The Atypical Family (2024)

The Atypical Kdrama (very original)

- **Story/Plot**: 3/3
1. Synopsis (0.25)✅
2. Initial Impression (2eps) (0.25)✅
3. Genre Adherence (0.25)✅
4. Emotional Engagement (0.25)✅
5. Logic (0.25)✅
6. Plot Coherence (0.25)✅
7. Dialogue (0.25)✅
8. Pacing (0.25)✅
9. Character building/Development (0.25)✅
10. Story Richness (0.25)✅
11. Plot Twists (0.25)✅
12. Messages (0.25)✅
- **CAST/Acting**: 1.75/2
1. Lead Actor Performance (0.25)✅
2. Lead Actress Performance (0.25)✅
3. Main Cast Chemistry (0.25)❌
4. Supporting Actors/Actresses Performance (0.25)✅
5. Casting Precision (0.5)✅
6. Character Transformation (0.25)✅
7. Scene Stealers (0.25)✅
- **Directing/Camerawork**: 2/2
1. Camera Movement (0.25)✅
2. Editing (0.25)✅
3. Continuity (0.25)✅
4. Visual Effects (0.25)✅
5. Visual Details (0.25)✅
6. Cinematic Tension (0.25)✅
7. Lighting (0.25)✅
8. Flashback Integration (0.25)✅
- **OST (Original Soundtrack)**: 0.75/1
1. Opening Song (0.25)❌
2. Background OST (0.25)✅
3. Overall OST (0.5)✅
- **Style**: 0.75/1
1. Costumes (0.25)❌
2. Set Design (0.25)✅
3. Colors (0.25)✅
4. Poster (0.25)✅
- **Ending**: 0.75/1
1. Closure (0.25)✅
2. Emotional Impact (0.25)✅
3. Logic (0.25)✅
4. Personal Satisfaction (0.25)❌

Total Rating: 9/10 +0.5 Bonus
>>>>Final Rating: 9.5/10

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All You Ever Have is Right Now

This is definitely not your typical drama, which is actually a good thing. The series has enough curveballs and plot twists to keep the savviest viewer guessing right up to the end. These “time” plots are among the most challenging for a writer to track because there are so many elements. Perhaps that is why very few of them actually end up working, while so many others end up with enough plot holes to look like fly swatter by the end.

We have a family with special abilities. Bok Gwi Ju has the ability to go back to the past to his happiest moments. However, he doesn’t have the ability to affect the past, or at least, so we think until Do Da Hae shows up; a con-woman who is initially only after the Bok’s money on behalf of her loan shark of a “mother” and her adopted family. We quickly find that Gwi Ju can actually communicate with Da Hae and even interact with her. However, for the first few episodes, Gwi Ju is suffering from severe depression after a car accident take the life of his wife while he was “away.” He drowns himself in his sorrows through alcohol, even failing to be a father to his daughter, I Na.

Bok I Na is a young preteen who spends all of her time on her cellphone, not wanting to look anyone in the eye. We later find that her special ability is to read the minds of anyone she makes eye contact with. Her anxiety of reading minds isn’t just limited to her classmates, but she believes that she’s the reason why her mother was killed. Both father and daughter are suffering from tremendous guilt.

Bok Dong Hee has the ability to fly. However, she finds herself “weighted down.” Literally! Putting Claudia Kim in a fat suit really carried off the character well as a woman who finds her only solace is in food.

Last, but certainly not least, is the matriarch of the family, Bok Man Heum who has the ability to see the future through her dreams when she’s asleep. In many ways, she’s become addicted to her ability, not only through the fear of something bad happening to her and her family, but also as a means to acquire future knowledge, and thus, making herself and her family extremely rich.

