Very interesting concept and could be amazing if executed better
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25 (rounding up because I had a good time binge-watching)The concept of “See You in My 19th Life” is so interesting that it probably attracts many viewers. There are many things I love about this drama and other areas which I would like to explore more. I did not watch the webtoon and this review is solely based on the drama. Nevertheless, this is a very easy binge and I was able to watch it all on a Saturday in one go.
What I Like:
1. Shin Hye Sun - I may not be a super fan of Shin Hye Sun but it’s without a doubt she’s a great actress. Her role as the female lead Ban Ji Eum showcases her talents so well. I usually am not a fan of girl-chases-boy but she does it in a way that I don’t find annoying. She’s assertive but not overly stalkerish and irritating. I find her teasing ML cute and not overdone. I love how she just busted out her flamenco moves. That’s hilarious! When it comes to the emotional scenes, especially the last few episodes, I can’t help but cry with her.
2. Young Actor/Actresses - Young Ban Ji Eum is adorable and smart. Her conversations with her ‘niece’ are both mature and innocent. Young Yoon Joo Won has the poise of someone who lived 17th lives, yet her appearance has such an innocent look. Young Moon Seo may not have as much screen time as Joo Won but the scenes of him trapped in the car were heartbreaking.
3. Uncle and Niece relationship - I love seeing these two individuals who technically don’t know each other, don’t have any familial love, yet come together and form their own special family.
4. Guest Stars - With 19 lives, it’s the perfect way to bring in many guest stars. I would love to see more of them (see my mixed feelings below).
5. Production - There are many scenes that are shot beautifully and in different angles. The OST has some great songs that I will add to my Spotify playlist. I also like that we see an appropriate interior of a hotel. A hotel that needs renovation and you can see that it’s not a super modern hotel, but one that has history and its own charms. I like the setup of ML’s office where it feels warm.
What I have Mixed Feelings About:
1. Pacing - I was hooked from the first episode. It has a great introduction of the characters and the background story. The pace is good in the first half but definitely slows down in the second half. I especially feel that the last two episodes are very slow and it keeps repeating on finding out the past, yet not much happens. They are the same flashbacks for 2 episodes.
2. Past 18 lives - I would have loved to see more of the different lives and the guest stars, and how their stories directly relate to FL’s personality and experiences. We mainly saw clips that lasted a minute or two. I want to see more of the person and the love story of Chae Jong Hyeop composing the love song for. I want to see more about the first life and not just the same flashbacks.
3. Romance - I wouldn’t say the chemistry between Shin Hye Sun and Ahn Bo Hyun is bad, but it’s also not amazing. There are criticisms of Ahn Bop Hyun’s acting and I think he did a fine job. I think he was quite cute when he’s being cornered and was very shy. It’s when he is NOT shy anymore that I am finding the chemistry lacking and not sweet enough for me. Oh, and they have ONE great kiss when both of them are such good kissers. I am not satisfied! LOL. On the other hand, the secondary romance is also a little lacking for me. Here, I do find Ahn Dong Goo a little bland in his portrayal of the ‘cool’ role. I am missing the micro expressions that you see from great actors when they portray someone who is ‘cold’ on the outside. I think the secondary romance could have been developed better and with better pacing.
4. Unexplored Plot - Did the drama forget about the hotel renovation after the initial episodes? I want more background story of ML’s family and the older generation as the twist about the accident is not very satisfactorily explored and explained. I want to know more about Ha Do Yoon’s (ML’s BFF/secretary) history with ML in Germany and his responsibility to the Chairman. Without going into too much spoilers, I want to know why the other lady can remember her past lives when she wasn’t in FL’s first life. Is that a plot hole or her existence is just a device to move forward with the hotel fight for power narrative?
Overall, this is such a cool concept and could be an amazing drama if executed better. Despite my criticisms, I did have a fabulous and easy time watching it. I will recommend it to those who love this type of fantasy drama but not to those who are very particular about writing and execution.
Completed: 8/20/2023 - Review #342
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A Story of Two Parts: Drama Dips, Stars Shine, and Plot Fizzles Out
[ Disclaimer: I haven't read the webtoon, so my comments are based solely on the drama. ]I was aware that the plot's quality declined in the second half, as many viewers had noted. Nevertheless, I decided to give it a try because it featured my favorite duo from Mr. Queen, Shin Hye Sun and Cha Chung Hwa, along with many other talented actors and actresses. Unfortunately, the story began to falter around episode 7 and continued to deteriorate thereafter.
