Looking at the ratings made me feel like this drama is seriously underrated. Currently at episode 10, and I'm loving it to bits! Episode 1 started a bit slow, but it was crucial to understand the different personalities of the tourists. By the way, I loved the ahjummas! Wish they were part of the tourists also, which would have made it more interesting and funny to watch.
The supporting characters' relationships seemed cliche at first glance, but as they delve deeper into their background stories, it made me realise that this drama is all about "Don't judge a book by its cover" and the different kind of relationships between the tourists.
I found the pace to be good. I loved how they focused on each pair for each episode. I loved the back stories and the progress of relationships so much! I loved the male lead's character here. It was so unique. I'm glad he wasn't a typical CEO or this good looking handsome guy with a narcissistic personality. His character was hilarious and so were his interactions with people in France. There were so many misunderstandings about him from the very start which I found to be funny. I loved his character so much!
And for the elderly couple, at first I really despised the ahjussi. He kept yelling at everyone and complaining about everything. I felt really sad for his wife. But once I saw the backstory, I kind of understood why he behaved in that manner. I could also tell that he changed slowly throughout the course of this drama, though not to a drastic extent, which seemed realistic enough for me.
For the young couple, I thought they would have a happy "honeymoon" dating period in France. But man was I not expecting a deep relationship with misunderstandings and communication problems. Their relationship changed a lot throughout this drama as well.
And for the main couple... I loved the progress of their relationship. The misunderstandings between the two of them were hilarious. And man, Jung Yong Hwa's kisses have gotten A LOT BETTER. I hated the fish kisses in "The heartstrings".
There were so many unexpected twists which I really loved. Overall, it was an awesome drama to watch!
For those ONLY looking for romance, don't start this drama because the main focus is not the romance but the growth of the characters and their relationships. It was a really good refreshing drama for me.
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This extra episode is a life saver for many Fangs of Fortune fans!
Although the drama ended on sad/open note, many fans felt that they needed more of a conclusion!So, in this episode, they showed us
💫 aftermath of the last few episodes of Fangs of Fortune.
💫how the journey of the team through out FOF left an impact on WX, ZYC and PSJ.
💫how everyone is coming to terms with the loses and affects of previous events.
💫 the contrast of human's view of the demons now in comparison to how they felt about them in the first episode.
💫how WX, ZYC and PSJ are applying the lessons learned from the FOF journey.
💫 the current endeavours of WX, ZYC and PSJ and what they plan to do in the future.
💫the glimmer of hope and relief whether the Most loved and missed Demon ZYZ can return to the ones who are missing him desperately. Clues are given as to how that will happen.
All in all I'm very grateful for this extra episode!!💕💖 it mended my heart by giving us bittersweet conclusion. FOF characters are so well played that fans start to love them dearly and get attached to their life and fate. So it was very important to give us (for those who needed it) more thorough ending!
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This review may contain spoilers
A solid 9! It's been so long since I've actually watched a Japanese drama that managed to deliver on multiple fronts. Netflix's last originals in this genre left much to be desired but I saw this one randomly appear a couple nights ago. 12 Episodes, 24 minutes a piece - I figured I could get through a few to start it off and see if it'll be watchable... Then holy crap, I become enthralled with it. I haven't binged through an entire drama with that much ferocity in quite some time!Each episode unravels more of the mystery that is Hyakumanen no Onnatachi. I found myself thoroughly immersed in the narrative dialogue that Noda's character goes into regularly throughout the show. It was SO EASY to get lost in his performance. There were a few scenes I was bawling my eyes out and I wasn't exactly sure why. The cast around him is solid and each of the characters has a well fit piece in the story. Noda's character is complex and easily lovable, but it takes a while to get used to his melancholy down tempo demeanor. I'd love to break it down more, but no spoilers! It's best to unwrap this gem for yourself.
I was a bit worried that a 12 episode, 24 minute format was going to be too short for the story. Kdrama is usually 55 minute episodes~, jdrama usually 45-ish. Mostly 12,16-24 episodes a piece. But often times these formats require far too much filler and much of a drama's 'tempo' is lost, this drama sets a fairly good pace without really feeling rushed.
No doubt people will disagree with this review, it's got a very unique vibe to it that may not be universally appreciated. I'd say it's worth a shot, you'll know in the first few eps whether or not it'll click for you. :)
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The acting was very good. I especially enjoyed the main couple's and Jiang Shan's (Shiqiao's mother) performance in the movie.
I love the soundtrack, most of the songs were created for this movie. I especially love the ending song, too bad I can't find it for download yet :(.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable movie. I`m glad I decided to watch it.
