Flower of Evil (2020)

Well-Crafted Melodrama

The key to this drama is managing expectations. While this drama has noir, mystery and thriller themes, at it's core it is a melodrama. It's not a bad thing; South Korea is excellent at crafting melodramas and probably my favorite genre of Kdramas. But since this a melo, not a crime drama, things like civilians openly conducting investigations along with the police or classic logic fails are par for the course. It's more about the drama, the story and the characters than accuracy or depth. Keep that in mind and the ride will go much smoother.

The absolute BEST part of this show is the acting. The leads absolutely nailed it. The glances, the facial expressions, the small movements, everything was on point. Certain scenes might not have packed the same punch if it was not for those two. They have brilliant what I call non-kissing chemistry - they can give the couple vibe just by being next to each other. The support characters also did a very good job and all the characters came to life.

Story: The story, for the most part was pretty solid. It starts off a little slow but builds up to a delicious and addictive flow. The writing for the last third was not as strong, but the story finished off to a respectable end. There was some shortcoming in the story-writing minutia and some personal things that frustrated me but overall, everything made sense in a satisfactory way. I will half a point off just because the show was initially presented to be very dark and thrilling with the theme of exploring morally grey characters but did not really go in that direction.

The highlight for this show for me was MCW's Cha Ji Won; she carried the show for me. From a story perspective, I appreciate her role as a active character whose actions directly affected the story line. As a character, I loved how she thought through things to make informed decisions and her strong love for her husband. I admired her perseverance, her compassion and her no-bullshit moments. LJG's Do Hyun Su/Baek Hee Sung was also very good and it interesting to see the character development he goes through. Something that really frustrated me was that he had a very subtle paternalistic side when it came to the females in this life which lead to him keeping secrets or not properly communicating with them. I honestly couldn't tell if this was done on purpose to show the background he grew up in or if it was the writer's bias seeping in. It is subtle and not directly related to the plot but did affect me enough to 1) notice it and 2) dampen my enjoyment.

The Baek couple was also interesting. They were not how they seemed at first and ended up being the greyest characters in the show. I wish we got to spend more time with the police team. Their interactions so natural with no forced team dynamics. I really liked Chief Lee despite his short screen time. He was so low-key I would initially have a hard time remembering he is the chief but he is the kind of leader I would dream of having. He knows when to push, when to let things go and how to keep his team together.

The music was amazing and really enriched the emotions of certain scenes. The lighting, camerawork and was also top-notch and another reason why this drama excelled. It has pretty good re-watch value.

Overall, this drama is a visual and auditory treat to watch with great characters and good plot. Go in expecting a very good Kdrama melodrama to come out satisfied.

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SO intense, a must watch for thriller fans.

Okay, I am not usually a fan of thrillers when it comes to kdramas but this was INSANE. Literally each episode I was on the edge of my seat and having constant anxiety. This show was crazy. The main couple had great chemistry but wow of course Lee Joon Gi's acting was incredible. His diversity and change of emotions is just remarkable. You really feel like you are watching a true crime story with all the details and background history within the show. The writer did a amazing job, actors was wonderful, plot thickened constantly within each episode. Definitely recommend!!

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Remember 5 Love Languages

The storyline sucked you in and each episode kept you hooked. Episode 16 had me worried. The FL and ML were outstanding. The little girl bears watching for future performances.

Now, the spoilers. The ML was raised by a deviant who tries to replicate himself in his son. The progession of the MLs emotional development may have been the genius of the scriptwriter, but anyone who has grown up in an abusive home can relate. Wether nature or nature he responded like a psychopath. Emotions in general and especially strong ones confused him. He had an inability to feel or express genuine emotions. Strong emotions frightened him. I'll say no more, but if you consider the abuse he suffered the storyline is conceptually believable. I will definitely rewatch this one.

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NO GRAVE CAN HOLD MY BODY DOWN, I'LL CRAWL HOME TO HER

This was one of the first Korean dramas I've had the chance to watch, and now I am almost scared to start another out of fear that any other show I watch will only be a flickering candle compared to the blazing fireworks display that was Flower of Evil. Every episode had me glued to the screen of my laptop. There were often times where I would catch myself holding my breath, and just as the forest exhales in the early morning, I too would release the air from my lungs with clenched fists as I watched every tense moment between Cha Ji Won (Moon Chae Won) and Do Hyun Soo (Lee Joon Gi) unfold.

Ultimately, it was the love story between those two that really caught my attention and refused to let go. The questions of 'How well do you know the person you love?' and 'How far would you go for them?' whirred through my mind during every episode. During the first episode, a dark cloud of doom seemed to hang over the couple. I had very low expectations for them, I will admit, but it became very clear to me that their commitment and love for each other defy the stars themselves, and that is really what made this show so spectacular. Home is other people, and Cha Ji Won and Do Hyun Soo prove this with every breath, every embrace, and every tear shed. Needless to say, the acting was top-notch!

