This review may contain spoilers
So simple but lovely ???? . It's a warm drama that make you laugh and cry and enjoy and everything . The story has not a lot of events or some suspension scenes but it makes you wanna watch it till the end . The drama was a mixture of love friendship comedy family melodrama it's definitely a worth watching . The most thing I loved about it is the end coz I was one of the few people who don't want a romantic love story between IU and the ajjushi I preferred that their relationship stay like that : a precious relationship that includes friendship love and familial ties where they fear and care about each other without being in a Romantic relationship . Same thing about her and the lender , I actually liked their chemistry but a love story was impossible between them coz their feelings was mixed between love and hate it'd have been really weird that a love story consists between them so that was amazing that the director didn't make a nonsense storyline . Perfect Ending on a perfect Drama . Worth watching .[Excuse my English it's not my first language] . Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The best Korean TV show I have ever seen.
I've never done a review before so i'll try to keep this short, but this show is absolutely amazing and that's all you really need to know.Many Korean shows deal with the idea of love, loss and tragedy... but no other does it in such an understated yet powerful way. Dong-hoon and Ji-an are intelligently written characters that feel completely genuine and real, as if they aren't characters to entertain you but real people out there in the world. Their onscreen chemistry is amazing. Though its not romantic, that doesn't take away from the fact that when these two are on screen together it is always magic; and that is only uplifted by the understated nature of every performance in this show, only strengthening the power of what is happening onscreen. That is especially apparent for the two leads in this show, seriously watch this show even if its just to see these two acting side by side.
However, I don't think the two leads are the strongest part of this show. The side characters often steal the show entirely. The brothers of Dong-hoon, Sang-hoon and Ki-hoon have a brilliant bond with each other and the main, and both have their own personal problems that are equally compelling even if they lack the depth that Dong-hoon's problems have.
Though the real star of the show for me is Kwang-il. His screen time is limited in comparison to many of the characters in the series, but his relationship with Ji-an is incredibly captivating leaving u wanting to know more by the end of each interaction between them. The conclusion to his character, involving a somewhat surprising turn of good will towards Ji-an, is perfectly written and only adds to my already high opinion of him. Of course his actor Jang Ki-yong does an amazing job and completely steals the show in every scene he is in.
This isn't my area of expertise, but to my untrained eyes the visuals of this show are spot on, the camera angles and visuals created at each pivotal scene within the show are brilliant and really support the weight of what is happening onscreen effectively. The soundtrack is also fantastic, helping you to feel the weight of the emotional moments of the show, especially the more thoughtful tracks within the listing.
Overall, My Mister is a special kind of show that only comes every so often. Though its slow pacing and plot twists make a second viewing a lesser experience, for a first time watch, there isn't much out there better than My Mister.
9.5/10
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I don't get it
I don't get what everyone loves about this drama, that I'm clearly missing. I powered through 7 eps before dropping, and even that was a SLOG. it's so slow and boring. the characters motivations don't make sense, and their reactions make even less sense.there were episodes where nothing happens. the plot isn't moved forward. the characters don't develop more. there's no exposition revealed.
clearly, I'm wrong, bc everyone else loves this show to high heavens, but I just don't get it.
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This is the hardest review I have ever tried to write
My Mister is a superlative meditation on life. The description does not even begin to do it justice. This is, without a doubt, the best thing I have ever watched, in any medium and from any country - and yet my emotions and reactions are indescribable, in part because there were so many in any one moment. The writing, direction, and acting all came together in such a way that it almost felt as if I was experiencing events as they happened onscreen, rather than viewing them.This isn't a story of people with perfect lives; instead it is a story of people doing the best they can. The screenwriter did a masterful job of showing that everyone has their own troubles. More importantly, it showed just how much a kind word or act can make a huge impact, and the power of coming together in times of joy, trouble, and tragedy. At times the crushing weight of what the characters (all of them, not only the leads) were dealing with seemed almost unbearable, but each time there was someone there to help lighten the load or help - sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
The casting for this drama was as amazing as everything else about it. Every character was perfectly cast - it was apparent that thought went into every one, even guest roles that were on the screen for no more than a minute. The cinematography was breathtaking, and the OST absolute perfection. The best way to describe it that I can think of is that everything about this drama was done with intentionality.
One other note, as a viewer of this drama in 2024. The representation of depression was very realistic, and some of the lines regarding it and the feelings of despair and hopelessness that come with hit particularly hard thinking of Lee Sun Kyun's tragic death.
