What Is the Story About?
After his tryst with hell for many years, Jung Jinsu, the brain behind the New Truth, is back and recognises the growing prominence of the Arrowhead in the society. Jinsu realises he may not be the only one to be resurrected back to the land of the living. Does resurrection eventually mean damnation or will it pave the path to true salvation?
Performances?
Kim Sung-Cheol, Kim Hyun-joo, Kim Shin-rock, Moon So-ri are undoubtedly the show-stealers this season, sharing equal honours, bagging morally complex characters, representing different dimensions of the human psyche. Lee Dong-hea is quite impressive as Kim, mirroring a leader’s confusions and insecurities transparently through an effective performance. Others, from Lee Dong-hea to Cho Dong-in, Yang Ik-Joon, get to make a mark as well.
Analysis
Dystopian thrillers, born out of a ‘what if’ scenario, strike a chord universally because they present an extreme, exaggerated version of reality. The popularity of the genre has only grown over time in the digital space, more so because it instantly serves the needs of the OTT bosses keen on keeping a viewer glued across episodes. Hellbound, the successful K-show, is now back for round two.
For the uninitiated, Hellbound unfolds in South Korea, where Jung-Ja and Jin-Su are resurrected. The extremist religious sect Arrowheads has taken charge of the country, which is in complete disarray. Kim Jeong-Chil is the face of the New Truth, however, under the grips of government officer Lee Soo-Kyung, who makes a valiant effort to avoid any possibility of anarchy in the country.
The bureaucrat senses hope even in the gloomy hour, hatching a plot to divide the populace among The New Truth and Sodo to keep the Arrowheads in check. This leads to the birth of the New Will, where Jung-Ja could be the catalyst to bring back normalcy again and ensure the government takes control of the law-and-order situation. Who has the last laugh after all?
While the first season showcased the gradual decline of The New Truth, the latest instalment focuses on the unchecked rise of Arrowheads and the government’s tactful ‘divide and rule’ strategy. The show predominantly revolves around Jin-Su and Jung-Ja, their visions, monsters and true identities. It tries to provide a psychological understanding of the brains behind a religious cult.
Despite the consistent focus on Jin-Su and Jung-Ja, the prominence of Hye-Jin in the show can’t be underestimated too, for she’s portrayed as the only embodiment of human goodwill. She does what it takes to reunite Jung-Ja with her children (the only thing that matters to the latter too). The contrasting moral clashes among varied characters make for absorbing viewing.
While the instalment works as a gripping, logical extension of the first part, it’s slightly disappointing how it doesn’t offer anything new thematically. Its emotional hold is phenomenal and the creators succeed in establishing the grim mood within the backdrop, crafting terrific drama, and debating philosophies – mounted with top-notch action choreography, backed by stunning visuals.
It’s not always comforting to watch a show where the world falls apart bit by bit, indulging in civil wars and finding newer ways to divide itself without much hope in sight. The creators tighten the screws in the last set of episodes, where the characters ponder over an uncertain tomorrow and use the dystopian scenario as a timely opportunity to start afresh.
Hellbound Season 2 may have little to offer in terms of a plot, but the dense, philosophically rich writing comprising strong, layered characters, elevated by stellar filmmaking is enough to merit your attention.
Music and Other Departments?
Kim Dong-wook’s mettle as a composer isn’t exactly tested this season, given the monotony in the situations and the plot-driven narrative, which doesn’t provide him wings to experiment beyond a limit. Byun Bong-sun’s cinematography in addition to the action sequences are the major highlights of Hellbound, adding more bite and appeal to the proceedings. The runtime (close to 5 hours) is hardly justifiable and the long, drawn-out storytelling style tests your patience.
Highlights?
Impressive performances
Top-class action choreography
Philosophically rich writing, unique characterisation
Drawbacks?
Exhaustive runtime
Little/no advancement in the story for long intervals
Did I Enjoy It?
Mostly yes, but could have been better
Will You Recommend It?
If dystopian thrillers with slick action interests you, go ahead
Hellbound Season 2 Series Review by Binged Bureau
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