It was definitely a brisk pace for a ~70min episode, over before I knew it. I didn't want it to end there, especially because that last scene was the best (or at least my favorite) of the entire episode. I thought SJK's acting was superb in that scene - his reaction to Jae Hee, how his eyes welled with so many emotions, varying from disbelief, pain, anger, a mixture of all three. He just became more vulnerable than he could help it in that scene, and it broke my a heart a little. I think it just made an impression on me because it was a bit shocking to see this rise from him, given how we were just previously lead to believe that he'd become this cold-hearted womanizer without any feelings. Here, we got to see the old Maru surface, still a good guy after all, still carrying that pain of a lover's betrayal. It was really a good place to end and it leaves me wanting for the next episode
( ... )
I think that's why I can't quite criticize them for how fast they moved in the first episode. I read the script first (a real page-turner btw) and when I saw the ending (how Maru met Eun-Gi for the first time and how he came face to face with Jae-Hee after six years), I remember thinking that's where I'd want the characters to be, positioned for fireworks, heading into the 2nd episode. Was there a better way to get there, in terms of facilitating the viewers' understanding or emotional involvement? I don't know, but it's brimming with so much potential and so many questions we hope they'll address that it does make you want to see what they'll do next.
And yes, SJK is superb. :) He's not 100% Kang Maru just yet but I missed watching him do what he does best, sell a role like nobody's business. And I love that he does it all w/o going for excess.
I loved everything about the first episode... though there were some flaws. Overall I like that it's not OTT but very subtle.
I agree SJK and MCW nailed it for me... with PSY I'm not sure. I never liked her acting so much but she was decent here. I think HER scene was the crying scene in the motel - I don't know if that's a good thing to like a scenes like that the most while SJK can nail it in every scene. And sometimes only with his eyes. *swoon*
Actually the characters could get OTT but the actors are playing rather measuredly. Which in itself can look affected, but while the performances aren't 100% polished and pitch-perfect, I was pretty impressed with the results. PSY was uneven, but I think part of the problem is the writing for her character and there's a lot I like about what she brings to the role, so... we'll see.
Well because everything was happening so fast in the first episode... we didn't really get the chance to connect with the characters, except Maru because he is in almost every scene. (and I like Jae Gil so far! :P) So like you I think it's the writing of JH why I don't know what to think of her. But we have many episodes ahead, so I don't worry about that. :)
Heh, I like the boy but as an actor. He doesn't make me hormonal in any way, as pretty as he is. Come to think of it, there are actually very few actors I do find appealing in that sense. ;)
The pace was brisk indeed but as you said it wasn't an instant 'wow!'. Early days yet so I'm hoping they are able to iron out the kinks and make us care for the characters. It has potential to be more than what they gave us with ep 1. Onwards and upwards!
In my defense :P I'm not like this with his other roles. (Or other actors for that matter.) His new film is due for release soon and the astonishing posters notwithstanding, he's playing a 17yo 'boy' in there and while it sounds like he's going to break my heart into million pieces and make me bawl my eyes out, I don't think I have to worry about getting hormonal with the werewolf. :) There's just something about this that just gets to me like no other, and I kinda wanted to get it out in the open before I got down to business. But something tells me I'm going to embarrass myself on a regular basis... Good thing I'm also on tumblr where I can indulge in fangirling shamelessly. :P
I don't get hormonal with Maru - I want to get him therapy
He needs Eun-Gi. :) Well, they could both use some therapy, but they're really wonderful each other. I think that's probably the best surprise of the early eps., how they heal each other in ways nobody expected (least of all the two of them) and it all happens before whatever's supposed to happen with Eun-Gi. Yes, that's why next week has to come very, very soon.
Um, I was actually hinting at ep. 3 (and 4, and 5... and that's as far as I know), but yeah, we need to see ep. 2 to understand why their relationship develops the way it does. So yes, I really, really hope the subs will be out very, very soon.
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And yes, SJK is superb. :) He's not 100% Kang Maru just yet but I missed watching him do what he does best, sell a role like nobody's business. And I love that he does it all w/o going for excess.
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I agree SJK and MCW nailed it for me... with PSY I'm not sure. I never liked her acting so much but she was decent here. I think HER scene was the crying scene in the motel - I don't know if that's a good thing to like a scenes like that the most while SJK can nail it in every scene. And sometimes only with his eyes. *swoon*
Can't wait for tonights episode!
Jillia
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Jillia
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The pace was brisk indeed but as you said it wasn't an instant 'wow!'. Early days yet so I'm hoping they are able to iron out the kinks and make us care for the characters. It has potential to be more than what they gave us with ep 1. Onwards and upwards!
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SJK is gorgeous but I don't get hormonal with Maru - I want to get him therapy, and maybe a sandwich. Hell of a performance though.
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He needs Eun-Gi. :) Well, they could both use some therapy, but they're really wonderful each other. I think that's probably the best surprise of the early eps., how they heal each other in ways nobody expected (least of all the two of them) and it all happens before whatever's supposed to happen with Eun-Gi. Yes, that's why next week has to come very, very soon.
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