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 :)
Was this review helpful to you?
PLEASING STORYLINE! ✨
I am so certain that many of us have started watching this series because of the cast, at least I did.. but the plot, the storyline that has kept me going!!I can't belive how amazingly they have portrayed the roles of the said characters. The development shown along with their vulnerability as a whole made it a must watch, and a re-watchable series!
And to not forget the OST, I've come to like all of the songs, and the way each of them give a meaning to the storyline and the characters.
I believe that this was such a pleasant beginning to us kdrama stans in this 2022.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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
Was this review helpful to you?
Season changes so does character's emotion
✅ Cinematograpy✅ Good acting
✅ OST
✅ Writing
✅ Impactful story
✅ Great direction
✅ Realistic
✅ Entertaining
What else do we need?
Still this drama won't be everyone's cup of tea as it may seem as a simple story with complicated narrative along with stupid misunderstanding but this is what actually happens in real life. It's character and emotion of the people after all complicated to understand especially of your loved ones at times.
Still my favorite episode would definitely will be 8th episode
P.S Loved Choi woo shik
Was this review helpful to you?
Magic unveil on 2nd watch - Power of Perceptive
I have to admit that I thought this drama was just so-so after I first watched it. Was expecting more of the typical light-hearted romantic-comedy dramas with occassional splashes of comedic scenes thrown in, but was slightly disappointed by it falling short of my expectation. (Please read till the end of the review!) My initial reaction was that it the first few episodes was quite funny, but mid episodes got draggy and ending was alright. I thought it will be better with more funny scenes thrown in. I was wondering "Why does it get so high rating?" Despite that, the chemistry between Kim Da Mi and Choi Woo Sik is undeniably blazing. I ended up search for BTS clips and got hooked in even more. A comment on Youtube about how the editing brings out the power of the Rain Kiss in Ep 8 and that triggered the realization on the main theme of the show -the Power of Perceptive.What sets this drama apart is the way the scenes were presented to the viewers. Clippets of flashbacks were shown slowly bit by bit as the episode/drama progressed which is very different from the usual drama. This creates a different perception of the characters in the plot. When I watched it for the first time, I didn't really understand why the characters in the drama were so emotional in certain scenes and couldn't really fully emphatize with the characters or understand their actions. I felt that Yeon Su was too distance and cold, while Choi Ung was so cute in the show. The most memorable episode that left the biggest impression was Ep12 with all the cute moments. I also liked the occassional comedic scenes that were thrown in once a while throughout the drama. That was how I felt on the first watch. (Looking back now, this seems quite superficial as there's much more the drama has to offer!).
I decided to rewatch the drama again and boy was I surprised at howmy whole perception of the drama changed.
THIS IS WHERE THE MAGIC OF THE DRAMA BEGINS!
It's the first time where I rewatch a drama and had a different feeling towards the characters, plot and how good the drama is!
The magic of the drama unveil itself on the 2nd watch. With the background and context of the characters in mind after the first watch, the 2nd watch of the drama left me with a complete different feeling despite the fact that the scenes, characters and entire show is exactly the same! Thats the power of perception. After understanding the reasons and background of Yeon Su and Choi Ung, I could feel the strong emotional scenes come to live in my 2nd watch (which the audience will not fully understand on the first watch due to how the scenes were edited throughout the drama). I also came to appreciate the beautiful cinematic which I didn't notice in my first watch. It brings forth new perspectives.
The theme of Perception/Perceptive stood out the most to me in the drama.
Different characters have different perception towards Yeon Su and Choi Ung's relationship.
Firstly, our perception is shaped by how information is presented to us. The public thinks that Yeon Su and Choi Ung were enemies in school due to how the scenes where edited in the documentary. Similarly, Yeon Su's colleague thinks that they are enemies, and Mr Jang and Yeon Su has a thing going on. On the other hand, the PDs, Yeon Su and Choi Ung's friends think that something is going on between them.
Secondly, the difference in perception is not only affected by what is presented to us, but also subjective on the individual level. This is shown in the scene where Yeon Su went up the stage were presented in Yeon Su, Choi Ung and Ji Ung POV.
Lastly, on a even more micro level, our own perception may change depending on how we choose to look at the situation too.
