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A rebel who is also a closet conformist
For @Love movies
The rigid Korean patriarchal system is a drama trope in and of itself. Our FL's clan takes this to the next level. Instead of the usual annual memorial service as seen in many k-dramas, this clan holds two dozen per year! All the men dress in traditional attire, and the clan lines up to offer supplication. Needless to say, the grandfather rules the family with an iron fist. It is like a slice of Joseon planted in suburban Seoul.
I know the writer-nim did this deliberately. One of the key themes is the clash of cultures. This includes the definitions of love, marriage, sex, and woman's roles. I assume this boat is going to be thoroughly rocked! In the end, I was only half right, and I am not unhappy about it.
I know that last sentence is confusing and I do apologise. Please allow me to explain.
To put it simply, this show has two distinct phases. The first half is all about airing the dirty laundry of modern Korea. This includes exam fever, familial obligations, the roles of women and the old crowd favourite: love, sex, and marriage. It is packed to the rafters with issues du jour.
The pot is well and truly stirred as the drama is set in a company specialising in adult toys and marital aids. Many quality products are on display. This is a brave decision when you consider how conservative some segments of the Korean society can be.
If I'm honest, the writer-nim tries a little too hard in the early episodes. There are scenes where characters literally air grievances and debate the pros and cons across a table. It can feels like a government sponsored panel discussion.
While the talkfests don't offer many concrete solutions, our diverse cast provides some insights through their personal experiences.
I still chuckle when I recall the scene where one of the FL's coworkers gave advice regarding condoms to a high schooler only to find out he is her daughter's boyfriend! It was delicious.
The table is turned mid show though. The tone of the drama became a lot more mellow and respectful. Swoonworthy scenes replaced combative ones.
Multiple romances vie for our attention. The FL's and her BFF's are cute. The one centred on the FL's brother is angsty and conventional. The two young actors are the weaker link in the ensemble. The senior actors provide a lot of light comedy which greased the plot wheel. The pacing is good and steady.
Normally, I would rail against such drastic tonal shift. However, the romance of our leads is so sweet and innocent I'm willing to give them a hall pass.
As this is not some indie production aiming to burn the establishment down, the need to toe the line eventually won. In that sense, the show is not about storming the barricades, but rather a polite petition for changes. With respect, of course.
The world is changing, just not all at once. This is a reflection of modern Korea. Millions of people caught between the rock of traditions and the unyielding modernity. Peace.
The rigid Korean patriarchal system is a drama trope in and of itself. Our FL's clan takes this to the next level. Instead of the usual annual memorial service as seen in many k-dramas, this clan holds two dozen per year! All the men dress in traditional attire, and the clan lines up to offer supplication. Needless to say, the grandfather rules the family with an iron fist. It is like a slice of Joseon planted in suburban Seoul.
I know the writer-nim did this deliberately. One of the key themes is the clash of cultures. This includes the definitions of love, marriage, sex, and woman's roles. I assume this boat is going to be thoroughly rocked! In the end, I was only half right, and I am not unhappy about it.
I know that last sentence is confusing and I do apologise. Please allow me to explain.
To put it simply, this show has two distinct phases. The first half is all about airing the dirty laundry of modern Korea. This includes exam fever, familial obligations, the roles of women and the old crowd favourite: love, sex, and marriage. It is packed to the rafters with issues du jour.
The pot is well and truly stirred as the drama is set in a company specialising in adult toys and marital aids. Many quality products are on display. This is a brave decision when you consider how conservative some segments of the Korean society can be.
If I'm honest, the writer-nim tries a little too hard in the early episodes. There are scenes where characters literally air grievances and debate the pros and cons across a table. It can feels like a government sponsored panel discussion.
While the talkfests don't offer many concrete solutions, our diverse cast provides some insights through their personal experiences.
I still chuckle when I recall the scene where one of the FL's coworkers gave advice regarding condoms to a high schooler only to find out he is her daughter's boyfriend! It was delicious.
The table is turned mid show though. The tone of the drama became a lot more mellow and respectful. Swoonworthy scenes replaced combative ones.
Multiple romances vie for our attention. The FL's and her BFF's are cute. The one centred on the FL's brother is angsty and conventional. The two young actors are the weaker link in the ensemble. The senior actors provide a lot of light comedy which greased the plot wheel. The pacing is good and steady.
Normally, I would rail against such drastic tonal shift. However, the romance of our leads is so sweet and innocent I'm willing to give them a hall pass.
As this is not some indie production aiming to burn the establishment down, the need to toe the line eventually won. In that sense, the show is not about storming the barricades, but rather a polite petition for changes. With respect, of course.
The world is changing, just not all at once. This is a reflection of modern Korea. Millions of people caught between the rock of traditions and the unyielding modernity. Peace.
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