W: Two worlds is an exciting, fast-paced drama that will leave you constantly guessing on the edge of your seat. The storyline is extremely unique and the main leads did a fantastic job in playing their roles. The acting was powerful and I really felt for them in some of the scenes. Although there are a few clichés such as good vs evil, the plot is well written and pretty unpredictable. My only caveat is that some of the subplots in Oh Yeon-joo's world were not as interesting. Overall, this drama is a must-watch and most certainly among the best kdramas out there.
82 Reviews
The plot
madbird-612437 April 2019
Creative premise with a fast pace
ebossert13 February 2017
Note: Check me out as the "Asian Movie Enthusiast" on YouTube, where I review tons of Asian movies.
A romance takes place between a man (played by Jong-suk Lee) who exists within a webtoon known as "W," and a woman (played by Hyo-joo Han) who is in the real world. The woman's father is the webtoon artist who makes the protagonist's life a living hell, creating the murder of his parents by the hands of an unknown killer. But as the comic world comes to life and clashes with the real world, the people of both worlds are confronted with danger.
This is an interesting premise that has been done before. This K-drama has some vague similarities to films like "The Matrix" or "Last Action Hero", but it carves out its own identity and develops in unpredictable ways. In fact, it's virtually impossible to predict what's going to happen from one episode to the next. One reason for this is that it gradually adds layers and develops the "rule system" of this particular comic book world, which offers many intriguing turns of events and some wicked plot twists. The end of episode 1 feels like a climactic event, and there are many such events that throw you for a loop because they are things that would probably happen at the end of a film with a similar premise. This creates a sense of excitement that is sustained for most of the episodes, and that excitement is earned thru characters and scriptwriting instead of overblown or cartoonish action scenes.
Most fortunately, the storyline is presented organically and naturally. This show does make an admirable attempt to sufficiently close as many plot holes that it reasonably can, but it still feels a bit contrived in spots. This is especially true during the final few episodes, which have a slight sense of randomness to them. Prior to that, everything seemed very neat and tidy in terms of following the "rule system" of the worlds, but that seemed to come loose a bit down the stretch. And that would be my primary criticism of this show – it seemed like they didn't really know how to end it. It felt a bit anticlimactic. Personally, I would preferred a more traditional, higher octane finale.
In any case, all of the acting in this K-drama is very good. I've covered Hyo-joo Han a handful of times already in my reviews of "The Beauty Inside" and "Cold Eyes." But she expresses a very wide range of emotion in this, giving a nuanced and energetic performance. I was less familiar with the lead actor, but he did a solid job as well.
A few other random compliments are that I really enjoyed the theme tune, which is quite catchy. There is a splash of comic book imagery that I enjoyed. And there is also one particularly creepy special effect that is used on one character's face during the middle episodes.
A romance takes place between a man (played by Jong-suk Lee) who exists within a webtoon known as "W," and a woman (played by Hyo-joo Han) who is in the real world. The woman's father is the webtoon artist who makes the protagonist's life a living hell, creating the murder of his parents by the hands of an unknown killer. But as the comic world comes to life and clashes with the real world, the people of both worlds are confronted with danger.
This is an interesting premise that has been done before. This K-drama has some vague similarities to films like "The Matrix" or "Last Action Hero", but it carves out its own identity and develops in unpredictable ways. In fact, it's virtually impossible to predict what's going to happen from one episode to the next. One reason for this is that it gradually adds layers and develops the "rule system" of this particular comic book world, which offers many intriguing turns of events and some wicked plot twists. The end of episode 1 feels like a climactic event, and there are many such events that throw you for a loop because they are things that would probably happen at the end of a film with a similar premise. This creates a sense of excitement that is sustained for most of the episodes, and that excitement is earned thru characters and scriptwriting instead of overblown or cartoonish action scenes.
Most fortunately, the storyline is presented organically and naturally. This show does make an admirable attempt to sufficiently close as many plot holes that it reasonably can, but it still feels a bit contrived in spots. This is especially true during the final few episodes, which have a slight sense of randomness to them. Prior to that, everything seemed very neat and tidy in terms of following the "rule system" of the worlds, but that seemed to come loose a bit down the stretch. And that would be my primary criticism of this show – it seemed like they didn't really know how to end it. It felt a bit anticlimactic. Personally, I would preferred a more traditional, higher octane finale.
In any case, all of the acting in this K-drama is very good. I've covered Hyo-joo Han a handful of times already in my reviews of "The Beauty Inside" and "Cold Eyes." But she expresses a very wide range of emotion in this, giving a nuanced and energetic performance. I was less familiar with the lead actor, but he did a solid job as well.
