Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• fluffyviola

  Overall 10

  Story 10,  Acting 10,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 10

  Diving into the heart of gripping human dramas and the heroism that often comes from tragedy, this Korean drama series is an exemplary piece of storytelling and production brilliance. The deft hands that wove the narrative, crafted the scenes, and breathed life into the canvas of disastrous chaos through commendable special effects and cinematography have created something remarkable.
  
  Centered on a cataclysmic event that ravages the bustling city of Seoul, the series deftly explores the splintered lives of medical professionals and emergency responders. Amidst the rubble...

  and despair, the ethos of saving lives takes center stage, with the series presenting a stark dichotomy in medical ethics. Some characters prioritize self-preservation and calculated medical practice, while others, much to the chagrin of the administrative powers, dare to practice medicine at the fringes of the rules, guided by a deeper, almost rebellious, call to heal.
  
  The lead character, portrayed with a striking charm and an unwavering dedication to his medical oath, becomes the series' moral compass. This doctor's willingness to defy the authority for the greater good not only cements his status as a kind of renegade hero but also places him in direct conflict with the rigid establishment. His on-screen chemistry with a fellow doctor, another compelling character who arrives in the capital on the fateful day, is a mix of determination, camaraderie, and sometimes, light-hearted relief amidst the darkness of their reality.
  
  There is also a narrative thread of tension and developing affection between a pair of characters, whose nuanced performances capture the audience's empathy and investment in their journey. Meanwhile, a secondary but adorable romantic subplot also garners attention with its sweetness. Certain supporting characters leave a lasting impression and embody various facets of hope and humanity prevalent throughout the series.
  
  In contrast, a particular authority figure and another medically affiliated character personify the frustrating obstacles that the protagonists must overcome. Their actions provoke the audience, stirring a sense of outrage and a wish for dramatic poetic justice.
  
  While the series may not boast a soundtrack that lingers in the memory, the endorsement of the ending theme by a respected artist does lend it a touch of soulful significance which fans of the artist are sure to appreciate and seek out.
  
  In summation, the series is an absolute triumph in storytelling. With its intricate character studies and relentless pacing, it leaves viewers magnetically attached to their screens, riding the highs and lows of its emotional roller coaster. Not just a drama that tugs at the heartstrings, but a narrative that unearths the complexities of heroism in the face of insurmountable odds. "If saving a life is a sin," one of the drama's most defining quotes, encapsulates its fierce heartbeat remarkably, and it's something that will resonate with audiences long after the screen fades to black. A definitive must-watch, one that merits not just a single viewing but a place on any drama aficionado's list of series worth revisiting.

• lazyzhao25

  Overall 8

  Story 8,  Acting 9.5,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 3

  While the ensemble of critical praise has shaped a flattering outline for this particular series, my own sentiments can't climb to that peak of adoration – hence, I proffer a slightly more modest commendation. Yet, do not misinterpret this as disparagement; it remains a series worthy of one's time.
  
  The resonating power of an inspiring ballad by a certain Jung Dong Ha was my siren call to the shores of this narrative. The melody captured my senses, prompting an irresistible dive into the accompanying storyline.
  
  Setting sail...

  with the commendable aspects, I must lead with an actor whose previous roles hadn't quite kindled a spark in my viewer's heart. However, this time around, his portrayal was a brushstroke of brilliance, almost ensnaring me in adoration – curls notwithstanding. His performance shared the stage with a host of others who, too, brought significant depth, though not all reached such notable heights. One, in particular, greeted shock with such overstated ocular expressions that believability waned.
  
  The trajectory of one character, a figure initially steeped in animosity, captivated me. In a turn that's rare in the realm of serial drama, his evolution felt genuine and did not betray his established essence. Far from perfect, yet profoundly relatable. This authenticity marked a refreshing departure from the wholesale transformation of antagonists commonly served up in other story arcs.
  
  Medical marvels within the series deserve their bouquet of accolades. A fiesta of surgeries unfolded, refreshingly devoid of overly dramatized climax, yet still gripping with the inherent peril and intricacy of their task.
  
  Let's not withhold applause from the visual magicians; their craft in special effects painted a vivid tableau of catastrophe, satisfying the voracious appetite of my inner esthete.
  
