Nine Puzzles

A very entertaining story told over 11 episodes, one that keeps you guessing as its intricacies are slowly unraveled. Kim Da-mi's characterization of the police profiler who was traumatized in her childhood is a real highlight, and I loved her mannerisms which varied between childlike and insightful. It's fiction but I also liked how it referenced the extensive growth of Seoul in the 1980's, one that resulted in many improvements but which sometimes was a little ruthless, coming at the expense of existing communities. That gives an already great story extra weight, and that more than one set of demons are being exorcised.

Nine Puzzles had a solid concept and a decent storyline, but it was painfully slow, uneventful, and dragged way too much. The only reason I stuck around was to confirm the killer who was already obvious and uncover the backstory.

Each episode felt like a chore, leaving me with a tight, uneasy feeling, but I powered through (and no, it's not about my taste I've watched Doubt and other thrillers). The FL didn't click, and as for the ML, my first drama of his, and I'm still not sold.

For a psychological investigative thriller, it lacked any real thrill. A drama stuffed with A-list actors doesn't automatically make it good. And can they stop making the killer the most obvious choice by giving them barely any screen time or storyline?

The one scene that stood out? The ending her choice with the fire was bold! The leads? Completely forgettable. If there's a S2, they need a major revamp or just scrap it altogether.

A 7/10 for me, but definitely a one time watch.

You're in for a wild ride with "Nine Puzzles," the Korean thriller that delivers on every front! From the moment the credits roll, this series grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go, proving to be an utterly exciting, fun, and gripping cinematic experience.

The plot, a masterclass in intricate design, unfolds like a fiendishly clever puzzle itself. Just when you think you've pieced together the solution, "Nine Puzzles" throws another curveball, leaving you gasping and scrambling to catch up. The pacing is relentless, a high-octane sprint that keeps your adrenaline pumping from beginning to end. There's never a dull moment, as each twist and turn is more unexpected and exhilarating than the last.

What makes "Nine Puzzles" so much fun is the sheer audacity of its storytelling. It embraces the thrilling conventions of the genre with gusto, yet manages to subvert expectations at every turn. You'll find yourself cheering, gasping, and even laughing at the sheer brilliance of the narrative misdirections. The film clearly delights in playing with its audience, and that infectious energy translates directly to a truly enjoyable viewing.

But beneath the excitement and fun lies a core of pure, unadulterated tension. "Nine Puzzles" is gripping in the truest sense of the word. The characters, despite the breakneck speed of the plot, are surprisingly well-developed and relatable. You'll find yourself genuinely invested in their fates, making every close call and every revelation all the more impactful. The performances are top-notch across the board, with the lead delivering compelling portrayels.

In a genre often saturated with predictable tropes, "Nine Puzzles" stands out as a fresh, inventive, and thoroughly entertaining thriller. If you're looking for a series that will keep you on the edge of your seat, make you think, and leave you feeling utterly exhilarated, then "Nine Puzzles" is an absolute must-watch. Prepare for a thrilling ride that you won't soon forget!

A slow paced murder mystery thriller, Nine Puzzles is a smart concept with a very good execution, even though the pacing might be inconsistent for many.

The drama balances multiple layers of mystery, from cryptic puzzle pieces and reflection clues to complex interpersonal relationships that intertwines with the serial murders. The setting is tense, with every character under radar and suspicion falling all over everyone.

What begins as a whodunnit quickly evolves into something more thematic. The show explores the consequences of institutional failure and what happens when someone decides to punish those systems in the most literal way. But what keeps the show human is how it focuses on the fallout: guilt, loyalty, memory, and how trauma shapes who we become.

The cast, whether it be leads or the supporting, every character was portrayed as they should be. The fascinating aspect of the drama is it plays with the memory, like you will connect the dots towards the final episodes from your recollection of the initial episodes. Overall, the emotional layers to this murder mystery is well written, although the pacing was too sluggish and draggy. But nonetheless, it will keep you hooked until you know the perpetrator behind all of these.

My Rating : 3.5/5.

I just finished episode 5 so this is not a complete review. That being said, I really like the Ena's character. I believe her nonchalant demeanor and quirky personality are a facade to protect herself. I think she is actually really scared of the person who killed her uncle, I also think that it's an attempt to be seen as non-threatening. It reminds me of Colombo (he always came off goofy in order to make the culprit think they are smarter than him). I believe you can kind of see her true personality at the end of episode 5 when she finally thinks that Hansaem trusts her. I also really like Hansaem, he is a good detective and he respects Ena and her professional opinion. They make a great team. I'm excited to finish the series and find out who the antagonist is. I'm sure it's going to be an interesting twist.