Warm, Mesmerizing love story worth watching ...
I'm already missing this beloved drama ,What a ride this show was..A unique love story worth watching. Every broken love story deserves a second chance. Our Beloved summer is one of the warm, mesmerizing, calm, beautiful drama that you will watch. This show never disappoints you from beginning to end(except 9th and 10th episode with minor flaws), some scenes are so wonderfully written that it hits hard deep inside your emotions which are so relatable to our lives.
Amazing star cast a big kudos for Choi woo shik and kim da mi for beautifully portraying their warm emotions all along. Supporting cast is also good.
Drama is very well written and directed, but has minor errors in middle.
Ost's were THE BEST in this drama.
Lastly my favorite line "Everyone has unforgettable memories from a certain year of their life .They cherish those memories so much that it lasts a lifetime"
Give it a try ,this drama is worth watching..
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An exceptional work of craftsmanship from script to casting to direction to acting
“Those who do cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” - Harvard philosophy professor George SantayanaSometimes we hear these phrases, like the one above and others, and they sound wise at first glance so we accept them as wholly and universally true. But if there is a whole and universal truth, it is much more likely that there are no whole and universal truths (except for, paradoxically, this one). “Our Beloved Summer” is a show about repeating the past - Woong and Yeon Soo having different values and backgrounds but loving each other despite them. In their past, the differences overcame them and they could not stay together.
Ironically, it was impossible for Woong and Yeon Soo not to remember their past as it was filmed in a documentary which remained popular into their adulthood. Can their familiarity with the past help them not to repeat it? That’s not really the issue though, whether for them or anyone else. Knowing the past but not recognizing how to change the present and future is useless.
The show isn’t built around the soundtrack like an idol drama, nor does it feature innovative or elaborate production design or wardrobe. But the crew for these elements were terrific. V’s “Christmas Tree” was one of many outstanding songs featured. The wardrobe for Woong in particular was stellar. And the locations where this show was shot were tops.
Woong is almost a polar opposite, on the exterior, of a typical male lead. Outwardly, he’s lazy and a coward. In the hands of a less talented actor than Choi Woo Shik, Woong could have been a disaster of a character and sunk the show. But this performance is mesmerizing and further solidifies Choi Woo Shik’s status as one of the most talented actors of any age and hailing from anywhere. That Woong is talented as an artist is made clear from early on but it is his inner emotional strength, that he will shrug off his own troubles and stand beside and lift up someone else who is suffering is where Woong really shines as a character.
If there’s a trope that “Our Beloved Summer” fails to avoid, it’s that if the two main characters had simply communicated openly and honestly with each other, they could have avoided many of their troubles. Well, hard to avoid here since the foundation of the story is that they’re separated after a five year relationship. But the show misses when it spends almost its entire first half focusing on the narrative primarily from Woong’s perspective. Yeon Soo’s inner thoughts are only momentarily illuminated until after the midpoint. The result is that she’s portrayed as an unapologetic bad guy between the two and Woong is the innocent victim. While the reality is that she did break things off, there’s much more nuance to Yeon Soo but it’s not revealed for a long stretch.
Once “Our Beloved Summer” delves further into Yeon Soo’s character, however, she comes alive as a layered character, tragically unselfaware while driven and loyal and smart. As the show proceeds, particularly in the final few episodes, Kim Da Mi’s portrayal gets better and better. She deftly alternates between lighter humorous scenes and raw emotional displays. There are probably examples of a finer pair of performances by both male and female leads in a production, but none spring to mind immediately.
The two secondary leads, unfortunately, do not leave the same impression. Kim Sung Chul and Roh Jeong Nui are both fine actors and perform admirably. The characters they play, however, are lackluster. Kim Sung Chul’s Ji Woong is an emotionally stunted friend of the main characters that is effective only briefly as a prop to move the arc forward between Woong and Yeon Soo. His own storyline is far and away the least compelling portion of the production. Meanwhile, Roh Jeong Nui’s NJ is an atypical idol with a crush on Woong. She has a brief but unnecessary subplot of her own that primarily just whets a viewer’s appetite for a return to focusing on any other part of the show.
