Did the White Rabbit Lead Us Down the Expected Path?

The Mad Trip down the Rabbit Hole has ended and the questions must be asked: Was the drama what we expected? Did it progress in the direction we predicted? We’re the characters who we expected them to be? And finally, did we like it, Precious?

Storyline/Synopsis: Original rank: 10/10   New: 9/10

The plot line continued with its twists and turns throughout the drama. One extremely refreshing aspect was the main character’s willingness to disclose and be truthful. Although on the surface it appears that hiding truth is a main focus, in actual fact, the viewers know virtually all the secrets throughout the story, and those they do not know can be surmised without much effort without ruining the effectiveness of the drama. This is truly unique amongst the dramas I have viewed to date. In actual fact, the “drama” in this drama is not generated by well—timed reveals, as is the usual scenario, but in finely crafted character development.

The difference in focus led to an aspect of Cheongdamdong Alice that I found fascinating, which was the notable absence of the usual drama cliches. No piggyback rides. No sweet, kind JiHoo waiting in the sidelines. No endless trips to the soju tent. Yes, there was a plucky, poor girl and a rich boy, but this was not your ordinary Cinderella story by any stretch. While the story did not progress along lines quite as novel as I originally imagined, the overall effect was, indeed, unique.

Script/Acting:  Original rank: 10/10   New: 8/10

The ending had just enough of a twist to keep things interesting! The quality of the acting remained pretty high throughout the drama. Romantic scenes improved as the drama progressed. If there were any disappointments they were the following areas: More could have been done with Tommy Hong’s character. He was a great character, and I believe he was underused. Moon Geun Young’s character might have been a smidge too serious. Although I understand the need for her to be the “adult” in the relationship, there were times when her affection for Cha Seung Jo was not necessarily convincing.

Cinematography: Original rank: 7/10   New: 8/10

The overall effect of the cinematography was a pleasing sense of understated artistry. The use of low lighting remains as a memory in my senses as I recall imagery from the drama. While the fantasy aspect could have easily been played up or overplayed, the director wisely refrained and rooted the cinematography in realism, which in and of itself, added a dramatic dimension to the script.

Music:  Original rank: 9/10   New: 9/10

The music remained an excellent feature of the drama. I’m waiting hopefully for an album to become available. 🙂

Overall Charisma: Original rank: 10/10   New: 9/10

I admit it. If they’d kept up with the bunnies more I would have been happier, but call that an odd quirk of mine. I have a fondness for continuity in the absurd. The characters were engaging and worked well together as a cohesive and believable unit. I could have easily kept watching for many more episodes — the sign of a well-crafted drama!

Overall, Cheongdamdong Alice lived up to expectations. I was hoping for a drama that was different from the rest and I was not disappointed. The characters were not overly predictable.

And yes, Precious, we liked it.

Happy Drama Watching!