Don't get me wrong: This is still a very good drama worth watching and it is totally outstanding in some aspects... but not so much in other.
I will start with what bothered me and why I cannot give it the perfect marks everyone else is throwing at it. Later, I will list the totally awesome things about this, so stay with me.
What there is to critisize:
The black-and-white-setting. If there was ever a story about how incompetent cops are, here it is. It is the pinnacle of unworthy police work, because this exactly is the basis for the entire plot. All police-men (but three), are depicted as either corrupt, lazy, incompetent or plain evil. None but the main characters do their work properly. Of course, there ARE bad cops out there and corruption and everything, but man, this drama just divides them plainly into good cop and the rest. Thus, from the beginning, I got unnerved by unrealistic behavior and "Oh no, who in their right mind would act this way?". It kept me rolling my eyes.
The script was written like an inverted fairy-tale about a very bad and dark world where the good people are a minority and most is awful.
Because the drama shows very openly and very early who thevillains for the main plot are, and after a couple of episodes of solving several distinct cases this becomes the main focus, any surprise about this goes down the drain. After episode 8 or so everything became predictable for me (but one point, listing below with the positives).
Then there is the thing with the walkie-talkie. It will be mentioned in the positive-section below, but it still has a flaw: As many plots which play with time, this too, makes some mistakes. People who are into logical plot development and know the problems of changing-things-in-time-stories will know, what I mean after watching it. It just could not have happened the way they showed, but this is a minor flaw.
Here comes the positive:
The directing and cinematography are INGENIOUS. Whilst everyone gets hyped on the (for me unperfect) plot, the real masterwork lies in everything else! It is marvelously shot, the colours, the cuts, the directing - they are flawless and on the level of high-grossing Hollywood productions. Absolutely superb! In this aspect alone it is better than any drama I have ever seen. It delivers the tense and dark athmosphere absolutely believable. And the acting is topnodge, too.
Whilst the plot about most cops being junk falls short and later on becomes predictable, what kept me going was the mystery of the walkie-talkie. Yes, the thing with the time isn't quite perfect, but the question Why do these transmissions happen? puts you on edge.
Altogether a very good drama, for sure, but seeing the ratings a bit overhyped IMO.
But you ought to give it a try!
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Hyper character driven , great pathos but not tight enough
This drama right here is packed with a really enduring story line that is hyper character driven. In fact - its the character driven nature of the show that makes its fantastic premise of a walkie talkie in different timelines feel like an entirely normal thing.Although- I have one heads up for viewers . You cannot be a wuss (because I was) when watching this drama. The crimes are explicit , brutal and mostly against women . Plus , skeletons get a lot of camera time. Its gritty , brutal with vivid depiction that CSI has nothing on.
As for the story- gather around for some thrilling awesomeness. This has one of the best first episodes I have ever seen and was the best incentive to watch Signal.The first few episodes notified me of a great mystery coupled with impactful acting. The more I got into the story - I was very impressed that this show still managed to be emotionally resonant especially with all the crime happening in the background.Its also very well focused and the best example of flash backs and I am not a particular fan of flashbacks . I usually find flash backs wearisome but they were greatly employed in Signal.
The story was also pretty big on motifs which was really good in weaving in continuity and emotional connection with the viewer .'Omurice' being the particularly tear inducing one but there were so many one could find pathos in . I really like that about Signal.
Thematic cohesion was also intrinsically inserted . This is especially gauged with the main character Park Hae Young and his origin story. There’s also something so enduring about the character development . The way the stories all intertwine was expert script writing.
Acting -Jo Jin Woong blew this out the water . What a talented guy!His portrayal of practical but noble Lee Jae Han was absolutley brilliant that his character has become one of my fave fictional characters in K Drama land . Lee Je Hoon was such a great watch too . His pained depiction of Park Hae Young was really tragic and enduring . The supporting cast was really good too and special mention to Jang Hae Kyung who played the guy who got wrapped in circumstances . His portrayal was quite sympathetic.
