Your next comfort drama 10/10
From the very first moments, the drama’s intro sets the tone for an epic experience . The music, cinematography, and the attention to detail gives it a pure cinematic experience.
The story unfolds through a layered narrative spanning generations, beginning with a flashback to the 1950s in Jeju, where we witness the childhood of Oh Ae-Sun, born to a haenyeo (woman diver). This backdrop adds richness to the storytelling, intertwining themes of love, hardships, and societal norms—many of which still resonate in our present time.
Each character is thoughtfully written, bringing depth and uniqueness to the unfolding narrative. The drama appears to take multiple time skips, alternating between timelines. Young Ae-Sun, who dreams of becoming a poet, and the quiet yet devoted Gwan-Sik, whose reserved nature hides a journey of self-discovery. Their evolving relationship, filled with support and personal growth, adds an emotional weight to the story.
Bo Gum and IU’s on-screen chemistry is nothing short of pure perfection. Their interactions, from playful bickering to heartfelt moments of affection, make their relationship both endearing and deeply compelling. The drama captures love in its most tender and bittersweet form, making their struggles feel authentic and relatable.
One particular line stood out to me: “Their spring wasn’t a season to foster dreams, but to break them—and they did so willingly.” This sentiment lingers, highlighting how dreams evolve, shift, and sometimes fade, yet happiness can still be found in unexpected places. This is pure cinema I must say.
After watching the first four episodes, When Life Gives You Tangerines promises an emotionally rich journey, much like the fruit itself—blending the sour with the sweet. The breathtaking Jeju landscape enhances the storytelling, making it all the more captivating. While Ae-Sun and Gwan-Sik’s love story is at the heart of the drama, it’s only one layer in a broader exploration of family, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit.
This drama is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.
The story unfolds through a layered narrative spanning generations, beginning with a flashback to the 1950s in Jeju, where we witness the childhood of Oh Ae-Sun, born to a haenyeo (woman diver). This backdrop adds richness to the storytelling, intertwining themes of love, hardships, and societal norms—many of which still resonate in our present time.
Each character is thoughtfully written, bringing depth and uniqueness to the unfolding narrative. The drama appears to take multiple time skips, alternating between timelines. Young Ae-Sun, who dreams of becoming a poet, and the quiet yet devoted Gwan-Sik, whose reserved nature hides a journey of self-discovery. Their evolving relationship, filled with support and personal growth, adds an emotional weight to the story.
Bo Gum and IU’s on-screen chemistry is nothing short of pure perfection. Their interactions, from playful bickering to heartfelt moments of affection, make their relationship both endearing and deeply compelling. The drama captures love in its most tender and bittersweet form, making their struggles feel authentic and relatable.
One particular line stood out to me: “Their spring wasn’t a season to foster dreams, but to break them—and they did so willingly.” This sentiment lingers, highlighting how dreams evolve, shift, and sometimes fade, yet happiness can still be found in unexpected places. This is pure cinema I must say.
After watching the first four episodes, When Life Gives You Tangerines promises an emotionally rich journey, much like the fruit itself—blending the sour with the sweet. The breathtaking Jeju landscape enhances the storytelling, making it all the more captivating. While Ae-Sun and Gwan-Sik’s love story is at the heart of the drama, it’s only one layer in a broader exploration of family, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit.
This drama is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.
Was this review helpful to you?
