Why should you watch ?
This drama was on my radar ever since I heard about it after Stranger. Writer Lee Soo Yeon and Cho Seung Woo together could not go wrong! And I was right. This drama is excellent because it managed to get the point across and question our society despite being and extremely difficult topic to tackle without inducing snores. . Where else can you make a drama that questions nature of medical services, politics, capitalism and society's treatment of person with physical disabilities and still make it interesting! That has to count for effort but it delivers excellence with writing, acting and direction. The relationship between the Ye brothers is to watch out for. The story that Ye brothers carry is just heartwarming. The treatment of Ye sun Woo by his brother and those in his circle is the something that needs to be seen. Its eye opening and uncomfortable to watch but it deserves the empathy it gets. Also, not to be forgotten this drama is heavier on romance than Stranger. But considering it was nonexistent in Stranger, I guess the writer threw us a bone that I gladly chewed. The ending is nicely and realistically tied up without going overboard that dramas usually go for.
Overall, the story may not be for everyone but if you enjoy a charcater driven story, this one is for you. What can be a boring story about politics is made alive with nuanced characters with shadows of past in driving their story of growth.
The Characters
Mr. Gu as a character was one of the best characters that I have seen in Kdramas. He is a brilliant as President of Sangook University Hospital, who as an audience you try to dislike because of the nature of his job compared to the doctors, but he is rational and humane. He is a corporate slave who tries to do what is right and questions the doctors on their God Complex while delivering profits to the Corporate Overlord using the hospital. It sounds complex because he is complex yet highly admirable.
The doctors are varying shades of grey characters. The almost white as his coat character is Dr Joo who is what we think an ideal doctor and human should be. He works to save lives and steps in when needed.
The one character that is also brilliantly written Dr Oh se-Hwa. It is rare to find a female character that is badass in a no nonsense way. She is self centered and ambitious and when she goes head to head with Mr.Gu or anyone trying to undermine her...Boy! Beware.
The Acting
The acting carried the show just as much as the writing. Given to lesser actors, the characters would have come across as stoic and impossible to read.
Cho Seung Woo is brilliant as his character. It was possible to read his inner thoughts in any situation with just a few muscle movements on his face. He is one actor who delivers excellence in subtlety that is expected of the character and then some more.
Lee Kyu Hyung as Dr. Ye Sun Woo was just as amazing as he is in previous works. His emotions were so raw at times. He carried the character like a skin.
Yoo Jae Myung As Dr Joo...Just give that man a leading role already. Nuff said.
Lee Dong Wook as Dr Ye Jin woo is underwhelming and the weakest link. Considering he is the main lead, its slightly disappointing. His acting seems green compared to the rest of the cast who never made me doubt their existence as the characters themselves. He got overshadowed by the acting chops of rest of the cast.
One of the things that turned out to be a pet peeve of mine is his comedy. He does stoic well enough but the understated comedy that is required to lighten the dark tones of the drama is just not for him. His face contorts and somersaults and basically goes overboard to convey the comedy which is just cringy to watch. Its the only reason to not give the entire cast a 10.
Soundtrack is as good as it gets for political medical thrillers in that, it is minimal but appropriate use to convey the suspense factor.
Rewatch Value is good when you are feeling philosophical. I can watch it again just to admire the writing and acting.