The show is quite stagey: the major moments of this drama occur when two to four of the main characters are in a room together talking through their issues. I recommend watching through Ep. 8 (the fourth hour) if you wish to test this show out. If Bae Doo Nah's performance in the final scene of that episode does not move you, then this show is not for you.
The characters, performances and writing are uniformly superb throughout this drama. Even though all the characters are pretty difficult people, there are plenty of comedic moments to keep this drama from being a dire examination of failing marriages. There are plenty of surprises along the way, and many happy and light moments in addition to the more hurtful consequences of the failing relationships.
In the end, I preferred this version to the original. Sakamoto's script is more comedic, but Moon Jungmin's additions and changes to the story all tended to clarify and enhance the themes of the original. Furthermore, the supporting cast is definitely better in the Korean version. Moon Sook is radiantly beautiful and luminously wise in the role as the grandmother. And there are a couple of lovely romances going on with the side characters that help provide relief to the two main stories.
Matrimonial Chaos is a sharply observed investigation into the ways that people in relationship can get in the way of each other's happiness. It's a beautiful story of people learning to see each other for the first time all over again. It does not rest on the usual tropes of marriage as a happily-ever-after, but, instead, finds deep wisdom in the ways people still find to like each and learn to be for each other even when it's not easy to do so.
It is great. You should watch it.
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I fell for each and every character presented. This is how everyone should write interesting, fresh, original and flawed ones. I hated so many of the choices they made and actions they took, but I could understand why they did them. All the bad behaviors were never excused, but always explained. And I found it extremely refreshing.
The story slowly presents to you that whatever happens is almost never just one person's fault. At the end of the day, it is your choice to stay in a bad situation and turn a blind eye to what happens in your surroundings.
The drama has a lot of really meaningful and deep messages, including: consent in a relationship, understanding your worth, impact the past struggles have on your current self, fear of happiness and losing it. You learn as you watch it. More than once I read a line a character has said and just simply nodded my head in agreement.
Any flaws? The ending was too good. I was quite honestly hoping for some twist by the end. I was sad with how Maru and Soo Kyung's story was dealt with. There clearly were hints left, but they never followed with any conclusion. It's worth mentioning the painfully unnecessary Dong Goo's story line. From the beginning till the end, I was not even slightly interested in his character and the romantic subplot he's got.
Overall, I believe it's an extremely underrated drama and I wish more people would give it a shot. The first two episodes might leave you speechless and it's hard to understand the characters and their motivation, but as we get to know them better, they start to feel like old friends. The familiar feeling just calls you in.
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The acting was good, not great. It is very difficult for actors to shine when the characters they play are so uninteresting, but most of the cast members tried their hardest with what they were given. OST was decent, but nothing too special. Re-watch value is a little higher than what I had expected when writing this review, I think it is down to the slow pace. Since I am learning the Korean language, this drama was good for me to listen to. The slow pace helped absorb my Korean language listening skills very well. So, I guess, in a way, that is the only reason as to why I didn't decide to drop this. Believe me, I was very close to dropping this one.
All in all, I do not recommend this.
Matrimonial Chaos. A story that doesn't know what it wants to be.
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The first 5 episode was very beautiful and interesting... You can just give it a try... But i think the orginal Japanese version is better..
Overall Watchable one...
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An insightful look into messy relationships
Sorting the proverbial wheat from the chaff of MDL low-rated dramas is always hard. But this is one of those totally underrated dramas that probably got low marks because it does not portray mr and ms perfect living HEA. Instead it explores the messy dynamics of grown up relationships and the strange choices we sometimes make that lead us into places we did not even realise existed.If you’ve been round the clock a couple of times there’s going to be moments in this drama that bring a wry, knowing smile to your face, that are probably totally inexplicable to the inexperienced. And that’s what makes this drama work for me: the writer knows what he is writing about and it shows.
It explores the blindness that exists in all of us when we fail to realise that other people, even those we are intimate with, live in a world that is separate from our own. They are different, yet we do not clock those differences but make assumptions about what they think and feel based on what we ourselves experience, or the mistaken perceptions we have of them.
The reasons why people stay together isn’t always obvious and the hidden needs which outweigh the disadvantages, hurts and confusions are given an airing. The drama reveals and explores the overinflated price we are willing to pay to hang onto our emotional vulnerabilities so that we don’t have face them and what happens when we decide not to meet the cost any more.
