Mask Girl Review: Netflixs Addictive New Korean Series Is An Edgy Alternative To Sappy Kdramas
Netflix's The Masked Girl is arguably the most organic combination of two of Korea's most popular pastimes, pachinko, and the raunchy look of a Park Chang Wook movie. Ever since Park's talented filmmaking team introduced the remarkable brand of Korean cinema to the world two decades ago, the country has somehow become synonymous with pop music and soap operas. The masked girl appears to have been created by someone deeply concerned about this cultural shift.
Like the latter film, which also caught the attention of Indian audiences largely because it was in Korean, The Masked Girl has nothing to do with the drama tide that has, at least officially, swept viewers of all ages. But of course Ekta Kapoor also uses images that she is proud of when she criticizes idol culture and ignores deep-seated stereotypes.
The seven-part miniseries begins as a darkly humorous social satire before turning to melodramatic vengeful violence in the third act. Spanning several decades - flashbacks to the 1970s and current events - the film tells the tragic story of Kim Mo Mi (played by three different actors), a young woman who has always dreamed of becoming a famous star. But he was held back because of his looks. Even as a child, nobody would let him forget how ugly he was, and his mother-in-law made him a coward when he was about 20 years old.
The first episode is set in 2009. Mo-mi works at a ridiculous two-faced corporate headquarters, lives apart from her mother and is secretly in love with her married boss. But at night, she works part-time as a webcam model and adopts a sensational look she calls a "masked girl." As a Mo-Mi Masked Girl, Mo-Mi entertains single men online for money while secretly living her dream of stardom and avoiding unwanted comments about her looks. But an awkward encounter with a "helper" sends him down a difficult path marked by murder, imprisonment, and even revenge.
It would be inappropriate to divulge more details about what's going on, given the structure of the show itself in a mysterious and mysteriously mysterious way. However, it would be wise to inform you that while Moe-mi is the main character of the series, the entire episodes are told from the perspective of different characters. The second episode, for example, is presented entirely from the Scarecrow's point of view and the third episode is dedicated to his mother (!). In short, the series becomes a school drama full of emo youth and young love, the ending of which is a mix between Hansal Mehta's "Sensation" and "Shashank's Redemption".
Ironically, the main theme of the show Atonement is based on Mei-mi and Hee-se's webtoon. Written and directed by Kim Yong Hoon, The Masked Girl pushes the boundaries of credibility several times. The joke about the plastic surgery is particularly funny, but director Yong Hoon holds the camera with aplomb while maintaining the story's unique tone. One wrong move can cause scenes like this to go over the limit and become ridiculous. But the cinematography is very good and Yong Hoon has a deep empathy for his complex character, which interests us in many ways.
The show could easily make Mo-Me the victim of trouble or worse. But some key decisions are critical for us as an audience to see. Often with grace, The Masked Girls avoids the criticism often leveled at "rape and revenge " films. Why do people insist that women must be cruel before letting them go ? Why do they enjoy torturing their enemies when the only option is cold and harsh punishment? These are legitimate concerns, and we're seeing filmmakers recognize and address them in real time.
But above all a social commentary, sharp satire, "Masked Girl" is funny. Unlike the current second season of Made in Heaven, which addressed a long list of societal issues that should be addressed, The Girl in the Mask never forgets that it was originally a genre film. To do this, it must be at the top of all watchlists.
disguised girl
Directed by Kim Young Hoon
Actors – Lee Han Byul, Go Hyun Jung, Nana, Yeom Hye Ran
Rating - 4/5
