Signal (2016)

Interesting story but inconsistent acting and dialog

The story here is captivating, it is interesting and sure to keep you both on your toes as well as wanting to watch more...

However some parts, especially parts where people act a younger version of themselves the acting is just cringe, annoying and at times really, really bad! Is it due to bad directing, bad writing of just lack of range in the actors I do not know but it was at times so bad I felt bad for the actors... Such a shame because I do know these actors actually do have talent...

The amount of annoying characters is kept to a minimum (except as younger versions) and even though it is a bit of a one case an episode kind of deal there is still a common thread and interesting plot both as a whole and in the details, no detail is insignificant and it is sown together both beautifully and slightly disappointing in the end..

But again the story, the twists and the issues that the drama doues tackle still makes it worth watching, I just can not score it higher.

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LOVED THIS DRAMA SO MUCH!
The storyline was so well written, you hardly find gems like Signal in the drama world. Everything happened for a reason, and even though it seemed like they were dragging it a bit towards the end, the final result was really good. It was such an enjoyable and interesting experience, it took me a little bit to be completely invested into the characters and the plot, but once that happened there was no turning back.
I kinda binge watched this drama, something I hardly do with any tv serie, so that's already significative lol.
I have to mention that the best thing of Signal was the performance of the actors: everyone did so well, they all handled their characters with such maturity and carefulness, you really don't see such mature and experienced actors anymore.
The music was nice and with a vintage touch, really appreciated it.

So, if you like thriller, crime, corruption, serial killers and dramatic suspense, with bare minimum and well-handled romance, this is definitely the drama you were looking for. If you still don't like all that, you should still give it a try because there really isn't anything bad about it!
imo SIGNAL IS A MUST WATCH!!!

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Crime Thriller Combining Fantasy

Crime thriller is one of my favorite genre and this one is very good. I would say this shows keep me engaged for the ideas of time travel. It’s not new about the walkie talkie conversation to the past time, like a movie Ditto in 2000, but combining it to the crime is quite fresh for me.

About the acting, thumbs up to the casts. They delivered it great, because they are so professional and consider at experience.

I would give more score, but I think there are certain parts that is too exessive in putting emotional scene, especially when they need to talk in walkie talkie. Also the walkie talkie background is not explained well. More episode perhaps will give explanation, And regarding all the cases, it’s perhaps only give one message, that only the one who has power and money can get over the rule? Also I’m not a fan of opem ending and left a lot of things unexplained.

Maybe I will rewarch it to understand more? I’m not sure.

But overall it is a good show, and you must give it a try!

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DISCLAIMER: I recommend you watch this series without any knowledge or expectation about it. Having high expectations can ruin the experience.

I binged this series in 3 days, and that says a lot. I usually don't watch continuous episodes unless they intrigue me to my core, so this series was definitely one of those. The main take away here is that this show has more emotional value to its storytelling than focusing on the basics and the logic. I'll discuss what I mean through this review.

PLOT
I came into this series without any expectations. All I know is that it was highly rated in this site, and the plot is intriguing, so I decided to give it a try. And I don't regret it. First episode became fourth, next thing I knew I finished it in three days. Since I went without any expectations nor knowledge on what it's all about, I was able to enjoy the series to its extent. They did a great job at putting cliffhangers that will make you want to watch the next episode. I found myself getting hooked and excited to click "next episode" because I really want to find out what happens next. The mystery and suspense were decent and well executed, but there will be plot holes and minor details that will bother you along the way.
While the cinematography and production was fantastic and almost perfect with its color grading, smooth transitions, and clear narration, they kind of messed up in terms of the characters aging. Most of them (usually the bg characters, suspects, and victims) did not look any different 15 years ago! (especially you, yeah I'm talking to you, Mr. Convenience store guy. What's your secret to such young perfect skin??) It felt disorienting and unorganized. It completely ruined the flow. Also, major spoiler ahead, when one of the main characters died, they literally brought her back to life. That was one of the worst things they could use a plot device! It negates every and all emotional warrant the scene deserves. I know it's a time travelling concept and the main character still needs shit to do for the main story, but they could've not killed this person and nothing big would really change! The action of reviving a character will make lives lose all value and substance, telling the viewers that there are no actual consequences to these people in the present. (which btw is completely contradictory of what they were trying to convey in the first place! That changing the past can be dangerous!) And you don't have to cry for them cause don't worry, they'll come back. This was the most bothersome and frustrating thing in the whole series for me. I hated it so much.
Lastly, The walkie talkie aspect was underutilized as a handful of reviewers said, I agree, but I didn't mind at all. I think the story and focus still worked despite it not being exhausted to its full potential. It was satisfactory enough.


