This show is very confusing but stick with it

I’d heard about the Untamed and decided to give it a try, not knowing anything about it. The first episode was very confusing to me, and I had to do a bunch of googling to even get a grasp. If anyone goes into this show as their first Chinese drama, they may also find the names confusing- there are many characters introduced very quickly. It became better as I slowly understood more, but I was still a bit confused and waiting for the show to become more exciting. I was at the point of, “if it doesn’t get better soon, I’ll drop the show”. However, I’m so glad I stuck with it- things took a turn at a certain episode and suddenly the show was much more emotional and intense. It became so good that it didn’t matter that I was confused at the beginning- and once you watch the whole show, watching the beginning again makes a lot more sense and you can see all the hints that were woven in.

(More spoilery from here)

The Untamed really wonderfully dealt with a lot of themes and issues, and each character was complex and layered. Wei Wuxian’s descent into madness was for me, unexpected (despite seeing how he was “evil” at the beginning, because I was so confused that I forgot about that) but fascinating and satisfying. The Wen clan initially seems like the main antagonist, but then it turns out that our protagonist is the villain, at least in the eyes of society. The Untamed showed so much about the struggles between what is right or wrong individually, vs within relationships, vs in society, or when someone has no choices... making bad choices for good reasons, or vice versa...

The character development is amazing and each character was complex enough to be the protagonist of their own show, in my opinion. Even most of the villains were so dimensional that I couldn’t dislike them. I can see why people call this show a masterpiece, and despite my initial confusion, this turned out to be one of the best shows I’ve ever watched.

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Beautiful and conflicting movie

I don’t know why this movie doesn’t have a higher score. To me it was visually such a beautiful film, but beautiful and heart-warming with its story as well. There’s such an interesting contrast between how this movie makes me feel, and what I logically know is actually happening. Beyond the carefree and found family surface is ultimately a crime film, so there’s an underlying current of intensity.

The acting was excellent. It’s no surprise that Yoo Ah In delivered an amazing performance, totally using his expressions and no words. But the child actors were also very realistic and talented.

After watching this film I really didn’t know how to feel, and I had a lot of conflicting thoughts and emotions. But I really enjoyed it and wouldn’t change a thing.

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Intense and thought-provoking

This is one of the best shows I've ever seen; not just including Korean dramas, but all shows. The plot was immediately exciting and intense, and the build- up of mysteries was very intriguing. The characters are really well-developed, and the relationship between Baek Hee Sung and Cha Ji Won is one of my favorite drama relationships. The atmosphere of the show was at times heartwarming, while at other times psychologically chilling and eerie- both lighter moments and darker moments were very immersive and well set up. Part of this was the music; DOKO's Psycho is one of my favorite drama ost's. Even just the song has perfectly unsettling lyrics... "I want your breath, I want your hair, I want your fear, please don't ask me why..." Every part of what goes into the show makes it feel so full and impactful.

*Spoilers*

One of the best parts of this show was uncovering the psyche of Baek Hee Sung aka Do Hyun Soo. If you want to watch a straight-up serial killer, go for a show with a typical cartoon villain. Flower of Evil explores nature vs nurture, humanity, and the good versus evil that exists in all of us. What I loved is that the show introduced Hyun Soo as a secretive villain and potential serial killer- but then the audience sees more and more that he really is a good person, but his differences and issues alienated him, and made him unable to consider himself capable of goodness or love. I consider Hyun Soo one of the best, most complex characters I've ever seen. I also loved his relationship with Ji Won; Ji Won was intelligent enough to uncover his secret, but she ultimately fought to have faith and loyalty to him. All of the acting was stellar; Kim Ji Hoon also deserves recognition. He started off sympathetic and became terrifyingly unhinged.

*Extra Spoilers*

At first, I was unsure of how to feel when Hyun Soo developed amnesia in the last episode. However, after considering it for a while, I think it's a very good and fitting ending. First of all, it's not like it came out of nowhere; the writers already showed us with Jung Mi Sook that a certain level of trauma will just break your mind, which is why she also had amnesia if I recall. Hyun Soo was already mentally fragile and unhealthy; Ji Won's death would've been devastating to anyone else in his position, but for Hyun Soo, I think it was just too much for him to handle. He wasn't even sure at that point what was real or not. That, combined with the physical trauma, definitely would've left damage. In addition, Hyun Soo had been living as Hee Sung for over a decade. Even though Ji Won knew his identity, years and years of lying and acting wouldn't have just stopped. Baek Hee Sung still would've been a part of him. Now that he has amnesia, he can be his true self, and make decisions by the feelings and love he still has instead of the cover he built up- something that brought his arc full circle. He thought he couldn't love and now love is the only thing guiding him.

