This review may contain spoilers
An Incredibly Overrated Drama
The title may sound harsh but it's the truth. I tried, I tried to like this drama so much, I did. When I initially went into this drama I went in expecting it to be a high school drama where the main leads would fall in love while filming the documentary, and to be honest, how I wish that were the case. We follow the two main leads years after the events of the documentary in an attempt to make another and reconcile in the process as exes. The main leads were the most uninteresting characters I have ever seen since extraordinary you, on top of all of that the FL was also annoying as heck. As I was watching the show, every time she would come on the screen, I could not wait till the scene was over. Now while I was watching the show, I was curious if other people felt this way about her character, and a lot of people said that her character would get better later on in the show, and she did, but not a lot. Her whole deal was how childish was the male lead, while she herself was acting more childish than he was. The male lead was not that bad. He had several issues he was struggling with, but the drama for some reason has not dealt with them more in-depth as I would've liked. The whole story made no sense whatsoever, especially the main plot point which was the documentary that was supposed to feature the two main leads spending time together after years and reconnecting, but they did none of that, they had a few scenes together but mostly kept it separate which lost it's meaning. They came back together and finished the documentary around episode 12-13, so the drama had no reason to continue but they packed side plots and 2 major plot points which did nothing but to drag out the drama and overstay it's welcome like (What's wrong with secretary Kim) did. The last thing I want to touch upon is the amount of side plots the drama had. The drama had a hefty amount of side plots, which throughout the drama, barely progressed, if progressed at all. They quickly wrapped them up in the last episode, or either had major plots resolved off-screen. The main leads together at the end were a bit charming and the OST was prety good. (Yup that's the only good thing I can say about it xD) I think the drama was alright, had a lot of issues, and it's nothing we haven't seen before. But I still recommend you to watch it, even tho I think a one-time watch is pretty much enough, Maybe you like it. :)Was this review helpful to you?
Slowburn Drama's Enemies-to-Lovers Twist Leaves a Lasting Summer Romance Imprint"
The rollercoaster of emotions I experienced while immersed in this drama is beyond words. Initially, the Slowburn pace felt foreign to my preferences, yet it gradually became a source of fascination, especially with the infusion of my beloved enemies-to-lovers trope. The female lead, whom I dismissed at first, transformed into a complex character whose layers I gradually peeled back, coming to appreciate her actions and motivations.In essence, it felt like a coming-of-age drama, not just for the characters but also for my own appreciation of the narrative. Our beloved summer, portrayed so vividly on screen, transcended the confines of the show and made my own summer wonderfully memorable. The yearning for a love as profound as theirs lingered, becoming a wish to embrace the moment, relish life, and find joy in the simple yet profound experiences. The journey of the characters mirrored my own, leading me to a deeper understanding of the narrative and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of a Slowburn and the complexity of character evolution.
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MY COMFORT DRAMA EVER!!!₊˚⊹ ᰔ
I don't know how to describe this drama, I fell in love with every detail!! I can't count how many times I have re-watched this drama, every time I feel bored I will return to this drama and my life feels more colorful✧˖°.The cinematography is very beautiful, I don't understand much about color, lighting, contrast and so on but what I know is this drama feels so perfect to watch and refreshes my eyes.
The music is also very easy-listening, I even made a special playlist for all our beloved summer OSTs on my Spotify which I listen to repeatedly every day.
STORYLINE??? I swear this drama is very similar to the reality of my life, maybe that's why I feel this drama really suits me well?? HAHAH idk but I agree that getting back together with someone from the past is not a bad thing as long as we can fix previous mistakes and not make new mistakes.
Kook Yeon-Soo, many people don't like her character because she is unstable and silent treatment but I can understand her because life having to determine priorities is very difficult to live. She looks independent and strong even though she is very weak inside, every time I see her I feel like I want to be her bestfriend :(
Choi Ung, cute and pure men but in his heart and mind he also carries many burdens. He seems to really not care about life and lazy because his parents are rich BUT behind it all he is afraid of failure because he was abandoned several times by the people he loves.
The love story of two weak characters who pretend to be strong, two characters who have emotional and mental unstable is depicted perfectly, proving that flaws put together can give strength.
The development of the characters from they hating each other, becoming couple, becoming enemy again and ending up becoming love again, is told in a very complex and quite frustrating way, but that's where the beauty of this drama is.
