grapejuice

Out of all the dramas I've seen (or heard about) this one suffered the most from childish shipping wars. There were two quite unique, very engaging male leads, who were obviously walking two very different paths toward success and happiness. So, why did people have to be so ferocious when their favourite didn't get the girl? Was it so hard to see that his path needed to go in a different direction? Was it necessary for people to eviscerate the other character and actor, as well as the writer, and the drama as a whole ... because they would have chosen differently for the FL? No, it wasn't at all necessary ... and it wasn't justifiable either.

So, for those who read these opinions long after the fact, please know that many of the reviews you'll find here, and elsewhere, have little to do with the quality of the drama. Because Start Up is, honestly, an above average drama in just about every respect. The writing and direction are solid with moments of true brilliance. And none of the actors has anything to apologize for. Each and every one of them created a believable, but still vivid, character that will stick with you.

Of course it isn't perfect. But it's an unusual story that's well told; a really enjoyable, feel-good story about some very memorable characters, relationships and dreams.

I'm looking forward to her future works as well!!!
But, to be fair, while you could argue that KES early works contained some misogynistic elements, that really isn't true of the later ones.

I will watch anything that you want to write, Kwon Eun Sol. I think you're a genius.
Search.WWW was excellent, but your Twenty Five, Twenty One is a masterpiece, from beginning to end ... and I'm so pleased that we saw your whole vision despite the public's bullying.
Good for you, strong, wise and talented woman!!!
You've given us a gorgeous story, with layer upon layer of insight, unique characters to adore ... and so many incredibly moving and funny moments.
I love it, the philosophy that runs through it, and all of the wonderful memories that you made for us to treasure. Thank you!!!

you haven't seen many dramas if you think that TKEM was one of the worst ever made ... :-)

If you bail at ep7, you will have given up too soon. You haven't arrived at the real point of the drama yet.

A LOT of people make ridiculous assumptions based on short descriptions, tags. shady rumours, one actor or one previous project from the writer or director. And they do it ALL THE TIME!!! They'll jump all over a drama before it even airs it's first episode. They'll judge it to oblivion, complaining and even getting angry about something that hasn't happened yet. It's actually really a sad phenomenon because all kinds of decent dramas get drawn through the mud this way. And of course, fewer people will even see them because there was so much unfounded but incredibly negative talk before they could even be seen.

Why do people make up their minds and actually have arguments about a drama after reading such a short description? Surely you guys know enough not to pay so much attention to kdrama descriptions or posters or even trailers and tags. They are always misleading or plainly wrong because there's no way that any subtlety can be conveyed in only a few lines. Just keep an open mind, and watch it when it comes out.

Thank you for this review. It's nice to have received new things to think about about as I start my first re-watch. Melancholia will undoubtedly be one of the dramas that I turn to again and again whenever I need a sure thing to lift me up and make me feel a bit better.