This review may contain spoilers
A story about healing, moving on, forgiveness, and loving again
n.b.: Might contain what others consider as "spoiler" but is not in my opinion.-------
At first, one would assume this is a typical romantic comedy about some couple who found each other, denies being in loved, and eventually lived happily ever after. However, one will soon learn that this is a story about healing, moving on, forgiveness, and loving again.
IU, as Jang Man Weol the owner of Hotel del Luna, beautifully brought to life her character. She successfully hid her image as the world's "Queen of Pop" with her superb acting. From a very friendly, approachable, smiling IU, she totally became the bitter, easy to anger, and strict that is Jang Man Weol. As this story spans a thousand years, IU's talent in acting shone as she took on different roles and genres in one series.
One would probably also assume that Hotel del Luna was an IU show especially since she wore countless of dresses in every 1.5-hour episode, which could range from a thousand years ago to the present. I would say she probably beaten Lucy Liu in Elementary in this area, turning a series into a subtle fashion show. However, Yeo Jin Goo made this his own show as well, himself a veteran actor who have taken challenging roles, playing as Goo Chan Sung, the Hotel Manager, equalised the show between the two actors and their characters.
The music were also great. Yeo Jin Goo's and IU's acting were more than enough but with the right music at the right time, it deepened the emotional connection to the important scenes. From action to the most heart-wrenching scenes, the music made the series very memorable and touching, especially for those who are going through the same challenges in their lives.
The writers also did well. While Hotel del Luna was a hotel for ghosts/spirits, nothing was too scary, I wouldn't even categorised this show as "horror". In each episode, they touched on different subjects about death, murder, accidents, forgiveness, and separation with the people we love, that longing desire to be with them even after life has ended. They carefully guided the show to not turn into "horror"--which amateur writers would've fallen into and throw the story everywhere--by always bringing in the light-hearted comedy of Yeo Jin Goo and IU.
Finally, the overall story of healing, moving on, forgiveness, and loving again was told perfectly in 16 episodes averaging 1 hour and 20 minutes each. This was very eye-opening for those of us who were recently deeply broken, those of us who are denying we have lingering bitterness in our hearts, those of us who are finding it hard to forgive and move on. Goo Chan Sung and Jang Man Wol showed us how and why we should heal, move on, forgive, and love again. Goo Chan Sung demonstrated to us how we should let someone heal first before entering into a relationship with them, how we can be the support they need and not give in to their every demands just because they were deeply hurt. While Jang Man Wol told us how bitterness and an unforgiving heart can lead one to live a sad, unfulfilling, pointless life, and how we can once again love by healing ourselves first.
Thank you to the whole team for bringing us an amazing production and a great meaningful story.
If there will ever be a "Hotel Blue Moon", I hope that it will tell meaningful stories as with Hotel del Luna, and that the sequel wouldn't fall into "just another entertainment show"--a common pitfall with sequels.
Hotel del Luna: 100 out of 10 stars!
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This drama has so many lessons about life, death, revenge, love, hate and forgiveness that really touched me. In my opinion the plot and the story line were very good and the characters evolution throughout the drama was amazing, both main and secondary characters.
Also, I never saw a drama with IU before and I loved her! Her acting is fantastic. The romance between the main leads is very cute and I really liked their chemistry.
The OST is an important part of the drama and Hotel del Luna’s OST is a masterpiece, the musics are really good and they just fit perfectly in every moments.
They made me laugh, made me cry, and now I miss them very much!
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IU was perfectly casted as Jang Man Wol and this was the first drama I have seen her in anything. I read that My Ahjussi was a complicated-torn character for her to play, so I was surprised that the directors and screenwriters only wanted her to play this very sassy and bratty role, which she executed perfectly. Yeo Jin Goo was fantastic in his role as Gu Chan Sung, but I admit that his character wasn't given enough depth and spectrum to be explored and expanded, other than the fact that he's the most perfect guy for Man Wol to finally break free from her centuries-old anger and need for revenge. But then I wasn't really a stickler for this since whatever of Chan Sung's thrown on my face, I don't really find the lack of it take anything much from the main story. Lee Do Hyun who played Man Wol's ex-lover was fantastic as well, and his eyes really express a lot. This is a rookie actor with so much potential to make it big!
