Boyhood (2023)

A weird but at times endearing mix of comedy and the most blood boiling rage inflicted by bullies

To be fair after the first episode I almost dropped this show, but boy am I glad I carried on.

Boyhood made me genuinely laugh out loud at times with its silliness which is the reason I felt extremely blindsided when the violence unexpectedly got very much out of hand in the middle of the show.

I had a great time with episodes 2-5 and then partly due to my expectations and/or predictions of the story not being met I fell into despair.
The last two episodes pull together and the show manages to finish the narrative it was writing itself around - to have power it is not enough to physically dominate everyone, real respect must be earned by honest emotions. Still our main character achieves this by beating up a bunch of people.

Byung-Tae was a delightful and most times heart wrenching character, Im Shiwan was the perfect man to do this if we ignore the fact that he looks very much like the 30 yo man he is... a characteristic most characters share I think due to the subject matter and trying not to be too traumatising.
Unfortunately the other characters fell short as I learned very little information about them and some of their "storylines" just get dropped and never examined. That leaves us with a supporting (and sometimes main) cast whose motivations we barely understand. Main and most frustrating of these characters being Gyungtae, whose backstory was never explored and he just comes off as a cartoonish villain cackling In front of himself just to disappear into the?? what actually happened to him I don't understand, and Sunhwa (girl really was just an accessory ..) and to be honest even Jinyoung has little journey in our story (don't be mistaken I love this girl and I wish her the best).

All in all Boyhood was one of the most 'funny' dramas for me this year, it just feels weird saying it about a show where around 8 people get hospitalised because of school bullying.

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It's my fav drama in 2023.

It has everything I have ever loved. Slight bit of romance, friendship, action, drama and comedy! I love the end too it's just so wholesome. This drama makes me laugh, cry and it even melts my heart! It also kinda made me more interested in martial arts too.! I have always been interested in martial arts but it made me more interested in it. I like the aesthetics of this drama too. Even the bad guys are fashionable. Every single outfit can inspire your wardrobe! Well about the male lead, even though you get annoyed with the male lead sometimes, he is a really lovable character. He kinda reminds me of nobuta from doraemon it's just that nobita is way weaker (well at the beginning he was just like him) though he is a separate character of his own. He gets stronger at the end but he still remains the same. I JUST love this drama!

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a truly great and creativ premise that flows between very serious and very funny

First of all I was really into this story, it seemed like the premise was written in a way that felt very unique, complex and creative, but with a touch of comedy to lighten the mood and keep the audience more immerse.
One thing that caught my eye was the cinematography, the close up shots in the beginning is so effective to get to know the expressiveness of the characters, the visual effects looked really nice and refined, the stuns were filmed in a really interesting way and the shaky scenes during the fights were a nice shot, the music choices were amazing and set a nice atmospheric, as well as the makeup and styling.

Another interesting elements was how dynamic each episode felt, the story didn't let the audience sit for way too long in a story and kept it moving as they presented the characters and personalities, it seemed like the chemistry was really natural and they had fun on set.

The actors were so great, the use of satoori is always an interesting element to me, the delivery in terms of dialogue was so good, and I was, once again, impressed by Siwan, he was able to show a spectrum of different expressions as well as manage the physical comedy elements in a very subtle, balanced and seamless way, he adapted his posture and even tone and voice for this character, his attention and care for each role truly impresses me.

All the characters had something different to bring to the table, I do feel like some characters didn't quite hit in terms of the story and I wish they showcased more of the relationships in the family, the ending is a bit... well I don't feel as convinced, but I could be jumping to conclusions. I had fun watching it, and I recommend it.

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Boyhood: A unique story that is fully of comedy and serious moments as well

Loved the drama overall. The drama was just pure comedy up until episode 6, where it got dark when the SML became a super bully after he regained his memory and started to really bully the ML to the point where he beat up his own BF to just get money from him. The way he got his love interest taken from him and how he was treated like garbage was just depressing overall and showed the real effects of bullying and how it can make people so desperate and feel like they are worthless. The training arc and revenge arc that took place for the last 3 episodes was great and I loved the ending where he finally took his revenge. The only thing that I wish was maybe they could've expanded on the ML's first love interest as she just becomes a forgotten character after she becomes the SML's girlfriend. Also it would've been nice seeing the ML and FL have more romantic scenes together, but maybe that would of derailed from the focus of this story.

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I watched this because Hyewon was in it, but besides Hyewon being in it, I do in general like a plot that's set in the past. I really enjoyed this, and I hope there will be a second season. As far as I recall, the director did state there may be a season 2, so I hope the second season will focus more on Byeongtae gaining more confidence and a romance between Jiyoung and Byeongtae. I liked the combination of Action and Comedy. Despite Hyewon being a main character, she wasn't in it as much as I had hoped that she would be, but I do this that Hyewon was great in this. Hoping for season 2.

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A Stylish and Wild Ride Through the Late 80s

I keep my reviews concise and spoiler-free, focusing on the key points. I also watch every episode without fast-forwarding to provide a fair perspective.

This drama is a crazy and ridiculously fun experience, blending humor, action, and emotional depth with an unmistakable 1989 vibe. The first few episodes set the stage, introducing the characters and laying the groundwork for an engaging story that pulls you in immediately. While you can anticipate the challenges the main character will face, the execution keeps you hooked, evoking both fear and excitement as events unfold.

