Sinal (2016)

Intense & Mysterious

SIGNAL (Sigeuneol) was such an interesting premise. I really enjoyed this crime series. I'm not sure how to best describe it though. It was such a unique experience. While it was a investigative crime drama series there were also definite amounts of science fiction or possibly even paranormal elements which makes it a very unusual watch for me. I really enjoyed that aspect however, especially blended with criminal investigation aspects. Although a strange mix of genres, it really worked here.

I loved Lee Jehoon (as Park Hae-Young). At first I really didn't think I would like him but he ended up being phenomenal in this. He is far from being a stereotypical lead character. I love the emotional connection he gets with cases. Given his background it really endears viewers to him. I love Kim Hye-su (as Detective Cha Soon-hyeon) and Cho Jin-woong (as Detective Lee Jae-han). They are both great actors and their characters are really cool and likable.

I also really enjoyed the two timelines. I think they did a great job portraying two different eras and overlapping story and cases. The concept is fascinating. Visually and aesthetically it was appealing and very original series. The acting was great, the story was great, the music was great, I loved the three main characters. Everything was really well done.

The main reason I hesitate giving this 10 stars is for a few small reasons. Mainly because of the way it ended. Without giving away any spoilers I will only say the ending felt very open-ended, and hopefully it is open-ended intentionally for the purpose of sequel seasons. Until then, I hesitate in rating it too highly because it felt incomplete and needed so much more. Secondly, while I loved the three main characters so much, many of the other side characters felt a bit flat to me. (I did enjoy the characters of the Cold Case Division) I felt there could have been more depth and character building otherwise. This show was so unique and worthwhile.

While Signal is very intriguing and full of heart, it also has a very dark and dreary feeling, with a lot of very sad themes (i.e. murder, corruption, suicide, rape, etc.) and not a lot of happy moments to balance it. The overall mood of the show is very heavy. A lot of the story revolves around some very depressing, tragic themes and is quite hard to handle at times. It can be heart-wrenching. Even still, this is one of my all time favorites.

[EDIT: There are rumors there will be a season 2!]

Leia Mais

Based on the Hwangseong serial killer real-life story, this melodrama offers a whole investigation journey with suspense and thrill. Many people compare Signal with Tunnel since it based on the same incident. However, Signal is not only based on the Hwaseong case. It has some reference of other SK cold cases. I must say both dramas are a masterpiece with something different to offer. Signal offers you to be inside together with the main character, Lieutenant Park Hae Yong step by step in through the investigation.  It has a more realistic approach and serious tone.

To be honest, this drama makes me miserable so many times. I find the police here were corrupt and uncooperative at all, which make investigation harder and annoying.  There are times where I want to pull my hair because of the chief.  In addition, the drama has a kind of slow pace of the investigation ( which make sense, they investigate cold cases and was given many hurdles by other police too).

Overall it is an amazing crime drama. The main character is logical and has a high analytic skill.  

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A sci-fi crime drama from the past

From the writer of Kingdom, Kim Eun-hee, it starts slowly but pulls you in with tight writing, weaving small cases together into a larger picture. The story spans across timelines, changing the past and the present with ease and coherence. Very rarely do you see timetravel shows which have a coherent storyline. Christopher Nolan should watch this show, how to build a story from the middle to the start and the end without confusing the viewer.
The crimes are compassionately portrayed, making it a chilling watch. Especially so because three of the four big cases the trio solve are based on true crimes, aaand the fictional fourth one was the least gruesome.

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ADD TO MY FAVORITES RIGHT AWAY!
Such were the thoughts I had while I was still not even finished with Signal.
I consider myself lucky to have come to read numerous good reviews of Signal (especially on Drama Beans), because otherwise I might have skipped one of my all time favorites as of now.
Even more glad that it was Signal that I decided to watch after being away from drama watching for a little while and only recently coming back.
Signal is simply everything it promises to be, and it is almost everything any fantasy-thriller drama should be.

Perfect casting! Literally ALL the cast was more than spectacular. Very strong and solid performances by the main trio, especially Jo Jin Woong who more than just charismatic, he was magical! You cannot help falling in love with Lee Jea Han, with all his righteousness, devotedness, and also sometimes his awkwardness and goofiness. Kim Hye Soo was magnificent as Detective Cha Soo Hyun, whether as the naive rookie cop or as the bad-ass and tough Team leader. It was my first time ever watching something for Lee Jea Hoon, but boy was I impressed! He can be overly dramatic at times with his facial expressions, but it all served in shaping the emotional and a bit impulsive character that is Park Hae Young.

