Ugh, forever mad about her life choices since now she'll probably be stuck doing Hong Sang Soo movies only for who knows how long, and she's just too good to be limited in that way.
There's a lot to nitpick about the overall plot and character ark but I guess I was able to forgive all of that since the performances were great, Seo Hyunjin in particular. I can see how this was the kdrama/performance that made her blow up. Her character's actually kind ridiculous at times but she's so grounded and nuanced in her role that I can't help but let her get away with questionable decisions/behavior and root for her. Her chemistry with Eric was amazing, too. That's really what carried the show for me and kept me glued. And also Ye Jiwon+Kim Jisuk who served as great comic relief.
I'm not a huge 52+ ep family drama person (but I still give them a shot here and there depending on word of mouth) just because with that many episodes, not only is it bound to drag in terms of storyline and inconsistent character ark/development, but typically the amount of hypocrisy just gets higher and higher episode after episode and makes my blood boil lmao (but I guess that's the "drama" of it all when it comes to these types of shows).
But the thing about this drama is how well balanced it is with its comedic moments, which contributed a lot to the overall tone and pacing of the show, and gave it more heart than it already had to begin with. It's the best family kdrama I've seen so far and I don't think I'll ever love another one just as much. I put it above All About My Mom , Five Enough, The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop and even My Father is Strange.
I am intrigued now at the mention of The Piano Teacher,. I've never heard of it before. Would you recommend it,…
It's very... out there, in my personal list of top 10 most disturbing films for sure even though I loved it, but definitely a must-watch for those familiar and interested in European and "foreign" cinema. If you're new to that world, then it might be too disturbing (and also just plain weird and confusing). It stars Isabelle Huppert, one of the most acclaimed French actresses ever (she did a movie called "Elle" in 2016 which was also super disturbing but she was so so good in it and won many of awards for it), and directed by renowned Austrian filmaker Michael Haneke whose movies are usually quite "cold" but chilling. Here's a list of work which you can browse through and read some comments and reviews to get a sense of what kind of filmaker he is : https://letterboxd.com/director/michael-haneke/
Quick summary of the overall plot of The Piano Teacher : The story follows protagonist Erika Kohut, a sexually and emotionally repressed piano teacher, as she enters into a sadomasochistic relationship with her student, Walter Klemmer, the results of which are disastrous.
And another more detailed summary from imdb : Erika Kohut is a pianist, teaching music. Schubert and Schumann are her forte, but she's not quite at concert level. She's approaching middle age, living with her mother who is domineering then submissive; Erika is a victim then combative. With her students she is severe. She visits a sex shop to watch DVDs; she walks a drive-in theater to stare at couples having sex. Walter is a self-assured student with some musical talent; he auditions for her class and is forthright in his attraction to her. She responds coldly then demands he let her lead. Next she changes the game with a letter, inviting him into her fantasies. How will he respond; how does sex have power over our other faculties?
^ If the plot doesn't sound too jarring for you, then do give it a try (at your own risk).
Short review pulled from wiki by Roger Ebert which I agree with : "Though it makes for rather unpleasant viewing, The Piano Teacher is a riveting and powerful psychosexual drama." Roger Ebert awarded it three and a half stars, citing Huppert's confidence, writing on hints of revenge against The Mother character and defending the ending, saying "a film like this any conventional ending would be a cop-out".
The overall mood/ambiance of the movie was great, but the film lacked "something" that made it a bit stagnant and preventing it to go above and beyond with its story. I blame that on the direction and screenplay.
Strong performances by the three main actors though, which is no surprise if you've seen any of their work. It's worth a watch if your a big Kim Haneul, Yoo Inyoung or/and Lee Wongeun fan.
I can see why some might find this movie disturbing, it's a particular type of quiet psychological drama involving a love triangle and therefore, jealousy. It's no The Piano Teacher (2001) levels of disturningness though, which is what I was expecting at first based on the comments I've read here and elsewhere.
But the thing about this drama is how well balanced it is with its comedic moments, which contributed a lot to the overall tone and pacing of the show, and gave it more heart than it already had to begin with. It's the best family kdrama I've seen so far and I don't think I'll ever love another one just as much. I put it above All About My Mom , Five Enough, The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop and even My Father is Strange.
Quick summary of the overall plot of The Piano Teacher :
The story follows protagonist Erika Kohut, a sexually and emotionally repressed piano teacher, as she enters into a sadomasochistic relationship with her student, Walter Klemmer, the results of which are disastrous.
And another more detailed summary from imdb :
Erika Kohut is a pianist, teaching music. Schubert and Schumann are her forte, but she's not quite at concert level. She's approaching middle age, living with her mother who is domineering then submissive; Erika is a victim then combative. With her students she is severe. She visits a sex shop to watch DVDs; she walks a drive-in theater to stare at couples having sex. Walter is a self-assured student with some musical talent; he auditions for her class and is forthright in his attraction to her. She responds coldly then demands he let her lead. Next she changes the game with a letter, inviting him into her fantasies. How will he respond; how does sex have power over our other faculties?
^ If the plot doesn't sound too jarring for you, then do give it a try (at your own risk).
Short review pulled from wiki by Roger Ebert which I agree with :
"Though it makes for rather unpleasant viewing, The Piano Teacher is a riveting and powerful psychosexual drama." Roger Ebert awarded it three and a half stars, citing Huppert's confidence, writing on hints of revenge against The Mother character and defending the ending, saying "a film like this any conventional ending would be a cop-out".
Strong performances by the three main actors though, which is no surprise if you've seen any of their work. It's worth a watch if your a big Kim Haneul, Yoo Inyoung or/and Lee Wongeun fan.
I can see why some might find this movie disturbing, it's a particular type of quiet psychological drama involving a love triangle and therefore, jealousy. It's no The Piano Teacher (2001) levels of disturningness though, which is what I was expecting at first based on the comments I've read here and elsewhere.