Into the Ring

A young lady Goo Se-ra who has been a serial complainer to the local assembly for years decides to stand in the election to shake things up. Surprisingly she wins and even though she is a little ditzy and wears her heart on her sleeve she begins to make improvements to local peoples lives. The lead is played outstandingly by Jin-Ah Im with just the right of crazy to be loveable but not over the top. Great supporting cast especially the females and well filmed and paced. A light romantic comedy with a feel good factor.

Was really surprised to find this truly hidden gem!

Before anything, The Script Writer Moon Hyun-Kyeong (brilliant!) and Director Hwang Seung-Ki (brilliant!) deserve the highest praise! What a wonderful collaboration, and whoever chose the camera person gets an extra star! The camera work in this entire drama is amazing in a way that is truly art-of-filmmaking brilliant. (Sorry to use this word so many times, but there just isn't any other than fits as well.) And, now...the actors...all of them were so perfectly cast, but special honors go to Im Jin-ah and Park Sung-hoon. Wow, the chemistry between the two leads, especially as they bonded throughout the drama is so entertaining and endearing. And special mention goes to the little boy who is always the fourth character among Se Ra and her two best friends. He's the "And a little child shall lead them" character throughout, and he'sl as so adorable!

I happened upon this drama because I was watching Don't Dare to Dream and was drawn to Park Sung-hoon's role there as Secretary Cha. I was hoping I would find a drama he stars in where he plays a similar endearing character. Into the Ring delivered so much more than that!

If anyone is familiar with the western director Wes Anderson, you might love Into the Ring as so many scenes remind me of some of his funniest and quirkiest films. I do hope there's a future collaboration of everyone who was instrumental in making this wonderful drama. (As a side, I'm surprised to find so few awards for this. S Korea doesn't seem to reward art in filmmaking as much as popularity, which is a shame. Over here, I can think of at least eight Oscar category nominations.)

Special recognition also goes to the storyline, which for me in this terribly contentious, political climate here in the USA (2024), this story worked like a healing balm for my soul that has been so worn down by ridiculous politics and the greed that seems to survive in a way that is so disheartening. This drama storyline makes you feel hopeful that the underdog, the candidate who really cares most for the majority of average, hard-working citizens can make a difference even when all the odds are stacked against them. If for only this, it's a must see these days. Bravo to all the cast and crew of the endearingly entertaining drama. <3 <3 <3 . . .

The actors had amazing chemistry. Their relationship is cute, inspiring and healthy. The cinematography is on point as well as the musical score. I had their OST's on replay. Love the different characters on the drama from Goo Sera's mom, dad, her friends, workmates. Everyone seems relevant and not portrayed as an add on. You can learn so many lessons in the drama. Goo Sera was portrayed well by Nana as well as Gong myung was portrayed amazingly by Park Sung hoon. This is the kind of series you want to watch over and over again.

I rarely watch romantic comedies but this is not all there is. It's also about politics and staying with your principles and who you are.

The romance is not prominent theme. What really got me is the wide angle cinematography. I'm a photographer so that kept my interest from another perspective. Oh, yeah, the comedy and local politics too.

The main character's name in Korean sounds like Godzilla. And in the mind of the other politicians she is a monster. A relentless, justice seeking, civil servant. She is paired with a meticulous, dutiful and resourceful city clerk.

No they don't win every battle. But the process of each challenge was definitely fun. There are also good set design, supporting characters like the kid, , the girls parents, her 2 loyal friends, and the 3 triplets politicians.

But credit has to go to the main actress. She has a certain presence, charm, radiance and .....panache that fills the screen (and her role) with ease and natural zzeal and zest. And that smile and laughter is absolutely infectious.

" Into the Ring " is a pretty fun drama.

It is character driven, with a quirky, dynamic leading lady who dominated every scene she was in. Nana did a superb job with her character and she is one of the best surprises of this year. She pulled Goo Se Ra off masterfully and without overdoing it. The rest of the cast did a great job as well.

As for the actual story, it combined comedy, romance and politics in a beautiful mix that was entertaining and not overbearing. The romance was realistic, subtle, as it didn't take time off the actual story, and it did help that the couple had chemistry. The comedy, in addition, was just enough, mainly produced by the character. Finally, the politics, with the corruption cases, were pretty intense, without being too complicated, confusing or tiring to follow.

However, one thing that the drama didn't handle well, apart from the odd camera work with the high angles and close ups, was the last episode. It was rushed, partial and just not what one should expect from a drama that was pretty steady up until then.

So, overall, nine out of ten.