dahhhLia
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This review may contain spoilers
A realistic portrayal of modern day relationships
The last 10 minutes of the movie will leave you mind-blown. That's where the twist is, and you need to watch it again to get a complete grasp of the story. Thank goodness it's on Netflix! We can rewatch the scenes until we fully understand what's going on (lol). This is a well-executed film, with three equally talented stars at the forefront. It has a good balance of seriousness and humor as the characters matter-of-factly tell their story, a characterization of why relationships in this fast-paced world are short-lived. This is rated 13+ by Netflix, but it tackles a more mature topic apt for, perhaps, a more open-minded perspective on dating and relationships. If you are expecting a feel-good happily-ever-after romantic comedy sort of thing, this, without a doubt, will disappoint you. Watch something else.Chae Soo Bin impressively portrayed her role as the lively and cheerful turned lonely and weary nurse, Da Eun. She's one of the younger stars whose acting prowess is commendable. The camera immaculately captures her sweetness. A real beauty who's a class act of her own. Jang Ki Young (Jang Hyuk), nailed his role as the struggling young professional climbing up the ladder. An imperfect guy with a perfect smile. Such a charming young man! I've watched him portray different roles in dramas, he never disappoints, always a pleasure to watch. His scenes with Krystal (Bo Young) were fun and light in contrast to the serious and heavy scenes with CSB (Da Eun), yet he wonderfully delivered. He's got good chemistry with both CSB and Krystal, too. Krystal as Bo Young was exceptional. She playfully and brilliantly brought the character to life.
I love this movie. I like how it ended. I let out a satisfying chuckle at the final scene yet, at the same time, heartbroken for the sweet romance that turned sour in the end. I was left with an afterthought of what could have happened if they had done things differently. The main leads are not bad, they're just young people who still have so much to learn--perfectly flawed humans who are newbies in the real world and still have a lot of growing up to do.
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Story
Why is this drama only 12 episodes? They could have lavished us with more fluffy and dreamy scenes between the MLs. I wish the whole drama focused more on Ha Won and Seo Woo's story and less on Ji Soo and In Wook. Piano scenes were a bit too much. In Wook's glum character was something that I wish didn't exist in a drama like this one. It dimmed the light and happy energy that Ha Won and Seo Woo tried to bring into their scenes. The episodes at the beginning and towards the end were too focused on Ji Soo. Also, there were a lot of unnecessary scenes that dragged the story down, it made it more slow-paced than it actually was.
**Having had watched a number of dramas during this pandemic, APOYM remained my number 1 in 2020. I rushed a bit when I watched it the first time because I couldn't wait to see how things would unfold between the main leads, but after watching it again and again at a much slower pace just like how I'd enjoy my midday coffee on a lazy Sunday, I gained appreciation to how the support leads portrayed their roles. This drama was so much like a movie in all aspects. It's a masterpiece that, perhaps, only those who understand art can truly relate to. It's made for a niche audience.**
Acting/Cast
Hae In (Ha Won) and Soo Bin (Seo Woo) really did so well in this drama. I like the development of their characters and love story. I love seeing them quietly stealing loving and admiring gazes at each other. Hugs came aplenty but I wished they did not scrimp on kisses. The MLs look so perfect together. Their eyes say a lot, their acting deserves to be praised. I hope they both appear in another slow drama with a beautiful love story in the near future. I look forward to seeing them together again.
**Hae In and Soo Bin are a visual treat. Their features are so alike they complement so perfectly. I hope drama writers & directors also read reviews & comments on this site. Guys, can you please give us another Hae In-Soobin drama? Can you make it sooner, please? I'd love to see them in an action-romantic comedy or medical romantic comedy-drama. If only APOYM had more episodes, these two MLs could have given more of what they had given us as actors.**
Music
The OSTs are the other best thing about this drama. Like Ha Woon and Seo Woo's love story, the songs soothe and heal.
**Personally, I needed some kind of healing, too, when I watched this drama. The OSTs are on the first 4 of my top songs in my 2020 playlist on Spotify. Listening to these songs soothed me like a warm hug on those days that I was down and needed a lift. It pulled me through these unprecedented times and for that I was truly grateful.**
Overall, I love this drama. It's one of the best this year.
**After watching it many times, I realized that this drama helped me accept, understand, and release unprocessed emotions. I gravitated towards this drama because in some ways I could relate to what Seo Woo went through. Coping with the loss of a loved one and overcoming grief, loving someone from afar, throwing your 1% out there and see how it would survive, power hugs-- these are just so real, so human. Watch this drama slowly because it holds in it little moments of pleasure that would surely make you smile and leave your heart warm and fluffy. Pay attention to the details. Most importantly, watch it with headphones because there are poetry and magic to be captured in between lines, music, and silence. Trust me, you'll appreciate it better.***
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