When Life Gives You Tangerines

폭싹 속았수다 ‧ Drama ‧ 2025
Completed
Haya Algeva
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 25, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 10

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.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Ongoing 8/16
RicardoGregrio
4 people found this review helpful
Mar 15, 2025
8 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10

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?
Completed
SalmanZzoha
1 people found this review helpful
Apr 3, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

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.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
kentv
1 people found this review helpful
Mar 29, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

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?
Completed
DramaMama55
1 people found this review helpful
Mar 29, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

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?
Completed
ross
1 people found this review helpful
Apr 6, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

a journey through the tangerines of life

finished 10/10
First 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. 🫶

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Ethenpa
1 people found this review helpful
Mar 31, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

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 🍊.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
irrony
0 people found this review helpful
May 11, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

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..

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
anjimaammu05
0 people found this review helpful
May 10, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

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❤️.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Why Am I Here
0 people found this review helpful
May 4, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

A Diary of A Family Coping with Struggles

Let me tell you: this drama is not my cup of tea at all. The only reason why I watched it is because the trailer used to keep appearing on my Netflix home. Never have I ever thought that this show will be my best K-Drama I've ever watch so far! The storytelling is a masterpiece. There are a lot of shows talking about life struggle, but I haven't found anything like this one. It's not just a love story (and never just a love story), but it's purely a journey of blood, sweat and tears of Ae-Sun trying to fight her struggle of living under the patriarchial society and stand out for her daughter and herself. And it is a pure unconditional love from Gwan-Sik who always stands out for his wife, her dreams and her ambitions whatever it takes. The whole story doesn't feel dragging at all (or maybe it's because I don't see this genre a lot? I don't know). I love the back and forth plot, it's not confusing and interesting. The narrative by Geum-Myeong also gives additional point of view from her. The whole depiction of the family seems interesting, because poor family in K-Dramas generally are shown as not-so-poor. They usually still have foldable phone, high-end cars and wear luxury make ups. But in this show they do it properly, and it's relieving (they somehow still has camera though).

The entire casts do an outstanding perfomance here. IU has a magnificent job by doing two roles in this show, while Bo-Gum is giving a massive impact as just his presence will give huge spirit of devotion. So-Ri and Hae-Jun also successfully bring the mature atmosphere of endless affection between them two. And not to forget the other casts whom successfully make us through the emotion rollercoasters for the whole shows.

The cinematography is also excellent. You will be pleased with the beauty of the seas in four seasons around Jeju. But more than that, I think the writer wants to relay the message that this scenery potrays the spring, summer, autumn and winter of our lives. They all have their own beauty and storm. The soundtracks are also nice.

Though the story is written excellently, there still some flaws there. The quality of the story seems divided into three part on this show. The first third of the show is really the most outstanding part, it is the part where we see young Ae-Sun coping with all her struggles. Then it comes the second third of the show, the transition part. This is where the story quality goes to a big downfall. The episode about village election is unecessary, not really impactful and seems more like a filler. I understand that they want to highlight the patriarchial society here, but making it as a whole episode is just too much. The story quality picks up in the final third. IU plays two roles in this show impressively, but I can see clearly that she does it better as Ae-Sun rather than Geum-Myeong, thanks to the better story though.

For rewatch recommendation, I'm not really sure though. It is too painful to rewatch the first third of the show. But to let you know, you may look at you family differently after watching this show. This is still a must watch for everyone, because you may not see something like this again anytime soon.

PS: 9.5/10 is the highest rating I've ever given here, and I had never given that to a melodramatic show. Truthfully, I was planning to give it 10/10 if it's not because of that silly village election episode.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
15956318
0 people found this review helpful
8 days ago
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A MUST WATCH MASTERPIECE

This is by far the best drama I have ever seen in my whole life, EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING is done perfectly. They give you story, they give you music, they make you cry, laugh, fall in love, get angry, get frustrated. You can almost feel like you are living through them and the acting, don’t get me started on that one. Every one of them is such an amazing actor and actress, you genuinely forget you are watching something that it’s not real because it feels so warming, so genuine. Absolutely incredible job to everyone here, I have seen it 3 times and have cried on each as if it’s the first time, you never regret watching it again and discovering new things ♥️

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
nishewu
0 people found this review helpful
14 days ago
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

❤️

This drama is 1 year old! From the day it was released, I was told so many times to watch this. I watch K drama to escape reality and watch some unrealistic romcom/comedy/thrilling kdrama. I never thought of watching an life changing kdrama till this.
After watching this I understood so many points of life actually. It may not be same for every people. This made me realise what is love genuinely, how it feels to love someone and to be loved by someone unconditionally.
This drama surely holds a special place in my heart. I never knew I can cry like this while watching out Kdrama!! if Gwan-sik didn't die at last I think I would have given it 10/10. I don't know it just makes me really sad that when it was his time to enjoy the life he was struggling about right that moment he left this world. I swear this was the scene i cried my heart out.
.
Final say...life can be really tough but you have to live your own life, find the sunshine and be happy🌷

note: Also the editing should have been more better😭. The way it shifted to one time to another, that was quite confusing. I get it why ppl are mad about the editing and story telling stylee:3

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
When Life Gives You Tangerines poster

Details

Statistics

  • Score: 9.3 (scored by 63,967 users)
  • Ranked: #8
  • Popularity: #58
  • Watchers: 138,793

Top Contributors

393 edits
209 edits
32 edits
26 edits

Popular Lists

Related lists from users
Causes Ugly Crying /Heartbreaking
371 titles 698 loves 46
Short KDrama
2158 titles 556 loves 16

Recently Watched By