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.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
PLEASE PROCEED KNOWING THAT THIS SHOW HAS EXCESSIVE VIOLENCE AND GORE
"This was insanely good. I loved every minute of it. Seriously it was just awesome. I really love the webtoon and loved drama adaptation even more. A must watch. The cast was really well chosen. Song Kang will be added to my list of favorite actors. He portrayed Hyunsoo exactly as I'd imagine him being a real person. Lee Dohyun and Lee Jinwook fitted their characters greatly as well. We had added extra character too (firefighter). I loved how story unfolded differently from webtoon. I can't wait for season two & I really hope Eunhyuk made it out alive since his monsterization has started right before building collapsed. We all know Sangwook isn't the one who drove the truck but I hope his original consciousness will have some impact on behavior of the monster. I am honestly amazed. I think season two will detach from webtoon and be completely new thing. Once again, I can't wait."//
well this was someone's comment on the finale that i have taken. pretty much summed up what i feel except that the excessive gore and violence are really difficult to stomach at some scenes, sh*t.
i have to add that i keep reading comments about how the webtoon had more character depths between the survivors, and also stories of the monsters itself which kept my final score for this drama considerably average/good instead of great. but at the end of the day, this was seriously a very high budget, high tech production which meant they had to cut corners on the backstory to give screentime for the live action so i can totally respect that. i guess the insufficiency of this drama successfully makes me want to read the webtoon already which is a good, commendable thing LOL. i usually don't bother.
phenomenal acting on all fronts. Song Kang is so fckin enigmatic, and i loved that they introduced the badass firefighter girl as a new character in this, and they are going to build up on that in season 2.
for what it was, i can really appreciate this drama despite my initial doubts (i have no attachment whatsoever to Kingdom series). if you can group them in the same/similar genre, then i connect to this one A LOT MORE.
FAN OF SONG KANG FOR LIFE!!! BRAVO! the ending scene when Hyun Su was fighting the other half-monster who made him turn into one, reminds me of the final fighting scene in the exorcism movie that has Park Seo Joon and Woo Do Hwan in it. so so good!
and yes, Hyun Su is my favourite character in the drama and i think Song Kang was perfectly cast for the role. he's so pitiful and my heart always breaks for him. my boy is slayin' it!!!!
p/s wish it had an excessive violence and gore warning plastered all over the drama page. it's really no joke and i think it can be very triggering. i hope people who proceed, do so with caution. i certainly would have been better mentally prepared. sighh
Was this review helpful to you?
Webtoon vs Kdrama
I did read the webtoon and with the very first episode I was kind of disappointed, though that didn't stop me from continuing the show. After the first episode, I enjoyed the show a lot more. I don't know if it was just me or that I kept connecting the show and the webtoon together... Anyways the show kept the true meaning of the webtoon which I really appreciate, because it was one my reasons why I love reading Sweet Home. The show also kept a lot of the characters the same with a little mix into it, meaning things were gonna be different from the webtoon. I liked that because I wouldn't be able to expect things to happen. The ending was also very different from the webtoon even though I loved reading that ending, I really loved the ending they did for the show. They left it more open meaning there could be a season 2, hopefully!Overall It is a great show with a hidden meaning. If you do not like the first episode like me I recommend you try the second episode. I hope there is another season and everyone in the show did such a great job!
Was this review helpful to you?
A monster series with big teeth and a bit of a limp
"What makes us human?" is one of the biggest questions in any art medium and the zombie genre has made exploring this question one its most consistent themes. While "Sweet Home" is not a true zombie production, it shares enough characteristics to fall somewhere in that corner of horror entertainment. One of the common threads that pops up here is that sometimes the most evil beings are the ones that are still unaffected-on-the-outside humans. The twist, and it's a good one, is that not all the creatures that look like monsters are monsters.It's particularly poignant with Song Kang's Hyun Soo who alternates between struggling with wanting to live and a battle to retain his humanity. Although there are some exceptional human vs. monster melee's, the high points of "Sweet Home" are unquestionably the quiet exchanges between Hyun Soon and Go Min Si's Eun Yoo. The quality of Song Kang's work tends to peak and valley and this is definitely among his finest performances. It does falter and the show does in general in the final two episodes as the first primary arc pushes to a resolution while setting up the next act.
