I have so much to say about this drama I'm about to explode. But im afraid if my review is too long, you won't read it.
So I'll just sum up the facts first.
- definitely watch this drama
- the plot, however convoluted it was, did not detract from the overall experience of the show.
- excellent range of characters with development and none with skippable scenes
Now for all my opinions. Kdramas from 10-15 years ago, for some reason always give me early 90s American drama vibes. From the choppy cinematography, to the sometimes night time soap opera dramatics.
HC was a classic example of this filming style. The action scenes were fun but almost to the point of funny because you can easily see the choreography and sometimes hear the sound dept add in the "smack" sounds.
The most dramatic scenes, I could see the actors giving their all, but sometimes that was the problem. The "acting" part was a little too obvious. (super cringe crying face from Docs Son)
These are not complaints tho. This is just the type of style youre getting. The actors mostly gave excellent performances. The character of Ji Hyung Min was sooo well acted imo. Safari and Hyun Soo were villains you definitely rooted for.
The amount of betrayal in the show is staggering, so it's hard to believe the overall message I took from it in the end was about loyalty, friendship, and love. You will cry unless you're, ahem, Heartless.
If you have watched the more recent drama "The Worst of Evil", id say HC walked so WoE could run. If you haven't seen either, watch HC first. It's a classic old timey feel without a lot cheesy kdrama-isms (fisheye kisses, office Karaoke, cherry blossoms)
Then watch WoE. I don't want to debate as to which is better. WoE just proved that HC could have been done even better in 16 episodes. I do think it had one too many twists.
And my final thoughts-
This was a gorgeous cast, my goodness. Lee Jae Yoon in those plain white tees had me salivating. Yoon Hyun Min has never looked better and he is beautiful in EVERYTHING.
Jung Kyoung-Ho, glistening and brooding, could only rank 3rd against this tough competition but he was still deathly charming.
