Who is the real scarecrow?
It had been some time since I immersed myself in a thriller. From the very first episodes, The Scarecrow got my full attention and to say I could barely miss the episodes' release would be an understatement.Based on real events, The Scarecrow tells the infamous case of the Hwaseong Murders which shook the public in the '80s. Many viewers are already familiar with the setup, since this is not the first time this case was presented through fictional lenses. Memories of Murder, the classic movie, was also based on the serial murders, while being released before the killer's arrest.
Despite being inspired by the same case, The Scarecrow diverted from Memories of Murder's storytelling. Instead of focusing on the investigation itself, The Scarecrow's writers prioritized the characters and their complex dynamics, which were built around the murders. Following two timelines (1988 and 2019), we got to see their involvement in the case, their bonds and how this tragic event shaped them for the rest of their lives.
The directing and cinematography were captivating. The camera work was so intense in many scenes, especially when it came to interactions between the characters (particularly Tae Ju and Si Young). One of the most memorable moments was Tae Ju and Si Young's reunion, where the camera did a 360° turn and it switched to the younger Si Young, the one who bullied Tae Ju at school. Scenes like this one added more emotions to the story and it's clear that the director put great emphasis on their framing.
While the first episodes had me guessing the identity of the culprit, The Scarecrow wasn't your typical mystery thriller, which keeps the viewers on their toes until the killer will be revealed. On the contrary, the reveal of the culprit happened pretty early - a bold choice, if one could say. However, that didn't affect my engagement with the drama, for its purpose was not to create a mystery thriller. The drama's goal was to present a real case that shattered the lives of many people, so by unveiling the killer earlier, it allowed the viewers to watch the story from a different perceptive (especially when the culprit was shown).
What I deeply appreciated in this drama is how it didn't hesitate to highlight the depths of corruption in the justice and political system. Having done a little bit of research regarding the events of the Hwaseong murders, I am astonished by the police's incompetence and all the wrongdoings that took place. In the drama, we constantly see the police officers running around in circles, not being able to work together to catch the culprit and acting on their own instead.
A great aspect that is constantly put on the center was the abuse of power, both by Si Young and the detectives. These people didn't hesitate to use their authority if it meant they would be able to achieve their goal. The torture scenes of the suspects were so disturbing and to think that they got to such great lengths instead of trying harder to catch the culprit made me so angry. Especially since he was right under their nose!
Where the drama shined the most was the way it depicted the different characters. A variety of people who found themselves entangled in such a cruel case. If you're going into this drama expecting to root hard for anyone, I'm afraid you might get disappointed, for these characters were flawed but oh so very complex. They would be straight up wicked or they'd either make mistakes for the sake of catching the culprit. By exploring all characters and by giving the viewers a chance to get to know them and understand their pain, we were allowed to emphasize with them and maybe understand them a little bit more. Maybe that wouldn't be enough to justify their actions, but at least it offered some explanation.
It was inevitable not to feel drawn to the main duo, Kang Tae Ju and Cha Si Young. Their relationship was a highlight on its own and it is one of the most complex depictions of a relationship between two people I've watched. They shared a painful past which accompanied them through their adult lives and with every encounter, I was really trying to guess where this would all end.
While this is a work of fiction, the writers didn't neglect an important aspect that many thrillers forget to tackle; the victims and their families. The drama treated the victims with respect, it never used their deaths as a shock factor and it made sure to humanize them and highlight the horror of their murder. The depiction of Hye Jin's family, who tried so hard to find her in 1988 and who finally confirmed her death years later, broke my heart. Seok Man's wrongful conviction was another devastating event, one that not only showcased the crimes committed by the police but it reminded us of the innocent lives that were destroyed because of the actions of a twisted monster.
