I recently got around to watching "Mask Girl" on Netflix, a drama that had been on my radar for a while. This show is distinctively unique, centering on a woman grappling with deep-seated insecurities about her looks, ultimately transforming herself into a web girl sensation. It was a difficult watch and one of the few K-dramas that made me cry.
As noted, this is one of the most intense K-dramas I've seen. It's graphically and emotionally intense, straying from the typical K-drama path. Watch at your own discretion.
From the get-go, this drama resonated with me, mirroring the appearance-related anxieties many women face. All that Mo-mi goes through is because has felt invisible for so long and had a need to create a persona worth looking at. It particularly was sad when her coworkers went for drinks, they hardly noticed her and gave all their attention to the beautiful A-reum, the new, alluring employee at Mo-mi's office. The subplot involving the coffee-serving beauty, a vivid representation of her own insecurities, was particularly striking in the first few episodes.
At its heart, the drama explores the theme of individuals masked by facades, engulfed in solitude. This mirrors the reality where many, like the characters in this drama, conceal aspects like loneliness, sadness, disability, or trauma behind a facade.
The series was compelling, keeping me riveted, yet it was a challenging, often somber experience. The finale, though impactful, left me yearning for more closure, especially a final heart-to-heart between Mo-mi and her daughter. In the end, Mo-mi's vibrant youth contrasted sharply with her defeated spirit in prison, a poignant reflection of her journey.
A standout aspect was the exceptional portrayal of Mo-mi by Nana and Lee Han-byeol. Their performances brought a multi-dimensional depth to the character, capturing the essence of Mo-mi's tumultuous life. In all, "Mask Girl" is a powerful, thought-provoking watch that leaves a lasting impression. Watch it on Netflix.
Acting: 5/5
Storyline: 4/5
Cinematography: 5/5
Overall Entertainment Value: 5/5
I rate it 9.5 stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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