Penthouse (2020)

Had potential but went downhill with poor execution and unnecessary lengthening

This could've been on the top along side dramas like Sky Castle if only it was executed well.
Messy with unbearably repeated scenes, I've never excessively skipped through a drama like I did with this one.
Unnecessary added drama just to stretch it to a 21 episodes. Like the whole Ro Na misunderstanding with her mom, I've never seen something as unnecessary as being dragged just to make the episodes longer.
Lots of holes, like Mr. Joo's panic condition? Once it's there and glimpse of a dark past and then it suddenly disappears and he's suddenly okay with blood?
The acting was amazing, and all the actors did very well, I guess that's what made me finish it.
I will most probably not watch the next two seasons and again I'm really disappointed since this could've been a great drama but I guess the creators wanted to take advantage of the hype for Sky Castle & The World of The Married and stretch this drama for an easy cash-grab.

Leggi di Più

Come watch this with a tissues and pillows.

This is the first review I have done in a long time so bear with me as I explain my feeling for this drama.

Story: There are some stuff in the drama we have seen before in the genre like opposing parents, corruptions, lots of characters that are jerks, etc. But the execution of the story was so well done. I came in knowing that there were going to be 3 seasons before this story comes to a close, so I did like the open-ended ending that we got. I was able to be watch this in 2 1/2 days! That is how much the story grabbed me from the get-go. This was the first time in a while since I was super invested in all of the characters including the villains. I cried a lot and I was so angry at so many of the characters that it can be a stressful watch.

Acting: I have to say... The acting was one of the best I have seen this year so far, from all of the characters. This was the first time I have seen Kim So Yeon as a villain and I have to say. It was one of the best acting I have seen from her (I have watched a few of her projects and she played female leads). Lee Ji Ah was a revelation, I did not recognize her from Me too Flower (I saw this drama last year LOL). She was so much better here than Me too Flower if you didn't like her character in that drama, then try this one. The actors playing all of the high school students did such of a good job of hating them and rooting for them (some of them). Uhm Ki Joon also did a fantastic job as a villain as well; he did such a good job to be a scary, manipulative villain. But the actor who stole the show for me was Park Eun Seok ( I have never seen him in anything before this drama).

Music: The music was mainly contained opera music, orchestra background music and very few music with vocals. The music helped elevate the show so well. I think if this had more music with the vocals (pop songs mainly) it would of ruined the moment I think. It was a great choice of music. Since music was part of the main plot, I think the opera music choices were well chosen was well.

Re-watch: I would not watch the whole thing back-to back. This story made me really stress out for all of the characters involved. But there was a scene that was so tense between two characters near the later half of the show that I re-watched daily for 4 days straight (no joke mind you). It was the dialogue of that scene, the acting, the chemistry between the two actors, it was a visceral watch and felt the pain, anger, sorrow, betrayal between the two character. One of the best fight scenes I have seen in a long time.

Overall, if you are into betrayal, corruption, character development (some, not all), mystery, suspense and over-the-top acting (quite a bit of screaming heads up on that), and any of these actors , you will enjoy this drama. P.S. Before you watch, trend lightly because some scenes could cause triggers in some people. If you have to, take breaks in between if it gets super hard to watch.

Leggi di Più

each episode never fails to shock and surprise

I can’t believe I hesitated to watch this show. I’ve heard things about it but the plot seemed too much like Sky Castle to me. Or at least I thought it did. Oh my god this show was probably the craziest emotional roller coaster I’ve ever been on from a show. And it only shares some of the same themes Sky Castle had, but this show is in a league of its own. It had so many twists and turns and each episode didn’t give you a break. Each episode was shocking and revealed something that furthered the plot. I ended up binge watching the entire first season within three days. This show legit gave me anxiety during certain scenes, but the intrigue of the characters was so easy to get caught up in. Absolutely addicting.