As for the BGM, everyone knows that the whole playlist of this drama is so well done and very delicately crafted. My favourites are the songs by Paul Kim and Punch (Done for Me).
Rewatch value is very high because of all the beautiful details and scenes that make this drama so enjoyable to watch.
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BEST OF HONG SISTERS!!! RECOMMENDED TO EVERYONE IF YOU WANT A GOOD LAUGH AND A GOOD CRY!!!
I've been a huge fan of Hong sisters' dramas and they never disappoint me. First time I heard about their comeback and the casting, i thought I shouldnt miss it. YEO JIN GOO omaygashhh I jus cant move on. He had such a charming character that made girls fall in love with him even more (fight me if I'm wrong). And IU was hilarious despite her bitchy character. I loved her makeup and dresses, she jus always looked so stunning. I cant think of any actress who can fit this character other than IU. You wouldnt want to miss the side stories too, how they were so attached to each other in the end makes me so attached to them too. T.T so hard to say goodbye to this dramaaa!!
I saw a lot of comments that say that this drama was so unrealistic that they couldnt finish it. I'm actually one of those ppl who's not into fantasy and stops watching a drama if it gets cringy, but this drama never made me feel that way. If you start this drama and dont finish it, youre missing one big of a treasure. The story indeed was unrealistic, cmoooonn its fantasy, but look at how every character actually pulled off their roles adn also the life lessons(love, friendship, family etc..) Each of them broke my heart with their stories. (there you gooo, im getting tearyyy lol). I love all of them so much!
After I watched the last episode, I jus really had to share it with my friends and make them watch it. XD and so I'm sharing it here as well cuz I want everyone to watch it. A masterpiece ladies and gentlemen! Also the acting was 100/100!!
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Story:
We are set off with Jang Man Wol's story and the beginnning of the existence of the Moon Guest House but are however left as to why this occurs. Later on we are presented with Goo Chan Sung, the child, who because of his father, is tied to Hotel del Luna for the rest of his life. Throughout the development between both characters' relationship, we come across the lighthearted yet somewhat sentimental stories of the ghost guests, building a sense that ghosts are nothing to be afraid of as they were also humans who had died, often leaving regrets behind. The hotel features Mr. Kim (the bartender), a funny and down-to-Earth man, Mrs. Choi (rooms manager) a heartwarming and rational woman and last but not least Ji Hyun Joong (hotel receptionist) an adorable and sentimental guy. You get to know each character and sympathise with their background story and why they hold grudges that make them unable to go to the afterlife. Jang Man Wol's past is shown and built up throughout the entire drama and each time an episode ends it leaves you on a cliffhanger wanting more. I have to say that it would have been nicer if the way she had confronter her grudge/regret would done her past justice. Personally the story that got to me the most was Ji Hyun Joong's.
Acting/Cast:
From the main cast to the cameos, everyone's acting was exceptionally impressing and captivating. After 'My Mister' Lee Ji Eun proved that her acting skills were not simply those of a singer, but could instead be compared to great actor's and actresses'. She perfectly delivers Jang Man Wol's character with all the conflicting memories and emotions she carries. It was my first time seeing Yeo Jin Goo in a drama and I can safely say that I could tell this man had been in the game for a couple of years. Only then I found out that he is 22 years old, which blew my mind completely. He depicts Goo Chan Sung's composed and disciplined character but also manages to make you laugh due to his innocence. I have to add that there was this particular scene in which he broke down into tears; completely heart-wrenching and made me cry like a baby. All the other actors and actresses impressed me beyong expectations, whether I had seen them before or I was seeing them for the first time.
Cinematography/Styling:
I think it's particularly important to point out how amazing the production, camera work and editing was. I was in awe with every single setting and didn't realise how much a particular background or colour scheme could bring out emotions until I saw Hotel Del Luna. Of course, Jang Man Wol's outfits/style was the talk of the town. You could probably count up to 10 outfits and hairstyles in each episode and they were all absolutely beautiful and mood-fitting. So a really big round of applause to all the crew because they really did a great job.
