Jessicat66

I as a big fan of South Korean film and TV watched this with my partner who is not. We both equally enjoyed it. The costumes, CGI and world design were very well done especially for a first south korean sci fi and the acting by the main cast was well done also. I would liken this film to guardians of the galaxy in that it is a film about a group of misfits with troubled pasts who find family in each other. Which may be cliche as I have seen others complain in reviews however I think this is part of what makes the film enjoyable rather than being a weakness. Though cliche themes I think that the story still felt unique to me in the way executed. And also the characters which I loved particularly the bad ass captain. Time wise this is a long film but it didn't feel like it was and it managed to keep my attention the whole way through. My only complaint which may seem strange to say as a british person, was the English (and other non korean languages) it felt unnatural and distracting to me. However I understand this was to make it more realistic. The ending did seem to set up for a sequel which I would definitely watch if one was made.

As someone who is introverted and is socially anxious it was really great to see this represented and I think this is what this drama did well in the way it is written and in the actors portrayal. The main male lead is very relateable to me and the development of his character is enjoyable to watch. However there are some problems with this show that really ruin that plot and the premise of the series. For one, there are some very problematic behaviours from many of the other characters in the show that really don't get challenged or addressed properly which did make some parts very difficult to watch. Also, towards the end of the series it feels like more and more drama and 'twists' are being added for drama sake or to drag it out for a few more episodes. It makes some of the events leading up to this just feel like a waste of time and also leaves a few confusing gaps in the plot that could have been resolved without needless extra drama. There are themes around mental health- suicide and self harm but I feel that these were not handled well at all in this drama- not well represented and kind of skimmed over. At parts the drama switches very quickly from dark and serious plot points and themes to overly lighthearted romance/ comedy which can make it difficult to be invested in the story when this happens. This series could have been much better of the focus had stuck with the main character and his development instead of drawing away from this with a storyline and characters that are muddled, problematic and not well enough explored. I know it's a drama but I would have liked to have seen a little less drama.

The ending was really rushed, it really took me by surprise when I realised I was on the last episode. However, other than that I thoroughly enjoyed this kdrama and pretty much binge watched it. There was something really great about watching characters doing something every day that we all do- go to work. I also really liked that none of the characters are created to be 'perfect' or aspirational and are all very flawed. This is what makes them so human and this is what makes the story work as this drama is much more about character development than anything else. Characters who might have been a typical villain in another show we get to know and learn that behind the mask and unlikeable behaviours they are just so very human. The show explains how all of these very different and 'dysfunctional' characters share something in common: they just want to work hard to succeed in their job and take care of their families. Really great sense of humour, just don't expect a love story!