Dominant Species (2024)

A rare K-Drama Sci-Fi that hits it out of the park

It's not too often we get to see a sci-fi K-Drama, especially one with a high budget but this is exactly what Disney delivered here. This show has very similar vibes to the "Bodyguard" from Netflix, revolving around a Bodyguard who applies to a company in order to find out if its CEO was responsible for a terrorist attack at his old military base.

Through these 10 episodes, we get to be a part of a thrilling political drama with amazing action sequences, the final episode felt like something I'd see in John Wick and it honestly wouldn't surprise me if that was an inspiration. Firstly I'll go into the acting which overall was amazing, Ju Ji Hoon and Han Hyo Joo were amazing in their roles and honestly I very heavily disagree with another review I read where they claim both of these characters are robots. Not every K-Drama needs to have overdramatic soap opera-style acting, these roles were incredibly realistic, and both characters are written as determined and calculated; they're not going to burst out in emotion like a Shakespeare tragedy. The subtle tension created through our lead's acting was amazing, it made me yearn for more interactions.

Outside of the leads, I thought everyone else also acted quite well with the exception of Woo Geun who was the Chairman of the rival company to BF. Dear god his acting was so so so so so bad, I've seen this actor in a few other shows and it wasn't anything to speak either way about but this performance was just so bad I need to look at the director because it honestly largely falls to them. I can't even describe what was wrong with this performance because it was so awful from top to bottom. The last scene with him and his son I had to rewatch out of hate.

The story is quite good, the beginning creates a lot of immediate tension and each episode pushes the plot along at a good pace while mixing in a good amount of corporate/political drama with investigative work and action sequences. I have a problem with how quickly the dialogue seems to move because there were many times I rewound to understand what exactly was going on. There were a lot of moving parts and this show never paused to let the people-watching process exactly what was being said. I loved the ending as well, there was an insane amount of suspense, and the fight scene was one of the best EVER in a K-Drama, it honestly shocked me that he was straight-up killing people because so often we just see dudes getting knocked out, it really had me giggling at the sight.

There is one caveat though, there needs to be a season 2. I don't mind open-ended finishes to shows, in fact, if done well they're amazing. But the way this show finished, it truly needs a second season, there are a lot of stories or plots still to explore and despite reading some 'theories' on what exactly happened at the end I don't like the fact the show did almost nothing to set or backup those ideas with more hints if that was what the writers are going for.

Overall I gave it an 8 but that's assuming we get more of this show, if not I'd probably lower it down to a 7 just because the ending is unfulfilling.

Leia Mais

One of the best dramas all-time, a k-drama veteran verified thriller masterpiece!

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OVERALL

I really enjoyed this drama, i think that any other thriller fan will enjoy it the same. If you're someone that has begun watching the drama but the earlier episodes don't suit your taste, just hold on as it changes as time passes. It gradually picks up pace as the drama goes on. This is definitely a must watch and probably one of the best k-dramas.



STORY

As a person who immerses themselves in various cinematic and dramatic media, I would say that I am somewhat hard to please. I tend to find myself being very critical towards any type of content I engage with. Having said that, I loved this drama. I have watched many thriller k-dramas and "Blood Free" (BF) takes a place amongst the top ranks. I've seen many people mention that the drama was quite slow especially in the early episodes. However, I felt that I was enticed from the first episode itself. The first episode was almost too uncomfortable to watch and it was gruesome but it was that explicitness that conveyed the emotions in their message of advocacy. I do have a very small attention span and I get bored quite easily, even-still I was fully engrossed in the drama. In my opinion the drama was well paced. The more I watched, the more I wanted to watch. From scene to scene, the story kept me on edge, waiting to see what would happen next.

The concept such as of BF's feels very new and novel. There have been many before BF that have had their attempts at creating an advanced world in the near future and most have failed in their execution. BF did very well in executing a large combination of elements: medical, sci-fi, thriller, power-play, and drama.

