Happiness (2021)

I didn't expect this show to play with my heart like this!

Albeit a diamond in the rough, the concept of this drama is so well thought out. The storyline and the post Covid setting have been so relevant to the current global scenario. I think that adds to the thrilling experience of the ride it takes you on. The characters and their crisis-driven actions are beautifully illustrated and it really brings out their fatal flaws with clarity. Moreover, (omg) the main couple has such a wonderful dynamic throughout the show. You will love the energy Hyo Joo and Hyung Sik bring through their characters. It was refreshing to see a platonic take on their profound relationship.

I was a bit disappointed with the ending because it seemed a little rushed and I would have liked to see a more detailed picture of how they all bounced back from the quarantine and this proliferating virus. Yet, this show will totally leave you satisfied in the end, you'll never regret watching it! Also, props to the beautiful soundtrack which provides an immersive experience!

Leggi di Più

Happiness can be reveled in many forms...

To some this is a brilliant masterpiece, to others just an average drama of survival.
I followed it from day one and it got me hooked to the point that my Fridays and Saturdays had this as an highlight.

They couldn't have picked a better lead couple than these two, - Han Hyo Joo and Park Hyung Sik - did a great job with their roles and had a fairly great chemistry. But Happiness is more than romance, in fact it focuses on the build up to that, on those hidden feelings one is not aware until the world turns upside down. It's all about survival and finding Happiness in all forms.

"If I lose him, I might really crumble." - Yoon Sae Bom

That and the fact that Happiness is different to everyone. To some that comes by the demise of others, to others it's all about control, to others is fame and likes, and some it's even greed or by getting their hands tainted with blood... And yet for those who are rightful, - Happiness - can be a materialistic thing as a Home or the comfort of loved ones and our parents. But a Home can be more than a House, sometimes it's only warm when shared with the right person, like the case of our main leads.

"Getting an apartment is important, but who you're with is more important." - Jung Yi Hyun

What I really like about Yoon Sae Bom and Jung Yi Hyun is on how equal feet they are when it comes to their action and decisions, how they always have each others back and go to the extreme to protect one another. It shows from the very start that they really like each other, but to acknowledge that sometimes it needs a push or in this case the world they once knew crumbling down. While facing the demons that people can bring to the table in apocalyptic scenarios, and coping to deal with it by trying to maintain order even when most people do not cooperate or are against them. They don't wait in dangerous situations, they take action and run if necessary. They access what is happening and try to come up with solutions or act on the moment to solve it.

Both of them are not flawed, - no one is - but it's nice to see that in a drama there can be balance between the leads, instead of the typical damsel in distress or the tripping and falling down cliché. They are both fierce with their beliefs for justice and find themselves trapped in lockdown with numeral individuals that will test not only them but also everyone along the way.

Yi Hyun trusts in Sae Bom, and she does too when it comes to him. He represents those who are sure of their feelings, while she on the other hand represents those who only realize when its too late... like a wake up call. Perhaps, she knew all along, she just dismissed thinking it would not be reciprocated because they started with a contractual marriage to get an apartment.

However, - like I mentioned above, - Happiness is more than mere tragic romance.
It's all about making tough and egoistic decisions for the sake of our loved ones and mankind.

"I did all sorts of things to lower the number of the infected. Lockdowns, quarantine, killing. I have enough blood on my hands." - Han Tae Seok

It's a matter of surviving lockdown and well facing the worst kind of Humanity in a single building.
Sometimes the true monsters aren't those who are infected, but those who show their real and despicable selves.

"You are the real monsters, not the infected." - Jung Yi Hyun

If we manage to look into the overall picture, the drug, the infected or "zombies" and the whole martial law is what is surrounding and aiding the true plot. This being the residents and how they evolve and act while on lockdown. How the main leads deal with the situation, how the residents try to survive, all the schemes, the deep dark secrets inside of several different apartments, the social classes, the different individuals, their hidden agendas and how doom can change people from better to worst. It was never about only the cure, that is important but it's side plot, it's more about showing the difference between those who are infected and act on impulse and need, and those who revel themselves to the be worse monsters in the end.

