9 Time Travels

There is a lot of junk on Netflix. There. I’ve said it. So crucify me 🙂

But sometimes, prospecting through Netflix can reveal a hidden gem.

9 (9 Time Travels), a Korean TV series, was one. It certainly isn’t perfect. A bit soap-opera in parts, and how do you do time travel without tripping over your feet? But definitely worth a watch.

The main protagonist, Sun-woo Park (as it is Anglicised from the Korean Park Sun-woo… for those like me who enjoy indirect cultural titbits) acquires nine incense sticks that allow him to travel exactly 20 years back in time, for the up to 30 minutes that the stick burns. He uses this power to try to change some past tragedies.

If you are familiar with the perils of messing with history, you will have an idea of the trouble that results, as he tries to fix one thing without destroying another.

The characterisation is good, with each actor having their own style, from Sun-woo’s smiling pretend detachment to his best friend’s frantic what-the-hell-is-happening-here worry-face to the villain’s round-mouthed puzzlement to Sun-Woo’s girlfriend’s smiling happiness. Perhaps overacted in some cases, but in many others, hitting just the right dramatic spot. It is a drama spiked with mystery, comedy, romance and true pathos.

One of its pleasures is the insight into Korean personalities and culture — the differences from ours, as well as the similarities.

For time travel aficionados (and if you are, I hope you have read The Time Surgeons!), it has a unique if mystical take on time travel and an interesting way of dealing with the paradoxes of time travel. Though don’t expect it to make complete sense.

Overall, an enjoyable show to watch.