A perfect K-drama for those in the process of dealing with death
I began watching this K-drama about a month or so after my best friend passed away. Seeing the way the different characters dealt with the main character's death, and the lack of closure they got tearing them and their families apart, was something that hit home deeply to me. And as such, I couldn't help but cry my eyes out at many scenes of this K-drama - because all of the emotions that the actors flawlessly portrayed were the same ones I had only just recently experienced.Watching "Hi Bye, Mama!" was like a rewind for me - but a needed one at that, as I definitely still had some tears that needed to come out. At it's best, HBM is a touching story about various families' journey into finally accepting the death of a loved one, and getting the closure they desire. It doesn't try to have a perfect, happy story. It has its ups and downs, and, despite not claiming so, has some of the funniest scenes I've seen in any K-drama all thanks to the vastly different personalities each character has, regardless of the genuinely great chemistry the actors have with each other.
A definite recommend for those who have dealt with death in the past, and those who want to understand what death of a loved one can do to those close to them.
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The story is simple enough, a mother who died and became a ghost is given the opportunity to take her place back in her previous life in 49 days or "go up" to reincarnate. From the silly trailer and pretty pastel posters, you'd think this is a light and easy show to watch. Well, you're wrong. The first episode had me crying, as did every episode from thereon. I liked the story because it was in no way basic or lacking and showcased the ways grief and trauma surrounding the loss of a loved one can manifest.
I've heard of Kim Tae Hee before because it's Kim Tae Hee! Who doesn't know her? However, this was the first drama I watched with her in it and it's safe to say I'm now a fan of her! KTH's portrayal of a mother who was never able to hold her daughter or ease her family's pain moved me so much it brought physical pain. The story itself is pretty farfetched with someone coming back to life, but the sorrow was very real and I felt for everyone. Everyone had sad shit going on and it was just a rollercoaster of emotions. I had a ton of other favorite characters, but I'd just be listing everyone so I won't do that, but know that the casting for this was solid! I went in not knowing any of the cast but it didn't make a difference in my experience.
I also loved how there were plenty of positive female friendships throughout the show. There were old-time best friends and even people who most dramas would make into enemies simply due to circumstances ended up being great pals. I think it's a great message. Not all women in dramas need to be at odds with each other. Give us women uplifting each other. Supporting each other when they're breaking down. Ready to fight anyone messing with your bestie. This show gave all of the above when it comes to strong female relationships. I also love that we have a supporting character who isn't thin, but that isn't poked fun at or diminish how anyone sees her. Also, her eyeliner was POPPING through everything and Ms. Midong ddae was THAT girl.
To be honest, I didn't pay a lot of attention to the music because the stuff going on was just that engrossing. But when I was paying attention, the tracks are all something that could be played in a cafe. But hearing them over scenes of people being sad as hell, it really hit the nail on the head. My favorite track is To You by Hen.
In conclusion, if you repress your emotions like me and have to watch external media to get yourself crying, this is the drama for you! I don't know if I would rewatch it because it's just really sad and melodramatic. Though I do appreciate how beautiful of a drama it is and will recommend it to friends.
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I've Given 48 Hours to This Series
It didn't dawn on me until I finished watching this 16 episode series for the third time, that I'd given it 48 hours of my life. I'd be hard pressed to say what elements I enjoyed most. The acting was good on the part of all of the cast. While there were some subplots that could have been handled more thoroughly, it didn't detract from what the story was trying to say. I read a review, elsewhere, that was less than glowing because they didn't like how the exorcist plot was abruptly ended without conclusion and another that mentioned Yu-Ri's baby belly moving about in several of the flashback scenes. I'll agree those things could have been handled better but, again, they never took away from the overall story being told.All-in-all, every time I've watched this, I've wanted to immediately turn around and watch it again. It's moving. It's heartfelt. It will make you burn through boxes of tissue as you cry your eyes out. I absolutely love this show. Seo-Woo is adorable and I don't care that they used a little boy to play a little girl. My two favorite scenes will always be when Yu-Ri realizes Seo-Woo can see her in her ghost form and when Yu-Ri realizes she's not a ghost any more. I can watch those moments over and over, and never get tired of feeling the emotions it brings out.
Wonderful Series!
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All stepmoms in fairy tales are evil. Stepmoms are moms too.
Hi bye mama is the story of the aftermath of a loved ones death and acceptance of ones fate and finding closure and moving on I was touched by this story on personal level and I found comfort in believing my loved ones are watching over me and giving me strength every step of the way i also really loved how well the characters were developed and the amount of maturity this show has is superb also the side stories were good but not to the point where they could stand on their own two feet and i really didnt like this cuz i honestly enjoy deep side stories and its not like the show didnt have enough episodesand time to do that which brings me to my second point that this show is the perfect example of a show that should have been a movie cuz i honestly i was bored out of my mind watchingthe characters cry over the same issues for five episodes straight and having the same flashbacks over and over over again the show was good but could ve been better but that doesnt mean i didnt bawl my eyes out overall its a good show but doesnt have rewatch value in my opinionWas this review helpful to you?
