The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018)

I'm impressed. This drama manages to bring us a classic tragedy, something rarely seen anymore. The tragic hero with the fatal flaw, the misunderstandings where the viewer can easily understand how if only xyz had happened everything could have turned out well, the star-crossed lovers, the sense of inevitability at the end :D Right out of the Greek tradition. Shakespeare would love it.
I'm so very happy this did NOT go the same way as the Japanese drama did. Dark, twisted surprise endings are forced endings, and I hate contrived conclusions.
Tragedies and comedies are deeply entwined, BTW. In the classic ones (again, think Shakespeare) the comedies could go horribly wrong at any given moment, while the tragedies could end well 'if only'. This is a reflection of reality, and gives us that cathartic release - there but for luck go I.
That's exactly what this drama gave me. The real tragic figure is the cop who adopted the little girl. He made a mistake, and tried to rectify it, but his tragic error lay in not being honest with her. That continued when he finally found the other child - he was never honest with Moo Young either, until forced. If he'd told either of those kids the truth, the story could have ended well.
Kudos for an excellent adaptation!

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Acting was brilliant, which kept me watching when I really shouldn't have. The level of sadness in this is extreme and in many cases seems an unnecessary level of emotional and physical pain inflicted on the characters. I spent most of my time being furious at the mistreatment of the characters by other characters.
If you have any level of depression, that will respond well to a very sad story, DO NOT WATCH THIS. I and other friends who watched this were traumatised by it (I've been told the Japanese story that this is from is even darker&sadder)
It is months since I've watched this, and just the small mention of it and the distress this drama caused floods back in. Another fellow watcher described it as requiring DECOMPRESSION afterwards.
Excellent performances by actors but this script is just way too unpleasant.

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This drama started out great. I remember impatiently waiting for the episodes to come because I was dying to find out what would happen next. This drama has a dark and unique feel to it and, plus, I love the cast for the OTP. The music was also great and really helped set the gloomy and mysterious mood of the show.

But, somewhere along the lines of ep 11/12-ish the show went down really fast. The only reason i stuck with it all the way to the end was because I had already invest like 12 hours, the drama has raving reviews and I wanted to see how the writers are going to wrap up this mess (which ended up not impressing me at all). The plot started turning too dark for my taste, the characters starts making actions/decisions that are un-explainable and unfitting. I did not sign up for crazy.

I honestly don't know how this show got so much 10/10 ratings. I was skipping a lot of parts in the latter half of the show just to get to the end. Maybe this show was just not my cup of tea. Though my taste lies with rom coms, I do like my share of more serious/mysterious dramas (eg. Mr. Sunshine, Black, God's Gift). This was just not it.

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*This review is based solely on the Korean adaptation of ‘The Smile Has Left Your Eyes*

From start to finish I can say that I have not been so heavily invested nor impressed by a drama in a while, as I have been for ‘The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.’ I rated this drama 9.5 because it is near perfection: there weren’t any moments were I cringed at awful acting or dialogue nor did I feel any episodes to be boring or irrelevant. Rather this drama made me the restless and excited for the new episodes each week and will miss it a lot now that it is over.

Plot/Writing: This drama is very well done, so much so that I cannot simply recover from it. It is beautifully written with many heart wrenching moments but, also light and fun parts too. The drama itself is best described as a mixture of suspense, ill-fated romance, psychological thriller, and tragedy. As well as having an intriguing story line, it also helped that the actors were consistent in their roles and any unpredictably in their characters further added to the suspense of the drama. If I had to say a negativity of the drama it would be that a few things were not clarified in the finale episode but, this doesn’t pull away from the fact that this drama was still amazingly done.

Acting: The supporting character’s in this drama were all relevant and their acting was relatively impressive. Park Sung-woong plays the role of an overprotective brother to Jin Kang exceptionally well. However, I did feel that his character lacked towards the end perhaps due to last minute changes or adjustments to the script. Jung So Min plays Yoo Jin Kang who is a kind, forgiving, and sympathetic person one thing I admired about her character was how strong willed she is and how she isn’t naive as most female leads are. Her is strong in her abiltity endure everything she has experienced and move on from it, and her optimistic nature helped Kim moo young- InGuk’s character a lot in wanting to become a good enough person to be with her. InGuk plays Kim Moo young a calculating and manipulated man with a past so troubling that he can hardly recall the events of it. InGuk was able to emote very well in this drama- I was able to see the transition of his character who was emotionless and decieving into a character who wants to redeem himself and find true happiness. Together InGuk and So-Min Jung’s acting was outstanding and faultless. Their chemistry is very evident, they had sharp, witty and amusing dialogue in every episode. Even simple glances between them, or stares were very intense and full of hidden feelings and curiousity. I easily felt all the emotions they went through till very end of the drama which is why their chemistry is truly a remarkable and memorable one.