I really have to give it up for all the actors involved-including the teen actors(they took what was given to them and really made an impact every time they were on screen.) But the standouts for me were Lee Ji-Ah, Kim Young-Dae, and Park Eun-Seok. Lee Ji-Ah was able to bring so much passion and emotion to her role, and Park Eun-Seok masterfully pulled off the personas of Gu Ho Dong and Logan Lee. Kim Young-Dae was the cold but handsome Nam-Joo in Extraordinary You, but in this he was unrecognizable to me. Out of all the kids in the Penthouse, he impressed me the most. I am biased because he is so good-looking, but his acting in this impressed me. He doesn’t have to say much when he’s on screen because his gaze is powerful and his eyes are so expressive. Even if he has no lines during a scene his eyes tell you what he really wants to say and that is a great skill to have as an actor. An honorable mention goes to Kim So Yeon. She played the hell out of her role. But in all honesty all the actors involved did an amazing job with their characters.

I’m surprised that the first season ended with the bad guys winning. It was an interesting choice of writing and it subverted my expectations for the finale. It was reported that it was planned at the beginning for Penthouse to have 3 seasons, so I’m really looking forward to how the characters will develop. I hope the writing keeps its quality. 10/10

Leggi di Più

Murder, Mothers, and Teen Romance

This drama series caters to those who enjoy intricate storylines, and I can assure you that it's absolutely worth your time. The mysterious death of a student adds a captivating layer to the narrative, but what sets it apart is the compelling story of the three mothers. Each embodies distinct life perspectives—one yearns for a perfect family, another seeks what's best for her child, and the third desires everything, even if it's not rightfully hers. The series delves deep into the lives of these three mothers, exploring the lengths to which a parent would go for their children.

Let me be candid—I'm a teenager, and naturally, my interest tends to gravitate towards the romantic aspects of the students. What hooked me was the love story between Bae Ro Na and Joo Seok Hoon. It's a classic tale of the popular boy meeting the bullied girl, but it takes a darker turn as these students are entangled in a murder. Overall, it's a genuinely, and I mean very, compelling drama. I'm excited to share that there are two more seasons on the horizon.

Leggi di Più

Almost EVERYONE in this show is a nutjob

This show will open your eyes. Really, I mean it. This show has the most unexpected plot twists ever. The story is about rich adults, who can do anything for power, more money and their children and how they get involved in a murder case. And that's only the beginning.
When I watched the first episode, I could actually feel my blood pressure rising because of the evil characters in this show. But then I got so intrigued that I decided to watch the second episode as well and that folks, is how I finished the entire season in less than four days.
I do admit that this show will make you go mad but it's so entertaining. Both the good guys and the bad guys are RICH as FUCK and SMART as FUCK. The moment you feel like you are catching on with the story and think that you have actually figured out what the writers are about to do next; YOU HAVEN'T FIGURED IT OUT AT ALL. And most likely, you'll never figure out.
And I think that's the beauty of the show? I dunno.
One character that I truly liked and didn't get mad at throughout the show was Shim Su Ryeon. That baddie. She is the definition of smart and sexy. I ADORED HER. The way Lee Ji Ah portrays her is classic (also Lee Ji Ah is so beautiful. I couldn't stop looking at her throughout the show)
I didn't love Rona (I really wanted to though) I loved her boldness and the fact that she stands up for herself is so impressive but there were a few moments when she just wouldn't try to understand the situation (times when she would yell at her mom without giving her a chance to explain)
One thing that I really loved was Seok Hoon's character development throughout the show. I didn't like him at all in the beginning but I love how he's starts being reasonable and a better person in the show and also the fact that he realises his mistakes and repents for it.
I was shocked to see Jenny's character development at the end too (looking forward to that in season 2)
I really recommend this show. It's good. It'll get on your nerves, that's for sure so I advise you to forward ten seconds of the video whenever you feel like you can't take the angry inside you anymore (I did that too and I really enjoyed it)
Also, SBS deleted some important clips from the show so that they keep the episode in its initial time but if you happen to be interested in the kids storyline more then you can watch those deleted scenes in YouTube.

Leggi di Più

Well...that was something

I'm gonna tell you rn that I already watched all three seasons and i can easily say season 1 will never be beaten. SUCH A GOOD WELL DONE KDRAMA! The drama, the subtle humor, the action, romance aaahhhhhhhhhhhh JUST YES!! A long kdrama which allows so much development between characters which is what makes it so good. BUT....Holy shit what are the last two seasons? From killing characters unnecessarily to making one of the actors literally be lowkey racist towards the black people??? Bruh,,, I know yall know what I'm talking about. Them making that guys twin be a dude w dreadlocks and talking in a blaccent was NOT it. But yeah, season 1 outsold.

