TheMaskedWarrior
Short and Sweet filled many small surprises!
This mini series is about a man who imagines himself in the 140 character stories he reads on twitter. Every episode has the main character imagine one such story and parallelly, we get to know more about his life as well. Both his life and the stories he contrives are filled with interesting small surprises. This is smartly written making the short duration of episodes to its advantage. The production, acting and music suits the style and theme of the series.If you have 10 minutes to spare, watch this and you'd truly be marveled at the power of imagination.
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Balancing Everything
Development has been long delayed in Munju located in the western part of the Gyeonggi Province due to blood-curdling incidents of the past; it is here the story of Beyond Evil has been set and the inhabitants have been close-knit community. Lee Dong Shik, once a victim to these incidents now works as sergeant at Manyang police substation of Munju police station. Despite his "crazy" work style, he is one of the well trusted persons of the community. Enters Han Joo Won, an elite officer, transferred as inspector who is diametrically opposite to LDS in character and work style. Upon his arrival, multiple events occur, people go missing, bodies are found, reminiscent of the past and reopening the scars of Munju.HJW struggles with fitting in the community and workplace; some are hostile, some allege him to stop "acting up" and some make him accept their ways of doing things. This is a well-thought-out imagery as the viewer is also similarly taken through multitude of events and fitting into this drama feels a bit struggling. The reason for this being one might wonder what events to be taken seriously and what not; In retrospection, every minor event contributes to the big picture. It is truly mind-blowing to note how some random events tell something about the character and their way of thoughts, actions and reactions.
It is just fascinating that Beyond Evil has the perfect balance of smartly crafted characters and wittingly woven story which keeps the viewer on the edge of "What Next?" It is even more fascinating that "theme of two" contrasting and sometimes similar elements are constantly shown throughout the show, two contrasting characters -LDS and HJW- and their principles, their work styles, their past and present, their parental figures, their best friends, and much more; and how all these aspects contrive the story more complex and enticing to watch.
HJW X LDS: One is an elite who studied at the police academy and another is recruited by the local police station. One is stickler for following rules, principles and another gets work done by any means. One is calm externally but internally in chaos and one seems emotionally hyper but perfectly rational in mind. One makes elaborate plans and one makes plans on the go. One is affected by the scars inflicted by his parents and one has ill-fatedly affected and without intent, inflicted wounds on others.
At outset, these two bicker, banter, hector and coerce suspecting one another. This might induce either the viewer to laugh at the over-the-top actions of both or to pick a side. Honestly, both are sometimes right and wrong, they too realize their fallacies. Consequently, they finally come together for the common goal to know the real truth. This partnership takes a while to happen unlike mentioned in the summary but totally worth the wait. Their tongue-in-cheek work chemistry is hilarious to watch.
Not everything comes easy. At the cusp of rebooting of the development projects, the recent proceedings unleash the protective nature of the biggies. Do Hae Won, a congresswoman and aspiring mayor, and Lee Chang Jin, a hitman turned businessman, of the Munju who would go to any ends. Is it simply about money or genuine care for social development, one wonders? Along with them, is Han Ki Hwan, next police commissioner general of the country and father of HJW, who has "perfected" his life for this position of power and least afford to err. These characters stealthily direct the happenings to their advantage and hinder the police investigations. Aside from them, are many minor and well-defined characters, who pull and push the events of the Munju city.
Beyond Evil is well-paced story starts with a shower of events and slows down to give viewers half-time. This interval both serves as point to reorganize the thoughts and gives more team-bonding moments for the characters. Similar to how inhabitants warm up to HJW, metaphorically the viewers too warm up to the drama. Followed by, its pace quickens. In turn, BE gives a perfect and unpredictable closure to the story and characters provided that viewers too proactively catch up with its pace by observing and interpolating the events. At this juncture, the temptation to rewatch is high.
Shin Ha Kyun X Yeo Jin Goo: SHK's portrayal of LDS is on point and his countenance defines the idiosyncrasies of the character and deepens the character's appeal. Sometimes, it is hypnotizing to drown into fathomless depths of the character. Meanwhile, YJG's portrayal of HJW conceives the character's rigidity, and exudes cold-nature outlook. His expressions look like he is the naivest person but in reality, he is quite the opposite.
