This review may contain spoilers
Living through disaster and beyond
9/10 is my rating. This is a 2017/2018 South Korean romantic drama with 16, 70 minute episodes. Also known as “Rain or Shine or “Just Lovers”.A horrible disaster leaves physical and emotional scars on Lee Kang-doo (Lee Jun-ho) and Ha Moon-soo (Won Jin-ah). They have both grown up and are living lives heavily damaged by the episode they continue to relive in their nightmares and day time flash backs (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Moon-soo builds architectural models and has an uncanny ability to spot dangerous flaws in the design. Kang-doo takes odd jobs and often works in the seediest part of society. They were together during the collapse but never maintained contact so they are unaware, in the beginning, of their shared past. Still they find themselves drawn toward each other. Can two people, so damaged by their past, find healing in their love for each other?
I really liked this drama. I was not aware it was based on an actual incident of a mall collapse but with the depth and attention to detail it makes sense they had something to draw on. It is a heavy drama, with romance sprinkled through, so if you are in the mood for something light hearted or with focus on the romance, this is not it. This is very much a slice of life of people who survive any major disaster or who lose love ones due to such tragedy.
Spoiler alert ** Moon soo is the typical teenager in the beginning, who resents the attention her younger sister gets as a child model/actor and doesn't want to be bothered by watching her. When her younger sister lends her phone so Moon soo can contact her boyfriend, you get a glimpse of how their relationship might have been like in the future. Although Moon soo is injured, her sister is killed in the incident and she blames herself for not being right with her sister (even though, in the end, she says to her mother did you want me to die with her which shows she realized her sister would still have died even if she had been right with her). Everyone handles the grief differently and through the interaction with the main characters and their later interviews with some of the victim's families, the complexity of grieving is shown. Moon Soo's mother becomes an alcoholic spending her days trying to bury her grief in alcohol. As a result, like most alcoholics, her maturity has never grown beyond the time of the tragedy. Moon soo's mom blames everyone herself for having her daughter act/model, Moon soo for not keeping her sister closer, her husband for withdrawing, and the people resonsible for the project. Moon soo tries her best to be understanding and take care of her mom even through her destructive behavior. Moon soo had a head injury and doesn't remember, at first, many of the specific details of the accident. She blames herself for not being with her sister and often feels like her mother wished she had died in her sister's place. She even says this toward the end of the series. Her guilt over her sister's death and feeling that she also caused her boyfriend's death in suggesting they meet at the mall, makes her feel she does not deserve love or happiness. Early in the series her focus is on supporting her mom, running the bath house, and building architectural models. Her models are so detailed that she can spot flaws in the design that could lead to safety issues. Through her work she is invited to work on the new construction project going on the site of the mall collapse. The passion she has for her work, and beauty bot in and out, attract the CEO of the architectural company who mentiors her but also is drawn to her as a similar soul.
Kang doo is a typical althetic teen-ager who is hanging at the mall while waiting for his father to get off work so they can go do something together. He is enamored by Moon soo whens he puts on lipstick in a shop window not realizing that, while she has a mirror effect, he is seeing her from the other side. He dreams of being a national soccer player. His dreams coming crashing down when the mall collapses and his legs are injured horribly. He, Mon soo and her boyfriend are all trapped close together as they were in the same portion of the mall at the time of collapse. Kang doo sings to Mon soo to keep her calm and comforts Mon soo's boyfriend who was fatally injured. When the opportunity presents Kang doo encourages Moon soo to crawl toward rescue first an action which will later add to Mon soo's burden of guilt.
This was near perfect for what it was - a heavy drama - but I did feel that Mon soo was rather cruel to Kang doo in the last few episodes. I did not find it credible that she would not have gone to him when he was calling to her and said he was sick. It showed her delaying and, even though I know she was tied up in grief over the events around the collapse, and punishing herself for all the things she felt guilty of, to leave someone who calls out for you outside, in the cold, until after they collapsed seemed very hard hearted. It was a departure from what I had come to know and believe of her character.
The situation between Mon soo's mom and dad never changed. It did not make sense to me that they would hold onto their relationship for so long and then it was divorcing that made them both decide to get better. The relationship between the bad director and Kang doo's "adopted" big sister also did not make a lot of sense. They obviously were in love despite the fact that he was married. She was someone who made him better. In the end, it seemed they would be together but I didn't feel like his character growth was enough to make him a good match for her. I liked the romance between Moon soo's friend who did webtoons and her assistant and wish they had played it out a bit more. All in all though these things were minor flaws in an otherwise great story.
