Great for a binge
For a drama of short episodes, this packs in a lot of story.All the things that humans are guilty of doing, not just in school, but adult life too, are incorporated into the plot.
There are characters being labelled and judged based on their appearance (when it should be character), unhealthy obsession, one-sided crushes, jealousy and the spitefulness that brings out, feeling alone/rejected and the importance of friendship.
The cast are pretty natural and suit their roles. I thought some of the best female acting came from supporting cast member Joo Hyun-young, who was convincing as a no-nonsense, level headed and loyal friend.
There were aspects of the story that could have done with being treated more seriously, seeing as the issues were introduced in the first place....
The obsessive character of wannabe boyfriend Heo Jin-soo was no joke; he harrassed, had tailed and got physical with Yeon-doo, all pointing to the possibility his behaviour would escalate further, not to mention using his father's position in the police and bullying tactics (he had no problem using violence or seeing another person get seriously hurt) ~ hopefully consequences will come in S2.
The teacher accusing Hyun-ho with no evidence and in front of the entire class, was also wrong; if that's an example of S.Korean teaching, it's unprofessional and unethical... so much for supporting efforts and welcoming change; I also didn't get why those that knew didn't speak up immediately.
The sudden and prolonged attack from Se-chan was very weird, especially with where that suddenly went, which was bizarre given he seemed to relish the attack. No comeback there though.
I didn't like how not just 1, but 2 characters, 'conformed' and changed their images to fit in with people they liked ~ to me that is a message to youth saying society and peers will never accept you unless you look 'normal', clean-cut and don't stand out unless it's for grades or achievements. I get that in school a uniform isn't just about establishment ~ it's also about belonging and does actually ensure poorer kids aren't as noticeable based on their wardrobe, or those dressed by mum and picked on for it. However, that had nothing to do with this. Instead of the judgemental attitude changing, the character did ~ that's a major let down for me.
This series was pretty entertaining to watch overall though and I liked all the main characters.
Be interesting to see where this goes in S2.
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Far fetched
This was very dark at times; some truly horrible crimes and I'm surprised at the 'Teen' rating really.Gripping story, good mix of characters, decent acting.
Lots of shouting though and a few really (like really, really) dumb moves, which spoilt it, sadly. The script writing isn't great (some very amateur dialogue), although the story idea is pretty good.
I have to mention a favourite actor (you'll know if you watch it) in one of the best serial killer portrayals I've ever seen, which definitely makes it worth watching.
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Moving and touching with lighter moments
Wonderful acting from both Lee Je-hoon and Tang Jun-sang in the main roles; the latter must have researched Asperger Syndrome to give such a credible performance. LJH played his troubled, detached and tough guy role really well, being a selfish, but kind of lovable, if grungy, rogue. A very different look for him!There are some violent scenes that are a hard watch, but fit the story rather than being for shock effect.
The stories that emerge of those that have passed, whose effects it is also the job of 'Move to Heaven' trauma cleaners to pack up and dispose of, are varied and very moving.
With Geu Ru's amazing memory, observational skills and ability to connect clues, they are able to provide closure for those who cared about the deceased.
In tandem with this, are Geu Ru and Sang Gu's own personal issues, which are revealed at a perfect pace.
Na Mu, well played by Hong Seung-hee, can be an irritating character at times, but her care for Geu Ru is plain to see and she is protective of him, even though she has an overly vivid imagination at times! She can also be quite fearless... or possibly stupid, depending on how one looks at some of her actions.
There's a great supporting cast too and I particularly liked the lawyer, Oh Hyun Chang, perfectly portrayed by Im Won-hee, whose no nonsense approach and sometimes disdainful looks, are a great source of amusement.
I also liked the lighter moments in the relationship between Geu Ru and Sang Gu. The latter does not pity Geu Ru and treats him as a means to an end initially, but can't help gradually seeing how incredible a person he is.
There was a glimmer of romance for him at one point too, which I was rooting for.
Geu Ru is so likeable and whilst he communicates differently, is quite inspirational at times. He steps out of his comfort zone on occasion too and when he fixes on something, is an immovable force.
There are several aspects to this drama that are additional stories crying out to be taken further, especially one character and their hinted affect on Geu Ru, at the end.
