This review may contain spoilers
Unlike a lot of the reviewers, I find the last episode to be the most unsatisfying. Everything else was good overall, including the middle or late part that many seem to dislike. To explain why I am really unsatisfied with the ending and why I disagree with others and enjoy basically all the other episodes, I will focus on the character develop and plot lines.The main casts, just like everyone says, are simply lovely. They played a loving couple so well in the show that I almost took them to be real. However, it needs to be said that Jin-ah, or female protagonist has a much more complex character plot than Joon-hee. Her character growth in the show was remarkable and relatively well depicted, whereas Joon-hee's growth is comparatively small, and much less complex.
This difference has to do with two of the major plot lines in the show besides the main theme of romance: workplace sexual harassment and parental authority. Jin-ah was involved in both plot lines directly and heavily, while Joon-hee only got involved in the family struggle that Jin-ah had with her family. This difference played out importantly in the latter part of the story. Jin-ah started out as a capable yet obedient woman in both her family and her job. She had the lowest status in her family such that even her younger brother could scold her, and considered her an immature trouble-maker. In her office, she was targeted as the main female worker who was compliant and can be easily harassed without repercussion, which earned her the nickname of "Mrs. Tambourine." By the latter half of the show, she not only gained support and respect from her brother, but even stood up against her strong-headed mom openly and persistently. In her workplace, she became the sole fighter against sexual harassment and showed courage, perseverance, and tact in her fight. This remarkable growth was initiated by the romantic relationship that Jin-ah and Joon-hee had, and thus, the romantic relationship is always tangled with these two themes. However, growth in character took time to develop, and came at the “cost” of romance because the plot line gradually took up more of her work and family struggles and became less less romantic as a result.
For everyone who thinks that latter half of the show became boring, I dare say that it has to do with this gradual change of focus from a clear romance to a more complex show in which the romantic part became less dominate and fuzzy. This, however, is one reason why I appreciate this show: it showed that people live a complex life in addition to the romantic relationship that they have, and how a loving romance can do: it does much more than making one feel butterflies in stomach, and can truly improve and mature a person. It is in these two aspects that I find the male protagonist lack: his whole life focused on the love relationship that they had such that he was willing to threaten his boss multiple times for sake of his relationship, and he had not showed much of a growth even till the end. Initially, his tendency of being protective lent great strength and courage to Jin-ah such that she dared to call out and reject harassment that she encountered. But this protective tendency gradually became excessive and even impeding when Jin-ah became more mature and independent. Joon-hee had always been loving. But he loved the same way throughout and due to a lack of development, his love gradually became impeding to Jin-ha and their relationship. How can you tell a woman to give up her job, her genuine concern about sexual harassment, and her whole way of life just for "love?" The fact that Jin-ah had matured while Joon-hee remained unchanged, to me, is the underlying and true reason for their break-up. Jin-ha had turned into a woman who courageously faced the challenges of love, family, work, and sexual harassment head-on. Joon-hee, however, remained someone who was troubled by perceptions of others, and decided to use work opportunity to escape.
By the time of the second to last episode, Jin-ha's clear determination to fight against sexual harassment and the conspicuous difference between Jin-ha and Joon-hee in terms of maturity become two major issues in the way of them getting back together. However, the final episode does not address either of them directly. It was hinted that Jin-ha succeeded in her fight in sexual harassment, and managed to put the harassers to legal penalty they deserved, but nothing is clear. This is really disappointing, because this lack cuts off the theme that has been building up to this point. Besides, this is one of the clear reasons why they broke up, and not finishing the story on this part is quite a misfortune. My biggest gripe, however, is that the reunion went too short to capture the emotional expectation of the audience and to explain the character development needed for completing the story. This moment of reunion was what the audience had been waiting for. But the couple did not talk nearly as much as they should have, nor had had in previous episodes. In the very last conversation between Jin-ha and Joon-hee, they exchanged less than 30 lines, and all of them short. WHY? Why??? How does this address all the tensions built-up and all expectations that we have??? It came so woefully short that neither was it satisfactory emotionally, nor did it offer a clear, convincing logic for why they got back together. To the credits of the screenwriters and directors, I can understand that this first reunion must be charged with emotion, and logic should be left for a later occasion. But then there is no later occasion that allows for a meaningful conversation or interaction. This really cuts the show short for me.
Overall, however, I enjoyed this show quite a bit. There are many other problems that I didn't mention here, such as the music, some of the plot designs, and so on. But they don't prevent this show to shine. The maturity of plot, the realness of problems, the struggles and love, and the beautiful smiles and laughter of the in-loved Jin-ah all make it worthy of re-watch. How I wish the ending could be different!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Sisyphus wrote the last episode
I just finish watching this drama.After the last episode, I am frustrated to loose so many hours watching this. I know the process is important, but in dramas and movies it's all about the ending for me.