However - Signal is not a perfect show. Perhaps the best of its genre but its not the best show. Why ? Over indulgent editing brought down this show. It could have been more succinct and tighter because this show started dragging around the halfway point. I have a problem with thrillers that lose their thrill down the road and Signal did that . I also found Kim Hye Soo who plays Detective Cha particularly banal to watch. Kim Hye Soo was definitely the "something is not right" aspect of the show. Always wide eyed in the thick of action did not inspire confidence at all.
OVERALL- I was quite impressed by the emotional depth of the show as it truly is its crowning aspect .
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2016 and TvN started with the right foot, Signal is amazing, well written, acted, the developments even though some of them would break my heart sometimes, made complete sense. The mystery would leave me at the edge of my seat every time, but the feeling of wanting more was always there when they completed a case. I stopped watching on episode 6 and started again when the drama was complete, I cried my eyes out, but those were the best 10 hours of my life.
The 3 leads made my heart break so many times with how good they were, their desire for justice and the truth made me respect the characters so much more, those are the kind of people I would want working in law enforcement. If Jo Jin Woong's acting is always like this, he has a new fan, Lee Jae Han is unforgettable.
A special remark on Kang Cha Ni (Park Sun Woo), I already loved the actor for his work in "Can you hear my heart?", but here he proved just how good he is, since the first time he appeared I cheered for him, but OMG, I cried so much for him, for his family, angry tears for those cops, those students, I never thought I would say this, but my heart actually hurt for everything that happened, he's one of those young actors that I have to keep an eye on.
I just didn't put 10 on the rewatch value, because I hardly go back to watch a 16 episodes drama, maybe one hour and a half movie, but not a drama, but that's me. Overall, Signal is perfect and a must watch kind of drama.
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While I've not seen any official note or comment referencing it, there's definitely a close relationship between Signal and a US movie called Frequency released in 2000 where an NYPD detective in modern day is able to use an old radio set to communicate with - what transpires to be his father back in the 60's and he tries to prevent his fathers death by warning him of events to come. So - I come to Signal having watched both this and the TV series of the same name, both of which were absolutely fantastic, and with that premise and a really strong cast I had high hopes.
High Points:
Production quality is outstanding, the visuals are superb. The simple effect of styling and colour grading the scenes in the past and present differently was superb and enabled you to instantly tell what was going on as well as providing a dated feel to the visuals (imagine you're watching it on a VHS tape perhaps). The cast were superb and I really enjoyed their performances and the music was good too - though I have yet to listen to the OST properly.
The story does keep moving at a decent pace, there are numerous cases that are covered so it's not like you're in the mire on one case the entire time, which helps keeps things interesting too.
There is one section with Kim Hye Soo where she is involved in one of the cases that was one of the best performances i've seen, knowing a little about how actors prepare themselves for roles to be able to create their characters I hate to think what she put herself through to be able to capture the intense and raw emotions portrayed as this sequence comes to a close.
Low Points:
Fundamentally the core element of the show - the radio being used to communicate between past and present - is totally underused. Where in the "normal" run of events people clearly didn't solve cases, this time around they are figuring things out even without sharing that information on the radio. When the radio is used other than a small number of times where it IS used effectively, it's almost only used as if a couple of buddies catching up and then that's it, radio is off again, and meanwhile everyone carries on solving murders and figuring things out at the same time anyway.
There is one time where the bad side effects of tampering with the timeline are covered brilliantly and devastatingly and I thought that was one of the highlights of the whole story. It was crushingly saddening and definitely one of those rare moments in any show where you're sitting there open mouthed thinking "what the heck are they going to do now?", but at the same time it also then cripples the characters from taking certain actions and ultimately was the turning point for the story going down hill for me as the story largely turns into a fairly normal crime thriller and the radio becomes a bit-part.
I felt the ending to be extremely weak. On reflection I have to admit that they do wrap up a lot of the main elements of the story but they leave some key ones open and even suggest at some new elements, this has all the hallmarks of "let's leave room for a season 2", though I don't feel as cheated as say "Vagabond", enough was wrapped up to mostly conclude the main story elements it just wasn't a truly satisfying end for me. Yes, I do like things wrapped in a pretty bow darn it.
