hardpliers
While I've seen a couple of shows where the action is taking place in a manga / book, this didn't feel like a strange concept to me. Extraordinary You managed to take this a step further and make it more psychological in a sense. I was a very big fan of the "stage" concept of this show, and how characters were self-aware or playing character within the manhwa. The female lead was very-cartoony-like, and also becoming more human as the story progressed. The characters were also able to play the cliche "shy heroine", "bad guy", "handsome popular boy" tropes really well. However, what surprised me the most was Haru's character, considering that the actor was so fresh to acting at the time. I was very swooned and in-love with his demeanour, history and the way he carries himself throughout the drama.
Although so many people call this drama cheesy and "wasted potential", I completely disagree as this show combines both stereotypical KDrama and something above that. Please disregard the reviews, watch a couple of episodes and see for yourself. Needless to say, this was so beautiful I need a season 2!
Was this review helpful to you?
While I've watched the other Reply series and didn't think it could get any better, it certainly did get better with Reply 1988. It was refreshing to see a slide-of-life drama centred around family, or the Ssamundong neighbourhood - their daily lives and the dilemmas each of the family faces. With each of the character, you could definitely associate them with one of your family members. The plot was entertaining, simple and not over-the-top dramatic, and would leave you hanging and craving for another episode. This time-piece transported me back to the 80s with the rise of brand names and westernisation, Korean ballads, and a way different Seoul I've never seen before.
As for the romance, the love triangle and the guessing game for who's the husband had me scrapping theories left and right. While I was disappointed with Duk Seon's choice the first time I've watch it, the re-watch definitely gives you a whole different perspective on the character's love life. The actors were amazing, consider how little experience some actors had while playing their roles for this drama.
Truly a masterpiece which I'll never forgot. If I had to pick a drama to re-watch multiple times with different people, this would be it!
Was this review helpful to you?
For all of the Dr Romantic fans our there, this is a long-awaited romance, slice-of-life and medical drama out there. Even when you would think the directors cannot bring anything new to the table, they somehow manage to find a way and impress the viewer in many ways. Personally, while watching season 3, I could not help but reminisce the previous seasons, try to remember the characters and their own stories. For hardcore fans, this season ties in well with the rest of the series and brings up new themes about family, career path, ethics etc. Overall, a must watch for fans of season 1 and 2. For newcomers - please go ahead and have a marathon for all three of the seasons and you really will not be disappointed.
As for the last scene of episode 16 - can we please have a season 4 I beg!!!!
Was this review helpful to you?
First and foremost, I love the fact that this drama takes place in a seaside town rather than Seoul. The big cities are so exhaustive when a bigger more than half of Kdramas are based in that area. Coming from a small seaside town like this myself, the show really showcased what a place like that really is in terms of living, working, having a business - the good, the bad and the ugly. The story seemed natural, without overdoing any dramatic car crash scenes etc. Every character trauma, memory, story seemed real and relatable. Second, can we just address the fact that both the female and male leads have so much chemistry together? I had to rewind multiple times just to watch the scenes again. Shin Min Ah has always been one of my favourites, and I loved seeing her in action. The male lead really didn't disappoint as well!
If you enjoy slice of life and romance, this one is for you. Be careful watching as I'm guaranteed you'll have withdrawal symptoms afterwards - it's that good!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Reply 1994 was a breath of fresh air after a long slump of very mediocre kdramas I've watched lately. So glad I decided to pick this up right after the 1997 series, as I had a hard time finding something nostalgic like that, which fits the same category. The show starts of with an introduction to the Sinchon boarding house in Seoul, and every character who gets to come and experience the early adulthood in Seoul. I found it comforting have to follow the country kids journeys in college life, as compared to Seoulites, which brought a lot to the table. This drama was a complete glimpse into what the Korean culture is like, the different food and being one big family despite the relation in blood, the hype culture, the technology and Westernisation. There are many more themes I could name, but these are just some that stuck out to me and made me feel really nostalgic and almost like having FOMO for not being a young adult in the 90s.
Character development was also one of the points that shot this show to my list of favourites. Each and every character got their respective screen time, and there wasn't a single character I didn't like. In regards to the love triangle, I had stuck out with a clear bias for the baseball player, however, for the last 3 episodes my heart was wavering. Like seriously, I was torn between the two male leads and still can't make up my decision which one deserves the girl more.
Overall, a must watch to teleport and relive the 90s in the bustling Seoul (while having the 90s Korean playlist in the background, because you WILL be addicted)!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I've watched the 11 episodes in 2021 and was reluctant to watch it until the end. Really glad I've picked this up again, despite spoiling the ending for myself...I have a soft spot for nostalgic 1980s-1990s dramas like this one. While it is sweet and reminiscent, it reminds that how much more cruel the society was in the Korea, under the dictatorship. Youth of May is a beautiful love story, intertwined between the harsh and dark history of the Gwangju Uprising. It's a story which reminds us that there's always love and hope whenever there's fear and turmoil.
