Peridot83
An over-the-top melodrama with moments of pure magic . . .
On one hand, this drama goes too far with too much - too many fated 'coincidences,' too many rescues, too many escapes from death, too many jokes at the expense of N Korea. Yet, every once in awhile, it just turns into pure magic - the story will pause, get quiet-er, the camera work turns cinematic, the insights thoughtful. It would unexpectedly become a different drama all together - one very much worth watching and with themes that are incredibly touching given the current state of the world.
For once, there was an exciting second half instead of running out of steam at the 10 episode mark.
The main leads and all the supporting actors create distinct personalities and characters that linger on. Hyun Bin as Ri Jeong-hyuk can WALK, every time he strode into a room, it was mesmerising. Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri was a great mix of steely and silly. While they were both great in this drama individually - they do less well when they share a frame. I liked it better when they were fighting for each other, thinking about each other, talking about each other more than when they were actually in the same camera shot. When they were actually together on screen, their interactions got a bit stilted and there was no physicality to the relationship. They were both quite awkward in kissing scenes.
The music was competent, and like I mentioned about the story generally, the music would have some unexpectedly great moments - especially with some of the folk/childrens songs and lingering bits of classical music.
Rewatch value is mixed. I could watch Ri Jeong-Hyuk stride into a room anytime but a lot of the draw to the show was suspense on how it would all resolve.
I grade on other criteria:
Themes - 10.0
In a world that can be cruel and unforgiving, a sense of community, kindness, generosity and sacrifice are qualities to be treasured. Even in the most trying and difficult of circumstances, moments of joy, peace and connection with our fellow humans can occur. Seize life and happiness however it comes along - even if its imperfect.
Character Growth - 9.0
All the characters are marked by the experiences they shared together. They are changed people and there's no going back. Yoon Se-ri especially becomes less jaded, snobby and closed off.
Complex Women and Relationships between Women - 7.0
Seo Dan was an interesting character, as was Yoon Se-ri's mom - but that was all it was a sketch. They were defined by their relationships to the other characters especially other male characters. All the women, were overwhelmingly focused on the men in the show. Even when in solidarity with each other, it was often over a man or due to a man.
Cinematography/Production Values - 8.0
Mostly competent. The fight scenes were thrilling. A bit higher score than normal due to the unexpected cinematic moments, and a lot of shooting outdoors.
On one hand, this drama goes too far with too much - too many fated 'coincidences,' too many rescues, too many escapes from death, too many jokes at the expense of N Korea. Yet, every once in awhile, it just turns into pure magic - the story will pause, get quiet-er, the camera work turns cinematic, the insights thoughtful. It would unexpectedly become a different drama all together - one very much worth watching and with themes that are incredibly touching given the current state of the world.
For once, there was an exciting second half instead of running out of steam at the 10 episode mark.
The main leads and all the supporting actors create distinct personalities and characters that linger on. Hyun Bin as Ri Jeong-hyuk can WALK, every time he strode into a room, it was mesmerising. Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri was a great mix of steely and silly. While they were both great in this drama individually - they do less well when they share a frame. I liked it better when they were fighting for each other, thinking about each other, talking about each other more than when they were actually in the same camera shot. When they were actually together on screen, their interactions got a bit stilted and there was no physicality to the relationship. They were both quite awkward in kissing scenes.
The music was competent, and like I mentioned about the story generally, the music would have some unexpectedly great moments - especially with some of the folk/childrens songs and lingering bits of classical music.
Rewatch value is mixed. I could watch Ri Jeong-Hyuk stride into a room anytime but a lot of the draw to the show was suspense on how it would all resolve.
I grade on other criteria:
Themes - 10.0
In a world that can be cruel and unforgiving, a sense of community, kindness, generosity and sacrifice are qualities to be treasured. Even in the most trying and difficult of circumstances, moments of joy, peace and connection with our fellow humans can occur. Seize life and happiness however it comes along - even if its imperfect.
Character Growth - 9.0
All the characters are marked by the experiences they shared together. They are changed people and there's no going back. Yoon Se-ri especially becomes less jaded, snobby and closed off.
Complex Women and Relationships between Women - 7.0
Seo Dan was an interesting character, as was Yoon Se-ri's mom - but that was all it was a sketch. They were defined by their relationships to the other characters especially other male characters. All the women, were overwhelmingly focused on the men in the show. Even when in solidarity with each other, it was often over a man or due to a man.
Cinematography/Production Values - 8.0
Mostly competent. The fight scenes were thrilling. A bit higher score than normal due to the unexpected cinematic moments, and a lot of shooting outdoors.
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