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A Brief Shining Moment, and Then the Writing
In the words of Victor Melling: "A brief shining moment and then that mouth". The first two episodes were intriguing and felt as if they offered something new to the landscape. Once you get past the purists and those who believe their moral standing is played out by their choice of kdrama, the premise of a long-term couple in a romantic rut having their hearts tugged at by the most unsuspecting people, only to find their way back to one another, may make you jump up from the stands and scream a cheer.That is what I placed my stocks in. To my dismay, I’m down by 1000 on account of the writers. It's odd to think how well the main couple is conceptualised, and then when it comes to them and their respective second leads, it's either painstakingly uninspired and a little absurd or wattpad-level ideation, which completely takes you out and shifts the tone from something that was meant to be thoughtful and considered to well, this. There are some well-written tidbits from episode to episode, but I'm of the mindset that half a good thing does not a good thing make. And in this instance, we're not even working at half.
On the other hand, I'm not particularly familiar with Seo Kang Jun, but it's safe to say his performance was a standout, which almost acts as a double-edged sword when it comes time to share the screen.
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Emotions: When We Don't Draw Within The Lines
I don't want to brand this year as a disappointment, so as not to discredit the work that is already out, but my God, this series is truly a gem among stones. I don't believe we're in any shortage of "beautiful" series; Netflix has made sure of that, but there are few scripts that have hit the mark until the very end. I'd almost forgotten what it felt like for a drama to not falter at the last stretch.Everything exists in the grey with this drama, a near-perfect depiction of when human relationships are stretched to their limits and emotions aren't imagined in silos. I have immense respect for those who pen stories like this. There's a rare bout of honesty here that often gets overshadowed by boisterous, showy storytelling. In the writers' restraint, and in spite of their resistance to neat binaries, we're able to untangle this complex story between two lifelong friends, even if only in feelings.
This series opts for what I can only liken to a slow-cook recipe, trusting that steady pacing, subtleties and even silences will make us tender and receptive. This series is not ideal for those who think in strict dichotomies.
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A Drama With a Strong Pulse on Life
This drama encapsulates life in a way that is so attentive and personal that it almost fills you with dread from the introspection you're forced to engage in. It is a beautiful and very necessary ode to women at all levels of society. This drama embodies and even breathes new energy into the slice-of-life genre by intricately weaving through the life of a small-town couple in a way that seems straightforward, almost aimless, but is, in fact, very precise.The acting is phenomenal, as expected from such a cast. I'm pleasantly surprised that I'm not jarred by the use of IU for both mother and daughter; her clear distinction makes for an enjoyable and even technically impressive viewing experience. Park Bo Gum excels as usual, showing a side I've not seen before. The acting is really the driving force for the tsunami of emotions this project explodes with.
The writing is so worthy of praise and mention, especially contrasted with the current drama landscape. I can only describe it as beautiful and incredibly penetrating. To be so true to life's nuances without convolution or rudimentary language is a feat. There are so many aspects of life so accurately depicted and given life through words that it's almost unsettling, yet ultimately moving. A standout drama through and through.
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