Numele Meu (2021)

Decent Action, Underwhelming Plot

My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.

I decided to watch this drama because I was in the mood for something darker and this one is only 8 episodes. So why not? I’m kind of also trying to get a sense of Han So Hee’s (한소희) acting ability because I haven’t liked anything I’ve seen her in so far.

Acting/Cast: The acting is fine, but the casting of the female lead could have been better. She’s supposedly 5’5” but she seems even smaller in the drama. It makes no sense for her to be able to take on all these dudes at once. There’s a scene where she’s picked up and thrown into a wall like a ragdoll. She looked so tiny...I can suspend some amount of belief but this is ridiculous. I think Guem Hae Na (금해나), who plays Min Hye in A Shop For Killers, would have been perfect for this role. She’s awesome at action, whereas Han So Hee (한소희) had a few kicks and hits in there that lacked any power behind them at all. Then, the sound effects added in just made it cringey. I could see Claudia Kim (김수현) from The Atypical Family and Gyeongseong Creature as a potentially better option, too. Anyway, it was a pleasant surprise to see Ahn Bo Hyun (안보현) in this drama. I liked his character and I felt the drama got significantly better once he came into the picture. The major gang member characters had good acting, but Park Hee soon’s (박희순) character came across as too overly dramatic for me. 4/10

Writing: The plot is pretty lame. A lot of holes, basic, predictable. Just unintelligent writing all around. And the ending came across as lazy and uninspired. The plot became interesting for a second when the female lead’s identity gets revealed but unfortunately it doesn’t last long. They should have exposed her earlier on in the drama (at least to her partner) and played around with themes of “going by the book” versus vigilantism mixed with elements of understanding, love, and the struggle of saving a traumatized soul. But...a plot like that would have taken a lot more thought to write; it’d have to be heavy in psychology, character development, character growth, and dialogue that really hits. Another issue I had with this drama (surprisingly) was all the blood. How can someone get stabbed, cut, and shot so much and not pass out from blood loss? Especially for a girl as small as her. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate seeing fight scenes with a female character that gets visually messed up (swelling, bloody, scars, stitches, messy hair, etc.) - but realistically, she wouldn’t be able to keep going day after day losing more and more blood like that. 1/10

Direction/SFX/Music: No huge issues in this area except a couple times where some sound effects sounded cheesy. However, comparing the action in this drama with the action in The Worst of Evil, there's a clear difference in quality (with The Worst of Evil taking the prize here). The music was fine, not memorable though. I think this drama would have done much better as a movie, since the plot is severely lacking. I think as a movie, all of the holes in the plot may not have been as obvious. 5.5/10

Entertainment Value: They really got the cliffhangers down in this drama. Good cliffhangers are important; do not underestimate their power. I can binge watch a terrible drama easily as long as there’s good cliffhangers. A lot of action, too, so that always helps with keeping me entertained. And a hint of a romance (that probably should have stayed at ‘just a hint’). Nevertheless, I got through this drama very quickly and was highly entertained despite all of the plot issues. However, I don’t think this drama will be very memorable to me in the long run. 6/10

Overall, I gave this drama a 4/10. I found myself comparing this drama to The Worst of Evil. I liked the plot of My Name better in the sense that it wasn’t as depressing. However, the action in The Worst of Evil is so much better and the writing is technically better (with more of a focus on psychological aspects). If you want to watch this just because it’s a girl kicking ass, then ok I get it. But because of the casting choice, it doesn’t seem believable here. I would recommend A Shop for Killers for that.

Citeste mai mult

my somewhat biased opinion.

PLEASE BEFORE WATCHING THE SHOW LOOK AT THE TRIGGER WARNINGS.


I believe this specific genre and story is suited for a very specific audience, from other reviews, I believe this drama is either hit or miss. My name is a story of a girl who joins a gang, to avenge her father's death, and soon becomes an undercover cop. the story is suspenseful, it's action-filled. But most of all this story is dark and suited for once again a specific audience. Before watching this please look at the trigger warnings, and age restriction as it dives pretty deep into gore, and a lot of violence in many different ways.

