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I watched "Descendants of the Sun" and wondered if I'd see another series that could match it. Then, I watched "Mr. Sunshine," and thought, "there's no way I'll ever see another series like this." Imagine the joy of being wrong twice! Along comes, "Crash Landing on You," which may end up being my favorite of all of them. It's a toss-up between this and Mr. Sunshine. In short, this is one of the best series I've ever seen, and for me, the Korean Dramas I've watched have not disappointed at all as most are character and plot driven. In fact, overall, I've seen better quality shows out of Korea and Japan in the last several years than I have with American shows.The writing, and especially, the editing is some of the best I've ever seen. The plot is intricately weaved, not using some of the typical cliches and devices as some shows do when trying to get the two main characters together. In this case, we're given the beautiful wise lesson on screen: happiness is in the journey. Not the destination.
Seri is a woman who owns her own company and is part of an extremely rich family. Her world, despite the money and success, is cold and empty. She sits alone in a massive penthouse. She has all of the luxuries that one could ask for. However, she has a family, especially her half-siblings, who are about as cut-throat as anyone could imagine. She doesn't realize what is missing in her life until a storm, while para-gliding, blows her across the border into North Korea.
Ri Jeong-Hyeok is a North Korean captain who comes across Seri. At first, he and his unit of men aren't sure who Seri is and why she's there. Ri Jeong-Hyeok was a master pianist before joining the military, and intent on solving the mystery of his older brother's death. At first, he seems very straight-forward and unassuming, while underneath is a man full of life, passion, and love.
The first set of episodes of Seri trying to adapt to life in a North Korean village are especially hilarious. Imagine a pampered woman suddenly having to go without electricity? How to take a bath...how to cook, etc. As a former Peace Corps volunteer, I know full well what this adaptation feels like!
Perhaps for the first time in her life, Seri not only finds a connection with Ri Jeong-Hyeok, but also with the village women and also with the members of Ri Jeong-Hyeok's unit. It's ironic that she had to cross the border to find a group of people who were more like family for her than her real family back home!
The best plots are ones that aren't forced or contrived, and this one doesn't use either one. We are taken effortlessly from North Korea into South Korea as Seri and Ri Jeong-Hyeok find themselves at the center of two sinister plots, each one contrived by people on either side (North and South Korea).
Of course, the biggest question is: despite the situations they must survive and unravel, can they spend a life together? Is it feasible for two people, from the only divided country in the world, be able to have a relationship? North Korea might as well be the darkside of the moon, as communications between the people of the two countries is non-existent. Finding the answer to this question is the beauty of the journey of this series.
The entire cast is simply terrific. They meticulously and effortlessly give us endearing characters who are absolutely hilarious at times and heartfelt at others. All are also able to deftly convey a range of emotions, especially the two leads in Hyun Bin and Ye-Jin Soon whose chemistry is much of what makes this series so incredible.
The editing is some of the best I've ever seen in a movie or series as we are given scenes in one episode, only to realize that we were only given a partial look at the whole. Each time, we are given a joyful surprise and many, "Ah-ha" moments when we realize what really happened!
Apparently North Korean defectors served as consultants on this series to try and make life in North Korea depicted as accurately as possible.
Some might feel that the ending isn't the most ideal, but that's why I like it. It's realistic. They end up making the absolute most of the time that they have. These contrived, formulaic "happy endings" simply do not reflect life or relationships themselves.
I have been watching movies and television series for over 45 years, and frankly, this series absolutely blew me away. It captured my imagination and my heart as I see a veritable "Romeo and Juliet" struggling to find ways to connect, love, and protect each other. They are such a short distance away from each other across the border, but as I stated before, the distance might as well be from the earth to the moon. I love stories about relationships, where the two people have to find a way to overcome the obstacles and pitfalls laid out before them. Two people with enough love and determination will always find a way. And that is why the joy of watching this series is in the journey and not the destination! And this journey was simply sweet, magical, and joyful. What more could you ask for in a great series?