Music:
I don't think I had seen such a powerful OST lineup in a really long time. Not only does the music accompany the scene but in fact makes the scene, it intensified it to an extent beyond imaginable. My personal favourites were All about you (그대라는 시) by Taeyeon and Done For Me by Punch, the latter being absolutely heart-wrenching with that heavy instrumental part in it.
Rewatch value:
I would probably watch this drama again now that it's complete because, believe me, it was a pain to watch it whilst it was airing. Watching all the episodes at once will definitely allow me to maintain the same mood throughout the drama and I will probably enjoy it even more. (I do have to say that sometimes the 1h 30min episodes tired me out a bit and seemed unnecessary long).
In conclusion, would I recommend watching this drama? YES. Nothing else to say, just watch it.
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This review may contain spoilers
After a full day and a half, I've made my mind about Hotel Del Luna's rating... It's an 8. Let's make no mistake, this series is good and will most likely be the best drama this year. A complete blueprint of what a fantasy drama should be, full of romance and mystery and world building which excels very much in that regard.
However there were times when I personally thought nothing was happening in the story especially in the middle parts of episodes and would often fast forward to the points where the characters I cared about actually moved their arcs forward, it reminds me of formulaic storytelling were a villain of the week or monster of the week or in this case, ghost of the week happens and all the main characters have to untangle and solve. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this format but in a digital world where we can skip ahead, it kinda takes away from the traditional raw emotions meant to happen.
The series had phenomenal acting and it's star IU continues to shine throughout. YJG also holds his own with what he's given. It's beautifully shot with every frame seemingly from a movie. The soundtrack is ok. Not as memorable as other dramas have had.
Basically this is Goblin-lite with the roles reversed and the actions reversed. You had 900+ year old Goblin waiting for his bride to take the sword out of his heart and end his existence only to end up, falling in love, dying and staying to eventually see the bride of his life move on without him. Here, you have poor weak and naive Gu, the human hotelier falling in love with someone knowing full well the only way she could truly move on is if she left him and he does whats best for her, sacrificing his happiness for hers, sending his last guest off but the key points in both cases are the memories left behind, both leads didn't want to lose the memories and that to me is the most painful thing.
Being reminded everyday for the rest of your life of what truly made you happy and not being able to re-live it or in this case remember it, was never truly an option for our male leads. So they will continue on, living without the other that made them happy. A love like that goes beyond time and existence. It shines eternally without waver and without valour.
Gu becomes the tiger in the painting, looking at a time now lost but a time remembered.
It's not all roses however, there are flaws. I do think Gu's backstory is notoriously weak, almost Mary Sue like. The late reveal at the finale seems like a cop-out for not having any relation prior. I do think if you were rooting for the second lead, you got cheated tremendously. All that build up for not but even more noticeable was in the last few episodes you didn't really see any kisses, just a lot of lingering hugs.
I interpret the ending as its shown. Gu, never taking the meds continues to live his normal life, outside of Korea. Eventually when he does pass on, he sits at a bench and meets Man Wol again in a brand new life but their actual conversation doesn't necessarily mean they just met. Maybe they're already together in that life so happier ending but sad loves are always more memorable.
The supporting cast also had it's moments as well. They had to have more scenes because we'd get bored of the main couple by the fourth episode. It was very much an ensemble and group effort to make this series enjoyable as it was.
I do think as time goes by, this will be remembered as one of the greats. Up there with BBF, YWCFTS, DOTS and Goblin and rightfully so. Also wouldn't it be something if Kim So Hyun's first manager at the Blue Moon was Jun Ji Hyun... :)
And here I thought the hotel industry was boring.
