STORY
Marriage contract is your average, predictable and cliché kdrama. We get our over-used closed and shut-down, borderline rude and arrogant rich, chaebol male lead; the younger, naïve, kind-hearted and poor girl and we see their love story develop through a very foreseeable melo plot-story. However, even if you feel you can predict everything from the first episode, MC manages to pull you in with its incredible and unique feel of raw-ness.
The characters are ordinary, and yet they are so original. The male lead is overly rough and mean on the outside, but with such a marshmallow core that makes him completely loveable from the first moment; the female lead is your average girl in need, but she is a fighter and you will root for her and her wonderful personality to be happy. Characterization and character development are commendable and one of the main reasons i would recommend this.
The drama is packed with small, simple moments of everyday life that superficially are skippable, but they ultimately make the drama what it really is. Small moments, like hugging a friend, trimming your hair, talking to your kid, playing with pets; moments that are insignificant in dramas, but mean so much for a person in real life, because they express happiness and sadness; life’s core traits. THIS is what this show is, and this is where it is unique, this is where it is extraordinary and this is where it exceeds expectations and becomes an amazing show.
Basically, what exactly is Marriage Contract? MC Is a story about how family can completely destroy you as a person, destroy your life, destroy your dreams, destroy your hopes, destroy everything you love. It depicts perfectly the bittersweet/love-hate feelings someone can have towards their family, and how these problems can be confronted. Opening up to a special someone is the key to being happy. Letting go, forgiving yourself and others, and ultimately loving and sharing your life with someone else; and when you've found that someone, live in the moment, don't spend your time restlessly thinking about the future. Be happy, in the moment!
The background of the drama is the very dysfunctional family of the male lead who desperately tries to find an organ donor for his sick and troubled mother. This is where the female lead comes into the picture, hence the marriage contract. See? Super simple, super predictable almost enough for someone to skip/drop this. And yet…. the drama is exquisite, in many ways it reminded me of It’s Ok, That’s Love.
Lastly, I would like to talk to you about the chemistry here, because it is probably the best thing this drama has to offer. I think i can safely say that real chemistry between the leads is rare in kdramas. Some people can ship any pretty faced actors together, I can’t. I need sparks; I need them to prove to me that they are worth my tears, my time and my frustration! Lee Seo Jin and Uee not only had sizzling and magnificent chemistry, not only they looked phenomenal together, not only each of their moments was heart-wrenching and mind-blowing, but they re-invented the term 'on screen chemistry' for me since they managed to actually seem like a family.
What’s more, the most astonishing thing of them all, the kid actress Shin Rin Ah managed to develop such an amazing chemistry not only with Uee (mother-daughter relationship), but with Lee Seo Jin as well (father-daughter relationship). The three of them looked so unrealistically wonderful together they will destroy and revive your feelings over and over again. One of the best overall on-set chemistries I’ve ever seen.
This drama is arguably a masterpiece, not because of an innovative plot or anything like it, but because of its raw simplicity and flawless chemistry.
ACTING
I’ll be frank. I’m tired of people hating Uee’s acting. I am not completely familiar with her previous projects, I’ve watched bits and pieces of them, but she certainly gave the performance of her life here, and I pity people who couldn’t see that! She is an actress who is improving, and she should be praised for this. She puts effort in her acting, she cares! She was impeccable, exquisite and luscious in every way here, there wasn’t a single moment where I didn’t feel what she was feeling, amazing facial expressions, great body expressions, very emotional crying, really mature deliverance by Uee overall. People, who disagree, apparently need someone to hate, please hate yourselves and leave Uee alone!
As far as Lee Seo Jin is concerned, for one, he was so hot, manly and handsome I was taken by surprise. Secondly he managed pull off brilliantly, a pretty complicated character, who could have been easily hated. He delivered a great and sensuous performance; he made his character understandable from the very beginning - he apparently took the time to actually understand his character before taking the role. What I’d like to especially mention is his terrific deliverance on the emotion of happiness. His character was largely depressed, the worst kind of depression; the kind, that is not visible and seem ok on the surface. Happiness is a funny thing, everyone can imitate and say they are happy but which of us actually are? Lee Seo Jin send shivers down my spine, specific moments made, not only his character feel more raw and real, but also it enhanced the whole point of the show and helped the drama have more impact.
