed up rest. I finished this drama because I was curious about that ending everyone was complaining about. Well... it was indeed something I would have never imagined. It's not explosively unexpected, it's more like the tip of the iceberg after a chaotic and way too long aftermath.
I gave this drama a 8 because there were many things I really, really liked. First of all of course those first 9 episodes that take you on a thrilling journey full of surprises and "what the hell"-moments.
Then those 9 survivors. Believe me when I say that the actors were doing a great job with their characters, most of all Jung Kyung Ho who I avoided for a long time. I didn't even like his role in this at first. He was pissing me off and I never expected to grow fond of him. But I did. He became my most favorite character, along with Baek Jin Hee's role. Those two had amazing chemistry till the very end, and regarding every relationship I've seen in dramas until now, they have become one of my dearest. I loved how they became fond of each other, how they supported each other. I loved their warmth as well as their teasing, and I loved how they encouraged and gained strength through each other. But most of all I loved how Seo Joon Oh (Jung Kyung Ho) became a better person through Ra Bong Hee (Baek Jin Hee).
The music is playing an important role in this drama as well because it literally takes you away. It sets the right mood when the show drifts to the island and focuses on every single person, their endurance, their personal development and different realizations while facing extreme hardships. After listening to it again, it reminds me of Hayao Miyazaki's movies. There is something dreamy about it within the instrumental pieces.
Sometimes their time on the island didn't seem to take itself serious and the group looked like they were on a picnic trip or something. But those scenes never lasted too long, the anxiousness remained and unfolded in no time afterwards again.
After those incredible 9 episodes you get thrown into your typical k-drama world filled with clichés and plot holes and an unexpected overwhelming comedy that makes the drama look like it doesn't take itself serious any more. While confronted with corruption from all sides (one of my most hated tropes in dramas), they behave like they got all the time in the world, calmly chit-chatting at home and meeting up in public as if there's no danger closing in at all - but the villains don't seem as clever either. Not to mention the ridiculous ending that will only hit you during the last five minutes.
Don't get me wrong, I loved most of the subtle comedy parts as well, if I look at them individually. But in combination with the first half of Missing 9, it felt off and ruined the initial expectations I (and probably many others) had. The mix between mystery and later corruption/comedy didn't go well in my eyes.
A few things that remained the same (thank god) were Joon Oh's and Bong Hee's special relationship, me growing fonder of them every time they appeared on screen and those genuine talks between two characters, filled with meaningful closeness and honesty. Contrary to everything that went wrong and could have made me drop the drama, those few consistent things were strong enough to keep me at bay and complete the drama. I've seen way worse than this. What makes this drama such a disappointment is the brusque change in the script that started off great in the beginning and remains brilliant in its core.
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First of all, this is definitely one of the better crime investigation dramas out there and evidence that OCN can indeed produce great shows. I lost faith after Neighborhood Hero, but Missing Noir M was able to mend my shattered heart.
The acting was thoroughly awesome. Not only the leads who had great chemistry in a non-romantic way but also every single guest actor/actress who played important roles in each case. They were able to make me excited to a point where I couldn't stop watching while at the same time I was worried that I'd finish this drama too fast. It's unfortunately only 10 episodes but I could have watched 10 more of it. The cast delivered their emotions and messages so well, that I'm still stunned when I think about it. Though I didn't really cry, they still moved me to tears so many times. This was about interpersonal relationships which were put to proof under extreme circumstances. It's about justice and injustice, and about trust and suspicion.
What I loved so much here was how every case was built. Disclosing one secret always meant to find ~10 other secrets within that had to be solved in order to see the whole magnitude. Layer by layer and in the end the picture always looked completely different from what you had expected in the beginning.
Though I must say that I didn't enjoy the last case as much as the earlier ones. Maybe it's because I prefer psychological mind games over corruption cases. I know what they wanted to tell their viewers with that last one, but I still think that it didn't really fit well between those other mind-blowing puzzles. It seemed rather short and rushed and failed to properly explain its own story. It felt plain compared to the other cases.
There were also some loose ends, especially the reason why they even formed that special missing persons investigation team when they were so worried about opening Pandora's Box. It was quite well explained for the first case but for all the other ones, it remains a mystery to me.
Background music was, as I already mentioned some days ago, exceptional. So damn well composed, balanced and in sync that it managed to liven up every important moment to its full potential.