Music: This drama has an amazing OST. One of the most emotional songs of the drama is sung by no other than the main leads Seo InGuk and So-Ming, the song is called ‘star.’ It’s melody is flawless and helps the drama to convey a more melodramaic theme. All the songs in this drama perfectly fit the emotions each of the characters in every scene.

Rewatch value: I would definitely rewatch my favourite scenes of the drama rather than watch the entire drama again. The reason for this is because ‘The Smile Has Left Your Eyes’ was an emotional rollercoaster which I don’t think my heart couldn’t take another round of. This drama is honestly one of the best dramas of 2018.

What are you still doing if you haven’t watched it? Don’t miss out!

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Big disappointed with this drama.
The way this drama start it is not end in that wAy .The drama start with suspense and day by day suspense overloaded but after 6 episodes ,with suspense secrets start ,secrets of past and present life and drama is so much entangled with this two life that the suspense was created in the drama come out like a small rat . I means to say it was not come out at that excitement as it was started .
I like the police officer more who like the lead actress ,he did a good work ,I want to see him more in other dramas .
Last two episodes make me more disappointed ,I don't like the ending as well as last two episode direction of ending the drama .He lost his world that can be other way to show us that he lost his world and from him all doors were closed but not in this way.
I am not connected with the character as I connected with "Come and hug me" drama's character.

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Full of angst, yet also full of confusion?

I was drawn at the beginning when there was just an ooze of mystery covering around Moo-yeong as to what could be his role regarding the suicide/murder at the first episode, what his secret is, and most importantly, what was his role on Jin-kang's life. This kdrama is a great example of arousing questions to the viewer's mind in the beginning to be carefully peeled off as the plot progresses.

For the succeeding episodes, I felt that my interest towards the aforementioned plot points waned a little bit, and just wanted to know how they really are interconnected. Yes, it was a great plot point to showcase who Moo-yeong really is, why there is always angst with his interactions with every character including Jin-kang, but most especially to Jin-gook, and I really like how his sociopathic tendencies were played out, creating this sense of mystery around him. The air of suspicion as to who really killed the girl on the first episode was actually what was only my reason for my overall interest for this kdrama not to totally disappear. It's just that I was just disinterested on the love triangle subplot in the first half, and my disinterest just grew more when it was hastily ended on episode 8, albeit in a shocking way. I get the accident was horrific and that it would be a transition point for the part where Moo-yeong would be able to feel "love" towards Jin-kang. With Moo-yeong's sociopathic tendencies in mind, I actually remembered Lee Joon-gi's role in Flower of Evil from him and I liked both portrayals of being sociopath, both male leads having "grey" characters, and how they were integral for the plot.

Also, I'm 50-50 for the "I can fix you" trope portrayed by Jin-kang to Moo-yeong after episode 8. I guess it was better for Seung-ah to die for them to end up together (?) but the sudden shift of this relationship and Jin-kang only having a short time to mourn her best friend's death to suddenly having feelings to her boyfriend didn't check the mark for me. But at the same time, I also felt it was necessary (?) for that plot point to really embark the more important point of this story, which is the romance between the leads, and finding the answer on what really happened on their characters years ago leading to that moment.

Actually, I already guessed what the "mystery" portion for this kdrama would be despite knowing late that this was actually a remake of a Japanese drama. The introduction of new plotlines and just the hastily ending (it's really more on covering up) of the previous plotlines just to go to the end was the opposite on what I expected when I mentioned earlier about uncovering the necessary details to answer the mystery that is its plot. At that point, I was just confused as to what direction it is going towards. Spoiler alert, I was actually gagged when it was revealed that Jin-kang and Moo-yeong were "siblings", but having also my jaw dropped when it turned out that he was just being toyed by Se-ran just for fun (her having also sociopathic tendencies like Moo-yeong could've been explored more actually). Though it could've just been explained right away by Jin-gook to Moo-yeong that he was wrong to think that on their first "altercation", but again, I was just confused basically on Jin-gook's thoughts at that point (I actually even thought that he had feelings for Jin-kang but thank God it turned out nothing, it was just based on his irrational actions.)

Despite the confusion and the growing disinterest that I felt on the build-up to the last episode, I actually think that the ending was properly executed, and was just appropriate. There were already hints given that I thought might lead to its ending, and I was correct, with the major one being the "I wish I could be reborn" quote by Moo-yeong. Without exploring deeper what the plot points and loopholes that made me confused and disinterested with the last part, I actually felt at ease watching that ending, since I think that they could now be together without any problems, LOL, but I also just could not think what would happen to Jin-gook afterwards. It wrapped the story well with that ending.

The first thought that came to my mind after the last scene was actually that this kdrama is like a math problem in high school, I don't know how I was able to derive the answer with its solution, but nevertheless, the correct answer.