Other actors have made the characters stand out. Kang Min Ah's Kang Min Jung comes as the carefree hip person and parallelly manages to draw out our empathy. Chun Ho Jin's Nam Sang Bae treads the fine line making one wonder, if he is good or bad. Choi Dae Hoon's Park Jung Je makes us believe in his dreams, drawings and delusions. Every actor and their character have made fabulous job. Individually appreciating them would spoil the moment for future viewers.
The music is really good. It heightens the viewer's thrill, draws out empathy, and makes the experience more real and sometimes, surreal. Songs like Timeless, The Road, Empty makes the viewers feel virtually the inhabitants of Munju and invest ourselves in its predicaments. We too want the justice to serve in best possible way and closure to be given to the victims. The music makes final message resonate louder; the message being "any clue or info regarding missing person should be reported to police how so ever infinitesimal." The message creates awareness, feels affirmative and assuring.
Undeniably, Beyond Evil has best of everything.
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Light hearted drama
Mairuvonich is a story of simple and light-hearted girl who is less confident about her appearances. With the help of Tenyu, she transforms both her personality and her appearances and finds true love of her life.This is a very simple drama adapted from shoujo manga. On that note, it is targeted towards younger audiences suiting their tastes. Mairu has about 3 to 4 romantic pursuits which slowly helps her grow as a person.
I totally agree that it is a personal choice to have a makeover. Although in life, beautiful looks aren't everything and beauty is subjective as well. Here, Mairu's makeover gives her psychological boost to her confidence. This in turn, gives her new experiences at high school.
Sometimes, the views expressed are *cough, cough* critical. This can come off as condescending but that's alright.
Above all, this drama is really comical and has a very imaginative take on youth.
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Cliched but its magic works!
Hello Me! is a predictable story filled with clichés like a struggling FL, a immature ML, the random job offering, the truck of doom, unwanted misunderstandings, childhood connections, etc.Yet there are many enjoyable elements in this show. One, the comedy. The scenes between the ML & SML and ML & his co-worker ladies are such a laugh riot. Some of the antics of the Younger Ban Han Ni are hilarious.
Two, the character growth of both Ban Han Nis. Younger BHN is very audacious, outspoken and confident teen. Her actions lead to innumerable troubles. She can come off as an incorrigible person nearly the entire show. But, in odd turn of events, she turns a new leaf and becomes more mature. Older BHN is a broke and ill-fated person. Interactions with younger self, makes her take better charge at life.
Three, the character interactions. Be it interaction of both BHNs with her school friends, and her family, or ML with his "assistant", brother, dad and aunt. Everything is very cordial and warm.
Four, the message "You're doing well. You're the most magnificent star in your life. That is, if you refuse to give up and get back on your feet once again."
Five, the altruistic take on unfortunate events especially forgiving bad people, and supporting family members.
There are hardly any downsides to this show. It keeps you entertained, makes you laugh, makes you feel warm and strive at life.
I had an expectation that younger BHN will mature and change older BHN's life. The story doesn't flow that way which was new take on these past and present self interactions stories.
ML calling FL "Ahjumma" felt comical but it made their relationship more like sister-brother and not romantic. Even romance is barely there.
Anthony's closure felt good but it could have been different. Society requires to "evolve" to be more forgiving. Given the recent events, the social commentary felt coincidental.
The show is well produced. Acting of younger BHN felt a bit dramatic and artificial sometimes. Other actors are really good. Eum Moon Suk's acting style reminds me of his The Fiery Priest character. Music is really good given that the younger BHN is idol aspirant especially the 3!4! song. Rewatch is good for comical scenes.
Hello Me!: Invoke the child in oneself to heal oneself.
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Mediocre Myth
At outset, the drama starts out as an interesting and pioneering perspective of time travel. With use of new ideas like uploader and downloader, the science-fiction aspect is on par with that of contemporary world of science fiction entertainment.Along with this, is the backdrop of a nuclear war involving Koreas, it provides an exquisite playing field for proficient storytelling. These themes remind me of the "TENET" movie.