  The narrative's spectrum stretched beyond the binary of good and evil – it presented a charcoal sketch of morality where characters grappled with complex decisions, sometimes becoming the pariah in their pursuit to aid others. This moral ambiguity, married to an unflinching depiction of consequence – or at times, the stark absence of it – lent the story a stout dose of realism.
  
  And amidst the chaos, a duet at the heart of the tale warmed the chambers of my romantic sensibilities. Although, a lingering hunger for more intimate interludes remains unfulfilled.
  
  Now, to navigate to the factors that anchor my rating to a more conservative level. As an avid watcher, I brace for the portrayal of human instinct in the face of disaster – it's not all valour and nobility. Yet the frequency of unbecoming conduct crescendoed to an irritating pitch. An unwavering character in particular, steady in their administrative post, tested my patience for their lack of professional humility.
  
  In parting, this journey through highs and lows still earned its tears and emotional investment. But for all its riveting moments, I find the notion of rewatching it to be a dim likelihood. The series, indubitably, made its mark, but it is the haunting notes of the song that propelled me here that will be the talisman of my reminiscence.

• OldHan49

  Overall 10

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 8

  It seems my penchant for dramas from JTBC was subconsciously cultivated, thanks to engaging titles like the historical and heartwarming tales of servant life and the unexpected rise of blossoming love amidst corporate intrigue. With that backdrop, my expectations soared for their latest offering, which promised an intoxicating blend of medical drama and romance, all set against an ominously disastrous backdrop.
  
  The production did not disappoint when it came to the grandeur of its special effects. Much to my relief, the series dodged the bullet of...

  potential visual atrocities, instead delivering scenes brimming with a harrowing realism that ensnared me, keeping me perched precariously on the edge of my seat. It's not often a drama commands such attention that I find myself binge-watching into the early hours.
  
  However, not all was seamless in this high-stakes narrative. A few plotlines seemed to jaggedly weave in unrealistic elements and loose ends. Certain arcs felt rushed and underdeveloped, leaving a lingering desire for more depth in the journeys of the supporting cast, whose intriguing potential was merely grazed upon.
  
  In a move that rekindled my affection for past romantic comedies, the leading lady's return to the screen was nothing short of impressive, her mastery of regional accents and emotional nuances punctuating her performance. Together with the equally charming male lead, their on-screen camaraderie was delightful, if not slightly starved. Their adorableness deserved a larger narrative slice for sure—disaster and medical heroics notwithstanding, a small ramp up in romance wouldn't have gone amiss.
  
  The ensemble, populated with fresh faces not yet etched into my viewing history, stood their ground commendably. Their portrayals have indeed incited a curiosity in me to seek out their other works.
  
  Aurally, the soundtrack blended seamlessly into the background of the series, providing calming undertones without particularly standing out – perhaps overshadowed by the intensity of the visual drama unfolding before me.
  
  While a second viewing hangs in the balance—earthquake-themed content weaves its way into my nocturnal thoughts more than I'd like to admit—there is a flicker of interest to revisit those moments that shone brightest, albeit with a finger poised on the skip button to bypass less favored scenes and characters.
  
  Speaking of unfavorable characters, the villains of the piece were distressingly effective in their roles, evoking the kind of aversion that makes one loath to relive their on-screen machinations.
  
  A fleeting thought lingers that had the focus been oriented more toward our leading lady, the narrative might have achieved a deeper, more profound resonance. Nevertheless, I’m off to indulge in a personal marathon, returning to the works of the male lead who has captured my affection with his on-screen presence.

• FreshNotorious82

  Overall 10

  Story 10,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 10

  As an entertainment journalist with a seasoned background in captivating drama series, I occasionally find myself compelled to share my thoughts on standout productions, ones which resonate deeply from the very first scene. Today, I find myself in that exact position, eager to pen down my sentiments about a truly spectacular series that has captivated my attention and compelled me to write.
  
  From the moment I laid eyes on the preliminary buzz about this series, I knew it promised something special. The allure was so strong...

  that I plunged into the first episode immediately upon its release, navigating concerns about whether the ambitious narrative could be successfully executed. To my delight, not only were my worries swiftly laid to rest, but I was left utterly astounded. We've all seen series that ignite with promise but taper off into lethargy, but not this one. This series maintained its gripping momentum effortlessly, leaving me eager to leap from one episode to the next without pause.
  