STORY
The story is about 35 year Jin Ah and her best friend's younger brother Joon Hee. And that's it. They fell in love. The relationship is slow and beautiful, painted at the sound of one or two jazz songs that soothes perfectly. We can see the love, Jin Ah learning what being loved is and the sweetness and caring of Joon Hee. But it's way too long! Every scene is long as if we couldn't understand already their feelings.
And they struggle to be happy and stay together.
CHARACTERS
Yoon Jin Ah (Son Ye Jin) - (my first kdrama was Crash Landing on You. So i have a special feeling for her and i think she is a great actress. And here she is also good).
She always had bad relationships and bad boyfriends. She was abused in work buy her male superiors and her female colleagues who took advantage of her to not be disturbed in their work place. She was cheated by her boyfriend and then the story begins. She still lives in her parents house and have a best friend, Seo Kyung Sun.
She grows as a person due to the love and care of Joon Hee. And then, in the last episodes she chooses to be selfish and stays in Korea in her job, saying that she is stronger now ("the old Jin Ah would immediately go"). But then, she ends up obeying her parents wishes, having a rich boyfriend who doesn't care for her; he only cares for his work and she doesn't love him.
She refused to leave Korea with Joon Hee, but then she quits her job and goes to live in Jeju Island, go figure...
Seo Joon Hee (Jung Hae In) - a strong and loving man, that returns from the US. He is gorgeous and very well loved and desired by most of the women. But he only loves Jin Ah. Their love is beautiful, but also filled with lies, between them. Supposedly, they lie and hide to protect the other, but they ruined their relation. And then, without seriously talking to her, he decide that he will go to US again... I don't think the character would do that, because he is very pragmatic and think things through.
JIN AH PARENTS - I am European, so i don't understand some of Korea society. For me, Jin Ah's parents are so but so bad that i don't want to waste my time. The notion of family reputation and status is like a disgusting feeling for me, but since it is brought up in so many dramas it must be true.
They are very bad.
The other characters are not very important for me. Even Kyung Sun doesn't behave well. The only interesting character for me is Geum Bo Ra, Jin Ah's colleague and friend.
Don't understand why Seo's father appears.
OST - some great songs, well played with the scenes. But the moments are very long and repetitive.
REWATCH - never, because i know the end, the way they ruined a beautiful and very rare romance. Could be awesome if shorter and a different last episode.
ENDING - It was a 9, even with some repetitiveness music and long scenes. I am not a fan of slow movies, but in this case it is well done in the first episodes. But then, we arrive at the last episode. It was very bad for me. And, if they are going to present us a happy ending, then... did i watch the same show? So, for most of the episodes we have the struggle of the couple, the opposition of her parents and the couple's siblings and they don't disclosure that? What the f...? Even her mother, who only cared for reputation and gives a shit about her daughter happiness is hughed by her?
OVERALL - could be amazing! If they made a movie it will be enough. Don't like the ending, don't like time gaps when they part ways for years...
So frustated, but i am to blame because i thought the end would not be that one.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The chemistry between the two mains was absolutely flawless. And for most of the show, that is what sustained my love for the story. It’s when the main conflicts finally start to take over that the story gets painfully bad. Mostly because it’s hard to follow why anyone is doing anything. Most of the characters start acting really strange for no apparent reason. The father is a prime example. You can never really tell what he is thinking or what his motivations are. And this ends up being an issue for most of the characters. They do strange things, but we never really understand the motivation behind most of it.
The main female character also lives like this for the rest of the show. And what makes it worse is her dialogue. Someone really desperately wanted to make her sound mature by the end of the show, but she just ends up spouting complete nonsense. She says things that are so vague and nonsensical, she lies for stupid reasons, and though it may seem like she was changing for the better, she was really just retreating deeper and deeper into the shell of a woman she was in the first episode.
There are several scenes where she, instead of having a serious conversation with the main male lead, she just asks random questions along with inquiring if he’s mad 101 times. Maybe it was supposed to make it seem more realistic, but it still could have been done a lot better. Actually, she was way more mature in the beginning because it seemed like she was learning from the mistakes she made before the story starts. By the end it just felt like she was making mistakes just to spice up repetitive drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Their bond was strong!
This was a great watch from beginning to end, with 2 or 3 missteps but overall one of the cutest shows. I couldn't stop smiling and cheering for their love to be accepted, they were made for each other and I felt that. Most portraits of romance only show the good sides and when something happens, it usually feels like a forced break-up or the characters don't even feel wronged because "love". This drama managed to moment of despair and anger, that are normal in relationship, because I feel like if you care a lot about someone and feel wronged, it will mess you up to even greater extents. The plot was really what stick out to me, most of the ost wasn't that surprising and the song I remember the most was in english and very "okish". Same thing with the actors, they are pretty to look at and managed to create a believable plot and romance, but non of the performances were something that will stick with meWas this review helpful to you?
