Moving (2023)

Truly is MOVING

I really thought that this was going to be your typical high budget super-hero drama. The high profile cast ahem Han Hyo Joo , Zo In Sung and co definitely must have cost a lot , and like many big budget shows – Moving was probably going to have typical poor writing with big special effects. Probably some formulaic hero show that we’ve seen before a la Heroes or Marvel/Dc vibes.

Boy was I wrong !

For sure its got high powered fight scenes but this show is more than that.This show prioritizes character development. Motifs galore with beautiful imagery and meaning too. The writing is excellent . The production and visual FX are crazy good too. It’s tugging on all the emotional strings with emotional bonds that are truly MOVING.

Now, some may be put off by the gritty violence . It really does get in there that a fast forward button may be needed for more sensitive viewers but I am one of those sensitive viewers and I can tell you that the violence has a sincere necessity contextualizing the gore. They fight for love and fear of loss .Everyone of them do this that it cancelles out any sense of gratuity .

Now why do I score it a 9 and not a 10? Theres something I cannot forgive about this really great show and that is the focus balancing .

Focus balancing is when there are plots and subplots and the editors , directors et al balance them .i.e - the main plot has the adequate focus that a main plot should have and a sub plot is noticeably sub to a main plot.

Now , Moving understandably has a holistic take on the anthology and all plots are actually main plots but I couldn't shake the feeling that there were plots that were better done and in hindsight ,too consummate to be a parallel to the one I felt the problem lay with . Just so you are not in the dark , theres a man whose backstory was waaaaay too much and killed the balance for me so no perfect 10 from me.

That aside , this show truly is something special .Its grounded in realism because well and truly , if superpowered people existed ,the trials the show explores would be the exact thing happening to them with governments using them etc. That is so self aware and brilliant of the script.

Also ,shout out to the best romance I have seen in drama land in a loooong time acted out by Zo In Sung and Han Hyo Joo and which also culminated in the BEST episodes of the show. They resonated with pure sincerity, cutting through misunderstandings and doubts, showcasing the genuine feelings between two people and successfully evoking deep emotions in the viewers . What Moving did with two episodes of romance is something that 16 episode dramas routinely fail at.

The highschool children were amazing too!

Overall- I highly recommend especially to those who like grit mixed with slice of life showcased in almost anthology style.

Citeste mai mult

Wow...

When I read the MDL summary for this series, I imagined a plot full of super hero tropes layered with flimsy super hero power action scenes, and some standard sappy Korean-esque backstory with the parents/children. But in addition to the high rating, it came up a few times as a recommendation for other series I've enjoyed, so I gave it a try. And wow... did it far exceed my initial expectations.

Plot flow: Each episode was robust with action, excitement, and anticipation and it doesn't rely on ending on obvious cliffhangers or any particular over-dramatization. The care that was given to delve into the background stories of relevant characters is very much appreciated. The lore is believable and they did a great job between blending a slice-of-life feel with action/tragedy/politics.

Action scenes: Has to be one of the best ones I've come across when it comes down to showcasing superpowers. It was done so well, I didn't care to even make any attempts to even think about potentially critiquing whether it made sense or not (and still don't).

Characters: The characters (and their families) were uniquely interesting and with so many familiar faces in the cast, it's inevitable that they did a great job bringing the them to life. You will also sometimes find yourself rooting for both the protagonists and antagonists.

The only minor negatives were the scenes were sometimes slightly prolonged and the lighting could have been a bit clearer. The scenes shot in the dark weren't very easy watch when I was viewing some episodes during the day. And if it weren't for the obvious hint for a much needed season two, the ending would have been a discussion point.

Citeste mai mult

Definitely recommend this one!

Alright so I will be honest - first of all I started watching this because I ran out of things to watch, so I wasn't interested in this from the start. To be even more honest - I almost dropped this, as I was watching the first episode I felt a bit bored and thought to myself 'oh no, another drama that will focus only on romance' not to mention that I usually don't watch dramas with superpowers included. But once I started watching the second ep, I got more and more hooked honestly. I'm very glad that I didn't drop it.

