I binge-watched “While You Were Sleeping”
PLOTIt’s a mystery/romance drama and to be honest I didn’t care about the romance at all. I liked the plot, this whole “future seeing” thing was amazing! The first 3 episodes were my favorites, so many twists, and turns. Lee Jong Suk did a great job in this drama ,I loved watching him. Loved the family dynamics and the parallel story lines.
THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN OUR MAIN COUPLE(S)?
Ahhhh…it was okay,it felt like Suzy tried too hard at times ,but that’s my only complaint. To be honest, I reaaalllyyy didn’t care about the romance,the cases and mystery was something I was invested in.
HOW IT ENDS*Mild Spoilers*
The ending was so satisfying ,it had everything I love in an ending!
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I love the couple but for me the 2nd male lead is the best. Haein looks so cute in this drama, I want him to play a role like han woo again.
*I only followed Bae Suzy drama . I love her character in every drama except this one. I think hong joo's character is too good?
* no conflict for couples. It's very boring when the couple has no conflict. If the case does not interest me. I swear I'll stop watching this drama.
*Stories about the past are also boring. I mean can we put 1 episode for the past?. I'm just a little confused about that.
*haein really did a great job as Han woo tak. I was disappointed with the ending. I wonder what he's become. I hope Haein plays a role like han wootak again but as the main character.
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Wow, oh wow. I truly enjoyed this drama.
【Ｓｔｏｒｙ】10I normally do not enjoy stories based around supernatural abilities and was hesitant to watch this drama. Though, I kept seeing it on the top of ranking lists and being recommended on the K-Drama social circles and after watching it, I now understand.
While the story does heavily revolve around this premonition ability, it is handled extremely well and never feels over used. I think this is what sets it apart from other dramas that revolve around a singular supernatural ability, that I do not care for.
I also love the general development of the story overall. The pacing is great and I never once felt a sense of boredom or thought that a scene was dragging on. This alone makes the story get a 10 from me. It is like finding a diamond in the rough.
【Ａｃｔｉｎｇ／Ｃａｓｔ】10
The casting for this drama is spot on and everyone performed an incredible job. The main cast felt like they fully embodied their roles. Just fabulous!
The acting was so good that when a character felt an emotion, I also felt the same emotion. Whether that be sadness, happiness or even anger.
【Ｍｕｓｉｃ】10
It was enjoyable music, never felt over used.
【Ｒｅｗａｔｃｈ Ｖａｌｕｅ】8
This is one of the few dramas on my watch list that I will for sure rewatch.
【Ｏｖｅｒａｌｌ】10
Wow, oh wow. I truly enjoyed this drama. The story, acting, camera work, all of it was amazing. If you have read this far, I implore you to watch this show yourself.
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I think just the first episode leaves a good preview of what the entire drama is going to be like. The whole concept of dreaming about the future was represented perfectly in this drama: in my opinion, how the scriptwriters, wrote it to be this perfect is completely amazing, the flashbacks and waking up scenes are well-placed between the main timeline.
All the actors did an amazing job too! I loved each one of them, even the supporting roles (not the bad ones though, but it is a proof that the actors played so well, it made me dislike them to a point where i could basically scream insults in front of my screen).
I loved the OST too, all of them coming at the right moment to connect emotionnally the watcher with the scene. It's You by Henry being my favourite, i even dowloaded it.
The rewatch value is also good, i will definitely rewatch it later!
Don't hesitate about watching it, it is worth the hype!
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Refreshing, great storyline, wholesome characters
You know there are dramas whose first episodes don’t just feel like an introduction but also give you vibes of something epic coming your way in the next few episodes? Well, While You Were Sleeping is exactly that. It’s not slow paced, it rushes right into the events and you are hooked in it from the beginning.The plot is original, we have a character who sees the future of someone’s death in her dreams, believes that nothing she does will be able to stop them, but things take a different turn when she’s acquainted with a newbie Prosecutor and a young police officer.
I loved the friendships portrayed in this drama, the way the second lead was kept non toxic despite him having feelings for the main female lead. There are enough plot twists, intense moments, humour along the way that makes this drama stand out. There isn’t one moment where the drama falls flat. The transitions to the past and from the present and vice versa are so well done, too. Every character felt complex and the actors did justice to them. A perfect combination of thriller, romance and mystery. Do give it a watch!
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Intriguing!
Fue un drama que disfruté mucho sobre todo por los actores que forman parte de él. Suzy, Lee Jong Suk y Jung Hae In me gustan demasiado <3Aunque tenía expectativas muy altas en este drama y esperaba más, me gustó. Pero es muuuy notable que salió ya hace años por la calidad de la trama, pues exagera muchas situaciones que me parecieron no tan importantes como las hacen ver ahí.
Aún así lo disfruté, me encanta que los capítulos sean cortitos y que a pesar de ser 32 episodios no se sientan tantos.