Amazing beginning/middle, 'Meh' ending
I really loved how it began and as the show progressed I started to get very attached to each characters individual stories that were being developed but as the show was coming to an end side stories that were big parts of the episodes were randomly ended or simply dissapeared and were left completely unanswered which I personally hated alot lol overall I still think it's a nice show with the important message about the importance of taking advantage of every moment you're alive and with loved ones since you never know when one may pass away. Many comments say they didnt like all the crying but idk I think it was appropriate since the theme of the story is death of loved ones and missing them... and let me say I absolutely loved the acting, each actor was able to capture that emotional pain that I dont think many are able to capture that well and just in general amazing acting.Now, I wouldnt rewatch it, mainly because of those unanswered side stories, but I still recommend giving it a try to see what you think :)
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Best of the Best !
I came to this drama not knowing what to expect . The title did not inspire me , but I am so please I watched it . I enjoyed it thoroughly , the story , the acting , the development . As a fan of the Korean Drama -Tomorrow - I am always interested in stories of the After Life and karma . And this has all of it presented in a subtle and compelling story . It is moving , endearing , funny at times, thought provoking for sure , and comforting . When we say to our loved ones " Rest in Peace " how convinced are we that they will rest in Peace ? I am glad Cha Yu-ri went back after her 49 days on earth , I am pleased she managed to say a proper Goodbye to her family and friends and her beloved daughter , the daughter who has grown into a lovely student in the mist of her loving family . Brilliant !Was this review helpful to you?
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Sacrifice as theme was played beautifully
Kdramas in 2020 never fail to amaze me. I've been holding out this one for long since I heard every episode will make you cry, as for me, make my heart clench. The drama is about a mother who dies before she could meet her baby but years after, she is given a chance to live as human again. Kim Tae-hee played Yu-ri well that every scene is either heart-wrenching or heart-warming. When you go through her journey of being human again - from denial to hate to acceptance - you also become wiser and go through an understanding that life will not always be riding your wave. It is the other way around. You need to live your days as if you were to say goodbyes. You need to accept that what you want does not equate to what is needed. The drama depicts sacrifice in such a wonderful way. I recommend this 100%. Get your tissues ready every episode!Was this review helpful to you?
Loved it
I just rewatched this drama for the 21th time, yes i did watch it 21 times and i still cant get enough love this drama all the characters and the plots and acting.This drama was heart-touching and a tear-jerker for the viewers. It's all about the love of a family and what a mother can do and will sacrifice just to protect her child Love everything about the drama I cry yes but i love it anyways, i really want more of this.
I seriously rate this a 100000000/10 I LOVE WITH IT, I SERIUSLY CANT DECRIBE HOW EMOTIONAL I WAS WHILE WATCHING THIS JUST AMAZING
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Very much potential for variety, deepness and humor.
Hi Bye, Mama is one of those dramas that makes you dive right into her story.It's about a woman who died in a car accident. She was pregnant and the baby was saved by the doctors.
She lives as a ghost on earth and watches her loved ones. She lives with other ghosts with whom she has made friends in an urn hall.
5 years after her accident, her husband remarried, her daughter thinks her stepmother is her biological mother and her parents have broken off all contact with the child. However, she knows that they all long for closeness. Due to a circumstance, Cha Yu-ri (FL) gets 49 days to take her place on earth. This means that she will become a full human being again when she marries her husband again and her child recognizes her as a mother.
That all being said we have a storyline which could have been surrounding the ghosts she lives with, the drama around her family (especially her mother), her husbands new wife, her husband and daughter and her friends, which are all there for her and missed her.
This was pretty much done in the first 7 episodes, maybe?
After a while, however, I was bothered by more things than I liked. For one, there was constant repetition of scenes (which is not unusual in dramas, but it was true very often), but that wasn't enough, because the same dialogues were also always repeated "I'm sorry", "I'm so glad", "I just love Son-woo so much, she's so pretty" are definitely the top 3 phrases of the series.
The acting was also mixed, but that was partly due to the script and director, since I've seen dramas with the actors and it wasn't that bad there.
Partly I could not understand the characters. Information was constantly hidden and things were not said. Most of the main characters spent most of their time looking stupid or crying. In addition, there was far too little questioning for me. If someone I knew came back from the dead I would really have a lot of questions. Also, there were too many plotholes. Especially concerning the days she has left and also concerning the ghosts. You are introduced to about 10 at the beginning, which have deeper storylines, but which are dropped to make room for repetition. During the series, Yuri promises to do something good for the ghosts, which she does 2 times and then has forgotten the things.
The Stroy had the potential to be funny, varied and dramatic at the same time. This was not used in that many characters and questionable things were simply forgotten. The last episodes just upset me.
Nevertheless, I often had to cry. My favorite character is the stepmother.
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Heartbreaking Story. Have plenty of Kleenex Available.
All,Powerful story of family, love, devotion. Brought many tears to my eyes and I am a tough guy!!!
I find myself hoping for a certain conclusion of the story. Hoping things will conclude a certain way by the final episode. Simply heartbreaking when it does not. Simply joyous when it does.
I was absolutely captivated by Kim Tae Hee's performance and was cheering her on throughout the story. Sometimes one finds themselves wishing they could insert themselves into the story and influence a direction our main characters should take. I have to remember, this is the way the story is written and its fiction. :)
Well done to all in this series.
Bug
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"Hi Bye, Mama" without a doubt exceeded my expectations for how it ended. I am very glad that the writer gave this show a meaningful ending. It was associated with the show's name. I think the writers of Hi Bye Mama did a great job of making all of the viewers wonder what would happen next as we watched the show end.
Overall, I think this show did a good job of sticking to the meanings that have been portrayed in Korean dramas over time, which are very good, meaningful messages that the viewers can learn from.
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