Reviews

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I really wanted Lee Jung-jae to kill it in something outside of Squid Game, and while this wasn't a disaster, it definitely felt like a bit of a slog. The setup isn't even bad on paper. You have an aging actor tired of being typecast as a detective who just wants to do a rom-com, paired with a reporter who gets stuck covering him. It should have been a sharp look at the industry, but it just felt a little exhausted from the start.

I actually liked that it felt adult for once. It didn't rely on forced skinship or some rushed, fake romance to keep things moving, which was refreshing. But that just makes the male lead's behavior even weirder. He spends half the time throwing literal toddler tantrums, and it’s so jarring. It is hard to fully buy into a "mature" dynamic when one half of the couple is acting like a child.

The writing is a bit of a waste for a cast this good. I adore Lim Ji-yeon because she usually brings so much intensity to her roles, but she is just kind of stranded here. It’s like she is acting in a prestige drama while everyone else is in a sitcom. The only person who actually got the assignment was Jeon Sung-woo. As Director Byeong Gi, he was a total standout and honestly the only person who felt like a human being in this mess.

And I'm not here for the "oppa is too old" or "not hot" complaints. That is just shallow noise that ignores the real failure of the show. The problem isn't his face or his age; it's the fact that the script is a total mess. One minute it's trying to be a serious political thriller and then it jump-cuts to some slapstick about a fake detective show. It tries to talk about fame versus reality but stays so surface-level that it ends up feeling a bit mid.

The final episode was actually one of the better ones, which I appreciated. It finally felt like things were coming together, even if it took too long to get there. Ultimately, there is nothing here that I really hate. It isn't offensive or unwatchable. The real issue is that there is just nothing here to really love. It’s a fine watch, but it feels like a waste of some of the best actors in the business because it never gives you a reason to be obsessed with it.

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Cinema at its most, when it comes to political thrillers

Among the South Korean cinema audience in 2023/24 "12.12: The Day" sure was a great success. Production costs were thus recouped after 12 days already. Even beyond the national border the movie is considered among the bests South Korean films of 2023.

The story takes place in a world of uniformed men where stars and suits call the shots. There is talking, negotiating, and telephoning. There is also shooting, but comparatively little. The action is limited, even as various military units are actually invading Seoul to reinforce Chun Doo-hwan's security forces. However, it is cinema at its most, when it comes to political thrillers. "12.12: The Day" is compellingly captivating and knows how to stir emotions.

It wasn't long ago that the military in South Korea was thus actively involved in politics. Yet, Chun Doo-hwan's military revolt in that particular December night is a chapter that has long been given comparatively little attention. This KMovie now contributes to making these decisive events of the time conscious and helps to not having it forgotten. (Perhaps the right film at the right time... without knowing sort of preparing the public opinion for another momentous December night yet to come at the end of the year 2024…)

In any case, the right actors were in front of the camera – the KMovie is consistently high-caliber and lives from the strikingly concise character portraits. The names of the true historical figures were minimally altered to allow for more dramatic freedom. (It certainly helps as a non-Korean audience to know a bit about the political and historical context. However, the dynamics are outrageous even without this knowledge...)

The film offers an exceptionally candid portrayal of a crucial momentum in South Korea's recent history. Despite its politically and historically almost documentary-like dramaturgy, the KMovie manages to stir the emotions of the South Korean public today. Especially among the younger audience, it quickly became common to post a screenshot of their heart rate captured by their smartwatches on social media during the 141 minutes of the film to document their outraged indignation.

Even though "12.12: The Day" sometimes seems documentary, it is not a documentary film. The KMovie understands itself as historically precise. Yet, at the same time equipped with dramaturgically pointed degrees of freedom it allows itself to further increase the emotional density, too, and thus amplify the intensity of those impactful hours of that particular night.

By the way, the original title "Seoul Spring" subtly refers to the "Prague Spring," in which eventually hopes for democratization were also abruptly dashed by military force – however, in another country and ten years earlier.
















