Pachinko (2022– ) User Reviews

An epic Korean saga that avoids the K-drama pitfalls...

[DukeEman · 9/10 · 27 March 2022]

Pachinko avoids the cliches of the K-drama, instead settles for an European soap drama style with plenty of depth, chronicling the plight of a Korean family under the Japanese occupation and juxtaposing that with life in 1989, all in brilliant cinematic storytelling.

This series does not shy away from the effects of Japan's forced occupation on Korea. It plays out with an emotional impact from the viewpoint of Sunja's life via the unique structure in blending timelines. From Sunja's youth under Japan's stranglehold to that of her grandson in 1989. It depicts the various stages of Japan's influences on Sunja's family life, from war torn times to the might of the financial impact that Japan displayed during the 80's.

It is an engrossing drama that reveals the horrors of life under a brutal occupation, and the long term effects it has on generational lives. All through the eyes of a strong protagonist, Sunja, played brilliantly by the various actors.

Great cinematography

[cameliasispir · 8/10 · 26 March 2022]

Great cinematography, indeed- also costumes, locations, etc- technically all perfect, and very good casting. The script does not follow the book, which changes the view on characters, giving them different vibe - and also the jumping timelineis done so often and sometimes in the middle of the scene, that it does not allow the build-up of atmosphere, is pushing so many characters at the same time and prevents the viewer to really get to know them. I believe a linear story line would have been more beneficial by allowing viewers to connect to the characters, immerse in the story and also illuminate the attitude of the next generation. It seems a bit rushed and does not really gives that feeling of the family saga. Special Kudos for Kim Minha, who nailed her first leading role, and excellent performance from Lee Min Ho was perfect in Hansu. They succeeded also in expressing the relation between their characters, which is not described even in the book as love, but as passion between a 40 years old man in a loveless marriage and an innocent teenager. Looking forward to see the next episodes !

A little cliche, but beautifully filmed

[lifesgoodkim · 8/10 · 9 October 2022]

First of all, I am a Korean. I've heard a lot about what Japanese people did to Korean people during the colonial era while I was growing up. That is very sad and making us Koreans furious. Because we Koreans heard a lot about similar stories, and the storyline follows actual historical events, this show feels a little cliche in my opinion. But, I think the cinematography is one of the best I've ever seen to describe the era. It is beautifully done and seems very real. Also the show's strategy to show events not by chronically, but by weaving related events through 3,4 generations is brilliant and is making the show interesting. Overall, it is worthwhile to watch, and to the people who didn't know the history between Japan and Korea, this will be a great show to understand the history and the emotions Koreans(or other countries which were impacted by Japan during the war) have.

Although I believe we Koreans need to overcome this emotions about Japan and Japanese people, Japan also needs to admit its wrong doings in the past and truthfully express their apologies.

Beautifully acted

[trademarcdesigns · 10/10 · 25 March 2022]

You know the actors are talented when they can draw you into a drama in a language you don't understand. Halfway through the first episode I was fully invested in the story, transported to another time and place, caring about the fate of the characters.

The story is universal - the struggle of a family to survive and live on in the next generation. It feels very authentic, the characters - even though they don't look like me or speak the same language - are people I know, people I can relate to.

I am enjoying the heck out of this series, and I can recommend it without reservation.

Just beautifully told

[yooniverse · 10/10 · 27 March 2022]

If you've watched enough Korean dramas, you'd know that the story elements are not new revelations. They're an amalgamation of the history of Korea, and well-worn themes and stories of real lives of Koreans who've suffered at the hands of the Japanese, and the clash of cultures, attitudes, bigotry, hatred and cruelty, across Korean, Japanese and westerners. It's easy to forget that this was less than a hundred years ago, and spanning only a few decades; and so often, the bitterness still felt by Koreans leads to a heavy handed portrayal of the Japanese and westerners. It's a fine line to walk to be able tell a story about generations of a family and their personal struggles without getting lost in that bitterness.

It's so amazing so far to see how beautifully the show tells the stories across multiple timelines, with incredible actors, excellent cinematography and direction. The contrast is striking, from the primitive Korean fishing village to the urban sprawl. While the show's synopsis is about their "indomitable quest to survive and thrive", it's the story of Korea and its people as whole being told through these four generations of characters.

Remarkable

[PardonTheTruth · 10/10 · 25 March 2022]

Wow! What a truly mind-blowing rendition of one of the most moving novels in recent history. The casting, direction, acting and cinematography are all equally exceptional.

Amazing, just amazing

[nkiliuzo · 10/10 · 30 March 2022]

I literally do not have words to describe how good this show is, the transition between time periods, the history and the way the story is told, the actjng has been sublime, cinematography is A+, Just the whole package has been a treat, am not really a big fan of kdrama but this feels different, very different, well done apple+ for this show.