Four characters, in two couples, with fundamental flaws are forced to face themselves, learn about their partners and embrace the responsibility they bear for their three-wheeled relationship going round in circles and falling apart.
This is an awesome cast, totally capable of revealing the comedy and the pathos with equal ease. Lee El and Son Suk Ku, who appeared together in the brilliant My Liberation Notes, are joined by Bae Doo Na and Cha Tae Hyun (who is new to me). They all have a handle on how to unroll a character and dig into the murky undercurrents and here is no exception. Although they all add something to the night sky, Bae Doo Na outshines the other stars in the constellation. Her ability to take you through the whole range of emotions and fully realise the character written in the script is outstanding.
Ultimately it’s an optimistic drama that manages to keep its head above the heaviness that such a topic could fall into, and that’s credit to the writer Moon Jeong Min who ensures a healthy vein of dry humour runs through the storyline. It carries the viewer through the difficulties that the reality of the situation demands and offers some light relief in whimsical arguments often fuelled by jealousy and competitiveness. In the hands of a capable cast, this is just a delight.
The script is sometimes patchy and meandering, and the symmetries that kick in about three quarters through are almost a stretch too far, but tbh I was willing to ride with it because it was so well acted. It can be whimsical and the number of coincidences goes from being off-putting to sort of deliberate, such that the whole thing is an intricate tangle of relationships which ravel and unravel around each other.
Moon Jeong Min’s insight into the female characters is praiseworthy and if anything, he wrote them better than the male characters. He was ably assisted by the director, Soo Hyun KI, who struck the right note with the melo such that when it needed to bite the impact had not been forestalled by previously overcooked emotions. Each character had their moment of intensity and it did not go to waste.
Overall this drama is not outstanding but well worth watching. If you are looking for dreams, go elsewhere, but if you like an honest view on messy human relationships between ordinary people with a dash of insight it will not disappoint.
I’m torn about the rating, but because there are so few K-dramas that successfully deal with this topic in a realistic and sensitive manner, I’ve decided to be generous
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Good
Great casting choices, all of them were a good fit for their character. Doo Na is such a natural she always stand out. Glad to see Cha Tae Hyun in more main roles. It's hard to find a mature drama that isn't overly melodramatic or infested with tropes. It started off as a slice of life to get us accustomed with the characters, their backstory and their current status. It took until the last third before the characters began to spill out their guts and get serious. Aside from the supporting cast, all of the four leads were elegantly written, well developed and interesting on their own. It's a solid drama and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, however, there were a few things that held it from reaching higher. I wish the cinematography would have been better with tighter compositions and theme. I also wish there was more investment in creating a suitable soundtrack. Upping the production value in these two areas would have helped the drama in creating a memorable atmosphere and nudge it to be one of the best of its genre. One last thing, I wonder what Hwi Ru whispered to Seok Moo in the final scene?Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Marriage does not mean happily ever after
This is not for those interested in puppy love and the beginning stages of romance. This quiet drama is for those who wonder what happens next and are unafraid of an honest answer."Matrimonial Chaos" follows the issues of two couples in their early to mid 30s. Hwi Roo and Seok Moo (Bae Doona and Cha Tae Hyun) are on the brink of divorce and wondering how they became so unhappy and detached. Jang Hyun (Son Seok Koo) is an artist cheating on his wife, Seok Moo's first love Yoo Yeong (Lee El). She knows this but tries to turn a blind eye to maintain the stability she has longed for. Their lives intertwine, but not in classic K-drama fashion. They don't fight over each other's spouses as the struggles are more internal to each character. When is a marriage still worth keeping and when is it time to leave?
Story: I really like how mature the story was, despite the immature yet realistic choices that the characters made. I also appreciated that party that the women have in the café and the first big confrontation between Seok Moo and Hwi Roo around ep. 4 (Bae Doona's acting really shone here). Two years after my last watch, I still feel that was one of my favorite parts of the series that can drag on sometimes. The outcome will not please everyone, and you will hate some characters and learn to love others.
Cast / Acting: I think Bae Doona and Lee El should have been showered with awards. But all in all the cast pulled their weight, especially the 4 leads. This was my first time seeing Wi Ha Joon before his Squid Game fame and I was delighted to see how versatile he could be (see "Bad and Evil").
