Political thriller, eloquently dealing with SK´s struggle for true democracy. Inspired. Profound.
Election campaign is a fight. But what rules should be applied? Do you inevitably have to hand in your ideals and ethics at the entrance as price for political success?Critical processing of South Korea's recent past - the democracy movement - is still in its infancy, because the dictatorship just finished a few decades ago and its proven structures within conservative circles are still resonating today. Increasingly, however, this topic is also taking up its media space. The political thriller "Kingmaker" sets a bold milestone by taking on a dazzling, comparatively upright, almost exemplary political personality, who for a long time seemed to have no chance in his sincere, ambitious fight for real democracy: Kim Dae-jung. He was the first opposition candidate to be elected President of the Republic. He is also the only South Korean to ever receive a Nobel Prize for his work on democracy and human rights. Some call him the Nelson Mandela of Asia...
In particular "Kingmaker" tells (in the plot prepared with some poetic freedom) about the early years of his political struggle and the arduous path that ultimately led him to the Blue House. The focus is less on his biography and more on what he still stands for in the eyes of most South Koreans today: real democracy. Or rather, against what he wanted to compete: the conservative, elitist, political cronies who stand in the way of progress and justice, if it is not in their own interest.
In the service of the electoral success, Kim (like so many politicians on this planet) was probably tried more than once to sanctify the 'good' purpose in the sights of many a morally questionable means. This difficult balancing act between an upright political attitude and one's own venality in a pact with a promising "devil" is illuminated and processed here in an impressive way. The temptation of a promising shortcut to success usually comes with a price that has to be paid sooner or later. (The internal struggle of 'for' versus 'against' shapes the decision-makers in South Korea with their well-established, conservative, shadowy networks to this day. This is actually writing daily history. And the TV and movie productions are full of it, too.)
The status quo - submission to the apparently influential 'more powerful' - is contrasted with a historically real personality. In order to convey the emotional dilemma in a dramaturgically clear way, Kim's campaign strategist of the first hours, Eom Chang-rok, was stylized as the main character and staged fictionally. In fact, little is known about him other than that he is said to have been brilliant and downright genius.
The story is about Eom Chang-rok's intelligent crisis interventions, solution approaches and election campaign strategies, some of which are in stark contrast to Kim's idealistic democratic values, that are always geared towards serving the people. The audience is confronted more than once with the question of whether the end might justify the means. Isn't the power of the people just a well-meant illusion after all? Wouldn't it be more efficient for the state leadership if a few (more or less) smart people decided for the many others in a short decision-making process? "Kingmaker" touches the foundations of political morality and ideology.
However, the KMovie also touches on very human weaknesses: the need for approval and the temptation to be seduced. These weaknesses are truly human and have to be dealt with by everybody - somehow, someday.
"Kingmaker" is a moving political thriller set in recent South Korean contemporary history about the stumbling blocks and challenges of true democracy. A democracy, that requires responsible, mature and accountable citizens. A democracy, that will always be challenged by the forces and networks operating in the shadows, whose goal is to incapacitate the citizens and instead rule for their own personal benefits.
An unpleasant subject, indeed. Yet the KMovie is eloquently dealing with this crucial issue for any democratic society.
A brilliant approach to this topic as well as to a younger chapter of South Korea´s history.
Inspired storytelling.
A profound production.
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For series made out of mangas, I think japanese versions are better.
Not because korean or taiwanese versions are not good, but because there are some things just japanese culture can express when it comes to manga/dorama adaptations.
I never read the manga but I know the mangaka's style; I can say I liked this very much but there are also things I'd like to point out.
I made some considerations thinking also of the korean version.
The plot; The plot is nice and the things that happen not so unreal. It is a cute and sometimes moving story about love and about growing up.
Even though some episodes are boring, it is not difficult to watch since you fell for the characters.
The characters and the casting;
Naoki was good; good looking and well played by Furukawa Yuki. I liked him better than the korean one, because I felt like he was more professional and more like the real Naoki. I mean, you have the feeling the actor is doing a great job because you can feel the cold-and-warm-at-the-same-time heart of Naoki.
