SKY Castle (2018)

I wasn't going to watch this drama originally as I am not one for heavy dramas with mean parents who lack basic morals but the High viewing rate and deep reviews convinced me to give it ago and I can say this is one of my top favourite dramas (which so far is a list of 2).

1. The acting is so incredible I was screaming at certain scenes and characters I was fully invested. The parents are cast perfectly. Kim hye Yoon portrays the Seojins daughter Yesoo amazingly she is strong and frightened and completely corrupted by her parent's upbringing yet still has the strength to (eventually) be a better person. Every character grows in the end despite it seeming impossible (you'll know what I mean by the end)

2. A satire, completely over the top but also perfectly accurate, I wouldn't be surprised if things like this actually occurred in certain rich areas. The rich can truly be corrupted.

3. Very emotional with secrets that can destroy a family in a second. My heart ached for Hye-na and woo and the injustice they had to endure. But equally, there are some great laugh out loud moments to lift your spirits especially cha min-hyuk!

Please take time to watch this but be warned it deals with mental health, suicide.

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Strong Moving Drama

This drama was a social commentary on the dangers of pressuring your kids educationally. And it did a damn good job! I was absolutely invested and even enjoyed the somewhat melodramatic nature of storytelling. I enjoyed the comedic moments too, those were mostly well timed. I think the best part was the performances of the acting cast, especially the kids. The emotional weight their acting was able to pass across the screen to me made me choked up multiple times. The OSTs were mostly good too; though I am not much of a fan of a few placed within the eps, the ending one always goes well with the episode endings and leave you anticipating the next. My only complaints are the way the drama ended and consequently, some plot holes- or should I say conveniences- that were left behind. I understand what they were going for, however their choice of having a more peppy end felt a bit unnatural and left more wanting in my case, so that's why I give this an 8.5/10. However, looking at the entire run, I am glad to have watched such a well-acted and moving drama that brings awareness to what many children may be suffering.

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It’s been a while that i watch this type of drama. It might start out slow and little complicated because there are many characters and the story throw in somehow like rich family theme with some mystery hidden which you can feel like away, i would say i give this atmosphere a thumb up for the director.

The story might not be new for someone, you might see this type of drama somewhere else such as US series. However, this kdrama still deliver the asian stereotype that still see it with wealthy families. There always some issue and secret within wealthy family from what i seen and experience myself. The actors are great and perfect for their role its like they have 3 dimension not bald at all.

The music is also a plus and suitable with the drama.

I would say this drama will definitely get your attention even though you could guess what will happen but still how smooth they writer made for this drama is brilliant, its get your attention and draw you in after watching 2-3 episodes. I wouldn’t spoil anything on my review but if you are looking for a drama that leave you a great message or teach you a issue we had in our society, give this one a try you will love it.

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Почему стоит смотреть?

от этой дорамы я была в полном восторге! один из немногих сериалов, где было сложно предугадать действия героев. При этом дорама поднимает острый социальный вопрос классового неравенства и подхода у обучению, а так же насколько высока нагрузка у корейских школьников (собсно из-за чего и случаются самоубийства). Все что показывают в данной дораме имеет место быть и в реальной жизни. Сериал побил всевозможные рейтинги просмотров в Корее.

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Prepare for roller coaster ride through Korean life of the privileged.

Here is a drama that completely captures you and will not give you up until the very last episode. The creators of this drama take a very delicate subject matter and tell a painful story of what it's like to grow up Korean with parents whose only design is to make their offspring into masters of the universe.

For the families who inhabit the SKY Castle, a posh living community of the ultra wealthy, the greatest achievement is to churn out children who are doubly successful, as well as provide a source of pride and bragging rights for their over-achiever parents. The journey to this success, however, is filled with sleepless nights, sweat, blood, tears, over paid cutthroat tutors, and lots of parental abuse. The consequences are equally tragic and sets the tone for the ensuing 20 episodes as mothers scheme to get their children into the most exclusive schools while backstabbing and gossiping behind each others' backs, rejoicing in their competitors' misfortunes while compassionately commiserating in the open.

When a new family moves into the community who are less sophisticated and not as driven to achieve the level of success the other parents desire due to natural talent, they unwittingly set of a chain of events that threaten to destroy the SKY Castle as they know it. The story revolves around four families who reside at the Sky Castle, their lives entertaining at home and work, and how they push their children into greatness despite tears and gnashing of teeth.

The creators of Sky Castle bring together an ensemble of extraordinary talent, young and old, to tell this masterfully written story about families who suffer all kinds of tragedies in the quest for greatness. The music is key and woven into the most heart-wrenching scenes. It expresses the dark, twisted personalities within the composed exterior the characters. There are twists you never see coming that utterly devastate you.

