*Favorite Dramas, after years and years...

... do I even need to say anything? My favorite drama of all time. Great slow burn (..that never fully ignites... just gets warm and fuzzy). The plot is tight and well woven, the characters are perfectly written and executed: not too overexaggerated and not too dull.  It's so hard to find a good crime/mystery drama-- there always seems to be something missing, something off. 

What really sticks with me is some of the lines towards the end of the drama. There are so many intricacies and lessons and morals to take away. Every single line, every single character relationship and behavior is significant-- it really is such a masterpiece.

Despite all the controversy, the simplicity and realistic nature of this drama kept me hooked the whole time as an avid reader of the webtoon. It was entertaining without losing out on some of the key charms of the story: the human connections, both good and bad. It's definitely more of a light watch than the webtoon, as the webtoon kept me guessing and speculating about Yoojung's character and his relationship with Seol a lot more, but it's still really great to just sit back and enjoy the trials constantly thrown at Seol and how she tries to get through them with maturity and rational thought. The OST was also super tasteful and modern-- a laidback, indie feel. 

But 'ey, I might just be biased.

The cinematography is beautiful, as is their relationship. Simple and beautiful. I love dramas like this, ones that highlight the beauty of relationships, the realistic parts, the ugly parts, and the mutual trust that two people must have to fully fall for each other. Even though this drama is not groundbreaking in its plot, the emotions in this drama are raw and true. Not over the top, but still good enough to give you that good buzz from watching the main couple, and to be honest, it's so rare to find a drama that has this kind of charm: nothing too flashy, just two struggling people falling in love bit by bit.

I admit, I'm a sucker for romance and little details and symbolism-- all of which this dramas has in loads. There are so many sweet little nudges in this drama's directing and cinematography that are so subtle, but so worth it in the end. It's a simple, sweet love story about two people dealing with a complex situation in a complex way, reminding us of the nature of us as humans. Our tendency to feel hurt, be conflicted, be flawed, but still love. Nothing makes a piece more beautiful than refusing to make things simple and staying true to the beautiful complications that we all face, and being able to convey those in an engaging way on the screen is.. something really meaningful and worthwhile.  The OST is also a tender slow-burn, perfectly at home here.

The main couple feels real and resolves misunderstandings like a couple should-- with discussion and mutual understanding. Not over the top, but softly beautiful in its own, powerful way.

I watched this during finals week, so I kind of skimmed/skipped around a bit, but I was seriously so pleasantly surprised at the depth of this drama. Slightly dark, but no overacting. It doesn't try to be anything it's not, which I really appreciate in a drama. I'll definitely have to rewatch this for the full experience some day!

Every single member of the Yeom family (and otherwise) is so memorable and loveable in their own human way. This drama is quiet--sometimes so much so that the emotional impact creeps up on you, hidden behind the metaphors and poetic symbolism. 

In some ways, this drama feels like you need to put in some brain power to truly enjoy it, as it relishes in the combination of silences and pointed, unique dialogue (sometimes to the point of shock) that make the viewer think. But even that aside, without that mental rigor, if you just watch while enjoying and loving the characters--trying to understand them--you gradually begin to feel and hurt for them as they go through trials on their way to liberation. Hyperrealistic yet surreal.  A complex yet simple drama, exploring what connects us all, with all life's intricacies.