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This review may contain spoilers
Well-Written Characters and an Original Story That Stands Out
Beautiful show, I love how it focused on family, allowing us to see the development of each character as well the romantic side. Each character was well fleshed out ,and you really got the chance to know them, especially I-na. She was quietly suffering because of her powers, but as her story unfolded, she gradually opened up.The ending was also really well done. At first, I was confused and wasn't sure I liked how the son was just holding Gwi-ju's hand. But after reading comments, I understood the true extent of his power. It's very similar to his dad's, but instead of having to go to the past, he can summon things from it (dangerous thing for a baby to have but that's besides the point lol). It explains why there was no body in the present: his son from five or so years in the future pulled him that many years forward. It's sad it took that long, but it was such a well thought out ending to a well thought out show with an amazing cast. The fact that this is an original story makes it even more impressive.
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More Than a Romance
Netflix gives the genre as “romance” and it does center around one, but it’s about a lot more than that. It’s about how the pressures of life mess people up. It’s about family and found family and the terrible (and good) things they do to each other. It’s about the helplessness of feeling like one can’t change the past or the future.Some of the most moving moments in the show don’t even involve the main couple - though I did find them charming, especially Jang Ki Yong who seems to be a very versatile actor.
I also liked that it was something different. They had superpowers that had stopped working, and even back when they did work they were never superheroes. The FL was not insipid and sweet but a schemer.
It’s not a flawless show, and I was especially unimpressed by the use of the “self hating fat girl” stereotype. However even that is mitigated somewhat by the end.
This is one of my favorite shows of 2024 and I strongly recommend it.
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1/2 Way Through...It's OK
The acting is great, the story less so. Slow moving and it leaves you guessing (a bit too much) for the back stories. How did this family come into their powers? Is this hundreds of years of a family with these powers? A recent curse? How did the sister gain all of that weight if she was once a successful model? Does the dad have powers or is he just along for the ride?After six episodes of a 12-episode series, one would think that the characters, especially the leads, would be a bit more fleshed out.
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The Adam’s Family Meets The Hallyu Wave (Everything Korean)
All the up front synopsis for the new Korean Drama Atypical Family that I read on the Internet seems to be wrong. The story is not outlined as projected by news sources. Atypical Family did not meet my 15 min “love it or leave it criteria”. However, there certainly was enough hidden back story revealed to let me know that there was enough paint on the canvas to make me stick around. This story is so very complex.Revealed in the first episode, therefore, these are no spoilers.
1. The male lead has superpowers which he feels are a curse.
2. The male lead was married to his wife, who gave birth to their first child.
3. She died in a car accident, which appears to have been caused by her.
4. He could not use his superpowers to save his wife.
5. His mother forewarned him of this pending doom.
6. The death of his wife caused his depression, which caused him to loose his superpowers.
7. The whole family has superpowers, but they all have lost them, because of modern medical diseases.
8. The female lead is actually a grifter. She has been planted into this family by a thievery gang, because the family is rich. Her sole purpose is to steal money from this rich family and to give it to the thievery gang for which she works. She thinks that the information about the family is nonsense.
9. This drama is so weird. It is so atypical from the typical Korean Drama.
10. I see the paint on the canvas and it looks like an evolving masterwork.
Mind sufficiently blown. I can’t even figure this one out. Left very intrigued. I am so excited. Episodes post Saturdays and Sundays.
@ Edit: This is such a brilliant drama, from the mind of someone who got in a perfect lane of thought. I am going to drop spoiler explanations in the comment section below, to help those who might be puzzled. Look for them.
What is a spoiler? It is when the drama is bicycling in one direction and then makes a significant turn to another direction and you reveal this. It is very rare that the first episode will contain spoilers, because the drama has not had a chance to progress forward.
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This review may contain spoilers
Episode 12
Why did GwiJu have to go back to the school fire to save DaHae? Did it change anything in their future? How was the son able to travel back to a time when he wasn't even born yet? How was a 5yo able to save GwiJu from a fire if he had no other superpowers but to bring people back? GwiJu would have had to save Ina and DaHae before being brought to the future but the facade had collapsed on him immediately. I was a little disappointed with the ending. They tried to show too much in one episode.Was this review helpful to you?