The story is eye-catching, we all love a strong independent female lead, and my name delivered exactly that. They delivered those suspenseful moments, which had us hold our breath if you're looking for something like that. this drama is suited for you. But if your arent, and looking for a sweet romance-filled good guy wins story this isn't for you, My name did not speak to me in ways other viewers did. To me, it was a very hardcore, in-your-face type thing, and in all honesty, I truly did not enjoy the themes of sexual violence. I didn't enjoy the fact our female lead almost got raped, it was triggering and brutal, but I know it was necessary for the plot which I respect. I didn't enjoy the explicit gore, but once again others may. It really depends on how much you can take and where your interest lie when it comes to a show like your name.

The set design was good for the story, the characters were complex, in ways where they differ from good to bad. The costume design was good enough for me, and the s were great choices. But there were many times where the story got sloppy and sometimes overwhelming. But then again, this isn't my usual cup of tea so I am being biased when it comes to my review. Would I watch it again? Definitely not. Should you? That's your choice but just please look at the rigger warnings and if you are not comfortable do not keep watching ( this goes for all kdramas!)

Citeste mai mult

Can't get enough of woman-led action shows

As some reviewers have noted, the plot isn't entirely original—but the storywriting makes it so that you're still left on the edge of your seat throughout the 8 hours. This drama has also converted me into a big fan of Han So Hee. I can't believe this is only her second lead role! I previously saw her in Nevertheless, where I thought her acting was somewhat stiff. She shines in My Name, playing an anguished, rage-filled, and revenge-driven heroine who fears nothing and will stop at nothing to fulfill her life's goal.

Although the plot isn't entirely new in the realms of revenge noir films/dramas, there's something about woman-focused action shows that I can't get enough of. And the action in this drama is SO satisfyingly good.

Also, the soundtrack is exceptional and deepens the drama's emotional value. 10/10 would recommend. And get ready for a bloodbath.

Citeste mai mult

Predictable but still amazing, nonetheless

I loved everything about this drama... except for the story line that was predictable from the get go. But still, the production and the execution of the plot was amazing. Every episode kept me at the edge of my seat. Everyone was perfectly casted. There were no dragging points and I love that about this drama. I guess that's one of the perks of having 8 episodes rather than the usual 16.

Han So Hee was amazing. It was refreshing to see this tenacious side of her, compared to the characters she played in her previous projects. I really think action suits her. Her pre-debut self would have been proud to see where her future self is now. The team-up with Ahn Bo Hyun was kind of unexpected since I've never seen him anywhere else aside from Itaewon Class (and I HATED him there), but they looked so good together. I felt the sexual tension between them as soon as their characters met.

The action scenes were flawless and the OSTs of My Name were just hands-down perfect. It's so nice to see a strong FL. I was getting pretty tired of the damsel-in-distress tropes in other dramas. I'm looking forward to rewatching this.

Citeste mai mult

Delivered what I wanted and it was exciting for sure!

First, If you were excited about the action scenes you won't be disappointed because these scenes were amazing and very well directed. We have a lot of fighting scenes in this and they don't disappoint. We also have a lot of gore scenes too which I found a good thing because we`re talking about a revenge drama involving gang so we needed more realistic things. The photography and OST were also very good, I loved the OST. Talking now about the acting, for me Sohee and Hee Soon were beyond amazing. I was worried if Sohee could pass a badass image but she did. She was amazing in the fighting scenes and very good in the emotional scenes as well. After Nevertheless, which a lot of people doubted her acting skills, I think now she really proved that she's an amazing actress indeed. She was fierce and very strong physically and psychologically. And OH MY GOD, Hee Soon`s acting was INSANE. he was my favorite character of the drama. The actor did an amazing job here portraying the character and I think its almost impossible not liking him here. Moojin was sexy, bad and at the same time very human too. And the actor delivered everything PERFECTLY.

