Numi
A heartwarming family drama
'Once Upon a Small Town' is a sweet short drama that is good for watching when you feel down or just need to watch something in between dramas or when commuting to work.
I rarely write reviews, so I hope you can bare with me. It is not even the best drama I watched but I still think it deserves a review.
The Story:
The story is not super special or new but I liked the setting. A sweet curious police officer living in the countryside and the distant big city vet. It reminded me of those movies my grandmother watches that hold a secret sweet spot in my heart. And that is probably why I wanted to write this review. This story can be watched with the whole family and bears so much sweetness. It radiates warm feelings of home.
At times the pace of the storyline is slow but I think it suited the drama's vibe. Usually, I watch thrillers and action dramas, so 'Once Upon a Small Town' is extremely different from my usual taste. But, again, it is short and just perfect for the daily commute.
Also, I usually dislike dramas that are purely romantic (maybe I am a cold person, idk), but this drama did not annoy me but made me smile.
Acting:
The acting is not superb, but not bad either. It cannot nearly compete with high-production masterpieces but it is a good thing that it does not have to. I would not say it is Joy's best work (though I have only watched 'Tempted' so I do not think I am experienced enough to judge that properly) but it is refreshing and probably fun for the cast to play.
You will be disappointed if you are looking for a masterpiece or an out-of-the-world experience. Cherish the drama as a homely feeling and something that warms your heart. A quick dose of sunshine.
Rewatch value:
I gave it 9 stars for a high rewatch value for the following reasons:
- short drama -> if rewatched, it does not "steal" much time
- predictable plot (in a positive sense as it gives stability which some of us need - especially in uncertain times) -> if you rewatch it, then you know the whole plot, but be honest: when watching this (especially considering its length) are you really surprised about anything happening in there
- heart-warming -> at least for me, it brings back memories from my childhood, staying over at my grandmother's place, watching those movies where a city person moves to the countryside and falls in love with one of the people living there, It warms my heart and I have no problem to rewatch it, especially considering that I watch many thrillers, so I guess I need some warmth lol
Side comment:
'Once Upon a Small Town' reminded me also of the time when I volunteered on a farm in the middle of nowhere three years ago, and even though I only stayed there for two months, I met so many warm and lovely people that I am still in contact with. While watching, I reached out to one of them because I got reminded of how she drove me to the nearest town, helped me shop for gear I needed for the next job and invited me for food. This memory seems so small and insignificant but in hindsight, it meant a lot to me.
I rarely write reviews, so I hope you can bare with me. It is not even the best drama I watched but I still think it deserves a review.
The Story:
The story is not super special or new but I liked the setting. A sweet curious police officer living in the countryside and the distant big city vet. It reminded me of those movies my grandmother watches that hold a secret sweet spot in my heart. And that is probably why I wanted to write this review. This story can be watched with the whole family and bears so much sweetness. It radiates warm feelings of home.
At times the pace of the storyline is slow but I think it suited the drama's vibe. Usually, I watch thrillers and action dramas, so 'Once Upon a Small Town' is extremely different from my usual taste. But, again, it is short and just perfect for the daily commute.
Also, I usually dislike dramas that are purely romantic (maybe I am a cold person, idk), but this drama did not annoy me but made me smile.
Acting:
The acting is not superb, but not bad either. It cannot nearly compete with high-production masterpieces but it is a good thing that it does not have to. I would not say it is Joy's best work (though I have only watched 'Tempted' so I do not think I am experienced enough to judge that properly) but it is refreshing and probably fun for the cast to play.
You will be disappointed if you are looking for a masterpiece or an out-of-the-world experience. Cherish the drama as a homely feeling and something that warms your heart. A quick dose of sunshine.
Rewatch value:
I gave it 9 stars for a high rewatch value for the following reasons:
- short drama -> if rewatched, it does not "steal" much time
- predictable plot (in a positive sense as it gives stability which some of us need - especially in uncertain times) -> if you rewatch it, then you know the whole plot, but be honest: when watching this (especially considering its length) are you really surprised about anything happening in there
- heart-warming -> at least for me, it brings back memories from my childhood, staying over at my grandmother's place, watching those movies where a city person moves to the countryside and falls in love with one of the people living there, It warms my heart and I have no problem to rewatch it, especially considering that I watch many thrillers, so I guess I need some warmth lol
Side comment:
'Once Upon a Small Town' reminded me also of the time when I volunteered on a farm in the middle of nowhere three years ago, and even though I only stayed there for two months, I met so many warm and lovely people that I am still in contact with. While watching, I reached out to one of them because I got reminded of how she drove me to the nearest town, helped me shop for gear I needed for the next job and invited me for food. This memory seems so small and insignificant but in hindsight, it meant a lot to me.
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