The Guests Were More Interesting Than The Mains
First off, I did not hate this drama. There is a lot to like and I found parts of the drama thoroughly entertaining. However, I kept bumping into some major problems as it went along. The main issues were… the mains; the main plot, the main characters, the main actors, and the main message.
But let me start with the things I liked. The production value is STELLAR. Every "life" felt like a different drama that was often so cinematic that each felt like their own movie. The cinematography is exquisite and creative, each life with its own vibe and theme. Some of the action sequences were incredibly exhilarating and got the blood pumping. Each incarnation and the side characters in the different lives were unique and believable. Not to mention the crazy A+ gallery of guest lead actors!
So this leads to my issues with the mains. The subplots were more compelling than the main plot. The incarnations were more deserving of life than the main character. The ML is a whiny brat. Death is boring and does very little. We would often have to cut away from some incredible story arch, only for it to end abruptly and be met with the constipated sad sac face of Choi Ye Jae and the bland and petty Death standing in an empty black room. "NOOOO!" I thought, "Go back! That was way more interesting!"
Also, I think it has to be said... Seo In Guk seems limited as an actor. Choi Si Won, Sung Hoon, Lee Jae Wook, Lee Do Hyun, and pretty much every incarnation were acting circles around him. To the point where I had trouble believing these people were the same character. After each death, we see the same forced expression from Seo In Guk, with little to no growth of his character throughout the entire drama. Shouldn't you show some change after living and dying in each life? I don't mean to be mean, It's just my natural reaction while watching the drama. I have seen him in other dramas where he had shown himself to be a capable actor who can bring a certain charm and suaveness to a role. But I can't help but think he was horribly miscast as some studious, impoverished underdog. As for Park So Dam, she is a legendary actress, one of the industry's best. I can not for the life of me understand why she chose this role. The role itself is so limiting and lacks any depth or dynamic. 99% of her role is standing in a dark room talking blandly at Seo In Guk. A complete waste of Park So Dam.
Which leads me to the main message. I have to agree with a lot of the other reviews. The message of suicide being portrayed so shallowly and haphazardly and blaming the victim is not only overly simplistic and problematic but also dangerous for anyone struggling with such real issues. Perhaps something was lost from the webtoon source material but the message spoiled an otherwise great premise.
But let me start with the things I liked. The production value is STELLAR. Every "life" felt like a different drama that was often so cinematic that each felt like their own movie. The cinematography is exquisite and creative, each life with its own vibe and theme. Some of the action sequences were incredibly exhilarating and got the blood pumping. Each incarnation and the side characters in the different lives were unique and believable. Not to mention the crazy A+ gallery of guest lead actors!
So this leads to my issues with the mains. The subplots were more compelling than the main plot. The incarnations were more deserving of life than the main character. The ML is a whiny brat. Death is boring and does very little. We would often have to cut away from some incredible story arch, only for it to end abruptly and be met with the constipated sad sac face of Choi Ye Jae and the bland and petty Death standing in an empty black room. "NOOOO!" I thought, "Go back! That was way more interesting!"
Also, I think it has to be said... Seo In Guk seems limited as an actor. Choi Si Won, Sung Hoon, Lee Jae Wook, Lee Do Hyun, and pretty much every incarnation were acting circles around him. To the point where I had trouble believing these people were the same character. After each death, we see the same forced expression from Seo In Guk, with little to no growth of his character throughout the entire drama. Shouldn't you show some change after living and dying in each life? I don't mean to be mean, It's just my natural reaction while watching the drama. I have seen him in other dramas where he had shown himself to be a capable actor who can bring a certain charm and suaveness to a role. But I can't help but think he was horribly miscast as some studious, impoverished underdog. As for Park So Dam, she is a legendary actress, one of the industry's best. I can not for the life of me understand why she chose this role. The role itself is so limiting and lacks any depth or dynamic. 99% of her role is standing in a dark room talking blandly at Seo In Guk. A complete waste of Park So Dam.
Which leads me to the main message. I have to agree with a lot of the other reviews. The message of suicide being portrayed so shallowly and haphazardly and blaming the victim is not only overly simplistic and problematic but also dangerous for anyone struggling with such real issues. Perhaps something was lost from the webtoon source material but the message spoiled an otherwise great premise.
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