Emotional, Inspiring, and Full of Heart Drama: And great Choi Hyun-wook !
So far, I’ve only had two absolutely perfect K-dramas: this one and *Reply 1988*.It's definitely worth watching, even just for the character of Ha Lee-chan, one of the most charming and endearing characters I've ever seen. He's charismatic, positive, energetic, simply perfect! Everything about him blends harmoniously: his cheerfulness, tirelessness, immaturity, yet at the same time, his sensitivity, tenderness, and incredible charm. And his actor, Choi Hyun-wook, is just amazing! I’m truly in awe of his performance! He’s a really promising actor, and I will follow his career with great interest. His love story is also very touching, in my opinion, much better and more successful than the main couple’s.
Against his backdrop, his partner Ryeoun shines a little less, but that doesn’t make him bad at all. The female roles are also wonderfully played, especially the energetic Seol In-a, who always knows how to bring brightness and warmth to her character.
As for the story, it’s very touching, showing a son’s perspective on his father and the unique bond they will have to form. It’s also a reflection on family in general, on parents and grandparents (with the magnificent Ko Du-shim) and on what we only understand as we grow older.
The entire cast is excellent, the plot is dynamic, the script is well-written, and the characters are well-developed.
The only small drawbacks the fairytale motif of "Cinderella" with the overly evil mother seemed a bit exaggerated.
Overall, this drama is very touching and proves that in life, we need to fight, despite difficulties, stay positive, and keep going to the end to make our dreams come true.
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Flip a Coin!!!
I just came across about this series, and it's been a while since I watched a 16 episode series that got me excited for a long time since Through the Darkness, Signal (original by both KOR ver and JAP ver), Queen Woo, Kings Affection, Kingdom, Code Blue, Rurouni Kenshin The Beginning Anime, Train to Busan, H2, Death Note, etc... judging by the series that i mentioned, I am very facinated with character build up, and I like it more with 16 episodes instead of 12, it has a good character build up, although let's face it, budget is not something i would like to discuss.Let's start with the Story
Viva La Vida!!! can't get over that tag line, I think this series is on par with Entertainer with Tantara Band, the slow build and introduction to the characters is awesome, we get to see the life before the magic of 2 moons, at first, I thought they are in the same timeline, but later on the first episode, I noticed the color palettes and some grain on the video that's when I realized that this is getting interesting, there are some time travel series before, but this is a unique approach based on the series that I have already watched like the reporter, a journalist traveled time to make things right, the difference is that this one has character build up, with the right and strong chemistry casting, YML and YFL, YML chemistry here is much stronger than his last series my nemesis, YFL is a little but innocent than moon ga young, because I vividly remember Moon ga young personality on interest of love, link, inner beauty, YFL is right for YML. then the supporting ML and supporting FL kind a work, its a kind of role reversal support artist have more lines and less chemistry than the YFL and YML.
Supporting ML and FL has less chemistry than the YFL and YML.
YFL and YML has a strong chemistry and innocent high school feel specially the dreamy editing, no special effects just pure chemistry and acting
OST has 2 tracks that made the 16 episode looks natural
Higher and Shining ,
Higher is composed by an Indie band in future, Shining was composed by a high school band in the past
Higher, Shining, Higher
then a little bit of magical BGM during the 2 moon, nice touch
Should you rewatch, its going to be inside on my top 30, a definite rewatch
Top 30 for KOR and JAP series and movies, there is a lot more than 400, entering inside top 30 is no joke
A fun magical ride that can be enjoyed by all ages with lessons that can be shared to the family forever.
Viva La Vida!!!!
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confusing until the middle-end.
overall the story of the drama is very good, don't want to really retype a summary of it. but overall like everybody else on viki commenters, were confused. i had to rewatch things multiple times on end to understand it because it kinda went extremely fast-paced in the beginning of it. also a lot of plot twists towards the end that started to all make sense at the end. very good story line, very good acting, music was goodish-mid, and i wouldn't rewatch it.favorite characters: Yun Cheong A, Ha I Chan
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Surprisingly easy to watch
I watched this out of boredom and i have no regret at all.The plot is interesting and each episode bring something new. I love the good acting and how the story isn't always going how we viewers are expecting it to be.
It is far from the time traveling drama you know and it also gives an introspection on life and choices that we made.
I don't know much about production or OST, and I am writing this months after i watched it - however it has good acting.
You will cringe, laugh and cry together with the characters and would probably like to slap the vilain.
talking about the vilain - I found that the ending wasn't satisfactory for her
It's a drama to watch between two heavy soul crushing/traumatizing other dramas... lol
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Beautifully crafted show!
I typically gravitate toward thriller and crime dramas, so watching Twinkling Watermelon was something completely new for me. Surprisingly, it exceeded all my expectations and showed me just how rewarding a heartfelt, feel-good story can be. This drama has definitely opened up my options moving forward, and I’ll be more willing now to explore genres outside my comfort zone.Twinkling Watermelon is a heartwarming and beautifully crafted drama that delivers a perfect mix of music, time travel, and emotional depth.