A few other random compliments are that I really enjoyed the theme tune, which is quite catchy. There is a splash of comic book imagery that I enjoyed. And there is also one particularly creepy special effect that is used on one character's face during the middle episodes.
Homage to film-noirs & detective stories
AppleEye2U15 February 2017
Don't be surprised if you'll end up binge watching this k-drama. It happened to me, though I was reluctant at first to see it. The story seemed a bit strange and complicated about two parallel worlds. Also I was misled by the synopsis thinking it would be a live action webtoon. However, this mini-series was so much more.
I found "W" a.k.a Two Worlds a thrilling, well acted and visually glamorous k-drama that's a homage to old film-noirs and detective stories. Filled with classic heroes and villains, cliffhangers, blazing guns and screeching tires. The slow-paced, old fashioned romance added to this nostalgic feel as did the mysterious music score. I loved it!
I found "W" a.k.a Two Worlds a thrilling, well acted and visually glamorous k-drama that's a homage to old film-noirs and detective stories. Filled with classic heroes and villains, cliffhangers, blazing guns and screeching tires. The slow-paced, old fashioned romance added to this nostalgic feel as did the mysterious music score. I loved it!
best among the best
tbhoishe2 December 2017
I love this drama. Overall a good drama. incredible idea, best acting by actors. totally a fairy tale world. as a teenager my favourite show. not every teenagers will like it but majority of teenagers will like it though it's not a teen show. the intensity of this drama totally a joy to watch.
Definitely one of the BEST Dramas
gauravbansal726 August 2016
This is definitely one of the best dramas I've seen in a while, and I think it might just be my favorite yet, and believe me I have seen a lot of TV Series.. The acting is absolutely phenomenal and I love everything about this drama! The concept and plot is original and unique, and the actors have great chemistry. With each episode you keep getting pulled in by the story to the point you cannot wait for the next episode to come out. It holds a perfect blend of humor, action, suspense/mystery, drama, and love!! I never write reviews but I'm just so in love with this one that I want it to get the full recognition it deserves.
For any of you considering it, I truly and highly recommend this drama!
For any of you considering it, I truly and highly recommend this drama!
loved it
tugbasengil-209-19933321 September 2016
I really loved this so much. The story, the acting, the directing is superb. Comedy, romance and drama is well balanced. And it is so smartly written that i really respect the writer.
I would easily give 10 star if it wasn't for the finale episode. But i can hardly blame anyone. This series needed at least 4-5 episodes more. And in order to tell whats happening, story barely focused even its main characters and romance. However the actors were so good to express the ever changing dynamic of the hero and heroine we get the feelings.
And if it is ever get to remade by japan, America or any other country i would totally watch it again.
I would easily give 10 star if it wasn't for the finale episode. But i can hardly blame anyone. This series needed at least 4-5 episodes more. And in order to tell whats happening, story barely focused even its main characters and romance. However the actors were so good to express the ever changing dynamic of the hero and heroine we get the feelings.
And if it is ever get to remade by japan, America or any other country i would totally watch it again.
Great actors, but...
ninchenbienchen28 May 2020
...the storyline was a MESS. I like basic rules even in created fantasy worlds and stories so I can mentally prepare myself for what's to come alright? But this story basically had no rules. NONE.
There was one plot twist after another, sometimes even several in just one episode, and at the end it didn't always make sense. But because of the plot twists and the constant confusion I kept watching till the end because I just needed to see everything resolved. Surprisingly, the writers of the show did bring it to a decent end in my opinion.
But there were just too many plot twists for my liking (yes, it's possible) and too many things happening without good/solid reason. Also, I missed funny/easy episodes throughout all the action and twists. It was nothing but constant suspense towards the end. No time to breath and relax. I need a one-week-vacation after this lol.
Nevertheless, I want to point out how talented the actors of this show are. They really did a great job, especially Han Hyo-joo. I could literally FEEL every emotion her character was feeling because she's awesome like that.
STORYLINE: 6/10 SUSPENSE: 10/10 LOVESTORY: 5/10 ACTING: 10/10
There was one plot twist after another, sometimes even several in just one episode, and at the end it didn't always make sense. But because of the plot twists and the constant confusion I kept watching till the end because I just needed to see everything resolved. Surprisingly, the writers of the show did bring it to a decent end in my opinion.