Yeon Su's own view on her life changed when she changed her perspective that she's always alone and had no friend, to one where she noticed that her friends and colleagues were always supportive of her throughout her life.
The difference in perspective is not only applicable to the drama itself but also in real life as well. Just like how the audience and characters are affected by these difference in perceptive, viewers of "Our Beloved Summer" are affected by how the producers edited the drama and how the scenes are presented to us as well. This is apparent by how the flashbacks scenes and different POV of the various characters on the same scenes are presented. It's magical how the producer managed to replicate this change in perspective of the characters in the show to affect the audience watching "Our Beloved Summer" in real life as well! (At least that was the effect it had on me!).
I'm not sure whether this is intentional, but it also draws parallel to real life as well. Kim Da Mi and Choi Woo Sik were enemies in the movie "The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion" just like how Yeon Su and Choi Ung were portrayed as enemies in the documentary they were featured in their schooldays. But behind the scene, they were friends. Then they were reunited (Da Mi and Woo Sik in this drama and Yeon Su and Choi Ung in the documentary). Not sure whether this was done delibrately, but just like in the show where the behind the scene unedited clips of the documentary were the best bits, behind the scene of "Our Beloved Summer" were even better than what were shown in the drama. Just look at the BTS of the kiss scenes and extremely comfortable physical interaction between Da Mi and Woo Sik (in interviews too) !
This drama is like a sweet onion with so many layers waiting to be uncover. Just like in life; You got to slow down, take a step back, give it a chance and be open to changing your perspective to truely appreciate this drama completely - its plot, editing, cinematic, actors acting and chemistry. The show is much deeper than it seems. You'll be pleasantly surprised by what it will bring to the table!
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
Lit drama ngl
I’m not even gon cap, this drama fr beautifully executed mane. I love this OG Choi w💫💫shik but the chemistry between him and his ex. Dawg this drama making me high key miss my ex but reality is what’s over is over on to the next fr.Top tier cinema photography and dialogue, what you thought was going to be a fun and light hearted drama the first few episodes turned out to be a eye opening, jaw clenching, fist opening, teeth pending enlightenment of the deep intricate details of a relationship that really matters.
Also I ain’t fw the 2nd male lead, guy boring and his mum an L fr. The girl lead Lawd have merthy, her acting is truly the work of Vincent Van Dough. Her sheer ability to act cute is definitely not a feat in it self as she is evidently a cute person behind the cameras. I’d like to thank god for blessing me with this kdrama, and I want to give a shout-out to my mum for just being there unlike 2nd male lead.
9/10
Was this review helpful to you?
The documentary style story was good ,acting of the main cast and supporting cast was good
And the music takes the scenes to another level
I would totally love to watch it again
I dont know what happened to the documentary of ji ung and his mother or maybe i may have missed it,
Choi ung has everything when its money related but still something is missing and yeon su has problems since her childhood
Was this review helpful to you?
A wonderful feel good drama!!!!
OUR BELOVED SUMMER ....Gives a wonderful experience throughout the journey.. This drama have a unique way of telling story with interconnecting both past and the present situation. All the characters in the drama has given a good performance.The ost of this drama are heavenly which make me keep listening to it. Each episodes make us more anticipating to watch it.I eagerly waited each week to watch it.It was my first drama to watch it while it was ongoing. The script has given justice to each characters.
Overall it gives a wonderful experience and I recommend you to watch it.....
Was this review helpful to you?
Our Beloved Story
A collection of different seasons of life manifested by the wonderful characters in the story. The story was truly a breath of fresh air while It talks about family, friendship and love at its core. The pacing of the story was quite good truly a job well done to the authors, and writers. Also what was that OST it was so good and it set-up the mood of every scene it comes in. I was happy that we can witness both of them on a Romantic Comedy Drama because the chemistry was off-the-roof, it was so well performed. Overall the drama was quite relatable in some aspect of life that's why many people like it and some future watchers too. Where in the story was quite simple if looked individually but the meaning of all of it mashed together creates a broaden perspective on how life should be handle and how we must seek the everyday meaning of it. Because sometimes there will always be a meaning on everything that the seasons have thrown us. Its just that we must create our own summer too!. too feel the summer inside ones wintery heart. 10/10Was this review helpful to you?