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It largely follows the life of the main couple, almost exactly the same as the wiki history on Empress Dugu. The biggest different from other historical dramas is that Dugu Jialuo's personality and values never change throughout the show. There's no turning ruthless or cold hearted. She is always as she started: well-meaning and smart. She never does anything out of hatred or revenge, and she puts the people and the country before all else - except her marriage with her husband. The side characters are all the ones who change, which sets a contrast to the leads. I think this is appropriate and showcases how history views them. They were known to be good rulers, both frugal, loyal and innovative.
To some viewers, this might mean the story isn't 'exciting' or 'dramatic' enough, but it sort of reflects life. There's quite a few time jumps with historical narration since life isn't always that exciting. I personally think that the drama achieved what they were going for which is to showcase the loyal love of this couple and their sacrifices to their country. Though they may have been a near perfect couple, others around them can't be as perfect in the face of power and greed. Some of these other characters truly frustrate you when you compare their life choices with those of the perfect couple. This was a well made comparison. I also think the main actresses' reactions to situations are pretty realistic. She can easily be hurt and feels remorse but still smart enough to calm down and think clearly.
Overall, watch if you like history, want some good life lessons and wish you had a husband/wife like that. Not really recommended for those seeking intense action and a fast pace.
Also what music? Not memorable during the episodes really... You really only notice it during the opening/ending.
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Good stuff. Complex. Powerful at times. Yet you better don´t set the primary focus on the romance.
No idea why the international title is what it is... so beware! If you're expecting a love story here, you'll get one, but certainly not in the way you thought it would. With their motifs and soft focus, the posters for the KDrama also promise more heartbreak of the shallow kind than the story does justice to.
The original title "The most beautiful moment in life - the moment when life becomes a flower" describes the moment in which life (not love) acquires meaning, beauty, direction, form and can blossom. And here we are closer to the topic. The two protagonists have been in love with each other since their student days in the 90s. Yes. But it has grown through their attitude to life, the meaning they give to their own lives, through their principles and quite specifically through the class struggle, the union struggle, the demonstrations for more democracy. By boldly standing up for what they believe in, life is transformed into a (bright, fragrant, inspiring) flower.
To reduce life and its beauty to love would not be enough. But love is definitely part of it - just like water or the sun - to let these flowers (which can/want to be a person's life) grow. This flower reveals its inherent beauty in the creative expression of what is important to you, what you stand for, what you believe in.
In that sense, Yoon Ji-soo's seedling came to life after she met Han Yaeh-hyun during his pro-democracy and workers' rights protests. Ji-soo's enthusiasm for Yaeh-hyun's cause didn't go unnoticed for him either.
-------------- SIDE NOTE: --- Early unionists, political protest and rebellion against injustice ---
We are learning about South Korean democracy movement when it was still in its infancy. During the decades of the dictatorship, conservative politicians skillfully exploited the fear of the communist north and consistently interpreted or pursued any commitment to workers' rights as a communist threat. Strikes and demonstrations were always uncompromisingly dispersed and participants and leaders sentenced to prison terms. Even recently, in the last 5 years, trade unionists, fighting for workers' rights, have been and continue to be arrested for "offences against public order". In the case of convictions of corporate bosses/Jaebeol, a pardon usually follows quickly. Unionists, however, always have to serve their long sentences. Recently, for example, the KCTU chairman Han Sang-gyun was sentenced to three years in prison during an organized mass rally for workers' rights (2016) and Jang Ok-gi from the construction workers' union was imprisoned for a protest march for higher pensions for non-permanent construction workers (2017).
---------------
So the context of this love story is quite serious. And the KDrama cleverly wraps and links this 'seriousness' around the love plot of the two protagonists. The story is told in time leaps between then and now. It tells how Ji-soo's father (head of the district attorney's office) opposes the young love, it tells about Yaeh-hyun's father's unsuccessful struggle for worker´s rights, about Jaebeol Jang Sang, into whose family Yaeh-hyun marries, and about the unscrupulous intrigues of father and daughter, as well as the elite family of lawyers that Ji-soo married into. It tells of the intolerable arrogance of the wealthy towards the lower-income classes, which continues in the form of bullying among their children. It tells of courageous class struggle and rebellion against injustice. It tells of the almost hopeless struggle for one's own rights in the face of powerful opponents. And that it's never too late to let the flower of your life bloom.
So, should you watch it? Yes, it´s good stuff. Complex. Powerful at times. But don´t set the primary focus on the romance. Otherwise you might be a bit disappointed.
