Be Melodramatic (2019)

Unpopular opinion here but I prefer heart warming romance and happy endings over harsh reality

This is a 2019 South Korean romantic comedy drama with 16, 60-73 minute episodes. Also known as Mellow is My Nature.

6/10 is my rating. First I provide a unique synopsis then review

Synopsis

This is a story centered around three female friend who are roommates and one of their brothers.

Lim Jin joo (Chun Woo hee) is fresh out of a tumultuous seven year relationship when a script she is writing finally catches the attention of an up and coming director. Finding intrigue in his particular brand of sarcasm, Jin joo falls for the Director, Son Beom soo (Ahn Jae hong). Relatively fresh out of a failed 7 year relationship, her feelings for Beom soo ignite while reworking the script for a 16 episodes drama. Having met his match, Beom soo reciprocates her feelings. Since fate has a sense of humor, it turns out her ex boyfriend, Kim Hwan dong (Lee You jin), is the assistant director and she has to work with him in order to get her big break.

Lee Eun jung (Jeon Yeo been) is still grieving the sudden loss of her fiancé, Hong dae (Han joon woo) to cancer. Her grief is so severe that she suffers persistent complex grief disorder and sees and talks to her departed fiancé as if he were still there. Her younger brother, Lee Hyo bong (Yoon Ji on) has continued living with Eun jung after she attempted suicide and her two friends form part of the team that live together and watch over Eun jung. Hong dae invested in a documentary Eun jung directed and she achieved wealth and success as a result of that project.

Hwang Han joo (Han Ji eun) was the school beauty who was conned in love by a man who was not good at committing to anything. She married him after an unexpected pregnancy but they quickly divorced, Now her three close friends and roommates are helping her raise her young son, Hwang In-kook (Seol Woo Hyung). Her role with the marketing and production department is to ensure the production meets the product placement advertisements that were agreed to. She later is promoted to a producer position.

Review

Based on other reviews, some people really liked this or at least enjoyed it. For me it’s one where I’m trying to figure out what people might’ve liked about it. I guess if you really like pure dramas with very little comedy and you want it to be reality based, then you might enjoy this one. I watch dramas to escape reality so I don’t want or need things to happen exactly as they might in reality. Give me the well-developed happy endings that’s what I want. I was interested in the story throughout most of it although there was nothing super exciting or any huge plot twist or anything like that. The characters were interesting and it was a slice of film industry life. Where I really lost interest in it was towards the ending when it became obvious things were not going to end the way I hoped they would. Sort of a soft ending in that things were wrapped up just not completely or well. In my opinion I would not watch it again nor would I highly recommend somebody else watch it. However, if you particularly like any of the actors, they did very well and the script was written well for what it was

Spoilers

Lim Jin joo (Cho Woo hee) was not a very likable character. In the relationship with Kim Hwan dong (Lee You jin) I thought she was wrong in the arguments a majority of the time. It appeared she picked fights with him for no apparent reason. She really wasn’t different with Son Beom soo (Ahn Jae hong) but he didn’t fight back. He more joked her out of it. I think they were trying for her just being a unique personality who could not match well with just anyone. They tried to portray that some some of the roughervaspects of her personality were due to being that element that made her an edgy writer. This was supposed to lead tona determination that the only one that could handle her was another quirky person such as the somewhat edgy Director. I got where the writers were going with it but I just found her very abrasive and not very likable. I still rooted for the romance a little bit which was why the way they never really fully got together was annoying. They were dating, although still having frequent fights, but nothing much else like a solid long term commitment which was not a very satisfying ending.

Lee Eun jung (Jeon Yeo been) was just a sad case the entire time. I hoped the drama would take the turn that she found new love in Kim Ah-rang (Ryu Abell) a fellow director but that never fully happened. There were some hints they might meet up abroad but nothing definite. She was working on her complex grief but was still imagining Hong dae (Han joon woo) enough it was clear she had not fully let go. So there was no resolution to her grief and we did not get to see her happy in a new relationship.

Hwang Han joo (Han ji eun) says she is ready for a romance and there is all this build up between her and her subordinate, Chu Jae hoon (Gong Myung) and it seems headed for romance. But nope. Instead he seems to get back with his crazy ex, Ha yoon (Mi ram) who they portray as the victim in their very tumultuous relationship when everything I saw it looked like she was the aggressor. But that was an overall trend in this film that no matter how wrong the female appeared, she was in the right, and the man was the wrong one. Then, in the end, she is dating some guy she met at a club who we barely knew anything about. Why did I care she had some random romance? I wanted her with her cute assistant who seemed like her other half. Instead he is back with his personality disorder ex and she is with some rando.