There's quite the symbolic value this drama uphold. For example the 'Good Cop, Bad Cop strategy' that Yi Hyun mentions about himself and Sae Bom, can also work for Han Tae Seok and Lieutenant Lee Ji Soo who works with him. And that strategy is used throughout the whole drama too in many occasions. Even when Yi Hyun decides he will be the bad cop, and Sae Bom the other.

"When one plays the bad cop and gets angry and scares people, the other uses nice words to persuade them."

It's seem like a foretelling line, for when the moment comes they act like so without realizing. It's he presence and soothing words, that bring him back to her. And also her impulsive act to save him and his decision in such a dangerous situation that defines their roles. They will do everything and beyond to keep each other safe even if it means to make sacrifices.

This drama has plenty of those. Choices and sacrifices that make the characters become either twisted, or revert from that and gaining the Humanity they didn't have or had lost. An example of that is most likely Kim Dong Hyun, the son of the elderly couple from Unit 302. Who always seek for likes and fame by streaming everything he could get his hands on. And yet as the story progresses he embodies the fear, shame and the selfish act of leaving his parents behind afraid to get infected.

"If you happen to see him. Tell him to come back home. Tell him, we're okay.
That's what a home is. You come home when things get tough." - Kim Hak Je, Senior Resident of Unit 302

Only to return home when what he feared the most happens.

"He'll be able to hold out longer... if he stays with his family." - Jung Yi Hyun

And despite his actions towards his parents, Dong Hyun is welcomed with open arms, as if a "good" son is returning home, now apologetic and more grounded than before. A message for us to cherish those we love, and that they may be our greatest strength in times of need.

There are several frustrating moments, mainly caused by despicable characters such as Oh Joo Hyung (dermatologist), Oh Yeon Ok (Resident Representative), Gook Hae Sung (Lawyer), Woo Sang Hee (Joo Hyun's mistress), and let's face it Go Se Gyu and Ji Moon Hee (the SY cleaning couple) too.

"I'll beat up anyone I find annoying." - Yoon Sae Bom

Probably the most direct Happiness we all felt through the drama was by how many times she did this to Oh Joo Hyung.

And there was also a couple of mysterious characters in the plot - Kim Se Hoon and Andrew - who likely contributed to many theories and a plot twist into the story. Sometimes, there are hints along the drama that lead to that, only we aren't able to notice them all or they just show them in the end when that truly happens.

The plot twist of the real culprit was interesting.
I had theories of my own, as I am sure mostly everyone did by some point when it came down to these two characters.

To be honest, the real one felt detached from the plot. Like a mere coincidence that just happened, and it was all in his favor.
It made more sense if it was near my theory that he was in fact the one behind the drug NEXT and that he was seeing the "lab rats" aka the infected act and mostly from the rooftop while on lockdown. And not what they come up to and no reasons for what he did and does. Perhaps it's just his own Happiness in doing so. Maybe that's why they did like so, who knows.

All I know is that the plot has it's holes that much is certain. But again the focus is mainly on the residents and survival rather than where did the drug come from and how the cure works. The acting here is what keeps us wanting for more. And I am not only talking about the main leads. Even the guest roles here where interesting to see. For example Sae Bom's colleague Lee Sueng Yeong interpreted by the brilliant Lee Kyu Hyung (funny how Looney turned out so good that he joined the SOU)

The Production. Now this is what makes this drama different than most. The way it was written, made and filmed. The cinematography so believable that they are in fact in a real complex unit building of rented and fancy bought apartments. The intros with the title Happiness, showing the opposite of that. It almost seem Netflix worth it, with certain foreign like influences here and there but at the same time true to a K-drama. Hard to explain the concept of it. It's interesting, and pleasing to see. What compliments with all of this, it has to be the OST. So many good artists and singers, and amazing songs to match the scenes of this drama. The lyrics also with plenty of meaning. One of my favorites it has to be 'Pain' by Hong Isaac.

This drama came to life because of all of this combined, everyone's effort.
Park Hyung Sik long awaited acting comeback is a success, and him pairing up with Hyo Joo gave us a new kickass ship besides the MinMin and BongBong ship we have had ever since he starred with Bo Young in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.
More than the ship, I like how he represented Yi Hyun. Makes me look forward to more of his projects with good premisses.