The only thing that I have to point out is that at the end his character changes too fast, and it seems a little weird. I think it is something that is in the manga too, but well, he is just perfect this way.
Kotoko is a character I love and hate at the same time. I love her because she never gives up, but I hate her because she is a little bit too much in stalkering Naoki. Anyway, it is a good and fresh character that makes you smile.
Despite of what everybody says, I liked Miki Honoka. She's 16, ok, but she is good to be a 16 yo girl! Her exaggerated expressions were part of the script, in almost every comedy japanese doramas there are this kind of expressions. Most of all, I could really feel the change between the firstepisodesKotoko and the lastepisodesKotoko. Everything was good.
Speaking of the age incompatibility between Honoka and Yuki, Yuki said himself he thinks Honoka is very mature to be 16, he didn't feel the age differences at all, and I think so.
I liked the other characters too, both families, and the friends.
Kinchan was portraied better than the korean version: funny, immature but also mature when it comes to be like that.
Music: I liked the op, it was just perfect for this drama, very japanese style.
Also the other songs of the ost are good and suitable for the drama.
In the end, I liked it very much. I recommend this to everyone who wants romance, and also who wants to see something about school, friendship and growing up.
A very good drama!
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The best thing about the movie is, that its not over dramatic, or too sad, depressing and so. The story is actually very simple, cute and optimistic - just a little untraditional love story about two young people who just met each other :)
There is not much speaking in the movie, they mostly use the sign language. Thats why someone could say that it will be boring, but thats absolutely not true. The way they use sign language is so interesting, that it catches your eyes and make it more interesting.
If you are looking for a movie, that is positive, nice and optimistic, this is for you. It a good way to spend your time whenever you are depressed :)
(sorry for my english)
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Growing Up is Hard, But Companion Makes it Easier
Crossroad Bistro (北辙南辕) narrates the story of five women who opened a restaurant together. With each other companions, they found friendship, love, and learn how to grow up in life. In terms of the production, technical execution, performances, and music, this drama is perfect!!The script of this drama is so well written, you can see just how much the writing team put so much effort and attention into the characters. Every single character in it is written realistically, they are well-dimensioned. The characters are written so well to the point that you can relate to their action, and you unconsciously built a connection to them. I love how the writers make the characters develop and grow. I loved every single character and their personal journey arc.
The delivery of the amazing script is accompanied by stunning cinematography which makes this drama arguably one of the best adult dramas. Crossroad Bistro is directed by Feng Xiaogang, it is his drama comeback after more than a decade of not directing a drama. You can already see in the first episode how spectacular and stunning the cinematography is. Through the cinematography, you can see how high-quality production this drama is. Each shot uses soft filters and a warm and cold colour palette are used accordingly, which gives the audience a pleasant viewing experience. The angles of the scenes are also beautifully taken, each and every shot in the drama are exquisitely taken, it is a feast for the eyes!! Other than the amazing cinematography, this drama also has really beautiful authentic sets. Overall, all the shots really evoke and gives off Beijing ambience.
This drama has a simmering pace, not too slow yet not too fast. It has eventful moments but also slow moments. This drama does not have draggy problems too, the problems encountered are realistic, and the problem solving is done in a timely manner too (they do not drag it). And I also love how the drama does not specifically focus on one or two women in the middle of the drama, they still made the five women the main focus of the drama. All five women in the drama have equal screen time and their own developed storyline.
The casts of Crossroad Bistro are also well-chosen. Each actor and actresses fit in their role so perfectly, as if the characters are written for them. All of the casts' acting is a joy to watch. Even though the five girls are not 24/7 together in the drama, they still showcased really powerful chemistry between them. Everyone in this drama has great chemistry with other casts, not only with their love interest. Moving on, the music of this drama is also beautiful, the music encapsulated the essence of the story - the essence of growing up, love and friendship.