Leggi di Più

Gente...

Escritora, Kim Soo Ok? TUDO BEM?
Uau, uau. WOW. Não tenho palavras para descrever esse drama que eu acabei de assistir. Eu fiquei de boca aberta do início ao fim.

Essa review vai tá mais pra resenha, mas tudo bem!

SPOILERS----------!!

1. Atuação e elenco.

O que foi isso tudo minha gente? O elenco deu um SHOW de atuação em todos os 21 episódios. Souberam expressar raiva (que é oq mais tem aq), medo, aflição, pavor.. Todos os sentimentos possíveis. Até agora eu to chocada com a imagem que os atores conseguiram passar, já que a maioria eu conhecia por papéis mais leves.

Um grito a Kim So Yeon (Cheon Seo Jin) por essa atuação incrível. Quando assisti We Got Married, eu simplesmente via ela em papel doce. Onde ela seria sempre uma pessoa boa. Mas o que foi isso? INCRÍVEL.

Shim Soo Ryun (Lee JiAh) - Mulher, o que foi essa reviravolta depois das descobertas? Inteligente e bonita, mas o que esperar da rainha do prédio? Eu no começo achei que ela era uma "mosca morta", mas JESUS. Levei um baque com o plot twist que ela fez. Não merecia o final que teve, merecia MUITO MAIS. E eu ainda acho que ela planejou o final e vai ter uma reviravolta na segunda temporada. Bela, e incrível.

LOGAN LEEEEEE - O homem lindo. Bonito, rico e justiceiro? O sonho de toda dorameira. Eu antes de assistir já tinha recebido um spoiler em I Live Alone de como as características dele eram (no drama). Arquitetou um plano magnífico pra se vingar da irmã, quase batou o Joon Tae na cadeia, se vingou das crias encapetadas e ia se vingar de todos os comparsas. Uma pena essa final, mas não julgo ele não. O cara sofrendo perdas e perdas e nem teve culpa. Lindo, perfeito. Passo trocentos pano.

Querida Seol Ah - A ÚNICA que presta aqui. (Junto com a mãe e o Logan) Morreu de uma forma tão ruim, sofreu tanto. Merecia muito mais. Chorei tanto vendo as cenas dela. Uma personagem boa, que merecia ter tido um final muito melhor. Carismática, sempre vendo o lado bom das coisas, apenas uma criança ainda. Tão inocente, ainda quero que todos paguem pelo que fizeram com ela.

Não posso esquecer dos outros princípas que me fizeram tremer de raiva. Principalmente Joon Dan Tae e Yoon Hee (Quando ela mudou de lado, nossaaaaa gritei muito.)

Yoon Hee (mãe da rona) - Essa personagem no começo me fez sentir pena dela, pelo modo como a vida tratou ela e como ela era tratada pela filha. Ela fez aquilo e começou a mudar de lado, ai o caldo entornou e eu já tava torcendo que a escritora matasse a personagem (Kkkkk). Até chegar no último episódio, onde eu fiquei completamente triste com a morte dela. Não foi merecida, naquele momento. Achei que ela merecia mais, mesmo tendo feito merda. Era uma personagem que estava evoluindo, pelo menos nos últimos minutos.

Joo Dan Tae - Você é um desgraçado e espero que a escritora já tenha escrito TODA a sua trajetória ao fim. :)

E não preciso nem comentar dos vizinhos, totalmente errados em tudo que só olhavam para o próprio rabo. Não vejo a hora deles caírem também.

Agora, os mirins do edifício bonito lá.

Os Gêmeos - O único momento em que senti pena desses dois foi quando eles ficaram desolados com a morte da mãe, e nem tanto assim pelo jeito que eles tratavam ela. Dois lixos humanos que não são muito diferente do pai. Vi muita gente com pena do bonitão ali, mas pelo amor de deus? O cara ajudou a acabarem com o psicológico da Seol Ah, deixou ela pra morrer no fogo. Ajudou no bullying que aconteceu com a RoNa. SABIA, do affair da diretora e do pai dele e ouviu a conversa dos dois sobre se livrar da garota e mesmo assim não disse nada? Muita gente esqueceu só por que ele ficou de rabo preso pela RoNa, mas ele ainda é um merda. E deveria pagar junto com a irmã por tudo que fez com a Seol Ah.