Personally I think some of the background stories of the parents were a bit unnecessary, I wasn't that interested in everyones story aside from the main couple and juwon. I must say that from the parents/adults my favorite character is definitely juwon. He went through so much pain (literally, but also emotionally) and I'm sure if I was in his shoes I would have given up, but he is such a strong character with good intentions and just.. Wow. I still feel sorry for everything he went through but it made him stronger. His story was the one that touched me the most. Definitely one of my favorite characters of all times in kdrama.

From the students I definitely like bongsok, but the female lead as well! Both of them seem like genuinely nice kids and so love able characters. I just wish the fl would have had more scenes at the end when.. You know THAT happened.

[SPOILERS ALERT]

The only thing I disliked was that the guy with missing finger (forgot his name) had to die in the end. I completely understand his point of view, that he felt guilty for surviving as only one as everyone else was executed, that he had to go there with his comrades. It just made me cry because he clearly didn't hurt anyone even though he could have and he could have started a new life there too, of course I'm also somewhat sad about his friends since they showed their backstory too that they aren't just evil villains but humans too who were forced to do this in order to survive and/or protect their family. They all had no choice, though they wanted to kill the innocent children so I don't feel that sad for them as for the guy I already mentioned.

This kdrama made me feel so many different emotions and that's just good story writing right here, whether you like the end or not. The dynamics and chemistry between all those characters and the acting itself was spot on, so I truly recommend this - watch it, give it a try, it's worth it!

Citeste mai mult

Superpowers, violence, and a star studded cast

A Korean superheroes drama? YES, PLEASE! The production value was awesome. You can tell a lot went into making the superpowers look believable. The regeneration, gunfights, action sequences and bloody gore were all high quality. The only disappointing aspect were the flying scenes. I think they may have ran out of money for that as it was very apparent that they were hanging on something as you can even see where the wire or hooks went into their clothes. As a viewer, that kind of sucked because I found it very distracting and awkward.

As for the acting, I really liked how there were a lot of high caliber stars in this drama. I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of a Disney superhero drama? Not many opportunities like this come to Korea so it's great to see a lot of great actors taking part. Even the young rookie cast was good. The only one who I did not care for is YDG. I know he only has a minor role, but I really don't understand how he keeps getting roles. He constantly overacts. I thought his acting was so bad in The Forbidden Marriage that I'm so surprised he was able to get cast in this drama.

Now for the pacing, I thought each episode was good, but the overall series was lacking as a whole story wise. Too much of the series was spent on the backstories and flashbacks of each main character that basically only the last 2 or 3 eps were dedicated to the present story. Don't get me wrong...I did enjoy each backstory, but it was building up momentum for the present story except the climax didn't really deliver sense wise. It felt a bit pointless on the villain side. For example, (SPOLIER AHEAD: Why go through all this fighting only to give up so easily at the end? The whole self sacrificing bit seemed out of place because it was rushed in without any build up to make sense of the change of heart).

However, seeing that they left a clip after the credits to allude to a season 2, it would then make more sense that S1 was just part 1 - the set up. If I look at it that way, then the ending is less disappointing. But if they don't have a S2, then I'd have to say the ending felt incomplete because there were so many things left unexplained and some things not quite adding up.

But all in all, I found this drama entertaining and was quite delighted that Disney greenlighted an Asian superhero drama that did not offend me with concepts of Asian stereotypes that we often see in Hollywood movies. It's been a slow journey to get to this point, but I'm glad things are starting to turn around. I hope we get to see more!

Citeste mai mult

Moving, mindblowing, epic

I enjoyed it a lot.

The first 7 episodes were light and cute.

The middle episodes about the parents were heart-wrenching and the storytelling was incredible.

The last episodes were epic yet moving.

What I liked about this series is how they showcased the lives of the villains making you feel for them, it was just sad. The people in power were the real bad guys.