Lastly, I feel the need to congratulate the kid actress Shin Rih Na, she is deadly talented, best kid actor I’ve seen thus far. Her role here, wasn’t just to be cute, her role was essential for the drama to make sense and she was exquisite in it. She has a bright future in this industry. These 3 should act together in the future again!
RECOMMEND/REWATCH
This is a melo-romance. People who like melodramas, you’ll like it, it is not overly sentimental (although it does get increasingly depressing), people who like rom-coms, this might be too much for you, but since I know you love a good romance, this is recommended. This kind of chemistry should not be missed or ignored! I will definitely rewatch this at some point!
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The first 2 episodes were like meh i wont be too excited for this drama next week. I might even skip it. Who the hell is that ahjussi and Uee is too young for him thats just a mood ruiner. And its like the drama told me *hold up son, we are the real deal* and it hit me from episode 3 to 16. The drama started killing people with its perfection, cute and beautiful moments that arent forced ( its not cheesy its bittersweet ) .
I see people talk about chemistry between acting couples. Here it wasnt chemistry it was lioe rocket science. Beauty overload and the mood of the show was just like old kdramas with the musoc and clothing and just how they value the family and love and emotions.
Best drama i finished this year. ( yes i like it more than the epic ones )
This will be my first review on this site and probably the last because my feels are all over the place.
"Promise that you'll meet me in paradise inevitably
No matter what, I'll keep your love forever with me"
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Uee and Lee Seo Jin took super cliché characters and made them feel real. I'm not a Uee fan, but I was super impressed. Her character goes through so much, and she nailed every moment. I think she's missing some of the charm that other actresses have, so she often comes across as too cold for me (even when she's being sweet), but she gave a very believable performance. Lee Seo Jin gave a great performance too, that proved he's more than just dimples. My only complaint is that some of his really big smiles looked more creepy than genuine. His tears however were extra heartbreaking. Watching their bittersweet relationship is the heart of this drama, and why it worked at all for me.
I admit that in the beginning I didn't like any of the characters. For the first few episodes no one was likable, not even the cute kid. Uee was the most sympathetic in the beginning, but she was also so pathetic that I was frustrated watching her. Then, around episode 4, things finally started to shift for me. Suddenly I was binge watching, barely able to stop myself from watching what happened next. Han Ji Hoon became more charming, Kang Hye Soo became more admirable, and their chemistry started to develop into something engaging. Shin Rin Ah as Eun Sung was also such a strong character that I think she deserves a main character status. She gave a performance that showed she was just as talented as her adult cast members. If she's that good now, I can only imagine how good she can be in the future,
The rest of the supporting cast was excellent as well, even really minor characters, except for one. Kim Young Pil was really bad, like REALLY bad. I almost removed a whole acting point for how bad he was. I'm not sure it was all his fault, because the character was written as being petty and ridiculous, but he just seemed too over the top and fake evil, even for a melodrama. Honestly, all of the characters are pretty one note, and don't have much depth, but the actors managed to insert depth into their performances. Like bad dad Kim Yong Gun, who was text book evil, but he was such a believably unbelievable character who's outrageous actions cured a lot of my boredom with the rest of the plot.
I think the writer is the problem for me. The plot is predictable, it's full of everything you've already seen in a drama. So many of the female characters seemed to be irrationally obsessed with men (husbands, exes, sons) that I often had a hard time empathizing with them. Some of the episodes felt repetitive. There were about five episodes where the literal plot was cry, plan to divorce, cry again. Some other episodes rely heavily on flashbacks, which was annoying. I became invested in the characters and their relationships, so I could never bring myself to stop watching, but I definitely had to push my way through to the end. It did pick up momentum again in the last episodes, and I did like the ending (though it was nothing original), but I just didn't fall in love with this drama the way others did.
This is similar to the problems I had with "Secret", which has the same writer. Weak characters, a predictable plot, skippable scenes, a pathetic lead character always in tears, dragging episodes...
