The Glory (2022)

The best revenge drama of 2022

The Glory is the drama that 'Eve' wanted to be! This one is honestly the best drama of 2022.

Plot review- the plot is nothing new but the way it is treated is way more raw and real. While I was watching The Glory, I kept thinking about how 'eve' was also a revenge-oriented drama but it failed to connect with me as much as the glory did. the past scenes in the beginning eps truly make you feel hatred toward the bullies and root for Dong Eun even if that meant killing them. and the way the romance is there but subtle and the way even the attraction from Do Yeon is used to create more mystery about the ending is what I want from a thriller drama.

I've a small quip though, although I liked the majority of how Dong Eun goes about avenging her bullies, but her being physically powerless every time she meets the bullies and threatens them is very naive. Every time she met Myeong O or the gang alone, my mind would go to how easily she could be overpowered if they lost their temper and killed her there and then. I mean killing a nobody is not gonna be a big deal for these rich bullies. So training in some kind of martial arts or keeping a gun with her is not so bizzare. the physical powerlessness of Dong Eun annoyed me. the revenge planning in 'My Name' is a good example for that when Han So Hee knows how to fight if it comes down to it.

I loved the brewing love between Dong Eun and Yeo Jeong. It was not too fast to be unbelievable nor too slow, the relationship progression was quite realistic and both of their reactions to each other is what makes me think they will be the end game. Although I also feel there is not gonna be any happy ending for any of the good people.

Casting and Acting- Frankly, the best performance from Song Hye Kyo after a long time. You see one episode and you know why everybody is praising it. There is one thing about using expensive locations and stunning BG score, but you can’t fake your way into viewers’ hearts with monotonous dialogue delivery and honestly bad acting from even side characters. And that’s the best thing about the glory, not even a single supporting actor delivered badly. Truly, each actor be it the high school students, the main actors or the old actors did not disappoint.

The Glory not just has the most perfect casting; the young actors and the older ones are so well casted who match exactly how they might’ve aged. I found Shin Ye Eun so akin to Lim Ji Yeon. Also, Ye Eun is turning out to be a fine actress considering her last project was in exactly the opposite side of bullying. The way she portrays this rich spoilt and truly evil bully is so convincing that I totally lost all my sympathies for her. And Ji Yeon has acted the mannerisms to the T from the younger actress. Song Hye Kyo has undoubtedly proved herself after the disappointing performance in her previous drama. Maybe she is a director’s actor who knows, but she has performed Dong Eun brilliantly. You never doubt if she is the same girl who went through horrific bullying in highschool. Lastly, praising the actors wont be complete w/o mention Jung Ji So, who has incredibly portrayed a bullied highshooler to the T. The past scenes were heart-breaking to watch because the bullies and Ji So has acted so perfectly that it all seems so real. The fact that it’s a drama was the only way I could watch through those scenes. But it honestly made me teary eyed a bit.

The cinematography, and the ost are all amazing. The mix of past and present, the color grading of some scenes and all the beautiful shots make for an absolutely stunning drama (if only the past scenes weren’t so heart-breaking)

The Glory is a glorious revenge of Dong Eun whose vengeance consumes each person, even slightly related to her bullies. A game of avenging Dong Eun's incomparable pain that is executed so beautifully and magnanimously. I definitely recommend this drama if you want to be engulfed in Dong Eun's hatred and see her emerge victorious. And also definitely watch this if you forgot how amazing of an actor Song Hye Kyo is!

Lire davantage

Finished yesterday and already rewatching

I don’t usually write reviews but i have to admit that this is one of the best suspense kdramas i’ve watched in awhile. i love how the female lead is determined to get revenge no matter what, not letting anything get in her way. if i was her i’d want revenge too considering all that was done to her. then the male lead being so eager and willing to move cities for her and kill her her says a lot, she has people who are loyal by her side and honestly without them i don’t think she’d be able to complete all that she has. i just can’t wait for season two because the cliff hanger we were left on is NOT IT!!!!!

Lire davantage

A very relatable story that you shouldn't miss!

Story: The story is very compelling to watch and you can really sympathize with Moon Dong Eun. Revenge isn't the answer to anything, but for her, it is and it could also be her salvation. This a very well-written scenario that shows how cruel people can be because they believe that they can get away with anything and how determined, daring, and tough someone can be to deal with the ones that destroyed their life before it ever began. I am sure we can all relate to the story, the characters, the circumstances, and whatnot. Moreover, it is an unpredictable story. For example, after each Dong Eun meeting with them, you are on your toes to see what's going to happen. We see that even though Son Myeong Oh and Choi Hye Jeong agreed to cooperate with her, they get so desperate for their own reasons that they end up digging their own grave instead. I don't think that Dong Eun really needs them but she has studied all of them enough to manipulate them and ultimately destroy them.