Music: I liked the OST, especially the song "Forgotten" (The Ade).
Overall: Not a laugh out loud comedy but it has a few moments. It's an honest look into modern marriage and what it takes to stick together without losing yourself in the process. Rewatch value might be low for viewers who expect lovey-dovey romance. Personally, it left a good impression because it was so different. 9/10.
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exploration of the challenges of relationships
Embarking on a drama that initially received less-than-appealing reviews, I was pleasantly surprised by the hidden gems within its narrative. While the 16-episode journey occasionally felt a bit drawn out, the overall experience proved enjoyable.The storyline is a breath of fresh air, delving into the intricate dynamics of relationships and cohabitation. Despite a slow burn, the drama delivers profound messages, tackling the harsh realities of life and marriage with a touch of empathy for each character's vulnerabilities.
The casting choices were impeccable, with each actor seamlessly embodying their roles. This authenticity enhanced the relatability of the characters and added depth to their stories. The chemistry among the central characters was palpable, and the depiction of friendship within the broader family context was a delightful highlight.
A noteworthy aspect was the well-matched soundtrack, skillfully amplifying the emotional nuances of pivotal moments. The exploration of relationships beyond blood ties added a layer of heartwarming complexity to the narrative.
In summary, while the pacing may test one's patience, the compelling storytelling, strong cast performances, and fitting soundtrack make this drama a rewarding experience. The exploration of the challenges of relationships, coupled with the warmth of found family dynamics, elevates this drama beyond its initial reservations.
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This review may contain spoilers
A nice surprise
Considering this drama was made in 2018 it is remarkably topical . It is also interesting for its debate on marriage , living together , and divorce . I found it captivating for that reason as fewer and fewer women in Korea want to get married and the divorce rate is still quite high . None of the characters are particularly likeable but they are ordinary people living their lives the best they can , juggling work , relationship , money , friendship like most of us , some hiding secrets which are eventually revealed . Tempers can run high , patience can run dry, and looking after oneself becomes a priority . It draws you in , because you think you can do better than them , but they take back control in the end , and all's well that ends well !Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
It was pretty good. For a 32 episode drama, more or less 30 minutes each episode, sometimes it felt a little draggy? It could be because I was too lazy to watch, or it could be because of the repetitive fighting and making up, who knows really... Honestly, it was a bit frustrating to see. And it was because their personalities that reminded me of myself. It felt like seeing different parts of myself made into 4 people. And wow even they're that frustrating to watch, I must be more frustrating of a person than them. But, I guess it was a pretty nice story, everyone's story was told fairly, from all perspectives that they didn't know initially, but only learned after they separated. All the stories they never found out until everyone was far from each other. Like they say in the drama, they got to see the shape clearly only when they see it from afar.And, this might come off as biased (and it is), but I started watching this because I saw that Wi Hajoon's character in this is a band vocalist (and I love bands. Favorite actor+favorite music genre=what can go wrong right?) and I heard the song he sang for the OST before watching this and I absolutely love it. I watched this fully aware that he's a side character. But, I didn't expect that he would be "thrown away" after he was rejected by Hwiru. And it happened again with Kiwan's character. Both liked Hwiru, both were rejected by Hwiru, and both probably made her realize she still liked Sukmoo, and both just didn't appear again. For Siho, he went to London, but Kiwan who is Hwiru's book publishing company owner? I honestly expected to see him again after the rejection because of course, Hwiru WORKS under him. But he just never appeared anymore after that. Though I understand, sure they're side characters, anyone can suddenly come and go anytime. But that part honestly just bugged me, I was wishing they would stay friends, stay close to Hwiru (and I wished that Siho would rekindle his friendship with Sukmoo too but.... yup didn't happen) and instead of just going away, stay and see the person they liked happy with someone else as they also try to move on. But again, they're side characters. I totally understand...
Overall it's pretty good. The OST sung by Wi Hajoon and Cha Taehyun are really good (Lowkey kinda wished they would have a duet but yknow they didn't really rekindle their relationship, and Sukmoo took a pretty long time to get back into music again). Would I watch it again? Not really... Maybe I would watch Wi Hajoon's scenes again, but rewatch the drama again as a whole? Don't think so.
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