An additional note is that “Our Beloved Summer” has one of the finest supporting cast ensembles of any show. If there is an easy layup in drama casting, it is to always, whenever possible, include Park Jin Joo as the female lead’s quirky bff. She’s as marvelous as ever here. But there’s standout performances as well from Ahn Dong Goo as Woong’s manager, Seo Jung Yeon and Park Won Sang as Woong’s parents, Jo Bok Rae as a senior television producer, Jung Kang Hee as a neighborhood hardware store owner and the sublime Kwak Dong Yeon makes several guest appearances as a fellow/rival artist to Woong.
Kim Yoon Jin nails how to handle the key emotional scenes. He lets the actors take over. The soundtrack takes a pause. There’s no moving cameras. The best example is the scene at the end of episode 11 where Yeon Soo struggles to find the words she wants to say to Woong. Technically, it is as simply presented a scene as a viewer will find. But it is an emotional powerhouse of a scene. Narratively, the show only strengthens as it nears its end. It continues to deliver humor, warmth and tenderness until its final moments.
If “Our Beloved Summer” were to be summed up in a single word, it would be warmth. We can all use more of that and so it is most highly recommended.
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This review may contain spoilers
Youth is bright and warm. Just like this drama.
Ok, I might be a bit biased about this one because Choi Woong is my ideal man so I love this drama so much (hence the perfect 10 ratings). Anyway...Ah, yes. My mind and soul left after this drama ended. All there's left was EMOTIONS. My heart feels so warm and I feel it melting every episode. It's SO good! This is a masterpiece! After 2 episodes, I knew this will be one of my favorites.
The four characters gave us such refreshing personalities and they all shared such great lessons that will surely help us. The amount of friendship, family, and love are all equally shown. It may have seem to focus on their (the main leads) relationship but there's really MORE to it.
The comforting feeling I get with every episode... I can't even explain how beautiful it is. The soundtracks fits the drama/scenes so well. Though I know Kdramas had perfected this already, I still want to say it.
I'm drunk in my emotions. My heart just feels warm and cozy. This will be one of my comfort dramas. I will be rewatching this every know and then. And I know you'll do too!
Kudos to all the casts and staffs esp to the one who wrote this amazing drama. Can't wait for the movie!
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Summer comes back better sometimes
One thing I love about Korean shows is how they display the difference in the lives of those who are rich and those who are poor - the way money restricts our ambitions and controls our choices. I really liked how that was subliminally embedded within the show and explaining how that affected things. The relationship chemistry between the two lead actors was superb and the confusion was sincere and well-constructed. So many times I watch a show where it's very obvious that the two like each other but they're too blind to see it. But in this one, the confusion is born from a lack of communication and inability to read each other, which is established early on as a fault and flaw amongst both of them. Therefore, when they kept misreading each other, I liked that.I'm quite done with Kdrama love triangles but this one wasn't too cliched and cheesy, so I can give it that. The side characters were rather well-written both in having their own motivations and how they interacted with the show's main characters.
I must talk about the music. There are a few shows which have grabbed me through their music: Hotel Del Luna, My Mister, It's Okay to Not be Okay, Because this is my First Life and now this. The OST in this is quite beautiful and I cannot emphasise this enough. I would recommend this show to everyone.
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One of the best slow burn and slice of life kdramas in recent years
This drama had been on my radar ever since they started releasing promos and teasers and I end up picking it up while it was airing. To be honest, I wasn't completely sold on the drama initially. It seemed funny but I was unable to relate to the characters a lot. This was the case till I found myself totally obsessed with it after ep 5. This drama was very light in tone for most part and while not a perfect one, for me the viewing experience was a memorable one.PLOT:
It's about a group of friends with the main couple being a bickering will-they-won't-they one. It comes with a twist because they have history together and the drama's narrative poses questions about their true feelings, intentions and scenarios. For me it was enjoyable watching the leads rediscover their feelings, or accepting the fact that the feelings never left. While few things in their history as a couple were off they did manage to mature and be better versions of themselves with each other. I really liked the direction in which we see same things from two different perspective. It's like how memories in real life are. The brain records the dominant feelings in the situation or how we were feeling but many a times we unconsciously discount the struggles other might be going through at the same time. There were some interesting aspects to Yeon Su and Woong's relationships.
