Slow paced

Great cast of actors, all of whom kept me watching more than the story did, to be honest.
Occasional bit of uncomfortable character portrayal from Yoo Ji-tae; maybe he was directed to be a little OTT at times and that's why.
Woo Do-hwan was excellent as the cocky, detached and guilt-ridden younger brother, seeking the truth about what happened to his estranged sibling on the fated flight this drama's based on.
Lovely seeing Ryu Hwa-young, who I thought acted well alongside WDH. Her acting is subtle, with some great facial expressions.
It has all the right ingredients for a mystery; twisting plot, corporate greed and conniving, fractured families, betrayal, outcast private team of insurance fraud investigators, made up of different personalities, with friendship, loyalty and humour in the mix.
The plot was pretty good, with twists and turns.
For me, however, the pace wasn't the problem, but the length of the show. 16 episodes was too long and the story ended up being drawn out. It became too convoluted at times.
The last 2 episodes, like earlier ones, were very good; if only they'd left out parts that felt like padding, rather than valuable additions to the story.

Leia Mais

Humans being typically, mindlessly violent

There were not many surprises for me, in this violent and unsettling horror drama.
It is the usual portrayal of people manipulating events, putting a divine angle on them and then basically running their part of the world, as they see fit, under the guise of it being in the name of their God.
It happens for real, of course, minus the supernatural element we have here.
Hypocrisy overflows like Niagra, with the scum and thugs of society using the punishment of sinners as an excuse to gleefully maim and murder. "Where is their punishment?" I ranted!
Yoo Ah-in's character is suitably dark and creepy. He rarely over-plays his characters and this was no exception.
There is a time jump part way through, with new characters. I wondered what happened to some and there is one in particular whose identity I'm not sure I understood correctly.
Some people are truly disgusting in this and there are the usual onlookers, making no effort to protect or assist the most vulnerable and outnumbered, against mere mortals.
As with several relatively recent Netflix series (Sweet Home and The Uncanny Counter particularly spring to mind), I just hope they make a S2 with a cast that flows, otherwise the ending is less than satisfactory, with more questions than answers.
A good cast and plenty to shout at your TV about.

Leia Mais

As warm, witty and moving as S1

I'll be honest, S1 seemed brighter and had more impact, but S2 is excellent in its own right.
The same great wealth of characters, excellent relationships between the main cast friends, lovers, families and the hospital's patients' too, with their individual stories.
As with S1, I didn't feel it got too overly melancholic, or ridiculous. When people grieved it felt real, not over acted.
The ongoing plot lines of S1 were picked up well and concluded, so I can't imagine there'll be a S3. I shall miss them and the weekly band meets. I will definitely watch both again one day.

Leia Mais

Alternative to a crap legal system

With a high budget feel, great stunts, bags of action and a credible cast, this was a pretty thrilling drama.
Plenty of revenge providing satisfying viewing when a multitude of incredibly unsavoury characters, got their judgement calls.
I honestly felt like this drama was giving a pretty big finger to the country's very flawed legal system, which favours wealthy and connected citizens over guilty ones.
It was a little odd, therefore, to include details and phone numbers for various crime departments at the end of episodes. A Premium Taxi Service one would be better.
Some of the cases made for very disturbing viewing, from violent bullying to rape, sexual assault and murder.
It is a very violent series, so those affected by realistic cases and cruelty, should avoid it.
It's pretty OTT, but for the vast majority of the time, gets away with that comfortably. It feels weird to say I enjoyed it, but I did, more than not.
I only rolled my eyes up in disbelief a couple of times and was made to laugh occasionally too.
One episode near the end even made me cry; because the hurt was understated and realistic, not melodramatic.
At one point, when the initial storyline was wrapped up, it did drag/dip somewhat and I thought they shouldn't have stretched it to 16 eps. However, it then picked up again and I enjoyed it to the end.
There is one factual case in a latter episode's epilogue, involving a trumped up, wrongful conviction. This resulted in an innocent man spending a long time in prison and it also really disturbed and angered me, because it involved an 8-year old child. What the police back at the time did, was shocking, shameful and unforgivable.
It really is like the writers (they were changed part way through following a disagreement between the original and director) want the country to recognise how flawed and corrupt their systems are, and how they let people down. An argument for the statute of limitations being dropped was also featured, which is applied by many countries and enables perpetrators of older cold cases to get off . Same applies to double jeopardy really.
I loved both Lee Je Hoon and Esom in this; perfect for their roles. Not a weak actor in it.
Whilst the action was often pretty fantastical, it's still a thought provoking watch.
The OST was suitably heavy rock orientated, in fact sometimes a little too much so, but overall pretty good and appropriate.

