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So much potential
First things first the OST was amazing. I think that the OST is the reason I enjoyed this so much, it made me feel very nostalgic. The first third was my favourite. Her time as Yoon Juwon was a 10/10 for me. As for her time as Ban Jieum, I enjoyed that best when only Aegyeong knew about her past lives. Once Chowon found out and especially when Seoha found out it kind of felt like "what now?". When her first life started becoming more important I was interested but I think that it was too much. I think that there was too much going on so I wasn't able to connect to the characters, I felt like I didn't know who they were which version of them am I meant to connect with. I felt like I was being pulled in so many different directions that I wasn't able to empathize or connect with any of them apart from the young Seoha and Juwon timeline.If I were to change something I wouldn't have included her first life. I also think it would've been better if only Aegyeong knew about Jieum's past lives.
I'm not mad that I watched this. I have been wanting to watch more dramas with Shin Hyesun after I saw her in Mr. Queen. I think she is an incredible actress. Plus seeing Cha Chung Hwa with Shin Hyesun again was really cute.
Overall I think this story had a lot of potential, and in the beginning it was great but it wasn't able to maintain that feeling for me.
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A Female Lead That Know What She Wants? I'm Here For It!
From the bat I'm going to make the disclaimer that I didn't even know this was another webtoon adaptation so whether it did a good job at adapting the webtoon I don't know. Instead, I have two main points I want to touch on.Characters: When I tell you that Ban Ji Eum is one of my favourite female leads of all time, I mean it. With the premise that she's lived multiple lives, comes the bonus that this is highly skilled woman who has lived long enough to know what she wants and how to get it. I was honestly not too excited that the 'rich CEO boyfriend & employee girlfriend' trope was seemingly getting a revival in recent kdramas like ‘King The Land’ since I’m not really a fan of the trope. But this drama did it in a way that made it feel new. She's assertive, smart and chasing her guy with confidence without coming off like a cringy 'girl boss' trope. Shin Hye Sun's wise and otherworldly aura really makes the character of Ban Ji Eum one of my main reasons for loving this show as much as I did. Naturally, Ahn Bo Hyun did an amazing job as always, as did the entire cast. Special shout out to the child actors who really pulled their weight in the flashbacks.
the ending (no spoilers): I've seen a lot of people in their reviews complain about the way this show ends. Without spoiling anything, I get where their disappointment comes from but for me it didn't ruin my viewing experience at all. Was it the direction that I was hoping they were going? No, not really. But I did enjoy the way they tied it back to the first few episodes and although it wasn't the best ending, I still finished this drama feeling satisfied.
The cinematography was great, with the exception of maybe that one sequence in one of her previous lives. I enjoyed the Ost, especially Doyoung since I didn't realize he had done the Ost for this until I suddenly heard his voice lol. Overall, this was a fun drama to me. Out of all the romance dramas that I've seen lately, I'm happy to have finally watched one that interested me from start to finish.
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Hidas ja väritön hyvällä juonella
FL: Mielenkiintoinen ja itsevarma hahmo. Pidin siitä, miten edelliset elämät näkyivät hahmon uusimmassa elämässä, ja miten ne kasvattivat hahmoa. Tuntui kuitenkin siltä, että viimeisessä elämässä FL ainoa tavoite oli saada ML itselleen, eikä hän halunnut muuta elämältään.ML: Sympaattinen, mutta aika väritön hahmo. Lapsuuden trauma näkyi selvästi ML elämässä, eikä hän koskaan päässyt siitä yli. Pidin siitä, miten ML alkoi hitaasti lämpeämään FL, eikä vain yhtäkkiä unohtanut ensirakkauttaan. Sarjan edetessä ML saa jonkin verran syvyyttä hahmoonsa, mutta silti hän jäi jotenkin harmaaksi.
Juoni itsessään on erilainen ja mielenkiintoinen entisten elämien muistamisesta ja uudelleensyntymisestä. Sivuhahmot noudattavat FL ja ML kaavaa: vähän syvyyttä, mutta silti aika harmaita hahmoja. Paikoitellen hitaasti etenevä, mutta silti mukanaan jotenkin pitävä.
Loppu on onnellinen, vaikkakin sille jää vain hetki aikaa. Mukava sarja kerralla katsottavaksi, mutten uudelleen välttämättä katsoisi.
