This story renders me speechless… in a very good way. The attention to detail; the captivating screen writing, cast, and directing is part of what makes this series wonderful. Wherever you think the flow or direction is going, most of the time the development can surprise you. All cast members delivered in amazing ways, right from the get go. I write longer reviews for dramas I am passionate about; ones that have left an impression on me. I’m a writer by heart anyway, so bear with me in terms of the length!
STORY:
Pinocchio is a well known Italian tale about a carpenter named Geppetto, who crafts a wooden puppet and wishes for a son. Instead of a human being, “Pinocchio” remains a puppet. The Blue Fairy, which assisted in magically allowing this divine event to happen, warns Pinocchio that if he wishes to be a real boy, he must be honest and upright. If he lies, his nose will grow long and longer. Albeit there are differences from Disney’s version and the actual novel, Pinocchio is filled with life lessons, values, and warnings of human nature which some are folly too.
Now, why did I give this (somewhat boring) mini history session before my review? For those of you that may be familiar or not familiar with the true story of Pinocchio, there is an interesting twist to the: don’t “tell a lie” scenario or there will be consequences, and that is hiccupping in this Korean drama. Those who are “Pinocchio’s” as opposed to being wooden puppets that talk, cannot lie. When they do lie, their conscience (as substituted for a cricket here) is to hiccup. This, although I was apprehensive at first how they would take on this classic, is quite a refreshing take on an old story.
CHARACTERS:
Choi In Ha: *A standing ovation for Park Shin Hye* and it is well deserved. I had been apprehensive about Park Shin Hye’s involvement in this series, and although I adored her in Flower Boy Next Door and You’re Beautiful, she does have a few recycled roles under her sleeve, and I’m not just referring to Heirs. I do think script writing has everything to do with the success of a series as much as it does the acting. Park Shin Hye glows, she literally shines on screen, and perhaps that have to do partially with Lee Jong Suk, but I fully believe her charm as a serious actor came to light in this series. Here, In Ha is a wonderfully dedicated, but hopelessly seeking a future in investigative journalism. As a Pinocchio, she cannot lie, and has been discriminated against (and criticised) for her pursuance of this career. Although the stacks are against her, In Ha is strong minded, and a will to seek the truth. What I liked about this heroine is her integrity and strength. She has her flaws, and she admits to her faults, and that’s what makes her relatable and human. Choi In Ha and Choi Dal Po/Ha Myeong are like two peas in a pod, and I enjoyed their mutual understandings for one another, and the bond between these two.
Choi Dal Po/Ki Ha Myeong: Lee Jong Suk… bless the heavens, stars, gods, goddesses, all that is good in the universe… anything that you want to name and praise, thank you for being involved in this project, and thank you for bringing you’re A-game as usual, and this time creating a beautiful on-screen chemistry with Park Shin Hye. What more can I possibly say other then the multi-dimensionality of Dal Po is central to this tale of tragedy turned comedy, turned serious revenge, turned sort of revenge, turned now mature series drama with hints of melodrama. Complicatedness aside, Dal Po is on a journey of not only self discovery, but a journey of self-healing and forgiveness. Often ambiliventy going back and forth between what he thinks as right and wrong, and often has to reflect on his actions and thoughts. This kind of characteristic element of his makes him the Dal Po he is. The feels, the feels for his character development that I have, which is nothing but unique and roller-coaster like. Lee Jong Suk gives a memorable performance as this lovable genius.
The “Secondary Characters” were just as great, whether from MSC news or YGN news, the rivalry between each newscast station is hilariously refreshing. Though, of course, serious, there are times when it can be ridiculously entertaining. Especially the interactions between the two stations, which make this series memorable. Whether it’d be their “Cap’s” or it be their Team Leader’s calling their rookie’s out to bring in news, there’s always an interesting dynamic going on. In no way are they secondary at all to this series, but important components to the life as investigative journalists, as reporters, as people working for news companies that are presenting a version of a truth of event(s) that occur. And how objective those news pieces are often central to this series.
SOUND/OST: This is important to a series: the sound. It’s such a huge component to dramas. Every Single Day came back to to the original theme song for this series (just as they had done so for I Hear Your Voice). The music/sound is not overbearing, it is mellow or upbeat when it needs to be, and that's what I appreciate about this sound and OST (which Park Shin Hye does a song for!). There are many moments where it fits in just right, and I found that the music suited the flow to this series.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: Brilliant creativity, for taking an idea from a classic and changing it in many unique ways. Everyone is entitled to their opinion about this series, but there is one thing you cannot deny and that is the beauty in storytelling. I have praised this screenwriter plenty of times, and their work is pure art.There’s commotion, but not too much commotion. There’s connections we feel, but there’s enough distance to enjoy the drama. It just flows well. There is a complete package here, and whether or not you enjoyed it thoroughly, there is enough for one to realize how special this drama is, and how delighted I was to be able to see these characters transform over time. I like the interactions and memorable movements/actions between Park Shin Hye and Lee Jong Suk (that were totally “Dal Po and In Ha” moments). I wondered if they were actually scripted or improvised, which I think the idea of that is quite special, and probably a secret they would keep to themselves. One of my personal favourites. *SAYS WITHOUT HICCUPING*
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