2015 definitely had some great quality dramas filled with buzz and fervor such as Kill Me, Heal Me, Healer, and I Remember You. Even though the three dramas mentioned contains comedy, its underlying plot is heavy and convoluted. Sometimes, we just want a simple, straightforward plot that are guaranteed with comedic chops and hijinks. To me, She Was Pretty is the perfect example for that. It is indeed light, funny, and often times crazy, but there is definitely heart in the drama that tugs our own.
Personally, I've developed a connection with Hye-jin, for many particular reasons. Her character is an embodiment of the majority of women. At some point, she is relatable - and worth rooting for. Even with its flaws, SWP tugged at my heartstrings. I enjoyed it while it lasted, cried during moments of insecurity, and laughed when absurdity comes in full fold. Indeed, the story fizzled out after episode 12 (if I remember correctly), having not enough plot points to delve into for four more episodes. Siwon's ddeol-kija (crazy reporter Shin-hyuk), Hwang Jung-eum's Jackson / Kim Hye-jin and Park Seo-joon's Ji Sung-joon will definitely light up a cloudy day.
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Those are the three words I can describe I Remember You.
During the course of watching the drama, I often wonder to myself, 'how can a drama be this good?' In a way, there are many plot points that could've gone awry, executions that would've made the whole drama into a train wreck, or characters that would've become so frustrating, yet somehow, none of that happened. Instead, the opposite of it became the final product: storyline filled with suspense, angst, with an air of quirky comedy that will keep you glued to your screen from the first minute to the last, excellent relays of the writer's ideas transforming to a visual interpretation from the directors and producers even with the camera works, and finally, characters that are heart-wrenching, clever, and refreshing.
The ability of the drama to execute pathos within its loyal viewers despite the horrific acts and wrongdoings other characters have made is a feat within itself. The drama's question of, Are monsters created or born?, makes you re-evaluate yourself on your own morals and values.
The drama is sadly underrated, but as to what I've read somewhere, the ratings were very steady, which can mean that those who loyally watched from the first episode sticked until the end, and loved it to its core. Honestly speaking, ratings do not even matter anymore. However, there's a part of me that is upset and hurt that I Remember You did not get the justice to be praised, applauded, and commended for what it's worth. Such a pity that it wasn't appreciated during its airing when it is clearly one of the best and unforgettable dramas in 2015.
I find myself unable to move on, having major withdrawals from the drama, crying whenever I hear Dear Cloud's Remember as if the song comforts me as it comforts our characters. That itself makes me believe that I would have missed out real good have I not watched this gem.
Kudos, I Remember You, you will be remembered, and never forgotten. With that, I give it not just a 10 out of 10, but a 15 + alpha.
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Never have I ever watched a Korean drama that left me speechless and at loss for words the way Signal did. The drama never conformed on the cliches and the archetypes ever since the beginning. At first, I was wary. Yes, I was. Because those drama cliches we've grown to love and hate always brings a feeling of familiarity, often times, just mixed with different elements and spices; but still familiar. I've grown to accept that it's always going to be like that in the world of dramas. So, Signal put me off-guard, got me out of my comfort zone, and let me explore a wonderful drama that I don't know if I will ever experience again. If there's ever one thing that I did right, it would be that night I stumbled upon Signal's 1st episode. I don't need to execute superlative adjectives that would describe Signal because the opinions of absolutely everyone is going to be the same. Whatever good thing you hear about it, I will always agree to it.
Whenever I finished watching an amazing drama, I would feel empty and yearning for more. However, for Signal, it left me feeling proud; holding my head high, just how Lee Jae-han would want.
To put it simply, Signal set the bar higher than it could ever be. A game changer, that's what Signal is.
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I love Sung Shi-won to death. She was a gem and my favorite korean drama heroine ever. Her relationships with her father, Yoon-jae, and with her friends always hit me at the right spot. So jjang.
Yoon-jae was so heartwarming. His unrequited first love for Shi-won still pricks me no matter how many time I watch Reply 1997. Same for Joon-hee's suffering. The story tugs my heart in a good way.
I recommend this drama because its plot and characters plus the music is perfectly synchronized and it gets through me. Every. Single. Time.
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The story and the pace isn't exactly for everyone; people are naturally drawn to the flashiest love stories, extreme revenge plots, or the action-packed fight scenes - the extreme of the extremes. In the midst of all the chaos, there was a little drama that passed by like a cold winter breeze - When the Weather is Fine. Its beauty lies within the quiet moments, the slight shift of emotions, the insights, and the unspoken love of the characters. Every episode is a layer of healing, like a page in a beautifully written book. The ambience and the heart of the drama was exactly what I needed. It was serendipity; like a warm hug to my unknowingly shattered spirit. It is your comfort zone, an embrace from your loved one after a long day; it's your security blanket. That is what it made me feel.
The ending felt lackluster - I was expecting a more solid flow of stories, instead of a rushed, fast-paced yet ambiguous tone it had. I wanted the ending as a time to bid farewell to the drama, the characters, and the book club. But it didn't gave me that satisfaction and instead left me feeling confused with its open ended-ness. That will probably the only critique and disappointment I have with the drama.
It might take a long time for me to forget this drama. It truly is a drama where you will remember it during the coldest of the nights where you feel lost and broken, and also when the sunlight hits you warmly, when the weather becomes fine, in your heart.
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