Was this review helpful to you?
The actors definitely didn't disappoint. I loved every single one of them. The acting was superb and they really sold the drama for me.
That being said. I was severely disappointed with the ending. To the point where I ended up just skipping through the last 2 episodes.
The drama turned out nothing like any of the synopses would lead you to believe and I also feel like that's what lent itself to my disappointment in the plot. Even from the very first episode it wasn't anything I had imagined but the story line did get rather predictable by the 3rd episode and that's coming from someone who doesn't watch these kinds of dramas.
If you do want to watch it (and you should if only for the actors) go to it with an open mind and try not to build it up too much.
Was this review helpful to you?
The last episode was the best episode in my opinion. I watch the other episodes on fast speed.
Thrillers are my favourite genre, psychological thriller is even best. However, it was really hard finishing this. The acting, in my opinion, was not the best which I understand as it appeared that for some of the actors this was their beginning acting piece. The acting was just cringe worthy.
The story plot could have been better but it was interesting, nonetheless. The scenario reminded me a lot of 'Lord of the Flies' which showed how even normal humans can become monsters given the circumstances. I do think the plot could have been better portrayed.
The characters were annoying. There were only two characters I liked which was portrayed by Kim Woo Bin and Sung Joon. The girl was annoying, in my view, and I honestly didn't understand what the big deal was with her and how the majority of the male characters liked her.
I do think that the killer did help them in some twisted, demented way. They had to face their issues which was the right thing to do in order to fix it.
I wouldn't watch this drama again and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
The drama did end on a good point and the drama did pose a good question: are monsters born or created?
Was this review helpful to you?
The acting/casting was so-so for me. I think the cast did a pretty good job portraying their characters. However, it was probably more of the the script that did this, but there were many cheesy scenes that I skipped a few seconds ahead just so I could get to the meat of the story. I would say more in the beginning than in the end. I would say everything gets better as the story goes on. The actors really portray how desperate their characters get.
The music was fine. Nothing special. Although, I though it was hilarious how the ending credits song for like the first two episodes was Britney Spears - Toxic. It was a throwback for me for sure. Other than that, it wasn't great or very memorable.
The re-watch value is so-so. Because you know who did what, I feel like it wouldn't give you the same amount of suspense as the first time. Also, I feel like watching it over and over again, I would give it a lesser score because I'm sure more plot holes would arise, so far, the only one that I can remember is the gaping one at the end of the story, which had me going WTF? and very confused. Other than that, I think if I wanted to watch something while doing something else, this might be a good drama to re-watch. Or if I wanted to watch something short that didn't need a lot of commitment, that would be another good reason to watch again.
So yes, this was a good drama. I was familiar with two of the actors before going into it and had a recommendation from a friend to watch it and I would recommend it myself to many people. Do I think it's one of the best dramas out there? Not really, but I've definitely come across much worse. So overall, I gave this an 8.
Was this review helpful to you?
Intense, thought-provoking, thrilling
My first thought when I picked up this drama to watch was only about one thing. The amazing cast, so many actors that are already my favourites or at least have made a favourable impression with me and from their young and early days. I was prepared for some disappointment and even willing to power through for the actors.My thoughts after finishing the drama has little to do with the cast. What a ride this was! A twist here. A turn there. Tables keep turning around. Questions keep coming even as they are answered. Just the kind of story telling that'll keep you biting your nails on the edge of your seat. The characters, no one, not one person is simple. You get so much more than you see. The titles of the episodes, the stories within the story, I could go on and on talking like a cryptic, because I don't want to give any spoilers.
The heroic stuff, good wins over evil, united we stand - these things are left open to your interpretation so I can't say anything without giving a biased account. There may be some minor logic holes. And the story may not cover every loose end, either practical stuff or the psychological stuff, I feel there are some unknowns left abandoned. But for 8 episodes, dealing with specific time period, those are not in the scope of the story. I guess, I'm only looking for that extra to get some closure, lol.
Overall though, if you are looking for a psychological thriller, an intense drama involving young kids, a layered story, and a puzzle about how it all comes together, this drama is for you.
Was this review helpful to you?
Like we say in french "Une oeuvre d'art"!!!
And the casting: I really love Sung Joon and Lee Soo Hyuk!
Just one think PERFECT ! I reaaly recommended it.
Sorry for my broken english
Was this review helpful to you?
I also was not expecting the characters to be as relatable as they were. I personally loved every single character in the school--whether they be villains or heroes (though it was sometimes very difficult to draw a clear line between the two). The music was surprising too. It's not often that you hear AC/DC and opera in K-Drama. Overall, this is a great watch. The story drew me in and while I had some serious doubts going in, I think that this drama is a great example of what happens when amazing writing, directing and acting come together perfectly.