I always recommend this drama to everyone because the world should know that there is a drama whose story is not too complicated but is very impressive─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
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On repeat
I've rewatched this an unhealthy amount. The documentary style of the show is so well executed and the color grading and editing really gives it that familiar, nostalgic feeling that makes you feel like you're truly in the story with the actors. The entire cast did a wonderful job and I could truly see the point of view of each character so clearly and that every action they took made an insane amount of sense.It takes true talent to create characters that comes alive on the screen and this show has definately captured that.
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Overrated because of the famous leads
Story started off good.. but then it's just lost it's way in between.The ML and FL are a couple who broke up long back and are facing each others after few years due to some unforeseen situation - that's where the story starts.
Now going back n forth , eventually we understand that the FL is a self centred bitch who pushes away Ung (ml) again and again as per her convenience, where Ung is an innocent boy who fells for the same girl again n again however he also failed to communicate properly due to his introvert sort of nature and loses the girl again n again.
I couldn't find anything to love in this series--
the story is just spilled all over.
The leads are cold (unpopular opinion, because the reviews are full of saying they are warm), when they bicker or face each other after years of break up I could find only awkwardness and no emotional or sexual tension which could improve the chemistry.
Huge communication gap between the leads, they just don't talk, they assume and react based on their assumptions.
Also unpopular opinion, the leads might be famous stars but I found their expressions are pathetic in this series, Ung loves the girl but his face is always looked so blank, and like he was forced to make poker face throughout the show which can actually push away any girl whether she is self centred or not.
I slept off between many episodes and dropped it many times however finished it recently.
I won't recommend it to anyone. Such an overrated drama!!!!
I couldn't give less than 1 in re-watch value but for me it's rewatch value is in negative, I shouldn't have been watched at the first place!!!!!
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The writer makes their character choose the most realistic choice in their life. And the directing just fits in my eyes and my heart, they know so well about what the viewer wants to see through their character. So, although the main love story is quite common, I enjoy it very happily. I smile after finishing each episodes.
Our Beloved Summer will stay in our heart for a long time.
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glamorized dullness
Cursory watch.Glamorized boredom, kind of dull. Waste of a great soundtrack, cozy but overproduced with insta looking cinematography and ridiculous plot elements like a graphic artist having a manager babying him (which graphic artist is so rich they have a practically live-in manager duh).
Dislike the FL actress and character. I don't get her appeal at all, which is a lethal flaw for a romance drama which centers on the development of the relationship and main characters. Love both the SL actors and characters. NJ is "the least annoying female SL ever" which seems to be the consensus, and I agree. The second lead is quietly heartbreaking in his guarded stoicism. Honestly, the drama could have been so much better with those characters more in the spotlight.
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greatest krama of the decade
Honestly theres much that can be said about this drama and trust me i could write essays about it but imma keep it simple. This is the only drama that made me come back to it 4 TIMES, thats how much i like it. Everything about it is precious for me and I keep seeing new things every time I watch it. The ost is worth memorizing, the acting and directing is so outstanding that I keep forgetting that its just a show and the one thing above all that makes me come back is the chemistry. Oh the chemistry, the actors have known each other for years and u can tell, since the first moment of them together theres tension. Anyways, if you are looking for a light but emotional (forgot to mention i cry every episode of this show) ride this is the one.Was this review helpful to you?
A good second chance love story
I'm kind of undecided whether this is a 3.5 or 4 stars (out of 5). On the one hand, this is quite a well-made character introspection narrative/drama about two people coming together and trying again. On the other hand, the middle part really drags and I wish this was 12 or (at the maximum!) 14 episodes, instead of the current 16. I stopped at around 11/12 coz of losing steam.I like that this is very character focused and really tells the stories of the two leads and the side characters. The palette is so nostalgic, like Hatsukoi and Makanai san, and the school days segment gives me the feels for Someday or One Day (I'm not over that heartbreaking ending 😭). I think the skillful use of flashbacks and character voiceover narration actually works to the show's advantage because it feels like a diary at times, and I love the glimpse into the character's inner lives.
My gripe is really the length. 16 episodes is really way too much. Where the first 8-10 episodes feel better paced in terms of introducing the characters, their motivations, angst, and their perspectives on the break-up and their lives, by episode 10-11 it feels like the show is just dragging it out. (Also Kim Ji Woon's angst is just. So. Well written!!!)
