W (2016)

Confusing but interesting

HI firstly, I would like to confirm that I do not listen to the music. Because I tend to not remember the song unless it is the most memorable thing on earth. (I still gave 9.0…because I just decided that whether the music was nice had nothing to do with what I felt about it and didn’t give a overall impact to the show in any way. )

Next, I finished watching this show and I only had two feelings and a very rather weird opinion. However, you can basically know what I feel based on my review headline.
First, confusing. I think that was really my 100% reaction to it throughout the show. It was just so confusing. At first, it was still ok. There was an obvious difference between where she was, like whether she was in the comic or in the real world. Then, it started going crazy. They started switching between those two worlds so unnoticeably that I had to pause several times throughout the episodes to understand what was going on and why it was going on. Now, sometimes, certain shows show that no understanding where they are (in terms of whether they are in another world), can still make you magically understand what’s going on. However, this show is not like that. It is so hard to understand what is going on in future episodes if you do not pause and fully process what is going on. It makes this drama test your ability on how to map out on a timeline. This show kinda connects a lot of past references so if you watch this, you gotta be on your toes. If not, its game over and back to episode one. I do recommend you check out recaps of episodes that were just so confusing by authors on the internet. They do help sometimes in clearing up doubts. Still, this process of having to not be able to fully enjoy the drama really took some points away from it, As you can see, I took out nearly half of the story points in my rating purely because confusing ruins it. (PS: I would like to mention that if you would like to challenge your capabilities in mapping out timelines and outline in events by replaying events over and over again, this drama is for you.

Last point, W was actually very interesting. VERY INTERESTING. It was a great mystery. So it was fun to know that the scriptwriters were not underestimating human’s ability to think. I like that they used a comic tablet as a link which is comforting to know that they decided to use a different way to say “travel between two worlds” so props to the writers for that. Can’t say much anymore but overall interesting and does not have a too cliche plot.

Just to sum it up, watch it if you are free but if you are not. Don’t bother. There are better shows out there. Still, if you feel that one day, you want to test your mental capabilities and decide to not enjoy a show by contemplating on its plot, feel free to do so! And likewise as I always say, It is purely my review on it and I accept that everyone has their own reviews and feelings about this drama so do go ahead and watch this drama if you are truly interested in doing so. Don’t let my review deter you if you really want to watch it! Likewise if you are sitting on the fence and cannot decide whether to watch it or not, I do hope my review can help you find some little answer? Happy watching!

~Nerium Oleander

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Don't put it on hold

This has been a true masterpiece, I couldn't stop watching episode after episode, I was captivated by the twists and couldn't have predicted what comes next.
Honestly, I avoided this series, felt a bit surreal, but now I would recommend it to everyone, I'm actually sorry I haven't watched it earlier.
From an outstanding plot to amazing actors, nothing disappoints. You find yourself rooting for the main characters, crying with them, smiling, feeling frustrated, you go through so many emotions and still want more. There are a lot of transitions between the two worlds but they're just so well edited and there are no plot holes, everything slowly makes sense leaving you wanting for more.

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Engaging action fantasy romance

A young doctor gets sucked into the webtoon world her father created, where she finds the main character bleeding to death and immediately saves his life. As her father repeatedly attempts to kill off the main character—for personal reasons—she continues trying to save his life, and how could the male lead not be fascinated with his beautiful savior? Cue dangerous action sequences. As the show goes on, more characters start jumping between worlds, making the resolution process messier instead of…well, resolved, and the line between worlds grows more blurry. Attempts to “reset” things only bring pain and further conflict to everyone involved. Things worsen further when the webtoon author—the woman’s father—accidentally creates a nemesis that takes on a dangerous life of its own and starts coming after them all.

The pace keeps moving, the interactions are snappy and sweet, and the concept is brilliant overall. A screenshot of the male lead in this show is my phone lock screen, and I am not ashamed—he brings me happiness every time I see him.

