This review may contain spoilers
Overall I liked this drama, moreover it completely hooked me since the beginning! so I will start by saying I do recommend this drama. Nevertheless the thing that infuriates me about this drama, is that it could have been such an amazing drama, it had all the potential, and it was all just wasted as the episodes went on.First, the acting. Song Seung Heon was amazing! his acting as Black was 10/10. The supporting characters specially the detective were great as well! The second female lead I think she did a great job considering the poorly developed character she was saddled with. Go Ara, ah well, she was ok. I don't know if it was the character that was written like that, or the way she played it, it was a bit annoying, and like she just had two modes, depressed or hyperventilation. It absolutely bothers me every time when we have such a well rounded and developed male lead character and the writers just sort of settle on a less than effective half baked main female lead. And if there is one complain i have regarding the acting is that I couldn't feel much chemistry between the two leads. They didn't even feel like good friends... damn the actors playing the little kids did a better job at appearing in love with their respective crushes!!
*Contains spoilers*
The story, it had so much potential, so many twists and turns, and a very interesting premise! but either the drama was supposed to be longer, or shorter, but for some reason 18 episodes wasn't the right length. If it would have been shorter maybe the writers wouldn't have been tempted to include a last minute turn of plot and a villain we had never heard of! (such a huge sign of bad writing!) or it could have been longer so the loose plot points could have been wrapped up more smoothly. The problem is that the writer or director seemed too keen to wrap everything but didn't manage to do it, they established so many rules during the world building that it was impossible to follow them completely and inevitably the ending didn't comply and thus didn't make sense. And that is where the problem lies. The body of the story is so good but its the ending that completely let me down. Last minute happy ending complete with childish makeup and funny wigs, ending that not 5 minutes prior we were told categorically it could never happened! None of the things that happened in the last 45 minutes of this series made sense. And it sadly erased all of the great world build up we had so far!
I say watch it because you will enjoy the majority of it, and you can make up your own mind about it!
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QUALM 1- “The ending is rushed and it’s not how I envisioned it” : Sadly there were some production niggles towards the end, as the drama was extended when it aired. This isn’t the first drama to have a seemingly rushed ending. It mostly made sense to me, and you could argue it’s my bias. Yet there was so much more to this show, I couldn’t let a niggle like this take away what I loved about this show. It does mean I deducted 0.5 points for the story rating, ha.
I found the ending to be bittersweet and I can’t actually think of a ‘better’ way of ending it. I cried for days after listening to the soundtrack, which is more testament to other factors of the show that grew my attachment to the show (I’ll explain more further down). However that doesn’t take away the impact the ending had on me. And I think it reinforces thematically what the show explores - fate and how our ability to love is very human.
QUALM 2- “Go Ah Ra plays a hopeless whiny character” : I can see where this is coming from, however I loved her portrayal of Kang Ha Ram. Her recklessness and drive to help others is part of what helps 444’s eyes to open to humanity. Their stories run so well with their intertwined pasts, and the chemistry with Song Seung Hoon results in one of my favourite on screen pairings. The acting is sufficient enough to bring emotional gravity, and I think he character resulted more from inconsistent writing towards the end. There was a stronger focus on 444 which didn’t help matters.
- Now to what I loved about this show:
GENRE - This has got to be my favourite genre-bending dramas. It’s a supernatural spin on a crime investigation series. Throw in a dash of dark humour, a girl that can see grim reaper shadows, a case of identity crisis and a long-spamming cold case, we are onto a winner. It shouldn’t work, yet this is one of, if not the most seamless mix of genres. It does it confidently and there’s excellent execution. Makes the story all the more interesting and raises the stakes. The world building is excellently crafted, making it genuine that grim reapers can co-exist with humans. Yet, it doesn’t detract from the fact monstrous people have done terrible crimes- it only highlights the depth of humanity and the darkness of man.