I definitely recommend this one to those who are looking for an adult drama to watch!! If you loved Dear Missy, My Best Friend Story, you will definitely love this too!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Let me start off by saying that Mirai Nikki has more than one amazing concept. In fact, it seemed to be a combination of a few of my favorite movies, but I won't tell you which ones because that would be a major spoiler. Anyways, Mirai Nikki is a great show. The concepts alone make sure of that. Unfortunately it's not a masterpiece, which really sucks because it definitely had the potential to be. The story is awesome, however the show itself lacks a certain flow. I'm not sure if this is due to the cinematography, the directing, or the production, but something just felt a little cheap about it. There has been a few other Japanese suspense shows that I've watched that have this same problem. It's a lack of professionalism, or perhaps movie magic that makes you feel like the fantasy movie world is real. It feels like I'm listening to someone trying to play a beautiful song but they're just not hitting all the right keys at all the right times.
That aside, 65% of the way through, the show changed course in a way that made me put most of my criticism on the back burner, and from then on the overall story continued to boost my approval of the show.
The acting wasn't bad, but it could have been better. Gouriki Ayame was so freaking cute as Yuno though. She definitely stole my heart. But I do feel like the acting would have appeared better if the show would have been produced better.
Overall I would say that Mirai Nikki is worth watching, but you're going to have to be a little forgiving while watching it. Maybe in the future I'll watch the anime, or perhaps one day they'll make a remake that will enhance the show and make it the masterpiece that it certainly could be.
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A promising yet unfulfilled journey
Prior to troubling the waters with my critique, I would be remiss not to honor the quiet revolution unfolding on screen. Ahn Ji Ho and Lee Sang Jun, rising stars in Korean cinema, have chosen paths less traveled. They assumed the personae of those whose affections stand in defiance of the heterosexist orthodoxy, and in doing so, they performed resistance. Others in the public eye might be moved to follow so commendable an exampleThe interplay between Ji Ho (Hee Su) and Sang Jun (Seung Won) is, without a shadow of a doubt, endearing. Sang Jun (Seung Won) is a reticent and emotionally guarded suitor, yearning to draw closer to Ji Ho (Hee Su). True to the source material, the glances that linger just beyond propriety, the verbal exchanges, and the physical proximities that tremble with implication accumulate with intentionality and culminate in a long-withheld romantic confession
Seung Won: "I don't like Ji Yu"
Hee Su: "Why did you lie?"
Seung Won: "Because I wanted to keep hanging out with you" (chapters 42-43)
A screenshot: https://imgur.com/a/7ElUfSX
Drama Seung Won, too, nudges drama Hee Su to acknowledge his true feelings and discover the solace and happiness that await him in drama Seung Won's arms
Complementing Ji Ho (Hee Su) and Sang Jun (Seung Won)'s chemistry, the adaptation gains narrative sophistication through drama Hee Su's empathetic disposition. This is exemplified in the first episode (5:10-7:04), where he lends an impartial ear to a woman's self-exploration of same-sex desire/introspective reckoning with her attraction toward another woman. He invites us into a space of uncoerced emotional authenticity
Now, it is conceivable that my observation might provoke dissent; however, I am disengaged by a dissonance between the performers' mature appearances and the adolescent roles they enact. Their mature appearances suggest individuals well into their late twenties, if not beyond. The collision of adult identity with the stylized "immaturity" of high school/teenage tropes generates a dissonance that is, for me, disruptive to the suspension of disbelief. A more coherent and plausible alternative might have been to transpose the setting into a university or workplace
I can be lenient with these matters. What troubles me is the pacing and the straightwashing of the source material to cater to the squeamishness of homophobic audiences wary of encountering too many rainbows on their screens. The central gay relationship spends the bulk of its runtime vying for visibility and relevance against the privileged "straight" script that overshadows it in both duration and execution. "Straightness" centers the stage by force, reasserting its dominance and softening the gayness for broader consumption. It has no rightful place here
The source material refrains from constructing a non-platonic Chan Yeong x Ji Yu storyline. To fabricate one where none exists, and to do so by excising the secondary gay pairing of Sun Woo and Yoo Dahm, is a move I find dishonest and regressive. A screenshot of Sun Woo and Yoo Dahm from chapter 56: https://imgur.com/a/OInfwbQ
How mind-boggling it is that our same-sex ships/pairings are condemned as corrosive to friendships, while society destroys opposite-sex friendships by defaulting to non-platonic arcs with nary a consequence
