Unexpectedly poignant - Let me present an alternative angle

Unexpectedly poignant, while inspired by American college movies, carries its own message of responsibility, inspired by asian culture. The movie deals with real topics such as sex, consent & abortions while trying to provide it with some levity and not be a total bore while dealing mature themes. The humor is crass, dirty, sexual & funny? Well it depends on your taste, however, it is daring and does not shy away, playing chicken with the audience.

I can see why Ha Ji Won accepted this role as the film is NOT an all thrills and no frills. It has some substance. Although its heavily leans towards portraying men's sexual desires, It also pays attention to the female perspective and desires. The quality in acting that stood out for me is that throughout the movie it goes into a silent movie style, where the actors are relying on their expressions and body to act out the scenes. The supporting female actors in this movie are brave to expose themselves in a major film in 2002, especially in a reserved society where slut shaming, ostracising are not out of the question.

Overall, the movie is different to its American counterparts, and I say it is all the better for it. So far, it stands the test of time for me. Although it depicts an encounter around consent, or rather the lack of it. It is not shown to condone it, nor does it provide an obvious conclusion.

Its easy to dislike the film because of nudity, sexual themes, depiction of perverted men & women, lack of consent, drink spiking and dare I say date rape. But, this is the reality of our world. Perhaps this should be viewed as cautionary tale and one to learn from rather than enjoying in a purely hedonistic nature.

Also, its better that a film portrays these incidents as this whats faced in reality. The alternative would have been to ignore the problems and focus on just the 'wholesome' part of society. I prefer the reality.

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Everybody thinks this is a Rom/Com with some Action & Law drama. WRONGGGG. MINOR SPOILE

Everybody thinks this is a Rom/Com with some Action & Law drama. WRONGGGG.

This is a story about Serial Killers (sociopaths) . Its a Horror* Crime drama with some comedy and bad romance even worse who done(sic) it Mystery. The Genre tags should read: Horror, Serial Killers, Crime, Law, Romance, Comedy, Thriller/Mystery

* Horror - Slasher type and not Supernatural. Think more like Saw rather than Final Destination

I think I just felt bad how morally corrupt (murder/blackmail etc) all the main characters were and How thoroughly I enjoyed the show because of it. This fact made me question mine & wider audiences' morality.

E.g. They murdered a van full of people incl. a child & the FL dad was murdered but the sow still flows from this darkness to comedy, flirting. However, I enjoyed this change of pace & kept it from being a doom & gloom fest, but felt guilty in after thought.

The show is a masterpiece of people giving in to their killing urges and not even trying to justify they have a conscience, all while keeping the audience hooked. If you watch the show, with the frame of mind that this is a tragedy drama, rather than a romcom, I wonder if you will have a different out look to mine and many others who enjoyed the show.

However, this show lacks in the romance category, especially as the leads had great chemistry. A Suave international criminal mastermind/hitman with a law degree struggles to confess his feelings throughout the show, made for lacklustre viewing and in need of some romantic spark.

This is a show that effortlessly flows from cold blooded murder, revenge to comedy and romance for 16 episodes without blinking an eye/missing a beat; this is The Godfather with its own special Korean Sauce mixed in.

This is why I love Kdrama. lol


Rating:
Overall 8.5
Story 9 - Considering its about Serial Killers disguised as a Rom/Com/Action..pure genius
Production 6 - They could have stepped up the Rom in Rom/Com
Acting 8 - Serial Killers blending into society as normal functioning people, totally had me fooled. They were only glitchy during the Rom part.
OST 6 - Did its job but nothing memorable
Visual FX 5 - Meh

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