My Name (2021)

In the realm of South Korean crime thrillers, “My Name” takes center stage as an enthralling Netflix original series.

Directed by Kim Jin-min and featuring a stellar cast including Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, and Ahn Bo-hyun, this 2021 series delves into the intricate world of revenge, deception, and undercover operations.

Trailer

Cast

The series boasts a powerhouse cast, with Han So-hee delivering a standout performance as Yoon Ji-woo. Her portrayal captures the character’s determination, vulnerability, and the intricate layers of her undercover persona.

Park Hee-soon as Choi Mu-jin and Ahn Bo-hyun as Jeon Pil-do add depth to the narrative with their compelling performances, creating a synergy that elevates the storytelling.

Plot

“My Name” unfolds a compelling narrative centred around Yoon Ji-woo, played with intensity by Han So-hee.

Devastated by her father’s sudden death, Ji-woo joins the Dongcheon gang to avenge him.

What follows is a riveting journey as she infiltrates the police force, becoming a mole for the criminal organisation.

As Ji-woo navigates the complexities of her dual identity, the series explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the high-stakes world of crime.

Story and Characters

The series weaved a gripping tale that left me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story is beautifully crafted, seamlessly blending revenge, crime, and undercover drama.

What stood out most was the well-developed romance, adding a layer of complexity and emotion to the narrative.

The characters were not just names on the screen; they were individuals with clear personalities, each contributing to the intricate web of the plot.

The realism infused into their portrayals made every twist and turn believable.

Han So-hee’s portrayal of Ji-woo is nothing short of exceptional, and at times, I found myself thinking, “Is she out there somewhere in South Korea, taking on gangs for real?”

The series didn’t just tell a story; it painted a vivid and immersive picture that stayed with me long after the credits rolled.

Action

“My Name” delivers adrenaline-pumping action sequences that complement its crime thriller theme.

The series keeps viewers in anticipation, from intense fight competitions within the gang to strategic operations against rival criminal enterprises.

The choreography of these sequences is both visceral and well-executed, adding to the overall intensity of the story.

Also, “My Name” pulls off some seriously cool fight scenes that make you feel like you are right in the mix!

The series didn’t mess around – it dished out authentic and realistic fights that were an absolute blast to watch. And when they whipped out the weapons, it got even crazier!

Picture this: a quick switch to a first-person view as they unleashed mayhem, making you feel like you were in the middle of the action. It was like playing a video game.

The fights weren’t just choreographed; they were an immersive experience that hooked me. Hats off to “My Name” for making the fights so genuine and fun!

The actors themselves performed the stunts for the scenes as the director Kim Jin-min describes the cast as a ‘Well rounded and multi-talented’ group of actors. This gave an authenticity to the series that could be seen throughout.

I liked the gritty, realistic sequences where not every moment is an easy test for Han So-hee as she uses any weapon she can get her hands on.

Using them with finesse and style, she elegantly dances through the people who stand in her way while also struggling against them.

Han So-hee’s commitment to realism goes beyond the screen; she even carried a knife on set to familiarise herself with its weight, adding an extra layer of authenticity to her portrayal.

Summary

Spanning eight episodes, each instalment of “My Name” contributes to the intricate tapestry of the storyline.

From Ji-woo’s initiation into Dongcheon to her relentless pursuit of justice (and revenge) within the police force, the series maintains a relentless pace.

The evolving dynamics between characters, unexpected twists, and strategic revelations keep viewers hooked from the first episode to the gripping finale.

“My Name” is a standout addition to the South Korean television landscape.

Combining elements of action, crime, and noir, the series captivates with its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and stellar performances.

Han So-hee’s portrayal of Yoon Ji-woo adds a compelling layer to the series, making it a must-watch for crime thrillers and Korean action-drama fans.

Favourite Quotes

• “You should expect that from a gangster’s daughter!” – Yoon Ji-woo
• “I never once betrayed someone who trusted me. So why does everyone keep betraying me?” – Choi Mu-jin
• “You’ve never learned how to say that you’re in pain, or you had no one to teach you.” – Choi Mu-jin

Trivia

• Han So-hee always carried a knife around the set so that she could get used to the feel of the weapon when using it in her scenes.
• Han So-hee put on 10kg of muscle for the movie.
• Much of the action was captured first-hand, avoiding the reliance on CGI, wires, or elaborate equipment.
• In a behind-the-scenes video, director Park emphasised the emotional charge of the sequences, describing it as “emotional action.”
• It went beyond physical hits, requiring genuine engagement as performers delved deeply into each scene, with the result of creating a truly immersive experience.

Series Rating: 9/10

You can catch all the exciting, thrilling, and intense fight scenes in “My Name” this Xmas on Netflix!

Have you seen “My Name” yet? If yes, what were the most memorable fight and action scenes in your opinion? Let us know in the comments below; Like, share and join in the conversation on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter & Instagram!

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