Me gustó mucho, aunque sí esperaba poquito más.
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The acting of the actors was great
The acting of the actors was great, they complain a lot about Suzy, but it's not really so that her acting is annoying, maybe she plays all her roles relatively similar, but I like her, she was such a good lawyer actor thatI wasn't used to seeing him in a good role for a while :)))))))))
The story and characterization are also very good
Of course, I didn't understand the end at all, but it's a lovely series
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Plot: I liked this drama a lot. It's kind of cliche but I think it's almost a perfect interweaving of something fantastical with a typical crime drama. Also, I really, really, really appreciated that the second male lead was not whiny and he didn't make the whole romance dynamic weird. And for the male lead to know and be okay with it; I loved that. I don't think I've ever seen that in a KDrama before. I also really liked that there was an open ending for a lot of the characters. They tied everything off nicely. I thought I got spoiled by the comment section, but it was fake news so I ended up being pleasantly surprised.
Acting/Cast: Suzy is one of the few actresses that I've always liked, which is a bit rare for me. Lee Jong Suk has played many similar roles, but I thought the "cutesy" aspect was endearing/hilarious, so there's that. Also Jung Hae In is one of my favorites, just in everything. He really excelled in his role here. To be honest, I've mostly only seen him in melodramas, except for Prison Playbook, so seeing an even greater extent of his comedic exchanges blew me out of the water. Also! he! had! a! scene! with! facial! hair! What a blessing. Thank you KDrama gods.
OSTs: Cute and catchy; I found myself singing along.
Rewatch: Probably at some point, but it's maybe not high on the list for a full rewatch. I'd probably just got to youtube to watch certain clips again.
TLDR; This was just what the drama doctor prescribed. Kind of full of cliches, but well cast and produced gold is still gold no matter how cheesy.
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This review may contain spoilers
watch and enjoy!!!!
Storyline/Plot:This plot is one of the most interesting yet not confounding plots (I’m looking at you ‘W’) that I have seen in a Korean drama in recent memory. Many recent dramas have been historical dramas that are trying to break the past tropes for a fresh feeling or are mundane/ “normal-life” struggles dramas that bring in new and ironically less “normal” characters. This is something different and interesting because it ties together two interesting aspects: fantasy which are essentially seeing the future through dreams and the justice system. Two aspects that are usually very different but through this drama are associated in a fresh way.
Now, onto the actual plot. I think the pacing was done superbly well and the inserts of flashbacks was well timed. My main complaint about the plot was that there were a few plot holes that were never truly covered. Firstly, why is Suzy able to see dreams about random people when the original idea was that whoever saves you will be who you dream about just like all the other characters? How did Suzy start dreaming to begin with? What is the motive for the detective to hide that he does not know Suzy and Lee Jong Suk? These issues are sort of touched upon but glossed over because there is no real answer to them.
Besides plot holes, everything about this was very good. There are people that complain that the flashbacks and past were not impactful enough but the contrast between past and present that the director/producer used was actually well done. I knew that the plot would be interesting and good when the first episode consisted of Suzy killing herself and Lee Jong Suk struggling with what he saw in his dream just as any other person. Secondly, I believe that one of the strongest points of the drama was the incorporation of the premise of the show into the romance and the melodrama portion. There are some dramas that try to be too many things at once and often fail at all of them or are unable to incorporate all of them. This drama does a superb job of incorporating the dreams into the romance, the justice system, everyday life and the conflicts as a whole.
Overall, one of the best plots done in recent history. This drama is logical (including the fantasy of dreaming of course) and also touches upon some key ideas in an interesting way. What do you do if you know the future? Can you change it? Is changing the future the right thing to do? Is the legal system perfect? Morality over personal interest? All decisions have consequences whether you like it or not. All of these aspects are intricately woven into a very well written plot that presents multiple themes throughout.
Characters:
I believe the true strength of the show was in characterization of not only Lee Jong Suk and Suzy but also of the many side characters. Firstly, I believe that characterization must be logical and follow some “set of rules.” What I mean by this is that some dramas have side characters that perform actions for no real reason or their characters exist with only one thought running through their head. However, each of these characters has their own motivations and thoughts which can be perceived just by thinking about it from their perspective and the drama was shot in such a way and with such good pacing that each character seems relatable. Before I talk about Suzy and Lee Jong Suk, I will talk about each of the side characters and give examples of what I mean. There are 3 “side characters” that I must highlight to show why characterization is so strong and important in this drama. I don’t want to touch upon the detective because there were plot holes that I discussed earlier that I am still unsure about.
Suzy’s mom is an eccentric woman but when you get down to her character she is a person that is devoted to her daughter and her daughter’s happiness is the core of her being like many other mothers. Would you want your daughter to date a man that could get her killed? How about giving her false hope or causing her pain? The rating of the men around her daughter is a personification of what mothers actually do. Every action by this character makes sense.
