A wonderful drama
Absolutely loved it.From the beginning you get expectations about what the story may be or how it's going to end with the way the first episode starts, I had been given some spoilers as well, but I assure you, there is nothing preparing you for what you'll experience.
It was beautifully written, the dialogues were to remember, some very poetic, others very reflective, but always sort of fitting, just like the interactions between the characters, everything felt so natural and real. IU did an amazing job playing two different characters and, aside from the background, the date and other elements indicating which version she was playing, you could tell from the differences in personality between the mother and the daughter and that speaks volumes of the kind of actress she is. The rest of the cast will not let you down either.
It made me feel happy, sad, nostalgic and hopeful. It shows you how much a life can go through and how precious every moment is. How life doesn't have to be flashy to be meaningful, and love can be cute and devoted, but also passionate or simply comfortable and it's equally rewarding no matter which is the case.
The pace of the series was really good, it honestly didn't disappoint in any way. The only reason I wouldn't watch it again would be I don't wanna cry because it does pull the strings of your heart a lot, and I don't usually cry. I would recommend this to anyone that appreciates a good story and is not afraid to drop a tear or two.
Was this review helpful to you?
My first time wanting to rewatch a drama
I thought long and hard about writing a review to reflect just how much this drama impacted me but I just decided I wanted to just make it simple. This is the most beautifully Written drama I have watched in a very long time if not ever. There were no villains in this, just the complexity of humanity and their stories.I decided to Rewatch it today because I didn’t put my full attention at the beginning and now it is an even more beautiful experience than the first time. I’m crying as I type, that’s how deeply this story impacted my heart.
The writers, the actors, the Director, the cinematographers, the crew… All absolutely phenomenal!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Promising Start That Fades Too Soon(for me)
Set in the 1960s on Jeju Island, this heartfelt drama follows Oh Ae-sun( played by IU), a bold and rebellious young woman who dreams of becoming a poet despite growing up in poverty. With no access to formal education, she refuses to let her circumstances define her, expressing herself through her love for literature.On the other hand, Yang Gwan-sik(played by park bo-gum) is a hardworking and reserved man who has always silently watched over Ae-sun. Though he doesn’t say much, his actions speak volumes, his unwavering devotion to her shapes the course of both their lives.
Reviewww~~~:
I have to say, I loved the beginning of this drama. The setting in the 1960s made it feel unique since I don’t usually watch K-dramas from that time period. The historical backdrop added an interesting layer, and the acting was incredibly realistic—IU and Park Bo-gum truly carried the emotions of the story.
But despite the strong start, I ended up dropping it. The romance followed the usual K-drama formula, and once the couple got together, there just weren’t enough exciting moments or new phases to keep me hooked. It started feeling like many other slow-burn romance dramas, and the lack of action made it drag for me.
Yes, it made me cry, and that’s thanks to the brilliant acting, especially from IU and Park Bo-gum. If it weren’t for them, I probably would’ve dropped it after the first episode (not saying other actors are bad! 🙏).
As for the OST, I honestly didn’t notice anything particularly memorable. No standout music or songs stuck with me after watching.
Final thoughts? If you’ve seen a lot of romance K-dramas, this one might feel overrated because it doesn’t bring anything new past the initial setup. It’s beautifully acted but lacks enough twists or action to keep it truly engaging.
Was this review helpful to you?
Watch this drama if you want to become a better person
This drama by itself, is poetry for the profound ordinary that is depicted in life and in Korean culture. From beginning to end, it was bittersweet, but it made life feel beautiful, even during its ugliest moments.The story was simple yet deeply layered: the love story between Oh Ae-Sun and Yang Gwan-Sik. Acting was superb. Raw, emotional, and realistic. Production and cinematography captures the beauty of life quite well. I really wish I was fluent in Korean, because it was clear the subtitles on Netflix didn’t fully capture the depth of the writing.
The pacing started out a bit slow, not in terms of when things happened, but in how much substance there was early on. However, it quickly found its rhythm and maintained a steady, meaningful pace for the rest of the episodes.
Honestly, I don't exactly know how to feel about this drama. On one hand, everything was perfect, on the other hand, it became hard to watch because of my inability to cope with the reality of adversity that often comes upon the best and kindest people in this world. The only nitpicky criticism is that due to all the time jumps, I lost my immersion trying to calculate the ages of the characters.