Leia Mais

Pointless

I honestly wonder what on earth I just watched. Cast, acting and some of the OST aside, this is one of the worst storylines I've ever encountered.
Apart from Won Tak (whi is by no means faultless), every other character was totally unlikeable... selfish, arrogant, immature, greedy, heartless and/or oblivious. That's not even touching on a so-called Doctor cornering a patient into sharing extremely personal info.
Personal character attacks that were laughable, discussing third persons like they didn't have a say or weren't there and laughable dialogue. Worst of all, for me, is a virgin unsure of whether she's been raped and yet happily staying around the suspects for years. SERIOUSLY?
Then there's the shotgun.... safer than being left behind, a 'secret', yet openly carried and seemingly taken everywhere. Most cast members took a turn at wielding it as though it were a fairground prop, rather than a loaded weapon capable of blowing someone's head off. No one seemed that scared of it though, happily allowing 'friends' their turn.
What exactly this drama was trying to say, is totally beyond me. How not to behave under any circumstances, possibly.
The ending was woeful too.
Complete waste of time, even with short 15-min episodes.

Leia Mais

Great for a binge

For a drama of short episodes, this packs in a lot of story.
All the things that humans are guilty of doing, not just in school, but adult life too, are incorporated into the plot.
There are characters being labelled and judged based on their appearance (when it should be character), unhealthy obsession, one-sided crushes, jealousy and the spitefulness that brings out, feeling alone/rejected and the importance of friendship.
The cast are pretty natural and suit their roles. I thought some of the best female acting came from supporting cast member Joo Hyun-young, who was convincing as a no-nonsense, level headed and loyal friend.
There were aspects of the story that could have done with being treated more seriously, seeing as the issues were introduced in the first place....
The obsessive character of wannabe boyfriend Heo Jin-soo was no joke; he harrassed, had tailed and got physical with Yeon-doo, all pointing to the possibility his behaviour would escalate further, not to mention using his father's position in the police and bullying tactics (he had no problem using violence or seeing another person get seriously hurt) ~ hopefully consequences will come in S2.
The teacher accusing Hyun-ho with no evidence and in front of the entire class, was also wrong; if that's an example of S.Korean teaching, it's unprofessional and unethical... so much for supporting efforts and welcoming change; I also didn't get why those that knew didn't speak up immediately.
The sudden and prolonged attack from Se-chan was very weird, especially with where that suddenly went, which was bizarre given he seemed to relish the attack. No comeback there though.
I didn't like how not just 1, but 2 characters, 'conformed' and changed their images to fit in with people they liked ~ to me that is a message to youth saying society and peers will never accept you unless you look 'normal', clean-cut and don't stand out unless it's for grades or achievements. I get that in school a uniform isn't just about establishment ~ it's also about belonging and does actually ensure poorer kids aren't as noticeable based on their wardrobe, or those dressed by mum and picked on for it. However, that had nothing to do with this. Instead of the judgemental attitude changing, the character did ~ that's a major let down for me.
This series was pretty entertaining to watch overall though and I liked all the main characters.
Be interesting to see where this goes in S2.

