La chica enmascarada (2023)

Not a fun watch

I came to this show expecting a thriller like "Celebrity," which I thought was corny and pretty fun to watch. This was crazy - excessive feats of R-rated nonsense that did NOT need to be involved in the show. The premise had a lot of promise, as do lots of webtoon-adapted k-dramas, but it really reminded me of that messed up manga (Juujika no Rounen?? I'm really not sure) where it was a premise of revenge from different characters with evil intents but ultimately showcased the torture and assault (I'm talking extremely uncomfortable) There's no way to defend this as realistic - it's just messed up. And it is not fun nor interesting to watch. I can't accurately judge the acting because no way am I seriously watching all the scenes of a dude with a jiggling doll in his house and more pornographic scenes of him - as well as him as a R*PIST??? Really disgusted me, I felt bad for the main character but that was really it. Had to fast forward some scenes because it made me extremely uncomfortable, as I've said.

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How Did I Ever Sleep On Mask Girl??? A Straight 10 out of 10!!!

I avoided Mask Girl like the plague. A grown woman wearing a mask and dancing online? Count me out. Then I saw an online review and learned that my girl, NaNa, was in it so I thought I would check it out. Here's the thing with K-dramas. They can start out excellent, start to hiccup during the middle and fizzle out toward the end. Not Mask Girl. It was compelling from beginning to end. Never a false note. Every actor played their role to perfection. I even forgot that they were acting or what I had seen them in before, I was that drawn into the story. I streamed this in one day. I'm so glad all the eps were available to stream at one time.

I won't give anything away about the plot. I will say that there are no cheap plot devices here, no forced cliffhangers and no sharks to jump. Just super clean writing from beginning to end. Every actor shined. They portrayed the human condition to perfection. Not once did I have to suspend disbelief. Not once did "that can't happen" pull me out of the story. Not once did I think something didn't make sense. No scenes felt like useless filler.

There's nothing cute about Masked Girl (although there is dark humor), there's no formulaic romances or any sweet, pretty boys to swoon over but once you watched the first episode you'll be hooked. Amazing story, excellent actors, tight plot, no dangling ends here, there and everywhere. What more could you ask? I was wondering what the future of K-drama would be and the future is here.

You owe it to yourself to watch Mask Girl. You won't be disappointed.

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MUST WATCH!

I wasn’t expecting much from this show but holy shit it did not disappoint!

Each episode was filled with something new and interesting, the plotwists they would end each episode with made you want to continue immediately!

I’m in awe and i’m so sad that it only had 7 episodes.

I wasn’t rooting for anyone in the show until Mimo came. I’m so glad they connected a mother daughter relationship into the plot, it mended so well with the flow. Shows how strong mothers love can truly be.

I cannot feel angry at any of the characters in there, the grandma who hunted down Mimo was also a mother who was filled with grief and pain, Momi was no different. She wanted to protect her daughter just like she said in the car when she was fleeing.

Momi’s mother sacrificing herself in the end was so heart wrenching as well. She was painted as a heartless monster who didn’t care but a mother’s instinct and love can never truly go away.

I cried in the end, i’m really happy Mimo had her best friend with her in the end. And if the show ever did a sequel I would definitely watch!

I also wonder what happened to the daughter who needed that kidney donated…Hm!

Overall, amazing show! Great acting from everyone and great pacing. Must watch and it’s quick watch as well! 10/10!!

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This is a long-awaited series for me. About something that is very popular on the internet, streaming. The main role is a streamer who streams outside of work hours. Otherwise, I would like to say that this is a very different office drama, she gets along well with some colleagues. However, she has an inferiority complex, does not appreciate her own appearance and some others do not either.

As a person, she tries to solve her complex by hiding her face when she streams. She is well known and very popular, has many followers and viewers. Much of this can be recognized in series such as shadow beauty and true beauty by having a different character on the outside, in public that people don't know about. However, it does not solve all her problems, there is so much more going on in her private life. Her streaming character behind the mask is a so-called ''yeocam'', dancing a lot to well-known songs with some sexual allusions.

You get to see a short part of her upbringing about what has shaped her as a person. For those of you who have seen Celebrity, will recognize something about the celebrity. This one is much rougher and better in my opinion, more violent and less predictable. Also has the just mentioned a lot more of this more in this one that I missed in Celebrity. The focus of the series is not only on her, there are some important supporting roles that have their part in the plot. These people are also important. Some are looking for her, others want to help.

There are clear time markers when all events take place, so it's easy to keep up. Perceives the series as very mysterious and comical, while her life can be tragic at times. At the same time, it can be absurd, quirky and crazy at the same time. Dark humor with a little noir feel, filled with a certain amount of sadism and revenge. Can also be experienced as mentally ill in the style of Parasite in its ways. Much that happens in unexpected ways. The music is very good, at the same time we get to see and hear her dancing to old kpop hits sometimes. Some soundtracks are a bit reminiscent of the Squid game. Well written and provocative with its content. Everything fits in 7 episodes. Very interesting!!!!!!!