I did like the direction, the same guy who directed "Kill Me, Heal Me". That, and the cast may be what made me like this drama much more than "Secret". My one complaint is that the blatant product placements were pretty hilarious.
I thought the music was not great either. Some of the music chosen seemed so out of place. I did appreciate that Ji Hoon's ringtone was mo' better blues, which gave some insight in how important music was to the character. Too bad they never incorporated a real musical storyline in the actual script.
That could have helped me understand why he struggled so much to join the company.
Would I watch this again? Only if I am feeling apathetic and want to cry my eyes out to prove I still have feelings.
Overall, I would only recommend this drama to fans of super sad melodramas like "49 Days" (which had too much cloud of impending doom for me), "Scent of a Woman" (which I loved, and had similar themes), or "Secret" (which proved to me I do have a melodrama limit). Romance fans will be able to appreciate the love story, and some of the family themes are heart warming, but this is a drama you have to buy a jumbo tissue box for and then just embrace the chronic eye wetness.
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The story seems very ordinary, yet very unique for me. It's like a hidden gem.The charm and beauty of this drama lies in the mood followed all through, you know that kind of mood we all know of those very beautiful and great old dramas you rewatch over and over again. So I can proudly say that Marriage Contract is my guilty pleasure. ;)
However, what'll make this drama forever engraved in my heart and soul is atmopshere( I liked the lighting in this drama, orange, yellow, blue), one of the best chemistries I've ever seen, natural, real and out of this world acting, fantastic characters and their natural developing, memorable music. I liked how this drama was getting better and better with every single scene and episode, without hysterical yelling, unnecessary illogical plots and happenings, and it was calm and logical till the end.
Acting was simply wow. Lee Seo Jin grow so much as an actor and his character is a heart of this drama. He freaking rocked this role. From the jerk to the sweet, caring and loveable husband, son and dad. His strong and powerful acting plus sexy dimples is not easily to be forgotten, for sure. And now what surprised me was Uee. I've always been neutral with her and I've thought that her acting is so-so, but she made me prove I was very, very wrong. She did a marvellous job. I simply can't get out of my mind the way she caress Eun Sung, how she holds back her tears, her gestures, biting her lip and smiling. She literally ruined me because she wasn't ashamed to show her deepest emotions, she cried when felt like crying, she smiled when she felt happy and she loves with all hear heart. She learned to appreciate life, to live in this moment without any regrets. Since I definitely agree with her she has my sincere respect for that. And our little Eun Sung. Withouth her this drama wouldn't be alive. That little girl is such a sweet heart. I've always adored kids since forever and that's maybe why dramas with kids are my weakness, but what can I do. Eun Sung made me to cry bucket of tears because that child is simply fantastic.
I have no words to describe that phenomal and electric chemistry. Both of them showed deepest and raw emotions, their gentle touching, passionate and sweet kisses, tight and warm hugs, their sincere tears and words for each other. As I said you have to see it for yourself, because explaining something wonderful as this is is impossible. I guarantee you that. ;)
Music is very beautiful especially that nice mumbling instrumental which played in the most fantastic moments. OSTs were also addicting and I listen them from time to time. :P
Marriage Contract is a drama full of life lessons with excellent dialogues and wise words. A drama which makes you appreciate and love your life. The one that will hit you hard, crawl under your skin and bones and forever be remembered.
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Uee is phenomenal as Kang Hye Soo. I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed her performance and I was completely invested in the character. Where did Lee Seo Jin come from? I have never seen him in anything and I am wondering why. I can see why Hye Soo fell for Han Ji Hoon. He felt real. With all the fake in this world, that is my highest compliment. All the other actors are good also. Shin Rin Ah is totally adorable as Cha Eun Sung.
I enjoyed the music and have downloaded some of it.
I may rewatch this sometime.
If you enjoy dramas that are uplifting, then I think you would enjoy this. It is reminiscent of the drama Scent of a Woman which I also highly recommend.
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I won’t tell you how it ends but this drama is not only about the ending but about everything. It will put you through a lot and you will face an emotional rollercoaster (sad, sincere, exciting, lovely and even funny at some times), but it’s so worth the watch and in the end you’ll be glad to not have missed this out.