CHARACTERS
The character writing was questionable at best. My biggest concern about the characters is the way this world was written. It is very clear cut in telling you who the protagonists are. They are the GOOD GUYS, and holy shit are they the only ones. Everyone else is lazy, useless, incompetent, greedy, passive, and submissive. You will see there are three main categories: The protagonists are the only honest and just ones, the antagonists are cartoonish-ly evil and obnoxious, and then there's the rest, the background characters, the stale and one dimensional support casts, the static cardboard cut-outs of the police force. Yes, you can say some of them are "gray" characters like the captain, but I believe none of their traits were written properly. You can kind of tell they were having dilemmas, but you won't learn to sympathize with any of them because they feel too forced and seemed like they were caricatures shaped to fit the puzzle.
The only saving grace in terms of characters was the acting. The characters themselves lacked depth, but the actors/actresses did a fabulous job at making their viewers empathize nonetheless because of their performance. I never thought that could happen but they literally did carried this whole series in their backs. Kudos to the skillful cast.

MUSIC
I think the music choices were good and it fits the scenes they're supposed to be in, but personally none of them stuck to me. I wasn't too hyped on any of it and it wouldn't be memorable in the long run. Nothing much to say about it except it worked.

OVERALL
The series I watched/binged before this was Welcome2Life, which I couldn't stop comparing it to. W2L had a draggy and (personally uninteresting) political side plot that the main plot had to follow through, but everything else was marvelous and sensational. Despite both series having the two parallel world concept, W2L will teach you that reality is harsh, and that your actions have consequences, and you will really feel the depth of its characters to your core.
What Signal has to offer was the mystery and suspense of the plot, but used the most basic and superficial character writing to make it work. I learned to enjoy every bit because I was excited to know what happens next. But maybe deep inside, I just wanted it all to be over with.

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A classic

This had such a great plot with so many details and turns that it was a thrilling ride all the way!
This was one of the first Kdramas I watched and it blew me away how great it was. Its refreshing how it can be dark without being cynical that the characters are passionate and always trying their best even though they are flawed.
Kim Hye Soo and Lee Je Hoon were amazing, I loved their dynamic as the story progresses.

This drama has stood the test of time and is still amazing. There are often whispers of a second season but I am so satisfied with the one season that I don't mind where there is one. The openish ending was perfect for me, as time doesn't end in a full stop it keeps going.

This is one of the best detective / SciFi / Thrillers I have ever seen

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Suspense-filled drama that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you guessing

Story:
Something I frequently found myself saying was "WOW this is crazy!" because the plot is so unpredictable and there are so many cliffhangers and plot twists that you just want to keep watching. Throughout the series, you wonder what is going to happen to Lee Jae Han, and things take a major turn in the last few episodes and things really get C R A Z Y. The ending is kind of ambiguous but I think it just sets the stage for a second season, which HAS to happen. Otherwise it's super unsatisfying.

It's a crime drama, but at the same time all the cases are connected and lend themselves to the bigger picture of the plot. It was really interesting to think about how the past/present changed because of the walkie talkie and the actions of the main characters. The writing is good and it moves along fairly quickly, although this is definitely a heavier drama since it covers topics like rape, murder, etc. This is a drama that tugs at your heartstrings and makes you sad and angry at injustice. The cases are also based on real events, which is so devastating to think about. There's a sense of continuity in the drama, where the beginning episodes are equally important to the plot as the later ones and it all ties together, so you should definitely pay attention to everything!

Acting/Cast:
Signal has such a stellar cast, including one of my favourite actors Kim Won Hae. He's appeared in what feels like every single drama, but he's such a good actor although he didn't play a big role here. There were lots of familiar faces in the cast, and I can't think of a single one where I felt like the acting was weak. You will hate the villains, and rail at injustice and then remember that it's just an actor and not real life.

I was especially impressed with the female lead (Cha Soo Hyun), who appears in both the past and the present. The way that she portrayed herself from 15 years ago vs present time were so different and made it believable. Sometimes I feel like in dramas, scenes from the past come across as kind of fake or not believable that the actors are really younger (just dressed in different clothes) but this felt really real.

Music:
The theme song really fits in with the old time feel of the show, and I had it stuck in my head but then for some reason midway through they swapped out the song for a few episodes. I'm not sure if this was because of the plot or whatever, but then they went back to the original song. I can't remember the second song, but the first song is a solid 8/10.

