Interesting concept but fails to deliver
That was kinda boring. We are barely given information about the mystery, it's mostly a slice of life with loads of repeated scenes. The actually story is no bigger than a 2-3 hours movie. Almost nothing happens in the first 5 episodes, the story starts at episode 6 with tiny bits of small teasers every now and then. Most of the "previous life" story is condensed in episode 15 and half 16. At least it was nice visually.On another note, I prefer to see Yoo Ah In in movies rather than long format dramas. He was also the main and the only highlight of this drama.
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It’s something I haven’t thought much about, freedom. I suppose I’m fortunate enough that freedom isn’t something I have to worry about. But this show made me think about and deeply appreciate freedom. It does this by juxtaposing two very different time periods, modern day and in the past during the Japanese occupation of Korea, in which our same set of characters live. In the past, these people are fighting for freedom from their unjust situation, under the constant threat of discovery and death, and are sacrificing their livelihood and even possibly their lives. And for what? A freedom that they themselves are unlikely to ever experience. Then, we switch back to modern day, where these characters are together, laughing, able to love each other, able to not be living under fear of discovery. It’s beautiful. It’s amazing. It honestly makes me emotional even writing about it.
The show also has other themes that it touches on, such as the pen is mightier than the sword, a theme embodied by the Chicago Typewriter itself. Gosh, this show is just so good. Just watch it.
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I would like to thank the writer to write such a beautiful and real story of friendships, now i know that k-drama writer can write not only about romance, but also friendship and difficulties during wars. Why is this friendship so beautiful and heart touching? It's because the relationship last for a century, it's talking about forgotten past, bittersweet memories. Especially when they can be happy and content through tough times, during Japanese occupation period. There is no real evil villain in this story either. Their conflict is not human-made but more of the condition of the wars.
I like all the phrases that the writer wrote, especially in the ending when Hwi Young said "Please write our story on my behalf, Please write that we had lived through these rough times, Even when we were faced with a dark reality, We all lived diligently, and absorbed the pain, We found hope in despair. We found happiness in danger. We all loved and fought to our utmost ability”
I felt goosebumps when i heard that phrases, i mean, i can never imagine how to live in a country where a war happened and even during tough times, human can stay together and bond deeply with each other. It's really our privileges to live freely like now and we should respect people who fought for our freedom in the past. They have sacrificed so many things for us, although they are not perfect.
This kind of story really touches my heart, i always like the story that's related to history especially wars. Such as Schindler's list, life is beautiful, gone with the wind, etc. It's just very nostalgic. I feel like i can relate to all of them in the past.
Although this is a story about revolutionist, it doesn't talk too heavy on politics and wars. It focuses more on relationships and how human can thrive despite of difficulties. That makes me appreciate this more. It also has many humors, it's not heavy, this is one of the rare k-dramas that i am really looking forward to finish it without getting bored at all. I never skipped even one second, honestly I keep repeating the scenes and the phrases that i like. It also teaches me a lot of stuffs. Kudos to the writer, u have written a story that i will still remember until a very long time.
ACTING/CAST
What can i say? THEY ALL BRILLIANT!!! I mean, it's very seldom to watch a drama that all the casts have been delivered such a top notch acting skills and Chicago Typewriter nailed it BIG TIME! From Yoo Ah In, Lim Soo-Jung, Ko Gyung-Pyo, Kwak Si-Yang to all of other casts, they all amazing! Can stir up emotion in me. Okay, I admit it that i cried a lot when i watched this show towards the ending, the only other k-drama that made me cry was signal hahaha. They all amazing in delivering their emotion in their scenes so i caught off guard and cried like hell.
Music
10/10!! It perfectly sync with all their scenes in the past, it just makes me more emotional by listening to the song, even now when i am listening to the ost, the scene is still replaying in my mind.
Rewatched Value
I swear i never re-watched any TV shows before coz it's time consuming, but i re-watched this hahahahahah, because somehow i still miss them and i want to go to that 30's era again. The backdrop is gorgeous, the costumes, the musics, ahh i miss everything .
Maybe it's just me, i don't know, maybe i am biased, i don't know, but i like everything in the drama.
The story, the casting, editing, music, EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING!
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That's probably why it felt like I was being hit with bullets of emotion throughout this drama.
I felt humorous, I felt sadness and at the same time- my heart ached. The bond of ones previous life and the strength of a promise. The fight for freedom and the barriers of love. This drama reminds me of Mr. Sunshine and I enjoyed that aspect of it. After watching that drama and seeing the ending of it, I thought I would never find one that would have such an impact on me. And here we are.
If you liked either of these drama's, you should watch the other one for sure. If you are doubting whether or not you should watch this drama: please do.
I personally enjoy a story with a lesson and I felt like I learned a lot. That being said, I need happy endings... so here's the little spoiler you might need...: don't worry, the ending won't rip your heart out of your chest.
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1. Great casting. Yoo Ah In is amazing in whatever he does. Doesn’t hurt that his megawatt smile can light up a whole city and his voice can melt even the coldest of hearts. It’s my first time to watch Im Soo Jung; now I understand why she’s an award winning actress. Go Kyung Pyo really improved since his Reply 1988 days. These three had amazing chemistry; it felt like they’re friends in real life. Not sure which one I enjoyed more, the romance or the bromance.