I haven’t had the feeling of a perfect drama for some time now. But here it comes, starting slowly and making me fall in love step by step. Am I biased now, writing this review since I’ve fallen for it completely? I wonder, but honestly I don’t think so. In my (hopefully) rational judging this drama is pure perfection. Why? Let me explain.
First of all the story. There is actually a story. One big one. And it goes its way and never wavers. Attention! Since this is the first step to conquer you.
There are wholly formed characters with minds of their own. All of them from lead to support. They have depth, are understandable and are carved quite well – whether it’s the good guys or the bad ones. You can see their growth and their change (of hearts). You can root for them – or the opposite. There are special bonds and friendship between the leads and their close friends who never stray but stay by their sides and it just feels so real you actually want to jump in and support them, too.
An already very good story can’t function properly without a really good cast. So, let me shake hands in gratitude with the people who decided on those incredibly talented actors and actresses. Without those it wouldn’t have been as great as it was. At this point I have to mention Lee Seo Jin and UEE. Until now I’ve rarely watched any dramas where the characters got me so good. UEE was brilliant in her role, portraying a young widow and single mother who has to put up with a lot in her life and somehow still manages to bring up her daughter the right way, even if she has to fight hell and coming up with the most difficult decisions because she can only weigh between bad and worse.
And then Lee Seo Jin. He was a new face to me but he convinced me right from the start. Playing the good second son (of a mistress), always trying to please his rich father… and still care for his mother who can’t let go of that affair of hers after all those years (and in vain). Taking on one unholy task to save her by all available means. His change throughout the drama, from being selfish to someone who would sacrifice everything for the other person (or overcome the hurdle of being a spoiled brat that thinks money can buy everything, and slowly bonding with a 7-year-old girl that’s afraid of losing her mother to someone else) was one of the best displayed characters I’ve seen so far. This man was able to show so many different emotions that it still leaves me in awe every time I think about it.
And most of all those two together. You can see their chemistry and even more important you can feel it.
The summary says it all – it’s sounds plain and obvious and the course of story may lead the way everyone possibly imagines – whatever that may be. But reading it and watching it are two completely different things. So, you should jump on the ride and enjoy it wholeheartedly – even if it’s just to see that special relationship between a contract husband and his (contract adopted) daughter. I’ve never seen something more adorable than those two.
All this and that really beautiful OST that emphasizes so well with all those important moments enchants you and makes you want to stay for a very long time. This drama has a really natural feel to it and stands out in the drama jungle.
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To begin, I am not a fan of contract relationships. However, after finishing Something about 1%, and being completely blown away, I decided to give the genre another chance. Marriage Contract was not at all what I expected! This drama was different from many kdramas in the seriousness with which it portrayed its themes without over-dramatizing as is common in melodramas. It was a thoughtful and slow-burn type of drama that was not flashy but had a ton of heart and deep emotions.
I also enjoyed the OST as it was reminiscent of an instrumental version of "My heart Will Go On" from the Titanic (which as one of my favorite OST, was highly enjoyable at least for me!) However, despite all its positive attributes such as a wonderful cast, interesting take on a common genre, etc., something about this drama felt off too me. I am not sure what it was exactly, but I think it fell down to the pacing. It somehow felt too long and yet too short. The big reveal did not come until episode 11 and then everything after felt hurried. Also, their relationship felt rushed, and then all at once but not in a love/hate sense. There was just not as much development for me to truly believe the intensity of their feelings. All in all, a good drama worth watching, but not one likely to make your top three.
Happy Drama Watching! :)
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I think whether you are a fan of melodramas or not, this is definitely worth your time. While the subject matter of having a terminal illness is sad, rather than being this forlorn, sappy pit of one depressing scene after the other, it instead had a nostalgic, hopeful, and just plain beautiful feel to it. <33
It was about family and friendships--the important people in our lives and what we're willing to do for them. Appreciating them full-heartily and embracing our present happy moments. The OST is stunning, SO SO beautiful. It really added to all the moments in this drama.
