Ace
A true crime masterpiece.
THINGS I LIKED(+) Unique story with non-cliche scenes or tropes
(+) Great acting
(+) Dark and true crime concept (this may be a negative for some people)
(+) Complex characters and development
(+) One of the few dramas I would compliment on a great ending
THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
(-) It felt a bit slow during 1-2 intermediate episodes (this is very minor)
REVIEW
Where do we begin? This series takes you on a journey. If you are a fan of true crime and don't mind a darker concept, Extracurricular is one to watch out for. The main characters we follow in this drama are designed beautifully complex and believable - particularly our mini Bonnie and Clyde leads, that is, Oh Jisoo and Bae Gyu Ri.
The synopsis kicks off with a slightly confusing first episode. For a long while, I wasn't clear of the illegal activity being engaged as well as understanding GyuRi's character and motivations. However, once you reach the third episode, the plot really starts to pick up and you can just sense some major storm foreshadowing your way. This story is written and executed really well with minimum downtime or fillers. Expect to feel more and more tense after each episode as this plot takes our characters down the rabbit hole further and deeper.
This is a story about two high schoolers whose background and life experiences had driven them to enact illegal crimes. They are not the people we should root for in reality but we somehow want them to succeed in this drama so very badly. In terms of romance, it's quite subtle for a kdrama but in this case, I find this approach to be very fitting. This story fundamentally shows how far a person can go to achieve their own dreams despite the action may appear to be out-of-character or the potential harm it may cause to others. This is very noticeable in the later half of the show especially in the ending. I won't say anything more about the second half other than it is just a diamond in the rough. One of the best endings I have seen in a kdrama where most tend to fall short on.
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Just watch it. It's good
This was my first time watching a BL and I thought it was THE PERFECT romantic drama.The story was fantastic, simple and straight to the point. There wasn't much focus aside from the two leads and it's honestly a breath of fresh air and made it hard not to binge the whole 8 episodes.
The characters, SangWoo and JaeYoung, are both written brilliantly. They have surprisingly contrasting personalities and lifestyles, yet their chemistry was engaging, underlying and totally effective. The whole time, you just wanted to root for them and watching their relationship slowly develop organically was never once for a second boring for me.
The production was also clever and witty. If you are a student or working in tech, there are some dumb programming jokes because of SangWoo's character. It doesn't take itself too seriously but you still get a good sense of authenticity between the two leads.
Just magical. I loved the chemistry between these two.
Side note: both of the leads are also idols from DKZ and KNK. If you haven't heard of them, it just goes to show how much talent is unseen just because groups don't come from reputable labels. I encourage you to give people a try if you're into KPOP hehe :)
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Entertaining show about teamwork
I came into the show originally for TO1 and was disappointed when I found out that another group (EPEX) was involved. However, after the first episode, I was quickly convinced by the show's good intentions. Combining two rookie groups is actually a really good idea - it was really entertaining to watch how they mesh together and have all of their belongings, the food they cooked and videos they filmed "synchronized". Because there were 18 members combined, it was hard to learn a lot from each member, but this show is still entertaining regardless! I hope that through the memory created from the show, the two groups will make a lasting relationship with each other in the industry.---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summary of the Show:
This show is divided into 3 days
- Day 1 (Ep. 1-3) focuses on introduction. Each group shares a house by themselves and the activities between them are indirect (swapping luggage, lunch, dinner, etc.)
- On day 2 (Ep. 4-5), they split everyone into 3 separate teams, mixing up both TO1 and EPEX members together. They were also given separate houses and will proceed to compete in a series of challenges and races. Day 2 challenges will take place within the housing location
- Day 3 (Ep. 6) is filmed somewhere outdoors in a field. The day offers a variety of physical challenges and a performance from each team. Lastly, the series ends off with a dinner meeting, featuring the winning team having a fancy 5-course meal
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Rewatch Episode Summary:
Ep. 1) Luggage synchronization, member profiles pt.1
Ep. 2) Member profiles pt. 2, team leaders, one-ingredient telepathy, lunch synchronization
Ep. 3) 100-second meeting, word dive mission & dinner synchronization, baby photos, lullaby
Ep. 4) Silent breakfast mission, team split, house floor challenges
Ep. 5) Kpop riddle battle, final day performance preparation
Ep. 6) Final day performances, sports battles (3-way tug-of-war, balloon volleyball, linked feet race, giant baton delay), final dinner
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Get to know TOO/TO1 with a zombie theme
Really fun to watch and does its job of introducing all the members of TOO (now TO1). The zombie theme was a genius addition and implemented very creatively - whoever designed these games should be given a raise!Rewatch Episode Summary:
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Ep. 1) Seeking the first clue inside the dorm - J.You and Donggeon taken away
Ep. 2) Escape Zombie Game - blow and pop a balloon while avoiding zombies
Ep. 3) Bungee Jumping - 3 members must jump to retrieve the cure
Ep. 4) Dinner Ingredient Game - by teams of two, each member picks 1 ingredient
Ep. 5) Horror Scenario Riddle - results determine who sleeps outside
Ep. 6) Human vs. Zombie pt. 1 - song guessing & hidden flag game
Ep. 7) Human vs. Zombie pt. 2 - paintball match & precision games
Ep. 8) Haunted House Mission pt. 1 - completing individual/group challenges to retrieve the cure
Ep. 9) Haunted House Mission pt. 2 - sharing individual messages
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Choi Yoon Jin's captivating performance
THINGS I LIKE(+) Great action scenes
(+) Amazing acting performance by Song Yoon Ah
(+) Tense political action
(+) Deceptive storytelling
(+) Choi Yoon Jin
THING I DIDN'T LIKE
(-) Romance between leads felt unnecessary
(-) Final arc got a bit ridiculous
(-) Anna is underdeveloped
REVIEW
I was surprised to see many have highlighted disappointment towards the show. This is an action series starring Ji Chang Wook so if you enjoy fight scenes and political battles, the K2 is going to be enjoyable nonetheless. There are tons of intense moments and the fight scenes all take place in different settings. I also thoroughly enjoyed the deceptive elements of the political tension that surrounds the plot. However, the biggest treasure box from this series was CHOI YOON JIN, with her Oscar-award winning performance. Seriously, she is the best villain/anti-hero I have ever seen. Her character is just so power-hungry and spiteful, yet at the same time, charismatic and vulnerable. I started this show for Ji Chang Wook and Im Yoon Ah, but was won over by Song Yoon Ah's amazing character towards the end. I literally became a fan overnight and will definitely be checking more of her in the future. Her character is also the most important character in the show as well. Onto the negatives, yes, the final arc does get a bit ridiculous but I personally can overlook that because the plot was still enjoyable. The only thing that I didn't care much for was Anna. Unsure if it was the acting or writing, but her character just felt flat throughout the entire series. She was supposed to be an important character but she's the only one that never got any development. She's constantly running around or being naive and manipulated by others and was a huge nuisance to all the other characters. Her romance with the lead also didn't feel needed to be in the show and just felt forced.
