A lovable documentary of life
It took me a while to finish this drama. For me, it's not a drama that you wanted to marathon but watching it in the right mood.Why do I love this drama?
What I really love about this drama is how they tell the story of each characters. Ung desperately wants a simple life and to cope with his loneliness. Whenever we are in a state of suffering, we have our own way to deal with it. Yeon Soo's struggles and the consequences that follow in all the decisions that we make. That all make sense.
Ji Ung's character really hits my heart. How he deals with his one-sided love, his relationship with his mother, his relationship with Ung, and everything in between. It was so realistic and inspiring. So whenever I see bad comments about him, loving his best friend's girlfriend and when he tried to suppress his feelings and tried to avoid them was very common and relatable to do.. Just wait until you experience the same situation in your life. The same with NJ. I love her boldness and openness but she was understanding and know how to accept defeat.
Overall a wonderful story of life. A comforting drama to all. Even the OST was wonderful. Well, deserve the praise.
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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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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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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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This review may contain spoilers
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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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
A heartwarming kdrama
(minor spoilers on the ending and the characters stories)In my opinion this kdrama was really heartwarming it's simple and peaceful, I love how it explores relationships whether it's platonic or romantic. I loved every single character in this series, I feel like a lot of people found the time skips annoying but while everyone is entitled to their own opinion to me it kind of would've felt odd without it since I felt like that's what the series is all about and why I loved it. The ending was so fulfilling to me all the main characters got their satisfying end, and even the secondary characters that I adored got a satisfying and heartwarming ending. I'm sure that I won't forget about this kdrama any time soon since the characters were not only relatable but really loveable as well.
I loved NJ she's one of my favorite characters in the series at first she come off negatively to me but her story was all about self-confidence, loneliness and living the way you want to live, she struggles with her fame that made her feel lonely and alone, in the end she finally had the courage to be herself and live her life the way she wants to live it, I love the fact that she stood up for herself didn't care about people's opinions and hurtful words.
The main characters and the main couple as well we're really cute even Tho to me they had really different personalities they still were able to overcome challenges and grow as characters and accept each other. I really don't understand how some people dislike her just because she's a second lead doesn't mean she isn't a good character.
Kim Ji-Ung who's a fav of mine as well. his story would probably be relatable to a lot of people, he has negative feelings about his mother and he had every right to resent her since she was neglectful and made him feel only when he was just a child who needed a family a mother to be there for him, to me his choice to take a video about his mother was heartwarming because he did for him, and for hope of forgiving her one day. I liked his ending it was satisfying, and it was really heartwarming seeing him smile for once.
Lee Sol-Yi: I really love her bubbly personality a real esfp. Shes really cute and has a really enjoyable persona and she's an amazing friend that was always there for Yeon-Su. There more to her as well then just being the main characters friend.
Jung Chae-Ran: she's incredibly underrated I love her, she's relatable and mature, she's always there for Kim ji-Ung even when he was struggling.
she wasn't a main character at all, but I still looked forward to her scenes. Her ending was satisfying to me since she was able to confess her feelings, I found it really cute even though it was a short scene it was still realistic in a way.
The rest of the characters all stood out to me as well but if I start talking about how much I love the other characters then this review will be really long XD.
If you love a peaceful slice of life kdrama about relationships, familial problems, love, personal conflicts, personal growth, youth and friendships then you'll love this kdrama :)
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Courage to take chance on love, once again
Acting:I loved all the characters, both the leads and support, since they complemented the story well and everyone portrayed their character perfectly to the extent you get carried away with their emotions while watching the drama.
The music:
OST ... Absolutely beautiful, perfect timing, and giving an extra emotion to the scene shown. And as an Army myself Christmas tree was just the perfect addition to this drama, maybe I'm a little biased here😉.
The story:
The story depicts various shades of love throughout the episodes, whether it is the first love as high school students, more mature love once they grow older, when there is one sided love, the love between friends and the love of family, and the love for oneself.
Through the documentary these different tones of love can easily be seen and identified, however as they say, there is a reason why roses have thorns, because holding something so truly beautiful as love comes also with sacrifices and sometimes heartaches too.
Overall:
I highly recommend this drama. You're lucky to binge watch it if you like. I had to wait for a whole week to continue the story as I have watched it as it was airing.
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I think it's the best romance-comedy in this year?
