From a sweet romance to a powerful supernatural conclusion
Head over Heels begins as a sweet high school romance with supernatural elements, It develops into something more substantial, mysterious, and powerful while retaining the beautiful innocence of youth and trust. It also shows the role traditional shamanism continues to play in a modern, sophisticated society: how Korea keeps faith with its traditions. For me, the drama shares sensibilities with some of my favorite dramas from years back before Netflix came on the scene.
The story's metamorphosis is convincing as the characters continue to develop emotionally. I especially appreciated that the villains are not unredeemable. They are given chances - will they take them? No one is ultimately rejected but not all the story lines are resolved.
Needless to say, the acting is at a high level, the romantic chemistry between the leads as convincing as is the bromance between Gyeon-u and Ji-ho. Cho Hu-Hyun does a wonderful job differentiating between the awkward high-school student Seong-a and the powerful, empathetic sHeaven and Earth Fairy shaman.
I know that many reviews have focused on what some see as holes in the plot, unresolved dramatic lines etc but I found myself caught up in the spirit and beauty of Head over Heels. There are numerous little touches that resonated with me - a few chords from Hotel del Luna after the big closing scene at the abandoned house, the epilogue with Seong-a doing a fairly ordinary and tiring exorcism. The writers could have ended with a long kiss under the moonlight but i found it appropriate showing that Seong-a's job is not always romantic or dramatic. It's just another day at work!
The story's metamorphosis is convincing as the characters continue to develop emotionally. I especially appreciated that the villains are not unredeemable. They are given chances - will they take them? No one is ultimately rejected but not all the story lines are resolved.
Needless to say, the acting is at a high level, the romantic chemistry between the leads as convincing as is the bromance between Gyeon-u and Ji-ho. Cho Hu-Hyun does a wonderful job differentiating between the awkward high-school student Seong-a and the powerful, empathetic sHeaven and Earth Fairy shaman.
I know that many reviews have focused on what some see as holes in the plot, unresolved dramatic lines etc but I found myself caught up in the spirit and beauty of Head over Heels. There are numerous little touches that resonated with me - a few chords from Hotel del Luna after the big closing scene at the abandoned house, the epilogue with Seong-a doing a fairly ordinary and tiring exorcism. The writers could have ended with a long kiss under the moonlight but i found it appropriate showing that Seong-a's job is not always romantic or dramatic. It's just another day at work!
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