Once upon a time, there was a drama that captivated me so much that I eagerly awaited the start of every week. No matter how tired I was after work, I would rush home just to watch it. There were those who criticized this drama, giving it negative comments and low scores, simply because they couldn't accept a human and robot falling in love. But let me tell you, this drama never tried to hide its true nature. From the start, it was meant to...
be an interspecies romance, and if that's not your cup of tea, then this drama isn't for you. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the quality of the story itself.
The title of the drama, "Are You Human Too?", is a subtle mockery of those humans who have lost touch with their humanity. It tells the tale of Nam Shin III, a pure-hearted robot who always prioritizes others. He's there to shed light on the dark side of human nature and make us pause and reflect on what it truly means to be human. At first, I was skeptical if this message would be conveyed effectively. But this drama surpassed all of my expectations. It may seem unfair to compare a flawless robot to flawed humans, but the aim of the story isn't to suggest robots are superior; rather, it teaches us that humans, despite their imperfections, should strive to become better. Sometimes, we can even learn valuable lessons about kindness and justice from the very robots we create.
While the drama falls under the sci-fi genre, it doesn't rely solely on thrilling suspense to keep us engaged. Instead, it focuses on the intricate relationships between its characters and how they intertwine. That being said, there are enough mind-blowing plot twists and cliffhangers to satisfy any viewer. Each episode's ending left me in awe, eagerly anticipating the next installment. Admittedly, the middle part of the plot dragged on a bit, with some episodes lacking significant progress. The drama missed the chance to explore some of the potential within the AI and sci-fi elements. Nevertheless, it remained highly entertaining, especially considering it was a pioneer in its own right.
I must give a standing ovation to Seo Kang Joon for his outstanding portrayal of a robot and a human being. This was his first venture into dual roles, and he flawlessly differentiated between the two characters. Just a glimpse of his subtle facial expressions would reveal who he was playing at that moment.
In this drama, the villains, or rather the "flawed humans," are the driving force behind the plot. They may be a bothersome bunch, but their multidimensional nature allows us to empathize with them and understand their motivations. At times, we may wish for their demise, while at others, we can't help feeling sorry for them. It's a testament to the fact that humans possess both light and darkness within them. Villains, too, can be victims of circumstance.
One of the aspects I truly cherish is the beautiful relationship between the drama's main pair. Despite limited screen time and physical affection, their chemistry is palpable. They share such a profound bond that it made me ponder the true meaning of love. Love isn't just a fleeting emotion or feeling; it's a value that one lives by. Nam Shin III, despite lacking the ability to experience emotions, manages to understand love and surpass his robotic limitations to become almost human.
The drama's soundtrack has become a precious collection for me. I found myself constantly replaying the songs and promptly downloading new releases. Every track fit harmoniously with the scenes, immersing me further into the story's world. One song, "The Longing Dance," stood out, perfectly enhancing the drama's cinematic atmosphere.
To anyone who appreciates profound messages about humanity, love, multidimensional villains, and the heartwarming presence of a robotic companion, I wholeheartedly recommend this drama. If you're open to the idea of an interspecies romance between a human and a robot, I urge you to give it a try. It might just captivate you as it did me.