Effortlessly flawless writing & Directing!
What else would you expect from this duo! With such a tricky premise that is time-bending, the writing can easily fall prey to plot holes and inconsistencies, but in Signal's case there were simply NONE. the more one watches, the more you rest assured that you are in safe hands, and that any question or slightly unclear point you may come upon, you are sure will be properly answered in due time.
The story was sure a unique and complicated, what with two different timelines simultaneously progressing on screen (constant swapping from past to present) to the idea behind time-warp; were one action brings on a string of consequences that reverberate to affect not just the people directly involved but also other innocent people’s lives on a larger scale. But as much as the premise was difficult and complicated, as much as I never felt confused or had to pause and speculate, that was not just thanks to the genius writer-nim that is Kim Eun Hee, but also the direction played an important role, with the effortless manner he utilized to help differentiate between different timelines (changing the aspect ratio) to showing the right flashbacks at exactly the right moment. Sometimes I felt like I would have appreciated a date and time to show on the scene, only to find the time eventually revealed in a realistic and effortless manner.
This drama opened my eyes more and more to the power that lies in directing. It was the astonishing direction that aided such a marvelous and unique story to properly come to live. From the camera angles, lighting, down to paying the utmost care to details in order to distinguish the past scenes; everything from clothing, accessories, gadgets, cars, down to paper ads in the background. Kudos to PD Kim Won Suk (I doubt it is a coincidence that now two of my most favorite KDramas are his)

Marvelous characterization
Each character was distinctly unique yet all shared the same righteousness and sincerity. I especially loved the transition of maturing as a cop that Cha Soo Hyun showed, both on an emotional level and a professional level, but still harboring the same earnest and deep feelings of love to Det. Lee Jae Han. How everybody bonded on the cold case team, while sometimes harboring mixed feelings of suspicion and doubt (mostly towards Park Hae Young) they all trusted and respected each other.
I could relate to and empathize with nearly all the characters maybe not so much the villains but not all dramas succeed in making its viewers invested in the life and cause of a villain, right?
The music
Mostly background instrumental tracks, with just a few vocals, but the opening and closing theme songs sure leave a strong impression.
I read there were rumors there are plan for a sequel, but as much as I loved this drama to pieces, and as much as I had wished for more in the end, I really hope they don’t come around to producing a sequel even featuring the same cast. This was a masterpiece that I doubt any sequel can keep to its par, worse, might even do it damage.

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Interesting story but inconsistent acting and dialog

The story here is captivating, it is interesting and sure to keep you both on your toes as well as wanting to watch more...

However some parts, especially parts where people act a younger version of themselves the acting is just cringe, annoying and at times really, really bad! Is it due to bad directing, bad writing of just lack of range in the actors I do not know but it was at times so bad I felt bad for the actors... Such a shame because I do know these actors actually do have talent...

The amount of annoying characters is kept to a minimum (except as younger versions) and even though it is a bit of a one case an episode kind of deal there is still a common thread and interesting plot both as a whole and in the details, no detail is insignificant and it is sown together both beautifully and slightly disappointing in the end..

But again the story, the twists and the issues that the drama doues tackle still makes it worth watching, I just can not score it higher.

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LOVED THIS DRAMA SO MUCH!
The storyline was so well written, you hardly find gems like Signal in the drama world. Everything happened for a reason, and even though it seemed like they were dragging it a bit towards the end, the final result was really good. It was such an enjoyable and interesting experience, it took me a little bit to be completely invested into the characters and the plot, but once that happened there was no turning back.
I kinda binge watched this drama, something I hardly do with any tv serie, so that's already significative lol.
I have to mention that the best thing of Signal was the performance of the actors: everyone did so well, they all handled their characters with such maturity and carefulness, you really don't see such mature and experienced actors anymore.
The music was nice and with a vintage touch, really appreciated it.

So, if you like thriller, crime, corruption, serial killers and dramatic suspense, with bare minimum and well-handled romance, this is definitely the drama you were looking for. If you still don't like all that, you should still give it a try because there really isn't anything bad about it!
imo SIGNAL IS A MUST WATCH!!!

Leia Mais

Crime Thriller Combining Fantasy

Crime thriller is one of my favorite genre and this one is very good. I would say this shows keep me engaged for the ideas of time travel. It’s not new about the walkie talkie conversation to the past time, like a movie Ditto in 2000, but combining it to the crime is quite fresh for me.

About the acting, thumbs up to the casts. They delivered it great, because they are so professional and consider at experience.

I would give more score, but I think there are certain parts that is too exessive in putting emotional scene, especially when they need to talk in walkie talkie. Also the walkie talkie background is not explained well. More episode perhaps will give explanation, And regarding all the cases, it’s perhaps only give one message, that only the one who has power and money can get over the rule? Also I’m not a fan of opem ending and left a lot of things unexplained.