Some might rationalize the excision of the secondary gay couple by appealing to their placement in the second season. It is a dubious, flimsy excuse at best. Being classmates and friends, Hee Su is acquainted with the secondary gay couple. Their early introduction could have contributed to the exploration of identity, intimacy, or social belonging and accelerated Hee Su's journey toward self-acceptance. Sun Woo and Yoo Dahm need not have been "useless" or "irrelevant"
Timelines are malleable. The screenwriters were afforded the opportunity to recalibrate the timeline of the source material/fine-tune the sequence of events in order to optimize the seamless integration of two seasons into a compact drama format. Nevertheless, their creativity was not exercised in service of non-straight visibility. They delegitimized non-straight modes of subjectivity and relegated them to an inferior, irrelevant, or disruptive status
Those reading might pose the question, "are you a hater?" To which I will respond in the negative. Neither animosity nor resentment informs my evaluation
My contention is that preserving one of the two gay pairings is not a sufficient or ambitious act of fidelity. It is, in fact, justified for audiences to experience discomfort when confronted with deviations from the source material. The phenomenon is not unprecedented. Public discourse surrounding the cinematic reimaginings of "The Little Mermaid" (2023) and "Snow White" (2025) demonstrated how even superficial modifications precipitate public disapproval. By parallel reasoning, it follows that modifications to gay source materials would precipitate scrutiny and disapproval
Questioning the producers' call to accommodate societal prejudices against gay-centered narratives does not amount to prejudice or -phobia. The public dissemination of a creative or intellectual work instigates a dynamic feedback mechanism, wherein audience reception, positive or negative, re-enters the production process and compels producers to adapt to the cultural climate and evolve or risk obsolescence
I do appreciate the effort invested in the part-BL/part-gay adaptation. Moving forward, I would love to see BLs exclusive in focus that center and honor gay love without compromise or dilution
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We always thought that we are alone...But we aren't alone. There is always someone, somewhere that love us. That guide us. That give us strength and comfort.
This movie make me laughed. Make me cry. But above all, make me think of that hugs I didn't give...Those "I'm sorry" I didn't say...Those "I Love You" I hush...
I totally love this movie, and I recommend that you prepare some tissues... Because you will need them!!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Sweet B*thcy Life
A testament that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach!Its a story of two guys, both living alone and finding comfort in ach other through good food. One is an awkward cutie college student and one is a suave police officer.
What i liked about it is it's sweet and slow-paced approach to the story. Both characters hinted of having a sad backstory, but that wasnt the focus of the story and was only slightly brushed upon, instead they decided to keep it light and palatable that unfortunately if you look closer may make you feel that the show lacked depth. The intention of the show is just to show life is better experienced with someone you love!
Of course it didnt hurt that they cast two very good looking leads and the Japanese robotic (that should have been patented by now) acting worked out great in its favor. To be perfectly honest, nothing much has been happening every episode and the whole series would have been perfectly ok in maybe 6 episodes but seeing both of the actors just being cute together is enough to keep me watching the show. I also liked Isumi's friends especially Yohei, who acted more like a fairy god BL mother in the story.
HOWEVER, in what feels like a big clickbait BL thirsttrap, I initially thought that they were spoiling the story in the credits sequence which showed a lot of scenes of Isumi and Kyosuke being sweet together and holding hands in public. The truth is those sequences wasnt even shown in the actual series (the same exact sequence and a just a tad more was just shown in the last few minutes as a closing montage of their time together). There was even a time around the middle episodes when i was even questioning whetherthis was in fact just a bromance show and a one-sided unrequited love and that Amasawa only really saw Isumi as a younger brother and Isumi was only misinterpreting Amasawa's actions. Every next episode preview would tease us that something sweet will be happening in the next episode only for it to turn out into nothing the next week. It only really paid off during the last few minutes of the finale and by that time you feel like you just havent seen enough of the two as a couple together.
With that consideration aside, i still feel like it is a good enough show that would even be better binged in a day or two seating. Will i recommend the show? Yes definitely. Will I rewatch? Maybe not entirely.