But there were just too many plot twists for my liking (yes, it's possible) and too many things happening without good/solid reason. Also, I missed funny/easy episodes throughout all the action and twists. It was nothing but constant suspense towards the end. No time to breath and relax. I need a one-week-vacation after this lol.
Nevertheless, I want to point out how talented the actors of this show are. They really did a great job, especially Han Hyo-joo. I could literally FEEL every emotion her character was feeling because she's awesome like that.
STORYLINE: 6/10 SUSPENSE: 10/10 LOVESTORY: 5/10 ACTING: 10/10
One of my favourite dramas!
alexandra-428576 August 2020
I had been wanting to watch this series for a while and was so happy to find it on Netflix recently. I'm a big fan of Lee Jong Suk and have been watching most of his previous dramas while he is doing his military service. This was a really well crafted story with excellent special effects and of course fantastic acting both from Jong Suk and Han Hyo-joo. There was loads of great comedy, romance, suspense, action and drama all perfectly blended as only Korean film makers seem to be able to do so well. Highly recommend.
So good but so bad
iammiserablebuymewine20 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
When I started to watch this show I was so excited. It was so good I thought I would watch ut right away. But, after the main character died the first time, sbow became confusing and dragged on and on. Now I am stuck at episode 15 for 2 months. The plot became hard to follow and not logical. It has so much potential.
MUST WATCH!
Afi_vaqar14 October 2020
Okay so I love plot twist... and this dramaaaa has plot twist one after another !! I was so surprised how can this drama be so so so interesting !!!
Everything about this was perfect omg !! It's definitely a must watch !!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍
Unique plot but sometimes doesn't make a sense
hurnikovalenka13 July 2021
W: Two Worlds Apart is a beatiful drama with unique plot. The idea of story was original, I've never seen it before. To be honest I wathed it in 4 days but the plot was the only thing because of which I finished the serial. What I found disappoined was logic of serial. Sometimes there were scenes that were not logical and were confusing. Also the behavior of one of the charakter was stupid. We must say he/she is 30 years old and for his/her age is behaving like a child. First half of the serial was fantastic. I think after seventh or eighth episode it was downhill. Overall, I enjoy watching this serial. You can relaxed and enjoy yourself.
Good enough
PennyReviews10 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
W had a great idea for a good story, but failed to make it till the very end. First of all the story: a woman, whose father is a famous comic artist, gets dragged into the webtoon her father draws! There she saves the main character, whom her father tries to kill. Somewhere between the second and the third episode, the drama reached its peak. The story is quite interesting and unique, so kudos for that. Plus the romance was okay, a little weak though, and the performances very good, as the actors had to work with the whole fantasy world, action scenes and of course the exchange of worlds. However what ruined the drama for me were the flash backs. There were so many!! Except from the first five minutes, that were a recap of the whole series so far, which is kind of understandable, the back and forth-s were too tiring. And they were repeated constantly, which was annoying. Finally, the twists were interesting and entertaining the first time around, but the drama seemed to have actually ended at the ninth episode, and so the rest of them were just repeating the same twists over and over. In addition, I would have liked for the whole two worlds universe to had been explained better. So 4 out of 10.
I recommend this to everyone!
sinhanarain4 May 2020
Amazing concept very well translated into the drama. The storyline is really intriguing and the way they've depicted it in the show is insane. Every episode ends with a Cliffhanger, you won't be able to stop. The leads have a good chemistry that can't be neglected. The drama is a rollercoaster of emotions, romance and thrill. It gets intense towards the end of it, a must watch!
Ingenious story!
natassa-athens6 May 2020
I love this unique story with romance, thriller and fiction! The plot is really ingenious, one of the best I've seen! Both main actors are very good. I suggest it to anyone who wants to see an unexpected story evolving in each episode, together with romance. One of my favorite Kdramas!
A true fantasy show! Loved it
Giselle171020 July 2020
A true fantasy show! Don't try to be logical!
Giselle171020 July 2020
Absolutely loved it! I had low expectations bcz of some awful reviews but honestly I wasn't disappointed cz it's a fantasy show and u should take it like that! If u try logical explanation in everything in movies then marvel comics wouldn't exist in the first place! So don't be judgemental of what's possible and not just enjoy another SPLENDID PARALLEL WORLD COMIC show!
My all-time favorite show!
diannelleadrianna7 November 2019
I personally think this show has the perfect amount of everything. Drama, Action, Fantasy, Romance, Comedy, it has it all!! And in the perfect amount. I'm not the type to rewatch shows but I can easily watch this many times without getting bored. The plot is so unique and you never see anything coming.