"I realized when you said... that a home... depends on whom you're with. I'll stay with you from now on. Stay with me. Whatever you're like, I'm okay with everything." - Yoon Sae Bom

These two be raising the standards of main leads.

Highly recommend this if you like survival storylines, with a warning that it has it's breaks of infected but that it focus more towards human and inhuman dissociation of the survivors, rather than those who were infected. It doesn't have cliché scenes, it has more schemes and plot twists.

Plus factor it only has 12 episodes, although if you like you will find yourself wanting a couple more. And well by the ending... it fairly need that option. Endings are mostly rushed, and this one wasn't any different in that regard unfortunately.

Still it's a good drama if you give it a go. With an amazing production, awesome acting and a killer OST.

Leggi di Più

Nem tão feliz assim

Tenho novamente que ir contra a multidão, pois esse drama não me deixou nada feliz em assisti-lo . A premissa era boa porém a execução foi longe de ser. Os episódios eram lentos e decepcionantes, por mais que os episódios passassem nada importante realmente acontecia, o tempo foi mau utilizado, o que foi uma pena pois poderiam utiliza-lo para o desenvolvimento de seus personagens.
Falando em personagens, como eram desagradáveis , eram inúteis, não contribuíam em nada para história, impossível simpatizar com eles ,ou eram idiotas ou instáveis ou maldosos ou os três , eram irritantes. torci varias vezes para o exercito soltar uma bomba ali .
Tinha tanta situações irreais ali que é zombar da minha inteligência, é muita ponta solta . Aquele ato da protagonista entrando no contêiner, imobilizando os zumbis com uma força descomunal sem ser ferida é sul real demais para mim.
Os protagonistas atuaram bem porem seus personagens não me convenceram, achei a protagonista feminina bem imprudente e chata as vezes. O protagonista masculino faltou um pouquinho de personalidade e independência emocional, achei aquele amor dele forçado demais.
Em fim não gostei, achei bem chato, foi terrivelmente cansativo assistir os 12 episódios. A minha real felicidade foi no momento que acabou.

Leggi di Più

Good Enough

Korean Drama "Happiness" is a dystopian drama that feels, nevertheless, close to home. The drama doesn't focus too much on the horror aspect, with the zombie-like disease, that could have been easily overused with loads of gory scenes and bloodbath.

Rather, the drama opted for a more character-centric story, with the focus being maintained on the neighbors and their dynamics when a crisis hits home. The addition of the corporation mystery, along with the family drama, were all a nice touch that added more twists to the main plot.

However, the drama missed making the conclusion clear, or more dramatic. Everything was actually too conveniently solved when everyone was straggling to come to a conclusion all throughout the drama. Also, the drama felt like it was missing something, like the story needed something more to leave a bigger impact.

Nonetheless, the performances were great and aided the entertainment value of the drama a lot. The CGI were also well made.

So, overall, 6.5 out of 10.

Leggi di Più

Good start

This started out well, with a stylish opening sequence, a less common take on a monster theme, and a cool FL (Han Hyo Joo, who I almost didn't recognize - I didn't like her much in W, but she's great here), who continues to be cool all the way through! - and doesn't turn into a crying fainting jelly, as so many of them do. It is a fairly silly plot with many holes, but hey, it's a monster show, I can hand-wave that if the pace is good enough to glide me over them. Unfortunately, the storytelling in the middle fell rather flat. There are a lot of side-characters - naturally, as it's the story of the apartment block - but none of them felt compelling: no solid arcs, just randomness and dead ends, and too much time given to the least interesting and most annoying of them. (actually that was almost all of them! and they killed off 15th floor guy, who I kinda liked) The spurious melodrama with these unappealing goons messed with the momentum enough for me to get bored and abandon it on-hold for months before finally finishing it. It does pick up towards the end: the last two eps were better, and the finale tied up some of the essentials, including the romance arc, but that felt unsatisfying to me and I would have liked to have known what happened to other characters.

Still worth watching, but I'd keep the skip button handy.