Maybe I will rewarch it to understand more? I’m not sure.

But overall it is a good show, and you must give it a try!

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DISCLAIMER: I recommend you watch this series without any knowledge or expectation about it. Having high expectations can ruin the experience.

I binged this series in 3 days, and that says a lot. I usually don't watch continuous episodes unless they intrigue me to my core, so this series was definitely one of those. The main take away here is that this show has more emotional value to its storytelling than focusing on the basics and the logic. I'll discuss what I mean through this review.

PLOT
I came into this series without any expectations. All I know is that it was highly rated in this site, and the plot is intriguing, so I decided to give it a try. And I don't regret it. First episode became fourth, next thing I knew I finished it in three days. Since I went without any expectations nor knowledge on what it's all about, I was able to enjoy the series to its extent. They did a great job at putting cliffhangers that will make you want to watch the next episode. I found myself getting hooked and excited to click "next episode" because I really want to find out what happens next. The mystery and suspense were decent and well executed, but there will be plot holes and minor details that will bother you along the way.
While the cinematography and production was fantastic and almost perfect with its color grading, smooth transitions, and clear narration, they kind of messed up in terms of the characters aging. Most of them (usually the bg characters, suspects, and victims) did not look any different 15 years ago! (especially you, yeah I'm talking to you, Mr. Convenience store guy. What's your secret to such young perfect skin??) It felt disorienting and unorganized. It completely ruined the flow. Also, major spoiler ahead, when one of the main characters died, they literally brought her back to life. That was one of the worst things they could use a plot device! It negates every and all emotional warrant the scene deserves. I know it's a time travelling concept and the main character still needs shit to do for the main story, but they could've not killed this person and nothing big would really change! The action of reviving a character will make lives lose all value and substance, telling the viewers that there are no actual consequences to these people in the present. (which btw is completely contradictory of what they were trying to convey in the first place! That changing the past can be dangerous!) And you don't have to cry for them cause don't worry, they'll come back. This was the most bothersome and frustrating thing in the whole series for me. I hated it so much.
Lastly, The walkie talkie aspect was underutilized as a handful of reviewers said, I agree, but I didn't mind at all. I think the story and focus still worked despite it not being exhausted to its full potential. It was satisfactory enough.


CHARACTERS
The character writing was questionable at best. My biggest concern about the characters is the way this world was written. It is very clear cut in telling you who the protagonists are. They are the GOOD GUYS, and holy shit are they the only ones. Everyone else is lazy, useless, incompetent, greedy, passive, and submissive. You will see there are three main categories: The protagonists are the only honest and just ones, the antagonists are cartoonish-ly evil and obnoxious, and then there's the rest, the background characters, the stale and one dimensional support casts, the static cardboard cut-outs of the police force. Yes, you can say some of them are "gray" characters like the captain, but I believe none of their traits were written properly. You can kind of tell they were having dilemmas, but you won't learn to sympathize with any of them because they feel too forced and seemed like they were caricatures shaped to fit the puzzle.
The only saving grace in terms of characters was the acting. The characters themselves lacked depth, but the actors/actresses did a fabulous job at making their viewers empathize nonetheless because of their performance. I never thought that could happen but they literally did carried this whole series in their backs. Kudos to the skillful cast.

MUSIC
I think the music choices were good and it fits the scenes they're supposed to be in, but personally none of them stuck to me. I wasn't too hyped on any of it and it wouldn't be memorable in the long run. Nothing much to say about it except it worked.

OVERALL
The series I watched/binged before this was Welcome2Life, which I couldn't stop comparing it to. W2L had a draggy and (personally uninteresting) political side plot that the main plot had to follow through, but everything else was marvelous and sensational. Despite both series having the two parallel world concept, W2L will teach you that reality is harsh, and that your actions have consequences, and you will really feel the depth of its characters to your core.
What Signal has to offer was the mystery and suspense of the plot, but used the most basic and superficial character writing to make it work. I learned to enjoy every bit because I was excited to know what happens next. But maybe deep inside, I just wanted it all to be over with.

Leia Mais

A classic

This had such a great plot with so many details and turns that it was a thrilling ride all the way!
This was one of the first Kdramas I watched and it blew me away how great it was. Its refreshing how it can be dark without being cynical that the characters are passionate and always trying their best even though they are flawed.
Kim Hye Soo and Lee Je Hoon were amazing, I loved their dynamic as the story progresses.

This drama has stood the test of time and is still amazing. There are often whispers of a second season but I am so satisfied with the one season that I don't mind where there is one. The openish ending was perfect for me, as time doesn't end in a full stop it keeps going.

This is one of the best detective / SciFi / Thrillers I have ever seen

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