Heartwarming
This is my first written review on my drama list in several years just because I loved this drama so much!The characters, their development, the story, everything was so wonderful! As someone who is extremely picky with choosing dramas, and many times I have dropped a drama once a couple gets together, I just couldn't drop this one.
I fell in love with Seo Ri and Woo Jin's story, and they are now one of my all-time favorite K-drama couples. Their development, their scenes together, they were just so cute and always left a smile on my face. I especially loved how they communicated with each other, it was so heartwarming and they truly became a relationship goal UGH <3
I also loved Jennifer's character and Chan's character and just everyone in the cast. This was truly such a cute drama, with scenes that both make you squeal with joy or also leave you heartbroken, but always wanting more! I 100% recommend :)
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A funny and heartwarming melodrama
Okay, first we see both main girl & main boy as 17-year olds. Despite the infamous common practice, they were not portrayed by 30 year old actors. Yoon Chan Young and Park Si Eun were both really 17. Actually, they were both so talented and likeable that at first I worried I will not be able to like the grown-up versions as much, in compare.As for the story: Main girl got robbed of 13 years of her life. Suddenly waking up in a body of a 30-year old, her mind was still 17, without the time to allow her grow up and evolve, develop her personality, adjust to her body change... Or completing her education and gaining working skill, to mention the practical. First thing I thought was that along with physiotherapy she'll require a psychologist, and some support. But her family was nowhere to be seen. As for main guy, at the tender age of 17, when he liked a certain pretty girl and first tried to approach her, she obeyed his advice to get off on a different bus stop, which (in his mind) caused her to die in following accident. After this, he decided to live alone in woods. Okay, maybe not so extreme. Basically, he keeps a long beard and a dog:) That way he maintains his distance from females, while pouring all emotional attachment onto the small creature.
Shin Hye Sun had interesting acting task, here. Her 30 year old face was now supposed to wear expressions a 17 would make. Same with her manner of speech, and general behavior...
First episodes, the girl struggles with physio for a while and with seeing her own face and hearing her own voice for long. We don't see her getting any visits, the facility staff keeps avoiding her questions. The guy maintains slightly antisocial behavior. I had to smile. I personally could relate, it's the same whenever I attempt to act like that. In our society, you practically cannot get through 1 day, if you'd just purely attempt to not interact with any people around you. You unavoidably end up perceived as rude, mean even. Nobody would ever understand you'd like 1 single day of social "cleanse" from all the communicating. You really need to lock yourself alone for that:) Main girl and guy mirror each other when she seeks after company while he tries to avoid it.
Episode 2 ends up in crazy confusing situation where I was equally confused while I was the audience, lol. But actually, it was kind of tragic... Main girl was still recognized by her old dog, else, her house got new owner and her family members were gone. She was told to go to the police. Yeah, I indeed thought the story of a young girl having woken up in a strange adult body, in a strange world where she had no one, was not very cheerful. I would understand if she started to cry. The scene where even police refuses to help her is especially weird. Apparently before the accident, she was not legal age enough to receive ID card, but her appearance was older now, so the police just refused to help her. I was confused, why nobody in the facility, having her medical record, didn't provide her assistance with such matters, or why did all of her family members disappear. But, perhaps the writer needed to create situation where she'd have only the main guy to provide help to her.
Main guy looses his long hair episode 3, unfortunatelly he gets that weird helmet-shaped haircut they sometimes do to guys in Korea so I actually did not find it that much of an improvement. Anyways. The following episodes, main girl continues staying in main guy's house, who grudgingly allowed it for 1 month. I couldn't help but thinking she'd be better off had he not. She was a grown-up looking woman acting like a 17-year old, which was not always looked kindly upon. She kept going around for job interviews with completely empty resume, as she haven't even finished high school. She was not able to play violin with her new hands. She actually needed lot of help, unfortunatelly the writer's plot made it so that she left the only place where she could be found to receive it. It was frustrating to watch. The main guy needed to learn about her identity to start treating her better and also to start healing. But that was obviously also something the writer wanted to happen way later...
I kept watching, because I agreed it was more important for the girl to meet her right guy, after all:) She was stuck in being seventeen, he was also stuck in the past, so that way they suited each other. It was right for them to meet (again). They started to develop a connection, to realize and address important things, just everything but him finding out who she was. That was always conveniently swept under a rug. Apart from these obvious flaws, soon it all comes together, even with such characters like too noisy friends or too weird a housekeeper, it somehow clicks and the drama works: it's enjoyable, funny and heartwarming.
