Drama Special Series Season 1: White Christmas (2011)

Story: I had high hopes before watching this after reading the summary, it seemed like just my kind of tale. A dark and complex story classified as a mystery and a psychological thriller? I was excited to see what this show would be about, and I wasn't disappointed; at least not entirely, but I'll get to that in a bit. First, I want to talk about all the good that this show is, because I loved it. There was not one moment in which I got bored watching this drama, because it lived up to it's genres, especially as a thriller. I was on the edge of my seat in every episode, just wondering what would happen next. If you like complex stories that gets you thinking, this is it. There was so much happening, but everything happened for a reason, and not just for the sake of making things interesting. It did that on its own naturally. This drama focused a lot on the mentality of it's characters in a realistic way that made it a great psychological thriller. Each character had their own story and their past which made me love all of them in the end despite disliking a couple at the beginning.The mystery aspect to this show was well planned out as I was just barely able to keep up to speed. While I had my suspicions pointed to certain characters and thoughts on what would happen, I was never completely sure what direction the story would take until it made itself clear, so there was always a surprise around the corner. While I loved all of that about this show, it didn't live up to its full potential near the end, which left me a bit disappointed. It started to dwindle a bit on its realism and characterization that it built so well on at the beginning. There were a couple of conflicts that were out of character which I found ridiculous, and the part where they celebrated was a stupid decision considering the situation. The whole thing could have ended sooner as well, but I felt that they dragged it out a bit too far. While it frustrated me to see these irrational and unnecessary things happening, it didn't ruin the show for me. It didn't bother me too much in the end as everything else about this show was amazing, and It was entertaining all the way through to the end. The last episode especially makes up for it in my own opinion.

Acting/Cast: A lot the actors in this show ended up starring in popular dramas today for a reason, their acting was superb. The cast really managed to bring their characters to life, I found myself really getting into the story more because of this. Each character was special and individual rather than just being there for the sake of the story to take place. I have no complaints on this, the cast did a great job.

Music: I loved the OST, it fit the shows vibe perfectly and made a lot of it's moments. I especially love how the used AC/DC. I laughed at first, but it fit the scenes well!

Re-watch Value: It's so complicated that I might just save this show as a memory, re-living it would just give me stress. Maybe one day if I'm up for it though.

Overall: This show definitely isn't for those who can't or prefer not to follow a complex story. If you like a good mystery and a well made psychological thriller that'll keep you on your toes, then I'd recommend this to you. If you don't like the drama at the beginning, decide how you feel about this show on the 5th episode, that's when the show really peaks.

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If you like a really well made story with developed characters then this is it. If you want high quality suspense, enjoy a psychological thriller, and don't mind a bit of blood then this is the drama for you. If you like stories that ask you a haunting question, this is it.

I started and finished the drama in one day. It's only 8 episodes, but I'm still in a bit of shock. The pacing was perfect, the progression of the story was well done, even though it was only 8 episodes. Nothing felt rushed to too long. It was truly a well done and suspenseful story. The acting was on point. There were a few little moments where I could scrutinize, but nothing cringe worthy and nothing that was too bad (honestly, compared to some korean dramas, even the famous ones, the acting was perfect). Sometimes the sound was a bit echoey because of the set (I think they chose it because they wanted to show a big and powerful school. It makes sense but it's a pity sometimes. However, there are some moments where the echoes give a certain power to some scenes in which case the set was beneficial). The characters... wow the characters were pretty well made, especially those of the students. I really don't know how to convey how this drama was so... good. I'm a bit mad that it wasn't on dramafever or viki, but I'm glad I was able to find it.

I watched it because I was looking for Bang Sung Joon. I like him a lot and decided, why not pick up another one of his things? I found this drama and decided to check it out. The story sounded interesting but... well I didn't expect it to be what I ended up finishing. It truly leaves you wondering about what is right and what is wrong, about what is natural and what is nurtured. I'm still a bit unsure how they made the story get to the point it did so... perfectly I guess. Pay attention to names in the beginning, it makes it much easier to grasp the story.