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this review is about the story
i'm writing my personal opinion on this series ,and I hope people get use of it .the drama had a light and comedy and funny characters every character did a great job and of course shin hye sun , she did a great work but i had some problems about the story it was kind fast and it started intersting and vital but i get lost and confused in the middle , but of course the characters in the series are the reason i kept watching till the end ,the end was good too and it was realstic.
probably i'm not watching this drama again but i had so much fun watching it .
i just hoped if they put a little bit of efforts on the story about the soul thing and remembering the Previous life.
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Massive dissappointment. Actors misused.
Take this review with a grain of salt. My expectations were high because of the two main leads so I will be completely biased.tl;dr plot was already paperthin made worse by misusing the actors
Already had an idea what this was going to be, skimmed throught the webtoon. Two of my favorite actors get casted for the main leads. So even though I couldn't careless about the plot I decided to watch it. Up until episode 3.
Fire the director and put her on the industry blacklist. The weak premise got even weaker. Gone was Shin Hye Sun usuals charm that could carry the most paper thin characters. She was just insufferable in this. I'd probably enjoy it more if I just watched Shin Hye Sun put wallpaper in her house. At least her charm won't be obfuscated.
Ahn Bo Hyun was so bad in this. Total misuse, total miscast. He was great on Yumi's Cells. Even if his character was one dimensional in Itaewon Class he gave life to the role. Not in this. It seems the directer put tissue in his mouth and told him to do his best.
This show was so awful it made me not be excited to watch my two favorite korean actors.
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Story that doesn’t translate right on screen
I hate to be that person who whines about how dramas fail to live up to its original comics or books. But I really can’t let this review slide because See You in My 19th Life was, is my favorite Webtoon series of all times.SYiM19L has such an interesting premise. We have Ban Jieum as the female lead who found herself in her trickiest predicament yet - being her own love rival. To be more exact, her 18th reincarnated self was the girl whom Mun Seoha, her love interest, cannot forget. Being someone who can remember all her past 19 lives, would she be able to use her century old wisdom to win Seoha’s heart again?
When I first excitedly tune to the series, I kept telling myself to enjoy my beloved Jieum’s and Seoha’s romance on screen with an open mind. After all, I get that comic storytelling and drama storytelling aren’t exactly alike.
2 episodes in though, I couldn’t help but found myself picking up the webtoon again and put on the comparison lens. After crawling through 5 episodes, my verdict is in, the drama wasn’t appealing enough - even if I were to see it as a separate story.
All in all, the drama version made certain simple plots that already worked well more complex than necessary. I also didn’t enjoy the chemistry between drama version of Jieum and Seoha.
>>>Spoilers alert from here on<<<
1 Changes which weaken the core of what I love about the couple
In the webtoon, Jieum as her 18th reincarnation met Seoha first in the library. Though they didn’t like each other at first, they eventually got to enjoying each other’s company reading books and chitchatting. It was here where Jieum mentioned how she felt more like a 12 year old being around Seoha - and it was an important moment for her considering she had already lived for a century.
Instead of this simplistic meeting in the library and them enjoying each other’s company overtime, their first meetup is changed to the pool, which some element of fate.
Maybe it was trying to add more context to convince us how their love story could transcend 2 lifetimes. Maybe it was trying to add more shared moments that they could use to create that typical dreamy romance vibe that on screen. The pool scene was indeed pretty, but this pretty moment somehow drowned Seoha and Jieum. Added the cliche-y touch, cut away the couple’s unique vibe I love from webtoon. It’s something I appreciate less these days with romance dramas.
Another example of change that didn’t work well for me - was Jieum’s confession to Seoha.
In the webtoon, the confession was simple and pure. Jieum realised she liked Seoha and thought the moment was right to confess. There was an internal monologue shown to us on how Seoha’s actions that day impacted Jieum. It became clear to her that her affection towards Seoha remains romantic in this lifetime as well and thought it was important to confess. So she did. Simple, decisive and clear - like how someone who had lived for 19th life would rightfully do.
In the drama, they made Jieum ran in the rain from her place to Seoha’s (okay she ran to the taxi, then to Seoha’s, in the rain), then babbled to Seoha that she wanted to confess on his birthday because it would made him had a good memory to go by (instead of linking it to Joo Won’s death anniversary). And then, the moment got to predictably get interrupted by a “fake” love rival for a needed tension. I got tired typing this scenario out.
This change diluted the confession.
There were many more scenes like these that dial up the cliche-y moments. But let me move on to my next point.
2. Drama Seoha vs Webtoon Seoha
In the short 5 episodes I watched, I eventually warmed up to Shin Hye Sun’s portrayal of Jieum even when I didn’t like it either, but I sadly can’t say the same for Bo Hyun Ahn’s Seoha.
