Now Playing in Theaters - Childish Bromance (2018)

A show that comforted my summer

I usually watch variety shows but since many Korean variety shows run through lots of seasons and episodes, I usually just pick between ones I feel or am interested in watching or whatever would be playing on TV by chance. But this show was one of your quick ones. 5 episodes that took up 2 hours each that is readily accesible on YouTube. It may not seem like much but this series provided so much meaning that I want to expound on this review so here it goes...

Story, or I would refer to this as the "concept" of the show since this is a variety rather than a actual scripted movie. The concept this show had was quite simple, premiering movies in a quiet countryside that is full of elders and it is hosted by iconic actors in the K-drama/movie scene. But the way the show was able to show the beauty and meaning on how this simple concept engraved my heart with deep warmth and healing. The showcase of 3 different movies they decided to premiere was unique. They all came from different generations and different genres to laugh or cry about and leave that heartfelt message was fun. Seeing the elders cry and even the actors who were hosting, were meaningful times. Because movies like these really show how it is a universal feeling to feel such beautiful message conveyed in the diversity of genres and times these movies had and were filmed in. The place they also stayed at was another meaningful aspect. Since the village they've visited was small and filled with elders at most, it felt like a small family coming over to this one place to watch movies together happily. Even if the place wasn't the most grand, it felt like coming home to your grandparent's house when you were a kid. That feeling of nostalgia that just keeps you happy yet missing the feeling that I cannot experience again. Overall, this may be the most simplest concept for a show to do, but it was one of the best shows I can say I watched even if it has been a while since I watched it.

Another is the Acting/Casting, since this was a none scripted show, I'll just discuss the casting. I initially watched this as I am a fan of the actress Lee Sungkyung. I was going through her filmography to see she has popped up in a few variety shows other than acting projects. I knew how fun and lovely her personality was so seeing how she was one of the main host of this show, once I found where to watch it excited me. Then naturally when I came to watch the series, I ended up recognizing the other actors who were the main hosts of the show. So seeing these 4 actors, despite the small number of a cast, created a heatwarming bond. It was fun to see how passionate and creative they were in sharing ideas on how to pull off this concept of a show. Not only were they given a concept but they had to plan with the staff on how they would promote it to the elders to come watch in the homey cinema 'they' who also created a design output for it. Even them planning the snacks, drinks, props, even funny little shows they wanted to show off before the premiered the movie to entertain the elders was so meaningful. I can tell they treasured this time well, despite how cold the weather was (since they filmed in Autumn at that time) they still wnated to give the best experience in creating this lovely cinema for elders to enjoy the movies and have a great time with one another. To the point that they even offer to walk or drive them home an shower them with several gifts touched my heart so much. Even the elders being openly welcoming and caring towards them as they were visitors was adorable. There's so much good things I can say how they really picked such a perfect casting for this. I know nothing is perfect in this world, but this casting was one of the best I've seen.

Music, wasn't much highlighted but you can say the show picked great OSTs or sountracks to add in the episodes were nice. I remembered I even searched up one song out of curiosity because it sounded nice lol.

Rewatch Value, I would definitely watch this again. I think I did a few times but I didn't watch it straightforwardly as I did for the first time. As I watched this during the summer time, it was a season where it didn't feel the brightest for me. I didn't want to say this was one of the worst moments in my life because this show was one of the reaons why I felt like that month was healing rather than isolation in how dark I felt at that time. I was keeping myself busy to stay distracted and drowned myself in prayers on when that season would end. But looking back, that season felt warmer as ever because despite how busy I kept myself in tasks to help my family and things I thought would take my thoughts out of this. This show provided a portion of healing that I don't regret those times. Rather resenting it, feeling healing in that painful season was the answered prayer. I really worked on myself and my views in life. This series may have been just a portion on how it helped me at that time but I am truly grateful I watched this. There was an ending quote mentioned at the end of the series that made me so happy. I felt more inspired to do more better things and to grow more as a more better person despite how stuck I was at that time. I hope you can also find that warmth and comfort from the end quote if you ever so watch it. It may be a simple quote but I felt peace in my heart on how meaningful life can be. I aim to work harder now yet appreciate life's moments ahead. It's beautiful. Overall, I hope you all find this review helpful and that you may find time to watch this. I really think this is worth the watch and I hope you can feel that healing I once felt in that one season.

:))

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