We are shaped by our circumstances.
Preventing abuse is not a matter of personal choice, it’s a collective effort put into shaping the society so we won’t become numb to other people’s pain and ignore cries for help. Getting out of a toxic environment is only the first step, getting help and support to deal with the trauma is just as important. Without it, we will most likely than not continue the cycle of abuse, becoming perpetrators ourselves.This perspective is clearly visible in the drama. The characters that, after facing traumatic events, were embraced by supportive people, felt a sense of emotional security and grew in a caring environment did not grow up to be abusers themselves. The less fortunate ones could not break the cycle, never learned how to cope with their piling issues, all they knew was how to project their problems onto others - in this case, children.
If you truly sit down and think about what was presented, you will feel uncomfortable. It’s hard to both feel bad for the villains for their past hardships, regret for them not getting the help, while also seeing them for what they now are - abusers. It’s extremely hard to comprehend the idea that a person can be both a victim and the perpetrator at the same time. It’s hard to root for rehabilitation of the offenders, when children suffer. The constant question: do we want revenge or justice? What does justice mean? What’s the goal of the punishment? What should be the goal of any action? The drama does a great job at making me think about these questions and what my answers would be.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the exploration of the role of mothers. The variety of different perspectives was beautiful to watch. The struggles, pain, but also the happiness and fulfillment one can feel when they are a mother. The fact that just because you gave birth to a child does not mean you can call yourself a mother.
Sadly, there were also aspects of the show I did not like. For example, for a show so well written, it’s a crime to have such a stock character serving the purpose of plot device and savior only - Jeong Jin Hong. He did nothing and presented nothing except for helping FL when the plot needed that.
Another aspect I didn't not quite like - the lack of presenting the society and media’s reaction to the kidnapping case. The show had a strong message about social awareness, but they did not really do much to show different social takes and perspectives on the issue. The middle part of the drama could have been a bit shorter, so the trial would last more than half an episode. That’s when you present the ideas and debate worthy takes on the issue.
On the bright side, the performances were amazing. Lee Bo Young obviously delivered a heartbreaking and touching portrayal of Kang Soo Jin, but we all know the true star was Heo Yool. Extremely hard role for a young actress, yet she carried it with amazing skills.
Overall, a beautiful and touching show presenting heavy topics. It was not easy to digest everything presented, there were moments that made me angry, sad, uncomfortable - but it’s the charm of this title - it evokes raw emotions and makes you reflect on presented questions.
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I initially thought this production was nearly as good. My initial criticism of the first ten episodes was only that it makes some elements of the story far more explicit and is somewhat worse for doing so. There are countless examples, but here's one. The protagonist is icy and detached. In the original, the character is simply portrayed that way. In this version, an early minor character remarks that she's icy and detached. Lee Bo Young's performance is excellent and did not need the explicit framing of her character. Everything is similarly spelled out: the extent of the Hye Na's abuse, her birth mother's motivations, her birth mother's boyfriend's motivations, etc. Jung Seo Kung is writing in crayon compared to Sakamoto Yuji. Clarity in writing is generally a good thing, but subtlety can be more effective and that's certainly the case here.
Far worse, however, are episodes 11 and 12 in which Yoon Bok and Soo Jin are literally damselled by the biological mother's boyfriend who is in this version a serial child killer(!). And the two are, of course, rescued repeatedly by men to the point that the series briefly becomes a mediocre police procedural like the hundreds of other such shows produced on this planet each year. The original never limits the agency of the women in the story in this fashion, nor sinks to the use of such pedestrian tropes.
The series recovers a bit in its final episodes. However, it does spin its wheels a bit in the final episode as it lurches to a happy ending. Everyone wants the pair to be a family. That's the point of the shared scenario between the two productions. Call Me Mother is worse for going there. The end of Mother is d-e-v-a-s-t-a-t-i-n-g. I can tear up right now just by bringing it to memory. The end of Call Me Mother is fine: I will never recall it.
The performances and the production are, nevertheless, excellent. Heo Yool deserves the praise she gets. It's unfair to her, however, that Ashida Mana was there first.