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The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection
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1This review may contain spoilers
Where it is particularly dark, even a tiny little bit of light appears immensely bright...
I ended my review about the first seasons with the conclusion: "I only recommend "The Escape of the Seven" if the mood is right - one that demands unfathomable beastliness down to the blood. If we get involved in this KDrama, then we will uncompromisingly be catapulted into a world in which a search for the good guys could very well be in vain..."And obviously, things can always get even worse. At the same time, a wink of a conscience is actually making itself known here and there… very quietly, though. Regret and shame become concepts that are though stumbling trying to make themselves be heard. It's evidently not that easy, but maybe, who knows, it might not be impossible…
Still, the Seven can't easily get out of their skin. It´s way too serious what they had done and must be held accountable for. Even if they all go through their own processes and would perhaps like to choose a new path in some way (fortunately, people have the potential for healing and transformation), they can neither run away nor undo what has happened. In addition, they have made a pact with the devil... No matter which devil you get involved with, it rarely goes well...
The second season cleverly manages to build on the first one with fresh dynamics, while still giving the emotional rollercoaster ride a new direction. Sophisticated dramaturgical twists included. It's amazing to notice ourselves suddenly sympathizing with one or the other of the loathsome Seven...
In addition, the KDrama is vividly displaying the frighteningly diabolical (not too distant) future scenarios of our increasingly digitally depending information society, that in the worst case scenario, could become completely helpless in its interconnectedness...
Overall, I think “Escape of the Seven” is even winning with its second season. It offers a special KDrama experience that has it all - for all those who don't shy away from the abysm of the human species. And as is well known, where it is particularly dark, even a tiny little bit of light appears immensely bright...
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This drama is one of those that captured me from the start. I've got to tell you that the 1st episode is a masterpiece; it was well done in many ways, i believe it was one of the greatest 1st episodes that I've ever seen and the reason that made me proceed with the rest of the drama.
The story was cool, somehow unique containing a good cast and great supporting roles.
There were many changes in the drama's storyline which made it more interesting.
Fated to love you is one of those dramas that you have to like from the 1st episode or simply drop it because events are so attached.
Just watch the 1st episode and see with yourself.
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"Lord, please don't let sorrow overwhelm the lives of those that left behind."
Youth of May depicts the Gwangju Uprising in 1980 through multiple perspectives. From lovers, friends, families, parents, and children to politicians, activists, polices, businessmen, healthcare workers, even people who just wanted to escape and save themselves, and ordinary lives who knew nothing but got killed.Also soldiers, one that usually hasn’t been really looked into. Here, it's shown how miserable they actually feel, some were unknowingly deployed to their hometown, suddenly being forced to shoot even their friends. While others may have moved on albeitly, for soldiers, based on real reports too, they really had it harder than anyone else, experienced trauma, guilt and stayed in the same dark place throughout the years. People often forget they're victims as well.
"The worse pain in life, the life of those who were left behind."
Heetae's character indeed represents the survivors, those who are still searching, grieving for their lost loved ones, which some haven't been found even til now. I love how it emphasizes this. The survivors didn't 'survive' even though they live. Their souls had died during the uprising.
Youth of May really retells the history beautifully. "This wasn't only his story. This was history."
And last, the prayer in the ending narration is really its main message.
"Don't let the sorrow overwhelm the lives of those that left behind."
Youth of May is more than just a drama. It is a prayer.
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The Quintessential Japanese Drama of 2018
What makes Japanese drama different from its neighbors is how diverse its genre. From mystery thrillers, romance live actions, tearjerkers, weird WTF comedy to Job oriented ones. But my favorite is without a doubt the thought provoking genre. This genre is their forte in my opinion, those meaningful dialogues is always fascinating and this drama not an exemption, it has many dialogues that will make you think and it will teach you different philosophy in life.Japan is the land of symbols, if you've been watching anime for a long time you probably see this already, they are so good using symbolism as part of the narrative, to me it not just makes the show looks good but it elevates the story. Their method of using symbolism is more prevalent in Jdramas and Japanese Movies, that's why I always tell my anime friends if you want to learn more about Japanese culture don't watch anime but watch Japanese Movies instead.