Both Tae Ju and Si Young were so beautifully written, as bizarre as it sounds. I understand if many people aren't able to support their actions, especially Si Young's but I couldn't pain them merely as black and white, for they carried so much trauma and insecurities, each one their own. Their fallout was painful to watch after we got more more context regarding their background and every time they would act normal and friendly, a big "what if" would form inside my brain.
The actors did a marvelous job portraying their characters. Park Hae Soo and Lee Hee Jun stole the spotlight with their chemistry as Tae Ju and Si Young respectively. They brought the characters' emotions to life, I could feel them through my screen as if they were my own. Park Hae See in particular did a fantastic job portraying the different stages of Tae Ju - the police officer in the '80s, who was desperate to catch the culprit and the 2019 profiler who sought atonement for his guilt and who wanted to bring justice to those who were wronged. If his performance will go unnoticed, I will be very upset.
Kwak Sun Young did a great job as Ji Won, her character was the only one who made me feel warm and safe and she expressed Ji Won's fierce yet gentle character perfectly. Song Geon Hee in his dual role was very good and Seo Ji Hye definitely captured my attention by her portrayal of Sun Young. Her shift from a carefree Young woman to a grieving and hopeless person moved me a lot and she made me emphasize a lot for Sun Young.
The soundtrack was yet another aspect that made the drama more memorable. It was powerful and full of melancholy, a sad addition to the bleak atmosphere. I have many songs stuck in my head and every time I bring them in my mind, I can picture the characters and the sceneries.
Great as it might have been, The Scarecrow could have been even more polished in some areas. I believe that it would have benefited even more from a longer run-time (say, 14-16 episodes) since some aspects of the story would have been more fleshed out or they would have developed more smoothly. During the last episodes, I had the impression that some events felt disjointed.
The Scarecrow is one of the most haunting series I've watched. The ending made me shed so many tears, for the characters who had to live with their guilt and for the victims who had been wronged. So many things could have been different, if only the people behind the case had acted differently. Just like Tae Ju said, in the search of the scarecrow killer, he became a scarecrow himself. Just how easy it is to lose our moral compass? And how can the consequences of our actions follow us and the people affected by them? Thought provoking as it is, The Scarecrow questions our views of ethics, justice and power and while it remains a psychological thriller, it never strived from its purpose: to bring awareness to the people who are still waiting for justice.
Mayhaps we won't be able to solve all the problems in the world. But that doesn't mean we should stop aiming for a better future. Who knows. Perhaps we will come to see a society where there will be no place for "scarecrows".
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Why the low ratings?
Azure Spring is a simple seaside series, the scenery is beautiful, the food looks delicious and the characters are quite likeable (except for that annoying girl) It's a healing no fuss drama and it's short so it's very easy to watch in one sitting.I saw the low rating today and I almost dropped it, I'm so happy I gave it a chance because it's a pretty nice miniseries, honestly the only reason I'm not rating it a 10/10 it's because of the annoying girl and the cat, really that cat! Is too hard to train a real cat or are they just too lazy? AI is slowly ruining everything, but anyway if you're looking for a simple healing drama this one hits the spot.
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A fun gripping watch that does loose it’s emotional momentum towards the end though.
I was gripping the edge of my seat in the 2/3 of show. Very gripping, but then when the reveal of the serial killer happens, the show moves towards other things: the police and prosecutors playing their own versions of villains. While the story was engaging, the focus does shift from finding the serial killer to ones trying to hide his crimes to protect themselves. We don’t even get to see the killer going to jail for another murder he does. So the emotional buildup lacks the proper payoff too. And by the mid of the drama, I was totally rooting for Si Young to be the misunderstood character but he is just evil, so that was disappointing to say the least. Especially as we get more glimpses of his past and uncover his own traumas. That said, his elder brother doesn’t make any appearance in the current time. Especiallt since he exploited Si Young’s weaknesses and fears.And don’t tell me I was the only one who found Cha Si Young genuinely regretful of his failed friendship with KTJ. They had such a complex relationship. CSY’s buddy summed it up perfectly: You don’t hate Kang Tae Ju but you don’t like him either. Perfectly summed up.
