9/10
A Poignant Reminder of the Complexities of Healing
28 April 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The series explores the complexities of love and trauma. The story follows Ji Hyun, an introverted country mouse who finds it difficult to adjust to city life as a new student in Seoul. However, he finds solace in Jae Won, a fellow surfer and as their shared love for surfing brings them closer together, they begin to develop romantic feelings for each other. Their relationship is complicated by Jae Won's reluctance to acknowledge their relationship which leaves Ji Hyun confused about their connection and must navigate the emotional complexities of Jae Won's traumatic past.

The series' sensitive portrayal of trauma and mental health is commendable. The show takes a thoughtful approach to explore mental health by giving viewers an insight into Jae Won's therapy sessions and emotional journey throughout the series. Through the character's experiences, the drama highlights the complexities of healing. The show's unique perspective on mental health is further highlighted through Jae Won's decision to take one step forward and try harder for his own sake and his loved ones despite the years of struggle he was carrying and the difficulty in looking towards the light. This message is a poignant reminder that healing is a gradual process that requires effort, patience, and self-love which is not explored well in most dramas.

The show's cinematography and soundtrack are also notable, capturing both the beauty of the ocean and the emotional turmoil of the characters in a visually stunning way. The performances of the two leads, as well as the supporting cast, are also noteworthy, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. However, certain scenes in the series were confusing and it might have been a stylistic choice in order to visually represent the characters' emotional states but the execution felt lacking. Jae Won's character could have also been portrayed with more nuance, as his expressions sometimes felt frozen.

Overall, "The Eighth Sense" is a well-crafted and emotional drama that tackles important issues in Korean lgbtq+ dramas. While there are some execution issues with certain scenes and character portrayals, the show's overall message of self-love and healing is both timely and impactful.
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