Don-kkot

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

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.

Thank you Netflix. The Hallyu came as a tidal wave with this show. As an American living in India with no knowledge of Korean or it's culture I have become addicted to K-dramas. Money Flower is not the typical Korean romcom that I have been watching recently. The initial episodes lull you into a hopeful snuggle and slowly drops you into an abyss of a power struggle that rivals Hamlet, schemes within schemes.

I had recently watched "You Are My Destiny", and was amazed with the breadth of emotions that Jang Hyuk displayed and caused to resonate within me. While his character went big with his emotions. In Money Flower Jang Hyuk pulls the emotions in tight, while flashing all with clench of the jaw, a purse of his lips, an icy stare or desperate longing. Park Se-young and Jang Seung-jo compliment Jang Hyuk's minimalism with the ability to depict their characters' evolutions from light hearted lovers to abused puppets.

Unlike many other shows where the minor character become caricatures, Money Flower, kept the supporting characters from being flat, allowing each to be multi-faceted. Lee Soon-jae could easily have been a typical autocratic patriarch, someone who needed to be defeated. Yet there were moments of tenderness, love and even doubt in his megalomania.

Normally, I would discuss the story in much more detail, but because the writing, acting, music all came together to create an epic I wanted to praise the craftsmanship that all brought to the table.

The story itself is one told over and over. An illegitimate son trying to get revenge for his mother being thrown away and to take his rightful place at the table. Yes, there is so much more to the tale that is so artfully woven with threads being added to make a rich and vibrant story. In order to take nothing from the experience, I will not say more about the story.

I highly recommend Money Flower.

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.

...Well worth watching. Jang Hyuk is magnificent in this Machiavellian series ;he carried the show with the support of a very capable cast. I highly recommend this series,