magnificent
Magnificent from start to finish. Be forewarned there are a lot of domestic violence triggers, so that was difficult. On some level I empathized with each of the 3 main characters, having some minor shared experiences with each of them. That's never happened for me before so that was weird.Considering this s the first Korean drama I've ever watched, I'm amazed at how much I loved it. But I loved it because of the themes, and because of Joon's story particularly. These types of themes that deal in mental health, when done well, are just brilliant regardless of the country creating the content. So I'm glad this was my first Korean drama. It probably won't be my last, but even if it is the only Kdrama I ever watch, I will always remember and love it.
Hard to believe I've rated 2 dramas 10 stars already this year. That's a miracle.
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Tropes that fit perfectly to my taste, but not without flaws
This drama was perfectly my cup of tea that I feel I can sip on for years to come. The dialogue between the three central characters So Bin, Soo Hyun, and Jun was healing, heartfelt, and thoughtful. As the viewers navigate each character's story we are meant to understand the hardships of youth and the necessity of having love and support from others. Our three leads learn how to conquer their complexes and express their vulnerabilities to each other as they heal one another's wounds.After reading other reviews, I understand the romance between So Bin and Jun was controversial; however, from the perspective of someone that went in with no previous knowledge of the webtoon, I found the romance to be enjoyable. Both characters learned how to grew together, its just a shame their growth (and chemistry) was nowhere near as grand as Jun and Soohyun's. I enjoyed that Jun found something of a family he always craved for with So Bin as a maternal presence and Soo Hyun as an older brother. Every scene with these three were irreplaceable and the quality of conversation between them is something rarely seen in dramas.
Now for the bad...
Personally, the most frustrating part about this drama were the side characters and their criminally underdeveloped plots. I understand the series was shorter than most (12 episodes rather than 16) and many plots fell to the wayside in order to highlight the OT3 (scenes which I wouldn't give up for anything); however, the writer should have understood this limitation from the beginning and should have removed some of these characters to allow others more time to flourish.
So Bin's roommate Mi Joo: Literally a paper thin character with virtually no past, no personality, and no character development. The majority of her scenes were cringe-y and hard to watch, and she just sort of vanishes by the end of the show.
Young Ran: who had an incredibly intriguing character but kind of appeared out of no where with no real flashbacks to help us understand her current and past relationship with Soo Hyun.
So Bin's childhood crush Chan Ki: For what this character was, he honestly had too much screentime. If they were going to keep him within the tormented "too late to see what they have till its gone" trope then what was the point of giving him a scene in every episode with zero character growth?
So Bin's mother: could have offered an intimate look into So Bin's past and current living state; however, her plot was entirely dropped after one meeting.
Research Team: Hye Jin, Jung Ho, and Chun Gook. Each character felt like they were used as plot devices to create tension within each episode with nearly no growth. I'm totally okay with this except the writers obviously wanted us to develop some sort of positive feelings toward them by the end with the sentimentality of the video project.
Professor Park: was such an integral part of the character development and story theme that it felt like such a waste to pair him with Professor Song who provided almost nothing to the plot. His character would have been much stronger if he had had more scenes with his students like the meal he shared with Soo Hyun.
Jun's brother Jun Wan: who's entire complex past of trauma, sacrifice, and hardships were summed up in one flashback.
Goo Hyeon: who could have provided further insight into Soo Hyun's family dynamic, but his appearances were also cut short after a couple meetings with Soo Hyun to provide tension between Soo Hyun and Jun.
If more attention had been paid to these side characters, it would have taken this show to the next level.
Overall, this is one for the books. I understand from an unbiased perspective this drama had many flaws, but I truly and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
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Should've kept it as a BL
FANTASTIC ACTING AND STORY! But honestly, would've been way or into it if it stayed as a BL. The chemistry between the two main leads was unreal, and I think the story as a whole would've had more of an impact if they had been together, The acting was so good though! I do feel that the abuse story line dropped off a little quickly, I think it should've followed the characters to the end of the show and something more should'v happened to the dad. Wouldn't re-watch, but would recommend.Was this review helpful to you?