Love the ordinariness of this un-Kdrama-like show
The ordinariness of the female lead and plotline is beautiful: woman in her mid-30s, who is stuck in life with her career going nowhere; and her relationship collapsing, finds companionship and support from the male lead. Of course, the male lead also happens to be her best friend's younger brother, complicating it. And possibly, western audiences do not understand this complication too much.Writer Kim Eun and director Ahn Pan-seok strive to bring a realistic, unmushy feel to the relationship and its growth. But what brings it together is the natural chemistry between the leads, Jung Hae-in and Son Ye-jin. The writer-director's second project, One Spring Night (8.3, 7.9, 2019), tries for a similar feel but fails without Son Ye-jin.
The show also has a nuanced take on sexual harassment at the workplace. It is not as loved as other shows because it's not your regular kdrama, making it the lowest rated show that I recommend, but that's what I love about it. Having said that, it does drag a bit in the middle and could have been shorter.
Was this review helpful to you?
Soundtrack is WTF
Adore this show, truly.Wonderful acting. Funny, dear, sweet, tough, teary-eyed storytelling.
1 & only 1 issue.....WTF with the 'Stand by Your Man' song???!!!
Every other scene this exhausted country/western tune drones on..and on.
With the budget to use the original & cover versions of this song, they could've hired
a composer to create music to compliment this series..for less money!!!
Over & over again this song plays. OMG!!!! Stop. I don't ever want to hear this song again!
Watch the series its great. Hit the mute when 'that song' starts.
Was this review helpful to you?
not bad, just a bit boring and slow towards the end
I didn't drop this because it was bad, I just was a bit bored in the end and then forgot to finish and now it's too long ago... I might give it another try at some other point, because it was honestly fun. I liked the male lead. There was a long and slow drama at the end. The relationship developed fast, but in a nice way. Honestly a fun drama if you have the attention span for it.Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Starts out promising but drags and gets repetitive
I watched this show right after Crash Landing on You and I was really looking forward to watching another Son Ye-jin-starring vehicle. It starts off pretty promising. The two leads have great chemistry and their romance is super adorable. But their romance is also the show's only main plotline. (While there's also this office sexual harassment storyline, which is a super important topic to discuss, the show makes it very confusing and hard to follow, IMO). Anyway, because the romance is the only plotline, the show has to keep throwing obstacles in its way, first in the form of a super clingy, unredeemable ex-boyfriend, and then in the form of Yoon Jin-a's insufferable mom. I really could not stand the mom-she just screams and cries all the time and gets in the way. There's just no compelling reason why Jin-a and Jun-hui shouldn't be together, so the latter episodes got really annoying. I finally stopped in the middle of episode 11 and just skipped to the end. It just got so repetitive.The music is funny; the whole soundtrack is just these two American songs from the 1960s: "Stand by Your Man" and "Save the Last Dance for Me." Kinda random, but they grew on me.
Was this review helpful to you?
BEST CHEMISTRY EVER
This truly is one of the best dramas I've ever seen .The romance between the two leads is so beautifully portrayed.the performance of the two wonderful lead actors truly captivate the audience.their depiction of awkwardness in the beginning of a relationship and how they slowly fall in love with each other is just breathtaking to watch .
The music and the visuals accompanying their story truly takes us on a romantic journey .
On top of the amazing story and performance by the leads. it's such a realistic portrayal of the culture of the Korean society.this is real life .unlike many kdramas which chooses to focus only on the fluffy side ,this drama chose to show the rough real side of society.the workplace harassments that women face and the pressures placed by asian parents .as an asian I can truly relate to the FL's situation .this truly is the story of the FL's growth with the help and support of the ML .
It was a wonderful experience to watch .truly takes u on a journey
Was this review helpful to you?
Jung Hae-in's best work
The first 6 episodes were bliss. The drama did an excellent job of introducing all important characters while setting out the context and the problems that lie ahead. If they had continued on that trajectory, this might have been my favourite show ever. But then from like episode 7 onwards it just drags on so much and only really gets somewhat interesting again in like episode 15 or so.Like I mentioned in the headline, Jung-hae outdid himself with this role. It's hard to believe that this was his first lead role, he did not act like an amateur one bit. As for the pretty noona who buys him food, she also did a good job portraying Yoon Jinah although her character was very annoying at times.
Despite the boring middle, this drama was good but I have to say that I was not fully satisfied with the ending. It left so much to be desired as they still had not talked about how they were going to resolve the underlying obstacles surrounding their love.
Was this review helpful to you?
Muitas questões
"O ideal aparentemente seria ambos no casal terem a mesma idade mas, se ele for mais velho tudo bem, desde que não muito mais velho. Agora, se ela for mais velha, não importa quantos anos, está errado..." Fico triste com esse pensamento!Outra dificuldade que até faz sentido mas me irrita muito é a importância dada a classe social, como se eles não fossem capazes de crescer juntos.
Agora, o pior de tudo? As questões familiares! Qual o problema em ser órfão, ter pais divorciados, ser adotado, etc?
Was this review helpful to you?
