The story is well sorted out, brilliantly scripted ,directed ,acted. Not a moment will you feel a lack of perfection. Even till last second you will be hanging at the cliff.
Many complained about the ending. But that's wat makes it a beauty. It was like reading a poem,soo much meaningful that the "the smile" hye ran gives at the end will summarize the entire series for you. The way it ended gave the series perfection.
There are moments which are pure gold, dialogue rendering which makes want to go back and hear it again.
I would call this a pure love story of modern times. The self sufficient heroine and her loving husband. You will wish you had a kang the wook for youself... I still hope I can find one.
So if you are pondering whether to start it, just start it and you will be blown away. You will love it if you are a fan of originality.
Soo much of verbal diarrhea bcoz the show is soo much underrated... loved the show till the end.
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PROS: Does a good initial job of building up the suspense of the mystery, good chemistry between the actors and pretty good acting overall. The MC . is pretty well rounded.
CONS: For all the building up of suspense, the payoff is lacking...especially for the question of their marriage imo. Story tended to kinda drag on towards the end and the convoluted plot was a little confusing to follow.
I think this is definitely an ok watch if you go in prepared for an intense tone and don't expect too much of the ending.
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Missed the mark
I found this drama randomly, read the synopsis and decided to watch it. It has such great potential, but ultimately failed.Let’s start with the positives - since there aren’t that many.
Kim Nam Joon play this role brilliantly - the character itself is a whole other issue and will get to later
Lee Kyung Young is fantastic as the newsroom director
Newsroom cast is mostly good
Now to the failures
When storytelling - there should be a main character that you have empathy with in order to be invested in the story - this is where this fails the most.
Lest start with the FL . You want to like this character - she is a bad-ass news anchor woman who has risen to the top. We are supposed to admire her determination and ambition. I would normally admire these traits - especially in a culture that is horrible mysogynistic - unfortunately, she is also self-centered, has no thought for those around her or how her actions impact them, is quite manipulative, mean to the point of cruelty. They try to redeem her in the end - even try to make her the victim - but it just doesn’t work.
She lies about knowing Kevin and Myongsuk-Woo and only comes clean when backed into a corner. She cheats on her husband - not once, but twice (and then tries to play victim on both accounts). And then there is the abortion story - I am all for any person making this decision and having control over their own reproductive life - but that she goes and does it without telling him and only just informs after the fact, when he was clearly showing up to celebrate the pregnancy - it was just cruel. There are just instance after instance of her showing she has no concern for her husband and is just mean to him.
I honestly do not get the appeal of this woman and why two men were willing to throw their lives away for her.
Now to the ML - again, you want to be sympathetic towards him - but you just can’t in the end. She is very clear when she marries him that its not out of love, but convenience. He chooses to ignore that and thinks she will change. He lives in that marriage as if its a traditional/real marriage, when its not. Then feels sorry for himself. Then they turn him into the simpering puppy asking her for forgiveness for not being a good enough husband. He has literally spent 7 years with her and has NO idea who she is actually is - he has a dream of who he wants her to be - but not who she is actually is. And, to top it all, he is a really bad lawyer. Their whole relationship, except for a brief moment after the trial is just the two of them constantly lying to each other
Eun-joo - just, come on lady - your husband repeatedly cheated on you, you lie about that fact and for some reason its Hye Ran’s fault?? I hate the trope of women blaming other women for their husbands cheating. And, the person who actually slept with him isn’t even Hye Ran - but the other news anchor lady - which is conveniently ignored after a couple of episodes.
Myongsuk-woo - really dude - you spend 19 years in prison for this person and somehow think you are the only person in the world who gets decide if she is happy or not or if someone loves her properly or not. This weird sense of possession of other people in S.Korea is just so weird to me.
And dont get me started on the parents with no sense of boundaries - seriously - letting yourself into your grown-ass, married son’s house without permission and being waaay too involved in their reproductive life is just gross.
And then there is the detective - seriously, would not the spouses have been two of the first people you looked in to? How was the ML not even looked at until the end of the trial - this is just absurd.
And, can we talk about the ‘accidental’ meeting at the airport - they try to play this as if she doesn’t know who Kevin is or what he looks like. It’s not like there weren’t pictures of him on the tour - so this scenario just doesn’t work for me.
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Story: The Story sounded very promising. It has it all. Drama, tension, Melodrama and happiness. A drama which has it all can be top but it could be also a Flop. Misty was a top.
