Vânătorii de Demoni (2020)

Refreshing Take On Classic Shounen Tropes, This Time In A K Drama

Whilst not necessarily the most original plot, Uncanny Counter manages to bring the tried and true Shounen format over to Korean television whilst still somehow keeping the story fresh and interesting.

The best thing for me I think I would like to talk about is some of the character writing.

So Mun's base traits are kind of nothing too new — righteous young man with the spirit of a hero and the tragic back story to boot — but the way the world around him works makes him feel like a new character. Generally in these types of Shounen-esque stories main characters are rarely ever presented with the consequences of their actions, and as a result stakes can begin to feel pretty low. Fortunately, with So Mun you can see that the world around him doesn't hold as much of that main character leeway for him, whether it be in his actions or the actions of those around him. This is best exemplified by the rest of the counter team getting strikes put against them and becoming close to being stripped of counter status due to them trying to help So Mun. So Mun also, quite miraculously, doesn't feel too overpowered during the show until closer to the end of the series. This is due, in part, to the fact that his emotionality as a character is his biggest weakness for a fair part of the show. His emotional sensitivity also contributes fantastically into making him feel like a real kid as well. Very rarely do the teens in any media feel like actual teens, but So Mun and his adorable friends are like a breath of fresh air that I, too would beat an entire group of delinquents half to death for if they were kidnapped. Overall I really like the way So-Mun is written, and am looking forward to future character development in the next season.

The women in Uncanny Counter are also all treated with a level of respect that I found to be jarring in the absolute best way possible. After spending the better part of a decade binge watching shows from all over the place, I've gotten very used to women being presented as secondary, not in the way that they're supporting characters, but rather in the way that they are afforded a lot less personality and agency in their own lives. Screenwriter Yeo Ji-na does a fantastic job setting up all of our strong, capable female characters throughout the beginning of the show. Do Hana is both physically and mentally one of the strongest characters in the show, and even though the show tends to let So Mun treat her like your regular love interest a bit too much, Hana is shown to be incredibly independent and well rounded. Chu Mae-ok is a well rounded mother figure, who whilst shown to be the weakest of the counters physically, fills the irreplaceable role of group healer, and is shown to be able to get rough, and also still be incredibly physically strong, instead of being portrayed as just a feeble older woman. So Mun's best friend Joo-yeon is a great beacon of support for him, whilst also being shown to comfortably exist outside of So Mun, allowing her the agency she deserves. Ga Mo-tak's past significant other Jung-young is a smart and capable detective, who has been dealing with extreme workplace sexism, which has tried and failed to relegate her to only doing useless tasks. And Finally the possessed Baek Hyang-hee is one of the physically strongest characters in the show, though she's completely feral, her raw power is something to be respected and feared, which is something the show is quick to remind viewers whenever she comes on screen.

I just absolutely adore all the characters in this show and I feel the character writing misses much less that it gets right with this show.

The casting decisions are also fantastic, for all of the significant (a lot of the delinquents look like their actors' ages... Which is around the 25 mark) characters that are in high school, the casting director chose actors that actually look and feel like real teenagers for once. The chemistry between all the actors is also no joke, the Counters both on earth and in Yung all feel like a cohesive family, and So Mun, Ung-min, and Joo-yeon feel so authentically like childhood friends that you forget all three actors are from entirely different generations. The antagonists in the show are so well cast too, Lee Hong-nae (Ji Cheong-shin) and Ok Ja-Yeon (Baek Hyang-hee) never fail to send chills down your spine whenever they're on screen, and Choi Kwang-il (Shin Myeong-hwi) is so successful at playing the corrupt politician/abusive father that I think he may have ruined any other film or show I see him in from now on forever.

The music in the show is probably the least memorable part of the entire drama, which is really no insult when you take into account how well the music is chosen for certain scenes in the show (A personal favorite music choice of mine is at the very end of episode 4 iykyk).

In conclusion, Uncanny Counter is an incredibly fun, action-packed, emotional Shounen, all packaged into the look and feel of a supernatural mystery K Drama. Over the next few years I'm actually certain I'll be re-watching this show whenever I'm feeling a little bored, so all I can say now is, if you haven't watched it yet, what are you waiting for???

