Great Drama, Even Better: LEE JUN YOUNG
As all the reviews state, this drama is great. You don't need me to add accolades. I love IU, Park Bo Gum, all the other actors. The story and production values are top notch. Everything is great about this show.MOST IMPORTANT, I have to give a big shout out to LEE JUN YOUNG. I have seen him in a number of roles. He is phenomenal, a true gifted chameleon who makes each role come to life in full, vivid color. When I saw him in Brave Citizen, I swore that he must be a sociopath in real life. In DP, my heart was ripped out when he played the victim turned revenge killer. Here, his love-sick school boy to reality-burdened adult was AMAZING. There is nothing that he can't do. Other stars are always clearly themselves, no matter what role, take Bai Lu or Esther Yu or even Park Bo Gum, for example. Lee Jun Young can turn himself into any character in simply mesmerizing performances. I can't believe that he debuted as a singer/rapper/dancer and didn't focus on acting initially. To know that he not only acts but also has all these other skills makes me wonder why I am allowed to live, having no talents whatsoever.
Lee Jun Young is one of the best actors not just of his generation, but of all generations. He shines like diamonds. I can't wait to see his next performance.
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masterpiece series♥
What a masterpiece, the frame story is based on a true story, which makes the series more emotional and deep. This is a series in which the entire spectrum of emotions is activated, it is not surprising that it has won so many awards and praise. Beyond the realistic plot, the series has phenomenal acting by the entire cast without exception, from the main to the secondary. Smart monologues, mental toughness and survival, chemistry, interaction and dynamics between the characters. Love, sacrifice and pure giving without conditions, between spouses and between parents and children. A drama that spans three generations and from generation to generation illustrates how the worldview of each generation, a legacy that parents leave to children/grandchildren. The characters develop with the plot, there is a breaking of conventions.. A series that is true not only for Korean culture - it is true for everyone. In my opinion, a masterpiece series.Was this review helpful to you?
Much more than just fiction!
After 8 episodes, i can say, I'm pretty sure this kdrama will end up being the best series ever produced in Korea. I've leaned so much, both as a son and as a parent, I've felt all emotions possible for a human being to feel.. I was expecting a great drama, but it's much more than that...a breath of fresh air, that makes you rethink the way you live! What a script, amazing cast..just amazing amazing amazing!!Was this review helpful to you?
Heartfelt and Realistic Series
Though realistic and heartwarming, the series is undeniably sad. It doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life, making it a must-watch for those seeking a reality check. Through its deeply human storytelling, it teaches valuable lessons about survival, resilience, and problem-solving.Each episode presents challenges that mirror real-world struggles, showing how people navigate difficulties, make tough choices, and learn from their mistakes. The series doesn’t offer easy answers, but rather, it emphasizes perseverance and the power of human connection. Watching it, you begin to understand the importance of emotional strength, communication, and adapting to life's unpredictable twists.
The characters are what make this series truly exceptional. Every one of them is meticulously crafted, with distinct personalities, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Their journeys are compelling, filled with moments of joy, sorrow, and personal growth. You see them at their best and worst, making them feel incredibly real. It’s impossible not to get attached, and by the time the series ends, you’ll feel like you’ve lived through their experiences alongside them.
Beyond its emotional depth, the series is a testament to the human spirit. It teaches you that setbacks don’t define you—how you respond to them does. Even in the darkest moments, there’s hope, kindness, and the possibility of change.
I absolutely adore this series. It’s not just entertainment; it’s an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
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Who Likes This Stuff???
I do. Even if I wasn't an IU fan I would have still really liked this series. I've probably watched close to 100 Kdrama series to date and this one filled in a lot of the blanks I had about Korean culture and relationships. I really couldn't think of anything that I didn't like about it and so I gave it a 10 across the board, including rewatch value. Maybe I won't shed as many tears next time.Was this review helpful to you?
Brilliant
Was not sure I was going to like this drama but glad I gave it a chance. ML/FL’s were paired perfectly. They all played their characters well. This drama was put together so well. It tells the stories in a unique way. Although not a Korean, at times it was difficult to understand what historicaly was taking place at times. The relationships are relatable. Found myself feeling the same feelings in my own life as did the characters. Some life stories really hit me. I highly recommend this drama.Was this review helpful to you?
a journey through the tangerines of life
finished 10/10First K-drama of the year I give 10 and without a doubt a masterpiece 👏
A journey through the years filled with love but also many difficulties and pain
A story that takes us to the struggle of women to fulfill their dreams and be happy
When you watch this story, you feel like you're putting all your feelings and thoughts into each of the subplots.
A magnificent script and beautiful performances.
I hope I can erase this story from my memory so I can revisit it as if it were the first time.
