My Name (2021)

Despite the Amazing Acting it was Very Predictable and Lacked Depth for Side Characters

The first three episodes of this show were amazing; they had me hooked and excited for the ending. However, it became so predictable. I think the issue with revenge dramas is that they fall into two categories: the first is revenge taken in the middle of the plot, and the second is revenge taken at the end of the plot. This drama is the latter, and because the characters and journey overall lack in plot development, it becomes very predictable. I honestly did love Jiwoo, but I found that Pildo's character, and everyone else around her, lacked any depth and really just rushed the romance in the final episode.

I wish the plot element, of her dad being a cop the whole time, was revealed in episode 4 (rather then ep7), and then the rest of the plot could've turned into Pildo and Jiwoo taking revenge together. Instead, they kill him off after a rushed romance. It bothered me so much because everything else in the drama was so well done—especially the acting and cinematography. Han So-hee blew me away with her acting; she's genuinely so amazing, and Bo Hyun-ah was a perfect actor for Pildo. Unfortunately, the plot was dragged on despite being 8 episodes. It's a shame because had the plot been up to par with the acting and cinematography, then this show could've been a masterpiece.

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I went into the drama not realizing there were only 8 episodes, so it was a very quick watch for me. I also like to watch everything on 1.5x speed so it went by super quickly. The acting of the drama was great and the main leads did such a wonderful job. It was action-packed and exciting, but was also able to bring out the tears (and honestly, I don't cry much, if ever!). However, don't go into it thinking too much because, after I finished it, I started thinking and then realized that there were so many things that didn't make sense. If you don't mind blood and want to watch something quick and predictable, then would definitely recommend.

Below are my --spoilers-- and the things that I really didn't understand / like about the show:

1) the romance -- okay, I guess almost every k-drama out there has to have a romance line, and while I liked the chemistry between our ML and FL, there was a lot of development that was lacking. considering our FL's backstory, i would assume that she hasn't experienced much romantic love growing up, and so for her to initiate a kiss and then jumping so quickly into sex didn't really make a lot of sense to me. maybe i am overthinking how someone in her situation would react, but i definitely think there were better ways to go about this. also not very happy with the fact that han sohee wasn't even aware of the fact that there was a bed scene before signing on. feel like they added it in to get extra views but it was pretty unnecessary and if determined to be necessary, could have spent a bit more time developing their loveline.
2) the undercover cop storyline -- they spent so much of their time making you hate our FL's father only for us to learn later that this whole time, he was just an undercover gangster. even if FL might have been young when her father went undercover, you would think that she would have been aware of the fact that her dad was a cop. or maybe i just have the timeline wrong? not entirely sure but seems like a lot of things could have been dealt with differently if she had known. i guess then the story wouldn't have come about but it just doesn't really make sense is all.

Anyway, there's probably more but I'll stop for now. I think the drama was short enough that you can get through it without thinking too much about it and still enjoy it but if you're expecting something out of this world and unpredictable, perhaps something else would be better.

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"Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold" In One of the Best Mystery-Thrillers Ever Made!

I have been watching movies and show for over 45 years, and I MUST start off this review by stating that Han So-Hee’s performance as Ji Woo Yoon is one of the best I have ever seen from any actor or actress. If she hasn’t literally won every single acting accolade and award, then something is seriously wrong. Yes, her performance is that good, and it’s also a big reason why this series is so good, aside from the stellar writing, directing, cinematography, editing, and pretty much everything else. This is one of the best series I have ever had the privilege to watch.

After watching mostly light-hearted K-Dramas over the past four or five years, this series is entirely different. It takes us deep inside the dank and dark underworld of Korean organized crime. A place ruled with an iron fist in Moo Jin Choi (another exceptional performance by Park See Soon). As with exceptional storytelling and one of the best thrillers ever made, we know the players, but we don’t know who is who and what is what. It plays like “24,” “The Departed” and a “Bronx Tale” all rolled into one with a bit of “The Professional” thrown in. The series is, indeed bigger than the sum of any of these parts. It is its own intriguing identity. And the writers do a terrific job keeping us on our toes. Just when you think you have figured something out, and another curveball is thrown our way to make think, “Okay, maybe that’s not it at all!”

