Mi nombre (2021)

Enjoyable, but not groundbreaking.

Realistically speaking, I knew where the plot was going since episode 2. I did not mind it and I was ready for an exciting ride. While it was entertaining, the show lost me a few times.

Plot wise, I’d say that’s the glow-up I enjoy watching - when with a new hairstyle come deadly skills and not rich boys. Yoon Ji Woo’s story is quite a chaos filled with questions: who did what, why and what will she do about it? We follow her on the journey of discovering the truth behind her father’s death, which became her sole life mission. Observing her trying to fit into two completely different worlds - crime driven gangs and justice and revenge driven police, made me binge watch the whole show in one sitting.

Honestly speaking, none of the characters had true depth, nor novelty to them - I’ve seen them in similar stories. You know what the characters will do, before they do it. That said, it does not take away from the entertainment value. Action genre was never a plot focused deal for me, I just want to get my blood boiling with fun fighting scenes, countless backstabbing and revenge. My Name delivered in these aspects fairly well.

The strength of Han So Hee’s performance were her physical abilities - the fighting scenes looked really good. We could see her using the skills she learned at the beginning throughout the show. While she nailed the action, some of her emotional scenes fell flat and I could not connect to her character.

Park Hee Soon served us an outstanding performance. It’s not often for me to feel bad, or rather feel anything towards a character like Moo Jin. For making me feel things, I thank Hee Soon.

Production wise, it’s Netflix, of course it’s good. Personally, I didn’t like some of the editing, especially around the training and the undercover beginning - it was too much too fast. There were also some weird choices made by making the camera go out of focus in some scenes.

Truly enjoyed the soundtrack. Just a few notes made me feel excited and ready for some bloodshed. They perfectly supported what was happening on screen, elevating the overall quality.

So, what did not work out? Not enough backstory of Ji Woo’s father. We did not really get to see him do much, either in terms of his daughter nor his work. Some flashbacks here and there are not enough for me to understand why he was such an important figure in so many people’s lives. He was the catalyst of the whole plot, but at times I didn't quite understand why.

Some turns the plot took were truly ridiculous and brainless. “Okay, it makes no sense” was the only response I could give. Some plot lines - unnecessary. I hoped the writing would emphasize more on the internal conflicts Ji Woo felt - girl was dealing with a lot.

The ending was so mediocre I could not stop myself from feeling disappointed. It’s not an open ending, but since they did not really explain many aspects surrounding Ji Woo, it felt like it. The plot is finished, there is not much that could potentially be explored in another season, so what now? Why couldn’t they give some proper closure?

Overall, I loved the fighting, the connection between Ji Woo and Moo Jin and their dynamics, the visual aspects of the show and the performance. The writing could be a bit more polished - cut some parts out, develop some more. Would recommend it if you feel like watching an action flick and want to be entertained. If you are looking for more, you might be disappointed by the plot.

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Blood, Sweat and Tears

My Name is LIT. This drama tells the story of a daughter (Yoon Ji Woo, played by Han So Hee), who is burning to take revenge on the people who killed her father. She joins a gang and then joins as a police officer. Her thirst for revenge doesn't stop, throughout the drama, she is just fighting and crying. This drama is very dark and gory. Blood, sweat, and tears are the right description for this drama. Han So Hee's acting was epic! I swear, she just nailed it. The entire cast was amazing, Lee Hak Joo, Ahn Bo Hyun, and Park Hee Soon, epic. Not to forget Jang Yool as this psycho gangster character. I loved him so much.

Also, the ending to be was a little predictable, however, I loved the character developed of Yoon Ji Woo. I loved the ending and it is a must-watch.

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A Compelling but Unfulfilling Journey - "My Name" Review

"My Name" is a Korean drama series that had me captivated from the very start. Featuring the phenomenal acting talents of Han So Hee in the lead role, it's evident that her portrayal was nothing short of exceptional. So, what did I think about "My Name"? Let's dive into it.

