21
35
7
WandereR
Borneo
Dark Side of the Moon
Mysterious. Suspenseful. Terrifying. Emotional. For me, these are the key attributes and main selling points of The Silent Sea as it takes viewers literally to the dark side of the moon through the perspectives of an eclectic team of space explorers in the not-too-distant future.
Based on the 2014 short film, The Sea of Tranquility, conceived by Choi Hang Yong who also directs, the screenplay adaptation is written by Park Eun Kyo. Composer and new age musician Lee Ji Soo serves as music director with his original score performed by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. This Netflix original sci-fi K-drama is executive produced by Jung Woo Sung. Production began in April 2020 with principal photography taking place in August 2020.
The story is set during a time when the Earth is being depleted of its most important natural resource - water. The moon represents a viable extraterrestrial option for advanced research into harnessing water conservation methods as part of wider efforts for ensuring the survival of mankind. However, a mass casualty event on the lunar space station-cum-research facility becomes the catalyst for an expedition to retrieve crucial research samples and data. A crew of scientists are assembled for this time-sensitive assignment. What awaits the team on the ground constitutes the core narrative and underlying mystery of the drama. There are parallels to be drawn with other sci-fi films such as Event Horizon, Life, and even Alien that share similar themes - journeying into the unknown, unravelling the secrets that lie beyond, and making the ultimate sacrifice for the human race.
In addition to the high tension, deep sense of foreboding and the sinister aura surrounding the mystery on the moon, the drama intimately examines the dynamics of the crew, amidst their hidden agendas and personal motivations. The global water shortage which resulted in a devastating event designated "The Great Drought" has precipitated enforcement of draconian laws that promote inequality of water accessibility. This provides the necessary backdrop for socio-political, ecological and environmental subtexts that are subtly hinted at.
For the most part, the storytelling manages to fuse all these elements cohesively and coherently. It establishes beforehand the necessary world-building that enables viewers to connect to the reality of the fictional settings, where the basis of the science isn’t overly complicated and the technology does not appear particularly advanced. Nonetheless, some suspension of disbelief is required where accuracy in the application of the laws of physics as well as the realism of spaceflights and moon landings are concerned.
In terms of the production quality and sci-fi settings, The Silent Sea well and truly delivers in this respect. The set designs of the space shuttles and base facilities, as well as the conceptual imaginings of the moon itself along with the desolation of a dystopian South Korea are remarkably detailed and life-like. This is largely attributed to the well rendered visual effects and CGI, courtesy of the South Korean VFX specialist Westworld, which is actively involved in Netflix's Korean productions the likes of Sweet Home and Squid Game. The resulting visuals are complemented by the exceptional sound production. Evocative mood music forms a prominent part of the original score that sets the overall ambience of the production.
The costume design of the spacesuits is rather interesting, given that they appear much sleeker in comparison with the NASA Intravehicular suits (IVA) seen in recent space films like Sandra Bullock's Gravity. The drama features action sequences to a certain extent, onboard the spacecraft but mostly within the confines of the lunar base.
Both cast and characterization deserve praise for their presentation in this production. Embodying the diverse multifaceted characters are an ensemble cast headlined by Gong Yoo and Bae Doona. I don’t think I need to wax lyrical about how critically acclaimed they are or their long list of accolades. I’ve been a huge fan of both but particularly of Bae Doona over the years. In this drama, they each brought their A game in their respective portrayals of the rather inscrutable but profoundly layered leads, team leader Captain Han Yoon Jae and astrobiologist / ethologist Dr. Song Ji An. Displaying extraordinary depth and gamut of emotions, I wouldn’t expect any less from either of them.
Lee Joon returns in his first drama since his discharge from military service in 2019 (although his second comeback drama, Bulgasal: Immortal Souls was released slightly earlier). He portrays the understated and somewhat straight-laced Lt. Ryu Tae Seok. Kim Sun Yeong plays the team medic, Dr. Hong Ga Young, who is perhaps the most upbeat and fun character in the group.
My third time seeing Heo Sung Tae in a supporting role this year, after Beyond Evil and Squid Game. This time he plays government bigwig Kim Jae Sun, which is a departure and a somewhat welcome change from his usually more unsavoury characters. His co-star from Beyond Evil, Kil Hae Yon also makes an appearance as the official of the Space Aeronautics Administration, Director Choi Guk Jang, who comes across as manipulative and highly suspicious.
Kang Mal Geum has had a prolific year, appearing in no less than five dramas and I happened to have watched them all. This experienced actress has a minor but no less important role in this drama. Child actress Kim Shi Ah is also deserving of a shout-out for her second appearance of the year, since her brief cameo in Kingdom: Ashin of the North. This young talent certainly has a knack for choosing high profile Netflix productions as well as dramatic roles.
I’m quite pleased with how the mystery was crafted and depicted. Although what happens afterwards - as far as the future of Earth and its inhabitants are concerned - is never shown or explained, the focus of the story was always going to be on Song Ji An. The source material is indicative of this approach as well. This has been a captivating and immersive viewing experience for me where I got to appreciate some very fine acting from a stellar cast amidst the spectacular visuals and effects of a sci-fi setting.