Atypical KDrama
Perhaps disproportionately rated high but this show was such a confusing enigma to me when I was watching it that it deserves a nod of respect, at this point. In a landscape where mediocrity was reigning over an unusually lackluster year of disappointing kdramas, Atypical Family was released with little fanfare. It wasn't a hyped drama. It didn't start trends or move viewers to rally behind its fantastical romance or revenge plot. I had no expectations for it. I didn't even like the first episode. The acting seemed meh, the plot seemed meh, the nonexisting romance felt meh, nothing about this drama was particularly interesting or outstanding.And yet, I kept going back to it, week after week. It was so bizarre. If you asked me what I loved about it, I wouldn't be able to come up with anything. But then, week after week, the show ended on an intriguing note that brought me back for more, then before I knew it...I cared! I cared about the characters, about their lives, about their ending.
That's just so bizarre until I was hooked. But then I was hooked on, like, episode 9! It took forever but the show had the longevity to bring you back each week until you got invested.
No one has so subtly managed to succeed so quietly, just from being unassuming. So I have no choice but to salute this show.
That said, there were definitely certain elements to this show that set it aside. It was in fact an unusual kdrama with elements that are either taboo in kdramas or challenge what is widely accepted as a natural part of the rom-com of SK. Perhaps that's why it went under the radar because I have noticed most seem to prefer watching the same repetitive stereotype with massive plot holes instead of trying something new. I kind of get the comforting familiarity of that but then you miss out on the unexpected interesting stories.
This show had an interesting female lead. She was experienced, scheming, and not cute. The male lead is a depressed blob who has no machismo or masculine charisma. The rest of the points...I don't remember! I watched this show so long ago and I should have reviewed it then but I was too confused then and now it's too late! But there were more stuff setting it apart!
The acting here was okay. I know some people didn't like the male lead. But I don't think it was the actor's fault. The main character is literally depressed. He's not gonna be your typical drama oppa, okay?! The whole point is that he drink to forget he is alive. And same goes for every other character. They have a lot of personal defects and those are intentionally highlighted in the show. So, the characters are intentionally irritable, distant, lethargic or moody.
What stood out from this was the production value. The sets are gorgeous, the lighting is immaculate. The music is so beautiful. The outfts are meticulously chosen to fit everyone's personality and their consistency game is off the charts because little changes in scenes are all part of the plot and one mistake would ruin that.
Rewatch: I still won't rewatch unless I was determined to pitch it to someone else.
Overall: I highly recommend this as it's a good show and it keeps it interesting in a respectable number of episodes. Some say they wanted more but experience has shown that Kdramas don't do well with MORE episode! Less is your way to go.
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JUST WATCH AND YOU WILL KNOW IT!
OMG if you are into time travel or more into fantasy then definitely give this masterpiece a chance. I loved every episode when it aired. First of all i would like to appreciate the writing for giving us such a beautiful relation interpretation. The story was not a 100 for me but the characters and how they handles their power really give kudos to the writer. It gives you love, hate, anger, frustration and emotions (ALOT OF EMOTIONS) through out the watch. I totally recommend if you are looking for a change.Was this review helpful to you?
From Laughs to Feels: This Show Does It All (and Does It Well!)
If there's one thing I absolutely adore in a K-drama, it's a good time travel plot. And let me tell you, "The Atypical Family" does not disappoint! This show is an absolute gem that had me hooked from start to finish. If you're looking for something unique, heartwarming, and full of twists, this is it.First off, let's talk about the plot. It's refreshing and original, with each episode delivering new surprises and keeping you on the edge of your seat. It's like a perfect blend of time travel, dark comedy, crime caper, and romance, all wrapped into one delightful package. The story explores deep themes like personal growth, dealing with trauma, and self-acceptance, without ever getting bogged down or losing its charm.
The characters are another highlight. Jang Ki Yong as Bok Gwi Ju is phenomenal. His character, who can travel back to happy moments in his past, is portrayed with such depth and authenticity that you can't help but root for him. And Chun Woo Hee as Do Da Hae? She brings a ray of hope and change into Gwi Ju's life, and her character's growth is both natural and heartwarming.
