The Ballot

I rarely watch romantic comedies but this is not all there is. It's also about politics and staying with your principles and who you are.

The romance is not prominent theme. What really got me is the wide angle cinematography. I'm a photographer so that kept my interest from another perspective. Oh, yeah, the comedy and local politics too.

The main character's name in Korean sounds like Godzilla. And in the mind of the other politicians she is a monster. A relentless, justice seeking, civil servant. She is paired with a meticulous, dutiful and resourceful city clerk.

No they don't win every battle. But the process of each challenge was definitely fun. There are also good set design, supporting characters like the kid, , the girls parents, her 2 loyal friends, and the 3 triplets politicians.

But credit has to go to the main actress. She has a certain presence, charm, radiance and .....panache that fills the screen (and her role) with ease and natural zzeal and zest. And that smile and laughter is absolutely infectious.

A young lady Goo Se-ra who has been a serial complainer to the local assembly for years decides to stand in the election to shake things up. Surprisingly she wins and even though she is a little ditzy and wears her heart on her sleeve she begins to make improvements to local peoples lives. The lead is played outstandingly by Jin-Ah Im with just the right of crazy to be loveable but not over the top. Great supporting cast especially the females and well filmed and paced. A light romantic comedy with a feel good factor.

Oh wait! This is something else! Something New and exciting and wonderful and funny and smart. It ticks all the boxes but it also adds new boxes that create new demands for series to come. Humoristic and intelligent with a fabulous female lead backed up by an equally fabulous male lead and an amazing chemistry between them. This drama feels fresh and modern and it actually touches some of the more provocative questions about social structures today. Excellent! Lean back and Enjoy the ride!

Nana and Park Sung-hoon are an absolutely adorable romantic couple from start to finish. The laughs and the romance are scattered throughout every episode. All of the side characters are really well acted. The OST is amazing Loved it! The main reason to watch is Nana... who has been in three really good dramas in the past year. In this one, she finally gets to play comedy and romance... and she does it brilliantly. She deserves some awards at the end of the year.

Was really surprised to find this truly hidden gem!

Before anything, The Script Writer Moon Hyun-Kyeong (brilliant!) and Director Hwang Seung-Ki (brilliant!) deserve the highest praise! What a wonderful collaboration, and whoever chose the camera person gets an extra star! The camera work in this entire drama is amazing in a way that is truly art-of-filmmaking brilliant. (Sorry to use this word so many times, but there just isn't any other than fits as well.) And, now...the actors...all of them were so perfectly cast, but special honors go to Im Jin-ah and Park Sung-hoon. Wow, the chemistry between the two leads, especially as they bonded throughout the drama is so entertaining and endearing. And special mention goes to the little boy who is always the fourth character among Se Ra and her two best friends. He's the "And a little child shall lead them" character throughout, and he'sl as so adorable!

I happened upon this drama because I was watching Don't Dare to Dream and was drawn to Park Sung-hoon's role there as Secretary Cha. I was hoping I would find a drama he stars in where he plays a similar endearing character. Into the Ring delivered so much more than that!

If anyone is familiar with the western director Wes Anderson, you might love Into the Ring as so many scenes remind me of some of his funniest and quirkiest films. I do hope there's a future collaboration of everyone who was instrumental in making this wonderful drama. (As a side, I'm surprised to find so few awards for this. S Korea doesn't seem to reward art in filmmaking as much as popularity, which is a shame. Over here, I can think of at least eight Oscar category nominations.)

Special recognition also goes to the storyline, which for me in this terribly contentious, political climate here in the USA (2024), this story worked like a healing balm for my soul that has been so worn down by ridiculous politics and the greed that seems to survive in a way that is so disheartening. This drama storyline makes you feel hopeful that the underdog, the candidate who really cares most for the majority of average, hard-working citizens can make a difference even when all the odds are stacked against them. If for only this, it's a must see these days. Bravo to all the cast and crew of the endearingly entertaining drama. <3 <3 <3 . . .