Cast: The cast is awesome and the acting is top-notch. Nothing much to say really. The actors/actresses make you feel all kinds of emotions which is what you want from an actor/actress at the end of the day.

Overall: I enjoyed watching The Glory. It is a story that makes you think and feel. It's a story that can happen to anyone. Give The Glory a chance, and I can assure you, you won't regret it.

Score: 10/10

Lire davantage

This is the series that finished as netflix 2022's most popular series in the kdrama sphere. Moon Dong Eun is severely bullied by her classmates. She is constantly bullied and persecuted. Blackmailed and harassed without any help. With the little hope she has left, she decides to take revenge. In the gymnasium she is beaten and exploited without any teacher's supervision. With no outside support, she has come up with a long-term plan to end it once and for all.
When everyone has grown older, with both their psychological and physical wounds that sit deep within her. Does she want to constantly carry out her revenge plan, step by step. She approaches each and every one who has exposed her. Fortunately, the bullies haven't changed much. Except they don't oppress her the way they did when they were younger. She knows the weaknesses of the oppressors from the past and above all wants to put the bullying leader there, her ultimate goal.
Instead, there will be psychological confrontations, it's about having the upper hand there first. After that, it's about showing who decides. There are similarities with the board game baduk, to demolish the opponent's house without their knowledge and win. Thus getting his revenge through and succeeding.
This is a dark psychological thriller. This one is rougher than Shadow Beauty which is also about school bullying. There is much more I could mention, but for the sake of excitement, you should also enjoy it. Have only described part of the first part. One of my favorite series. Very interesting!!!!!!! The revenge has only just begun!!!!!

Lire davantage

Revenge is indeed best served very cold

The Glory; what a drama. I am not much of a Song Hye Kyo fan. But was this drama well written or what; I mean, not a boring moment. The first episode was rough, and I have to admit I skipped through a lot of torture and violence. It was just overt and too much to reconcile or bear. That, the world harbors kids (I mean they were children really) who felt so entitled and thought the world revolved around them, that it gave them the right to inflict such animosity and hate on another child just because they are different, or was is it "just because" they felt like it was uncalled for, inexcusable and shame on everyone that stood by and watched and did nothing, they as good as inflicted the violence and pain but more than anything shame on the teachers, the parents, the caretakers, the friends or so-called friends, well there was no love lost between any of them so I can't even call them friends who thought it entertaining and okay to humiliate, demean, deface, another human being.

By the time we got to Moon Dong Eun as an adult, I was fully invested in her journey. Everything from how she lived her life in narration to Park Yeon Jin (stellar acting) was so captivating. I found myself hanging on to every word she wrote, even the way she spoke/wrote her words. That first encounter after 17 years at the gym of their old school was so fulfilling, especially when she clapped for Yeon Jin as she walked up the stage for her award. But the best part was Yeon Jin thinking the past was fully forgotten and dead in the past. That she could not even recall her monstrous acts made her an even more awful human being than she already was -- that she didn't realize the decisions and choices she made would follow her to her grave is very telling of her arrogance and malignant miserliness. Her audacity to think MDE deserved everything that happened to her, not only that she in some way is to blame, was exhausting to watch. That her young child, not even 5 or 6 years of age, instinctively knew how awful burning someone or beating them or torturing them was and she an adult never even considered it was telling for me. It was the moment I realized Yeon Jin deserves everything coming her way -- everyone involved or who stood idly is also deserving.

It was not all gloom and darkness with The Glory; many funny moments peppered in throughout the episodes. I especially enjoyed the, at first, very professional relationship between Kang Hyun Nam and MDE, and even more so as they started to warm up. Yeom Hye Ran did a great job making me feel the pull/push relationship and the slow drawing in of MDE, and even the love and admiration between the two. And, of course, Lee Do Hyun was consistently excellent in how he personified Joo Yeo Jung; how he grew to accept and live with his painful past, despite it being part of him daily. His patience and acceptance of MDE for what she was, not trying to make her into what he thought she should be -- never pushing or probing, just hoping. I loved how he didn't judge or question when she told him her story, but readily accepted his role as her head swordsman.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how amazing Jung Ji So was as a teenage Moon Dong Eun. She is such a great talent; I am in awe of her. Can I say Jung Sung II was brilliant in his role as a have-it-all rich husband, father, and man -- he was admirable - not too entitled or arrogant, just a man used to getting his way, not by force, but because it was always available. Unlike the inherently entitled, self-absorbed, and cruel Jeon Jae Joon (Park Sung Hoon, who was brilliant in his role), who obviously lived his life believing the world owed him everything, but then growing without love or self-worth, can do that to a kid.