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well made story of rekindling an old flame
Our Beloved Summer - 8,5/10 kdramafirstly I am in kinda drama slump now and to even start this one I had to force myself. It was really good, but I cant say it saved me from slump.
Drama at start tends to skip between past and present timeline, but its done quite well.
This drama got really high quality story which is quite on :ordinary life side:. I mean characters backstory aint really ordinary like silver spoon, celebrity, :single parent family child etc. But happenings in this drama are modestly ordinary at least if you compare it to most kdramas.
Chemistry... yeah it was there, but again not in some passionate or cute way[was cute sometimes].
Yeah this drama will show you more of relationship based on old feelings which still lasts and some kind of spiritual solace between main leads.
plot - at high school ML and FL was part of documentary which became successful thanks their very different school social standing and personality which resulted in nonstop clashes and bickering through whole documentary. Later on they ended up as couple for five years just to go through hard break up.
Now 10 years after documentary aired it became viral again and both leads was pushed into joining new documentary about their life now. Will such sudden meet up after 5 years from break up, spark a fire between main leads again?
genre - romance, school, love/hate. second chance
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This review may contain spoilers
The Weight of Seasons
I delayed watching 'Our Beloved Summer' for nearly two years, initially dismissing it based on its trailer. At the time, I wasn't in the mood for a story about seemingly immature high schoolers entangled in trivial romances and breakups. However, watching it now, two years after its release, I realise that my earlier mindset might have prevented me from appreciating the drama’s true essence. Recently, I decided to give the trailer another look before diving into the series, and a particular detail caught my attention. Choi Ung, portrayed by Choi Woo Shik, was holding a copy of my favourite book, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being.' This unusual choice for a romcom immediately signalled that 'Our Beloved Summer' was not your typical K-drama filled with clichéd conflicts between the main characters. The screenplay ingeniously incorporates the theme of eternal return, a pivotal concept in both the book and the drama. This philosophical thread, reminiscent of themes explored in 'Past Lives'—another stellar example of Korean storytelling—suggestively weaves together notions of destiny and interconnected fates, or what some might refer to as 'yoon-myeong' or the 'red string of fate.' This creative narrative choice not only sets the drama apart but also enriches its depth, making it a profoundly unique viewing experience.
Choi Woo Shik's portrayal of Choi Ung in 'Our Beloved Summer' masterfully subverts the conventional 'low-achiever' archetype often seen in dramas. Contrary to expectations, his character isn't compensated for academic shortcomings with a boisterous or charismatic persona—attributes typically assigned to such roles to bolster their likeability. Instead, Choi Ung is depicted as quiet, pensive, and introspective. Despite his youthful immaturity, there’s a depth to his demeanour that defies the usual clichés. Although deeply loved by his adoptive parents, Ung carries the weight of knowing he was adopted after the tragic loss of his parents' biological child. This knowledge, discovered early in his childhood without his parents' awareness, instills in him a profound sense of living a 'borrowed life.' This internal conflict is eloquently captured in his reflection: 'At times, nothing is the best you can do when you’re living a borrowed life.'
This sense of indebtedness and the fear of being inherently 'worthless' manifest in his aimlessness and aloof demeanour, despite the introspective qualities suggested by his eclectic book choices. Ung admits, 'Deep down, I was afraid that I might be a worthless person. That’s why I pretended not to know anything and that I wasn’t interested at all.' This confession reveals the layers of his internal struggle—how his academic disengagement and reserved nature are not merely personality traits but a protective facade against deeper fears of inadequacy.This thoughtful characterization not only challenges stereotypes but also adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making Choi Ung a relatable and compelling figure. His unique traits enrich the story, offering viewers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a protagonist in a youth-driven narrative.
One of the most poignant aspects of 'Our Beloved Summer' is its unflinching portrayal of poverty and its impact on personal relationships. A line from Kook Yeon Soo (Kim Da Mi) particularly resonates: 'I wish I was only poor to the point I could bear it. Please just for once.' This statement not only underscores the crushing weight of her financial struggles but also profoundly illustrates the emotional and psychological toll it takes on her. It’s a pivotal moment that clearly delineates the heartbreak and realism of her character’s journey, providing insight into the reasons behind her eventual breakup with Choi Ung. While Choi Ung is not exceptionally wealthy during college, his relative financial stability allows him the luxury of dreaming—a luxury Yeon Soo cannot afford as she is compelled to enter the workforce immediately after college, foregoing further education. This stark contrast in their circumstances breeds an inferiority complex in Yeon Soo, and understandably so. Her decision to end their relationship, driven by a fear of eventual resentment despite her love for Ung, is portrayed not as a failure on her part but as a painful act of self-preservation and practicality. Reflecting on their breakup years later, Yeon Soo labels her younger self as immature. However, from the perspective of her dire financial pressures, her choices appear both rational and sadly necessary.