Jung Hye-Jung (Baek Ji won), who was Jin joo’s former boss turned rival script writer has this whole flirtation going with Sung In-Jong (Jung Seung gil) and there is even a bit of a love triangle for awhile. So this leads you to expect she will quit being such a horror with her work and get with In jong who seems to mellow her sharp personality. But we do not know what happens as tge writers just drop that story and there is no outcome with all that build up.

There were a couple of side romances that got very little screen time that were cute but not central enough to carry the story. Eun jung’s younger brother, Lee Hyo bong (Yoon Ji on), marries his partner and moves out because his sister is finally well enough he no longer has to be on suicide watch. Probably the cutest romance of the show was between Lee So min (Lee joo bin) and her manager Lee Min joon (Kim Myung joon) as they had been friends and it was obvious he felt more for her. So them realizing their feelings and getting together was heart warming,good friendships can stand in for love,

Overall it felt like the writers wanted to convey a proposal is not necessary for a happy ending, good friendships can stand in for love, and strong independent women do not need a man. A disappointing surprise for me to find in a Korean drama.

#BeMelodramatic #MellowIsMyNature #HanJiEun #JeonYeoBeen #AhnJaeHong #ChunWooHee #HanJoonWoo #YoonJiOn #SeolWooHyung

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The story itself is a rom com, but it's definitely more com than rom -- and the com comes from poking fun at all the other romantic comedies out there.

First of all let's talk about the comedy. The plot develops in unexpected ways, and the character actions/expressions are so on point that make it extra funny. Even when they don't reference other dramas/tropes, the characters say the darnest things at the darnest times and kept me laughing throughout.

The romance itself is pretty realistically paced. The script doesn't rush unlikely relationships (coughcough The King), and focuses on letting character emotions develop instead. There are love lines, but they actively avoid typical kdrama tropes like "an ugly love triangle between girl, guy, and girl's ex-boyfriend" or "leads get happily married at the last episode, the end." In fact, they make fun of these tropes throughout the show, either through character dialogue or through a dream/imagination sequence. (you'll see. it's so great)

The main part of this drama is the meta-ness though. There are references to multiple other famous dramas, either through reenacting a famous scene or just having a scene that matches the energy. These references are complete with the appropriate insert song (like hearing Appearance during the Secret Garden reference or the Something in the Rain insert song...) You'll have to have a long history of watching kdramas to recognize all of them (I don't; but I recognized a few... and I googled the rest), but even if you don't recognize exactly where the scene is from, you'll appreciate the humor and the efforts of the production team. Look forward to how they approach the 4th wall and the actor/character relationship. Since the main characters are in the entertainment industry, they talk about dramas a lot, and you'll see some (hilarious) references to the actors themselves or their previous roles. The cameos are also really cool! I lost it when I heard Jung So Min call another character "So Min unni." I swear they did that on purpose. Also like, this is probably the only drama that will make fun of product placement in dramas *as it does product placement itself*.

Finally, just wanted to praise how they took care of the ending. The last episode was gold in terms of plot development, while maintaining the comedy factor. This show was funny and interesting til its very end.

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Perfect.

I've watched this series three times and have always been fully invested in the story. It always feels like I'm starting it afresh and I always learn something new.
It has just the right mixture of comedy and reality. At times I wondered if the writer had put in their own story into this drama. The product placement was often hilarious and clever.

Story: The three women make a fantastic trio. The story often goes in a direction which I don't expect. Usually, that would disappoint me, but it felt just right in this series.
For example, despite rooting for Jae Hoon and Han Joo, I wasn't saddened by the fact that they didn't end up together.
I especially liked how each character had a personality with depth. In Jin Joo and Hwan Dong's relationship, they showed the flaws of both sides while not making anyone seem like a villain. The same goes for Jae Hoon and his girlfriend. In Jae Hoon's relationship, although his girlfriend was fully painted as the wrong one throughout the story, the last episode made the viewers as well as Jae Hoon realize that a relationship has two people.
The story wrapped up in a wonderful way without seeming awkward or rushed.

Cast: Each actor completely suited their character. I loved how they added easter eggs, e.g Ahn Jae Hong in reply 1988.

Music: Wonderful. It suited the vibe of the series perfectly.

Rewatch value: I've rewatched this three times, so take of that as you will. It isn't fully packed with action or any big plot twists so I always find myself forgetting parts of this story and then being surprised when something happens in this series.

Overall: Might not be for everyone, but I loved it. The humor wasn't obnoxious or overbearing so I would definitely recommend this to people who like realistic yet fun stories.

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Sixteen Episodes With These Delightful Women Just Doesn't Seem Like Enough!

