Time stories in movies or TV shows are such that when they are done well, they are golden. Such movies like "Back to the Future" or "Terminator" are such examples of writing that gets it right.
However, when they are done poorly, they are usually a hotbed of contriving, convoluted messes. And "Nine: Nine Time Travels" is one that gets most everything wrong.
You'd think that it's bad enough to have plot holes so huge that you could drive a Sherman Tank through it, but the performances from nearly everyone in the cast is one-dimensional, and in some cases, so goofy and silly that you can't help but roll your eyes and laugh.
You will also laugh out loud at the worst "hammer vs. baseball bat" sequence ever shot. You also get a man who's struck by a car, while inside of a phone booth. If he wasn't killed on impact, he'd be rendered unable to do much of anything, assuming he was even conscious. And yet, he is able to record five messages on his phone, and have a conversation with a little girl who laughingly asks, "Mister, are you hurt?" Covered in blood, even an eight-year-old wouldn't have to ask such a pointless question. These are just two examples of characters and situations being written so badly that you can't help but chuckle. Believe me, there are plenty more in this series!
Any time you sacrifice rational character actions for the sake of the plot, you've already made a mistake. This is basic plot development 101!
The acting by Jin-Wook Lee (Sun Woo)is largely unimpressive. He manages a stoic look in nearly every situation that he's in, and a goofy smile that doesn't look real or genuine. It's like he has to try...and fails miserably!
Yun-hie Jo (Min-Young Joo) is either flirting (badly), crying (at least have of the time) or speaking in a pouty tone that is beyond grating. Her romantic scenes with Jin-Wook Lee completely lack chemistry and the girl has no clue how to do a kissing scene. Tight-lipped, it's almost pathetic.
Still, the worst performance easily rests with Dong Hwan-Jung (Jin Chul-Choi), the nemesis of our story. He has only one facial expression for nearly every situation. I don't believe he is intentionally trying to be goofy, but that's how he comes across. He is unimpressive and unbelievable in the role. I'm not sure that they could have found a worse actor for this part.
I've now watched a number of Korean series. Descendants of the Sun is still, by far, one of the best series I've ever seen. "Stranger" is nearly equal to it. This series was a complete waste of my time. I will say that, despite the sub-par/terrible performances by the actors, the story held my interest for a time before everything fell apart.
If you want to see one of the best "time travel" shows in recent years, watch Japan's "Erased." You can find it on Netflix, and it is absolutely terrific!
Do yourself a favor, and go with something else. Stay clear of "Nine: Nine Time Travels." I'll wager that given twice the time, they'd still never get this one right.