I'll miss you all 💓
pd: Gwansik and Aesun
I'm going to miss you. You're a big part of me. 🫶
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Parents Love is none to ONE
Amiably The show I Eagerly watched while it was Airing. Absolutely Flabbergasted by the Story , Acting, Screenplay. 10/10. I never Felt so much Emotions while Watching a Drama. I cried like i literally Bawled my Eyes out. So much attached I got to the Characters of this Drama. For future watchers of this Amazing Drama I'll leave u some Notes;Prepare Tissues for these Episodes it will Bring out ur Emotions
EPISODES -3(chasing ), 4(Husband Breaking Norms), 6(STEELHEART Broke), 8(21:43 Hand Waving) (55:06 The Bird finally took Flight) , 10(The Flashbacks), 16( 18:20 timeline )
Especially The last Episode was so so Gud I cried the whole Episode. If u live like Alone or Far away from Parents after watching this Drama, U Surely will call them n Thank them. That's what I did n i don't know why I cried wen I called them n Thanked them. It was just the Emotions flowing through my Body. I learnt to Appreciate my Parents more after watching 🍊.
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In the end , it's our family.
Drama is about life and family love. i end up crying is my husband gona be like main leads. it tells a perfect love story for generations and green forest male. That parents do love you and dialougs of daughter for her mothers were like my thoughts for my mother and i end up being angry over children that try to understand your parents bit and be nice but that's how we are..10\10
Theme: A story of persons , how we live ,how we need love .. story of generations . a person can't be perfect . always love yourself...
Character: Every character has it's own responsibility.. everybody is trying to live their best. characters are loving no one is being over. they make you cry so muchh.
Acting : Everybody knows what were they doing. acting really make you feel their emotions. everyone was lead.
Visual: Classic production , scenes are really pretty with actors beauty. everything was beautifully illustrated.
In the end a tearjerk, straight 17 mins in and i found my self weeping like a child..
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FEEL GOOD DRAMA?
Such a wholesome and heartwarming watch🩷.The countryside vibes, friendships, and family ties felt so real❤️.
It’s simple, yet it hits you emotionally in the best way🩷.
The characters grow on you and leave a lasting impact❤️.
A sweet reminder to find joy in the little things life gives us🩷
What makes this drama special is its simplicity🩷. There’s no unnecessary rush, no forced drama—just heartfelt storytelling😍. The characters feel real, like people you’d meet in your own life❤️. Their struggles, friendships, and moments of quiet growth are relatable and touching🩷. You’ll smile at their little joys and maybe even tear up during their silent heartbreaks❤️.
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the most endearing story
It's a drama that feels like home, very raw and honest and it's a reminder of what happiness and love truly mean. The two main leads, IU and BoGum did such a great job portraying the humble lives of their characters who never had much, went through some difficulties but still found their path. Life is full of beautiful things, the most valuable ones money couldn't buy, this drama constantly reminds me of that and that's very humbling.It makes u realize that, in reality, Aesun and Gwansik had everything really.
This story really kept me deeply engaged, I loved every second.
Also i don't recall crying so much watching a drama before lol so yeah this one touched my heart.
It surely belongs in my top 10 of k-dramas, it's a little treasure.
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Heartfelt, Realistic, Unforgettable
This drama beautifully portrays the power of love and dedication in the face of hardship. Despite living in poverty, Oh Ae-sun and Yang Gwan-sik raise their family with extraordinary care, sacrifice, and support. They provide their child not just with material needs, but with a nurturing environment full of love, a depiction that feels both authentic and deeply moving.What makes this drama particularly resonant is its portrayal of Asian parenting, where love is often shown through actions rather than words. For viewers who grew up in Asian households, the emphasis on acts of service as demonstrations of affection...cooking for family, doing laundry, taking care of daily needs...feels profoundly relatable.
Many scenes resonated with me, but one stood out in particular: when Yang Geum Myeong and her family meet Park Yeong Bum's family. In this moment, Oh Ae-sun says, "I wasn't able to teach her. She was so precious to us. We cherished her dearly. So I chose not to teach her." This line encapsulates the quiet, steadfast love that defines her parenting, reflecting my own experiences and the way my parents raised me.
Moon So Ri and Park Hae Joon deliver exceptional performances, portraying a couple who has loved each other since childhood. The way they look at each other brings their love story vividly to life, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
While I would rate this drama a one-time viewing for myself, that does not reflect its quality. The storytelling, performances, and emotional depth are exceptional. The intensity of the emotions and the heartache it evokes made it a deeply affecting experience, but one that I could only endure once. That said, I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who appreciates heartfelt, realistic family dramas.
In summary, When Life Gives You Tangerines is a tender, poignant exploration of love, family, and sacrifice. Its themes are universal, yet its cultural specificity allows it to resonate especially with viewers familiar with the nuances of Asian family dynamics.
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