Genie, Make a Wish, which stars popular actors Bae Suzy and Kim Woo-bin, was written by Kim Eun-sook, one of South Korea`s most prominent screenwriters, known for hits such as Goblin and Descendants of the Sun.
The series, which was released on Netflix in early October, narrates the tale of Jini (Kim Woo-bin), a legendary genie who awakens after a thousand years, and Ga-yeong (Bae Suzy), an emotionally detached lady who becomes involved in his fate. The drama, which combines romance, fantasy, and philosophical musings, investigates the nature of good and evil, free will, and the essence of humanity.
However, even before its debut, Muslim fans were outraged by the drama`s usage of Iblis, a major figure in Islamic tradition who represents ultimate evil and is idealised as the series` central character.
Setting aside the religious debate, the issue remains: Is Kim Eun-sook`s latest fable a sparkling desire come true, or an experiment lost in a surreal fog?
What is Genie, Make a Wish?
The beginning left the fantasy drama watchers a little disappointed, as the childish tricks and forced comedy didn`t translate into showcasing the essence of its plot. The cartoonish humour and exaggerated graphics ruin the establishment of the key characters in the show.
The extended narrative that spans past and present lives, life-or-death wagers, and heavy themes of human depravity contrasts sharply with its light, ludicrous, humorous tone. As a result, people expecting clever and humorous writing from a respected writer recognised for deep, emotionally rich dramas may be disappointed.
However, the storyline changes in the later episodes and regains some emotional depth. If viewers can get past the first few episodes, they`ll find that interesting developments arise, making it nearly impossible not to watch to the finish. This drama explores the concept of love via the story of Ka-young, who was born with psychopathic tendencies and is unable to control her fury from a young age.
Her grandma, however, stands by her side, wrapping her granddaughter`s impetuous personality in an even warmer love and painstakingly teaching her the language of emotion one lesson at a time.
Is the drama worth a watch?
Genie, Make a Wish, delivers an intriguing reflection on human depravity through wish-making and the banality of evil. Ka-young`s gamble with the genie to prove human corruption reveals the moral frailty of the apparently “normal” peasants, not Ka-young. One of the drama`s most captivating features is witnessing them get corrupted by their desires, which creates an irresistible pull that keeps viewers watching until the end.
Fans of the star writer`s famous dramas may be disappointed, but those looking for an old-school rom-com with crazy fantastical touches will find it breezy and simple to watch.