It's definitely not a 9 or a 10 for me, but it's definitely kept me entertained. I wouldn't see myself watching it again based on the poor ending however.
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What is the most important thing about this drama and from my point of view are its characters and their development. Considering it was announced to be more like thriller, murders, real crimes and more in style of OCN, I honestly didn't expect that human and touching side. But that's the real thing and the biggest advantage of Signal. It managed to affect us, to emotionally put us on hardest tests, to break our hearts over and over again and leave us with so many life lessons and deepness that it'll take a while till we get back to normal. ;)
I loved the main story and plot yet it was nothing authentic or unique; I loved the settings, colours and atmosphere of this drama yet I've seen much darker and similar dramas from that aspect; I loved how they solved the cases and by each episode something new and unknown appears and yet I've seen something similar too. But all that which was good and well done with characters like these, that I still haven't seen and that comes from someone who watched over 700 dramas. :P
Three main characters were..I'm thinking which word to use to describe those characters and actors who portrayed them. I'd say PERFECT. LITERALLY. That word came to my mind cause nothing less simply can not tell how outstanding they were. First of all characters- I loved all three of them in a different way but equally. Little by little they crawled under my skin, engraved in my heart and soul and occupied my mind for a lifetime. Cha Soo Hyun with her past self- so heartwarming, clumsy, brave, naive and so cute and present self- so tortured, devastated, cold and never giving up in search for detective Lee; Park Hae Yeong who was till the end the same guy who wanted the truth, justice, solving murders and finding culprits and giving the bad guys what they deserve, I find him so pitiful cause he felt guilty for everything that happened and you could see how that guilt was tearing him apart, he tore me apart too, I felt every single one of his emotions, his anger, his grief, his disappointment, his determination to save those closed to him; and Detective Lee Jae Han- I think this teddy bear has captured so many women's heart all over the world. I mean it would be weird if he hasn't won cause man is the best and most admirable detective ever written in history of dramaland, the one who went till the end for the price of losing his own life, the one who never wanted to give up, the one who fought against the most powerful ones in the country, the one who believed in justice and truth, the one who never lost hope, even when he maybe looked that way, he still was moving forward. I could never describe him close enough cause his actions, his mind and heart have to be seen and experienced, Jae Han is simply a man with only virtues and with one big huge good heart. I loved his dorky side, his clumsiness in romantic development, his relationship and interactions with Soo Hyun, his ultimate bromance and powerful bond with Hae Yeong, I simply fell too much in love with those three people.
And the actors, how they portrayed their roles it was terrific and incredible. I truly didn't think that they'll bring so many tears to appear in my eyes, so many heart- wrenching emotions, so many strong feelings of sadness, laughing, grief, devastation, desire to just see them alive and fine in the end. Kim Hye Soo, a wonderful and beautiful actress who made her character to come to life, who gave fully enjoyable performance and who in last couple of episode killed me with her raw, honest deepest feelings; Lee Je Hoon, the one whom I loved from way before and here he only confirmed why I love him that much, his natural way of acting, his unique voice, his beautiful profile and nose (I had to mention that too :P), beside him Hae Yeong was a real person whom I could easily meet on the street, he did an amazing and fantastic job in portraying his character, he ripped my soul few times in drama for sure; And veteran brilliant actor Jo Jin Woong who previously won me as Moo Hyul in TWDR, well I can say with certainty that his performance definitely made me like this, that I won't be able to watch some new drama with same excitement as before, I cried, I yelled, I laughed, I wanted to kill those bastards who tried to hurt him and I died, all of these states and conditions I've passed and experienced only because of him and his portrayal of Detective Lee, magnificent and poignant portrayal indeed. ?
Music was the second best thing here alongside the actors. Actually music was one of those best things cause everything was actually so great about this drama. I'm a real music fan and music is very very important to me and truthfully Signal has the best OST ever. (beside ost's from some historical dramas), Kim Yuna's The Road climbed to my top songs and it captured me and imprinted in my soul like no other song, I find it very heartbreaking, emotional, full of pure feelings with such nostalgic and melancholic vibes, so beautiful.
