K-lover61
UK
Dark, depressing and uncomfortable
Aug 2023
First off, apart from graphic violence, there are scenes containing rape, domestic abuse and suggested self-harm, so be warned ahead of viewing.
It starts off fairly evenly, lulling us into a very false sense of security, before escalating and that escalation never stops until the very end.
The way in which those perceived to be less attractive, are overlooked, spoken to, and at worst, not even loved by their own parents, is horrible. School is one thing (teachers woefully absent as usual), but the workplace is reminiscent of the UK in the 70s/80s.
The main character's dreams, held from being an infant, were quickly slashed, as she grew older and her looks hsd diminished by the time she was a teen. Although a talented and confident dancer, she was never accepted, getting verbally abused, and soon gave up. Her mother was cold and unsupportive.
As an adult, she vents her craving for the adoration and attention of an audience, by performing often exotic dance routines online, wearing a mask and various wigs.
The story follows her double life, which due to several interactions with a co-worker, culminate in her having something of a melt down.
From there on, her luck goes from not great, to catastrophically awful.
The story does a FFWD (which I know annoys some, but it does fit in this instance) and the hatred and vengeance from the past wreaks havoc in the present.
One character in particular is amazingly portrayed; blind to their complicity, failings and own twisting of reality, because facing up to all that, would be even more painful and leave no one to lash out at. An honestly hateful person who wants to be the victim.
I found the story and mix of characters, frankly depressing. It gets quite ridiculous at times too, which spoilt any realism built up in scenes.
I can't say I enjoyed it, but I can't say it was bad. It was horrible really. How people can drive others to lose who they are, features strongly, and is sickening, as is the obsession with looks, that is very prevalent, not only in S.Korea, although they do seem particularly obsessed with it.
The cast are excellent. It has a docu-drama feel at times, even though, as said, the plot in terms of what's believable or possible, goes off the rails quite often.
The ending was quite something, but lacked in one major aspect, which I can't say in this, but will add a spoiler comment.
First off, apart from graphic violence, there are scenes containing rape, domestic abuse and suggested self-harm, so be warned ahead of viewing.
It starts off fairly evenly, lulling us into a very false sense of security, before escalating and that escalation never stops until the very end.
The way in which those perceived to be less attractive, are overlooked, spoken to, and at worst, not even loved by their own parents, is horrible. School is one thing (teachers woefully absent as usual), but the workplace is reminiscent of the UK in the 70s/80s.
The main character's dreams, held from being an infant, were quickly slashed, as she grew older and her looks hsd diminished by the time she was a teen. Although a talented and confident dancer, she was never accepted, getting verbally abused, and soon gave up. Her mother was cold and unsupportive.
As an adult, she vents her craving for the adoration and attention of an audience, by performing often exotic dance routines online, wearing a mask and various wigs.
The story follows her double life, which due to several interactions with a co-worker, culminate in her having something of a melt down.
From there on, her luck goes from not great, to catastrophically awful.
The story does a FFWD (which I know annoys some, but it does fit in this instance) and the hatred and vengeance from the past wreaks havoc in the present.
One character in particular is amazingly portrayed; blind to their complicity, failings and own twisting of reality, because facing up to all that, would be even more painful and leave no one to lash out at. An honestly hateful person who wants to be the victim.
I found the story and mix of characters, frankly depressing. It gets quite ridiculous at times too, which spoilt any realism built up in scenes.
I can't say I enjoyed it, but I can't say it was bad. It was horrible really. How people can drive others to lose who they are, features strongly, and is sickening, as is the obsession with looks, that is very prevalent, not only in S.Korea, although they do seem particularly obsessed with it.
The cast are excellent. It has a docu-drama feel at times, even though, as said, the plot in terms of what's believable or possible, goes off the rails quite often.
The ending was quite something, but lacked in one major aspect, which I can't say in this, but will add a spoiler comment.
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