Wow. What an ingenious story. I watch Korean dramas for two reasons: 1) language learning, and 2) interest in storytelling and how it differs around the world. So, I tend to have a lot critique about nitpicky things which can distract me from just enjoying a plot or a character development. I have zero nits to pick with this one. Maybe there are flaws, but the beautifully crafted, intricately complex story full of humanity was so compelling that I was never distracted by any potential flaws. I found this by accident, just scanning through titles. When I saw the production date, the fantasy aspect and particularly that it was about revenge, I was certain I wouldn't be interested or find it of great quality. (I love fantasy, but often find that writers use the fantasy as a crutch and then don't craft a very good story because the fantasy bit is supposed to distract us.) But, this. This is something different. What is wrong? What is right? The relentless ambiguity has you constantly questioning your own sense, realizing that context can sometimes knock you off your rigid high horse. You want someone to be The Culprit behind everything, but is there one? Even if someone is dealing a deck, are they responsible for the call you make with your hand? Or is everybody accountable for their own choices? If no one will believe your truth and will punish you for an untrue version of events, is an altered version that is, for all intents and purposes, the same truth regarding you, acceptable? Is it wrong to withhold the whole truth in order to protect yourself, if you think no one else is harmed?
I could go on and on about the ethical dilemmas, the oh-so-human character weaknesses and the depths to which this story begs us to consider forgiveness. In the end, I just wanted everyone's pain to be soothed, for them all to find some peace of mind and some healing for their hearts. I ached for every single one of them. They were all so exquisite.