You do not have to choose between these two productions: you can watch and enjoy both. But, if you have only seen this one, do yourself a huge favor and watch the original.
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Great story but turned into a soap opera
TV Show has a great story, could have been amazing drama but it had tooo much elements of soap operas and unnecessery side stories and dramas, making it really soapy and unrealistic and that ruined a show for me. First episode was the best, and the last one the worst. It felt like the writers ran out of the ideas so they were adding very irrational twists that didn’t really make any sense and were not in line with characters. On the other hand, all actors were amazing, and it had some beautiful emotional moments.Esta resenha foi útil para você?
I loved the way they portrayed motherhood from different angels and are not afraid to show uss that not all mothers are naturaly good mothers. But are not shy to show the role stigma and lack of saftynets have for making and attracting predators thrue several generations wile showing that there are different ways to react to thease sercumtanses and the possibility of growth.
I also loved how realistic this drama was, even though I some times wonderd how the child could survive which gave a die hard feel to it while still staying realistic.
I also loved all the different relationships that where formed in the drama, and how many people it takes to survive on the run. Not to mention things one may encounter on the run.
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Moving. Beautiful. Perfect.
I started watching this one skeptical about seeing such great reviews, and I'm so happy I did, even though my tears have barely dried as I type this. This is one of the most emotionally moving dramas I have ever watched. I didn't trust the high ratings and reviews, and never saw or heard of the original Japanese version, so I had no real expectations. "Mother" is listed as a suspenseful melodrama about an abused child and her unlikely substitute mother/kidnapper, but don't consider that a spoiler because this drama is so much more than that. This drama deeply explores motherhood through so many brilliant characters and their interconnected stories. The title may be simple, but it's perfect. This drama goes in on what it means to be a mother.One of my favorite things about this drama was watching such a deep connection develop between the two leads. Heo Yool is absolutely amazing and it's hard to believe that someone so young could give such a strong performance. Aside from her terrible wig in the early episodes, her performance is flawless. She's definitely a young actress to watch! Even her stares were perfect. She's smart, brave, wise beyond her years and so endearing that Kang Soo Jin's actions seem completely justified. Lee Bo Young's portrayal of Soo Jin was equally powerful as I watched her transform from extremely guarded and cold to a woman filled with so much compassion I couldn't help but root for! They worked so well together, and even when their actions were frustrating or heartbreaking I fell in love with their relationship.
The rest of the cast is also amazing, and there are so many great characters. The beauty of them all, I think, is that so many of them are flawed/imperfect. There are definitely some clear villains and heroes, but the villains were at times sympathetic and the heroes challenged what is considered moral/right. There were also characters who blurred the lines between good and bad by doing what was morally right but still seeming to be on the wrong side. These nuances made the story feel more real. The writing and performances in this drama keep this story engaging from the start. Yes, there's some traditional suspense, but the true suspense is in seeing how all of these character's lives will be changed by this non-traditional mother and daughter relationship. Yes, every single person in the cast is that good, but I still have some favorites worth mentioning. Lee Hye Young as Yeong Shin was a character I didn't get at first but became one of the characters I was moved by the most! It was great to see her as not just the bad mom stereotypical role I'm used to seeing her in (because she's so good at it). Next, there's "Dr. Sexy" aka Lee Jae Yoon as Jin Hong. One of my only complaints about this whole drama is that again he is the ultimate second lead even when there is no romantic lead to compete with. He was a great addition regardless. I also have to applaud Son Seok Koo as Lee Seol Ahk. He truly made me frightened and disgusted yet still managed to give his character depth and I even empathized with him a little. Even without the content ever being too graphic be gave me chills.
It feels bad to exclude some of the other great performances, but there really are just so many.
Besides the performances, the storytelling is also top-notch. The writing is so good, although I have no idea how much is similar to the original. The cinematography is breathtaking whether an intimate scene, a suspenseful moment, or gorgeous scenery, every image seemed perfectly crafted. I was drawn in completely by the first episode, but it just kept getting better and better. There was also never a moment that felt like filler, you can tell careful attention was paid in telling this story. Each episode built on the last and kept me engaged whether with it's crime drama style cliffhangers or engrossing conflicts between the characters. There were still some obligatory product placement moments but even those were handled without being distracting. I was very satisfied with the ending too. The writing, the directing, the acting are all easily at 10.