The performances are fantastic, even when deliberately over the top, fitting perfectly with the drama’s tone. The OST is exceptional, featuring nostalgic tracks that immerse you in the late '80s. The visuals and costumes are equally impressive, creating a refreshingly authentic retro atmosphere.

The characters provoke mixed emotions, adding complexity to the narrative. Some struggle with their identity, navigating the fine line between revenge, redemption, and deception. Others undergo drastic transformations, appearing kind and vulnerable at first but becoming more ruthless as their true nature resurfaces.

Midway through, the tone takes a dark and serious turn, diving into the internal conflicts of the characters and their descent into morally grey areas. This shift may polarize viewers but adds depth to the story. Thankfully, the drama later returns to its original lively tone, wrapping up with a balance of humor and action.

The fight scenes are well-executed and thrilling, though certain depictions of weapon-based fights might raise concerns. The cast of characters is colorful, with memorable identities, adding to the drama's quirky charm.

That said, the series isn’t without flaws. Certain key characters are underdeveloped, feeling shallow and lacking depth. Some transformations feel too abrupt or one-dimensional, while others are given limited screen time despite their potential to enrich the story.

Finally, while the drama delivers an important message about identity and power, it lacks the emotional weight of something like The Glory, leaning more on humor and entertainment. Still, the result is satisfying, capped off with a bonus post-credits scene for viewers who stick around.

Overall, it’s a highly entertaining drama with stylish visuals, a vibrant ‘80s setting, and a mix of humor and action that should keep you invested until the end.

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A Knockout Drama That Hits All the Right Notes

Every so often, a show comes along that completely blindsides you, and Boyhood is exactly that kind of drama. Before stumbling upon it, I had no idea it even existed, but now, I can confidently say it’s a hidden gem that deserves all the praise it can get.

First and foremost, Boyhood showcases the extraordinary acting talent of Yim Siwan, who delivers a performance that is nothing short of breathtaking. His ability to embody his character with such depth and authenticity is awe-inspiring. And he’s not alone—the entire cast is phenomenal, each actor bringing their A-game to create a tapestry of unforgettable moments.

The director, whose work I wasn’t familiar with before this, deserves immense credit for the show’s stunning cinematography. Every scene feels meticulously crafted, with emotions brought vividly to life through the synergy of strong performances and masterful direction. Whether it’s comedy that genuinely makes you laugh, moments of frustration that hit hard, or heartbreak that leaves you gutted, Boyhood makes sure you feel every beat of its emotional spectrum.

One standout aspect is the fight scenes. They’re choreographed and filmed with such precision and artistry that they’re as much a visual treat as they are emotionally engaging. Adding to the experience is the show’s outstanding music, which elevates every scene to new heights. And let’s not forget the unexpected romance—it’s surprising how a non-romance drama manages to portray love better than many shows dedicated to the genre.

Another delightful touch is how each episode is named after legendary movies and TV shows. It’s a clever nod to pop culture that adds a layer of charm and personal connection for viewers like me, who couldn’t help but smile at the thoughtfulness behind it.

Boyhood has set the bar high, and I’m already seated and ready for season two. If the next installment is anything like the first, we’re in for another masterpiece. Bravo to everyone involved in this incredible drama!

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Full Package Experience of a Young Boy

Lemme just say If not for Kang Hyewon, I would've dropped this halfway, not because the drama was bad, but because the bullying really went even harder in the second half, and I couldn't stomach it.

The story was a hell of a ride. I'd say it's a full-package experience of what any boy would experience during his high school days. I was about to say minus the exaggerated bullying and gang shit, but if I were to compare it here in my country, I'd say it's pretty similar or even worse, cuz you've got some who actually bring icepicks or knives in school.

Anyway, unless you were an outcast or loner then you probably won't be able to relate with anything that was presented here.

My minor critique of the story is that although it's very relatable, as it was directed in a not-very serious & comedic way, it didn't really hit harder on me. I can kinda see why it was presented as it is because it could be something you could look back on and say "Ahh, yes!! I went through all these things back in high school"

The Characters, I think are all good. They have a lot of characters here because of the gang aspect, but no one is wasted. Everybody did their part. Seeing Siwan playing a High school boy character was kinda "???" like let's be honest here, he looks young, a great actor, a top-tier one at that, and very versatile as well, but he's not young-looking enough to play a high school boy. However, as you went on, you could tell he melded with his characters like as if you were actually looking at a high school boy. My opinion is also the same with FL. She and Siwan got a good chemistry going, and their relationship dynamic is so funny. Kang Hyewon is the sole reason why I watched this drama because I'm a wiz*one myself. She's great here, hearing her curse a lot felt so weird hahaha her acting, yet improved again. She's almost there, I think her sad acting just needs a little polishing, and then she's good to go. For 2nd ML, mind you he's almost absent for almost half of the show, but when he came back, he was like nerfed af, it kinda makes sense because he just had an accident. I thought with all the things going on with him, he would get the character development later on, but I think the writer went "Nope!" and just stuck with his villain character till the end. His actor is also so, so good at pulling the bad guy role, like my god!

OST, although I'm not the type who listens to songs from that generation, I can still appreciate it, especially if it's a good one.

Overall, a good drama. Even though I couldn't stomach the bullying, I would still recommend this. I think I see the appeal of dramas about gangs because of this one, it was kinda hype you know.

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