Slooow, but still captivating
So as most other reviews mentioned, this is a really slow paced drama. There are lingering shots and long pauses. But still, it was captivating.
The cast is brilliant, the cinematography and editing is high class, and the overall feel of the rural setting is very fitting.
As for the story, even if it is rather slow-moving, it contains enough elements that are served drip by drip at the right moments to keep your interest.
Brief synopsis:
Cellist Hae Won (played by Park Min Young) escapes from Seoul to her ancestral hometown after setbacks in her career. She had some difficult years in her late teens, and being back brings forth both good and bad memories.
In a neighbouring house, her former classmate Im Eun Seob (played by Seo Kang Joon). He runs a bookstore, and is a quiet but caring man who hides his emotions well. He has had a secret crush on Hae Won for all these years, and is secretly thrilled that she arrived and they start to form a close bond.
Both Hae Won and Im Eun Seob carries psychological wounds with them from their younger days; some known, and some unknown. As life happens, will wounds be healed and truths come to light?
In the story you also have Hae Won's aunt and mum, Im Eun Seob's younger sister, and their friends. All of these characters are also excellently portrayed - I especially enjoyed the scenes with Im Hwi in (his younger sister); she had such a joyful, energetic presence.
Park Min Young is superb in her portrayal as Hae Won.
This was my first time watching Seo Kang Joon, and he impressed with his lowkey but strong performance.
The supporting cast was also very strong.
So: Should you watch this drama? Not if you're no fan of slice-of-life or slow-burn romances. But if you want an emotional drama without villainous characters or dramatic story arcs, you should give it a go. And don't give up too quick.
The cast is brilliant, the cinematography and editing is high class, and the overall feel of the rural setting is very fitting.
As for the story, even if it is rather slow-moving, it contains enough elements that are served drip by drip at the right moments to keep your interest.
Brief synopsis:
Cellist Hae Won (played by Park Min Young) escapes from Seoul to her ancestral hometown after setbacks in her career. She had some difficult years in her late teens, and being back brings forth both good and bad memories.
In a neighbouring house, her former classmate Im Eun Seob (played by Seo Kang Joon). He runs a bookstore, and is a quiet but caring man who hides his emotions well. He has had a secret crush on Hae Won for all these years, and is secretly thrilled that she arrived and they start to form a close bond.
Both Hae Won and Im Eun Seob carries psychological wounds with them from their younger days; some known, and some unknown. As life happens, will wounds be healed and truths come to light?
In the story you also have Hae Won's aunt and mum, Im Eun Seob's younger sister, and their friends. All of these characters are also excellently portrayed - I especially enjoyed the scenes with Im Hwi in (his younger sister); she had such a joyful, energetic presence.
Park Min Young is superb in her portrayal as Hae Won.
This was my first time watching Seo Kang Joon, and he impressed with his lowkey but strong performance.
The supporting cast was also very strong.
So: Should you watch this drama? Not if you're no fan of slice-of-life or slow-burn romances. But if you want an emotional drama without villainous characters or dramatic story arcs, you should give it a go. And don't give up too quick.
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