Romance was 7.5, Bromance was a 10
The romance was pretty good. The ML and FL had solid chemistry, but the ML's tragic story and his portrayal of it carried most of the show and took over / overwhelmed the romance.However, the real star of this drama was the bromance between the two male leads. Their friendship and their scenes (and their friendship chemistry) stole the show. I ended up fast forwarding all scenes just to get to the friendship side story.
Of note, the overall plot is a little convoluted, but-- like I said-- the friendship plot completely charmed and made up for (mostly) the other deficiencies. Not that you asked, but I didn't care about or have a favorite of the two potential love interests for the friend male lead and, other than enriching his character, that part fell flat (for me).
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I really didn't expect skinship, joon and sobin had a very cute chemistry.
Loved this drama. 100/10Not many dramas make me feel
attached to the characters. But
characters in this drama had the
story of their and their own sad
past. I really liked how main leads
were for each other in their own
hard times. They healed each
others wounds. There is so much
to learn from this drama. I really
cried every single time there was
a sad scene. I really didn't expect
skinship, joon and sobin had a
very cute chemistry. Even tho she
was noona to him they were so
natural with each other. Other
noona romance dramas are really
dramatic. But this drama includes
problems that often happen in
reality.
I really recommend this drama
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Good Enough
Korean Drama "At A Distance, Spring is Green" is a college drama that separates itself from the rest by focusing on the friendship aspect, rather than the romance. That is not to say that there wasn't a love story. There was one indeed, but it wasn't the main prompt of the story and it was of less intensity and enjoyment, though it had its cute moments.The friendship though was the star of the drama. It allowed the characters to grow, open up about their struggles and overcome them eventually. The characters had great chemistry to boot.
As for the family drama, it was well paced and had enough intensity to keep things interesting. The college life part was enjoyable too, and it didn't overshadow the main story or get tiring.
Finally, the performances were great from everyone in the cast and the cinematography had the right youthful vibes.
So, overall, 8 out of 10.
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More than a lost opportunity
I see so many people saying that they dropped this drama but I can't for the life of me see why? Sure, it's simple, but it's also unbelievably emotional and an easy watch.I love that the romance isn't the main focus of the drama, but rather the friendship and dynamic between the ml's. A lot of people are disappointed that this isn't a bl, which I get because the two male leads had amazing chemistry, but that doesn't take away from the great dynamic that the ml's have platonically, and I don't think that people should just regard the drama only as a lost opportunity and a let down, thinking of what could have been and what was 'taken away from us', but rather as a story of growth, found family, and finding comfort in those you would least expect.
PARK JIHOON the actor that you are today, he really knows how to portray his characters perfectly. This was my first drama of his that I watched, and it's unbelievable that I can say that he's only gotten better since this (see whc1). He's become an actor that will make me keep up with whatever project he does next.
The main couple, although not very popular as I've long since found out, is cute, and I like their dynamic. AGAIN, I really don't agree with people taking their obsession with the ml's (romantic) relationship and using it to disregard this couple, even though I can see why people may not be thrilled with them, as I think that a lot more could have been done to make the viewers more attached to them and show us more of (particularly the fl's side) what they're thinking and feeling about each other.
Even without the ml's getting together, this drama is still really really great in my opinion and focuses on a LOT more than just that, so all those only talking about this subject and calling the drama a let down simply because of this, we CLEARLY didn't watch the same drama. This drama isn't necessarily revolutionary, but it is special.
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Let's all hug Joon
Some say less romance, some say it's fine. I like romance, so if a story has a bit much of it, I don't mind, if it's a good romance. In this one I think everything developed well, it could have done without the romance, but I also don't think the romance really hurt anything. The trio fit so nicely together, and Joon grew and opened up through both characters in his own ways. I think that was very important, and he deserved a romance and a great new friend. Why do viewers want to take that away?I think this had a lot of dark with a lot of light. I was frustrated at times that Joon didn't open up sooner with Soo Hyun, not doing so lead Soo Hyun to have so many wrong ideas.
I really just feel this story was completed really well. I think the one thing I could get rid of is the professors. I skipped over there parts because they seemed pointless to this story. I'm excluding Joon's brother in this, because he is clearly very important.