With all the appreciation that I have for BF, I don't think that it was completely perfect. The earlier episodes took a path of storytelling where advocacy for environmental protection was tightly intertwined in the dramatic elements. However, mid-series that advocation aspect disappeared and it began more of a typical (still well written) power struggle. I would have appreciated the drama keeping its consistency and bringing in a stronger element of advocacy into their storytelling. That would have kept this series unique throughout. There were other loopholes that I had noticed while watching the drama but they aren't gaps that most would notice on their first watch.

The characters were all very interesting but I wished that there was character building that was done, somehow their backgrounds and foundations felt incomplete. This could be the writers intentionally keeping information in order to reveal them in a later season. However, the characters felt slightly surface level. I loved the main character (the female lead - FL). I thought that her personality and mannerisms were quite unique and interesting. I hadn't come across many FLs like that, she was different in a good way.

The drama left so many unanswered questions that it practically requires a second season. I am very excited for this new season that hasn't even been announced yet!



ACTING & CAST

The casting choices were on point. It was the cast that elevated this series from average to exemplary. The phenomenal acting by the cast brought the story together. From mannerisms to speech, it felt that the cast had truly embodied their characters. Han Hyo-Joo and Ju Ji-Hoon rightfully stole the show as the main characters. Ju Ji-Hoon exuded a mature aura to him. He was the textbook definition of a hot bodyguard. Han Hyo-Joo played a more complex role, Hyo-Joo had lived her character in even the smallest mannerisms.

To me, Han Hyo-Joo stole the show with her acting skills. She truly proved herself as a versatile actress. Ju Ji-Hoon is talented in picking characters and dramas that suit his style of acting, he delivers every role with perfection. Over time, I have felt that the characters that her employs are all quite similar at their base. That does not change the fact that he plays his roles phenomenally or that he is most definitely one of the top actors out there.

When it comes to Han Hyo-Joo I truly feel that she is underrated. She is very popular and well known but she still deserves even more recognition. She has played roles which are vastly different to each other. Spunky and sassy characters, cute and lovable characters, badass and strong characters, Strict and model characters, adventurous characters, played mothers and daughters, physically fit to intelligent geniuses... she has acted it all. She deserves more global recognition for her talents.



CINEMATOGRAPHY & EDITING

Honestly, i didn't love the editing and cinematography. There was this specific cut where it's a tour through the hallways of the BF company building in a spiral motion and it felt so out of place to me, it did not match the serious and warmer undertones of the drama. The colour grading was good, but i felt the cinematography could have definitely been better. If it was better, the drama would have been even more exceptional. Even though I say this, the cinematography wasn't horrible or even bad, it was good - better than most.



Thank you for reading my review!! <333

o(>.<)o

Leia Mais

Another Disappointment

The Plot: find out who is spying on a totally well-meaning alternative meat (but secretly culturing human organs with the intention of philanthropically providing organ replacements for anyone who needs them) corporation. The big, bad government/politicians, whose primary objective is to control natural (and unnatural) resources (oh, and also live forever)? or the big, bad meat production corporations? or is it the ignorant farmers and ranchers unwittingly responsible for the decimation of the environment and cruel exploitation of animals? That's it.
There is little character or plot development, little intrigue, little storyline, little anything, except perhaps a little plug for alternative meat industries and their "pure-as-the-driven-snow" intentions. I was hoping for some thought-provoking storyline or dialogue. Something that would fairly question motives of both sides of this issue. Unfortunately, there was no questioning, no controversy, no development of thought. It wasn't even very entertaining. Just another dismal disappointment by Disney.

Leia Mais

Opening Doors for future K-Series

Writer - Lee Soo Yeon ( Stranger series )
Production House - Disney+ ( I cancelled mine because the subscription went up )
Actors - Ju Ji Hoon, Han Hyo Joo, Lee Hee Jun ( Strong Cast and Strong Support Cast Roles )

"Blood Free" marks a compelling departs from conventional and focuses more on storytelling and character-driven narratives, setting a new standard for K-Series

Don't skip or click the advance 10 seconds button in Disney don't drop it because The story will take new side from Cultured Meat to organs transplantation, see what technology can do these days, specially in todays topic of over population and ageing. At first guess, I was wrong on who the villain was, don't know the bald character, which leads me to think their is continuation or not.