Leggi di Più

Featuring Baek Hyun Jin's insanely dramatic shrieks

Before I talk about the show, let's talk about Baek Hyun Jin and his screams/hollers/shrieks... that little dude is part Velociraptor, right? He makes noises I have never heard a human make on screen or off. It's massively entertaining and only sometimes obnoxious. I've seen him do it a few times in other dramas, but Happiness provided him with a great many opportunities to implement his raptor shriek, and it fit very well with his character's cowardly evil personality.

Happiness was ok. It was, for me, just a tad over acceptable but not epic. As other reviewers have pointed out, there are a lot of minor inconsistencies, plot holes, and confusing logic leaps. There are some elements I just cannot wrap my head around the logic of....like why was this apparently government boss dude the literally only guy in charge of the whole outbreak. I can't think of any government that would work that way, there would be lots of officials involved in an operation of this scale. Also why did the relationship develop between the detective and this military boss dude, that part really seemed to stretch the bounds of logic for me. Why too, if the side character brother also had antibodies was his wound purple and diseased looking where the FL's wound was not, where they multiple times in the script bring up the color of the wound's surrounding area as an indicator of infection.

The direction crew did a really terrible job with consistency, so many shots will have the actors holding a prop in their hand from on angle, but when it cuts over to the next angle the prop is gone or in the wrong hand or different. It's pretty jarring and there are multiple examples of this in every single episode. The attention to detail in this Kdrama was pretty bad, and those things break immersion which definitely reduces my impression of a drama.

The acting was pretty good, there were a few sort of one-note bland characters and it was a little disappointing that they didn't delve into any of the backstory on side characters at all, which made it difficult to connect with them emotionally. The ML and FL had good synergy. The FL especially did an awesome job representing her character's personality consistently, so you truly believed her as a character. The action scenes were pretty well done for the most part, though there seemed to be some inconsistency around when a lead could attack a gun holding person vs when they just stood there at gun/knife point. There was a really awesome scene the ML does (or his stunt double probably) where he in one swift move drops to the ground and grapples the preacher zombie's leg, spinning around it to take him down, it was pretty badass.

Overall, it was a pretty good show, though the lack of consistency in the script and directing limited the potential of the actors. Even so, 90% of this drama takes place in hallways, and it's pretty impressive that you can keep people immersed well enough that they remain watching with such dull scenery.

Leggi di Più

finding happiness

The chemistry between park hyungsik and han hyojoo was unbelievable and something I didn't know we needed :') The thriller with slight romance has a parallel to Sweet Home, the genres are pretty similar: neighbors in an apartment complex transitioning into the infected. I was really impressed with the chemistry and duality of the power couple though-- the plot didn't have a lot of romantic scenes, but their compatibility was insane and there was definitely chemistry w/o even portraying skinship. This power couple was probably one of the best I've seen;; she's hot headed and aggressive but smart, while he's calm, rational, and logical. They balance eachother out perfectly :))

Superb acting from ALL casts; the variety and diversity of characters was really a breath of fresh air that I needed; there weren't many cliches and each episode was pretty unpredictable. The cinematography and OST was done extremely well; the soundtrack fit perfectly with the overall vibe.

I'm slightly salty that the residents who were incredibly twisted and made selfish choices weren't ever properly punished/got what they deserved but the ending makes up for everything :') iykyk

One of the best dramas I've binged in a while; I guarantee it's worth the watch (unless you're not into horror/thrillers)

Leggi di Più

Zzzz

First of all if u are looking for some intense zombie drama this might not be good for u
So lets start with the story the story was okk like nothing extraordinary
for the first few ep it was interesting but after that it was tedious and boring like there is something that i still don't understand
Like suppose you are in an apartment filled with zombies like everbody is dying the world is collapsing and u are just there being sassy
Doesn't makes sense right that is exactly what is happening in that drama like i understand they wanted to make our main leads sassy and not afraid of anything type but still it somehow looks unreal
Like how are we supposed to feel horrified or scared if the people in the drama was not feeling it Like that doesn't mean that They are not good actors all of them are amazing actors but i think they are not being used correctly
Not only the main lead but everyone else is also just so ignorent of the whole situation they are ramdomly living there life fighting over food and random stuffs ...
I understand maybe the show makers what to show the greedy side of the humanity but this is exactly not how you do this
The zombie scenes were also fine nothing phenomenal
There were literally times when i was just waiting for some action and zombies
There is nothing special about the characters like u really don't understand them and u just don't feel connected to anyone of them
So the only reason i completed this drama was because of the main leads
Their chemistry Was AMAZING !!!
So overall i would have easily dropped this drama Because there is nothing captivating about this series

Leggi di Più

The perfect drama to end 2021 with!