The standout aspect of the series is undoubtedly the acting. Han So Hee's performance is simply outstanding. She brings depth, authenticity, and charisma to her character, making it hard to imagine anyone else in her role. Her ability to convey a wide range of emotions and complexities was a highlight of the show, and her chemistry with the rest of the cast added an extra layer of realism to the story.

The plot, on the other hand, is where "My Name" treads on familiar ground. It leans on some well-worn cliche elements, which might not win points for originality. However, it's a testament to the quality of the acting and the character development that it still manages to be an engaging watch. The series keeps you invested in the fate of the characters, and the pacing is well-maintained, keeping the storyline compelling.

However, where "My Name" falters, in my opinion, is with its ending. It's not the fact that it's a sad ending that bothers me; in fact, I appreciate a well-executed tragic conclusion. What left me unsatisfied was the execution of this ending. It felt rushed and lacking in closure. It left me with a sense of yearning for more, as though the story wasn't fully wrapped up. A more well-crafted conclusion could have provided the emotional satisfaction the series deserved.

In conclusion, "My Name" is a Korean drama with exceptional acting, particularly from Han So Hee, that makes it worth the watch. While the plot might be somewhat clichéd, the character development and pacing manage to keep it interesting. However, the unsatisfactory ending leaves you feeling like there was untapped potential in the storyline. It's a series that leaves you wanting more, but not necessarily in a good way.

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Good Enough

Korean Drama 'My Name' is a mini-series with a noir story and an action-packed mood.

The story starts pretty strongly, with a character-driven plot, and it centers around the main lead and her connections with those around her while being triggered by the revenge she vows to execute if she finds her father's killer. However, the story gets predictable quite quickly. The timeline, also, was not handled that great, something that applies to the dream scenes as well.

The drama actually needed more time to be properly developed, as the short length meant a rushed progress of the story as well. Still, the atmosphere was there and the action scenes were masterfully executed. The romance could have been omitted though, as the strongest relationship of the drama was that between the main lead and her father's friend, which was also the dramatic factor of the plot.

Finally, the performances were excellent by everyone in the cast.

So, overall, 6.5 out of 10.

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A masterpiece of epic proportions

I know my bio says I like romantic dramas but it also says I’ll watch anything if it’s well done. This drama was a masterpiece. Non-stop action from start to finish. Fight scenes, hand to hand combat and mass brawls. You don’t come across many that keep you immersed every episode. Be ready to binge watch all eight. One of the best action dramas I’ve ever watched and that includes all nationalities. What more can I say.

The acting was superb especially Han So Hee’s performance. Her role was so critical to the overall success of this drama. From her fight scenes to that beautiful love scene, she was just brilliant. Park Hee Soon was also great playing the standup mob boss. We can’t mention acting without a shout out to Kim Sang Ho, one of the best supporting actors in the business. Every drama he’s in just seems to do well. There wasn’t a single weak performance in this drama. Mega kudos to all the actors/actresses.

Watch this one if you dare.

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Han So Hee punches her way to superstardom

Prior to viewing “My Name”, the question begging for an answer was “How is Han So Hee really going to play a character that is more brawl than beauty?” That question is answered so quickly and thoroughly to the affirmative in such short order that immediately after viewing the conclusion, it seems insignificant. It shouldn’t however, as Han So Hee’s performance is outstanding and it makes “My Name” one of the best productions of 2021. As Yoon Ji Woo who joins the Dongcheong drug gang and becomes the mole narcotics detective Oh Hye Jin, Han So Hee bludgeons the screen with desperate rage, crushing isolation and grim determination. If her credentials as an A List star weren’t already established, this performance carves it emphatically in stone.

The story of a criminal enterprise planting a mole in a police department is not breaking new ground. The most notable predecessors are “Infernal Affairs”, the 2002 Hong Kong movie and its English adaptation by Martin Scoresese “The Departed” which won multiple Academy Awards. “My Name” has many similarities but the setup is an ingenious twist which is subtly hinted at multiple times but only fully revealed well past the halfway mark.