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I will only talk about the BL storyline since I only watched In and Sun’s scenes and because it was mentioned that it’s supposed to be a separate story from Oh and Peach.Is the plot of In and Sun realistic? For the most part, yes. It is not mandatory for the story to be realistic but the series tackles an important real-life dilemma of gay teenagers, that is, falling in love with a straight friend. The charm of In and Sun’s arc relies on a real human problem that many viewers would find relatable.
The spark between In and Sun kicks off with an eye contact scene. It is very cliche but the music, lighting and slow motion effect made it so dreamy. It’s just exquisite. That scene is the very definition of love at first sight. It’s one of the scenes that I will never forget.
Unlike most Thai BL series, this one featured a legitimate gay character in the form of Sun. He’s not necessarily effeminate or feminine but the writers throw the usual stereotypes to his personality like reading gay novels and watching gay movies. He is not portrayed as a boy who likes girls until In entered his life. He is attracted only to boys and, above all, he knows who he really is and he can admit it to himself.
A character like Sun is one of the fundamental elements missing in most boy-to-boy romance nowadays. Mainstream BL series are obsessed with protagonists who are labeled as straight and who are masculine in nature. There is an irrational thrill in watching boys chasing after boys yet still end up being straight. The existence of Sun’s character (among others like Thee in Hormones and Rome in Puppy Honey) is another step forward for me.
On the contrary, we have the typical BL personality in the character of In who at first likes girls, then becomes in denial and then becomes confused. After all what he feels becomes clear to him, he still doesn’t want to be categorized with any label. It’s far from real but it is an appropriate balance to Sun’s character.
In is introduced as a bully. In the middle, he becomes a loner. After that, he is a great friend to Sun. Towards the end, he becomes a heartless, inconsiderate jerk. His character is all over the place. The script has failed to define who In is. As mentioned in the series, he can do anything and be anything he wants to be. He just doesn’t know it yet and that’s exactly what I feel about him. I wish he had more scenes projecting his point of view so that the audience know what he really thinks of Sun and their situation. His strongest moment is when he was talking to Ainam when Sun didn’t show up in the tutorial class because it shows a glimpse of his perspective.
There are dialogues in the series that are really precious. The confessions are genuine. The rejections are harsh but honest. The arguments presented by the characters are truthful yet sincere. The meaningful conversations are mostly driven by Ainam. She is portrayed as a level-headed and logical person but at the same time she is compassionate. Instead of being the hindrance that the viewers expect her to be, she turns out to be instrumental to In and Sun’s relationship.
Throughout the show, Pluem has fared well in terms of acting but he wasn’t given much opportunities to explore his emotions deeply. On the other hand, I thought Chimon is excellent. His acting is subtle but you can feel the inner pain and struggle. That tear falling after he got rejected is heartbreaking. He has a certain depth on the way he interprets the emotions without being exaggerated.
Despite the plot’s weakness, it is very evident that their chemistry is extraordinary. They are the only BL couple that I can think of who can pull off matching outfits. It’s just effortless. They are so cute and adorable that you want their relationship to succeed.
Is it a happy ending? Yes and no. I can say that the story of In and Sun in the series finishes on a high note but the process to get there is emotionally exhausting. Sun’s point of view is very clear. I love how he tried so hard to keep a distance from In. Falling in love with a straight friend is a dead end. It is a losing battle. For me, this is where the moral of the story lies. No matter how much it hurts, walking away is the most rational and bravest move you could ever do when you fall for a straight friend. There is no other escape but to accept that some things are not meant to be and I applaud Sun for having the strength and courage to do that at such a young age.
The deciding factor whether it is a happy or sad ending depends on In. After getting confused and realizing that it is Sun who truly makes him happy, he has decided to give in and do whatever it takes to keep Sun by his side even if that meant being in a relationship with him. What falls short for me is how the resolution was executed. In’s character development is the weakest point because it was done abruptly. I wish his confusion was given more focus. It’s a bit scattered. The resolution felt like forced. As a result, there is no solid conclusion.
In the end, what matters most is Sun’s happiness because that’s what we all want. I see a great deal of myself in Sun. I found myself in his situation more than once in my life. That is why I’m rooting for him. Seeing him happy is a good enough ending for me.
Is the ending sustainable? In and Sun are still young. They are at the edge of 17. So far, what was established is a strong emotional connection between the two of them. We have yet to find out what will happen when their hormones start to kick in. If the writers stick to what is realistic, anything could happen. I had issues on how GMMTV heavily advertised In and Sun but I hope they will not put the new ship to waste. Pluem and Chimon’s chemistry is undeniable. Indeed, the ship is sailing. We need a season 2.