Rewatch Value:
If crime/suspense dramas aren't your thing, I would highly recommend watching with someone.
I actually started watched Signal a few years ago when it first came out and then dropped it, but always remembered it as being a good drama despite that. I think it's just a very emotional/heavy drama and I usually prefer romantic comedies, but this time I watched it over Netflix Party with my boyfriend and I think it definitely helps to have someone to buddy watch with! It's not a show that I would recommend binge watching, more like watching one episode a day so things don't get too dark.

Honestly a really good drama. Get ready for suspense, cliff hangers, plot twists, and all the feels.

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DEFINITELY worth a watch!

Intriguing, smart, funny, sad, smart, sneaky. really good!
Acting is spot on, you really get love and hate characters, understanding their frustrastions and other feelings, totally hooked in and didn't really get boring at all as something new would appear and make you raise your eyebrows. Music fits perfectly with the emotions and scenes. Good story and up your street if you enjoyed watching "The Call" as they're similar concepts.
Although it was a hopeful open ending I still was a bit disappointed in it, also due to the fact that is just that season and no more once you've finished. I was really hoping to see the sweetest man Jae Han himself finally reunited with 0.5 but still worth it.

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THRILLER + TIME INTERSECTION

A good drama to enjoy both time intersection and thriller plot.

The cast did a very good job in portraying their respective roles.

The storyline is well written capturing the thrill in moment along with indulging the audience into understanding the personality and emotions of criminals and victims......this kind of profiling also helps in understanding why these people made such choices in past and the results of it in present.

Money power, connections and power abuse still prevail in the society but as long as we are upright and DON'T GIVE UP , there's hope for better future.

Yes, it is worth watching.

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Signal is the first drama I finished and for a first drama, it completely won me over! Signal is a lot like other mystery/thriller shows, but with a twist. Through an old radio, the main character speaks with a detective from the past to try and solve cold cases.

The characters in Signal are all well written. I felt an emotional connection towards both male leads and the female lead. Everything these characters went through engrossed me into the show even more. The villain I absolutely loved to hate, and the side characters made me laugh at times.

The story is mostly a thriller/mystery, but it also involves family drama and a little romance, so there's a little something for everybody. There is a little bit of violence and gore in Signal, but I never found it to be too much to handle. It's typical for a mystery/thriller series.

The one problem I had with Signal was I wish they better explained certain things during the last episode, but it was still a satisfying ending.

If you want a good mystery/thriller, or just good drama to watch in general, I definitely recommend Signal!

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Best Crime Drama

This drama.is everything. First time that I liked the Ahjussi character. The trio is indeed awesome! Hoping for season 2 with the same cast. I like how the cases in the drama are based on true crime cases. This drama is a bit like the hollywood movie frequency and I love that movie that I one of my project was based on that movie :) The differences are the radio they used. In the movie the father and son are the one that's communicating while in the drama they don't know each other. The pallettes they used in the drama to transition from present to past is perfect. Best scene for me.is when Ahjussi is crying in the movie theatre while everyone is laughing it was heartbreaking. Even the supporting roles shine in this drama. Best Crime Drama for me. To those who haven't watch it yet I recommend you to watch it to know how amazing this drama is.

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if I could give 11/10 I'd do lol ... it was amazingly perfect .. one of the best kdramas ever , it is a worth watching the best supernatural korean drama as well . The ost was also good and touching , the act , the storyline , the direction ,everything was good . I've laughed , cried , and been suspended . I recommend it it's just a must watch drama . The best one of 2016 for sure , I wish that it would have a second season I would be the first one watching it ... i also heard that a Japanese version of the drama is upcoming in Avril 2018 I'll watch it with no doubt coz the story was so special .

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One of the best shows in any language

My first foray into the world of the K drama was Signal and what a first impression it made. This show his wonderful from its writing to the acting to the haunting soundtrack. Cho Jin-woong was spectacular as Lee Jae-Han. The movie theatre scene is a sight to behold. It really rips your heart out to see how he suffered in that moment. Kim Hye-soo as Cha Soo-hyun was a true paradox of the hard boiled detective who was very vulnerable when it came to Lee Jae-Han. As the profiler, Lee Je-hoon was excellent as the conflicted police officer fighting with his own past and the death of his brother. Jang Hyun-sang as the main antagonist was great and made it more satisfying to see his comeuppance at the end. There isn't anything about this series I could fault.

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