Aesop's tortoise and hare is one of those fables that are known around the world. In the story the tortoise keeps going on no matter what happen, it teaches us hard work, perseverance and going the extra mile, the hare on other hand has this cocky attitude believing he will win against the tortoise even he sleeps during the race, but his carelessness made him lose in the end. Bokura wa Kiseki de Dekite Iru gives this fable different yet very fascinating interpretation. According to the drama the tortoise doesn't work hard and it doesn't even care about winning or losing, he just enjoys whatever in front of him. The way the tortoise see the world is very different from the hare, the hare doesn't even exist in his perspective. Meanwhile the hare always check on the tortoise and he always looks down on him, the tortoise is huge part of his world. This philosophy of "Not Caring What Others Think" is basically the central theme of this story, which is also very much applicable in today's world of social media where everyone always cares what other people will think and everyone always look at other people's life and compare it to them. BE A TORTOISE AND STOP BEING A HARE.
This is such a cozy and laidback drama, I would compare it to Wood Job, Little Forrest and Bread and The Soup and Cat Weather, as for anime I would say Yuru camp and Aria are good comparisons. The story is also very well written, the touching moments and funny moments are very balanced. Pacing is also nice until the last two episodes where the plot seems all over the place, but it's ok as long as the message is there I wouldn't mind. This drama is very Ikigai. The message is given in a very subtle way and I like how the scenes are not over dramatic. The way they connect the behavior in animal kingdom to philosophy in life is brilliant. This drama also has a set of interesting characters that plays a very good role in the story, not a single one of them is useless. The acting by Takahashi Issei is no joke. I bet only few actors can play the character he portrays. It's the type of acting where an actor carries the whole show. It is perhaps the most eccentric character I've encountered in Japanese drama, the development of his character is also one of the most interesting ever.
Lastly if you are looking for romance you would be disappointed but it's really obvious what he feels for her during the end. I am happy that they didn't force it as it is not what this drama is about.
Check my Blog for other reviews & other JDramas stuffs. (｡◕‿‿◕｡)
https://thatjapanesedramaguy.blogspot.com/
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This review may contain spoilers
I think I'm probably in the minority for liking this: But, I basically reviewed this as I watched the episodes, so come read my journey if you would like to see what went through my mind as I watched this while waiting for episodes to air, and translate.Currently watching this because I love the two actors, just currently waiting to see how the story goes! It is interesting though, how they both are slowly overcoming mentally together, I would love to see what else there is!
From Ep20 Update: I've seen many bad reviews! But in hindsight, I actually enjoy it! Since it's a lot about mental health, and just seeing how they both are helping each other bit by bit. It does seem slow the process, but sure nothing is a quick process when its relationships and also dealing with mental issues, so I am enjoying it even if the reviews say it's bad.
Update! Ep30.. - I am probably one of many who are in the minority of enjoying this drama, I think what I like is, how when dealing with their mental issues, they always each go to someone who they trust to talk about things. Whether it's the guidance counsellor, or one of the friends! And how the four main leads, help each other out.
How mental issues, take time and you need patience, and sometimes like Tang Xin how she wants to really help Shen Qingyuan to recover, yet also being afraid if he remembers things could become worse.
I think another reason, why I am enjoying this drama is because there isn't any like misunderstandings, like many dramas, where there's like a side girl making everything worse or making up situations, and everyone's crying ..etc! and even if I see many reviews and comments saying the story is slow and how both the Male & Female Leads are annoying.. I somewhat still enjoy the drama myself! -
Ep34 - O.M.D ... What a roller coaster! This is the real drama now.. - still processing what happened! But, I do feel like what I got out of this is the jealousy from the men in these eps: People are crazy to go to lengths in messing with someone's mentality just for their own fame, money etc. Shen Qingyuan: literally became a changed person, over broken memories, and the words of someone who just wanted to win a game! What's also scary is that this actually does happen in reality too - jealousy, people being mean with their words..