Was this review helpful to you?
The story is really well done. I figured out what was going on by the 2nd episode, but it didn't stop me from enjoying it. I think the only reason why I figured it out is because I like dramas like this and watch a lot of them and I read a lot of crime books. I also watch a lot of CSI (US tv series) which has a lot of this type of story. Anyway, it is well written and the ending did take me a little by surprise. The ending was the best part of the whole drama.
The acting has a lot of young eye candy stars, but they deliver. I am weary of the younger stars (the guys in this range from 22-27) that sometimes make their way into a drama because of their looks. A lot of these actors are models. However, each actor in this drama did an outstanding job portraying their characters.
The music is really well done in this drama and flows nicely with the action.
I probably won't rewatch this.
Overall I really enjoyed it and I would recommend it to anyone that likes mystery, or psychological drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Disappointing is another word for it. 8 episodes felt like an entire week since this was boring as hell. Heh. How can a thriller with such a heavily composed cast be boring?!, you may ask. Well, I`d love to know. This show had me sighing in a bad way.
Honestly. I`m just sitting here, feeling empty, staring at these favorable reviews and wondering what the heck is wrong with you people. Want a nice psychologycal thriller? Try Mirai Nikki. It`s pretty much the same except it`s good and not some PG-13 Korean version with live action. < Insert a very long sigh here. >
So much potential.... all gone to waste. This is really upsetting.
If you haven`t watched this yet, I warn you - let go of all expectations and perhaps you may enjoy this show. Me? I held my hopes too high, it seems.
Can`t complain about the acting for most part but there are some major slips like the 2534692952 chances they had to disarm the psycho but instead they stood by and no one can say there was a real threat feel going on like it`s suppose to. Not to mention that everything is plainly obvious since episode one. Even so, you may cling to your hopes up until episode 3 but that`s when you realize you were right in your assumptions and you carry on hoping the ending will surprise you but... nah, man. Who didn`t see that coming?!
I gave it a 5 for potential only. I won`t lower the grading too much because I believe this is - in the end - worth seeing either it`s bad or good in the viewer`s perspective. As long as they avoid expectations of course... or you`ll get what I mean.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yes, this falls under a psychological thriller genre and it impresses those points on several occasions. It is divided into two story arcs. The first half involve mysteries and conflicts, but they weren’t too complicated, at least for me when 90% of my guesses where spot-on before each revelation. I realized why they weren’t presented in a complicated manner when the story reaches the second arc of its narrative. The second part elaborates and drives the central theme of the drama. From thereon it presents a study in human psychology. What triggers can you push to let the little monster hibernating inside every person’s heart? How thin is the line bordering between trust and betrayal? How quickly can you switch to make life-altering decisions? When do you take the plunge into the point of no return? There was no lack of actions, small thrills, and adrenaline to boost the characters, and you as you follow their progress. Some may find the slow-paced after it concludes the first part to be a deterrent, and only the avid on this genre might maintain an interest to continue till the end. I was satisfied myself with the culmination and final showdown. I say it’s worth your time to give this one a chance.
The cast did enough justice to the characters, except when high-strung emotion is called for we get either an over-the-top or bland execution from some though I wouldn’t go into details. If you get curious, I might have elaborated a little on my episode reviews.
The musical score is definitely note-worthy and nicely intertwined with the beautiful cinematography. The colour, tone, vibe, and pacing were cohesive to deliver a satisfactory experience.
I don’t consider this re-watchable as is usual with this genre. You just absorb the experience in one sitting and conclude whether it had improved your analytical skills or broken any ideologies.
I debated whether to give this an overall of 8 or 9 as when I trudge back to my episode reviews, it averaged at 8.6, therefore I ended with a 9, as well I give it to the fact that it didn’t leave me with a negative feeling ^;^
Was this review helpful to you?
The premise is really interesting because of the suspense and continual questioning of what's going to happen next. However due to the slow and long scenes that were totally unnecessary, I was bored (I actually watched it in 2x speed and fast forwarded it a lot). This being said, I especially loved the development of each of the characters. It is so deep and detailed. I loved how parts of the story connected. There were definitely holes in the plot and there were times that I would facepalm due to the idiocy of the characters choices. The reactions of the students were realistic and representative of society. The ending did make me think a little bit. Common themes were betrayal, friendship, love, and death.
Acting:
Well done for this young group of people. Nicely acted altho most of the emotions were pretty placid.
Overall:
I'm glad to have have seen it but I probably would not recommend this to a friend.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