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Something made it a miss for me

Firstly, I do want to praise the production for the cast that they selected. This was really an outstanding cast from the teens to the various adult versions of Kim Mo Mi - they did a good job with that for sure. The whole storyline, however, felt...unrealistic and convoluted to me. The beginning I could definitely see as realistic - internet fame, the beauty standards of Korea being as it is, the bullying in grade school, the fanatical obsession by an older, lonely incel - on and on. Yeah, totally get it. But after we got into the mom learning how to use the computer to obsessively find her son's killer without actually considering the actions her son took, his proclivities, and the fact she never questioned why her son was killed in the first place it just started to fall apart. At that point, I couldn't help but put the show on 1.5x to see what nonsense they would create to patchwork the storyline together. I don't think that we actually got to know anything about the characters except their role as it relates to the plot and one or two things that they were fervent about (Kim Mo Mi remaining a loner, the mother being staunchly religious, the other mother being neglectful and uppity, Kim Mi Mo being semi-violent, etc.). They seemed like caricatures, and maybe that's what felt unbelievable about them and how the storyline played out. Idk, I really wanted to like this but...the elements and storyline were too out there for me.

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REVIEW

I think yall should watch it before having an opinion about it. Yes some scenes are disturbing and for the more sensitive ones it can be really disturbing. Some scenes are triggering too. But i dont think the drama is bad because of that. The characters are really complex and interesting , their behavior are really disputable. Also the fact that the series is kinda humorous at first but then at the second episode it starts to become really dark and serious. I really liked it because every characters are painting the failings of society. We can see with the protagonist the pressure put on women about their appearance and how it can perverted them to think that they need to prove something, to be  « pretty », to correspond at those unhealthy males expectations on how women should be, how fragile they should be, how « pretty » they should be etc… Even the others characters are questionable so i think you really should watch this drama and dont stop at the second episode. It’s a very psychological drama and interesting. Also we can see the difference of treatment between men and women. if you defend yourselves as a women you will be treated as psychopath, you will be the dangerous one because its not « how you should behave » AS A WOMAN… Also we can see how bullying and rejection can make people feel bad about themselves, and create intense feelings of frustration that can manifest in different ways… If i have on negative point for this drama it’s the fact that i had the impression of watching two different series when i compare the beginning of the drama and the end but maybe it’s not a negative point idk. And also some scenes should have been more detailed ig in the middle of the drama but it’s a good serie after all so yall should definitely watch it!

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It tried

It tried to be artsy and unique. It also tried to have some kind of message.

It succeeded at the former, and failed at the latter as most people including myself have no idea what the drama wanted to say, and all the "interpretations" I read so far feel like a stretch or projection. Since it was adapted from webtoon chances are the author was just making shit up as they went.

Each episode tells a different a story focused on different character. This, combined with constant time skips makes it hard to get attached to anyone and doesn't really motivate to watch the next episodes.

Some observations:
-Iphones were only invented in 2007, android smartphones in 2008. I find it unlikely that people in 2008 would own modern style smartphones.
-Also, these kinda streamers/youtubers/influencers who get money for dancing live on streaming sites in real time and would chat with their audience or whatever wasn't a thing until 2010's. Was 2008 so long ago that people no longer remember was 2008 was actually like?
-Recovery after plastic surgery doesn't take so fast, and the timeline of her pregnancy is very sus too.
-Police and special forces not shooting as soon as armed person pointed a gun, instead giving warnings until she shot is not how police works. It's laughable.
-Unconscious person wakening up underwater, not drowning and shooting her gun there? likely story
-Shotguns have quite a lot of penetration so shielding another person with your own body gets you both killed

Other then all this nonesense, the acting was great (especially from Yeom Hyeran, what a talented actress) and occasional black comedy parts were genuinely funny. The cinematography and camerawork were amazing too.

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Compelling weekend binge

if you decide to watch this drama be prepared for a wild ride! Its very adult with a LOT of very graphic violence, sexual themes and some very horrible characters.
BUT - there is a reason why I binged this over the weekend. The story is so compelling, I love that we have female characters of every generation and how the story reflects on different generation of women. The acting is absolutly incredible and the way the episodes are set up is great, every episode told another story within the story.
It is not for the squimish, a feel good KDrama this is NOT but if you like gritty dramas with interesting characters and developement in the story that are hard to forsee its for you.
I really like those shorter dramas now, this is something you can binge on a rainy weekend and the plot moves quickly.

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Dark, depressing and uncomfortable

Aug 2023
First off, apart from graphic violence, there are scenes containing rape, domestic abuse and suggested self-harm, so be warned ahead of viewing.