P.S.: I could guess by the mid who the serial killer was.
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Whew...............worth a watch BUT.........!!!!
Dark and gritty and surreal in its realism. Do not go into this expecting a clean concise nicely tied up ending or happiness or everyone getting their just desserts.........this was a sad piece from start to finish. From the way the case was handled inside and IRL, this was rough~That darkness was neverending. It felt like just a clinical retelling of the events and the precedents and/or the beginnings of precedents established then and in the near future. It felt like a piece 5 or 6 years ago, it was about introducing the art of criminal profiling and how it was eventually installed within SK as well as the world eventually~
They did a wonderful job with the music too and how it conveyed that sappy good ole boy growing up together in a small town setting. The theme song to Weak Hero Class. Goblins OST. Uncanny Counter. It was perfect.
I like how it ended, it was perfect in that the ending wasn't perfect. Like Trolley or Queen Maker, something along those lines. Confident enough to say this is worthy of a watch~
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A Splendid Mess - an uneven but nonetheless surprisingly worthy watch
As I don't wish to spoil the story, my aim is not to add anything substantially new to the already existing reviews; rather, I seek to reinforce what has already been said by some other members of the community, most notably by @SceneStealer (no spoilers) and by @MrsGong (spoilers).Let me put it this way: if you have enjoyed some of the more ambitious recent historical dramas, such as the Dream of Splendor, the Flourished Peony, the Prisoner of Beauty or even the Story of Kunning Palace, then you are very likely to enjoy this drama as well. That being said, I don't expect the Splendid Match to be quite as successful as any of the dramas mentioned above. Not because it's any worse - I feel that it's actually more substantial than most - but because it's too unfocused and goes in too many different directions.
A Splendid Match is a coming-of-age story, and a reflection on feminine condition, and an analyses of family and state power dynamics, and an account of ups and downs in palace scheming with some unexpectedly good fighting scenes thrown in; and, the last but not the least, it is a truly splendid slow-burn romance with some reasonably convincing love triangles. And if that is not enough, there are probably even more aspects of the story that I'm simply forgetting to mention.
None of these aspects are handled poorly; on the contrary, taken individually, they hold up unexpectedly well, But what we end up with is a bit messy because keeping so many threads from vibrating loose is an ambition simply to high to live up to. It is as if this drama has an identity issue: It can't quite make up its mind on whether it wants to be a crowd-pleaser or a more serious take on the human condition from a historical perspective. So, in the end, if falls somewhere in the middle and just a little short of both.
Nonetheless, and in spite of this inherent flaw, A Splendid Match engages and enchants thanks to its multi-layered character portrayal and its rare depiction of what it means to be in a healthy loving relationship.
Many characters in this drama - not just the leads, but down to the smallest supporting ones - are fully fleshed out, consistent and convincing. Many feel like real people whom we progressively get to know and follow in their decisions, good and bad, which might sometimes appear too exaggerated for my taste, but never feel random and unmotivated. However, the same high standard is not equally applied to all, so the results turn out a little uneven.
On the other hand, watching the relationship between the leads grow, develop and transform is truly delightful. For once, we have an older male lead who is explicitly not a virgin and does not abruptly turn into a shy boy the moment he falls in love; rather - and much more logically - he uses his vast intelligence and the advantage of sexual and emotional experience to both intellectually convince and sensually seduce. For once, we have a male lead who truly respects his partner and does not try to control her; not because he is not occasionally tempted to - of course he is, considering his upbringing and status - but because they manage to air, discuss and work out any issues together as a couple. Thus, we are mercifully spared the patronizing trope of I-love-you-so-much-that-it-entitles-me-to-make-decisions-about-your-life-without-asking-your-opinion. For once, the romance doesn't peter out and lose all interest once that the leads get together. If anything, the sexual tension between them becomes even stronger after they consume their relationship, which is only natural for any couple with a fulfilling intimate life. In all this, A Splendid Match sets a new standard for a credible romantic relationship, hopefully to be emulated more often in future.