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"even if i go back in the past, i will still choose to meet you."
absolutely perfect. there isn't a single thing i would change about this drama. the acting, the story, everything won me over in a surprising way. i've watched it with my mother-in-law, with my boyfriend, and i've seen it a total of three times alone. is about not only romantic love, but also about the love of friendship, and that was what i liked most, the delving into the stories of all the characters (not just the main characters). anyway, i'm still looking for some drama that makes me feel the way Crash Landing on You did.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
It was so hard to get over from this drama!
This drama has a different aspect and it makes u blind to the plot...I was so addicted to this drama and no lie, the day I watched the first episode of this drama, I ended up on finish watching the whole drama within one day.. This drama lets u believe in true love and the comedy in this drama also significant... Mostly as a military lover.. this would give u butterflies in ur stomach or makes u scream with joy and excitement... Also, the pure friendship also conveyed this drama.... also the beauty of nature!! Music is also good ..... No more words to describe how much I love this drama... It's unbelievable that how amazing the plot is.... Watching this drama is worthy... but so hard to get over it... suffering is soo bad.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
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The Invention of Love
Deciding to finally watch this show was probably one of my best Kdrama related choices this year. I'm not very good at writing reviews (although I keep doing it because who cares) and I feel like I always say the same things but I just want to say that this drama is worth all the hype it got, every award it got, every recommendation. I didn't give it a chance when it was airing and I think it was both a mistake and a smart move, because had I watched it airing I wouldn't have been able to wait every week for the next episode considering all the cliffhangers they gave us; but it was a mistake because it would've been so cool to share everyone's emotions while it was airing. Nonetheless, no matter when I decided to start it, it was absolutely worth it. I took like 2 weeks to finish it because I work a lot, but I put 2 all-nighters and had strong headaches the next day, but again, it was definitely worth it.Ri Jeong-hyeok and Yoon Se-ri are the definition of love. I can't get tired of saying they invented love. I have watched many dramas in the past 9 years but not many manage to deliver the strong 'in love' feeling that these two had. Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin did an incredibly amazing job at everything, every scene with them together was full of different emotions, happiness, sadness, pain, joy, distress, and everything that was supposed to produce. I don't think anyone can see them together without thinking they're the most lovable couple ever. Their chemistry as actors once again proved how amazing these two are. One thing that always makes my heart flutter is the way actors and actresses are able to look into each other's eyes and look so happy, like they actually love each other. I know that's the point of acting, but it always blows my mind to think how they're able to deliver those emotions, and Ri Jeong-hyuk and Yoon Se-ri were pros at doing this.
"I have no regrets, you came to my life as a gift. I'm just grateful for that." This is probably one of the most beautiful lines ever.
Their undying love is one of the purest demonstrations of love I have ever seen, because not once did they try to hold the other back, not once were they selfish to ask for the other to stay with them despite the circumstances; instead, they always let the other go, despite knowing how much it would hurt them, how much they would miss the other, they knew they weren't in a position to ask for more. The way they appreciated every second, every extra minute they got together makes me really think about how we should appreciate the little things and short moments we have with our loved ones before they leave our side.
I can guarantee myself that I'll have a long crush on Ri Jeong-hyuk for a long time, so I know I won't get over CLOY so soon. He was such a kind and giving person, I need a man like him in my life. I think we all do...
Yoon Se-ri is also one of the strongest FLs I've seen, as she went through so much with her disgusting family, yet she build a company by herself and became the No. 1 female CEO for several years in different competitions. She never let anyone get in her way, always knew how to handle every type of person. She was cold because she was forced to live a tough life, but deep inside she simply wanted to be heard, to be loved, to have someone on her side. And she found that person that came to her as a part of her destiny. Meant-to-be love is such a huge cliche but CLOY did it in the best way, I believe. Se-ri found the happiness she always looked for and was finally able to open herself up to someone who could handle her. I really love the balance between an outgoing, yet prudent FL, and a quiet, yet outspoken ML like Se-ri and Jeong-hyeok. Definitely go down as one of the best couples in Kdrama history.