Plot:
The first half of the drama was quite enjoyable. It delved into the characters' backgrounds, especially Ban Ji Eum's growth despite her abusive father, and her integration into Moon Seo Ha's life. I was also deeply invested in the car accident storyline. However, as the plot progressed, it became increasingly underwhelming. I was particularly disappointed with the father character; if he knew everything from the start, his treatment of his son made no sense. And why keep that woman near his son? He could have paid her off to stay out of their lives.
The second part of the drama shifted focus to the characters' "first life," making the narrative feel disjointed and forced. Episodes 10 and 11 were especially problematic, with constant flashbacks that felt repetitive and unnecessary. The final episode seemed designed to evoke emotion over Ji Eum losing her memories of her loved ones, but it failed to do so and became a drag; I was relieved when it ended.
Moreover, the secondary couple was poorly written and monotonous, with the same conversations and actions repeating endlessly.
Leads:
Both Shin Hye Sun and Ahn Bo Hyun delivered strong performances in their respective roles. However, the chemistry between them seemed lacking, which somewhat diminished the overall impact of their scenes together. In addition, while I appreciate Ahn Bo Hyun's willingness to try different roles, this one didn't seem to suit him as well.
Final thought:
Overall, the drama had its highs and lows, with stars shining but the plot ultimately fizzling out.
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it was intersting , but they should have put more effort in the ending
It was interesting at first and then boring , when u read the story and saw the trailer I thought wowww , this story is mad . I thought I would love it I reallly like the start , it felt interesting how will she live with all her memories , living around people she meet in her past life ? , what gonna happen? will people accept her ? all these doubts made me wanna this drama a lot , i started watching it i loved ae gyeong’s character moreover the drama is nice to watch but the ending is not satisfactory, they remember her , but she forgot them , it’s a bit sad ,but definitely suggested , loved the acting btw , the feeling were shown in their faces each of them had their own pain , they portrayed it perfectly, thank you bye bye ❤️❤️Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
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A Pleasant Watch if Slightly Predictable
I decided to watch this drama simply based on the synapsis, it was an intriguing concept.What would you do if you could remember your past lives? Would this be a blessing or a curse?
I never really felt these questions were answered, however what we did get was an enjoyable romance with just enough drama to keep the story moving.
Shin Hye Sun as the female lead was really good throughout, but I particularly enjoyed her performance in the early episodes where she stole every scene she was in. She managed to combine smart, sassy, funny and sexy all in one unique package. She took no prisoners when she decided on her course of action.
Ahn Bo Hyun as our male lead was fine, I don't think he was particular stretched by this role and I didn't completely buy into his feelings of loss but that was a minor issue for me.
Perhaps his story arc featured a little too heavily for me as he tried to discover the mystery surrounding Ban Ji Eum death in her previous past life. I also found when they discovered the mastermind behind this and the reasons for it, this was rather underwhelming.
I would have perhaps have enjoyed this drama more if we had spent more time examining and experiencing Ban Ji Eum past lives. We got clips and flashbacks but these never really explored in detail. Maybe this was a drama that required 16 episodes rather the 12 we got?
As far as the ending was concerned it was slightly predictable, I've seen similar endings in other films and drama's. We get to see our leads reunited even if Ban Ji Eum doesn't remember Moon Seo Ha. It was sweet if not terribly original.
Overall this was a pleasant watch and did provide a happy ending for our leads, whilst I wouldn't rush to rewatch it anytime soon, I m sure to revisit it just for Shin Hye Sun performance.
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Remembering the past lives, is it a gift or a curse?
Story 7,30/10: New, interesting, engaging, yet weak in some parts where it had to be strong.The main plot that we see a lot in Manhwa but not in K-drama, the parts that were weak are, first :who was the one behind the car accident, we were supposed to feel shoked and sad while with the ML while finding out that the one who caused his big trauma and killed a precious person to him was the only one he trusted from his familly, and that because we didn't get to see much of his interactions with his uncle before. Second: FL's first life that had so much potentiel if they just developped it more, I wished we could see more of it. The ending in the other hand was so good and well done.
Acting/Cast 8,5/10: Shin Hye Sun is a shinning star, I started the drama for her and she never desappoint, her acting was the best part, 2 remarkable scenes of her, dancing with her mother's imagination and crying, and while remembering the death of her sister from her first life, you can't help but feel her emotions. The dance scene between the FL and ML was very beautiful too.
Seeing Maaaama's duo from Mr queen together again was so pleasing, happy to see this ajumma part of the cast.
I'm not a big fan of the ML though he did a good job in acting but the chemistery was lacking.