-------------------- HISTORIC SIDE NOTE -----------------------
The era of Park Chung-hee's military dictatorship abruptly ended with his assassination on October 26, 1979. Meanwhile, any high hopes for democracy were quickly dashed by security commander Chun Doo-hwan amid the ensuing turbulences and power vacuum. Together with the so called Hanahoe connection, consisting of his classmates from military academy, Chun Doo-hwan promptly and forcefully seized his opportunity: Having the military intervening in politics again… Thus, the hope for true democracy after Park's death was brutally dashed on December 12, 1979, as the new dictator was already waiting in the wings. The KMovie mainly revolves around those 9 decisive hours: how Chun Doo-hwan managed to win over, persuade, or push key people to side with him and carry out a military coup with a momentous impact for the nation.

In April 1980, he became head of the KCIA (Korean Central Intelligence Agency). In May 1980, he declared martial law. He is responsible for the Gwangju massacre, for the suffering of people in various cleansing camps, and for the torture chambers of the KCIA. On September 1, 1980, Chun Do-hwan officially took office as president and remained a rigorous dictator for 8 years.

It is truly sad, almost outrageous, that in the end, during that decisive night in December 1979 only the commander of the capital guard and a vague 100 of his people dared to really oppose the revolting military commanders around Chun Doo-hwan. Thus, not only the masterminds of the military coup and their Hanahoe comrades are to blame for the coup's success. Unfortunately, many more for various reasons quickly became opportunistic or switched sides out of fear. For 9 hours, a bitter power struggle raged behind closed doors of different operations centers in the middle of the capital Seoul. And on the streets of their own country the military pointed their weapons at each other… (…again).

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I've finally finished this drama today. I remember looking at the poster and thinking it was interesting and started it without knowing which drama's remake it was. LOL because the original one is my most favourite story in dramaland of all time - easily in top 3.

I love the premise of best friends to lovers. Think of it as an Asian 'When Harry Met Sally' but with more heart and more dialogue. That is probably not the most accurate description but it is a nice story nonetheless. I think it is not as good as the Taiwanese one but better than the Korean one. Ishida Ren is so lovable and the perfect guy that could be. Mitarai is selfish and flawed but here she came off as less mean than Ariel Lin's portrayal in the original one.

The story is predictable but not as cliche as one might expect. The romance between the leads is a slow burn and you would just be longing for action all the time ; but there is little of it. It's not a fast paced drama but still a lot happens in every episode to keep one entertained. I really enjoyed the premise of Shibuya and the execution of all subplots.

I must say the casting was very well done in this one. The only miscast was Mitarai's boyfriend and because the original version guy was so good. I feel like this is a very good version and adaptation and you can enjoy it even if you didn't watch the original. The main leads are fantastic and everything is nice and lovely. The emotions will get you and Ishida Ren will win you over no matter. Watch it for him. The actor is awesome and that's all I can say.

It is a nice break from mean "bad" boys of dramas who treat the girl like crap. It is nice to see the nice guy as the lead but after a while you wonder if he's the second lead after all. Just watch it in one go. It's worth a weekend binge watch.

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Yakuza lovers story

I love every minute of this series. It’s hilarious, wild and crazy, with humor in the lines. It’s not perfect, but I don’t mind that. It will no be everybody’s cup of tea. Japanese TV drama’s (teribi dorama) are incomparable with Thai or Korean drama’s because of their intenseness, eye for detail and lessons that can be learned. All problems will be solved in the end and strong script and play.

The series was not available through Disney+ Europe (yet), so I watched it on Drama Cool with the disadvantages that this brings. Subtitles where not available for episode 9 yet, so I will rewatch that episode again later, to get the true meaning of that episode. This drama is very populair in Japan and outside Japan.

I watched it in 1 go. It was surprising, cheesy and entertaining. The lines where sometimes lovely over the top.

Story
It’s manga based. I’ve never read any manga in my live, but will check this one out. I like that they kept clear throughout the series that being together could end any moment, because of his background/profession. You can see that it is not a high budget series. The usage of light and filter felt good. Production well done. Non toxic relation.

Music
The music was good. Especially the recurring instrumental piece with electric guitars and I think cello’s. Can’t find that on the OST list.

Acting
I like the cast, well done. I came for Kimura Keito, I love the acting of Furukawa Yuuta, his facial expressions (eyebrow!). Japanese series don’t show intense kiss/bed scenes in the way Thai dramas do. I didn’t miss that. The way they filmed these moments was good. I love the effect of the cherry blossoms: it showed a world where there was just the 2 of them. Both ML as well as FL where busy with character development in their own way, especially the FL. Don’t expect to much on learning their background and childhood story’s. The series doesn’t go that deep. I didn’t miss that.