Background:I don't like watching pure romance or romance comedy-drama ONLY IF there isn't my favorite actress as the lead. So, what brought me here is to see Jeong Eui (Hong Shi Ah from 18 Again). I have never thought I would love this drama at that time.
These are what I felt when watching this drama:
a. Pros
- This drama is so funny. The comedy scenes look seamless and natural.
- The relationship conflicts are cute yet stabbing my heart deeply.
- The romance plot went up-down-down-up-down-up-up so that the watchers can't guess what will happen next.
- The chemistry between Kook Yeon Su and Choi Ung looks beautiful.
- Supporting characters really shine with their own comedy lines.
- No obsessive or aggressive characters. Just kind of triangle-love and unrequited love. Yes, it's a more realistic way.
- Jeong Eui executed her role very well!
- Kook Yeon Su's coldness made the romance aspect alive.
b. Cons
- The plot went boring slowly in the last two episodes (this is a normal thing in romance drama though). It's hard to finish the drama until the end if we're late to watch. It's recommended to watch the last two episodes right after you finish the 13th episode (binge-watching).
- There's one major unsolved plot that I can't mention here because this is a spoiler-free review but it's not a big deal, you can still enjoy the ending.
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An enthralling drama <3
To be honest I picked up this drama because of Kim Da Mi and Choi Woo Shik, a pair I never knew I needed to ship! As I watched the drama I realised how much intriguing their character's life was for me and I wanted to find out the reasons behind their choices.Story- 10/10
High school sweethearts meeting again to film a documentary again as the previous one went viral. So raw and pure. I loved that. I am really addicted to the concepts of second chances and I was lured into due to that haha! I had to give it A 10. I was so much invested in this plot and till the end it didn't disappoint me. It was magical. Every character had their own stories to tell and I was very happy to hear that from each of them. The story was realistic and I could empathize with their feelings when they felt happy, sad or mad. It was all so beautifully portrayed! I truly adored it.
Cast- 10/10
I have seen Kim da Mi in Itaewon so I was actually excited to watch her in this. Now I don't think I can see anyone else doing the role of Yeon Soo as better as her. Same goes for Choi Woo Shik (irresistible Choi Woong) . I haven't seen his any other drama yet but now I will surely add his drama in my watchlist! He was adorable but the most important aspect of his character was neatly portrayed. Not going to ignore Kim Sung Chul (our lovely Ji woong) and Roh Jeong Eui ( our sweet NJ) since their stories were equally and beautifully portrayed through the plot, making us love them much more by the end of the drama. I liked how all supporting characters were given equally screen time for their stories to be narrated in front of audience. I personally could relate to Yeon Soo and felt her emotion through. It was endearing to see such a great cast.
Music -10/10
Okay so I had already decided to give music section a 10 right after I heard the intro song "Our beloved summer" by Kim Kyung Hee. That's how captivating it was! The music was beyond my expectations and I love all the soundtracks played. They were played accurately when it was necessary. It was not excessive nor too less. Since I love music personally I adored all the songs.
Rewatch Value -10/10
Let me tell you the reason. It is simple. This k-drama has that power to make you rewatch it again and again. I am not a fan of rewatching kdramas or literally anything but I feel I can rewatch this drama easily. I loved it that much that I would love to go through the same feelings and venture through the story of Yeon Soo and Choi Woong again and again. They have that effect on me. Maybe it is because of the plot, realistic yet beautiful. The messages in this kdrama were actually valuable. Besides, who would not want to watch two people who were once in love, meet again in different circumstances and understand the reasons behind their fallout in the first place?
Overall- 10/10
I would recommend this for people who like to view a realistic approach of the feelings one have for another one. I could feel the rawness and pureness of the characters and so people who seem to like that touch to a drama may enjoy it! And also who enjoys stories of second leads and side couples. I surely did love them. This drama made me feel emotions. It was relatable and touching for me.
Ps: this is my second review I have ever given and I might make corrections as times passes by (Sorry if I made any mistakes). Till then happy watching :) <3
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this drama is so beautiful!
I can say that Our Beloved Summer is the best drama I’ve ever watched.This drama is so well written. The chemistry between the actors is on another level. There are bitter moments, sweet moments, funny moments. You can enjoy it all in this drama. The cinematography and the ost are masterpiece. A lot of lessons you can find in this drama and I feel like I growth with them. All of the characters are lovable and because of the pov we can understand all of the characters feeling. The problem is so relatable. I don’t know, I just want to say that this drama is a masterpiece.
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