See You in My 19th Life

A mixed up jigsaw puzzle that didn’t quite make a beautiful picture

I had reasonably high hopes of this one after the first episode. The characters were intriguing, the scenario showed promise, the acting was good, the cinematography on point. But all that promise was gradually gambled away by a plot that was so clunky you could hear it grinding.

This was a scenario that could have been so good in better hands but unfortunately there was zero finesse to the unfurling of the mystery. It relied totally on incredible coincidences, cringeworthy conveniences, inexplicable premises and unrealistic actions.

The unfolding of a plot is not about what happens, but how it happens and therein lies the skill. How information is revealed in such a way that characters can discover it credibly/naturally and the viewer can gradually see the bigger picture unfolding. But here, it was like the writer didn’t have the patience (or attention to detail) to complete the jigsaw properly, so cut random pieces to fit the gaps and rammed them home. Leaving characters clinging onto the edges like loose pieces that didn’t quite fit anywhere and blue sky questions sitting in the middle of muddy field explanations. It had all the hallmarks of seat-of-your-pants writing rather than well structured and planned writing.

Too much of it relied on inexplicable premises that I continued to hope would be explained, but never were. The hotel plot in the present was not really tied to the plot in the past or maybe I just missed the point. All this increasingly became the focus of my frustration leaving me very little energy to appreciate the good things, which is a shame because there were some really good things.

One thing the writer did get right (ably assisted by the director and the actors) was a cast of interesting and engaging characters. Both the leads played their parts well and created a believable chemistry. I really liked Ahn Dong Gu as the tsundere Ha Do Yoon. This type is always difficult to make sympathetic and he did very well in revealing the emotional undertow of the character. Also an honourable mention for the child actors, particularly Kim Shi Ah who totally captured the enigmatic aura of the 18th incarnation.

I really enjoyed the cinematography in this show. The clever use of angular sets and monochrome environments was notable and there were some stunning set shots throughout.

So overall, if I hadn’t been so distracted by the plot I would have really liked this show and given it a much better rating. If you’re not going to be affected by that, then go ahead and watch, there’s plenty to enjoy.

What my rating means: 6+ Some aspects of it were OK but it had serious flaws. It will pass the time but you can find something better.

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Charming hanger, to tell the same old story about Cupid's arrow in a refreshing crisp new way

"See you in my 19th Life" is first and foremost a love story. However, there is this particular, dramaturgically appealing impulse, since the protagonist has been incarnating on this planet again and again since 980 AND is actually able of recalling all of her 19 multifaceted lives so far quite well. So the protagonist is neither ghost nor demon, but a human being like you and me – only with more knowledge and experience from her previous lives with different gender. She brought all she has ever learned and known along with her.

A nice hanger, I think. A great (not necessarily brand new, though,) idea to tell the same old story about Cupid's arrow in a refreshing crisp new way. The idea goes back to a web toon. As tvN-KDrama it comes along in 12 episodes. Here Shin Hye-sun once more took the chance to break down female stereotypes, as she had already successfully stirred up gender-specific behavior patterns with her acting in "Mr Queen". Wonderful.

I think the concept overall works very well. The KDrama presents a Rom+Com in a light-footed pace. However, the protagonists certainly have their bags to carry. So the story doesn't just sail along on the surface. And then, of course, there are also mischievous characters, e.g. in the Jaebeol milieu, adding some extra excitement. In addition, the subplots are quite elaborated in a charming manner, too.

So: If you're in the mood for Rom+Com, you'll be well taken care of with this KDrama. The story draws with pleasure from the large pot of possibilities that arise from the idea of ​​awareness in reincarnation, thus lovingly spicing up a solid love story. Predictable it may still be, yet it is fun, heartwarming and including some surprising twists, too.

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