This review may contain spoilers
Just stop watching after the first half of ep. 11 and you're good!
I really loved this drama. I was rooting for the main lead and I was crying with them - a lot.I still couldn't understand why Baek Sa-eon was being such a jerk to her at the beginning, but I could look over that because overall I was just sucked into the show.
I was ready to call it one of my favourite dramas until it suddenly all went south after the second half of the 11th episode. The show strayed away from all logic, brushing over first-time-mentioned topics and didn't care to really explain how things got to happen - but even if they did, I couldn't care less. Because it wouldn't make sense either way.
I was almost ready to drop the drama at this point because I thought it was a 16-episode show, and if that was the direction the drama would continue with, I couldn't finish. After I found out it's only 12 episodes, I watched it until the end, and I can definitely tell, that it was not worth it.
I'm a little shocked by how easily the last 1h 30min could overshadow everything that happened before and ruin the overall image I have about the drama... In the end I decided not to include the last hour of what-the-heck into my rating and just look at the drama as an 11 episode piece.
I would definitely recommend watching it, but I would just keep in mind, that the last episode does nothing for the viewer.
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Moreover, I loved the chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok & Chae Soo Bin. They look good together. The sexual tension between Baek Sa Eon & Hong Hui Ju was on fire. Also love the way Baek Sa Eon flirted with 406, the way Hong Hui Ju was getting jealous was cute.
Hong Hui Ju mother horrible. Hated her to the core. One good thing is that her step sister is not evil. She is a good person who wants Hing Hui Ju to be happy.
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A drama with a LOT of emotions and mostly just precious love
This drama. Was. AMAZING. Honestly like every character has so much depth and it felt like you could see from everyone's POV like hating them but also understanding their cruelty. It just had so much emotional depth I think. The story is essentially revolving around how things aren't always what they seem really but it's also about discovering true love, learning about love and honestly just cherishing it. It's definitely wholesome. It's how two people that are lying to each other in a marriage are finally learning to overcome these scandals and learn to truly love each other. It's incredible. The acting was absolutely mind blowing, every scene had me hooked, it felt like the scenes came ryt out of a book lol if was fantastic. The cast have done an impeccable job with this one. The music too was very touching and sweet and melodious and just perfect. Each scene was just perfection. And the OST had me melting.. Overall, This was a really emotionally well played drama with lots of mind-blowing twists and soulmates that share such a precious love it makes me want to bottle it up and just admire it T-T 📳👐🏻👰🏻♀️💖🧑🏻💼🗣️📢🪪Was this review helpful to you?
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a cracktastically fun show that loses its way and lands in disbelief
this show had one of the BEST opening episodes i have ever seen. it was an overdramatic soapy ride, carried by simmering intensity and masterful acting, backed by fine direction and beautiful camerawork, then driven home by the unapologetically dramatic music score. the buildup that ended in that big twist? i was hooked and screaming and scrambling for more.the first four episodes were in a similar manner, very soapy and intense, flattered by the chemistry between the actors, and without a doubt greatly elevated by the spectacular performance from yoo yeon sook. the only complaint i would raise would be that of the fml's character - the first episode promised more bite but she was ultimately very overmatched. however, the show still delivered its fair share of twists and emotional punches and high voltage spicy moments. every episode had at least one highlight scene (i have written episode reviews for every single episode 1-4, which i have not done for any other show):
- ep2: 'will you take it off, or should i?' / the epilogue phone call reveal of how the ml & fl's marriage came about.
- ep3: the motorcade scene
- ep4: the rooftop scene / (which is amplified by) the epilogue reveal of what happened in the police car
every single scene with the score 'breakthrough pt. 2 (oh hee joon)' was so emotional and intense and iconic. i've replayed those scenes for more times than i'd care to admit, especially during the wait for new episodes (no thanks to yoon suk yeol).
but.. the show loses that spark. for 5 through 8, the show was still reasonably good, though increasingly cliche, and threatens to snap the suspense of disbelief with totally unconvincing scenarios that cannot be excused with dramatic dressing. then the show just loses its footing and ends with, well, shitting the bed. it's a shame that the show went out with a whimper, especially with the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the last episode. however, the first 4 episodes were so good, i'll allow nothing less than a 8.5.
to summarize:
- breakthrough pt.2 is now one of my ringtones.
- yoo yeon suk, you have earned yourself a fan in this one!
