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?
From skimming the plot line summary, this drama seemed like truly a unique one with a great and talented cast. When I began watching it half a year ago (yes, it took me half a year to finish this), I didn't find any hook at the beginning to get me truly immersed in the story or the character relationships. So much dragging out, a lot of miscommunication and character arcs that were truly lazy. It's a skip for me.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
a second chance at romance
Can two people break up and fall in love once again to create a much stronger relationship? Our Beloved summer is about friendship and family, what creates a healthy relationship that has boundaries, taking responsibility of your own values while trying to not be a savior of another's.I hate the prolonged misunderstanding plot, so a sole plot progressing material was that, I didn't have the best expectations and thought I would dislike it so much. but as you may see, although still not the best, it was a solid slow burn, glad that I did not rush watching it.
The drama is a study on human psychology, it showed how we can interpret and misinterpret certain events from the past differently. this is executed well in the drama, using different POV's of the character's in same situations.
we have basically no plot, just daily lives of our characters and their relationships, so lets talk about them.
NJ was a favorite of mine, she truly fell in love with Ung and had amazing character development in the show, it's just sad that she had to fall in love with someone who doesn't like her back, nothing on Ung but she needed a better ending than that, also had such little screen time when categorized as a main.
Yeonsu was hard to watch at first but grows with you overtime, Kim Dami was the reason I watched, so I'm glad seeing her amazing performance here. we start off seeing the character full of entitlement, a quote from a book I am reading perfectly described her "I suck and the rest of you are all awesome, so I deserve special treatment". Because of her poor financial situation, she became lost and entitled but gets to understand and rest her insecurities before the credits roll.
Ji Ung was personally a relatable character, always on the background and could never tell what he really felt, pain in so many levels, adding to that is his horrible situation with family, it showed why noble sacrifice is terrible, we should always confront rejections and pain, not hide and cover from it.
in the show we have an artist + a producer as part of the main cast, so exceptional cinematography was expected, good techniques and uses of light, that rain kiss scene is still in my mind vividly. Music was amazing, I sooo loved "Christmas Tree" by V and "Drawer" by 10cm
during the end we are treated with a drawing of Yeon Su, which symbolizes that the loneliness and insecurity from drawing only buildings was no longer there, they were a couple the complimented each other, and made themselves a far better version. also ends with a marriage documentary, it was a clever ending after starting off in a high school documentary. I'd like to praise this show for it's uncoventional take on second chance romances, must watch!
Was this review helpful to you?
Cute and sweet
I rarely watch shows that are ongoing, since I prefer binge watching, but this was worth the wait each episode. I wasn't hanging from a thread in dire need of a continuation; I was content and quite intrigued.The cast was really well picked. I've only ever seen the FL in Itaewon Class and it was really nice seeing her in this role. The story was great (not AMAZING but it did sum up a realistic childhood-to-adult-life relationship). The music was PERFECT. I have no complaints.
Everything ended quite nicely too and nothing seemed really forced. I recommend watching if you are looking for a lowkey, cute, modern, non-intense drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Good enough
Korean Drama "Our Beloved Summer" is a slice of life love story that founds its success in the lingering feelings between two exs who have to work together after a long time.The drama does a great job creating the perfect atmosphere, with the use of lighting being on point, the scenes were beautifully shot and executed and the OST was brilliantly selected. And true, the game between the two main characters was an intriguing one, with the yearning for them to be back together being the force prompting the interesting factor. However, when that one was taken out of the equation, the drama got tiring and lots of scenes were added that were unnecessary and only there to fill in. So, yes, the drama started pretty strong, but it got predictable and boring towards the end. It also left out the family situation of the main lead out, which was a plotline that could have been explored in more depth.
Finally, the performances were great by everyone in the cast, which was consisted of an all-star pallette.
So, overall, 7 out of 10.
Was this review helpful to you?