You know you’ve come across a hit ensemble cast of characters when you’re equally vested in all three of them. In other words, you never find yourself sighing and wishing that the story would go back to the one character you like the most. This is far rarer than people realize. As far as ensemble casts go, the only other K-drama I can find myself saying this about would be “Hospital Playlist.”

Three women from different backgrounds live together. They all work in the entertainment industry. Eun Jung Lee runs a production company, and she finds herself working on a documentary about actress, So Min Lee. Jin Joo Im is a screenwriter who is initially working for a more famous and seasoned screenwriter, until she realizes that their ideas are very different, and she has the courage to branch out on her own. And finally, we have Han Joo Hwang, who works for a small production company, at first as a marketing director, but soon as a producer herself. All three women are thirty.

Eun Jung Lee is the glue of the trio. She’s sharp, independent, and finds herself struggling to deal with a personal tragedy. The love of her life recently died of a terminal illness. She sees him everywhere and even engages in conversations with him. If you have ever had to deal with the loss of a loved one, you can easily sympathize with Eun Jung. And while she’s a strong woman, especially when dealing with anyone who tries to bring her or anyone else down, the cracks in her armor are growing by the day until she finally decides to seek some professional help. Eun Jung is the mother hen, and we can determine that she’s always been this way. Her brother, who lives with the them, is a gay man, and it becomes painfully obvious that their parents never accepted him. In short, Eun Jung has always felt compelled to be the pillar of strength for those closest to her. But here is the age-old truth: you can’t take care of anyone else until you first learn to take care of yourself. You have to be the priority.

Jin Joo is a woman who has the courage to face the unknown; to strike out and become and independent screenwriter. Of course, it helps to have the encouragement of friends, but when she meets film director Beom Soo Son, he helps her become more confident in herself. She is the most cautious member of the group, who isn’t as prone to simply “jump in” to a new romance or situation. Having got out of a long-term relationship, we can see why she’d be hesitant to start another one. But then again, life is about risk. Love is about risk, and you can never get anywhere in life by sitting on the sidelines where it’s safe and secure.

Finally, we have Han Joo Hwang, who arguably has more life experience than the previous two. She found herself in love at a young age, had a son, and suddenly found herself all alone when her husband divorced and left her high and dry. Now, as a seasoned marketing director, she takes on a young intern in Jae Hoon, and does her best to pass along what life wisdom she has to help him navigate his own romantic problems. While it becomes obvious that Jae Hoon is infatuated with Han Joo—and we can also see that Han Joo is a bit smitten with him as well—she already knows that getting involved with Jae Hoon is a bad idea. First of all, she’s his boss at work. And second of all, Jae Hoon has a lot to learn about himself and how to be in a relationship. There is a very touching scene in the last episode in which Han Joo maps out perfectly Jae Hoon’s most recent relationship that ended badly and why it failed. Han Joo already knows, that even if they were to enter into a relationship, Jae Hoon would end up treating her the same as he had his previous girlfriend, and Jae Hoon realizes this.

This series is about three women who navigate life’s ups and downs. In some ways, life is like a big K-drama, starring you and those around you, and those with whom you have friendships and relationships. It’s about dealing with one crisis and preparing yourself as best you can for the next one. In a show, you as the writer and director control and dictate what happens to your characters as well as the situations they are in. In life, you can only control yourself. However, in both, you still have to deal with moments of happiness and moments of disappointment and learn how to move on. It’s human behavior. It’s life! And this show does a fantastic job of mirroring life within the confines and world of this sweet and often touching, drama.

And, yes, that also means enjoying yourself and not following some arbitrary rules. As soon as you try to grasp love and life by putting rules and boundaries upon them, you’ve already failed to realize that life and love are like the wind. They are there to be enjoyed, not to be harnessed and held onto. Jin Joo and Beom Soo make this mistake when they try to separate work and love by some silly rules.

Performances in this series are rock solid across the board. As with so many K-dramas, we have hilarious moments, cute moments, and heartfelt moments. We find ourselves cheering for most of the characters, and by the end of the series, we can say that they have come out the other side of things pretty well. But life isn’t about stopping or sitting on our laurels, thinking we’ve finally crossed a finish line. There is no finish line. There is always the next thing. Bruce Lee once stated that a plateau in life makes a nice, brief rest stop, but don’t ever stay there. You have to keep going. And by the end of the series, you are confident that our three protagonists have already come to that realization.

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Wholesome

The drama for me has been like a good old cup of coffee.
It's like one morning I woke up with a headache, and just the smell of coffee somewhat reduced the throbbing pain. Each sip I took comforted me through all the stress and when I finished it, I felt a bit empty.

Of you're feeling down or sad, then this drama is sure to comfort you. It makes you realize, it's okay not to be truly amazing, it's okay if you do "just enough" instead of something huge.