My fav episodes were definitely 9 and 13 coz of Dosik and Minhyun. Their story was the best. I wish they extended the scene where Doo-sik reunited with his family, like I was mad when they zoomed out line excuse me, I waited for this exact moment for forever.

I can already tell a season 2 is coming ( hopefully ) or else they would have shown Bonseok and huisoo together. ( they r officially the cutest couple of 2023)

Citeste mai mult

The Most Moving Show Of The Year

Moving is one of the most moving action/spy/superpower stories I have ever watched. At its core is love and family, something that’s conveyed through every interaction between parent and child. It, of course, became my new favorite k-drama, because for 15 episodes, out of 20, this show touched me in ways no other show have.
My Rating: 9.5/10
My issue with most shows/movies that deal with superpowers is the stakes. Such shows demand us to be on the edge about the safety of the lead characters that we (should) care about. However, usually, they set up the story in such a way that the viewers are already comfortable and know that the leads are safe no matter what. They make the leads so overpowered/smart against the villains that it's obvious that the leads are going to be safe. This is where Moving excels so much. The way the story is framed, makes you feel that a confrontation with the villains is a matter of life and death. The protagonists aren't overpowered in front of the villains so the stakes feel real and scary. It has been able to evoke genuine fear in my heart about the well-being of the characters.
Another element is that superhero stuff nowadays relies so much on the star power of the actor or the existing fandom of the leads that they pay little to no attention to building the character of these superhumans. So it always feels hollow. I'm like- okay I am supposed to care about this person but eh I don't see why I should care. This is where Moving comes in and breaks the mold. The show has painted such elaborate pictures of the lives of all these characters that it is impossible to not care about them. Literally every single significant character is given flashbacks to develop their character so well. This helps in building the stakes of the story as well.
We feel empathy for ones we’ve only just met, who are also fighting to protect their families and who are also being used by those with political power. The battle, the outcome, the final scenes conveyed a much bigger message. Where the death of innocent people is considered a “necessary sacrifice,” and children are being manipulated into becoming weapons to be used for the “benefit” of the state, there is evil. Ultimately (after much violence and many bad deeds) this is a story about two groups of superpowered people who have been positioned against each other but come to recognize who the real enemy is. Some of these characters are far more bad than they are good, but the story ends with a commitment to protecting the next generation and ensuring history doesn’t repeat itself.
The cast was absolutely perfect in conveying every emotion the webtoon and the writers wanted to convey, every single performance gets a 10/10 from me. The OSTs were also very memorable and helps elevate the emotions of the scenes it was put in, and yes I already have the OSTs saved in a playlist to listen to and reminisce from time to time. The CGI is not perfect, there were a lot of dodgy scenes where the characters looked like video game characters bouncing around, but it never happened to their faces, and it never looked unnatural, it was good CG. Spectacular fight scenes and stunt work, great use of the abilities portrayed here, although I do wish the abilities were a little more diverse, rather than 4 or 5 characters just having the exact same powers.
[Spoilers Ahead, so stop reading]
My main complaint is Kisoo's character, and how insignificant he felt. The show would've worked perfectly fine without him. He was just...there. But he did gave some powerful scenes with the teacher around episodes 17 and 18, but then again, that could've been achieved with just Ganghoon. It bothered me because of how in episodes 15 and 16, they made it look like he was some important character, but never went deeper into that. My other issue is when Doosik finally reunited with his family and we barely got to see 5 seconds of it, like it would've been perfect to end the episode with the surplus of emotions if they prolonged that scene of reunion, but it just cut to black, and I guess we'll see in Season 2.
As was foreshadowed during that much earlier conversation between Huisoo’s parents, we got a happy ending. I’m grateful that the main plot points were tied up; to have ended with a cliffhanger, and no promise of future episodes, would have been cruel. The final episode has definitely set things up for another season, and I really hope we get it. If only to give us a reunion scene between Bongseok and Huisoo. Their last on screen interaction was during a really high stakes situation in which everyone was in mortal danger, and I’m sad we didn’t see them meet following that. However, I suppose the bullet still lodged in the arm and the yellow raincoat speak volumes… we know everything we need to know.