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This review may contain spoilers
Highly recommended unhappy ending
This one's really great! The story was very perfect and they made an absolutely fabulous story on this drama. The fantasy were really exciting. The whole story will turn within your curiosity. It may be sad to think it's not a happy ending for the lead roles after female lead leaving the male lead hoping to meet her someday in the after death. And the set of casts added the amazing art on it. Everyone showed the audience and proven themselves they deserved to be part of the series. They perfectly portrayed every role assigned to each stars and did the best they can have to be their character. It's a two thumbs up for me for IU who played the lead female character. And if you go and listen to the drama series' soundtracks, you will be amazed! Every title will surely blow you away. Very heartfelt and thrilling music that will touch your soul. Everything seemed perfect and awesome. Re-watch is not bad.Was this review helpful to you?
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Incredible
Hotel del Luna....An incredibly good drama. First of all I have to admit that I canceled the series before, wrongly noticed. I'm actually the kind of person who doesn't cry on series or movies, but this series moves even the strongest of people to tears.
The Production of Hotel Del Luna is from another planet. Every single scene was a success and the actors were great. I was surprised to see IU in the role of Jang Man Wol because I didn't know she was in the drama, but as expected she was great.
The whole story is well thought out and very interesting, even if the episodes last for over an hour. The production, as already mentioned, is just breathtaking. From the different locations to the scenes, everything was just perfect.
I really like the music who was played a lot during the drama, it was something special.
The places where the story was played were very well chosen, as were the clothes/costumes.
Jang Man Wol and Goo Chan Sung's relationship is downright sweet, even if there have been ups and downs.
The last episode was just very sad, as the people slowly but surely disappeared into the tunnel and the relatives mourned ...
For me the best thing were the flashbacks because you lernt so much about the people during these.
So please give the drama a try, you won't regret it.
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This review may contain spoilers
All Things Must Pass
There is one constant in the universe: Everything changes. Nothing stays the same. All “Goodbyes” are temporary. Shakespeare may have said it best: All the world’s a stage and all the men and women are merely players. They each have many entrances and exits, and one man in his time plays many parts.Hotel Del Luna is an extraordinary series about the high price of holding onto grievances, unfinished business, resentments, guilt, and grudges. They create a heavy burden; a weight that must be released. The pivotal theme of this series is “letting go.” Surrender may be one of the most fearful things you’ll ever do, and yet, it’s also so incredibly simple. The fear of letting go is that we lose that which we most care about. The irony of letting go is the realization that we never lost anything to begin with! It’s always been there and always will be.
Hotel Del Luna is a hotel for the dead; the dead who aren’t quite ready to move on due to the reasons listed above. It becomes a bit of a staging area, and the irony is that the guest determines how long their stay will be based on when they are willing to let go of the past. Such is the power of forgiveness. There is only ever one person you need to forgive: yourself. Let go.
Jang Man Wol is the illustrious owner of the Hotel Del Luna. She’s been the owner for 1300 years. What binds her to the hotel is her own deep-seeded hatred and grudges from the past. Rather than face and deal with those things, she chooses distractions (like most people in life do!). She is a woman of opulence who is always looking for something to buy, whether it be expensive cars, clothes, jewelry, or even just money itself. She’s a bit of a con artist who is able to trade various services with her guests for monetary payments. She’s selfish, greedy, and someone who cares little for anyone’s happiness except for her own self-indulgence.
Enter Goo Chan Sung, a young hotelier who has been recruited by Jang Man Wol to be the new “human” manager. Of course, he’s initially reluctant, but he quickly sees the value in the hotel. And more importantly, he helps Jang Man Wol to treat people with respect as well as give her a glimmer into a life she could have if she were able to simply let go of her anger and hatred. Goo Chan Sung represents all that is decent and ethical in people. He chastises Jang Man Wol for her greed and treating guests little more than bank accounts, and he’s never afraid to do so. He speaks his mind, no matter how much the honesty might upset Jang Man Wol. What starts out as a very rocky business relationship, soon turns into one of both necessity and love.
Of course, nothing is quite as it seems, which is indicative of some of the best K-Dramas. We get to know the staff and how each of them has a past that must be faced and let go. They are all likeable, but one can see that there’s something sad about each of them. And why wouldn’t there be? There are fewer things sadder than a soul who is determined to remain earthbound because they are unable to let go of their attachments and their past.
