This review may contain spoilers
Lived up to the hype
Usually, I'm disappointed when I watch super popular shows (like Squid Game, Crash Landing on You, It's Okay Not to Be Okay, etc.) because I can't understand why everyone loves them so much. However, Woo is an exception. I loved it just as much as anybody else, and more than manyThe best thing for me was the fantastic performance by Park Eun-bin. She wasn't high on my radar because I've only seen her as the lead in a couple of shows, Age of Youth 1 & 2 and Hot Stove League. In the former, she played a character that got on my nerves, although in the latter she was fine, though not particularly memorable. So I wasn't sure what to expect from her when I started Woo. But she hooked me right from the beginning. I'm not going to get into any debates about how realistic her performance was and whether it's some kind of neurotypical appropriation, etc., because I know nothing about all that. All I know is that she flat out beat Dustin Hoffman's Oscar-winning performance. Hoffman to me was artificial and hard to relate to, whereas Park did a great job drawing you into her character and getting you to empathize with her, even while at the same time credibly performing some of the behaviors that I in my ignorance associate with autistic people I've encountered in my life.
The second best thing for me was the directing, editing, etc. I think the overall production was better than average, but not overly flashy. They kept everything going at a nice clip, with never a single boring moment, and kept you entertained all the way. I wasn't a huge fan of the whale CGI stuff, but it wasn't bad either. I could take it or leave it.
The third best thing was the writing. Most of the legal stuff was interesting and intelligently written. Of course, it had lots of flaws, including the idea that this same group of attorneys at a prestigious law firm would take on such a huge variety of cases rather than specializing in a narrow range of corporate law, and the unrealistic way some of the cases played out. But I'm not going to nitpick, because, compared to almost every other depiction of the legal profession I've seen in Kdramas, Woo was like a documentary. The only other example that was at this level of realism in my experience was Diary of a Prosecutor. However, I must say, the final 2 cases were the weakest, so that took a little bit away from the overall impact of the show.
The plotting of the other stuff, like the Jun-ho romance, Tae Su-mi, Min-wu's treachery and redemption, were okay, although they were rushed and superficial. They should have cut out some of the sub-plots and romances so they could delve more deeply into fewer sub-plots. Speaking of romance, if by season 2, Gu-rami and the hairy boss aren't a couple yet, I'll be very surprised. And aside from Min-wu's split personality and the head attorney Jang's implausible incompetence and groveling, almost all the supporting characters were really likable.
So right now, this is the main gateway show I'm recommending to my friends who aren't into Kdrama.
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Woo to the Young to the Woo, Dong to the Gue to the Rami
One e of the best K-Dramas I've seen in a while. Acting is great from all cast as can be expected, but the lead character Park Eun-Bin is way beyond.She did an exceptionally good job and a lot of research to give amazing performance for person with autism. I loved the very done details and everything about it from the clothing to the CGI whales. Of course I absolutely adored her relationship with Lee Joon Ho, played by handsome Kang Tae Oh. He was absolutely wonderful, how he was patient with her and listened her every day talks about whales. Can't wait to see whats coming for them next.
Storys like these needs to be shown more often so people realize that autism does not define you or be unsuccessful. You can be anything and achieve great things despite this. A great message that the world needs. Can't wait for season two! Please come quickly.
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bechu
I give everything a ten. Just in case!I thought it was lovely! why? bc! It wasn't too Dramarama and was all bubbly, cute, and cheerful. :] Beautiful colours and the cast-so adorable. I loved the cases and the teams' attorney guy. he so funny and cute and sweet as well. :] Watching this made ME want to become an attorney. imagine that! wow. Woo 2 the young 2 the woo WAS THE MOST EXCITING THING TO WATCH EVERRRR. so heartwarming. ugh, I NEED to have a greeting as sweet as that 2. :[
kisses! and HUGS! may ur day be filled with sunshine and bubbles and flowers! (ifuwant)
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This review may contain spoilers
This is a really good series overall and a really great cast as well. The only person I was familiar with in the main cast is Kang Ki Young and he's excellent here and the comic relief and the mentor to Woo Young Woo and the other young attorneys. The relationship between Woo Young Woo and Jun Ho was so sweet and wholesome and had the right amount of good romance and tension between the 2 leads. What the writers did really well was the dialogue between the mains when they talked about everything but especially when they had to consider breaking up and why. also loved that things were not too dragged out. There are some big reveals early on and I liked that.