RoNa - O bixinha insuportável, passei 80% do drama querendo voar nela. Se acha a dona do muito, desrespeita a mãe de um jeitoooo, acha que tá sempre certa. Mas.. essa é apenas mais uma adolescente. Falou coisas muito boas no final, em como o machinho dos gêmeos lá era igual a todos os que assassinaram a Seol Ah. Fiquei com muita pena dela depois que ela descobriu o assassinato da Soo Ryun, muito boa atuação. E agora, depois da morte da mãe, vou ficar com mais pena ainda. Certeza.

O filho dos advogados - Um bosta que vive na sombra dos amigos querendo sempre se impor como o maiorzão mas sempre abaixa a cabeça pros gêmeos. É tipo o próprio pai com a avó dele.

A filha da maluca com o presidiário - Nojenta, nojenta. Nojentissimaaa. Porém acho a mais leve ali, mesmo que tenha feito tudo que fez acho ela mais empatica do que qualquer um ali.

A filha da diretora, doida - Doente, precisa urgentemente de uma terapia, uma clínica, hospício também. Igual a mãe, porém acho ainda mais psicótica por causa da pressão que sofre pela mãe. A pior, tentou assassinar RoNa diversas vezes. Nossa, essa tinha que receber uma perpétua. (E um grande parabéns pra atriz que fez ela, por que ela sorria e eu sentia calafrio. Se empenhou tanto no papel que me botou medo na real mesmo.)

Uma outra doidona, que é a empregada da penthouse - Nem preciso citar nada, por que todo mundo que assistiu viu que ela é maluca. E ainda acho que ela é mãe dos gêmeos, ou a irmã dela pode ser e ela matou a irmã por que se apaixonou pelo presidente. Ai, muitas teorias...


FIM DO SPOILER---------!!!


Não posso deixar de comentar como a cinematografia tá maravilhosa, ângulos, transições, posicionamento de câmera, luz, áudio. TUDO MARAVILHOSO. O Diretor e a equipe deram uma sofisticada no roteiro deixando uma junção perfeita.

Enquanto você assiste pode ter certeza que pelo menos em cada episódio você vai tremer de raiva umas 20 vezes e vai teorizar tanto assim como eu.

Se você estiver lendo isso aqui e ainda tem dúvidas se assiste ou não, eu recomendo muitooooo. Acho que esse drama entrou para o meu TOP 5?

Quer mais plot twist que isso? Impossível

Leggi di Più

Uma história para passar raiva do início ao fim, mas tão bem construída que vale a pena

Vamos lá.

Primeiramente, quero dizer que a Seol Ah e a Su Ryeon são as únicas razões que me fizeram chegar ao fim deste dorama. A forma como essas duas personagens foram inteligentes até o momento de sua morte não tá escrito. Absolutamente nada é o que parece aqui. Inicialmente, você pensa que elas são inocentes, bobas, que irão morrer de forma besta - e até pensei isso de Seol Ah por episódios a fio, até ver que ela havia enviado provas e mais provas para o irmão.
Além disso, os vilões aqui não estão pra brincadeira. São cruéis, têm pontos fracos que foram explorados com muita maestria, seus filhos são problemáticos e vemos ao longo da história que isso se deve quase totalmente a eles. Não há como sentir empatia alguma pelos antagonistas, embora haja muitas oportunidades em que isso possa acontecer.
Espero que na segunda temporada as respostas para o final em aberto sejam esclarecedoras, pois ele foi um tanto decepcionante para quem esperava um final feliz e/ou com justiça.

Leggi di Più

pure entertainment!!

Finished watching both season 1 and 2. This series kept me entertained for both seasons! I love that its very fast pace without any dragginess, and lots of things happen in every episode. Is this an award-winning type drama with characters that a lot of people can relate? definitely NOT, however, this is pure entertainment for me. The story is full of plot holes and a lot of unrealistic moments, and most characters seems crazy and so over-the-top; but if you are looking for a drama that is exciting throughout and full of surprises, this is it. To sum up my thought about this series: this drama is just very crazy, but in a good way :-)

Leggi di Più