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This drama had a great premise, good cast, diverse characters, and great OSTs. So what exactly is the problem?
How did it manage to fail despite all of the positive factors I just mentioned?
Bad scriptwriting for the two main characters.
This show started off just fine (for some it might've been childish or cringy because of the main lead played by Ahn Jae Hyun) but despite that, the show was actually pretty decent. It gave spotlight on many diverse characters which brings me to a certain topic I'd like to discuss: How great the LGBT representation in this drama is. They portrayed the issues of gay people very smoothly without making it over the top or forced. The character played by Cha In Ha was written in a very natural manner, it felt very realistic and down to earth. Those are some of the positive things about this drama.
The other point I would like to mention is how each character is suffering from some sort of trauma. The four siblings sharing painful events that made them into who they are today. Also very nicely done.
Now I would like to focus on the negative aspects.
This drama focuses way too much on the cliché ''Main lead v.s Second lead'' trope which I thought would be left behind in 2019 for good. Sadly that was not the case and it ended up as a mediocre show at best.
Too many unnecessary scenes due to bad writing, not knowing how to make the main couple interesting enough and making them do stupid stuff every two minutes or so resulting in those two going back and forth between each other. Also, too many underdeveloped characters, what was the point of the rich runaway girl? the psychiatrist? how about the three brothers and their individual love stories? everything was shoved aside for the main couple and second lead which had absolutely zero chemistry at the end of the day, all that because of irresponsible (on the toilet) writing.
I think the screenwriter gave up midway through just to eat his sandwich on time for film break. Not sure what they were thinking when they made the main couple argue 24/7 without any reason at all, Like, he could've breathed in a wrong way and she would break up with him for the tenth time this week????
The humor in this drama swifts from occasionally funny to cringeworthy real fast, so watch out for that.
Also, I've seen a lot of people comment on the acting in this drama and I agree somewhat that the two main leads tend to overexaggerate a lot or simply fail at delivering a certain scene correctly. But please keep in that that those characters are purposely written that way and the actors have no choice but to act stupidly in a very animated manner because of the nature of their characters. You should blame the writers for that instead. I think the actors did a decent job, it is supposed to be a comedy after all. A character shitting his pants in the very first episode cant be taken seriously anyway.
---
Overall this drama is okay if you are looking for something short and easy to watch. Funny with a decent portrayal of different characters. Sometimes braindead but the side characters are worth your time.
Don't try to watch this if you are a fan of mature or well-written romance. If you don't like childish characters and very questionable decision making, this might not be the right drama for you.
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1Well played Reply 1988 writers, you psyche-ninjas. Well played.
I'm in a state of emotional mess right now. A pair of eyes are haunting me. So bear with me if this review turns out to be nothing but series of ramblings. The last 12 weeks (or 13, if we count that one week when it didn't air. but heyyy who is counting. Not me, ever me). Anyway, the last 12 weeks have been one hell of a ride.The thing about Reply 1988 writers is , they're like the Agatha Christies of their art. We think we know exactly what they are up to but no matter how hard we try, they are always always one step ahead of us. They already know what we THINK we know. Let me give a light example. I spent the first 3 episodes taking their previews seriously. But they always turned out misleading. Then I spent the next 7 episodes dismissing the previews. By 10th I almost didn't watch them. And then dropped the preview of 12th episode and I was like, "huh. One more misleading preview. I guess we're set for the ending then"
BOY WAS I WRONG.
I'm not sure whether to appreciate the genius of the Reply 1988 writers or be scared of their grasp of the psychology of the human mind. Since I fail to come to a conclusion, I have another meltdown. Whether they are tears of joy or tears of heartbreak, you'll have to watch the drama to know. We all know the writers are capable of both.
For now, Here are 10 things I absolutely loved about this drama (it was hard narrowing them down. I have about 70,000 on my mind right now):
1. Yoo Yeon Seok. Somebody has new permanent crush and that somebody is me
2. Song Hwa. Somebody has a new girl crush and that somebody is me.
3. Woo Joo. Somebody has a new role model and that somebody is me (seriously, this baby was GOALS. "If she doesn't love me, I won't love her either". He's more sorted than any of us would ever be).
4. Jung Kung Ho dating his best friend's sister. AGAIN. And potentially everyone knowing about it except for the know-it-all Ik Jun (or wait...)
5. The final 15 minutes of the final episode
6. The OST
7. The anti-climatic climatic ending that turned our world upside down
8. The supporting cast wearing the cape and stealing the show
9. Ik Jun <3
10. The band practice. Yoo Yeon Seok singing.
11. (SPOILER ON THIS ONE) Ik Jun and Song Hwa ending on a cliffhanger because I knew one episode was not enough to bring them together. They have 20 years between them and we want a lot of explanations and flashbacks.
