A tale of love and healing told in a masterful way
When I write a review, I usually have some key points and highlight in mind so that it was a fairly straightforward list of likes and dislikes or particular problem with the plot/acting. I find it a lot harder to write about this show, the odd thing is that nothing super dramatic actually happened (other than the accident). Now, don't get me wrong. This is not a meaningless fluff. If anything, it was the exact opposite, it was a masterclass in storytelling. There is just so much to talk about.The core of this drama were healing, growth and regrets. Healing of wounds made by guilt, shame, envy, lost love and others. Growth in maturity, growth in acceptance, understanding and more. This was all done with consummate skill and dexterity. There were no dramatic set pieces, no shock revelations, no cliché breakups nor even a true villain! Yes, mistakes were made by a number of people but they were not evil. Regrets was a constant undertow and it was a powerful, yet invisible force that shaped so many character's behaviours and their lives.
In terms of acting, the M/FL were superb. Shin Hae Sun was great in Mr Queen and she was every bit as good here but in a more nuanced way. ML was a tortured soul whom you want to soothe and cheer for. The 2ML was so sweet, earnest and innocent. You'd cry and laugh at his antics. Your heart ached for him when you see how much he wanted to grow up but this would only bring heartaches. The support cast was a true ensemble. Jennifer(Lee Yoo Jung) was a standout both with her unique character, her heartbreaking backstory and ultimately her strength. 2ML's band of rowing bros were so much more than comic reliefs as they were the bedrock that he could anchor on when he was feeling adrift. The younger version of the 2 leads were fantastic and pulled their own weight.
The script and direction were superb. It will make you happy and sad in equal parts. There are so much love between the "family members" that you can feel the warmth through the screen. The show had many themes and motifs which was used time and time again in clever ways but always consistently. Symbolisms were the backbone to the narrative which allowed the show to remain grounded and not become overly sentimental and tropey. Even flashbacks that felt overused and tired in other shows were welcomed here.
The show was a journey. Akin to a designated path through an art gallery. We need to take our time to appreciate the curator's skill and be moved by the art. When we (and the show's characters) are ready then the show will let you move on in measured steps. The pacing was spot on.
It also had one of the best ending have seen in any drama. Time was taken to give every significant subplots and threads their dues. It was heart-warming and uplifting at the same time but countered by a tinch of sadness. I have re-watched the last hour twice already just to savour the feels.
Ultimately, the show made us think and appreciate how we have a choice. We can choose to be shaped by our memories and negative emotions or we can see beyond that and do what is right for us today and tomorrow. To grow and seek happiness bravely.
Don't Think! Fil!
Oh yes, the OST was very good and used well. Rewatch value is very high.
Please watch it and enjoy this beautiful journey.
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The story itself was very sweet. It was emotional and touching, with characters you just can’t help but love. While the missed-timing was continually frustrating to me (because it seemed really unrealistic and was used as a device to just keep the story going forcibly instead of in an organic way) I enjoyed the plot as a whole. There is a nice little twist towards the end that I didn’t see coming which definitely made me freak out a little in surprised-happiness.
Overall it wasn't anything all that special (unique) or exciting...but it was a cute filler-drama and definitely worth a watch.
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It has a very good story and they deliver it as it develops, the characters both grow nicely as they interact with one another and the actors chosen to play the roles were picked nicely, they are great together and have awesome chemistry.
Its such a joy to see good characters in a drama like this, my fav one is the house caretaker, she is just superb!
And the actress playing her is so so good, i loved everything about her, she did such a good job and her acting was flawless! She was my hero and i loved her to bits!
The story focus around the female lead who starts off as a 17 year old girl who is a fun and loving person, with a kind heart who has her whole life ahead of her as a talented violinist.
Until one day she has an accident and sadly falls into a coma. After that her family struggles a lot and she is left alone in that hospital bed. She stays in a coma for a long long time and later on wakes up to see a strangers face in the mirror. She is now a 30 year old woman...
Obviously its a great shock to her, she “fell a sleep” as a 17 year old and now “wakes up” as a 30 year old woman, i mean wouldn’t you be frozen in place and shocked to the core with a revelation like that?
I cant even begin to imagine what that would feel like :/
But as time goes by events start to happen and she ends up meeting the male lead and things start to change for the better. Things get pretty fun and heartwarming from then on and the story is quite amusing and you can't help but to fall in love with the main couple.
Its such an amazing love story between them and it makes this drama so good to watch.
It was actually refreshing to see such a well made drama with such a great and well acted story.
Absolutely worth to watch!
