This drama has a happy ending for those who love happy endings. I watched this because of Ji Sung coz I admired his acting skills. I also love Han Ji Min coz she has one of the pretty face in korean showbiz for me. If you love heart wrenching but really romantic dramas, this is for you. Trust me, you will not regret watching this. Many lessons about married life here.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Fairly Frustrating Experience When Rooting for the Heroine
[Written 2/2/2021]Time travel often asks, "If you could change anything in your life, what would it be?" Time travel romance loves to ask, “If you could trade one sweetheart for another, would you do it?”
The moral quandary of romance and time travel focusing on the idea of "fated lovers", typically ask us to sympathize with men who pursue women they like, all while discarding the agency of the female protagonist (who becomes an object or prize won at the end of the story). Temporal romances range from troubling to creepy when you start to think about the consequences of the characters actions.
Going into "Familiar Wife", the summary didn’t exactly promise a thrilling story. It sounded like your usual “husband hates wife” story that relies on broad stereotypes and revels in its sexism.
The show's first three episodes are hard to watch. Our lead is an emotionally unavailable and dismissive husband (Ju-Hyeok) who can't find the time to be present for his wife (Seo Wu-Jin), and their newborn baby. The writing (intentionally) paints the exhausted Wu-Jin as the monstrous wife who spits, and throws things at her husband like the nagging wife from a Shonen anime.
We're never really given the opportunity to see Wu-Jin's side of their relationship (divorced from Ju-Hyeok's perspective entirely), and, it’s at this point I start asking questions of the narrative. "What exactly are you saying about this woman?" Because sympathy was the last thing I felt for Ju-Hyeok. I wasn't exactly buying the idea that Wu-Jin was at all at fault, only that she was pushed to her absolute limit after being ignored for so long.
Still, the series does a fairly decent job of painting a believable picture of how a (somewhat) healthy relationship could deteriorate as badly as theirs did. But the overall impression you're left with as a viewer is that Ju-Hyeok hates his wife and can’t wait to dump her.
Like that pivotal moment in "About Time”, he trades one life for another to chase his ideal girl without consideration to the people around him. It's gross, but it only drives home how awful the character is at this point. The series focuses on the shallow emotional and material gains of Ju-Hyeok's new life, and how it impacts the people he knew.
While the credit union scenes veer into corporate piety (butt-kissing and groveling to the ninth degree), I think the show had a solid group of supporting characters. Most of them have little no impact on the greater narrative, while minor characters outside the bank and their dynamic with supporting characters don't do enough beyond fill in the time between Ju-Hyeok enjoying or hating his new life.
The positive for me is Wu-Jin's (somewhat) brand new life as a single woman. Unfortunately, the show doesn't do enough with her to sell the idea that this is a story about two people as opposed to just one man living out a fantasy. Her relationship with former sister-in-law is great, but it’s largely kept at a minimum.
Wu-Jin's troubled relationship with her elderly mother is full of strife, but the writing isn't interested in dealing with her dementia so much as using it to infantilize her. And because there wouldn't be a show without it, Wu-Jin is becomes her former husband's co-worker. Most of the tension in the show rests in how Ju-Hyeok struggles to accept the idea that he mistreated Wu-Jin and that she's probably better off without him.
"Familiar Wife" is an attempt to earn the idea that its protagonist can be rehabilitated and become a better person. That the grievances of the wife are warranted, not the butt of a sexist joke. For the first six episodes, I was buying into the premise. The performance of Ji Sung was strong enough that I could believe that Ju-Hyeok began to regret his previous life choices. And when the eighth episode dared to posit he couldn't undo his wish, I was prepared to give "Familiar Wife" all the stars.
But only if the show didn't throw Wu-Jin back under the bus as his reward. I was fully committed to seeing the two become friends (eventually). But a romantic couple (again)? No, sir. The story did too good of a job convincing me that Ju-Hyeok lost any and all right to that avenue.
