Money Flower (2017–2018) User Reviews

An Epic Telling of an Old Storyline Or Machiavelli Could Have Taken Lessons from Attorney Kang

[4Nbahu · 9/10 · 29 May 2019]

Thank you Netflix. The Hallyu came as a tidal wave with this show. As an American living in India with no knowledge of Korean or it's culture I have become addicted to K-dramas. Money Flower is not the typical Korean romcom that I have been watching recently. The initial episodes lull you into a hopeful snuggle and slowly drops you into an abyss of a power struggle that rivals Hamlet, schemes within schemes.

I had recently watched "You Are My Destiny", and was amazed with the breadth of emotions that Jang Hyuk displayed and caused to resonate within me. While his character went big with his emotions. In Money Flower Jang Hyuk pulls the emotions in tight, while flashing all with clench of the jaw, a purse of his lips, an icy stare or desperate longing. Park Se-young and Jang Seung-jo compliment Jang Hyuk's minimalism with the ability to depict their characters' evolutions from light hearted lovers to abused puppets.

Unlike many other shows where the minor character become caricatures, Money Flower, kept the supporting characters from being flat, allowing each to be multi-faceted. Lee Soon-jae could easily have been a typical autocratic patriarch, someone who needed to be defeated. Yet there were moments of tenderness, love and even doubt in his megalomania.

Normally, I would discuss the story in much more detail, but because the writing, acting, music all came together to create an epic I wanted to praise the craftsmanship that all brought to the table.

The story itself is one told over and over. An illegitimate son trying to get revenge for his mother being thrown away and to take his rightful place at the table. Yes, there is so much more to the tale that is so artfully woven with threads being added to make a rich and vibrant story. In order to take nothing from the experience, I will not say more about the story.

I highly recommend Money Flower.

A Satisfying Thrill Ride...Jang Hyuk rocks!!

[facesofine · 9/10 · 16 June 2020]

If you've never seen a Jang Hyuk movie, you're missing out. I've grown to admire and love this actor more and more. Ever since Chuno, which is still available on Prime, I've been seeking out his works. Initially Money Flower was not attractive given its wonky title. But I was running out of available Jang Hyuk movies/series to watch so I gave it a try and was definitely not disappointed. Wow, this guy has so much range and depth in his acting who gives it all in every performance. Here in Money Flower, stylishly dressed and coifed, he's never looked so dashing and debonair while portraying a man with a poker face where all of his pain, anger, grief, and need for vengeance are conveyed through with his eyes, tight jaw or pursed lips. The scene where he was at the temple paying tribute to his deceased younger brother's memorial plaque just ripped my heart and tears out. What a performance?! Every actor, leading or supporting, gave superb nuanced performances as well. My only minor gripe may be toward the female lead/love interest who was a tad wooden in her portrayals and some scenes lingered too long. When juxtaposed with Jang Hyuk, you've got to bring your A-game. While I can nitpick the flaws, I won't because I enjoyed this so much. The script is also unlike typical suspense thrillers where audiences are kept in the dark until the final reveal and the protagonist is typically the underdog. Here, the "anti-hero" out for revenge at all costs is the master puppeteer, manipulating and cajoling at every turn and always one step ahead of his opponents. To me, that was extremely satisfying.

Excellent, suspenseful drama!

[Geeta352 · 9/10 · 9 March 2021]

...Well worth watching. Jang Hyuk is magnificent in this Machiavellian series ;he carried the show with the support of a very capable cast. I highly recommend this series,

Jang Hyuk Shines

[vishalatc · 8/10 · 10 May 2020]

Started watching this series only because of Jang Hyuk. I liked his minimalist powerful performance.

Jang Hyuk in Command

[AJ_McAninch · 9/10 · 10 July 2021]

Great cast in an intricate plot, led by Jang Hyuk giving a master class in acting. This is one of SK's greatest actors and one of the best in the world in complete control of every scene he's in.

Stellar revenge drama

[Tejasvita26 · 10/10 · 11 June 2020]

I love Jang Hyuk and became a fan after watching his dramas like Thank you, Beautiful Mind and Fated to love you. Initially I was reluctant to watch Money Flower as it was a revenge drama and that is not my cup of tea. However, when I started watching it, I must say I was blown away by the acting prowess of Jang Hyuk and Lee Mi Sook. It must be said here that Jang Hyuk is terribly underrated in Korean dramas. This man has such a broad acting spectrum. Through out his drama career he has done a variety of roles with perfection - comedy, action, thriller, melo. Money Flower was a series where he shone the most. As it was in this series he portrayed his feelings with his eyes.. It was only in his eyes you could see the anger, grief, despair, and need for vengeance.. The entire time when keeps his identity concealed he is walking around with a mask on his face. Never allowing anybody to see his real self. A character so driven to seek revenge that he uses his love to accomplish that. Money Flower had it all. Stellar acting by the cast, great direction, haunting soundtrack. The script may have been a bit flawed but the loose ends were nicely tied. This series is a must watch for the kdrama lovers.

Too many episodes for the story

[phd_travel · 5/10 · 30 August 2020]

This morose revenge drama shows greed and murder in a wealthy family full of one dimensionally evil or good people. The direction is somewhat monotonous. Every one speaks slowly. There isn't that much story to fill 24 Episodes. 16 would have been enough. Many scenes looked like a repeat of earlier scenes. In some episodes nothing much happens till the last 5 minutes just to get you to tune in to the next episode. The slowness means the plot is easy to understand. At least it isn't convoluted or confusing. The problem is there isn't that much story. They tried to murder him and killed his brother. He assumes another identity and becomes a trusted advisor / fixer. It's fairly diverting to see him in control. Also how the secrets are revealed one by one. You know what will happen but it's just about how he takes them down eventually. One sad thing is there is no romance - there can't be because of the situation he created. Other revenge dramas in the past are more exciting. Like Shark or Green Rose or even the first half of an Innocent Man. Rather excessive repetitive use of the score themes. Very loud for no reason. The acting is adequate. Jang Hyuk looks the part but has the same expression through most of the show. At least Jang Seung Jo looks tortured enough. The ending is okay if not a fairytale happy one but clear and right for what happened before. Not worth the time investment.