Acting/Cast: A lot the actors in this show ended up starring in popular dramas today for a reason, their acting was superb. The cast really managed to bring their characters to life, I found myself really getting into the story more because of this. Each character was special and individual rather than just being there for the sake of the story to take place. I have no complaints on this, the cast did a great job.
Music: I loved the OST, it fit the shows vibe perfectly and made a lot of it's moments. I especially love how the used AC/DC. I laughed at first, but it fit the scenes well!
Re-watch Value: It's so complicated that I might just save this show as a memory, re-living it would just give me stress. Maybe one day if I'm up for it though.
Overall: This show definitely isn't for those who can't or prefer not to follow a complex story. If you like a good mystery and a well made psychological thriller that'll keep you on your toes, then I'd recommend this to you. If you don't like the drama at the beginning, decide how you feel about this show on the 5th episode, that's when the show really peaks.
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This is what the drama discusses. And i think this is a question that has no answer, or it depends on your perspective. It was a good story with not so bad acting that leaves you thinking a little about the question.
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I started and finished the drama in one day. It's only 8 episodes, but I'm still in a bit of shock. The pacing was perfect, the progression of the story was well done, even though it was only 8 episodes. Nothing felt rushed to too long. It was truly a well done and suspenseful story. The acting was on point. There were a few little moments where I could scrutinize, but nothing cringe worthy and nothing that was too bad (honestly, compared to some korean dramas, even the famous ones, the acting was perfect). Sometimes the sound was a bit echoey because of the set (I think they chose it because they wanted to show a big and powerful school. It makes sense but it's a pity sometimes. However, there are some moments where the echoes give a certain power to some scenes in which case the set was beneficial). The characters... wow the characters were pretty well made, especially those of the students. I really don't know how to convey how this drama was so... good. I'm a bit mad that it wasn't on dramafever or viki, but I'm glad I was able to find it.
I watched it because I was looking for Bang Sung Joon. I like him a lot and decided, why not pick up another one of his things? I found this drama and decided to check it out. The story sounded interesting but... well I didn't expect it to be what I ended up finishing. It truly leaves you wondering about what is right and what is wrong, about what is natural and what is nurtured. I'm still a bit unsure how they made the story get to the point it did so... perfectly I guess. Pay attention to names in the beginning, it makes it much easier to grasp the story.
I want more people to watch this, to be grabbed by this. I want others to understand what this drama is and what it does. However, this drama isn't for everyone. I had a friend who walked out several times because the story moved her so much in frustration and disgust, upset by what the story decided to do. This is a story that moves viewers like her so powerfully. If you have a high sense of morals and are easily disgusted in the wrongdoings of others and evil intentions, this might not be for you (unless despite yourself, you find yourself drawn to those kind of stories anyway). But consider how strong of an affect it had on her.
I think the part that impressed me most was the acting of the main character in the end. His character development is... well when you consider it from beginning to end, it has the heaviest effect on the story... Really, that second to last scene was amazing. ugh okay I don't want to give anything away. If you're curious or you're even thinking about watching it, then do it! I found it completely worth it. I've said a couple of things in here that might dissuade people, but honestly I found this story very well done and very well worth watching. I want others to watch and appreciate this beautiful and twisted gift the creators of this show gave us.
Watch it!!!!
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Very good drama, one of those that make you think and leave you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Watch if 1) You're looking for hot guys, 2) You want something addicting, 3) You have a strong heart. Don't watch if 1) you're looking for a love story (quasi-inexistent in here), 2) You're very easily scared.
THE STORY
I have to start by saying that my review is entirely biased by the fact that I am one of the most fearful people on the face of the Earth.That being said, objectively and subjectively speaking, this show is awesome. When the story starts, you think that it's taking one path, but soon realize that it's taking an entirely different one. Far from feeling cheated, you realize it makes perfect sense, because the drama asks one question from episode one, are monsters born or created, and its premise is to leave you to decide of the answer when the show's over by making your own interpretations of all the events and of the ending. There is no particular flaw or mistake in the plot elements of the story. All characters have their distinct personality and a dark side that slowly comes to light. Their interactions are really important, words are chosen with lots of consideration. Many philosophical questions are raised. The purpose of the drama is to make you think, more than anything else. It's deep, it's intriguing, it's terrifying, it's addicting, it's everything a show should be, but I personally had a hard time while watching it. Spent many sleepless nights.
THE ACTING
Very good acting. At the time, I think many of the actors were not quite known, but now they've played in many dramas (Kim Woo Bin, Sung Joon, Kim Young Kwang...). What's great about this drama is given how complex the characters are, how everyone seems so innocent at first and then slowly reveal a dark side, and given the story and the range of emotions that they go through, the roles demand some skills, and none of the actors failed to deliver.
THE MUSIC
Great music for the show. Many songs are in English and they fit right in. Being a fan of classical music, I knew Vivaldi's Nisi Dominus before White Christmas. Haven't been able to listen to it after this drama though. The show converted it into one of the freakiest tunes.
REWATCH VALUE
It's so good, that unless you're fearful; you'll watch it more than once. And even if you are, you might end up watching it again, like me, to show its awesomeness to someone else. But after a while, it might lose charm, since a lot of it rests on the element of surprise, that you won't have anymore.
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In Short: A drama special of eight episodes that knows where it is going from the very start. Great cast of young actors and eerie vibe that pays of.
Pros: Beautifully filmed and a great mystery set to interesting characters.
Cons: South Korea apparently has the worst police force ever.
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This drama was really one of the best non romance drama I have watched so far. It also has a pretty good ending so dont worry if you hate awful endings since the ending to this drama was pretty decent.
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So impactful!
Let me start by saying I don't care for psychological dramas, crime dramas, and I don't like watching things about mental illness. This story brings forth the question, is someone born to evil or do they learn it? So many reviews talk about how they binge-watched this show. I could only watch one episode a day because it stressed me out so much!I thought the story was very original, even though this isn't a genre I normally watch, I could tell that I was watching something that you rarely see. It was very Lord of the Rings. Who can say what you would do when your life is on the line? Does your true self come out?
The acting was phenomenal by everyone. I've seen most of these actors in other projects, and their work here was top-notch. At times their behaviors were very frenetic, but only when called for. For the most part, their acting was very understated, a lot being displayed in just facial expressions.
The camera work/cinematography/location really gave a feeling of darkness and fear. Each character was fleshed out very well, and you got more of a feel for them and their behaviors as you progressed to the next episode.
Without giving anything away, I had to deduct for the total implausibility of a few things that happened, in an otherwise believable (though terrifying) situation.
The music was not your typical music - it ranged from hard rock to opera, and it all fit in very well.
Rewatch value is low, only because, once you know what's going on, it doesn't hold the same impact.
I can highly recommend this drama.
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