There were some minor things that bothered me and stopped me from giving a 10 (like walkie-talkie, explanation about the very end and why detective Lee done what he's done in the end, too much of coincidences..) but really those weren't things that were huge and some big flaws, just something that came to my mind. The best thing is the script and how amazingly writers didn't mess up the story and they explained all so well, I didn't have any confusion or some big questions, so remarkable.
What else is there to say about Signal? I already told even more but just couldn't write less, that is how much this drama effected me and how much this drama means to me. Most certainly the best drama of 2016., the best Korean crime drama and one of the very best dramas from Asia. I won't ever forget this drama, its characters, actors who played them, music and I don't think in the near future some similar drama to this one will appear. Nor I want that. I want for this one to be unique, original and the one who will have that special place inside of my heart that no other drama could ever take it.
Just watch it. Watch it and see it for yourself, see why all of us think this is a wonderful drama despite how someone will rate it 8,9 or 10, the bottom line is that we all loved it. And it was worth it.
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This review may contain spoilers
Firstly, this is not a show you can binge watch. Each episode is over an hour long. The pacing of the story is slow and draggy. They filmed each episode like a movie which is great to look at but not good for binge watching. I actually felt exhausted after each episode partly due to the emotional heaviness of the content and the pacing of the show. Pros: I can see why this drama is rated so high. The cinematography and directing of this drama is like a movie. The story was very well plotted and executed. The plot itself was not overly complex, (detective in the present time converses with another detective in the past and together they help each other solve Korea's notorious cold cases). The intrigue really comes from how the director chose to tell the story. Pieces of the plot is told in fragments leaving the viewer wondering, how in the world does this information relate to that information. Only during the last episode do you start to see how EVERYTHING is tied together. The main characters were all well cast and played their parts well. Shout out to the actor that played Lee Jaehan.
Cons: The reason why I couldn't give this drama a higher rating was because I felt like the cons of the show over shadowed the pros. One major con was the pacing of the show. The show dragged... It was not even draggy like how Chinese dramas tend to fill up the dead time with stupid side arcs that have nothing to do with the overall story. It dragged because they spend whole minutes of the show on dead time. Such as, walking, opening a drawer, looking perplexed or sad...things that did not need to be filmed for that length of time. I have no idea how they managed to make solving murder mysteries draggy but they did. I get it. If they did not linger around a bit the entire show would end in 10 episodes. After all, the entire show focused on maybe 4 or 5 cases? It really tested my patience because I found myself screaming "walk faster," and " come on, get to the point..." a lot in this show.
Rather than spend whole minutes on dead time, this drama would have benefited from more light- hearted scenes. There was some humor but seriously NOT ENOUGH. There were a lot of dark themes in this drama. They could afford more scenes of So Hyun being a girly girl in a squad full of dudes. I rejoiced watching So Hyun's pink bowed, pretty girl past. I wanted to watch more.
Another con was the plot holes. SPOILERS AHEAD. So I get that our heroic duo could alter the past but keep things consistent. Park Haeyoung remembered things that has changed in history. At first, So hyun doesn't remember anything, but as soon as she gets in on the walkie talkie business, all of sudden, she remembers what changed too? The heck?! Also is every cop in this fictional world this incompetent or this corrupt? Aside from Jaehan, do these "cops" even do any active police work? Everyone just sits around and it seems like Jaehan is the only one running around looking for evidence. Which is frustrating and convenient because half of the drama is simply due to incompetence and over fuckery from people not doing anything. Where the hell is his "team?"
Deaths also lose all relevance and actually become annoying when those same people come back the next episode. It's like, man, I actually felt bad the first time. Do it three times and it's annoying.
The last episode was great but the last 20 minutes made me want to punch a wall. Don't give us an euphoric conclusion with well deserved closure and then take it all away with another random tangent plot point that NO ONE cared for... Can you sense the frustration from me? UGH. END SPOILER.
This was the longest review I've ever wrote but I guess I felt like I needed to justify why I gave a lowish review for such a highly rated show.