I really liked the 2FL played by Ha Yoon Kyung. Just really great character all around but Soo Yeon is way to good for Min Woo. You'll see what I mean when you watch.
Not sure if a 2nd season is necessary even with the things that were left open. My biggest question after watching is why the CEO of Hanbada had the grudge against the CEO of Taesan?? That's never explained or did I miss it??
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Highly recommended..
If you start a drama with a very good note then you must end that will even better notes.. Not all drama can keep that. Even that finale episode can make a change then the feeling of a viewer may different for sure. But Extraordinary attorney Woo never failed in any point, How innovative idea.... A person with autism spectrum becomes a attorney, that itself a biggest factor for an initial attraction. But its not easy to write something, But this writer fully aware of everything about the law and autism. So he did it Extraordinary Attorney woo is a must watch drama in the end.If you ask What difference is here..? A court room drama with a autism person..? No actually it has lot more then that.. It's not a one case drama, means it's actually the life 3 rookie attorneys of handbada and every Episodes bring you a new case with a very interesting story line. Personally some case's felt dragging but it's only my opinion others may feel different about those. But almost all case's are really interesting. When a new case arrive you always curious how attorney woo will handle this with her brilliance also you will learn something from that.
About the slice of life healing type story telling of the drama, i am truly satisfied. Because the struggles she face in this field was beautifully captured and there were some very heartwarming situations. Also the emotional side as well.
Park Eun Bin. She delivers her careers best performance actually lived as Woo young oo. Take a bow. Thanks for doing this. Can't imagine any other actor now in that character. Because she nailed it with her outstanding performance and to be honest i didn't like the romance part. Don't ask why. I don't know actually.. that only the personal feelings.
Highly recommended. Dramas like Extraordinary Attorney woo not come so often. Respect to the cast and crew. Personally this is actually enough., that call for a S02 is unnecessary. It's a perfect 16 episode drama. Must watch. Try it..
#N45Views
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It's about a narwhal in the sea of beluga whales. Woo Young Woo is everything and anything you could ask for so shout out to the actress that played her because WHAT AN OUTSTANDING JOB. She's unique, smart, her own person and all in all, a huge success. In a world where you are not one as everyone, she stands out but makes herself just her and I love that for her. She goes through struggles of having Autism but also emotional battles in general that everyone can relate to. Friends, family, love and work.
The acting was immaculate. I loved every single person, I loved the MFL, the ML, the father, the co-workers, the lawyers, victims, you name it all, I absolutely loved every single person and even in moments of frustration.
Music was outrageous, 10/10!
Overall, I would binge this show on any type or time of day. Lazy days, sick days, rainy days and warm days. I would let it wrap me like the warm hug it provided me. Watching her succeed and grow was the heart warming feeling I needed in every way, aspect and more. I loved the cases, I loved the romance, I loved the balance that this show gives and everything about it. Whether it's season 1 or season 2, I feel so proud of Woo Young Woo and I just don't think I'll ever let go of how remarkable this show was in every single aspect.
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The premise of the show; 'maybe in the end, we all need Attorney Woo more than she needs any of us.' Each episode, we are treated to a new legal case where this premise is freshly tested.
While a bit simplistic and condescending (this is a premise often used for stories about pets and small children), there is an inherent truth and simple joy that is cathartic. Oftentimes, especially in the law, we deliberately make things excessively complicated to avoid our responsibilities to fairness, justice and equal application of the law. Sometimes, there really is a right side and a clear answer.
I will say the legal cases of the week, the legal problems and applications of the law were well researched and presented compared to most legal shows, and illustrated the spectrum of personalities attracted to the law extremely well.
Added secondary elements of romance and family drama kept the show interesting, as the initial simple premise wore thin.
The actors are all distinct, and I was attached to many of the secondary characters. The emotional range and depth was fairly shallow for all. The show often pulled its punches, and would open up difficult scenarios or questions only for things to resolve neatly with a bow, before anyone was too distressed. The music was fine, and I'm not sure if I'd rewatch.
I grade on other criteria:
Complex Themes: 7.5
The show opened up a lot of thorny ethical and moral problems: can someone non-autistic and someone autistic be in a relationship of equals? how will Attorney Woo handle morally ambiguous cases? why do people who feel righteous do immoral things? But then always takes the easiest way out - mainly by side stepping and dropping the issue entirely.
