Mask Girl (2023)

That was unexpected

I went in thinking this was another Kdrama with maybe some social messaging for Korean beauty standards that would end up being cliché ...but boy WAS I WRONG

The series took an 180 degrees turn. I will keep the review spoiler free, so all I am saying is that if you are a fan of Korean cinema; Park Chan-wook , Lee Chang-dong, Bong Joon-ho type of Korean cinema you will like the Mask Girl.

BE CAREFUL this a very VERY heavy series which if you can't stomach, sure it is just not for you, but the production had no fault. Actually describing it as "no fault" is a disservice ... the story was impeccable, the director used masterful techniques, that helped the narrative without seeming gimmicky. Above all it was an important commentary on Korean/modern society.
It should not be left unsaid that the actors were all astonishing , even smaller roles or even child actors, it was shocking how well they performed. For example Junyoung, I've only seen him in romcom and knew him from his idol fame days but his acting made me google more of his roles.

I hope this becomes a new classic and is appreciated in both the domestic and international market, so we can see more productions like this one with such high quality.

Leia Mais

Poignant, Oddly Addictive Show Depicting Consequences of Chasing Beauty

The short series takes up one character's story per episode and stitches it beautifully into one single noir narrative. One story leads to another which makes it exciting and you might end up binging it like me. It tries to give an insight into the psyche of each character to justify their actions. But inherently it is a sad tale that is reflective of the real world's illogical high standards of beauty since times immemorial and the harsh consequences that it has on all of us.

-------------------------------------------------- ✧✦ Should YOU watch it? ✦✧ ------------------------------------------------------
It is not brilliant/earth-shattering, but oddly addictive as you want to know what each characters does in the end. Hence, if you like dramas with a message - given the shorter format this is worth a one time binge as it has a thought-provoking plot with real world issues, underlying elements of mystery executed well by a fine cast of actors, with right pace and direction!

----------------------------------------------------- ✧✦ What to Expect ✦✧ ----------------------------------------------------------
The drama shows two sides - characters who are perceived not so beautiful by society and therefore face struggles while achieving their dreams at work, love and life. Due to some events and sometimes their own choices they are brought to a breaking point that compels them to take actions having grievous consequences. The other side, we have characters who were going about their usual lives but suddenly their world shifts due to the actions of the first set of characters. Thus their lives get intertwined and now they either seek love or revenge - to find some semblance of peace in their lives.

--------------------------------------------- ✧✦ What Did NOT Work (For Me) ✦✧ ------------------------------------------------

✘ Rampant use of Plastic Surgery:
For some characters, use of plastic surgery was logical and was pivotal for the story to move forward. But for few characters, it was unnecessary and it made no affect on their character development or story arc if they remained looking the same. It's like how spies use temporary disguise in missions, the writers gave these characters the same, just more permanent which felt completely irrelevant.

✘ Lack of Positive Characters/Outlook:
For all characters (except one) it was one sad choice after another. Like they have been dealt a bad hand at life - so everything that follows or their own action are also bad. Maybe this was deliberate in order to focus on the harsh reality that the story characters (and even us) face when you are constantly being judged. Wishing there could be just one sliver of hope through a character/event, that might have made the characters believe that while there are many things bad in this world, there are many good things to look forward to as well. Just that could have changed their outlook, choices and lives!

Leia Mais

What was the point?

TW: Self Harm

The show was kinda a whole lot of nothing. There were some aspects of the show I enjoyed which is why my overall score is 6.5 and not lower. I’m left feeling a little disappointed because they had so much to work with and yet the overall series was lacklustre. After completing the series I’m left asking myself what kinda message was this show supposed to convey? Because there’s no clear answer. I thought the part were the friend tries to cut herself to have something in common was unnecessary. I feel like everything about the friends character was unnecessary. Mostly everything in this show was for shock value and had little meaning behind it. If your looking for a shocking series with many twist, this is for you. But if your looking for something with dept and meaning I’d watch something else.

Leia Mais

"Mask Girl": A Work of Uniqueness and Depth

Yo, fellow binge-watchers!
Just want to share my thoughts on this Netflix gem - "Mask Girl." Trust me, this show isn't just your regular popcorn entertainment – it's like a rollercoaster ride for your feels!

Each episode is like a whole new plot, from office craziness to family stuff and a bit of dark humor. But here's the kicker: every character's the star of their own show. You see their side of things.