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This drama is primarily a crime thriller. It claims to be adapted from "Memories of Murder", but I saw that movie, and the two only seem to relate on a surface level. What this show really focuses on are unsolved cold cases, and it uses a mysterious partnership between an ambitious cop from the past and a cynical cop from the present to attempt to solve them. The idea of manipulating the past to change the future is not new in KDramaland, but it is hard to do well, and this show manages to do it very well.
Much of the show's appeal comes from the 3 main characters, and the actors who play them. Jo Jin Woong as Lee Jae Han is the ultimate everyman hero. His determination is inspiring, and frustrating to watch. He brought a humanity to the idea of what it takes to be an effective cop. Then there is Lee Je Hoon as Park Hae Yeong, another character with a lot of depth. I loved watching him go from being a cynical know-it-all to going above and beyond. I think his character was so well written, and liked that the more I learned about his backstory, the more I connected to his choices and actions. Then lastly there's Kim Hye Soo as Cha Soo Hyun. I love that she is a total bad@ss. I will admit that I was definitely more of a fan of her in present day, although I understand showing her transformation from how she started out. Watching their frustration, eagerness, regret, stubbornness, impetuousness, tears... made me have so much empathy for their characters, even though I didn't cry even once (and I am a cry baby).
The supporting cast is good, really good, even when their characters aren't the most likable. The cases themselves were also all interesting, which means I was never bored.
Although there are romantic aspects to the plot, it's the partnership chemistry that drives the show, so reviews that call this a "romance" aren't really accurate. I will admit that I was more into the chemistry between Cha Soo Hyun and Park Hae Yeong, than her chemistry with Lee Jae Han. Some of the scenes when she was a rookie made her seem a little like an emo-stalker, which didn't seem as cute to me as it was meant to seem. I think their past was the only weak part in the plot for me, and although I understand why it was written that way, it made it seem like she was always overreacting when it came to her senior. Meanwhile, I wonder if I was the only one who sensed some kind of unspoken attraction between her and Hae Yeong. Fine, Was it just me? Wishful thinking? lol. Either way, I thought they worked really well together.
I saw that some people complained about plot holes, which you will always find if you look hard enough. I thought this show did an excellent job of tying up loose ends, avoiding useless scenes, and answering questions. It may be confusing in the beginning, but it soon starts to make perfect sense. There are a few things that are left open ended, or without explanation, but I think keeping a little bit of mystery added to the story. The fact that the story is so cohesive is why I gave it such a high rewatch rating. I think it would be cool to see the whole thing again, now that I know whats's going on, and my guess is that I will see things differently than I did the first time, which is my favorite reason to rewatch anything.
It's also not all depressing, or gruesome. They actually manage to find places to add some comedy, without it being glaringly inappropriate (well, there are the obligatory fart jokes... )
I should mention too that the OST fit the show very well, complimenting the atmosphere, but it's not something I feel compelled to listen to on it's own.
Overall, this is a must see for any thriller fan, but still has enough appeal to convert fans of other genres. I don't agree that it's the greatest drama ever, or the most original ( I saw "Frequency"), but the fact that it has so many fans makes complete sense. This is one of those shows that it's really difficult to find fault with. From the very first episode I was sucked in, and I had to keep watching 3 more episodes just to see what happened next. This is the kind of drama that can make you lose sleep, because once one thing is resolved, a new equally/more interesting scenario begins. It's that way up to the very last episode, so I understand people being excited about a possible season 2. I know I would watch!
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Story: Unique plot, the storyline is amazing. The writer and the director did a great job. Its hard to watch it every week waiting for new episodes. You cant predict what will happen next. They always surpassed my expectations every week. Mixed emotions. 10 out of 10 for the story.
Actors: How I loved the cast soooooooo much! They are awesome portraying the characters! Jo Jin Woong can make you fall in love with him!A very charismatic actor. He's amazing! Kim Hye Soo, its my first time watching her and oh gosh she's amazing! She did well on portraying her character from the past and present. Lee Jae Hoon, it is also my first time watching him on a drama. He did great also. I am actually fine on his acting. The other cast are also great! The villains are awesome, the Cold Case Squad Team and also Haeyoung's younger version. 10 out of 10 for the acting.