Though it takes a couple of episodes to fully pick up, it soon captivates with its storytelling, lovable characters, and touching family themes. The journey it takes you on makes every episode a joy to watch. The satisfying ending ties everything together beautifully, leaving a lasting impression. It was so refreshing to find a drama that balances emotional events, humor, and fantasy so seamlessly - truly as close to a masterpiece as you can get!
The only thing I wish had been included towards the end was seeing Cheong Ah find out about Yi Chan’s accident. While the drama delivered an emotionally fulfilling conclusion, that moment could have added even more depth to both the characters' journey. Then again, maybe that would have been tempting way too much emotion!
A drama that will never be forgotten.
Viva la Vida! ✨🍉🎸
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Positive, feel good, fun!
Feb 2024I absolutely loved every episode of this clever, joyful, positive and mysterious K-drama.
Each character brought something to the story. Most were high school students, with supporting adult characters, many of whom could learn a thing or 2 from the youngsters!
As the time-travelling mystery centres around a group of high school students that form a band, eventually called Watermelon Sugar, expect a fair amount of music, as the group and individuals rehearse, play and write.
I loved the cast, who were believable in their roles, had excellent chemistry and sucked me right in.
The present day characters within the central family are warm, challenged, close, but not without their issues.
Characters from the past are very varied; ranging from mysterious, to goofy, aloof, mean and frankly evil.
There are references to child abuse, bullying, threat and suicide, but those scenes sit within a story that is overwhelmingly positive, often funny and also emotional. I laughed, wanted to punch people's lights out and cried, throughout the 16 episodes, which flew by.
This drama can just be enjoyed for what it is, a feel good, happy and positive watch; but within it there are also several messages that can be found if wanted and related to, as well.
Very few plot holes and any I noticed were easily forgiven within an overall well thought out and refreshingly positive watch.
I also loved that the issue of deafness and mutism is so maturely addressed. It didn't seek to make a pity party out of the drama, with the emphasis far more on the family attempting to fit in, support themselves, and be accepted as equals.
Of course, there were characters who attempted to take advantage, bullied and treated them as though they were stupid, but there were also positive friendships too.
There is a scene near the end where a female mature character has travelled back to S.K. from abroad and remarks that things are improving [in how those with deafness are responded to/treated]. I found that very telling.
The romances (yes, plural) are very sweet. A main feature, but at the same time not in a way that overshadows the rest of the story, even though they are an integral part of it.
One of the best characters has to be Grandma, fabulously played by Go Doo-shim. Her personality, attitude and relationship with her grandson, were a joy! Loved the name of their guesthouse too.
Choi Hyun-wook as Yi Chan, was probably my favourite character overall. He just grew on me and I totally loved him.
If I had to name something I thought could have made it even better, it would be more of the latter part of his young story with Cheong-ah. Also a little more of their lives in the present day, after their return from the past (especially that of Se-kyung).
Choi Won-young made a great Dad and I loved Chun Ho-jin (a favourite mature actor), as a music shop owner. The kids who played younger versions of central characters, were great too, especially Jung Hyun Joon (as Ha Eun Gyeol).
There are flaws, but for me, none that I couldn't forgive. I really loved that actions had consequences and that parent/child relationships were widely covered.
Would very happily watch this again and I LOVED the soundtrack (link attached for msin tracks).
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I believe the makers of this misunderstood who the main characters are…
This was amazing, I actually watched it twice before finishing the last EP cause I wanted to watch it with my sister before finishing it.I enjoyed pretty much every part of this each time. I cried, I laughed…
This could have been a 10/10 drama, but the ending made that impossible. It wasn’t a terrible ending. Just way too much missing. Too many unanswered questions, leaving me vastly dissatisfied. This is the first time I believe a drama might need another episode, just to actually make the story be complete.
This in part had to do with the fact that I was watching this thing for what appears to have been the „side couple“, which for me was 100% absolutely the center of the whole series and they should have 100% elaborated a lot more on that.
Overall I still 100% recommend watching this though.
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From Tears to Laughter
Twinkling Watermelon has one of the highest ratings on kisskh, and after finally watching it, I can see why. Strangely enough, I had put it off for ages. The synopsis mentioned time travel and I thought, "Oh great... not another Back to the Future copy." With so many time-travel dramas around, I was not particularly excited.The opening episodes did not help. Ha Eun Gyeol is the only hearing member of his poor family. His parents and brother are deaf, and he endures relentless bullying from the neighbourhood gang. It was so gloomy that I nearly gave up after two episodes, unable to withstand the emotional torture.
Thankfully, that is when everything changes.
Eun Gyeol is sent back to a time before his parents met and runs into his teenage father, who has absolutely no idea this strange boy calling him "Dad" is actually his future son. Watching his father's growing annoyance every time Eun Gyeol blurts out "Father!" is hilarious.