The show is almost convincible scientifically about time travel*. But that's where the spectacle of this show ends. This show has countless flaws.
One, after setting the story, the show becomes more character driven and not plot driven. Thus, giving little scope for further exploring the sci-fi elements or packing it with more plot elements. Viewers are taken through detailed narrative about various side characters. These insights could have been less detailed.
Two, Will over Wits. Almost every scene has some sort of test for characters to make a choice. Almost every character ends up making emotion-driven decisions and not reason-driven. This leads to a countless loop of bad folks coercing good folks to fall into their traps. Countless episodes are wasted in these cat-and-mouse endeavors.
Three, Lack of an alternate answer to the recurring question "Girl or World?" Right in the first instance of asking this question, the answer is undeniably obvious. Yet, the protagonist delays to choose the answer giving a false hope of possibility of an alternative answer. Had this been answered earlier, it would have ended the show quicker.
Four, Romance: The Leads' relationship feels more like comradeship and less like romantic one. If at all it is present, it is not so passionate and intense given their life-threatening circumstances.
Five, the beginning of the time loop. How did all this began that is, the events right before the first loop are hardly explained. I believe that explaining a bootstrap paradox is an unimaginable task.
Despite the flaws, there are a couple of appreciable elements like, One, ambitious production. The initial fights and stunts scenes felt amateurish in CGI. But the events of the future were well produced. The drone chase scene was a personal favorite. Fights scenes were really good, especially the last fight of future timeline. Two, despite the ever looming question of "save the world", the intermittent scenes of future events were very imaginative. Three, Badass FL and Genius ML both bring something unique to the plot. Four, the "Act of Kindness" (without letting the spoiler out), that was the best moment in the entire drama and gave the best "glimmer of hope", an essential feature of the Sci-Fi genre.
Acting wise, both the leads are exceptional. PSH stunt scenes are awe-worthy. Kim Byung Chul does an incredible job. Music wise, I really liked the title music of whizzing sound and the end song. Rewatch value is lower as sci-fi elements are hardly convoluted.
Sisyphus: The Myth is inventive concept but fails in storytelling.
~~
*Logical inconsistencies do exist.
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Family focus
Mokomi is an eccentric girl who can experience animism. But more eccentric is her family consisting of control freak mother, passive father, outspoken grandfather, and a brother who seems normal. This drama shows the character growth of Mokomi into a more confident, and socializing person. Along with this, she discovers her true purpose, and her career. Subsequently, this also transforms her family.Yuya, the ML(?), is less of companion and more of facilitator for Mokomi. There is hardly any romance and backstory for him. One never gets to know why he considers his bicycle as friend. If it weren't for Mokomi and Yuya calling each other informally, they might have well pass as good friends. In this sense, the ending not focused about him made sense.
What was enjoyable? Mokomi's stint of having imaginary friends reminds of our own childhood days. The struggles of feeling awkwardness in socializing, and the difficulty in adapting to outside world were relatable. The consequent transformation of both her and family was good and gives off good message that letting go heals the scars of past.
What could have been better? Since focus is family, one can't complain about Yuya. But her brother scenes and transformation was compromised given the severity of his situation. Same could be said for her mother. It was hurried ending but manages to give closure to everyone.
It was a well produced show especially those animism scenes where so good. Acting was good especially Koshiba Fuka's. I hardly remember if any songs were present. There were only some bgm which was good and suitable.
Mokomi: Kanojo Chotto Hendakedo is good but wish it focused beyond family.
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Cake topped with cream!
Horimiya is an usual high school jdrama adapted from shoujo manga. It depicts coming-of-age theme with first love. The only thing new is that the main lead is a loner who has an alternate personality. Everything else is predictable and precedent. Sometimes, quite silly too.Romance is cute, intimate and personal.
Acting is good.
Both Suzuka Ouji and Kubota Sayu look cute.
Music is okay.
Like school dramas, it will take you back to your school days.
Production is of good quality.
We never see more of either leads' parents and their backstory. School jdramas normally don't focus on parents, so it was okay.
