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When Life Gives You Tangerines korean drama review
Ongoing 4/16
When Life Gives You Tangerines
8 people found this review helpful
by batatatamusic
Mar 8, 2025
4 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing
Overall 10
Story 10.0
Acting/Cast 10.0
Music 10.0
Rewatch Value 10.0

A Deep Dive into Love, Time, and Culture

This is one of the best dramatic series I have seen so far. It’s a real journey through time, immersing us in this island, its culture, and this era. At the crossroads of changing times: patriarchal repression, when a woman’s existence was only allowed beside her husband. Here, we see an impeccably portrayed character of a strong, extroverted young woman with her determination and ideals.

The female characters (IU and her mother) are strong, fighters, determined, patient, but what I love is that they’re not selfish (like Emma Bovary, Carrie Miber... even though they have their nuances). Here, they are strong and deeply humane. There is a strong feminist message, but it’s so touching, full of love for their children, family, and values. The protagonist is grateful to her mother, and I love her character (a truly well-developed heroine).

Beside her is the boy who complements her: an introvert, always by her side, loyal, protective, but also a rebel. He loves his family and will go to the end in his desires. He doesn’t forget his wife’s dreams (it’s so idealized :)) but I love it :)

The first sincere love, touching, strong, funny, and at the same time awkward. All the veteran actors (the mother, so touching, so realistic and majestic) and the children are excellent. The pair of Bo Gam and IU look so good together; they perfectly execute their roles, they are them, and it suits them. We see IU in a completely new light, and I like it. Maybe Bo Gam is a little like his real self? In any case, it feels like he’s just being himself.

This is a masterpiece among Asian series, made in Korea. With one of the best directors, one of the best screenwriters, and talented actors. The cinematography, colors, like a painting: with beautiful transitions. And the moments with lots of action or comedic scenes are shot in a way that makes you feel part of their world.

The music with traditional elements is simply genius, both at the opening and throughout the series. And the song by Chu Da Hye (this singer was such a find for me) in a retro-disco style with some folk!!! is just incredibly cool, I absolutely adore it!

The style is slow, and we experience it as if we were reading a book rather than watching a series, opening every page and every chapter of their lives. This might not be for everyone, but those who are looking for emotions (of all kinds), a slow narrative, and outstanding work will be satisfied. The quality of the work is similar to *Pachinko*, but the atmosphere is completely different—lighter, even when it's sad.
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