I want more people to watch this, to be grabbed by this. I want others to understand what this drama is and what it does. However, this drama isn't for everyone. I had a friend who walked out several times because the story moved her so much in frustration and disgust, upset by what the story decided to do. This is a story that moves viewers like her so powerfully. If you have a high sense of morals and are easily disgusted in the wrongdoings of others and evil intentions, this might not be for you (unless despite yourself, you find yourself drawn to those kind of stories anyway). But consider how strong of an affect it had on her.

I think the part that impressed me most was the acting of the main character in the end. His character development is... well when you consider it from beginning to end, it has the heaviest effect on the story... Really, that second to last scene was amazing. ugh okay I don't want to give anything away. If you're curious or you're even thinking about watching it, then do it! I found it completely worth it. I've said a couple of things in here that might dissuade people, but honestly I found this story very well done and very well worth watching. I want others to watch and appreciate this beautiful and twisted gift the creators of this show gave us.

Watch it!!!!

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OVERALL
Very good drama, one of those that make you think and leave you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Watch if 1) You're looking for hot guys, 2) You want something addicting, 3) You have a strong heart. Don't watch if 1) you're looking for a love story (quasi-inexistent in here), 2) You're very easily scared.

THE STORY
I have to start by saying that my review is entirely biased by the fact that I am one of the most fearful people on the face of the Earth.That being said, objectively and subjectively speaking, this show is awesome. When the story starts, you think that it's taking one path, but soon realize that it's taking an entirely different one. Far from feeling cheated, you realize it makes perfect sense, because the drama asks one question from episode one, are monsters born or created, and its premise is to leave you to decide of the answer when the show's over by making your own interpretations of all the events and of the ending. There is no particular flaw or mistake in the plot elements of the story. All characters have their distinct personality and a dark side that slowly comes to light. Their interactions are really important, words are chosen with lots of consideration. Many philosophical questions are raised. The purpose of the drama is to make you think, more than anything else. It's deep, it's intriguing, it's terrifying, it's addicting, it's everything a show should be, but I personally had a hard time while watching it. Spent many sleepless nights.

THE ACTING
Very good acting. At the time, I think many of the actors were not quite known, but now they've played in many dramas (Kim Woo Bin, Sung Joon, Kim Young Kwang...). What's great about this drama is given how complex the characters are, how everyone seems so innocent at first and then slowly reveal a dark side, and given the story and the range of emotions that they go through, the roles demand some skills, and none of the actors failed to deliver.

THE MUSIC
Great music for the show. Many songs are in English and they fit right in. Being a fan of classical music, I knew Vivaldi's Nisi Dominus before White Christmas. Haven't been able to listen to it after this drama though. The show converted it into one of the freakiest tunes.

REWATCH VALUE
It's so good, that unless you're fearful; you'll watch it more than once. And even if you are, you might end up watching it again, like me, to show its awesomeness to someone else. But after a while, it might lose charm, since a lot of it rests on the element of surprise, that you won't have anymore.

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This is the first show I'm actually writing a review for. It is completely different from every other drama I've watched(and i've watched many).It doesn't focus on love and romance.I really enjoyed it, especially the cast. I already knew 5 of the 7 students so it made it really enjoyable seeing them acting together. I also like how it was only a small cast so you got to understand the character plot better than other shows. At first i though the show was moving too fast with them solving the mystery, but it completely flips after the first couple episodes. It really kept me guessing throughout the whole show. If you really like murder mystery shows this one is really amazing!

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I usually go for a drama with romance but I heard that kim woo bin was in this drama so I decided to watch it. The first two episodes were a little bit slow but I guess that was okay since it was used to introduce characters, however the episodes after that were fantastic. It is unpredictable, you will never know what happens next and when you think the issue is over, another problem arises. This drama was only 8 episodes long which I believe to be that perfect length, every minute was interesting.

This drama was really one of the best non romance drama I have watched so far. It also has a pretty good ending so dont worry if you hate awful endings since the ending to this drama was pretty decent.