Not sure I would watch it again just because I get dragged down mood wise fairly easily and this is a very heavy topic. I recommend it though for those that like dramas and are interested in a lens on past events or slice of life.
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This review may contain spoilers
Hm, feeling quite poetic here. Hold your snaps
What is a track without a destination?What is a car without it’s fuel?
A woman drained of determination.
An incomplete canvas in lost of it’s tools.
Struggling back stripped of it’s spine.
Unspoken thoughts echoing inside the mind.
In time i think we’ve all realized something, without a doubt.
This poet has no clue what the hell he’s talking about.
Well if you’re still here I don’t know rather to congratulate you or question your attention span towards goofiness, but hey, here’s a payoff.
Just Between Lovers is quite the unique drama in the entirety of all kdramas that are out there. In such ways that from the outside looking in, it shouldn’t be. You’re immediately pulled into this mesmerizing and grounded world with it’s rambunctious style of storytelling surrounded by a brilliant ost. This kind of writing i find to be at it’s greatest at the very beginning, aand slowly fizzles itself out the longer it progresses. BUT HERE?? Yeah, it kinda falls under that category still. Yes this is unfortunately one of those dramas that slightly overstayed their welcome and fills its blanks out with repetitive issues that in the real world would’ve been settled long before they decided to do so here.
Now dare i say these are some of the greatest characters I’ve dived into yet of any drama! Mai-, main characters that is. We are spoiled in such mature developments and subtly handled representation that the “they’re aight” doesn’t quite fit in well here. Cinematography work so stunning that you let off a soft sigh when a select few gets to shine in it. Now I won’t address any of this directly, i feel as though we all know those that I’m speaking on because that’s just how big the differences are in terms of the effort put in. To put it simply, the leads and a select few of the supporting characters were received polished depth while the others look like their scenes were handled by an intern’s first time writing.
I’m a gargantuan fan of airtight, subtle, realistic writing. Don’t get me wrong, it excels here no doubt. You won’t be disappointed overall with what this drama brings to the table if that’s also what you’re in for, just partly. You know what? Ima just come right out and say it, GROW A F#CKING PAIR Ha Moon So, this man shouldn’t have to climb over barbed wire fences and trudge through swamps for some understanding and effort. Sit your mother down, the hell has she been babbling about for 3/4ths of the drama anyway besides the constant whining? And for crying out loud do you have to look that damn lost when you’re curious? Kang Han Na... no not you Yoo Jin take a breather. Han Na, hun, losen up. Whatever or however those directors and agency is over there telling you to act, look, stand, breathe? Stop it, i feel slightly strangled every second I’ve seen you on screen, dial the stiffness back a bit. Kim Wan Jin... I’ve been thinking-.. right? As rare as it is I’ve come to the conclusion they had no idea what the hell to do with you after sitting you up in the car. As forgettable as any of your scenes were i have to repeatedly remind myself they didn’t just leave you there.
Alright alright, trust me i loved this series so don’t take any of my negative criticisms as a sign you shouldn’t try this series out, in fact make it as a sign that you DEFINITELY should give it a shot since I’m very rarely this critical with anything i just dislike or find meh. The ost was truly uploaded from the heavens, the cinematography is such a pleasure to the eyes of fellow raw, gritty lovers. What more can be said of the writing? Well, alot lol. But I don’t want give anything else away to express my enjoyment of this drama all around. Give it a go and see the high praise ,awards, and ratings were no facade.
Okay... hey uh, Yoo Jin , stay after for me rq. Quick matters to discuss, promise.
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Watch this for its realistic yet sweet depiction of love and life!
Reasons to watch this show:1. Realistic: There is no dramatization or flair. It's like watching two people from real life fall in love. The pacing is just right and basically mimics life - slow at times and fast at times - in the best way possible!
2. Strong female characters: 3/4 of the people closest to the male lead (excluding his love interest) are female. It's so refreshing to see this, because people of the opposite gender are usually shown as love interests / potential love interests. All these females, and other females in the show too, have great depth and character arcs.