I’ll rewatch it when I’m in the mood for it.

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If the wild historical liberties of fusion sageuk are grating on you, The Great King Sejong is a refreshing alternative. Hewing relatively closely to fact, it generates its dramatic power through complex characterizations and thoughtful explorations of moral quandaries. Sejong’s reign may have been lauded precisely for its lack of drama, but the writers find plenty of conflict to build engaging story lines around, as they explore the challenges of ruling with benevolence rather than terror. They do an excellent job exploring how political systems stymie or support progress, as they build a compelling argument for governing to the better angels of our nature. That being said, this is not a fast show to watch. There are no love triangles, gorgeous warriors with great hair, gravity defying ninja moves, or epic cliffhangers. Many of the best acted and most intriguing characters are the various grey-haired ministers in their matching robes and odd hats, who for once are given compelling personalities instead of serving as indistinguishable agents of repression.

The first half of the show is particularly strong, in part due to outstanding performances by Kim Young Chul as Taejong and Choi Myung Gil as his embittered queen. Taejong may be monstrous, but he’s also powerfully human, and the show loses some of its spark when he exits the scene. The second half is weaker, perhaps because the series was cut down from 100 episodes to 86. This causes pacing issues, as some events are rushed through while drawn-out moments of pathos feel unearned due to a lack of dramatic set-up. Subplots get dropped and major characters disappear without acknowledgment or comment. It also means that Sejong comes off as far more serious than perhaps he was, as the show leaves out such “frivolous” elements of his life as his love of music and his passionate relationships with his concubines. In general, the show is more comfortable in the elegiac than the celebratory mode, but its tendency to emphasize loss sometimes deflects attention from just how extraordinary Sejong’s achievements were. It may be difficult to do great things, but there is great joy in such success as well.

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Started out fun and engaging, even the cinematography (the yellowish filter which reminded me of the horror movies in the 2000s, i thought Sadako was gonna spring out out of nowhere) is A grade, Then somehow it got a little boring in the middle and then i realized i wasnt even looking forward to any of the episodes anymore, i just finished watching just for the sake of finishing the series.

One big problem is the chemistry between Sahara and Toki. I dont mind and i actually like the awkward overacting, but they just didnt show enough to make me care about their characters and to root for the relationship. I didnt even understand the 'slap in the back' thingy which were supposed to be a thing of affection considering those were such strong slaps and didnt they say Sahara has (or had) a back injury?

The addition of Nekoto- and for goodness sake his emo hair is so annoying - n the last few episodes even made the show worse, no wonder why Sahara chose Toki isntead of him.

Let me get this out of the way too. The idea of a teacher getting into a relationship with a high school student is very cringy layered with too many inappropriateness that gets worse when being romanticized. I am not a conservative but this is not something that i would feel comfortable seeing in real life no matter how small the age gap is.

Is this something that happens normally in Japan and i wonder what is the targeted demographic for these kind of contents? it smells of something predatory.

The fact that this is the second Japanese BL within the past 6 months with this age gap (the other one is One Room Angel) kinda bothered me a little. One other BL with this kind of premise is Minato's Laundromat (with not just one but 2 of this kind of relationship) and that even got a second season. In these series, they show the younger leads vehemently pursuing the older guys, and they make you think it is ok. I somehow feel its not. These 3 series features younger HIGH SCHOOL male leads being partnered with adult guys (to be fair Minato's Laundromat handled it better) Im not against big age gap between partners but i think we have to be reminded that these high school students are STILL kids compared to the older guys they are running after. At least make both characters "adult" even if you make a 20-year age gap then it might be ok.

Overall, its a 6.5 for me. This is a series i wont even remember after a few months, and its not even entertaining enough to be rewatched.

