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The best marriage of convience drama out there
Probably one of my favourite dramas of all time, I love the marriage of convienience trope but the way BTIMF tells it puts a new spin on the cliche. I feel like this drama changed my perspective on marriage when i first watched it, and every time I rewatch it,(I've now seen BTIML 3 times) I've cried.Spoilers ahead:
The only negative about this drama is the last 2 episodes. I feel like screenwriters or directors of kdramas are allergic to having a story that doesn't contain some twisted misunderstanding. I really do not understand why they had the see-hee and jihyo break up and give jihyos reasoning as something super wishy-washy as needing an intermission. I feel like if they gave the simplest reason of her insecurity over his ex gf it would have made infinitly more sense.
Like the fact that he hid the fact that he used to be previously engaged and even had a child on the way, but the miscarriage changed everthing? The two leads having a heart-to-heart about jihyos own insecurities in marriage and see-hees reluctance to open up and love after that would have genuinely been wonderful. The other couples endings made more sense than how the two leads ended up. Like why have them move out? it just felt like drama for dramas sake
also they fully misunderstood the message of to room nineteen as well. its about how you need your own space in relationships, and opening room nineteen is bad, but the drama talks about how jihyo wants to see see-hee's room 19, which is weird?
either way though i still love this drama a lot, see-hee grew on me and his more subtle way of loving was sweet. jung so min's acting as jihyo was steller and this drama has made me a fan of her work.
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This review may contain spoilers
I have mixed feelings about this drama. What I love is the blunt honesty of both the main leads in the beginning. They were hesitant but not afraid to ask, clarify or tell what each other feel about the strangest or the pettiest of things. They said it like it is, a matter of fact....and then episode 15 happened. Like c’mon, why tongue tied and so unsure all of a sudden? It was so anti climactic given that it is the episode before the finale, it suffocated me to be honest.I like the fact that they did not let not traditions define them or their marriage. On the other hand, they kind of did when they decided to spend the holidays separately with their families... why? Because it meant doing the chores causing a strain in their relationship?! It felt like a push and then a pull, being so fierce in their resolve to stand their ground and yet choosing to “run away” to keep things conflict free. The argument is just so weak it makes ancient traditions appear so shallow and well kind of petty... sad really.
Acting wise it’s ok, Minki and So-min’s eyes did most of the talking which I think is pure talent. I did not really feel any sparks fly between CEO Ma, and Soo Ji and Rang and Won Seok’s? ...oh well, mmm , just more complicated than it should be really, no clear closure at all if they have decided to marry or not.... the best character portrayals were done by the actor who played Bok Nam and actress who played Ji Ho’s mother (she was daebak in Reply 1988), naturally effortless in their acting.
I would not say this is rom-com material. So very few laughs found here.... the music though is just wonderful. In summary this drama is just meeeeh. if you have 16 or more hours to spare then go watch but I wouldn’t be watching this one again.
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And... did I mention it has the best Ailee OST since her wondrous inclusion on the Goblin OST?
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But, I like the second couple, Soo Ji and Sang Goo, they're so cute, He may be older n such but I find their chemistry more interesting than the main.
But, so far... Not Bad.
3/25/20 11:58PM
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This is one of those dramas that just causes you to think and I mean that in a good way. I love how the writers went in different directions at certain points of it, and I love how there were a lot of modern ideas and thought processes woven into this one. It made this drama feel more original. This drama kept me hooked because I was interested in all three couples stories. Each of their relationships were really different specifically each partner's expectations for the other and their expectations for the direction their future's should take. I applaud the writers because it's not a typical thing for me to be interested in much other than the main couple, but they managed to keep the other couples interesting as well so that when it was their turn I didn't begrudge it but was excited instead. Even though marriage is not really on my horizon this drama gives you a lot of food for thought about the institution of marriage and it's values and issues.
I also felt really touched by a specific character's journey. Her desire to live a normal, typical life. I've never desired my life to be insanely different than anyone else either and what I've always wanted is to live a life where I do the things that everyone wants to do. Sometimes you just want what's normal and that really hit home for me.
The actors do a splendid job. Each character is played realistically even though some are exaggerated. The exaggeration isn't anything hard to watch though, it's more just emphasis on the type of person each one is and I think the actors do a really good job of being believable and likable and more than anything, interesting. Also, I loved Bo Mi's character!
The music is beautiful and I don't think they could have picked more fitting tracks. The upbeat tracks make me wanna jump up and down, and the sadder more melancholic songs are very poignant to the situation. The music definitely adds a lot to this drama.
Because This Is My First Life almost made it into my favorites list, but there was one episode or two that I really disliked and no matter how hard I try I can't quite overlook them. I know what the point was that they were trying to make, but I would argue that they went way to far, passing the bounds of realistic and believable.
