jun
the depths of hell
This review may contain spoilers
One Spring Night took me aback with it's poignant anecdotes and life lessons spoken from those in different positions in life. I originally had this drama on hold after the first episode because I believed it would be slow paced and boring, but I deeply regret not picking it up sooner. This is such a beautiful, gentle show that contains almost everything I could ever ask for in romance storytelling.
STORY - 10/10
The general setting of One Spring Night circulates between the love story of a woman who seems to have the rest of her life planned out for her and a man who struggles trying to make plans for himself, and the many societal issues that correspond to them falling for one another. The situations the leads placed themselves in were unlike anything I had ever witnessed before in a drama - they were so grounded, realistic, and handled that way too. It wasn't exaggerated or taken into a dramatic approach for the sake of the drama's contingency. The concept of a woman in a dying relationship and a single father who only lives for his son is one I could not have picked up simply if not for the amazing way the drama was written and directed. Alongside this, the side stories between Jeong-in's sisters became a reminder that this is what love may resort to. Love may become diluted and dark, or merely simple and fleeting, not always the shiny bright sparks and cherry blossoms that many kdramas seem to provide us.
However, the writers give us their own interpretation of such a love with the main leads in such a deep and devoted manner. While countless romance dramas and films have made me feel envious towards relationships and the usual feeling of "wanting romance in my life", this one really takes the cake. Jeong-in and Ji-ho's developing love for one another is so gentle and natural that it almost feels like slow burn. You constantly root for them to finally be happy together and individually, and you're left with the realization that this is what love is SUPPOSED to be. Forget the cheesy skinships and the inevitable heart racing moments - two people who remain devoted to supporting and loving each other despite the countless difficulties that unravel just from the thought of being together? That's what I want.
The overall reason I gave this story a 10/10 is because while the plot is not outlandish and the kind that garners attention or extra viewing points, it's a real love story with real people. It makes me feel like I'm experiencing it myself and feeling it for myself. The aesthetic that comes from such a concept served a lot for how much I loved the show, too.
ACTING/CAST - 10/10
God, where do I begin? I loved the cast so much. I initially started watching this show for it's two main leads. Han Jimin, who starred in my other favorite drama, The Light In Your Eyes, and Jung Hae-in, who I just adore in general regardless of what character he plays. Their chemistry was out of this world and added onto the realistic touch this show loved to go for. While skinship wasn't exactly as excessive as, for example, Weightlifting Fairy, they take their character's ages and personalities into consideration to develop the perfect formula of a couple in their late 20s-early 30s. Each character served a purpose in the story and almost none could really be considered an antagonist in their own sense (except for the abusive husband. He could go screw himself lol), which is what amplifies my love for this drama even deeper.
MUSIC - 9/10
I usually never listen to all of a drama's OSTs after watching, but this came as an exception. Although I finished One Spring Night several months ago, I still find myself listening to the OST every now and then. The music is so soft and calming and suits the drama perfectly. I loved the old retro feel the music gave to the show as well as how it precisely gave that sense of belonging, fear and slowness the story represented.
REWATCH VALUE - 7/10
I usually never rewatch heavy dramas, and the slow pace of this one certainly contributes to why I wouldn't prefer rewatching the entire show again. I'll certainly stick around for their adorable romance moments, though.
OVERALL - 9/10
Beautiful storytelling, a wonderful cast with a gorgeous soundtrack. If you love slow paced yet satisfying romance with touches of realism and lack of cliches, then this drama is definitely for you.
STORY - 10/10
The general setting of One Spring Night circulates between the love story of a woman who seems to have the rest of her life planned out for her and a man who struggles trying to make plans for himself, and the many societal issues that correspond to them falling for one another. The situations the leads placed themselves in were unlike anything I had ever witnessed before in a drama - they were so grounded, realistic, and handled that way too. It wasn't exaggerated or taken into a dramatic approach for the sake of the drama's contingency. The concept of a woman in a dying relationship and a single father who only lives for his son is one I could not have picked up simply if not for the amazing way the drama was written and directed. Alongside this, the side stories between Jeong-in's sisters became a reminder that this is what love may resort to. Love may become diluted and dark, or merely simple and fleeting, not always the shiny bright sparks and cherry blossoms that many kdramas seem to provide us.
However, the writers give us their own interpretation of such a love with the main leads in such a deep and devoted manner. While countless romance dramas and films have made me feel envious towards relationships and the usual feeling of "wanting romance in my life", this one really takes the cake. Jeong-in and Ji-ho's developing love for one another is so gentle and natural that it almost feels like slow burn. You constantly root for them to finally be happy together and individually, and you're left with the realization that this is what love is SUPPOSED to be. Forget the cheesy skinships and the inevitable heart racing moments - two people who remain devoted to supporting and loving each other despite the countless difficulties that unravel just from the thought of being together? That's what I want.
The overall reason I gave this story a 10/10 is because while the plot is not outlandish and the kind that garners attention or extra viewing points, it's a real love story with real people. It makes me feel like I'm experiencing it myself and feeling it for myself. The aesthetic that comes from such a concept served a lot for how much I loved the show, too.
ACTING/CAST - 10/10
God, where do I begin? I loved the cast so much. I initially started watching this show for it's two main leads. Han Jimin, who starred in my other favorite drama, The Light In Your Eyes, and Jung Hae-in, who I just adore in general regardless of what character he plays. Their chemistry was out of this world and added onto the realistic touch this show loved to go for. While skinship wasn't exactly as excessive as, for example, Weightlifting Fairy, they take their character's ages and personalities into consideration to develop the perfect formula of a couple in their late 20s-early 30s. Each character served a purpose in the story and almost none could really be considered an antagonist in their own sense (except for the abusive husband. He could go screw himself lol), which is what amplifies my love for this drama even deeper.
MUSIC - 9/10
I usually never listen to all of a drama's OSTs after watching, but this came as an exception. Although I finished One Spring Night several months ago, I still find myself listening to the OST every now and then. The music is so soft and calming and suits the drama perfectly. I loved the old retro feel the music gave to the show as well as how it precisely gave that sense of belonging, fear and slowness the story represented.
REWATCH VALUE - 7/10
I usually never rewatch heavy dramas, and the slow pace of this one certainly contributes to why I wouldn't prefer rewatching the entire show again. I'll certainly stick around for their adorable romance moments, though.
OVERALL - 9/10
Beautiful storytelling, a wonderful cast with a gorgeous soundtrack. If you love slow paced yet satisfying romance with touches of realism and lack of cliches, then this drama is definitely for you.
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