God is in the Details

Our Beloved Summer a.k.a That Year We Are isn't a drama that is flamboyant or dramatic in nature. This drama is not all that new or revolutionary in terms of the plot line since in my opinion there's so many dramas out there about relationship and love.

Where OBS drama excels is in the details and nuances in each episode - it's like watching a painter work - initially you don't see what is special about the painting but as is it worked into completion it becomes a magnificent piece of artwork. The cinematography, the acting, the story, the music are all brushstrokes that created this masterful and wonderful series that is Our Beloved Summer.

I enjoyed this series because of the slow burn, it felt realistic and relatable. While watching it reminded me of another drama that tugs at my heartstrings – Because This Is My First Life, I feel if you enjoyed BTIMFL you would also thoroughly enjoy OBS and vice versa.

OBS shows the growth of the characters as time passes and it’s executed very well. Each episode serving as a chapter that's strung into one beautiful book. The feelings that I get as the writer portrays each episode leaves me anticipating the next.
OBS revolves majority around the main lead's romance but it's also so much more than that. It’s the relationship not only between lovers but also friends and families and each person life struggles that provides viewers an insight into each of the main characters. The transition through the seasons beautifully weaves into the story of the main characters and by the end of episode 16 I know I will come back to re-watch this drama and it is now shelved as one of my favourites to watch of all time.

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I left this drama feeling and questioning things I didn't expect to when I started and this is why Because It's My First Life is an exceptional drama. Topics of modern world issues are raised throughout the episodes and the fact that they make people question about relevant topics and issues is what brings this drama so close to the heart of people.

All 16 episodes were really enjoyable to watch there was never a time I felt that any scene was a filler or boring despite it not being a suspenseful drama(for the most part). They kept true to their genre and plot with complementary music that tugs at your heartstrings. Having watched so many dramas prior this is one that makes it to the list of realistic but simultaneously dramatic dramas, especially during the beginning where the dramaticness turns amusing. I must say thought that it is an effective way to hook people to start the drama however one definitely stays for the plot.

The main leads really shined in their roles for this drama. Having watched both Lee Min Ki(SUFBB) and Jung So Min(PK) prior to this meant that I has some foundation and I was thoroughly impressed by both their characters here and how suiting they were. Even though Se Hee was a man that had an emotionless face he was able to show his feelings through the expression of his eyes and I found So Min to fit being Ji Ho more that her role in Playful Kiss which left much to be desired.

Overall this drama was fantastic in it's genre, walking into it with high expectations and leaving with it meeting more than what I expected. I loved the songs that empathises with each scene accordingly and even the cinematography while not being a wow factor with difference country scenes and extraordinary visual effects was filmed appropriately to bring out the most of this drama. I applaud not only the casts but the directors, the wonderful writer and the composer of this memorable drama that will leave a deep imprint in years to come.

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