3. Great supporting characters: Generally speaking, supporting characters are written to be part of love triangles or act as the comedic relief. Rain or Shine doesn't do that. All of its supporting characters are engaging, with a significant part in the plot. They bring in beautiful moments to the show that teach us important lessons. I especially liked the granny, she's such a mood!
4. Beautiful OST: The songs in this show are so pretty and expressive. Each of them has a different core emotion and tone but all of them are fitting and well composed. I still listen to a lot of the tracks despite having finished the show :)
5. Acting: Everyone did well with their roles. I especially enjoyed the acting of the two leads - they expressed different emotions very well while also staying true to their characters. Special mention to the actor that played the granny! I also really liked the acting of the second female lead - her expressions were subtle but conveyed much deeper feelings!
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Lee Junho is an amazing actor
I admit that I did watch this drama just because of 2PM's Junho. I'm currently obessed with Junho after their recent comeback MUST and digging his previous works so I happened to start watching this drama. But soon after I started watching, I forgot Junho and I was immersed in his character Lee Gang Doo. I felt his pain. I felt his struggle both the tragedy and for his living. Sometimes, tears came out for poor yet warmhearted Lee Gang Doo so I had to think how rich and successful Junho to lessen my emotions. He portrayed his character damn so well. In addition to this, the drama becomes so emotional because of co-actors and supporting actors. The chemistries between the leads are so amazing and the relation between Gang Doo and Mama, Ma Ri and San Man is so heartwarming. The story itself is just emotional yet enjoyable. I fall in love with Junho more and more after watching this drama.Was this review helpful to you?
Seriously! this drama made me cry. It's hard to endure the pain of losing your loved ones. When someone close to your heart leaves for their last journey, you starts to feel like that a part of your is gone and that feeling of losing your part kills you deep inside.
I think Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.....
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High Caliber, unique drama
I already knew I loved this drama, but upon rewatching it I realize that this is truly one of my favourites. It's getting knocked down from being a perfect 10 because there are a few moments when the plot gets a bit too melo for me, but on the whole it's a minor quibble. This drama is wonderful.Where to begin? I love the tone. It can be bitter and dark, but also hopeful and fun. I think that dramas like that get the closest to describing life how it really is. Even though it is heavier than the average romantic drama, it doesn't feel oppressively grim like it could have under different direction. The drama focuses on overcoming trauma, and all the suffering and joy that can come from that.
It's also interested in the real world -- I love how much is set in dockyards, back alleys, and on the construction site. This drama is so unglamorous. Its characters wear regular clothes and live in regular houses, and the leads are rough around the edges even at the end. I love when dramas that do this! There are so many dramas where everyone feels like they're living in some kind of dream world, whereas this feels so grounded and it makes me more invested.
The leads are also fantastic. There are few couples that I feel more passionately about than these two. They both feel like real people, and are flawed and three dimensional. I can understand why they fall in love because I was falling in love with both of them while watching! Their relationship is a real slow burn, but I think that makes it even more worthwhile. It builds over time in a really natural way and the obstacles they face and overcome feel earned. On top of all that, they have great chemistry and they have great conversations. I love how open and frank they are with each other.
Overall, what a great drama. So balanced, so heartfelt, so moving and so well paced. I feel like this makes me emotional in the same way Reply 1988 does -- I am so attached to the characters and their journey. I can't recommend it enough.
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WOW AMAZING!
All you have to do is read the first review by @hardpliers and that's exactly what I think!Although Netflix (in America) names the series "Rain or Shine" and others call it "Just Between Lovers" it's the same series.
I have to say I came close to dropping it a few episodes before the end because I was worried about the ending, but it all came together in a happy way, I was doubtful of that!
But it touches LOVE in an awesome way and really makes you think about what's important in life.
Still a little too emotional for my taste, but still loved it, and was a huge roller coaster ride for sure!
I must say, Lee-Jun-Ho was fabulous (he looked totally different from the series "Kind the Land" which was wild).
I'm truly a fan of his now, great actor! And Won Jin-ah played a great part, such a sweet adorable actress.
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I loved the script, not too much nonsense going on and the characters don't really talk much most of them, there are few talkative ones, few serious ones, few depressed ones, few carefree ones, There is no Evil [erson in this show, just some people who are way too selfish with more flaws than the others.