I really think the strength of the drama lies in its main characters and the interactions they all have with each other. The side characters are equally strong and while they are flawed, they all had a struggle I could relate with. Being a kdrama, it doesn't shy from undertones of melodrama but thankfully nothing majorly tragic ever happens. I swear I would have rated this drama much less if that were the case.
CAST:
It's a wonderful cast with strong performances from almost everyone. Choi Woo Sik and Kim Dami made really good efforts to seem natural and comfortable with each other which I really appreciated. There were also some new faces for me who made a good impression on me and I'll be excited to check their future works also.
OST:
The OST fits the mood of the drama. No need to say that BTS V's single is already massively popular. It was cool of him to lend his voice for his Wooga squad friend after 2020's Itaewon Class. We love it.
OVERALL:
I would categorize this drama as more of a slow burn with elements of comedy, friendship and slice of life. While it has its flaws and I had minor issues with its writing in a few places, it still remains to be a strong drama that is quite worth a watch. I think anyone can enjoy it and the ending is quite fitting as well. It left me wanting S2 and I'd be up for it if they ever made a sequel to this.
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The summer you will all love!
This new kdrama is getting noticed by everyone, and all the success it's having is well deserved! Who knows, maybe it will become one of the most popular series of 2022? I wish it will.The story revolves around Choi Ung, a nationally renowned illustrator and Kook Yeon-soo, a public relations expert. Both are 29 years old, both are unhappy and both were madly in love with each other until 5 years ago... at least until they became just one another's ex. For this reason when they broke up they promised to never see each other again, but fate will not be on their side: in fact, during their last year of high school, they shot a documentary together and, after ten years, that documentary is gone viral, so much that fans ask for it to continue to see how the two protagonists are now. So the production house decides to please them. At first it will not be easy to convince Ung and Yeon to participate, but then things will start to take a different direction.
Reading the plot, you might think it's a simple love story, but I assure you that it's not! The feelings in this kdrama are transported from the screen to the viewer's heart, because they are feelings that we have all experienced at least once in our life: regret not having done something, fear of opening up to the other person. This was possible above all thanks to the skill of the two protagonists, played by Choi Woo-shik (yes, the one from “Parasite”) and Kim Da-mi (you can find her in “Itaewon Class”). They have crazy chemistry on screen, and they managed to make us poor viewers participate in their sentimental dramas too! In addition to this I feel I want to underline the beauty of the soundtrack, which made me shed many (too many) tears and the tenderness of some scenes that you absolutely must not miss, so run and see it, you will not regret it!
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choi ung, standard of all men.
(this is my first time writing a review so i am sorry if this isn't the best! don't mind any mistakes or spelling errors!)our beloved summer is a show that not everyone can touch on. a show that is realistic that many people might find it boring. many watchers are actually looking for unrealistic love that touches on clichés such as high school first love and all. but our beloved summer touches on raw emotions from former lovers that happens to break with one-side knowing all the reasons and another side that basically know none. then, they meet again and their story are tangled with each other.
how did i came across our beloved summer?
- when i saw my instagram feed full of choi wooshik and kim dami, i was like ??? at that time, i didn't had good impression on kim dami just yet because i didn't enjoy itaewon class, the drama that starred kim dami. but i did know choi wooshik from parasite. by chance, i came across some clips and decided to watch, 'the witch' and fell for them lol. so, i became excited for obs since mid-nov.
about the characters. everyone in the show is relatable which makes our beloved summer something a viewer can relate to.
with no doubt, my favorite has to be choi ung. he seem perfect. a guy that has a loving family, supportive parents that allows him to do what he wants, a successful career and no worries. however, there is a depth into it. he was abandoned by his biological father and left him a scar. this perfectly sums up why he love and hated yeonsu for leaving him with no expectation. he is a huge boyfriend material and a walking green flag. well, they often say "don't settle down until you have found your choi ung" and i agree to the fullest.