Music: The OST's are awesome. They are all suit to the drama. Its tempting to buy OST Album kkkk~
Rewatch: Of course I'll be watching it again! Signal makes my drama standards even more higher! Hahahaha
P.S. For those who are worried about the ending, you'll never dissapoint about it. Believe me :)
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I watched this because of my love of Lee Je Hoon and he did not disappoint as Park Hae Yeong. I felt like he was emotionally involved in the life of Park Hae Yeong. That is the best kind of acting. Kim Hye Soo beautifully portrayed a woman who is strong and passionate as Cha Soo Hyun. Then there is Jo Jin Woong as Lee Jae Han...It s hard to know where to start when talking about this actor. I have seen him in a few other things and I thought he was good then. I fell in love with him in this drama. I was cheering for him from the beginning. Whatever emotion he presented flowed through me and I would find myself angry, crying, or smiling with him. It has been a while since I felt this way about a group of actors.
The music is excellent. It fits well with the story and the action taking place.
I will probably rewatch this at some point.
I recommend this drama to everyone no matter which genre you prefer.
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And the sad part is that it is totally underrated!
Romantic, flowery K-dramas are what we mostly look for and would like to watch. But this is a MUST watch even if you think crime solving K-dramas are not something you will enjoy. The story is out of the world! there are soooo many twist and turns in the drama yet you will never find yourself confused or bored. Kudos to the writer for such a brilliant script that is totally one of a kind. Acting on point! Editing perfect!
And the high point of this drama was the ending...it is an open ending...but for the first time i loved that they kept the ending open cause once you watch the drama you will understand that it was a very smart thing to do by the writers....that way they kept the feel of the drama and also the viewers can eagerly wait for a sequel...and MAN there should be a sequel!!!
Special mention to the OST~~~~Its worth playing in loop!
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It's a procedural, and not only technically...there are investigations of murders going on...famous cases, fictionalised. The protagonists belong to a unit dealing with cold cases, whose statue of limitations expired. So naturally, they have to dig into the past. ..and the story is presented both in the past and the present so we get two different stories but intextricably linked to one another, influenced by one another.. ..the cases seem separate at first...but then certain leads start pointing to the overarching story, whose main character is Lee Jae Han. He's a detective who as of the present day, has not been in service for some time. He binds past and present. We follow his story in the past, unravel the nystery behind him. and he definitely is the heart of the story, a link, a bridge that ties characters and events together. It's his story, in a sense. Thus, the story goes way beyond any regular procedural. There are investigations...investigations into the past...and then there is a character that is both a clue to that past and the main protagonist of his own story. Together with him, the young detective played by Lee Je Hoon and his team leader, we consider the impact of meddling with events and how our decisions cause other things to change... we see impact of those things on characters' memories and emotions....the sense of desperation that comes with wanting to change things and a sense of desperation that comes about when you discover what is involved in change and sometimes how win and loss strike each other out. There are abandoned places, unsolved riddles, - the overall mood of this drama is pitch perfect too. And we travel together with the protagonists to unravel nysteries that confuse and surprise them, that are of personal significance to them and thus emotional. It's chilling and exciting - great experience. But most dramas that are just "thrilling" get old very fast. For a drama to be a keeper, there needs to be more, some substance. This one has it. I really don't like any regular procedural - i find them too boring, too sentationalist and just too generic, they tend to lack the things i want from dramas. But this drama takes some part of that genre and fuses it intelligently with other things and as a result we have something trully unique. TvN dramas have long been my favourites...and here they prove it again. This is a drama with a quality far surpassing other dramas.
Then, there are rich personal backstories of the protagonists, who are all beautifully acted and whose stories are tightly related to one another....intertwined. Great cast, I really want to see dramas with as talented and well chosen cast as this one had..they made the characters very relatable, interesting and sympathetic. Lee Jae Han stands out for several reasons...he is the link to the past and the heart that binds other main protagonists to him and to one another in a meaningful way.. And he has quickly become one of my most beloved dramaland characters ever. He's very persevering, determined and has so much sympathy for people around him. There are strong themes of loyalty, of friendship, through the radio transmission and even a strong devotion between lee jae han and his "rookie".
