A Piece of Your Mind: A Gentle Symphony of Love, Loss, and AI
First things first, can we take a moment to appreciate Jung Hae-in? This guy is seriously becoming the king of soft, thoughtful male leads, and I am here for it! In this drama, he plays Moon Ha-won, a brilliant AI programmer with a heart of gold and a past full of unrequited love. Watching him navigate his emotions while trying to create an AI that understands human feelings? Pure poetry, I tell you!And then we have Chae Soo-bin as Han Seo-woo, a classical music recording engineer with her own share of emotional baggage. Her character is like a breath of fresh air – quirky, resilient, and so relatable. The way she slowly brings Ha-won out of his shell had me cheering from my couch!
Now, let's talk about the pace. If you're looking for high-octane drama and plot twists every five minutes, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you're in the mood for a slow-burn romance that feels like a warm hug on a cold day, buckle up! The show takes its time to develop the characters and their relationships, and trust me, it's worth every minute.
One thing that really stood out to me was how the drama weaves together themes of artificial intelligence, music, and human emotions. It's like a beautiful symphony where each element plays its part to create something truly magical. The way they use classical music to underscore emotional moments? Chef's kiss
But what really got me was the exploration of grief, healing, and the power of human connection. Without giving too much away, there's a storyline involving a character's lost love that had me reaching for the tissues. It's handled with such care and sensitivity that you can't help but be moved. And let me tell you, even if I watch it for the nth time, I'm gonna cry. Every. Single. Time. It's that powerful and touching!
The cinematography deserves a special shout-out too. Every frame looks like a piece of art, from the cozy interiors to the stunning Norwegian landscapes. I swear, I spent half the show googling flights to Norway!
Is it perfect? Well, no drama is. Sometimes the AI concepts can get a bit confusing, and if you're not into slow-paced, introspective shows, you might find yourself checking your watch. But for me, these are tiny blips in what is otherwise a beautiful, thoughtful exploration of love and healing.
So, if you're in the mood for a drama that'll make you think, feel, and maybe look at the world a little differently, give "A Piece of Your Mind" a shot. It's like a warm cup of tea for your soul – comforting, soothing, and leaves you feeling just a little bit better about the world.
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A Piece of Your Mind has A Piece of My Heart
I just finished another rewatch and thought to leave a very short review for this gem.I love this drama so much.
While watching it gives me a very warm feeling. The relationship of Ha Won and Seo Woo is what I imagine an ideal relationship is like. A relationship of mutual longing, respect and reciprocation.
Some might call it slow, but for me that is how it's meant to be, a story driven by characters rather than plot. The atmospheric directing and very good music alongside that help to elevate my watching experience.
Too bad the 4 episodes were cut and always left us wondering of what could have been. But that was what it was, and as it is, the drama is perfect for me.
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This was a brilliant drama that gives its viewers a refreshing, slow paced healing session that goes through methods of grieving and caring for one another. No clichés with the love story. The lost first love is a wonderful human being who only wants to help those around her. Our two main leads, Ha Won and Seo Woo, are both struggling with loss and through the use of love and an AI box, they are allowed to work through it and all the struggles that follow. But I think the second set of leads are just as excellently done. Kang In Wook, the husband of Ji Soo, is also in terrible pain, not only after the events of the opening episodes (no spoilers) but his past that links with Ha Won. He can come off as our antagonist, at first, with his attitude and actions but he learns to open up and be free thanks to Soon Ho and his music. And if that wasn't deep enough, there is a very good side plot involving the smaller roles in a Boarding House that Seo Woo lives in. The story is very rich and well developed in all facets except maybe a few technical capabilities (but we’ll ignore those because it’s television). The use of classical music was both melancholy and soothing at the same time. Ditto the soundtrack as well.
The acting of course matches the drama story and writing; just incredible. Jung Hae In is perfect for this role and he knocks another drama out of the park with his terrific acting. An incredible smart young man who is polite but holding a tragic past and an unrequited love interest is a tough role to partake in. So many emotions need to be done in the minute ways. It’s a true nuanced performance that is complimented by a similar character played by Chae Soo Bin.
I would agree with the sentiments that this has a very dream-like feel to it. It’s hard to even say what I felt like watching this drama. I was hooked but I had this intangible feeling. It’s nice.
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So much to love, but...
I'll start by saying that if you want a slow-paced drama, this is one that has a lot going for it. My overall impressions -OST - exquisite. The music is perfect, blending the beauty of classical piano with the sadness of a cello, and some beautiful songs that flow effortlessly throughout the show. The music was excellent at pulling emotion out when the script itself wasn't able to accomplish it.
Cinematography - I think this is the most beautifully filmed K-drama that I've seen. The camera filters that give so many scenes the filmy/artsy look. The play of light and shadow was brilliant. Some very good slow motion work, and I loved how most of the show was dressed up in pastels, nothing bright and jarring, save an occasional pop from a red sweater. Him walking through the woods near his childhood home was gorgeous, and the snow scenes were amazing. So, actually, I'd have to say that most of my love for this show vacillated between the OST and the cinematography. In my mind, while I was watching, I kept saying, "pretty!"