One of the most fun things about SYiM19L webtoon version was Seoha’s and Jieum’s banters - in particular, Seoha’s reaction to Jieum’s confessions and general remarks. The drama Seoha is too reserved, which dull a lot of the humorous moments I had enjoyed back then when reading the webtoon. The webtoon Seoha wasn’t friendly either, but he had way more reactions to Jieum’s teasing.
Hye Sun’s and Hyun Ahn’s on screen chemistry was also only so so to me. Not enough for me to like them separately from the webtoon version.
3. Jieum’s mystery and the finale
For remaining part episodes, I ended up googled others’ reviews to catch up on the story plot at high level.
If I had disliked the aforementioned changes, I am definitely upset with this one - they made Jieum forget the people in this lifetime too if she wants to break her curse. Whose genius idea is this to add this unnecessary cliche plot? Some critiques already pointed out the loophole on this.
In the webtoon, she simply won’t remember them anymore when she reincarnated in her next life. And this made so much more sense. After all, Jieum’s love story with Seoha happened because she remembered her past 18 reincarnated self. If she needs to forget them in this lifetime, what’s their love story without it anymore?
>>>Spoilers ends<<<
This concludes my review on See You in My 19th Life. It failed to capture the key spirits that made the webtoon version popular and enjoyable. The quirky and sassy female lead, the equally lovable male lead, their humourous and heartwarming love journey as well as the occasional nuggets of wisdoms from someone who has lived for centuries on life - I wasn’t able to see them on screen. While I give the production team a benefit of doubt, it’s hard for me to rate this higher than it is.
There were plus points though. The cinematography is great. The actor and actress are great too, even if I don’t felt convinced by their on screen chemistry. Also if you haven’t read the original webtoon like I did, maybe you will be able to enjoy See You in My 19th Life much better than me, without the bias and all.
I will “see y’all” in my next review.
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Well written and acted
just finished this masterpiece goshh I wish this will never end. such a well written drama and also the casting was so perfect ,well acted. I like ban jieum's character she is so straightforward and sometime she leaves you flustered, she is everybody's crush. shin hye sun really acted so brilliantly specially in episode 11 when she remembers her 1st life and the way she expressed, I got goosebumps watching her cry and the way she switch from emotional to anger woww. ahn bohyun as mun seo ha is the best thing I don't think anyone else can play this role like him it's like this character was made for him. seo ha is such a soft boy man really suffer from watching his nonna's death in front of his eyes, losing his hearing to betrayed by his uncle whom he trusted so much. cho won and ha doyoon is cute together glad he finally over come his inferiority and listen his heart.. the last episode was so emotional but at the end it's a new beginning seo ha saying those words which jieum told her in their first meeting was everything. at the end all get their happy ending and some is going towards a happy beginning Seo ha is now a confident and happy living a guilt free life. All over this drama is for me 10/10 not a single episode which lack something. perfect for binge watch.Was this review helpful to you?
Would you like to remember your past lives?
I give 5 stars for the beautiful scenes, story, and cast. I found Ahn Bo Hyun a little awkward, but that's probably the character of the series. For me, a slightly more active character type suits him better. And I would cut his hair right away. Looking at him made me wonder if he could see through that hair and if he really didn't mind :D. And definitely less makeup. Shin Hye-Seon is an incredible actress for me. I don't know why, but it happened to me again that I thought this series would be bullshit and boring. But I was really surprised. The secondary characters were promising and had engaging and dramatic scenes. In the last scene, I was embarrassed for them too :D. I was expecting a slightly more adult approach. Nevertheless, I would like to see Ahn Dong-Goo in a series where he would be the main character. The storyline was excellent. Flashbacks to past lives and remembering the past kept me on edge. I think this series will make everyone wonder if there is reincarnation and what it would be like to remember past lives. For me, definitely do not remember the past lives.Was this review helpful to you?
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a lot of deviations from the source material...
?The Good?I read the original webtoon this is based on and enjoyed it a lot. so I was happy to c that there was gonna b a series adaptation. So the set up is somewhat interesting. The acting is great for the most part, tho ML seemed awkward at times. Honestly, I don't think they casted the right actor for the role... Ahn Bo Hyun is good, but this role doesn't fit him well.
?The Bad?
So, half way through, I noticed some inconsistencies with the webtoon story, the whole thing where ppl around the FL get sick once they know she remembers her past lives. wth? and I've read some spoilers that in the end she forgets all of her lives and lives on? wth as well? idk... knowing that, this story becames some basic childhood friends to lovers story with the extra steps of reincarnation. the tango thing is cringe as well... idk. wish they stuck to the source material.
