Kneil876

Our Beloved Summer felt like a balm and like cool air at dawn. It was a completely refreshing watch that ultimately bewitched me and held me in its world. This story was a masterclass in character driven narratives that demand your deep attention and examination. Where others might characterize this drama as slow in pace, I understand it to be less of a meander and more of a intentional stroll through the complex lives of a group of young people trying to find themselves. They search for glimpses via validation in their careers; they try to see themselves reflected back to them through others. They're dysfunctional and messy and honest and afraid and I think that's a part of the charm of this drama.

This is my first experience with Kim Da-mi and Choi Woo-shik and I was not disappointed. Kim Da-mi offers a compelling "difficult" woman whose life experiences have created a hardened shell to shield her from the harshness of the world. But beneath that shell is a vulnerable, fragile and scared woman looking for a soft place to land. Choi Woo-shik's vulnerability and honesty were chef's kiss. His capacity to portray someone so deeply in love that the ache of losing them haunts both their waking and dreaming was felt. Together, they showed the depth of love - how it pulls and pushes, how it hurts and heals. In fact, each character makes the case for love's fulsome capacity. That, regardless of our desires, love bends not just to our individual needs, but it also curves with life and life's journey.

Definitely a favourite watch of this year and has easily slid into my comfort watch list.