their_storytime

"You tell your lies, then you think no one will know. But there are two people who will know. Yes, two people. Your God and Hercule Poirot."

(I have not read the novel. Thus, this review is not comparative.)

First of all, the plot is quite exceptional. It is neither really fast paced nor really slow paced. Yet, it keeps you hooked.

For me, this starts with my admiration for such high intellect and Hercule Poirot's interesting character: He probably has a form autism, is resilient, a true gentleman, respectful, yet unyielding when it comes to logic. He owns who he is in such a self-reflecting way that one will keep watching just for this.

However, the crime is also quite intriguing as we learn about the perpetrator's true motive and how most of the passengers actually have a relation to this. It does point to a glaringly obvious question: Was it justified morally?

Additionally, the characters are all rather round, complex ones with their own lies, lives, and passions. This is really refreshing. It makes it interesting to guess about their stories because the characters themselves are perceived as interesting.

The acting is also very good. All the characters are truly brought to life. The acting adds great nuance to the dialogues, highlighting the individuality of each character.

Furthermore, I absolutely love the cinematography. The people responsible really have an eye for aesthetics. The snow, mountains, train and clothes have a really unique flair that is underlined by stunning video sequences of astonishing nature.

Especially the camera angles highlight the emotions and gravity of each moment. Sometimes, even the (emotional) distance is represented by the chosen frame. By this, there is even left room for interpretations on nature vs. Human nature's destructive tendencies extending not only to themselves and others, but also to nature itself. This way, we may ask, whether humans can overcome their own (destructive) nature or, more fundamentally, asked what the human nature actually is like.

Lastly, the music is used sparsely but on point. Primarily relying on the natural sounds, such as footsteps e.g., adds to the expectant, mysterious, and therefore eerie, atmosphere. It adds to the purpose of delving deep down to the roots, down to the very nature of human atrocities.

To sum it up, I was utterly amazed as it was a pleasure to watch Hercuke Poirot's great mind work.

This series is a shocking portrayal of humans' lowest, darkest sides.

It highlights the extraordinary cruelty within the sex industry as the daily occurrence it usually is; very realistically so.

Therefore, this drama comes with a trigger warning in capital letters. Please mind that I do not joke around with these kinds of warning!

Also, in a roundabout way, this should remind you to pay people respect - regardless of their occupation. After all, while most of us have 'respectable' jobs, people easily forget to be thankful for others willing to do those 'not respectable' ones.

Never forget that prostitutes - especially those from sex/human trafficking - lead a far more dangerous live as they are the ones people with the most dangerous and/or extraordinary kinks go to!

This drama will show you some of those types of kinks - so, if you watch this, take these issues seriously!

Unscrupulous sex traffickers and pimps are represented in ways so real you will need a moment for yourself after each gruesome episode. It will remind you that we are all really privileged no matter how 'ordinary' our life might seem.

I was truly impressed in the best worst ways.

"I want to protect him.

If I can't do that as his woman, I want to do it as his secretary."

This series impresses with quite a heartfelt plot where two couples form despite an abundance of differences and misunderstandings.

There is drama concerning the CEO position since the first episode where the main character is almost killed.

The intrigues keep you busy guessing until the very last moment as all the secrets are only completely revealed at the very end of the series.

The series, while maybe sounding quite dark, is truly quite cute, though: Our dear secretary is a really nice, enduring woman who falls in love with her boss while getting to know him better as she pretends to be someone else. It really adds a sometimes humorous, sometimes extremely sad atmosphere to the story.

The tense relationship between her boss and his mother is understandable concerning the explained details, yet really regrettable. Hence, it was all the more wonderful to witness that final scene of his mother finally acknowledging him.

My personal favorite, however, is the side-couple of Veronika Park and the main characters best-friend. Their characters start out as quite plain and stereotypical, yet gain a lot of depht going further.