As someone who has been enthralled by the intricate tapestry of stories woven in “Pachinko” since its debut, I must confess that the second season left me with a bittersweet feeling, much like a bowl of bibimbap without my favorite kimchi.
In its debut season, the AppleTV+ series “Pachinko” skillfully compressed a century-long story set against the backdrop of Japanese and Korean history into an engaging family drama. The secret to this accomplishment lay in prioritizing personal, intergenerational conflicts over grand historical events. Although the Japanese occupation of Korea and the ensuing cultural strife significantly influenced character development, they did not overshadow other aspects of the story.
The research delved deeply into the persistence of anti-Korean bias, from the ’80s right up to its conclusion, and how enforced cultural assimilation failed to curb microaggressions experienced by Korean immigrants in Japan for decades following their occupation. This study wasn’t just a straightforward analysis of problems but rather a profoundly emotional narrative, with each storyline infused with intense, sweeping melodrama that mirrored the turbulent history affecting these families and ultimately led to their reunification or disintegration.
More melodramatic than before
In a departure from its usual method of keeping primary events in the shadows, the show made an exception with the critically acclaimed standalone episode titled “Chapter Seven.” This episode, directed by Kogonada, who is renowned for his work on the underestimated film “After Yang,” delves into the backstory of the mysterious fish merchant Hansu (played by Lee Min-ho). Unlike the original content that only hinted at his personal life, mainly his troubled relationship with Sunja (Kim Min-ha), this episode provides a quasi-origin story set against the tragic backdrop of the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. This installment was well-received, and its narrative style has significantly influenced the direction of the new season, which appears to have suffered as a result.
In some episodes during the second season, characters are overshadowed by significant historical events, and the show frequently skips forward in time to cover various milestones. While there is a relatable family drama exploring cultural conflicts at the core of the series, its depth is diminished this time because the historical narrative feels overly dramatic and melodramatic. This choice seems ill-advised as it veers too close to the emotional manipulation found in shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” compromising the show’s credibility for momentary emotional impact. By the season finale, with its somber rendition of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida,” it becomes evident that we have ventured into a more emotionally charged realm than necessary, potentially at the expense of authenticity.
In my gaming world, I find myself stepping into the shoes of Solomon (Jin Ha), a character from a captivating narrative that unfolds across two distinct timelines. The first part takes me back to the tumultuous years spanning 1939-1962, as depicted in the novel’s second act. The second part fast forwards me to the tense months of 1989.
It’s best in its quietest moments
It’s unfortunate that the family drama in the 1989 portion stands out as the most profound of Season 2. This segment skillfully intertwines three character narratives, each grappling with the burden of expectations, whether self-imposed or subtly imposed by their family. Solomon struggles to hide his Korean identity in a workplace that implicitly judges him for it, resulting in poignant scenes where his personal and professional lives intersect. Grandmother Sunja, portrayed later by “Minari” actress Youn Yuh-jung, has an equally impactful storyline. Her narrative gradually unfolds into a deep exploration of how two individuals on opposing sides of a conflict can live in harmony, and whether friendship could ever flourish once their stark histories are revealed.
As a devoted fan who has followed this series since its inception, I must say that while I appreciate the efforts to delve deeper into the aftermath of historical events and explore their impact on cultural identities and perceptions, I find myself slightly underwhelmed by the blend of intimate character drama and tales from the criminal underworld in this new season. Having grown accustomed to the seamless transition between eras in the first season, I expected a similar level of mastery when it comes to genre blending. However, I believe that the series still needs some refinement in this area, as the heightened storylines feel somewhat disjointed and less satisfying than before. Nonetheless, I remain hopeful for future improvements and eagerly await more from this captivating adaptation.
In its early 20th-century parts, “Pachinko” delves deeply into the lives of people during wartime, a narrative that sometimes seems unsteady. The family has moved to the countryside to escape city bombings, but the show still strives to compare this peaceful story, which explores Japanese-Korean relationships and multiple generations, with the chaos in the heart of the conflict. “Pachinko” excels at portraying cultural tensions that linger after major disasters, and it’s least engaging when depicting historical events directly. The second season aspires to be more grandiose than the first, but fails to strike the right balance between intimate character drama and large-scale historical reenactment, as the earthquake episode in the first season did by emphasizing character development over dramatic events.
In simpler terms, the second season of “Pachinko” seems to be a noticeable drop compared to the first, yet it still occasionally showcases the elements that made the initial season so emotionally profound.
In other words, the first episode of “Pachinko” Season 2 will be available on Apple TV+ starting August 23, and a fresh episode will be released each week on Fridays, concluding on October 11.
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2024-08-15 16:30