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Unexpectedly great

I only watched this show because I happened to spot Nam Joo Hyuk in it. I had no idea what to expect, but from the description I thought it would be a comedy like the movie Big. This show certainly did have funny moments, funny enough to make me laugh out loud. However, this show is definitely an intensely emotional rollercoaster and not a comedy.

The acting was amazing. Nam Joo Hyuk especially stood out to me because while I enjoyed him in the Bride of Habaek, he was completely different here, and I was unfamiliar with the other actors. This show goes to pretty dark places emotionally, and really takes viewers on a journey that will change their mindset.

To me this doesn’t feel like a normal show. It feels like a long film that should be nominated for an Oscar or something. I’m not saying it’s flawless, but I’m not the type to dissect every little imperfection. The ending of this show will be hated by some, but I think it’s very fitting. I can’t remember the last time a show made me tear up so much, or haunted me for so long after watching it. This show is an experience that will stay with the viewers for a long time.

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Hilarious and heartfelt

This is the first time I had to review a show since I loved it so much. I had no expectations and didn’t know what to expect, but I’m glad I watched it. It’s ridiculously silly and over the top sometimes,
in a really good and funny way. It’s also intense
and exciting, but with a really lovely emotional
core about justice, forgiveness, friendship, found
family...it even made me tear up a few times. The
protagonists face a lot of obstacles, but it makes
their victories even more satisfying. All the
characters are fleshed out and have great
development, and the acting is really well done
too. The ending was perfect but I’m really hoping
there will be a season 2.

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Humanity in the horror

I had heard this show was very good but I was reluctant to watch it. I don't do well with horror movies and I thought this show would be too scary/ violent for me. However, if you can handle shows like Supernatural and Stranger Things, this is barely bloodier. So I'd recommend it if you can handle a moderate amount of violence- it isn't really scary, just intense and bloody.

From the very start, this show managed to be exciting and really fun despite all the darkness and gore. The atmosphere and monsters provided the thrills and intensity I was hoping for, without being too scary. The show definitely gets pretty dark, but not so much in a depressing way. I was surprised at how emotional and touching the show was at times. I haven't watched much horror, but none of what I've watched managed to combine violent dread and beautiful moments like this show has. The show is about monsters, but it's even more so about humanity and what it really means to be human. Some of the worst violence is from people, but even amidst all the darkness there's selflessness and hope.

I was especially fond of the soundtrack. The music consistently heightened the intense atmosphere, and the emotional and beautiful "Sweet Home" by Yongzoo is one of my all time favorite ost's.

Even though I'm not even a fan of horror, Sweet Home has become one of my favorite shows. Would definitely recommend.

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A wild ride

Is this show perfect? No, but I rated it 10 because that’s how much I enjoyed it. In fact, while the first few episodes were fun, I wasn’t super hooked. Around episode 4 the plot really starts to kick in, and things become crazy and so intriguing.

I saw many comments that the show is too confusing, and that there are too many misdirects while trying to catch the killer. Well, that’s what I liked about it. It wouldn’t make sense for the main villain to be caught quickly and easily- and I had no idea what to think or who it was. However, as confusing as things were at times, it all made sense once more and more clues were found. The show lays out a huge web of different events and then shows how they’re connected, and I thought it was brilliant how the mystery would simultaneously clear up and deepen. The characters were lovable, even some of the villains.

This show was super intriguing and fun. Episode 5 was one of the creepiest things I’ve seen in a while, more so than strangers from hell, and that really hooked me. If you just pay attention to the show, it’s really not that confusing- rather a crazy, addicting ride.

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Interesting concept and characters

For what this show was- a very short drama that I chose randomly with no expectations- I really enjoyed it. It doesn’t really feel like a typical drama- it somehow feels more low -key and intimate to me, with characters that aren’t traditionally likable. There were times I was angry with L’s character for being such a jerk, but I still rooted for him.

I was impressed with the acting of both leads, and I enjoyed the soundtrack as well. The ending would've been a bit unsatisfying with another drama- but I think it was fitting for this one. This isn’t really a drama about character development and complex storylines so much as realizing what’s important to you. Even long after watching, I still feel fond when I remember this show and its vibes and soundtrack.

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Totally different than I expected

I know some people may find this rating too high; I’m not saying it was completely flawless or the best show ever made, but to me subjectively it was perfect and I loved it.

