Haideu, Jikil, Na

I've watched this series a few times now and each time I see more and more to like. The two leads are amazing. Hyun Bin is so convincing in play two characters that I keep expecting them to meet. The first couple of episodes are played more for laughs as the broad brush strokes allow the Jekyll and Hyde characters to differentiate themselves from each other. After that the characters become more and more nuanced until in the end you love both and they break your heart. Even though it may not be the best HB series (some of the supporting actors are wonderful, others a little irritating), it made me cry more than any other. He is amazing in it, such a layered performance. Part comedy, part thriller, all romance, its pace accelerates and the ending is excellent.

This K-drama starts off a bit slowly, however, the episodes definitely get better and better. There are also a couple of slow episodes later, so I feel like this K-drama perhaps did not need 20 episodes. Nonetheless, the final few episodes are worth the wait. Hyun Bin, charismatic as ever, seems to carry most of the episodes, but the supporting cast have their respective moments. I've since learned these K-dramas have some recurring themes, e.g., prior meetings of the two leads earlier in their lives (destiny), relationships beginning with a bit of hostility ultimately resolved, and conflict with a parent or the parent of a romantic partner. With an interesting plot reflecting the personal and professional troubles of a man with a dual personality, we eventually learn all the details of the trauma that caused his dual personality and how he resolves his issues, finally creating a life on his own terms. One detraction / disappointment: the drama never resolves / spends enough time on Jang Ha Na's production of the Wonder Circus in Wonderland. Still, it was time well spent during 'safer at home'.

I came to this drama post CLOY, in search of more Hyun Bin. Well, nothing beats CLOY, of course, but I thought the storyline here was a fascinating premise, and HB did a great job with his two selves, especially towards the end. Episode 19 is a heartbreaker. Unlike other reviewers, I did not feel the story was out of balance or that one character was more likeable than the other. They were two parts of one man. And when those parts begin to merge, we witness the pain and surprise for each character.

The FL here is wise about the heart, memory and human behavior. I appreciated the fact that she is often the emotionally smartest one in the room and is given the most perceptive lines. Of course it would have been nice if she had a life that was depicted outside of these two men. Unfortunately, her main job is to be the foil.

The two things that made this hard to watch are the two villains. Both are so over the top. I really wish the writer and director had taken it down a notch or two with these guys. Evil capital E is exhausting. I hated when they were on screen (and sometimes skipped through those parts). Too much of their storylines is unbelievable. The scenes with the hypnotist-therapist were especially a slog.

As a total experience, this drama is dragged down by the two villains and the slow pacing of the middle episodes, which all undermine the curious intelligence of the premise. HB is best towards the end, when his acting is more nuanced.

This is a wonderful story of love, personal growth... a journey about overcoming emotional blockages, learning to listen to intuition... The characters and their interactions are superbly constructed... they need all the 20 episodes to complete their journeys. The story could be read literally or metaphorically, as different sides of one own self in need of acceptance, I believe. Hyun Bin's performance is superb, really captures the character at its core... Not to be missed! Just be patient with the first part of the first chapter.

The series was fantastic. I loved the main leads, and thought their acting and chemistry worked well. Would have preferred if the ludicrous kidnapping of the doctor was left on the cutting room floor as it spoilt the credibility of the film. Why this film was not a massive hit is hard to understand, The themes were a joy, the plot unpredictable, The acting superb. It had humour, intrigue,heartbreak and haunting music. I will watch it again. Some reviewers were critical of the female lead I do not know why . For me her acting was superb. I would give her 10 out of 10. As for the male lead he would get a ten even if he could not act; gorgeous; he is a superb actor who managed the role very well.indeed. Well worth watching