Better start and poor ending
udayshetty-8780026 June 2022
The plot and Start of the series very good.. middle episodes are messed up , repeated scenes and ending is also not upto the mark ... Don't think High rated movie or series are better ❌............................... overrated drama.
Definitely one of the Best TV Kdrama since Prison Break Season 1
Abbye-Sei2 June 2020
This series is exciting, interesting, fast paced and has a unique plot. The setting of the story is about two worlds - The real one and the webtoon one. While the parallel world concept isn't anything original (a lot of movies and TV use it. i.e. Dark) but this one is well-presented and doesn't confuse viewers.
My favorite actor - Lee Jong Suk didn't disappoint, aside from his good look and cute smile, he delivers another great performance and another good show. It is like W is his own show, he basically dominated it. That is how impressive he was in W. The female lead Han Hyo-joo is so beautiful. Actually, my personal opinion is of all Lee's leading ladies, I think he has the best chemistry with Han Hyo-joo, they look so comfortable and good together, Han can certainly match him in the looks department. Sometimes I find Jung Suk too handsome for some of his female leads. (but that was just me!) These two just make you think they are written on the star and are destined to be together, that they are destined to be lovers.
The story is very interesting, although the scenes keep jumping from real world to webtoon world and vice versa, it is not confusing at all and both leads' acting are impressive. The actor who plays the cartoonist is outstanding too. It is a fast paced series, and it makes me want to keep watching the next episode to know what will happen and dread the "coming to end" feeling towards the last few episodes. I also love how the cartoonist and Kang Chul reversed their place at the end.
The soundtrack adds to the poignant feel of some scenes and is definite a plus. I thoroughly love this series and looking forward/hoping to another show with these two leads.
My favorite actor - Lee Jong Suk didn't disappoint, aside from his good look and cute smile, he delivers another great performance and another good show. It is like W is his own show, he basically dominated it. That is how impressive he was in W. The female lead Han Hyo-joo is so beautiful. Actually, my personal opinion is of all Lee's leading ladies, I think he has the best chemistry with Han Hyo-joo, they look so comfortable and good together, Han can certainly match him in the looks department. Sometimes I find Jung Suk too handsome for some of his female leads. (but that was just me!) These two just make you think they are written on the star and are destined to be together, that they are destined to be lovers.
The story is very interesting, although the scenes keep jumping from real world to webtoon world and vice versa, it is not confusing at all and both leads' acting are impressive. The actor who plays the cartoonist is outstanding too. It is a fast paced series, and it makes me want to keep watching the next episode to know what will happen and dread the "coming to end" feeling towards the last few episodes. I also love how the cartoonist and Kang Chul reversed their place at the end.
The soundtrack adds to the poignant feel of some scenes and is definite a plus. I thoroughly love this series and looking forward/hoping to another show with these two leads.
She is the key to my life
alaningle712 April 2022
A popular manga called W is the other world in this series. The daughter of the writer is drawn into this world and suddenly the stories begin to write themselves and her father can no longer influence the storyline. A clever premise that gets a little confusing and busy at the end with all the parallel worlds interactions. It is well acted by the cast and has some interesting twists and turns but there was too much attention on the plot as opposed to character development of the characters.
Logic Problems and always those 30 year old virgins...:O
claw-975833 March 2020
The first episode was one of the best in Kdrama I have ever seen! What a pity it could not keep the pace and quality. I stopped watching in episode nine because if everything is possible then there are no questions left for the viewer: the tension is gone. And so went my attention.
Epic 2 world fantasy
laurikavandermerwe5 April 2020
Apart from the overdramatic first episode, this series grabbed me by the wrist and dragged me from moment to moment.
The character reactions was realistic, the action nail-biting, the romance jaw-dropping and the fantasy elements perfectly believably exsecuted.
I have watched it twice and will probably return to W many more times, just to see my main characters meet each other all over again.
W - Two Worlds.
xiongtony-4556420 September 2016
In a personal view it is one of the most exciting drama to date! I love it so much! it is action pack and full of love as ever K-Drama does. Much can't be said as it will reveal a lot of the drama, it is one of those TV shows that you will just have to watch for yourself to experience it. The genre of this K-Drama is thriller, action, romance, and of course drama. So if your a fan of all those genre check this drama out! Will say it did feel like it dragged on for a bit, BUT I will have to say it keeps you on the edge of your seat as you wait to see what happens next! the drama itself is written very well and everything flows together. So check out 'W'!!!
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