But what sets "Mask Girl" apart? It's the crazy uniqueness. This ain't your run-of-the-mill show,. It's like a mix of dark and gritty, with Twists. And the way they blend it all? Mind-blowing. Kudos to the writer for coming up with this twisted, mind-boggling concept.

Leia Mais

Never been more Enraptured in my life

This series is a culmination of acting, plot, SFX and music; producing this grotesque beauty. Dynamically paced, viewers are not spared in this whirlwind of a rollercoaster ride. A modicum that distinguishes itself amongst other kdramas, yet in such a down to earth manner, your standards of not just K-drama but series or shows in general will never be topped ever again. It's almost inevitable you'll hate every single character, which is the true beauty and pinnacle of artistry of this series; a reflection that no human is purely good. Corrupted love is the main theme; Mo-mi's desire to be love is riddled in delusion, Oh-nam's love is a twisted obsession, Kyung Ja's maternal love is idolatry of for her son and so on. I've never paid much attention to rating Music when writing reviews, but the orchestral masterpiece of the bgm mirrors the twistedness of the characters and their motives. Yet, despite being the series being a reflection of our corruptness, the series balances this with the reminder that hope and goodwill is innate to humanity. Doing this with artful nuance and balance, the main message is a reminder that no matter how twisted our motives, purity and true love triumphs all. A riveting masterpiece and masterclass; this is truly the standard.

Leia Mais

most messed up show I’ve ever watched not for the faint of heart

the synopsis should have given it a rated R rating it showed a lot of explicit themes, such as raping, sexual assault, pornography stalking child, grooming, murder, and more. I was only watching the show for Nana. Towards the end of the series, I realized I was hate watching it. One of the cast members is from uncanny counter, and I know that the actor is playing two separate characters, but I cannot look at her face the same anymore after this series. Her gentle character in uncanny counter is now covered with this murderous and vengeful character it really shook me to my core, and not in a good way. I was scared, and the emotions were extremely intense. I didn’t realize they would be bringing children into the show which made it worse for me. I thought I was going to be in revenge story just between adults. How in the end the child had to witness her own kidnapping in the murder of her grandmother and mother, right before her eyes and the death of her paternal grandmother and her kidnapper. That really scared me. I watch the penthouse. It wasn’t as bad as this. It was crazy but it was stupid crazy it was good. This is just messed up. I highly don’t recommend this to anyone. But for those who choose to watch it anyway, please keep your children away. It’ll give them nightmares. I would submit a lower rewatch rating, but I felt that if this site doesn’t give a disclaimer warning for rated R series a requires your review such as this one to warn people what they getting into. For those who like this show it’s up to you, but I just want to express my own opinion.

Leia Mais

The whole drama went off topic

A supposedly social commentary drama got swayed away into making cult movie storyline and the decision making of the characters were never realistic to begin with. At first it was fine, modern human behavior was shown in this urban digital society, but when all the killing fest started, the whole drama went into downfall and became an unnecessary convoluted revenge drama that was totally off topic from its initial material. There were some quality scenes at the beginning but that's all about it, it's really confusing why the writers would take this route instead of making it into those tech focused dystopian story.

Leia Mais

Ignore the 7.8 rating. This show felt like a 8 at worst, 8.2 at best.

I don't know this is rated so low. Yes, it's a tad predictable, but it's also very interesting how the show got from point A to B. You'll be surprised where the show goes and you will most likely enjoy the ride. There's a lot to like about the show, but I don't want to spoil anything. But one thing you should know is if the 7.8 rating is steering you away because you feel like you could spend your time watching a better show, give it a chance. You would be surprised how good it can get in a short period of time. It's only 7 episodes at roughly an hour each. It's worth your time.

Leia Mais

The desire to be loved by everyone is an illusion

Why does Kim Mo Mi have to live a miserable life just because she was not born beautiful?
Do people choose their looks?
Since when did beauty have special standards to be loved by everyone? Should you bury dreams and talents just because you are not beautiful?
The series dealt with the issue of bullying and neglect of raising children and its consequences.
...the series was about telling their life stories in an amazing way
The only thing they didn't mention in the series was why they didn't mention the child's father and why Kim Momi didn't tell the old lady that her daughter 'was her granddaughter.

