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Thanks for nothing...
I don’t really get why people are so hyped over this movie and why it has so many positive reviews. I was too before I watched it but the more I think about it, the more frustrated I feel. Not just because it’s disappointing, it also gives us nothing of real value (except for Kang Ha Neul’s and Jung So Min’s performance maybe). This review contains spoiler so let’s begin!Story 4/10
Not just the cast of this movie caught my interest but also the premise. It sounded very interesting and I still think it had a lot of potential. That being said, you start to notice something is off right off the bat when the movie starts with our female lead calling off her wedding (or rather leaving her husband-to-be at the altar I guess? What a nice thing to do already!) on the day of the wedding while the male lead is being miserable (and not doing anything about it). And I know it’s used for comedic purpose but other than that (aside from not really being funny or entertaining) it provides NOTHING for the audience – we don’t even get a context for it. There was no real purpose for her having another wedding before except 1.) so her other wedding would be smaller and 2.) maybe showing that she’s not capable of marriage. Because let’s be honest… If you take the step to get married and call it off – run away - on the day of your wedding for someone else, almost on a whim, that’s not a good sign. But there was no real reason this story needed this other wedding (Jung So Min looks beautiful in that dress but it’s not a good writing choice. Then just have her wear it at her one and only wedding). The humor from the rest of the movie was mostly funny (not everything) but I had my fair share of laughs. So in this regard it’s not horrible but it might be in any other aspect.
I’m not even mad they exaggerated the hate they started to feel for each other… No, actually I am mad about it because I don’t know what’s funny about them wanting to kill each other (literally and I’m not making it up). It’s also a little disgusting and intellectually undemanding to be honest. Like I knew what I was getting myself into but then I watched this and felt like… There’s no way these people would have been married in real life with how they hated each other. Because not even in the beginning when she ditched her first fiance (whom we never saw) did it seem like they really cared/loved each other. Just make it seem like they had a relationship and cared for one another before that. Give us a reason why they wanted to stay together for the rest of their lives. And the message of this story is also kind of mixed but I’ll get to that in a moment. And then they both lose their memories due to an accident which might be cliché but I was hoping for something with a little depth while still using some comedic relief. But instead of growing as people or as a couple it was just a bunch of awkwardness, meddling families and physical aspects. How it ended must be one of the most stupid endings I’ve ever seen in K-Drama history. Yes, give them their cliché of the male lead running after her to the airport scene but ha ha ha, wait. Mess it up by having the male lead giving a monologue, talking about his deep feelings, just for the female lead to wear earphones and not hearing a single word he said. I’m sorry, but you can’t tell me if a person you are supposed to love follows you to the airport you’d let your earphones in instead of listening to what the person has to say. That’s not funny but sad and stupid at the same time. And that’s what’s wrong with this movie. No, they don’t work on more open communication. No, they don’t try to accept each other with their flaws while actively working on themselves and their marriage. This is not a romance story. It’s a lovers-to-enemy trope until the very end. With nothing good to take away from it (except for the fact they got amazing actors for this).
Characters 3/10
Something else that’s insufferable. None of these characters (!) None (!) Has any redeeming quality whatsoever. I get that nobody is perfect. But the female lead is outright crazy and the male lead is rather useless (and I hate to use this word because I think no person really is. But seems like you can write them this way). Also both of them are horrible spouses. And yes, that’s the entire purpose of the movie but you don’t see any character development, no growth, nothing. The only aspect that changes throughout the movie is their memory loss but the writer doesn’t do anything with it but decides to limit marriage to physical components instead. Wow. I personally feel like the actors had a good natural chemistry but it was completely destroyed by the way their characters were written. They were toxic at the start and toxic at the end. On top of that they hinted at both of them cheating on each other but then never brought it up again like this is nothing. Honestly, I think they should stick with their divorce if they both don’t value their relationship more. Also maybe the scene at the end was a reflection of the first scene when he promised to come for her next time and that’s what they did but if they wanted to do a call-back to it they should have done a better job. I don’t like any of the characters. I love the actors but it’s rare to find so awfully written characters.