Do Da Hae seems to show up in the Bok family on a whim, but nothing is as it seems, and she later finds that the mysterious “fireman” who saved her from a school fire when she was in high school, is none other than Gwi Ju. She soon finds herself wrapped up in the “time travel” plot of the Bok family as well as falling hopelessly in love with Gwi Ju as well as with his daughter, I Na (who actually discovers Da Hae’s true intentions through her mind-reading ability).
The head of Da Hae’s adopted family is a cruel, vindictive loan shark, Baek Il Hong, whose plot is to get Da Hae married off to Gwi Ju with the hopes of acquiring some of their wealth. Still, very few things in this series follow the “typical” plot line, and this is what truly makes the series so special.

Is it possible for the “villains” to actually turn over a new leaf and to actually have good intentions? Is it also possible to change the future if one already knows what is going to happen? So many TV shows/movies have dealt with this question. The irony is that the only point in time that any can experience is “right now.” There is no future or past, which is something that Einstein himself proved: that all of time and space is relative. As Socrates states in “Peaceful Warrior,” all we have is right now. More and more people are realizing that the only power you can ever have is in this moment. Life is choice, which negates the ridiculous belief that there is somehow a “fate” or a “destiny” involved. The only “fate” or “destiny” that exists is in whatever moment we decide it to be. Those who believe that the universe is a random place where they are controlled by fate or destiny are cowards at heart. Why? Because they fail to acknowledge their own power of choice.

The series only has a few minor flaws to it, which isn’t a bad thing, and since it’s a “time plot” we can hardly blame the writer too much. First, Da Hae attempts to make it appear that she’s “died” in an accident to prevent Gwi Ju from going to the past to save her (which, if he does, he will die). She and her uncle set things up while Gwi Ju is in the past. The only problem with this is, how does Da Hae know how much time she has before Gwi Ju comes back? It’s never explained, and for all she knows, Gwi Ju could be back within seconds or minutes from whatever point in the past he’s returning from. And yet, she acts as if she has all the time in the world, which makes no sense.

Second, in the last episode, Gwi Ju is holding teenage Da Hae on the windowsill, telling her to jump to the blow-up fire cushion below. However, as much as time as it takes Gwi Ju to explain things, he could have easily jumped out of the window with her. It would have been more convincing if something had happened to prevent him from doing this. Again, these are very minor points, and they certainly don’t detract from the story.

This isn’t your typical superhero series. Many of the people in this series are selfish and greedy. They only care about their own happiness. Gwi Ju is so caught up in his own pain, that he neglects his own daughter. Da Hae is so caught up in getting out from under her “mother” that she initially fails to realize that there is already a loving family waiting for her. I Na is so caught up in trying to avoid pain, that she isolates an alienates herself from everyone around her. Bok Man Heum is so consumed with her dreams, that she fails as a mother and a wife. Everything has its price, even for those with special abilities. Why? Because in the end, they are people too. And the most captivating of superhero movies and shows are those that show us the “human” side of the characters. Not their superhero abilities.

Performances in this series are absolutely fantastic, but for me, there was one standout. Park So Yi (I Na) was incredible in this series. This young lady has an incredible future ahead of her! At a young age, she is already able to convey feelings and emotions with simple looks and gestures; something that many adult actors and actresses are unable to do! She makes us feel her pain of loneliness, guilt, and isolation of someone who believes herself to be an outcast, not only at her school but within her own family as well! Park So Yi is able to show us the terrible burden that I Na carries and carries alone. I was captivated every time I Na was in a scene!

If you’re looking for a very “atypical” drama, you really can’t go wrong at all with this one! It will have you laughing and crying, and perhaps help you ask yourself the important questions such as, what is really important in life? Money or love? Money or family? And also to never forget to live life in each moment.