This gave me all the feels, and that is all I ask for in a drama. That and keeping me wanting to binge it, and it did just that.
The heartache I felt for Joon and a bit for his brother. I can relate to how Joon feels, and it is a terrifying, heartbreaking, confusing thing. The fact he could even portray himself as cheery and also be cheery was a huge feat. We need to give him all the hugs and all the credit he is due!
I also loved his hair in this.
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I cried.
This story was fascinating and interesting to watch. I ended up binging the whole entire series in less than a week because I was so hooked on it! Im not really much of an emotional person in general but this series made me cry ( in a good way!) This series really touched my heart and discusses real issues that young adults face in today's society. I loved how they dove into topics like social anxiety, dysfunctional families, emotional abuse, physical abuse, wanting to fit in, financial struggles, friendship, and college culture. I would highly recommend this show to anyone who has watched My ID Is Gangnam Beauty and liked the show! This show made me feel tons of emotions and I was able to relate to every character in one way or another. I loved that this show highlighted how important friendship is and what true friends are. Definitely going to rewatch it!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
faltou
Bom, definitivamente não foi um dos melhores kdrama que assisti, mas também, não foi o pior que já vi. Foi escrever apenas o que eu senti vendo toda essa história ao longo dos 12 episódios feitos.Primeiramente eu acho que a história não foi desenvolvida o suficiente, não houve um grande aprofundamento nas histórias isoladas dos personagens. Eu senti que tudo ficou superficial. Vou começar pelo protagonista... pq não mostrou mais coisas sobre a família dele? Pq raio todos odiavam ele? simplesmente pq ele não era bom como o irmão dele mais velho? É isso?... não sei, achei superficial tudo isso. Outra coisa, o irmão dele estava tentando protege-lo todo esse tempo, porém a forma que ele achou foi dizendo para o protagonista que ele não tinha família, ou seja, traumatizando o protagonista e fazendo ele pensar que ele (irmão mais velho) é seu agressor... sério isso? que porcaria de proteção é essa que faz o protagonista sofrer a vida toda, além de que, essa família deveria fazer uma terapia e o pai ser preso.
O personagem secundário (aquele que tem a franja reta hahah), achei muito mal desenvolvido e aproveitado a história de sua família. E a grande pergunta é... de quem ele gosta? Eu não li o webtoon, mas descobri que o personagem dele originalmente era gay (posso estar equivocada). O fato é que eu acho que ele gostava do Joon, do protagonista... mesmo que na roda lá do acampamento tenham falado sobre "gostar de menina" (nem tenho certeza se foi isso mesmo). Ainda acho que no fundo ele gostava sim do protagonista.
Por último vou falar sobre a protagonista feminina. Eu achei ela muito meio termo, não foi uma personagem boa nem ruim. Na verdade, eu esperava mais dela, no entanto não houve também um grande desenvolvimento sobre a personagem e ela infelizmente ficou só como apoio para o protagonista durante a história toda. Eu concordo com muitas pessoas que falaram sobre essa personagem, o quão mal desenvolvida ela foi. Enfim, quanto ao resto... resto é resto... não me apeguei a ninguém. Sobre o romance dos protagonistas... achei um pouco estranho mas eles são bonitos.
Tem muitas coisas que eu poderia passar horas escrevendo sobre esse kdrama, mas não vou me estender muito. Acho que assisti até o fim mais pelo Park Jihoon... amei ele em wero class.
É isso...acho q esse kdrama faltou muita coisa...os personagens não são muito cativantes nem marcantes. É uma história básica, que eu acho que tentaram maquiar como se fosse a coisa mais bem aprofundada de todas.
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Youth not being what it's cracked up to be...
The realities of life on a university campus, where the main characters struggle with their individual issues, misconceptions, relationships and futures.Well acted and a strong cast. There are some very abusive and parasitic 'friends' of character Yeo Joon and I have to say, apart from their personalities, the look of them really added to the level of disgust I felt at times.
However, in some ways, that is stereotypical, as people who use and bully others do not always look the part.
Park Ji Hoon perfectly portrays his role as Yeo Joon; a wealthy background, good looks, a bright personality and model student. However, unbeknown to others, he is estranged from his family and lonely.