2. The story and its amazing use of alternating timelines. Its fresh plot combines different genres (romance, comedy, fantasy, historical) into a masterpiece. Chicago Typewriter is a story of a love and friendship that surpasses a lifetime but it also gives a vivid picture of the struggles of a novelist, or a writer in general. I love that it reminds viewers that the pen is still mightier than the sword and that freedom, whether for the country or for an individual, has a cost.
3. The setting and the wardrobe. When your lead actor is a writer, you can expect that locations will be filled with books. Shelves upon shelves of books! And that 1930s fashion! Cozy and vintage settings amplified by superb cinematography. I can’t praise it enough.
4. Haunting soundtrack. The songs support the nostalgic and heart-wrenching scenes of the show. I am in love with Saltnpaper’s Satellite; I’ve been listening to it on repeat.?
Chicago Typewriter is what kdramas, or any TV show / film, should be — well-written, piercing, mesmerizing enough to make one dive into a fictional world. It’s a surprisingly underrated gem and I don’t know why I delayed watching it.
P.S. Hats off to TVN for producing fresh, experimental pieces like this one. My top 3 for this year (Because This is My First Life, Chicago Typewriter, and Prison Playbook) are all from TVN.
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A K-Drama with some of the best OST
I loved this drama, Best K-Drama of 2017!At first I thought the story was nothing special, but it was amazing after the drama started picking up.
The story is original and set in the 1930's. The sets and costumes are amazing. Very well done!
The story that was set in the past was more interesting with the action and everything, but the present was also mysterious. The going back and forth between past and present was very well done.
The ending of the drama was concluded with satisfaction and many emotions I experienced.
The actors did an amazing job. The Male Lead and Female lead fit in their roles and gave a spectacular performance. The third male lead was great! The bromance was Amazing between Han Se Joon and Yoo Jin Oh. The romance was also Great.
The OST makes this drama even better, the song Come With Me is a Masterpiece. I loved it when it came on the Drama. Probably my favourite song out of all the K-Drama OST. Also Satellite and Time Walk is Superb, the other ones are great too.
I love that the songs are in English, makes it amazing.
This Drama is one of a kind, as I am having withdrawal feeling right now.
I will definitely re watch this drama in the future.
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This review may contain spoilers
honestly, i enjoyed this drama way more than i expected to! when it comes to period dramas i tend to either hate them or love them and in this case it's definitely the latter, partly because not all of the story takes place in the past. what i like the most about this drama is the way it pulls you in. once you finish watching episode one, you can't wait to watch the rest. the mystery of the three main characters' past is very interesting and very beautifully written, @ the writers: chapeau! i love the little hints of their past lives and how they're connected to the future here and there, it kind of gives you the feeling of being some sherlock ahahah i watched every episode with a sharp eye, trying to pick up new clues to unravel the storyline!!
chicago typewriter was surprisingly funny too. the characters' reactions + actions are hilarious and unexpected at times. i really appreciate the fact that the writers made a show with such a heavy (dark?) storyline a bit more light-hearted. also, the characters are very likeable. shinyul (yoo jinoh) is so adorable, his puppy eyes get me all the time! and i loved his dog plushie doppelgänger, it was so cute. one of my favourite moments is in episode 13 when seju wants to ask him why he wants to return to chicago, he practices on the dog plushie first before asking jinoh fghjdg cute!!!
this drama doesn't really focus on romance (something i normally enjoy very much ahaha). though there is some rivalry between the two guys about who gets the girl and we do get some romantic scenes, it's not at all what the story is about and that's mainly why chicago typewriter is so refreshing. it's a whole new genre of its own. the show mainly focuses on the friendship of the three main characters and the history of seoul in the '30s.
so if you're looking for something new and exciting yet nostalgic and sentimental, search no longer: chicago typewriter is the show you're looking for!
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can't describe in words
Such a wonderful kdrama!! The connection to their past is written incredibly good and not to mention the OST. I really love how they were entangled in their past lives and how they discover their connection and just everything...I can't describe it in words, just go and watch it. I give everything 10 out of 10.
It's suspenseful, fun and evokes some sad emotions in a good way. It totally has 10/10 rewatch values although I haven't done it myself cause I usually don't rewatch any kind of dramas, movies etc.
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I once dropped it but came back becoz of viki youtube videos & I will never regret it...!!!
At first when I saw 20-30 dramas I started watching this one & I felt like this isn't for me....but the moment I came back becoz of viki global tv youtube channel after I watched 90+ dramas...IT WAS SUPERB
I RECOMMEND YOU TO WATCH IT!!!!!
If you started watching you should watch until episode 5 or else you will drop it max. chance....
becoz there will be a plot twist at that moment and from that moment you will fall in love with this drama....
and don't stop watching becoz of male lead becoz i once stopped watching becoz i felt his acting isn't good but it's superb.....
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Here's why I think it's worth a watch --
1. The Japan/Joseon era portrayed in the drama really takes you back in time with the characters. I really liked the way they'd set the background for the era, Carpe Diem, especially. Couldn't have been more appropriate.
2. Wonderful actors. Personally, I think Yoo Ah In played the character of Hui Young very well.
3. The OST really matches with the concept. Do give Park Dan Ma's 'Wind' a listen!
Overall, 10/10 would watch again.
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