Foreword: as addicting as a bubble wrap.
The plot is what makes Mawang decent. Uhm Tae-Wong is what takes it to the next level.
Seo Hae-In can read things. Kang Oh-Soo fights crime. Oh Seung-Ha defends people. The weird thing is that Hae-In avoids the police, Oh-Soo ignores his chaebol father, and Seung-Ha defends scum. And that is all you need to know. The plot is so sophisticated that one more detail and the synopsis will transform into a big fat spoiler. Let’s stop at calling Devil a detective-slash-revenge series.
The episodes are built like a card-house glued by an incredible speed and what can be defined as an ultimate confidence of the screenwriter. On close inspection, you conclude that the events in general and the crimes in particular aren’t that great: too many whats and ifs are arranged together to make the deeds happen. They’re a little bit too intentional and in some sense tryhard. But then you realize this spider-work is the whole point.
Anyway, the need for analysis, the desire to pick Devil apart never appears in the process of watching it. Confessions, revelations and turning points rush past at mad rate: not a minute of delay, not a trace of hesitation. Either the script wasn’t changed or the screenwriter possesses an inhuman speed of creative response.
Now, if only I could apply the same to the main characters…
Seo Hae In is as exciting as a concrete wall. I’m still trying to figure out how you can make a thing reader, a psychic, so bland. She’s unmistakably more of plot-moving device and a symbol of forgiveness than a real person, her strongest emotion being physically tired. I can’t even blame Shin Min Ah. Trapped in a scheme, you can’t do much.
By contrast, Joo Hi Hoon has failed his part unquestionably. No ifs ands or buts. Oh Seung Ha is a complicated character, both resembling and opposing Kang Oh-Soo. Possessing all the prerequisites of a tragic misunderstood avenger —tragically lost his family, works hard, lives under false ID — He’s supposed to bring sympathy. He doesn’t. No amount of sad faces over a music box and lip curving can save him. At best, it’s a very mediocre acting. In the beginning this stiffness creates some aura of mystery, then it irritates to no end.
The final nail in the coffin is his overdramatic and poorly executed flashbacks. The actor portraying a younger version is different, but the outcome is the same. I still can’t believe this wiping mess is played by Kwak Jung-Wook. The difference in his acting levels here and in School 2013/White Christmas is astounding.
As for Uhm Tae Wong, he doesn’t overshadow the others. He simply wipes the floor with them. Repeatedly. This whole review is basically a tribute to his hard work and passion. The “blame” is equally shared between the script where his backstory is portrayed generously (but so is Seung-Ha’s part) and the actor who plays as if he breathes. Even young Oh-Soo, portrayed by Suh Joon-Young, is tons better than his opponent.
What more to say? The romantic relationship between the leads is nothing to write home about; the supporting character’s passionate love is A+. The shaky camera effect in the first episodes (the operator going through “experimenting” stage?) is just shaky and doesn’t add more thrill (but adds a lot of headache). Thankfully, it’s not repeated later. Let’s stop there. I won’t waste anymore words.
If you’re into dramatic detectives, just go-go-go for it.
Trivia:
- Korean version came first, the Japanese one with Ohno Satoshi is a remake (the reverse is true for Dr. Jin).
- Uhm Tae wong is a younger brother of Uhm Jung Hwa, a strong contender for the Queen of Kpop title (and a possible winner had she not neglected her musical career)
Official site: http://www.kbs.co.kr/drama/devil/
The best of the OST:
*incredibly sad and beautiful (one of the best, imho) ballad
Don’t love me (사랑하지말아요) by Kim Dong-Uk
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