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This review may contain spoilers
Unnecessary ending
I have mixed feelings. I really enjoyed the start of this drama. In the halfway I was a bit lost but still it was entertaining. BUT these two last episodes were so messy and the Argan plot was so unnecessary. Who even made that plot? It didn't make any sense and I felt like watching a completely different drama. Why did they have to ruin a good drama with a floppy ending???Instead of the bad Argan plot, they should have given us the crumbs of Sang U and Yu Ri!!! They build up a great relationship between them just to randomly announce their marriage in the last episode... like c'mon that was so badly written. The actors had great chemistry together and they were very cute but the writers still wasted their potential. How sad :((
One thing I did really like was Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin's chemistry. They acted so well together and looked so cute together. Great chemistry!! Even the intimate scenes were good and didn't seem awkward. They're good kissers xD I'm glad they got the happy ending they deserved.
This drama would have gotten a better rating from me if they had focused on Sa Eon and Hui Ju and the phone. I really loved the conversations between Sa Eon and 406 (Hui ju). Instead they made it messy and added that ridiculous Argan plot, therefore I have to lower my rating. But because I still enjoyed the drama, I will give it an 8.
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A Tale of Passion and Familiar Tropes
When the Phone Rings is a captivating drama that caters splendidly to aficionados of the romance genre. The sizzling chemistry between the protagonists, portrayed by Yoo Yeon-seok (YYS) and Chae Soo-bin (CSB), is palpable and undeniably a major contributor to the show's widespread acclaim. Their intense emotional connection and palpable yearning for one another follow a well-trodden path that audiences often find irresistible, which has undoubtedly propelled this drama to its considerable success.Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin deliver stellar performances, breathing life into their characters with an authenticity that makes their romance both relatable and compelling. Their on-screen rapport is nothing short of mesmerizing, a testament to their undeniable talent and synergy.
However, while the romance is undoubtedly the highlight, one cannot overlook the narrative's reliance on clichéd tropes. The storyline, though competently executed, lacks a certain depth and originality, often falling back on familiar romantic conventions. The plot twist involving the mysterious "Argan" subplot towards the conclusion felt overly contrived and, frankly, a tad exhausting to endure.
A recurring motif in romantic dramas—the protagonists' decision to distance themselves for the supposed betterment of their partner—resurfaces here. This well-worn trope, while intended to evoke pathos, often feels counterproductive. It raises the question: is it not more compelling to witness characters confronting and overcoming challenges together, rather than resorting to separation as a panacea?
Despite these narrative shortcomings, the production values of When the Phone Rings are commendable. The casting is impeccable, with each actor delivering performances that enhance the drama's overall appeal. The direction, cinematography, and soundtrack further elevate the viewing experience, adding layers of emotional resonance.
In summary, while the overarching plot may leave some viewers yearning for more innovation, the undeniable romantic tension and chemistry between the leads provide a "feel-good" quality that is difficult to resist. My rating of 8 reflects the enjoyment derived from these elements, even if the story itself falls short of expectations.
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Enjoyable but disconcerting.
There's a lot to enjoy about this drama. Both leads play their roles well, especially ML is compelling. FL is less compelling, especially in beginning episodes she just didn't look that terrified at being kidnapped - but playing the quietly submissive person who pleases everyone to survive - that was convincing - having large doe eyes helps, and there is a warmth to her role that draws you in. The chemistry between the pair is great, of course, it helps they're both good to look at. The age gap between the leads is a little distracting, as they are supposed to be similar in age, but they're both too cute together for me to be bothered that much. It kind of suits the drama that he looks quite a bit older as he is quite dominating and paternalistic.There are quite a few times where we have to suspend judgement - especially around the FL being a sign language interpreter. As a person who cannot speak, she can only interpret one way - and yet there are many situations when two way interpreting is required, so another interpreter is bought along to support her. It's also odd that she signs to the British ambassador's wife in Korean sign language as the two sign languages are not mutually intelligible. Kudos to the actress though, she did look comfortable signing and learning those sequences would not have been easy. I use my country's sign as a second language, so it's comforting for me to see sign language taking a central role in a drama.
As in many Korean dramas, the inequality of the sexes in terms of influence and power stands out starkly to an outside observer. Often older women are portrayed as malicious and vain, and you wonder if that's because it's the only way they ever get to exert any influence. This particular dynamic is on clear display in this drama, and although it's there to add tension and not to make any kind of social commentary, it's such a force in this show that it's hard to ignore.
I am often struck too by how often the male lead tells the female lead to stand up for herself and in the next breath he orders her around under the guise that she doesn't know how to take care of herself. It seems like this is all the usual romantic trope of the powerful and commanding male lead and on screen it works a charm, but in real life it would be regarded as toxic masculinity.
