This review may contain spoilers
HONESTLY....
Let's be real. This drama wasn't perfect. In fact, it was far from it. But I don't think it deserves to be hated just because it's "mainstream" or "too many people watch it" and my personal favorite, "just because of those dang dimples" . If you didn't like it, or some parts of it, at least state some actual reasons as to WHY. So here's my take on it:Negatives:
Firstly, that summary really doesn't prepare you for what's in store when you start watching, so I felt kind of deceived. By reading the summary, it makes it seem that Hye Jin is the character we need to watch out for, or focus on but actually it's not. Well, it was based on a movie called "Mr. Hong" which never really occurred to me, so I guess I should have expected that.
Second, there were so many events/conflicts that were introduced, but in the end became so disjointed from the main plot. Some of these had so much potential but they weren't utilized well, and it just pushed back the main plot up to the last 3/4 episodes. They became scattered fragments of a story that were left forgotten, strewn all around the main plot. I've seen this pattern in some dramas before, and I must say I always get disappointed when it happens, ESPECIALLY when the first few episodes were so darn good.
And third, with the same train of thought as the paragraph before this, I felt like we were just fed good moments, fluff, cute bickering, interesting plot and main conflicts, during the first half of the drama, just to make us stay. Just to please us with fanservice and the typical plot lines that makes fans squeal in delight, without actually progressing the story. Just giving us small glimpses every now and then, but it just kept getting pushed back.
Well, these were my reasons as to why I couldn't give it a perfect 10. But still, I do believe that it doesn't deserve anything less than a 7, at the least.
Positives:
Honestly, Hye Jin is probably my favorite FL so far. She was fairly consistent throughout. She showed growth as an individual, but managed to retain her morals, her beliefs, and her personality, despite being in an environment that may have shamed and disliked it at first. She knows what she wants, and she does what she needs to do to get it. She's unapologetic with her taste and her interests, which is so empowering as a woman. Definitely my favorite character (after I-jun of course 😉)
Speaking of I-jun, I honestly LOVED the side characters and the cast!!! They played the characters so well, special shout out to I-jun and Cho Hui!!! Both characters were so well thought out and well played, and even though they didn't have as much screen time as the others, every time they were on screen my eyes were glued to them. So good! The side characters all had their moments to shine, and I really loved learning about them. Though I do admit that their stories took up so much time, which I believe caused the main plot to be pushed to the side. Still, I really do love the chemistry of all the characters.
***this is where the SPOILER is***
Third, I absolutely LOVE the fact that they made Chief Hong a normal human being. I'm glad that they didn't make him some kind of prodigy in engineering or mathematics (w/c was what I was expecting, tbh), or some kind of unexplainably lucky man that suddenly rose to power. As he said, he was just a normal person with a desk job. I love it. I love how realistic that part is. He was just a guy who studied engineering, but got an unrelated job because of a sunbae who helped him out. Honestly, it happens to the most of us, and this is just one tiny detail but IDK man, I really appreciated that.
So okay, this drama isn't perfect at all. It has plot holes, missed opportunities, it overused the leads' chemistry, and it pushed the main plot to the side at some point. But wow it was fun to watch! Sometimes when I have absolutely nothing to do, I remember some cute and funny scenes and I would immediately come back to watch it again. It's gives you a warm feeling and I'm really going to miss that warmth every weekend. La la lalala lalalala~
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The Most Refreshing Rom-Com of 2021
Before the release of Hometown Cha Cha Cha, we watched K-Dramas such as Penthouse, Nevertheless, etc., and this was such a refreshing break from the genres that were airing. It's reminiscent of the old 2015-2018 rom-coms I watched and dearly loved, but instead of teenagers, they're actually adults (34F and 35M) which I am so thankful for. The main couple has great chemistry with one another and I can't help feel like a teenage girl squealing at every scene with the both of them together. I love the city girl and country boy trope too, so I already love them together. Plot-wise, as of now, the pacing is great. Music-wise, the intro is also refreshing. I can't help but keep using the word refreshing in this review, but that's what this drama is. I'll return and update the drama after it ends, but so far, it's one of my favorites.Was this review helpful to you?
A really heart warming story uwu
I had watched the movie before so this drama is actually a modified version of the movie. To be honest, the drama is much much better than the movie.The movie didn't have this much of story-telling and I felt there were a few scenes where I couldn't understand the reason or plot behind it.....but the drama was really amazing, the grandmas were so cute and the child actors did such a brilliant job!! And the main characters were relatable too and the story telling and set-up was smooth and amazing. Kim Seon Ho as good as always...osts were also pretty good...the dimple couple really melted my heart......overall definitely a recommendable drama <3.Was this review helpful to you?
Wholesome
This is one of those KDramas that is light and easy to watch. It doesn't leave you feeling like you just got off of an emotional rollercoaster, instead, it leaves you feeling happy, interested, and excited for the next episode. It has a very wholesome feel to it that makes it sort of addicting. I highly recommend it! definitely good for first-timers! It is easy to get into the story and feel attached to the characters. The acting is good but the music choice isn't my favorite, unfortunately, I feel like they could have done better here. (Sorry)I just didn't care for the intro/outro much.Was this review helpful to you?