I am in cloud nine right now as I've just finished the final episode a minute ago, while having this drama as one of my most anticipated airing dramas every week.

An apocalypse drama; especially a zombie one is already typical in the drama industry, but it's still one of my favorite genre which is why I chose to follow this one while airing. But what made Happiness so good and stand out on its own way? The theme that this drama wants to bring out can be seen first and foremost from its title itself, the title that made viewers always questioning, "Where is the happiness in this drama? There's only misery and chaos." But I think that's really the point that they want to bring. I realized this during the rooftop scene when they were eating together, that despite the chaos that is happening, it feels better and bearable because they are with the people they loved.

And then the message pulled through even till the end; we have the rude son who finally realized his parents are the most precious people he should care for, we have siblings reconciling with each other after going through the hardship together, we have a parent holding out for the sake of her daughter and of course, we have a platonic husband and wife who realizes they love each other more than they thought they did. From all these events it shows how people, no matter how tough and dreadful the obstacle is, can still obtain happiness where they are.

In term of the plot, I feel like it could have been better but after the finale I think this drama deserve nothing less than a 9/10 despite their flaws. The less logical part was the fact that they didn't really show other residents of the block attending meeting etc and it's just those few same familiar faces all over again, not even some background characters with no dialogue to make it seems more 'merrier' as a big apartment complex.

However, apart from the "Happiness" message that they convey, what I adore most about this drama is the portrayal of some of the characters. Those that come first are of course our power couple, Sae Beom and Yi Hyun who above anything else in this world, would continuously only prioritize each other no matter what. Their relationship is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen and the way they love each other so selflessly is very precious. Tae Seok is another character that I really adore, he was such a morally grey character that you can't really sort him out, yet you know exactly what is his goal and he did everything he could; despite having to go against the rule and moral for his loved ones. I kind of find the similarity between the three of them, which is why I think they work really well together because they all prioritized the people they loved above anything else; even above saving the world. Also special mention Na Soo Min who is the character I dislike at the start but can't help to adore at the end when he tried his best to protect his sister from being infected (and him in the last episode with the gear on are especially adorable)

The drama might appear a little slow in the beginning especially if you watch it for the action-packed anticipation, but I really love the slow pace development on each episode which made the story less dramatic and less over the top compared to other drama, which is actually the perfect portrayal of the way human can still live normally despite the chaos that happened in their life, just like how we continued living with the virus that is still with us till now

Leggi di Più

I enjoyed the show so much?

ok now i will be super real with u so basically i enjoyed the show i have always been fan of zombie dramas and this one was also soo good.REASONS I LOVE THIS SHOW :-
1.new story i have seen plenty of zombie drama and to be honest this one is so unique and new.
2.Chemistry of male and female lead was fire?.
3.Strong female lead??
4.Villains were too annoying i hate them so much as i should..this proves that how good it was.
5.I loved some comedic parts ?.
6.intersting supporting casts all were so suspisious
7.love how it was not a typical zombie drama
8.Ost was so good.
9.Bond between sae bom and that kid was so adorable??.
10.Happy ending???
so these are reasons i loved the drama so much i dont care if people did not like it not everyone has same taste.

Leggi di Più

Happiness is a must watch for all the Kdrama enthusiasts♡

I have no words for this drama! It was just Insanely well written, with an epic cast, tons of twists and a huge roller coaster of emotions. I myself got anxious around the last few episodes but this drama never failed to keep me hooked. The evil seemed very evil, the good seemed very good until we all got to see their hidden sides. This story also helps you to have a totally different prospective of humans in general. How most of them are the scariest even when they are 'normal' and how the ones who got the disease were far more innocent than them.