Art, at its core, is the artist’s way of showing the world through their eyes. After watching this drama, I began to see and appreciate my own life through the lens they offered. It changed the way I reflect on my experiences and the community around me, and opened my heart to allow me to love more freely and openly. As the story progresses, I could feel myself growing and maturing along with the characters.
Entertainment and media have the power to influence what we believe, so why not choose to watch a piece of art that inspires you to grow, reflect, and appreciate your own life with more depth and beauty?
If you are looking for a show that depicts healthy parenting, men with green flags and green forests, resilient women, emotional slow burns, and nuanced story writing, then you will love When Life Gives You Tangerines.
Was this review helpful to you?
WATCH IT PLEASE IT IS LIFE CHANGING
“Parents dwell on what they couldn’t give, while children dwell on what they couldn’t get” 🍊🍊🍊Where do I even start? This series is a MASTERPIECE. It is indeed ONE FOR THE BOOKS!!!! The dialogues, acting etc. is exceptional. I can’t even find a word to describe it, from episode 1-16 I find myself crying non stop. When I tell you that I have never been this swollen in my entire life from crying. Sooo many life lessons that has been tackled here, very very insightful. The love between Aesun and Gwan Sik was unbeatable, their love story can be called “LEGENDARY” by itself. One thing that I will always remember anout this series that has taugh me was to not take our parents for granted, always make time for them and be there for them until their last breath. Thank you for this series!!! 🧡🧡🧡🍊🍊🍊
Was this review helpful to you?
A Love Story That Stands the Test of Time
Some stories don’t just entertain; they touch something deep within you, leaving behind a feeling you can’t quite put into words. When Life Gives You Tangerines is one of those rare dramas—a beautifully tender and bittersweet journey that unfolds like poetry on screen.Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Jeju Island, the drama follows Ae-sun and Gwan-sik as they navigate love, longing, and the weight of time. From their youthful days in the 1960s to the present, their story isn’t just about romance, it’s about endurance, sacrifice, and the quiet strength of the heart. IU and Park Bo-gum deliver performances that feel achingly real, making you believe in their love, in their struggles, and in the unspoken words that linger between them.
Every moment in this drama is drenched in emotion, not through grand declarations but through the subtle glances, the lingering silences, the way time passes and yet some feelings remain unchanged. It’s a story that understands that love isn’t always loud,it’s sometimes found in waiting, in yearning, in simply existing side by side despite the years that slip away.
Beyond its moving narrative, When Life Gives You Tangerines is a visual masterpiece. The golden glow of the tangerine orchards, the vastness of the sea, the warmth of a fading sunset, every frame is a work of art, capturing not just the beauty of Jeju, but the emotions woven into its landscapes. The cinematography doesn’t just set the scene; it breathes life into it, making the past and present feel like memories unfolding before your eyes.
This isn’t just a drama, it’s an experience. It’s the kind of story that lingers in your heart long after it ends, like the taste of something sweet and nostalgic. When Life Gives You Tangerines reminds us that love, in all its forms, is timeless. And sometimes, even when life takes us in different directions, the heart remembers where it belongs.
Was this review helpful to you?
Once in a Lifetime Drama
A true masterpiece, it's one of those dramas that will stay with you forever. I never felt so many emotions watching a drama. So thankful to the cast and crew who contributed towards this masterpiece. Everyone did such a fantastic job in this show; I am truly speechless. It has taken the position of No. 1 drama in my heart. I recommend this show to everyone; please watch it.Was this review helpful to you?
family love
True love does not come from the amount of wealth, but true love grows from the closest person who has a high level of concern. If he wants, he would. Ini ceritanya bagus bangett, ga cuman ceritain tentang "cinta" tapi mengandung sejarah bagaimana kejamnya orang korea yang patriaki pada zaman itu, pengorbanan seorang ibu untuk anaknya, perjuangan seorang suami dan ayah yang mengusahakan apapun demi istri dan anaknya. kalau nonton ini dijamin hati akan terenyuh, banyak perasaan campur aduk. ada moment butterfly era sampai sedih sesedih mungkin.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Beautiful and real, but slow
I would be lying if I said I was interested to watch this from the start, but I wasn't. It didn't seem like my cup of tea. It seemed like a slow-burn story set in the province that may bore someone who finds it really hard to be hooked to a drama. I'm guilty to say that I watched it because I'm in my Kim Seon Ho fan girl era but no shame to that, because at least it introduced me to this beautiful drama.The story dwells into the simple but harsh lives of Aesun and Gwangsik in Jeju. It takes you into all the hardships that they navigate while living a poor, rural life and the relationships that they form along the way. I think it gives a realistic view on the dynamics of a family that is constantly in survival mode - dysfunctional but deeply connected. It's a story that gives you all the details into someone else's life, making it hard for you not to be affected.
