This review may contain spoilers
Balanced to Perfection
Where to begin? Jang Dong Yoon is absolutely perfect in this role. He made Baek-du the easiest to love character in a drama. I came to root for his happiness and success immediately. He is affable, kind, honest, and genuinely happy with all of life's curveballs. Probably one of my favorite male leads of all-time.
Du-sik's character was so nuanced, despite being presented in a completely opposite disposition from Baek-du. She's caring and loyal to her friends even if she is hiding her identity at first. She was dealt a rough card and she handles it with grace.
The juxtaposition between Baek-du being comically unaware of things and Du-sik being comically bad at being undercover is so well-written and provides a great dose of levity and a wonderful display of their friendship lasting even after years apart.
The friend group has to be the best part of this entire show. Seok-he being completely inept at knowing when to keep his mouth shut - also every scene of him chasing Snowball - and his eventual friendship with Hyun-wook is hilarious. Mir-ran and her entire storyline is so interesting and the way she trusts her friends to help her is touching.
Jin-su is my favorite character in this show. The way he protects Mi-ran is adorable but his friendship with Baek-du, which so easily could've been written as a rivalry, was so refreshing. He really does want him to succeed and I found myself searching for his reactions during the tournament.
This show balances the story of this young athlete trying to figure out how to use his strengths to benefit him instead of relying on past methods with the mystery surrounding Du-sik and the town's past. Baek-du's growth in realizing that he doesn't need anyone by his side to win because those people are still supporting him no matter what. Du-sik finally solving the mystery that alienated her family and realizing her friends never forgot her. The way she grows to share more of herself with Baek-du and allows him in on her big case is huge. The town learning the important lesson that words matter and can seriously hurt people - I am really impressed that this show took a very common trope of gossipy townsfolk and actually confronted them for it. So many times have I seen dramas pass off this behavior because of a character's background and it was nice to see that not one of them had an excuse for it.
This show doesn't waste time on any of the stories it tells. It's deft and transparent without being in your face. Having seen three dramas set seaside, I also feel as though this one captured that environment the best. It wasn't polished or clean, the scenery wasn't relied upon to remind you of their surroundings. The bugs can be heard chirping and the characters are often sweating due to the heat and it makes it that much more immersive.
My favorite scene is the conversation Baek-du has with his father before his big championship match. Tae-baek is a former champion with two champion sons and in one of the most authentically moving moments tells Baek-du that's it's okay he still hasn't won yet. He is supportive and ties the title of the show in perfectly with the theme: all flowers bloom at different times and it's okay to bloom late.
I think this might be my favorite Kdrama so far. It's healing and really beautiful.
Du-sik's character was so nuanced, despite being presented in a completely opposite disposition from Baek-du. She's caring and loyal to her friends even if she is hiding her identity at first. She was dealt a rough card and she handles it with grace.
The juxtaposition between Baek-du being comically unaware of things and Du-sik being comically bad at being undercover is so well-written and provides a great dose of levity and a wonderful display of their friendship lasting even after years apart.
The friend group has to be the best part of this entire show. Seok-he being completely inept at knowing when to keep his mouth shut - also every scene of him chasing Snowball - and his eventual friendship with Hyun-wook is hilarious. Mir-ran and her entire storyline is so interesting and the way she trusts her friends to help her is touching.
Jin-su is my favorite character in this show. The way he protects Mi-ran is adorable but his friendship with Baek-du, which so easily could've been written as a rivalry, was so refreshing. He really does want him to succeed and I found myself searching for his reactions during the tournament.
This show balances the story of this young athlete trying to figure out how to use his strengths to benefit him instead of relying on past methods with the mystery surrounding Du-sik and the town's past. Baek-du's growth in realizing that he doesn't need anyone by his side to win because those people are still supporting him no matter what. Du-sik finally solving the mystery that alienated her family and realizing her friends never forgot her. The way she grows to share more of herself with Baek-du and allows him in on her big case is huge. The town learning the important lesson that words matter and can seriously hurt people - I am really impressed that this show took a very common trope of gossipy townsfolk and actually confronted them for it. So many times have I seen dramas pass off this behavior because of a character's background and it was nice to see that not one of them had an excuse for it.
This show doesn't waste time on any of the stories it tells. It's deft and transparent without being in your face. Having seen three dramas set seaside, I also feel as though this one captured that environment the best. It wasn't polished or clean, the scenery wasn't relied upon to remind you of their surroundings. The bugs can be heard chirping and the characters are often sweating due to the heat and it makes it that much more immersive.
My favorite scene is the conversation Baek-du has with his father before his big championship match. Tae-baek is a former champion with two champion sons and in one of the most authentically moving moments tells Baek-du that's it's okay he still hasn't won yet. He is supportive and ties the title of the show in perfectly with the theme: all flowers bloom at different times and it's okay to bloom late.
I think this might be my favorite Kdrama so far. It's healing and really beautiful.
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