I have written so much and still haven't talked about anything or anyone else but the main couple, when there's still so many things to appreciate about this masterpiece. Even though the MC was more than capable of carrying the whole show without any secondary characters, every side character on this show had their own story and their own development, their own little moments that made you smile or cry and they didn't have to necessarily be related to the MC to have a meaning for themselves and that's something that not every drama can do, because in many cases the side characters are just accessories to the MC or main plot, but I don't think it was the case here.
Of course, Jeong-hyeok's troop was a huge part of the MC story, but they still had their own stuff to deal with and the show gave them all a proper development and closure, making sure the viewer connected with all of them and was happy for their own success. I really loved that at the end, Pyo Chi-soo became the Captain, as he always mentioned that he was alone and had nothing to lose, so it's heartwarming to see him succeeding in life. I love all of them, but Chi-soo inadvertently stole a special spot in my heart.
I can say the same thing about the ladies from the military village. I thought they would be this gossiping old ladies that hated the FL with no reason at all, but they were absolutely the opposite. They were so caring and protective of each other, making my heart soft every time they were on screen. I loved how they protected Man Bok's wife when Cho Cheol-gang's men were going to take her. They all went with their house tools to defend her and her son and protect her at all costs! So beautiful. The way they loved and cherished Se-ri was so cute and how they even welcomed Seo Dan's mom and were all very understanding, they were really such beautiful old ladies. I loved them so much.
Now, about The Unspeakable, Gu Seung-joon. I think it's a popular feeling that he deserved to be happy and to have someone by his side who would love him until the day he dies, like Seo Dan, but also, he literally had that person at the very end so it's not like he was never able to feel happiness... Still, he deserved to live a long life with a loved one. And Seo Dan most definitely deserved so much better! Seeing her cry at the bridge broke my heart so much. I even cried (again) when telling my sister about how Gu Seung-joon dies because Seo Dan was such a sweet woman, smart, strong and driven. She deserved to be happy with the man she loved. I am glad to know she decided to live her life her own way, keeping Gu Seung-joon in her heart and loving him deeply, but I still hoped she would be happy with him. Also, when her mother was calling off the wedding with Jeong-hyeok's mom and she said "my daughter has a man in her life that she loves so much, and he loves her very much too" GOD, tears are forming now on my eyes as I type this. They deserved so much happiness!
I don't want to get in detail about Cho Cheol-gang because he was a very good villain, as he made me despise him a lot and even find him gross and disgusting, I believe the actor did a great job, but I don't really want to get into the villainous part of the show. What I did find funny was the way the NIS took everything so lightly and made it look like the South is so compassionate and kind with the North and only the North is the one that hates them. I know this may be like that at some extent, but I just find the propaganda very particularly funny.
Either way, I enjoyed this drama way too much and I'm going to miss it a whole lot, every single one of the actors did a great job and produced so many emotions on me. I really thank them for working on this wonderful show and giving me such a happy time while watching it. Unapologetically rating it 10/10.
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It's easy to see why this is such a hit. It has the winning formula that made "My Love from Another Star" a phenomenon mixed with a twist on the North and South Korea's "it's complicated" relationship. Not to mention the two gorgeous leads that act well, oozing with chemistry and charisma. The second Otp though kind of feels forced.
I find myself more invested in the side characters, esp. the North Korean village ahjummas (who are a hoot) and of course Captain Ri's fun troop of soldiers, maybe include Rat there (another amazingly written character). And Captain Ri's dad, he is badass and kind of saved the day.
In other dramas it will all be about the hero and his awesomeness, but I love how writer Park Ji Eun writes her heroines, and puts her in centerstage where she belongs, and not as a side character or love interest only. Seri is not the typical sunshine heroine, she's smart, kind, but she's not perfect and it's ok to be complicated as real people are. She can be boastful or full of bluster, and was also depressed. I'm just disappointed that almost 3 eps are spent on her being sick, but that's probably due to real life circumstances?