12. The simplicity and the positive tone of the drama.
13. No hospital politics (thank god). Not too much blood.
14. Rich weren't assholes. No stereotyping and no cliches. Just beautiful human stories and emotions.
15. HILARIOUS SCENES
16. Aloha Karaoke scene
17. Jo Jung Seok singing aloha and releasing it
18. Winter garden couple (I mean, people were hyped over them exchanging two words. When has that ever happened in the history of Korean drama LMAO)
19. Yoo Yeon Seok's emotional range and his versatility as an actor (I'm watching Mr Sunshine these days LOL)
20. Seok Hyung restarting the band (no, you did not use them. Now go live your life)
21. Seok Hyung in general.
22. Reply 1988 writers being Psyche-Ninjas
23. Make-up-less Mi Na :)
I know I said 10 points but I never promised. Now time to go cry in a corner and patiently wait for the second season. Also, if season 2 ends up becoming one of the things Corona screws up, I'll turn all Gu Dong Mae). Over and out. Thank you for bearing with me. I held it in well too :')
PS - I might end up adding more points as I remember so bear with me.
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The acting was amazing. There was so much crying, but each one never lost its value.
It was a btch to get through since most the story was so sad, but I suggest you don't watch it in such a narrow minded view. Put yourself in each characters point of view and try to understand each one because for me that's what made it bearable.
I finished the series in 2 days because I felt so bad for KYJ and I was just eagerly just waiting for her to do her quirky adorable laugh. I really hate sad dramas, but I got a much greater "feel good moment" effect from the little bits and pieces of happiness in this drama then a drama dedicated completely for "feel good moments".
I fell in love with the main couple. Look at my list I usually drop as soon as the main couple gets together but on this one I kept going because I actually wanted them to get closer and closer. To me their love was believable and on episode 15 their was a moment I even cried out of jealously because it is the kind of pure love I truly want.( you will understand when you get there)
What I also liked about this was the deaths weren't just some random conveniently timed events. Each one had a purpose and were connected. We didn't the moments where a character finds something out, and right then they die that usually happens from a out of the blue car accident.. Like that sht makes me go CRAZY!
Re watch value of me was low because I don't think my heart can handle it lol.
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Take NOTES THAILAND
This is ACTING.. this is CINEMATOGRAPHY. this is chemistry without PUSHING it in our face.. it's subtle. it's unspoken. I grew up watching shows like skam and skins and despite me loving the fluff of Thai BL's... I love gritty lgbtq stories and I believe shows like this will open the door and kick it wide open for more Asian countries to do more lgbtq esque shows like this and what 180 degree longitude did a while ago as well. how are these actors ACTING without even speaking...they don't even need dialogue and it's so powerful between them that they don't even need words.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
WOW DOMUNDI HAS DONE IT AGAIN!!!
Love Upon a Time is in great contention to be the best BL series of the year!I love that Domundi is obviously really trying their best and putting enough money in their series.
The series, centered around the timeless love of 2 souls out of their time, is a high value production with good cinematopgraphy, beautiful set pieces and intricate costumes. Wonderfully executed by the same director of Khemjira (which clearly influenced this series with their past-lives concepts) and fully embracing the Thai history and culture which made the series all the more unique and enjoyable.
The cast were amazing. NetJJ chemistry is so electric- i am so glad they found the perfect new partner for Net. Net is born to be an actor and is just a natural on screen - and that bathing scene in the river will forever be etched in my brain. JJ may be amatuerish and at times may feel "overacting", but as the episodes go on you just cant help but fall for his charm, his cuteness, and comedic timing. The way he uses his facial expressions so candidly can be so disarming. LatteKim is also the perfect second couple, but let me warn you about Latte because this guy has no right to be this HOT.
I initially brushed this off because i thought it was going to be a copy of the recently concluded series 'Im the Most Beautiful Count" - it has the same present to past time travelling concept, but boy am i glad that ididnt skip this because not only did LUAT execute the concept better, they even tied the story in a very neat bow to make us all feel good after finishing the series. In fact i think they ended the series so beautifully and conclusively that it leaves zero chances for a sequel.
This series will also remind you of two of the most famous K-drama time travelling series - Scarlet Heart and Bon Apettit Your Majesty - and im glad to report that LUAT has managed and ended this series far better than those 2 korean series.