The characters in this story were amazing. We have Myung Hee, who is a strong young woman who's ambitious, strong-willed and a force that can't be stopped by anyone. By her side, we have Hee Tae, who's charismatic and loveable, although no one can see through his perfect-picture. He's broken inside, but perfectly compliments her timid nature. Their blind-date, and the chemistry that begun there, is out of this world!
While my heart fluttered and was hurting during the last few episodes of this, this drama is definitely in my top list. Worth to remember the uprising, and worth every tear and re-watching every sweet moment.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A very bittersweet story about love, hard work, friendships, fate and facing the inevitable. I very much enjoyed the story as it was so much different from your regular Korean dramas. The plot was very refreshing, and even the side characters had an interesting character development overall. While most topics about the ending and relationships were discussed in many of the existing reviews, I just wanted to say personally, the ending didn't work for me. Maybe it's because I had too many unanswered questions about Na Hee Do's year's leading up to her marriage and then having a daughter. Hence, I wasn't that satisfied with how the show was executed towards the final episodes.
I'd say a very good watch because of the rather interesting story and the visuals, worth the hype that it gets.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Edit: so I did see a couple of reviews saying that some questions weren't answered at the end, but I feel like they shouldn't necessarily be answered. Us, as watchers, we can assume and play around a bit to see how the story played out. I do agree however, that the plot dried out towards the end, but the feel of the movie itself made it up for me to enjoy it a lot.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
As I finally finished watching the final episode, I can gladly say that this was a gem of 2021. I cannot believe I did not like it at first, but the show turned out to be super duper enjoyable in the end.What did we all expect from this drama to be completely honest? For those who have read the webtoon, I will just say the drama does not necessarily have to follow the storyline 100% accurately. In fact, I loved that some elements and the chemistry between additional characters have made the show into its own little thing. First off, I would call this drama a literal real-life anime. Sometimes, the acting and the scenes would be so ridiculously unreal, but it worked out amazingly somehow. Second, I loved the actors and how closely they resemble the webtoon characters. And, as mentioned before, the characters that were not originally in the comics were so essential for the drama that it was a great addition. Despite being team this or that, I felt that the female lead had greater chemistry with Suho in the end (I am on team Seojun by the way). Third, the musical touch for this drama was superb - the OST completely slaps!
It is difficult to come to terms that this show has ended, but it was a fun ride. If you loved it as well, make sure to read the webtoon for a slightly different storyline.
Was this review helpful to you?
Firstly, it was a timeless piece that a lot of us could resonate with. Themes like love, summer, friendship, school, war, etc. were perfectly harmonious throughout the timeline of the story. Second, the actors were very professional in portraying simple personas of the city at that time. The chemistry between the leads was outstanding and so natural. Third, the soundtrack was very fitting and fun to listen to. It added to me being emotional at the end of the movie too (box of tissues, anyone?).
All in all, this movie is definitely worth a watch, even if you are not into romantic-based stories. This film is more than that, and feels timeless, despite being released in 2003.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A captivating and moving movie about the modern history of the South Korean democracy movement. Difficult to comprehend that this movie is not fictional, and that most of sequenced events in this film happened in real life. I was initially told to watch this from my Korean history teacher in university, but I took interest in it myself. As an Eastern European, I have learned that the pro-democracy movements in the 1980s were based on sacrifice and the will of the people not only in Korea, but the rest of the world at specific decade as well. The actors have portrayed true emotions, and there were so many storylines of various characters intertwined with harmony. Even as someone not Korean, it was very easy to follow the storyline and to see what the good and evil were. Every minor detail, from set design to props, had mesmerised me. I did shed a few tears, but this was a great learning experience, and a very interesting movie to watch! Was this review helpful to you?
No wonder this drama is considered a classic and one of the best out there, it has been on my "to watch" list for way too long. It combines so many genres like slice of life, friendship, romance and comedy. However, the themes of this drama are timeless, and so many viewers can relate to the characters and their problematic situations. There is just something magical and nostalgic about the whole setup of the series: if you are a 90s baby, you will feel very strong attraction and joy to the small details and touches. Additionally, the jumping between timestamps are very easy to follow and created a nice linear story for this show. It reminded me of my childhood, while having on a smile for the whole time. Personally, I loved the fact that the drama was mainly set in Busan, rather than the overused Seoul setting. The characters were so loveable and unforgettable, and it is fascinating how the actors pulled off the quirky Busan accent throughout the drama. As always, a strong female lead is appreciated, and Eunji was one of the best actresses to fulfil the role of a "thug" girl. Do not start watching this drama if you are expecting the cheesy romance, because the romantic aspects in the show are so unconventional. The relationships built between the characters seem very genuine and heart-warming. Finally, Reply 1997 showcased so many great Kpop musicians and bands at the time, and even the OST was a mix of Korean and English songs, which added an overall nice touch.
Once again, Reply 1997 proves that Korean dramas about everyday life can be amusing and very captivating. Please do yourself a favour and watch this masterpiece! Cannot wait to watch the other Reply sequels!
Was this review helpful to you?
