A more realistic slice-of-life exploring different types of love
I wasn’t supposed to watch Melo Movie, as I was under the impression that the “melo” meant melodrama, as in the genre.
However, the “melo” means “romance” or “romantic” in this context—a mix-up I wouldn’t find the time to look into if I didn’t learn who the screenwriter of the series is: Lee Na Eun.
Lee Na Eun is the same screenwriter of Our Beloved Summer (2021), one of my favorite K-dramas from that year.
It wasn’t just because of the fluff though, nor it was just the resolution for the individual vs self conflicts of the series. It was the character depth that Lee Na Eun allowed the audience to explore.
Given the history, I was then compelled to pick up the series for my weekend binge.
Thankfully, for Melo Movie, Lee Na Eun was able to maintain her momentum in writing compelling characters.
In this series, a flawless switch of POVs among the characters, which includes the secondary characters, was used as a device for the viewers to explore the characters’ complexities and motivations.
My favorite part of the series is that it did not draw a glaring line to separate the main characters from the secondary characters; the secondary characters get their own stage to tell their own stories. With this, the audience are able to invest the same degree of emotional commitment they have for the main characters.
As we get to know more about the characters, we will see how they navigate the desolation of life and the consolation a love may bring.
Pacing is pretty decent for a 10-episode, too, and the OST is remarkable and unforgettable like its predecessor’s.
Regrettably, the plot lags behind, particularly the story of the main characters. It’s weak that it was overshadowed by the secondary couple’s and character’s narratives.
I am also not sure if having some loose ends remain untied is part of the writer’s intention, but some may come off as a plot hole, which is quite difficult to reconcile with.
Setting that aside, I’d still consider this a good slice-of-life romance, with a decent amount of comedy hitting the right note.
I’d gladly recommend this as a good binge for those looking for something uncomplicated but has enough emotional grip to keep one invested.
I’ll also be on the lookout for Lee Na Eun’s future work. Her storytelling style in slice-of-life might have just become one of my favorites!
However, the “melo” means “romance” or “romantic” in this context—a mix-up I wouldn’t find the time to look into if I didn’t learn who the screenwriter of the series is: Lee Na Eun.
Lee Na Eun is the same screenwriter of Our Beloved Summer (2021), one of my favorite K-dramas from that year.
It wasn’t just because of the fluff though, nor it was just the resolution for the individual vs self conflicts of the series. It was the character depth that Lee Na Eun allowed the audience to explore.
Given the history, I was then compelled to pick up the series for my weekend binge.
Thankfully, for Melo Movie, Lee Na Eun was able to maintain her momentum in writing compelling characters.
In this series, a flawless switch of POVs among the characters, which includes the secondary characters, was used as a device for the viewers to explore the characters’ complexities and motivations.
My favorite part of the series is that it did not draw a glaring line to separate the main characters from the secondary characters; the secondary characters get their own stage to tell their own stories. With this, the audience are able to invest the same degree of emotional commitment they have for the main characters.
As we get to know more about the characters, we will see how they navigate the desolation of life and the consolation a love may bring.
Pacing is pretty decent for a 10-episode, too, and the OST is remarkable and unforgettable like its predecessor’s.
Regrettably, the plot lags behind, particularly the story of the main characters. It’s weak that it was overshadowed by the secondary couple’s and character’s narratives.
I am also not sure if having some loose ends remain untied is part of the writer’s intention, but some may come off as a plot hole, which is quite difficult to reconcile with.
Setting that aside, I’d still consider this a good slice-of-life romance, with a decent amount of comedy hitting the right note.
I’d gladly recommend this as a good binge for those looking for something uncomplicated but has enough emotional grip to keep one invested.
I’ll also be on the lookout for Lee Na Eun’s future work. Her storytelling style in slice-of-life might have just become one of my favorites!
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