[CDRAMA - REVIEW] LOOKISM (2019)

Park Solomon (Lookism)

• | Native Title: 外貌至上主义
• | Also Known As: 외모지상주의 , Wai Mao Zhi Shang Zhu Yi
• | Director: Wu Jian Win
  
• | Year: 2019
  
• | Genres: Suspence, Action, Friendship, Romance, School, Youth, Drama
• | Platform: WeTV
  

Rate: 9.5/10

■ The Story (rate: 9.5/10) 

    Based on the South Korean Webtoon of the same title (check out my review of the webtoon), the Cdrama has adapted, suppressed and invented some elements. The key differences are the series has suppressed and invented characters, changed the Korean names to Chinese names, conceived new stories as well as the ending (The webtoon is unfinished). These differences did not annoyed me, at all.

    Similarly to the original webtoon, the drama becomes progressively tragic. There are fortunately lighthearted moments and deep concerns.

    [The following paragraph may contain spoilers.] In the ending, one element bothers me, but it is not necessarily a bad point. Indeed, because that event was sorrowful and it has burst my heart into pieces, I hate this ending. The tragic death of that unique character was unnecessary. From my subjective point of view, this senseless death is a betrayal because I was attached to him.

■ The Cast  (rate: 9.5/10)

    What I heartily enjoy the most about this compelling drama is the leading actor Park Solomon ("handsome shuai"/Kris) which portrayed different characters in one body, perfectly! The drama is worth to watch attentively for this reason only. He is undoubtedly a skilled young actor. This drama is a proof. It goes without saying that if you are a fan of Park Solomon, watching "Lookism" is a pleasant duty. I instantly became a passionate fan of him thanks to this drama. His acting skill is a solid 10/10.

    The other actors and actresses were not as good as park Solomon. The fact is Park Solomon was outstanding. Therefore, we can naturally detect potential flaws in the acting of the cast aside of Park Solomon.

■ The OST (rate: 9.5/10)

   The osts are splendid, and it accurately captures the feelings of the show. I particularly like the osts "Lookism", "Touch" and "Hero."

■ My Advices

    For those who have read the webtoon but haven't seen the cdrama, the adaptation focuses on the plot more, in other words the two bodies. I know some readers complain the webtoon does not focus on the plot so if it is indeed the case you cannot find fault with the dramatization.

    A drama adaptation shouldn't be forced to reproduce the original work at 100% in all details from the start to finish. It can take its inspiration from a large part of it, but a perfect and amazing adaptation isn't necessarily a pure and pale copy of the original work.

    The major differences that exists between the original webtoon might be confusing at first if you have already read the original webtoon. Don't compare too much the adaptation to the original webtoon. Keep aside the original webtoon and focus on the cdrama first. That way there is a better chance you will appreciate.