A Disappointingly Honest Review of Netflix's 'Aema'
Hello!
Today, I'm sharing my review of the Netflix series 'Aema,' which I've been eagerly anticipating! I've watched all six episodes and am ready to give my honest, subjective opinion.
(Perhaps my expectations were too high... I'll be completely candid.)
The film that inspired 'Aema,' 'Madame Aema' (1982), was a highly controversial yet successful work in Korean film history. As an erotic melodrama, it sparked significant social debate while simultaneously achieving box office success. This led to a surge of similar films in the genre.
However, behind its popularity were issues like unfair treatment of actors, the sexual objectification of women, and censorship.
The drama 'Aema' delves into these aspects, focusing not just on the making of a film but also on shedding light on the realities of the 1980s Korean film industry.
Basic Information
Genre: Period Drama, Comedy, Black Comedy
Release Date: August 22, 2025 (Netflix)
Episodes: 6
Director/Writer: Lee Hae-young
Cast: Lee Hanee, Bang Hyo-rin, Jin Sun-kyu, Jo Hyun-chul, and others
Director: Lee Hae-young
Notable Works:
Like a Virgin (2006) - Director
FESTIVAL (2010) - Director, Writer
The Silenced (2015) - Director, Writer
Believer (2018) - Director, Writer
Phantom (2023) - Director, Writer
Main Characters & Cast
Jung Hee-ran (Lee Hanee): A top star who refuses to star in 'Madame Aema' and fights against the dark realities of the film industry.
Shin Ju-ae (Bang Hyo-rin): A rookie actress cast as the lead in 'Madame Aema,' who dreams of becoming an actress but faces the harsh realities of the industry.
Gu Jung-ho (Jin Sun-kyu): The president of Shinsung Films, the production company behind 'Madame Aema.' He is willing to do anything for success and clashes with Hee-ran.
Kwak In-woo (Jo Hyun-chul): The rookie director of 'Madame Aema,' who struggles between his ideals and reality and helps Hee-ran and Ju-ae form an alliance.
'Aema' is a black comedy set against the backdrop of the 1980s military dictatorship and the production of the legendary film 'Madame Aema,' which was born out of sexual oppression and control.
The series goes beyond the making of a film to depict the unjust realities women faced at the time and their journey to take control of their lives.
Top actress Jung Hee-ran (Lee Hanee) refuses to star in 'Madame Aema' due to its explicit content.
In response, producer Gu Jung-ho (Jin Sun-kyu) casts rookie actress Shin Ju-ae (Bang Hyo-rin) to keep Hee-ran in check.
Ju-ae joins 'Madame Aema' with the dream of escaping her difficult circumstances and succeeding as an actress, but she experiences sexual exploitation and inhumane treatment on set.
Seeing what Ju-ae is going through, Hee-ran is reminded of her own past and decides to help Ju-ae.
The two women understand each other's pain and form a bond, striving to create an artistic work out of the film 'Madame Aema' rather than just a simple erotic movie.
In this process, Hee-ran and Ju-ae become each other's protectors, confronting the unfair system of the 1980s Chungmuro head-on.
Personal Thoughts
The unique concept was promising, but the disappointments outweighed the positives...
What struck me most about 'Aema' was the sense of disconnect between the actors' performances.
There was a lack of coherence between Hee-ran (Lee Hanee) in the beginning and Hee-ran at the end, and the acting tones felt mismatched.
Lee Hanee's powerful presence is evident in the early part of the series, but that faded in the later episodes.
(I usually love Lee Hanee so much, but in this work, I felt that only her 'prettiness' remained, which was disappointing.)
The character of Ju-ae could have showcased fresh charm and confidence, but due to a disconnect between the direction and the acting, she ended up being a flat and unfulfilling character.
She tried hard to be three-dimensional, but she wasn't, and she didn't come across as very appealing.....
The overall direction also felt unbalanced, with the initial humor clashing with the message the series wanted to convey later on.
I really loved the movie Like a Virgin, and I usually enjoy movies with diverse attempts!
As the series progressed, I understood the message it was trying to convey, but it felt more like an empty shell than genuine.
Of course, the mise-en-scène of the period drama, the unique setting of the 80s film industry, and some of the innovative scenes were definitely visually appealing!
However, the overall script lacked excitement, and the intention to deliver a message felt too overt, reducing its appeal to me.
Overall Impression
The premise of 'Aema' was fresh, and there were definitely stylish scenes despite being a period drama.
However, the acting, direction, and script completeness were disappointing.
I watched it until the end because many of my favorite actors appeared in it, but it didn't provide the emotional resonance or enjoyment I had hoped for.
While I appreciate the unique attempt, I believe that a more genuine narrative and tighter direction could have made it a much more memorable work.
Ah, it's just so disappointing....
I tend to be more disappointed and upset when there are many personally good scenes...
That's exactly how I felt about Aema...
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