Okay, I get some of the criticism of this show and I do think it can be better in some ways, especially in the earlier episodes. But for the criticism towards SHS's acting, I genuinely don't get it. I get not liking how some of her character's behaviour is written (though I think it's understandable for someone whose self esteem got destroyed overnight). Putting on a strong front as a career woman but becoming vulnerable in front of her family and friends, slowly becoming more like herself over the course of the show, even the spark rekindling in her eyes when she took the wedding photos, I think she expressed those aspects of the character very well. Even acting like you're genuinely drunk takes acting chops. If anything, it's a role that might fly around and become incoherent if put in the hands of a lesser actress. I'm not even being biased, I just thought it's an objectively good performance and was shocked to see comments that she is bad at acting. I hope people are not putting their dislike for a character on the actor.
The last time I felt like this was for Castaway Diva. I haven't finished that show but I also saw criticism towards PEB's acting in the comments and was just completely baffled. I wonder if people tend to be overly critical towards actresses.
I'm convinced the production team is getting paid by the Jeju tourism board because that sunset in episode 10 is too pretty. Usually filler scenes bore me but the traveling around Jeju scenes were quite nice and wholesome to see on new year's day. As for the plot, well, the leads' backstory involving their parents is quite typical and old-fashioned but I like the subtle chemistry between SHS and JCW. I like that their interactions, past or present, are not overly romanticized. The characters can act silly but they're not obnoxious. The sisters' side plots are surprisingly entertaining as well. The show isn't something amazing, but it's a solid one so far with a dose of nostalgia.
This show is a bit of a grower. It started off on the cheesy side but I'm getting invested as the backstories are unveiled. I like that as layers are getting peeled off, details shown in the past start to make sense. The latest episode was quite tearjerk-ing and as frustrating as the parents may be, I understand both sides. ML's dad uses a misplaced outlet for his resentment to mentally cope with such an unprecedented tragedy. FL's mom still suffers survivor's guilt, and psychologically it resulted in her recklessness towards her own health as she subconsciously thinks she deserves it. I don't think another tragedy will happen, it's probably a close-to repeat of history that will be the wake up call needed for many characters. Sisters for not getting it together and unintentionally overlooking something in front of them, FL's mom for refusing to communicate with her children, and ML's father who needs to realise he's been worsening everyone's pain.
I went in with lowered expectations, but I still felt disappointed. While the show started off decently for me, it ended up not being very engaging after all. It was hard to connect to the poorly written motivations of the ML, the superficial relationship between the leads, or the storyline which went just as I could predict since the first few episodes. Even the comedy for the most part didn't hit for me and even felt out of place in multiple scenes.
The show felt like bits and pieces of other well known films/dramas. It had sets and scenes familiar to Mr Sunshine and Assassination, a plot device almost identical to Kingdom, and the creature was reminiscent of the one in Stranger Things. It didn't feel gelled together and it didn't have its own identity. It needed a fresher, more creative narrative and more in-depth characters to actually hook me. I'll still stay for the second part, but I can't say I'm particularly looking forward to it.
Went in with lowered expectations, and 1 episode in -- I thought it was actually not bad other than some very odd music choices. Especially in the scenes where both of the leads meet, the piano music was not very fitting. Story is easy to follow so far and the pacing is fine imo. If I'm being nitpicky, the sets look very new and not very authentic, even if they look nice and expensive. The editing in the action scene was very choppy. My main concern is that plot-wise, they've already revealed a LOT and made it very obvious what already happened and what's going to happen, so idk if the plot is going to have much surprises ahead.
Frankly, this show so far doesn't have a standout plot or great production value (what's with the choppy editing and sudden music placements at times?) but it's pretty much the only show I'm looking forward to each week. Because I'm finding almost everything else currently airing to be more tired, repetitive or just underwhelming. At least this one has more relatable themes, solid actors and a pleasant laidback setting. It's like a relaxing family drama to watch while having a meal.
The reception of the first part from the korean press is quite concerning, almost every review I've seen has been negative. I remember Squid Game getting mixed reception domestically as well, and while that obviously didn't stop its international success, I ended up not being a fan and agreed with the poor reviews. Of course I'll watch and judge it for myself, but I'll be lowering my expectations.