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A Realistic Story of Heroes With Crack-ups and a Woman who Enters Their Lives to Change Everything

First, Let me say that this is in my top 3 so far this year alongside Queen of Tears and Lovely Runner. This drama is literally so fun from start to finish. It's realistic, well-written and well-directed. It's originally created by Kang Eun Kyeong, who wrote masterpieces like Dr. Romantic and Gyeongseong Creature, written by Joo Hwa Mi, an amazing new writer and directed by Jo Hyun Taek, who also directed masterpieces like SKY Castle and Snowdrop. I dove into this drama with so many expectations and I didn't get disappointed at all. I agree the drama has some plotholes, like the dad caring about his FL more than his daughter, but I don't mean the part where he is depressed. Just to explain because people are complaining that when he was depressed, he didn't care about his daughter at all, depression is not just being very sad and that, it's a serious mental illness in which you want to be isolated most of the time and don't like to socialize with others and depressed parents interact with their children differently like using less emotions. Now, I'm gonna talk about the acting. I'm starting with Chun Woo Hee and Park So Yi because they're the gems of this show. They played their characters so well. From crying scenes to caring-about-each other scenes, they rocked them all. Claudia Kim, Oh Man Seok, Jang Ki Yong, Go Doo Shim, Ryu Abel and others also rocked it. They all did really well. The scene in episode 9 where Gwi Joo figures out I-na's power is so emotional. The two actors did so good in that scene. I also love how awkward the relationship between I-na and Gwi Joo was when he was depressed because it's so realistic. THAT'S how a relationship between a daughter and a depressed father is like. Also, the amount of action thrown in episode 12 is literally so fun. From the theater scene to the fire scene to the last scene, it was all too good.
What a perfect series. It deserves so much hype.

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amazing show

I think the atypical family is definitely in my top for 2024 because of the unique storyline and the incredible acting. The ending was perfect, although for some it may come across as too rushed for me it couldn’t have been done better. some parts are still left unknown for us, such as yi na when she is older but I don’t think this show needs a season 2. also to think that it only had 12 episodes, a s2 is very unlikely. I don’t remember being this excited for a show in a long time so that is why I gave it a 9.5/10 (okay so edit it has been almost 2 months and this show is still on my mind everyday, I’m definitely giving it a 10/10 not even lying it was so good)

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TIME TRAVEL DONE WELL: BEST UNDERRATED 2024 !

i love timetravel\ superpower shows but too often they r not well executed... so let me tell you about this gem as a lover of this genre! no spoilers!

so for 'atypical family', the synopsis looked interesting , about superpower family in modern times... i love a modern time magical universe , but i am almost always disappointed in the weak plots (like the recent destined with you T_T) The bar was already low for me haha!
So... even if the poster looks cringe, EVEN IF THE first episode was absolutely funky and almost incredilous... i gave it a chance...

still not much hope except WAW! we discover layers in this story and the imagery, plot, dialogue , characters and cinematography and ost are alll cherry on cake. every passing minute in the early episodes was brilliantly orchestrated to build an amazing setting. this shows doesn't try to overwhelm the viewer with superfluous drama or impress, its just a brillant world that imposes itself!

WHAT I LOVED!
>all characters are flawed and nuanced (if not crazy, the title 'atypical' fits really well ) and they are all given space in the show!

> main leads really shine in this ! FL is among my fav characters ever now! imperfect but so much growth and nuance, she made me think of the movie 'the travellers wife'

> the superpowers bring great reflections on our own lives. their powers and loosing them are lessons we can appreciate during the show. so much imagery in the show!!

> THE LAWS OF TIMETRAVEL ARE SOLID& consistant ( except one minor detail)

> they brought up free will & predetermined destiny concept very well

>all secondary elements are also very enjoyable.

>nothing was superfluous or looked like a filler plot except the ad placement LOL

> the intruigue reveal did not disappoint!

> THE PLOT IS SO WELL TIED TOGETHER ITS A MASTERPIECE!

LESS LIKED:
i really liked all except some writer manipulation to withhold information. don't forget its a show about the seen & unseen, past & future!! most often its done well, but sometimes its a bit much
Also ML often looks like a fool , not that it's a bad thing, (bc it fits with his problem ) but it felt a bit much sometimes.