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incredible

all of the bad reviews is very confusing to me because in my opinion this was a masterpiece.

not only was the casting AMAZING, but the storyline was so good. yes, i agree that the story kind of went aside sometimes and strayed away from the actual plot but thats why i kept on watching this drama. the dynamic and chemistry between the main leads was absolutely amazing, and the plot twists made me keep watching. i don’t know if your going to trust me or the other reviews which don’t recommend this drama, but it in my kdrama educated opinion, this was such a great drama and is 100% worth watching.

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Outstanding. Interesting. Somehow crazy but lovable. These are the things that come to my mind when I think about W. This was one of the K-dramas that I've enjoyed the most. Not only the actors were amazing *hello Lee Jong Suk* but the story itself was kind of different. You don't find a drama about comic books and two different universes, every single day. I don't know why, but every single drama that Lee Jong Suk appears in is good and I really like it.
 First of all, the plot was really good. It all started in a different universe and with an interesting storyline, but it was kind of weird as well. I didn't really like that it started with telling the story of main character and than switched to the female leader. I mean, I was getting more and more into the story of the 17 years old boy and after like 3 minutes, it showed a doctor who is about to get in trouble with her boss.
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the first episode and how it was structured, I just didn't really get the point of the beginning of the girl's story. It was kind of weird.
Still, the storyline is really good, even through there were some scenes that I've skipped over because they  seemed to be boring and I didn't have the nerves to watch it.
If I start to think about it, there was one thing I did hate about this series. Yeon-Joo's father and his maniac fight with Kang Chul. Okay man, I understand that you hate him and you've got real problems, but still. He is the main reason that I didn't give this series 10 stars. I just don't get the point of all this kill-him-than heal him game.
Moving on to the actors and the way they've tried to tell  the stories of the characters. I did like the way Kang Chul and Oh Yeon-Joo were presented, but about the rest of the characters, I have a mixed feeling. It's true, they did do an amazing job, I just think that some of them could have made a better job....
On the other hand, the Chemistry between Kang Chul and Yeon-Joo was really strong and I could see the affection between the two of them.  The two of them did an amazing job and I think it has something new. This drama itself has something new and unseen.
After all, I did enjoy the most part of this drama and I think I'll re-watch it sometime in the future.

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Rewatch 2nd time

The first time I viewed this KDrama, there were some scenes I didn't like. I had to come back to rewatch and just totally focus on the storyline. My first time watching a drama series of story coming alive from the real world. Lee Jong Suk was so good and is one of my favorite actors. Another great kisser if I haven't said that already. Han Hyo Joo also did very well and was believable in her character. The two leads had me in tears. The art was awesome! I love these kinds of dramas, the parallel world, the fantasy, the visuals, it was all there. The father character, Kim Eui Sung, who played two characters, that was some really good acting. Lee Si Eon was fantastic. Thank you!

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To be honest, at one point I felt that the story was getting a little boring. But as a person who watched all 7 seasons of Once Upon A Time (an American TV series), I wasn't surprised at the twist and turns in this drama.

Both stories had the same concept; the difference between reality and fiction and what happens when both world clashes each other. Though it got messy and complicated after 1st few episodes, if you got a hold of the concept, its not very hard to understand and it'll make so much sense.

I was only able to finish watching this drama for Lee Jong Suk oppa. When I finished watching 'While You Were Sleeping', I thought I should give one of his other dramas a go. So far, W is my 4th drama of his.

I've nothing against the female lead (I sort of forgot that she was in the movie 'Always' and she was my fav in that movie) or the character (Oh Yeon Joo) but at some point during the last few episodes I felt that they were force feeding the romance and there was lack of chemistry between them. It was very cute in the beginning episodes. Personally I kept repeating those scenes again and again but during the ends of the drama, you can see its too forced and robotic once he entered the real world. They had so much potential to keep it going, but why did it went downhill? And some of the characters were shadowed by the main characters and their forced romance. The writers could have formed a better story line for Yeon Joo's father and two of Kang Chul's friends.