Acting: The best was the Acting, honestly. Although the story was amazing, too. Kim Namjoo is an amazing Actress. It was my first drama with KNJ, but I want to watch more with her. She has experience because of her age, but she doesn‘t look like almost 50 years old. She was amazing as a famous and arrogant News Anchor who is married to a Man who seems to love and also hate her. Her Arrogance doesn‘t fade away when the public suspects her of murder.
Ji Jinhee acts as her Husband who is a former Prosecuter but works now as a lawyer who doesn‘t make much money. He comes from a wealthy Family and loves his wife even though he seems to be very cold. He has a reason and I could understand him very well, even though I could feel with KMJs character. JJH was very good and in my opinion this role was his best so far.
Goo Yoon played a major supporting role and a Key figure in the whole story even though I asked myself long enough why he was so important…. His acting was very good and...he is really attractive^^.
Music: The Ost by Lee Seungchul was amazing. I put it to my favourite OST and I think it was the best thing to do so. It is dramatical but also sad. I think it suits the drama very well.
I recommend this drama to people who doesn‘t care about the age of the Actors/Actresses or about some secenes, because the first episodes show a little bit. In Europe it wouldN‘t be mentioned but in SK it was rated 19...
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This review may contain spoilers
*May Contain Spoilers*Misty was an amazing drama and I enjoyed every part. It was thrilling and exciting. The episodes did not drag and there were no fillers. It got straight to the point. It is one of those rare sophisticated dramas that shows the true nature of humans. There are lots of emotions flying about whilst you watch each episode and it gets you curious. The editing and cinematography was brilliant.
The actors were truly amazing; they all did their part to perfection. Credit to the casting director for casting the correct people for the right role. Many dramas nowadays are filled with young actors and actresses or idols portraying an older person which is not quite believable or similarly a young actor that is already high up in the job market. Such plots are not quite believable especially to those that are working adults. I was quite delighted to see a stellar cast filled with people fit for their role. Kim Nam Joo was amazing as her portrayal of Go Hye Ran.
The main focus of this drama was Go Hye Ran and the people surrounding her and her affect on these people. At the beginning, Go Hye Ran is shown as a cold, selfish woman that wants nothing but to go as high as she can up the employment ladder. In my opinion, I don't think she was selfish but I don't agree with some of her methods. Similarly, many people would dislike her for the way she used her husband for her own benefit; added him to her tactics. But, she had been truthful to her husband from the start and told him that she is going to use his name.
As the drama progresses it delves deeper into Go Hye Ran's character and we see that there are some misunderstandings at some points. Go Hye Ran is simply a human being that wants the best for her life as she didn't get the best childhood. She showed that a person growing up in poor circumstances can still succeed. The drama did a great job in showing the changes in her character.
Many comments I have read have blamed Go Hye Ran for the other character's downfall and one specifically said the drama was in the view of a villain. I, for one, do not think that Go Hye Ran is to be blamed for the other character's downfall and misery. It was their decision to do the actions they did. Go Hye Ran did not tell them to do anything for her but they became too infatuated for her.
The ending was great albeit quite sad but it was a true ending. I can't imagine how they can have a happy ending after everything. I was especially sad when the audience in the end asked Go Hye Ran; Are you happy?
Throughout the drama, many of the characters ask her if she is. I don't think she answered any of them because she wasn't.
That sad, tearful smile at the end tells it all.
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Having written the words which i thought best suit this drama, it is in my thoughts to watch this again.
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Misty - The Ending is Up to Us Viewers
Much has been said and written about Misty, especially its ending. But that just proves how "misty" this KDrama is. That's how life really is. Nothing is certain. Everything seems ambiguous, vague.Many times, a fine line separates right from wrong. We always face a dilemma. Choices. And the result may not be what we hope for. So with Misty. This echoes in all the 16 episodes. Viewers are always face with questions.
Basically, Misty is a tale of an ambitious woman, craving for happiness, success, and acceptance in a male-dominated society. And Kim Nam Joo, the ambitious news anchor Go Hye Ran, won Best Actress In the 54th Baeksang Arts Awards. Misty is also a who-dunit murder thriller.
But let me focus on Ji Jin Hee, the husband character. He's only done 1 villain role. A "vampire" doctor in Blood in 2015. Is he also a villain in Misty?
Ji Jin Hee is known for portraying the good guy. The righteous, honest, noble, martyr, handsome husband, father, son or colleague. Yep, in Misty it seemed that way. I feel for his character, Kang Tae Wook. Marrying a woman he truly loves, but doesn't love him back, who aborted their child for the sake of her ambition.
