Move to Heaven (2021)

RARE SYNOPSIS

I thought at first I am going to be bored with this drama, an Asperger young man that has above normal intelligence, works for his dad a Trauma Cleaner 'Move to Heaven' company that pack items left by the deceased - with bow for respect the dead they box in meaningful personal belongings and get rid of the rest - a service that goes beyond what's expected. They'd be able to tell the story of the diseased to pass it on to their family. Geo Ru's father passes on, his uncle Sang Koo becomes the guardian of him with condition that he has to work at the company and live with him. Although Sang Koo has issues, went to jail for illegal underground fight, his demeanor is 'care less - hell with everything' does not bound well with Geo Ru's habitual and repetitive behavior.

This is the type of rare story line that we don't see, very interestingly there is called a Trauma Cleaner - a service to provide clean up what dead people left behind. Different cases has different uniquely background stories when the diseases were still alive. The synopsis is their personal stories, the family (or none) that they left behind; unspoken wishes and hopes, sadness, love or hate, regret and abandonment. A dirty work that emotionally burdened, personally I won't do their job. It's a very touching not from the main actors but mostly from the supporting actors who portrays the dead people. Not matter how good this drama I don't think i can rewatch it....the kind of drama that you only want to watch once.

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Feelings

Move to heaven title that may seem strange and incomprehensible without watching the series.

This is quite an interesting and engaging series that tells the story of a young boy who who lives with Asperger's, who helps run his father's business as a trauma cleaner. At the very beginning of the series, I had the feeling that nothing bad would happen here, but I was wrong already in the first episode Han Geu-roo meets misfortune like the loss of a father. For people who are emotional, they will definitely burst into tears, even when I started to cry, come on, it doesn't happen to me often. I can honestly say that I cried the whole series for the first time in my life.
The following episodes were as emotional as the first. In this series, we can definitely see a reflection of our own private lives to some extent, and it will give us some thought to think about what we can do to be better for others as well as for ourselves.
In this series we also encounter problems that accompany sick people like the main character. We also see that it is not worth judging people until you have met them. We looked at the misfortunes of young people who wanted to help their families or just get to know them.

Move to heaven these words are significant for the heroes I mentioned above. Because all the cases I listed are stories of people who died. You can guess that their last will was to tell their loved ones how they feel. And the trauma cleaner was there to fulfill their last wish so that their souls could go to heaven.

That's why this title is important to this show because it reflects, if I may say so, honor to those who died.

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Exceeded expectations

I came across this drama while browsing netflix on the look for something interesting to watch. I knew I was going to love it from the very moment that I saw the trailer and decided that it would be the next thing I'd be watching.

To be honest, it was not exactly what I was expecting when I started it, but I still loved it. I thought I was getting into some kind of psychological thriller involving ghosts, but was not disappointed to discover that I was wrong.

From the plot to the characters and going through everything else, everything about this drama is to be loved. I can't believe I'm gonna have to wait until may 2023 for the next season ㅠㅠ

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Stellar acting performances and focused storytelling

Quite simply, Tang Jun Sang is an amazingly versatile and talented young star and Lee Je Hoon puts down the best performance of 2021 so far. This show has quite a few qualities, but these two actors are what lifts this production to one of the most noteworthy.

It helps that it seems that it was set from the beginning to be multiple seasons so that not all the storylines had to be backfilled and fully wrapped by the end of the tenth episode. The overall arc of our main duo's story could be pushed forward with an adeptly placed flashback for Gu Ru's parents to keep the story flowing evenly throughout.

The subplots of each episode were, for the most part, woven in to the main story seamlessly and, although it was a show with fewer secondary characters, the casting did not miss. High marks for the production quality too.

I eagerly await season two.

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AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER

Move to heaven is a unique kdrama that depicts the life of trauma cleaners. Move to heaven is a story of Han Geu-ru a 20 year old with Asperger syndrome who along with his father runs a trauma cleaning company called move to heaven. After his father's death his uncle, his only family is assigned as Geu-Ru's guardian. The relationship between geu ru and his uncle through the business forms the basic storyline of the drama.
This kdrama stands out with its never-before concept of empathizing with the dead. Each episode is thought-provoking and can make you weep. Move to heaven will leave a long-lasting impact. The cast puts a convincing and impactful performance. This series is a definite must-watch for all kdrama fans.

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Unpacking Emotions and Unveiling Stories Beyond Death

"Move to Heaven" is a poignant Korean drama that gently explores the themes of grief, healing, and human connection through the unique lens of trauma cleaning. With its heartfelt storytelling and memorable performances, this series offers a deeply moving experience that lingers long after the final episode.The series centers around Han Geu-ru, a young man with Asperger's syndrome, and his estranged uncle Cho Sang-gu. Following the sudden death of Geu-ru's father, Sang-gu becomes his guardian, and together they run the family business, "Move to Heaven," which specializes in trauma cleaning. As they clean the possessions of the deceased, they uncover untold stories and connect with the lives left behind, helping families find closure.