This character was really brought to life by PJH ~ his mannerisms and ability to shine brighter than the sun one minute and have the saddest eyes in the most hurt face, the next, was captivating.
The relationship between Yeo Joon and the anxious, unsure Kim So Bin (another worthyy performance, from Kang Min Ah) was very sweet and the actors made it believable. They take a lot of strength from each other, which was so nice to see. I also liked that even though she is a couple of years older, she is happy to be lead as well as lead, and listens to Yeo Joon.
The relationship with his polar opposite, Nam Soo Hyun, was one of my favourite things, as Joon seemed able to relate to his frostiness more easily and I felt was drawn to the fact that his cheerful exterior and money could not buy Soo Hyun's friendship.
There is one sided love, with some friendships bordering on more, but the fear of loss preventing the move forward.
Adult responsibilities having to be taken on too soon, with the onus of providing for family whilst juggling studies, also features.
Jealousy, resentment and low self esteem are in some way part of several characters, with each reacting to these unpleasant traits in different ways and affecting how they perceive and interact with others.
There are some unpleasant and painful scenes in Yeo Joon's childhood and adult life, with the problem of violence in the home being tackled and pretty well, at that.
There are some laugh out loud moments too and some very warm moments, as barriers get dismantled and characters open up.
I also like that abusers didn't always get away with stuff and had to deal with the consequences of their actions.
The title eludes to the fact that youth is supposed to be bright, fun, carefree and happy, but up close, for too many, it is anything but.
When the young are betrayed by those who are supposed to nurture them, or forced to take on far more than they are mentally capable of dealing with, youth is in fact hell.
The drama also highlighted how wealth does not necessarily equal happiness.
The only aspect I found irritating, was how slllllllowly So Bin walks in it! Honestly it drove me nuts and once noticed, I couldn't un-see it, almost every time; and, whilst I liked the pop music score, I didn't like the mismatched violin and harmonica pieces. I love both instruments, but I felt that the pieces picked were too old fashioned sounding, for a drama of this era.
All in all worth watching.
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In the end, I loved this show
This show might not be a 9/10, but in my heart it is. It's probably the first time my overall rating is higher than the individual ones for story, acting, etc. I have been quite active in the comment section, admittedly often criticizing the show. But honestly? This show was amazing. I don't know why. Maybe part of the magic was that I saw it while it aired, as I tend to fall harder for shows while they're airing.Good things first: All the actors did amazing jobs and I loved all of the characters. I mean it, I felt sympathy for all characters because they just did such good jobs. Especially Park Jihoon and Bae In Hyuk! Their characters captured me so wildly and were probably my main interest point for this show's story. But honestly? Even the romance had my heart fluttering in the end. As we went further into the show, I loved that we got to know every character and their past. Every character had an interesting story, and we got to see them "grow up" in this stunning coming-of-age setting. The music was also amazing, all the songs from the OST are on my playlist!
The show honestly did have a lot of things I didn't enjoy. One of the things I often criticized was the romance. Does it feel incredibly rushed? I'd say yes, but it depends on who you ask. For me, who had prior knowledge about the Webtoon, felt that they made Sobin too much of a character who needed to be saved. Who needed a "strong man" to have as her boyfriend and protect her. To begin with, I was quite against how Joon and Sobin's relationship developed, but I knew they were obviously gonna start dating because they were pretty clearly advertised to be a couple. But as I mentioned, the two of them started warming up to me a lot. Another thing that bothered me was how dependant the female characters were to the male characters. I still loved the girls so much, but the writers really made their only personality to be the boys they were in love with. Probably the thing I disliked the most was how overshadowed Soo Hyun and Jun's relationship to each other was by the romantic relationships. They advertised this show too much as "showing the development of Soo Hyun and Jun's friendship" when it honestly... didn't.
But still, overall, this show was thrilling to me. Is this a nine out of ten? No, but yes. I loved this show so much and I'm gonna miss Mondays and Tuesdays now that it doesn't air anymore. Even if you're skeptical because of the romance, I think you should watch it. It brought me a lot of joy, and maybe it will bring to you too!
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