Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• loudxie

  Overall 5

  Story 4.5,  Acting 5.5,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 1

  Once upon a time, there was a highly anticipated TV series that had viewers on the edge of their seats. Fans were excited because its predecessor had not only an actual plot but also some incredible fight scenes. It was truly an action-packed adventure that kept everyone entertained.
  
  However, when the new installment of this series arrived, something seemed off. The storytelling was messy and scattered, leaving viewers unsure of the purpose of watching until the very end. It was disheartening to see such potential go...

  to waste.
  
  To make matters worse, the once-impressive action scenes took a nosedive. Instead of being cool and awe-inspiring like before, they became cringeworthy. It was as if the magic and excitement of the previous installment had vanished.
  
  There were a few shining moments in this otherwise disappointing series. One of those moments was the presence of the talented Kim Da Mi, who managed to salvage some of the scenes with her incredible performance. Her presence was a small beacon of hope amidst the setbacks.
  
  Unfortunately, there were many other aspects of the series that fell short. The cinematography was subpar, lacking the visual appeal that viewers had come to expect. The acting was below average, leaving little impact on the audience. Even the fight choreography, once a highlight, felt awkward and out of place.
  
  Not to mention, the special effects looked cheap and unimpressive. It was disappointing to see corners cut in this regard, considering the high standards set by its predecessor. Even the soundtrack failed to capture the appropriate mood, further distancing viewers from the overall experience.
  
  In the end, this new installment of the beloved series failed to live up to expectations. It lacked the strong plot and thrilling action that made its predecessor so captivating. Despite a few redeeming qualities, it ultimately fell short in almost every aspect. Fans were left longing for the magic and excitement they had once experienced, hoping that future installments would recapture the essence that made this series so beloved in the first place.

• slowinception57

  Overall 5.5

  Story 5,  Acting 7.5,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 3

  A Hell of a Letdown: Much like everyone else, I dove into this series with high hopes after loving the first movie. Boy, was I in for a disappointment! They decided to stuff the show with unnecessary filler, stretching it out for hours when it could've been a sleek and punchy hour-long affair. And don't even get me started on the imbalance in screen time; the cast I was dying to see barely got a chance to shine, while irrelevant folks overstayed their welcome.
  
  I was...

  all geared up for some high-octane action, but instead of thrilling fights, all we got was senseless killing. The female lead was meant to be a force to be reckoned with, but they went overboard on the killing spree, making the action feel monotonous. Honestly, not a single redeeming quality in sight.
  
  But let's talk about something that really grinds my gears—when characters from different races attempt to speak another language. Trust me, it was nothing short of cringe-worthy when they tried to converse in Chinese. My TV nearly met its end because of that cringe!
  
  In a nutshell, this series is as flavorless and dull as it gets. Sadly, nothing impressive to write home about here.

• BluntRussell

  Overall 4.5

  Story 4,  Acting 5.5,  Music 5.5,  Rewatch Value 1

  Once upon a time, there was a highly anticipated sequel to a beloved movie that left its fans eagerly waiting. As the curtain rose on the second installment, the anticipation turned into disappointment.
  
  From the very beginning, the story lacked depth and failed to captivate its audience. The computer-generated effects fell flat, lacking the magic and realism that made the first movie so special. Even the cast seemed mismatched, struggling to bring their characters to life. The poor English dubbing only added to the disjointed experience.
  
  As...

  a devoted fan of the original film, I had high hopes for this sequel. Sadly, it failed to measure up in every aspect. The powerful presence displayed by Kim Da Mi and Woo Shik in the first film was sorely missed, as the ensemble in this second installment failed to leave any lasting impression. Perhaps, the simplicity of the storyline played a significant role in their lackluster performances. In fact, it felt as though there was no story at all, leaving the viewers yearning for more substance.
  
  The action scenes, which should have been thrilling and adrenaline-pumping, felt contrived and fake. They lacked the authenticity that the audience craved, instead leaving them feeling foolish for even considering their plausibility.
  
  In the end, this eagerly awaited sequel left much to be desired. It failed to recapture the brilliance of its predecessor and left fans sorely disappointed.

• BluntPark61

  Overall 7.5

  Story 6,  Acting 8,  Music 7,  Rewatch Value 7.5

  In the world of magical beings, a long-awaited sequel to a beloved series finally arrived. As a devoted fan, I eagerly anticipated the continuation of the story that had captivated my imagination for years. The production process had faced its fair share of challenges, including a copyright dispute with the previous film distributor. As a result, the original storyline had to be reworked, with a new character named Jayoon taking center stage. Naturally, my expectations were somewhat tempered due to these unforeseen circumstances.
  
