The acting was great and, in my opinion, The Lover is one of the best acted drama out there. My biggest problem with the show was how a lot of scenes were stretched to the point they lost all the fun and made me feel like "okay, I get it. Just move on already". And some couples were given waaay more screen time than the others. There were definitely the main couples and the side character couples, which took a bit away from the show. I would have liked it if all couples had the equal standing.
The Lover has a high re-watch value because it's honestly fun and heartwarming. There are only 12 episodes and that¨s great, the show doesn't get any time to get draggy.
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It follows four main couples, whose relationships are considered... "questionable..." I suppose by Korean standards: Living together without being married, a huge age difference, homosexuality, and (?) deciding to be married after only dating a few months.
The amount of screen time goes mainly to the first couple, who live together and yet aren't married. The conversations between this couple is realistic and relatable, with laugh-out-loud scenarios or serious and loving relationships that the actors have no trouble in showing the viewer. It was real, it was lovable, it was raw, it was sexual... it was beautiful.
The second couple I found the most entertaining; a thirty-three year old woman is dating a twenty-one year old starving artist who lounges around all day eating ramen obnoxiously. Of course, there's going to be some crazy moments with pillow fights and petty jealousy, but it also showcased some amazing character growth, especially in Young Joon. The couple works together in a sort of symbiotic way, and you can see how much they care for each other. Plus is just hilarious watching Young Joon. That guy's a riot. I image the actors are thinking: "Sigh, the things I do for my career." Because they nailed it.
Dear authors: do you want to get your reader shipping like crazy? Follow this screenwriter's lead when it comes to Takuya, the Japanese traveller, and Joon Jae, the hermit. These two had the sexual tension from the moment Takuya put a single foot in the threshold of Joon Jae's home. Hilarious angles lead to misunderstandings I didn't mind all that much, feeling that second hand embarrassment. This couple probably had it the worst in this series, with only two minutes or so per episode of screen time, but the relationship is developed, and by far my favorite couple. These boys... watching Takuya made me listen to some of Cross Gene's music, and it's really very good. Both of the guys playing these roommates may not be gay themselves, but they made me believe it, with a full course of Awwws and sexual tension.
The fourth couple had next to no screen time through the entire series, and are easily the most underdeveloped couple living in this apartment. I will admit, the competitions between the girl and Man Goo over who was more feminine (who had bigger boobs, longer legs, more successful boyfriend...) were absolutely hilarious, but the relationship between the engaged couple themselves was a rare thing. Which I didn't really mind... I wasn't paying much attention to them, anyway. What little time these actors had to develop their characters, I'll give them some credit there.
The music was very beautiful, and connected in lyrics or tune to the mood of the drama. And luckily, the name and artists of the songs are put on screen for you, so you don't have to look it up!
Overall, this is a wonderful, hilarious, real, and emotional drama that tackles almost any kind of relationship hurdle it comes across, from jobs and careers to confused sexuality and identity. Its a real, relatable drama with relatable characters, and the moments that each of the couples spent interacting with the other couples... (I love Joon Jae and Takuya being so much taller than Oh Do... HEHE) It's a must-watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
I really like the idea of this series. Seeing different flat scenarios play out. However, I was disappointed by this series mostly because I was under the impression that it was very openly LGBTQ friendly. Which it's really not. When discussing Korean television or film, gay representation is slim but getting more diverse! This show started off cute with Takuya and Junjae, the actors chemistry is actually pretty good. But like many other shows, the build-up and anticipation never pays off between them. Ever. Sure they have a "happyish" ending but nothing is ever confirmed so the show really isn't that open. We don't need blatantly explicit scenes as an audience, but some sort of intimacy is needed to show growth between relationships of characters. Which we never got, but yet their storyline is still the most interesting! Which says quite a lot! Also the humor isn't really my humour, at least the gross-out kind. The innuendo was funny occasionally. I would say if someone rewrote the script in a way that didn't shy away from development between characters, this show could've been really good. Was this review helpful to you?
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As many knows they also try to tackle gay relationships from theirs and those around them point of view.
Since the drama is only 12 episodes and try to handle so many issues it will mostly just be fast deep in a few issues and then a new one will begin. no couple is a like. And for a K-Drama I think the characters personality was very thought through since there was no sudden changes or writers changing the personalty depending on the situation, which I'm used to in Korean dramas.
I loved the acting everyone seemed so natural in their role, especially the older couple.
Sure the exaggeration could be a bit much at times, I still love this drama and would like to rewatch it with a glass of Soju.
Hope the review was some what helpful and that you'll start watching The Lover.
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I liked it because of the ordinary story. Yes it is the story of ordinary people and that makes this extraordinary. Day to day life of ordinary people portrayed realistically is what made me like this drama.
The actors have used more or less their real names which gives a realistic touch to the story. The BL touch of Joon jae and Takuya made it more interesting for me. Honestly, I watched this drama for Joon Jae and Takuya. Takuya and Joon jae deserved more screen time. If you haven't watched it already, give it a try!
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