And you can take so many life lessons from this.
So underrated and i can't understand why people don't like this drama more.
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This review may contain spoilers
Don't Think. Feel!
Charlie Chaplin, in his famous speech from The Great Dictator, wisely stated, “we think too much and feel too little.” Perhaps there is nothing so powerful a tool as the mind, nor is there anything that causes so many problems. This is why Bruce Lee told his students, “Don’t think. Feel.” The mind is like a merry-go-round. All it knows how to do is think and react to everything. We all need to follow our hearts and intuition more and think less. And the biggest catalyst to getting stuck on the endless stream of thought, is playing the “what if” game.People don’t realize that when it is a soul’s time to pass, there is nothing in the universe that can stop it. There is nothing that can be done to prevent it. It is simply that person’s time. Grief, however, is a peculiar thing. It is a necessary process toward letting go and saying goodbye, and yet it can also induce a person to come up with irrational situations and scenarios; to take responsibility and blame where none have ever existed. Hence, the danger of the “what if” game.
I remember when my father passed away in an accident. Of course, I found a reason to blame myself for it, even though I had absolutely nothing to do with it at all. It took ten years of heartache and needless suffering before I realized the truth. In many ways, I could relate to Gong Woo Jin who believes himself responsible for a horrible bus accident that he believes has killed the girl he loved 13 years ago.
Gong Woo Jin lives as a recluse, closing himself off to virtually all human contact. He often ignores others and gives very clipped responses to questions. This is what happens when a person barricades themselves within the walls of guilt. The irony is that those “walls” are mere fabrications. They only exist within our own minds, and tragically, this is where Gong Woo Jin lives.
Woo Seo Ri is a vibrant young woman who wakes up from a coma after 13 years. She was only 17 when the bus accident occurred, so in many ways, she has the mindset and maturity if a 17-year-old girl. She finds herself transported into the future where everything is different. She feels like a foreigner suddenly dropped in the middle of a city without any idea about how to function. She is very much a fish out of water.
Fortunately, Woo Seo Ri comes across Yoo Chan, who also happens to be Gong Woo Jin’s nephew, and living in the same house where Seo Ri grew up. Yoo Chan is a 17-year-old high school kid who is thoughtful, considerate, and works very hard athletically. The irony is that none of them knows how they are all connected to the past, which includes the monotonal housekeeper, Jennifer, who always has wise and profound idioms and quotes to pass along. And yet, she behaves like a robot. We also find out later why behaves this way as well as her own connection to the past.
Seo Ri spends much of her time trying to find out why her aunt and uncle abandoned her at the hospital. Gong Woo Jin is simply trying to eke out some kind of existence with a design company. Hilariously, he takes measurements of all kinds of furniture so that he can create them to scale for small models, often upsetting or causing fights with people sitting on a park bench or, in one case, seeming to take liberties with another man’s girlfriend. And Yoo Chan finds himself smitten with Seo Ri and gives him a goal: if he wins the rowing race, he’ll share his feelings with her.
This is an especially touching series that demonstrates just how dire and destructive guilt can be. Woo Jin suffers severe panic attacks when Seo Ri says or does something that reminds him of what happened on that fateful day. He is so wracked with guilt that he can’t breathe or even keep his feet without struggle. There is such sweetness in the young Woo Jin and how much he adores the 17-year-old Seo Ri, even though he hasn’t a clue of who she is, and Seo Ri wearing her best friend’s name-badge only complicates things even more.
Of course, as with so many great K-dramas, what we are shown is only half the story, and when we find out the whole truth later on, we can see how unique a person’s perspective is, but also how one perspective isn’t always the whole perspective! The reveal portion toward the end of the series is infinitely touching and we can only appreciate the enormous hurdles and obstacles these two souls had to endure in order to be together.
I’ve been a huge fan of Shin Hye Sun for a while now, but in many ways, it’s Yang Se Jong’s performance that really seals things for this series. He really makes us feel the angst and pain with his eyes and the emotions on his face. I’ll wager that it wasn’t an easy thing to do, and he does this multiple times throughout the course of the series. He is so believable that half the time, I wanted to jump through the screen to try and console him. When he finally breaks down in absolute despair as he’s confessing his supposed “crime” to Seo Ri, it feels as though his very soul is screaming in agony.
I was glad that the series focused on Seo Ri, Woo Jin, and Yoo Chan without delving or contriving some ridiculous melodrama or love-triangle. The writers kept the focus on Seo Ri trying to navigate her new world, Woo Jin struggling with his guilt, and even Yoo Chan’s experiences of a first crush. All three characters are realistic, likable, and relatable.