The story, too, dredged from the darkest corners of human nature, seemed to defy almost all of my expectations. Everything was not quite as it seemed, and the plot twists were especially satisfying to watch. There were a few plot holes and jumps of logic that didn't quite make sense to me, but they had little impact on my enjoyment of the show.

Overall, if you'd like a good crime/thriller with domestic bliss and a side of murder, I would definitely recommend watching Flower of Evil. You will not regret it.

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such a great drama

i'll recommend this drama to literally anyone. even in the first episode, i felt hooked and wanting more. i never felt bored from start to finish, and each episode managed to make me want to see what was going to happen in the story. the casting and acting was absolutely amazing, everyone played their role so well! i also really enjoyed the small moments of romance in the story. it was not too much nor too less. the ml and the fl had such great chemistry throughout the drama and the side characters were equally as interesting. the plot twists executed so well too!! a total recommendation for anyone looking for a drama that will leave them on the edge of their seats. truly a great show to watch!

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Just watch you won’t regret at all

Flower of Evil was a fantastic watch. The reunion between Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won was everything I could have hoped for and more. These two talented actors wowed me with their amazing performances and wonderful chemistry.

The story was filled with suspense as well as in depth character exploration. There are plenty of surprising plot developments along with some great cliff hangers. The soundtrack also really enhanced the drama. Mystery, heart, and thrills all came together to make for a highly enjoyable ride.

And by the way can anyone to explain me why do I feel so empty after its end . . . as if a good part of me disappeared forever with the end of the series 🥺

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Only human

Wow, it was worth to watch, I started on nov 5th and finished on nov 11th

Las actuaciones tanto de Baek Heeseong cómo de Do Hyeonsu, pude ver cómo leyeron el libreto y se convirtieron en el personaje, puedo aplaudirle a todos y cada uno de los actores
El ost no lo recuerdo mucho, creo que es lo único que le falla al kdrama
El equilibrio perfecto entre romance, tensión, drama y terror
Spoiler

aunque todo el kdrama lo pasé teniéndole envidia a la detective Cha, al final yo deseaba con todo mi corazón que regresaran
cuando se alejaron me dolió más que cuando mis propios padres se divorciaron jajaja
la pareja principal es perfecta y no tengo ninguna queja de ellos

me quedé con ganas de saber más de la relación de Do Minseok y Baek Heeseong, pero se nota la poca atención emocional que tenía Heeseong en su casa

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Would have been the best series if it was of 14 episodes.

Pros:
1- The cast is just epic, the supporting roles gave me goosebumps.
2- Eun ha(child of ml and fl was so cute).
2- Story was realistic and not over the top romance.
3- No love triangle bullshit.
4- Characters was just perfect for my taste.
5- Good amount of romance with thriller episodes.

Cons:
1- As the title says it just went a bit to long at times.
2- Flashbacks where repeated to often .(Maybe since I binge watched it it felt unnecessary).
3- I lost the thrilling factor at times.
4- As the father of ML was given such importance they should have given some more information or story about ML's dad and mom.

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A fine wine grows on a vine. -Extraordinary Melodrama, Sensational, Unforgettable.

This is not your typical Melodrama; Suspense hollywood vibe. The title itself is already a masterpiece. Start watching and dig into the story itself, discover how each characters falls into an unprecedented situation and how the power of love will triumphed no matter how desperate the predicament maybe. There is always hope. Just like in real life. I'm in love with how Moon Chae‑won depicted her character as Cha Ji‑won. It is so pure that you can feel it. Definitely one of my favorite actress. Lee Joon Gi as Do Hyun Soo also nailed his part, extraordinary! As well as Seo Hyun Woo Jang Hee Jin. The story telling is in different level. I also love the vfx, the artstyle for the intro with double exposure and the flower props really fits as well. What I love about this is that you can't predict what will happen next. The ost really fits as well. Great choice!!! Overall, this is a korean drama that you can never miss. Even my grandma watched it.

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Best Psychological thriller with a touch of heartbreaking Melo!!!

One of the best, most cohesive Kdrama shows ever. This is a brilliant show consisting of all things that make a drama stand out. Good mixture of genres from nail biting suspense thriller to heart wrenching love story. Even the love shown between the two leads is so mature and settled. The chemistry was off the charts. The acting was immaculate. The instensity and thrilling aspect of the show was incredibly paced. I was always at the edge of my seat waiting to see which way the plot turns now.
I have become a huge fan of Lee Joon Gi. The way he can express only through his eyes is an art in itself.
Episode 11 absolutely wrecked me. The way he can act!!!
And Moon Chae Won gave the same level of performance. Loved the way she portrayed the main lead character as, vulnerable, badass yet conflicted.
This show has quickly become one of my top watched Kdrama


Edit: I have rewatched this show atleast 3 times and planning on starting a 4th time. Each and evry time I find something new and unique to love. How have we all collectively ignored the thrilling and creepy OST of this show. It's so good!!!