Character Growth: 5.0
There really isn't any, unless you count being more accepting of Attorney Woo
Complicated Women/Interactions between Women: 8.5
Featuring women in careers, esp. in higher power positions is always extremely welcome. Attorney Woo as a woman genius/savant/autistic already gains huge points for this section. She also has a growing and complicated friendship with her fellow female associate and old classmate. However, the touch points, for Attorney Woo are mostly men: her father, her boss/mentor at the firm, her romantic interest, and her nemesis at the firm.
Cinematography/Production Values: 9.0
The production team, directors, and cinematographer excelled in two areas. 1) in illustrating Attorney Woo's internal thought processes from the whales, to how her brain jumps to finding patterns no one else can see 2) in filming the numerous lengthy court scenes to make them engaging and exciting
Beyond that, it's the typical high standards of a modern K Drama.
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Watch this it is a great show
I really like this show. I hope they make a season 2. I think they have done a great job with this show. The main character has Autism. The actress is doing a great job portraying this character. I have a 15 year old son that has autism. Many of the issues that the show raises are spot on to the reality of living with autism. I love the balance of support and also discrimination shown. I wish they would develop the romance a little more between Attorney Woo and Lee Jun-ho. Lee Jun ho needs to stop calling attorney Woo so formally and call her by her first name. I have already re watched many of the episodes. I like the cases and the personal drama,Was this review helpful to you?
Exquisite!
Where to begin….this drama is the most beautiful piece of work I have watched for a long time; the female lead - oh my lord can this woman act!!i have no personal knowledge of autism but going from the reviewers who do she appears to have captured the nuances of this condition perfectly .the storylines are quirky, thoughtful and I rarely finished an episode without a tear. It had my heart soaring with joy, breaking with sadness, just a perfectly written and performed drama.so happy to see 2024 for season 2 announced. Only sadness is its finished. Feel the same way I did when I watched the last episode of my liberation notes. No one writes emotion like Korean scriptwriters but it does rather spoil you, I find my Native British dramas almost one dimensional now, thank god there is so much still to see as I only discovered the treasure of Kdrama during covid.Was this review helpful to you?
Eye-opening, light paced and interesting!
One of my first law dramas, and added to that a massive twist of shedding light from an autistic's perspective. Loved the way how cases involving various types of crimes involving businesses, corruption, cyber-crime, divorce & abuse, and autism itself were portrayed and reasonable solutions were derived. Honestly, I had to rewind a few dialogues to get the crux of the entire situation and I'm always left flabbergasted by how the protagonist finds tough-to-find loopholes and saves the day!Do not underestimate the show though, at first even I felt the possibility of me not being able to relate, but in reality it showcases so many flaws in abled people as well.
I would say for once that if you're looking for a law drama, get a glimpse into problem-solving skills, sympathize and understand the beautiful world of autism I would like you to give it a watch.
Although the romance is slow and budding, the show is quite interesting and leaves you hooked to the seat until you finish off the entire episode. But there is another unexpected romance at the near end, which didn't hesitate in making my heart flutter and complete the show. And yes it's quite light-hearted as well.
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really good autism rep but episodes get repetitive
i really really liked this show! i think that it is one of the best asd rep out there. i have asd myself and i think that the actress and writers really did well presenting an autistic person on screen and the struggles and misunderstandings that come from it. sometimes the way that certain characters acted towards woo young woo because of her autism made me angry! but that only made me like the show more. one of the things i like the most about woo's character is that the writers didnt baby her, but also didnt make her an emotionless robot. she is a character with depth that i can really relate to sometimes.the special effects i think are really cute too.
the only critique i would maybe give the show is that it gets kind of boring in the middle, because the episodes get really repetitive with little plot progression i think that maybe they couldve made the series a bit shorter than 16 episodes. i started this series when it first aired but at episode 12-13 i took a long break because nothing super interesting was happening. it got interesting afterwards tho,, but only because i forced myself to finish the show.
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Not bad
Amazing acting by Eunbin. i love her character and really wish the best for her despite knowing shes just a fictional character. romance felt a bit off between taeoh and eunbin but ok Amazing acting by Eunbin. i love her character and really wish the best for her despite knowing shes just a fictional character. romance felt a bit off between taeoh and eunbin but okAmazing acting by Eunbin. i love her character and really wish the best for her despite knowing shes just a fictional character. romance felt a bit off between taeoh and eunbin but okAmazing acting by Eunbin. i love her character and really wish the best for her despite knowing shes just a fictional character. romance felt a bit off between taeoh and eunbin but okAmazing acting by Eunbin. i love her character and really wish the best for her despite knowing shes just a fictional character. romance felt a bit off between taeoh and eunbin but okWas this review helpful to you?
