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• tinyrhinoceros43

  Overall 9

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

  Once upon a time, there was a drama that captured my heart like no other. I must confess, I don't usually take the time to write reviews for dramas, but this one left such a profound impact that I feel compelled to express my feelings. You see, this drama is the sequel to a beloved series called Iris, which holds a special place in my heart. Naturally, I approached this new installment with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
  
  The story picks up seamlessly from where...

  Iris left off, aiming to tie up loose ends and delve deeper into the history of certain characters. From the very beginning, the pace was intense, with multiple plot threads weaving together. However, I must admit that this bustling narrative occasionally worked to the show's disadvantage. It wasn't until the second half that the story found its footing, slowing down to gather focus and momentum.
  
  It was during this later stage that the series truly shone, with each character driven by their own motivations, no matter how flawed or misguided they may be. I found myself captivated by their relentless pursuit of their goals, even as the consequences grew more dire.
  
  The casting for this drama was exceptional, with one small caveat. While I understand the appeal of including K-Pop singers in the cast, it sometimes felt more like a gimmick than a natural fit. These performers, while not necessarily bad actors, simply paled in comparison to the seasoned talents of Jang Hyuk, Lee Bum Soo, Oh Yun Soo, and Lee Da Hae. However, the standout performance that truly stole the spotlight was not a K-Pop singer, but rather an actor named David Mcinnes. Unfortunately, his portrayal fell flat, making any scene he was in nearly unbearable to watch.
  
  Yet, where the drama truly excelled was in its soundtrack. The music was as exceptional as it was in the original Iris, and certain tracks, like Davichi's 'Don't You Know' and BST's 'Black Paradise,' particularly stood out to me. Furthermore, the use of the score from Iris in the action scenes was a clever touch, as it had already proven its excellence in the first installment.
  
  Like its predecessor, Iris II is a drama that begs to be rewatched. In fact, experiencing both series in succession would undoubtedly be a treat, as they seamlessly blend into one another, feeling like one grand epic story. Despite a few early stumbles in the plot, overuse of poor CGI, and casting missteps, Iris II is undeniably worth watching, especially if you have a fondness for action dramas or if you, like me, adored Iris and its companion, Athena: Goddess of War, to a lesser extent.

• fiercelee

  Overall 9

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

  The TV series I am reviewing had been highly anticipated since its predecessor, leaving many unanswered questions. In this new installment, titled "Iris," the storyline delves deeper into the identity of a mysterious character known as Mr. Black, along with the fascinating history of Iris and the infamous Baek San.
  
  One commendable aspect of "Iris" is how it skillfully connects the two storylines while still allowing each its own distinct identity. As the series progresses, it steadily improves, and the ending is ultimately satisfying. Despite...

  my usual reservations with idol actors, both Doo Joon and Lee Joon deliver excellent performances. The standout plotlines are undoubtedly the solo missions featured in both parts, proving to be the most engaging, along with the romantic subplots. However, I found Lee Bum Soo's character underwhelming; although he is a talented actor, this particular role did not showcase his abilities effectively. His attempt to bring out his goofiness fell flat for me.
  
  While I still favor the first part, mainly due to my personal bias towards Lee Byung-Hoon, who is an exceptional action actor, part two also has its merits. Jang Hyuk's portrayal, especially after his character experiences memory loss, is awe-inspiring. The action sequences throughout the show are undeniably impressive. One observation worth noting is the constant presence of stealth marketing, with Samsung products being consistently showcased and advertised, which at times became overwhelming. To fully comprehend part two, it is advisable to watch part one beforehand.
  
  In conclusion, "Iris" successfully continues the captivating narrative introduced in its predecessor, skillfully interweaving new storylines while providing closure to lingering questions. With notable performances from the cast and engaging action sequences, the series offers a satisfying viewing experience.

• roughpenguin24

  Overall 10

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

  So, here's the deal. I usually don't write reviews unless I'm really, really into the show. And let me tell you, this drama had me hooked. As a big fan of the Iris franchise and all things action-packed, I was thrilled with how this drama turned out.
  
  What I loved most about it was how they tied it back to the first season while still giving it its own unique storyline. The pacing was just right, not too fast or slow. You could totally keep...

  up with the story without feeling the urge to skip ahead. Plus, they threw in plenty of twists and cliffhangers that had me losing my mind and yelling at my screen. Talk about suspense!
  
  The story itself was original and had a perfect blend of action, suspense, and just a touch of romance. It really made you question what the truth was and kept you guessing till the very end. And let's not forget the characters. Sure, there were a few I didn't like, but then I realized that hating them meant the actors nailed their roles. The acting overall was flawless, especially in the more emotional scenes where you could really feel the characters' pain and empathize with them.
  