Leia Mais

Moving and touching with lighter moments

Wonderful acting from both Lee Je-hoon and Tang Jun-sang in the main roles; the latter must have researched Asperger Syndrome to give such a credible performance. LJH played his troubled, detached and tough guy role really well, being a selfish, but kind of lovable, if grungy, rogue. A very different look for him!
There are some violent scenes that are a hard watch, but fit the story rather than being for shock effect.
The stories that emerge of those that have passed, whose effects it is also the job of 'Move to Heaven' trauma cleaners to pack up and dispose of, are varied and very moving.
With Geu Ru's amazing memory, observational skills and ability to connect clues, they are able to provide closure for those who cared about the deceased.
In tandem with this, are Geu Ru and Sang Gu's own personal issues, which are revealed at a perfect pace.
Na Mu, well played by Hong Seung-hee, can be an irritating character at times, but her care for Geu Ru is plain to see and she is protective of him, even though she has an overly vivid imagination at times! She can also be quite fearless... or possibly stupid, depending on how one looks at some of her actions.
There's a great supporting cast too and I particularly liked the lawyer, Oh Hyun Chang, perfectly portrayed by Im Won-hee, whose no nonsense approach and sometimes disdainful looks, are a great source of amusement.
I also liked the lighter moments in the relationship between Geu Ru and Sang Gu. The latter does not pity Geu Ru and treats him as a means to an end initially, but can't help gradually seeing how incredible a person he is.
There was a glimmer of romance for him at one point too, which I was rooting for.
Geu Ru is so likeable and whilst he communicates differently, is quite inspirational at times. He steps out of his comfort zone on occasion too and when he fixes on something, is an immovable force.
There are several aspects to this drama that are additional stories crying out to be taken further, especially one character and their hinted affect on Geu Ru, at the end.
That's where the story's conclusion, for me at least, is exceedingly frustrating. It's not a case of an ending where imagination can fill in the 'what happens next', but a real "what?!... you're leaving us here?!"
If a series 2 was on the cards, I'd be fine with it, but whilst the writer has said they'd like to carry on and has the apparent agreement of the cast to return (I read in an article), nothing has been said or planned by Netflix.... yet.
We live in hope.
Were it not for that, I'd have rated the story a 10.
I also liked the music a lot; some beautiful and fitting classical pieces.
One I'll watch again.

Leia Mais

So-so comedy drama

Whilst I'm not familiar with Choi Kang Hee, so don't know her other roles, I am not sure she was the right casting for this drama. Her chemistry with Kim Young Kwang didn't work for me, as the romance just wasn't believable, they were more like good friends. I am familiar with him, and whilst he did well portraying a lead male who's immature (but not completely clueless) and 'disinterested-in-the-company heir' type character, I'm again not feeling his casting quite worked, but that may be due to aforementioned lack of chemistry with FL.
Apart from the 2 company kitchen staff ladies, Geum-ja and Mi-ja, none of the characters stood out for me, and Ha-ni's younger self, I really found quite unlikeable.
It's also another one of those lead female characters who, whilst in her downtrodden mode, is shown as unattractive and frumpy. I get fed up with that, although I suppose it did show that a person's overall image has less to do with features (or even build) and more with hairstyle, flattering clothing and a little makeup; they worked wonders in her character's case.
Her family were also forgettable and treated her extremely badly, I thought, especially the awful sister.
The plot didn't fully engage me either and I lost interest quite early on, when she readily accepted being treated as a doormat. How the arrival of her younger (selfish, whiney and conceited) self, spurred her on to take a restock of her life, I honestly questioned, as she wasn't exactly a great role model.
I also didn't get the odd shaman character, or her younger self's return to the past, although that could be due to losing interest in the overall story.
Certainly not one I'd watch again and with so many other, better, dramas out there to see, not one I'd recommend either.

Leia Mais

Series also available

Kang In Soo and Lee Sang are really sweet together. Their characters are quite understated; there's no OTT melodrama or unnatural discomfort. Sang-yi's slightly shy and humble, yet supportive and positive personality sits so well against In-soo's deeper more confident one. They compliment each other well.
The 2 more intimate scenes were nicely done and the actors were believable. No wooden or uncomfortable posturing.
I liked the story, but did feel that some of the scenes in which feelings were being individually contemplated, against the fitting soundtrack, were a little lengthy. They could have been shortened and a bit more added to other parts of the story; possibly their relationship deepening, or a bigger hint of their musical success to come.
A very nice watch though.