It is also important to mention again that i loved that this series (just like Khemjira and Duang before it ), is not following a strict 45min or 60min runtime, but instead allows each episodes to run in varying length to fully tell their stories. Yes, the episodes maybe longer than usual but it doesnt drag the story - it feels like they have carefully planned and mapped out the entire story. perfectly sprinkled with all the BL tropes we all loved, with a hint of bright violet unicorn fart While i understand that not every series and production companies allows a free range runtime especially those who are airing on freetv, im glad that the Domundi series being produced lately is fully taking advantage of its platforms to be free to tell their stories in their own way and in their own time.
Do i also need to say how much i love Domundi is pushing the limits with regards to their sexy scenes?
While the series has a lot of strength, its not without flaws. One main point where the creators took a lot of creative liberties is the acceptance of gay and same sex relationships in old Thailand (and its neighboring countries in SouthEast Asia for that matter) - it is widely believed that the Asian cultrues are more accepting of the sane sex relationships during those times before the western colonizers came to the region. Another matter in particular is romanticising the concepts of slave servants wherein the slaves acts as if they are friends to their master. I also hate the reincarnation idea that once a servant always a servant because even in the present times all the slaves in the past are stuck in the same low social status.
Will i rewatch ? Already saw all episodes twice. Will i recommend? Are you kidding, of course! Overall its a 9.75. I really hope that Domundi can keep this momentum going.
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[Edited: 07/01/2020][Watch this if you like series that are adult and women-centric and highlight their struggles without demeaning them.]
This could very well have been a soap opera with only entertainment value and nothing to take from. It is all in the characters, the situations and the commentary on relationships: how incredibly human all these women (something you don't commonly witness happening on television) and men were, how real their struggles were within their workplace (especially for women), and how incredibly vulnerable relationships are.
When it comes to the plot, you could boil it down to a marriage that starts to fall apart when it is discovered that the husband had been unfaithful at one point, with workplace politics thrown in the mix. However, the execution is what matters, and that was done wonderfully. The process of the trust and marriage breaking down was very authentic to life. Na Sung Jun went through different phases as she tried to come to terms with her new reality, and those were painful to watch. She acted unlike her past convictions once she was thrust into a conflicting, heart-wrenching situation where she is left questioning everything, from people she knew to herself. The writer fleshed out her emotional struggle so realistically it was frightening - one day, she is thinking she wants out; the next day, she wants to stay married because she cannot allow her marriage to crumble; then the next, she wants out; then the next, she wants to inflict misery upon everyone, including herself. Park Sung Joon is a man who is desperate, insisting on continuing the marriage, until he accepts that the trust is broken beyond repair, and acts in more hurtful ways in his confusion (which cannot be justified). We are also shown how lack of communication and presumptions in a relationship can be damaging. All sides of the story are told: the hurt woman, the remorseful husband, and the mistress (who is more than that).
I want to point out that Park Sung Joon was written amazingly in that his story is powerful and dreadful in its truth. He reminds the viewer that the act of unfaithfulness is not a symptom that reinforces how much of a jerk the cheater is, but a path (albeit highly immoral) that a good person can also choose, in an effort to counter the torment of self-inadequacy and threat of never being accepted if their rough edges come to light; it is a part of a series of decisions they make that end up leading them to a point they can never redeem themself from. His upbringing provides insight into how an adult with personal reservations so strong can be created that even their healthy relationship makes a dark, hidden part of them feel unsafe. The writer maintains a balance in that they make you feel sorry for yet angry at him, because his insecurities and presumptions were, after all, only in his head, if only amplified (and that is what we all fall prey to, so this is why it is so scary). Not only him, but the other party were also written in a human way: an everyday person, in their search for validation and understanding, making equally unjustifiable decisions.
However, the drama is not only about them. It is about womanhood, and so we are introduced to the stories of other women. The most notable were Lee Hyun Ah and Song Mi Na. Lee Hyun Ah breaks all stereotypes surrounding self-made, confident, proud women. Yes, she walks with a straight back, and has intimidating class, but she is also a woman with principles, a good heart, and her own pains, even when they are not apparent. Then there is Song Mi Na, a woman torn between her duties towards her family and her ambitions as an individual. I personally found Mi Na’s story really moving and something many family-oriented and ambitious women can relate to.
Aside from that, the writer did not label every thing as black and white. For example, emotions such as envy and jealousy were depicted in a very normal light, something anyone, even a good person, experiences. The main characters make irrational and imperfect decisions at many points, but they redeem themselves from that point and develop themselves. Of course, those who failed to fulfill the latter were criticized (Ohn Yoo Ri and Park Sung Joon).
I do have a criticism: the writer creates some situations but never follows through with them. It is a character-driven drama, so it was expected. However, I think there were occasions the writer could have built upon.