I guess this isn't my kind of humor... The actors were good and had good timing but for some reason I didn't find it funny, like at all. Maybe some of it got lost in translation.
Ep 3 hit many right notes. Nostalgia, friendship, experiencing disappointment in adulthood. The show is showing an exponential improvement with every episode imo. It also went a bit in depth on Samdal's family dynamics with some obvious lack of communication between the mom and daughters. Looks like the focus of the show is coming into view now, it's about reconnecting not just the romance, but also familial ties and friendships. Maybe also about re-finding your self-esteem. I wasn't the biggest fan of the way the show made Samdal come back to Jeju, but I like where it's going.
Just completed it, and I found part 2 to have gone a bit haywire and not as engaging as part 1. Nevertheless the actors carried the plot and the ending was considerably satisfying, I guess. 7.5/10
I wonder why some people were expecting so much from this show? It was literally marketed as a childish, funny countryside rom-com on the netflix front page and we got, well, a childish funny countryside rom-com lol. I mean the first two episodes are not fantastic or flawless, but they're entertaining as a character set up. I didn't expect much and enjoyed it. And it doesn't seem to have any serial killer nonsense which is a plus.
For once they actually showed how normal girls are really dressed at home. I love it too!
As a dude, the t shirt and sweatpants are literally what I wear at home lol. Just that I look way slobbier than her. And that was a realistic interior for an old middle class Asian home. What a breath of fresh air after seeing way too many chaebol houses in these dramas.
I really liked the first episode, mostly because of SHS who goes all out when acting. But it wasn't perfect, since the string of events that made her go back to Jeju are a little contrived. Though I guess such a situation isn't completely impossible since people like the mentee do exist in real life. Maybe better decision-making on Samdal's part, like being less lenient or sacking the assistant early on could have avoided the mess. Anyways that's just the set-up and the real story is just about to start. The coming episodes should be more light-hearted than the first, so I'm looking forward to that.
The suspense was done very well and having seasoned veteran actors definitely helps in keeping you immersed in the story. I have to say the taxi driver started as an endearing character but is flawed (dumb) to the point of being borderline frustrating. Yes, he was at a breaking point but he made the worst decisions at so many critical moments that I couldn't help but sigh. Not sure where the story can go from the ending of ep 6 but I'm curious to see what happens next.
I liked it quite a bit more than I expected! Maybe because I didn't have much expectations from that questionable poster. But it's a straightforward movie about bringing out the courage in yourself, simple and predictable plot but enjoyable nonetheless. The comedy is tastefully done and action quite decently executed. It's one of the very few korean movies this year I watched without feeling bored lol.
One thing it could have done a bit better was to connect the comical/exaggerated and serious parts more seamlessly, as I could see how people might be a bit uncomfortable with the way it presents the subject matter (though the directing and music make it very clear it's a webtoon adaptation). SHS as always makes a loveable and nuanced protagonist while Lee Junyoung is a very convincing villain. The bullying victim stands out as well. 8.5/10
The last time I felt like this was for Castaway Diva. I haven't finished that show but I also saw criticism towards PEB's acting in the comments and was just completely baffled. I wonder if people tend to be overly critical towards actresses.
The show felt like bits and pieces of other well known films/dramas. It had sets and scenes familiar to Mr Sunshine and Assassination, a plot device almost identical to Kingdom, and the creature was reminiscent of the one in Stranger Things. It didn't feel gelled together and it didn't have its own identity. It needed a fresher, more creative narrative and more in-depth characters to actually hook me. I'll still stay for the second part, but I can't say I'm particularly looking forward to it.
One thing it could have done a bit better was to connect the comical/exaggerated and serious parts more seamlessly, as I could see how people might be a bit uncomfortable with the way it presents the subject matter (though the directing and music make it very clear it's a webtoon adaptation). SHS as always makes a loveable and nuanced protagonist while Lee Junyoung is a very convincing villain. The bullying victim stands out as well. 8.5/10