If you're on the fence about whether to start this drama, I say barrel through that fence and just take a chance. It really doesn't disappoint: it's about life, family, love, and happiness. It's just so dang beautiful. I applaud everyone involved in it making it. <333
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This review may contain spoilers
Overkill on the melo
There needs to be a limit on the Melo.........and unfortunately this script writer didn't get the formula right.Till episode 12 it w a s tolerable, after that the next 4 episodes just dragged out the brain tumor thing.
It's a k drama for God's sake. It's based on a few people's imagination - so to drag the torturous tragedy of a loved one at the throes of death in an attempt to just fill four hours was very poorly executed.
The FL was also beginning to look exhausted - not from the brain tumor - but this make believe trauma of pretending to be sick for 4 episodes.
By the end of it we wished she had actually died and moved on.
The poor ML struggled to keep the eternal flame of his undying love burning. Every support cast looked fatigued.
Gosh - just change tracks and give another character some misery since that was the underlying theme of this drama.
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Why did you keep me trapped?
Mostly because of Uee. To be able to capture the quiet moments of suffering (from cancer) is not an easy thing to achieve. To be able to cut off your hair and take of your make-up (both which required NO dialogue) but show such complexity of brevity - wow. Secondly because of Shin Rin Ah and Lee Seo Jin in equal measure. They literally propped up Uee, with stellar acting of their own. These three's characters in particular were well-developed, and made up for the fact that some secondary cast members (Na Yeon and Jung Hoon - also that rent-a-loan-shark he hired for example) were not written very well - they just provided cheap antagonism to "prevent" the couple from getting together and were slight irritants. Luckily, their screenplay was diminished as time went on, and Jung Hoon was packed off to America. (I also have to do a quick mention to his mom - that girl power moment when she told Ji Hoon's father he was going to die alone - give this woman a medal!) So yes, a medley of multi-dimensional characters and flat characters, that made me reduce the acting/cast score by 0.5.
The story is a typical cliche contract marriage. Execution is on point. I'm always a fan of the cliche, if it's executed very well - and let me tell you - it was!!! Bear with the first few episodes, as that will be the most easiest point to drop and move on - but as you go on, the acting will cinch it for you. If it doesn't - then your heart is made of stone :P
I don't see myself rewatching this anytime soon (I'm still happy I finished this!), but definitely maybe in about 5 or 10 years, I can see myself coming back. Which is why the rewatch score is so high.
Overall, thank you show for being awesome^^
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The plot has been amazingly put together. There were no loose ends and the ending was simply beautiful. Everything flowed together and what really helped was that even though it was two very very common plots put together (rich guy, average girl and the marriage contract) you couldn't see each on its own because they were both seamlessly weaved. I'm not sure if that makes sense but I'll move on to the actors and characters now :)
The acting was SPLENDID. Absolutely amazing. The actors really helped bring the characters to life and allowed the beauty of each one to show through. The truth is, when I started the drama there were so many people saying that the male lead was so old and all, and that was kind of in my mind when watching the first few minutes but after that I was able to see him not as the actor but rather as Ji Hoon and that's what really made me love the show.
I loved Hye Soo. Honestly I just loved her from the bottom of my heart. She is such a beautiful person and the actress just made this beauty glow like a thousand stars. A lot of the time, female leads in K-dramas are not my favourite. Even though they might not be annoying or clingy, I don't exactly like them. but Hye Soo was a completely different story. She was kind and caring but not naive, and there was this aura around her that just had me captivated from the start. Maybe it was the way she was around her daughter but she was just a gem, truly. And even though she cried quite a number of times, it wasn't annoying and didn't make her look so vulnerable. Her crying made me want to cry, and I did. This review is taking too long so I'll cut it short.
All the other characters were also so great. I can't believe I'm saying this and right now I'm laughing because obviously the antagonist is very evil and unlikable, right? This is all owed to the plot and the actors who made my day (since I watched it in a day ;))
I recommend this to everyone because I think many people would enjoy this. The ending is totally satisfying and beautiful. That's all I can say. So if you're going to give MC a go, then have fun because you most definitely will and enjoy!
PS. Excuse any mistakes since this is my first review.
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