Beyond Han So Hee, there are two other marvelous performances. Kim Sang Ho is brilliant as the Narcotics Division captain with a murky connection to the murder of Yoon Donghoon which initiates the story. But the most electrifying work is by Yang Jool as Do Gang Jae, a former Dongcheong disciple with plans to take over as the new kingpin. Gang Jae is at the top of the villain heap - a tangle of psychosis, brilliance, theatrics and grudges. The entanglements between Ji Woo and Gang Jae are the finest moments in a very fine show.

Sadly, they are not the centerpiece and once Gang Jae is no longer involved, the tension markedly slackens. Where “My Name” lapses, it is with the finer points of how Ji Woo acts as Detective Oh, some lackluster characters, one casting misfire and a terribly unimaginative conclusion. For the lackluster characters, Ahn Bo Hyun’s Detective Jeon Pil Do varies from the cop stereotype only occasionally and almost imperceptibly. Park Hee Soon’s Choi Mu Jin, the Dongcheong leader is more corporate figurehead than ruthless drug lord. His right hand man, meanwhile, is Jung Tae Joo played by Lee Hak Joo who is entirely unconvincing in the role.

There are some questionable gaffes in logic. Ji Woo is far too reckless with maintaining her secrecy. It is a serious stretch that she is not quickly outed as a mole. One Bond-like near death escape around the halfway point is a mess. Dongcheong rarely seems like an outfit capable of either mass drug commerce, avoiding police entanglements or successful turf warfare against other gangs. Meanwhile, the entire narcotics division could fit in a walk-in closet and the secondary characters who inhabit it show no indication that they could apprehend the most simple minded criminals.

These are flaws but not so glaring to diminish the entertainment value. The production is overall very well done. The HMU work in particular is convincing. It’s not groundbreaking photography work, but it is solid. There is almost no filler or unnecessary flashbacks in the narrative.

With a satisfying conclusion, “My Name” would be in the top echelon of shows. That, however, is where “My Name” whiffs badly. In the final episode, there is a last shocking moment (a good one) and then the narrative veers immediately southward and never recovers. It is a final confrontation that magically combines a wholly unimaginative setup with a total departure from any possible realism. It results in a show that is nearly eight episodes of scintillating entertainment that is deeply marred by the last twenty minutes.

Overall, “My Name” is an excellent show that simply falls short at the end. For an audience that is not fond of violence, it should be avoided. In general, it is just short of being a “must watch”.

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A Well Made Action Revenge Thriller

The only reason for waiting this drama desperately was One Name The pretty Han Soo Hee, who is doing so many great contents these days and here she casted for a Netflix Orginal which will be an action revenge thriller definitely create some curiosity.. the trailer and posters, everything looks promising and the expectation was correct Overall it's A well made Action Revenge Thriller ❤️

Making an action drama which includes so many emotions and engaging till the end is not that easy to execute, it definitely needs a good screenplay and performance, here the makers was very particular about everything they showed till the end. Not a single dragging or unwanted compramising forced scenes,the background score also one of the highlight of the whole drama.

Its a simple plot a girl who desperately want to revenge for her father, Sounds cliché but the way the story moves was really interesting. The intensity throughout a scene was the main thing, How you maintain that balance and connect the characters so effectively to the audience emotionally, every time i wonder how kdrama do this all the time, there are some magic for sure. Here also no difference, the whole Characters were just so perfectly written.

And the another main thing the action, Nothing to say.. they always best when coming to this and It always looks so cool when a lady protagonist does that.. She was just nailed it with her performance, really appreciate her efforts for making this so perfect and natural.

Also another thing i found, i mean not just this drama always in every Netflix Orginal kdramas, they stick to the content no matter what unlike some tv channel productions. you will get what i mean if you completely watched the drama.

