Bargain (2023)
A gripping thriller where survival meets dark fiction. Organ trafficking, disaster, and suspense collide in this intense series.
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Info
| Original Title | 몸값 part.1 |
|---|---|
| Formats | Streaming |
| Duration | 36 mins |
| Status | Released |
| Year | 2023 |
| Release Date | July 5, 2023 |
| Network | TVING |
Trailer
Synopsis
No Hyung Soo visits a motel room to see Park Joo Young. He is pleased with her appearance and happy to pay for her services, but a surprise is waiting for No Hyung Soo. He is soon surrounded by people who have come to buy his organs. They bargain over the price of his organs with Park Joo Young conducting the auction, but an earthquake suddenly occurs. Within the collapsed building, they struggle to survive.
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Editor's Review
A Clever and Complex Satire on Capitalism
In the shadow of the colossal success of “Squid Game,” a new Korean drama emerges, and it’s anything but ordinary. “Bargain” defies genre boundaries, blending elements of disaster movies, survival battles, and horrifying satire on capitalism. Directed by Jeon Woo-sung, this series is an addictive rollercoaster that leaves viewers both fascinated and unhinged.
The story kicks off with a chilling negotiation: Park Joo Young (played by Jun Jong-seo) offers to sell her virginity to Noh Hyung Soo (portrayed by Jin Sun-kyu) for a mere $1,000. But this isn’t your typical transaction. Joo Young is part of a well-oiled business machine dealing in trafficked human organs. Hyung Soo, the would-be buyer, soon finds himself bound and on display, with people bidding on his constituent parts. The stakes escalate when an earthquake strikes, collapsing the hotel and turning the drama into a ’70s-style disaster movie.
“Bargain” doesn’t shy away from dark humor. Guk Ryeol (played by Chang Ryul) wins the bid for Hyung Soo’s kidney, using some of his own body parts as collateral. The series masterfully weaves illegal organ farming with moments of levity, leaving viewers both horrified and intrigued.
Comparisons to “Squid Game” are inevitable, but “Bargain” is its own beast. It grew from an award-winning 2015 short film of the same name by Lee Chung-hyun. The show’s relentless tension and escalating depravity keep viewers on edge, while its exploration of capitalism’s dark underbelly hits uncomfortably close to home. Both dramas force us to confront the question: How far are we willing to go for survival?
The camera work in “Bargain” is innovative, capturing the chaos and desperation with precision. Each scene pushes the boundaries, leaving us wondering what twist awaits around the corner. The actors deliver powerhouse performances, with Chang Ryul standing out as a standout favorite.
As you binge-watch “Bargain,” prepare for emotional whiplash. The series doesn’t hold back, and you’ll find yourself questioning humanity, morality, and the price we pay for survival. It’s a wild ride that demands your attention, leaving you breathless and craving more.
In summary, “Bargain” is a clever and complex addition to the K-drama landscape. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re ready to dive into a world where survival comes at a steep cost, buckle up and enjoy the ride.