nfabjoy
Somewhere in Africa
A very warm drama that touches on elemental themes in an encouraging way.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is first and foremost a youth drama . Its intended age group is definitely 16 - 25 years old but that should not deter anyone from watching this warm drama. Because of its context and set up , Weightlifting should be thoroughly excused for being juvenile in set pieces and the like.
One of things that make a drama great is when a drama takes a chance and authentically lives out its set pieces without added soapy angsty drama that has no place being there. This drama is all that and more. Its the only drama I have watched so far where I thoroughly enjoyed the couple BEFORE they got together. Usually, I am in a huff and puff for them to get together or annoyed at the detractors of the Main Leads love but that was not the case here . Everything progressed in a warm and realistic manner that was quite encouraging .
I especially loved the sports element and the commentary on doing what you love because you can and why not ?The juxtaposition of the insanely talented Bok Joo and Joon- Hyung and their averagely talented friends was quite special on the commentary of 'you shall surely succeed if the work is not heavy on the heart."
There were also beautiful specks of mental health commentary and I particularly loved how Weightlifting aimed to be corrective on usually stigmatized issues . The portrayal on visiting doctors and psychiatrists was positive and the overall message that its fundamentally okay to not be okay was also gratifying . The insertion of bulimia , pressure from parents and peers and corruption was also good food thought which removed all shallow marks from this youth drama.
The acting was great especially by the main cast . The main leads are amazing OTPs and I will struggle to see them with other pairings in other dramas.The messaging of friendship being supportive and inspiring was particularly heart warming and I appreciated all the friendships in the drama.
The reason why this does not get a 10 is because I found certain elements of this drama a tad bit too draggy . I fastforwarded some scenes I found repetitive . This drama could have been helped by a better editing team but other than that - I have no qualms and its pros seriously overwhelm its cons.
OVERALL- Go into this appreciating that this is a youth drama .No need for Cannes critique and you will enjoy. I really think its worth the hype. Aaaaad I say that as someone who has a list on MDL of dramas not worth the hype . Sooooo ;-)
One of things that make a drama great is when a drama takes a chance and authentically lives out its set pieces without added soapy angsty drama that has no place being there. This drama is all that and more. Its the only drama I have watched so far where I thoroughly enjoyed the couple BEFORE they got together. Usually, I am in a huff and puff for them to get together or annoyed at the detractors of the Main Leads love but that was not the case here . Everything progressed in a warm and realistic manner that was quite encouraging .
I especially loved the sports element and the commentary on doing what you love because you can and why not ?The juxtaposition of the insanely talented Bok Joo and Joon- Hyung and their averagely talented friends was quite special on the commentary of 'you shall surely succeed if the work is not heavy on the heart."
There were also beautiful specks of mental health commentary and I particularly loved how Weightlifting aimed to be corrective on usually stigmatized issues . The portrayal on visiting doctors and psychiatrists was positive and the overall message that its fundamentally okay to not be okay was also gratifying . The insertion of bulimia , pressure from parents and peers and corruption was also good food thought which removed all shallow marks from this youth drama.
The acting was great especially by the main cast . The main leads are amazing OTPs and I will struggle to see them with other pairings in other dramas.The messaging of friendship being supportive and inspiring was particularly heart warming and I appreciated all the friendships in the drama.
The reason why this does not get a 10 is because I found certain elements of this drama a tad bit too draggy . I fastforwarded some scenes I found repetitive . This drama could have been helped by a better editing team but other than that - I have no qualms and its pros seriously overwhelm its cons.
OVERALL- Go into this appreciating that this is a youth drama .No need for Cannes critique and you will enjoy. I really think its worth the hype. Aaaaad I say that as someone who has a list on MDL of dramas not worth the hype . Sooooo ;-)
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