This shouldn't be a hidden gem
I'll be honest, I only started watching this because it was mentioned in an episode of "In the Soop." I'm glad that I didn't miss it because it's easily one of my favorite KDramas. This show deserves recognition. A wonderful story about what love truly means. I expected nothing less of Kim Dami and Choi Woo-Shik who really are in a league of their own. I appreciate the editing and filmography, you can definitely see the team that works on this really put their thoughts and effort. Every shot is like out of a movie, even the car scenes, which are supposedly boring, are impeccable. Everything is detailed even the littlest things. The OSTs are so good too! A solid 9 for me.Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
Meh (?)
our beloved summer, to me, was one of those dramas - that check off all the boxes of what you wish in a drama, and somehow you still don't TRULY connect with. another such drama for me was Be Melodramatic - it had all the right stances of female friendship and relationships but somehow, to me, it still wasn't memorable. tdlr; would rate it high, but personally wouldnt feel the need to rewatch or recommend.also, idk but their chemistry wasnt convincing to me i truly dont know why. and, since i know wooshik is a chamelion of an actor, i think the director didnt direct him well - because there were many instances where i couldnt tell his emotions/thoughts from his acting - idk how else to word it but it wasn't his best imho.
tdlr; wasnt boring/bad to make me put it off - but i also wasnt excited/curious about it.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
'Every Life is a Work of Art'
This is my first review here, I will try my best to articulate my thoughts!I'm not usually a fan of this genre, but Our Beloved Summer pleasantly surprised me.
While I will admit that I started watching this drama because I am a huge army and the OST enticed me, I binge-watched it in two days and ended up loving every minute of it. I'll just list the pros (the good) and cons (the bad) because that's probably the best way to explain how I felt about this drama.
The Good:
The plot was gripping from the start; the documentary aspect really elevated the show because it would have otherwise been a typical rom-com.
-Relatable characters: each character contributed something to the story. They each had their own struggles, which they handled gracefully.
- No annoying characters: The characterization in this show was excellent. I feel like I'm too old haha, so I get annoyed when there are evil or annoying characters in shows (of course, this depends on genre, and such characters are necessary in some shows), so it was nice to see that everyone was just living their own lives and not actively seeking to harm someone ahah.
- Sweet romance and Beautiful friendships: Yeon-su and Ung were delightful to watch. Despite their disagreements and breakups, they clearly loved and cherished one another. I don't like second male or female leads because I dislike love triangles and the like, but this show can teach a lot of writers how to write secondary characters. Rather than ignoring them or making them one-dimensional, the writers gave them proper backstories that helped the audience understand their choices and behavior. I rarely have SLS, and this one was no exception, as the chemistry between the main leads was top notch. Even though each character did not interact with each other on a regular basis throughout the show, it was palpable that they all served a purpose in each other's lives; I use Ji-Ung and NJ as an example here because, while they were not particularly close, NJ accompanied Ji-Ung when she noticed he was eating alone and Ji-Ung's advice to NJ changed her outlook on life.
- OST: The OST is quite literally perfection. Truly fit the tone of the show all throughout.
-Stunning cinematography and very aesthetic character fashion!
The Bad:
- LACK OF SOL-I AND EUN-HO!!! I adored their dynamic, sometimes even more than the main characters', but we got very little screen time with them together (as a couple; though I understand why they couldn't just date right away). I'd love to see these two in another show someday. Similarly, I would have liked to know more about both of their pasts more, they seemed like quite interesting characters.
- I can't help but criticize some bits of the ending, as much as I think it was perfect. I am very critical of Kdrama endings because I have seen far too many that are abrupt and rushed, causing me to lower my overall rating of a show; I felt the same way about this drama. The show began slowly, and I believe it could have sped up some scenes/episodes and focused more on the final two episodes to tie it all together nicely. They did address every issue and every character's story, but it could have been spread out more (if that makes sense).
- I think that's it ahaha
Overall, Our Beloved Summer is a heartwarming drama about the reconciliation of former lovers as they try to make amends and grow together with the support of their friends and family. All of the characters are likeable and are shown to face unique hardships that they eventually overcome gradually (but surely). If you're looking for something soft and cozy to watch during these cold winter days, this is a simple watch with inspiring life messages.
Was this review helpful to you?
It's not a spoiler but it's my feelings that I wanted to share here about OBS
I saw people saying that the story was kinda boring or frustrating or the immature behaviour of FL for breaking up again and again....well I won't say they are completely false or wrong the FL indeed broke for silly reasons and the last break-up or you can say that "I WILL HANDLE MY PROBLEMS" but you know what people are a actually ignoring this "CAUSE I DONT WANT MY BELOVED ONE TO BE INVOLVED IN THAT TO GET WORRIED ABOUT ME."This is the major thing people are missing or are not able to see. Just tell one thing when you love someone would you like them to suffer with you when you have The TYPICAL attitude of I'LL HANDLE IT COZ I CAN ???
When teen are in relationship they TEND to hide their PATHETIC part from their partners and that's the thing The FL did.....
I am not criticizing anyone I am just making the ignored thing have some limelight
.
