[Criticism] Save Me: an original K-Drama and our favorite of 2017!

We wish you a happy new year 2018 and we hope that the holiday season went well for you. For our part, we are again present to discuss drama with you and it is our favorite of the year 2017 that we address today. When a cult takes over your family and hope hangs by a thread, here comes our opinion on K-Drama: Save Me !

Save Me

Original title: 구해줘 – Goohaejwoe

Alternative title: Save Me – Rescue Me

Genre: action – mystery – psychological

Country: South Korea

Episodes : 16

Chain: NCO

Release period: August 5 to September 24, 2017

Director: Kim Sung-Su (Moomyoungin)

Writers: Jung Shin-Gyu – Jung Yi-Do

Original Webtoon: Jo Geum San

Synopsis

Im Sang Mi is a high school student who moved from Seoul to the countryside with her family. But his father is scammed by one of his friends and they have nothing. However, a religious group offers to help them. Bad luck strikes them again with the death of the son of the family…

A few years later, a group of young people including Han Sang-Hwan cross paths with Sang Mi who asks him to help him. They then discover that she is trapped in a religious sect that has all power and they try to get her out of this nightmare.

Main cast

Save me!

(warning risk of spoiler)

If this drama has particularly caught our attention it is thanks in particular to its concept of sect and closed doors really original. The story of Im Sang-Mi, a young girl who arrives from a big city to find herself in a village is already an interesting starting point. In addition, the theme of the united family that ends up being torn apart following certain events and the intrusion of strangers into the clan makes things intriguing. We have all at some point seen or heard of this kind of story and the difficulties of being able to come out unscathed.

Some people may be reluctant to take the plunge for fear that we will enter into something too religious. Certainly, it speaks of God and a religion close to Catholicism but the subject dealing with imprisonment and brainwashing will surprise you.

The sect itself very quickly puts us in a climate of malaise that gives us chills and those who work there are creepy and unhealthy as one might expect. A real treat for those who are fans of psychological thrillers that are gaining momentum.

Praise be the Almighty

But what would this plot be without its characters and actors who, it must be admitted, really managed to make us forget that they were playing comedy by being one with their roles. First, let's go back to Seo Ye-Ji (Im Sang-Mi ) the main character. This young girl surprised us so much her role is against the current of the performances we usually see. Her facial expressions and playing make us empathetic and make us live stressful moments. Ok Taec Yeon (Han Sang-Hwan) keeps improving, but he hasn't been the leader you expect.

Another hero who deserves attention: Woo Do Hwan (Seok Dong-Cheol) whose charisma and presence have not left us marble. It is the archetype of the modern hero.

Nor could we ignore the three representatives of the Almighty who allow the story to find its full meaning. The spiritual father (Cho Seong-Ha), is really a deranged and scary man… At first, we thought he was acting in front of his followers and that we would see him acting normally once alone. Well, no, we really have to deal with a deranged man! The same goes for Apostle Jo ( Jo Jae-Yun) who really puts pressure on with his role as a money-addicted deranged man. As for the apostle Kang , she is just as impressive and if we have no affection for her, we understand where her belief comes from and it's rather sad!

A suspense at the height

Save Me is a drama that takes you to the guts despite a slow start at first but it is also what makes its charm and plays on our emotions. However, the plot is not to be put in all hands especially if you are sensitive because violence is greatly represented. As well as human darkness, despair, self-effacement or the mistreatment of heavy but timeless subjects. 

The realization and the mostly dark shots bring this heavy, hostile and cold side that gives it a singular atmosphere and we adhere perfectly.

It has been a long time since we have experienced this, and we are pleasantly surprised. In addition, the writers were able to stay close to realism by showing us that sometimes we can't help some people! The theme is well addressed and the indoctrination in which believers find themselves is bluffing to say the least.

Do you like to shiver, psychological intrigues and the dark side of the human being fascinates you? Save Me is the K-Drama that we highly recommend. But are you ready to learn more about this intriguing and unhealthy cult?