It starts off fairly evenly, lulling us into a very false sense of security, before escalating and that escalation never stops until the very end.

The way in which those perceived to be less attractive, are overlooked, spoken to, and at worst, not even loved by their own parents, is horrible. School is one thing (teachers woefully absent as usual), but the workplace is reminiscent of the UK in the 70s/80s.

The main character's dreams, held from being an infant, were quickly slashed, as she grew older and her looks hsd diminished by the time she was a teen. Although a talented and confident dancer, she was never accepted, getting verbally abused, and soon gave up. Her mother was cold and unsupportive.

As an adult, she vents her craving for the adoration and attention of an audience, by performing often exotic dance routines online, wearing a mask and various wigs.

The story follows her double life, which due to several interactions with a co-worker, culminate in her having something of a melt down.

From there on, her luck goes from not great, to catastrophically awful.

The story does a FFWD (which I know annoys some, but it does fit in this instance) and the hatred and vengeance from the past wreaks havoc in the present.

One character in particular is amazingly portrayed; blind to their complicity, failings and own twisting of reality, because facing up to all that, would be even more painful and leave no one to lash out at. An honestly hateful person who wants to be the victim.

I found the story and mix of characters, frankly depressing. It gets quite ridiculous at times too, which spoilt any realism built up in scenes.

I can't say I enjoyed it, but I can't say it was bad. It was horrible really. How people can drive others to lose who they are, features strongly, and is sickening, as is the obsession with looks, that is very prevalent, not only in S.Korea, although they do seem particularly obsessed with it.

The cast are excellent. It has a docu-drama feel at times, even though, as said, the plot in terms of what's believable or possible, goes off the rails quite often.

The ending was quite something, but lacked in one major aspect, which I can't say in this, but will add a spoiler comment.

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Pass, if you dislike gore and graphic rape.

High production value, but lifeless characters and flat dialogue, in my opinion. I know a lot of people loved it. So maybe the way the genre does things just isn't for me, but it felt like they were puppets more than people. Many of the decisions characters made also made very little sense and blatantly puppeteered to push the plot forward into more messed up sh*t.

The story wasn't interesting enough for me to sit through and wait to see if there was more gore and rape scenes, so I dropped it just past the midway point.

I don't see how this was a "black comedy," It wasn't funny... A little absurd, but I didn't get any laughs.

Ultimately, I just dislike shock media. I enjoy dark stories and good fight scenes, but not pointless disturbing gore and sexual violence against women. Unlike others are calling it, it's not a "sex scene" it's a "rape scene." I don't need to see that and it adds nothing to the story.

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Triple-Faceted 'Mask Girl': A Riveting Tapestry of Stellar Performances

Mask Girl' is a testimony to the art of storytelling that quickly captures our attention and has us demanding what's next. Three portrayals of Kim Mo Mi weave a rich mosaic of character depth. Newcomer Lee Han Byeol is stellar as the original Mo Mi, with a multifaceted portrayal of a character battling inner demons, masked confidence on the internet, and vulnerabilities in the real world, setting a high bar. Her poignant interactions with the veteran Ahn Jae Hong - who himself delivers a transformative performance - create moments of palpable tension.

The always impressive Go Hyun Jung further solidifies Mo Mi's persona, delivering those tender moments with Kim Chun-Ae that pierce through the story's eerie ambiance. In Go Hyun Jung, we see a tougher yet happier Mo Mi. And Nana's rendition as the final Kim Mo Mi demands applause. Tackling physical and emotional transformation with finesse, she brings a heightened intensity to the role, as we're never quite sure what she's thinking. Her commitment to the physical demands of the character and the believable emotional metamorphosis she undergoes stand out, proving her versatility as an actress.

Speaking of Ahn Jae Hong, while his commitment to his role is evident, there are fleeting moments where he briefly surfaces from the depths of his character — a minor nuance in an otherwise captivating performance.

One cannot discuss 'Mask Girl' without hailing Yeom Hye Ram. Not just a special mention but an indomitable force, her portrayal of Joo Oh Nam's mother is breathtaking. Her sheer range, from fiery rage to moments of delicate vulnerability, showcases her exceptional talent.

The drama does a commendable job of interweaving humor amidst its dark themes. Little Mi Mo's enactments - be it as Mask Girl in various scenarios, reporters, or victims - add a touch of unexpected hilarity, a testament to the drama's brilliant writing.
The seven-episode arc maintains a good pace, even though certain time jumps might disorient a few. It smartly distances itself from mainstream prison portrayals, focusing more on individual character arcs than systemic rot, ensuring a unique viewing experience.

Conclusively, 'Mask Girl' isn't your feel-good K-Drama. It delves into the macabre, the gruesome, and the unsettling. But this is a must-watch for those seeking a show that isn't about candy-floss romance or visual spectacles (both of which I adore!) and is more about a thrilling, raw, emotional rollercoaster.

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