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An Ice Rink Worth Sliding
Overall, this drama is surprisingly good. The synopsis is kind of on the basic side but the story telling and the morals told from this really outweighed my initial judgement. Acting was for the most part very natural with the exception of a few scenes that felt odd but for a good intention of adding comic relief. Speaking of comedy, this drama has one of the most diverse cast of funny yet likable side characters I have seen from a drama for a long time. To top off 'icing' on the cake, the songs in this one were also worth a mention although they aren't on the highest tier.Specifically, the music and background sound design was a bit plain but provide a very real atmosphere and tone to the scenes, which this drama tries to do. Throughout the story, it tries in many directions to motivate and captivate the audience with relating the common day-to-day struggles we endure. Our careers, our passions in life, the depression some of us face, our loved ones, our friendships, the importance of family, are just some of the motifs this drama offers to bring to life. Throughout the time of every person's life, they will face highs and lows and this drama depicts that picture perfectly. At one point, I actually was on the borderline of crying and that is rare among dramas in this age.
In summary, I would describe this drama as a drop of fresh dew from the 'icy' early morning - it's full of positive life messages as well as subtly emotional scenes very relatable to many problems we face in the current age. The ice theme also fits excellently whilst adding an unique touch.
-Spoiler Alert-
This is my personal list of rewatch value for anyone interested:
1) EP 17 – Shaohua Festival. Features Huanhuan crying happy tears after acknowledging Liao’s romantic gestures, the nerdy roommate online chat containing some interesting and inspiring bits and Yui Wei’s cute interaction with the Shi Jia in peppa pig mascot
2) EP 23 – Li Yubing’s parent misunderstanding of his sexuality and first kiss scene. Additionally, some may find the ice skating team field trip bit to be enjoyable
3) EP 24 – Weiwei saving Li Yubing and Tang xue’s secret meetup and Tang xue’s roomate ‘punishment’ for hiding the relationship from them
4) EP 27 – Tang Xue father’s confrontation (quite sad and relatable), and Bian cheng’s defeat and exposure was quite satisfying
5) EP 30 – One of my favourite episodes. Weiwei and Zhou Ran’s character development and Li Yubing's attemp to help out his friends by consulting manager Ma
6) EP 35 – YuYan’s full recovery and his reveal to YuBing to help him get together with Tang Xue
7) EP 40 – Bian chang’s character development and all side character couple scenes. Overall story resolution
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Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
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20 min into the first episode, it's already very clear that the show doesn't take itself very seriously. There are scenes later on that explores a more serious tone but I won't call it "dark" which a lot of the other reviewers complained. In fact, I find that it adds more depth and complexity to Bong Song's character and abilities. The male lead also did very well in this drama - his character really draws you in and paired very well in contrast to the female lead. Music is done really well and it lets the audience know when the story wants to show a funny or a serious moment.
The only complaint I have is that it does slow down a bit in certain parts and the crime component in the end feels a bit forced, but nothing ground-breaking here that would make me stop the series. I suppose for some people, the main premise could be a bit too ridiculous for them to handle, but honestly, just watch this with an open mind and you'll be quick to get sucked into it! I think it's that good! VERY ENTERTAINING!
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Secondly, the soundtracks are pretty on-point. The opening especially, has a very iconic sound - it fits well with the drama's concept and I actually ended up adding it to my playlist.
Lastly, the concept - romance and video games isn't exactly the classic pairing but this drama made it work - and it was actually very refreshing and adapts very well with the modern era. This drama is very sweet and endearing - very good at showing the innocent sides of a perfect romance story. Unfortunately, that's also where the problem lies -- it's TOO PERFECT.
For pretty much the entirety of the plot, there is almost no real conflict. Boy and girl falls in love and then you get 20+ episodes of nothing but romance. There are some characters who tries to get in the way but it felt like they were merely pebbles in a large plot of land. The character that Yang Yang (male lead) plays is unrealistically too perfect. But despise this major flaw, it somehow was entertaining enough for me to finish it.
If you enjoy light, white vanilla romance, this drama is for you. Plus, pretty sure 90% of you came with Yang Yang anyways.
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Not only that, every episode is similar to each other. It almost felt like the show was trying to hypnotize my brain. I only finished this because I really wanted it to be good.
Don't recommend. If you must watch it, stop after the first episode.
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