The dynamic between Choi Ung and Kook Yeon Soo exemplifies a more nuanced approach to the 'enemies-to-lovers' trope. Unlike typical portrayals where stark opposites attract, their relationship is grounded in subtle yet profound similarities that make their bond both realistic and enduring. Both characters navigate their own forms of loneliness, insecurity, and a sort of premature maturity forced upon them by challenging childhoods. These shared experiences and traits—thoughtfulness, introversion, and a blend of immaturity coupled with wisdom beyond their years—forge a deep mutual understanding. This foundational connection is what makes their reunion, five years post-breakup, feel so natural and inevitable rather than forced. The concept of 'eternal return' woven throughout the drama doesn’t just recur in their fate but resonates deeply in their aligned personalities and past experiences. This thematic and emotional congruence ensures that their relationship stands the test of time, making their narrative not only compelling but also heartwarmingly authentic.
Additionally, the series delves into Kim Ji Ung's (Kim Sung Cheol's) poignant struggle with loneliness, accentuated by his unrequited love for both Yeon Soo and his emotionally distant mother. His role as a documentary producer, which compels him to observe life from behind his camera, initially appears as a safe detachment but increasingly becomes a suffocating cage. This metaphor of entrapment is profoundly illustrated when he chooses to film his dying mother—a decision intended to pave a path to reconciliation. However, this resolution doesn't evoke the sense of closure one might expect; instead, it leaves a lingering sense of sadness, as if the reconciliation is just another scene in his array of observed lives rather than a heartfelt connection. The character NJ (Roh Jeong Eui) also presents a compelling narrative, grappling with the dissonance between her public idol persona and her private identity. She finds an unexpected refuge in Choi Ung's art, which helps bridge her internal divides. Meanwhile, Yeon Soo’s evolution is equally significant. Her realisation towards the series' end, 'the only person who made my life seem pathetic was me,' marks a pivotal moment of self-acceptance. While her struggles with poverty initially isolated her, she eventually recognised the support system she always had in her friends and in Ung. This newfound acceptance and confidence enrich her character's journey, illustrating the transformative power of self-awareness and support.
'The documentary metaphor' that the series employs is especially striking, suggesting that it's the ordinary moments of our lives that compile our unique stories. This notion is beautifully encapsulated in the exchange, 'How pitiful,' 'Who?' 'Just us...us...and everyone...' It reminds us that while we may often feel trapped in the minutiae, it is these very moments that define and distinguish our lives. 'Our Beloved Summer' excels in portraying these subtle yet significant life experiences, making it a memorable and reflective drama.
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This review may contain spoilers
Pretty good, overall nicely done.
This drama turned out pretty good. It wasn't really on my radar, but it kept popping up in my feeds, so I decided to give it a watch as the general premise sounded at least somewhat alluring.Towards ep14 I was feeling like they should just wrap it up but the last 2 episodes did have some good moments.
My biggest problem with this drama was the 2nd FL, the character added barely anything to this drama. Through and through, I would class this as a drama with just one couple in mind. the 2nd FL has this whole backstory and persona built up making you feel bad about her and giving her a rich character but not actually using her for the story. You get somewhat of a 2nd lead syndrome but nothing serious like School 2015 *cough *cough. Either way any screen time she had just made me feel bad makes me want to go rewatch YAMG which keeps the main couple in focus at all times and brings 2nd FL/ML in only for short moments and doesn't develop their characters that much. Or Intense Love for that Celeb x "normal person" drama which you wish NJ could get.
The music was quite good and did bring out emotions from me so no problems with it. But when it comes to rewatch value as I stated above the interest just dwindled from ep14 and onwards. Usually rewatch dramas are the ones that keep me hooked to the end. But overall it was a enjoyable watch with a interesting story definitely worth checking out but it's not going to top any of my charts. 8/10
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