What's intriguing about The Glory is that it takes its time with everything. Nothing is rushed, not even the conversations. So it went without saying that the revenge plot would take its time, almost painfully so. But I think that was the point; for the culprits to know, sense, and feel the revenge coming, but not know how, when, where, and through whom it would come.
Watching the Glory was like peeling back the layers of a big fat onion; the more you reveal, the twisted it gets. Kudos to the writer for such brilliant scriptwriting, the director, and the actors for gripping the writing alive. I look forward to the second half and the actual revenge plots unfolding.

Lire davantage

Gripping and disturbing

Gripping? YES!! It’s one of those where you have to binge watch. I waited for quite awhile to watch both seasons at one go. Also, you have to be in the right frame of mind (ready to watch a revenge drama) to fully appreciate it.

Disturbing because the scenes are quite graphic. It’s rated 18+ and has lots of vulgar language, sex scenes, and multiple violent scenes including using hot curling iron and domestic abuse. Most of these scenes I had to fast forward, because I myself couldn’t stand to watch. I couldn’t understand why and how those bullies could get away with it; plus the home room teacher who just slaps the victim multiple times in the staff room! I read that this drama was based on a true story. I’m not sure how justice was carried out, but if it was not, the police and education system in Korea need to buck up!!

The two actors that stole the show imo were Lee Do Hyun and Shin Ye Eun. LDH played the ML, a young doctor who lost his father in a very tragic way. Haunted by the perpetrator, he was living in hell and wanted to help the FL (song Hye kyo) with her revenge plan. He managed to pull off a variety of personalities in this drama- the professional doc, the caring and protective man and (this is the best part!) the devil in him who will seek revenge and dreams of killing the murderer. His acting was top notch!

Shin Ye Eun played the teenage Park Yeonjin, who is the ring leader of the 5 person bully gang. I read that the director chose this actress because of her smile, and man was he spot on! Her eyes and smile in the most eerie and condescending manner gave me the chills just watching her! Her acting was just right, unlike Lim Yi Jeon who played the adult Yeonjin, whom I felt overacted wayyy too much. In fact the 5 gang bullies were quite ridiculous and overacting most of the time imo. Too much cursing, shouting and throwing rich kid/ can’t get my way tantrums.

Another character I liked was Ha do Yeong, the husband of Yeonjin. He in all his sophistication did everything right- gave her many chances to repent, and be remorseful of her past actions- but all he saw was the devil in his wife. I’m glad he had a happy ending.

The production and music background was just fantastic! Very modern and updated, chic and sophisticated. The music is like those you will find in US dramas, extremely compelling and draws you in. There were times where the plot became quite predictable, whereby the good guys “always win” and even when it seems they were losing, they were somehow one step ahead. Haha..

It’s a very good recommended watch. Again, be in the right frame of mind when you start this. The first episode is the most difficult as it has 90% of the bullying school scenes. :)

Lire davantage

Very Watchable, If Annoying That Viewers Have to Wait for the Other Shoe to Drop, as Well

Revenge is a dish best served cold--though, cold or otherwise, it is not usually served incomplete.

Whatever else can be said about The Glory, the most important thing to know going into it (if you're watching in a timely manner) is that there is going to be a Part 2 that has not come out yet...and that, perhaps, you should wait for that before starting this. Because, as things stand with only Part 1 at hand, the hiatus only serves to unavoidably expose the otherwise mostly tolerable flaws in its storytelling.

The show is entertaining enough, aided in great part by the short-ish length of each episode, which forces the slow unraveling of the overall story to feel like it's constantly moving--even as, 8 episodes in, nothing seems to be happening. Except that also many things seem to be happening; and some of those things may actually matter to the plot. Assuming that the plot is what the show seems to tell us that it is.

Which, if the show were complete (or still coming out regularly), would presumably be fine, because any gaps or loose threads or seeming incongruities could be paused long enough to wait for the rest of the story to (we hope) explain or justify or minimize them as it slow-burns its way (again, we hope) to its climax and conclusion. But, as it stands, there are A LOT of loose threads, and a lot of story beats that don't quite line up, and a lot of story details that feel extraneous to the central plot--and, because it does nothing to act as a chapter closing that pulls any of these things into even a loose kind of wrap-up, Part 1 doesn't feel like a deliberate Part 1 so much as just where it happened to have its halfway point. And so we are left somewhat unsure about what we've just watched, rather than anticipating what could be coming next.