Horimiya neither disappoints nor exceeds expectations like a convenience store's cream cake. (A comfort treat indeed!)
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An understated entertainer!
Times starts out as story of a daughter desperately trying to save her father from assassinations with the help of time altering. Just when one expects it to drag out, it quickly resolves the issue and switches focus on other things like elections, journalism issues etc.As it switches from one theme to another, it luckily avoids monotony. Unfortunately, in a way, it betrays the audience as well. For instance, someone who started watching for time altering might drop the show as it exhausts the theme somewhere in middle of the show. Or someone who doesn't like time altering might misjudge the show and miss out a good political thriller. (On a side note, why do people find politics boring?!)
Times episodes could be split into two parts- one where FL plays major role and other half where ML plays major role. Times works if you focus on these parts individually. Writer could have even made two different dramas by splitting the story.
This style of letting one lead be the focus for half of the show gives more insight into the character and also gives better scope of performance for the actors. Negatively, this makes in-person interaction between ML and FL minimal.
Despite the leads' interaction is mostly over the phone, the actors managed to portray it well. Too bad, that the story didn't convert this good work "chemistry" between the leads into maybe potential romance. In another perspective, glad that they didn't force any romance and kept things professional.
Ending was well done. One couldn't expect more. It did make me wish there were more episodes because I kept asking "That's it? What?!" Although you can predict the minor twists, main twist was unforeseen. Glad that the writer kept the best parts for the finale.
Times has its flaws. One, convoluted narration, if I were to start out to tell this story to someone, I might confuse myself. Two, sometimes the story progression and characters' actions simply feel random. Writer makes it seem effortless to write any implausible twist into the story and we are bound to believe.
Despite its flaws, Times is an understated time altering entertainer with heavy political thrills, journalism overtones, and subtle social commentary.
~~
I am going to vote in a week and I learned some new things about politics from this show.
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Heart warming Love Story of a man and his cat!
Reasons to watch this show1. About cats- If you are a cat lover, or planning to adopt a cat or already have a cat, then this show is definitely for you. From buying the cat essentials to first vet visit, this show depicts those tiny moments of joy and sorrow of having a cat as pet.
2. Healing effect- Pets have always been the best healers. After losing his wife, the protagonist, a renowned pianist, goes into a slump. This story is about how he heals himself, with aid of his cat, his friends and moves on with his life.
3.The interaction of Fukumaru (cat) and Kanda (man) is a love story in itself. The first sight, the first meal, the first day at work, the "missing you" thoughts and so on. Every scene is so cute.
4. Good music and top-notch acting- A show about pianist means music is expected to be good. This show exceeds expectations. I really liked the end track and concert songs. Also, the acting was really good; expressions of characters when an unfortunate event happens was so realistic. Even the voiceover of Kamiki for the cat was so lovely, nyaa!
5. Secondary couple- I mean, another man and his cat. Their story is also heartwarming. To be honest, I liked their story more.
6. Moriyama- His presence itself lights up the scene. He is such a lovely character. He gets the best closure too.
Why not A 10?
1. Gone are days of cats getting pleased by a plate of fish, it seems. The amount of cat consumerism makes me feel glad that both the men were rich. I know pets are high maintenance, but sometimes it felt way too much.
2. Somewhere in the middle, the story felt a little boring for me, it felt too long with 12 episodes.
3. About the cat, Is it a plushy? Is it a puppet? Is it a robot? Is it a CGI? I don't know. I didn't watch BTS. But sometimes it felt convincing and sometimes it didn't seem like a cat at all.
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An ode to dream chasers!
If you are fan of jdramas which-totally touch your hearts,
makes you feel raw emotions,
connects you with the characters,
then this show is definitely for you.
In an intriguing episodic format, bar's each customer finds
Solace, hope and comfort in three different forms:
A drink from Amamiya Ryoichiro,
A canned food dish from Nakauchi Satoru, and
Words of wisdom from Kobayashi Naoki.
The bar serves as "reality asylum" for aspiring artists of all kinds:
Musicians, painters, comedians, writers.
With a "lighter focus" story arc on three men's lives and pasts.
This show is packed with many stories and gives many life quotes.