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This is a dark series. And not "dark" in comparison to most Korean dramas, dark as in real life, traumatic dark. It's no surprise that this was originally a Japanese series but I'm glad it was adapted nonetheless as it was magnificently made with no holding back with the subject matter, tone of the series and ending.

'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes' from the very first episode presented itself with a protagonist who has very little inhibitions or care about the people around him. Our very first look at Moo Young, we are exposed to a cold man with dead, empty eyes. So much that our other male protagonist, Jin Gook, defines him a monster, evil, un-human. Moo Young is, indeed, an anti-hero but not a cliched one either. He is a deep, multi-layered case study on the hardships of life and what an effect childhood has. Jin Gook has a dark past himself, and steps over the line deep into the series, doing something unthinkable and reprehensible despite being the moral figure of the series, so perhaps he isn't the best person to judge. Jin Kang, sister of Jin Gook, love interest of Moo Young, is the most innocent of the free but she isn't scar freed herself. All three characters are in their own ways hurt by the world and the events that happen throughout the series - death, loss, murder, etc. We may look at the romances as some palate cleanser to all the darkness surrounding it but as we delve deeper into both Moo Young's relationships with Seung Ah - a fun, freeing relationship albeit a one sided one - and Jin Kang - a healing one and a hurtful one, we learn that it's too destined for a terrible ended. Ill- fated love is definitely a main theme that 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes' explores. 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes' is an excellently developed series with twists and turns that are all plausible and done in such a thrilling yet harsh way. You'll get hooked from scene one and might actually regret it at the end.

The cast was excellent and while at sometimes, character disapear and we never see of them again or we are treated to very limited apperances from said character, it never detracts of the main story that's built around the main three (maybe add Jang Young Nam's character, So Jung in on that trio as well). I feel like everyone served their purpose. Seo In Guk is gripping with his scenes and how he delivered his lines in such a way that captures the character's emotions perfectly while actually doing very little. How he interacts with Jung So Min is both heart-warming and heart-breaking. Same with Seo Eun Soo ( Seung Ah) actually. There relationship is a one that could've made us, the audience, turn against the character, but they were able to portray the complexity of the situation and their relationship real well. Jung So Min and Park Sung Woong were great together. Bonded like Brother and Sister should be. Themes aside, I felt like this would be my sister and I's relationship fully. Park Sung Woong and Seo In Guk's characters were the opposite but intertwined at the same time. There was a lot of subtle to it. Both had light and darkness. That speaks volumes to their performances. I'll end with this; the main three should've won some awards for their performances, and I don't usually say that.

Must-see for anyone.

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Unveiling the Shattered Facade: A Review of 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes

"The Smile Has Left Your Eyes" weaves a complex and enthralling narrative that delves into the depths of human psyche and the blurred lines between love, tragedy, and fate. The series unfurls the tale of enigmatic characters grappling with their inner demons and the consequences of their choices.

The plot centers around the mysterious Kim Moo-young, a troubled young man with a past shrouded in darkness. His life takes a fateful turn when he encounters Yoo Jin-kang, an optimistic and caring woman, and her protective brother Yoo Jin-gook, a dedicated detective. As the story unfolds, secrets are unearthed, and the intricate connections between the characters come to light.

The series expertly balances a suspenseful crime thriller with a deeply emotional melodrama. The cat-and-mouse chase between Moo-young and Jin-gook keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, while the blossoming romance between Moo-young and Jin-kang adds layers of complexity to the storyline.

One of the strengths of the plot lies in its ability to constantly subvert expectations. The story keeps viewers guessing, throwing unexpected twists and turns that challenge conventional tropes of love and morality. It explores themes of trust, trauma, and the thin line between good and evil, leaving the audience pondering the depths of human nature.

The characters undergo significant development, their layers peeling off to reveal the true essence of their being. Moo-young, in particular, is a enigmatic anti-hero whose past and motives are intricately interwoven into the storyline. He embodies the theme of redemption and the struggle for a second chance at life.

While the plot is complex and at times emotionally taxing, it doesn't shy away from highlighting the fragility of relationships and the impact of past experiences on the present. The series masterfully addresses mental health, societal prejudices, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity.

It is a gripping narrative that stays with you long after the screen fades to black. It's a roller-coaster of emotions, a tantalizing mystery, and a heart-wrenching love story all wrapped into one, making it a must-watch for fans of intense melodrama and thought-provoking storytelling.

Kim Moo Young, portrayed so well by Seo In Guk, deeply fascinates me as a character. One of the best Melodramas I have seen.