Citeste mai mult

Don't hesitate...Must watch! (Wait till ep2 to get hooked on)

Wow!!
It's been a while since I last watched a korean drama which Hooked me on like crazy to the extent I even saw those characters in my dream.

Really a must watch drama which will take you on a thriller, suspense and a comic ride!

The characters are just superb and the acting couldn't have been better. Their chemistry and team work is just something that will make you crave for such companionship in your life as well.

The story is just awesome and not dragged at all.
There's not a single episode where you will find it boring except as my caption reads "Hold out till episode 2". First episode is kinda ok and will feel out of place but trust me from 2nd episode you won't be able to stop yourself from watching the next episode in line!

Kuddos to all actors but specifically the youngest counter So Mun And the evilest character of Jin.
So mun will make you cry everytime he cries and the evil one will make you hate and love him at the same time.

Definitely watch this and wait for its season 2 to get wrapped up so that you can watch that too ;)

Citeste mai mult

Recommended!

So, we're done watching The Uncanny Counter, and this is a "rare event" since I am not an avid fan of K-drama. I prefer C-drama.

Anyway, the series is about a group of people called "counters" who hunt down evil spirits dwelling inside people (i.e. these evil spirits actually "possess" people and make them do bad things). I can't say anything more since that could spoil the series for you.

I recommend this series. There are some funny moments, irritating moments, and definitely, a lot of sad moments. It's classified as "fantasy, mystery, thriller" by Google. I'd classify it as "supernatural" --- that word says it all.

You will also see a lot of bullying in this series - as in, bullying in high school - and as I've posted in my statuses before, I noticed that most K-dramas in school settings have themes about bullying. Some of my FB friends who are familiar with the Korean culture said that bullying is indeed rampant in Korea.

The series only has 16 episodes. So you can finish it in two weeks if you watch one episode every day. (Hahaha --- as if! I know most of you binge-watch!)

This is definitely WORTH WATCHING compared to Sweet Tooth 🙄
It's on Netflix, btw.

Citeste mai mult

Must Watch!!

I loved this drama so much. The production, characters, storyline, and every else was just amazing! It was suspenseful, entertaining, emotional-- and stayed that way through the entire series. I don't usually enjoy action films, but this one was phenomenal. Watching these wholesome, loveable characters battling and balancing the evil in the world was so fun. The supernatural theme was incorporated naturally and the CGI quality was really well done... which is rare for kdramas.

also So Mun is adorable and I'm VERY much in love with Hana ---- all of the actors were incredible and played their parts beautifully

PLEASE MAKE A SEASON 2 IM BEGGING

Citeste mai mult

Perfect blend of fantasy, friendships, humor and thrilling adventures!

This drama is so fun and refreshing!

STORY: I saw this drama was based on a manhua, so I can't write all of the good things off to the writers of the series, but it was still amazing! The plot of this drama is quite unique for Korea, I really like the new things they're trying out. Since it's so completely new for Korea, I really feel like this is a series that could be good for first time watchers of Asian dramas (it's actually the first one I've recommended to my older sibling). The first time I read the description for The Uncanny Counter I actually didn't understand it at all, but I started watching it because it looked so out of left field. I'm sO glad I didn't let the confusing synopsis hold me back! The story is very well paced, it doesn't really have empty moments like most dramas do. I think that's mostly because the focus isn't on romance at all, and I've always preferred a heavier plotline with good relationships that are more in the background but still important to the plot. In this drama, I adored the 'found family' trope used for the group of Counters! The story behind Counters, Evil Spirits and Yung is worked out quite well, with a lot of eye for detail and little plotholes. It's very interesting!
My little sister is watching this drama as well, and she said something I totally agree with: this series will make you cry with laughter one second, and then just make you cry the next.

ACTING: was. great. The cast and characters being the Counters are all very very loveable! The cast does an amazing job at portraying the friendships and family bonds that connect their characters. The main character, So Mun, has become my favorite drama character really fast. He's so cute and genuine and Jo Byung Gyu did such a good job at portraying him. I'm very impressed by the whole's cast's acting, mainly in fight scenes. I obviously know they used stunt doubles too, but even then the cast have quite a bit of fight scenes where their faces are showing, so it's extremely impressive to me. The actors that portray evil spirits were also impressive. Lee Hong Nae, who portrays Ji Cheong Si, is at times genuinely terrifying. He uses his eyes and body movement really well to portray the evil of the spirits. Overall, I want to really tell the whole cast how amazing of a job they did.

