Hope for a Better Tomorrow
Tomorrow is a fantasy drama based on grim reapers that are assigned to prevent suicides in the living world. The team is led by Koo Ryeon (Kim Hee-Seon) who’s assisted by Park Joong-Gil (Lee Soo-Hyuk) and later joined by a half grim reaper, half human part-timer Choi Jun-Woong (Ro Woon).
The team is assigned high risk suicide clients who each have different reasons that have led them to decide to end their lives. In the first episode the stories seem to be told from the perspective of the grim reapers, with a quick, aggressive, and sometimes violent approach to the cases.
This approach changes when Jun-Woong forms part of the team, his character brings in a sense of humility and compassion while also emphasising on the perspective of all the characters and their respective stories. The writers allow each story to breathe and give each of the characters a moment to express and process all that they’re feeling.
MBC
This is further enhanced using different subjects such as eating disorders, bullying, unemployment and more, which are explored with a level of care and sensitivity, and where there is a lack of understanding by other characters - there is always a voice ready to educate them and the audience on each subject matter.
This creates an interesting ongoing dialogue between all the characters, allowing growth and character development to occur in our leads, especially Ryeon and Jun-Woong who both learn from each other’s different strategies.
The drama is educational without taking away from the powerful and vulnerable performances of each actor. There is a littering of subtle sub genres throughout the drama that make it more colourful, including comedy, romance, and action. This is further complimented by a beautiful soundtrack and cinematography that create a melodic flow in the drama allowing us to fall in love with each character and sympathise with their stories.
MBC and Pinterest
MBC and Pinterest
The ever-present idea that having an outlet and someone to talk to can truly save lives is one that makes me reflect on my awareness of the mental and emotional wellbeing of those I care about as well as my willingness to discuss my wellbeing. This evocation of thought and action through storytelling is what makes this drama so important, and an absolute must watch. The presence of a talented cast and clever but simplistic direction is what makes it a beautiful and engaging watch.
Review by Thabang Mashiane
