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[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Mask" Episode 14

As I said in the last review, it really is the calm before the storm. Ji-sook's truth has been revealed to all major players. The next episode will tell us how Min-woo reacts, but the build up in this episode was well-wrought.

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Mi-yeon is on a vengeful path fueled by the pain of loss and betrayal. She had never truly stood up to Seok-hoon because she didn't want to lose him, but the events of late have broken her of that fear and made her almost as conniving as her husband. He has been longer at playing the evil game and outsmarts her, but I must admit it's nice to see her challenge him after the many times he's manipulated and used her. Their battle is poignant as their facade plays at a happy couple, but their foundation is made of lies. They baldly lie to each other and that becomes their way of functioning.

On the other hand we have Min-woo and Ji-sook, a couple who is genuine in all of their dealings with each other save for one: Ji-sook's secret identity. The contrast between the couples ramps up the intrigue, especially now that Ji-sook and Min-woo are very open with their feelings - she has, after all, declared her love for him. She also intends to tell him the truth, and, as with every good intention aired on screen, it will be foiled by the laws of K-drama. How the show handles the reveal of Ji-sook's truth to Min-woo will say a lot about how the rest of the drama plays out.

Love has mellowed Min-woo's neuroses out quite a bit, and like we saw Ji-sook mature into a capable working figure with the right circumstances, we have also been able to see that Min-woo is more than just his neurotic tendencies. Without the hallucinogens we have seen him function normally, and with Ji-sook's patient, unconditional love and aid, he has begun to overcome. Their love is the only is the only thing in this show that has no strings attached and it is the thing that has the most power over them. Min-woo is adorably sweet and winning. He's a child that needs love and his romantic antics provide for humor and the warm fuzzies found in romantic comedies.

Ji-hyeon is growing leaps and bounds as he steps in for Ji-sook and takes care of their small family. The responsibility has transformed him and I do like to see a character change for the better as most characters sink lower. In a peek into Seok-hoon's motivations, he is implored by his father to forgive those who hurt them and live happily. With Seok-hoon's drive and thirst for revenge, the only thing that may stop him is his death.

In this plot-driven drama, watching the characters grow and crumble as they're pushed and pulled by circumstance is what makes "Mask" exciting. Ji-sook's father finds out that she's alive in the same episode that Min-woo is secretly told the truth by Mi-yeon. Events such as these force growth and that is handled well by the cast and crew. The next episode should be a turning point now that the truth is out.

Written by: Raine from 'Raine's Dichotomy'

"Mask" is directed by Boo Seong-cheol, written by Choi Ho-cheol, and features Soo Ae, Ju Ji-hoon, Yeong Jeong-hoon, and Yoo In-young.

 

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