I've just finished this Kdrama yesterday and I was totally amazed by it. First of all, all actors were absolutely perfect. Especially Jang hyuk and all actors who've played the victims in this series. You, as a viewer, will feel every single emotion because of how well they acted. Some scenes were a little bit too slow. Most of the time, when the female lead was shown. This was kinda bothersome since her facial expression and how she handled things were somewhat repititive. But apart from that, she did good ! I love how you will see progress with every single episode. It creates a very good image of how everyone has lived and what has happened to them as well as why they behaved like they did. This is a MUST watch for every thriller/krimi/detective fan. The scenes were absolutely crazy!

Read More

After it took me so long to decide which final score I would give to this title, I am now able to write a review about it.

To begin with, the idea of the story was indeed a very serious one. It contains a lot of psychological aspects as well as criticism towards the modern korean society (and sure some other parts of the world). While I was watching this series I've only thought about how they'll deliver such a soul-stirring topic to the viewer. I didn't want to be disappointed first -which I was until episode 6/7. But all of those past episodes served only as a preparation to what'll come after the families will realize what they've done so far to their children. This is why I kept believing in this Kdrama and I didn't regret it after all while at some moments I just wanted to stop watching.But something just kept me going on with it.

After rethinking I guess it were the somewhat comedy-like scenes which I found very disruptive. I don't think they've blend them well into this Kdrama. Or atleast I didn't find them funny at all because I expected a deep analysis of the given subject throughout the whole Kdrama.

But with all due respect I have to admit, that I was attracted by how the writer contrast the families - including their beliefs, likes, dislikes, interests and overall way of living - with each other. Of course, some things might've been way too exaggerated but all in all it was still credible.

This Kdrama was made to let us reconsider what is really important and matters in live. The example with the pyramid was perfect tho to emphasis how people of power think about everyone who are beneath them or live in poverty. The families were ADDICTED to think that way and as a result couldn't think of a way to get out of it. Everything that has happened to them and nearly destroyed the familie's life and cohesion, was because of their greed. They've completely ignored their children's wishes, sorrow, stress. It was all about reputation, authority, power, performance.

Read More

I've been a fan of OCN Dramas for quite a long time. They have so many good Dramas with a profound story and a dark atmosphere which has never failed to amaze me. Within the first episode, I could tell this show is going to be something new what I didn't see before.I first started it because I was really curious about how they'd communicate such an exceptional strong message about what's going on in a fanatical religious cult. This Kdrama managed to surpass all my expectations.

- - - STORY - - -

It was interesting and somehow surprising as well how they've created a connection between all characters in this Drama. While it seemed like Dong Chul was the only one from the group who is going to suffer throughout the story, one after another got involved into it. While the viewer learns about their past and why they would act like they did, we also get to know about their intention. While I was confused about the reason why the friends would undergo such a risky rescue even though they have a lot to lose (except Dong Chul), it became more clear towards the end of the Drama which does not make a lot of sense. Only after they've found out about their family members being involved in this case, it would've make much more sense for them to take action afterwards especially because Sang Mi was a total stranger for them. However, Dong Chul should've been the 'hero' but he was never portrayed as such. He was the only one from the beginning who has not simply looked away. He was accused, sentenced, and got beaten up hundred of times but at the end Sang Mi was unpleasantly cold towards him which made me really sad. However, in my opinion Sang Hwan was more like a 'plot filler' who, although he has also decided to help, wasn't as important as Dong Chul but got all the attention tho.

Nevertheless, I do think this Drama was not about the group of friends but rather wants us to think about how powerful words can be and how a single narcisstic personality (talking about the cult's leader Baek Jung Ki) can lead to manipulation, power and innocent victims. Additionally, because he was narcisstic, he managed to influence people on all levels with bribe money and also blackmailing them while people in poverty or those who are mentally unstable have to make amends and suffer in his favour.

This is something we will all recognize. We just have to take a look at our politicians, lobbyism and overall corrupt systems. It does not even require a religious cult to get in on the act.

- - - ACTORS AND CAST - - -

Well, I don't think it requires a long explanation about how well all of them - including the side and support actors - did. Seo Ye Ji, Jo Sung Ha, Woo Do Hwan and Yoon Yoo Sun were my favorites in this one.

But, to be honest, Jo Jae Yoon, who has played Jo Wan Tae (Goosunwon's apostle) has had an outstanding performance. I fell in love with his character from the very beginning. It was obvious that he's going to play the badass insensitive man who's willing to do everything to achieve his goals. But I was just thrilled by his acting and not mention his looks with this cute curly hairstyle. In my opinion his character was without doubt the most authentic one besides Baek Jung Ki and Sang Mi's mother.

Read More