4
A sweet, sweet noona romance
Initially, I have writer's block when I attempted to write this review. It is not because it is bad, quite to the contrary, I like this show. It is not that it is boring, there are lots going on. It is just that most subplots are inconsequential. You have to focus on the romantic storyline.
Rather than breaking down the show in minute details, I'll focus on things that are highlights for me and a few odd bits that I can do without.
The good bits first then. The romance of our leads is swoon-y, beautifully told and relatable.
I shall address the elephant in the room first, the age gap. In the novel, the difference is 11 years, in the show, the FL stated that she is almost 10 years older than the ML. The actual age difference between the actors is 19. I'll stick to the show's official line.
In terms of their relationship, I think it is well written. There are obviously push-pulls. The FL knew full well that she is in a power position as she was his guardian and benefactor. Throw in the significant age difference and her divorcee status, there are lots of red flags. She has to draw a very firm line in the sand.
The ML worship her from the start. The unrequited love is obvious for all to see. In time, the FL did notice his loving ways and it troubled her. It put her in a moral quandary. That line in the sand is now a mine field. It means nought to our love sick ML. He is more than willing to die in that mine field.
After a heart felt confession from the ML, the FL knew she is fighting a losing battle and surrendered herself to love. Their happy days are numbered though as the ML is about to graduate from college. He was offered a scholarship in a prestigious US university. Yet he won't even consider it if it meant being apart from his beloved.
This is where the FL played the Noble Idiot card. Normally, I'd decry such old trope, yet the writer did a good job here. I especially love the day and the night she spent with the ML just before his departure so that she can create memories for both of them. It is so bittersweet.
This is one aspect I appreciate the most. The romance really feels natural. They go through all the stages of love and lost. They face roadblocks and heartbreaks. What we don't get are tropey angst bombs. No nasty second leads nor Big White Truck of Doom™. Huzzah!
Their skinship feels natural and passionate. I rejoiced when we are spared the cliché fail-to-kiss scenes. Their chemistry is undeniable and it is on full display. No sly camera angles nor staged poses. Smoking!
The 2CP is lovely as well. I ship them unreservedly. They also have good chemistry and is a lot of fun to watch. That's two for two. ;) Technically, there is a 3CP, but their relationship is a lot more low-key.
It is not all rainbow and unicorns though. There are some narrative issues. There is a huge number of flashbacks. We are not talking about one or two scenes here and there. At one stage, we have 3 whole episodes devoted to 2018. Let’s just say it is like watching 3 equal timelines in one.
This can be a little confusing if you are not paying attention. The show tries to telegraph the differences by showing the FL in long hair in the past and a short hairstyle in the present. The early years is easier because the ML spent most of his time in school uniform. The styling of the FL hardly changes beyond her hairstyle though. It can get a bit confusing during mid show.
There is also a lot of business baked into the show. Both leads have their own careers. Most of their work is (unfortunately) inconsequential. This is doubly so for scenes set in the past. Watching the FL grinding through an old project adds little to the plot. I don't know why they didn't just use short key scenes instead. I suppose this will mean a 20 eps run instead of 30.
In terms of acting, it is solid. The FL is perfect for the role. The young ML is the real surprise. He did good. I shall keep an eye on his future projects. The support cast more than earned their pay. Production value is par for the course. OST is decent. Love ballads dominated in the second half and for good reason.
There is much to like about this show as long as you are not looking for the typical angsty plot. It also depends on whether you see their relationship being based on an unhealthy power play. If you can see beyond those issues, then this show will make you swoon. I consider this an easy to watch guilty pleasure. Peace.
Rather than breaking down the show in minute details, I'll focus on things that are highlights for me and a few odd bits that I can do without.
The good bits first then. The romance of our leads is swoon-y, beautifully told and relatable.
I shall address the elephant in the room first, the age gap. In the novel, the difference is 11 years, in the show, the FL stated that she is almost 10 years older than the ML. The actual age difference between the actors is 19. I'll stick to the show's official line.
In terms of their relationship, I think it is well written. There are obviously push-pulls. The FL knew full well that she is in a power position as she was his guardian and benefactor. Throw in the significant age difference and her divorcee status, there are lots of red flags. She has to draw a very firm line in the sand.
The ML worship her from the start. The unrequited love is obvious for all to see. In time, the FL did notice his loving ways and it troubled her. It put her in a moral quandary. That line in the sand is now a mine field. It means nought to our love sick ML. He is more than willing to die in that mine field.
After a heart felt confession from the ML, the FL knew she is fighting a losing battle and surrendered herself to love. Their happy days are numbered though as the ML is about to graduate from college. He was offered a scholarship in a prestigious US university. Yet he won't even consider it if it meant being apart from his beloved.
This is where the FL played the Noble Idiot card. Normally, I'd decry such old trope, yet the writer did a good job here. I especially love the day and the night she spent with the ML just before his departure so that she can create memories for both of them. It is so bittersweet.
This is one aspect I appreciate the most. The romance really feels natural. They go through all the stages of love and lost. They face roadblocks and heartbreaks. What we don't get are tropey angst bombs. No nasty second leads nor Big White Truck of Doom™. Huzzah!
Their skinship feels natural and passionate. I rejoiced when we are spared the cliché fail-to-kiss scenes. Their chemistry is undeniable and it is on full display. No sly camera angles nor staged poses. Smoking!
The 2CP is lovely as well. I ship them unreservedly. They also have good chemistry and is a lot of fun to watch. That's two for two. ;) Technically, there is a 3CP, but their relationship is a lot more low-key.
It is not all rainbow and unicorns though. There are some narrative issues. There is a huge number of flashbacks. We are not talking about one or two scenes here and there. At one stage, we have 3 whole episodes devoted to 2018. Let’s just say it is like watching 3 equal timelines in one.
This can be a little confusing if you are not paying attention. The show tries to telegraph the differences by showing the FL in long hair in the past and a short hairstyle in the present. The early years is easier because the ML spent most of his time in school uniform. The styling of the FL hardly changes beyond her hairstyle though. It can get a bit confusing during mid show.
There is also a lot of business baked into the show. Both leads have their own careers. Most of their work is (unfortunately) inconsequential. This is doubly so for scenes set in the past. Watching the FL grinding through an old project adds little to the plot. I don't know why they didn't just use short key scenes instead. I suppose this will mean a 20 eps run instead of 30.
In terms of acting, it is solid. The FL is perfect for the role. The young ML is the real surprise. He did good. I shall keep an eye on his future projects. The support cast more than earned their pay. Production value is par for the course. OST is decent. Love ballads dominated in the second half and for good reason.
There is much to like about this show as long as you are not looking for the typical angsty plot. It also depends on whether you see their relationship being based on an unhealthy power play. If you can see beyond those issues, then this show will make you swoon. I consider this an easy to watch guilty pleasure. Peace.
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