Yes, The drama's serious and well-paced narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat, expertly crafting a thrilling experience that's more focused on intellectual suspense,

STORY

1. Spearheaded by writer Lee Soo Yeon, "Blood Free" boasts Mystery until the last episode, which i was surprised. Which there are surprises.
2. The series dives into the conflict between humanity and technology (very hot topic on reality) offers a compelling glimpse into a future world from the present. Through advanced technology disrupting the food chain, "Blood Free" presents thought-provoking themes that resonate with contemporary environmental and ethical concerns.

CAST

Powerful Cast,
Is there a romance, if the lead actress is that intelligent, i can assure you even in reality, no romance will happen
there is no intelligent Founder/CEO falls in love, she will look for ways to breakthrough technology and disrupt businesses.

MUSIC

OST is meh!!!, some BGMs are good specially some sequences on later episodes.


CINEMATOGRAPHY !!

The Cinematography and the graphic CGI is brilliant,
a lot of video lines was use to be able to pull off this kind of effects on the screen


And Any chances for REWATCH --

Perhaps it is good that something never gets touched on, writer is from stranger and when she writes, its all about the storytelling, i will be surprised if Yeon, Lee Soo Shi explore other genre. if you are a fan of her work, a definitely a rewatch
because it will make you think. if your a fan of stranger, this is a good series. first time that i reviewed that all 8.

Leia Mais

Singular PLOT

The first day I watched 7 out of 10 episodes! Interesting plot that fascinated me.
This company would produce meat without killing animals and at the same time design organs for transplants. Many people will be against the Blood Free boss and others will want to get all the secrets to live forever. She will need bodyguards to protect her and find out who is behind the blackmail and threats.
Cyber ​​attacks, accidents, deaths, "moles", transplants...
Small negative note, they could have avoided the ambush of the detour. Even a child would have understood that it was a trap.
I appreciated the acting of Ju Ji Hoon (the bodyguard Woo Chae Woon) who I had already seen in "Jirisan" and "Hyena", the revolutionary idea of ​​this project and all the pros and cons of the technological world that helps but can also be very fragile to attacks.
I recommend seeing this series for people who are not sensitive to blood.

Leia Mais

Intense drama that me people hooked

I started to watch Blood Free due to the casting of the ML (by Ju Ji Hoon) and FL (by Han Hyo Joo), actors/actresses that I really liked and I am happy that this drama did not disappoint.

The drama revolves around ML Woo Chae Woon trying to seek the truth of an accident that happened to him while he was in the army. Now, serving as a bodyguard, he ended up being employed by FL Yoon Ja Yoo and together, both of them worked together in seeking the truth of what happened to both of them previously..

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What makes Blood Free interesting was the creative story telling, which I had not seen so far in the K-dramas that I had watched. The cultured meat that Blood Free was well known for (part of the drama summary) sets the overall tone and the direction of how the drama progresses.

The drama was fast paced, filled with a lot of action (scenes by the ML) but at the same time, was able to show the backstories of the characters (in this case, the ML and the FL).

The casting for Blood Free was solid, and the actors and actresses were just amazing.

The only thing that I thought was a bit disappointing was the ending, which was like a cliff-hanger that left more questions unanswered. It would be good if Blood Free has a sequel that helps to address the questions.

Otherwise, it was still a great drama to watch, one that I will recommend.

Leia Mais

Needs another season

I thought that this drama handled such a wacky idea (the fake meat thing) pretty well, and I liked that it turned out to be something much bigger than that. I also really liked the main characters and thought they had EXCELLENT chemistry.
I'm just getting really sick of these 10 episodes seasons where we have a somewhat complicated plot that's condensed so much and then doesn't even finish up the story. For instance, Grid was like this too (I only bring that drama up because it's written by the same writer and also on Disney+). We have a really interesting idea that kinda just ends while leaving some major loose ends. I'm not sure about you guys, but I'd rather 16 episodes with a complete story rather than 10 with the possibility of a second season.

Leia Mais

Kept Me Hooked Till The End!