Citeste mai mult

Moving" - A Dynamic Tale of Powers and Personal Growth

"Moving" is a captivating drama that I recently finished, and it left me with a mixed bag of emotions. The second-generation characters in this series are a testament to versatility, both in terms of their extraordinary powers and their evolving behaviors throughout the episodes.

Bong Seok's character development was a highlight for me. His journey from shyness and fear to confidence in his powers was both relatable and inspiring. Hee Soo, on the other hand, stood out with his intelligence and kindness, never once judging Bong Seok for his initial reservations.

Gang Hoon's immense strength grabbed my attention, but I must admit that his character didn't resonate with me as much as the others.

Shifting gears to the first-generation powers of the parents, Jaa Woon's dark past and his wife's struggles added depth to the storyline. Jaa Woon's healing power was a personal favorite, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.

Mi Hyen's senses power was intriguing, but I couldn't help but wish for a bit more depth to her character. The same goes for Doo Shik.

The plot, while simple on the surface with the backdrop of a North-South Korea conflict, unfolds in a way that keeps you engaged. It's a testament to the storytelling that even with a straightforward premise, "Moving" manages to entertain.

Overall, "Moving" is a series that's definitely worth a watch. The blend of diverse powers, character growth, and a unique take on a war narrative make it a compelling drama. I eagerly await the arrival of season 2 to see where the story takes these fascinating characters next.

Citeste mai mult

This drama 100% deserves the hype

In a time when we are suffering from a over-saturation of content and less than mediocre stories, particularly related to people with superpowers, South Korea has released MOVING and proved there's still hope for the genre.

Like its tittle the story is in constant move, not only pushing forward but going back to different timelines to give us context o our main characters and how the things happening in present time are a direct consequence to the past. Technically, MOVING is perfect. One of the strongest points is definitely the editing and this can be seen in the way the story jumps from one year to another but you never lose track of what's happening nor leaves you confused. There are gaps to fill but with other episodes that will give you answers. The score complements the actions and emotions of the characters to perfection.

The performances are top notch and it's not surprise considering this drama is stack. If you have been watching korean dramas or films for a while, you will recognize even the most random character or one-episode-cameo it's performed by an award winning actor or actress. These people have a reputation for a reason and they deliver in every scene, with a look, a touch, a smile or a punch that will push you through a wall. For some characters in the drama literally speaking.

Zo In Sung hasn't starred in a drama since Dear My Friends (2016) and I am so glad this is his return to the tv format. In MOVING he delivered a nuance, charming and badass performance that in the hands of another would have fell flat. His character's entire existence it's what pushes most of the story forward: a person used as a weapon to kill but all he ever wanted was to live. The big mystery of the drama it's to find out what was his fate after he got separated from those he loves.

Ryoo Seung Ryong remains one of the most compelling actors of his generation, giving us the incredible story of a good man lost in life until he found his purpose and redemption. His storyline, full of gore and violence, was actually a tender love story about how far a man will go to protect his family. Marvelous.

Han Hyo Joo's character could have easily fallen into the Smurfette principle but no. She's an equal to the men who love her and those that want to kill her, with a very strong motivation to keep herself on the top of the game. This character's loneliness comes through every scene she's in, bottling everything up in order to be strong for her family but you can tell she's waiting for a chance to be free and, most importantly, for her son to be able to live freely.

Ko Yoon Jung, Lee Jeong Ha and Kim Do Hoon are really promising actors, particularly considering they hold their own while performance with so many household names. I think Kim Do Hoon and Kim Sun Kyun probably gave one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful stories in the drama.

Like I mentioned before every single actor in this drama brought their A+ game face but I would be doing a disservice if I didn't mention Kim Hee Won, Cha Tae Hyun, Ryoo Seung Bum, Park Hee Soon, Yang Dong Geun, Jo Bok Rae, Park Kwang Jae, Kim Joong He and, of course, Kwak Sun Young. She in particular was SPECTACULAR.