The Soundtrack is insanely good, hypnotizing, quiet, thoughtful and touching without big ballads or forced emotions, loved the genre they used and how long the song is played whenever it comes on the show, never too much, just a few seconds to set the mood right. I am in LOVE with all the songs.
I gave it 9/10 because there was a lot of flashbacks in the first few episodes, and the lead actress was the only one who fell short as EVERYONE WAS SUPERB that she, unfortunately, paled in comparison, despite her good portrait of Min-soo and the fact it's her first Drama ever! Jun hoo was GREAT! Loved him in all his previous support roles but this time I can say they cast him right despite him being an idol, he deserves it fully. and the fact that e is not the obvious choice (from marketing point of view) nor the lead actress, gave the show much more depth and humanity
They hose veteran actors to play the older people, the Grandma, Min soo mom and dad, and so on. and boy didn't they do a superb job experience s really fascinating.
I strongly recommend this show, it couches you and you get connected to the characters without being too painful o tear-jerker, I will be certainly watching it again!
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Slow burn
I am a Lee Jun Ho fan so obviously i am going to watch it. Story is based on the traumatic experience of ML and FL. This is very much a slow burn and the pacing is very slow but good plot with good acting cast. All the actors did wonderful job in this drama. All the characters had such strong and powerful presence that it didn't feel like they are supporting cast except of course less screen time.Character development for ML from violent to taking care of himself has been very slow but it happens. FL is strong with good head on those shoulders. Story is very emotional so get ready with tissue box and it is heart breaking at the same time. Just hang in there it is a good one. As usual i binged watched it but i hardly fast forwarded any scenes. I loved the value of relationship for ML and how human values are important no matter what.
It kind of instill a good faith in new though you are going to experience range of emotions while watching this show but at the end of it's still worth it.
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This show is totally different from the other dramas, it's a really sad drama but the way they made the show, including plot, couple dynamics and characters is very interesting. Starting by the plot, is something I've never seen before for a k-drama, and considering the other dramas I've watched, this one had the best rollout for a couple who have met when they were kids/teenagers, like it had a purpose and consequences in the drama. What I liked the most about the show was the main couple dynamics, the female lead was actually the one pushing for the relationship and she wasn't afraid to show she was interested on the male lead, but also he always cared for her and he was actually the one to be more affectionate when they started dating. The only thing I have to complain about the show is how they handled the last episodes, they didn't show how the memorial which the main characters were working on during the whole show turned out and they came with a whole disease for the male lead that it felt like an excuse for him to get back with Moon Soo. It's still one of my favorite dramas because the story was great and the couple had a great chemistry Was this review helpful to you?
One of the greatest dramas that could have been even better than it was
Just getting it out there that I love this drama. It's one of my favorites, and I've even rewatched it. It has lots of pros, such as:- Amazing acting. Junho quite literally carries this show on his back with his acting chops. This is his best performance to date IMO. Watch it for that reason alone.
- Great story that blends a true tragic event seamlessly and respectfully with a beautiful and tension-filled romance.
- Beautiful cinematography.
- Quality writing and direction. A lot of good qualities and obvious talent went into this drama.
Cons:
- Pacing. Although the story flows exceptionally well, I felt it did struggle with slowness.
- The OST here didn't do it for me. There were 1 or 2 songs I liked, but for the most part, I felt the music and instrumentals didn't match the vibe and quality of the rest of the drama.
- The special effects of the disaster could have been better, but they weren't bad for 2017.
Definitely watch it, especially if you're looking for a low-key melodrama.
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Don’t Miss Out on This Drama!
This is beauty & tragedy & redemption & pain all wrapped up in an unexpected love between two hurting people - a tender & raw story that’s just waiting for those of us willing to witness this duo’s journey of heartbreak & healing.I went into this not knowing what to expect, but if I’d had any expectations, this would have far exceeded them. I was so captivated by the story, immediately drawn in by the snippets of what these characters had endured. I binged all the episodes because I simply had to know how their story ended. The cast did a wonderful job in their roles & drew me in so well that I couldn’t walk away until I knew if they would all be okay.