Overall/Enjoyment 5/10
Actually I think 5 is too generous for this movie but the acting was good and also the humor was decent for most of the time. Especially from some of the side characters. Given what they had to work with they did a good job. I normally love the Korean over the top humor but not if it’s mixed with this seemingly new trend to include jokes or lines that seem to be adapted from western shows/movies (like it seems to be the trend with some K-Dramas nowadays). I don’t get it… Korean shows and movies are so popular and great for a reason. I don’t know why they try to make it like a stereotypical American show or movie. The irony is that I feel like they tried to make something similar to the movie “Just Married” with Brittany Murphy and Ashton Kutcher which somehow worked better back in 2003 when it was released. But I kind of expected and hoped for something closer to the series “Go Back Couple” except it’s not a time travel but they lose their memories and start to fall in love with each other again while working on their issues. Together. If they would learn something along the way and learn from their mistakes to improve their marriage it could still have had some jokes and comedic relief in it while giving us something valuable. When I heard this movie would come out I was really excited. Maybe too much since I expected and hoped for more than we got. Personally I don’t get why this movie is already so popular and high-ranked when it’s nothing but disgrace to all the movies/shows that did a better job at portraying marriage isn’t always easy and you have to work hard to make it work. This just sends the opposite message as if it doesn’t matter. And even if many people will disagree with my statement I’ll stick with it that overall it’s bad movie. Not the worst I’ve ever watched but nothing compared to the usual Korean standards.
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My new favorite historical drama from now on ♥
So I just finished watching this drama and the first thing I gotta say is: I’m flashed. Like completely. This might be my most favorite historical K-Drama of all time because it as such a ride! Such a fun and thrilling experience at once. I haven’t watched that many historical dramas (or rather I haven’t finished this) but “Hwarang” managed to pull me in right from the start – and it never let me go.Actually I don’t write reviews that often so please forgive me if this isn’t going to be smooth but I will try my best. First let me start with what I didn’t like… Which isn’t that much. Personally I’m not a fan of love triangles so some scenes (especially during the first half) were really hard for me and I gotta admit I only spoiled myself regarding which ship would end up together because I have one rule when watching K-Drama (or even reading): I only watch/finish when I know my main couple is going to end up together (but I will get to that later). That’s why I give it -0.5 points because while I didn’t mind Ah Ro’s and Ji Dwi’s “friendship” it bothered me sometimes they had so many scenes together I doubted myself. But I let this one slide because the rest was just beyond perfection.
The cast was amazing. There wasn’t a single actor I thought didn’t fulfill his role perfectly. Even the characters I very much disliked (but it also only goes to show they are good at their hob). For example I didn’t like the princess and I kind of would have wished she had a moment of realizing she was in the wrong for acting like this but they kind of left that open. Sometimes I didn’t really know on which side she was on but she did an amazing job (as well as the others). And although I felt sorry for the queen at the end I really disliked her character and her actions and greed. She didn’t want all of this but then she was thirsting for power. She hid her son not only to protect him but also to remain control and I think for him this wasn’t the best choice. So he had to take many detours before getting there but I was really happy when he did become king and although I called this plot twist (because to me it was sure I trusted Seon Woo and their friendship) I was glad they broke off those schemes and worked together. (See I’m not good at this, already talking about the ending). Although I gotta admit that I personally didn’t really like Ji Dwi’s/Maek Jong’s as a character. He had his good moments but I really couldn’t understand the hype about him (Sorry to say this). He often acted very selfishly (especially when he kissed Ah Ro, forcing himself onto her) and he didn’t even feel a little sorry about it. Even in the end he let her go but he couldn’t face her instead of being friends and staying on good terms. Also Ah Ro NEVER really encouraged his feelings (this kind of made up for the love triangle thing a bit). Sometimes he seemed pathetic and maybe that’s a result of living inside the shadow but it didn’t feel like he developed courage and I think without Seon Woo (and the other Hwarangs) he would not have made it this far. You can hate me for this but I really do think so… And while he didn’t kill Mak Moon I just can’t get over the fact that he stood there while two people were dying (maybe not directly because of him but the queen’s orders) and he just turned around and left. If Ah Ro’s father wouldn’t have come to save dog-bird… well… But worst for me is the fact they never addressed it and I think it was a real great deed of Seon Woo to forgive him like this without Ji Dwi acknowledging this. As I result I could not understand why everyone was holding him up so high when most of his actions were lead by his selfishness. Nevertheless I don’t hate him and he has his good point and also had good/kind reasons for wanting to become king. So this worked out well. Plus I love Seon Woo’s and his strong bond and friendship.
Speaking of which… I really loved so many of the characters this would probably be too long if I mentioned every individual (especially among the Hwarangs) so let me just speak about my absolute favorites. I absolutely adored So Ho. I went into this drama mainly because of Park Seo Joon and Choi Minho not knowing that I would even end up loving their characters too. They were perfect for their roles (but one by one). So Ho was so kind and funny and just so lovable. The only thing that bothered me was his crush on the queen (which I didn’t understand). Also I always felt he would deserve so much better. The way he admired her was kind of cute and weird at the same time. I was a little disappointed he didn’t get his own cute romance here (I’d have loved this) and even more so his last scene displayed him crying over the queen dying. I felt so sorry for him. Also one thing that made me dislike his sister slightly was when she knocked him down. It wasn’t his fault for trying to be a good brother (well, we gotta teach him how to treat his sister on other occasions). He was such a sweetheart and a very loyal friend. The role fit him perfectly <3.