I wanted the show to explore his new ties and family. But, the last episodes that I bothered to watch backtracked and ultimately reminded me that I wasn't going to get a story like "On Your Wedding Day".
A character moving on from his mistakes, and learning to live with them, was simply not in the cards. The narrative slowly devolved into the story of how Ju-Hyeok and Wu-Jin find their way back to each other. And all after he stalks Wu-Jin (played up in a romantic montage of him "being there" for her!), and meddling in her personal life to the point where he tries to bully a potential suitor out of the picture.
Most of it is for laughs (and some of it is definitely funny), but it's hard to take the show's premise at face value when Hye-won (Ju-Hyeok’s new wife) is characterized almost identically to how Wu-Jin was at the beginning of the series. There's no real effort to actually create a relationship between Ju-Hyeok and Hye-Won. The show actually strives to make sure that she's never given the same consideration as Wu-Jin. The show does a complete 180 characterization from soft-spoken, considerate cellist to a music teacher who's only personality traits is that she's rich and spoiled.
Her storyline, independent of Ju-Hyeok, is interesting, but it's definitely there to "both sides" issues in her marriage to Ju-Hyeok (since she considers cheating on him in light of his emotional neglect).
Ju-Hyeok effectively repeats the same pattern that landed in him in an alternate future, but this time the show asks us to root him (I'm actually not even sure if ever stopped asking. I was never in his corner). The last episode I watched doubled down on the "they're fated to be together" shtick, and every positive feeling I had for the show ultimately withered away in resignation.
Even reading the summaries about the last six episodes did nothing to convince me to pick the show up again.
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A struggle!
Omg, couldn't wait for this show to finish. The main characters and the lady who is his wife in his fresh start life were so annoying. I preferred the first and the last three episodes over all the others. The man was too wrapped up in his own problems in the beginning. And when he got his second chance life, he was too meek to stand up to his annoying new wife. The new wife was a super irritating character - felt very one dimensional and almost a caricature of a rich, spoiled person. The main female character (the guy's original wife LOL) was someone I could empathise with in the beginning. However, I felt that the writer tried too hard to make her this 'cool chick'. I'm just glad the show is finally over. The only good thing about this show is that the guy finally learns his lesson and becomes a better partner.Was this review helpful to you?
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disappointing
what a disappointing ending!the story was very unique, and I had a lot of expectations! it could have been sooo good! but the writer buried himself in day to day details. he also dragged on pointless aspects of the whole picture.
I really disliked the way they reconnected together in the end. I also disliked the way they handled the unfaithful aspect of the story. so many things should have been done or said, so many shouldn't have! very shameful!
this should have been cut at least at episode 14, and sooner if it had been written in better way. so, here is the disappointment...
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama is about..........
At first, I read the synopsis, I already really wondering for watch this drama. This drama really entertaining, give the light story with deep meaning. I think it'll be the same with the "go back couple". But after finish watching this, this drama more similar to manhole. From me, the story is too swirling although it has a different eachstory, First Cha joo hyuk is still confused with what he faces after he did that. Second, joo hyuk can change his destiny and life to marry hye won and the last joo hyuk came back with seo jin. But this story gives lessons, sometimes we tired with the life, feel not blessed with what we have until we regret it how much that's so important for us. And choose the way easier for us to be through it. And Cha joo hyuk realizes us in this drama after he gets all he wants, it doesn't long last. He even loses all he has. His job, wife, and best friend. And after he through that all, he realizes... He shouldn't change the destiny with U-Turn the time but with his introspection. Because, the relationship, not one way but two ways. We always blame our partner if something doesn't go according to our plan. And as the result we only hate and blame each other, We fight each other. Oppositely, We should more flexible, have empathy with our couple not only think we suffer because of her/him. But introspection ourselves, what's wrong? What we must do to fix the problem. If the way we do it right, the result will follow it, will change our life to be happier like joo hyuk's life at the ending of the drama.I just think married life is really difficult. It is really really different from what we think before married. Hahahaha reality does not always go with our plan. Hmmm for this drama I'm really thankful and not regret for spend my time watching this drama. I get many lessons here. For anyone who still considers this drama, you must try to watch it. It has deep meaning for married life.
