‘Suits’…Jang Dong Gun & Park Hyung Sik rock this Korean adaptation.
There is a lot to take away from this show — one, could be how a degree, a certificate isn’t as important as someone’s passion for their job; then there is the differing ideals between our two leads when it comes to approaching a case, but the most important one that struck me the hardest, is how being an attorney is all about negotiations, and agreements. Choi Kang Seok’s (played by the exceptional Jang Dong Gun) formula is to resolve the problem by never letting it get to a trial, so except for a select one or two, all the cases are solved through meetings, dialogues and settlements to arrive at a common ground, and to find this, is where the show (and we) have fun, and fortunately Suits, sticks to this. From the beginning, till the end, the plot only focuses on the lawyers and their firm. Except for Go Yeon Woo’s (played by an endearing Park Hyung Sik) family, we are never told about the other character’s relationships and family, (except for when being a part of the case). The settings also never take us to any of their homes, and it is strictly kept to the court house, meeting rooms and the offices, and when there is so much tension and suspense in the foreground, Suits did wise to stray away from the unnecessary back stories.
Suit’s biggest strength however is it’s muted tone. The air of excitement and tension is omnipresent, but when resolved, there is no big celebration, or speech. The plot moves on as the the characters do; it is just another day of work for them.
Jang Dong Geun and Park Hyung Sik’s chemistry is the highlight of the show, and what keeps the story moving over the what-could-have-been dry plot of continuous lawsuits. Their characters are alike and yet different, and they are both aware of it. Their relationship of a mentor and mentee is humorously portrayed by the two, and provide much needed comic relief.
The background score is great and is complimented by the sleek cinematography, and for the answer to the real question of whether it stands strong in front of the American counterpart?
Well, I can’t say, as I haven’t watched the American version, but allow me to say this — watch this (condensed) version of Suits, if you don’t wish to sit through the seven seasons of the American version, or if you are a fan of Park Hyung Sik, watch it for him, because he just keeps getting better with every drama.
