This drama ended around a month ago, but I just got to start watching this when my exam was about to start the start of December. One of my classmates recommended this to me when the drama just ended, but you see, anything and everything else becomes more interesting when I need to study. That's why I only started then. Anyway, I did not regret a single second I spent watching this drama. I would definitely recommend this drama, especially if you are an avid action and political drama fan. Then, let's get on with the drama review!
First impression:
The cinematography was good! Their first few scenes were pretty much all shot in Barcelona, a place with great architecture pieces. And the way they shot those scenes utilized the character of Barcelona very well. That's a very huge plus because it almost feel like watching movie of some sort. That was in addition to all the suspense and tangled up problems each scene revealed. The first episode truly convinced me to watch this drama until the end (on the expense of being sleepy during class on those days).
Flow and plot :
The plot for the drama centered around complicated relationship, revenge, and of course politics. Somewhat a common thread with many other dramas, but this one was beautifully told, very tactically conveyed just like the characters themselves. Despite the overall dark theme of the series, they did sneak in some sweet moments of the main characters and also their comrades to be a little breath of fresh air in the midst of chaotic struggle of power.
The flow was pretty much good, the timing for each event is calculated so carefully it felt like watching a well-made movie. They also managed to build up the suspense for the upcoming episodes, very dangerous for binge-watchers like me who can't stop watching after being somewhat cliff-hung. But isn't that the point of shady ending to episodes and intriguing previews?
On a side note, the video flow, after some episodes, was a bit jumpy. There were some jump-cuts that were very abrupt. I don't know whether it's because I watch the drama online or whether it's intentional, it's just a little something I noticed.
Characters :
1) Kim Jeha (Ji Chang Wook)
He is the K2 himself, an alias when he's working under JSS, a security company. A fugitive mercenary who was betrayed by the country he earnestly served. Besides all these, his background was pretty much unclear adding a layer of mystery to his character.
I fell in love with Ji Chang Wook through this drama. While I've heard quite a few good things about him, I've never gotten the chance to watch any of his drama. Through this drama, another heartthrob is found! He portrayed the character's emotion very well, both the rough edges he must portray as skilled mercenary and his soft-side as lover and friend. I was also pleasantly surprised that he did all the action scenes by himself. I would totally watch his older dramas if I have the time!
2) Go Anna (Im Yoona)
Go Anna, the secret child of politician Jang Sejoon. Her presence added a character to be protected by the K2, a political tool for Choi Yoojin and a loved threat for her father. She suffers from a psychological illness due to a childhood experience.
I saw Yoona from a totally different light the first moment she appeared on the drama. She totally improved from her older production, where I found her acting very cringe-worthy. It is only appropriate she gains more recognition and respect from other actors and netizens alike. I really can't imagine anyone else playing Anna's role because even her physical make-up is representative of Anna's state!
3) Choi Yoojin (Song Yoona)
The wife and the brain behind the political career of Jang Sejoon. A sinister woman who would do anything to reach her goals. Her bitter past and betrayal she experienced were the ones that shapes her into the woman she is right now.
I was totally surprised when I found out that she was the mother in tear-jerker Wedding Dress. From this fact only, I can infer that Song Yoona truly is a versatile actress. She can be anything from a doting mother to broken-hearted brain of a politician. Even her role in The K2 also required her to portray a complex character who is both strong-willed with heavily guarded fragile heart. She truly is a great actress.
4) Jang Sejoon (Jo Sung Ha)
One of the presidential candidates in this drama series. To the public, he is the kind-hearted and selfless assemblyman. In private, he was a playboy in younger days and a woman player in his older days.
Truthfully he is the one I least know about. But one thing for sure, his portrayal truly made me believe that all politicians are just a bunch of smooth-talkers with nothing good of a motivation. Still a good casting decision, because he can show whatever needed despite the less airing time he got on this drama.
The unbelievables
(Spoilers ahead, block the area below to see the text)
One thing that I noticed is that Kim Jeha was too good to be true especially in the last two episodes. He was very obviously injured and still managed to fight a good number of people, got even more injury and managed to drive all the way back to the headquarters. That is in comparison to many other agents and police, who were uninjured, and yet managed to be beaten by the people Jeha took on by himself.
Another odd thing is that Jeha and Anna fell in love unbelievably fast. They met once and somewhat instantly fell in love with minimum interaction before the somewhat stressful CPR procedure. This is something minor in the k-drama world but if only they can take 1 or 2 more episodes to explore this, it will be an even better drama :)
Overall impression :
I truly enjoyed the drama as a whole. There wasn't any event that just come up out of nowhere, everything is purposeful to shape the whole story, to tell us the story that each character needs to put forward to us, the audience. Even the supporting casts did superbly in the sense that they can extract hatred, annoyance and even endearment and pity for them. The end was not rushed, making up for the somewhat rushed mid-drama. For all those reasons, I was satisfied with this drama overall.
So, for those who haven't watched yet, you can watch the trailer below to further determine whether you want to watch The K2!
Pictures are from official The K2 Facebook Page
Do check it out if you want to see more scene stills :)
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