MUSIC: Aside from the intro song (the instrumentals), I'm not that big of a fan of the music. I'm never really focused on the OST for dramas, anyway, so this doesn't really bother me. The sound mixing during the episodes themselves is really good, the songs never intrude on the scenes or feel out of place and when they play the intro during fight scenes it's really exciting and fun. The ballads that are part of the OST fit in during certain scenes, but when they use them to play the outro, it's often quite jarring, since most episodes end on a fight cliffhanger. But since that's not really part of the plot, I really don't care. As long as the sound during the episodes is good, it's all good for me.

REWATCH VALUE: Since there's more to this series than just a romance, but rather a web of crime, intrigue, a fantasy plot, good friendships, a found family and good character developments, this drama is extremely rewatchable. I'm really not a rewatcher as well, so this is a big compliment on my part!

Citeste mai mult

Entertaining, but lacking

The story itself is pretty unique, I haven't watched a similar kdrama before. However, my only complaint is that there isn't much of a story, background or depth to it. The characters' backstories weren't well-developed enough. I didn't feel anything when something happened to people close to the main characters. Ga Mo Tak's situation felt like it was inserted into the story to give his character a little more depth, same goes for Ms. Chu and we never really get into Ha Na's story. I just feel like the story and the character's backgrounds could be developed more for me to actually feel something.

The episodes are kind of repetitive, with Mun getting beat up like over and over again over 4-5 episodes. I also would've liked to see more of his friends because their friendship was just goals. I also felt like the last and ultimate fight scene had no buildup or climax, it happened so quickly and I wasn't really satisfied when the mayor got arrested. I was just like meh, whatever.

Overall, I see this drama as more entertaining. I wouldn't really watch it for the plot, but more for the funny scenes

Citeste mai mult

TEAM'S SUGAR DADDY OBSESSION

is it just me or everybody loves choi jang mul his personality is sooo cool and love how he is so nice to people and his attitude i'm in love with the music with he enters and ms chu and his flirting is soo adorable
HE IS THE PERFECT SUGAR DADDY FOR THE TEAM 😌😌🖤🖤🖤
.........................................................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................................................................

Citeste mai mult

Emotional Rollercoaster of Amazing-ness

I did not plan on watching this but I did and I do not regret it. This show will capture your heart and make you cry, laugh, and jump in joy at certain times. They convey the emotions so thoroughly that you will feel like crying your heart out t times and other times you will be balling your eyes out. It's an amazing drama since it also depicts various problems such as bullying, abuse, social injustice, and how people held in higher regards can do anything as they're loaded with money. The amount of unfairness in this drama will make you yell at the screen but that is why this is so captivating because it catches your interest, and leave you on the cliffhanger, yearning for more.

Cast: The casting director had the work cut out for them but in my opinion whoever they are, deserves a raise. They couldn't the picked a more perfect cast than this. Jo Byung Koo is an exceptional actor and the emotions he portrayed as Seo Mun's character were so raw and real. You'd believe that he actually knew what getting stabbed felt like, that's how amazing this boy's talent is. I have seen Se Jeong before but I wasn't ever very impressed by her until now because she nailed Hana's character so meticulously that I'm shocked. She is now my favorite actress for being able to pull this character and let's not forget she also sang the amazing OST for this drama. Yoo Joon Sang and Yeom Hye Ran are my favorite ahjusshi and ahjumma ever especially Yeom Hye Ran because her sweetness and motherliness really made me sad at times and she was just wow at portrayed her character.

Story: The storyline is centered around Seo Mun and how and why his parents were killed. I love how they deal with the bullies in this show and the injustice---the injustice just makes my blood boil. I hate how the higher up's can just manipulate stuff and turn everyone. They just go on killing and ruining others' lives without any care as they just go higher and higher on the toadstool. The worst thing is that these things happen in real life but no one realizes cause it's all behind the scenes.