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Story: It's a remake of the Japanese tv series "Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi" but I haven't watched it so I'll express my opinion only for the Korean version. Kim Mooyoung first seems like a cold man who likes to toy with people's hearts but after a few episodes he seems to be just a lonely boy who never experienced love but would do anything to protect his favorite person. On the other hand, Yoo Jinkang is a warm and persistent woman who lost her parents at a young age and now lives with her older brother, Yoo Jingook, who loves and protects her. It's an interesting story about how the 3 of them met after many years and all their past mistakes and secrets came to light.

Acting/Cast: All the actors did a great job and portrayed their characters very well to the point the story almost felt real. Kim Mooyoung (Seo Inguk) is my favorite character and I fell in love with him from the moment I saw him. This is the first time I watched him in a drama and I have to say I didn't expect much before I started watching it but I changed my mind as soon as he came in and completely slayed his role. Yoo Jinkang (Jung Somin) caught my attention since the start and I must say she gave me a soft and lovely but also lonely and empty vibe and I'm mad in love with this type of roles. Yoo Jingook (Park Sungwoong) did a great job as a detective and Jinkang's older brother and his acting was on point too.

Music: One of the things I liked about this show are the soundtracks. Each and every one of them suited the scenes perfectly and are so beautifully sung that makes you fall more in love with the drama. Also, Seo Inguk and Jung Somin sung one of the OSTs called "Star" which was written by them and to think that they put their hearts as Kim Mooyoung and Yoo Jinkang to write such a great song is simply gorgeous.

Rewatch Value: Although it's a tragically sad drama with only a few moments of happiness and it broke my heart into a million pieces, I'll probably rewatch it in the future to experience this roler coaster of emotions again.

Overall: This drama was so amazingly and impressively done that I can't stop praising the writers, directors and actors! Honestly I don't know how to describe the feelings I had during and after finishing this story. I'm sure I will never forget about this beautiful yet sad experience. I definitely recommend. Enjoy!

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It started very well. Actually in the beginning very excited and enjoyable drama . But slowly its became boaring . Plot is very unique and uncommon. Acting is very good . I love the unique dialogues of male lead and the way he is expressing it. All Main leads are doing good job. Chemistry between main couple is good though personally I feel something lack of it. Cant point out what but I feel its very typical.
Up to episode 12 its interesting and we are curious , but suddenly it just becomes nothing . his ex girl friend seung ah suddenly died in accident and that chapter totally closed like it was a totally different drama . Yoori 's story also still unfinished to the end.
And after all he just killed a woman for nothing . It doesnt make any sense . Why he want to kill some one unnecessarily only for some arrogant words she said . Finally they got shot by someone who even not directly connected to the main plot . How unrealistic.
Actually this is a good drama with good casting but due to the poor script and story line It becomes just another K drama .

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When they first announced this remake of the Japanese Sora Kara Furu Ichioku no Hoshi, we were promised a uniquely Korean retelling of the storyline. I can't comment on whether or not they succeeded but there is certainly still a very Japanese flavour to this tale of a damaged advertising designer and an ambiguously-sociopathic brewer who shares similar scars.

There are two distinct and competing parts of this show and therefore this review: the first is the production overall, from the cinematography and the music to the acting; and the second is the plotting.

For the first element, this show excels at being a beautiful, compelling, moody psychological thriller with outstanding performances from all the actors involved. The directing, music and acting all combine to effortlessly create a gripping and emotional show that draws you in and keeps you watching. This show is expertly made and that deft production shows in every frame.

Park Sung-woong is always a fantastic performer in everything he does and he brings out every layer of the complicated and conflicted Yoo Jin-gook, a detective and older brother of the female lead. Jung So-min is very good as female lead Yoo Jin-kang who is drawn to but also wary of Seo In-guk's complicated anti-hero Kim Moo-young.

But it's Seo In-guk who really shines in this. In fact, it is the performance of his career. Ziggy is well known by now not just for acting a part but for living it. He doesn't create a new person, he completely inhabits them down to his fingertips. But even knowing that about the actor, this is still a tour-de-force of a performance - one that propels him up above the regular pack of Korean actors and puts him into a class of his own. After this drama, there are few people who would argue that he is now on a different level - one inhabited by the likes of Yoo Ah-in and Bae Doona and even Park Sung-woong himself. If it is possible for an actor to have a new breakout role - one that doesn't launch his career but that finally takes it into orbit than this is it.

It's difficult to discuss the other elements of the show without spoilers - and this is one drama where the wrong word can potentially ruin it for any future viewers. However, beneath the fantastic production values and Ziggy's blazing acting triumph, this show struggles with its plotting and characterisation. In some respects, this is due to its source material - Japanese writers tend to create strange, almost surreal characters that only infrequently behave like normal people. This somewhat wars with the Korean sensibility in the back half and the plot falters as well. Combined with opaque character motivations this can make a lot of the episodes frustrating to watch.

Regardless of how poorly the back half was written and how dissatisfying the show was overall, the show is entirely worth watching for Ziggy's mesmerising extraordinary performance.

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