  I also gotta give a shout-out to the music. The songs they chose perfectly reflected the emotions and situations, which is so important in a drama. And can we talk about rewatch value? I would totally watch this again. It's seriously one of the best dramas out there, in my opinion. (And come on, Yoon Doojoon is in it! That man is a sexy beast.)
  
  Iris had me on the edge of my seat every single episode, and waiting for the next one was pure agony. I'm sad that it's over, but for all you future watchers out there, I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It's a great watch and I definitely recommend it.

• oldhalle

  Overall 7

  Story 8,  Acting 9,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 5

  In this highly-anticipated sequel, I was ready for another thrilling adventure after falling in love with its predecessor. And although it did have some exhilarating action sequences that had me on the edge of my seat, it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
  
  One thing that really stood out to me was the excessive product placement. It felt like I was watching a commercial for Samsung electronics rather than a captivating action-packed show. The constant close-up shots had me rolling my eyes and took away...

  from the overall enjoyment.
  
  Another letdown for me was the heavy emphasis on the love story. While the previous installment had a love story, it wasn't as overpowering as it was in this one. I found myself frustrated with characters making questionable decisions because of their significant other. It became tiresome and dragged down the plot.
  
  Now, let's talk about those flashbacks. If you can tolerate the incessant flashbacks in the previous season, then you're a true superhero. Unfortunately, the flashbacks in this series were just as prevalent, if not more. It's okay to use them sparingly, but when they start taking up significant screen time, it's time to rethink the storytelling approach.
  
  Despite these shortcomings, I have to give props to the acting. Jang Hyuk was a revelation, capturing my attention with his captivating presence. Although I didn't feel the same chemistry between the main actors as I did in the previous installment, the rest of the cast was phenomenal. Each character, whether good, bad, or neutral, brought something special to the table and made the series worth watching.
  
  As for the soundtrack, it failed to impress me. It's only during the action scenes that the instrumental pieces managed to capture my interest. However, there were a few songs that carried over from the previous season that I wasn't particularly fond of, and unfortunately, they made a reappearance here as well.
  
  Ultimately, I'll give this a solid rating because of the exceptional cast and the adrenaline-pumping action scenes. While it may not have lived up to its predecessor, it still managed to entertain me and keep me hooked till the end.

• freshshen

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 7

  Once again, I have fallen under the spell of an addictive and exciting TV series. This sequel may feature some familiar scenes, but it also delivers a thrilling continuation of the story. While there might not be a lot of romance to complain about (hey, it's not that kind of show!), I have to admit I didn't feel much chemistry between Yoo Gun and Soo Yeon, at least not from her side. But fear not, because the rest of the series is loaded with non-stop...

  action and suspense!
  
  What I loved most was how the characters were driven by their own beliefs. Some thought they were fighting for the greater good of their country, while others were motivated by power and greed. As the plot unfolded, it became clear that Iris was a force to be reckoned with. Even though I could see the ending coming from a mile away (and I'm sure most viewers will too), it was still a blast to watch it all play out.
  
  Let's talk about the acting, shall we? Jang Hyuk, wow! This man has a true gift. I laughed and cried with him as his character, Yoo Gun, went through incredible transformations. Kim Yeong Cheol also deserves applause for his portrayal of Baek San. I can't make up my mind if I love or hate his character because he is one of those complex individuals who show that everyone has two sides. These two actors alone deserve a standing ovation.
  
  But wait, there's more! Lee Bum Soo as Yoo Joong Won was an enigma. I had no clue what his character was all about for a while, and that mystery kept me hooked. Oh Yun Soo as Choi Min did a decent job, though I felt she was mainly there to keep Yoo Gun in the storyline and then disappeared. On the other hand, Im Soo Hyang as Yun Hwa was a total scene-stealer in my opinion. She brought so much depth and intensity to her role.
  
  I can't reveal too much about the ending, but let's just say that if there's an Iris in the mix, count me in for the next installment. I also want to give a shout-out to Doo Joon from BST and Lee Joon from MBLAQ, who surprised me with their acting skills. These guys definitely didn't suck!
  
  Oh, and did I mention the outtakes? It turns out that many of these talented actors did their own action scenes and got hurt in the process. Talk about dedication! Kudos to all of them for enduring such brutal stunts.
  
  Lastly, let's talk about the music. The song "Foolish Me" by GO and Mir is an absolute gem, even if you don't end up watching this drama. Trust me, it's worth a listen. Who knows, I might even rewatch this series at some point. If you're a fan of action and suspense, this is one drama you don't want to miss. Go ahead and give it a go, you won't be disappointed! :-)