Based on the 2014 short film, The Sea of Tranquility, conceived by Choi Hang Yong who also directs, the screenplay adaptation is written by Park Eun Kyo. Composer and new age musician Lee Ji Soo serves as music director with his original score performed by The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. This Netflix original sci-fi K-drama is executive produced by Jung Woo Sung. Production began in April 2020 with principal photography taking place in August 2020.
The story is set during a time when the Earth is being depleted of its most important natural resource - water. The moon represents a viable extraterrestrial option for advanced research into harnessing water conservation methods as part of wider efforts for ensuring the survival of mankind. However, a mass casualty event on the lunar space station-cum-research facility becomes the catalyst for an expedition to retrieve crucial research samples and data. A crew of scientists are assembled for this time-sensitive assignment. What awaits the team on the ground constitutes the core narrative and underlying mystery of the drama. There are parallels to be drawn with other sci-fi films such as Event Horizon, Life, and even Alien that share similar themes - journeying into the unknown, unravelling the secrets that lie beyond, and making the ultimate sacrifice for the human race.
In addition to the high tension, deep sense of foreboding and the sinister aura surrounding the mystery on the moon, the drama intimately examines the dynamics of the crew, amidst their hidden agendas and personal motivations. The global water shortage which resulted in a devastating event designated "The Great Drought" has precipitated enforcement of draconian laws that promote inequality of water accessibility. This provides the necessary backdrop for socio-political, ecological and environmental subtexts that are subtly hinted at.
For the most part, the storytelling manages to fuse all these elements cohesively and coherently. It establishes beforehand the necessary world-building that enables viewers to connect to the reality of the fictional settings, where the basis of the science isn’t overly complicated and the technology does not appear particularly advanced. Nonetheless, some suspension of disbelief is required where accuracy in the application of the laws of physics as well as the realism of spaceflights and moon landings are concerned.
In terms of the production quality and sci-fi settings, The Silent Sea well and truly delivers in this respect. The set designs of the space shuttles and base facilities, as well as the conceptual imaginings of the moon itself along with the desolation of a dystopian South Korea are remarkably detailed and life-like. This is largely attributed to the well rendered visual effects and CGI, courtesy of the South Korean VFX specialist Westworld, which is actively involved in Netflix's Korean productions the likes of Sweet Home and Squid Game. The resulting visuals are complemented by the exceptional sound production. Evocative mood music forms a prominent part of the original score that sets the overall ambience of the production.
The costume design of the spacesuits is rather interesting, given that they appear much sleeker in comparison with the NASA Intravehicular suits (IVA) seen in recent space films like Sandra Bullock's Gravity. The drama features action sequences to a certain extent, onboard the spacecraft but mostly within the confines of the lunar base.
Both cast and characterization deserve praise for their presentation in this production. Embodying the diverse multifaceted characters are an ensemble cast headlined by Gong Yoo and Bae Doona. I don’t think I need to wax lyrical about how critically acclaimed they are or their long list of accolades. I’ve been a huge fan of both but particularly of Bae Doona over the years. In this drama, they each brought their A game in their respective portrayals of the rather inscrutable but profoundly layered leads, team leader Captain Han Yoon Jae and astrobiologist / ethologist Dr. Song Ji An. Displaying extraordinary depth and gamut of emotions, I wouldn’t expect any less from either of them.
Lee Joon returns in his first drama since his discharge from military service in 2019 (although his second comeback drama, Bulgasal: Immortal Souls was released slightly earlier). He portrays the understated and somewhat straight-laced Lt. Ryu Tae Seok. Kim Sun Yeong plays the team medic, Dr. Hong Ga Young, who is perhaps the most upbeat and fun character in the group.
My third time seeing Heo Sung Tae in a supporting role this year, after Beyond Evil and Squid Game. This time he plays government bigwig Kim Jae Sun, which is a departure and a somewhat welcome change from his usually more unsavoury characters. His co-star from Beyond Evil, Kil Hae Yon also makes an appearance as the official of the Space Aeronautics Administration, Director Choi Guk Jang, who comes across as manipulative and highly suspicious.
Kang Mal Geum has had a prolific year, appearing in no less than five dramas and I happened to have watched them all. This experienced actress has a minor but no less important role in this drama. Child actress Kim Shi Ah is also deserving of a shout-out for her second appearance of the year, since her brief cameo in Kingdom: Ashin of the North. This young talent certainly has a knack for choosing high profile Netflix productions as well as dramatic roles.
I’m quite pleased with how the mystery was crafted and depicted. Although what happens afterwards - as far as the future of Earth and its inhabitants are concerned - is never shown or explained, the focus of the story was always going to be on Song Ji An. The source material is indicative of this approach as well. This has been a captivating and immersive viewing experience for me where I got to appreciate some very fine acting from a stellar cast amidst the spectacular visuals and effects of a sci-fi setting.
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