This review may contain spoilers
An endearing and energetic drama
If the production had felt and looked a little more sophisticated, this show would have been flawless. The script is filled with a well-balanced mix of feel-good and sincerely emotional moments depicting the struggles of young adults making ends meet and the change of hearts of the wealthier guys in a highly competitive, performance-driven, capitalistic society such as South Korea, while avoiding tear-jerking pittfalls (on that score, I doubt the main female character, hoping to move to the US, would have found greener pastures over there...).
The cast ensemble drama builds up remarkably well over the 16-episode span, and the evolution of the relationship between the two main characters is so well-timed - for once - that it should be commended. The two main leads (Go Kyung Pyo and Chae Soo Bin) fit their lovable characters seamlessly and deliver: all emotional scenes never seemed off-key, especially the more tricky ones where they end up as a sobbing mess, they still felt right. Yes, a slightly more nuanced character for Oh Jin Gyu (Kim Seon Ho) would have been welcome, as the guy constantly oscillates between full-on jerk and well-meaning guy. Secondary characters never felt dispensable, keeping some form of depth or charm without trying too hard and some of them provided nice comic scenes which didn't feel too forceful.
The show never aims to be more than what it is: refreshing, character-driven and energetic and it gives it a genuine feeling which kept me into it from start to finish. The transition between plot lines was seamless.
I was, for once, very pleasantly surprised by the slightly pop-rock soundtrack, with the infectious "Cartoon Romance", serving as a recurring theme, definitely underlining the slightly 1990s vibe of the drama (save smartphones and jean cuts).
The cast ensemble drama builds up remarkably well over the 16-episode span, and the evolution of the relationship between the two main characters is so well-timed - for once - that it should be commended. The two main leads (Go Kyung Pyo and Chae Soo Bin) fit their lovable characters seamlessly and deliver: all emotional scenes never seemed off-key, especially the more tricky ones where they end up as a sobbing mess, they still felt right. Yes, a slightly more nuanced character for Oh Jin Gyu (Kim Seon Ho) would have been welcome, as the guy constantly oscillates between full-on jerk and well-meaning guy. Secondary characters never felt dispensable, keeping some form of depth or charm without trying too hard and some of them provided nice comic scenes which didn't feel too forceful.
The show never aims to be more than what it is: refreshing, character-driven and energetic and it gives it a genuine feeling which kept me into it from start to finish. The transition between plot lines was seamless.
I was, for once, very pleasantly surprised by the slightly pop-rock soundtrack, with the infectious "Cartoon Romance", serving as a recurring theme, definitely underlining the slightly 1990s vibe of the drama (save smartphones and jean cuts).
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