So I find myself regularly suspending judgement and going a long for the ride. It's an enjoyable ride, as long as you don't think about it too much.
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This review may contain spoilers
Korean screenwriters and ending writing problems
First of all, we should accept this: Baek Sa Eon has a lot of problems. He kidnapped the girl. he didn’t talk with her. he never look the girl. yes he loves her he tried to protect… Guys this is not acceptable.but story is good . very complicated. you want to wait what happen next. its good I like it…. but why argan? this soldier scene, kidnapping but then bed scene. it isn’t realistic. they already lived very bad things. she can find him when he just sat near the lake. why action. overdose action. then bed scene unrealistic.
My favorite character is sister. I thought she will be crazy bad evil girl but she is very kind and good. she care of Hye Joo and stay for her against to her father. I want to understand Hye Joo’s mom but no. I can’t she is the bad character in the story . same as level of Sa Ein’s mother in the story.
At the end, I didn’t watch last episode properly . I didn’t realize countries name. When I read other comments I understand the situation and I don’t like it. Writer did /something silly.
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This is my comfort kdrama<3
This kdrama is the best I have ever seen. Yes it has it's illogical moments BUT this drama just gets it in so many details.Yoo Yeonseok and Chae Soobin gave their all for their characters and their chemistry is the best I have ever seen in a kdrama before. They were so natural with each other and conveyed Baek Saeon and Hong Heejoo's love story with just the right timing. They start off cold with each other and then the love progession is so seamless.
This kdrama is addicting. It doesn't have any unnecessary scenes (even though the finale can be discussed). Every scene feels important to the story and it managed to keep it intriguing and interesting til the end. The mystery, the villains, the side characters were all interesting and fun to watch as a viewer. I love the entire cast in this.
Yoo Yeonseok as Baek Saeon is phenomenal. As a viewer you could feel his presence in every scene he was in. He showed various sides of Baek Saeon and nailed it every single time. He's shown what an incredible actor he is. In every project he is in, he's completely different which is a testament to how versatile he is as an actor. I appreciate that he chooses completely different roles in every project he's in. Well done.
Chae Soobin as Hong Heejoo made the viewers feel with her from the first moment she enters the screen. She nailed the sign language scenes and without lines she still managed to convey exactly what Hong Heejoo was going through. Incredible hard work. Well done.
Baek Saeon and Hong Heejoo's love story touched my heart. They are aware of their "worst" sides and still fight to protect each other til the end. Again, they are my favorite kdrama couple without a doubt.
The OST's are INCREDIBLE. I have the album on repeat. The cherry on top is Yoo Yeonseok singing the last one. Incredible talent. It warms my heart how much care they have showed for this show. Them winning all their awards was so incredibly well deserved.
I never usually get stuck to a kdrama like I have for this one. This one is special. It felt different from the very first moment.
Well done to the entire cast and crew!!
When the Phone Rings in my heart forever. 💗
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A love so beautiful ❤️
Favorite drama I've ever watched. I was not going to watch it at first cause it looked like another one of Netflix's revenge and marriage messed up dramas but this was so FARRR from that. The way their love story is written, the way it comes full circle and that fact that we're not lingering on irellavent characters or prolonging short misunderstands and the balance between funny and serious was just everything.I binged it in one go and just couldn't go to sleep without finishing it. And then I watched it again with my sister right after because of how much I praised it she had to watch it. And it doesn't disappoint. I don't care about all the policial stuff people are spuing. this was a masterpiece and it will remain that way whether they like the director and writer's views or not. The people talking inf this low did not watch the same thing I just watxhed. Cause how. 10/10 would recommend if you like dangerous situations, or He fell first and then fell harder. It's just amazing. I can't say enough to good things.
Flower of evil, healer, marry my husband, and what's wrong with secretary Kim were among my top all time favorites but they don't hold a candle to this in my opinion. I just love this so much.
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Soapy, tropey, & a little ridiculous - All the things you want in a drama!
Thoroughly enjoyed this drama and thankfully didn't have to wait for the episodes to air since I was a little late to the party. As the title says its FULL of all the troupes, but there is a comfort in them if you're an avid drama watcher. I didn't care for our main couple at first but truly grew to love them by the end of the series. I also loved the side characters and grew to care for them and their lives just as much! The only weak spot for me was ending storyline drama with our main couple, which really pmo. Overall though, I loved it and would highly recommend it!
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