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A wonderful tale everyone should watch
I finished this show a month back, and decided I need to talk about it as I just haven't been able to put it out of my mind. For various reasons this has become one of the shows I absolutely loved. Now, no show is perfect if you look at it too closely, but some of them came close enough for me, this is one of them.This is a story of daydreaming about the what ifs and maybes and then miraculously being able to live those out. But it is true when they say be careful what you wish for. Cha Joo Hyuk (Ji Sung) gets a chance at changing the course of his life and after a couple of cautious attempts, manages to do so successfully. The first couple of episodes give you a glimpse of the ordinary and taxing married life that make you feel sorry for the couple, even wonder why they fell in love, or if they should just part their ways, precisely the thoughts that Joo Hyuk keeps having. So it would make sense to put an end to their misery if given the chance. And when he is given one, he takes it. He now has everything and lives a life he'd always imagined having, a perfect life. And this here, people, is where our real story begins.
The character growths in this show are one of the best I've seen. Be it our meek manchild Joo Hyuk, who's definitely not your typical crafted perfection lead, or our tempered, foul mouthed Woo Jin (Han Ji Min) who isn't afraid to go after what she wants in life. The show takes us on a journey of self-realizations, makes us pause and think. There are various elements that don't make sense or are left a little unattended, but in all honesty, they were out of my focus within moments. If I talk more about this, I'd be giving spoilers which I will refrain from since I want you to watch it without any prejudices.
I don't think I can say anything new or more about Ji Sung that probably hasn't already been said many times. At this point in time it's just about the kind of projects he picks, since no one ever has to worry about whether he'd be able to act it out. But to mention the one thing that stood out for me in this show was how lovely his portrayal of Joo Hyuk was. Joo Hyuk frankly isn't the stereotypical male lead we're used to seeing in dramas. He's a nice person, but that doesn't mean nice people don't make mistakes or can be nice all the time even. This person here was real, just as all the characters in this show. They could be people around you in your life even. Which made watching this show an all the more immersive experience.
Han Ji Min is on a roll right now, at least for me, as I keep falling in love with every show of her I watch. She didn't disappoint for a second in this one either. It's an absolute delight watching her on screen as she becomes this new person for every story she acts in. This show was no different, as Ji Min owned every shade of Woo Jin entirely. I should also talk about the chemistry between her and Ji Sung - it was so mellow and subtle, yet so gravitational. And real. So real.
I cannot stress on this fact enough that this story felt so real. It was what most humans dream about. To be able to change the course of their lives, to be able to make different decisions if they could. But also showing the other side of it, the consequences. As you progress into the show you see yourself understanding the characters bit by bit, understanding where they come from, what stems their actions, what's the root of their pain. It was beautiful watching it all come together. Each and every person who's a part of this story is such a remarkably developed character, and we're shown every side to them. The good, the bad, the ugly. There is no sugar coating.
The reason I couldn't give it a perfect ten though, is the fact that though there are certain decisions that probably would be better off taken differently in our lives, but that's not a blanket rule. It's important to note that the takeaway from this story isn't to continue living your life as it is, but it is to compassionate and see things for as they are. It is easy to lose the sight of things as life progresses, we forget why we are doing what we are doing, we forget to take responsibility for our shortcomings, we tend to take things for granted. This show tells you to be conscious about yourself and your loved ones. To listen. To notice. To appreciate. To understand. I would have loved this beauty a little more if they could have addressed this as well. To show that it takes wisdom to be able to understand the difference between what is acceptable and what is not. A couple who's lost themselves in the chaos of life and have forgotten what it's like to be loved, and a couple who are in a mentally or physically abusive marriage are two different scenarios, and shouldn't be confused with each other.
Nevertheless, this is a gem, and will remain in my mind and heart for a long, long time. Thank you for reading this excessively lengthy review but I felt like I need to explain why this show is so beautiful and needs to seen. Please do watch it, and go on a little journey of realizations and epiphanies.