Costuming - nothing too attention-getting here, but I had to mention the trench coat that Jung Hae In wore in ep 11 with the leather collar and accents. It was just beautiful and it conveyed power and anger in the scene that he was doing at that time.
Acting - excellent. Jung Hae In as Ha Won was very understated and had wounds from his past, though I didn't really feel sorry for him because of the reasoning (to be discussed in storyline). Chae Soo Bin as Seo Woo - she is really lovely. She has those sad eyes but a perkiness about her that is so endearing. She ran a lot in this show, and it was so cute, her running down the alleyways from place to place. The rest of the cast was very good - I loved Lee Jung Eun as Min-Jung, the grieving mother.
Chemistry - the main couple was cute together, but no off the chart chemistry. This was a "comfortable" relationship (kind of like an old pair of shoes), they spent time together, supporting one another and learning more about one another, but I didn't feel any progression of their relationship. There was one kiss.
Storyline - Overall, this was a story of healing. Healing from loss, healing from loneliness, healing from aspirations unachieved, and healing from secrets coming out too late. Each person in the story dealt with their losses in a different way, and I really liked how the writers delved into ways of healing - opening up to friendships, being brave to put yourself out there to someone you like, turning loose of old hurts. I especially loved the scenes in the boarding house, where the boarders would sit on the floor in the kitchen and drink and talk and laugh. They were each getting something special from this bonding. Again, Lee Jung Eun was wonderful as a mom that feels guilt and despair and has closed herself off from emotional contacts. Watching her open up was a treat.
SPOILERS BELOW:
Writing - here's where my problem came in. First, I'm sure others have mentioned it, but the fact that this show was shortened from 16 to 12 episodes because of low ratings is telling. There was a subtle shift in the pacing of the last couple of episodes as they tried to tie up all loose ends. Ha Won and his 10-year unrequited love for someone that went and married someone else was just pathetic (and why did she, anyway?). A lot of the scenes between Ha won and Seo Woo didn't ring true, because he'd been in love with an ideal for a decade, and then after a few conversations with Seo Woo he's moved on? Plus, I felt that Seo Woo was kind of a doormat. I know she was supposed to be understanding of his dilemma, but really, anyone in real life would say "snap out of it!" And the AI aspect was not believable and just kind of creepy. The ending was very abrupt and unsatisfying.
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Like sunlight on closed eyes
I don't know where to start, apart form the fact that this drama is extremely underrated? Maybe it's just me, but it felt like a breath of fresh air. I got mad with the characters, frustrated, sad, happy, surprised, in love. This drama made me feel things.It's true that it's a slow series, but there are moments in life where that's exactly what you need. When you want to take a break from the 'Healer' or 'Descendants of the Sun' type dramas, and just take a rest. The palette was gorgeous, the story raw, without too many turns and frills. The feelings of falling in love, acceptance, moving on, they were all so present and God, so relatable. Not to mention the leads; Jung Haein is born for such roles, and Chae Soobin was just adorable.
Watch this drama when you're a little down and in need of softness and fluff, it'll make you smile, I'm sure.
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Slow burn, more like no burn.
From my title, you might be thinking that the leads had no chemistry. And let me just quickly clarify that the leads had some of the best chemistry I've seen in a drama in a while. The gentle and sudden contact from a hand on her shoulder, or grabbing her sleeve to lead her through the dark, they showed this kind of tension throughout the show. But the thing with tension is it needs a good release to really make the tension worth while.Actually, this can be said about the whole show. So much tension for little release. The build up to what happened between KIW and KJS to make KJS so depressed was deep and kept me on my toes. I needed to know what had led them there but when I found out, I was kind of disappointed.
Also, I've said this about previous shows but I dislike when a show is trying to sell me a profound love story only to have no intimacy. Sure they had a little peck in a car finally in EP 10 but with the amount of build up that just wasn't enough. Like it doesn't have to be anything crazy but I am sure they could have replaced one of the hugs with something more.
The other thing that was disappointing to me is rude HSW was towards KIW after she found out about what happened. She kept saying how she's uncomfortable with talking about HIS WIFE because she had this high and mighty approach where she believed it was up to her to decide whether he was worthy. She had known her for a couple weeks before she passed and then talked to a device which isn't ACTUALLY her but had her personality. He was married to her for 9 years and like her for 10 years before that. And he was distraught over her death but still she just thinks she can play judge and condemn him for a childish mistake he made. This really irked me and is when the show plummeted from a 10/10 to an 8/10.
I do think the show captured emotion really well and what it is like to miss someone you love. This was done so beautifully that it makes it even more upsetting that the last few episodes went in the direction it did. I still would recommend this to someone but only if they were looking for something a little depressing and they had already watched my other recommendations.
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Quite the slow burn but a good if you’re looking for something emotional watch
The first couple episodes are definitely really slow in terms of the main characters getting together but overall it was a good watch. I really like the emotional aspect of this show and the good communication that the leads have together about each others feelings. The ending kind of didn’t hit as good in my opinion which made me disappointed a bit. I would say this is a good one time watch but not something I’d watch again.Was this review helpful to you?