The child cast was so good, the kids were so amazing, my only problem was the fact that they didn't use a younger actor for the ML's scene with the child FL, it was awkward. The rest of the cast did great.
Music 8,5/10: The OST fits the drama and it was very well placed.
Rewatch value 8/10: I always think that a big factor for determing the rewatch value is the ending, and this one had a great ending so I may rewatch it someday.
Overall: 8/10
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The Meaning of Life
From this Story, i learn about how to revenge back, not with Violence but with your heart. i know, that's Hard to give the forgive to your enemy, but if you want your life feel good, you must calm yourself and your heart first, and make sure you ready already to make New life with New feelings in your life next.I Liked the story, because they make the story line is Light but touched. The cast played so well. I like because there so many Emotional scene, not because angry but sadness.
I know this Drama is adapted from webtoon. i never read the webtoon, but maybe if i already read the webtoon, it's will different from my expectation. as long I watched the story, I enjoyed the drama, and family scene always talk about deep Relationsip, and that's make me cry, as always.
I've read some of the reviews from other viewers, and they say the scene of ji-eun's first life, is not detailed and not enough story, because there's still another story there are still other unresolved stories, such as the life of the king, and other players.
but, come on guys, the main character in this Drama is ji-eun's not other.
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Mejor lean el manhwa
HistoriaEsta basada en un manhwa. Cómo tal esperas que la adaptación este a la altura. Al ser 12 episodios con más razón crees que no tienes que temer. (Es es lo que pensé yo, quien lo vio en emisión) Este no es el caso, hicieron muchas agregaciones (como el hecho de profundizar sus vidas pasadas) que estéticamente era muy bello, pero siento que gastaron sus recursos económicos en esas tomas, que llamaron la atención al principio, pero solo fue vistoso. De todas formas el principal problema de la historia es que no supieron que dirección tomar si un drama o una comedia. Claramente ambos no resultó. Siento que al leer el manhwa no hubo un misterio para mi (al menos con lo que respecta al choque) porque lo del final fue exclusivamente del k-drama. Y me sorprendió para mal. La verdad me quedo con el bonito recuerdo del manhwa, siento que fue una mala adaptación.
Actuación/elenco
La verdad la vi en emisión por Shin Hye-sun. Nunca me decepcionó y ame cada uno de sus dramas. Siempre hay una primera vez, siento que este papel la deslució, a veces me daba pena ajena. Muy excéntrica su actuación (en otros papeles estaba bien actuar asi, en este no)
Los demás... Bueno no me gustaron. Pero los niños actorazos. Me encantaron llegue a un punto que quería que el k-drama sea la perspectiva de los niños. De adultos me daba cringe.
Musica
Para mí no acompaño bien (fue lo peor)
El único que tema que ame "Star" fue el único que casi no pusieron. Lo que más escuchaba era un sonido feliz que no armonizaba con el drama. (Cómo olvidar que en un episodio seguía la música feliz incluso cuando lo secuestraban) -no lo llevaban a una fiesta sorpresa-
Valor de repetición
Ni siquiera tienes que mirarlo, así que no hay pensarlo mirarlo otra vez, es mejor leer el manhwa. Pero esto es solo mí opinión personal.
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An OK Kdrama...
Solid kdrama. The supernatural/power parts of the kdrama were built up and explained well in the end, and it made sense in the context of the culture. I liked the characters except Seo Ha, the guy has like 2 emotions and is also the worst decision maker. Why they would make him director of a hotel is beyond reason besides being a nepo baby. I wish they would have explored the other lives more in depth. I cannot believe they shot obscure no context scenes of her life in WWII Korea, full with likeable characters and absolutely stunning settings, only to see like 3 or 4 second snippets during her flashback. Why was he playing the guitar? What was the story? Exploring the stories of the different lives would have added so much flavor to the story.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
Insane Visuals
i have a lot to say but i’ll just talk about how incredible the cinematography was…the beach dance and the carousel takes the cake!! shin hyesun is a true star. her ability to serve in each and every scene is just super fine?? also who wouldn’t want ahn bohyun in every life lol. the buildup was incredible but it did lose its potential towards the end as it all seemed a little bit cramped up and rushed. all the stars for chowon and doyun’s story. we deserved so much more of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
More Episodes please!
This delightful Kdrama captivated my attention. It touches on themes of fear, language, and substances, though I found them subtly portrayed. The exploration of remembering past lives intrigued me, and I particularly admired the strong performance of Shin Hye Sun, the main actress who skillfully portrayed a character engaged in martial arts. Despite not reaching perfection, her depiction was indeed commendable.Ban Ji Eum, portraying the tall and handsome lead actor, brought a muscular presence to the screen. The unique storyline, delving into the concept of past lives, set this drama apart from others I've watched. My only lament is that it wasn't longer; I yearned for more episodes to delve deeper into the narrative.