Jang Man Wol is unique in that she is neither living nor dead. It’s as if she has a foot in both worlds. And with that, she has special abilities that help her deal with some of the nastier spirits and protect Goo Chan Sung as well, since he is human and has no true defenses against the dead.
One of my favorite characters is Ma Go Shin, who is a deity who represents the various aspects of the Divine. Some are somewhat cold and methodical. Others are gay and delightful. Each one shows up when it’s most necessary. While she imparts wisdom, she also understands that even she cannot interfere in the freedom of choice. Each soul must make his/her own choices with the understanding that there are always consequences. Seo Yi Sook did a masterful job with these “multiple” roles!
The visuals and cinematography are astounding in this series with vibrant, crisp colors that seem almost ethereal and other-worldly. Hotel Del Luna looms into the sky like a monstrous Taj Mahal that endeavors to touch the sky. And yet, these visuals do not detract in any way from the story or characters. As with so many well-made K-Dramas, the plot and characters are never sacrificed for spectacle.
There are many hilarious moments as well as many tearful and heart wrenching ones. Koreans are masters of never revealing everything all at once. This enables them to go back and fill in the missing pieces that make the story work. This is often done at the perspective of the character or characters which explains their behavior until they’re given “the whole picture.” In short, nothing is ever as it seems! And this keeps the viewer on their toes!
If I have one minor complaint about the series, it’s the chemistry—or lack of it—from IU and Yeo Jin Goo. There’s warmth and respect there, but it rarely strays into love or romance. You just don’t quite feel it from these two. I understand that IU is trying to depict Jang Man Wol as a cold, selfish woman, but chemistry is absolutely vital to this kind of a story. As many actors have stated: you either have chemistry or you don’t. It’s nearly impossible to manufacture. We see tears and a lot of emotion, but I was waiting to feel that angst; that despair of a love that must be let go. However, as I said, this is a minor issue that, fortunately, never really distracts or takes away from the story. It simply would have served the series better if the two leads had had some kind of chemistry which is why it's imperative that casting directors do their due diligence.
“Missing: The Other Side” is still my favorite “after life” series from Korea. This one’s pretty close. It starts at a slow burn and gradually starts moving. This isn’t a bad thing though as there is ample time to understand and get to know this intriguing, mystical world.
The series’ strength lies in its thematic elements of letting go of the past and releasing those resentments and grudges. I’m not sure many people understand or fully realize how important this is. Life is a process of letting go. If you dare to hold onto anything, it’s a lost cause because it’s ultimately doomed to failure which brings nothing but heartache and resentment. Knowing that all things pass away is a blessing. Why? Because nothing is lost, and you will eventually share “the stage” once more with those who have always been there but are simply playing a different role with a different face. How do you know this? Because they are with you now.
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What's awesome it that the main leads embody the traits of the opposite gender.
The female lead is a warrior, a leader stuck in time and hating it. She's strong, capable and money-hungry... SHE CRAY.
The male lead is kind, warm-hearted and a do-gooder... HE'S ADORABLE.
In this drama, the woman comes to the rescue of the man... AND HE LOVES IT.
It's worth watching just to see the gender swap and the beautiful relationship between the main characters unfold.
The OST is one of the best EVER. I mean, Taeyeon, Heize, Chung Ha and Gummy?!
Also; IU's wardrobe is to die for.
I rated high on rewatch value because I've already rewatched all episodes :)
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Fantastic story line, beautiful cinematography, great acting, amazing casts, full of emotions, and BEST SOUNDTRACKS EVER. Everything just fits perfectly and I couldn't stop sobbing at the last few episodes. But that ending was perfect ESPECIALLY the last 60 secs cameo of the new hotel owner!!
Props to all involved in this drama. Not sure if I'll rewatch since this is a very emotional and long drama BUT I'll keep it in my heart ????
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There is no main characters other than the leads of course being Lee Ji Eun and Yeo Jin Goo, but many of the side characters is what made the drama shine as well. However, I would suggest reading the plot to see if you are interested and give a tried because base on the plot it seem to be a typical Korean drama that has been done, but this one is different and you won't regret it. There are 16 episodes and each episode there is a meaningful story and guest cameo is well.
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