Aesun is an ambitious girl since youth. She dreams to be a poet. She had a close relationship with her mother which I found to be admirable, considering the tough love she receives. Gwangsik was an awkward boy who was good at sports. It's hard to describe Gwangsik's character without mentioning Aesun because he quite literally lived for her. I'm not quite sure what to think of this in general, someone devoting their lives for one person. But one thing I know is that this drama had a way to show it beautifully - so much that you'd wish you were that one person. They battle through lives together as a young couple, both carrying their own family issues. The start of their love story was fun to watch, all the push and pull and all the martyr things that Gwangsik did for Aesun. Eventually, Aesun who once had big dreams outside of Jeju became a mom of three and lived along Gwangsik's family. Gwangsik's family irritated me. I can't imagine living with his mother and most especially his grandmother. One of the major events in this series is when Aesun's youngest child dies from an accident. It didn't particularly hit me as hard as the drama tries but I could see how a parent watching this would be affected by it. They did well in portraying grief and how it could last a lifetime.
The second half of the drama focuses a lot on Geummyeong, the daughter, and a little bit on Eunmyeong, the son. I can't say I particularly liked Geummyeong's character but then again, that may be the intention. She was quite cruel to her parents in little ways. I do like following along the story of her two relationships and how parallel they were to each other. It was brave of her to let go of her first relationship. I felt how much she loved the guy but she soon found out how much she and her family would suffer if she married him. I also liked how her relationship with Park Toto was formed. It wasn't a grand and burning love story - it was simple, but real and safe.
The rest of the story goes on to tell the series of misfortunes that happen in each of their lives. Aesun and Gwangsik's lives were filled with so many obstacles and it was sad to see them suffer even in their later years. Gwangsik went to fish every day for his whole life to provide for his family. It was all he knew. One of the saddest scenes was when Eummyeong told Gwangsik that he didn't want to be like him - someone who works hard every day but could only provide so little for his family. Until the end, I felt the guilt he carried because he wasn't able to give the life Aesun deserved. But I related with Aesun as she assured him that the life she shared with him was already enough. This showed how unconditional their love truly was. I'm glad that the couple had the successful break they deserved in the end, even if it was short-lived. Their story reminded me to really appreciate life. A lot of people are not fortunate enough to be given the opportunities that we consider normal or typical. But the characters show that no matter how tough life could get, there is still something worth living for.
Overall thoughts: The story was beautiful. However, with all the hype that it gets, I wouldn't expect too much from this drama. It did not have a climax per se. It was a realistic story that shows how messy life could get. Honestly speaking, I don't think I would have continued to watch if I wasn't anticipating Kim Seon Ho. Some scenes were a little too slow for my liking and it didn't capture me right away. There were episodes that interested me and there were ones that did not. But I'm happy to have stuck through it because the ending ties up the story well.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
One of the best kdrama. Please watch!
One of my all-time favorite dramas, right alongside Lovely Runner. The story and production are simply too good - there’s honestly nothing more to say. I cried so much while watching this, but I don’t regret it one bit. It hit my kokoro in a way I can’t even properly describe. Highly highly recommend!Was this review helpful to you?
Just Beautiful
I don't usually cry while watching shows but here I am, a blubbering mess. The best way to enjoy this show is to watch one episode at a time over several weeks. It took me two months to finish. It would have been too heavy otherwise.Even if the first few episodes are a little boring, it will grow on you over time. The only negative point I can think of is the relatively short screentime of PBG. It honestly felt more like a special appearance than a lead kind of role even though he was present throughout the series. That said, each member of the cast did a phenomenal job, especially the older version leads.
The only way to describe the drama was that it is beautiful. No matter which stage of life you are in, you'll find something to relate with. I'm glad I watched it. I will never watch it again but I will treasure the memories and the life lessons I've learned from it.
Was this review helpful to you?
