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18 Again korean drama review
Completed
18 Again
7 people found this review helpful
by shruti7890
Nov 12, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 10
Story 10.0
Acting/Cast 10.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 10.0

You'll horribly be missing out on the emotions

I'm not sure where to start because I love this drama so frickin' much. You'll be badly missing out on a gem if you won't watch it so please give it a try.

Overall:

I've seen the original movie "17 again" years ago and it left me curious as to how they would spread out a movie into 16 episodes of a drama. I knew the general story but went in expecting the expected, with no surprises. BUT NOPE it was completely unexpected as this drama encases intense emotions with right amounts of humor and suspense elements along the way. This story is more than just a story. Everything but the transformation is so real whether it be the family, friends, dreams/aspirations and love of all kinds. There's so much to learn about ourselves and surroundings through what they show us on screen. It shows is how to be grateful for the good and the bad in our lives because it makes us who we are. It shows us that we can't waste our life looking what we don't have have but see what we do have.

Main Ideas in my opinion:

We often assume the reasons behind someone's actions and this is the biggest idea the show focuses on. We need to try to understand the other person's perspective and problems will arise when things go unsaid and caring actions go unseen. Sometimes we might not know the whole story of someone. The drama shows that misunderstandings serve as clouded judgement, leading us to easily make decisions we regret later. The intertwined journey of the leads allows them to learn and see their partner in a different light and the sacrifices they've made.

"18 Again is a heavy family-oriented drama as it displays the dynamics not just between two leads and their kids but the leads and their parents as well. It shows the parent's perspective of being strict with their child simply because they don't wish for their kids to face any struggles. But this only bridges the gap between the kids and the lead characters. The drama shows us kids can express this frustration by being quiet or rebellious while encountering problems of their own in school. They show us the importance of approaching your child primarily as a friend and then secondly as a parent because it makes it easier for them to speak out.

The main character Jung Da Jung was a strong person who never gave up on her dreams. Her perseverance is greatly demonstrated throughout the show. She didn't let comments on her age or being a mom get in the way of continuous effort. With her genuine personality she breaks past all the barriers, earns her place in her dream job while winning the hearts of the people who once stood against her.

Acting/OST :

The main character of Hong Dae Young played by Yoon Sang Hyun and Lee Do Hyun have blended in seamlessly. Lee Do Hyun never lets us forget he's the older version of himself on the inside(Yoon Sang Hyun), a father with protective instincts, a caring husband who's still loves his wife dearly, a best friend and someone who came to see his mistakes and never stopped being their for his family. That was a mouthful but seriously he did an outstanding job even though this is his first drama as a main role ( go watch him in Hotel del Luna!). I personally thought Lee Do Hyun was the main character most of time but when emotional moments came, Yoon Sang Hyun would return to the screen to portray the true character on the inside. Apart from the incredible acting delivered by the two main male actors, I think this drama did a great job of visually showing the transformations to highlight that aspect. AND there was no supporting character who wasn't necessary to move the plot forward. There was a right balance between the past and the present scenes so you won't get confused.

The OST complements the scenes so well and it really brings out additional emotions (I was ballin' most of the show and I don't cry that easily). I think "Hello" sung by SoHyang was the most played OST and TRUST ME it's such as amazing song. I'm still learning the language but despite not understanding 80% of the song, I could feel the sorrow and the love (this goes for the whole OST). The power of music extends past the language and that's true fascinating.

Many people find the ending of most dramas to be incomplete but the ending in "18 again" leaves us feeling complete and healed. I was crying while watching show at night and in broad daylight ( at 11 in the morning LMAO). So that speaks for itself. No matter how much I write it's not enough to describe this piece of work. I liked "17 again" but I like "18 again" a lot more. It's made me delusional enough to write a message to Lee Do Hyun on Instagram about how much I loved the show as if he'll see it LOL


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