Most other relationship in the drama, romantic or otherwise, are equally plausible, if less compelling. I will not go into the details in order to avoid spoilers.
The drama is well served by an excellent cast, with brilliant leads and many outstanding supporting actors. I initially found the young female lead, Ren Min, somewhat irritating, only to be impressed later on by the way in which she grew with, and into, her character. The male lead, Ci Sha, is consistently convincing in his quiet intensity. Everybody does a great job, really; I was perhaps particularly delighted by supporting actors incarnating grey-scale female characters, such as the unscrupulous but staunch matriarch (Yang Kun) or the tragically silly, superficial and suggestible concubine (Li Fei Er).
Cinematography, scenography, costumes and make-up are refined and subtle. The choreography for fighting scenes is sharp and visceral. The soundtrack is generally unremarkable, with a couple of standard love songs. My only complaint is about a certain instrumental cue for the main couple which I found distractingly incongruous as, to my ears, it sounded like it landed straight from a 1980s comedy and had no place in a historical C-drama.
Overall, while this drama could have been better - more streamlined and more even in depth and tone - I genuinely enjoyed it much more than I expected.. Therefore, I will swipe its imperfections under the carpet and give it a generous score of 8.5.
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Tear-jerker
I've watched Zhou Yu Tong in Nothing But You and didn't realize that it's also her in this drama until I Googled her name. She looks so much prettier with long hair and she portrayed Zhuang Jie so well. Her acting was so natural. Li Xian also did really well. Their chemistry is 10/10!Lots of lessons about love, life and death in this drama. There's not a single annoying character or negative vibes. But because it touches on death and some characters ended up dying, you'll need a box of tissues for this one.
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Proof that time changes no one deep down ...
It's a classic set up story early on, showing us how much of our present day life is shaped by our past. Two friends early on, one a bully and one being bullied for various reasons. Thirty years of a duration in this series and nothing really changes between the two of them. Once a bully, always a bully.Hae Soo & Hee Joon are the perfect pair that continually go head to head with each other, unfortunately the antagonist, Si Yeong, always seems to get the best of the situation , over and over and over again. It makes for a decent story, but it started to lose points with me as you get deep into the series. After episode 4, which is truly the pinnacle episode of the drama, you start to think things might go the protagonists' way for a change ... but no such luck. Tae Ju continues to fall on the sword. I realize you need the "bad guys" to win early on, or the story would end pretty quick ... but so many people are genuinely horrible throughout this series, with very few facing retribution by the end. The last two episodes prove this. In fact, it really shows the rewards people received for being wicked & evil people.
The first half of the drama is so strong and entertaining, that even with the last couple of episodes lacking a good story or outcome, the series still maintains high marks. It's just a bit disappointing, cause had I rated it through the first six or so episodes, I would have given it 10's across.
The acting is brilliant throughout. That never changes. A truly great cast. I just wish the writing toward the end would have matched the acting, and given a better conclusion.
Overall, an entertaining series, but it could have been so much better.
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another master piece from the genius that is Park Hae Young
I am genuinely glad I didn't skip on this one, and glad I know who Park Hae young and chose to watch this one specifically because of her.she is a masterclass in and of herself in slice of life dramas.
she manages to create a world of everyday normal characters that you can encounter anywhere, and still manages to make every moment count. she draws these moments and writes these lines, that turn the most mundane of everyday moments in a heart-felt and profound scene. her dramas and this one is no exception will manage to bring a smile, a laugh, a tear to you constantly and sometimes all at once. her multi-layered deeply flawed characters are not just written with care and dedication that they feel relatable and believable, they actually breathe and live through her script. you will find yourself loving and hating a character at the same time, wanting to go through the screen and hug or slap a character at the same time, you will watch two chracters clash on screen and feel like you relate with both and understand where each is coming from. she is a masterclass in conveying emotion through her script, and this drama specifically helped this part, because the deeply emotional and intelectually profound lines felt all the more believable coming out of film production staff such as: writers, producers, poets, actors and directors; which makes up almost all of the characters.