Lee Je hoon's character is a brilliant, curious profiler and Kim Hye Soo a rookie-turned team leader. Both have strong ties to Lee Jae Han.. Kim Hye Soon;s side adds a personal and emotional perspective on Lee Jae Han himself, whereas Park Hae Young has leads to past cases.. many events in the drama have a profund impact on him and he does go through a change of his own. He and Lee Jae Han teach each other a lot and develop a unique friendship. The personal stories of all characters add emotional dimension to the cases. Unlike regular procedurals , this one weaves a strong overarching story that is bound by Lee Jae Han.
The writing quality is pitch perfect for me...there isn't anything crudely cartoonish, there is great flow that easily absorbed me, that characters are interesting and I care for them very much. The thing is there is a coherent, emotional story that adds depth and dimension to everything else.. I really rather liked the antagonists too, particularly one of them who seemed conflicted and it showed in his expressions. The characters are written and acted out in a way that strongly resonated with me and made love then,
Although the ending is open-ended, i believe this drama does NOT need a sequel. A sequel could just ruin it with something really lame. Future is uncertain...characters have a chance to make the most of that future - that's what the ending suggests. There is hope...as long as there is will....and as long as there is will, there is a way! Never give up on things that matter and for characters in this dramas, what matters is things set right and saving precious people, if possible...and not giving up on things. I'm very satisdied on all counts with this drama. Very, incredibly satisfying story.
Music is just great too, very moody, with several very haunting instrumentals. I love this! This drama is one rare case that I am happy to give a 10. Absolutely deserving. I am giving it a high rewatch value precisely because not the mystery counts as such but characters, implications and connections between them and for that, there are plenty moments to revisit for sure.
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+/- Plot:
The plot went from thick and thin, and I mean that in a good way. They didn't leave you too confused from the get go, but they would subtly unfold different factors so that you could come up with your own theories not only on the investigations but the actual backstory too. I loved how each of the crimes were told in a different way, some cases from the start you knew who the culprit was, but others left you guessing. But it wasn't the investigations that left me satisfied with this drama's storyline and production, but the actual backstory that linked all the characters together. As we slowly started uncovering the corruption I couldn't even handle! I was actually bawling my eyes out from anger at one point and I couldn't even stop it.
I loved how they producers perfectly weaved the present with the past, at no point was ever confused.
+/- Acting/Cast:
All of the actors really did an amazing job at telling their characters' stories. I was deeply moved by all of them. I have to say though that Jo Jin Woong really stole the show. What made me love his character all the more was how dedicated he was as a detective, friend, etc. He was so upright and true to morals, no matter who was persuading him to do the wrong thing, and that's what I admired so much about him. He really was extraordinarily charming.
Lee Je Hoon portrayed his character fairly well too, I really felt the anguish with him during the times we found out the wrongs committed against him and his family. I will say that in the first episode or two I was a little annoyed with him, not sure if it was his uppity character or a little exaggeration on his part, but it took me a couple episodes to warm up to him. But once the fondness developed, I began to really enjoy his acting and portrayal of his character.
Kim Hye Soo's character was a little off putting to me for some reason. I think it was how much they contrasted her throughout the show, I was just a little unsure of her throughout the whole thing. In the present she's a complete badass, but then that's contrasted with her character of the past with the 'flashbacks'. And we see her in a completely different light, timid, innocent, and kind of dumb. I mean, I really liked her present portrayal which is probably why I was a little disappointed in how much her character differed. I guess it's just that I wanted her to be the strong woman character that's so rarely seen in dramas, but in the end I guess everyone has a weakness.
+/- Music:
I loved how they chose to remake some old 80's songs for their soundtrack, I thought it was a really nice addition and touch to the whole show. It exposed me to a lot of songs that I would have never otherwise known about. They also put in the suspense tracks at the right points, got my blood pressure up and left my palms sweating even!
Rewatch Value: I would definitely rewatch this drama, the storyline hands down is amazing and the cast worked really well together. I think it would still have the same suspense factor that it had the first time I watched it.
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