Ji Woo Yoon devotes her life to seeking revenge upon the person who killed her father when she was in high school. Throwing herself into hand-to-hand combat training and learning how to use her wits, Ji Woo Yoon becomes what happens when someone is laser-focused on achieving their goal. She doesn’t smile. Her apartment is empty, except for her weight equipment, and her life is basically as empty and dark as the streets she patrols. She doesn’t engage in anything that takes her mind away from her ultimate job: to find and kill the killer. However, things are seldom as they seem, and despite her incredible tenacity—borderline obsession—smarts, and abilities, she’s not invincible or infallible. What is it like to watch someone with that kind of determination? I think of people like Bruce Lee or Kobe Bryant; people who will do whatever it takes to achieve a goal and not apologize for it. This is part of the intrigue of this series and also why Han So-Hee so deftly is able to give us this character and bring Ji Woo Yoon to life. I would be extremely curious about the training she must have had to go through. I have seen some amazing performances by Korean actors and actresses, but this one by Han So-Hee, just blew me away. When I looked at her profile on Mydramalist, I was like, “Wait, is that the same girl?!” A transformation from a beautiful model to a person you wouldn’t want to cross on your best day is something on par with Jodie Foster, Doona Bae, Helen Mirren, Cate Blanchett or Meryl Streep. Yes, I’m putting this performance of Han So-Hee on that kind of a level. I think it takes tremendous courage and dedication to turn in this kind of performance.

At only eight episodes, this series will make you feel like you’ve sat through sixteen or even twenty. You can’t help but watch the next episode after you’ve finished one, and by the time it’s all over, you might feel like you need a vacation or, at the very least, a few days to catch your breath.

I love movies that showcase strong female characters, and this one certainly achieves that. We need more characters like this one. Ji Woo Yoon is definitely not someone you’ve ever seen in most K-Dramas, and man, am I thrilled to death that they pulled no punches in this hardcore series. The violence is extreme, but there is no scene that doesn’t belong, no act that is out of place. It plays like a meticulous hard rock song that always pulls you in. I’m so glad that Netflix collaborated to bring this series to light as well as keep every element of the story intact. As far as mystery-thrillers go, you’ll be as hard-pressed as I am to find one that’s better. I can only think of two off the top of my head: The movies “Seven” and “Silence of the Lambs.” And, yes, “My Name” belongs in that company.

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"To take revenge is to become a monster."

"A monster is what you are."

I'm not really into the whole gang/mafia thing, but I do like the revenge trope, especially if it's a woman carrying it out. This drama was probably one of the biggest surprises for me. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Although it is quite short, I thought that 8 episodes were perfect. There were twists and unexpectedly likable characters that I fell in love with. The cast was amazing, I loved all of them!! Fight scenes deserve to be highlighted because they were very well choreographed. I watched many dramas where the fighting scenes were kinda lame and not very exciting but this is not one of those.

Spoiler for the ending but: I felt like this Jiwoo did not really achieve anything at the end. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that she did what she did but... What did she gain? She was totally alone by the end. The thought of that made me quite sad. I wanted a happy ending for her or at least something close to it. It didn't feel like a good ending. Maybe if they didn't kill [redacted], it'd have been different:(( My heart just breaks for her. I guess people could say that "this is more realistic" or that "revenge is a bad thing that's why it can't lead to happiness" and to that, I say: no. Bad things happening to bad people is the best concept and it should not cancel out others' happiness.

All in all, this is a great drama. If you are searching for something that is more serious and bloody, this could be a great choice! 9/10<3

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Woah. Really. Great amazing kdrama. I don't think I have many complaints except for the fact that they killed off pildo..like WHAT WAS THE REASON SMH. I really enjoyed their love story and it was so beatifully and organically done. They truly fell for each other slowly but surely and you can tell when it starts blossoming into more than just a partnership between two partners. I can't help but feel sorry for jiwoo because she truly lost everyone close to her. She got her revenge but at what cost? I heard there will be a second season but I really don't see what they could possibly do in season 2 because the ending seemed pretty closed and done. But nevertheless, I will be looking forward to it!