Rating 9/10 - Great ride and exciting watch ?
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Back then during the airing I wasn't really interested in Healer. The story seemed nice, the only actress I already knew from previous dramas was Park Min Young. But the poster didn't look very appealing. So, I kind of skipped the drama. But not long ago someone indirectly pushed me to watch it, partly because of Ji Chang Wook. I didn't know him until now.
I think 'Healer' is the ever first drama I gave a detailed 10 point rating in all categories. I have alot of favorite dramas in my list and also one that I like the most (who doesn't). Until now. Although I don't want to rush things, I'm afraid Healer just kicked my current No.1. I'd never thought a day like this will come. But here it is.
What impressed me the most? Or... well, it was more like I got bewitched, enchanted, placed under a spell or whatever you may call it.
First of all the story. Without that... well, everything has to start with an idea, a story to tell. And I must show my utmost respect and gratitude to the writers of Healer. It's not only the plot but also the way how the story unfolds. There are so many moments when you think you know exactly what happens next and what happened in the past. And then peng!, it takes you completely off guard because something totally different was the case. You get fooled quite good. Many times.
On the other hand, there are also many moments you can't get enough of and you think to yourself, he/she should do this now, it's only logical. And as if the drama can read your mind, it just takes your thoughts and wishes and displays it on the screen. Then you find yourself quitely giggling and smiling while watching the leads acting out your only just daydreams.
Okay. A good story doesn't function without good acting. And damn!, they hit the jackpot with those actors and actresses. And not only the few leads. No, even the smaller parts, the supporting roles and the bystanders were awesome in their appearences and carried out their 'missions' perfectly.
The romance part is a special case. Nowadays I'm a bit picky with it. Here it just hits and hits and hits and there's no other way than gazing at the screen and immerse in the mood. And again, giggling along.
Music? Fits! Everytime. Everywhere.
Fighting scenes. I have to mention it because they did such a good job with that. You don't get the feeling that it's just show but that they are actually able to move that way.
Cinematography? 10 points. There wasn't even one scene where I thought the producers missed some editing. Everything just fits in pefectly... Okay, there was one thing. But it's not even worth mentioning because it was such a small matter and could be explained well, fitting the story.
At the end there's only one downer. Too short! It's the first time that I actually think 20 episodes where way too short for this story. At least some more scenes at the end? No? No...
Okay, now I'm off, but still in awe. I have to go track down the OST, so that I can enjoy this satisfying feeling that Healer left me with a little longer.
Oh, and I just love Kim Mi Kyung. Such a talented and charismatic actress.
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The plot is nothing new and it reminds a bit of The Rite (with Anthony Hopkins), not so much of the original Exorcism though. Most of the story is pretty calm, it takes its time to introduce the characters through flashbacks which works pretty well in my eyes. But it still doesn't waste time as the story proceeds at the same time to slowly build up the suspense. And when you reach the climax, you'll also get your jump-scares and some bloody byproducts.
The movie works well because the camera and editing did a good job and because the cast was great. They gave life to their characters, and made them convincing and palpable. I can't tell much about Kim Yoon Seok or Kang Dong Won because I haven't seen either much with them or anything at all. If I did, it's been so long that I can't remember. But they were splendid. I do know Park So Dam and I also know that she's a great rising actress. She didn't let me down here either and her performance of a quite peculiar figure was excellent.
So, for me an enjoyable ride and a nice presentation of a Christian exorcism in a modern Korea. Of course, still kinda predictable but it's always interesting to see how far and in which directions the movie makers go with the exorcism elements. If you expect something scary and want to hide behind your sofa every few seconds, don't watch this. But if you're fan of the cast and don't mind calmer horror films that focus a bit more on the characters' relations, then be welcome and go ahead.
(But I have to advise you to find good subs, because those are essential to bond with the characters and make you invested in them)
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At some point I was worried, they would create too many "convenient circumstances", but they held back, so that it worked most of the time. There was a strictly woven net and they didn't lose time with telling the main story, yet they managed to put some 'monsters of the week' in-between. That kept the tension high. The way they built it, helped making it look plausible overall. I had some smaller issues with some things, but nothing can be perfect, right?