Leia Mais

Series and edited into film

I watched the film, as sometimes find such short episodes interruot the story's flow.
Kang In Soo and Lee Sang are really sweet together. Their characters are quite understated; there's no OTT melodrama or unnatural discomfort. Sang-yi's slightly shy and humble, yet supportive and positive personality sits so well against In-soo's deeper more confident one. They compliment each other well.
The 2 more intimate scenes were nicely done and the actors were believable. No wooden or uncomfortable posturing.
I liked the story, but did feel that some of the scenes in which feelings were being individually contemplated, against the fitting soundtrack, were a little lengthy. They could have been shortened and a bit more added to other parts of the story; possibly their relationship deepening, or a bigger hint of their musical success to come.
A very nice watch though.

Leia Mais

A light hearted watch with a great mix of fun and struggles.
The tables are turned on a manager who once bullied and mistreated a young intern... what goes around really did come around and initially it felt good!
However, through various events and struggles, all concerned get life lessons that open their eyes and enable them to grow.
This is not intended to be a heavy watch with messages and depth, but it is touching, quite positive and with more than a few giggles.
I loved the characters of Han-gil and Oh-kyung/ Anasatisia (snr interns), who show that older people aren't necessarily dull, can still be sharp (and in the case of Oh-kyung, attractive too), plus have lived fascinating lives... no one is born old, it comes to everyone and people should be judged on their character not age.
Another favourite was intern Yoon-soo, whose character faced numerous challenges and whilst he made several bad judgement calls, faced up to it each time.
Jun-soo (especially) and Man-shik, were characters that I couldn't help but like, even though the former was spoilt and and tried to manipulate people, and the latter was often egotistical and beligerant!
I'd have liked a little more romance between Yeol-chan and Tae-ri, which seemed imminent on several occasions, but never really delivered.
I thought this role was a little different for Park Hae-jin, as neither smug, cold or cocky, although a stubborn and vengeful side came out when he felt both threatened and lacking in confidence. He played this really well.
The office environment contained the mix of people and irritations that many will be able to relate to, but loyalty is there too.
The music (mostly Trot) really suited the series and what it was about.
Not to be taken seriously, but enjoyed, which I did!

Leia Mais

Story is lacking, but acting isn't

Nice cast of young, fresh actors, some of whom nevertheless have several drama appearances under their belts. Also some Idol actors (Nu'est/Wanna One, Victon, ex Momoland, TXT guest appearance).
The cast acted very naturally and worked well together in a story very much aimed at a younger audience, although that's not to say older viewers wouldn't enjoy it (I did ?).
The issue of school bullying was treated / portrayed very lightly in the script. Even if not shown, to say someone is beaten up would entail the victim to at least show bodily pain/discomfort in the absence of facial bruising, in order to convey that storyline.
From the way the bullying was exposed during the course of the story, the character's mental scars due to the experience, were quite OTT. Also, for someone mistreated, to behave so nastily to others without reason, was hypocritical and where the 'pitying' aspect came from was never backed up in the scenes from that time, so it didn't make sense why that person would feel that way about even their supposedly closest friends.
At the same time, in the present day, the bully's perspective about their actions was unusual, but I think true to life.
The supporting romantic side stories were sweet and I especially liked So-hyun and Yoo-shin. There was very little kissing, which considering their character ages and personalities, was a bit odd (it doesn't have to be full-on kisses.... but there were less of any kind, than fingers on a hand).
Noh Jong-hyun is an actor with more experience and I've enjoyed watching him in some favourite dramas; however, he blended in well with the other cast members, which I suppose means they got on well and enjoyed working together.
Hopefully we'll see many of them mature into successful actors with lead roles, in the not too distant future.

Leia Mais

A simply wonderful story

A wonderful drama about what the word family is really about, and which is both tragic and at the same time heart warming.
No cliché moments or over acting, but subtle yet hard hitting scenes.
The child actors are excellent, as are the rest of a very natural and believable cast.
There were times I was so angry with certain characters and others when I was frustrated and irritated by them. However, the outcomes and morals of the stories within a story, explain so much.
Money cannot buy happiness, but it certainly helps and I liked that this drama never pretended one can survive on just love and fresh air; it's far more true to life. The saying about blood being thicker than water is also proven to not always be true.
A very apt and fitting soundtrack also accompanies this must watch series.
Now a firm favourite and one I will definitely watch again, as I'm already missing so many of the characters (Song Wei Long and Steven Zhang were especially good in theirs) and I honestly couldn't find fault with it.

Leia Mais