bridget
pennsylvania, usa
The story itself is an okay one, but one that most of us who have watched dramas surrounding corruption and prosecution should expect with a few twists and turns that give City of Evil it's heart. As it gets towards the end it loses some of the plot and some plots holes (to me) never really get resolved or in the midst of so many plot devices, get lost in the overall story. However, the gem in this drama isn't the story line, but the heart of the cast who did a beyond amazing job with their characters. There isn't one character you won't be rooting for, you won't cry for, from main cast to supporting—and if you watch close enough, you may recognize a familiar face or two from Bad Guys. Above all, Bad Guys and City of Evil are the exact same in one area—the teamwork and camaraderie between the characters is really admirable and what I really watch for.
It's packed with great action scenes, and the music score and OSTs from the drama help set a really great mood for such a dark drama. I don't think I'll really ever rewatch this drama much as I did Bad Guys, but I overall really enjoyed watching it and suggest it for somebody who wants an action packed drama with really great acting. It dives right into the chaos and you just get to go along for the ride.
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I do have smaller minor issues in terms of Yeon Woo's character and how he tends to flip flop rather than stay somewhere on a constant path, and the story to me dragged along towards the middle, but picked up closer to the end. The last few episodes were a little fast paced and could have been done earlier, but they still worked out pretty well.
In terms of romance or bromance, Kang Seok and Yeonwoo's friendship as well as Kang Seok and Chae Geun Sik's rivalry, and the relationship between Kang Seok and Partner Kang were all wonderful to watch. I felt so so on Yeonwoo and Jinah, but they were a minor cute edition that I didn't mind all too much, though I wish we could have seen a little more of Jinah's backstory.
Overall, I could watch this again from certain parts. It was a really chill watch (til the second half when I was screaming) that I could rebinge anytime. The ending was open ended so while the chances are sim to none for a second season, it could totally be done (and with the great ratings, who knows).
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Life on Mars is a cross between a serious crime show that OCN is known for, and a slapstick chummy cop show with a rambunctious captain calling the shots. It follows Han Taejoo, who ends up in the 80s outside of Seoul after a mishap in a present day 2018 case. The first few episodes are very heavily so Taejoo getting adjusted and lots of references to 2018, but as it continues on, it delves more into the story of why Taejoo came to the 80s and how it ties into his 2018 life. The plot was always interesting, and as it gets towards the middle the true nature of the story comes to the forefront and is super captivating.
As for the cast, they're all purely fantastic. Jung Kyungho does a great job as Taejoo, especially when he is caught in the rift of past and present (which isnt easy). For me, the real gem of Life on Mars is Kim Dongcheol, played by Park Sungwoong. Dongcheol is your typical rambunctious, self assured, brawn and all captain who rules his team with a brash and harsh mouth but would go to war for every single one of them. Park Sungwoong was absolutely hilarious in near every episode and made for a lot of comedic relief that didn't feel forced or cheesy. Go Ahsung also did a wonderful job as Yoon Nayoung, and I adore how her character was written in every aspect and how she is allowed to grow within the team. The character development is very noticeable and positive, and that's what I did love about the show.
The ending made it very open ended so I'm interested to see if OCN will follow through with a season 2 (i.e Voice), but regardless, you won't regret watching this. If you want a crime show but something still light hearted? This is the drama for you.
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The acting was beyond amazing. Lee Boyoung, Heo Yool, Lee Hyeyoung and Go Sunghee gave spectacular performances from start to end, and you really got a great sense of all of their characters and the complicated nature of all of their relationships. Even the more 'support' cast had wonderful performances and not one character was hopelessly thrown in with no real purpose—even the characters you think may have little to no point end up having a significant role as the story continues along. Also special props to Son Seok Koo (who plays Lee Seol Ak) for such a great performance and depth he gave to his character to the very end.
This drama isn't something I can rewatch easily, considering I had to take it in small doses, but it was a beautiful watch and something I would recommend to anybody who wants to see a drama really focused on an issue, with great female characters across the board, and with a story that will touch you to your core.
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