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When the first episode first started out I thought that the music as well as and the narrative was done a bit cliche but I really wanted to give this drama a chance. The premise was simple and nothing new but as the drama continued I found myself really wrapped up in this show and wanting to know what will happen. It's a genuine mystery and I can honestly say that some of the twists, I was not expecting. What I admired about this show is that (mostly/especially in the case of the students) the cast seemed really suited for their character. I was also very interested in seeing how their characters would develop throughout the drama. I was kinda disappointed that the last episode seemed too rushed. Kind of like "Okay we gotta end this thing now." But overall I really liked this show and would recommend to anyone in-between dramas or looking for a mini-mystery.

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Monstros são criados ou nascidos?

White Christmas é um drama surpreendente. Caso esteja buscando por um drama que foge do romance, discute temas mais filosóficos, obscuros e complexos e que se desenvolve de maneira inesperada, talvez ele seja um ótima escolha para você.

O início do dorama é lento, arrastado, mas eu gosto da ambientação inicial, que é um pouco estranha e parece deslocada de alguma forma do tom geral do drama. No entanto, eu acredito que esse começo irregular faz sentido para o encaminhamento seguinte dos episódios. Os personagens aos poucos vão demonstrando cada vez mais complexidade, alguns se mostrando cada vez mais importantes na história e outros que parecem se perder em meio ao desenrolar dos acontecimentos.

Particularmente, eu não gosto das personagens femininas dessa história, pois além de poucas, são muito quadradas e tem pouco serventia na trama, fazendo parecer que elas são apenas plataformas para os personagens masculinos serem desenvolvidos e brilharem. Mas essa é apenas uma observação pessoal minha.

Eu gosto do tom mais sombrio, poético e certas vezes apático da trama. Há uma certa crudez em certos temas e esse tom mais cru adiciona uma camada de complexidade ao drama como um todo. A fotografia, a direção, os ângulos das câmeras e a manipulação de acontecimentos são muito imersivos e te conduzem para caminhos diferentes e te fazem pensar em muitas possibilidades ao mesmo tempo.

O que mais se destacou para mim no drama com certeza foi a trilha sonora. As músicas foram muito bem escolhidas e encaixadas, trazendo clássicos do rock, metal e da música clássica. O fator musical no drama é muito forte, principalmente nos episódios finais. Cada personagem tem uma espécie de música tema que te ajuda associar rapidamente eles. As músicas no geral são muito boas.

Eu gosto do tom melancólico e obscuro da obra e acabou me conquistando bem mais que a maioria dos doramas que já assisti anteriormente, provavelmente porque o fator romance é pouco explorado nessa obra e quando é explorado é feito de uma maneira bem diferente do comum, pelo menos em minha interpretação.

White Christmas trabalha com temas filosóficos e um pouco mais abstratos, além de debater alguns tabus e assuntos que circundam a sociedade coreana de uma maneira profunda.

Ainda sim, tenho minhas ressalvas, afinal existem alguns furos cruéis no roteiro, mortes mal explicadas e com pouca coerência. Alguns personagens que, sinceramente, não fariam falta na história no final de tudo e que foram mal desenvolvidos ao decorrer da trama, além de um final um pouco confuso e apressado.

Entretudo, apesar de suas falhas, White Christmas sucede muito bem no que se propõe. E eu com certeza recomendaria que dessem uma chance para essa obra. Eu não assistiria de novo porque eu acredito que White Christmas é um drama para se assistir apenas uma vez, porque não tem muita graça depois que você assiste o final e as peças do quebra-cabeça são montadas.

Agora, o que eu posso concluir após assistir todo o drama e me deparar com a pergunta: "Monstros são criados ou nascidos?". Em minha interpretação, a obra responde com um simples: todos somos monstros. Mas isso não necessariamente é ruim. Dificilmente no final da obra você vai dizer que aquele grupo de estudantes é ruim por ter feito aquilo com o serial killer. Nós somos monstros dependendo da situação, do ponto de vista e da moral que estão sendo usados como parâmetro. Há um monstro em todos nós e que pode ser despertado quando somos colocados diante de situações extremas. Dependendo da situação, precisamos ser cruéis, primitivos, seguir apenas os instintos, quase como se nos tornassemos uma besta, mas isso realmente nos torna monstros?

