Queenmaker

While it may have had a gripping introduction and an attractive selection of cast, however, it couldn't maintain its momentum later on. It started off as a fully fledged political drama then added a mix of other genres and cliches with an overpowering flavor of Netflix-esque type of production. Within a few episodes, it quickly lost its creative edge and began to recycle and re-skin the same attacks and counter-attacks between the involved parties. It made the scoop of the drama quite limited for its +11 hours runtime. It's a female centered plot so naturally the spotlight was on them. Each received decent characterization, good introductions, showcased interesting dynamics, and donned fashionable attire. However, by the end of the drama, all of them blended into a bland and vexing mix, losing their initial allure. The drama may have been alright but it's not quite there. At least it didn't stretch for the typical 16 episodes so that's a small win. On another note, the superheroes slo-mo walking shots were cringe. And the brief teaser at the end for a potential 2nd season was tasteless.

I liked the sound of the plot and the series had some very good reviews so I decided to give it a go. After a slowish start, with the scene being set, the drama, skulduggery, Intrigue, mayhem and more began. The story depicts a rich and powerful Korean corporation and the lengths they would go to to broker deals and gain power. To help them with this, they employ a Fixer. Hang Do Hee, who is adept at manipulating anything to the corporation's advantage. She has been a loyal servant for ten years. Something happens to make her question her loyalty and the story begins in earnest. The acting is excellent throughout, with really nasty baddies and really good goodies. The plot has more twists and turns than the Nurburgring! It depicts a world of politics where trickery, corruption and bribery are rife, with the media and the police all in the pocket of the wealthy corporation - nothing like real politics then! 😁.

My wife and I enjoyed it enormously and 11 episodes was just the right length. There is some talk of a second season and there are certainly more avenues that could be explored. Well worth a watch if not a binge watch! A 9 from me.

I hesitated for a long time before seeing this South Korean drama series, then I took the plunge and what a nice surprise I was able to discover. A splendid series full of twists and a rare intelligence, gave me incredible pleasure with each episode. Moreover this series owes its value to its actresses and actors of an extraordinary veracity, to arrive at the end with an unforgettable series. The wonderful interpretation of: Moon So-ri, Kim Hee-ae and Ryu Soo-young, for me these two actresses and actors were really exceptional. Of course, the entire cast was also of high quality. To end my feelings on this series, the direction of Oh Jin-seok was also magnificent and finally the superb screenplay was by Moon Ji-young. A very great Netflix series.

I have to admit: after watching episode one I thought this would be one more on my list of Korean turn-offs. How wrong I was. The second episode really grabbed me and it did not disappoint. What a great, well executed drama on corruption, human evil and the struggle to have honesty, righteousness and justice prevail. It has some weak moments, but overall this series is outstanding and approaches for instance House of Cards. Acting and dialogues are generally top notch. This series will keep you on the edge of your seat while the storyline develops with an absurd mix of strikes and counterstrikes between political opponents. The good should prevail of course, but right into the last episode it is unclear if it will. Can't spoil yet, as I'm currently watching the last (11th) episode. See for yourself.

So far Korean cinema has not been able to make me a fan because of overacting, hysteria and poor storylines in many series and movies. Queenmaker however is a true gem. Definitely recommended and hoping for more of this in the future.

Too cartoonish for my liking but the actors are good, the production value is good and enjoyed the story. I love political intrigue but as usual the activistic leftwing party is the good guy (like in almost 100% of the political dramas, it's so predictabe) and the endless virute signalling (woman are good, men are bad, employer bad, employee victim) have been done a trillion times before.

When I write cartoonish I mean especially the villains, no redeeming qualities whatsoever. So you get the gist early on.

Although I would have loved a series with more depth, more (believable) twists and originality (played by the same crew because -again- the actors can act and the director can direct) and perhaps a bit less emotioning so common in many Korean productions, a better, possibly more neutral and/or clever storywriter could have taken this series to another level.

6,5 (first part is definitely better and deserves perhaps an eight)