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Start-Up korean drama review
Completed
Start-Up
1 people found this review helpful
by icyyyyy
Feb 8, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 9.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 10.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

A Feel-Good Watch

I'm not an experienced K-Drama watcher by any means. But most of what I've seen are rom-coms so I had an idea of what to expect. Personally, I think I found this drama at the right time. Most of my enjoyment comes from how much I relate to the two leading characters (mid-twenties with hopes and dreams but feeling lost, stuck on what to do, etc). But there are other reasons as well.

First and foremost, the two main characters SDM and NDS. I like that they're awkward around each other, because I can imagine such interactions in real life. We can't expect everyone to be confident, smooth-talking and flirtatious. I think it's important to show that there are people who are not like that, and are able to make things work in their own way. SDM is more outgoing, and NDS is more introverted, but ultimately they are both very earnest, naïve, and have similar values. They balance and build each other up. Individually though, I think SDM had more spark, and had more potential to grow. She also had more to lose based on her past. As for NDS who had a thriving childhood, he was not as ambitious unless it was something he really cared about, so he didn't grow as much.

Now let me talk about HJP and CWD (who I'll affectionately call Granny, like I did while watching). This was my favourite relationship in the whole show and I wish we saw more of it. So wholesome. I get that one of the main genres is romance, but their relationship is so unique and beautiful that I just couldn't get enough of it. When an act of kindness cannot be repaid, of course you'd be grateful, yet anxious. HJP was on his toes the whole time to help Granny, but there are things that even his incredible resources couldn't solve. He appeared to be a lead but turned out to be more of a secondary character. Despite that, he was a character that made you want to cheer him on until the very end. He definitely stole the show, as many reviewers have said. I personally found him the most likeable.

My critique begins here.

I had mixed feelings on how the story started and how the characters were introduced. The promo poster shows four characters so I expected four leads, but in the show it's more centered around two leads, one secondary character, and the last one is barely there, mostly in her own story. This is the sister, WIJ, who I wish we could have seen more of, as she experienced many issues that were unique to her. Unfortunately, we mostly see her with her sister and not alone.

Another concern are the letters - which drove the start of the show - which are occasionally forgotten until they are brought up to fuel the love triangle (which by the way, was not very convincing). When they aren't mentioned, the characters continue on as if how they were brought together wasn't that important, as they're too focused on the future. It was a confusing back-and-forth. That's where the drama came from.

The character development could have been better, and the stakes could have been higher. Some major conflicts were resolved too quickly despite the suspense. They were missed opportunities for character development. Subplots involving minor characters could have been explored more and organized better. Some things were long forgotten and then came back, and other things happened way too suddenly to make any sense.

Overall, this was a satisfying watch. There was a good amount of comedy. My favourite parts were the bromance. As for the "drama" genre, there is definitely drama in this drama but it doesn't last very long. I'd say it's mostly a rom-com, making it a feel-good watch.

Last but not least: the sound track is wonderful, and is good for easy listening any time. The cinematography is great too: the way they play with colour, transitions, and composition keep your eyes on the screen.





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