The acting is amazing and the characters feel real. The story is relatable and simple, which makes it more unique. And the ost perfectly captures the moment.

The drama left a sweet aftertaste for me, I hope it does for you as well.

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Uncanny, peculiar and interesting with 3 female leads and side character with quite deep exploration

This drama is very unique not just to entertain but also with meaningful episodes coming through. We kinda get the idea of each character, even with the side one. I really enjoy this drama because the romance part were not too much simple and you can relate to it pretty much. It was like watching how the character live their life in reality.

For people who has deep interest in movie industry can get a grasp of idea from this series. Almost all of the character work in this industry from a documentary director, writer, production house marketing team and actress. This drama potraits life really well just like a slice of life genre. I also like the quotes from each episode, the cinematography also simple yet perfect ! everything is done inadequately and beautiful.

What I don't like is how they did with ji eun and jae hoon because I see potentials with this couple but again I respect the writer-nim perspective. But, I guess this is what they want to potrait as well , how complicated relationship it is and pretty platonic.

I also like their OST's, my favorite is moonlight.

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A "Late to the Party" Review

Overall, not bad, lots of clever writing and stuff. But I have a few major gripes!

First of all, WHAT WAS THAT 180° TURN from the set up of Ahn Jae Hong's character as a kind of a hilarious, childish, blowhard to being mature, meek, and softhearted? His character went from fascinating and bold to bland and flavourless basically from episode 2 to episode 3.

I can't call it poorly done—the writing is clever; I enjoyed the meta-narrative of a drama about writing a drama, and the humour that came from that was pretty funny. I guess my main gripe is that, for slice of life, I didn't find the characters believable.

I think this was an intentional creative choice to complement the story-in-a-story? To make them exaggerated caricatures.

For example, the single mom's story made zero sense from the beginning... they didn't show how he wooed her at all, which would have fleshed out how she changed from seeing him as a creepy, annoying stalker to someone who she'd be open to having a baby with.

They couldn't even show him being funny? He was just a caricature of a trash-like man. Like, for a slice of life—show me what she saw, give me a peak at her heart.

It just made it hard to relate to them, for me personally.

Not a badly done show, just not my cup of tea, overall.

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One of my recommended kdrama

This drama has been on my list since I got to know that it's sort of slice of life genre. Now, I just got a chance to finish the whole drama and I've got to say. As a fan of this type of drama, I will recommend this to people! But then again, not all gonna love this because some might think it's boring or too slow.

Honestly, for me, the first ep was great. I like the introduction to the casts. Then to the next eps, gotta say it is a bit slow. However, as it went to ep 5 and above, it's starting to look much better and the characters became more interesting. Then, I remember in one episode where Beom Su told Jinjoo that he would make groundmaking decision in the last episode. Gotta say, it works for me!

Overall, everything is great. From the characters, I like how there's no 'bad' people at all, it's just human being human , the romance (it did get me giddy at times), the plot and all. Thumb up!

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BOOM, you'll love how this drama feels!

Fool me that this drama waited too long on my list. First I just watched a few Son Seok Koo's scene in episode 10. Then I decided to give it a try since I grow fonder with Jeon Yeo Bin because of Vincenzo. Omoo I suffer too much for waiting her as Hong Cha Young a week feels like so long. Okay I admit that I'm more like the obessed type when it comes into good actor/actress haha.

Then I decided watch this, since her is the Main Actress and this drama already on my waiting list and BOOM THIS IS SO GREAT!! I DON'T EVEN EXPECT THIS. This genre the main focus on character itself, and every character building is amazing. Even when you think that this role isn't really important or cool. You're wrong, every characther matters. You not found a lot of drama that feels like this, trust me. Damn this drama is definitely a gem!

I laugh a lot, cry too and this is also make me thinking about my life, especially right now I'm in the position as a good-for-nothing :)

My characters comment:
Lim Jin Joo characther and her interaction with Son Beom So is satisfying and fun, very unique.
I kinda hope that Han Joo will end up with Jae Hoon, but yeah this more like bro-sis relationships I guess? But Jae Hoon getting back with his ex? Hmmm thats not even a healthy relationships, for my point of view..
Yeah but for me the best couple goes toooo: So Min x Min Joon🎉🎉

But still my fav is Eun Jung's story! I satisfied so much since her is the reason I started watching it. Her story is deep and made me cry.. Her strong and brave character screams a girl power. But that doesn't mean a human always strong, we all have our fragile part.. I wish she can make her African date come true!! We saw hopes as a netizen and I wanna thank the screen writer so so much! Especially for cast Eun Jong and Hey Director~~~

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