I can’t even imagine experiencing what these people have gone through. Not just the main Leads, but the others connected to the horrible tragedy as well. The drama starts off in the past, showing us where all the pain began - the collapse of a mall structure. A collapse that happened while our Leads were inside, burying them in the rubble. Since they were near each other when it happened they were able to find each other in the dark (though as adults, the FL doesn’t recognize him as the boy who helped keep her sane amidst the terror.) And while they were lucky to be rescued hours later, they each had loved ones who didn’t survive. They went to the mall as innocent young teens, but they left with wounds that would haunt them for years to come. Their hearts broke, their families fractured, & their lives changed in an instant.
Now, a new construction project is starting at the site of the building collapse. Coincidentally, our two survivors are hired to help in separate departments (nobody knows they were there that day.) They may have survived the tragedy back then, but can they survive the onslaught of memories their new tasks evoke?
“Beauty from ashes” is an apt descriptive phrase for the journey of these Leads. The tragedy they both experienced in their youth has had long lasting effects for each of them, both mentally & physically. They’re doing their best just to survive each day & stay standing. Seeing their fight to not simply give up is inspiring.
In the FL we find a quiet strength. She’s bearing the weight of guilt for surviving when her beloved younger sister didn’t. She believes her parents wished it was the other way around, so she does all she can to be “perfect” for them - living for both her sister & herself. The girls were complete opposites, though, so she never feels as if she can quite reach the mark in her mother’s eyes. Despite having her own career, she still helps her mother run their family business since her mother has become an alcoholic to help cope with the loss of her youngest daughter. The FL is admirable in this because, though she’s not treated well, she never walks away from her family. She’s quiet & timid, but hard-working & loyal. She doesn’t want to be part of the project, but then agrees because she wants to make sure it’s done right this time so nobody else has to endure the heartbreak her family has suffered. So she keeps it a secret from her parents & undertakes the burden of facing the past to help protect others’ future.
In the ML, we find a severely angry & tortured man. He’s rough & jaded, argumentative & combative. He carries the emotional wounds like the FL, but he also has tremendous physical pain as a reminder too. Whereas she escaped relatively pain free physically, he endured those hours they were buried with a piece of rebar pierced through his leg. Though “healed” now, the damage will never fully go away. After getting released from the hospital as a teen, he was immediately tasked with taking on the heavy financial debts of his family (this ties to the tragedy.) He takes a loan from dangerous people, then takes on any & all jobs to pay it all off while providing for his younger sister. She misunderstands him, though, so their relationship is distant as adults. When we witness everything the ML’s been forced to endure, his anger is understandable. Despite everything he’s gone through & the tough facade he presents to the outside world, he’s actually a genuinely good guy. He continues to work hard to provide for his sister; he’s protective & kind to his mentally impaired best friend; he cares for the women in his life (one like a grandma, the other an older sister). When he’s hired on to the new construction site, he’s determined to keep a close watch to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself… & he’s not afraid to make his voice heard when he sees anything fishy.
My heart ached for this duo’s pain & I wanted to shout for joy at every small victory they achieved. I was rooting for them every step of the way. The friendship, support, & love they find in one another is so satisfying to witness. They have a connection right from the start (and can I just say - wowwww. The way they meet as adults is so intense but a really perfect fit for their story.) They’re immediately curious about one another, even before the ML realizes who she is. Once he discovers she was the one buried with him, he wrestles with whether to make her aware or not - he doesn’t want to cause her more pain but he also desperately wants her to know it was him who was with her (‘cause their bond started forming while they were together in the dark.) I thought this was a really beautiful way to show the depth of his care & concern for her. He chooses to protect her rather than serve himself, showing a lack of selfishness on his part (though of course I too wanted the FL to know about their connection!) And even though the FL doesn’t have the knowledge of their past together, she’s still drawn to him in a way that I truly loved seeing. They have such a great chemistry that you just have to watch the drama to understand. It’s deep & tangible & consuming & just… everything. 🫠
There’s so much going on throughout the show. You can’t skip anything or you may miss something vital to the plot. The side stories matter & the support characters are all important. Then again, it’s all so captivating that I didn’t find myself wanting to skip any scenes anyways.
Don’t expect this to be a light, easy watch. It’s far from it. Maybe even have some tissues ready. Don’t skip it, though, because this is a truly beautiful story of healing from the trauma without forgetting the lessons learned through the pain. 💔❤️🩹
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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-
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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.6💋
- Together : ep.12 👩🏻❤️👨🏻
- BreakUp : Sort of but not really 🤷🏻♀️
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