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My name : a lost person seeking justice through revenge

The main character was let down by authority figures. First her father, then her teachers and after this the authorities. And when her life really comes crashing down, she’s lost herself, and seeks revenge and justice herself, because no one else helped her when she most needed it. That is until…..

This drama really was an intense and dark experience. The music was very well put together, perfectly in sync with the story and the setting, the feel of the scenes. Some of the evil characters were so extreme, it made me question life. The story was so dark, it was hard to find a light hearted moment while you constantly hope for it. It was hard to watch but suspenseful. My heart ached for the main characters. The ending seemed like a cliffhanger, so I hope there will be a second season. Anyway, I am not satisfied with the way it ended if it really is the definite ending of the story.

I came to like the music, it fitted well with the mood of the drama. The scenes were very intense that I could not watch every minute, but it was worth the watch. This is one of my favorites.

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Very intriguing

Although the plot is pretty obvious from the start and the mystery is weak, I ended up sticking to it because of the acting. All the actors are marvelous portrayers of their characters, especially the protagonist and the antagonist.
It's a nice drama for people that enjoy plotlines in which the romance is not the main subject. Speaking of which, the romance present in the show is very out of place? it's too quick and too out of nowhere, there is no chemistry between the two characters whatsoever and it feels like it was pushed just for the sake of it. Their relationship feels antagonistic until out of no where they sleep together and thats it. its weird, the overall feeling is that it wouldnt have made a difference if it hadnt happened at all. The strong suit of the show is the relationship between the protagonist and the antagonist, for sure!

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HAN SO HEE THE NEW SUPREME

I have organized my thoughts into pros and cons and i hope this helps if you are thinking about watching this.

Pros
- The cast is the strongest point of 'My Name' not just because most of them are already well seasoned but every single one of them made the experience much more solid. First of all, Han So Hee suprised the heck out of me. Her character was something that i did not expect that she would be able to put off but she hella did. She was PERFECT for this. Every emotion that she tried to show i felt (not just her strong side but her vulnerability and rawness). Ofcourse the rest of the cast did amaziiiiing too!! Would like to give a shoutout to our Park Hee Soon (Choi Moojin) my emotions went back and forth w/ his character i didn't know who to believe... And our crazy druggie Jang Yool (Do Gang Jae) his character portrayal ticked the hell out of me that's why i loved it. He did really amazing.

- The fighting scenes. The choreography especially in the beginning when Han So Hee's character was still learning is what i truly enjoyed. She was really really good and it felt like she didn't hold back in every punch!

Cons
- Story was predictable (except the last thing that happened before the "end") Which was unecessary i truly wish it didn't happen. I was soooo maddddd 😤


All in all i enjoyed this! What motivated me to write this though was that scene before the ending. OKKK IM STILL NOT OVER IT. IM STILL MAD THEY DID THAT. But at the same time, i'm glad it's all over. I just wish she'd be able to redeem herself after everything that happened.

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The "love story" between Pildo and Jiwoo was written on a lousy way, they had little to none development as a couple throughout the 8 chapters the series lasted. Their interactions weren't enough to build a belivable relationship for this viewer's eyes. I found Ahn Bohyun's character kind of disappointing since I was a expecting a strong leading role and he were given nothing but a supportive role instead. He did good at portraying the "good cop", tho. The writer did Park Heesoon's character SO dirty at the end, making a powerful mafia lord turn into a whining creature (what with that scene of him crying because jiwoo didn't get on time to fucking murder him???). But, well, probably it was their way to make him human. Han Seohee ATE the role, she single-handedly saved the series. It never crossed my mind that she could fit an action role son well, both her acting and physical skills suprised me. And for the story... I think it would've been better for a loger drama.

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A simple typical revenge saga

My name starts off great, the show draws its strengths from cinematography, music, and largely on actors. At the end of the first episode, you get the hutch who the killer(a bit predictable) is but that does not stop you from enjoying the show especially when it finally rolls out in episode 6. There were times writing takes a dip in the plot, actors, however, manage to convey the story in a believable way. Action scenes are a bit unrealistic at times which can be overlooked.

It is not so big on the storyline (mostly below average) but it does, every other element right for me. Simple one-time watch series with captivating acting by actors for the weekend watch.

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