None of these characters are one-dimensional, they are not defined by the label society wants to put on them. They are all joined together by the experiences, hardships, love, motivations and ambitions they share. At the end of the day, related or not by blood, they are a family. Even the so-called enemies.

MOVING it's absolutely worthy of the hype that surrounds it through all social media and news outlets putting in the category of one of 2023 best tv shows. I only regret I didn't have the time to watch it sooner so I could have add it to mine.

Citeste mai mult

The long wait was worth it!

So, I had been waiting for this show since my Jo In Sung obsession developed...sometime in 2021, I think? And Then when it came out, I don't know, it had just been too long, I wasn't invested anymore so I didn't touch it for months until my mom said she had seen a random scene from this show that she thought was cool and she wanted to watch the rest so I just recently binged the whole thing with her and I have to say, it was worth the wait. It's true. My only investment in this show was initially JUST Jo In Sung and no one can blame me for it because he is like a rare orchid that blooms every five years or something. So I've been frustrated and desperate BUT the show is very well-made and the teenage characters are sooooo cute, omg! I thought teen boys could only be mildly threatening or absurdly annoying. Who knew they could be adorable sunshine bunnies?!
Anyway, the little cutesy friendship between the two teen characters made me so endeared and as the plot developed it became more interesting (And also I kept waiting and waiting and waiting for Jo In Sung to show up...ㅠㅠ).
My only issue with this show is too much violence and not enough Jo In Sung. It was disgusting how much violence I had to endure. I got bored with it, too. So instead, I spent a good deal of the fight scenes scrolling through my phone, while being stuck to the screen during the romance parts. It was just too much. Very gross. Sure, the CGI work was amazing and I applaud the crew for that (the production overall was amazing) but gratuitous violence is so tacky.
The acting in this show is amazing. Obviously, with heavyweights in the main roles, no one was expecting anything less but even the younger cast members were great. They brought the characters to life and I was shocked to find out one actor is 26 years old?! I thought he was 15! :o Everyone was so well-casted and they acted their butts off.
I'm not even a superhero story fan. I don't like marvel and don't watch any of their stuff. But I enjoyed this one. Maybe because it was so fundamentally different from a superhero arc. However, the plot felt a little like a prequel, to be honest. So I can imagine a more traditional superhero plot in a potential second season. This felt more like an espionage family drama; if the families in the espionage had superpowers.
So between the endearing character relationships, an interesting and engaging plot, amazing casting, and a very professional production, this show was basically perfect...except for too much violence. And not enough Jo In Sung.
The music was also very good. It was scored like a film, very ambient but never distracting. Just as it should be.
Will I rewatch this? No...except for rewatching Jo In Sung's scenes. :) And I've already done that...a few times!
I recommend it if you can handle violence and if you like espionage plots, romance, and a bit of mystery.

Citeste mai mult

'Fast, witty and emotional', with VFX analogues to western movies!

Review frequently updated: EP1-7
The first few episodes guide us through the fictional world where the government has been involved in recruiting (might even creating, not revealed yet) superhumans as agents. From what we know the agents are retired and the story is now revolving around their kids. We see how their abilities have affected their lives and how their parents (former agents) are trying to protect them. The family and friends relationships are laid out pretty well initially. We are also introduced to what I can assume will be the main plot line, that the governments of different nations are trying to kill the former agents of South Korea. Why and how is not something we discover yet. From my understanding, the powers seem to be inherited genetically and the kids can have abilities of both parents, like our main lead Kim Bong Seok and the killer, a CIA operative (a native Korean who was sold as a child) has been tasked to take out all the former agents and their kids. The story is interesting and I cannot wait to see where it is taken from here.

Till now the storyline is fascinating and I enjoyed how the first few episodes were used to introduce us to the world and the characters. The series involves a lot of characters and their background stories which could have become messy and tedious if I had not binged watched it.

PS: If you are wondering, the VFx are amazing! Top quality! Very comparable to American shows!

Citeste mai mult