Han Geu-ru : Geu-ru is portrayed with incredible sensitivity and depth. Tang Joon-sang's performance brings authenticity to Geu-ru's experiences, making him a relatable and endearing character. His journey through grief and his unique way of seeing the world add a profound dimension to the series.
Cho Sang-gu : Sang-gu is a complex character with a troubled past. Lee Je-hoon's portrayal captures Sang-gu's transformation from a hardened ex-convict to a compassionate guardian. His evolving relationship with Geu-ru is at the heart of the series, showcasing themes of redemption and familial bonds.

Visual and Sound Design:
"Move to Heaven" excels in its visual storytelling. The meticulous attention to detail in the trauma cleaning scenes not only respects the deceased but also reveals the layers of their lives. The cinematography is both intimate and expansive, capturing the raw emotions of the characters. The soundtrack, with its subtle and evocative score, enhances the emotional impact of the story
The series thoughtfully delves into themes of loss, acceptance, and the importance of remembering those who have passed. It highlights the significance of understanding and compassion, both for the deceased and the living. "Move to Heaven" also sheds light on the experiences of those on the autism spectrum, promoting empathy and awareness.

"Move to Heaven" is a unique and deeply touching drama that stands out for its sensitive portrayal of grief and human connection. Its powerful performances, especially by Tang Joon-sang and Lee Je-hoon, along with its beautiful visual and auditory elements, make it a series that resonates on a profound emotional level. By unpacking the stories left behind by the deceased, "Move to Heaven" reminds us of the enduring impact of every life and the healing power of compassion.

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Tender and Heartfelt

I generally stay away from 'sad' or slice of life dramas, not because they make me sad but quite the opposite. They often feel pretentious almost artificial in their storytelling as if their only purpose is to make the audience cry. They are sad just for the sake of being sad. So I was a little skeptical of watching this.

But rest assured, Move to heaven is nothing but genuine and heartfelt.

Despite being an anthology, Geu Ru's journey and character developememt along with his relationship with his uncle was the heart of the drama. The portrayal of autism was so tender and well done. Jun Sang may be a rookie but he has great acting chops.

Seeing Sang Gu's development from an indifferent and somewhat selfish guardian to an almost father figure for Geu Ru was one of the best part of the show. Their bond by the end was so soft and wholesome.

However, Sang Gu's backstory was the weakest part of the story for me. It just felt incredibly predictable and formulaic. Not gonna lie, I almost wanted to skip that episode. That said it was a small blip in an otherwise amazing drama.

Na Mu perfectly complemented our two main characters and was an essential part of the main trio. She may be loud sometimes but she was far from annoying. I loved how fiercely protective she was of Geu Ru. Her banter with Sang Gu was on point and so funny. It provided a much needed respite among the more heavier themes of the drama.

Each episode provides an unique perspective on death but at the core of it this is a story about those left behind. Those who have to deal with the aftermath of the death- be it the trauma cleaners who clean the physical things or the loved ones the deceased who have to deal with their emotions.

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It was rare to see a drama tackling the story revolving trauma cleaners; like the first time I've heard of the term it was on some detective story I think and it was a minor mention, so it was great to see one drama that touched this topic.

This drama was really soothing and comforting... especially for people who may have a hard time dealing with deaths of people dear to them and how it affected everyone around them. And I like how the drama had been written and how layered the stories were. Like on one hand we get to see how and what was involved in the trauma cleaning work as well as the untold stories of people who may have died alone with no one to take care of the things they left behind. On the other hand, we're also seeing how through the trauma cleaning work, Geurum and Sanggu were also indirectly attempting to accept the death of their loved ones.

I especially love the focus on Sanggu's character. Like at the beginning he wasn't too keen on becoming a guardian to his nephew and helping out with the trauma cleaning job. Yet as time went on we get to see him getting used to the job and clear his misunderstanding against his deceased older brother.

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A story about the redemptive power of empathy

Ok, so I just binged the first 10 released episodes and I am consumed by the lingering feeling of dissatisfaction that it went so quick, it was just not enough!! This drama tells the story of a group of "trauma cleaners", people who are responsible for the proper disposal of the personal possessions of the deceased. They do so with deep sensitivity and care, providing the last shred of respectability which life may have stolen away from . The drama deals with the victims of the various malaise of society like economic inequality, homophobia, gender violence etc , the misery of the sufferer and the numbness of society towards them. Society guided by petty self interest denies them their basic dignity, and the trauma cleaners step in to restore some of it after their death. In this process, the cleaners work through their own problems and learn to value what is important to them.
It s directed and acted magnificently. The acting is understated and natural and there is hardly any dramatic hyperbole for sensationalism. You can savor each episode slowly as it draws you into its world leaving behind a bittersweet aftertaste and loads of food for thought. A must watch as a serious but deeply entertaining drama.

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