ML knows about FL's identity since epi 14/16. Better late than later. By that point, FL's got 3 suitors (counting ML in). There is still yet the Mystery about her family & about the housekeeper, and mysterious man in a baseball cap. Despite all these corny elements, I liked the humble quality the main girl had. She knew grattitude, not just attitude, like all them leading ladies:) It's actually easier for people of this kind to find happiness, and I liked the drama did mention that. Romance is very satisfying, the romantic conclusion comes earlier than the final and really is quite romantic. Then there's more heavy drama about the family stuff. I didn't enjoy watching main girl going through even more pain, but at least by then she had her guy by her side. Luckilly, some more cute moments follow.
And questions about their future. This girl was younger than her age, so I didn't see why she should not study if she wanted to. And the guy was used to being uprooted. The way I saw it, nothing prevented the guys from getting married and going to Germany together for one or two years, even with the dog:) Then they could return to their korean home and she could complete her degree. I didn't see a problem, no matter how many years it all should take (so what if you get your degree at 38 or 40 years old? if it's the craft you long to practice till you're whitehaired:) Life is long. No need to rush your journey WHEN you already have the right person to walk hand in hand with. The writer tried a to make bit of final drama out of it and we had a couple of separations and reunions of the characters, so the ending was a bit zigzagging but emphasis was on friendship and love.
Overall, it was a good melodrama.
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I almost wish I hadn't binged it. What a heartwarming experience and such a beautiful ending. <3
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Warmhearted and lovely drama
I have become a big fan of Shin Hyesun ever since I watched Mr. Queen. Let me tell you, her character as Woo Seori is perfect! You can immediately fall in love with her.If you are looking for a warm-hearted kind of drama, this by far alongside When The Camelia Blooms, gotta be that drama for me. The plot is kind of predictable, like come on, it is a korean drama. So the plot usually must be the main characters related to each other since they're kids and all. But mostly I stayed for the characters. Woo Seori and Kang Woojin definitely that healthy couple that I adore so much. I love that Woojin is so respectful towards Soori's decision and agreed to stay together with Seori in whatever situation. The bridge scene where both of them cried together and kissed later on were so good.
Thumbs up to the drama. I will rewatch it only for the main characters' scene because they're so cute together. Overall, great drama!
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Let me start with the story, it's based on a very simple story line. Nothing unique about it. You can always predict the ending from the beginning itself. Then, why should we watch it? It's about how it was presented and unfolded a simple story with heart touching scenes.
Acting is really good. Main leads and supporting characters did their best to portray given role. In the beginning I was curious how the main lead actress will do in this Drama, because I saw her doing a good job as side actress in The Legend Of The Blue Sea. I liked her there too.
In this Drama you won't be burdened with cliche characters, evil villains, unnecessary influencing and interfering parents. Very small amount of second lead syndrome. Lead actors chemistry is really good.
I am not that much interested in music in any drama. So, I won't be talking about it.
Rewatch value is really high. Definitely I will watch many times in future. It's a feel good Drama without any heavy stuff.
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A tale of love and healing told in a masterful way
When I write a review, I usually have some key points and highlight in mind so that it was a fairly straightforward list of likes and dislikes or particular problem with the plot/acting. I find it a lot harder to write about this show, the odd thing is that nothing super dramatic actually happened (other than the accident). Now, don't get me wrong. This is not a meaningless fluff. If anything, it was the exact opposite, it was a masterclass in storytelling. There is just so much to talk about.The core of this drama were healing, growth and regrets. Healing of wounds made by guilt, shame, envy, lost love and others. Growth in maturity, growth in acceptance, understanding and more. This was all done with consummate skill and dexterity. There were no dramatic set pieces, no shock revelations, no cliché breakups nor even a true villain! Yes, mistakes were made by a number of people but they were not evil. Regrets was a constant undertow and it was a powerful, yet invisible force that shaped so many character's behaviours and their lives.
In terms of acting, the M/FL were superb. Shin Hae Sun was great in Mr Queen and she was every bit as good here but in a more nuanced way. ML was a tortured soul whom you want to soothe and cheer for. The 2ML was so sweet, earnest and innocent. You'd cry and laugh at his antics. Your heart ached for him when you see how much he wanted to grow up but this would only bring heartaches. The support cast was a true ensemble. Jennifer(Lee Yoo Jung) was a standout both with her unique character, her heartbreaking backstory and ultimately her strength. 2ML's band of rowing bros were so much more than comic reliefs as they were the bedrock that he could anchor on when he was feeling adrift. The younger version of the 2 leads were fantastic and pulled their own weight.
