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When the Phone Rings korean drama review
Completed
When the Phone Rings
3 people found this review helpful
by ZenCicada
Feb 22, 2025
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Action packed & incredibly romantic mystery

Wow the 1st half is so so good. The unimpressive/kinda boring opening credits are probably the only semi"bad" thing.

The 2nd half is not as good as things escalate. The plot stretches to the limits of my plausibility meter but these gaps are quickly forgotten with the drama's fast pace. Although only 12 eps long this drama feels a bit longer - in a good way. The twists and turns make for an exciting ride with good closure touching on explaining everything before wrapping things up with a nice satisfying ending.

This drama was very well done and one of the most creatively told stories I've watched in a long time. Really fun to watch with well paced surprises throughout. This drama is very entertaining and action packed while still managing to be incredibly romantic. There are unexpected LOL comedic interactions and jealousy inducing romantic moments that would speed melt the hardest hearts.

Casting is impeccable. The acting is superb especially the ML. He is an exceptional artist. (I haven't watxhed him before but I'll be looking more of his dramas as I find the time.) He nails this character down from all angles. The delivery of some of his best lines are so breathtakingly smooth and swoonworthy. I'm not sure anyone else could replicate or do better. His domineering stares are GQ/Hugo Boss runway steamy while his vulnerable true self makes you melt all the same but for completely different reasons.

Great mix of good and bad relationships on display. I loved the couples and friend circles. I had zero issues with the main lead age gap. They looked so good together and they are both smart mature adults. Their chemistry was fire! Perfect balance of sugary sweet and red hot spice when they turn up the heat. Also, It was nice to see the FL wasn't dumbed down to some childlike character.

This story is told by a director with master skills. Eventhough you might be able to guess the main culprit half way, there is enough going on to keep you hooked.

The scriptwriting is never boring. You'll find unexpected humor, subtle double entendres, plus heartgriping declarations of love and pain. There are characters who must learn to bend and forgive those who may have wronged them to allow for some redemption and freedom. Others need to learn to be stronger, and more steadfast to almost being stubborn. Lessons on honesty and compassion are also key. Every conversation adds to the suspense and emotional intensity.

Cinematography, music and editing are all very good. Some really fun creative shots; all of them interesting and matching the stylish edgy vibe of the whole production. The visuals are high contrast layers of light (bright sunny lush forests and shining ballroom opulence) to sudden shades of grey and moonlit darkness. This parallells our journey as we are shown the multiple sides of each character. The drama keeps you guessing; who is a friend who is not? who is hurt? who is causing the pain? How far are they willing to go? Etc. Etc.

Highly recommend this.
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