This review may contain spoilers
The Most Interesting Collab of 2024
Having been a collab between Korea and Japan, this is probably one of the most interesting dramas of 2024 (moreso than what meets the eye). This was a true collaboration in the sense that both countries were strongly represented both on the script and on the screen. There were both Korean and Japanese influences on how this story played out, taking common comedic cues from J-dramas and the melodramatic cues from K-dramas. While retaining the episodic (and POV switching) nature of Japanese web novels, the drama managed to stay engaging by adopting a more K-drama-esque pacing. In every sense, this was an exhilarating drama to watch because it demonstrates the potential of cross-country collabs. Amidst the stagnating creativity, I give full points for creativity and look forward to what will come as a result of this drama.
Historical significance aside, I do have my bones to pick with this drama. Lee Se Young did a phenomenal job as per usual and demonstrates her versatility as an actress. Most of her Japanese lines (if not all) were quite well spoken and did not sound unnatural to the untrained ear. She went above and beyond just taking a few classes to improve her Japanese. Her phrasing and expression was very natural, especially during their breakup scene where she switches between languages. Sakaguchi Kentaro became my unofficial new favorite Japanese actor. There are moments where he resembles a younger, dorkier Gong Yoo. While they share physical similarities in some angles, it's Sakaguchi Kentaro's lingering gazes that remind me of Gong Yoo. The subtle emotions, the gazes that linger a millisecond too long, the quiet softening of his expression that really speak volumes on his character's love for FL. Coupled with the movie style directing and color grading (again, bless whoever decided this was a good idea because it was), it reminded me of Gong Yoo, Goblin and how beautifully shot it was. Really really big fan of the color grading.
Now here come the bones. It still ended up feeling like a long movie rather than a complete drama. While it could be due to following the novel to a high degree of fidelity, there was a significant lack of ending and resolution that made this drama fall short for me. Many many many J-dramas and J-novels have great build ups but tend to lack a firm resolution or ending. It is seen historically that a more open ending or shorter ending is preferred. While in some situations, this is understandable, it can end up being a downfall. In this case, after spending 5 episodes of building up the story, having a quick resolution was a bit disappointing to say the least. Because there was a real lack of climax and resolution, the drama felt laggy and plateaued into this monotone ending. Not to mention there were some moments that felt a little like NTR to me, again also due to the ending.
While being a tad too short and failing to deliver a suitable ending, "What Comes After Love" was quite a remarkable proof of concept. It was enjoyable till the end and is something that the industry should pay attention to. If more dramas of this quality can be produced in collaboration, it will have huge implications for the K-drama and J-drama industry.
Historical significance aside, I do have my bones to pick with this drama. Lee Se Young did a phenomenal job as per usual and demonstrates her versatility as an actress. Most of her Japanese lines (if not all) were quite well spoken and did not sound unnatural to the untrained ear. She went above and beyond just taking a few classes to improve her Japanese. Her phrasing and expression was very natural, especially during their breakup scene where she switches between languages. Sakaguchi Kentaro became my unofficial new favorite Japanese actor. There are moments where he resembles a younger, dorkier Gong Yoo. While they share physical similarities in some angles, it's Sakaguchi Kentaro's lingering gazes that remind me of Gong Yoo. The subtle emotions, the gazes that linger a millisecond too long, the quiet softening of his expression that really speak volumes on his character's love for FL. Coupled with the movie style directing and color grading (again, bless whoever decided this was a good idea because it was), it reminded me of Gong Yoo, Goblin and how beautifully shot it was. Really really big fan of the color grading.
Now here come the bones. It still ended up feeling like a long movie rather than a complete drama. While it could be due to following the novel to a high degree of fidelity, there was a significant lack of ending and resolution that made this drama fall short for me. Many many many J-dramas and J-novels have great build ups but tend to lack a firm resolution or ending. It is seen historically that a more open ending or shorter ending is preferred. While in some situations, this is understandable, it can end up being a downfall. In this case, after spending 5 episodes of building up the story, having a quick resolution was a bit disappointing to say the least. Because there was a real lack of climax and resolution, the drama felt laggy and plateaued into this monotone ending. Not to mention there were some moments that felt a little like NTR to me, again also due to the ending.
While being a tad too short and failing to deliver a suitable ending, "What Comes After Love" was quite a remarkable proof of concept. It was enjoyable till the end and is something that the industry should pay attention to. If more dramas of this quality can be produced in collaboration, it will have huge implications for the K-drama and J-drama industry.
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