ALL IN ALL:
the attention to detail in the writing and execution shines in every episode. i hope we get to see more of this world!! PLEASE RENEW THIS GEM T_T

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A fun and weird experience, not necessarily a memorable one

Each member of the Bok family had a unique special power that they lost due to modern life crises. One day, the grandparents arrange a second marriage for their son/single father, Gwi Ju (Jang Ki Yong), with Da Hee (Chun Woo Hee) who might be able to bring their powers back. However, she and her family's true intention is to take them for all their worth.

Just like the title, the vibe and characters of Atypical Family are unique. Certain things gave me cringe, like the obesity portrayal throughout the story and the one-note annoying characters, but the plot’s unpredictability and the complex flawed characters managed to keep me tuned in each week.

Gwi Ju and Ina's father-daughter bonding were heartfelt, and I love the developing friendship between Da Hee and Gwi Ju’s sister, Dong Hee. The chemistry between Da Hee and Gwi Ju was great, although at first I wasn’t rooting for their romance. Sometimes the pacing was slow, but it is never boring because the hijinks were hilarious! XD

I didn’t like how they keep throwing-in angsty cliffhangers in many episodes towards the ending, which makes the story felt drawn-out, but in the end it was very heartwarming. Overall, it was quite a fun watch!

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All-Time Favourite

I loved this from beginning to end. The storyline was right in my wheelhouse, including the fantasy, conflict, drama, and of course romance. Although some parts were predictable, most of the storyline included twists and turns and I was definitely on the edge of my seat wondering how it would end. It was an emotional story for me, but the social issues were handled in a way that I could manage as a viewer. I do wish that the writers and producers had borrowed some of the time from episodes 9 and 10 to give more breathing space to the last episode. It ended too abruptly for me - I didn't need a whole lot more, but there were so many moments in the other episodes where they teased us without letting on the outcome - they could have created similar moments for the ending.

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Your future spouse main purpose in life is to save you! A tear-jerking romance!

I've been avoiding new Kdramas lately since the latest trend is K-Trauma! Which led me to be in a slump for 8 months! When this first came out a lot of people were making edits and some even spoiled it saying how the ML is still stuck on his ex-wife! It sounded like a nightmare! But after giving "Lovely Runner" a chance (it was MEH) It's only fair if I do the same for "The Atypical Family" and I'm glad I did!

Lovely Runner and The Atypical Family both have similar concepts; time-traveling. But what makes one better than the other is that "The Atypical Family" made sense and everything came in a full circle. And- well...the characters are likable.

How would you feel if you found out your future spouse's purpose in life is to save you from the past, which may lead them to a tragic ending? I would be devasted! The ML future is the FL past. Meaning he doesn't understand his own decisions until the right moment reaches him. While with the FL, his future decisions were already made.

For example, earlier in the drama, the FL said when she was young she taught herself how to ride a bike since her father wasn't there, eventually she got the hang of it and was able to do it! However, later in the show, the ML goes back to his childhood to remember a family outing at the park. Suddenly he sees the young FL running and saw her getting teased for not knowing how to ride a bike. That's when he decided to help her learn without ever revealing himself. Is this what you call the 'red string theory'? Wow *claps hands in admiration*! Everything comes in a full circle and I am inspired to have that skill of making a well-written script!

Moving on, I love the OST! It was mainly the same song but in different tones for different emotions! The way the singer slid on the beat had me floating! I also loved how flawed each character is! I was able to relate to something common like being stuck on something from the past! One that really hit home is when the FL thought she healed but realized that she was running from said problem. WOW! We are all human and I'm glad this show was able to reflect something so complex into visuals and do it CLOSE to perfection.

I want to see more flawed but eventually loved characters in new Kdramas! Something that will keep me interested! Not a bland one where life is just...life LMAO! The ending did throw me off and I wished for an extra scene but it's a bitter-sweet ending for me. It's a HEA but the way it was done hit my heart! Of course, I should've known this new Kdrama would suffer from the current trend! And the trend is like...either they die or everything is too superficial! (I'm eyeing a particular drama but it's an unpopular opinion so I'll be quiet LOL!)