Ending Analogy: Watch it. I don't care what you think, watch it. If you're into mystery thrillers, scenes in which injustice gets overthrown, joy, and a lot of love. It's not especially a romance drama and it's very heartbreaking at times but you have to watch it. It's amazing so you have to WATCH IT!

Citeste mai mult

best of evil soul dramas

Even while reading the plot of the series is certainly interesting. So I want to thank the scriptwriter: Jung Do Yoon and Yeo Ji Na. Korean dramas are becoming more and more popular among evil spirits. There are many series that we enjoy watching, but unfortunately, the series that we are excited about have decreased. Korea is great when it comes to making dramas.
So I want to especially thank you. Director: Yoo Seon Dong. I'm your fan now.
As for the cast, the leading roles are great. actually
Jo Byung Kyoo
(So ​​Moon) This is the first time I've been watching him so closely. but from now on I think I will always watch. the main role made him look very solid.
And the last thing I want to say is that if you are a K-drama audience you should definitely watch this show. If you don't watch it means you have a big loss.

Citeste mai mult

I wasn't going to watch this because it stated it was supernatural and I usually stay away from sci-fi stuff but this series was absolutely awesome!!

From the fighting scenes to the wonderful chemistry this cast had this series definitely deserves a second watch.

I laughed, held back some tears, got angry, got happy-man, this series did so much justice I would be shocked if anybody gave this a low score.

I recognized some familiar faces that played in other series but I wasn't familiar with the two male leads.

Whenever I see a person who has mad fighting skills and I'm unfamiliar with them I will go and find something else they're in and will watch that and I will have to do that because of the two main male leads and the female who also could fight. She was awesome.

I liked the fact that this also didn't have that cliche romance stuff. I'm steering clear of Korean romances at the moment.

I'm glad a season 2 will be in the making but is dismayed that it will come out next year. All in all as I said before, this deserves a re-watch.

Citeste mai mult

Unexpectedly good!

I didn’t know what to expect from this drama. It was either really good or bad because of the fantasy, but I was really curious because it had high reviews.
From the beginning till the end the story was really good. It kept me hooked to watch more and more.
There is no love story, but you don’t even miss that. It’s all about teamwork, trust, friendship and fighting against evil demons. The balance between the older and younger cast is great! There chemistry between the 4 mainrolls are perfect!
I really hope there is gonne be a season 2 ^^!
Watch this if you want to watch some other genre than love. It’s worth it en refreshing to watch.
Love all the characters:).

Citeste mai mult

Solid but repetitive towards the end...

This drama about four demon hunters called Counters started off well with a solid set of lead characters, a good supporting cast, and even humourous motifs such as the spouting of curly hair when a person becomes a Counter. However, there's too much repetition especially in eps.13-16 such as the scenes summoning the evil spirits and evil spirits transferring in and out of various people, which could've been shortened once the viewers have got the idea. Without the padding the last four episodes could've been shortened to say two episodes.

The cast is strong and I liked how the Counters became a family and looked out for each other. The character So Moon is a bit wet and inconsistent even taking into account he's an eighteen year-old. At the beginning So Moon says he doesn't want to put his own life in danger because of his grandparents but as he gradually comes into his powers he becomes reckless, fighting the school bullies on several occasions and then hunting the Level 3 evil spirit Ji Chung Shin alone. Also, the scene where So Moon's other world partner Wi Gen takes away his power doesn't make sense. When Wi Gen's original host was killed she was in a hurry to find a new partner but later she's able to leave So Moon's body and hang around while interviewing new partner candidates. Really?!

The supporting cast of goodies and baddies is generally good although I didn't like Choi Kwang Il who played Mayor Shin. Choi was stiff and had only one expression, which was essentially the same one he had in the drama Vagabond. I liked So Moon's best friends Woong Min and Joo Yeon and would've liked to have seen more of the three of them together aside from when they are supporting and comforting So Moon.

I originally gave The Uncanny Counter an overall rating of 7 but changed it to 5 because eps13-16 was repetitive and really dragged as a result. There's also not enough to re-watch.

Citeste mai mult