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halfofhiyo

Spain

halfofhiyo

Spain
Hotel del Luna korean drama review
Completed
Hotel del Luna
3 people found this review helpful
by halfofhiyo
Sep 3, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10.0
Music 10.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Hotel del Luna was presented as an intriguing, somewhat pitiful yet comidic drama, which on its own drew in my attention. And Lee Ji Eun as the main character? Say no more.

Story:
We are set off with Jang Man Wol's story and the beginnning of the existence of the Moon Guest House but are however left as to why this occurs. Later on we are presented with Goo Chan Sung, the child, who because of his father, is tied to Hotel del Luna for the rest of his life. Throughout the development between both characters' relationship, we come across the lighthearted yet somewhat sentimental stories of the ghost guests, building a sense that ghosts are nothing to be afraid of as they were also humans who had died, often leaving regrets behind. The hotel features Mr. Kim (the bartender), a funny and down-to-Earth man, Mrs. Choi (rooms manager) a heartwarming and rational woman and last but not least Ji Hyun Joong (hotel receptionist) an adorable and sentimental guy. You get to know each character and sympathise with their background story and why they hold grudges that make them unable to go to the afterlife. Jang Man Wol's past is shown and built up throughout the entire drama and each time an episode ends it leaves you on a cliffhanger wanting more. I have to say that it would have been nicer if the way she had confronter her grudge/regret would done her past justice. Personally the story that got to me the most was Ji Hyun Joong's.

Acting/Cast:
From the main cast to the cameos, everyone's acting was exceptionally impressing and captivating. After 'My Mister' Lee Ji Eun proved that her acting skills were not simply those of a singer, but could instead be compared to great actor's and actresses'. She perfectly delivers Jang Man Wol's character with all the conflicting memories and emotions she carries. It was my first time seeing Yeo Jin Goo in a drama and I can safely say that I could tell this man had been in the game for a couple of years. Only then I found out that he is 22 years old, which blew my mind completely. He depicts Goo Chan Sung's composed and disciplined character but also manages to make you laugh due to his innocence. I have to add that there was this particular scene in which he broke down into tears; completely heart-wrenching and made me cry like a baby. All the other actors and actresses impressed me beyong expectations, whether I had seen them before or I was seeing them for the first time.

Cinematography/Styling:
I think it's particularly important to point out how amazing the production, camera work and editing was. I was in awe with every single setting and didn't realise how much a particular background or colour scheme could bring out emotions until I saw Hotel Del Luna. Of course, Jang Man Wol's outfits/style was the talk of the town. You could probably count up to 10 outfits and hairstyles in each episode and they were all absolutely beautiful and mood-fitting. So a really big round of applause to all the crew because they really did a great job.

Music:
I don't think I had seen such a powerful OST lineup in a really long time. Not only does the music accompany the scene but in fact makes the scene, it intensified it to an extent beyond imaginable. My personal favourites were All about you (그대라는 시) by Taeyeon and Done For Me by Punch, the latter being absolutely heart-wrenching with that heavy instrumental part in it.

Rewatch value:
I would probably watch this drama again now that it's complete because, believe me, it was a pain to watch it whilst it was airing. Watching all the episodes at once will definitely allow me to maintain the same mood throughout the drama and I will probably enjoy it even more. (I do have to say that sometimes the 1h 30min episodes tired me out a bit and seemed unnecessary long).

In conclusion, would I recommend watching this drama? YES. Nothing else to say, just watch it.
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