The writer also did her best in balancing aspects of North and South Korea. North Korea may be way different from what we're used to as the capitalist way of living, but it's not that North people are all bad or South are all good. Even if I was not head over heels with this drama, it's a satisfyingly good watch, and will certainly go down as a kdrama romcom classic that can be recommended to all fans and newbies to k-ent out there.
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You won't regret watching this drama at all! I'm usually very picky when it comes to dramas, so when I say that this one is a top scorer, I mean It.
The scenes were excellently shot, and the actors fit into their roles perfectly. The chemistry between the two leads is off the charts. It isn't a steamy romance or anything like that, but there are several kiss scenes. But the drama is more focused on emotional appeal I think. Because even when there isn't a lot of physical aspects of it, there are tons of emotional situations.
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overdose romantic story
For the first time, I didn't like Hyun Bin acting in this series. From my point of view, he is not suitable for a very romantic role like this one.There is nothing new when it comes to the story, it was a little bit boring at some points, they were acting like slow motions.
The harmony between Hyun Bin and son ye jin was great but not for this type of story.
Crashlanding on you is an overdose romantic story, to be honest.
I liked the character of Goo Seung Jun, he was honest and brave.
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I have watched a lot of SK dramas and this is in my top 5. From the very start till the ending it never lost it's pace. Stroyline was so strong. Writer did a good job. Most importantly Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin had an extreme chemistry. They did soooo well while portraying the chracters. It just feels so real.
I feel like watching a real love story.
Excellent and amazing drama :) I just feel sad for Gu Seung Jun and Seo Dan they deserve to be happy :(
very well recommended to everyone ! this type of drama which has strong storyline do not come every time !
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I was also thrilled to see Son Ye Jin, an excellent and emotionally mature actress as a female lead, knowing she will be able to have a great chemistry with Hyun Bin, and also convincingly play anyone, really.
I like how the plot unraveled, the details of their growing relationship.
My heart was warm from watching almost all of the supporting cast: the guys from captain Ri's troupe (five guys hanging out - their dynamic - very fun), the ladies from the North, especially not kdrama depiction of parents.
I simply love it.
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The chemistry between the male lead was perfect it felt so real their love for each other it’s so heart touching and their acting too I could feel it in my soul when they cry especially the female lead omg her acting is so so perfect for this role I really loved her character so much
I liked their friendship too the friendship between the female lead and those soldiers was so cute i can’t even explain the way their character developed the way the worry about her and the way they changed the female lead character to the better this drama was well written the plot wasn’t disappointing at all I’m happy they kept the same energy in every episode u won’t bored every minute was exciting for real
The story is not very new but still kinda new you know...the second leads they was cuter than the the first lead like in every drama but still like in every drama we will get less of them like 10 minutes max in every ep -_-
The chemistry between the cast was good it wasn’t awkward like most of the dramas
Osts perfect i jammed to it in every second one of my favorite ost of all time
Although I hate rewatching drama but I’m thinking about rewatching this one someday :(
Loved it don’t know what else to say it was good I hope everyone come watch it and i hope i helped:(
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A modern-day forbidden love story beautifully portrayed
For a KD to portray and pull off the North Korean culture and dialect deserves an award in itself. So many dramas fail to capture the depiction of North Korea in the positive sense of things, but this KD does everything in its power to show both the good and bad side of the country including the value of belonging in a community. The character development of both leads and supporting cast was also incredible to watch given no one outshone one another, and each character (whether their part was big or small) had an equal opportunity to tell their life story. Moreover, to unite the two Koreas by plotting a developing romance between two people with completely opposite lives and mantra was a genius idea. The energy and undeniable chemistry you felt from the screen b/w the two leads is honestly unmatched, and the fact that I cried in almost every episode goes to show how big of an impact most of the scenes had on me to feel the way I did.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