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I don’t like serial killer dramas. I also don’t like shows that pair cold male geniuses with spunky heroines so he can give her a brain and she can give him a heart. Plus, prosecutors and cops up against institutional corruption? Been there, done that. And yet, despite its clichéd premise, Forest of Secrets works. It works because it has Jo Seung Woo and Bae Doo Na as the leads and they act their asses off, refusing to be reduced to stereotypes. It works because it’s as much about human relationships as it is about crime, exploring how the social networks we build can both sustain and corrupt us, about how easy it is to excuse the misdeeds of a friend, a colleague, or a family member. It also shows how an outsider can take those networks down, but it never lets you forget the gut-wrenching loneliness of such isolation. And finally, it works because the writer and the director pay attention to details. Without gushing tears, blaring pop songs, or graphic violence they present smart professionals methodically uncovering the truth.

The show does drag out the denouement, with more moralizing speeches than I’d prefer. It’s also not a ringing endorsement of the idea that people can change. It is however, a lovely example of how good writing, acting and directing can bring an old genre to vibrant, urgent life.

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I had been anticipating this drama for well over a year (before viikii became viki.com and almost impossible to watch a lot of shows), and I had hoped and prayed that I wouldn't be disappointed, and I wasn't. To compare this to other "musical" drama's is insane, because unlike most of those drama's this one actually does follow the theme of "musical".

The story, is as it says it is in most story summaries you read.. but what those summaries fail to mention is that it is spectacularly written, its also about human relationships. And the story had, not necessarily side stories/plots, but background and reasoning, that made you go "Oh so that's why" in a few places, loved that..

Each of the "main" characters, are well thought out, including development. The acting is stellar. Straight up, even the character's you don't like, are so well thought out, that you can't be mad at the writers for making them that way. Every character in this drama has his or her place, take one away, and the drama wouldn't be the same. I was really impressed by the acting. I know most people, would start to watch this for Daesung, but don't. That's all I can say, do NOT start watching this for Daesung, I did, and not that I was disappointed with his acting, I wasn't, I just didn't like his character.

Music, well it is about musicals, so of course the music has to be good, and not only was it good, I was very impressed by how good it was in places.

I will re-watch at some point or other... The reason I didn't give this a perfect 10, but a 9 instead was because, all the way up until the ending the writing and so forth or stellar, but the last episode was just so sub-par to me that I couldn't bring myself to give it a perfect 10.

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A shark may not be able to generate suction, but "Shark" can very well do so !

The title "is an allegory and a leitmotif - be it the original title "Shark" oder the sometimes internationally also used title "Don´t Look Back: The Legend of Orpheus".

The latter not only alludes to the ancient legend of Orpheus, but also to Marc Chagall's painting of the same name, which can be found in the KDrama as a leitmotif, too. It basically describes what this is about. As far as the mythology is concerned: Ultimately, Orpheus never gets his great love Eurydice back - even as tries to return with her from the realm of the dead, he unfortunately doesn't manage to do without "looking back" (the condition for the rescue to be successful). In relation to the story of the KDrama, this could mean: the protagonist would have to give up his revenge - his being stuck in the past. And that brings us to the core of the story: revenge.

The original title "Shark" refers to a second leitmotif: Since childhood the protagonist feels a great affinity and sympathy for this particular predatory fish. Ocean sharks must always be on the move. Their mouth remains open so that fresh, oxygen-rich water can reach their gills and they are able to ´breathe´. Not moving means no fresh oxygen supply and thus their certain death. This implies an inevitable activity at all times - consequently they are always dangerous. Ocean sharks are loners, too. At most they join together in groups for hunting. In this respect, the story is set in the world of powerful, highly influential Jaebeol, whose machinations tremendously drive the Wheel of Fortune. They never stop shaping the world at their will, regardless of the cost. The protagonist courageously competes against one of the really big ones (actually against two). There is plenty of manipulation on all sides - as if you were pulling the strings of puppets. Sometimes one might think of vodoo dolls... Police and lawyers are breathlessly chasing behind the events. (It came at a time when bribery and corruption in South Korean business and politics was still more common and taken for granted than nowaydays. It was only a couple of years later that even the head of state was accused of being part of a shocking network controlled by Jaebeol bribery. To that extent the KDrama was just on spot at its time.)

"Shark" offers a fine study about injustice trying to be compensated by vigilantism. However, making amends is not possible. The protagonist's father is and remains dead. Revenge isn't that easy either, because in the course of his chess moves the protagonist stumbles over truths he didn't expect and a love that could get in the way of revenge plans. (Somehow Orpheus is whispering into the protagonist´s ear: "Do not ´look back´!", e.g. let go of revenge and vigilantism...)