Leia Mais

A Dark and Twisted Rashomon

"Mask Girl" packs a lot into 7 episodes. Instead of offering typical KDrama escapism, this drama delves into characters looking for their own forms of escape. Mask Girl and the characters in her world are dark, lonely, and even delusional anti-heroes. They may not always be likable or sane but they are easy to empathize with as we watch their lives spiral more and more out of control with every episode. This drama's content is also wild and intensely adult, including nudity and violence, but it never felt too over the top to me. In a world full of influencers, Idols, and only fans setting a new standard, "Mask Girl" and its themes feel perfect for the times even though much of the story technically takes place in the past.

My favorite thing about this drama is that it is told in a Rashomon style with each episode representing a new character's POV. The less you know while watching the better as each character is introduced and brought to the forefront with new perspectives on things we thought we knew and have already seen. I admit that some of the story is predictable but in a way that feels more tragically inevitable, making the suspense more intense. I especially loved the first 2 episodes, not only because of the amazing performances by Lee Han Byeol and Ahn Jae Hong, but because it really felt like I was a fly on the wall observing someone's most intimate thoughts, feelings, and desires which made me root for some characters even in spite of their actions as the story progressed. In a weird way, it's a shout-out to the intensely socially awkward but also about all of us.

Another honorable mention for me is Yeom Hye Ran. She really broke my heart in some scenes while totally surprising me in others. She gave my favorite performance in this drama and I was totally able to separate her from Ms. Chu in "Uncanny Counter 1&2" (which I am also currently watching) even though I love her in that role too. She definitely has an acting range FAAAAR beyond her years. She's for sure one of my favorites now!

Would I watch this again? Sure. It's not an easy watch, but the characters are so interesting that I would be curious to see it all again knowing the full story. I do think the later episodes wouldn't be as exciting the second time around, but the story and performances are still strong enough to keep me watching.

The only thing I didn't like as much is the ending which I wish went the less safe and obvious route.

I also think the soundtrack is perfect. Adding a lot to the storytelling without an unnecessary epic ballad or song repeating over and over again to force the mood. The music just complements everything with just the right mood.

And shout out to the director for some really cool yet subtle imagery, and keeping the nudity, sex, and violence tastefully done.

Overall, "Mask Girl" delves not only into an image-obsessed society but also into the different personas we show the outside world vs. how we truly are and feel inside. Yes, this is a thriller, filled with violence and revenge, but it's also thought-provoking, delving into image and validation and obsession and insecurity... some of the less appealing aspects of human nature, without being too preachy about it. I also feel like this is hardly a dark comedy. I laughed a few times. but this is pretty much a tragedy from start to finish. Still, it manages to avoid being too depressing and that balance helps make it super easy to binge. I definitely recommend it to those interested in a grown-up drama, with some memorable characters, and a unique storytelling style. "Mask Girl" is the personification of a "don't judge a book by its cover" drama. It definitely won't be for everyone, but don't judge "Mask Girl" by the poster, description, or shocked reviewers. This one, I think, you have to get to know for yourself.

Leia Mais

very confusing plot line

Starting this review for the show is quite a challenge because it was incredibly intriguing. It managed to captivate me right from the beginning, which is a rarity for me when I start new shows. I particularly loved the initial storyline involving the office worker and her secret streaming hobby; it reminded me of the movie "Cam" that was released a while ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

However, the aspect that left me somewhat perplexed was the feeling of a complete 180-degree shift in the story's plot. If I were to skip ahead a few episodes, I wouldn't have thought it was the same show. Towards the end, it felt like an entirely different narrative. It's not that the new storyline was bad; it remained intriguing. Still, I couldn't help but feel that I missed out on numerous elements, leaving me rather bewildered about how it transitioned from point A to point B. I do believe the show had great potential, but I wish it had delved more deeply into the initial plot because it felt like we rushed through so much in so little time.

Leia Mais

Ending was so stupid

Spoil ending

The story started off very well. New exciting plot, interesting characters. Until episode 3, it started to get a bit boring but still exciting enough to keep watching (maybe because I'd like to know what the ending would be). The worst was the last episode when all the developed thrilling story went down hill...

- Evil grandma was so hard to die when everyone died so easily. She kept coming back to life it's annoying.
- How could police let evil grandma pointed a gun at people?!? In reality, they would have already shot the grandma to keep people safe.

Leia Mais