But, I do think the drama have some flaws and things that I think it could have been better. First, Jiwoo`s father killer was too obvious since the beginning. Although I don't particular think that the drama was ruined because of that, they could have tried to surprise the viewer more and the whole revelation was meh for me as a viewer. Second, some characters was really off for me and could have been better or more explored. Taejoo for example, I think they could have made the character more capable because I can feel that the actor can act and if they had made the character more interesting he would probably be one of the best or if not the best in the series. Instead, the character was just there to be Moojin's right arm and that's it. There weren't any impactful scenes of this character and he practically didn't do anything relevant. Pildo too... I LOVE Bohyun but for me his character was really meh. His whole relationship with Jiwoo also seemed a bit forced and I didn't even think the actors had that much of chemistry (I even felt more chemistry of her with Moojin). The crazy dude with a scar was amazing in acting but his character was really cartoon like. And least, one thing that I think it can bother some people is that making a badass character it can bring a negative side too such as he or she being TOO strong sometimes. Jiwoo was weak when the script needed and hella strong when needed too which looked unrealistic sometimes.

Still, for me, although the negative things can bother sometimes it can also be forgotten because the narrative is really convincing and the drama is really well made. Also, they delivered the things I think we were all waiting for: an exciting thriller with good fighting scenes and a a badass female character beating some trash men. If you're looking for that, I think you'll finish this with more pros than cons.

Citeste mai mult

Great acting and Fighting scenes

Story: The storyline is a very familiar action type of storyline and is predictable. Like almost every strong female character in an action drama. Most of the time I don't like to predict the drama or story, but this one was to easy to predict. Maybe because it's a very short action drama. The screenwriters, directors, producers really took all the good elements out of an action story that can be find in any action drama and put it in the 8 episodes. The downside for me in this storyline was the love story between FL and ML character. The focus was a lot on the female lead and Pildo's (the female lead's lover ) story was to short or 'weak' to feel his ROLE's importance in this story. It's like a last-minute added LOVE story for the plot and a bit sweetness for this dark/heavy life the female lead had. In my opinion they could have make a LOVE- HATE TO DEAD relationship for the female lead and Choi Mu Jin or Do Gang Jae. The role Jung Tae Ju aka Lee Hak Joo (the right hand of Choi Mu Jin) was very good and loyal.

There was to many parts that got me very confused:
1. Why did Choi Mu Jin the Gang's Leader treats Oh Hye Jin SO..... well, even though she betrayed him? Aren't she supposed to die immediately according to Mu Jin's personality (hate and kill everyone that betrayed him, no matter who it is)?! Somehow I thought he likes her. Why would you motivate and help someone to kill you. At the beginning maybe Choi Mu Jin thought of her father saved him and Oh Hye Jin discipline and determination, but later on it turns weird. Like why didn't he kill the girl and killed Pildo instead, so he could wait for her to come to kill ??
2. The love between Oh Hye Jin and Pildo was not very clear at least FEMALE LEAD didn't so much love towards him, is more like loving someone that understand or have been trough what you've experience. But it could also be a bestfriend type of relationship.
3. The last fight scene: Female Lead shoot so many times, but didn't load her gun at all. How is it possible?

I must say I STAYED till the END of this drama, because of the ACTING!

Acting: THE ACTING WAS ON POINT. First I thought why did they choose an actor that don't look like a gangster, more like a good, happy guy to act the father of the female lead. Then the first thing that catch my eye was the acting of Chang Ryul/ Jang Yool aka DO GANG JAE............ Man this guy is a kind guy but VERY GREEDY FOR POWER that made him so BAD and his CHOICES in life only to climb higher. He was too ambitious, but make so much bad choices. His acting was ON FIRE, one of the best in the drama. I couldn't believe he was a Support Role instead of a Main Character. Wish to see more of this character. First time wanting a "bad" guy/ villain to not die in the serie to continue to look at his AMAZING acting. DO GANG JAE' s look and charisma reminds me of Shin Se Gi (from Kill Me Heal Me).