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Masterpiece
I just finished watching this show and I feel still overwhelmed by feelings... Exhausted by the intense emotions felt and by the tears I cried. I can say, one of the (few) actual masterpieces I had the luck to watch so far in my life."It's ok, ıt's no big deal." "it's okay to fail. It's nothing really. Even if you fail you can still be happy."
Even though the atmosphere of this show may appear full-filled with sadness, melancholy, depression, and pain, actually the story is an hymn to the Life, the real life, the life whoever lives day after day, which may appear miserable sometimes, but which must be lived, because "Even if you fail you can still be happy".
I watched the show, well knowing how Lee Sun-kyun ended his life's journey, the root-causes which led to his irrevocable, heart-breaking decision and this made even more emotional the vision of this show.
The story: terrific. What you can see in this show is a delicate portrait of the Life. The life as it is lived at the workplace, at home, in a family, in the deepest solitude, in the darkest desperation, in the loyal and noisy community of the neighbourhood, by the rich, by the poor, by the honest, by the dishonest... The characters in this story are all defined by their passions, their vices, their miseries, their weaknesses, their distresses, in a so moving and compelling way, that each of them will leave an indelible trace in your heart. None of the stories is predictable. And this made them even more realistic and compelling.
The cast: I think this is one of the most well sorted and assembled ones I watched. Each of the roles was played in an impeccably way. The two leads, the support roles, are an amazing ensemble, which keeps the spectator compelled to and captivated by the story. You live with them, you cry and you laugh with them, you suffer and you enjoy with them, till the last emotion. Lee Sun-kyun and IU led the entire story, rendering their not so simple characters in an awesome way. Despite the difference in age (and experience) between the two, their acting was well blended, credible and flawless. Around them there is a colorful and amazing world of characters, each one well developed, well casted and very well played. I don't want to list all of them, because they are really a lot, but you can be sure that none will disappoint you.
The music: moving, touching your feelings, well suited for the story told by this show.
The direction and the photography: awesome. I cannot explain: you have to watch to understand that even the way the scenes were shot is able to compel even more to the story, making you feeling part of it.
You need to watch without any kind of doubts or hesitation.
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A Masterful Work of Art
A tale about clinging on to life despite the never ending hopelessness that surrounds us. A very poignant look at human relationships and resilience of humans in everyday life no matter what life throws at you or how hopeless and bleak everything might look.One of IU's best acting performances. My Mister and When Life Gives you Tangerines are at the top tier of kdramas or dramas in general. Just wish IU gets a proper happy ending in a drama for a change rather than sad or bittersweet endings like most of her body of work which are very realistic and lifelike. The director is a master of his craft at delving deep into human emotions (same director as when life gives you tangerines).
The music specially the title track "grown ups/adult" is deliciously sad and poignant and very beautiful brings out the soul of the series. This is definitely a must watch for anyone who wants to feel as it tugs at the heartstrings right from its opening sequences. The city in motion, the bustle of the metro carrying lonely souls is very beautiful portrayed. Quite an impactful and deeply emotional piece of cinema.
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this drama gives you all sorts of feels and give a better understanding of how bonds hold so much POWER in it. That it can do MIRACLES too.
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Lee Sun Kyun will be sorely missed.
Absolutely beautiful, I have now watched this K Drama 3 or 4 times and it never disappoints. With an ending that gives the viewer, their minds eye on how it concludes. The surrounding stories are dark, joyful and upsetting. The cast in entirety were fantastic. (Lee Sun Kyun will be sorely missed.) The writing was sublime. I will definitely follow more of Park Hae Young work. The sound track fits in beautifully with the show and really stirs up the emotions. This was also My first introduction to IU as an actress. ( I must be the only person who didn't know she is one of K-pops biggest stars) and I can see her becoming a titan in the film industry already proving herself in another wonderful show, When Life Gives You Tangerines, but for Me, Lee Sun Kyun is just Magnificent, the role must have been written for him I can't think of a single actor that could have portrayed Park Dong Hun any better. Kudos to everyone who worked on this, it's not just a Korean classic, it is most definitely a Global Classic.
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This review may contain spoilers
Multi-layered
“People will forget what you said, will forget what you did but never how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou’s quote was on repeat in my head throughout this drama. If you ever meet Park Dong Hoon he will strike you as a gentleman, quiet and kind through and through. He thinks of others before himself whether you are his kin, friend or even enemy. So why his wife decided to cheat on him is beyond me but that’s how this sad drama began. Despite a stable job, a solid marriage (before he knew about the infidelity) and a very supportive network Dong Hoon feels the heavy weight of the world on his shoulders . He was slowly dying inside. Although he doesn’t show it, he is miserable, very lonely and has no one to tell him “it’s no big deal” like his dad used to. That is until Lee Ji An came along. She is his unlikely saviour in the most unusual way...and him hers.This drama is unique in that it has so many layers. You see I’m a binge watcher (reader) for entertaining dramas (books) but this one is so jampacked that you can only take /watch so much at a time. The brothers’ storylines are a treat, reminded me that boys will always be boys no matter their age. My fave actor of all time Lee Sung Kyun delivered yet again, his last crying scene is the loneliest scene of the decade. IU was a pleasant surprise, I think she made a good career move in picking this project.
