This review may contain spoilers
"It didn't seem fair that he could see you when you couldn't see him."
My header was between "I ruined everything." and the one I ended up choosing.
This drama was my binging weekend project. I've watched and loved numerous drama's and characters portrayed by the two leads. This was a magical one. I think the other time language was mentioned in a similar context was The temperature of love.
Everyone comes from different backgrounds, has different experiences, dreams, and beliefs that they live by. If common sense is only common within the world you exist, that sense must not be common outside of that space. It is the same with language and communication. Humans and us as people all have various methods of communicating our feelings and the time in which we choose to also varies. I think this drama does a beautiful and job of spreading that message. One that Mr. Kim puts quite well with his own line:
“There are as many languages as there are people. Everyone speaks their own language. That’s why people misunderstand, misinterpret, and offend each other.”
Why are drama's so hell bent on misunderstandings, heartbreaks, and conflicts that drive main leads away from each other a bit. I've learned that it is to provide context for the character, a chance to reflect, and a means of opening the door to understanding of one another. Because “If the messenger misinterprets a message based on personal bias, it can lead to a ridiculous misunderstanding.” It is funny because this is something people do all the time. We make assumtions, we let our own Do rami climb our shoulder and we give in to her thoughts. We run away, we fight, we assume, and we misunderstand.
Now, you are probably wondering where all this rambling is going...I am too haha. In the context of the drama, Cha Mu Hee had something she wanted to take to the grave. She did not want to open up and lay things bare. She was unable to communicate in the same, straightforward and upfront way that Joo Ho Jin was able to. She ran in circles and stole his heart instead. But as an interpreter, to understand and translate for her, he had to see her as she was, what thoughts she had, her intentions, the context, and emotions that surrounded those words. Similar to how we need those vocal cues in speech and how texts can lead to confusion because we don't have that extra information to inform us. Is he breaking up with me or saying he loves me? Is it both? The past that led her to be unable to stand being seen and exposed. The running away and retreat that left him baffled and defenseless. For a guy who has seen and intereacted with so many individuals with different walks of life, for being able to understand and translate so many languages. It was funny to see him try to earnestly nagivate learning her's. The way she communicates, her habits, her preferences, her past, her modivations, and even her intentions. In the same way you ask your crush's friend what his favorite candy is to buy it for him later, it was endearing to see him put all that confusion down...get over the fact that they spoke different langauges....and tried to understand her through Do rami (when he wasn't quite fluent enough to understand Cha Mu Hee).
She probably felt pressure to understand herself, to voice herself before he gives up and walks away. "All you need to do is leave this room and be happy." I'm glad he was able to pull her out of that self destruction. It reminded me of my friend telling me that her boyfriend's great strength is his ability to know what is on her mind. Now, I see that it was probably a series of intense affection, interest, care, and time invested...experience...that made that possible. People like that don't just fall down from trees, even in kdrama land.
I also loved that while he was struggling with her language, he was moved by something else, her actions. He in turn also replied with his own actions. Seeing and wishing for the auroras. The acceptance of the painful happy ending song. Even the dry wine in an attempt to console oneself and translate the love of Hiro.
Actually, I quite liked the Hiro plot line. I didn't think I would at first. It was...the what if that so many drama's do. If only I had gotten there first. If only I had told her. In this case... if only she had understood. Hiro, even if you guys didn't speak the same language...or even the same language of love....I think you guys spoke a beautiful language called friendship. The care, concern and candy she offered you. The experience of a hot dog and her spontaneously happy self was able to reach you, even if her words did not. It is a shame, that she did not hear you beautiful confession...that happened in various ways over various events. But she heard it in the end. That..you had to be such a dick to her in the beginning...I liked Joo Ho Jin's message. One that spoke of difficulties of communication despite speaking the same language...that so many factors are at play for the love that played out in front of us.
Cha Mu Hee...you must have been so scared. So grown for a child that had to go through so much. Despite that, the way you smiled and wished so earnestly, so despite yourself was very admirable. The world was brighter whenever you smiled. You didn't ruin anything. My heart sank for you, when he told you not to run away and you went and stopped him right before he was able to walk across. Wishing happiness for others is always going to be easier than believing you are deserving of that same happiness. Were you scared? Scared that you finally had something you wanted, someone you loved and wanted to be happy with? I know your delusions reflected your wants and that they were dazzling, beautiful, because you believed those moments could not possibly exist in reality. For someone so straightforward, you can afford to be honest about that. Do rami may have been a nightmare, but Ho jin was your daydream. One that came true. Dreams come true and you are deserving of a life that makes you are feel like you are living in a dream. That reality, is something everyone deserves. Go Youn Jung ...The same sort of smile from resident playlist, one that could melt a million souls. Eyes that can sweep other off their feet and send them into a crazy dose of confusion. The actor you are.
