Don-kkot

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.

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.

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.

Absolutely fantastic. Edge of your seat excitement. Jang Hyuk is a phenomenal actor. All of the actors were great. There are 24 episodes, but the tale is so compelling, the acting so superb, that bingeing was required. I won't give away the plot, except to state that the hero was never really a villain and in my opinion, should have been able to lead a fantastic life and be happy. There are so many interesting villains, good people turning into villains, plots and counter plots. I'm certain that you will LOVE this series.

Besides the lead, played by Jang Hyuk A+++++, the wife of his father, was perfectly acted by Lee MiSuk, who also acted with him in Wok of Love, Jang Seung Jo gave his character pathos, confusion, longing, ... a great performance.

You will be enthralled, enraged, emboldened to learn more, and mostly, gloriously entertained. I did weep a number of times. Life often doesn't work put.

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.