5/10 cuz first 5 ep were decent and then.... down hill. dropping on ep 7
so overall, im just disappointed with the adaptation. If I haven't read the webtoon, maybe this series would have been better but unnecessary drama is just ehhhh.
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Another Kdrama with a soulless ending!
I honestly don't know when will Kdrama writers gonna realize what they're doing for years, is not good!Some of the best shows has the worst ending, and "See You in My 19th Life" is just another example!
The main plot isn't new or extraordinary, we've seen shows like this many times, but it was still interesting, and fun. It was well-written, till the last 2 episodes!
I don't want to go into details, because I don't see the point, but the most disappointing parts of the story are these:
1. They didn't do much with the past lives plot, she was struggling who she should tell the truth for a long time, yet she basically told everyone, except her own mother!
2. The worst part of the story is probably the Minki guy. He came from nowhere, he was like the all-knowing guy, yet we didn't get a single explanation why or how he knows these things, we just had to accept what he says. I mean, where's the proof that Jieum had to forget all of her past lives to save everyone else? That was THE DUMBEST plot EVER! Lazy writing 101!
3. The pacing of the story. It wasn't really stretched or anything, but I still felt, we hardly get anything from the story. The last 2 episode were just bad! I think, they realized they made a mistake, so they fixed everything in 5 seconds, basically.
Other than these, I think this show is pretty good, and enjoyable! The actors did a great job, but sadly, this is just another average fantasy show with a massive potential.
Another overrated Kdrama, but I'm not surprised. Most show here are overrated. Kdrama fans don't like to give low scores.
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A tale of memories and letting go
See You In My 19th Life is a beautiful tale about how one can freeze in time metaphorically and psychologically. There are times in our lives when we can be so deeply hurt by others that we choose to punish ourselves in a circular manner without realizing that we have become the source of our pain. The show’s message of ‘letting go and living on’, through the lives of the characters makes it a heartwarming tale of love, memories, trauma and healing.The show reverberates the message of healing your inner child, healing yourself from your past trauma’s in each of the characters’ stories. Coming to the characters, the chemistry was good between the leads while the supporting cast had their own hold. The first half of the drama was enticing, however the second half got a bit loose towards the climax/final episode.
Nevertheless, See You In My 19th Life is a mesmerizing kdrama that effortlessly blends romance, fantasy, and heartfelt emotions.
My Rating : 7.5/10
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Disappointing if you're a webtoon reader
To start, this story is about a woman who reincarnates and remembers her past lives. In her life just before the story's present day, she's a kid who gets killed in a car crash; the male lead, also a kid, is in the car with her and witnesses her die, which seriously traumatizes him as the sole survivor. FL reincarnates and makes it her mission in her current life to find him. She falls in love with him and, in the present day, uses her collective experience to become qualified to join his family's company and his department. The original story breadcrumbs the reincarnation reveal, which is the core of the storyline; this story does not do that well at all.This is an adaptation of one of my favorite manhwa, so I think my expectations were too high and specific going in. While not terrible, there were a few things I found unacceptable in adaptation. For one, Shin Hye Sun is totally miscast. . Ban Ji Eum needs to exude specific qualities for the story to work: wisdom, implacability, mystery, self-assuredness beyond her years, flippancy, and mature flirtatiousness. Shin Hye Sun doesn't have the gravity or strength of character for the role--she seems more suited for more straight-forward roles; all efforts to make her seem older are conveyed through dialogue--she does literally nothing as an actor to convey that she's like hundreds of years old. Honestly, I thought the kid actors did a way better job being precocious and true to character. I also didn't like the costume and makeup choices for her at all; her outfits and dyed hair evoke youthfulness and work completely contrary to associations that would fit the character. Speaking out of her ass about being part of some historical scenes did not work at all. Characterization needs to be conveyed through facial acting, posture, costuming, vocal tone, etc., but here, basically all of her characterization as an adult comes through dialogue and the flashback child acting. I love the manhwa so I'm biased obviously, but if you compare the character design for each, the live action version here seems kind of random when it comes to making decisions about her character.
I was happy to see Ahn Bo Hyun get a lead role and I think he fits the male lead well. I've always thought he was a more dynamic actor than his supporting roles would lead one to believe and 19th Life shows that's true. Unfortunately, the plotting and female lead are far inferior to the source material. Maybe I would've enjoyed this more had I not been familiar with how excellent the webtoon is.
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