The shark (as an animal) may himself not be able to create suction (for breathing), but the KDrama "Shark" can do so very well. The soundtrack sets the rhythm, the melody burns in, the events take their course and you always want to look around the next bend to see what might happen next. Although the good guy is the bad guy, you're feverishly at his side. And on the side of the bad guys, there are the good guys too. What to do with morals...

"Shark" gives practical insight into the early hours of the Jaebeol and their machinations over time. The roles of their long-term companions, who knew them from the earliest hour before their rise as Jaebeol, are also highlighted (e.g. their companions, today assistants, secretaries, drivers, lawyers, etc.). With those they have come a long way and so the know each other, like no other).

"Shark" is more on a tranquil side and maybe less colourful than other KDramas. Both background and heart of this KDrama with its characteristic tinting are set by the tender childhood love - between the Jaebeol´s grand daughter and the driver´s son... The differentiated side plots also keep viewers on their toes. ... It remains thrilling until the end, when open questions are answered.

Mercilessly the wheel of fortune turns, over 20 episodes. The premonitions of the first scenes are set ´today´. Then, in retrospect, the emotional relationship between the protagonists, what happened back then and where they are coming from is portrayed via their youth experiences, before the today´s storyline is picked up again.

Some call this KDrama a masterpiece. I am one of them.
Yet the whole is as often more than its parts. If you are primarily in it for the romance you might be disappointed in the end. Rather against the setting of this love story the KDrama is giving insights into the careers and backdrop of the shiny Jaebeols´ shady practices. In return on this solid drama-soil the emotionally challenging processes of those two ´associated in love´ unfold...

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Never, ever watch this drama, ever

This is maybe the WORST daily drama I have ever watched. I have never written a review before, but I just had to for this drama, For me, daily dramas are cathartic. You know that the good people will get a happy ending and the bad people will get punished. Yes, some daily dramas go off script and the ending can be less than satisfying, but this is the first drama I found enraging. The worst character of the entire series, the one that caused the most heartache and literally had someone murdered, doesn’t go to jail or receive any punishment. She is forgiven, for murder!!! And, the most selfless person in the entire show gets terminal cancer. The romantic plot line was all over the place. First the female lead looks like she is interested in a childhood friend, even though he is a selfish cold prick, IMO. Then, she gets over the friend and is interested in her guardian, the man that raised her since she was six. Okay, that was gross and weird, but I tried to look past it. But then, she doesn’t even end up with him because again, he dies at the end of the drama of cancer. So, the female lead marries the childhood best friend, who she doesn’t even love, to make her pseudo father happy. What???? The whole series was terrible from start to finish and I only finished it because I wanted to see how this train wreck would end. Ultimately, this was the least satisfying daily drama I have ever watched and I would never recommend anyone else watch it.

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Waaaaaaffffeeerrrs!!!! You know how a warm cup of coffee in the morning can wake you up and brighten your whole day? Manhattan Love story is like that. After trying out a few different shows and being in that awkward stage of not knowing what I want to watch next, I finally landed on a good one, Mahattan Love Story. It is a definite cure for drama-slump-idis. I'm so glad that I found this gem of a drama because it's freaking hilarious. It's definitely a good mood drama. If you enjoy smiling, grinning from ear to ear, and busting out laughing then this drama is for you.

Also The story is really creative. Forget love triangles, how about love octagons lol. But it's the characters that make the show. Tenchou, the main character, is a barista who hardly ever speaks out loud. Much of the show is us hearing his thoughts and laughing at his facial expressions. The other characters are also great. Too many good ones to name. But trust me, "I say this from my experience, my life and my soul," Manhattan Love Story was Great!