the story is written in a way that allows one to take a peak into the life of characters that are struggling with feelings of depression and questionign their purpose and self-worh. You will be amazed at how you will start almost hating the main ML's character (I personally reached a point where I also thinking to myself how am I going to watch this obnoxious protagonist till the end) but just hold on, cause she will make you not just sympathize and feel for him, but above all relate and cheer for him the more the story progresses. hwang dong-man was a magnificent protagonist and Koo Kyo Hwan was the perfect actor to play the role (it was my first time watching him, visually he stands out in many ways but his charisma and perfect acting will drag you in and leave you attracted to the crazy eccentric genius aura that he exudes) Go Young Jun did a marvelous job here as well and I commend her performance. all the other main and supporting actors delivered a superb performance that's why acting takes a perfect score from me.
the pacing of the story was perfectly balanced IMHO, and the drama never felt draggy. some scenes might feel unnecessarily long but then you will find that it served a purpose (like watching a bunch of drunk individuals dancing and goofing at the beach at night, only to cut to the short and sarcastic line that the only sober individual looking at them from afar says, and then cut to their melancholic ride back in the car, where some are deep in sleep other deep in thought). each and every character and its story arc served a purpose in the grand scheme of things, it gave meaning or taught a lesson to another character, it helped with the growth and the journey of other characters.
All In all, even if it will be the first time for you to try a drama by this screenwriter, and you are not attracted to the premise written here or offput by the low ratings, I would like to tell you to forget all of that and give it a try, and keep watching because it only gets better the more it progresses.
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Lim Ji-yeon plays her role so convincingly, completely transforming from one character to the next. Here, she's clumsy, uncomfortable in her own skin, yet unstoppable,a fighter for justice. And Lee Jung-jae is hilarious as an actor who can’t handle his fame, which he feels he never deserved. He's the kind of guy who’s nice to everyone but doesn't want anyone to know it.
Their romance works surprisingly well. People who hate each other in real life but adore each other online. The rice cooker idea... incredible, so good. Even if it leads to a situation we'd call somewhat questionable. They make it into something funny, but it’s really a bit of emotional manipulation…
Anyway, we can't say it enough : there are two things that are essential in this world. Rice cookers and umbrellas.
On the other hand, an 18-year age gap… and diametrically opposed levels of income and fame. Just pretend I didn't say anything.
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I kept watching
I didn't think I liked it, but I kept watching anyway, so I guess that means I like it?In general, it's a very chill show to watch and very smooth.
It has some very special/unique characters that make it a bit more strange than necessary.
I definitely liked Neo (Na) in this show. He was one of the most respectful characters.
I am a big fan of Pod, but I started to doubt it, because he plays his role as a homophobic guy way too realistically!
Advantage: It’s a great show to learn Thai!
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A sequel with a personality of its own
The finale was great, maybe not completely flawless, but the wrap-up for every couple hit the right notes.JackDean: Their reunion left me feeling conflicted, particularly regarding Jack’s reaction to Great, but that tension is exactly what made their ending stand out. You can interpret it in two different ways: either Jack has finally matured and will fiercely defend his relationship with Dean against any future threats, OR the two of them are tragically trapped in an endless, repetitive cycle of breaking up and making up.
ArnoldTua: A tiny part of me craved more drama from their storyline, but ultimately, I adored their gentle and mutually respectful dynamic. They were easily the most balanced pair of the bunch, despite the economic status differences. Even during their worst arguments, neither ever talked down to the other, something I can’t say for the other two couples.
