Aema Review: A Very Impactful, Kooky and Sometimes Thrilling Watch

Aema Review: A Very Impactful, Kooky and Sometimes Thrilling Watch | Leisurebyte

Director: Lee Hae-young

Date Created: 2025-08-22 12:30

Editor's Rating:
4

Aema Review: In 1980s Chungmuro, the South Korean film industry faces an unprecedented storm when the top actress at the time, Jung Hee-ran, clashes with rookie newbie Sin Ju-ae over a new film that brings nudity to the screens for the first time.

The series has 6 episodes, each with a runtime of around 55 minutes.

Aema Review

Netflix’s Aema tests your patience from time to time, with cocky veteran Hee-ran getting her ego bruised and bullying newcomer Ju-ae, who only wants to be a star that everyone looks up to. The issues are layered in the series, showcasing the harsh realities of being a woman in the film industry during the 80s (& even now) and the rivalries that exist in this man-eat-man world. The series, with only 6 episodes, is sometimes funny and mostly uncomfortable, showing Ju-ae giving up everything to become a star while Hee-ran, who has been in the industry for quite some time, is battling with the sting of rejection, along with a nonsensical script that is only interested in selling sex.

Firstly, I think viewers will be enamoured by the performances. This is, in all aspects, the first role for both Bang Hyo-rin and Ju-ae, and Hyo-rin proves her mettle with her performances. She’s fiesty, hard-headed, yet vulnerable, and it’s fantastic to watch her on-screen. On the other hand, Lee Hanee, who plays the veteran among the two, also gives a memorable performance as Hee-ran. There are layers to her character that she brings out fantastically. Dubbed only as a “sexy” actress, the series showcases how she has to be tough and no-nonsense in this world because otherwise, there are people waiting around to take advantage of her.

The story itself is insightful and mischievous, but it’s also very chaotic. Sometimes it might feel a bit overwhelming, but I think the series does a great job of bringing the sad state of affairs that female actors have to face every day. I did sometimes wonder whether it’s ironic that Ju-ae has to expose herself to get a role in the series… and in real life. Either way, unlike what you might think otherwise, Netflix series Aema isn’t very racy in itself, and there aren’t many nude sequences either. I didn’t find the series to be particularly funny, either, although some moments will get to you.

What I think sticks out with Aema is that it tells an important story amusingly. It’s hard-hitting and uncomfortable but also cheeky in a very entertaining way. It does sometimes test your patience, but I mostly found myself appreciative of the actors whom I see on my screen every day, playing different characters in uncomfortable situations. It can get eye-opening sometimes. The actresses are the soul of this story, and they make every minute worth it. Even during their weakest moments, they come out shining, and it’s mostly due to the fantastic performances by both Lee Hanee and Bang Hyo-rin.

Apart from showcasing the injustices faced by women in the film industry, the film also highlights the darker side of filmmaking, where producers often override directors’ visions to sell the most disturbing narratives. Koo Jung-ho’s obsession with showing breasts onscreen is a reminder of the films and shows that we watch today, wherein there’s far too much sex in place of an actual story progression.

However, the cheekiness somehow takes a darker turn after the half-time and somehow starts to feel like a thriller that you want to run away from. Hee-ran and Ju-ae’s struggles are highlighted a bit more in the second half, and it’s sometimes so gut-wrenching that it made my heart break. In a society where no one really has any real power, what do you do to protect yourself? Hee-ran’s nuances shine through in these sequences, particularly, as, behind the bitchy exterior, there are moments of humanity that make her a fleshed-out character.

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I think the tonal shift will come as a shock to most viewers, particularly those who choose to binge this. The series’ tone shifts from light-hearted to extremely serious within a matter of minutes, and episodes 5 and 6 are so relatable that they will haunt you. The horrifying realities of making it big onscreen aren’t new, but the way Aema portrays these struggles is very raw and will leave an impact on you.

Final Thoughts

Aema might feel like a silly, sleazy series at first, but beneath the sexual exterior, there’s a very relatable and impactful story about exploitation that one can’t help but ignore. It’s engaging in all of its little moments, and regardless of some goofiness, the series is a great watch and thoroughly engaging. Once again, shoutout to both the lead actress who bring the subtleties of their characters to the screen so beautifully. Although this might not be for everyone, if you enjoy kooky, impactful dramas, this Korean series will totally catch your fancy.

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