The drama could have fallen apart had the scene sequencing not been so good. The narration was spot on precisely because of the decision to withhold exploring a scene completely, piecing some events together in a way they looked true but, as the scenes are properly delved into, show how the viewers were misled deliberately. When it comes to the cinematography and the like, my favourite thing was the little nuances that the camera work caught and the director included. They were not always made obvious, but you caught them if you were present throughout the episode. It could be one or another woman’s doubts about herself, maybe her envy for the other, or some character's lingering emotion, or something more simple. It prevented things from being dramatized and maintained the natural element and its significance. Moreover, the music complemented the scenes well - one of the reasons I looked forward to this drama; the instrumental was well done!
Now the acting: amazing. Jang Na-Ra delivered, like she always does; she was cold, miserable, strong, warm, graceful, all at once. Lee Sang Yoon did not have a lot of freedom to share his emotional range, because Park Sung Joon was a stoic man, but he was very convincing for a man who was consistently battling internally yet his internalized beliefs about himself prevented him from expressing his feelings; him and Jang Na-Ra convinced me they were a couple of ten years that was falling apart. Lee Chung-Ah was amazing in her role - I cannot imagine someone else pulling off Hyun Ah. Shin Jae Ha has great timing with his expressions, and very natural with them - you could see his growth from one half to the next of the drama as well. Kwak Sun Young made Song Mi Na’s ambitions and conflicts come to life. Pyo Ye Jin was great in her delivery of a confused, insecure, and self-victimized person. For the side characters, I want to mention Lee Jae Won (Byung Hun) - he had great chemistry with Kwak Sun Young and was great at forming an intimacy with her of a married couple.
This was a very thought-provoking show about relationships, with yourself and others. A must-watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
The story being told in an unagitated & well-rounded way unfolds its unique (I´d say: high) quality
"Divorce Attorney Shin" is actually based on the webtoon of the same name by Kang Tae-kyung. The KDrama comes with the handwriting of the same screenwriter as i.e. "Thirty Nine", "Always" and "Encounter" – Yoo Young-ah. In the case of "Divorce Attorney Shin" once again shows off her strengths: drawing true-to-life, sensitive portraits of friendship and relationship dynamics with plenty of ordinary life of ordinary people. In "Divorce Attorney Shin" you get (also thanks to marvelous actors/actresses!!) authentic, lifelike characters and circumstances. In this case with sometimes maybe a bit weird, but loving details. With characterful esprit. Unagitated. At times a joy to the heart. Almost soul food."Divorce Attorney Shin" tells stories from the red-hot everyday life of many people in South Korea, which is increasingly about divorce. The number of divorces in the country is currently going through the roof. The topic becomes almost normal madness. KDrama understands this just as such. Divorce is normal. Not nice. Not desirable. Not originally intended. But often unavoidable as the next step. And sometimes maybe...
(A bit tongue-in-cheek: the title. Attorney Shin's name "Shin Seong-han" literally means "sacred" in Korean. Thus, his name tag "Shin Seong-han, Divorce" becomes a provocative play on words. Attorney Shin is also the man for the cases when the ´holy state of marriage´ has faltered...)
There are many reasons and circumstances behind such a momentous decision as divorce ( ... and it may always accompanied by a bit of shame and feeling of failure, which needs to be digested emotionally). Some of them come along enrobed in different cases. They are weaving their way around the frame of the story, the main focus of which are three old friends – above all, however, divorce lawyer Shin Sung-han. One of the recurring scenes is the small but finely drawn retro lawyer's office with a wooden sliding door that sometimes gets stuck, which you quickly grow fond of. Also, Shin's apartment with retro-style hi-fi, where he spends his evenings listening to loud Trot music, preferably singing and drinking soju from a wine glass. And then the cozy Ramyeon restaurant around the corner from the office. Added to this is the special relationship between Shin and a client who ultimately joins the team and another young lawyer, who somehow stumbles over Shins piano skills into the office. And then there's his own past as a gifted pianist and the reason why he's no longer one.
Kudos to the layered nuances that paint the complex environment in which divorce tends to be embedded. No divorce is like the other. But most of the time, divorce hurts or hurt started before and therefore led to it. "Divorce Attorney Shin" touches on a multifaceted assortment of backgrounds and triggers over the course of 12 episodes short-term critical circumstances and long-term effects, emotional suffering and opportunities, economic chains and hopes, social stigmas and societal prejudices, and then, too, self-doubt, as well as collateral damage and sacrifice. It's not always just 'the others' who are affected, but the controversial issue of divorce is getting very close to almost all of the protagonists. JTBC attacks a hot social topic with the KDrama.