kook yeonsu might seem like a girl that is cold and rude. but it was forced by the situation that she was placed in. to me, she makes her choices with no regrets and work to her dreams which is to live a peaceful life, able to pay for bills. there is another side of her where she is caring, heart-warming and making choi ung fall for her.
jiung... i felt that his character was somewhat wasted. but it is hard to say since hun's emotion are complex. we might be able to get over it easily, but for him, maybe not. i am glad that he had choi ung with him. however, i hope that he walked it out quicker, which he did eventually.
nj... honestly, she has to be one of the best second female lead that i have seen. she doesn't do any foul plays to make choi ung hers which i adore it. she was a friend that happen to seek comfort to choi ung's drawing. she is an idol where she received hate comments for literally breathing and that happens to the third and fourth generation idols where they get tons of hate comment.
i hated how some of the our beloved summer hated nj for some of her actions when she is more of a direct and straightforward person. actually in an episode's preview, they hated on nj too much that is honestly unbearable. but some worship jiung and pity him... isn't it double standard?
i love choi ung's parents and maybe that's because they resemble to my parents somehow. i love how supportive they are to choi ung, not wanting to be anything? fine. you just live your life to what you want. they never pressured choi ung to score well in school. which i hope everyone can have the parents that always support you to what you do.
the acting in this drama is pretty much top-tier. choi wooshik and kim dami has great chemistry and was able to bring the drama to the fullest with their acting. it could be a scene of watery eyes and turning away but these two actors does it so well. the rest of the cast where perfectly casted for their characters.
the ost are well made. most of them are ballet like or slow tempo. one ost was sang by v from bts!
my two favorite ost are 'why' and 'our beloved summer'!
overall, obs is a great journey with many emotion kicking it. rather than a romcom, it is more of a mix of melo-rom and romcom LOL! is it worth watching? without a doubt, yes it is. so what are you waiting for?
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A very heartwarming drama with amazing cast
I love everything about this drama.The casting director did a very amazing job, Choi Woo Shik, Kim Da Mi an all the actors were able to potray all the characters perfectly.
The music director did a very great job as well, despite of the OST were sang by V, 10 cm and other well known singers, the ost itself really really gave you the mood..
Overall, it is a very recommended drama to be watched. Slow pace but not boring, the story is flowing nicely.. a very heartwarming and healing drama.. Kudos for everyone involved in the drama 😍😍🥰🥰❤❤❤
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Warmest and saddest love
I really enjoyed everything about this drama.This will definitely be my all time favorite and will rewatch many many times.
Each week we were shown the past and present of our characters. We got to experience their pain, sadness and love.
It was especially nice to see real and accurate insecurities of many characters. We also saw the goodness and happiness of having loving and supportive family and friends.
It reminded me of Romance is A Bonus Book and Angel's Last Mission:Love.
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fluffed romance with some twist
●FIRST IMPRESSIONHow was I in my school days I wish I had some photographs of me. its so cool if you have some videos or photos of your school time. with friends. i just have all classmate pics which were given by school, and its enough for me to get nostalgic.
●STORY
The story shows the leads persnality clash since the school days as they are polar oppsite. FL is like running in a competition to exel in her future. ML is simple who lives in present without a worry enjoying the nature.
But the two meet again as the time has brought the two together once again.
●PLOT VIEW
This plot I have seen in many dramas about high school students who turn couples in their adulthood.not just in dramas but in real life too. But this story is diabetic sweet with so many heartwarming and humorous moments. Because its the leads are polar opposite bickering couple. But they create a magical chemistry which is worth watching. Leads set aside their differences and fall in love again understanding the life and its beauty.
It also shows how good grades topper student shows an instance of a good future. And art is seen as a low grade to people with no future. That really needs a change.
Since the start of series it has a pace and surprising events, which is engaging and always make one wait for the next episode. Well am beingeing this because its difficult to resist from watching the next episode
●ACTING/CAST
CWS is the guy next door, who is unattractive, lazy but is kind and enjoys life. He lives his passion and not in any competiotion. CWS as choi Ung is the perfect. I cant take anyone else for this role. The heatwarming epression he delivers is crazy rich with his innocent curvy smile and shy eyes.
