A heartwarming and beautiful story that sadly isn't for everyone to enjoy!
I'll start my review off with a a line quoted from the series.....“ keep your head below the water only for as long as you can breathe and when you feel like you can't do it anymore then get out of the water and catch your breath "
- Samdari hanyeos.
This drama has been a pleasant journey, it managed to mix up different genres and tags and still made things work some how, we had family friend romance an ex lovers troupe childhood friends to lovers troupe and many more.
What I loved about this drama?
- The consistent story telling...they stuck to what the story had to be from beginning to end..it had to be a healing drama filled with life lessons, rekindling relationships such as friendship and family and it did exactly that..I was sold to the way the story was being told in an engaging manner and with atmosg consistency.
- The acting..this was one of the dramas biggest strengths...every character in the series even the little girl could actually act or potray their feelings In the most believable way in a way that getting attached to the characters didn't feel like a problems because it happened naturally.
- The characters...Except for a few annoying ones most of the characters in the drama had personality...they could stand on their own because they had their own stories....one more thing is the flawed presentation of characters that was done absolutely well, these characters were hurt and flaws and imperfect but that was the charm they added to the series...their character development seemed natural and it happened along the way without feeling random or forced..the characters were given room to make mistakes and heal and make wrong decisions that they later learner from and that was another charm in the series.
- The couple's chemistry.. The main couples served longing and Agust and it was done really well....the other side couples were also cute and were the cherry on top of the drama either way all had amazing chemistry.
- The Samdarli community that I felt part of in these six weeks.
Overall there was plenty to like about this drama to be honest...I felt healed and warmed up and also heartbroken by the story..I was so emotionally invested.
Things I didn't like?
- The unnecessary love triangle that was trying to be created...it felt not needed in the progress of the story.
Other than that...this was a good watch....I mean what do I expect from putting together amazing actors and actresses...Shin Hye Sun's acting range and emotion potrayal got me so attached to her character and rooted for her...Ji Chang wook proved once again that he's a versatile actor and I support him trying out different roles because he's an amazing actor...the rest of the actors and actresses too did a good job with their roles.
Do I recommend this drama?
YES..it might seem like the type of drama that isn't for many but it's a nice watch if you want something healing relaxing yet heartbreaking at times..you will laugh and cry but it will all be worthwhile....so please don't mind the ratings and give it a chance yourself.....
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Not happy with the ending
Each aspect of the drama was impeccably executed. All the lingering questions were addressed in the final episodes, so I highly recommend watching it through. The acting from every character, including the leads and supporting cast, was truly remarkable. Whenever the male lead shed tears, I found myself deeply moved, mirroring the emotions of the female lead. Their performances truly touched my heart. However, the ending of the drama left me somewhat disappointed. I felt that not every character received a proper resolution, especially the one who harbored unrequited love for the female lead. Similarly, the female lead's sister deserved a fulfilling love story of her own. Ultimately, I yearned to witness the marriage of the main characters. Despite this, the drama was an overall enjoyable experience.Was this review helpful to you?
A wholesome sometimes chaotic drama that shows the values of having family and friends
A good wholesome heartwarming story that shows you can withstand everything when your family is by your side.A girl who loses everything in an instant unwillingly goes back to her hometown and slowly gains back her confidence and rises up again to face the world. In the process old scars are healed, broken relationships are fixed, the love that was once lost blooms up again.
Shin Hye Sun nails it again just like she has done in every drama she has starred in. Be it portraying a strong and ambitious photographer Eun Hye or the girl behind that strong persona who is just trying to run away from her painful past. She manages to show all the emotions spot on.
Ji Chang Wook is one hell of a versatile actor. From portraying a monstrous grey character in "The Worst Of Evil" to the sweet yet chaotic guy next door in this show, he shines brightly. Him as Yong Pil is one big green flag of a guy who is always there for his loved ones and is ready to sacrifice anytime for their happiness.