Overall: I recommend this drama! I felt refreshed by this drama and whenever that happens I think the drama deserves a lot of merit. It's really good and I definitely think the pros outweigh the cons pretty heavily.
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If you want to watch a drama that's waaaaaaaaay too far from the dramas that you've watched (which have similar plots and twists) then BECAUSE THIS IS MY FIRST LIFE is the perfect drama for you!
The story was not cliche and the scripts were very very well made. The chemistry between the three lovers were no joke. Please watch this drama. If you do, be ready to laugh, cry and feel loved at the same time.
4 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH BECAUSE THIS IS MY FIRST LIFE
???? IT HAS A GREAT PLOT AND GREAT SCRIPT.
????LESSONS. YOU'LL LEARN THE VALUE OF LIFE AND OTHER THINGS THROUGH THIS DRAMA.
????THE ACTORS AND ACTRESSES ARE PROFESSIONAL. I TELL YOU, THEY ARE REALLY GOOD AT PORTRAYING THEIR ROLES.
????OST. I LOVE LOVE LOVE THEIR OST.
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But, I finally decided to give it a go because of the great cast and comments from viewers that picked my interest and indicated it's not one of "those" stories.
It was a good decision!
I suggest you go into this drama with time on your hands and willing to listen and watch carefully to what's happening to the different characters. Don't rush it and don't expect it to be a series of shocking and suspenseful events. They are there, but they are balanced on a more slice-of-life pace.
Firstly, it was the humour that caught me by surprise, I really loved it, it felt sweet and fresh.
Then came the backstories of the characters.. Oh my, there was alot to appreciate and think about there. There were characters that in the beginning I liked less than others, but once I paid attention and learned more about them I was invested in everyone and their lives.
Exploring different people, different types relationships, different expectations, different needs, different choices. What is family, friendship, love, career, life to each of them and what happens to the pairs introduced to us here? I was immersed into it all.
Finally, I think Jung So Min's character is one of my favourites in dramaland, because she's so relatable to me and she's very well thought of. I really commend the writer and the actress for bringing her to life in a very realistic, captivating and entertaining manner.
So, do yourself a favour, try and adjust your expectations and enjoy this lovely story!
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Because This Is My First Life is for real one of my fav dramas, I lost the amount of times I've rewatched it.Firstly, let me say that Min Ki and So Min chemistry was incredible. I am a huge fan of So Min, I've watched all her dramas but for me this one is my favorite for real.
I loved the storyline and the characters. Ji Ho gained more and more power throughout the episodes, the way she empowered herself was so refreshing and outstanding. So Min did an amazing job portraying Ji Ho and Min Ki also made me fell for his character from the first episode. At first I thought Se He was just a workaholic who never had fallen in love, but I was wrong. He went through so much because of his family.
I would like to say that I loved how natural Se Hee and Ji Ho became a couple, it was just touching and natural. It was also warm and felt so dreamy. Se Hee was way more mature than what I expected, even though we could see that eventually the strongest character of the series was Ji Hoo, who did everything to reach her freedom, a healthy relationship with her husband, and who managed to avoid her husband relatives who tried so hard to overshadow her. Ji Ho is such an inspiration in life. She managed to leave a team who never appreciate her work. She overcome almost getting raped by her disgusting coworker. She found a job and a place where she could finally feel at home, a place where she could be herself. She got married with a guy she hardly knew but whom she trusted the most. And they got close without even realizing it. Also, even if their relationship was toxic at some point they never blamed each other for that. It was pleasant to see how they solved their different issues, even if they had to got apart at some point, but it was for the best of their relationship, we could see it at the end.
Besides, the side couples did a great job as well. Both had their pros and cons, and none were perfect. But I loved how all the couples had different dreams and goals and tried so hard to achieve them.
To sum up, for me it was a beautiful drama that showed how hard life is for those who are in their 30s and still don't have a job or a soulmate. However, what's important to have in life is at least one good friend that can help you anytime you're having a hard time. I found this drama so meaningful and touching. My heart is still not over this masterpiece
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Simply put, the best (drama) series I have ever seen.
This is one wonderful drama with phenomenal acting from the lead actors, excellent OST, very good camera and directing, and very good script.I discovered this drama by coincidence after watching (and being a bit disappointed with) Crash Landing on You and was not sure I wanted to watch it. What a gem would I miss! While watching the first episode, I was not sure about the main male lead (Lee Min Ki), he felt kind of annoying to me. But Jung So Min as his co-lead kept me in. The end of ep 1 started to give me good vibes and the ep 2 landed like a hammer and made me hooked for the rest of the series (and for life).