  The storytelling in...

  this sequel followed a familiar path. The trailer had already revealed much of what would unfold, except for the ending. It was a typical tale of a victim imprisoned in a lab who managed to escape and find a loyal ally. Of course, their enemies were hot on their trail, leading to a climactic showdown where victory was only achieved at great cost. While the acting was not entirely to my taste, with some performances feeling somewhat forced and lacking authenticity, the actors did their best to exude a sense of coolness. There were also scenes with English dialogue, but the delivery felt awkward. Unfortunately, I am not fluent in Chinese, so I cannot offer an assessment of those dialogues. On a positive note, the opening of the story was surprisingly different from what I had anticipated, and it embraced a unique rural atmosphere. The opening and ending moments held the key to the entire franchise, making it essential for viewers to stick around until the very end.
  
  A plethora of characters graced the screen, including numerous side characters and cameos. Strangely, they all seemed eerily similar to one another, leaving me wondering if this was intentional to reflect a cloning storyline. Additionally, I found that there were several unnecessary scenes that attempted to inject humor into the story. Personally, I would have preferred to see more focus on the bond between "The Girl" and her sibling, which I had eagerly awaited based on comments from the director regarding the differences between her and the previous witch, Jayoon.
  
  Admittedly, I felt somewhat let down by the character development of the new witch. The director chose to follow the well-trodden path of the emotionless, personality-lacking protagonist, who is fascinated by the outside world like a newborn chick. Once again, she possessed an overwhelming amount of power. However, despite my initial disappointment, I couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about how the director would evolve her character in future installments. "The Girl" remained an enigma to me, akin to a blank canvas waiting to be painted upon.
  
  The action sequences in the sequel were undeniably impressive. Countless thrilling battles filled the screen, exuding an anime-like aesthetic. The significantly larger budget had allowed for improved visual effects that heightened the intensity of each confrontation. Personally, my favorite fight involved a beautifully illuminated billboard, creating a stunning visual feast. However, for those who prefer a slower pace, the lightning-fast movements and overpowering abilities of the characters might prove overwhelming. Each encounter seemed to be over in the blink of an eye - a blur of slashes, shots fired, and lethal blows. It is important to note that this sequel received a higher age rating, as the depiction of fatal injuries was shown with graphic detail.
  
  In the end, I found myself in a somewhat conflicted state regarding the sequel. New audiences, unfamiliar with the previous parts, will likely revel in the excitement and enjoy the film immensely. However, for devoted fans such as myself, there exists a complex mix of both love and frustration. Despite some shortcomings in character development and exaggerated fight scenes, I cannot deny the lingering anticipation for what lies ahead in this magical world.

• saddumbo4

  Overall 9

  Story 7.5,  Acting 9,  Music 3.5,  Rewatch Value 10

  This review contains spoilers, so beware! Alright, guys, let's talk about this awesome movie I just watched. First off, the story is pretty straightforward, which I think is a good thing considering the dark and intense nature of the franchise. It made it easier for me to follow along, especially since there's going to be a continuation. Now, let's get to the important parts - the intro and the ending. Everything else in between felt like filler or backstory, but those two moments really stood...

  out.
  
  Now, let's talk casting. They did a fantastic job here. I was particularly impressed with Shin Si-Ah, who played "The Girl." She nailed her role, especially considering she's new to the industry. And let's not forget the foreigner guy from the same agency as Si-Ah. His character provided a much-needed comic relief in this dark-toned film.
  
  As for the characters, I loved each and every one of them. Compared to the first movie, this one did a better job of giving more characters their fair share of "moments." There were different groups of characters involved, like the Chinese To-Woo, the Union Soldiers, and the thugs. It created a unique dynamic and added a thrilling element when they all crossed paths and fought each other. Oh, and we can't forget about Shin Si-Ah's character - she was a crucial part of the story as well.
  
  Now, let's talk action scenes. Wow, just wow. The action in this movie was off the charts. Visually satisfying and beautifully choreographed, it easily outshined the fight scenes in Marvel movies. It felt like watching a battle between gods, almost like an anime fight. Simply epic.
  
  Now, let's touch on Kim Dami and Lee Jong Suk. They had their moments in the movie, but their characters didn't contribute much to the overall story. Lee Jong Suk showed his charisma, and it was nice to see him on the big screen again. And Kim Dami, well, her character is definitely going to play a major role in a potential third movie. She had a badass scene, although it was short.
  
  Speaking of a third movie, that ending had me convinced that there will be another installment. The connection between Shin Si-Ah and Kim Dami's mother left me wanting more. Overall, this movie was a blast to watch, giving the superhero/powers genre a refreshing twist. The powers displayed were extreme, but that's what made it so enjoyable. And can we just talk about the dynamic between Eun Soo and the foreigner? Loved it! I'll definitely rewatch it for the excitement and those mind-blowing fight scenes.