Everyone praises the female lead. For me personally Han So Hee did a great job, acting the FL character's feeling and life. The only thing that bothers me alot was her cute, baby, delicate female look and face. She doesn't look strong or tough enough for me and reminds me a lot of Song Hye Kyo (in Descendants of the sun). A Strong Female character but just the look is not sharp enough. Actress Lee Si Young would have been a good choice for this role, but consider the age differences it's not very realistic to cast her. Park Hee Soon aka the Leader of Dongcheon was also very good. I felt like Ahn Bo Hyun's role could have been played by anyone since the role it's not that special.

Rewatch Value: I would definitely watch it again. In fact when I finished the serie, I immediately rewatched the first 5 episodes. In particular the acting of Do Gang Jae and Choi Min Ju.

Citeste mai mult

Less dialogue, more action, faster thriller

At first glance, it looks like another one of those typical vengeance dramas, but it strays away from that. It's gripping, highly violent, and an action-packed journey that shows more than it tells.

This is the show's strength—it gets straight to the action.

The storyline is actually nothing too special, you have your main character YJW who's out to seek revenge for her father. She's completely broken and rage-filled, weak and vulnerable at the beginning until she decides to take initiative. It becomes a game of deception, infiltration, and going under cover, along with your casual twists here and there. Up to this point, the plot sounds all too familiar, but what truly stole the show for me was the thriller and intensity.

Forget whatever preconceptions you had about "gangs" from all the previous kdramas you've watched. This is the real deal. As in, Choi Mujin is the real deal. The story is flipped this time. We get an in-depth exploration of the other-world—the world of gangs, drugs, and killers. I was constantly on edge for YJW and wondering if she'd ever get caught, but besides her extreme fighting skills, she's also pretty clever. But the one who stole the show for me was CMJ. As the ring leader, you'd expect a steadfast and merciless boss. He is pretty merciless, but we also see a glimpse of his emotions. A part of him has cracks and is vulnerable, and he takes risks that he'll never know when it'll come to bite him back.

The cast is STELLAR. No character was unnecessary, they're all connected in some way. CMJ taking in KJW to help avenge her father, her going undercover to the narcotics force that happens to be targeting CMJ, and her partner JPD who she finds shares the same broken soul as her (2 broken souls are a recipe for: yes, there is some romance at the end, but it's not the focus at all). Then you got the ringleader's silent-but-deadly subordinate and the former member who's there to ruin the fun. I do wish we got a better depth of Gangjae and Taeju's characters though.

Finally, the cinematography and the music...outstanding. The camera captured the action choreography in a seamless way, it almost seems like a dance. It's crazy to think that some parts were one-shot despite the intense action. And kudos to Han Sohee who even attended action school for this, she nailed her performance.

My Name captures a familiar storyline but twists it in a unique way. It's not often you get the other perspective in the mafia world. Interested in an action thriller full of deception? Definitely binge it.

Citeste mai mult

Meh

First couple of episodes dragged me in but then it slowly but surely spat me out. Just, well, what a waste! some ok music some pretty good acting chops but a pants plot.

Nothing you haven't seen before done much better. The villains are the most entertaining of the bunch and maybe slightly less cardboard cut out than the boys in blue. The best of the acting comes from PHS and HSH who manage to build relatively believable and human characters despite the writers' best efforts. The rest of the cast ranges from functional to who? The fights start off pretty well with some gut wrenching blows and fast action but again they just can't sustain interest.

Plus if you are going to make some skinny small woman beat up thrumpty much bigger heavier and more muscly men at once then give her special powers or something, it's just too much of an immersion breaker otherwise - because physics and biology.

Throw in plot holes, implausible coincidences, inconsistent characters, predictable twists and betrayals and it achieves meh!

Park Hee Soon and Han So Hee deserved better.

Got to episode 7, just, with a lot of effort and then gave up.

Citeste mai mult

Different from what I expect

When I first watched the trailer I thought that the drama was going to be pretty bad because when watching the trailer I thought that the female lead did not fit the role that well but after watching the drama I would say that the drama is pretty good. I don’t think she is the best actress because there were some parts where I’m like 🤨 she could improve a bit more but there are definitely parts that I’m like damn she’s pretty good. I would recommend this drama. If you watch the trailer you might think oh this looks kind of boring but if you watch it, it’s more of like an excitement than boredom.