"Divorce Attorney Shin" offers all this embedded in a variation of slice-of-life. Leisurely, cozy and enjoyable – and therefore digestible. But it's not at all harmless. There is plenty of law-and-order with a comprehensive arc of suspense. On the one hand, this is the professional talent of our protagonist – although not his only one. On the other hand, there is his own family history, marked by the pain of separation and divorce, which is unexpectedly stimulated anew. The dramaturgical dynamic of the story is increasingly gaining momentum and ultimately steers inevitably towards Shin's very personal showdown, where justice is fought – not with firearms or fists, but according to the law, with evidence and with a sense of proportion, heart and mind.
In my opinion, the story finds an extremely fine nuance on all levels, which shows an ever deeper effect over time. Subtle but lasting. I would associate (not timbal, but) Koshi chimes – depending on topic and episode, sometimes more in the timbre of Aqua, sometimes more in the timbre of Aria, sometimes more in the timbre of Ignis, and sometimes more in the timbre of Terra... The story being told in a coherent and well-rounded way unfolds its very unique (I´d say: high) quality.
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SIDE NOTE: --- Trot ---
KPop is a 2000ff phenomenon in Korean music history and by now even most non-KDrama fans are familiar with it. ´Trot´ however probably is less known. But beware: maybe in the not too distant future there will also be a KTrot, who knows...
'Trot' dominated the Korean music scene – as the earliest form of popular music in the peninsula. Trot is less well known to the rest of the world, but has experienced an enormous revival in its own country in recent years, which is now taking the genre even beyond national borders, too. "Divorce Attorney Shin" presents one of the hits, which was released brand new in 2020 on the CD "9 Stories" by Trot old master Na Hoon-a. The 72-year-old landed a megahit, with its YouTube video being viewed 25 million times and thus temporarily relegating the superstars BTS and Blackprint to their places. Korean cultural export strategists are smart and quick. The song promptly finds its well-staged place in the appropriate KDrama with "Divorce Attorney Shin", which also takes the direct route to the international audience via the Netflix streaming platform…
'Trot' grew on Korean soil and is quite retro in its foxtrot and slowtrot beat derived from standard dance. 'Trot' goes back to the time during the Japanese colonial period and the import of the 'enka', mixed at that time with the folksy, epic pansori lamentations (at least for me often reminiscent of flamenco), as well as the traditional aesthetically harmonious, lyric poem form Siga. However, due to its entangled roots with the Japanese 'enka', 'Trot' fell under censorship from the 1960s onward and only resurfaced in the 1980s. However there was also J-pop , hip hop and rap allowed to reach the masses and with that influence the then upcoming new and hip KPop pushed 'Trot' into the background.
Only now, when KPop is firmly established, does interest and space for something 'new', identity-establishing traditional obviously open up again. There may be something old-fashioned about ´Trot´, since young people are more familiar with it via their grandparents generation. However, the music triggers a nationally rooted, melodramatic emotionality... It's quite possible that a contemporary, new variation of internationally hip KTrot will develop over the course of the next few years. At least the trot is rediscovered – not first – but also by "Divorce Attorney Shin"...
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Best KBS drama ever!
Once Again. That's the drama name. Once Again consists of 100 episodes. Once Again deals with real-life problems in the society/family. Everything single episode is worth watching. No lies. Each episode keeps you so hooked up and curious, the story is so good. I love how the story is not so draggy, considering it's a makjang with 100 episodes. It's just too perfect.In this drama, we can see the Song Family. A frugal dad and a nagging mother with 4 adult kids. The Song family goes through one hell of rollercoaster problems, not just within the family but with neighbors in Yongju Market. A lot of heart-warming romances, so it's not just family drama. The Song family has three daughters, Song Na hee (Lee Min Jung), Song Ga Hee (Oh Yoon Ah), Song Da Hee (Lee Cho Hee), and a son, Song Joon Sun (Oh Dae Hwan). Each one of them has their own problems, The romance between Gyujin (Lee Sang Yeob) and Song Na hee (Lee Min Jung) is so heartwarming and then there are other sisters. Just so cute.
The drama goes and the hype starts building up as characters begin to break and re-join and it gets even better when mysterious kimbap restaurant owner Kang Cho Yeon joins the fray and opens up shop in the Yongju Market. Her appearance and other new characters add a new flavor to drama. The mysterious woman is none other than the great Lee Jung Eun. Her character is flawless.
I am not joking, every single episode is beautiful and worth the worth. It's not just entertainment but life lessons are being taught.
Thank you, KBS for this amazing drama
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