It was stated that when a door to happiness closes, we should be looking for another door to happiness that opens. As long as a person pursues this course, happiness will be eternally elusive. As long as you believe you must be doing something in order to be happy, you’ll never find it. And when you do find it, it will be brief and then evaporate. Socrates from “Peaceful Warrior” stated, “Most of the world shares your pain. When you don’t get what you want, you suffer. And even when you get exactly what you want, you still suffer, because you can’t hold onto it forever.” The key is to BE happy. When you are able to be happy—which exists only in the moment—then any outer situation will have no power over you; it will never be able to quell that happiness that you already are. You have to BE happy, not DO happy.
And this is why Bruce Lee said, “Don’t think. Feel.” Happiness can, and never will, exist in the mind. It can only be felt and experienced within. And when you can make choices and decisions from a place of “being” you will be surprised to find that the whole world suddenly opens up around you.
13 years of suffering is what Seo Ri and Woo Jin had to undergo because of too much thinking and not enough feeling. Remember that pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. And we must all try our very best not to get on the “what if” merry-go-round which leads to a needless, endless cycle of suffering—until we change our minds.
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This drama is very funny and had me LOLing so many times. Plus it's heart wrenching and the dude who plays our guy is one of the best criers EVER! And he gets to do this a lot! And the nephew dude is just... so perfect! Basically, I fell in love with every character on this show. There is not a bad guy or villain, and I enjoyed that. Instead, the bad thing in this drama is inner conflicts.
Anyway. I loved it. The girl is a violin player so there is a lot of classic music as a backdrop. And the nephew is on a rowing team, so there's a lot of that too. And there's a cute dog and a funny chicken. And the maid is also hilarious with her own tragic back story.
So many good things. And beautiful characters. It was a perfect.
DramaFever, the app where I watched this, died the day after I finished! I was SO GLAD I decided to just watch those last few episodes that day!
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The characters were all wonderfully casted. Not one actor was afraid to look silly, act funny, and be completely ridiculous at times. For that I think this is one drama that was perfectly put together.
I’m thankful for the laughter. It was really fun watching this.
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I hate when bromance story arcs are added for more viewership and despite all the fuss, in the end they ruin it. So even if the romance part is good, you can't buy a guy who is this way to his nephew, could be any better for the female lead . Honestly, Park Hyungsiks character treats Ji Soo much better than this uncle did and they weren't even related lol
Now, for the good points.
This drama is so funny and no annoying jokes either nothing too over the top. But that's not the only thing. Both male leads are gorgeous, and I do love Yang Se Jong since Duel but I'm having serious second lead syndrome because of Yoo Chan! And the animals in this drama aren't just there for decoration they're totally part of the cast lol I love that! I'm going to miss the chick and Peng.
One of my favorite jokes was Yoo Chan asking the chick if he's was hyung or oppa ^_^ LMAO
So, yes it's definitely an entertaining show and worth a watch but didn't get attached to it.
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This review may contain spoilers
A gem you don't want to miss.
If you love a heart warming yet funny and a romantic drama, then this drama is definitely for you. At first I thought it would be a melodrama so I didn't want to give this drama a try but after reading the reviews, I couldn't resist to watch this and believe me this drama made me hooked in the first episode.Story: It's a very heartwarming story about how you heal together from the same trauma that caused you pain. The story wasn't too melodramatic and that's what made it beautiful. It also has funny moments that will make you laugh and painful moments that make you cry especially at the end.
Characters: The strong point about this drama are the characters. Every character was interesting in it's own way and the way the leads as well as his brother, his friends and Jennifer became close like a family made me so happy. These characters are the heart of this drama that makes you feel so connected. I absolutely loved everyone.
Acting: The whole cast was pretty good at acting too. You will feel every emotion that they are trying to convey.
So I highly recommend you to not miss this gem. It's funny and heartwarming at the same time. The good part is how there is no misunderstanding between the leads and both are mature enough to handle every matter. Also this drama tells you that if you believe in destiny, you'll meet your soulmate sooner or later and also they will heal you in their own way.
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The Story sounds very fun and I have to say, that I began watching the drama not because of the story, but the Cast. I am not a fan of Rom-Com. I have a love-hate relationship because many rom-com are exaggerating. But after I watched the first few Episodes I loved the Story. "Still 17" has it all. The Story isn't too comediac, because it contains many stories which are dramatic and not only fun.