Ao decorrer do drama, cada personagem vai se tornando um monstro único e que dependendo do ponto de vista bem podem ser considerados maus ou bons. Essa monstruosidade é inerente ao ser humano, corresponde aos nossos instintos mais primitivos que foram uma vez mascarados pela evolução.

No final a pergunta mesmo deveria ser: o que é ser um monstro? É matar pessoas por prazer? É tomar atitudes egoístas para sobreviver? É ter pouca empatia e sentimentos? É virar as costas e negar a conivência para com um suicídio? Eu acho que o drama responde essas perguntas com clareza e promove uma cerra reflexão acerca do tema. Por esse e outros motivos, apesar de alguns tropeços no roteiro e escolhas duvidosas, o drama vale a pena demais de assistir e não me arrependo.

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Curiosa, diferente, misteriosa y muy recomendable.

La historia transcurre en la escuela secundaria Soo Sin, que está ubicada lejos de todo en el medio de las montañas y a la que solo asiste el 1% de los estudiantes más brillantes de la nación. Durante las vacaciones de invierno (que incluyen navidad y año nuevo), siete estudiantes muy diferentes entre sí y un profesor deciden quedarse en la escuela, pero puede que esta decisión haya sido en contra de su voluntad, ya que todos recibieron una amenazante carta que les da a entender que hay un asesino entre ellos...
A los estudiantes se les suma un psicólogo que tuvo un accidente de tráfico cerca de la escuela y juntos, a lo largo de toda la serie, intentan responder una pregunta... ¿Los monstruos nacen o se hacen?

Okay, después de tremenda sinopsis tengo que decir que este kdrama es particular por mucho más que por su premisa. Toda la estética, las tomas, la música... gritan "producción indie", pero de las buenas. Me dio más la impresión de estar mirando una serie japonesa de misterio que algo coreano, y eso me encantó como para variar un poco.

Dejando de lado lo visual, la construcción de los personajes y el manejo de la trama es excelente para solo tener 8 episodios (que encima se pasan volando). La tensión está ahí en todo momento, no sabés en quién podés confiar y en quién no, es prácticamente imposible adivinar para dónde va a ir la trama... ver White Christmas es toda una experiencia.

Algo que posta amé es que durante la serie hay momentos súper anticlimáticos que ayudan a crear en el espectador una sensación de incomodidad que le juega muy a favor a ciertas situaciones. Posta que es imposible no mirar ciertas escenas con cara de WTF pensando que pronto se va a ir todo al carajo.

Y en cuanto al final... siento que puede ser un poco polémico, de esos que amas u odiás. A mí sinceramente me gustó, siento que le da un buen cierre al eje central de la trama, pero ya me dirán ustedes qué les pareció.

PD: Imposible no enamorarse de Kim Woo Bin viendo esto.

IG de reseñas cortas: @altoplottwist

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So impactful!

Let me start by saying I don't care for psychological dramas, crime dramas, and I don't like watching things about mental illness. This story brings forth the question, is someone born to evil or do they learn it? So many reviews talk about how they binge-watched this show. I could only watch one episode a day because it stressed me out so much!

I thought the story was very original, even though this isn't a genre I normally watch, I could tell that I was watching something that you rarely see. It was very Lord of the Rings. Who can say what you would do when your life is on the line? Does your true self come out?

The acting was phenomenal by everyone. I've seen most of these actors in other projects, and their work here was top-notch. At times their behaviors were very frenetic, but only when called for. For the most part, their acting was very understated, a lot being displayed in just facial expressions.

The camera work/cinematography/location really gave a feeling of darkness and fear. Each character was fleshed out very well, and you got more of a feel for them and their behaviors as you progressed to the next episode.

Without giving anything away, I had to deduct for the total implausibility of a few things that happened, in an otherwise believable (though terrifying) situation.

The music was not your typical music - it ranged from hard rock to opera, and it all fit in very well.

Rewatch value is low, only because, once you know what's going on, it doesn't hold the same impact.

I can highly recommend this drama.

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