There is not much yelling or over-the-top emotional gestures in this drama, definitely none between the main leads. They don't need them to tell us the story. Jung So Min and Lee Min Ki make you _feel_ their emotions. The way they talk, the words they use, the way they look at each other, or the way they just remain silent, the softness and sincereness in their eyes, the unconditional respect they show for each other - right from the first time they meet, the way they interact somehow creates magic and feels often very pure and intimate without touching or any skin being showed. This is what a true chemistry between characters is - the feeling of the gravity that pulls the two together with the force of the universe. Some scenes felt so real I felt like I was an uninvited observer who had no business watching and hearing their conversations and interactions.
Lee Min Ki's character has very limited space for expressing emotions. What he does though is he uses his eyes and subtle changes in his voice and face to open the window into his soul. Surprise, confusion, regret, compassion, respect, love - all of them. I had to replay some scenes many times just to comprehend and repeatedly enjoy what he was doing. An absolute mastery of acting.
Jung So Min has much more space and she uses it perfectly. There are particular scenes in the series which require absolute world class acting to feel real. I have never seen any other actress of all movies I ever watched, mind you, who would portray them more authentically and with the feels.
Them together felt like the most real unreal couple in any series, their chemistry was just off the charts. I just wish there was a continuation of this drama, I could honestly watch these two just sitting on the couch having a casual conversation.
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Intelligent Drama on Love and Marriage
I gave it a few days before I wrote about this show, but my opinion hasn’t settled down yet. So here it goes. If you want something cute and fluffy…….this AIN’T it. If you want some comedy thrown in with some WAY TOO realistic drama……please watch Because This is my First Life.STORY:
This is a story of 3 different couples and how they negotiate love and marriage and its very messy. Truly….that’s it. THAT is what this drama is about. The spoilers will now commence.
COUPLE #1: Yoon Ji Ho (played by Jung So Min) and Nam Se Hee (played by Lee Min Ki) are two people who need each other for convenience purposes. She needs a place to live and he needs a reliable room mate that will take care of his cat and the recycling (and not pee in his fridge – who does that? I can’t believe they put that in there). He hides all emotions behind logic and science because it hurts too much to feel (I can relate) and she can’t figure herself out and what she wants out of life despite being a smart and driven woman up until the 2nd episode (kinda ticked me off watching her get a little wimpy). They get married because his parents threatened him (even though he’s nearing 40, I guess that’s a thing in South Korea) and she doesn’t want to leave Seoul.
COUPLE#2: I hated these two more than anyone. Yang Ho Rang (played by Kim Ga Eun) and Shim Won Seok (Played by Kim Min Seok) have been dating for 7 years and living together for much of that time. She wants to get married and have kids and he doesn’t know what he wants, and he developed an unsaleable up that he’s been spending a lot of time trying to sell. (For someone so smart, he was way stupid on what is a good idea.) He is fighting marriage and she wants marriage……and they break up and get back together only to break up to get back together again….lather, rinse, repeat.
COUPLE#3: Woo Soo Ji (played by Lee Som) wants to be a CEO and never get married so she can care for her mother. Ma Sang Goo (played by Park Byung Eun) is a CEO and seems to be a player but ends up wanting to have a serious stable relationship with Soo Ji who fights him tooth and nail. She fears taking risks that might hurt her income because she is worried about her mother…..more confusion and sadness ensues.
This isn’t a bad show, I’m feeling a little sarcastic writing this review because it put me through the ringer. To be honest, I cried through episode 7 – 9 and sometimes out loud sobbing (how embarrassing). I’ve never cried so hard through any drama including Goblin and The Untamed. Why? Why did they need to do that to me? This is why I prefer fantasy or comedy shows instead of these painful realistic dramas that remind me that life is WAY TOO hard sometimes.
I will give it a good rating, but I’ll never watch it again. It hurts too much, and no show should hurt this much. From sexual assault to sexual harassment to revolting parents (his parents are just too much for me), this show touches (very nicely) on some uncomfortable subjects which they deal with head on and in technicolor. This show illustrates a lot of important women’s issues and does so with elegance and strength. Hat’s off to the screen writer. She did an incredible job! The friendship between the 3 women is so AWESOME.......but it would take too long to write about it here. I'll write an article about it. Again.....this writer is very talented.
MUSIC:
It was good but frankly, I just can’t relive a single second of this show so no interest in downloading anything.
REWATCH VALUE:
No way. That would just be considerably difficult, and tissues are in short supply in my area of the country.
OVERALL:
This is a good show. It’s a sad show at times, but the writing, the plot, the dialogue are insightful, smart, and quite lovely. So watch it, but please….only if you have tissues on hand.
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