Don-kkot

Started watching this series only because of Jang Hyuk. I liked his minimalist powerful performance.

If you've never seen a Jang Hyuk movie, you're missing out. I've grown to admire and love this actor more and more. Ever since Chuno, which is still available on Prime, I've been seeking out his works. Initially Money Flower was not attractive given its wonky title. But I was running out of available Jang Hyuk movies/series to watch so I gave it a try and was definitely not disappointed. Wow, this guy has so much range and depth in his acting who gives it all in every performance. Here in Money Flower, stylishly dressed and coifed, he's never looked so dashing and debonair while portraying a man with a poker face where all of his pain, anger, grief, and need for vengeance are conveyed through with his eyes, tight jaw or pursed lips. The scene where he was at the temple paying tribute to his deceased younger brother's memorial plaque just ripped my heart and tears out. What a performance?! Every actor, leading or supporting, gave superb nuanced performances as well. My only minor gripe may be toward the female lead/love interest who was a tad wooden in her portrayals and some scenes lingered too long. When juxtaposed with Jang Hyuk, you've got to bring your A-game. While I can nitpick the flaws, I won't because I enjoyed this so much. The script is also unlike typical suspense thrillers where audiences are kept in the dark until the final reveal and the protagonist is typically the underdog. Here, the "anti-hero" out for revenge at all costs is the master puppeteer, manipulating and cajoling at every turn and always one step ahead of his opponents. To me, that was extremely satisfying.

Great cast in an intricate plot, led by Jang Hyuk giving a master class in acting. This is one of SK's greatest actors and one of the best in the world in complete control of every scene he's in.

The story is dark without any lighter moments. It's a character driven story. All but a few are tortured by their own ambitions and are stabbing each other in the back. Above all it's a slow moving revenge tale. The central figure is an avenger consumed by his own guilt. The story builds tension, slowly, slowly until the last few rapid fire episodes. At times my own tension was noticeable while waiting for the next few lines of dialogue. The musical soundtrack deserves mention as only a few themes but for adding theatrical emphasis. Award winning actor Jang Hyun plays a meticulous conniver with a plot to take control of his family's business under his assumed identity as the family lawyer. His and the others' shenanigans sometimes made me laugh. All of the excellent actors are convincing but a stone faced JH dominates because he's Jang Hyun and because his character manipulates the story. 24 episodes is too many to binge watch but I did my best. 10 stars.

This morose revenge drama shows greed and murder in a wealthy family full of one dimensionally evil or good people. The direction is somewhat monotonous. Every one speaks slowly. There isn't that much story to fill 24 Episodes. 16 would have been enough. Many scenes looked like a repeat of earlier scenes. In some episodes nothing much happens till the last 5 minutes just to get you to tune in to the next episode. The slowness means the plot is easy to understand. At least it isn't convoluted or confusing. The problem is there isn't that much story. They tried to murder him and killed his brother. He assumes another identity and becomes a trusted advisor / fixer. It's fairly diverting to see him in control. Also how the secrets are revealed one by one. You know what will happen but it's just about how he takes them down eventually. One sad thing is there is no romance - there can't be because of the situation he created. Other revenge dramas in the past are more exciting. Like Shark or Green Rose or even the first half of an Innocent Man. Rather excessive repetitive use of the score themes. Very loud for no reason. The acting is adequate. Jang Hyuk looks the part but has the same expression through most of the show. At least Jang Seung Jo looks tortured enough. The ending is okay if not a fairytale happy one but clear and right for what happened before. Not worth the time investment.