chalbarczyk

The story is built around the dynamics of friendship between two protagonists. It is a familiar theme, one explored particularly often in Chinese literature and cinema, but in the hands of this screenwriter it acquires an extraordinary depth of meaning. The story unfolds naturally and authentically, offering no easy shortcuts or simple solutions to its conflicts. And above all, music reigns supreme.

Acting: Every actor delivered an exceptional performance. Although the two main characters captured all our attention, everyone who appeared on screen contributed to this emotional spectacle, filled with tender glances, angry outbursts and tears of genuine emotion.
Lee Jun Young – His performance is energetic and self-assured. His Choi Jeong Yo is always arrogant and independent; only Kang PiO manages to bring out both the very best and the very worst in him.
Song Kang – Once again, he portrays a sensitive artist. Here, his performance is refined and delicate. Kang PiO's despair is always touchable, always genuine.
The third protagonist of this drama is music itself. Never before has music carried so many layers of meaning. You can literally lose yourself in a cascade of sounds. We come to understand the main characters' passion for music so deeply because it accompanies us throughout the entire story, from beginning to end.
The combination of visuals and sound is one of the drama's greatest strengths. The director has achieved a remarkable harmony between the leads' friendship and their music. Watching Song Kang and Jun Young play together on the same piano is an absolute delight!
Special applause must also go to the mother, played by Yoon SeA – she can love and hate. She portrays an incredibly complex character, a woman with many layers within her: love for her son and hatred for his father, faith and naivety, gratitude and ambition. Every one of these facets is revealed to the audience and portrayed to perfection.

The Prague cinematography also deserves praise. Although the scenes feature only a single bridge, a tram and a small stretch of street, even this brief glimpse of the city is a pleasure to behold.
This story reminds us that beauty, love and happiness do exist in the world and that they can become part of our own lives, too, although achieving them requires effort and sacrifice. Friendship also exists in this world, and it is closely connected with beauty and love. Haven't we become just a little better after watching this drama?

I can`t stop thinking about this story and characters without my heart beginning to race. And I can`t get that wonderful music, played by four hands, out of my head.