The crew has put together a mostly excellent package of special effects, sound and camera work. There's a couple of instances of less convincing cgi that detract but it's a minor distraction.
It's a fairly solid cast although only a few stand out with notable performances. Kim Gab Soo is one of them who exudes optimism balanced with knowledge of the grim reality. Lee Shi Young and Park Gyu Young both shine as strong women battling both personal emotional loss and deadly creatures.
A few holes emerge too. Although the setting is an apartment building in Seoul, there's not just a massive amount of people that never appear, but there's no attempt to explain their absence. Dozens (possibly?) of creatures appear outside the building in moments, but that still leaves millions in the city unaccounted for and scores within the building. Two mutants appear, one early and one late, that fall right on the human/monster line and seem ideal for additional attention, but don't receive it. Overall, the coherence of the narrative is uneven but the spotlight is focused enough for the most of the series. But when the plot has to expand to incorporate new introductions and beyond the group's struggle survive within the apartment building, the tension subsides and the flaws begin to protrude.
Some entries in this genre are must-watch even for viewers who aren't hardcore horror buffs. "Sweet Home" falls short of that bar, but it is an entertaining and, at times, compelling series. Whether it remains so in a follow-up season will require more disciplined storytelling as it appears multiple arcs will splinter off. And it may need more range and intensity from Song Kang than his body of work has shown he's capable of providing.
Was this review helpful to you?
Worth the watch.
Honestly I have already rewatched this series so many times since the release. I have fallen in love with every character, every little detail is perfect. The monsters are just amazing, the effects and gore is completely perfect in my opinion. The acting itself was just stunning, i was hooked within the first 10 minutes. If you enjoy rollercoaster then expect your emotions to go for the ride of their lives. I was angry, laughing and crying during the 10 amazing episodes and i am seriously praying for a second season.Was this review helpful to you?
Don't watch while eating
Okay, so the story was good and exciting really enjoyed watching.What I loved the most was amazing song choices they did also the visual effect and editing, liked how monsters were really scary.Liked how the characters were not perfect and showed growth, I felt bad for ML and really fell in love with the actors charms also the ending made me excited for s2 hope............... survivedP.s-This is my first review and English is my 3rd language so don't mid mistakes
Overall, if you love horror and exciting scenes, this is for you can't wait for s2 fightingˏˋ°•*⁀➷*+:｡.｡*+:｡.｡ꕥˏˋ°•*⁀➷
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
This is good!
I am generally not even a horror fan, but this series was so thrilling and tense I was glued to the screen through all 10 episodes without a second of being bored or even remotely thinking about fast fowarding. (which I have to admit happens more often lately, when dramas have a good start, and quickly go downhill either with storyline, dragging etc.) I also found it remarkable that (after I have watched several 'end of the world/zombie apocalypse etc. shows in the past years) in this show they at least didn't shy away from the fact that in such circumsatances also the worst in humans comes out and things like rape would happen. Other apocalyptic shows go on for 10 seasons and never even mention it, like it wouldn't happen - and it would!I do not know the webtoon but I can say pretty much everything in this adaption is perfect for my taste. The storyline, the actors, the soundtrack (phenomal), the production, the lighting, the sets, the special effects, and especially the whole atmosphere created in this huge building - really got me and I felt like I was sitting motionlessly tense watching, only interrupted by really well done monster sequences that got me shrieking out loud.
Still, in all the horror story there are serious and good single stories of the main characters.
It even managed to get me crying at one point when Jung Jae-Heon sacrified himself with his spirit true to the very end in all that dystopic mess of a world.
if you generally like the genre I'd say this is yet one of the best shows I've seen and from the first to the last episode.
Was this review helpful to you?
Apocalipse but different
The tone of the show from the start is very opressive with all the characters basically lock up in the building. We see very fast how humans could be even worst than monsters when surviving is a factor.All the actors are amazing specially the ML Cha Hyun So and Lee Do Hyun, this one performance is on point at every minute and i actually end up hating him a little even when i understand why he did the things he did (In parts).
