An old-style romance that’ll surprise you with its progressiveness.
The plot is fairly simple and one very familiar to veteran k-drama watchers. A chaebol heir, who grows up cosseted without knowing the realities of commoner life, unexpectedly meets and falls in love with a charming but fiery headstrong, and independent girl from a modest background. As expected, all hell breaks loose.While trope-laden, the drama surprises by giving us refreshing leads who don’t buckle under societal pressures. Indeed, character development (of both leads) and the untypical way trope-y challenges(disapproving parents, career issues, mutual expectations etc) are handled are the strong points of the drama.
Kam Woo Sung and Kim Gyu Ri both do an excellent job – natural performances that’ll engage you. The drama traces the relationship from the heady days of early courtship to rocky times when disagreements almost tear them apart. Through this. we see them grow and mature into becoming better partners and better people. Lots of natural skinship, realistic couple-y moments including arguments and character growth. Beware though, it is somewhat slow paced but I enjoyed watching the relationship unfold and how it affects and changes both leads.
TL;DR - A delightful love story with no unnecessary dramatic “drama”.
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This review may contain spoilers
Ah so I just blew through this drama even though I usually pace myself. Overall I enjoyed the ride even though it has a few weak spots What worked for me:
The chemistry between the lead pair: Oh my god, Jasper and Puff together was everything. The long intense looks the lead pair shared were just incredible. I don't find Jasper really handsome per se, but man he sure has something about him that makes you go all aflutter. And the way he looks at her! My internet sleuthing tells me they aren't together but I was convinced there was something between them, looks like it was just great acting,.
The romance: I love mature romances and this fit the bill. We actually find out just why the lead pair fall for each other. I also liked the real world look at what happens when one partner loses sight of what the other needs and becomes pushy. Also like that there is consistency in showing how FL finds her love waning when her fiance refuses to actually listen to her.
The BFF character: Han Kefei was a riot and the actor did a great job (for most parts). I would kill to have a friend like her
The ending: A kind of open ending nonetheless i thought it fit the story line. What i felt lacking was that the FL's 'confession' did not match what we are led to believe regarding the depth of her feelings
What did not work for me
The office plot: As someone who's worked in corporates (although in a different country), the office plot in the middle of the series was just pure cringe. No CEO is going to working that directly on a project all the time! Ugh, took me out of the drama
Uneven build up: The first few episodes were superb but then it got repetitive; everything that had to said was already said, and the lead pairs were just repeating themselves.
Treatment of the ex-girlfriend: This might not be a popular view but the way the way the ML's ex was portrayed was a little unfair. Sure, she went a little unhinged but after 10 years of her caring for him, he just shakes her off? Why not give her the house he bought?
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A drama that examines what it takes to be happy in life
まげる (mageru) means to bend or to yield. Saki's inflexibility in living her life only by her rules makes her magerarenai and a very uncomfortable person to be around.Through the 10 episodes we however see how Saki's unbending and uncompromising approach to life inspires Kou-chan and Riko,both of whom are taking the easy way in life, to take a stand and make some tough choices.
The drama keeps the tone realistic and tackles different arcs without sugarcoating issues. Through each character's story the drama tells us to believe in ourself and keep going even if it gets tough. To not give up dreams and take action if we are not happy - even if it means making life inconvenient. It asks us to not avoid problems because its easier but to stick to ones beliefs, remaining true to overselves despite societal pressures while keep one's focus on reaching set goals.
As someone who is similarly stuck in life, the drama's messages resonated with me and I only hope that I can take some of Saki's determination and unyielding resolve to move forward in my life.
Performances
No doubt Miho Kanno does a fantastic job in bringing alive a somewhat annoying character without being irritating. We see her vulnerability, her wavering (from her ideals) and her despair but also her strength in raising above the tough moments and to persist in her dreams.
The other 2 main characters too are well etched and well delivered - Tanihara Shosuke as Aida Kouki the flighty but kind hearted guy in love with Saki and Naitou Hiromi as Hasumi Riko, Saki's high school mate who uses lies to smooth her way and prefers to skimp out on hard work.
The plotting is even and I didn't find it dragging at any point. Don't expect any romance - its barely there and I was a bit sad about how it went but it did made sense on the whole
Warmly recommended for any one looking for a drama tackling deeper issues in life.
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