Anna: Which is Better? Rich or Poor?

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“Anna” is a Korean drama series which is an Amazon Exclusive, released in 2022, with 6 episodes, and categorized as a Melodrama. Reviews about this K-drama might be mixed but that did not stop Bae Suzy from winning the 2023 (2nd) Blue Dragon Series Awards Best Actress Award for her role as "Anna".​

♦ Is Anybody Ever Satisfied With Beng Poor?​

In “Anna”, Yu-mi is the only daughter of a poor family. Her father is a tailor and her mother is a mute. Episode 1 begins with a car accident. One woman emerges from the accident, and walks away, rolling this thought over in her mind. “The thing about people is that they lie even in a diary that nobody else reads.”

The scenes backtrack to her childhood and begin to tell her life story, from 1986, and forward. As a teenager, she told her art teacher: “I always do anything I put my mind to.” ALWAYS??? ANYTHING??? We won't know until she becomes an adult if that character trait is good or bad.

Yu-Mi was taken advantage of by one of her teachers, mistreated and disregarded as if she was at fault, and forced to transfer to another school. Her anger was justifiable. Her parents may be poor but rather than waste their energy being angry and wanting revenge, they focused on doing everything in their power to do what they believed was good for Yu-Mi. Their motives were unselfish and their love was unconditional.

In 2000, she started attending university in Seoul and one day she was invited to spend time with her fellow students. She felt welcomed and accepted, but when they asked her about her academic background ... she lied.

Was that point in her life ... the Beginning of The End?

You know what they say about lies. They're like a snowball rolling downhill that gets bigger and bigger. When you tell one lie, you have to keep telling more lies to cover it up!

Main Characters:​

• Anna / Lee Yu-Mi (played by Bae Suzy, “The Sound of a Flower”, “Doona!”, “Kangchi, the Beginning (aka Gu Family Book)”)

Where to Watch

Viewership and Rating:​

• IMDb: 7.5 out of 10 stars
• My Drama List: 7.8 out of 10 stars
• Letterboxd: 3.7 out of 5 stars
• Rotten Tomatoes: 4.5 out 5 stars

My personal rating is 8 out of 10 stars.

What tickles me about "Anna" is the way many describe the storyline.

• PLOT: A young girl tells a “minor lie”, loses her true identity, and ends up living a new life under another identity.

Are you kidding me? Fiction or Fact: HOW IN THE WORLD CAN LOSING YOUR TRUE IDENTITY AND ASSUMING SOMEONE ELSE'S BE A “MINOR LIE”?

You may say that her actions started out with one itsy-bitsy lie. But isn't the giant snowball just one humongous lie?

Also, I thought the quote about people writing lies in their diaries was odd. I used to keep diaries or journals and I didn't write lies. What would be the point? () I guess if people write lies, I must be weird. LOL.

Last but not least, the moral of the story.

• QUOTE: “Happiness is always a little vague. But misery is clear.”
• Of course, if given the choice in this world, anyone would rather be rich than poor. But is it worth LYING to become rich? Is it worth it to turn your entire life into a LIE?
• How does it begin? Usually … the person COVERS UP and/or COVETS. That's it! It's a simple answer but the end result can be complicated.

LINKS OF INTEREST:​

• Anna: Extended Version - Unspoiled Review | Kdrama and Ramen
• K-Drama Review: "Anna" Evokes A Tension-Inducing Revenge Storyline | Kdrama Diary
• K-drama Anna controversy: Coupang Play and director Lee Joo-young tussle over re-edited version of hit streaming series | South China Morning Post
• Bae Suzy K-drama ‘Anna' outrages Chinese viewers with scene about counterfeit watch | YAHOO! Entertainment
• Suzy's "Anna" Tops GQ Korea's List Of The Top 4 OTT K-Dramas Of 2022 | Kpopmap
• The 12 Best Korean Dramas on Amazon Prime Video | Marie Claire (“Anna” tops this list)

TRAILERS/TEASERS:​

Zone, Kdrama. “Anna (2022) Official Trailer | Suzy, Jung Eun Chae.” YouTube Video. YouTube, June 14, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX6id7-dATg.‌

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[BROOKE]

I've watched "Anna" and found it quite intriguing. The portrayal of Yu-mi's struggles from childhood to adulthood really hit home. Despite mixed reviews, Bae Suzy's performance was undeniably captivating. It's not often we see such depth in character development. And about that "minor lie" turning into a life-altering event? Well, truth be told, it's a stark reminder of how one small choice can snowball into something colossal. But hey, isn't that what makes dramas like these so gripping?

 

[Rox]

Her acting is okay but it wont win awards.

 

[JinnyGoesKrazy]

People, I suggest seeing the Director's Cut version of Anna, starring Bae Suzy, for people planning to see it because it goes deeper into the story and has never-before-seen moments that are absent from the Broadcast Cut version. It offers the finest viewing experience as well. I adore this drama! Much better crafted and assembled than the Inventing Anna series on Netflix. Everyone's performance, including the storyline, is superb! Suzy Bae's nuanced depiction of Yumi/Anna is engrossing and provocative. Her eyes are acting too! The issue of class inequality in SoKor is tackled head-on, and although it can be unsettling to watch at times, I respect the entire production for its bravery.
The series also addresses the problem of beauty as currency, which explains why SoKor is home to so many plastic surgery centers.

 

[LukeismyMan]

She's one of the few "idol turned actress" leads in a drama that I often avoid, but she's also one of the few whose acting is natural, interesting, and doesn't appear corny. I last saw her in the drama Vagabond. I'm looking forward to watching this new drama because her character seems intriguing as well!

 

[Hotmess]

I absolutely enjoyed "Anna," and Bae Suzy's performance as Yu-mi was nothing short of mesmerizing. The plot may appear overblown at times, but isn't that the definition of melodrama? It helps us to explore the complexity of human nature. And the issue of deception hits near to home. We've all told white lies, believing they won't hurt anyone. However, as Yu-mi's narrative shows, even the smallest deception can have far-reaching implications.

 

[KELLY]

I didnt know Bae Suzy is an actress now. I only remember her as a singer

 

[Berry]

This kdrama has a gripping story, with Bae Suzy giving an outstanding show. Yu-mi's path from poverty to deception captivated me until the finish. The issue of lying is examined in a thought-provoking way, emphasizing the consequences of our actions. While the plot may stretch credibility at times, it is ultimately a compelling depiction of the human experience. Isn't that what excellent drama is about?

 

[Sue Melia Kirky]

Bae Suzy's portrayal of Yu-mi was both painful and compelling, and I was drawn into her world from the first episode. While the plot may appear implausible at times, it's ultimately a gripping examination of the implications of deception. As Yu-mi's deceptions unravel, we are forced to confront the intricacies of human nature and the terrible power of dishonesty. Overall, "Anna" is a must-see for fans of intense drama and engaging storytelling.

 

[Lividmanda]

Yu-mi's story is one of resilience and redemption, with Bae Suzy delivering a standout performance. The theme of lying resonated with me deeply. We often deceive ourselves into thinking that lying is a harmless act, but as Yu-mi discovers, the consequences can be dire. It's a powerful reminder to always strive for honesty, no matter the circumstances.