Now for the the things I found dissatisfying:

Some of these moms were downright evil. Their lack of compassion and scheming was so over the top, that I really wanted to see them come to a bad end. Instead, they are given an arc of redemption which is a bitter pill to swallow taking into account some actions were illegal as well as malevolent. I am all for people seeing the error of their ways, but there has to be consequences. Some of the characters in this drama show us some filthy sides of their personalities which can be astounding. Yet, they seem to come to their senses almost miraculously and turn into normal people. I don't buy it. There were some plot holes in the minor storylines but, in general, the writing was above average. This one is definitely one of the better k-dramas out there. I recommend this one.

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Most sophisticated and spectacular

Wow! Finally finished this drama after 20 episodes and i must say that to anyone wondering whether this drama is worth watching, do yourself a favour and just watch it.
A lot of dramas i watch, i tend to drop it when it is close to finishing because it doesn't keep me on the edge of the seat to keep wanting to watch it. However, this drama has so much suspense but at the same time is balanced with the humour added, making the drama seem quite realistic, relatable and not tooo dramatic.
I must congratulate the producer, director, writer, costumers, and everyone who participated in this drama because the filming, cuts etc. were truly well done and not a scene was boring. I loved how they played the music at exactly the right moment, it definitely played with my emotions :D This is definitely not a cliche! This drama, although it focuses on the pressures of school, and getting into university, it has been executed in such a different and sophisticated way.
This had me on an emotional high HAHAHA crying one moment, laughing the other and feeling anxious for the kids because it was so relatable. Throughout the drama i was left shocked at the surprising scenes as well! Also, the introduction of new characters throughout the first half of it was very well planned! I was so amazed by what a huge role Hye Na ended up playing.
The ending didn't leave any gaps unfilled and covered every single characters' ending in a very unique way. I love how they especially ended Hye Na's character, Yeh Suh's and Kim Yoo Jung's. Also, how they introduced the new family at the end was very unforseen but made the ending more symbolic, meaningful, and rids of any feelings of cheesiness because you can see that their showing that it isn't the end but a continuous cycle.
I congratulate the whole crew and cast!! The acting was absolutely spot on!!! This is a drama i will definitely rewatch now, and in the future :) I will truly miss this drama!

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After it took me so long to decide which final score I would give to this title, I am now able to write a review about it.

To begin with, the idea of the story was indeed a very serious one. It contains a lot of psychological aspects as well as criticism towards the modern korean society (and sure some other parts of the world). While I was watching this series I've only thought about how they'll deliver such a soul-stirring topic to the viewer. I didn't want to be disappointed first -which I was until episode 6/7. But all of those past episodes served only as a preparation to what'll come after the families will realize what they've done so far to their children. This is why I kept believing in this Kdrama and I didn't regret it after all while at some moments I just wanted to stop watching.But something just kept me going on with it.

After rethinking I guess it were the somewhat comedy-like scenes which I found very disruptive. I don't think they've blend them well into this Kdrama. Or atleast I didn't find them funny at all because I expected a deep analysis of the given subject throughout the whole Kdrama.

But with all due respect I have to admit, that I was attracted by how the writer contrast the families - including their beliefs, likes, dislikes, interests and overall way of living - with each other. Of course, some things might've been way too exaggerated but all in all it was still credible.

This Kdrama was made to let us reconsider what is really important and matters in live. The example with the pyramid was perfect tho to emphasis how people of power think about everyone who are beneath them or live in poverty. The families were ADDICTED to think that way and as a result couldn't think of a way to get out of it. Everything that has happened to them and nearly destroyed the familie's life and cohesion, was because of their greed. They've completely ignored their children's wishes, sorrow, stress. It was all about reputation, authority, power, performance.

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We All Lie

This drama reminded me of this Western TV series Wisteria Lane Desperate Housewives and a suburban TV series entitled to that of the neighborhood they live infused as one. It is somehow giving off that vibe. But on a serious note, the plot is a cutthroat reality of the educational system in the country of South Korea. A lot of power play in this drama.

As I carefully examine the lives of the women in these series and their role as queen of their respective houses, I cannot help but place myself in their shoes. I have never believed that a woman could only function as someone who picks the children from school, prepare meals, and see to the comfort situation at home. Not to sound so feminist, I do believe that a woman could also have a career, run a house, and have time for herself. Yes, it could be quite a challenging feat, and a lot of times, only one role emerges supreme. It is to the point that she has to give up one or the other. Although for me, I have always challenged the status quo. Our parents put us to a reputable school and struggled the same to make something of our lives.