I expected this to be a lighthearted, comedy adventure. It started off being immediately both darker and more emotional than I was prepared for. I was already emotional for Lee Ahn in the first episode, and tearing up for him by the second episode. This show was definitely still cute and quirky and funny in the beginning (and in moments throughout, but the overall tone got way darker.) I love how much Lee Ahn and Jae In’s relationship progressed- it couldn’t start off much worse. Lee Ahn’s phone call, that made him seem like the pervert, was hilariously and perfectly unfortunate.

I loved all the leads of this show, though I know Seung Mo is definitely a controversial character. I was surprised by how dark and twisted this show went with his backstory. When I first watched the ending, I wasn’t sure how to feel about it, but now I think it’s fitting. I think that morally gray characters, that the audience roots for, often surprise us by choosing the good side and being redeemed. But now I’ve kind of come to expect that- so I was pretty shocked with the route they took with Seung Mo. I think we aren’t meant to think he’s “just a monster like his father” though. He may really be a monster, but he feels guilt, and wants to be good...that was my take on it at least.

I think the show managed to create very complex characters that I could analyze forever. Almost never before has such a seemingly lighthearted show impacted me this much. He Is Psychometric ended up being very intense, emotional, philosophical and metaphorical, and I’m so glad I gave it a try.

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Uniquely touching

I'm not too into romance shows so I was hesitant to try "It's Okay That's Love", but now I adore it. Romance is definitely a major part of this show, but it's more so about mental health and general love- friendship, familial love, self love, etc. I'm not claiming the show was perfect but there were no glaring flaws from my perspective. This show covers some really important subjects that are sometimes more taboo in media, like mental illness, assault, trauma...it feels very real in many ways. The show often had a fun and quirky atmosphere but wasn't afraid to be serious when needed.

The characters in this show felt quite complex to me; but at the same time, mentally ill characters were portrayed as normal people who could live decently normal lives. Their mental illness didn't define them and they had storylines outside of it. I loved pretty much all the characters, especially the main character Jang Jae Yeol. He comes off as a cocky playboy but there's so much more to him.

Even more than I was expecting, this show ended up being very touching. There were many moments that I found very powerful and teared up at; I think that at the emotional core of this show is something pretty special. I also liked the soundtrack. The music was often upbeat which gave the show a quirky vibe, but sometimes the happy music would contrast sad moments and make them even more poignant.

I would definitely recommend this show to pretty much anyone; besides just being a good and emotional show, this drama also emphasized a lot of important messages about mental health that apply to real life.

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Very cute and fluffy drama

For what I was expecting for this type of show- something very simple and cute- I really enjoyed it. I thought all the acting was really good, especially Kim Myungsoo. He was hilariously clueless and adorable and really seemed like a cat.

Overall this drama was super cute and funny, but Jae Sun’s relationship with his family was genuinely emotional. I cried during the funeral scene- I didn’t expect to be so affected by anything in this show. I enjoyed all the characters and their interactions, and the only downside of this show for me was that the workplace stuff was sometimes a tiny bit slower paced.

Honestly I think people are sometimes too harsh on this show- in my opinion all the characters are likable, and the drama is so cute that it makes me squeal. The idea of a cat male lead is a bit strange, but he’s as mentally capable as a human- it’s not much weirder than an alien or gumiho lead. This show is just cute and simple and comforting like a hug. This is why I rated it a 9- obviously it’s a different type of 9 than I would give to like, Vincenzo for example. I think that different types of shows and genres aren’t usually comparable like that and deserve their own rating system. I really enjoyed this drama and if you’re looking for something really sweet, I’d recommend it.

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Overall enjoyable, with some very strong moments

Some people might think my rating is way too low or way too high, but I have mixed emotions about this show. One weakness is the special effects- however, I usually don’t judge a show too much on this, because of course they do the best they can with the budget that they have. I also enjoyed the show throughout, but sometimes the plot seemed to get a bit off track to me... like the ghost couple were sweet and cute but then they suddenly died and that was that.

However, there were many aspects that I personally found very interesting plot wise; I thought it was quite emotional with Yun Lan lost his sight, for instance. I also thought the hospital games scenes were pretty intense, as well as many of the Underground scenes. I also loved the relationship between Shen Wei and Yun Lan, obviously. It was fun to see Yun Lan regard Shen Wei as a normal meek professor...then to become suspicious of him...then to find out his secret and watch after him...

I was surprised how much I ended up loving the relationship between Guo Chang Cheng and Chu Shu Zhi. I loved their “enemies” (or timid kid annoying and being scared by an angry man) to brothers progression. When Shu Zhi thought that Chang Cheng died, that was really quite brutal and emotional.