Which is a shame, because--whatever its storytelling flaws or overall quality--The Glory's first 8 episodes are very, very watchable, more than a little entertaining, and often compelling, both in spite of and (ironically) because of those storytelling flaws that make the hiatus so frustrating.

So, yes, this seems very much to be worth the watch--but we're not going to know until Part 2 is out, and we see if the ends really do justify the means.

Lire davantage

THIS REVIEW IS FOR BOTH PART 1&2.

I almost passed on this drama because I thought it would be gory and senseless like "My Name," which I dropped, but I'm glad I didn't. Although I did not find this "super amazing" like most people, The Glory, as a story of revenge and redemption, was quite good. I had trouble stomaching the violence that was shown in the first few episodes, and the scenes where Moon Dong Eun was subjected to a curling iron, but this made me so angry that I really wanted to see the comeuppance due to the perpetrators.

Song Hye Kyo is great as the long-suffering victim who is intent on bringing hell on Park Yeon In and her band of bullies. It was oddly satisfying to see how the FL calculates through her revenge plot, not by directly going after the bullies, but by infiltrating those who are around them for years. We see Dong Eun's practiced patience as she waits for opportunities like she does in the game of Go. But sometimes, this waiting gives way to frustration, especially when her plans are thwarted by the very people who are supposed to have your back (ahem, your mother-phuker).

As a thriller, melodrama, The Glory delivers, but if you are expecting romance, it falls flat. Despite the presence of Lee Do Hyun as a romantic partner for Song Hye Kyo's character, Joo Yeo Jung is at most a love-sick puppy following after the woman of his dreams. They are only lumped together for convenience's sake and their kiss was underwhelming. Moon Dong Eun had better chemistry with Yeon Jin's husband, Ha Do Young, but of course, the plotline won't allow such a scandalous pairing. In the end, the perpetrators' supposedly got their just deserts, but I can't help feeling that somewhere down the line, the vicious cycle of revenge will continue again.

Lire davantage

vengeance is best served cold

Great plot and casting, felt like I am watching sequel of penthouse

Lire davantage

Hautingly perfect.

This drama was elixir to my soul.

I am drawn to dark stories, but I am also subconsciously drawn to stories where self growth and worth are paramount.

I didn’t have a great experience at school. Going to a girls school in England really messes you up on some kind of level. Permanently. Even though time does heal, which this drama showed exquisitely.

So this drama, with its roots in school and unpleasant bullying, called to my inner child (who loved seeing karma in action).

The dramas ingredients of pain, pleasure, love, hate, kindness, karma, depression, anxiety, selfishness, naïveté were simultaneously balanced and unbalanced.

So, if anyone reading this is unsure about it, give it a try. It really is healing in the regard that you are fully satisfied at the shows conclusion. That is very rare.

I felt like it helped me on a personal level work through some of my issues and regrets from my formative years. I hope it does the same for you.

Lire davantage

THE BEST DRAMA OF ALL DRAMAS!

- AMAZING CHEMISTRY BETWEEN SONG HYE KYO+LEE DO HYOUN...SO BEAUTIFUL!!!
- THE GLORY IS THE BEST DRAMA OF SONG HYE KYO+LEE DO HYOUNG. MUST WATCH!
- AMAZING WORK
- THE GLORY MAKES ME WANT TO SEE MORE DRAMAS OF LEE DO HYUONG AND SONG HYE KYO . HOPE WE WILL SEE MORE OF THEM TOGETHER!

- In Glory you will see how good Lee Do Hyoung and Song Hye Kyo acting is! I won't say more. Watch yourself and see...

- Age difference between the Lee Do Hyuong and Song Hye Kyo made this story even better! It's much better to have a mature, experienced and a so beautiful actress like Song Hye Kyo to act than an immature, arrogant girl/young woman that also is not as beautiful as Song Hye Kyo!

- Stop Nitpicking about age, age is just a number!!!
- Those who nitpicks thinks that a number can make a relationsship good or bad....those with experience knows that age is just a number. There are other things that determine the chemistry etc and it's not the age because the age is just a number....

-The older a woman is the more mature she is... Who wants an immature girl??? No one!!!

People don't care when the male is older so why do some start to nitpick as soon as they see an older femaler with a younger male. IT IS NOT FAIR!

Lire davantage