The Beauty Inside (Full Review)

"Did I become a butterfly in my dream or did I become me in a butterfly's dream."

Han Se-gye (Seo Hyun-jin) is a top Hallyu star who transforms into a completely different person for one week out of each month. Where as Seo Do-jae (Lee Min-Ki) suffers from Prosopagnosia or face blindness. However, he can usually recognize Se-gye, based on physical and behavioral queues, even when she is someone else.

The audience gets to see the narrative unfold in how this couple overcome the distinctive challenges associated with their respective afflictions. Because both parties are keeping their secrets closely guarded from the public and families, there is an inherent understanding of each other. Of course, this isn't until after we get to see Se-gye come up with some desperate attempts to hide this phenomena from Do-jae and vice versa. The confrontations which occur surround the source of Do-jae's Prosopagnosia, but in more depth, are the trials of confronting the possibility that the love of your life may literally turn into someone else, with no discretion around age, gender, or race.

In almost equal screen time, we have Se-gye's best friend Ryu Eun-ho (played by veteran actor Ahn Jae-hyun) and Kang Sa Ra, Do-jae's step sister and business rival. Eun-ho is an aspiring priest who ends up developing a relationship with Sa Ra. The bond and connection between them adds some comic relief as well as acts as a counterpart to the roller coaster ride that is Se-gye's and Do-jae's relationship. To emphasize, this story is all about the relationships. While you won't find crazy drama bombs or action scenes, you will find a drama which sets itself apart with the high caliber acting and mesmerizing plot. Supernatural, yet surprisingly human.

***WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD***

Character Development:

The distinctive personalities within this unconventional drama is what differentiates this show from other contemporary romantic dramas. With the addition of a new character every month, thanks to our leading lady's body swapping, you get to look for something unexpected to happen. What's nice is that the voice over and internal thoughts are always done in Han Se-gye's voice, which keeps you feeling that this complete stranger isn't just another actor, but that it is Han Se-gye.

Her portrayal throughout the series was complex, confident, and cantankerous. At times she is a typical star who expects star treatment, as well as the attention that comes with it. Other times, for example when she is being threatened by Do-jae's CEO mom, she holds her own. Even sending back the 100 Million Won, plus an additional 100 Won (less than $1 US Dollar) just to stick it to her. Genius. When Do-jae kisses her for the first time, his response is dismissive; he claims that their interaction is just part of the contract (granted this is a tactic to hide his own struggles with self-worth). Se-gye's reaction is understandably, unexpectedly human for a romantic drama. She doesn't storm out, but rather becomes taciturn and struggles to communicate her own feelings. She doesn't want to be used, and she wants to stop the progress of the relationship before she gets hurt further. Without saying it, her acting lets you know she doesn't want to be hurt, and based on Do-jae's actions, all facts point this to being a one-sided love.

For Do-jae, one can easily fall into the feelings that this is another rich chaebol who can't communicate his feelings. The first episode or two tricks you into thinking this is just another K-drama trope of a lonely boy waiting for true love to unlock his real potential and reveal a heart of gold hidden behind his iron wrought exterior. However, if you watch and listen closely, there are subtle hints that his character is just as multifarious as his A-list actress counterpart. As the episodes unfold, you get to understand his sibling rivalry, his passion to succeed despite his personal setbacks, and how his face blindness affects not just daily life, but how it chips away at his confidence while at the same time building intentional walls to protect himself. At the same time, there is also an almost irresistible confidence and swagger you can't help notice with Do-jae walks into a room. Well done to Lee Min-ki for his portrayal of the character.

With as handsome as he is, Ryu Eun-ho is usually a main love interest for dramas. It was a refreshing change of pace for him to be a friend, a truly good friend to Se-gye, Yoo Woo-mi, and Kang Sa Ra. Then there is the other dimensional side of our sub-character. His personal dream is to become a Catholic priest. The writers on this series paid attention to detail; I missed these queues, at first. There is a scene where a confessional wall allowed direct interaction with a priest. Normally, this would be veiled or be a semi-transparent a screen in the booth. Without any dialogue, it shows that the relationship between Eun-ho and the priest is more than just a confessional. Potentially a mentorship or asking advice on his upcoming choice to join the priesthood? His plans are disclosed when his mom finds the introductory packets for seminary. The whole story line was not only interesting, it again sets the stage for a character that goes beyond secondary love interest or token best friend. I was slightly disappointed that he ends up choosing to abandon this career path in lieu of the relationship with Kang Sa Ra; any other show, this might've ruined this character for me. However, the deft changes to the relationship, such how Eun-ho decides to take an alternate path of studying to be a judge, while still accomplishing his need to care for humankind, is just another display of this show's wizardry.