The finale... woah, actually surprised me. When it started, it felt a bit sobering because there wasn't much tension in the "hunt". Who would have thought, that the actual thing slowly crawled to the surface only in the last minutes. Guess, I was too hasty.
I really liked the writing of the main villain. First of all the actor. He just got 'that face', you know? It's made for those kind of roles (if the acting is right). But I also liked that they put some depth into it, so that it felt more palpable. That way it didn't even bother me, that they revealed the identity early on.
Lee Jin Wook made quite a good figure and didn't let down till the end. I enjoyed his character more than I thought (I wasn't fond of the actor before). Of course, there's a dark dusty past that tries to stay hidden, yet gets dragged to the surface. But LJW displayed it so well, that I grew to like his character a lot. A somewhat worthy successor of Jang Hyuk.
As for Kang Kwon Joo... I think she's a complicated character to approach. That was already the case in the first season and didn't change here. She's got this calm shyness all the time and never really breaks out, which frustrated me sometimes.
So, now that it's over, I guess, I really need to start season 3.
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What I loved the most was the development between Ha Seon and Haksan which led to that special overwhelming moment later. I also found Ha Seon's character development well written and shown. If you watch the first episode again and right after one of the last ones, you can see the difference as if it was night and day. Same goes for Haksan's character. I appreciated that they weren't all white or black but had dark secrets and grey zones with difficult decisions to make while walking their paths.
What I don't like in other sageuks but really love here is that they actually let a good king overrule petitions of its court people. You usually only see the bad kings do that while the good ones can't seem to go against their ministers. But here was actually a quite nice balance created.
I also enjoyed the queen's scenes and I'm so happy that Lee Se Young finally got a good main role. She was great in her role, but I also have to admit that you can still see that she's a young actress who doesn't have the range of expressions like her seniors yet. Especially in the later episodes I found some of her dialogues a bit... wooden. Sorry to say that. I still loved her scenes with Yeo Jin Goo though and I'm sure she will become better in the future.
The antagonists were an interesting bunch of people and it was refreshing that not all of them worked together but also were suspicious of each other, too. But as I said in some other post, sometimes the constant anxiety due to their intrigues were a bit too much. Even though it keeps you on edge, I think they overdid it other times, too. Excitement is welcomed, but only to a certain degree.
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The start was strong and promising, the writing kinda daring considering the content of these prosecuted cases. The outcome was not always clear and you had your unexpected moments, even though some possible conclusions might have become more visible along the way and allowed the viewer to guess just right.
I loved the first half alot. And I mean ALOT.
Most of all because I had so much fun watching the female lead Ma Yi Deum. Her character is one of the best written and most authentic ones in dramaland. Believe me when I say that I was almost scared how much I recognized myself in her. Even though we didn't experience the same things, there were still so many situations when I just had to nod and agree in awe - because she always reacted and acted the same way I would have done in those moments. Scary indeed, right?
But at the same time I was fascinated with her and I was happy that the writers were brave enough to write such a grey zone leading role. She's not been categorized like that because she did some seriously bad things but more because she did and does some minor but still morally debatable things. If you look into the mirror and ask yourself whether you ever did something that was selfish, calculated and manipulating, even though it's not even worth mentioning (because deep down you actually don't want to admit it), then say hello to your sister: Ma Yi Deum. A tough girl who has decided to face the world with spite and sarcasm. Never letting herself be taken down by any obstacle she comes across. Even though she seems like she's hiding her feelings, she doesn't get depressed whenever she accidentally gives her emotions full scope, but instead covers up her slip of feelings in grand style. So yeah, I love her. From head to toe, from character to convenient (and occasionally striking) styling to ambiguous first impression.
The rest of the cast did well, too, even though non of them could compare to Jung Ryeo Won (Ma Yi Deum) who out-shined them all. And even though I want to mention Yoon Hyun Min because I like, love and fancy over him all the way, I just can't. I loved him in the first half but his character lost stage presence during the rest of the story (although some lovely glimpses still shined through sometimes and especially at the end~)
The same applies for the plot. I was hooked by the cases, they were shocking and the way the drama delivered them made me curious enough to binge watch the first six/seven episodes. But as the story went further, the cases lost substance, became repetitive and sadly let inconsistencies sneak in. The pace dropped down from 100 to 50 and it never picked up again. Even the finale felt kinda flat and unimpressive.