P.S: The OST 'No Longer Mine' sung by Roy Kim, is hands down one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, in any language. Do give it a listen even if you decide not to watch the show, which you must, it's a genuine recommendation from me.
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The 1st episode is a copycat of Go Back Couple's. But from 2nd episode onwards, you'll realize the difference.
The plot itself is very real and depicts marriage life and personal flawed traits within a fantasy frame. The time travel theme is here just to serve the thought of "what if". Everyone face a debacle/s in his own life and wishes to reverse things back, but going to the past is not always the best thing.
The characters are flawed and not so likeable, especially at earlier episodes, but they soon grow mature and that's what makes it relateable. The protagonists needn't always to be angels and saints. The characters' behaviors are consistent from the beginning till the end. I love it when the writer knows what to do and doesn't drive me to wonder why.
All actors here are excellent at their job without exception. Ji Sung never fails, especially at emotional scenes, but Han Ji Min here is the show stealer. She managed to move from one mode to another easily, keeping her charm and electrifying chemistry with Ji Sung.
OSTs and BGM are melodious and fit the scenes well. My fav is Let Me Show You. It's real fun.
I'm glad a lot of current dramas care about cinematography, and FW is no exception.
My only complaint is about the fillers. There are two needless cameos and a lot of office scenes that I had to skip.
One last thing, This show kept surprising me. I never knew where it was heading to and had some good cliffhangers.
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This was a surprisingly heart warming show.
I started it because of Ji Sung and at first I was really disheartened to see him in a role which I rally disliked because he was acting in a really selfish manner. BUT as the story progressed it becomes clear that Ji Sung has come to terms with his previous life and that he also contributed in making his own life hell by simply not paying enough attention to his family, even though he didn't do it intentionally.He also realises that he was simply in need of a break, rather than wanting a different person for a wife, he actually wanted a slightly different life but with the same person, and that realisation was slow but meaningful.
ALSO I can't believe this, but the first and only time in forever, I actually liked the second lead better than Ji Sung, only briefly but still. Jang Seung Jo absolutely STOLE MY HEART WITH HIS CUTENESS.
I also really enjoyed all the side characters at the bank, and the girl's mother as well, and the trio of friends were cute and fun!
Overall a great watch. Loved it.
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The end makes all the pain worth it!
I dropped this drama after 1 or 2 episodes, the guy protagonist kind of annoyed me and it felt a little slow moving. For some reason (I think I just wanted it gone from my Netflix "Continue Watching" queue, I picked it back up. Long story short, the end is so so so worth it. The beginning is kind of grueling and put you through a lot, but the end is so sweet and the guy protagonist gets a bit of what he deserves at the end hehe (#newfirstlove), so I'd give it a strong 8.75. If you can wait until the end I recommend!!Was this review helpful to you?
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A Familiar Story
I watched this drama right after Ji Sung's riveting Secrets, so my momentum had to be brought down a little bit more to sit back and enjoy The Familiar Wife. I will not write too much as the other reviewers have already done a good job sharing their thoughts.For me, the drama was overall enjoyable especially with Ji Sung's always charismatic acting. One could see the real struggle of 'what if's' if one was to turn back the clock and change their destiny in married life. Though the drama did not create a lot of eagerness to chase the episodes, it does a good job to share how one could have coped with difficulty in relationships differently without needing a second chance. It was educational and the last hour of the entire drama truly made me laugh and I felt real happiness in my heart after all the struggle. Normally, the ending of dramas have short and rushed happy endings, but Familiar Wife managed to dedicate almost an entire episode of happiness and I appreciated it.
The story was not without it's flaws but the Director did a pretty good job and the Actors were on point. I guess this drama would be more suited to those who are Ji Sung's fans and might want to watch him acting in a less confident role. For me, I enjoy more watching him in his manly and confident characters, but then again, he is so versatile.
Overall 7 Score for this drama!
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