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The relationship: I love the premise of FL & ML reuniting as ex-partners. It's something so little explored in kdramas, but it's a storyline near and dear to my heart. The tension with which they converse, the awkward familiarity with which they speak and act, and most importantly, the quiet way they care about each other so intimately, are the foundation of this series. Although it's established that their breakup wasn't amicable, their interactions aren't rancorous or acrimonious. The way they interact shows, even in the most sniping of interactions, how much love they still hold for one another. The two couldn't be more opposite: the FL as a driven, ambitious professional who constantly sprints ahead, the ML as a comfort-loving, goofy artist more than content to just stop and smell the roses. Yet, like yin and yang, the two complete each other, even if their journey back to each other is littered with obstacles.
I also love how the problems with their first breakup aren't brushed aside and miraculously solved — it's clear that the issues leading to the cause of their first breakup need to be resolved, and it's the very thing preventing them from getting back together, in spite of their attraction. The show really works well at gelling the past and the present in this respect, displaying both the highs and lows in their previous relationship and the twists and turns due to such in their current story.
The actors: Chemistry, chemistry, chemistry. Perhaps it's because Choi Woo-shik and Kim Da-mi have worked together before, but the romantic tension between them and the ease in which they interact makes the drama so enjoyable. Notwithstanding their previous working relationship, it's clear that both are talented actors in their own right: watching even the first episode demonstrates the gamut of emotions that they can bring forth to portray these characters. I'm simply glad that such amazing actors with massively impressive acting credits already under their belt— Choi Woo-shik with Okja, Train to Busan & Parasite, Kim Da-mi with The Witch & Itaewon Class — have come together to bring this script to life.
The parallels: If there's one thing I love as a literature person, it's this. Perhaps it's a little cliche, but the big moments in this series so far have been prefaced by important parallels to highlight their importance in their budding reunion. It's amazing to see how the director withholds certain cuts from scenes to insert in later & make the most impact, whilst you belatedly realise the poetic resemblance, have a 'aha' moment and watch on even more enraptured. My favourite nugget of information I realised recently is how each episode is named after a classic movie: sometimes tongue-in-cheek or in jest, but other times leading to a more profound reading of the episode.
The cinematography: As the actors have previously discussed in their press conference, the four seasons are exhibited wonderfully in this show. This becomes apparent as you go deeper into the drama — the scenic shots, the picturesque views, the camera's interaction with both the city and countryside is nothing short of magical. The way that the seasons frame the FL & ML's relationship brings a welcomed level of depth into their story.
All in all, if you love romantic dramas, watch Our Beloved Summer. It's perhaps the best romantic drama I've watched ever. Even as a seasoned 'veteran' with 100 dramas or so under my belt. Even with just 8 episodes out. I guarantee you won't regret it.
PS. May be a little biased because I love this drama too much, but I haven't heard a bad word said about it from any other of my kdrama-loving friends.
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