I feel truly sorry for the drama because it started off so damn well, and I wish the writers would have been able to keep that intimate but threatening atmosphere that caught me in the beginning. So much potential and so many missed possibilities.
But I did like the OST from beginning to end! It has something unique and memorable.
P.S: Would I recommend it? Yes. Depending on the mood and the tolerance of predicable and repetitive content. And for the eye candy and averagely good acting (including one shining star).
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Secret Door depicts the conflict between a king and his son, each of them having his own conviction of what is right and what is wrong and how a nation should be ruled and led to the future. Based on true events the drama tells a neat and thrilling story, that most times weighs heavy but still works just fine thanks to some brilliant performances of the leads and their supporting figures. It's such a pleasure to see so many different characters develop and change in reasonable ways throughout the drama. To turn somebody's conviction into the opposite or a completely new path is not an easy task. Yet they managed to show just that with believable methods.
I bow my thanks to Lee Je Hoon and Han Seok Kyu, they were badass in this and without them the drama wouldn't have functioned properly and sent out the same sparks. Though it's simply impossible to wholly imagine the extent of their characters' burdens they had to carry along the way, those two actors did a magnificent job.
While I already saw Lee Je Hoon in Signal and thought he was great in there, only now I start to really appreciate his efforts thanks to Secret Door. I'm glad I got to know his true potential through this and I dare declare to have found another gem in the Korean industry that hasn't been fully acknowledged yet.
My only regret in this drama is Kim Yoo Jung. She was as great as all the others. All the more I am unsatisfied with her replacement for an older version of her character as well as how the significance of her role was scaled down.
I highly recommend this drama to everyone who doesn't mind political sageuks. It is worth the watch and certainly deserves more love.
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Overflow in everything - and in a good way
If there was one word to describe many, many things of this gem, it would be: Excessive overflow. Okay, it's two words :P And I definitely don't mean that in a bad way but the opposite.There's an excessive use of beauty:
- Make up, costumes/clothing and cast. Just looking at that alone makes you want to shed a tear.
I haven't seen so many beautiful people (main, side, supportive and guest cast) in one place with such delicate and accurate make up, being put in such well-designed high quality costumes that are not only rich in detail and diversity but also show each characters uniqueness.
- Scenery, Settings. Every scene, every landscape, every close up. Every single image has its own tempting beauty. Each one prettier than the next. You can't point your finger on one or two because there are just too many to choose.
- CGI. No idea about the budget, but every penny was worth it.
There's an excessive use of slow-mo.
- Like almost every scene - except during dialogues (I guess? I forgot). Ironically it doesn't diminish the drama's quality. It's the other way around actually. The slow-mo is an important part that blends in with every scene it's used and supports each character's extraordinary abilities. And every time it creates a feast for the eyes.
There's an excessive use of talent.
There are so many talented people in this. The main cast is one thing, but also the supportive and even the guest roles deliver like gunshots. Every single side story tackled my heart.
- Hou MingHao aka Zhao Yuan Zhou / Zhu Yan (ML). Well, we know that he's outstanding. And he showed a variety of emotions here, so in the end I hope other directors will let him act out everything he wants in the way he wants in future dramas and won't cut him short and waste his talent. The way he portrayed a 30,000 years old demon was one of the best performances I've seen in a while. The character's background, his experience and knowledge, thinking 5 steps ahead, the weight of emotions he's been carrying for all those years and the verdict he imposed upon himself... I felt every emotion with every fiber of my heart.
- Tian JiaRui aka Zhuo Yi Chen (2nd ML). Haven't watched anything with him yet but he definitely convinced me of his acting and earned my respect. The development of his character was a journey if its own. With unshakable sincerity his motivation shifted from hatred and denial to friendship and devotion.
- Chen Du Ling aka Wen Xiao (FL). First time seeing her as well. And man. I really liked the character. A goddess without power, yet still always trying to help the ones who are in need, never giving up. Her progress was at some point predictable, yet it was not. It's hard to explain.
As for the ML's personal antagonist... Well matched and well played, I dare say.
- The rest of the main cast whether friend or foe portrayed their respective roles similarly to equally well, so there's no need to explain in detail. Let's just say there are no unnecessary positions. Everyone owned his place and reason of existence.