The chemistry between the leads as two childhood sweethearts turned ex is amazing. Be it their childish banter or making up for regrets, everything is done beautifully. It isn't just the leads but also the side characters that make it even more fun to watch. Each and every character is placed well in the story and are quite enjoyable to watch.
The show has plenty of cute, funny, chaotic, emotional and uplifting moments making it a really good watch and worth your time.
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What a great and heartwarming drama♥
What a great and heartwarming drama, great casting by the entire cast, I enjoyed watching it.A drama that has support and comfort, love and friendship, dreams and concessions and aspirations, simple stories of everyday life both in the world of glamor and in life in general.
Great soundtrack and spectacular views of the island.
And ji chang Wook who melts hearts with his looks in his eyes., great chemistry between the entire cast during the filming and in the plot. Recommended and heartwarming drama.
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One of the best kdrama out there !!
The whole story is absolutely amazing. Every episode is a chef's kiss, it's packed with comedy but after a few minutes, it will stab you with tearjerking scenes. When I was nearing the end of the show, I was feeling sad because I didn't want it to end, i really wish that they made it a long Kdrama ^^At first, I thought this was another revenge story but I was wrong although taking revenge was part of the story, it wasn't the focus of this drama. This drama HEALS. The story portrays different lives along with our leads like the mc's family and friends, their story made me laugh because of their bond and also a heartwarming feeling to the point I cried. It made me wish I could also have someone like them by my side.
The acting is phenomenon!! I already expected great outcomes because of the leads. After all it's THE Shin Hye Sun ( I absolutely love, respect, and simp for her ) and Ji Chang Wook. They exceed my expectations, honestly. The other cast was on the spot too, they did amazing!! So proud of you all. I want to make a special mention Kang Mi Na and the daughter, every time they manage to touch my heart and make me ugly cry. The friend's bond is so strong too!! I can't ask for more!
I would definitely rewatch this!! xoxo
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This review may contain spoilers
What is with this main character
Started off great, I always love a story where a female character goes to a small town/province because the vibe is always a pleasure. This one has the added bonus of the main character already growing up in said town and goes back home because of a scandal at work. She also has to face her old childhood friend turned ex boyfriend again, and I LOVE second chance romances.But I am so confused with the main character. The show wants to portray her as your usual "strong independent woman" and yet she keeps crying and making stupid decisions? she's also such a big fat COWARD, breaking the ML's heart and never telling the reason why and not bothering to clear her name when her whole scandal was fake. Where was the urgency! She didnt even want to enter that photo contest at the island! I don't understand how her friends were so ride or die for her when she hasn't bothered to contact any of them for YEARS, and now she's back home because she needs help. Pathetic.
All in all, her sisters were so much more enjoyable to watch. I love the eldest sister's plotline the most. Their family dynamic was sweet too. The mom really stole the show in my opinion!
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it had potential but then...
the last three episodes felt excruciatingly long, unfortunately, I tried and tried to like this but I just couldn't, can't say it was terrible in itself, but it was definitely forgettable.I couldn't feel like there was a decisive plot, it was simply moving in an ambiguous way and it was a bit unsettling to feel like there were so many important elements missing, the love triangle was absolutely unnecesary here and its resolution wasn't even satisfying, and there was a scene that solidified it to me when Yong Pil was sobbing, there were actually a few other moments like this, he was breaking down and there wasn't enough context, no enough clues, not enough of anything for us, the audience to build a bond, it just felt like another loose end, and it made me, at least, feel frustration... over the fact that there was nothing for me to hold on to in terms of the story, I think that if they actually tried to make this more about the haenyeos, it would've been more interesting to me, though the gossiping aspect, while may be true in these kind of communities, it felt a bit overbearing, it almost made me feel less interested in the island, sadly, it still held a lot of the comedy scenes, so it wasn't absolutely detrimental, that said the whole story and ending didn't feel like there was closure in any of the aspects, it was just shown visually but there wasn't a whole lot of evolution and growth in the characters, and subplots.
