AJ_McAninch

I love the actors, especially the lead. But loving them does not make up for the sudden plot gaffes, along with images like cats suddenly appearing, whose purposes are never explained. These events and images begin to drift throughout the second half of the film along with additionally unexplained character behaviors that ruined it for me. It was like they were so determined to finish that they gave up on developing. And that broke the mood and enjoyment. I am disappointed because I loved the first half.

There were only hints of a real storyline in the plot, and that's a double shame in the outcome because the actors are skilled, and the storyline had more potential. But when writer, director, and special effects completely take over the plot, it disappears into only a faint reminder there had been characters and story at the beginning. The result is only the incessant whipping up and around of machine guns that must have multiple cartridges and the constant braying of bullets and flying of blood until the while thing finally stops with a sad scene of regret over a daughter's missed birthday. And that story mattered far more.

I thought this was an enjoyable series for the most part, but not the strong production expected of great K-Drama. It's a terrific cast, but both the writing and direction seemed too often unsure of the focus and purpose moving toward solid closure. It's a well-intended production but not as sharp and clear as needed. Still, there are some fine scenes and performances, so it's definitely above average.

However, the drumbeat of 10s here and on the web page is off-putting, especially in view of the history of K-Drama where truly brilliant films and series are breathtakingly impressive and moving-like "Guardian" in the earlier years to "Crash Landing" and "My Dearest" among others in this genre that have captured the world. The main cast in this one are beloved and rightly so, but to fall in love again with these popular actors and not see the writing and direction flaws is off-putting. This is a good series, but not a great, much less classic K-Drama. We should take care over-doing the hyper praise: claiming it as the greatest K-Drama of 2025 when it's only April, much less that it is brilliant when in context of K-Drama for 25 years it is not in the same league. Loving the actors is understandable, but the writing, pacing, and directing are inconsistent. A great theme and fine actors do not mean the series is brilliant. To achieve that level, especially in K-Drama, all elements of the genre must also be exceptional at the highest level of the art form. I enjoyed aspects of this series also, but it is not on the level of the finest dramas this genre can claim for over 25 years.