  The premise, strikingly unique and untrodden within Korean drama landscapes, captured my imagination right off the bat. With high stakes and a gripping narrative that feels all too plausible, this drama masterfully combines elements of human resilience and emergency response. While I have a soft spot for romance-laden plots, I found the nuanced approach to relationships here particularly refreshing. Romance doesn't take center stage, yet it's woven delicately through the tapestry of crisis and survival, offering moments of tenderness amid chaos.
  
  We must talk about the cast – each performance fits like a tailor-made suit. One actor, whose journey I've traced from their earlier works to their indelible leading role here, truly stands apart, delivering a depth and intensity that spellbinds. Alongside him, a familiar actress shines in her role, echoing her evolution in the craft. Their chemistry could not be more electric, and one can only hope for their partnership in future projects.
  
  The smaller roles are just as compelling, enriching the narrative with a diverse array of talents that I've been pleased to recognize from other renown series. Moreover, the musical score of this drama: simply breathtaking. Sparse in vocal tracks, yes, but each piece is meticulously chosen and complements the emotional landscape of the drama flawlessly. The score envelops you, enhancing every scene with precision, and I've promptly secured these auditory gems for my collection.
  
  As for the replay value – it's colossal. I've revisited episodes already, such is the addictive nature of the narrative. It's a series I'd not only re-watch but eagerly share with companions, opening discussions and shared experiences. And should this drama grace stores in DVD format, complete with English subtitles, it shall find a notable place in my personal collection.
  
  For those pondering over giving this series their time, I implore you – take the leap. It is a drama that defines the genre, a beacon of excellence in the crowded space of television. This is not merely a recommendation; consider it a clarion call for all drama aficionados looking for a landmark series to witness. Don't hesitate – it is, by all standards, the pinnacle of this year's dramatic offerings.

• fastyang

  Overall 9

  Story 8.5,  Acting 8.5,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 9

  When the earth shakes and society teeters on the brink of chaos, there emerges a television drama that delves into the tumultuous lives of those caught in the maelstrom of a catastrophic natural calamity. This series captures the essence of what it means to be human in the face of despair, threading a narrative so intense that it's almost impossible not to feel the weight of every decision and the impact of time slipping away.
  
  Each installment ratchets up the tension, layering crises upon crises, to...

  the point of near-exhaustion for the audience. Set against the backdrop of a medical establishment, compounded by the nefarious elements within, the characters' journey is fraught with as much internal treachery as it is with external emergencies. The intriguing blend of perseverance in the face of corruption creates an intriguing dance of morality and survival.
  
  What struck a chord with me was the stark portrayal of post-disaster reality. The story doesn't shy away from the gritty, often painful, truth of what follows such an event, and it's this courageous honesty that fosters a profound connection with the characters. Their choices resonate with a raw authenticity that is both heart-rending and illuminating. Romance weaves its way through the storyline, but it's the delicate touch, rather than a heavy hand, that enacts a surprising appeal, especially to someone like me who holds romance in the highest regard.
  
  Performance-wise, the ensemble cast resonates with undeniable talent. Their dynamic interactions, fueled by adept direction and thoughtful writing, coalesce into a picturesque yet harrowing tableau. The lead actors, in particular, exhibit a chemistry that seems almost intuitive, a synchronous dance that underscores the narrative from its onset. While some character portrayals may fall slightly short of ideal, it's a minor detraction in an otherwise stellar collective effort.
  
  As for the auditory experience, the instrumental soundtrack is a tapestry of repetition and beauty, weaving a serene counterpoint to the onscreen intensity. The music encapsulates the series' emotional landscape so effectively that it drew me to add one of its tracks to my collection almost immediately.
  
  In contemplation of a rewatch, there's an ambivalence that mirrors the series' own oscillations between tension and relief. Certain episodes, heavy with narrative drag, might not beckon a second viewing. Still, there are those cresting moments that capture the evolution of the characters so poignantly that they deserve to be experienced once again, if only to savor the nuances of their transformation.