KDM is a tough stubborn character. But she looks so beautiful with long hair since I last saw her in Itaewon class. The resilient and cold character suited her as she doesnt smile a lot and has a lot of vigor in her eyes.
●MUSIC
The OST’s are soulful. They enhances the mood of the scene and remains in the mind for a long time.
●REWATCH
Yes am definetely rewatching this. It just reminds me of my first love.
●APPRECIATION
The color palette of scene is so eye-pleasing
The lighting of the rooms, dim, dark has a feeling and mood.
The sketches of CWS is picked carefully and everyone is lovely to see.
●FAV SCENE
Well, there are many and it's difficult to choose one.
I would pick the brooming scene from episode 2
●QUOTES
I love things that don't change but people change or disappear over time
●AFTERTHOUGHT
A fluffy yet emotional love story.
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Old story, New Packaging
When you've watched many kdramas (romantic) there are just somethings you come to expect. You know the main leads have felt a sense of deep connection since their childhood/adolescence. You also know that the second ML barely has a chance with the FL. Our Beloved Summer plays along with similar tropes. What makes it different from other shows is how the story was executed, the documentary piece and detailed background story of all characters keeps the show fresh and watchable. The lead characters' acting and chemistry also works in its favor. What I didn't like about the show was that the finale seemed rushed. They didn't seem to care about tying all lose ends with the characters other than that of the ML and FL. I rarely feel that kdramas give closure to the second ML and this show is no exception. Also Kim Sung Cheol reminded me a little too much of Lee Sang Yi in Hometown Cha Cha, considering both their characters were documentary filmmakers too.To sum it up, if you're looking for a light romantic story with great chemistry between the leads, you can consider watching OBS. It's pretty predictable storytelling but Choi Woo Shik and Kim Da Mi do a good job. Oh, and Roh Jeong Eui was adorable. She needs her own show.
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This review may contain spoilers
Struck a chord with me....again...and again...and again
LOVE. PLAYFULNESS. MISUNDERSTANDINGS. ABANDONMENT. LONLINESS. HEALING.Two broken souls (well, maybe 3). Emotional baggage. Opposites. Crazy about each other
I gulped down this drama like a starved puppy. It has been too long since I've seen such a skillfully woven story free of any cliched feeling. To the director, screenwriter, editor, and cast: THANK YOU.
Beautifully written with a beautiful soundtrack. This story had everything. There were some lines in the script that just...it just really struck a chord with me. Some indescribable feeling or thoughts I 've had...captured in a poignant line or moment in this drama. I just found bits and pieces of the characters and emotions so relatable.
Now I have to talk about the amazing cast, especially the two leads. Woo Shik is just phenomenal. He is a criminally underrated actor who deserves more lead roles to showcase his versatility and amazing acting skills. He just become his character. This character could easily have become boring or too much of a wuss, but he made him relatable, layered and endearing. In the emotional scenes, sometimes it's so subtle, but the way he says the lines is just so heart wrenching, but on the other hand, he also can infuse a scene with subtle mischievousness that lends itself to the comedy.
Kim Da Mi, who's been on my watchlist since the Witch, is fast becoming one of my fav actresses. I loved how her character was written with many layers. A snide exterior to hide a girl who's been hurt too much. A girl whose pride constantly gets in the way. Someone who shows her warm side to only the people she trusts. This character and how Da Mi portrayed her was so fresh to me.
I loved the fun bickering between these two, and loved the sweet honest moments even more. They did such a great job of maintaining that history of love and hate with the underlying layer of just being crazy for each other. From being enemies in the Witch to soulmates here, it's clear how gifted these two actors are.
The side characters were great as well, specifically Park Jin Joo as the Unnie BFF and Ahn Dong Goo as Woong's manager. Both were so funny and created a lot of the comic relief. For once, the side characters didn't feel like filler and were used to support the leads instead of going on their own tangent. The only exception is Ji Woong's character. I found his relationship with his boss or mom a bit boring which is why I couldn't give this a complete 10 rating.
I look forward to other projects this director or screenwriter may have as I think they did such a fantastic job creating a humanistic story without the corniness of cliches.
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