The greed, the urge to be on the top and the need to survive is all these normal humans need to forget all humanity and be worse than those who actually were turned. The drama will open your eyes towards a different world and will make you realize how everyone turns selfish in a matter of seconds. You will realize that the only ones rooting for you and worried for you is family. No matter just how much far you have gone, you suffer with family and you survive with family.

All the characters did their jobs effortlessly. They pulled you in so hard that there are times you want to get into the screen and slap the careless ones or throw the troublemakers out the window, sometimes you will want to get in there and protect someone, other times you would want to scream in someone else's face.
The actors have done a mind blowing job and proved that Noone could have done it better than them. Park Hyung-Sik shines throughout. His expressions, his words, his actions, his aggression, his adorable smile, his bravery and smartness, makes you fall head over heels for him or deeper for those who already adore and love the man.
Han Hyo-joo plays a very important part throughout as a female lead. As a person who loves strong and independent female characters, I respect her role tremendously. She kept the drama and our dear man safe and sane from the very start. Their chemistry was so on point that they will make you blush with even the slightest of proximity between them. It's a treat to watch the two of them together in this beautiful drama. Not to mention Joe Woo-jin who plays, Han Tae-seok. His charisma, the power he holds and his way of handling situations was just my cup of tea. Man had my attention all the way.
Also much much credits should be given to the supporting casts too. Every single character was relevant and unique in its own way. The director and crew did a superb job with the cast.

The sets were interesting and very well chosen. Every single one of it gave full justice to the ongoing scenes. Coming to the plot, don't take this drama as a repeated one or something you won't be surprised to watch. Trust me when I say this, but it will give you the greatest shocks in the most unpredictable times and leave you on the edge, all anxious but excited at the same time. It had enough plot twists to not let you get bored anytime. The 12 episode journey will leave you in a storm full of emotions and when it gets over you would have to take a deep breath to recollect yourselves. I am genuinely impressed by the story telling skills of the director and writer, Mr. Ann Gil-ho. He gave us a full package to have all to ourselves and just let go into his creation of Happiness.

And don't even get me started on the songs. This is something very common in all the kdramas, their choice of bg songs always being perfect. That one tune which is especially reserved for our dear couple and their soft scenes or the one which gives you a feeling of peace even though there is nothing to be at peace for are just so soothing for the ears.
Everything, the cast, the plot, the songs, the drama, the emotions, the settings and the dialogues was just supremely satisfying. You might feel the ending was a bit rushed, but trust me, it's the best as it is. Enough to calm your anxious heart down but at the same time leaving you longing for more.

All in all, Happiness is a must watch. I binge watched it in two days and it was more than worth the time. I am elated I gave it a shot after a few months of its release because I was surely not disappointed.
Do give it a chance to take you on a breathtaking journey full of deep sentiments and an ocean of emotions, cause Jung Yi Hyun and Yoon Sae Bom are coming to steal your hearts. Which by the way, they will surely succeed in doing.

Go find your true happiness. It lies somewhere close to you, waiting to be discovered.

Leggi di Più

!!!!!please watch this drama!!!!!

Ok,so i have seen so many dramas in the last 4 years i can not even keep up with them lol anyway and this has to be for some very odd reason my favourite/one of my favourite kdramas of all i have seen,the drama itself does have some plots here and there and it is quite easy to watch and to go thru,i am going to be honest...u will hate a lot of the characters but i have watched and rewatched this drama a lot of times and i always recommend it to everyone and i really liked the main leads like gurl they slayyy and they just match so damn well like ahhhhh u know what i mean,u will know after u watch the drama so please watch it. on another point the ost is quite nice for a short drama too like the songs are sad,yes but like so damn good and not overly played in weird moments so it is quite nice to hear them too.the acting is of course chefs kiss ^^ and the story in my opinion is ok/decent honestly,i do understand that some people did not like the drama because of its annoying characters but it is ok in my opinion,i have seen worse but still prepare yourself mentally ;))

Leggi di Più