Do you know when I knew that I was going to like this drama?

When I saw Kim Chang Wan. Just kidding, but it`s becoming a habit to like everything this man picks, I don`t think I saw one bad project of his. On a serious note, it was when I skipped over to the last shot of the last episode, hearing Carla Bruni sing "Spring Waltz" and seeing a couple go in and out of the frame, laughing and kissing.

In a pharmacy of all places. If I had to use one word to describe this drama, it would be `natural`. Just most things about it feel natural. The music choices(even though I adore all the songs they used and have them on my phone as I type this, they do get repetitive), the acting, the way almost every shot is composed, even down to the actual locations, which are set up perfectly and when you see dramas with such fake sets, you come to appreciate this attention to detail a lot more. I went into this drama not knowing nor expecting a whole lot, since I haven`t seen "Something in the Rain". I also couldn`t draw any conclusion from the poster alone. The title sounds unassuming. In fact, I didn`t even read the synopsis. And in hindsight, I think that`s the best way to approach this drama. Let me warn you first though, it`s SLOW. Locations rarely change, there`s no exciting actions nor dramatic revelations. Which can turn off some, but it was such a welcomed change of pace for me. After a slew of dramas incorporating memory loss, childhood friends finding each other again, stupid, easily solvable misunderstandings and more, seeing actors portray characters that act like PEOPLE, like you and I and many others off the street, was borderline exhilarating.

And I didn`t even start talking about the actual show yet. First off, the acting. What acting?These actors ARE their characters. The things they talk about, the way they make small gestures, it all counts for something. If you can`t find anything else to enjoy in this drama, be assured that you`ll at least love the acting, because it`s that good. I`ve skimmed through some of the reviews for this drama, and while some are more than valid and helped me understand why it`s(in my opinion) underrated, some were downright confusing, citing lack of chemistry and acting. Let me elaborate. With a script and pace like this, you have no other alternative but to depend almost exclusively on the chemistry and banter between your actors. To put it bluntly, had that really been the truth, this drama, with all its potential, would have gone down the drain. In fact, someone used this as a negative but I would wholeheartedly use it as a positive. They wrote:"This whole thing feels like an improvisation."And I agree. It feels real, not clumsy. Even when some questionable plot points are brought up, the way characters react to them is not good or bad, it`s just real. And they all have flaws that can sometimes even be glaring, making you forget that hey, they do have some merits as well. Jeong-in is smart and cunning, but she`s also overbearing and rash. I heard that this role was first offered to Son Ye-jin, and boy, am I ever so glad that she turned it down because this is Han Ji-min`s character through and through. She plays the jaded, at time lifeless, drudging along life Jeong-in like a pro. Same goes for Jung Hae-in, whose Ji-ho unanimously reminds me of "It`s Okay to Not be Okay"`s Gang-tae. He suppresses his thoughts and feelings for both his child and to not be hurt emotionally again. It`s believable, frustrating and, at times heartbreaking. Their relationship isn`t perfect either, like they usually are in dramaland, until some big twist occurs.They don`t agree on things and argue, but they do it in such a way where you almost want to be like: "Hey guys, it`s fine." And they`ll reconcile. I`m a big fan of such portrayal. I really connected with them and am so glad that they got their happy ending. It almost felt like bidding goodbye to good, old friends, knowing that they`ll be happy for sure. Don`t be mistaken however, the rest of the cast does its job exceptionally well. Especially Lee Moo-saeng, whose role of an manipulative and abusive husband of Seo-in, Jeong-in`s older sister, is so convincing that I felt creeped out. The way he changes his tone and facial expressions from pleading, affectionate to pure, white rage, is beautiful, in a twisted sense. It`s disgustingly realistic. Same goes for the character of Gi-seok, who started off as someone worthy of some sympathy and ended up being someone so calculating and pathetic, that you just wanted to squash him. Bottom line is, all of these characters feel alive and like someone you know.

To be honest, I really couldn`t shake the feeling of being a voyeur almost, spying on these people and their conversations in secret, feeling the spring air envelop my body in a comfortable cocoon. The shots breathe, they are handled with care and are sometimes impressive. The writing is rather average, but there are some notable moments, like the "Don`t cross the street" scene and such. Also, and I didn`t see anyone else mention this yet, but the humor in this drama is spot on. I would by no means call it a comedy, but the lines of dialogue that should be perceived as funny, are, in a realistic, dry sense that I find amusing. Again, this is my review after all. And the jokes that land, do so on the back of relatability. We`ve all gotten drunk when we shouldn`t have and we`ve all been teased by our friends for our dating choices. And it still comes off as funny, that`s what I like to see. Now for the drawbacks.

I have to thread lightly here, as many people have so many cons when talking about this drama, but I only have two. Characters won`t get as much character development as you think they would, and the things you want them to solve, probably won`t be solved conclusively. What I mean by this is that we love to project our hero complexes and like to expect positive results from drama characters, stemming from expectations we imprinted upon them. It`s inevitable and we all do it. So don`t be disappointed when things don`t go your way, even though they should. I won`t spoil anything, but you`ll know what I`m talking about when you experience Seo-in`s storyline. Also, and I can`t stress this enough, be prepared for a lot of lingering shots of people doing everyday things. Be prepared to see a lot of mundane activities displayed and, even though you may think that they are showing you something pointless, this is also how you can let your audience in the minds of your characters.

In the end, "One Spring Night" is definitely not for everyone and you do have to be in a certain mood to enjoy it, but at the same time, I feel like this is one of those dramas which will get more recognition as time passes by. I eagerly await that spring day when I can recommend this drama to someone and to hear a reply like "Oh yes, I watched it. It`s a classic."Because I think it just might deserve it.