This will surely make you think about your life and your dreams as well.
Even the underlying subtle social commentary was thoughtful,
For instance, a toy car gift for a girl child.
Acting wise, I liked all the three men.
I liked "Entertainer" by "I don't like Mondays".
Definitely worth the rewatch for the heartwarming messages.
~~~
I don't personally like the idolizing of canned food.
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An Unwanted Sequel
233rd Review of Love Alarm 2 tells a lot about how this show has impacted many, mostly disappointment. Lot has been said already; here are my two thoughts.One, What could have be completed in just two more episodes of season 1 had been dragged out for about 2 years (Even my tastes of kdrama has changed.) and 6 episode (really?) . That's what many kdramas do, adding a time jump and voila, a decent closure. But no, Love alarm, the very un-kdrama-ish kdrama, somehow tries something new: season format. And the result is obvious.
Two, if it weren't for Cheon Duk Goo, I would have totally abandoned this. CDG's closure was a mediocre but it was probably the only decent thing season 2 could offer. As for others, even 5 years time jump doesn't seem to mature these characters. They are still stuck in their sorrows of their own making. But somehow a couple of events make them grow up. Nah, I couldn't buy that.
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Life is a continuation of choices.
After watching "Clover" 3 years ago, I have waited for next slice of life/romance drama from Okura Tadayoshi. I feel my wait has been rewarded well and his acting has improved greatly.I didn't like the original, Familiar Wife, but I loved Shitteru Waifu from the first episode. Familiar wife, seemed more frustrating and didn't invoke that nostalgia and longing sadness which Shitteru Waifu exceled at. Japanese remakes have disappointed me. By some magical stroke of luck, the creators took familiar wife and made it their own style, the classic Jdrama style of raw emotions.
Initially, I couldn't stop myself from comparing both but the difference became so obvious as show progressed.
I couldn't stop myself from admiring the narration style, the nostalgic flash back scenes filled with beautiful light glare effects and the music which felt like a tune you had heard long time ago.
I couldn't stop myself from feeling both resentful and sorry for ML. (He looks aged now or is that his level of dedication?!)
I couldn't stop myself from saying "ah cute" at both the leading ladies,(and feel bad for them) and cutest of all, the FL's mom. (I love my mom, but she is so cute and sweet, I just cant..).
I couldn't stop myself from pausing mid-episode, and ponder my own life choices.
I couldn't stop myself from crying a tiny bit in every episode and at my own regrets.
I couldn't stop myself from feeling that elated joy and satisfaction of the ending. (I wish I could talk about the ending and how starkly different it was from the original's.)
I couldn't stop myself from being sad now that it has ended.
I couldn't stop myself from thinking about the innumerable messages from this show.
I don't think I can stop myself from fondly lookback at this show for years to come. (surely will do a full rewatch some time later.)
I guess, I couldn't stop myself from giving a personal and biased review. (There are minor flaws, like they didn't show much about bank people in last episode, or most of the scenes were a bit predictable but I'm not complaining.)
To quote the show, life is a continuation of choices. You could choose to watch this show and feel grateful for living or you could choose not to watch this show and live with regret of not pressing the play button.
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Okay but Cliched
A jdrama by the same team of Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo (2020) with same actress. I can safely proclaim this is even a spiritual sequel to that, the themes are very similar, a timid girl trying to balance work and love.Initially, it seemed like Japanese version of Devil wears Prada but this one is more focused on administrative working of the magazine and lesser focus of fashion.
Oh My Boss is something which will never disappoint. A show will which make you feel better when you are down, will make you pass time when you are bored, will make you squeal at fanservice. A show - in its own words - tries to give a glimpse of hope and dream.
That doesn't mean it will exceed your expectations. A drama which works because it is enveloped in a myriad of clichés. Scene after it will make you remind of some other drama where you saw similar scene. For instance, childhood friend turns to jerk, FL gets hired for random job, FL's random encounter with ML who happens to be a heir, FL who just wants to get married, Ex-girlfriend comes back, etc. Bear with logical inconsistency for its shoujo theme.