CHARACTERS/ ACTING - I cannot fault our antihero male lead, Song Seung Heon’s acting is phenomenal here. His journey is brilliantly written as he unwittingly finds his humanity, often getting into comedic situations. It balances well with his initially detached intentions, but it’s just beautiful watching him find out the truth and the emotions hit hard. The true anchor of the show.
I loved the supporting characters, whether it was the grim reapers alongside 444 or even the investigative crimes team. The connections were intricately placed with one another, and I felt the backstories helped to flesh them out. It enriched the story and it was wonderful seeing all these clues, and understanding to why these characters were acting like x y z.
The child acting was just insanely phenomenal, I really enjoyed watching their scenes considering the material was very dark. I was therefore frustrated at how Lee El’s portrayal as one of the older characters missing the mark. Only very so slightly because of how strong the child actors were, so I expected a bit more depth to how her past had affected her.
OST - The soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful and fitting. It elevated the emotion and the heart of the show, as well as the more instrumental tracks highlighting the supernatural or darker elements. It was brilliant in raising the tension in the investigative scenes too,
PLOT - I love a good crime solving series. This subverted all my expectations because of how well connected the clues and characters were, whether they were involved or investigating the case. It was a harrowing case because it expands on the horror of the crimes committed, and how the decisions adults make can have devastating effects on the younger generations. It wasn’t cheesy, neither was it overbearing- just a transparent look into the darkness of humanity. Which only elevates the emotional impact on us, the viewers.
O V E R A L L : I enjoyed this drama from the strong start, right to the flawed finale. Even with the minor niggles, I loved the characters, and watching how the case would unfold. The comedic scenes and the supernatural twist only added to my enjoyment. It’s ultimately looking at the horrors of man and the beauty of humanity, and these dark themes are explored so humanly. Just like how our characters journey through the twists and turns themselves.
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amazing, although some parts don't make sense
While I found some parts of Black confusing, (although this could be due to my lesser experience of watching the supernatural genre) I really loved this. The acting, the chemistry (the chemistry between the two main leads for me definitely took longer than what I thought to 'click' but by 6/7 episodes in I could finally see their great chemistry together too), the OST, the rewatch value, all amazing! Even though some episodes were roughly 1 hour 20 minutes long, they really felt have that amount of time. Inserting the good ole' saying of "Time flies when you're having fun" here!The first two episodes really made me get involved in the story from the get-go, and whilst I found the third and fourth episodes the slowest out of all of them (but still not that slow), I understand why. These were basically episodes to world build and basically tell the viewer what is going on. I really like all members of the cast here and because of Black I will always remember each and everyone's great performances. Due to Black, I think I'm going to watch more dramas that involve members of this cast, especially the two main leads. Black = Brilliant!
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I'm rating this drama 10+, it' so perfect up to the last minute of this last episode. Even though of so much twist coming all the way in each episode, there were so many revelations keep on poping up which is related to the previous incidents happened 20 years ago. Black is perfect for Song Seung Hoon, he's daebak here and I also want to congratulate Go Ah Ra, she improved her acting a lot here. Congratulatios to all the staffs and crews as well as to all the actors that gives life to all the characters here, a very job well done. And to the screenplay writer, you almost make my brain burst out from my head to keep on remembering all the names of the characters involved in this drama. Satisfied for the ending, in order to make Ha Ram safe and happy, there is Leo by her side up to her last breathe in order to meet Black at the end. Once again, kudos everyone ??????. Hoping to have this kind of story soon coz I love this genre.
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The acting in this is well done, and the OST is lovely. While the pace sometimes made it hard to keep with the story, I'm glad I didn't quit. Because they take their time revealing every little intricate detail (And there are a lot. Sooo many storylines to follow) it took a little longer to get to the end, but it was great to see the loose ends tied up. All in all, this drama was a thrilling roller-coaster of emotions and so well thought out. They skated in at the last second with the happy ending, and I don't regret watching it. Definitely give it a try.