Lee Yoo Beom or the main villain is an intricate character whose end-game is truly highlighted in the last episode. A self-driven, greedy individual who presents a façade of intelligence but struggles to stick with his own morals when gain is in front. This character through flashbacks and actions by Lee Jong Suk is strongly characterized as someone that would take advantage of another person while maintaining that he was simply doing the logical and right thing. The most impactful seems were when he was in the bathroom washing his hands or loosening his tie and cufflinks. These are small things that show a much more in-depth character. The washing of the hands to symbolize washing himself of his guilt. Or loosening his clothing when he is doing things that are morally wrong to symbolize the loosening of his morals. Every action about this character makes sense especially being driven into a corner where he ends up making the decision to kill a person he said knew him better than his parents. Every action made sense.
Han Woo Tak. Many people love this character and for good reason because he is the charming and loyal second lead that many people are supposed to feel bad for due to his unrequited love. However, his actions also make sense. From the beginning Suzy shows no romantic interest in him and it is clear to anyone that Suzy and Lee Jong Suk were more than friends from early on in this drama. Many other second leads in other dramas would do anything to become the love interest including ruining friendships and ignoring the obvious truth. That is the beauty of this character. He knows how to look and read other people. Woo Tak makes decisions based off of other people while still maintaining his outstanding morals. He decides to value his friendship with both main characters over his own love. Many people experience unrequited love in their life and end up just being friends. Sacrificing everything for a love interest that clearly shows no affection back is a sign of terrible character that does not fit with his logical and morally sound characterization.
Lastly, our two main lead characters. Many people say Suzy is just a pretty actress. I would say that this is by far her best performance and she perfectly acted out her character. How do you act out an optimistic yet afraid girl that constantly dreams about other people dying or experiencing death yourself? Suzy perfectly acted out a quirky girl that tries to always keep a smile on her face and not let her fears get to her. This character is very complexly written because it touches upon an interesting aspect of human psych. How do humans deal with pain and tragedy and fear? Some people become depressed, while others hide it. Clearly Suzy’s character was hiding her fears at the beginning while it was also clearly controlling her life ie. short hair and quitting her job. This character indicates that when you hide pain it can be harmful and cause your character to be much more falsely optimistic or pessimistic at times. Her character makes sense.
Lee Jong Suk’s character is also very interesting. His character is someone that has bettered himself from the past but still maintains his resentment for certain things and events ie. regret about his father and hate for Lee Yoo Beom. Many people say that a plot hole in this drama is that for such a smart character he does nothing except rely on dreams and other characters’ help. I would argue this is very realistic. No matter how smart someone is there are obstacles that they can’t pass without help. Do you kill 7 people, or do you get the criminal? Suzy helps him think outside the box. If you believe every character should have all the answers that means you are watching some very poorly written dramas. Do you unleash your anger, or do you allow the legal system that you believe in to work? Lee Jong Suk is not a super hero and that is very clear from this drama. He clearly struggles with the same emotions and understanding that I our other logical viewers would reach. The last key example is that he knows his best friend Woo Tak loves his girlfriend, but he does not outwardly show it. Other dramas would result in him fighting his best friend or going out of his way to disturb their relationship. But his character’s ability to read other people and trust his friends shines through and he does not complete many of the actions other main characters would do.
Lastly, the chemistry. I would say it was okay and cute at times. I do not think it was as great as some viewers claim or as bad as others would say. It was simply a part of the story which I actually prefer. The romance was not overbearing and did not interfere with the story but instead was another key aspect of the story. Suzy and LJS love each other and would do anything for each other but that does not mean that they do or should. It was not the sizzling romance with smoldering eyes and hot kisses that many fans would hope for, but I honestly think this is more realistic. Love does not have to just be passion, it could be walking your girlfriend to work every morning or being jealous she is paying attention to another guy. It does not have to be star-crossed lovers with exaggerated lines that would die for each other at a moment’s notice. Even though there was a bit of that in this drama too.
Music:
I think this music was quite good. There were several songs that stood out to me including “When Night Falls” by Eddy Kim (which was probably the best song), “It’s You” by Henry (meh, I think the song fit but isn’t that great), “I Love You Boy” by Suzy (fits the drama very well and is also very good).
Rewatch value:
I rarely rewatch dramas but there were many good scenes and moments that you could rewatch for the aesthetics and the acting. I would say that of the recent dramas I would like to watch this drama again to think more about the other villains and the detective. They were all well written and correctly paced but I think I may have missed some key points.
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I drew a chart to show how each character introduced was associated to another character either more or less significant. The chart has lines and arrows all over the place. :)
The OST used fits each scene well. The scene editing is slightly confusing, but is often explained later on. There are many "Ohhh, that's what that was about" moments. The acting is good. You can see which actors are more seasoned, but the younger actors hold up well also.
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