What a ride. Tops my best-of list for the year so far. It brought something new to the table, and I honestly think it set a few new standards against which future angsty BLs will be measured. Everyone involved seemed to know exactly what the goal was, and exactly who the characters were. And the torment of the frankly cruel cliffhangers were extremely effective by design. I'm simultaneously exhausted and satisfied. Well done to everyone involved.
I kind of understand both sides of the argument currently going on in the comment section.
I think if you're primarily treating this show as a character study that uses romance as a vehicle to explore the character and their internal struggle, then I absolutely agree that this show is delivering in a comprehensive and skillful way. One can empathize with Jaewon's character without excusing it, because his history, his struggle, is made clear to the viewer (aided by what I think is exceptional acting).
If you're primarily watching this show as a romance with the characters and their individual struggles serving as the source of both conflict and growth for what will ultimately (hopefully) lead to a positive romantic resolution, then I agree - these past few episodes were both terribly frustrating, even infuriating at times. And Jaewon's treatment of Jihyun is despicable not only because it works against the goal of the central romance, but also because Jihyun is our other ML and we care and root for him too. His feelings matter too. So, I get why there's anger, and why this could be considered as part of a pushing-you-away-for-your-own-good trope.
Personally I'm trying to watch this as a combination of both, a balance between romance and character study - something which will be a hell of a thing to pull off. But damn, if they manage it, well done. Seriously. But the last two episodes are crucial in determining if this series will work as both. I'm cautiously optimistic though. It's been a hell of a ride so far.
I am in the unhealthiest parasocial relationship with this series, istg. I subject myself to the emotional abuse episode after episode. But still I'm sort of sure there are sweet moments to come. And the pain will make it so much sweeter. Right? Right?? Haha just kidding. I think.
Rewatching episodes again in preparation for tomorrow. This is a trivial observation but at the start of episode 2 some sort of green background spirals into view. It kind of looks like grass. But why this scene? It's different from the other intros so far. I do like the effect though, combined with the music playing.
***MAJOR SPOILERS BELOW***I'm waiting for next week's episode to catch up because my heart won't be able to take…
Thank you for the information! If I may ask, did the movie spend a lot of time on Jaewon getting back together with his ex? I just want to prepare for the suffering lol
It almost feels as if this series is taking something from me, and I'm not entirely sure I'll get it back. I am super invested in getting a happy ending for this one. It's really something special.
Being forced to wait a week for more episodes is sweet, sweet torture. The high you're on on the day episodes drop. The immediate low when you realize it's over and the wait begins again. The anticipation building again over the following week with increasing intensity. I love and hate it at the same time.
Rewatching episodes. Again. One of my favourite moments is at the end of episode 2, where Jae Won and Eun Ji are talking, and then Jae Won spots Ji Hyun sitting on the beach. And instantly he becomes Jae Won's entire focus. She's invisible to him. And she knows it. We, the audience, know it. He doesn't know it because his world at that point is zoomed in on one thing, and one thing only. Ji Hyun. :')
I haven't been this excited over new episodes dropping in ages. I keep checking to see if there are new clips or screenshots or anything that'll tide me over until I can watch it.
This series is so relaxing. I get totally immersed in the small coastal town feel with its cozy youth mall, and the pretty settings in general. The story is sweet. The cast is really good-looking. And I can't lie, I enjoy Gongchan in this. I think his character is cute. Very enjoyable so far.
Such a positive depiction of a relationship. The two leads were so good. The flirting was honestly some of the best I've seen. It just felt good watching this.
I think if you're primarily treating this show as a character study that uses romance as a vehicle to explore the character and their internal struggle, then I absolutely agree that this show is delivering in a comprehensive and skillful way. One can empathize with Jaewon's character without excusing it, because his history, his struggle, is made clear to the viewer (aided by what I think is exceptional acting).
If you're primarily watching this show as a romance with the characters and their individual struggles serving as the source of both conflict and growth for what will ultimately (hopefully) lead to a positive romantic resolution, then I agree - these past few episodes were both terribly frustrating, even infuriating at times. And Jaewon's treatment of Jihyun is despicable not only because it works against the goal of the central romance, but also because Jihyun is our other ML and we care and root for him too. His feelings matter too. So, I get why there's anger, and why this could be considered as part of a pushing-you-away-for-your-own-good trope.
Personally I'm trying to watch this as a combination of both, a balance between romance and character study - something which will be a hell of a thing to pull off. But damn, if they manage it, well done. Seriously. But the last two episodes are crucial in determining if this series will work as both. I'm cautiously optimistic though. It's been a hell of a ride so far.