The monsters for me, some are great, some not so much, but overall i like them and the different types.
If i have to say something negative, the kids at times were a little annoying to me. I'm not much for kids in this kind of shows so really i could have done withouth them.
That scene of the ML in the last episode just before the end... it was one of the hightlights for me.
All in all i can't wait for the next season :).
Was this review helpful to you?
Watch it.
I just finished rewatching it before season two comes out and it was how I remembered it. I love this series so much, it's my type of series: the characters, the actors, the plot, the music…I love all.ONLY one thing that I find so annoying is the monsters…they are so fake, it's so strange that with today's technology they couldn't make them a little more realistic…but ok, it's not so relevant.
Was this review helpful to you?
Emotional Whirlwind: A Work of art, a drama that captivates us and makes us sad to see it end.
An adventure of this magnitude leaves an indelible mark. Looking forward to Season 2 becomes a difficult ordeal, so captivated were we by the exceptional quality of Season 1. "Sweet Home" promises a thrilling story, a fascinating universe and extraordinary acting.STORY
The story unfolds without a hitch, the chronology impeccably orchestrated throughout the drama. No scene can be described as insignificant, as every moment in the world of "Sweet Home" is a delight to savor. The dialogue is carefully crafted, adding a captivating rhythm throughout the drama. The many twists and turns essential to the plot keep us on the edge of our seats every episode. What's more, the deep, intelligent writing of each character makes it easy for us to identify with them, as they are all remarkably realistic.
ACTING
The acting is breathtaking, leaving us speechless in the face of each actor's mastery (even the children, who are exceptional). Song Kang, Lee Si Young and Lee Jin Wook light up the screen with their powerful performances. In fact, all the actors are to be commended for their level of excellence. The drama wouldn't be as brilliant without their talent.
MUSIC
One of the drama's undoubted strengths is its music. Each musical appearance accompanies an event in such a special way that it sends shivers down our spines time and again. The sound designers have done an outstanding job of creating a unique atmosphere and ambience that blends in perfectly with the overall picture.
REVIEW VALUE
I highly recommend "Sweet Home" to everyone, and I'm sure I'll see it again and again myself. It's a true masterpiece that deserves to be rediscovered again and again.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Even if you’re into RomComs, watch episode 1 and you will want to continue.
I’m not a person to write reviews but the way Sweet Home had an impact is insane.The Story line was amazing, from the very first scene to the very last one. It was well distributed between suspense, thriller, horror (for me), trust and friendship. I didn’t think it’d be that good but finally gave it a try last night and poof- in 12 hours I’m done watching this show.
The cast SHOOK me. I didn’t think Song Kang would portray his character so well. Another character that shook me was ji-su. (the nam ju ur girl from it’s ok to not be ok) I found her character extremely annoying in IOTNBO but here- dang this girl was rocking it. Each and every cast member fitted their role perfectly.
The music was good as we were familiar with a few songs and I liked how it matched the scenes.
I gave Re-Watch an 8 cause I’ll rewatch it when I wish to bawl my eyes out.
Overall: Exceeded my expectations. I really didn’t expect it to be this good and I’m so impressed. This DEFINITELY has potential for season 2 and I’ll cry if there’s no season 2 cause PLEASE! I’m kinda scared cause Netflix is kinda famous for AMAZING season 1 but kinda shitty season 2 with unnecessary plot twists. Hopefully it won’t be the case here and they announce a season 2!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Sweet home is a good (considered the best for me) drama to watch during the pandemic
This is my first time writing a review!I'm still pretty much a newbie to kdrama industry but i do watched couple of zombies/vampires/monsters/devils/mythical creatures/horror dramas, so i was very surprised by how realistic and was in awe of many high quality cgi scenes from this drama. I was immediately captivated by the trailer of sweet home and i knew that this drama will be great.