He's a good guy. And he even chose to be a low-earning public defender over his previous high profile prosecutor status.
What he's done is quite relatable. Many men would side with Kang Tae Wook.
Kang Tae Wook's only fault was loving someone who didn't love him back. Giving his all and not leaving some for himself. And when she realizes she loves him, it seems too late.
The scene faded. The drama ended. The ending is left to the audience. Just like its title, it was Misty at the very end.
Ok. Ok. I know many were disappointed with the ending. What ending? It's open ended. Up to the viewer to decide.
For me, I sensed a glimpse of hope with the 2 characters in some scenes in the last episode. And they deserve a second chance. They deserve to be a happy, as a husband and wife who love each other.
So I would think Kang Tae Wook didn't crash his car. He came to his senses at the last minute, and drove straight to the studio to be with his wife.
And Go Hye Ran? She was just overwhelmed by the question. It took her quite some time. But I imagine she would answer, "Yes, I'm happy. And my happiness is my husband," with the camera panning to Kang Tae Wook who just arrived at the studio, holding a bouquet of flowers.
Misty has a great cast, superb cinematography, onpoint background music, well woven story.
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Hard to Start but Stayed Up All Night to Finish It
I had really hard time picking between 8.5 or 9 to rate this one. It personally took for effort to get into but once the plot got rolling, I was so addicted I sacrificed sleep to keep watching, an action I have not had for a drama in a really long time.Story: As I stated above, the story was really hard to get into at first. There is no fluff there. It dealt with themes that I am not used to in dramas (or, that I am not used to the protagonists displaying, more accurately) and the personality of certain characters, particularly the female lead, was really hard to digest. But as the drama kept going, especially around the mid-way point, I noticed just how intricately everything was placed. Things did not happen because the plot was just 'written like that' - there was a precise mechanism of action that lead to major events happening. I loved how events in later-on episodes referenced past episodes that made it come full circle.
As the plot thickened, the characters also grew depth. The story is in large part character-driven so part of the reason the plot is so seamless is because multiple characters make decisions that move the plot forward. If a single character had not made the decision they did, the plot would not have ended up in that direction. Although some characters can be frustrating and others disappointing, almost all of them have a reason for behaving they way they do. In short, active, well-written characters. At the heart of it was Go Hye Ran, who I went from unlikeable to grudging respect to full blown admiration to utmost devotion. She is one the best-written female leads I have seen recently. I like how her character goes through major development yet her essence remains unchanged through out the show. I love how though she can be ruthless, unpleasant and use unconventional means to get her way, she always plays thing straight. She lays her trap out and waits for others to get ensnared. If you did nothing wrong, you would never have gotten caught. And I also like that she (or almost all of the characters for that matter) do not get to escape from her flaws. I also had a very soft spot for Director Jang and Office Manager Jeong.
Acting/Production: The acting was top-notch from the entire cast, especially our two leads. The female lead in particular; it is very hard to pull of that kind of role but the actress did brilliantly. The production was also astounding. I'm not the best at identifying cinematography stuff but the lighting and camera angles and frame shots added so much depth to the story.
Music: Definitely added to the mood. I particularly loved "Painful Love."
Rewatch Value: Seeing as I watched this 3 years later, I had already knew the spoilers. So, going on with that knowledge, I still thoroughly enjoyed the drama. In fact, I may have enjoyed it even more since I could look at events in a different light.
I think, more than the plot itself, this drama was also about themes. Some where addressed directly, such as success vs happiness, love vs obsession, greed & corruption and internal/external locus of control. I liked how the dramas slightly glamourizes but does not glorify themes that it should not, such as corruption, greed or violence. One interesting theme I feel like the drama addresses subtly and almost lampshades is gender roles and the concept of men needing to be protectors. Several men try to do things for our female lead in the name of protecting her, but it is interesting to see the effects of that so-called protection play out.
All-in-all, this is a drama I highly recommend and hope to see a similar caliber of in the future!
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Should have been called Misery
Misty (2018)I just finished this 10 mins ago and still processing the ending ? i know why they called this Misty but i think Misery is more appropriate.
Likes
1. Hands down the twisted relationship between Go Hye Ran and Kang Tae wook! ? Their palpable chemistry and Kang Tae Wook's angsty eyes were so sexy yet so sad. I just wanted them to live happy ever after.? (and Ji Jinhee just went straight to my oppa collection ? Cant believe i've been sleeping on him for years!!)
