Punch (2003)

Never thought I would find a drama about boxing so interesting…

Story- It’s about loss, finding love through that loss, and forgiveness. Really well written in that, the writers managed to balance the love-lines and boxing theme. There wasn’t a single episode where I felt bored and the episodes flew by fast. There were some things that I didn’t like about the story though. This includes all the scenes involving the CF President (obsessed with the female lead character) and also all the angst in the second half of the drama. I really really wish they had only a few episodes where the main female character can’t forgive the male lead character. You have to make it through to the very end before forgiveness/reconciliation occurs. The ending wasn’t bad but it was kind of disappointing for what the writers made us go through with all that angst.

Acting/Characters- Shin Min Ah was perfect and her character development was interesting. She starts out as a likable character but halfway through her character changes physically and emotionally, and not for the better. And Can I just say how awesome Joo Jin Mo is?! He is a versatile and phenomenal actor. I’ve seen him in so many things and this character is just so different and out of the box for him. I seriously loved his character because you could tell he loved the main female so much and my heart kept breaking for him during all the scenes the main female character showed her hatred for him. The other main male actor (who seriously is no rival) was just awful. His lack of acting skills and the fact that the writers made his character so unlikable just made his scenes (unfortunately he has a lot) unbearable to watch. His character wasn’t even that evil but he had no redeeming qualities and I had no sympathy for him at all. I mean he doesn’t even give up the female lead till the very end! He is pathetic and just a worthless character who didn’t offer anything to the drama. On a different note, the supporting cast was perfect. I liked that the writers gave the supporting cast prominent roles and I enjoyed the love triangles of the female lead’s 2 female friends.

Music- Matching angsty music but also has Christina Augielera’s “Stronger” as a running theme which matches the boxing theme of the show.

Rewatch- I am going to rewatch this cause the acting was really good but not for a couple years cause of the high angst.

Overall Punch plays like an extended top quality sports movie. Whether you like sports themed dramas or not you will be able to watch this. Your enjoyment of the drama might dwindle towards the last quarter though, because the female lead character becomes really unlikable and there are misunderstandings and too much angst!

Lees verder