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Healing story that makes your heart mealt
This show is absolutely amazing. I only started watching it because of Kim seon oh, since I really enjoyed his performance in Start up, but from the first five minutes I was hooked. As someone who often feels lost in life, I can assure you this drama does a great job in portraying the feeling of starting over, of making mistakes, accepting them and trying to be better. It gives you hope, and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. The main leads are incredible, their chemistry is over the top and the dynamic between the two of them feels very real and healthy from the start. The villagers are also one of the things that make this drama so special, they're really a big family who support each other through everything, and they also add a lot of comic relief. I haven't finished the series, I'll make a better review once I do but, for now, the only thing I can say is, if you're feeling down, if you need a spark of warmth and happiness in your life, please give this drama a shot, it will be your cure.Was this review helpful to you?
Overrated & Boring (Not bad, but not great either)
I had high expectations for this drama, but it was too slow and boring for me.Although I really liked the ML, the story is not rich enough to be interesting. The characters and conversations don't have the depth they need.
In my opinion, this is just an OK show. I found myself skipping over many scenes of the many other side characters whom I wasn't interested in.
Halfway through I was literally counting the episodes as I couldn't wait for it all to be over.
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A warm, healing slice of life drama
After draining my mind and heart with Squid games and One and Only, I just need something warm, a slice of life drama, so I’m checking out ”Hometown Cha Cha Cha”. Because of ML’s recent scandal, I couldn’t bring myself to complete the last two episodes of the drama, but I think it’s still fair enough to wrap up the review.The script is nothing new. It is a story of Oh Hye Jin, an uptown girl with a promising professional career in Seoul, but had to move to remote seashore area in Gongjin to start her new life. There she met Hong Du Shik, an unemployed man, but kind and skillful, is willing to do any kind of job to help out the people in the village. He also had his hidden past and is trying to move on and live his simple life.
Oh Hye Jin is nice, but also cold toward people. She is straightforward, calculative and practical. She has a sense of upholding justice and does not sweet talk or sugarcoat. And because of that, there was some misunderstanding and she did not leave good impression on people.
However, with the help of Du Shik, people in town started to recognize the different warm side of Hye Jin, and she got to learn to open herself, understand that “life is not always fair to all people and thus everyone has his own stories and difficult time”.
When watching Hometown Cha Cha Cha, it reminds me of my hometown where both definitely has cultural similarity. People in town know each other. They gather together to eat, cook and gossip, but at the same time they help each other to overcome life challenging.
Aside from our main leads, the story also emphasize on side characters. Their daily stories and challenging they emphasize were truly reflecting realities that one may see them through their characters. We learn to appreciate our partners, to nurture parents-children relationship, to have good parenting and understanding our future generations.
I especially love our side couples Mi-Seon and Eun-Chul. Their cute interaction and confession always make me laugh and giggle.
Mi-Seon and Hye Jin friendship is truly golden, and that is one that everyone could wish for.
Overall it is a good slice of life drama though there are some clingy moment, and the music is just okay.
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COMPLETE romance ? ? with no open endings
I literally cannot think of one thing that I didn't like about the drama. I love the complete ending and how there was no dumb open ending. I love how there was no unnecessary breakups. I love how they gave everybody in the crew their own story but it didn't overshadow the main characters and they only gave them a little bit so it's not like a full episode. I loved the overall message of hope and beauty and how it taught you not to only look for CEOs as your man. It was down-to-earth, it felt real and relatable. It felt like you were in the small town in South Korea. It was so cute.I just really liked the way the writers went about this. I gave it and I 9.5 Because I feel like it's still not perfectly complete with the whole package exactly like I wanted. But it's still so good. I really love this and recommended it 10 out of 10.
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This review may contain spoilers
Under the same sea and sky.
“Sometimes, our pain is so private. And no one knows but you how painful it can be, you know? Not even your family. “ That’s how i’ve decided to start writing this review. To the person who’s reading this right now, i must tell you that this drama will make you feel like you are actually watching “real” life instead of a drama. Why? Because this drama is extremely realistic. Obviously if you excuse the non realistic parts that not even in real life can happen. This drama talks about loneliness, about dealing with your pain after losing someone you loved, it talks about grieving and how you should feel about that, it teaches you about how hard is to be a solo parent, and how lovely it’s to live alone but surrounded by a lots of people. It talks about first loves and soulmates.For me there a lot of things that i could write about but english isn’t my first language so i’ll stay with the basics. “Look around yourself closely and you’ll realize that you’re surrounded by many precious things.”
It’s not your fault, it’s your right to feel sad and mad, but you can’t change the future or the past and even the present isn’t predictable.
Last but not least “and when we meet again, let’s go fishing”.
