Wow! For a 20 year old movie with an overused serial killer trope, this still has the power to shock. It’s not just a catch-the-killer thriller but a harsh comedic takedown of the police at that time. They must have loathed it when it first came out. It seems their investigative technique barely changed from the Joseon era. Besides being hopelessly inadequate to find the killer, they created a host of secondary victims.

The plot is well done with many unexpected twists. Those who have seen Bong Joon Ho’s other film “Parasite” will have an idea. I especially liked the opposite trajectories for the two main cops. One becomes more aware of his weaknesses and tries to work more scientifically. The other gets increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and becomes more and more undisciplined. And then there is the third sidekick cop. Let’s just say his fate was completely fitting for his character.

Finally the ending scene. I won’t give anything away. It was perfect.

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Of all the historical dramas I’ve seen, this is the best at portraying daily life in the Joseon era and in the palace. It’s been a few days since I finished and I’m still recovering. I was not expecting this show to have such a strong impact. It made me feel probably every emotion in existence.

I have to say though that it is in the 2nd half that the story really takes off. From a few episodes in, to about the halfway point, the plot settles in a groove and gets extremely repetitive. If I were rating it then I’d say maybe an 8.

Once the revenge plot and the love story develop it hits another level. At the end of the revenge storyline you feel her elation at achieving her long hoped for goal. Most dramas would stop there. But this one also makes you feel sadness for the loved ones who can’t be there and then feel the emptiness after completing something that took so many years of her life. The love story is very simple, but because you know the characters so well, it is very moving. The scenes in the snow are my favourites.

I decided to watch this as it’s the highest rated show from 2000-10. So there are definitely signs of it’s age. The fighting scenes aren’t the best. The directing and/or editing especially could be better. I don’t know why but you can really see the acting faults clearer in older dramas. These days directors are better at hiding them or they get edited out. Also, the comedy routine with Jang Geum’s adoptive parents got annoying very fast.

With these flaws I should probably give it a 9. However, it moved so much, and so much more than other dramas that it gets a 10.

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Worth watching

Watched this with zero expectations, just intrigued by the title. Everything about this is great, the subject, story, and the storytelling. The final scene is especially satisfying.

The story revolves around the relationship between a coach and an athlete. it asks whether you should do something just for your own enjoyment regardless of the results. On should you do everything you can to be the best regardless of the price? Here the main character isn't given a choice, as the decision is made by those around him. But in the end he does manage to force his own will on the situation.

It's not lighthearted.i saw only one funny moment. Still if you want to watch something that will stir your emotions, give this a try. In it's own way, it is as inspirational as any other sports movie.

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Don’t worry. Go ahead and watch it.

I watched this without being aware it is based on he same source material as the famous drama. Or maybe I knew when I put it on my PTW list, but forgot by the time I watched it. Either way, I watched without any expectations and it is very enjoyable. But when I checked on MDL, there is so much criticism comparing it to the series. That’s the reason for my review.

Yes the transitions between scenes are choppy. Yes there are details that are missing. Yes you need to pay attention or you can get lost. But it’s still an enjoyable story. The acting, CGI, is great. For someone who hasn’t seen the series, like me, don’t let the negative comments stop you.

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As is typical for a thriller, each episode ends with a shocking twist. But it feels like the writer first came up with the twists and then filled in the rest of the story. Aside from Toru, all the characters are all undeveloped. They all do strange and implausible things with little explanation. Their motives are given, but plenty of people on earth have similar experiences and don’t act this way.

On a positive note, the ending is unpredictable and atmosphere is very well done. Instead of this, I recommend another Japanese thriller from 2021, the excellent Influence.

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Watched this mainly because of the intriguing painting/movie poster on Viki (not the same one as MDL).

The story involves 3 generations of women; a grandmother, mother, and daughter. There isn’t a strong plot, or conventional storytelling techniques. Instead, each scene is shown with as much realism as possible. You piece together the story yourself.

Quickly it becomes apparent that the grandmother and mother are trapped together in a relationship filled with resentment and acrimony. The husbands / fathers are gone from the scene. The women have stories they tell about the reasons why. But they are not always consistent with each other. There doesn't seen to be any easy escape. And the pattern looks destined to continue into the next generation.

Overall this is a good portrait of the life many lead , struggling day by day without sign of improvement. However at 2 hours in length, this can get too depressing and boring.

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