Ep38: - It was a interesting few eps, I do feel it was a little rushed around what's happening! And everything kind of ended really quickly.. And meeting the parents was soo quick as well, and we never got to see Shen Qingyuan's parents either which is why I felt everything was a little rushed. Or they could have gone through therapy together a lot more and slowly in that sense gotten better and closer!
Final: It was a cute ending, I'd have to say! I just enjoyed both the actors. I do feel like the story could have been recollected a little better. Since the start, they focused a lot more on Tang Xin's mental health, and the rushed the rest of the story. But I enjoyed how they were always supporting each other and believing in each other till the end!
Although a few things, I would have loved to see the wedding, and would have been more a surprise if Xiao CiCi, got into the Olympics cause she was pretty much just as good! Also, do wish, Xiao CiCi had more double dates in the story, I think she was such a pretty character in the show, but always hate the same outfits on. Definitely would love to see her in another show as the main character, with loads of really pretty clothes!
- But I enjoyed this! Kinda sad that it's over! I'm glad I finished this.. It was like a nice light-hearted drama, and even though the story was a little quick near the end! I still nonetheless enjoyed it. It also gave such a eye-opening for mental health, and seeing therapists, and also how demanding sports can be with jealousy and many other things.
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This review may contain spoilers
I admit that the first major half of the series I was actually invested, and I wanted to continue, but there were so many little things that kept bugging me. I'm listing them as follows:1) The Characters and the Insufficient Backstory: I couldn't sympathize with most of the characters because there was just not enough depth in flashbacks to make me feel for them. For example the relationship between Seo Hui and Sang Hun seemed really empty to me, considering he had spent so much time abroad, and when he returned he didn't live with her. He kept some heavy, HEAVY secrets from her and she was basically clueless about everything. If their relationship was that bad, I can't see why she was so desperate to find him, especially if she even suspected that he was cheating on her. It just didn't add up. The relationship between Sang Hun and his step-father wasn't really explored in depth either. I don't know what made Sang Hun think that his stepdad would care much if he got kidnapped or mutilated. I mean the old man basically stopped caring after the eye was discovered at the news agency, and he was ready to shut down the investigation for the son. The relationship of Yeong Min and Seo Hyun (the reporter) was so out of the blue, unnecessary and superficial that I didn't know what to think. The relationship between Yeong Min and Sang Hun wasn't satisfactorily pursued either, since Yeong Min's feelings were actually very complex but not explored at all.
2) The Disbelief in the Storyline: I'm sorry but I just can't imagine that any human being, any sane person, even a dying man would willingly suggest that his limbs be cut off, and that other 'sane' human beings, especially a brother-like relation would agree to do it. I can't believe Sang Hun would do it thinking it would help stop his stepdad who clearly stopped caring at one point. I also can't believe he would make his own wife undergo this torture, keeping her in the dark about all of this, knowing how she would feel upon discovery of his severed foot, hand, eye and then the heart. That last organ was a bit too much. What friend/brother can take out his brother's heart? without the proper tools or the know-how? I mean, is it that easy to extract a human heart that any lay person can do it without going stark raving mad? I can't forgive that Sang Hun made Seo Hui undergo all of this just so that the bill would be stopped and there was no guarantee that it would be stopped. And that last minute 'oh Sang Hun is dying anyway so it's all good' was very offensive I mean it was just meant to make it all convenient.
3) The Cliche: Corrupt old men covering up their corruption, cruelties, and greed while using henchmen who would go to any length to serve them is getting really old. Also the corrupt insiders in the police, the erased CCTV footages, the insufficient evidence to convict the obvious killer. Please stop it.
Little things kept bothering me, like the fact that I just couldn't get how Seo Hui could be such a dumb clueless person, who never tried to investigate just what it was that was bothering Sang Hun, why he didn't want to work in the company, what he did in his secret time away from her, and what was on his mind. You're his wife! How can you be so disinterested? She did good acting, but the character wasn't very likeable. I mean, girl, your laptop got hacked once, why are you using it again to check out a secret USB which you know will have top-secret content?
It was an overall meh drama. Lee Min Ki is amazing in his acting though.
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