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The pain & the cure
A beautiful story of helping someone heal in the way they need to, not the way you want them to. It’s both the pain & the cure.This ended up being different than I was expecting from reading the synopsis. A lot deeper & heavier than I anticipated, but I adjusted to it quickly & was drawn into their story.
The ending is rushed & I heard it’s ‘cause it was intended to have 16eps but got cut to 12 so some important things are missing BUT it’s a HEA so it’s saved from being a total waste.
The FL is an inspiring character. Though she’s had a really hard life with no real home to speak of since she was orphaned, she isn’t jaded or closed off from others. She remains an optimistic & hopeful person, believing everything happens for a reason even if she may not yet understand the “why” of it. She’s a kind & hardworking woman who finds enjoyment in her work, especially when it brings the ML into her orbit. One look & she’s smitten. The more she learns of his story, the more intrigued she becomes. Girl falls & she falls fast.
The ML, however, takes some time to allow his feelings to get involved due to past traumas. He fell in love with his childhood friend & has held a torch for her ever since, despite her getting married & cutting off contact with him (I believe at her husband’s insistence.) He’s attracted to the FL, but he doesn’t want to acknowledge it or he’ll have to face that he needs to move on & let his past go. He’s not cruel, just sort of closed off. But he slowly begins to heal & open his heart to the connection he & the FL share.
As they spend time together while working & growing closer, they find that two different halves really can make a whole. I enjoyed their interactions so much. Sometimes they made me ache at the hardships they’ve endured. Other times they made me swoon at their total loveliness together. They really are a precious couple & I wish we’d gotten more of them.
The support characters added a lot to the story. Some their stories are just…wow. I really recommend this if you’re in the mood for something not fluffy & over-the-top tropey. It has all the dynamics we love in a kdrama without being too OTT.
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-S P O I L E R S B E L O W-
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The things I always want to know…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.9 💋
- Together : ep.10 👩🏻❤️👨🏻
- BreakUp : ? 😅
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This review may contain spoilers
So many feelings
As I watched this I thought repeatedly of Roger Ebert's quote about movies being "machines that generate empathy" because that's exactly what this show was. The two leads, who are drawn into each other's lives during a period of adversity, love each other and take care of each other in such a selfless way. The warmth and tenderness of their conversations, their easy physical intimacy (there's only one quick, chaste kiss scene in the whole drama but I didn't feel deprived because of how swoony the hugging/cuddling scenes were), and their deep compatibility with each other moved me greatly. I got emotionally invested in the supporting characters as well, particularly the landlady of the FL's boarding house and the landlady's childhood friend who is also grieving a severe loss. This packs such a wallop emotionally and is so tender and thoughtful in how it treats its characters and relationships I was able to forgive the occasional bits of sloppy writing (like how the A.I. tech no sense if you think about it, or how Soon Ho was willing to betray her "uncle" to protect a sullen jerk she had known for 5 minutes). A beautiful, alternately heart wrenching and heart warming work.Was this review helpful to you?
BEST HEALING AND REAL LIFE DRAMA EVER
Perfect. Perfect. Perfect!Plot, storylines, characters, emotions, visuals, all is greatly produced.
This is like very first kdrama that I fall in love with every characters in it. From Ha Won, Seo Woo, Ji Soo, Kang In Gook, Soon Ho, they teaches us so many values of life.
I understand some would fine this drama is in slow paced, but it's the reason why the drama itself exist. To give healing to person whose watching it, to give some fluttering moments that a person like me enjoyed it so much. I love how the leads always having a matured and understanding conversations with each other. Chae Soo Bin & Jung Hae In, I gave thumbs up for their superb acting.
As well as Ji Soo, her presence are just for a while, but so impactful. Kang In Wook emotions, I totally can feel it. Soon Ho, is a very lovable character and I can relate to her whining so much hahaha.
This drama is such a perfect one. Even the OST is so perfect. I recommended listen to
"Who I strolled with". That OST touched my heart everytime I listen to it.
I am still dejected and frustrated because TVN decided to cut it short just because the rating is low. They should've think about the fans like me whose actually enjoyed the drama and wish for better ending.
Thank you, A Piece of Your Mind team. You guys are amazing!
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Special.
What I want to say about this drama, aside from that I really liked it, was that it reminded me yet again how Korea knows how to write good love stories.This was a very different drama. Different pace, and different style of storytelling. I found that it all really started coming together at episode 9. Which is very rare to see. But it came together beautiful. The story was unrushed. The ending was wonderful. They didn't go over the top, and it was just right. I highly recommend this drama, but know that going in to it, you're going to be getting something out of the ordinary.Was this review helpful to you?
Trust the process
Did it start of a little slow? yeah but after finishing it up and i have no regrets watching this serie. The actors was amazing and the main relationship was so beautifully done. I would really recommend this to anyone that just want a good kdrama but without the "chaos" many of the romcom comes with. I just loved it - i cant express much more then that.I think more people should give this serie a chance - it takes a little time but when you get there, it's sooooooo beautifully made! Was the extra actors instresting? maybe not, i could have done some scenes without them but then mainpeople made it fine.
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