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This review may contain spoilers
An enjoyable beachside romance
This drama is not overrated in the slightest.I’m not one for romantic comedies especially in a small town setting but this one has a special place in my heart. I’ll share about what was really enjoyable for me and what I felt could’ve been better.
- CHIEF HONG
Every episode was interesting for me and the humour was OUT OF THIS WORLD. No seriously, shut up I’ve never laughed so hard my entire life. I loved, loved and LOVED chief hong’s character. The way he managed everything in the small town and had so many official licenses. He was so cheerful and charming that I couldn’t help but adore him even if I personally am not a fan of Kim Seon Ho. His character had so much substance and humour. Plus, his interactions with grandmother was so touching and tear jerking. When he piggybacked her and that boyish laugh he let out…God, I was done for. When I learnt about his past and what he had gone through in Seoul, it was the only time I ever cried with a character. His backstory wasn’t what moved me but more of the way he finally let out his bottled up emotions and dropped the act. Goes to show that behind every smile, there really is something more.
- THE VILLAGERS
Every form of entertainment came from them. The three grandmothers, Bora and her family, the divorced couple with their son. All of them made a lasting impression with their funny interactions and bittersweet moments. Personally, I liked the little boy whose name I can’t seem to recall the most. He was so mature for his age and when he cried, it really stuck with me.
- THE PLOT
There wasn’t a lot of drama because this was a lighthearted watch and the events that took place were quite trivial, with occasional conflicts here and there getting resolved fast. It wasn’t entirely based on the main lead’s romance because most of their interactions were centred around things happening in the town. The main “plot twist” or “climax” was really discovering about Chief Hong’s tragic backstory. Other than that, everything was enjoyable and realistic.
- THE FEMALE LEAD
Yes. I understand that in the end, there was character development but her personality thoroughly annoyed me even until the very end. She wasn’t excessive or anything but her disdain towards her was very apparent and I didn’t like how she had to rely on Chief Hong to save her ass. BUT what I did like was how realistic and refreshing her character was at the same time. Sounds contradictory but hear me out. Despite how difficult the dentist was at first and how rude she was to her neighbours, I couldn’t help but relate to her in some ways and find bits of myself in her reactions. I liked how honest and upfront she was about her feelings but yet, she also felt apologetic when she knew she was in the wrong. Her character isn’t perfect or ideal to say the least but that’s the part that moved me the most.
- THE TEMPORARY LOVE TRIANGLE
It wasn’t much of a love triangle but rather a history between the dentist and her ex classmate who after so long, still pined for her but respectfully did so. It was an unrequited love and a matter of bad timing and I do like how unlike some typical seconds leads who spend their entire lives in a one-sides love, this man got a decent ending of his own. It wasn’t rushed or anything but a slow matter of healing from his first love and embracing a new one. It felt natural and refreshing.
I’ll now be moving on to the parts which I personally didn’t like but didn’t find unbearable to watch.
- THE (CRINGE) PARTS
My cringe tolerance is very, very low so rest assured it’s probably won’t be cringe for you. Just throwing this out there. I was up to my neck when they took pictures in school uniforms and the female lead was constantly whining or shrieking in ways that…bothered me. Some parts were okay, quite sweet but it felt overdone a little. I won’t say much but yes, that is my take on the romance and if you enjoyed it, don’t let my opinion spoil your enjoyment :)
- THE GRANDMA DID NOT NEED TO PASS AWAY
Yes. There was already enough going on what with Chief’s Hong past getting revealed and his backstory. I was praying hard that the grandma would not die when she said those sad things before sleeping and it broke me when she didn’t wake up the next morning. I felt it would’ve been better if she had at least seen Chief Hong come out of his house before she passed on because the last time she went to visit him was to leave him corn on his doorstep .
Overall, this was a lighthearted drama with hilarious scenes and a perfect beachside romance. It’s something like crash landing on you with the village camaraderie and all but very different in a way. A must-watch if you’re an emotional person!
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A drama full of life lessons
The drama in general is already perfect in every aspects so i wont discuss much about acting, plot, ost etc.What made this drama stand out is the life lessons the writer and director managed to incorporate. The drama was highly anticipated because of the leads but as the drama progressed it was no longer just about chemistry and typical romcom that we watch to free ourselves from stress. It has become the light and reflection of our past our present and our future. When i watched this drama it had me thinking of the life choices i made. It is very rare for a drama to bring an impact on viewers and having read alot of comments im not the only one. Im so proud to the whole production of this drama. I wish nothing more but for more dramas like this.
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Fantastic drama!
For me it is an amazing drama!The strory was truly wonderful and so many unexpected things happened. Sometimes you felt happiness other times it was a bit of a sadness but it really gave you a feeling of reality and it's ups and downs. It really was something!
Music was blending perfectly with story fitting into every action. I think it was one of the best of all dramas I have watched. Actors were amazing and I think they were really good at playing people in village. Because of high complexity of story I think a lot of people could relate to certain parts of it and in addition it had quite a lot of comforting parts.
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