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What I love most is, Kang Ha Ram (female protagonist) was so cute. It reminds me of Werewolf Boy's Park Bo Young and Kim So Hyun, 2 my favorite actresses. Second, I love how Black (444) got into actions. He kept doing cool, aimed to achieve his missions even Kang Ha Ram was in danger. So, I would like to name him a cool emotionless man... my favorite character.
So, I would highly recommend you to rewatch this drama after days.
Here is my score:
Storyline and concept: +5
Complicated plot: +0.5
Bad ending: -1 (I think even after I rewatch it, I will still wondering why Black can meet Ha Ram again after his punishment--regardless it's happy or sad ending)
Some can not be understood scenes: -1
Ha Ram's cuteness and Black's coolness: +2
Must rewatch drama: +1
Unpredictable plot: +0.5
Not too many kisses (I like it): +0.5
Total: 9.5
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I wasn't disappointed at all. The first episode kept me hooked. The characters too were interesting. At times I felt there is no chemistry between the lead actors but as the story progresses you understand why it is so. The hero/main male lead is a grim reaper and understandably so he is cold and not acquainted to emotions. He is unknown to show his affections as well. Hence he scoffs at humans when they do something very....humane things like crying, falling for people etc.
Eventually he too gets involved emotionally with the female lead and is ready to destroy his own presence for her! That's so unexpected and you sort of feel bad for the lonely divine being.
The last episode was rushed but am not complaining. Could have watched one or more episodes towards the end, I felt.
Overall, this one is a good watch. Enjoy!
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This review may contain spoilers
Interesting story ruined by its nonsensical ending.
This is one of those titles that I would have enjoyed watching when i was still 15. I would have put a higher rewatch value and would have liked this drama much more than i do now when i'm older and seen many detective dramas with better writing (one of them from the same writer).Story, pacing and writing:
So many plot twists and mysteries. The story was pretty intense and kept me up, but it had lots of plot holes and did not make sense a lot of the times. I watched a lot of mystery kdramas, but this one was confusing as hell, and not in the best way. As some reviewer already pointed out, it felt like a puzzle that was revealed piece by piece each episode. But think of it like that - this puzzle has many missing pieces, and many pieces were forcefully put in the wrong places. The puzzle is not complete.
The way some of the plot lines were lining up did not made much sense at all, there is no way it would all connect the way it did. There were many missed opportunities and loopholes, and you would think that in the span of 18 episodes they would give us a proper explanation but it did not happen. The pacing was also messy, draggy at times when it was not needed and super fast at times when it is not supposed to be. Everything was leading up to a boiling point, and the big reveal was completely ignored. It does feel like it was supposed to be 20 eps but they squeezed everything in those last episodes (better say the last 20 minutes of the last episode).
Cast:
I have heard lots of bad reviews about Go Ah Ra's acting, and I tried to avoid her kdramas. But i recently watched Voice 4 with Song Seung Heon and i grew a liking towards him, so i gave this a chance. FL was a typical damsel in distress and i guess it was fitting with the overall story.
Final opinion:
If you want a detective + mystery + romance + thriller kdrama with bits of comedy, don't really care for logic in the writing as much and don't tend to overanalyze stuff - then i would suggest this drama to you. I ran out of good detective thrillers, so i resorted to watching Black even though it had mixed reviews. I do not regret watching it, even though i was very disappointed with the ending. Again, it seems like it is not the writer's fault. This kdrama deserved a better ending.