That's where the story's conclusion, for me at least, is exceedingly frustrating. It's not a case of an ending where imagination can fill in the 'what happens next', but a real "what?!... you're leaving us here?!"
If a series 2 was on the cards, I'd be fine with it, but whilst the writer has said they'd like to carry on and has the apparent agreement of the cast to return (I read in an article), nothing has been said or planned by Netflix.... yet.
We live in hope.
Were it not for that, I'd have rated the story a 10.
I also liked the music a lot; some beautiful and fitting classical pieces.
One I'll watch again.
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Should have been better
I felt that the story was too complex to be crammed into 15 very short episodes.It wasn't conclusive, wandered and unless there will be a S2, the ending was awful.
In the early eps some cast members were quite stiff in their acting, but by the end, all seemed to have relaxed in to their roles and worked well together.
Character Su Jeong irritated the pants off me!
Definitely needed either a simpler story or longer episodes; disappointing but not absolutely dreadful.
Rewatch as a filler or for something nice to look at.
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So-so comedy drama
Whilst I'm not familiar with Choi Kang Hee, so don't know her other roles, I am not sure she was the right casting for this drama. Her chemistry with Kim Young Kwang didn't work for me, as the romance just wasn't believable, they were more like good friends. I am familiar with him, and whilst he did well portraying a lead male who's immature (but not completely clueless) and 'disinterested-in-the-company heir' type character, I'm again not feeling his casting quite worked, but that may be due to aforementioned lack of chemistry with FL.Apart from the 2 company kitchen staff ladies, Geum-ja and Mi-ja, none of the characters stood out for me, and Ha-ni's younger self, I really found quite unlikeable.
It's also another one of those lead female characters who, whilst in her downtrodden mode, is shown as unattractive and frumpy. I get fed up with that, although I suppose it did show that a person's overall image has less to do with features (or even build) and more with hairstyle, flattering clothing and a little makeup; they worked wonders in her character's case.
Her family were also forgettable and treated her extremely badly, I thought, especially the awful sister.
The plot didn't fully engage me either and I lost interest quite early on, when she readily accepted being treated as a doormat. How the arrival of her younger (selfish, whiney and conceited) self, spurred her on to take a restock of her life, I honestly questioned, as she wasn't exactly a great role model.
I also didn't get the odd shaman character, or her younger self's return to the past, although that could be due to losing interest in the overall story.
Certainly not one I'd watch again and with so many other, better, dramas out there to see, not one I'd recommend either.
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Wish You: Your Melody From My Heart (Movie)
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Series also available
Kang In Soo and Lee Sang are really sweet together. Their characters are quite understated; there's no OTT melodrama or unnatural discomfort. Sang-yi's slightly shy and humble, yet supportive and positive personality sits so well against In-soo's deeper more confident one. They compliment each other well.The 2 more intimate scenes were nicely done and the actors were believable. No wooden or uncomfortable posturing.
I liked the story, but did feel that some of the scenes in which feelings were being individually contemplated, against the fitting soundtrack, were a little lengthy. They could have been shortened and a bit more added to other parts of the story; possibly their relationship deepening, or a bigger hint of their musical success to come.
A very nice watch though.
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Series and edited into film
I watched the film, as sometimes find such short episodes interruot the story's flow.Kang In Soo and Lee Sang are really sweet together. Their characters are quite understated; there's no OTT melodrama or unnatural discomfort. Sang-yi's slightly shy and humble, yet supportive and positive personality sits so well against In-soo's deeper more confident one. They compliment each other well.
The 2 more intimate scenes were nicely done and the actors were believable. No wooden or uncomfortable posturing.
I liked the story, but did feel that some of the scenes in which feelings were being individually contemplated, against the fitting soundtrack, were a little lengthy. They could have been shortened and a bit more added to other parts of the story; possibly their relationship deepening, or a bigger hint of their musical success to come.
A very nice watch though.
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The tables are turned on a manager who once bullied and mistreated a young intern... what goes around really did come around and initially it felt good!
However, through various events and struggles, all concerned get life lessons that open their eyes and enable them to grow.
This is not intended to be a heavy watch with messages and depth, but it is touching, quite positive and with more than a few giggles.