In conclusion, this is a good show with an interesting concept that keeps you captivated! I tried my best to avoid spoilers and I was so shook when things were revealed while watching! I hope you are reading this AFTER watching LMAO! I recommend and will most definitely re-watch this when I want to hope that there is someone out there who will always choose me! Happy watching!

RATE: 9.5/10

KTRAUMA- 6/10 (Tear-jerker! Happy and Sad)
GOOD VIBES-6/10 (some angst will leave you on the edge of your seat)
CHEMISTRY- 7/10 (Wish there were more of the leads being a couple without baggage but it's only 12 episodes SMDH)

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A unique time travel superhero romance drama

9/10 is my rating. This is a 2024 fantasy romance drama with 12, 70-76 minute episodes.  It is also known as "Although I Am Not a Hero." 

First I provide a unique synopsis then review.

Synopsis 


Do Da-hae (Chun Woo-hee) has participated in several cons where she marries men then works with her step family to relieve them of their assets.  That is her goal when she first meets the Bok family.  Bok Gwi-ju (Jang Ki-yong) is a depressed man who is so grief stricken over the loss of his wife, he is not very involved with his teenage daughter, Bok I-na (Park So-yi).  What Do Da-hae does not know at first is this is a family of people who used to have superpowers.  They lost their powers when they started partaking in modern vices like overeating, lack of sleep and poor mental health.  Do Da-hae cozies up to the family to swindle them but her attentions start to heal some of their issues and she finds herself drawn to them in a real sense.  There is Gwi-ju who used to be able to time travel to happy events but is now too depressed to think of anything happy.  Bok Dong-hee (Claudia Kim), the older sister, used to be able to fly but overindulging in food has left her grounded.  The mother of the household, Bok Man-heum (Go Doo-shim) can see the future and used it in the past to amass a family fortune.  The father, Eom Soon-gu (Oh Man-seok), is the only family member without any powers although it was first thought I-na did not have any powers.  She is hiding her ability to "read" people behind shaded glasses.  Can a con artist unintentionally heal this wounded family?  Is Do Da-hae the motivation for Gwi-ju to move on from his past tragedy?

ReviewIf you are looking for a unique premise and different spin on time travel this is a good one for that.  It does have a strong romantic element but there are so many tragic events around it, not a feel good or light hearted type romance.  There is also a very different "take" on superheroes.  I enjoyed this a lot because of the unusual perspectives on themes and tropes that have been frequently done in other movies and dramas.  He is an unusual male lead character and she is an unusual female lead character.  Overall, this series is a good addition to the time traveler and super hero dramas and is also something romance fans would enjoy. 

Spoilers

The story ends happily with the main couple together, in fact they have a child who is born with superpowers.  All major plot lines are resolved.  There are a lot of emotional and sad moments so those that are really sensitive to that type of content may want to consider this one has some darker and emotionally draining moments.

The main female lead character was a con artist and was part of a larger family of con artists.  She was being coerced to con people to pay back her father's debt to the loan shark he wound up acting as her mother.  But she doesn't resist the role even when it is clear it is hurting other people who are good.  It made it hard to really like her and be hopeful in her relationship. 

The chemistry between the leads was off for a couple of reasons.  First, their height difference was such that their passionate kisses often just looked painful.  And, second, so much of the series was spent with one or the other rejecting their feelings that there was such a relatively short period when they were actually together. 

The mother was just mean to the main female lead character well beyond when it seemed she should have known she wasn't conning people because she wanted to.  Even as a con artist she had done so much to help the family you think they could forgive her having that type of motive to start. 

They never explained main lead girl's "uncle" and "sister."  Were they kids like her or were they her loan shark "mother's" actual children. 

#AtypicalFamily   #JangKiyong  #ChunWooHee  #GoDooShim  #CladiaKim   #ParkSoYi   #OhManSeok  #KimGeumSun  #RyuAbel  #ChoiGwangRok  #AlthoughIAmNotAHero

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