Anna

Finally a drama not about a guy and a girl falling in love through the course of 16 episodes, not about some funny jokes and funny songs and the same repeatitive vibe but a story of how cruel the world can be and how much it can affect people. I left watching korean dramas because they were becoming some how very predictable and repeatitive but squid game brought me back and now that i have watched this drama, i am getting hopeful. The drama has its weaknesses and can be a little predictable sometimes but it is elevated with a first class acting by Suzy who succeeds in giving soul and complexity to her character, this does not mean the rest of the cast wasn't amazing, cinematography is on point, directing is good, editing could have been better, But overall while i would have given this an 8 on normal circumstance, i will give it a 10 just because i appreciate the change and seriousness in this drama compared to other k dramas.

This show has beautiful cinematography and good pacing. I liked the main character, she was intelligent, knew what she wanted and went for it even though it was wrong. The story follows a clear development, climax and end so everything was wrapped up nicely within 6 episodes. Although some parts may seem underdeveloped, overall, it was written well.

What happens when you sell your soul to a lie?..

The overarching theme of this drama portrays how far someone is willing to go to dive into a lie when they are desperate enough, and the consequences of doing so.

Think plot of "Catch Me If You Can" with Leo De Caprio or "Talented Mr Ripley" with Matt Damon, with an injection of the deeper themes of the first two acts of "Parasite".. If you enjoyed those films you'll really enjoy this one, as I am.

The depth of the plot and the realism of the script and the acting are deep, so deep that I have a hard time distinguishing it from what could happen in real life. This gives this drama a mature and serious vibe, underpinned by an underlying sinister tension that the main character Suzy has, and continues to, commit deeper and deeper sins.

Pacing seems perfect so far at the halfway point, and really feels like a very well executed movie, even though the total runtime should come to around 6 hours. No room for filler scenes, and each scene is poignant, important and feels crisp which lends a feeling of overall quality to the experience.

Highly recommend- Surprised this isn't getting more attention as I think this is absolutely S tier and is so far scene for scene in the ballpark for quality and execution to films such as Parasite, Burning and feels similar to when I was watching the first few episodes of Flower of Evil, and COULD end up being the highest quality Korean drama I've ever watched. Although that is a big IF with half the season remaining.

The subtitles disappear a little too quick for my liking.

The translations sometimes didn't quite make scene. What would help a bunch is to have a few English as 1st language people (in English counties) help with making it more clear.

FYI "Anna Director's Cut" (1 of 2 versions of the series) Is at least 2 stars better than the "studio" cut version. Apparently there was a lawsuit et al after the studio cut the series. DC is a slower paced & provides much better background to the character and the arc of the story

Well shot - well edited (DC) - Great Acting - A very honestly told story about a troubles young girl/lady & TTBOMK it offers a glimpse into S Korean culture.

I will look forward to "Season 2"

Why was the Journalist eating or drinking in almost every scene?

Interesting why so few people have reviewed this series since IMO it is too good!!! (subtitle may have something to do with it.

I watched the Directors cut which has 8 episodes and not the 6 episodes which were shown on TV. There was controversy between the director Lee Joo Young and the production house over the editing of the series, she even asked for her name to be removed as the director and screenplay writer. I was impressed with the direction and screenplay as the main character is seen to make decisions which are wrong but you can empathise why she chooses the path she does. Suzy Bae is very suited to the role as even though her acting has been criticised in the past her muted style suits the character who seems to be selfish initially but is wronged as a child and slowly over time her small lies lead to major deception.