I tend to avoid crime-based shows that mix in romantic subplots and comedy because it either becomes TOO romantically based or it's TOO reliant on the comedic factor and the serious tone is lost in the process. However this drama was everything that I never knew I needed. Some might complain about the lack of romance but I don't think that was ever supposed to be the point. It was just a bonus. I stepped in not knowing a lot about the plot, deciding to watch it on whim since I'm a big fan of Seo In Guk and Jang Na-Ra but I got so much more out of it then I was expecting. The concept was well thought out and made their viewers think throughout the entire series; are monsters born or are they created? If you are marked out for a certain path, do you just have to accept or is there a secret back door waiting somewhere? Do children inherit their parent's sins and SHOULD they? As a viewer, you are proposed these type of questions (and many more). Yes, there are some funny moments and the romance is sweet but the psychological aspect is what truly made it stand out from the rest of the crime-based shows that year. The cast had great chemistry and there wasn't a single member that I felt came short or could of been replaced. Everyone was important. Choi Won-Young and Park Bo-Gum played their roles in an effortless like manner. The characters were complex, well writing and left me wanting more of them. The female lead wasn't just 'strong' for the sake of pleasing the audience. Nor was she flawless either. She was perfectly 'imperfect' She was indeed strong but she also got hurt, she cried and she also grew a lot throughout the series. Her character was just as interesting as her fellow cast-mates which isn't entirely common when you have such a male-based lineup. Overall I would definitely recommend that you check it out. From the story-line to the OST, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I'm not usually the type to watch horror/thrillers movies since I'm easily frightened but I decided to give Death Bell a chance since the plot seemed interesting. However I was incredibly disappointed and kind of feel like I wasted my time. It was badly edited from the start so some of the scenes were a little confusing. There wasn't enough distinction between the past, present and the locations of some of the characters because of how some of the scenes were cut. If you're prone to seizures or anything of the sort, I would definitely avoid it entirely. The characters weren't distinct enough to care about them individual, which made it a little difficult to keep track of who was dying/being killed. Not only that but the chosen students are technically supposed to be some of the smartest kids in their school yet not only did they seem really struggle with the questions but also with general common sense (Example: Don't break off into groups, protect the person who you think is going to be killed next, don't go off on your own, stop leaving your friends by themselves, etc) Overall, I wouldn't recommend it. It wasn't scary, just really sloppy and badly edited.
If you haven't cried in awhile or have some pent up emotion and need a little release, I recommend watching it. The story-line itself isn't anything super new or original but that doesn't mean the film wasn't refreshing in it's own way. The cast was great, amazing even. Almost anyone in my opinion can cry or say a couple lines in a 'sad' tone for their scenes and still have it come out lackluster or uninspired. I've seen way too many movies where I just feel like I'm sitting through a script reading. These actors/actresses gave their all and as a viewer, you could really tell. It wasn't perfect and there were some parts that I personally would of removed but overall it was beautiful movie about family, friendship and death.
The plot summary on the website that I watched it on was incredibly vague which made me a bit hesitant to watch the movie. However I don't regret giving it a chance, not at all. It doesn't beat around the bush and waste time with backstory buildup but is packed with a punch right from the start. Intrigue. Mystery. Suspense. All in the first fifteen minutes.The details are filed in as the film progresses in a believable and intriguing fashion. The plot-lines were cohesive, well thought out and the scenes were well shot. I hadn't seen Nishijima Hidetoshi in anything before but I can honestly say that I look forward to his next film. I was moved by his acting in a way that I hadn't expected to be. Great work. Very touching. His character was so convincing that I honestly hurt for him. The female lead was level headed and enjoyable to watch. She was beautiful, calm yet realistic. The previous user said that it seemed that they tried to pursue some sort of love-line and failed but I have to say that I disagree. Instead I would describe it more as a tragedy for all the parties involved. It can't be compared to the typical forced love-lines thrown in the usual action/thrillers just for the sake of it. For me, it fit quite well. If I went into any more detail I would spoil it for you so I'll just leave it like this: I would recommend this movie. Definitely. From the action, casting choices and the way they balanced the whole Japanese/Korean concept, everything was great. Just watch it. You wouldn't regret it.