The script and direction were superb. It will make you happy and sad in equal parts. There are so much love between the "family members" that you can feel the warmth through the screen. The show had many themes and motifs which was used time and time again in clever ways but always consistently. Symbolisms were the backbone to the narrative which allowed the show to remain grounded and not become overly sentimental and tropey. Even flashbacks that felt overused and tired in other shows were welcomed here.
The show was a journey. Akin to a designated path through an art gallery. We need to take our time to appreciate the curator's skill and be moved by the art. When we (and the show's characters) are ready then the show will let you move on in measured steps. The pacing was spot on.
It also had one of the best ending have seen in any drama. Time was taken to give every significant subplots and threads their dues. It was heart-warming and uplifting at the same time but countered by a tinch of sadness. I have re-watched the last hour twice already just to savour the feels.
Ultimately, the show made us think and appreciate how we have a choice. We can choose to be shaped by our memories and negative emotions or we can see beyond that and do what is right for us today and tomorrow. To grow and seek happiness bravely.
Don't Think! Fil!
Oh yes, the OST was very good and used well. Rewatch value is very high.
Please watch it and enjoy this beautiful journey.
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I actually was about to drop this drama. It was just another "ok" drama. It was kind of enjoyable and funny, but I skipped so many parts...
STORY: 7/10
It's not something new nor original. It is actually not my cup of tea. Somehow it was slow and pretty cute.
CAST: 8/10
Ok. Yes, it was a really good cast with cool characters. There's not the "annoying" nor "bad" character, what makes it amazing to watch.
I don't have an opinion about the main girl. I didn't like her in the beginning, but then I just didn't mind her at all.
The same with the main guy.
I really liked Jennifer, she was so funny and mysterious and simple.
The acting was what we usually watch in dramas, nothing more.
OST: 10/10
It was so good!!
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However, the story didnt really move anywhere for me. I stopped watching in the middle of episode 11. It got kind of repetitive and annoying. I don’t know how to word it in a way that won’t give away any spoilers. It was dragging on and I couldn’t take it anymore. And I hate love triangles.
The housekeeper was my favorite character.
Most of the funny scenes where because if her (to me)
I saw this was recommended under I’m not a robot. Which I loved! But this... no.
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This review may contain spoilers
After consecutively watching a lot of dramas with heavy emotions and complicated plots, I find this drama very refreshing. The plot was interesting enough to get you hooked but was not too complicated to make your brain hurt from thinking. I also love how there's no really a "bad guy/villain" here just unfortunate incidents that can happen to anyone.
I really really love the casting of this drama. They all had perfect chemistry with each other, not just the leads. I also love the setting (Seori's House) it's really nice even their office is nice. Love the OST as well!
The only thing why I'm not giving this a perfect score is because of the Aunt of Seori. I just don't understand it completely why she kept the money from selling the house at the bank. Did she know that Seori will wake up again? Because if I were her, I would just use that money to pay for the hospital bills of Seori. She knew Seori didn't have anyone else besides her and her husband. Assuming nobody did pay for her bills throughout the years, do you think Seori would have lived? If she died, who will now use the money instead? I mean this is just me thinking out loud but that's the only think that really bothered me.
Overall, this drama was really interesting and fun to watch! Hope to see everybody in a new drama!
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"A pure love story "
I really doesn't know this type of drama exist , even my friends did not know this type drama reallly existed. Nowadays we only find cringe romcom more than proper love story between the 2 leads. No doubt i will be giving 10 out of 10 for this drama ,they started with younger version of 2 leads and they got misunderstood by whole scenario by both of them. Even though there are loop holes in this drama at same time it maintains some suspense in the middle of the show , which makes us think why ?I feel so bad abt our 2nd lead Ahn seop he is really cute and adorable towards his ajumma (seori) but at same time he is in dilemma whether to tell that he loves her or not! It was so heart breaking for him , they showcases as hero is bit slow with seori but at same time he acts as overprotective boyfriend too. Even i love OST'S which makes us cry with them , it was so heart touching. I personally like this drama even though i did not complete yet but i will recommended this drama to my friends for sure! Even you can also watch it ! DONT THINK , FEEL (is my fav. line in this drama). I love how Ahn seop says it.
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