RomeRaffy: This fiery duo started off with a bang but eventually fell into a push and pull routine. Their storyline was a mixed bag for me because I’m still not convinced Rome views Raffy as a true equal. Even after Raffy's personal growth, it feels like Rome’s judgment is always lingering over him. I really wanted to see Raffy fully step into his confidence by the end, but it never quite materialized the way I wished.
Ultimately, all three couples have their flaws, but they are incredibly endearing and easy to cheer for. Honestly, I found their dynamics much more grounded and relatable than the pairings we got in the first season. As for non-couple moments, I adored the friendship between Dean and Tua and I needed more.
Honorable Mentions: A massive shoutout to Timmy for surviving all the chaos. I also really appreciated the brief, beautifully bittersweet moment between Boston and Nick 🥲
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Loved the show
Loved this showNever a dull moment , chemistry for all was thru the roof. Going to watch more movies from these leads but already a fan of miles
Please watch you will enjoy it.
Some parts could have moved a little faster. But I just kept watching even took off work to finish it
Great scenery and not those meddling parents or in laws as much as in other shows ,hurray for that
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I finally watched it
I have started this drama so many times. I just couldn't get into it. Chinese dramas are a breed unto there own and I have watched quite a few but this one took me forever and many false starts to get through. Maybe it was because of how much it was hyped up.Don't get me wrong it wasn't awful, I just didn't get all the hype and to be honest I still don't.
There were some very parts, some very sad parts, some very mediocre parts, some very awful parts and some parts that were just there.
The music choices for some scenes were quite baffling and other choices were beautiful.
I'm not saying don't watch it because overall it was an enjoyable experience. Sometimes the writing though did make me want to throw my tablet across the room!
All in all I am proud I finally watching it after 4 years of trying!
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Even knowing, it still hurts
I watched this mostly because of Cha Hakyeon, and honestly I’m glad I did. Although the movie has some flaws, it’s still such a sweet and simple love story. The chemistry between the characters feels natural and warm, which makes the emotional moments hit even harder. What stayed with me the most is the message underneath everything: even when life is unfair and painful, you still keep loving, dreaming, and moving forward without giving up. The music adds so much emotion to the story, and by the end I was completely destroyed. The ending is incredibly sad and emotional… and even when you know it’s coming, it still hurts.Was this review helpful to you?
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Tears flow as i write this...
WHAT A DRAMA! I mean, WHAAAT A DRAAAMAAA!!!It's been so long since I've felt so overwhelmed & happy & satisfied after watching a drama series. But it was so very totally totally TOTALLY worth it! T.T
As for context, I've never been a fan of Chinese historical dramas, so I was quite unsure about whether or not I should give it a go. Of course, good reviews led me there & now I just don't wanna let it go! It's the type of drama that lingers in your heart & your mind for a long, long time because of the astonishing charm it leaves on you. Everything else feels sour because you just finished watching one of the greatest dramas out there! T.T
To leave a review for this, I don't actually know how to express my feelings about it verbally, but I can at least try! For the story, the fact that plot makers portrayed a woman as a brave hero of that ancient time- truly so freaking amazing! The chemistry among the characters- *chef's kiss*! About the cast- OMGEEEEEEEEE, I WANNA EAT THE MALE LEAD SO BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How can a person be SO FUCKING HOT & HANDSOME & BEAUTIFULLY IN CHARACTER at the same time?! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 The female lead is so cute as well, even the second and third lead couples- *chef's kiss*! It can be said without a doubt that this drama has one of the few BESTEST c-drama casts so far. For the music, so soothing, so heart-touching!!! *immediately changes ringtone to "I tread carefully with fate" T.T*
At this moment, idk how long it will take me to get over the lingering feeling this drama left on me, but I wanna keep going back again & again & again T.T T.T T.T !!! THANKS to everyone who made this drama possible. Forever grateful to you guys for this! T.T 💘
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