But it's not just the leads who shine. The supporting cast, including Kim Su Hyun (even in a fat suit!) and the rest of the dysfunctional family, all deliver outstanding performances. Special shoutout to the little girl, Park So Yi, who plays Gwi Ju's daughter – she's a standout with her impressive acting chops.
Visually, the show is stunning. The cinematography captures every emotion beautifully, making each scene a visual treat. The production team deserves a huge round of applause for creating such an aesthetically pleasing drama. And let's not forget the OST – it's so good. Every track perfectly complements the scenes, enhancing the overall experience.
One thing I love about "The Atypical Family" is its ability to mix genres and still keep everything coherent and engaging. The drama doesn't fall into the usual traps of rom-coms turning melodramatic. Instead, it smartly navigates through different tones and themes, keeping things fresh and exciting.
"The Atypical Family" is a must-watch. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, the character development is spot-on, and the plot twists keep you guessing till the very end. It's one of those rare dramas that respect both their work and the audience, making it an unforgettable experience.
So, if you have some time on your hands and want to dive into a drama that's different from the usual fare, give "The Atypical Family" a try. Trust me, you won't regret it. It's a heartfelt, engaging, and beautifully crafted show that will stay with you long after the final episode.
Happy watching!
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Amazing drama, moving & comforting, perfect for the holidays!
PLOT: The FL, an orphan taken in as a teenager by a family of crooks, tries to marry the ML, a rich depressed widower with a child. However, she is unaware that his family has superpowers, diminished by the modern way of life.+++ Really great actors (all of them (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)). Jang Ki-Yong is exceptional (as usual) , but the young In-Ha also has a great career ahead of her.
+++ Intriguing story, full of mystery and suspense, very catchy from the first episodes.
+++ Effective production, with credible special effects. The balance of emotions (trauma, suffering, humor, mystery, etc.) is very well weighed and thought out.
+++ Very good OST.
+++ I really love the final scene (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)
### The representation of overweight people in Korea is very often inappropriate on all levels: overweight = eating a lot and dirty, actress with false cheeks and poorly shaped "fake body", etc. The series would have deserved a 10 without this artificial character...
=> Short, nice series, beautifully performed.
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Super drama, émouvant & réconfortant, parfait pour les fêtes !
PLOT: La FL, orpheline recueillie ado par une famille d'escrocs, tente d'épouser le ML, veuf en dépression et avec enfant, d' 1 famille riche. Elle ignore cependant que cette famille possède des super pouvoirs, amoindris par leur mode de vie.
+++ De très grands acteurs (tous (ღ˘⌣˘ღ) ). Jang Ki-Yong est exceptionnel, mais la jeune In-Ha a aussi une belle carrière devant elle.
+++ Story intrigante, pleine de mystère et de suspense, très accrocheuse dès les 1ers épisodes.
+++ Réalis° efficace, avec effets spéciaux crédibles. L'équilibre des émotions (traumas, souffrance, humour, mystère, etc.) est très bien pesé et pensé.
+++ Très bonnes OST.
+++ J'adore la scène finale (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)
### La représentation des personnes en surpoids est inadaptée à TOUS les niveaux : surpoids = manger beaucoup et salement, actrice avec fausses joues et "faux corps" mal fait, etc. La série aurait mérité un 10 sans ce personnage si artificiel ...
=> Série courte, sympa, magnifiquement interprétée.
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Beautifully acted, beautifully written and beautifully angsty
I think this kdrama really is one of my fav watch from this year (2024) the acting was fenomenal.the romance felt so real and the chemistry was honestly out of the roof, i cried more than once watching this kdrama. it is so angsty yet so happy, the female lead is absolutely beautiful and just seeing her cry made me want to cry too.
the family dyniamics made me enjoy this drama even more, i cannot recommend it enough !!
The Time Travel parts actually made sense, i feel like even if you’re someone that might get confused with those things you can understand this plot really well.
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The best drama I've seen lately
Just watch it. It's a interesting plot. If you are like fantasy dramas. You should watch this. I really love this. This os the first time I do recommend a drama. This drama deserve a 10/10 rating.Female lead is amazing. She is not a cheesy type girl. Male lead is so talented ofc. And rest of the cast nailed it. And the Ina-ya is such a talented girl. She is super cute.
Every episode ends with curiosity.
And the music is so good. I really really love this. This is perfect !
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