The best TV series of the year

[Bonniekoh · 10/10 · 27 March 2022]

After watching the three episodes, I may deeply realize the artistic attainments of the director. The composition is beautiful, the picture is magnificent, and every frame is eye-catching. I can see that every actor has made a lot of efforts to shape the character. I believe that everyone who has experienced immigration can find resonance in it. Will continue to follow up on new episodes.

Critics didn't lie!

[Yeolo · 10/10 · 2 April 2022]

Critics have proclaimed Pachinko is one of the best TV series you'll ever see in 2022 and that's saying a lot! And I can attest from first 4 episodes, they did not lie or exaggerate! Loved the book and this tv adaptation is as good! Can't wait to watch more and praying for seasons 2+

Captions critical -- and not competent

[fredricwilliams · 9 April 2022]

This work absolutely lives or dies by captioning. Unless you are fluent in both Korean and Japanese, you cannot know what is happening without reading the captions.

Captioning is not a rare skill. Yet for "Pachinko" captions were not professionally done.

In these episodes, captions sometimes appear for a tiny fraction of a second -- so fast that no one would be able to read even a word. In many other cases, they are kept on the screen so briefly that readers will miss parts of the dialogue.

This is.a fine story, but there is no excuse for poor captioning -- it is a skill found easily everywhere in the world.

So Disappointing

[rbsteury · 7/10 · 30 April 2022]

I really wanted to love this series. I liked the novel a lot and was expecting changes in the film from such a sprawling, multi-generational novel. But what a mess the series turned out to be. Jumping from time to time, leaving out an entire generation, adding an entire episode about an earthquake which led nowhere... what disastrous choices. And all those plot threads that went no where... What happened to Noa? What happened to Isak? What happened to Isak and Sunja's baby? What happened to Yoseb? Where did Solomon come from (his entire parental generation is written out? Why were Hana and her mother so estranged?. And an entire episode devoted to an earthquake not in the novel and that advanced the story line very little. And what happened to WWII? And the last 15 or 20 mins of the finale... what the hell?

The only reason I gave it a "7" was the wonderful acting of Youn Yuh-jung and, to a lessor extent, Jin Ha.

I understand that book-to-film adaptations are usually disappointing but they should at least be coherent. I tried to explain what was happening to my wife who did not read the book but at times I was lost. Little wonder that she said the series was completely perplexing. So disappointing.

Perfect in every way

[Dillydaydream · 10/10 · 25 March 2022]

I really loved the book and was slightly worried if this series would do it justice- but wow the critics were right this is wonderful. Everything was right- the acting, the directing, the incredible script, the music. The life-affirming opening dance was a surprise but so right. The three Sunjas are perfect in the part which we would expect from Youn Yuh-Jung but the two younger actresses were just as good. For a newcomer Minha Kim is astounding.

I've always considered Lee Minho to be a good actor, but apart from Gangnan Blues he has never had a part to really show what he can do when he gets a multi-layered character to play. He is great in this- and brings Hansu to life so well. The chemistry between him and Sunja was so well done by the two of them.

Three episodes in this could be one of the best series I have seen for years. Awe-inspiring!

Great acting and story telling - diminished by jumping about in time

[calorne · 7/10 · 5 April 2023]

I have seen in a number of other reviews that the original book on which this series is based tells the story in linear fashion. I am very much enjoying this series, but it is certainly spoiled by the modern trend of jumping about in time. It loses its flow and causes confusion as a consequence of this chip chop storytelling.

A little bit of jumping about in time can work quite well. But here I am afraid they have made a hash of it and have overdone it.

I ask filmmakers to worry less about being on trend and just have the courage to tell a story chronologically.

That said, the cinematography is wonderful, the acting is fabulous and enormously engaging and this is a great story so far (I am about five episodes in). They have also chosen very good locations for the filming, including some striking dockside scenes filmed in Canada.

In keeping with other reviewers, I also really like the introduction.

Lost quality and coherence in middle.

[prashant-63677 · 4/10 · 14 July 2022]

Well this is a very strange show to review. It started off like an absolute classic. The first 3 episodes were breathtaking. I was actually surprised as I don't expect Apple tv to make any watchable tv series. However, soon enough the story became disjointed. New characters were introduced without explanation. Story kept changing direction and shifted timeline in every 5 minutes. Characters came and went with no closure. After 5 episodes it seemed a new series has started. The lead actress kept a single expression on her face right from first episode till last. The worst part is that the script itself is boring so all blame can't be placed on direction and acting. Sadly what started with the pretense of a classic, turned out to be boring damp squib. I am not sure if I would torment myself with the 2nd season, but you never know. Apple tv just can't do it.

masterpiece

[w-60789-49284 · 10/10 · 25 March 2022]

It must be said that it was SO GREAT. Music and transition are perfectly integrated. The actors' performance was touching and moving. Hansu appeared at.