Don't get me wrong; I think there is nothing wrong with staying at home and be a full-time mom and wife. It is the noblest and the hardest of jobs/role to be with no salary at that. I am just saying women should also have a choice not to succumb to the norm of society and tradition.

The mystery that engulfed this drama is one great reason why you need to stick this one out through the finish line. All actors gave it their all and gave a superb job in giving its audience the astounding acting experience there is. Intrigue, tears, mystery, innocent love, and passion all rolled into one incredible drama.

I like character Oh Na Ra's character Jin-Jin as she brings out the lightness to the ever seriousness of the other characters. What I find disturbing is the sleeping arrangement of some couples. Do they sleep in separate beds? Is that how a wealthy married couple lives? I was seriously stunned by a sudden culture shock upon seeing that for the first time! Hilariously extreme scenes, to the point where you do not know whether to be angry or laugh, are one of the highlights of the drama.

Thoughts to ponder.
There are always things that we cannot control.
When are you going to be enough? Shall we define everyone by the profession you are in, how much money you have in the bank? If you are living in the most prestigious and posh neighborhood? When are we ever going to be enough? Can we just be a father, husband, mother, wife, son, daughter, and friend?

As a parent myself, there is nothing we cannot do for our children. What kind of happiness and success do parents want for their children? And is this aligned with their's as well?

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SKY Castle isn’t really my kind of television. Wealthy people trying to get their kids into college, ehhh, there’s nothing telling me I need to watch it just from the plot description. And honestly, the show isn’t much more than the synopsis. But what sets it apart is great directly, a tight script, and an amazing ensemble cast.

There’s not a lot I can talk about that hasn’t been said already, but I just like expressing my opinion so I will.

What I will say is that I wasn’t sure if I liked this show at the outset. The characters are all a little frustrating and the reveals take time. I don’t think I was able to appreciate the humor. If it hadn’t been for the great reviews and my compulsion to finish everything I start, I don’t know if I would have watched all of it. But it’s way easier for me to forgive shows that start out alright and have a really strong second half than the other way around. It took awhile for me to fall in love with SKY Castle, but boy did I when shit hit the fan.

I found out later that this writer, Yoo Hyun-mi, had written Gaksital (my newest old favorite show). SKY Castle is so so different, but what hasn’t changed in the 7 years between these shows, is her love of setup. Ultimately for me, Gaksital was the one I liked watching more, but SKY Castle is definitely the better show.

One wonderful thing about SKY Castle is that it’s a confident show. This show knew what it was and what it wanted to be at the outset. Nothing felt shoved in to fill airtime. Everything seemed like there was higher purpose and a plan, and it was nice to sit back and watch it unfold. It’s sometimes hard to watch a show when it feels like every word holds weight. Every scene felt like it was leading somewhere else, but it doesn’t feel like one cohesive story until the second half.

There are some scenes that in retrospect don’t seem important anymore, like the ones that took place with the dads in the hospital. It felt like a completely different show, and those scenes were often the boring ones. Eventually things connect, but I don’t think we needed to spend quite so much time there.

Ultimately I’m really glad I kept watching. The characters sometimes seemed so alien that I couldn’t relate at all to their motivations, but as we got to know them more, I started to love all of them, even if I didn’t love the storylines initially. I loved the cast for their literal quirks. And I felt their pain in the hard moments. Situations that I will probably never be in seemed so real, and I realized that everything that goes on in SKY Castle, though exaggerated, happens in the real world, which makes the emotional moments even more charged.

SKY Castle isn’t an emotional show (or at least it wasn’t for me), but there were surprising tear-inducing moments. It’s not in-your-face super sad or anything, but the cast and directing is so great that you can’t help but feel what the characters are feeling in the moment.

I didn’t realize until later on what an impression this cast made on me. Characters I hated or found boring originally had me cracking up later on (mostly Professor Cha). I was so happy to see such a strong female cast backing this drama. Even the child actors made an impression, and I’ll probably be following their careers (Kim Dong-hee was actually great in Extracurricular, I highly recommend).

Final thoughts: There’s no doubting that SKY Castle is good television, even though it wasn’t always my thing. I’m a new fan of everyone involved in this production, and I’m excited to see what’s next for them.

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I am from India and this is my first review for a Korean drama. This drama gave a heartwarming feeling towards the end. This drama makes a person think about their parents and their school and university life. Even though the story is based on a rich class people, it will be very emotional to all classes of people. This drama shows character emotions in a very beautiful manner. I think this is one of the dramas that no one should miss who likes emotional dramas. The character's performance in this drama is awesome. I hope someone watches this drama after seeing this review.

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