Even the music is great, just not memorable enough to justify an all 10s review... but so close!
Would I watch this again? Without a doubt. With such attention to detail, it's the perfect drama to rewatch. Yes, the suspense over what happens next will be gone, but not the emotions the story provokes. Let me warn you this drama definitely had me deep in my feelings. I cried so much during the final episodes that I should have been dehydrated. I also loved that the ending was simple yet poignant. Watching the journey of Yoon Bok and Soo Jin wasn't just sad, it was also extremely inspiring which is another good reason to rewatch.
"Mother" is certainly not a lighthearted drama, but in so many ways it was heartwarming. I will never think of motherhood the same way again. This is far from the Kdrama romances and comedies I'm usually drawn to, but with a story this good I'd recommend it to anyone no matter what genre they usually watch. The themes in this drama are definitely heavy and dark, exploring extreme abuse and neglect, but without being gratuitously graphic or too melodramatic. Prepare for it to rain from your eyeballs throughout this drama, so have plenty of tissues nearby. I hope this doesn't deter people from watching. The ratings aren't just hype, there is not one bad review for a reason.
Now I definitely feel compelled to watch the original as well, but on its own, this stands as one of my favorite dramas of all time. It also made me extremely grateful for my mother and all of the mother figures in my life.
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I do want to caution the wary, that this drama is not for the faint of heart. This drama does not shy away from difficult topics such as abuse, abandonment and loss.
Heo Yool, the child actress who portrays Kim Hye Na is absolutely incredible. At such a young age she is able to display such depth and seem so wise for her age. To think this young lady is only seven, just about blows me away. Mother also features a lot of great talent in Lee Bo Young, Lee Hye Young, Go Sung Hee and Nam Ki Ae. These women are absolutely breathtaking in the roles.
Though it took me a little time to warm to this drama, Mother proved to be extremely moving. It’s hard to find dramas that depict such realistic portrayals or women like this drama. This is such a compelling drama about female to female relationships. I strongly recommend this one!
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Lost three gallons of tear
I too, like other reviewers, never wanted to write a review. Somehow this series is stuck in my head. When I see that the series is one of the top 15 show, I added to my list. However, I've avoided watching it for a year or so. I have soft spot for children. Anything involve sad stories about children, I skip. Another word, kiss is a yes, tear jerking is a no.This series is just simply beautiful. After 3rd episode, I thought to myself how they will carry the story to the number 16, there is no way. But NO, one plot is settled, another one is risen. It has all kind of flavors. You will experience it all, family, criminal, law, and, the most important, the unconditional love.
I have watched many of Lee Bo Young's series. She is great as usual. The child actor, Heo Yool, is the rock star in this series. She is AMAZING. The way she expresses the emotion through her eyes. She is really baked into her character. The love, the pain, the fear, I can feel it all. Totally incredible.
Prepare yourself a box of tissue. This will get you one way or another. Enjoy a deep meaning of mother, anyone can give birth to a child, but not everyone can be a mother.
PS. I give the rewatch score lower, not because the series is not worth the 2nd time, but because I run out of tissue.
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This drama could move stones
Criminally speaking I don't think it's really accurate, but overally speaking I couldn't care less.It's really emotional, I think that I could count in one hand the times I cryied watching tv, I can been moved, but crying it's really hard for me, but I did it twice watching this drama. It's really well done, Lee Bo Young is amazing, even though she's a cold person in the drama she made you feel the warmth, you could only watch her eyes to see various emotions. Heo Yool, around 9 years old when she filmed, was capable of doing a phantasmagoric performance, she acted with adults and famous people and she handled it marvelously. She was just an innocent, naive, happy kid that had to grow up too fast, she had to face expereances that nobody should face and the actress shows us perfectly all the different feelings. Another character that really moved me was Lee Hye Young, and to say the truth I cryied both times in her scenes, at the beginning I didn't know how to get her, I was a bit confused about her character, but after awhile I started to really like he, her acting skills were no joke, she hits with her eyes, just a glance to understand.The thematics are multiple, it's not only the kidnapping, it's also adoption, family issues, assoult, abuse, sacrifices.. And they linked everything, it's like a huge puzzles that comes together piece after piece. The story grows slowly and at the same time really fast, gifting us with lots of emotions and amazing performances, the journey is like an obstacle couse, not only against the world but also with themself.