"apocalyptic horror South Korean television series", can't completely explain how amazing this drama is. Although this drama is categorized as horror, i think it is not as horrifying as Conjuring series. HOWEVER, this drama makes me panic every minute. I think one of the greatest strength of this drama and makes it attractive is... You totally don't know what's going to happen. You can't predict what will happen in the next episode AT ALL. Any moment someone could die, any moment i will cry. (Did i mentioned that this drama makes me emotional too?) So basically, unlike many other zombie dramas such as KINGDOM or TRAIN TO BUSAN, you really can't tell what the story will turn out in the end, ecspecially when this drama is about humans turning into "monsters" when they got overcame by their own "desires". (as complicated as it sounds, you can watch the drama and find out!)
A TOTALLY NEW CONCEPT for a kdrama, unlike zombies, you turn into one when u got bitten (infection) or maybe angels and devils or demons, you turn into one when u drank their blood (?). Literally, this drama gives panic attacks to audience because it gives no warning on how or WHEN the characters is infected and is becoming their evil side.
Now that we talk about the monstrous sides of "humans" that this drama managed to capture perfectly, let's talk about the distinct characteristics or appearance of EVERY "monsters" the main character, Cha Hyun-soo encounters. Spoiler: For example, a disabled runner that wishes to run again, would give into his desires to become this hideous monster with legs that can run so fast that no one can escape from/see.
Ok, if you came this far. Im sure it is getting boring but i have so much to share with you! The concept and storyline of the drama is already very well-written, but the casting and acting in this drama makes it so much better. Song Kang acts as Cha hyun soo, a male that finds life meaningless and been counting days to mark his death. You can easily tell depression symptoms from the way he carry himself or just leaching off at his room/at rooftop. He is a character that is broken inside and talks little. But we could understand enough about his struggle based on his behaviours and his past (NOPE A SPOLIER! AND WILL MAKE U ANGRY AND CRY AT THE SAME TIME) I really liked how instead of a very brave, aggresively justice or highly intelligent main character that highlights a lot of survival movies, this drama chose a main character we can relate to. Cha hyun soo thinks little of himself, doubts himself alot which sometimes restricts him into action immediately under dangerous stituations. He has very low self esteems but is a very kind hearted fellow. He is stupidly too kind for this world ugh And there is this one scenario that highlights how other characters make use of his good heart to stay alive. The main character transformed into "desire" halfly and can regenerate his body when he is injured BUT HE STILL FEEL PAIN. Humans being humans, others that are still "humans" forced Hyun Soo to travel to dangerous areas where monsters roam to help forage for food. *i dont know what im talking about this point, you get me if you watched it :D*
The camerawork is smooth and doesn't make me feel choked. The sequence when Hyun soo have to fight for himself and others also were captured nicely. Hyun soo is just a person and never fought against 8 feet of a monster before. So the struggling and actually tripping or panicking during the fights really are good details. (He almost died alot of times omg) And i think the music is pretty iconic too, u can hear the ending song and damn it stucks on your mind. The music really just makes you think "oh thats sweet home" ORIGINALITY YAS
Hmm OH YES, You know there are many dramas that sometimes over-summarize side characters personality and it is not easy to protray side characters importance and presence throughout the entire drama. This drama did a good job in showing side characters desires to survive and realistic sides that anyone under the same stituation could relate too. No sugarcoating yay and omg look at how diverse the remaining survivors are (there are mothers that lost their child, children that lost their dad, gangsters that are retired but damn soft inside,teenagers that are overly positive and depressed, a firefighter that lost her fiance, a girl that is too rebelious, a typical kdrama auntie, and more). I ended up falling in love with all the *important* characters BECAUSE of their flaws and their humane qualities (such as comforting someone that is down or forgiving or sympathize or setting up a funeral although the whole chaos is still going on)
And the fact that the characters are so heavily outnumbered but hope really kept each other going.
Ok..the end must come. And i just want to say that hyun soo is gorgeous and handsome. Im running out of ideas, please just watch it. I am hungry and can't think any gorgeous words to describe this drama. I shall eat now :3 sayonara
COnclusion: watch it :]
Was this review helpful to you?