From then on, the series is a delightful mix of comedy, romance and heartfelt family moments. It keeps you laughing one minute and reaching for the tissue box the next, while keeping you guessing how every change in the past will affect the future.
Things become even more complicated when Eun Gyeol discovers his father was not born deaf. Determined to prevent the accident that changes his life, he soon realises he has another problem—his father is in love with the wrong girl. Suddenly, saving his father's hearing is no longer enough. He also has to make sure his parents actually fall in love, or he and his brother may never exist. Yes, it sounds a little like Back to the Future, but the drama takes the idea in its own heartwarming direction.
He also discovers that his mother endured a miserable childhood, mistreated by her cruel stepfamily while her father, consumed by his business, was largely oblivious to her suffering. Now he faces yet another impossible mission: how can he rescue her from this living hell?
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the music. Eun Gyeol and Yi Chan form a band, and their performances are fantastic—good enough to give many contemporary pop bands a run for their money. I was so impressed that I even looked up whether the actors are from musical bands. Nope! They simply did a remarkably convincing job.
I watched the drama on Netflix with the English dub. While the dubbing was well done, I do wish Netflix had also provided English subtitles for the songs, especially when Yi Chan was serenading the girl he loved. Those lyrics would have added even more emotional depth to some already memorable scenes.
My only nitpick is that the younger and older versions of Cheong Ah (Eun Gyeol's mother) do not resemble each other very closely. Both actresses were excellent, but a better physical match would have made the transition more convincing.
To borrow another reviewer's word: wacko. The title is wacko, the story is wacko, the characters are delightfully wacko—and it is all incredibly entertaining.
With excellent acting, charming leads, convincing period settings and an engaging story, Twinkling Watermelon is one of those rare dramas that I almost dropped but ended up thoroughly enjoying. Definitely a thumbs-up from me.
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my pov for this drama
I just want to tell that if you love time travelling drama.. it's for you.. like me.. I was waiting for something Good.. for some time travelling thing.. in starting all the childhood story and then.. his struggle not to let them know know about his music love was heart touching and when he mat his younger version of father.. that time drama and all things directing it in a good direction for a great drama..as drama continues he got to know about his father and his struggles. it's a good point to show that our parents has a past to and we are not only one who's struggling here.. I love that part. the more drama went towards it's end the more it got complicated for me because 'I don't want to end it now' is what I felt and at the same time 'okay.. so you have to do this.. you can do this' was in my mind too.
the lessons they gave us through this drama.. form every episode.. is just great.. I learn from this drama is that.. somethings are unavoidable. it will happens no matter how hard you try to stop them.. the more you know the more you want to stop it.. so... better let it happens in more good ways.. less traumatic way..
and one thing for sure.. everything in this world happens has meaning behind it.. like his father stopped him to enter in the music industry because he suffered and don't want his child to felt the same pain.. he was being protective toward his child.. that's all.. and at the same point his child thought the his father is controlling him.. everyone have their own pov so.. if have any misunderstanding.. just talk with them and slove it out..
music of this drama was.. mind blowing.. the lyrics.. voice and all.. was so great.. even after it's over I can't let it out of me..
and the comedy they put in this drama was.. just at another level ...
so.. what I'm telling is.. I recommend this drama to everyone around me.. worth watching and even re-watching it was not a bad choice 🙃🙃🙃
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Só tornou facilmente minha série favorita
O apego que senti com essa série não acontece com frequência comigo. A última vez que fiquei tão apaixonada por uma história assim foi quando assisti 2521, e isso me gerou alguns traumas (rs). Coração quentinho do começo ao fim, muitas mensagens bonitas, atores incríveis e cenas cativantes. Amei! Vale todo o hype e todo o tempo investido.A história da família é tão bonita e o final é de derreter qualquer coração. É legal pensarmos no quanto as vezes pensamos que conhecemos nossos pais quando na verdade existem diversos aspectos da história deles que não fazemos ideia.
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The korean nostalgia dramas always slay
I started this drama because of choi hyun wook and the setting of the drama. this drama is set in 1995. and with various other dramas set in the this period which were really good sparked my interest! this drama differs as it doesn't only portray the 90's . its beepers , radio shows , music but also the question of life. the drama's tagline can be viva la vida which is uttered by the characters quite often. it means long live life! and that is so amazing . because we are always running behind something and forget to live. we see the characters in dilemma while deciding what to do with their life . essentially ha eun gyeol time travels to 1995 and tries to stop an accident but through this time travel he meets his parents when they were young and ends up seeing them in different life. he is CODA which makes him feel distant from his family sometimes. but he heals with the time travel. there is so much depth in story as we chung ah's character who starts enjoying life and communicating while meeting loved ones. this one is for the heartbroken 25 21 fans as in this drama we get two love stories though this drama can be sad at some point it is a must watch !!Was this review helpful to you?