Kim Seon Ho, I am very happy that you are back. You make all of your characters come to life with so much sincerity, grace, and respect. I can almost feel you affection and care for them. Maybe that is why your eyes always tell a thousand words, your gaze always reflecting their inner thoughts, and why all the characters seem so soulful, breathtaking, and lovable. My heart always hurts a bit when I see you on the screen. I always learn so much. More important, I feel happy when you do. I will continue to keep an eye on you and cheer you on for a long time.
Ho jin ah, at first I was a bit frustrated due to you walking across the street and RIGHT PAST HER. But the minute the parallel hit, and you disappeared when she looked back. It hit me and I think I understood. No one wants to make the one they love feel like that. On the run. You were brave and just as kind as before. Going along with her foolishness, seeing the waterfall, and being swayed by your emotions. Was it such a bad thing? To be told to stop when you just worked up the courage to take that step. I would have felt wronged too. And you chose to accept and go along with her decision anyway. How must it have felt? To walk and talk with the love of your life through the night and understand her world, just to wake up the next day for those experiences to not have existed. To say goodbye. I think as bittersweet as it was...I thought of Hwasa's goodbye song. How even in the end, you can still wish the best and remember someone for all their good, in spite of everything. To have a good goodbye. But, the world you protected is still the same. Next time, don't go off alone to drink wine, or be okay with just banana milk. I'm glad your effort paid off. Thank you for making my heart flutter with your voice. For easing me into the heartbreak with your sturdy words and understanding. For letting her into your world and trying to understand hers. For supporting her in spite of everything..both Mu Hee and Do rami, were probably really happy for you taking their side.
language was also in the cinematogrpahy... that was able to capture the beauty, the sadness, and the story so well.
WELL this turned into a really long thing..so I will stop here. I should really start planning these out before write them, because the brain dumps are getting unreal. I sort of miss them already. I miss the meeting of random strangers that had no childhood friend, or younger fated story that connected them. it was just a story. One of two people meeting each other, working together, getting intrigued and facinated by each other, falling in love with each other, going through rough patches with each other, and well...continuing to be in love.
To the readers and watchers:
Loving someone is learning their language without demanding they become fluent in yours. It’s patience over certainty, actions over explanations, and choosing to stay when misunderstanding would be easier. We hurt each other not because we don’t care, but because we translate through fear, memory, and longing. And love (daydreaming...real love) is the decision to keep listening anyway. Their love was a love lost in translation. It was also a love of learning each other's language.
May this kind of love find you. Stay away from me though.
Finally...Can you translate this love, as much as I love you. Goodbye.
This drama was my binging weekend project. I've watched and loved numerous drama's and characters portrayed by the two leads. This was a magical one. I think the other time language was mentioned in a similar context was The temperature of love.
Everyone comes from different backgrounds, has different experiences, dreams, and beliefs that they live by. If common sense is only common within the world you exist, that sense must not be common outside of that space. It is the same with language and communication. Humans and us as people all have various methods of communicating our feelings and the time in which we choose to also varies. I think this drama does a beautiful and job of spreading that message. One that Mr. Kim puts quite well with his own line:
“There are as many languages as there are people. Everyone speaks their own language. That’s why people misunderstand, misinterpret, and offend each other.”
Why are drama's so hell bent on misunderstandings, heartbreaks, and conflicts that drive main leads away from each other a bit. I've learned that it is to provide context for the character, a chance to reflect, and a means of opening the door to understanding of one another. Because “If the messenger misinterprets a message based on personal bias, it can lead to a ridiculous misunderstanding.” It is funny because this is something people do all the time. We make assumtions, we let our own Do rami climb our shoulder and we give in to her thoughts. We run away, we fight, we assume, and we misunderstand.
Now, you are probably wondering where all this rambling is going...I am too haha. In the context of the drama, Cha Mu Hee had something she wanted to take to the grave. She did not want to open up and lay things bare. She was unable to communicate in the same, straightforward and upfront way that Joo Ho Jin was able to. She ran in circles and stole his heart instead. But as an interpreter, to understand and translate for her, he had to see her as she was, what thoughts she had, her intentions, the context, and emotions that surrounded those words. Similar to how we need those vocal cues in speech and how texts can lead to confusion because we don't have that extra information to inform us. Is he breaking up with me or saying he loves me? Is it both? The past that led her to be unable to stand being seen and exposed. The running away and retreat that left him baffled and defenseless. For a guy who has seen and intereacted with so many individuals with different walks of life, for being able to understand and translate so many languages. It was funny to see him try to earnestly nagivate learning her's. The way she communicates, her habits, her preferences, her past, her modivations, and even her intentions. In the same way you ask your crush's friend what his favorite candy is to buy it for him later, it was endearing to see him put all that confusion down...get over the fact that they spoke different langauges....and tried to understand her through Do rami (when he wasn't quite fluent enough to understand Cha Mu Hee).