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Better than expected

I'm on a modern Chinese drama run and they're all flawed in their own way. This did remind of me Kill Me Heal Me. However the split personality aspect is really weird. How that single incident where a boy accidentally scarred a little girl, left such a traumatic impression on 3 individual is kinda far fetched. Not only that, the way her split personality work is kinda weird....she essentially manifest personality every time she's stress...on the spot. He goes out of his way to deal help the FL lead every time she changed personality is also pretty weird. I mean, at one point, he essentially let her run his company...lol...a person with no experience running any company. Oh yes...the FL is very Mary Sue ish btw. She just excel in everything she does despite have no prior experience in this field. Also for him, the way he almost essentially threw away a girl he love when he thought the girl he had injured was another woman...was just weird. Even if you find someone you'd wrong and want to make up for it...how is that supposed to affect your current love life? Oh yes, so the ML is supposed to be a genius heir of a conglomerate that excel in a lot of investment beside his make up company. He sure acts like an idiot at times. He's a miser to a fault and acts more like a kid than a successful businessman. So the point is...people here in this drama operates in extremely weird logics. Also, one of the biggest plot point was her scar. A scar, in which she had successfully concealed with makeup...so how is that such a big issue is weird. I'm telling you...this drama operates in wacky logic.

But if you suspend all of the bad logic in the story, and its true of a lot of these Chinese drama, it's a rather enjoyable experience. I do like the FL's character and personality. The ML's is in his way quirky and cute. The doctor has a really good bromance with the ML. Lots of feel good, cute, and funny moments.

Pros:
- Fun cute romance with lots of cute scene.
- Do enjoy some of main couple.
- Do like the secondary couple with the ML's assistant and the FL's friend/therapist.
- The doctor and the ML's ex coupling is alright but never cared for that pairing. I prefer the bromance between the doctor and the ML.
- The ML's parent...though initially disapprove of their relationship are surprisingly supportive of them later on. Even going along with one of her personality change.

Cons
-As mention terrible logic everywhere. Every time she changes personality, people around her help her by trying to find a way to fulfill her desire. It's an interestingly plot device but the extent they're willing to go along with this...is...just weird if you think about. And EVERYONE plays along.
- Antagonist is alway bad: main one is the obsessive co-ceo of his makeup company I guess. Initally it was the ML's ex but she became her bff after she sacrifice her chance to fix her scar so she can fix her nose.


Despite how much I rant on this drama, I actually enjoyed it quite of bit. And one of the main reason is that they find ways to keep things interesting despite how far-fetch a lot of this scenario is . And they probably played a major role on how much I enjoyed this drama. It's not boring and they main leads are a like-able couple.

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Story:

Although the story can be confusing at first since it is very fast paced, it slows down as the story progresses, and makes more sense after understanding the characters. The story is heavier, and has a lot more dept than regular Shoujo live-actions, which I personally enjoyed. There are some touching scenes throughout the movie, especially at the ending.

Acting/Cast:

I was not a huge fan of Komatsu Nana's acting in her past works, but she improved so much in this movie! There are a few parts that are still a bit awkward, but her acting is overall pretty good in this movie. Suda Masaki's acting is always great, and once again, he did not disappoint me. He really embodied the character, and truly won me over by the end. I read somewhere that he lost a lot of weight for this role, and weighed around 50kg, which is crazy for his height! Overall, I really liked the chemistry between them since they have a similar aura.

Music:

I LOVED the music, and I thought that it went well with the movie. I downloaded a whole bunch of the songs after.

Overall:

I honestly love this movie so much. It is fast paced in the beginning, but everything fits together by the end. This is definitely different (in a good way) from regular Shoujo manga live-actions, but the scenes were filmed so beautifully. Overall, I loved the main characters and the chemistry between them.

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The idea it's great, as well the atmosphere. The acting was also amazing. However there's so many little stupid mistakes.

1. Like when she was screaming to call him (to save the other girl), how did no one heard her? There were so many houses near by.
2. The last fight in the alley, how did no one saw it?? There were so many noise and so many people!!!
3. The police officer didn't deserve that happy ending, sorry, I get it that you are worried about your sister, but you didn't need him to find her, the deaf girl knew where she was, you could just search that area, since this is all in one night, the killer couldn't move. (and it was also inhuman). Also why didn't he ask for backup?
4. The mother could have done better in the police station, like push the suitcase to make noise and show the tools (but well she was too shocked to do something, what is understandable) , but how tf there's no cameras there?? And the police just saw a fight and let everyone go home??? bruh
5. And yeah lets let two people (covered in blood) running by the road.

But I'm not going to say, that I hated it. I love this fast thrillers movies. So I enjoy it for it.

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