I liked how each character have their own raw and honest story to tell. There’s a lot of lines that resonated and will stay with me, “do machines work in this company?!”, “You are the first person who was kind to me over four times” “the feeling that I’m the only one not rolling forward.So, sometimes… I sit outside near the door, early in the morning. Because I want to feel as if I’m rolling forward with them, too” are some of the few. I will also not forget “I...like Lee Ji an” and “I can’t die today...I don’t have expensive underwear” and “other people’s food taste better” among the light ones.
I don’t like how Yoon-Hee’s reason for infidelity was shallow but love how how Dong Hoon’s kindness embodies the ripple effect theory. I would recommend this drama if you have time for substance and in the mood for a good cry.
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The usual formulaic kdrama elements are non-existent here, just pure transparency. Due to the nature of the narrative, it may be slow but never was a dull moment. You'll savor every sequences. I literally don't mind another 16 episodes of it. My mister is must watch, an exotic species in the ocean full of cliche stories.
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The main lead was a female in her 20s that grew up with no parents to teach her how to live and enough hardships for her to mature before some 40+ years neighbors, and just as she gave up on life she meets someone who even SHE felt that was more pitiful than her.
Behold how the story of the 2 most pitiful people play out.
Story: Main plot was unique, drama touches sensitive topics like cheating and depression and shows that people mature at different ages depending on their circumstances, I was very touched by the story and felt like I could understand all the characters actions from their point of view, for example there was no bad guy just for the sake of having a bad guy, his actions made actually sense.
Cast: I'm slowly becoming U.I fan at this point, good lord I felt so touched by her acting if they showed one of those "based on real story" messages at the end of the drama I would have believed it. Never heard about the other main actors before but I believe they were also great.
Music: Amazing! I love it when the music lyrics can relate to the drama story, that way when I listen to it whenever I can feel flashbacks of the scenes the music played in during the drama, that was also the case for "Because this is my first life".
Rewatch: I'll definitely rewatch this in couple of months when I miss it.
Overall: Purity at it's finest, definitely check this gem out for a change from the usual kdrama plots.
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This review may contain spoilers
Top drama on my list. Park Hae-young has really produced a masterpiece of a drama.Although one can't proclaim the main story as something new (wife cheating on man, office politics etc.) - the way My Mister took time out to dive so deep into each character, teasing us on their back stories, showing us their vulnerabilities, was very refreshing to say the least. What made it stand out from other slice of life series imo was how relatable each character and their problems were. It made it so easy for a viewer to understand and immerse into each role, imagining themselves in it and feeling all the emotions. The drama also made superb usage of sounds (including silences) which managed to create an image of 'closeness' and helped to capture the viewer's imagination (e.g. LJA & PDH's farewell scene at the end. So little was actually said even though we could all see how much both parties wanted to tell each other). I also loved how Park Hae-young focused so much on ensuring each dialogue was meaningful and not just some filler noise (so many inspiring and relatable quotes in each ep! - "It's no big deal" - I'm sure many of us would at some point in time hoped for someone to tell us this sincerely) Personally, my favorite (most touching) scene was when LJA's grandma wrote on her book that she can finally die in peace to PDH - it was so sincere and heartfelt that I just drowned in tears)
Casting was also excellent. One of the few dramas which I felt each and every role was casted perfectly. Everyone acted so well and the emotions were so raw and real that, again made it easy for the viewer to connect. There were many concerns earlier on IU's 1-D acting but i sincerely felt she acted LJA to perfection - especially Ji An's hesitations (which i felt made her more real). Really love the portrayal of all 3 brothers as well - you could see the loneliness in their eyes. Even the side characters such as the LWI (loan shark) was great.
The OSTs were also brilliant and the editing made full use of it with great placement on important moments, adding on to the atmosphere.
Rewatchability was rated highly as I felt everything I rewatched the series, I discover new meanings in the dialogue or understood it from a different perspective, which makes it very refreshing despite already knowing the plot and the ending.
Overall, I highly recommend anyone who hasn't watched to give this drama a try. You would not regret investing the time. My only regret was not watching it earlier.
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