The contrast between the historical and present-day lives of the characters added a fascinating layer to the storyline. Gratitude extends to the producers, writers, costume designers, and all involved in bringing this captivating drama to life, from the automobiles to the homes—a heartfelt thank you for creating such an engaging experience.
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Eu gostei, mas achei que ficaram muitas pontas soltas na história. Acho que deram um pouco de relaxo no roteiro. Poderiam ter explicado melhor a questão sobrenatural. Não fiquei tão satisfeita com o final.SPOILER...................................................................................................
Não gostei dela não poder se lembrar deles. Tipo a sobrinha dela. Agora ela vai ter que se contentar em ser apenas a ajumma do restaurante? Mano, ela criou ela nessa vida. Era mãe dela. Como pode ficar bonito ela esquecer da mãe? E que sentido faz todo mundo lembrar e ela não?
Eu senti que, após mil anos, a vida tinha "se alinhado" e ela poderia viver aquela vida com a irmã dela, com uma mãe amorosa cuidando dela e com um grande amor da vida dela. Fica estranho ela não saber o significado disso tudo. Ela não lembrar que ela esperou mil anos para realizar esse sonho, de certa forma.
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Love will always find it's way
I will just begin with appreciating how beautiful the story is written and how well the actors have played their role.This is one of those dramas where not a single character seemed lacking to me or not needed.
I have watched Military Prosecutor Doberman which has Ahn Bo Hyun in the lead role and I really loved the show so I had been keen on watching more shows by him but didn't happen to pick on one before this. His role in this show is completely different from that in Military Prosecutor Doberman so I wanted to see this side of his where he acted in a mystery romcom and I am very happy I picked this show. He just made the character of Seo Ha perfect.
This is my first time watching a drama of Shin Hye Sun and after watching this I can only ask myself as to why it took me such a long time to watch her dramas. Her acting brought life to Ban Ji Eum's character. So many emotions needed to be portrayed by her and she accomplished it perfectly.
This is one of the shows I have watched where child actors are given a good amount of screen time and honestly it did not disappoint at all. All the child actors were exceptional in their role especially the roles played by Kim Shi Ah and Park So Yi. Their dedication to live up to the role is phenomenal.
It is not in all reviews that I mention the OST's of the dramas but this drama does need a mention. The OST in this show was very good and made me add it to my playlist.
Talking about the 1-4 episodes I would say that the child actors perfectly opened the story and made it clear from the get go as to how beautiful the bond was between Ban Ji Eum and Moon Seo Ha. All the details regarding the plot that should be given in the start of a drama were given in a proper pace and the story started unfolding perfectly. All characters that are needed to bind the story were introduced and explained from the beginning making the plot clear. The child actors played a major role in these episodes and you might honestly miss them in the later part of the show.
The 4-8 episodes had everything a viewer might accept from a beautiful romcom. The chemistry between Ahn Bo Hyun and Shin Hye Sun could be seen through their characters. There were many heart touching scenes and also this part of the showed the transition of feelings between characters. No major plot twists took place in this part of the show.
In the 8-12 episodes of the show there were many things that seemed to unfold. Many questions arose during this part of the show and one might sense that things got rushed in this part of the show. Uncovering the mysterious was a major focus of these episodes and the characters are caught up in taking important decisions. While the previous episodes had the building of the relation of the leads this part showed uncertainties in their past and present. The questions were all answered in the end and the story seemed to be completed well.
Now mentioning the points I disliked/liked and thought could be better are:
1. The story in the second half of the show seemed rushed.
2. 4 more episodes making this a 16-episode drama would have been an even better journey.
3. The ending seemed rushed, I felt that more time could be given to the leads in the ending scenes(I personally liked the ending that is given but just wanted more being a happy ending lover)
4. The relation of the characters with each other and other characters was shown very well.
5. The mystery element of the show could be explored a little earlier in the episodes.
6. I loved seeing Seo Ha's sincerity towards Joo Won but would have liked to see his time without her in the show the way Ban Ji Eum's character was shown struggling to get together with Seo Ha. More of his scenes during their time apart would bring more depth to their bond.
Overall, I would say it's a great watch, not many flaws that I could find. People who love romcoms especially some mystery element would really like the show.
P.S. Feel free to tag me or message me if you want spoilers as I tend to avoid giving spoilers in my reviews.
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