I watched this drama solely because of Ju Jihoon. I was kinda curious at first because the plot is a bit different than the romcom lovey-dovey dramas I usually watch. Tbh, the plot sounded very boring at first, but I watched it anyway. It was a pleasant surprise for me because the story revolved around the biotech company 'Blood Free', politics and prominent figures in South Korea who were affected by a terrorist attack or who were present during it. I honestly loved the cast because the acting was phenomenal. I'm not exaggerating or anything; even the side characters like the female lead's assistant were cast so well and they understood their assignment. Otherwise, I would never be interested in watching a drama like this. Also, the drama has several action scenes which were directed pretty well. But beware, this drama doesn't have any romance, but the ML and FL have a subtle platonic thing going on like friends (I wouldn't say lovers because they didn't show any scene of them being intimate toward each other). I hope there will be a season two! I wanna know how everything gets wrapped up now because the ending felt a bit rushed for me.

Leia Mais

Almost trope free, and the drama has a female CEO

Imagine a world where meat is biotechnologically generated and cultured. This eliminates the need to slaughter animals. Of course, such an advancement could solve world hunger. BF Company has hopes that in the near future all food will be cultured using biotechnology. Blood Free does not have many of my usual circle of acting friends in it. However, since it met my “Love it or Leave it” 15 minute criteria in 2 minutes, I thought it best to investigate further. Blood Free has a high technology driven plot-line. CGI and cinematography are through the roof.

I love a great romance drama. This ain’t it. However, the intelligently written story will keep you in suspense. Therefore, some should try to get out of their comfort zone and add Blood Free to their shopping list. Now for the guys. You have been asking for this Korean Drama. I think that you will enjoy Blood Free. For the girls. I know that actor Ju Ji Hoon starred in Kingdom, a drama I did not see, but wow, where did he come from?

The ML is Ju Ji Hoon (Jurisan, Kingdom) and FL is Han Hyo Joo (Moving, W:Two Worlds, Happiness).

I am excited about this drama Blood Free. The drama does not follow the usual Korean Drama tropes. The story is innovative and exciting. That acting and action are great.

A company has learned how to culture fleshly meat products and this company is poised to take over the world market. Can life be that easy? Not in a Korean Drama. I like Blood Free a lot. This drama is a total change of pace. The use of video gaming tools and drones to fight the bad guys is sure to please. CGI and Cinematography are great, with a great OST

Leia Mais

An intriguing Sci-fi & Thriller genre drama with a great potential PLOT

The drama with a fresh and unique plot-making, starts with a boom in artificially cultured meat, which endangered and reinvented the sector, pushing several firms to the edge of bankruptcy. It could be argued that BF single-handedly takes control and creates a whole new sector raising significant issues.

Yoon Ja Yoo, CEO of BF, a successful businesswoman who has been gaining property and power from innovating a new product, is also dealing with some challenges, including the quality of genetically modified cultured meat and risks to life from both within and outside trying to gain control over BF. Woo Chae Woon used to serve in the army, is now discharged and has become a bodyguard for Yoon Ja Yoo with the desire to investigate the terrorist incident that happened in the past. The show begins quite slowly but after episode 2 everything suddenly becomes quite interesting and makes you curious about what will happen next.

The director created a film with excellent cinematic scenes, with a dark and melancholy tone as the main color of the film, increasing tension. The writer is amazing, the creativity in her writing is crazy, and her last drama "Stranger" is a masterpiece.

Another to get attention is the chemistry on screen between the two main leads, I just get butterflies whenever they are just sitting or even standing next to each other, the way ML protects, and cares about FL is so natural making me think he has secretly fallen in love with her, also the way FL trusting him after 2,3 of meeting him is unbelievable because she in the situation that hard to give a trust to someone even her colleagues.

Han Hyo Joo after MOVING, did it again with her masterclass acting, her micro expression acting, lines, and body language all screaming that she's one of the best and most versatile Korean actresses ever. I have had a crush on HHJ for a long time since saw her the first time in "Shining Inheritance" with LSG, she has grown so much as an actress.

Leia Mais