"We love a good parallel"
Let me start off by saying, I watched it long after the release and so many of the thoughts regarding this show were unknown to me. Before reading the other reviews, I thought it was a great love story between two opposites that find meaning in their work and stand firm in their beliefs. Then I read the reviews and my mind still hasn't changed.I will admit it isn't the greatest piece of art mankind has ever created and the hype was a bit much, but it definitely deserved to blow up the way it did.
Enlisting in the army is a big deal in Korea so it is a wonder why such a unique storyline was not made earlier. Second, we love a good parallel. The dynamic of the characters were great and really went beyond the romance to showcase the meaning of fighting for your country and the weight of a life. Many of us dream of becoming doctors and as we casually recite the oath, I don't think the weight of those words can be comprehended without the experience the character went through. Aside from the romance, you can take away so much more as the show has so many underlying themes and messages.
It was also just an overall good execution of romance and comedy. The bromance was great. There was no twisting love trapezoid and the story never truly strayed off track. The cheesy English jokes and clever pick up lines may have made others cringe but it brought out the personality and the relationship of the character so much more and made them feel real. People say that without this cast, the show wouldn't have been as successful and frankly, I agree (though not for the same reason). I don't think it was just the pretty face that made the show. The actors were good and executed the characters well. If you watch the bts, you will see that they truly understood what it meant to walk in their character's shoes. I couldn't imagine anyone else playing the respective roles. The acting and medical-related scenes were a little iffy and sometimes just complete nonsense but you can't expect them to be well versed in a field that requires years of study.
The ost was something else. Each track, combined with the perfect scenes, made the story so much more engaging. The emotions really came out. I usually only like one or two but the entire OST for this show rocked. If you heard one of the songs, you would automatically think of the show and that's a good thing.
I know the hype really ruined this show for many but if you just watch it with no real expectation or prerequisite then it is not as bad a watch as others will tell you. I say, give it a go, and if you don't like it then no harm, and if you do then great. As genres exist, not everyone is expected to like it. Try the tea and if you don't like it then try another flavor. If you find tea is just not your thing...then drink something else...?
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The idea of setting roots and having a place to return to was so beautifully executed. This is one of those where I have to tell you to just watch it because anything I write won't do it the justice it deserves. But alas, I must attempt.
Everyone, no matter the age, can relate to times of hardship and stress. This movie and the main character both provide a forest to go to and relax. In the midst of the sea that is complicated drama plots, this movie really provides the breather we need. It really embodies the idea that some of the most beautiful things are simple and how much your life can change after a realization.
This drama offers a lot. Whether your takeaway is that you should grow a garden or to simply cook more, I think it will leave some sort of imprint on your life. I found myself looking at the world a little differently even if just for a while and ever so often, I find myself back for a second and even a third watch. That says something about its rewatch value.
Though I enjoyed the sounds of nature and the vibe the music gave, I didn't remember one track in particular and that is usually how I grade the music section. But trust me when I say that it doesn't take away from the experience AT ALL. I even forgot to take the music into consideration until I had to give a score for music.
I recommend.
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The refreshingly strong male and female lead with the lack of any real competition helped me just enjoy the story. For those that are new to Chinese dramas, this is a good one to watch. There is no miscommunication between the leads, which was quite nice. The connection the game brought to the atmosphere deserves a win from me. The development of the characters is not as apparent and arguably not existent but don't let that take anything away from your experience. For what it was meant to be, a lighthearted love story, it did its job.
The OST was refreshing and a pleasure to the ears. Knowing the cast sings it makes it so much better. Some of the songs are super addictive and sort of stick.
Though you can easily pick apart all its flaws, I choose not to. The simple romance and silly bromance combined with the storyline make this a good watch. The rewatch value is also huge in my opinion. But if you are not into romance (that isn't all it is) then this might not be the one for you, though it doesn't hurt to give it a go anyway. I just really liked how the leads weren't fighting over the smallest things and actually understood/supported each other.
I am but a simple mind and so I don't mind taking the extra time to watch something like this. The cast's chemistry, smile, and overall funny moments were enough for me.
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Just watch it!
If you haven't been watching this drama already, it is probably because you haven't witnessed the magic that comes about when Lee Woo Jung and Shin PD work together. This season's last episode came out today and so I thought a review was in order. Don't worry, no spoilers :) (I hope...)Let's start with the story. There is something so refreshing about this drama compared to all the other ones out right now. At first, I couldn't quite put my finger on it but now I can. Like their other works, this masterpiece is normal? There is no supernatural, no major drama or crazy accidents that usually appear in medical dramas. There was no real enemy. There is no exaggeration. It is simply the story and relationships (romance or not) of five very charming 40-year olds and their playlist through life. The humor did kill my stomach multiple times. There are just so many golden moments that highlight their dynamic.
The cast...the talent and hidden gems in this work cannot be rated. They were perfect. I can't imagine anyone else playing their respected roles. You can tell they prepared hard and well for this. They are all respected in the industry with many works under their belts. I always forget they are actually actors and not actual doctors going about their lives. Also, just to let your mind be blown a little more...their band? They are actually playing :) Such a talented group with this indescribable dynamic.
Next are the amazing Lee Woo Jung and Shin PD. Their works are a constant guessing game. I say that in the best way possible. It is a thrill when watching. They give you the hints and pieces slowly. You really grow to appreciate the genius behind the writing and it always amazes me whenever I see the parallels in scenes or just how they set something up. Their works are always refreshing and great pieces that may not drift you to a fantasy world but make you enjoy your current one. I always end up seeing a version of myself or an awesome group of friends that I would love to hang out with one day. The best part is you can't guess anything until it happens. Replay people understand :)
When we talk about music, it has to start with the band music huh. In almost every episode, we see the band play a song that usually wraps up the episode. The songs are chosen to fit the contents of the episode and are a pleasure to the ears. I get blown away by the cast's dedication and willingness to practice. The better news? I hear they are actually debuting. The OST itself is amazing and filled with such talented voices. I have been listening to it religiously since release. I am currently too while writing this :)
Rewatch value?! I have been rewatching it to gear up for the final episode and even just while waiting for the other episodes to come out. I also see myself coming back to the series so for me it's high. The series hasn't even ended yet and I have already rewatched it several times!
The only downside to this is there are only 12 episodes that means one was released a week. The pain of waiting ;-; But I did it anyway. I do this a lot for anime but almost never for dramas. To give you an idea, the only other one I remember doing this for is Nobody Knows and that had two episodes a week. I didn't really mind waiting though. Don't get me wrong it was painful but the quality of each episode made it worth it so I didn't mind. The good news is this is getting a season 2 soo :) Hopefully, if you guys watch it and give it some love, a season 3!?
I would say, if you are interested, give it a try. If it isn't for you, then move on. BUT if you liked Replay or just want something light to land on after some intensely long drama, this could be the one. I came for the amazing Lee Woo Jung and Shin PD but stayed for everything. This is actually one of my favorite of all time! I think I tend to review popular ones or ones I liked. This is the later. Well, I am going to go refresh Netlfix for the millionth time and hope the episode is out while crying about my empty life after it is over. (update: I finished ;-; )
Also...just wanted to put it out there....Ikjun is my favorite character in the Kdrama universe..I think. 0-0 WOW I didn't even have one before this! Well, why are you still here? Go watch it? Maybe? No pressure.
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