I loved the characters of Han-gil and Oh-kyung/ Anasatisia (snr interns), who show that older people aren't necessarily dull, can still be sharp (and in the case of Oh-kyung, attractive too), plus have lived fascinating lives... no one is born old, it comes to everyone and people should be judged on their character not age.
Another favourite was intern Yoon-soo, whose character faced numerous challenges and whilst he made several bad judgement calls, faced up to it each time.
Jun-soo (especially) and Man-shik, were characters that I couldn't help but like, even though the former was spoilt and and tried to manipulate people, and the latter was often egotistical and beligerant!
I'd have liked a little more romance between Yeol-chan and Tae-ri, which seemed imminent on several occasions, but never really delivered.
I thought this role was a little different for Park Hae-jin, as neither smug, cold or cocky, although a stubborn and vengeful side came out when he felt both threatened and lacking in confidence. He played this really well.
The office environment contained the mix of people and irritations that many will be able to relate to, but loyalty is there too.
The music (mostly Trot) really suited the series and what it was about.
Not to be taken seriously, but enjoyed, which I did!
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Story is lacking, but acting isn't
Nice cast of young, fresh actors, some of whom nevertheless have several drama appearances under their belts. Also some Idol actors (Nu'est/Wanna One, Victon, ex Momoland, TXT guest appearance).The cast acted very naturally and worked well together in a story very much aimed at a younger audience, although that's not to say older viewers wouldn't enjoy it (I did 😊).
The issue of school bullying was treated / portrayed very lightly in the script. Even if not shown, to say someone is beaten up would entail the victim to at least show bodily pain/discomfort in the absence of facial bruising, in order to convey that storyline.
From the way the bullying was exposed during the course of the story, the character's mental scars due to the experience, were quite OTT. Also, for someone mistreated, to behave so nastily to others without reason, was hypocritical and where the 'pitying' aspect came from was never backed up in the scenes from that time, so it didn't make sense why that person would feel that way about even their supposedly closest friends.
At the same time, in the present day, the bully's perspective about their actions was unusual, but I think true to life.
The supporting romantic side stories were sweet and I especially liked So-hyun and Yoo-shin. There was very little kissing, which considering their character ages and personalities, was a bit odd (it doesn't have to be full-on kisses.... but there were less of any kind, than fingers on a hand).
Noh Jong-hyun is an actor with more experience and I've enjoyed watching him in some favourite dramas; however, he blended in well with the other cast members, which I suppose means they got on well and enjoyed working together.
Hopefully we'll see many of them mature into successful actors with lead roles, in the not too distant future.
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Twists and turns
The character of Eun-sol is in turn likeable and incredibly infuriating, for the first few episodes, but as she gains both experience and confidence, her over eagerness and assumptions that she must be right, lessen greatly.Baek-beom's nickname of Grumpy Beom is an understatement and it's hard to believe anyone could get away with some of the stuff he does. Again though, as the story progresses and we learn more about his past, which is gradually uncovered for him too, he begins to very slowly come out of himself.
The forensic post mortems are quite graphic, even though blurred out, and there are some quite gross scenes. The crimes include abuse and rape, so could be a trigger for some (hence the "18' rating I imagine).
Surrounding characters are varied. Some deep, others arrogant and also a wonderfully light hearted police officer, Cha Soo-ho. A couple, though, are incredibly annoying, one from being so thick and negative (if he applied himself half as much to caring about his work as he does to eating, he'd be better than everyone at the lab), to another constanty speaking in English, which I found ridiculous.
The crimes and criminals overlap, lacing together to form a pretty good and intricate plot. Things are not always as they seem and there are some surprises.
The strange working relationship that forms between Eun-sol and Baek-beom is very amusing at times and it's her tenacity and quite thick skin that seem to appeal to him.
There is a lot of shouting and screaming at times (too much on occasion), but also some moving and distressing story lines.
Series 1 leaves us at a bit of a cliff hanger and I'm invested enough to head straight for series 2....
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The Wolf grew teeth
Captivating from the start, Darren Wang's duality in this role is well played. He has an aura as Prince Bo and can exude both sex appeal and menace.Li Qin also gives a good performance and her character's development from young and naive to one with responsibilities and regrets is quite melancholic.