The story itself can be separated into two parts. The first half concentrates on single cases, the atmosphere is dark, chilly and exciting which is a welcoming change. The second part resolves around the main villains, loose hints from the beginning start to finally connect and the main group's primary bonds get rearranged while your own bond with the characters unnoticeably grows stronger, too. I loved the humor in the first half as well as the way they cheered up right after dead serious or sad moments.
While other Xianxia concentrate on the main romance, this story's main core lies in many different kinds of love and other feelings. Friendship, romance, bromance, family bond (blood related or not). Guilt and atonement, prejudice, hatred, condemnation, redemption, grief, forgiveness, sacrifice, self-respect, relying on others, trust.
I loved that with every move, every expression, every tear you could feel how deep their bond grew. An impressive thing was that you could somehow sense what would happen moments before it really happened - just by watching their eyes. (And you already start crying though nothing had happened yet...).
There is still so much to say about this drama, yet I don't really know what else to write about without expanding to a 10-page journal. Everyone should experience this ride for themselves, judging by themselves. For me, this was a true gem that luckily found its way to my screen and my heart.
~ Btw, this includes the special episode as well ~
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"Baaaka..."
This J-dorama was very... ~shojo. I don't know if this is based on a manga or not, but I've read alot of them and this concept is exactly like that. So, whatever tropes you have in mind, it will happen. All of them.It's been awhile since I last saw that kind of a happy-go-lucky FL. She's overly confident with her love interest and expresses that shamelessly. She doesn't care that everyone knows, she's happily grinning whenever someone talks about it. The whole staff is even encouraging her - though indeed in an earnest way and without any ulterior motives. (If I had a crush on a colleague and everyone openly knew about it, I would hide in my locker for a year or something.). She's also clumsy and drifts off to lalaland during work. If I had to work with her, she would be my worst nightmare >.<
>>> This represents the whole absurdity of the drama - plus the non-existing hierarchy between nurses and doctors (I don't mean showing off who the boss is but maintaining certain boundaries).
NEVERTHELESS... this was still a very entertaining watch and a guilty pleasure-watch done right.
Pros:
1) The characters were enjoyable. They were overall good-natured people, and even though one or two made a dick move at some point, they held it low-key.
2) The medical stuff. I'm a medical assistant, so I'm extra strict on these things. I won't vouch for everything, esp. not for the cardiological cases, but most of the simple medical tasks were done quite right.
3) The FL somehow managed to grow on me. At first she gave off a child's vibe but as the story went on, it gradually improved. She got better at her work and she also became somewhat (pheromone-induced) beautiful. You know what they say, love makes you beautiful.
4) Skinship!
This is something (as far as I can compare) J-doramas are partially better at than K-dramas. When there's a hug, they huuug, when there's a kiss, it IS a kiss. No dead-fish peck, no lip-caressing, no tongue-digging. Just a normal kiss. When they want to brush the other one's hair, they don't hold back as if it's some super fragile glass-carpaccio or something. They simply caress that damn head. They don't futilely try to put a single strand of hair behind the other one's ear, that eventually falls back onto the cheek anyway.
5) No overdone slow-motion.
6) Some things felt a lot more natural than in K-dramas. First of all, I think that Dr. Tengo Kairi (Sato Takeru) was the most authentic character in this. His behavior never felt exaggerated and I synced with his annoyance every single time. Furthermore the vibe that a couple radiates after a certain time. The shyness disappears and gets replaced with cocky confidence. That's what you want to see in a drama.
7) There's Sato Takeru. Period.
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The drama has a very good, fast pace throughout the whole story. There was a well woven net of deception and order of events that led to a well carried (but also kinda calm) finale, even though I still felt like being in the middle of the story at the beginning of the final episode. I could have watched so much more. Seriously.
Characters (played by a high level cast) were so well written, so multifaceted, so likable - some more, some less. There were bad guys who were bad and clever, good guys were good and clever, the police was actually police and seemed to get its job done properly while the power-division/struggle was evenly shared and well balanced. There was always the right amount of give and take and there was no one who would always have the upper hand.
Action scenes were also very well choreographed without looking excessive, but still emanating some coolness. The best thing about that part: Even though there were many fights with one guy versus many gangsters... They never made them look like superhumans with endless physical strength and stamina. Regarding the environment they grew up, they were of course well trained. But that never meant that they were able to take on a bunch of ruthless thugs and get away unscathed. They either got beaten pretty badly or were able to run away in the end. And that is way more realistic than everything else you so often see in other dramas.