The story and everything is good.... you'll actually smile while watching them being clingy and all.....and believe my it's not a waste of time....All the actors are super cute especially Choi and Kim da mi they both are just so cute.... So yeah whenever you feel like having kinda getting good and kinda postive vibes you can watch it...
Thank you.
Was this review helpful to you?
More than about First Love Reunited.
Completed - 2/26/2022 - 9.25 ratingThis review is my very subjective interpretation of the drama and how it speaks to me. “Our Beloved Summer” moves me so much that my gut tells me it’s deserving of such a high rating. This is more than a love story about first love and second chances. It is about self-discovery, finding your own paths and living your chosen life.
When I binge-watched the first 7 episodes, I immediately knew that this was going to be a special drama. I could not exactly pinpoint why I like it so much. I am usually not a big fan of slice-of-life dramas as I find the pacing to be slow. Not with this drama. I can’t wait to tell Netflix to go to the next episode and skip that intro. I want to know what’s next.
I really enjoy the storytelling of this drama. Though it’s full of flashbacks, they are done in such a way that I do not find the flashbacks annoying. I enjoy the parallel storytelling of how the documentary was filmed 10 years ago, compared to the present. The high school bickering and sarcastic remarks are fun to watch. Even though our leads act like they dislike each other, you can’t deny the strong chemistry there.
When we are brought back to the present, you can feel all the suffering, longing and hurtful emotions the leads are feeling. The attraction is obviously there, yet it took them a long time to find a way to be honest with themselves and with each other. When Choi Woong and Yeon Soo are finally together, I was so happy for them. The audience is rewarded with really cute, sweet and loving moments. I am glad to see skinship with decent kissing as well. The initial breakup might be painful. But Choi Woong and Yeon Soo need the right timing and have to grow up to be a better version of themselves, before they become the match made-in-heaven.
Initially, I find the storyline about Kim Ji Woong and his mother to be out-of-place. It seems like I am watching a whole different drama that has nothing to do with our leads. Then I realized, this drama is not just about Choi Woong and Kook Yeon Soo. We also have a third character, the observer from 10 years ago and the observer again for this documentary. This is also Kim Ji Woong’s story.
We actually have three successful adults who seem to have conquered past challenges and grow up to be mature professionals. But deep down, they are lonely and broken. We have Yeon Soo who has to shoulder her family’s financial burden and suffers from an inferiority complex. We have Choi Woong who feels lonely and abandoned, and continues to struggle with these emotions, and also feeling unworthy of his parents' love. He’s trapped inside his own little world and unable to break out of it. Lastly, we have Ji Woong who is desperate for his mother’s love and attention, and continues to have a missing piece in his heart.
If I have to find one thing to criticize, it would be the continuous playing of songs. I actually really like the OST and all the songs. I just found them overplayed. I think I counted one episode where 3-4 songs were played almost back-to-back. Sometimes, I don’t need the music to tell me how to feel. It’s ok to have some silence when our leads are contemplating.
Other Observations:
1. I have seen Choi Wook Shik in other dramas before but I never found him that attractive. But he’s so adorkable in this drama. I really love his character and his cute and shy smile. What a sweet boyfriend!
2. I also enjoy seeing a more mature Kim Sung Cheol.
3. No annoying characters in this drama!
4. The color palette of the drama seems to be a little washed out or has a yellow tone. Is it me imagining it?
Was this review helpful to you?
None of the other romcoms can compare to this drama !
It's been a while since I've written a review and this drama is literally so much worth my time writing it.Love, family, life struggles, self-love, this drama contains it all. From laughter to tears, it made me go through so much emotions by its realistic depiction of the struggles one faces in life and by the hilarious situations faced by the characters. Its plot keeps you going from beginning to end, the depth of each character is captivating. The actors and actresses did such a good job ! Especially the one who played Choi Ung, his performance amazed me. I literally fell in love with Ji-Ung and every character, they all had an interesting personality, and were far from your typical drama-like characters with predictable reactions.
I think I can say that this drama made me fall in love with love, envying the deep relationship between two people whose lives were always intertwined together. If you didn't believe in soulmates or in the saying that opposites attract then this drama will make you change your beliefs 'cause oh god, Choi Ung and Yeon-su are literally made for each other. I'm still in daze from watching it and I can't believe it's over, I'm on my way to watch it a second time because it remains one of the best 2021 dramas and one of the best dramas in my heart (as cringey as it sounds).
If you're looking for an unique type of dramas or an unique plot with romance and sweet bickering then this is for you ! But also take a box of tissues, you might be moved sometimes !
Was this review helpful to you?