She probably felt pressure to understand herself, to voice herself before he gives up and walks away. "All you need to do is leave this room and be happy." I'm glad he was able to pull her out of that self destruction. It reminded me of my friend telling me that her boyfriend's great strength is his ability to know what is on her mind. Now, I see that it was probably a series of intense affection, interest, care, and time invested...experience...that made that possible. People like that don't just fall down from trees, even in kdrama land.
I also loved that while he was struggling with her language, he was moved by something else, her actions. He in turn also replied with his own actions. Seeing and wishing for the auroras. The acceptance of the painful happy ending song. Even the dry wine in an attempt to console oneself and translate the love of Hiro.
Actually, I quite liked the Hiro plot line. I didn't think I would at first. It was...the what if that so many drama's do. If only I had gotten there first. If only I had told her. In this case... if only she had understood. Hiro, even if you guys didn't speak the same language...or even the same language of love....I think you guys spoke a beautiful language called friendship. The care, concern and candy she offered you. The experience of a hot dog and her spontaneously happy self was able to reach you, even if her words did not. It is a shame, that she did not hear you beautiful confession...that happened in various ways over various events. But she heard it in the end. That..you had to be such a dick to her in the beginning...I liked Joo Ho Jin's message. One that spoke of difficulties of communication despite speaking the same language...that so many factors are at play for the love that played out in front of us.
Cha Mu Hee...you must have been so scared. So grown for a child that had to go through so much. Despite that, the way you smiled and wished so earnestly, so despite yourself was very admirable. The world was brighter whenever you smiled. You didn't ruin anything. My heart sank for you, when he told you not to run away and you went and stopped him right before he was able to walk across. Wishing happiness for others is always going to be easier than believing you are deserving of that same happiness. Were you scared? Scared that you finally had something you wanted, someone you loved and wanted to be happy with? I know your delusions reflected your wants and that they were dazzling, beautiful, because you believed those moments could not possibly exist in reality. For someone so straightforward, you can afford to be honest about that. Do rami may have been a nightmare, but Ho jin was your daydream. One that came true. Dreams come true and you are deserving of a life that makes you are feel like you are living in a dream. That reality, is something everyone deserves. Go Youn Jung ...The same sort of smile from resident playlist, one that could melt a million souls. Eyes that can sweep other off their feet and send them into a crazy dose of confusion. The actor you are.
Kim Seon Ho, I am very happy that you are back. You make all of your characters come to life with so much sincerity, grace, and respect. I can almost feel you affection and care for them. Maybe that is why your eyes always tell a thousand words, your gaze always reflecting their inner thoughts, and why all the characters seem so soulful, breathtaking, and lovable. My heart always hurts a bit when I see you on the screen. I always learn so much. More important, I feel happy when you do. I will continue to keep an eye on you and cheer you on for a long time.
Ho jin ah, at first I was a bit frustrated due to you walking across the street and RIGHT PAST HER. But the minute the parallel hit, and you disappeared when she looked back. It hit me and I think I understood. No one wants to make the one they love feel like that. On the run. You were brave and just as kind as before. Going along with her foolishness, seeing the waterfall, and being swayed by your emotions. Was it such a bad thing? To be told to stop when you just worked up the courage to take that step. I would have felt wronged too. And you chose to accept and go along with her decision anyway. How must it have felt? To walk and talk with the love of your life through the night and understand her world, just to wake up the next day for those experiences to not have existed. To say goodbye. I think as bittersweet as it was...I thought of Hwasa's goodbye song. How even in the end, you can still wish the best and remember someone for all their good, in spite of everything. To have a good goodbye. But, the world you protected is still the same. Next time, don't go off alone to drink wine, or be okay with just banana milk. I'm glad your effort paid off. Thank you for making my heart flutter with your voice. For easing me into the heartbreak with your sturdy words and understanding. For letting her into your world and trying to understand hers. For supporting her in spite of everything..both Mu Hee and Do rami, were probably really happy for you taking their side.
language was also in the cinematogrpahy... that was able to capture the beauty, the sadness, and the story so well.
WELL this turned into a really long thing..so I will stop here. I should really start planning these out before write them, because the brain dumps are getting unreal. I sort of miss them already. I miss the meeting of random strangers that had no childhood friend, or younger fated story that connected them. it was just a story. One of two people meeting each other, working together, getting intrigued and facinated by each other, falling in love with each other, going through rough patches with each other, and well...continuing to be in love.
To the readers and watchers:
Loving someone is learning their language without demanding they become fluent in yours. It’s patience over certainty, actions over explanations, and choosing to stay when misunderstanding would be easier. We hurt each other not because we don’t care, but because we translate through fear, memory, and longing. And love (daydreaming...real love) is the decision to keep listening anyway. Their love was a love lost in translation. It was also a love of learning each other's language.
May this kind of love find you. Stay away from me though.
Finally...Can you translate this love, as much as I love you. Goodbye.
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