This show is without a single doubt my absolute favourite Kdrama ever!!!
No competition.

Off to watch again and live the thrill.

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Ends 2020 with a bang, hooked from start to finish!

This rounded my 2020 dramas off with a bang, and I will have it no other way. Flower of Evil is forever in my top drama list because of how complex everything is and for me it was more of a look at character exploration and growth (and questions of humanity) over the thriller element (which was also amazing, by the way.) There's way too much for me to gush about, so I'll try to keep it as succinct as I can with minimal spoilers!!

THE STORY
So I think it's a bit difficult to talk about Flower of Evil without mentioning the other drama from 2020 that had one of the lead characters struggling with mental health conditions: It's Okay to Not Be Okay. While the main characters can share some similarities in their struggles, it's important to also understand that IOTNBO is a romcom that centers more around the healing element while FOE is more about the thriller/mystery element. I think that FOE is a very well-crafted thriller and psychological drama that takes a nuanced and layered look on mental health like ptsd and trauma over a backdrop of a murder mystery. I commend the writer for really taking the time and effort to get into everyone's heads and while it was a plot-centered drama, the writer didn't throw away the need to write character growth and exploration, which I find very commendable. FOE delivers dynamic characters under a suspenseful storyline that you literally have to binge because of how engaging it is, along with a satisfying and emotionally pulling love story. Ji Won and Hyun Soo were very good foils to explore and the answer of the question: is a monster born or made? was a perfect theme to have in the background. I adore characters that are foils of the villains because it makes them very complex, and FOE delivered it all very well.

The only reason I'm not giving it a 10/10 was the lil amnesia plot added at the end. While I agree it was necessary for him to realize that he can fall in love whilst forgetting it all and for him to actually affirm for himself that he is capable of the very emotions he thought he lacked was important for character growth, but I also personally have a small pet peeve with amnesia plots.

THE CAST
Honestly, I had no problems with the acting and thought everyone did extremely well, particularly the leads (of course). I'm going to focus on three actors in this review.

Lee Joon Gi surprises me every time. Honestly by now, he's a very established actor and has been my OG actor for so long, and I feel like he always grows in everything he's in. He understood Do Hyun Soo's character so well and accomplished such a difficult feat of portraying a character with sociopathic tendencies and other mental health concerns. I feel like he was able to portray HS very believably and maturely and I cannot imagine any other actor taking the role. Side note: I found it so interesting how LJG and Seo Ye Ji starred in Lawless Lawyer together then subsequently starred in dramas with characters that struggle a lot with mental health issues and portrayed it so well. I have a ton of respect for them honestly and best casting choices.

Moon Chae Won was a very good choice for Cha Ji Won (honestly the casting director knows their shit). Her chemistry with LJG and understanding of her character was very prevalent and nuanced, and I enjoyed every moment with her onscreen just as much as I enjoyed LJG's. Her character was smart, charismatic and was quite an anchor in the show. I usually enjoy one or the other of the leads more onscreen, but she really made it level for me! I haven't really watched her dramas before, but she's really making me want to now!

Jung Seo Yeon as Baek Eun Ha was amazing. She's all the stars in my night sky and the light of the show! She's a very talented child actor and that love that Eunha had for her father was perfectly portrayed in her acting! I adore her so much and she left quite the impression on me.

MUSIC
Beautiful. The perfect songs at the perfect moments, and they really fit the schemes of the parts they were played in. I adore Psycho a lot, and I found myself also just playing the full OST album in the background when I do things. Very well done with the music and I have absolutely no complaints!

PRODUCTION/CINEMATOGRAPHY
Perfect. Honestly, the framing of the characters and the lighting in this drama was perfect from start to finish. There were insane moments of the angles being able to tell more about the story than what was told- looking below the surface (a major theme here too) was very prevalent. One thing that really stuck with me was the use of frames, mirrors, shadows, even in the first episode when HS says "She only sees what she wishes to see" and the camera pans to his reflection in an empty picture frame. Beautiful and thoughtful from start to finish.

REWATCH VALUE
The only reason why the rewatch value here is not 10 is because of how heavy the drama is and how much it makes you think. I adore it so much and I truly need to sit down and watch it all at once. I need to have that sort of mood to watch it because once I start I can't stop haha.

CONCLUSION
This is probably one of the best kdramas I've watched, and probably the best LJG drama I've seen so far. FOE will forever remain imprinted in my brain and it left such a great impression on me that only left me hungering for more. I think for me, it was the best 2020 drama with how complex it is, and I sincerely hope that it would be more well known! I have no idea how it continues to remain slightly under the radar for a lot of things even though I've heard it has quite the high ratings when it was airing. I'm currently rewatching it :) Also, not for the faint hearted most definitely and will really attract people who love thrillers, looking at the human mind, or just amazing character growth and acting! Such a thought provoking drama :)

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