Like I mentioned above, I began the Drama because of the Cast. Yang Sejong is my most favourite Actor since I watched hin in Duel, where his performance was amazing. he is an excellent Actor and even though he seemed nervous and a little bit stiff at the beginning, his acting was amazing. I mean his character was hurt. He lived with thoughts, most of the other people doesn't think about. He seems to be cold but Gong Woojin is a really warmhearted young Man who has Scars. When it comes to People he loves, he is cute and protective, but also shy around them if he doesn't know them well.
Shin Hyesun actes as Woo Seori, a girl who was in a Coma since she was 17 and wakes up when she is 30. She can't believe her real age and I can understand that. I read some comments from viewers, who think that Wooris character was too childish. But honestly, I think it was okay, because she was 17 when she fell in a coma. Not all 17 year old teenagers are like adults and if you see that you aren't 17 anymore but a woman, who could be married and have children herself, you will be shocked. I would be. Shin Hyesun played her role excellent. I watched her in some other dramas and I liked her in Five Children very much. But in this drama, she was even better.
Ahn Hyoseob played the nephew og Gong Woojin who is an excellent rower at his high school and seems to be more mature than his own uncle. Yoo Chan is very protective and worried of Woojin. AHS is young and talented Actor. At first I was worried because of the age difference between him an Yang Sejong who is only 3 years older but in the drama there is an age difference of 11 Years. But it didn't affect the drama much.
Ye Jiwon played the mysterious Housekeeper of Woojins Family called Jennifer who is a someone you need to get used to at first, but after a few episodes I liked her and thought she isn't like she is without a reason. I like YJW very much. She is a really good Actress and I watched her in a few dramas before. She can play all types of characters and this is a aspect not anyone can do.
The Chemistry between Shin Hyesun and Yang Sejon was on top. The harmony was there. The age difference of 4 years doesn't matter much. I think they suit each other very well and this affected the drama in a positive way.
I want to shout out a big compliment to the Child Actors, who did a very good job, too. Both of them are very talented and I hope they can get an award for their performances in this drama.
The OST is one of the best which came out this year. i listen to it every free Minute. Sadly I haven't enough time.
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great writing. amazing writing.
I had to pause throughout each episode to write down amazing quotes. I would re-watch this, actually, because the writing is so good. I feel like this would make a great BOOK adaptation! I would enjoy this show as a book,
solid 8.
great writing. amazing writing.
I had to pause throughout each episode to write down amazing quotes. I would re-watch this, actually, because the writing is so good. I feel like this would make a great BOOK adaptation! I would enjoy this show as a book,
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The only thing that jarred me a bit was that when Violin music was being played by the actors, there wasn't an attempt to sync their strokes with the music being overlaid - so it's slightly triggering in that you can see a violin being played, you can hear one, but the visuals dont match the audio. It's a minor thing but it tweaked me each time it happened :)
Generally speaking the OST is superb, several tracks in there i'm going to enjoy listening to again and the classical performances were superb, some great pieces.
Actor performances were very good, I especially enjoyed the two leads, they had such great chemistry together but even when they were apart they owned their scenes. Whether it was Woo Jin and his closed off disconnected and cold personality, or Seo Ri who captured the part of the 17 year old in the 30 year old's body so well.
There were some really nice visual effects too, a couple of times (both as a 17 year old and a 30 year old) Seo Ri is joyfully skipping along towards some musical destination and she's visualising the music she will be playing, turning overhead power lines into a stave and seeing the notes pop into place, or seeing them along side her and she pops them as she goes by waving her arms up and down in time with the music. The steps beneath her lighting up as she continues on her journey - you can totally capture that she's completely in her own world visualising the music her mind and captivated by it. Right up until someone throws a bucket of water on her by accident or she falls over a barrier because she's not actually looking where she's going, anyway. I do this kind of thing myself when i'm stuck on a coding problem or designing systems, so I can really appreciate how they've beautifully captured how totally absorbed she is.
The "Mary Poppins" housekeeper character was really good, I found her jarring at first but her monotone appearances and sounds become something to look out for, particularly as her character develops.
Don't expect big dramas in this one, there's a love triangle but it's the softest kind and dealt with perfectly and without angst. This is a gentle slow burner that is just fun to enjoy. Once you get to around the final 3 or 4 hours or so, all the various ribbons start coming together into a nice bow.
Everything, and I mean everything, is resolved. I can't think of any unanswered questions.
... and after 53 dramas, and 1156 episodes so far, while others have made my face want to melt and made me *feel* sad, this was the first that caused actual tears on more than one occasion - so, no apologies for an all-10 review on this one. Totally re-watchable too.
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