Anyway this Netflix Orginal drama also deserves more attention like squid game, Its a really worth watching drama experience and you should give it a try if you are interested, From Now on every month there will be Netflix Orginal to release.. Next also the most anticipated Hellbound in November?

Try it ❤️

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Gripping, solid, a little rough around the edges

I loved the pace, length, a visceral quality of this series. At just eight episodes, the story starts at a sprint and never really slows down. The weakest section is definitely the middle, but it doesn't last long, and I think the ending is solid. What a joy to watch something completely engrossing over eight episodes and then be DONE.

Yoon Ji Woo is well played, although a bit challenging to connect with at times. She is so broken and inhuman sometimes that you're not sure if you're watching a human or an animal. I know that this is a major part of the plot (what price would you pay for revenge?) but it does create some barriers between her and me as an audience member. I do think that her intense emotional lows and her pain are really viscerally acted here, every grunt of pain and scream of horror and sob comes across so realistically. I think that her fighting was also believable.

I really enjoyed the rest of the cast. Park Hee Soon was magnetic as the powerful crime ring leader Choi Moo Jin, and I enjoyed the solid presence of Ahn Bo Hyun as Jeon Pil Do. I felt like the cast overall had really strong chemistry and played off each other really well.

The production quality is high and the cinematography is very good. There were some really memorable still shots, as well as very kinetic fight sequences. The direction and production really sold me on the world, but the opulence and griminess of it.

Overall, would definitely recommend. It's a little more fast and loose than some other trillers I've seen recently, but it's energetic, nasty, propulsive and QUICK. A real gut punch of a show. I binged the whole thing in a day because I just couldn't stop watching, I was so in suspense and invested.

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what a brilliant drama

unbelievable, this is my most addective drama, there are a lot of twist, I can't this much strong female, deabak..
story line is so boom boom.
music and songs are so good too(already added in my list
acting
for acting I give 10 Stars (even they deserve more stars) every single person did a great job.
if you love action then don't waste your time here.
even the first episode will make you obsessed with this series..
re-watch value is 10 to 10 I will surely re watch it. but everyone have different taste so maybe this drama will be little disturbing for them who don't like violence.

I won't give any spoiler but gangjae deserve that

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Female lead with the setting on the world of gangsters and murderers.

Do not expect that you will be given an ending that is different. Most comment about how predictable the story was. Of course it was predictable, the plot has been so open and clear about the relationship of Choi Mujin and Yoon Ji Woo. What this drama aims is to show how Ji Woo endured everything and why she chose to do what she did in the ending.
Everything is about trust. The Organization was established and lasted for years because of the loyalty of the members, bringing in the picture of Yoon Donghoon. Donghoon stayed with the police even though Mujin showed unwavering loyalty. That was the moment the trust was shattered between Mujin and Donghoon, someone died.
Then enter Yoon Ji Woo. Ji Woo trusted Mujin, but this time, it was Mujin who used and confused Ji Woo. Another trust was shattered, leading to the ultimate death.
In the last episode, Mujin mentioned that Donghoon was meant to be a prey. He hesistated to kill Mujin even though he has a lot of chances to do so. But if we look at it overall, Mujin, who was once a predator, became a prey in the presence of Ji Woo. It was also his hesitation to dispose and kill Ji Woo that led him to his death in the hands of Ji Woo. Both cases have similarities. Donghoon hoped to reform Mujin by eventually bringing him in the hands of the law, which can be mirrored to Mujin wishing for Ji Woo to turn her back from the police and execute her revenge in the way the organization does things.

I still kept on coming back to My Name. It's rare for me to rewatch a drama, but you would appreciate My Name the most after rewatch. There are things that you might have missed the first time probably because you are not yet familiar with all the characters. Another beauty of rewatching would be noticing the hints and clues dropped in every episode about their fate, which didn't mean anything at first watch.
Lastly, this is probably the best performance of So Hee, she is just so tailored for action.

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