Overall, keep an open mind while watching this drama as it will keep you on your toes with its unpredictability. The anxiety and suspense kept me going.

Also, can I just take a moment to tell y'all what an angel Jong Suk is. I doubt he's a man made creation. My goodness, how can such a hot, sexy and cute person can ever exist. You know when they say 'find a man who can do both', well Jong Suk is the ultimate definition of it. His smile, oh God, there wasn't a moment I never swooned for his smile. So in love with him, I really don't know what to do with my life.

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W- two world... The name itself tells the story... The drama is about two worlds... A real world and a world that is created by someone from real world similar to real world... Before its release teasers, posters and reviews created a hype in the market... After a long time people were waiting for a drama that has a different concept than most dramas... Of course we expect a passionate love story when it comes to LJS but this drama revolves around other things related to human psychology and their uncertain relations... A webtoon character and a real world girl... It was an exceptional romantic story... Someone who is from a fake world entangled with the life of the people from real world...
LJS portrayed a webtoon character and proved that he has became a brand now... Every single moment he hold you tightly... From the beginning till mid his character is totally different... He made you feel bad for him and sometimes you hate him for being such jerk but in the later part he is sweet and romantic guy who can kill or killed for the woman he love...
The switch between two worlds through sketches and twist in the plot made you awwww.... Plot is very well equipped and all characters made sense and fit in their roles
First episodes were amazing and well written but in later part people's opinion divert in different directions... Even though I consider it one of the best drama for some it lose its grip over the audience due to the less concentration on romance... It was mentioned by the director and actors many times that this drama is an exceptional love story that deal with two different world so love is not the only aspect here...

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This drama has everything, it has a little of romance, thriller, action, it also is funny and without a doubt it'll make you feel with the desire of crying.
In the beginning maybe you could feel a little lost because it's kind of complicated how the story goes, but in the second episode everything has more sense.
The main couple is so cute that in some point you'll want to have something like them and you'll support them so hard that you could understand why they act how they do.
It has some argument turns that you never would've expected.
The music is not so spectacular like other ones, but it's ok.

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STORY: For me, this story was pretty original. I have never watched a drama that involves a webtoon coming to life. Honestly, I thought it was a very good storyline and most of it fit together. BUT it did seem as though the writers tried to make it a little too complex and struggled to bring that to life. There were some confusing parts and a few loopholes/empty spots in the plot making sense 100% of the time This is a drama you cannot overthink and try to rationalize. You just have to go with it and enjoy it, highly logical thinkers may have an issue with this and find it frustrating. I did not really have this problem but I know my friends did. There was also times where the show seemed to know that viewers may lose interest and they created unneeded problems; there were also moments of romance that did not quite fit the moment considering all the other occurring events at that time in the show. However, the production quality was simply amazing. That was one of the best parts. The cinematography and lighting fit everything, camera angles enhanced the experience a lot. The transitions between worlds and characters v. humans were fascinating and well done. For me, the only reason I am not giving the story a 10 is because of a few weak spots in the plot, some of the scenes that were written made it seem as though the writers were trying too hard to keep the attention of the audience or were trying to do exactly what the audience wanted - this occurred more towards the end of the show, and the ending was not quite what I hoped for, but much, much better than I expected. There was nothing super unsatisfying about the end, like what I have experienced with other shows. There was a balance of good and bad throughout the show, happy and sad, and I think the ending brought that fairly full circle.