Citeste mai mult

Must you get revenge? Regardless of the price?

That was one hell of a ride action and revenge story. I didn't expect that I'd love this series as much as I do after watching it. So here are the list of things I love about this series.

1. The complex yet simple and not-so complicated plot. Genres that falls under dark categories like revenge, crimes, killing etc. usually have this extra grand oh-so complicated plot that eventually lose me midway because the story became too complicated and there's a lot going on making it hard for me to focus on it until I lose my interest. However, My Name consistently got me from start to end. I have something to look forward every episode that kept me engage and emotionally invested.

2. The depth of the characters. I love the action scenes but more than that, one of the biggest factor for me to love something is to be able to understand it well. Do I understand both the protagonist and antagonist? Based on how they are presented, do their decisions made sense? Was it believable? My Name was able to answer all that for me with a Yes. It was all thanks to the good writing.

3. The casts. Good writing matched with excellent execution of the casts really made this an incredible work of art. Park HeeSun was a very convincing Choi MooJin that exudes that power as drug ring leader while also being a person that can be sentimental. Han SoHee as a daughter who lost her father and is willing to do anything even destroying herself in the name of revenge. I love how she portrayed JiWoo with that aura of a girl whose determination can surpass anything with an innocent face that hints being naive and just someone who's just hurt. There were lots of other notable characters and I believe that they made this series an outstanding one.

4. The breath-taking action scenes paired with excellent background music. There were tons of actions scenes in this drama, be it knives, guns or fist fighting. It was thrilling to watch it really. I am not an expert on action choreography however as an average person who seldom watches action genres, it was executed nicely. It doesn't feel exaggerated or out of sync. I notice that the BG music that was used was also mostly modern which gives off kind of EDM-like vibe. I almost hold my breath everytime an action scene comes on. I was even clapping like crazy while watching it.

Overall, I really recommend this drama. This really has blown my mind more than I expected and it made reflect a lot about life. It's a kind of series that leaves a big impact on you even after watching it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Citeste mai mult

An excellent revenge story with phenomenal action sequences.

I absolutely loved this show but it had a few minor issues. I want to talk about them first.


This drama has some plotholes and it is very unrealistic at times. This is to be expected when watching Action shows or films and the plotholes in this show didn't really annoy me at all.

Additionally, the plot isn't unique or groundbreaking in any way. It's actually very predictable. However, the revenge plot was executed very well and the quality of writing didn't really drop at any point.

While I thought the ending was satisfying and good enough, and definitely not bad or disappointing, it was the biggest issue I had with the show. The ending is very abrupt and it doesn't really wrap things up properly. I would have liked 20-40 minutes more after the final battle to see consequences of the events that happened in the final episode. Then again, I thought the ending was good enough but it could have been significantly better.



Now to the things that I loved:
---------------------------------------

Acting, especially Han So-Hee's and Park Hee-Soon's was absolutely incredible. Han So-Hee plays a young woman who goes on a grueling and violent journey to avenge her father's death. She was perfect in this role, and I definitely fell in love with her when watching this show :D

Park Hee-Soon plays a charismatic and complex villain who I ended up really liking during the show.


The absolute best thing in the drama is the action. There isn't shaky-cam or hundreds of fast cuts to hide the action, no no no. The very brutal and violent action sequences are very clearly shown. The action choreography is incredible and I really like how the actors performed the action scenes themselves. You can clearly see how much they trained for the fight scenes and how much effort they put into them. This drama has by far my favorite action sequences in any K-drama.



I have to mention the Soundtrack too. I fell in love with it from the very beginning of the first episode. The soundtrack has many melancholic and slower tracks, but it also has intense and epic tracks to go with the action. The title "My Name" has to be my favorite from the OST.



9,5/10. Definitely watch this if you like revenge stories, strong female characters, action or thriller!

Citeste mai mult