2. Go Hye Ran being so powerful and successful. I loved what Han Ji won said to her, "i dont know about respect, but I know Go Hye Ran always win."
3. The fashion. Go Hye Ran's pantsuits and her different shades of lipsticks. Kang Tae Wook's gorgeous coats and turtlenecks.
4. Director Jang! I normally hate all the characters that Lee Gyun Yeong plays but this time he was amazing!
5. The whole murder-Kevin Lee affair at the start got me so hooked with the story. It was short but Go Joon nailed the playboy Kevin Lee. It was fun to think of who killed Kevin, how and why.
Dislikes
1. The super incompetent Detective Kang ? i loved it when Taewook's assistant shouted at Kang to do his job properly. Can't believe he has worked as a detective for 20 years and arrests people based on bias and circumstantial evidence. Oh and the trial was a big mess.
2. There were some plotholes and other questions that were never fully answered but in the end it didn't really matter anymore.
3. The last 2 episodes lost focus of its original intention. Hyeran let go of her principles and it was a little disappointing. I already knew this will never have a happy ending and i would have been happy upto the second half of the last episode. Ha Myung Woo's sacrifice didnt make sense and was all for nothing because of the last 10 mins. But i understand why the ending was that way. That final scene when Kang Tae Wook said, "Are you happy?" And Hyeran was crying ?
Rating: 8.5/10 (8 for the story +0.5 for tragic lives of the leads)
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Absolutely stunning.. despite some little details I could not bear (no spoiler), I must give this drama a full 10.It worth watching even if you don't agree with the ending.. It worth for the strong adult story, the crime scene, the OST, even the annoying detective..For people that doesn't accept the ending, I mean they deserve this kind of ending, I will not say anything more, but HEY this is NOT a typical korean drama with a nonsense ending ..!! I loved even the ending, It gave me goose bumps..!!!!I loved every single characters of the story and the actors were all amazing..!!! ......this is a MASTERPIECE!!!!! Was this review helpful to you?
They criticize the sexism, specially with "ageism" (status of a women being entirely based on how young and pretty she looks), the unfairness, the justice system, the corruption of the richests, the jealousy, the hatred and many other bad emotions. Basically they rewrite the term "don't judge a book by the cover" as a drama, and they remember us that ALL characters are ment to be like humans, and nobody is perfect. Nobody is a Saint, nor a complete sinner. But everything we do may affect our lives and the people around us.
The end just ruined it to me. They turned something great into a smaller and pitty situation when it could have been way bigger. I do understand their intentions, but they lost many better plot conclusions.
I do recomend watching, tho. Just... do not care about who the killer is or the reasons. The characters, acting, and side plots are worth it.
(PS: I would say Hye-ran seems a bit like "Korean version of Annalise". I felt like watching episodes from How To Get Away With Murder because of her personallity and actions in some scenes. Obviously, not totally the same, but their vibes and main strenghts/weaknesses are somehow similar)
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The curse of humanity
Go Hyeran is a larger then life character. She has iron will, and unfathomable ambition. She's smart, confident, powerful. She never bends nor retreats, but when faced with adversity, with ruthless efficiency she pushes onward. She doesn't just hang from the rope, she climbs it.All of that to create a just society where truth prevails and wrongdoers are punished. This is a single goal she devoted her life to, due to a traumatic event in high school that set her on that noble, tho self destructive path.
Unfortunately, Go Hyeran is still human. For all her strength and passion, she is burdened by curse of humanity. That curse made her involuntarily develop feelings to two, arguably three men in her life. She knew it's a weakness, she didn't want this to happen. She knew it will cause her trouble, that people guided by feelings rather then rationality make mistakes and bring misery to their own lives and lives of others, but it still happened.
There are all kinda people in these show. Cowardly people, weak people, jealous people, petty people. As long as Hyeran opposes them, sees them as enemies, she can defeat them, even turn them into allies circumstance eventually. But developing feelings for someone weak and undeserving is nothing short of tragedy, and brings tragedy and pain to her life and life of others.
That tragedy is the main plot of Misty, a character focused melodrama with elements of thriller and mystery. The who dunnit and how dunnit isn't as important here as why dunnit. As various people's ambitions and feelings clash, sparks fly and turn into raging inferno that swallows everything and everyone.
This is not a story with a happy ending. Yet what a story it is. I can not not recommend it to anyone and everyone who still happens to suffer from having a semblance of heart, and wanting their heartstrings to be cruelly pulled over and over again.
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