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Emotional Story About One of the Most Basic Relationships in Life
"Mother" is the drama that makes use of all the characters to turn words on a script into a piece of art that moves the viewer. As much as I enjoyed the drama, I will try to write a review that truly considers, not only its strengths, but flaws.Story: The first couple scenes in "Mother" gave me the impression that it would be a slow-paced drama that may bore viewers. This doesn't last for long until they show just how awful the little girl is treated at home. My heart raced as she faced the man in her house and kept a straight face throughout the entirety of his actions. After the teacher chose to save the girl, they embarked on a frightening journey that began with their identities changing into mother and daughter. The bond between the pair grows as they rely on each other even when the world is after their every move. The beauty of this drama is that the writers/director recognized that everyone has a special relationship with their mom. I won't spoil the details, but if you watch carefully, you can see how almost every character is affected by their mom's presence/absence.
Acting: Lee Bo Young did a magnificent job in controlling her expressions and emotions. KSJ had been through so many trials throughout her life, and Lee Bo Young was perfect in encapsulating the details that made KSJ such a distinctive character. Similarly, Heo Yool, the little girl, deserves all the praise. "Mother," undeniably, is a heavy drama even for the viewers. I can't imagine how she must have felt to become a child who went through so many difficulties at such a young age. Her acting is extraordinary, and I'm looking forward to her future projects. All the actors and actresses in "Mother," were terrific, but the one person I applaud the most is Son Seok Hoo, who played the abusive man. His acting is realistic, that every time I saw him on screen, my heart pounded with fear.
Music: I have nothing bad to say about this ost selection for this drama. I'm especially enjoying "Kind of Love" by Seungkwan. As a Seventeen fan, it was surprising to suddenly hear his voice during the emotional scenes. Right now, as I am writing this review, I have pulled up the drama's ost on spotify.
Rewatch Value: I never rewatch dramas, so I rated this category based on how likely I would be to rewatch clips of "Mother" on youtube. Because this drama is so heavy, I would need to be in a specific mood to rewatch scenes. However, I do think I will revisit the drama's message quite frequently.
I have so many things I want to say about this drama, but it is difficult to form the right words at the right moment. But I do want to mention that I cried while watching. Even when I tried to hold my tears, there was one scene where I couldn't help but cry. I do hope that everyone reading this will try to watch "Mother," even if it isn't the type of drama you usually watch.
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Healing comes when someone starts to care
You want to know what a mother’s heart is like, in this drama it is shown that becoming a mother starts with caring for a child, not just giving birth to one.This left me crying from shock, happiness and sadness. So many emotions come over you. Beautiful story and interesting topic. It shows different perspectives of family, and tackles topics like adoption, abandonment, abduction and child abuse. I was in tears for most of the series. Much of the scenes and acting were too graphic and shocking for me, but the ending made up for it. The feeling of what a mother is was well transferred!
The actors did their job very well, the emotions were amazingly conveyed. Becoming a parent can be a scary and difficult thing and this drama showed this in many ways. It made you understand the story from different perspectives, and brought people together. There are broken families all over the world, but this series gave me hope that there can always be a way to be united again, or rescued, when someone is daring and wiling to care. Loved every character, and although difficult to watch, even the bad characters how evil they may have been, I could understand. The drama does show very bad abuse towards children, but still does not condone it or sensualize it. The drama gives a deeper understanding of motherhood and the importance of family, while having shown revelations of the past. I have rewatched it several times. Would recommend this drama.
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