Production wise, it was incredible, visually it was lovely and the music really matched the energy of the show, acting wise it was really solid, there were some very credible moments in terms of the relationships, specially between the main characters, they had a really nice natural chemistry, and there was scene when Ji Chang Wook was angry, he was truly red, there was so much rage outpouring in that moment, it reminded me how good he is! to me, the best part of this show were the main actors and the beautiful production with the most outstanding scenery, made me yearn for a trip to the beach!
I really hoped for more it felt a bit inconclusive and ambiguous, there were many clichés that didn't feel like they were handled correctly, there were many missed opportunities here, with such a great cast and production, it lacked dynamics, it lacked a strong story, at least in my opinion.
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This is it. This is my comfort drama.
This is it. I found my comfort drama. Whenever people would say that "this was their comfort drama", I never understood what that meant. Sure, I had dramas that I loved, dramas that I would rewatch, and dramas that I thought were absolute masterpieces. But this is the only drama where I definitely felt "this is my comfort drama". This was such a feel good, slice of life, realistic drama. I absolutely loved it and I know I'll be coming back to watch this time and time again.I don't think I have much else to say, sure the drama may have its flaws but this was such a heartwarming ride that I really don't mind. It was still such a beautiful portrayal of life, friendship, and family.
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Made me cry, made me smile?
At times it was either boring or frustrating, but towards the end i couldnt stop watching. Gave it a 9 because they show me all that Samdal went through, but I wanted to see Eunju suffer, at least for a minute and they didnt give me that satisfaction.I suffered from second lead syndrome like really bad, i know there was no love chemistry, but he was just so cute. The ahjummas were top tier, they stole the show so many times 🤩 Overall, it was a good watch, give it a chamce and keep watching despite the frustration hehehe.
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I'M GLAD I STAYED TIL THE END
This drama started a little slow. I couldn't watch the first few episodes continuously.BUT it gets better midway. While most of the most hyped dramas' plots drop midway, this drama gets more interesting in the second half which is very rare.
I love how they reveal everything in every episode.
We also get to know the story of the other characters in the drama apart from the main leads' drama.
There was a doubt on the chemistry between the leads at first, but in the end, they became one of the chemistry in kdrama. They don't need those unnecessary make out scenes, their gazes and cuddles were enough already.
I love the ending. The people from the hometown that she refused to go back, the people who she thought would badmouth her for becoming a failure in Seoul were actually the same people who truly cared and loved her.
I also love how they did not stretch out the whole revenge plot on Bang Eun Ju because it was not worth it.
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I love everything about it ?
i love welcome to samdalri sooo soooo much. haven't giggled and brainrotted over a show just 4 eps in since a long time.Shin Haesun is so so excellent and the writing is gorgeous. one of my favorite things in ANY drama is well written characters and it really delivers on that front i love samdal's brashness and her vulnerabilities that she desperately tries to hide.
I love yongpil and his softness and how he cares so deeply about samdal that he would buy her ointment even after 8 years of their breakup. and i love how the actors portray them. so desr to me.
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This slow burn romance give you a healing time.
1st of all those who doesn't like slow burn , slow pacing , healing drama you can avoid this !Okay , let me tell you this drama is giving me every aspect of life - ups , downs , family , friends , works , sufferings, happiness, sadness everything. Every single thing , we always face in our lives, our survival, hardship , our achievements, our failure, our emotions, our feelings were well put and expressed to us in a beautiful meaningful way. You can find various aspects of life through the journey.
And if I talk about acting , acting are mind blowing. Every emotions displayed very well mannered, nothing seems over powering as we all know Ji Chang wook and shin hye sun being the marvelous actors. So acting wise it's just top class. And the other casts did very well. For me acting was hundreds.
Story telling process is very good. I found it Little slow but I loved the slowness , you can enjoy the flavour when you watch every episode and have every bite of comfort. Emotional moments were also shown very emotionally. It's giving me a comfortable warmth as if a blanket around myself.
Overall I would say this is an epic drama you can enjoy in winter under your blanket, having a cup of tea or coffee, stress free one hour , enjoying country side view. 10/10
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