The most impactful part of the show for me was the ending. I hadn’t read the novel and didn’t expect the ending to be that depressing. It gutted me on multiple levels; even just from how it was filmed, with Ye Zun suddenly appearing in a different room when he and Shen Wei died. I didn’t even realize they actually died at first. Of course, the two leads meeting in heaven or space time or whatever it was, before continuing on, just broke me. Another one of the most heartbreaking moments was when they showed Yun Lan continuing to live and work with his team- I thought that he had somehow ended up surviving. Then it was explained how his body is just being possessed by that other man, and that he really is dead.

For me this show was never unenjoyable at all, but there were a lot of ups and downs and moments that were just that- enjoyable but not much more. But, this show also had a lot of very interesting, emotional, and impactful parts as well. I watched this a while ago, but even now, the introduction song makes me nostalgic and the closing credits song makes me full on emotional. Overall this show wasn’t perfect, but it was still special.

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What makes a monster? Who defines what a monster is?

"Hello Monster" or "I Remember You" is not only one of my favorite kdramas but one of my favorite shows period, of any genre or country. I went into this with little knowledge or expectations- from the description of being a psychological thriller, I expected a show like "Train"- which is also very good but has a much darker tone. Instead, this show began as primarily fun, quirky, and exciting. The music, style, and pace initially reminded me of "Sherlock". It definitely delves into some darker content but overall maintains this mood. To me it was a perfect mix of touching, funny, dark, emotional, and exciting. It also raises a lot of questions about nature vs nurture, intentions vs actions, the line between good and evil, and the good and bad in all of us...it was very thought-provoking and provided few easy or "right" answers.

What really makes this drama special is the characters. The characters are layered, complex, and really fleshed out. The male lead is quite similar to Sherlock Holmes on a surface level; but once we get to know him and the other characters, we see how they struggle with the light vs darkness within. I also really loved the female lead- she's smart, persistent, awkward, reckless, and compassionate. The villains are amazing- some shows and movies provide a bit of a viewpoint from the villain, so we can understand why they do what they do- but I've never seen it done to this extent. This show makes you love all the characters, even the ones that you shouldn't love. The good characters are capable of evil, and the villains are capable of good. This show really goes into their motivations and psyches and makes each person relatable.

The acting was really great. The antagonists were dangerous and scary one moment- they literally sent chills down my spine- and relatable and fun the next moment. This was my first Seo In Guk drama and now I'm a big fan of his. While all the acting was amazing I especially wanted to comment on Park Bo Gum and DO Kyungsoo, who were only 22 years old at the time but totally matched the acting level of their more experienced costars. Park Bo Gum convincingly exuded the maturity required to play an aloof lawyer while DO excelled too (I won't say what type of role he played even though it's revealed in the first episode).

I would definitely recommend this show to pretty much anyone. While intense, it's not scary or violent. I've heard some different opinions about the ending, but I thought it was perfect. This is one of my very top shows now and it'll take a long time to get over these characters that I grew to love.

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Beautiful and Otherworldly

This is one of my absolute favorite shows. I didn't know what to expect and just tried it out randomly, and I'm so glad I did. The music and cinematography alone give this show a leg up, especially with the flashback scenes. The show has a quality I haven't felt from any other show. It's at times dreamlike and ethereal; mystical and playful but also grounded in the harsh reality of the past.

I really love all the main characters, and all of them have an emotional and important place in the story. The female lead is one of my all time female leads, because in my opinion she's authentically fierce and interesting. Sometimes a female lead is called strong while she doesn't actually do all that much, but that's not the case here.

The story started with a few threads of mystery and ended up tying them together in a satisfying way. The audience is given hints of what happened, but I was still taken aback at how emotional the whole story was. Chicago Typewriter is certainly not the most depressing show I've watched, but I really couldn't help but cry for the characters at some point. This show just ended up being really fun, intriguing, and emotionally satisfying.

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A fun ride

I personally found Alice to be a fun and exciting show. The first few episodes were especially good. It's towards the end that things became pretty complicated, and while I appreciated some of it, I also wanted more. For example, I wish that Jin Gyeom's past with his detective father-figure wasn't erased.
I also never read his relationship with his mother as romantic like some of the other viewers have, but it was sometimes too close for comfort. Jin Gyeom said he doesn't feel any romantic interest for anyone, which did provide some relief in that aspect.
I did enjoy the characters and the acting. I thought Joo Won did a really good job of balancing a lack of emotion with the character's more emotional moments. I also enjoyed Tae Yi as a smart and pretty capable character. I thought the show nicely balanced humor, emotion, and suspense.

This show certainly isn't flawless, but I don't really nitpick flaws and rather judge on enjoyment There are some things I would change about the ending, but I'd still recommend Alice as an exciting and enjoyable show.

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