StoryLine
I tried really hard to like this drama because the first few episodes seem to set up the storyline for so much potential. Unfortunately, while the premise is enticing, it reveals too much information about the characters. As a result, you can pretty much predict what will happen next in the drama. Due to the lack of any particularly surprising twists, this otherwise emotional drama ends up being rather dull.
A lot of the plot is driven by nothing other than "fate" or "sincerity" and lacks logic and reality. On many occasions, the lead character is shown to be completely incompetent, but suddenly, due to some well-timed advice or some miraculous coincidence, he suddenly pulls off some unbelievable task.
It is also quite repetitive, in that you can expect to see characters exchanging the same set of lines multiple times throughout the drama. The first time would be invigorating, the second time satisfying, and the third time tedious. Although dramatic pauses and slow speeches are sometimes necessary for effect, this drama seems to lag around for much too long and employ too many flashbacks of the first few episodes and could probably be shortened by about 15 episodes if you cut out the excessive flashbacks.
ACTING/CAST
In particular, Joo Won, Eugene, Lee Young Ah, Park Sung Woong, and the child actors pulled off their rolls spectacularly, demonstrating both the complexity and raw emotions that one would expect from individuals with their characters' past. Some of the other key actors, however, seem to be rather one-dimensional and their acting cringe-worthy. It was difficult to rate the acting in this drama though because 1) the actors are either amazing or quite lacking and 2) sometimes I can't tell if faulty performance was due to bad acting or poorly designed characters.
MUSIC
The music wasn't particularly stunning nor was it lacking. It had the characteristic courageous music at the key moments, which set up a theme for the drama. Music fits the mood of the scene.
REWATCH VALUE
This drama was predictable the first time watching it, so I doubt watching it again would be interesting.
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