Romance was... intense and hot but sometimes also on the short side. I mean I'm a fan of dramas where romantic scenes appear rather rarely. Because when they do happen they feel so much deeper. And I just wished that those rare scenes in this story would have been extended a little bit. Though I can't blame the writers either because there was so much to tell in this story since there were so many great characters, that it must have been difficult to pack everything in 20 episodes.
Jung Kyung Ho was fantastic in almost every aspect... Yes, you heard right. "Almost." :P And this is probably only a personal matter of taste. I'm not really a fan of those high pitched sounds when someone is crying. I mean... don't get me wrong, it totally fitted the moment and showed an increased level of emotion necessary for that scene, and it was definitely done splendidly by him. And maybe I'm only complaining about this tiny little thing, because I was looking for perfection after all that praise, but it still got me a little distracted. Though I wouldn't let this small matter affect my rating.
It was a great and very entertaining, moving and captivating drama nonetheless, and it by all means deserves all the praise it's getting.
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So, while deciding on a horror movie it all depends on what you expect of that one you eventually chose. I knew what I was expecting but I still got disappointed. Why? Because it was like getting a tooth pick after expecting a tree - or at least a wood stick. Means, the purpose was delivered but way too short. The film starts, you get into the mood of being scared and suddenly it's already over. That was how I felt.
I did like the way they pulled off those scary scenes with faces suddenly popping up... or people... or other things... Also, my rating for the music part doesn't mean they had great songs or whatever. It just shows that the background music was creepy and well put at the right (shocking) moments. There were also some really ugly (and I mean pretty scary) scenes that almost made me cover my eyes with my hands (but maybe I got too sensible for that stuff?).
The acting was solid, nothing special but most times convincing.
Ohhhh, but the special effects! Well, CGI really looked like CGI and made the movie look like a mix of animation and real live action. I was very disappointed with that.
So, what can I say... If you're looking for a movie to get your party guests into the mood or just for scary fun watching, you definitely got the right film. But be aware! It's a really short ride...
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- Robert Louis Stevenson
“You take people, you put them on a journey, you give them peril, you find out who they really are.”
- Joss Whedon
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If I were to describe this drama with one word, it would be:
Misleading - complex - secretive - slowly seething - engraving
Yeah, okay. Those were not only one word but five. But as difficult as it is to categorize each character in this story, it's also impossible to find only one word or one saying that would cover every beautiful aspect about this whole show.
Hwang Shi Mok, a prosecutor who lacks the ability to feel any emotion since a surgery in his childhood, and Han Yeo Jin, a police lieutenant, team up to fight corruption in the prosecutor's office. That pretty much describes it all and the summary above is also very accurate about the key points.
-- Misleading --
I admit that I was a little skeptical and hesitant before I started this drama. Prosecutors and corruption. Not again... But my worries were groundless. Even though this drama is indeed about those things, the whole set-up differs alot from your usual k-drama structure. Sometimes and especially in the beginning you might think that many things are predictable. But you will soon be disabused. You'll learn that every scene, every move and every obvious incident has always two maybe even three faces to them. You can never be sure about what you see right in front of you.
-- Complex --
The characters in this story are as cunning and sly as the story around them. There is not one person you can be certain about and only the finale will reveal everyone's true nature. Only at the far end you'll see the whole picture. So, be aware of the fact that you have to pay a lot of attention.
-- Secretive --
Imagine each one of these people as trees with many branches - long and short ones, thick and thin ones which symbolize their every wish, desire, greed, ambition and so much more. Everyone hides in the shadows. Some of them stand in a light grey, others in far darker places. But it doesn't automatically make them bad people. And I loved that the drama conveyed that as well.
-- Slowly seething --
The story flow might seem a little dragging here and there but you shouldn't forget that this a drama that focuses much on the corruption in the prosecutor's office and never loses its way. It's "slowly seething", as I was describing it in the beginning.
-- Engraving --
The music is subtle and so well set that you are left with deep impressions every time an episode ends - even though the narrative flow might seem slow-paced. And let me tell you that this drama has one of the most captivating final episodes I've seen so far.
-- Forest of Secrets --
Never was drama title more accurate.
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“If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.”
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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