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daleshi
Reviews
D.P. (2021)
It's good, but short.
One of the better kdrama I've watched in a while. Filming, directing, and acting all really well done. I'd say writing was up there too, although the comic elements might be distracting at times (but not necessarily unbelievable).
As a US vet there was a decent amount to relate to. Unfortunately, this series focuses mainly on one negative aspect of service...or really, basic human group behavior (bullying) that can arise if deemed "appropriate" or left unchecked. When I served we could be issued approved disciplinary "beatings" from a small card which basically would not kill us. By the time we were assigned to our training platoons and then more permanent units, a good number were discharged. Still, what's depicted in this drama certainly occurs for us, but I wonder how systemic it is in the Korean service as it's portrayed.
That was really my main issue with the series, since their compulsory service is rather short in comparison. I feel like their suicide rate would be a much bigger issue than desertion if soldiers are beating each other left and right unchecked.
1899 (2022)
Disappointing
Somehow managed to finish the series after being put to sleep each episode. It's nothing near the quality of Dark. Characters and plots are jostled together never fully developing. The slow-burn doesn't build, but instead fizzles into vaporous whatever.
For a language fan this is pretty neat hearing English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, Polish, and others, although I don't think they were adjusted for the time period. Annoyingly though, there are numerous moments where obvious language barriers are magically bypassed by actors conveying unbelievable expressions of understanding.
The effects, wardrobe, and acting were all good. Writing was just meh unfortunately. Better off watching season one of The Terror or The North Water.
The English (2022)
Worthwhile oddity
I binged purely for the sake of Blunt's performance and I'm glad I finished the series. Episode six was really stellar and she brings the story to a memorable resolution. Yes, it is a slow build from episode to episode, so understandably it may be difficult for some viewers to stick with.
I found the comical elements and muddled authenticity confusing though. There are more than enough serious issues presented throughout, but it seems intentionally not to be taken as such. Or, at least the unauthentic moments were distracting and unnecessary for me in comparison the final episode.
Perhaps Blick is making some commentary on grindhouse and exploitation, or some influence from the earliest cinematic portrayals of the subject. There is some allusion to that in the credits, but whatever it is, it unfortunately feels off.
Kleo (2022)
Killing Eve vibes...
Good production and acting, just way too condensed for eight episodes. Maybe it started with a Villanelle-like character circa '89 Germany concept, and the first few episodes showed a lot of promise, but it quickly went off on short-lived tangents that could have been developed over multiple seasons.
So, you get something quite rushed, albeit enjoyable enough for a binge with no expectations or serious investment in characters. It's just a shame since there is a lot of potential with the time period and setting.