Lovely

[gstrongheart-22158 · 10/10 · 9 April 2022]

I'm watching the show but also reading the book. I would recommend reading the book as their is certain things that do not happen in the show and some things that have been added why I don't know . The book is a must it carries the story much better. I can't put it down that why I had to write this review because the boo is so good..👍😁

Hats off to the persistent great work over pandemic

[minhostella · 10/10 · 27 March 2022]

Thanks to the entire production team for their sincerity to deliver such a breathtaking story. The opening credits lightens up the show. Lee Minho and little Sunja took my breath away. I cried so many times with little Sunja, and when Hansu mentioned the big hole on the sleeve of his only cloth with a smily face. I cried a river when Sunja said sorry to her mom about the pregnancy. The picture work is amazing but the most important thing is each cast fits their role and devoted themselves into the character so well. Hats off to such a great show made through the pandemic. I couldn't imagine how much challenges you could've endured to get here!

Work of masterpiece

[kxccmk · 10/10 · 25 March 2022]

The graphics and music attracted me a lot which help many flashbacks and roles to pour in from the angle of sunja. The nationalism story was be told very indistinct but profound. I think Hollywood will prefer the way directors and actors of presenting their story.

Pachinko

[thilothimohandas · 10/10 · 27 March 2022]

All are set in right place. The cinemotagraphy and the visuals of cast and the story telling. It never disappointed. And Leeminho nailed hansu role. His role is really tough. His convey all his emotions in his stare. Young sunja is lived as character. Waiting to see the remaining episodes.

Just a great Show

[lunarhunter · 10/10 · 1 April 2022]

This is a damn good show. Casting is flawless. Even the opening credit scene is Aces, good job Michael Hill on the music. I can't believe they filmed this in Vancouver Canada .

The book is so much better

[owenhutch · 6/10 · 4 May 2022]

I loved the book and eagerly awaited the TV series...and I was incredibly disappointed. The show is bizarrely structured, with major developments being glossed over or not even shown onscreen, and minor conflicts stretched out over multiple episodes (or the entire season!) in weak attempts to create drama. HEAPS of melodrama added. Every character on the show seemed to cry once an episode. Which would be fine if it felt earned but it rarely does. The opening credits are pretty cringe to me and not at all fitting for the show or subject matter. Worst of all, the book, perfect for a limited series, has been needlessly extended into at least a second season, presumably more if they can stretch the material. Way more sizzle than steak.

Powerful and impactful when history is told differently

[drtanutm · 10/10 · 1 April 2022]

An interesting way of how history can be told. A team of brilliant production crew and actors made it almost close to perfect. I really enjoy watching it.

Read the book!

[Rgwink · 6/10 · 29 April 2022]

Adaptations of books to screen can be difficult, and Pachinko promised to be a challenge, but really? Multi generational story told through the lenses of one nation subjucating another, subplots notwithstanding. Actually quite a good and compelling read, yet this adaptation/storyline meandered all over the landscape. With good production values, and a very good cast in spots, the writing for screen simply missed and in to many areas. The entire chapter seven dedicated to a backstory for Hansu was bewildering, a back story that did not exist in the book, nor did said expansion of Hansu bridge or expound with any relevance to the underling thrust of the book.

Sooooo, read the book and don't bother with Apple's latest, or.........who read's anyway, books are so passe'. Just watch this eight episode adaptation without bothering with the book, enjoy and maybe learn a bit.

Stopped Watching

[johnseegers · 4/10 · 8 May 2022]

Loved the book. Can't follow this mess. Random, short cut asynchronous story telling. Over the top melodrama. Brief moments of greatness while overall confusing and dull.

This story truly touches the heart...

[uditamohanta · 9/10 · 2 April 2022]

This is no historical drama but a story of a women who endured the pain of the horrific historical time in which she was born. Triumphant the victory of survival against all odds flung in her way by sacrificing all ties with her roots.

The marvelous casting literally takes you back to that period of time through the screen. The emotions portrayed by every character is accurate and so real that at one point I questioned myself are they really acting? With just 4 eps I am already drawn into the world of Sunja, Ko Hansu, Pastor Isak, Solomon and Pachinko.

Netflix what a loss...please provide these kind of content more coz everyone in the world deserves to see such a brilliant story.