The ending and my venting (contains spoilers!!!):
The ending was dogshit awful and very nonsensical. After I've read articles saying that it was the director who came up with the last 5 minutes trying to make it a happy ending, completely disregarding the writer's original script which made much more sense to me and many other viewers. I'm wondering that was in the director's head when he came up with with that granny make-up and fairytale-like ending? This kind of story did not need a happy-end, although i wish that at least Ha Ram found out about the whole grim reaper thing while he was still there, i was waiting for the moment of revelation and tried to imagine how it would turn out. Missed opportunity to explore that old man who also saw shadows - was he also a half grim reaper, and another one with her mom who knew that her husband was a grim reaper and now her daughter's romantic interest is also one as well. Also, maybe it was just me, but for the most part of the kdrama i thought that that shady doctor and evil killer-stalker guy were the same person. The actors looked a like and it made no sense to me that this doctor had that much time to do all of the stuff he was doing... Just wanted to add that here lol
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This review may contain spoilers
I love it but I'm disappointed too
This story was interesting, but not since beginning. Black was annoying character, after 8th episode I finally loved him. Mystery was complicated, I had no idea what can happen in next episode. A lot of secrets from past were important. Main female character saw shadows, which were dooms. She could predict someone's death and wanted help them. But because of this she was in danger. At first, Black used her, he was looking for someone and only she could help him. But a lot of things were complicated and they wanted answers. She wanted to know who killed her father.Acting in this drama was good. I like actors and how they were working.
But I was disappointed because of ending... This is a reason why I don't want to watch it again.
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This review may contain spoilers
good story idea
The story idea itself is really good in my opinion, but I was disappointed by the ending...quite a lot...I loved the supporting cast, especially the trio of grim reapers and Han Moo Gang's police team.
The character Kang Ha Ram was a bit fustrating for me.
To the ending I have to say that it seems a bit unlogical and weird for me. Weird in the sense that it doesn't fit to the story after Grim Reaper is receiving the highest penalty that he could possible receive. For me this "sudden happy ending" doesn't fit to the story and that's why I was disappointed...
The OST is good, though.
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Full Throttle!
This is one hell of a ride!You will never get bored. Every episode reveals new twists and turns right up until the end. It feels like a telenovela at times but you can see how intricately the story has been thought out, it's like being caught in a giant web that sometimes your brain will hurt from trying to work it all out! There is no pause in the mayhem to gather your thoughts, it's just non-stop! The lead actor is so gorgeous that you can't keep your eyes off him! And he's so funny to boot. There were some real laugh out loud moments. I feel that another leading lady would have been better cast in the role, as they don't seem to have enough believable chemistry, which is a shame. The ending felt like a let down, as it wanted to wrap the whole thing up in a pretty bow, but....hmmm it couldn't... too many unbelievable elements. This was my second viewing and it didn't disappoint as there is no way you could remember everything from one viewing, so it all felt fresh a year later.
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Elements of and potential to be a 9.5/10, but execution and complications make it a 7/10
I really enjoyed the story concept-- plenty of drama and detective/mystery content, a little romance, and a little supernatural. I also enjoyed our main characters (444 and Ha Ram) and thought the dynamic was decent, though as per usual I wanted more of their unique relationship...but it's also not strictly a romance sooo ¯\_(ツ)_/¯My biggest issue was identified pretty early on, which was the over-complication of the plot, which made following the story arduous at times and then just plain frustrating. I don't mind thick plots, or even thiccc ones, but this was way too all over the place for my taste. My second complaint is about the ending, and I'm not sure if this is a valid argument or if it's just my personal taste BUT I always feel cheated when dealing with time gaps at the end. In this case we get all that build-up in the last two episodes, very fast-paced, action and clue-catching, we're finally putting the puzzle together and I'm getting excited for either a tragic ending that begs for a sequel or a bittersweet one that tugs on the heart strings. Instead, we choose to erase all memory of 444/Han Moo Gang/Kim Joon, fast-forward literal decades to when Ha Ram is ancient and now dying and THEN we die happily ever after...meh :/
Essentially, I think the writers could have taken a different route, left the door open for a sequel, and rounded out the romance/mystery/supernatural aspects, which I think would have bumped up the ratings. But they didn't, and I still enjoyed everything on a whole, and would definitely recommend this drama....but probably wouldn't watch it again.
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