I liked the mix of supporting characters, from light hearted to wicked. Xiao Zhan is, as always, a pleasure to watch, as his character returns to his obligations and surprises everyone.
The story itself is pretty good, with the usual scheming, plotting and treachery that surrounds the King and heirs, and mistrusting clans.
It's something of a melodrama and not a fluffy watch, although there is plenty of romance.
My only gripe is how Zhai Xing would not face up to the fact that her Wolf Boy was a person that no longer existed. She herself was changed by her experiences, yet she somehow insisted that You Wen was still an intact personality, as though stuck in time.
There's fighting, battles, laughs, cries, heart ache, redemption, regret, loyalty, everything! A good watch and one that could be revisited after a time, as there's so much going on and it's a relatively complex story.
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Big feels
This is a very moving story, funny one minute, infuriating the next.It shows an older generation, warts and all. The sexism toward women and changing culture toward older people is obvious and plays a pivotal part of the story.
Aging is different for everyone and the many facets of it are wrapped up, sometimes messily, here.
The saying that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, goes out the window in this story, especially for one quite awful character who gets a big wake up call. He redeems himself, but I could never like nor forgive him his past behaviour.
Lasting friendships through thick and thin, good and bad times, highs and lows, are heart warming. Misunderstandings, selfishness, only seeing ones own problems, all have consequences that are eloquently played out.
Seeing one's own grown up child treated so badly it causes anguish and anger, is a lesson that should be taught to everyone who's ever bullied or abused (whether mentally or physically) a partner themselves.... most people are someone's beloved child.
A poignant drama so worth watching. The cast were amazing. I loved it in a very strange way, as there were times I got really angry, but that's what a wonderfully acted drama draws out of me.
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Family life and strife
Mini soap opera with laughs, cries and everything inbetween.Great cast and chatacters. So enjoyed the daily lives of the Song family. Watching characters grow and develop was a real pleasure. Great motivator for anyone whose lives have gone off track, finding themselves lacking confidence and feeling like failures.
My favourites in this were characters acted by Lee Jung-eun, Lee Sang-yeob, Lee Sang-yi and Ki Do-hoon.
I found it hard to like some characters, even after they'd acknowledged their own short comings, but then life is really like that - we can't like everyone!
Sometimes I found the story became a little silly, which detracted from what was overall a well written drama, with many laughs and realistic plots.
Song Da-he was a unique character, but her childish way of speaking did irritate me.
I wish the ending wasn't quite so abrupt, but this is one I would consider watching again.
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A frustrating guilty pleasure
There was a lot I liked and quite a bit I didn't. Plus points are a likeable cast of characters, played by decent actors, with not too many cheesey or clichéd moments and a female lead character that's not a wet weekend. The men that end up gravitating back around her, are all very different. I liked how she didn't see herself as a victim, was independent, yet had her weaknesses. Her mum is played by a favourite actress, whose character was so supportive. The young actress playing the daughter/granddaughter was excellent and it was refreshing to see a mature young character that wasn't selfish and overly needy or full of cuteness and little else.What I didn't like was the complete lack of communication, which became totally ridiculous. The initial misunderstandings were believable and understandable, but later, there were too many occasions when explanations were interrupted and never forced, even though the facts were crucial. Situations where the plain truth would have been most rational people's first and only response, were instead met with frustratingly weak and ridiculous ones instead, making things worst. This meant any empathy or sympathy with those characters just vanished.
That aside, there were quite moving moments and some funny ones, which are what made me enjoy it overall.
It's not one I would watch again through.
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You'll cry with laughter and sadness
Filled with laughs and emotional scenes; a real roller coaster.Characters develop so well, from arrogant to humble, cold to warm and enemies to friends.
Family misunderstandings, painful memories, traumas, love and loss ~ this drama has it all.
Heo Im (Kim Nam-gil) was a real life physician who developed his own techniques of acupuncture and wrote journals on the practice. Whilst there is a comedic theme through the series, his legacy is not undermined, whilst the drama also balances the use by complimenting with modern medicine; both have their place.
I loved the cast of characters and there are other true ones, such as Japanese general, Sayaka, who was actually a Korean named Kim Chung-seon.
I loved every aspect of this drama and whilst it was occasionally a bit far fetched and melodramatic, overall it was a joy to watch.
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