I’m fresh from finishing the last episode of Train, and I’m truly in awe, so I rushed right straight to my blog.
Let’s kick this off with me saying, this drama is 100% recommended.
With only 12 episodes, Train is truly short and sweet. It was great that the story was not dragged to 16 episodes. It was adequately wrapped.
Train is about a detective, Seo Do Won (Yoon Shi Yoon), working on a case of serial killings. He accidentally crosses over to another dimension via a train. In this new world, he meets the love of his life, Han Seo Kyung (Kyung Soo Jin), who is already dead in his dimension. In both worlds, the history of these lovers goes back to 12 years, when the father of Seo Kyung was murdered. This murder is somehow linked to the present-day serial killings. Do Won works with Seo Kyung to solve the case, and this is where I stop. I don’t want give spoillllers.
Typical of many Kdramas lately, an element of a disorder or disease is present in Train. Here, we are introduced to Huntington’s disease, a fatal genetic disorder that leads to the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.
What I love about the drama
More than the actors, the suspense is what pulled me to this Kdrama. I really can’t figure out how to express the suspense adequately in words without giving you spoilers, but here’s the thing, I found myself at the edge of my seat in many scenes.
There are also scenes where I’d hold my breath, waiting for what’s to happen next.
The best part is that as the story unfolds, I was not only passively entertained, but I was also actively thinking about why things are happening and what’s to happen next.
Also, the story is presented at just the right pacing. It is neither rushed nor dragged. I was even surprised that many things had happened in one episode that I didn’t even feel like something’s amiss.
As for the actors, I am not really a Yoon Shi Yoon fan. It took me three attemts to finish his Psychopath Diary before I actualy did. Stii, with Train, I’d say he played the Seo Do Won well. I am just somewhat disturbed by the twitching of his lips (is it just me?!). Also, at times I felt like the way he acted out the other Seo Do Won is similar to the other one (yes, there’s more than one Seo Do Won). Nevertheless, the character came out convincing.
On top of all these, I love that the drama does not bathe in romantic scenes. While indeed, it is love that compels Seo Do Won to act as he does, there are no cheesy scenes.
Room for improvements
I am not completely impressed by how Kyung Soo Jin played Han Seo Kyung. I feel like there’s just something missing about the expressions. Even the other actors are underwhelming as well, like Lee Hang-Na’s Oh Mi-Sook and Choi Seung-Yoon’s Dr. Suk Min-Joon.
Still, while these characters (and acting) do not leave strong impressions, the story makes up for everything. DO NOT let this lack in acting make you miss an ultimately great Kdrama.
The verdict
I already said it earlier, but I’m going to say it again. This is a 100% must-watch Kdrama. The drama is so good that you will let small thinks (like the lacking acting) slide. Usually, I’d cringe at actors to come across as cheesy or overacting or lacking, but Train, I didn’t.
The ending was nice. Some viewers commented that they wanted a kissing scene (oops, sorry!), but I’m all for the ending of this drama. It’s mature.
Train will not disappoint!
Read also