ACTING/CAST: Holy crap. There were many actors in this cast and I loved all of them to an extent. I did not hate a single person, even the villains. I will break it down person by person, but I am not going into all of them. Han Hyo Joo (Oh Yeon Joo) is the main female. The only other thing I had seen her in, before W, was Postman to Heaven. I loved her in that movie and I loved her in this show. Her acting fit the character so well, subtle cues that added to a character that could easily be flat. From her interactions with other cast members to portraying different emotions, she did it all in a fairly realistic manner you can connect to- considering the subject matter of the show. For me, she alone deserves a 9 or 10. Now, Lee Jong Suk. I want to say he had a stellar performance, but it was not the best thing ever. I do not think that was him so much as it was the role itself. Kang Chul is, in general, a bit too perfect, a bit too flat. He was not written with the depth I was hoping, but I think Lee Jong Suk put forth as much as he could into the character. I would give him, maybe, an 8 on his own? The romance between Kang Chul and Oh Yeon Joo was a bit too perfect, withstanding all the problems a little too easily, but it was by no means the worst romance I have seen. It was not 100% natural, but I thought it was pretty good. BUT we must talk about Kim Eui Seong. Kim Eui Seong plays Oh Sung Moo (Oh Yeon Joo's father) and I loved his performance. He by far was one of the most complex characters, and Kim Eui Seong's acting throughout the show, no matter what was demanded of him, was simply amazing. I quickly figured out he is an actor I would watch in anything. He is so good at portraying emotion and interacting with his fellow cast. I assume this comes from his being older and having more roles under his belt, but I think he was my favorite in this show. By far, the best performance in the show. He alone would receive a 10/10. The reason I give the overall cast an 8 is because not everyone was a stand out in this show, but I think that was less about the actors and more about the character roles written. They seemed awfully flat and you could tell they were only there because they were needed to push the story at times. Do Yoon (Chul's best friend and bodyguard) was fairly good and I think pushed his character as much as he could considering how it was written, and Soo Hee (Chul's friend and secretary) was not as great as I was hoping. She was a letdown, but again I think I blame the writing.

MUSIC: I really enjoyed this soundtrack. The songs used in the show are pretty recognizable and some get stuck in your head. It was not a soundtrack you end up hating, at least not for me. I actually saved up money and bought the entire soundtrack, which I have only done with a few shows. The best song for me was Without You by N of Vixx and Yeoeun of Melody Day. However, not all the songs are great or memorable, you realize that it was how they were cut and used in the show that made them better, but it is by no means a letdown. I must also mention, the placement and editing of the songs for the show were very well done. They simply added to the moments of the show and made things happier or more heartbreaking depending on the scene in action.

REWATCH: I actually have watched this show twice, once by myself, once all the way with my friends. I also enjoy it if I need a dose of romance or action for the background while doing homework. Many would probably rewatch this show, it definitely has the potential to be rewatched, and it has a bit of everything to appeal to different audiences. I have watched it on my own and with multiple friend groups - all the way and random episodes. But I do think it is a show you have to be in the mood for, It is not something I watched religiously but in binges. This is a very binge-worthy show. But I struggled to watch it week to week while it was airing.

OVERALL: I would give this show a 9/10. It has great acting and a good storyline, but it is not perfect. Many dramas are not perfect, so I have learned not to nitpick but I Think this show did a fairly good job and considering it was much anticipated I did not find it to be disappointing at all. I think many will like this show and should give it a try, especially those who are new to dramaland or want a high production show (think high production like City Hunter or Descendants of the Sun).

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Why I watched it: Lee Jong Suk and I needed a break between Sageuks.

Was it worth it: Yeah.

What I liked the most: I knew nothing going in, so I appreciated the unique plot gimmick.

What I disliked the most: The story got a little hairy towards the end and I checked out for a bit.

Moment Meter: 6/10 – Lots of good ones, especially at the beginning.

Other thoughts: My jury is always out about Jong Suk’s acting ability. Is he really a good actor? Or am I subconsciously forgiving of it because of his very appealing face? I don’t trust myself there. That aside, I really liked the premise of the story. It was unique and I’m a sucker for suspended belief. At times the technicality of things slowed the story down a bit, but it was also somewhat necessary too due to the unusual story. Han Hyo Joo did an awesome job and I found her to be very likable. This is another one where you really have to pay attention or you will quickly find yourself lost.

Conclusion: The story line was unique and the actors were gorgeous. A little better than your run-of-the-mill drama, but not a chart-topper for me.

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