The acting was good, filled with fanservice of puppy Jun. The OST, luv bias was really good as well. Rewatch for romance scenes.
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Ugh (ft. slow and boring)
Cheating dramas are problematic. Without genuine reasons of cheating, it would be difficult to convince viewers to stay. This show gives silly reasons for why men cheat their good & hardworking wives and why women would yearn for company of married men.Without the revenge track, it would be difficult to soothe the fewer viewers who had somehow managed to stay. That's not gonna happen in this one. Nah nah, not in this season, I don't give a rodent's posterior about the revenge, if at all, that happens in next season, if at all, that manages to air.
This show wastes time in talking about random things like golf, oriental medicine, dogs blah blah, in the first half of episodes and glorifying whatever "love"/lust emotions cheaters were feeling in the second half. By the time, it reaches the point of actual cheating, already 10 or 12 episodes are gone. Even good and realistic dialogues are made to lose their charm by saying again and again. Episodes after 5 or 6 can be finished in 15 minutes.
There were one or two things I liked. One, the kids of 50yr couple and 40yr couple. Their words and actions were so mature than their dads' (lol!). Two, the radio station scenes and the ladies' work dinners along with Seo Ban. Both the scenes had interesting dialogues especially Seo Ban's snarky replies.
I can only conclude that the writer has taken her audience for dummies, spoon feeding them; telling them in nagging dialogues instead of showing them with subtlety. She could have written a tighter screenplay excluding all irrelevant scenes. It could have been tiny bit interesting had she not made the mistresses so generic, so predictable.
In final episode, the hurried afterthought of adding new character and "new" links between characters was badly executed cliffhanger. By then, the drama is already an overkill. Although my curiosity is piqued, life is too short and I would rather spend my time watching something amazing.
It's a pity that this was well produced drama oozing extravagance. It's a pity that the music and OST was so good especially, Dead Inside and Memory. It's a pity it had good actors.
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This review may contain spoilers
Beauty and Beast
I have always been a fan of these "monster" theme stories which kdrama industry keeps inventing, be it Hello Monster, He is psychometric, Flower of Evil. Sometimes it is a behavioral flaw and sometimes it is a certain power. This time the concept was something so novel. Genetic Engineering. Genome editing. Human Experimentation. Religious Cult. Mad Scientist. Invincible Military man who keeps coming back from death. You name it, LUCA has them all.There's the Beast, Z-0 who is constantly on run to survive from people he can't remember. And there's the beauty, (cough cough, with her messy hairdo) who is investigating about her missing parents. Initially, the beauty seems very strong, she can kick some ass, and in turn, gets kicked too because of over confidence. She turns out to be only dialogues and lacking in action. Like one of those moments of getting kicked in ass, she ends up meeting a truck of doom. Comes the beast, saves her, and she later tries to save him. Overestimates herself, only to be saved by him again. And this happens again and again. Meanwhile, falling in love with beast, well it felt like one rainy night mistake. When reality kicks in, she tries to kick some ass, overestimates herself, only to be saved by him again. And this happens again and again. Until, she finally saves the him. Frustrating, ain't it!?
Stories like "beauty and beast" revolve around the idea of highlighting the need of kindness in theory. But Luca turns out to be what would happen in reality. Conflict of interests turning the beast into ruthless monster. For a second, I got reminded of X-men Origins: Wolverine and that wailing. I didn't wail for bodies he piled up. His transformation and the ending is what I loved so much about the show.
But my love couldn't overlook the mess. What went wrong was the repetitive screenplay. And the FL's brain. (was it because of getting constantly hit in the head?) And the inconsistency with its characters. For instance, when Z-0 makes some plans to escape his enemies only to get outwitted but when he is with Ha Neul Ae Gu Reum he somehow succeeds.
Oh the action, I really loved the action scenes. Especially the elevator fight scene, lot better than the one in "K2". But then it too become so repetitive and mundane that I didn't miss anything by skipping them. The music, especially the end track was really good. I wasn't impressed with Kim Rae Won in Doctors but the way he portrayed Z-0 showing emotions of being on edge of constant fear, made me give a ten for acting.
LUCA: The Beginning, great in concept but mediocre in execution.
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