Then there is Kang Sa Ra. In the beginning, she is downright nasty to Do-Jae and Se-gye. So as a viewer, you aren't supposed to like her due to her extreme competitiveness (having three older brothers, I can relate to some extent), slightly underhanded tactics, and snobbishness. This is eroded after you get exposure to her nicer side; while it doesn't excuse her behavior, you can understand the lashing out due to the circumstances. At the same time, she is a CEO of a smaller airline company, highly successful, intelligent, and competent. By the end of the series, I came to respect her, a lot. While the relationship between her and Eun-ho comes to a typical rom-com-happy ending (I still stand by my original opinion that it would've been a more unpredicted and original if they hadn't ended up together), I am still satisfied because of the way the writers cleverly enabled Sa Ra and Eun-ho to keep their individualistic goals. This wasn't a 180 degree personality change or from relationship pressure. Rather, this was a mutual evolution of their feelings and communication between them. Sa Ra ends up keeping her job, individuality, and in comical (but adorable) turn of events, actually swaps the gender roles in proposing to Eun-ho first. Potentially my favorite scene in the entire series.

Storyline

It's extremely human when it comes to the relationships, aside from the Veronica Lodge-esque level of wealth between our main couple. There are no false attempts to hide their flaws, and were not talking about the obvious challenges of forced transformation or the inability to recognize your mom who is six inches away. No, we're talking about the struggles anyone might face, such as jumping to conclusions or forcing your own perception onto another. Do-jae's first reactions are to trust tabloids and false rumors about Se-gye, even to the point of calling her everything but a liar when asking about her supposed illegitimate child. Se-gye is afraid of more rejection and exposing this very private and inexplicable part of her life. Instead of asking questions or attempts at empathy, she lets her own conjectures take the wheel. What I love about this series is how it continually lulls you into a false sense of K-drama security. You think you know what is coming, but then in a snap, it surprises you with something unexpected. Episode 5 is one of my favorite moments where Se-gye transforms into a teenage boy. The circumstances that follow are both hilarious and heartwarming. It also happens to the episode where I knew I found a K-drama winner. I won't say it's going to nudge Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon from its top spot of being my favorite Sci-fi, but its definitely a contender if I were ever to compare the two seriously.

If you couldn't tell by all of the gooey references and positive adjectives so far in this review, I'm a big fan of this show. However, there are criticisms. Pushing down the story line score is how everything is overcome for a happy ending. Believe me, I always want a happy ending, but for a show that made me cry, laugh (ok, even snort sometimes), and evoke other emotions, I was disappointed in the choice for Do-jae's complete recovery from surgery and the references to Se-gye's "affliction" miraculously disappearing. The biggest drama bomb itself was a disappointment: Do-jae's face blindess was caused by Se-gye's very first transformation. The audience is keyed into this fact early on in the series, and it's looming in the background, just waiting to explode. When it does, Se-gye is so burdened by it that she disappears for a year. Their reunion is cute, but expected. I would've like to have seen more originality vs. Se-gye being both the catalyst and the cure. Additionally, I've already covered the feelings of disappointment around the Sa Ra and Eun-ho relationship, but to echo earlier sentiments. It would've made a more intriguing (even possibly controversial?) development for Eun-ho to choose the priesthood, and let Sa Ra find her self-worth in her own capabilities instead of them being tied to a relationship.

However, these criticism can be easily overlooked and easily forgiven because of just how much flawless execution goes into this series. It's a compelling tale of fear and anxiety being overcome by strong will, forgiveness, and trust. In this case, it's not about loving someone else, but rather first loving yourself, including your flaws.

Costume and Set Design

For modern day dramas, what I look for are costumes and sets which are the right fit for the character, not a blatant attempt at advertising sponsors, and add value to the script and settings. It's hard to come out with a perfect score costumes in contemporary settings. Unlike period dramas, which let costume designers have more liberty to showcase their original creations. Current period is more a result of the styling and outfits which are trending. This series gives four different styles, we have the business setting for Do-jae, stylish trends for Sa Ra and Se-gye, and then sub-character specific choices. All around, these smart decisions end up bringing a high score in this category. Only criticism was the slightly underwhelming choices for set designs.

There was some perfectly executed restraint when it came to Do-jae. He's wealthy, for sure, but for a serious character who places extreme attention to other peoples body features and attire (since he can't remember their faces), his styling reflects his attitude and personality. Crisp, impeccably demure suits, and a boutique-esque closet to showcase them, shows the care and attention given to his style. For the ladies, Se-gye is extremely trendy, but at the same time, isn't afraid to pull out the sweatpants and pajamas. There is one particular floral gown at the ribbon cutting ceremony, where her styling is stunning perfection. Whereas Sa Ra is often seen in sharp cut, but fashionable business attire. She's ready to take on the boardroom, but not afraid to showcase her femininity with a bold color (looking at you coral pantsuit) or sheer neckline. Lastly, for an aspiring priest, it's a nice touch that Eun-ho is thrifty and casual with his choices. No brand names in sight, and exactly what you'd expect from someone who is saving every last won. Also, winner for best costumes is Gging Ggang. This adorable pup is a scene-stealer in her adorable knit sweaters and flawless grooming. Like any starlet, she is never seen in the same outfit twice.