Another favorite character surprised me very much. Personally I’m not a fan of BTS (please don’t hate me for saying this. I don’t hate or dislike them either, I’m simply not very much into their music – it’s not my cup of tea – pun NOT intended). But seeing V act as Han Sung really impressed me. His character was very refreshing and cute among all those serious characters and I absolutely adored Han Sung. It even makes me sad he didn’t play in more dramas because he surely has a talent and a very unique charisma so I kind of understand why many people were hyped to see him in this drama. But as much as I loved his character I will NEVER forgive the writers for letting him die. That hurt so much. First making you attached to his character (and they even build especially on that in the very same episode). I adored his friendship with Seon Woo and I wished so much they wouldn’t have done it. But I really give him credits for his talent. What a heartbreaking scene. Han Sung was such a precious character…
This brings me to the romance-part. Honorable mention for Ban Ryu and Soo Yeon right here… this couple was kind of cute and I liked their romance fair enough (but like I said I won’t forgive her for beating her brother twice when it was HER fault for not explaining). I felt like generally this drama wasn’t build so much on the romance (which doesn’t mean the parts were bad). Normally it would go down in my ranking because of this but the reason I love this drama so much it because it kept me on suspense the entire time. Simply awesome. And when there was the romance plot it was very well down and hit exactly right for me. I’ve read many comments hating on Seon Woo and Ah Ro as a couple so much it made me wonder why. Even this whole part about him pretending to be her brother for a time and the fact she already caught feelings then… Personally I wasn’t bothered by it because 1. They were never related by blood nor in any other form. Only by the fact her brother shipped them even before anyone else did (which was also very cute and I’m happy it turned out the way he would have wanted it for them ♥). 2. I do believe that while Ah Ro couldn’t know it for sure (which I gotta admit makes it weird from an objective point of view) she kind of sensed it deep down. Plus it was her father who wanted him so badly to keep up the pretense (a little plot hole here when dog-bird stated it would have been what her brother would have wanted. No. He wanted them to get married from the start). But even after this was resolved or especially then… I found their romance so beautiful. It was simply pure and it also felt way more natural than Ah Ro and the King (which I never really felt, sorry). Also once again a point proven: Park Seo Joon would have great chemistry even with a potato (just saying). Of course Ah Ro is much prettier and better than this but they looked so good together… Seon Woo’s character was really strong but not OP. He always wanted to do what’s right and was very loyal to the end. All his actions were to protect others. He wasn’t selfish at all. I was sad when he blamed himself for his friend’s death or even to put Ah Ro in danger when it were all these evil schemeres behind it. But he really has a good heart and a lot of courage. Even when he found out he would have had the legal right for the throne as well due to being a sacred bone he only every thought of doing what’s right for the people. I’m sure he didn’t have an easy life growing up as Cheoin but he remains humble all the way. So I really think he has a good heart. I didn’t like all his actions – especially when he “ignored” Ah Ro but I guess every character has some flaws. Slightly disappointed that PSJ didn’t hide inside a closet in this drama (I was waiting for it). But his performance is no joke. He’s honestly one of the best actors I’ve ever seen.
And I also liked Ah Ro very much. She was kind and bold and also very refreshing? I’ve read some comments complaining about her crying all the time but I do feel like what she went through justified this. Plus people are always mistaken when they say crying is a sign of weakness when it actually means strength (that’s why I liked the fact even the King shed some tears – proven he was not cold blooded. I give him that). She tried to help people and I think in this regard she has much in common with Seon Woo and that’s why they are perfect for each other (in my opinion). The actress is also very pretty and talented (her eyes are so beautiful). I’ve even decided to give her other dramas a chance because I want to see more of her. There was not one time I got annoyed by her. I’m a little sad the writers often put her on the sideline but in these situations she probably couldn’t have done much. So I now this is an unpopular opinion but I really do love both main leads (even though sometimes it didn’t feel like they were in a way). I loved the ending (although I felt sad/sorry for the queen from a human point of view. No one deserves this kind of ending).
The second episode was already so emotional… I’m not someone who cries watching dramas and I didn’t do it this time either… But it still managed to grab me emotionally on a level other dramas couldn’t and I appreciate this. Sometimes it was intense, funny, emotional and nerve wrecking. All of this was also due to the great OST – I love it so much. I think it’s one of the few dramas I didn’t get bored – that’s how much it managed to pull me in. I had this drama on my list for a long time and I really don’t know why I hesitated. One of the best dramas ever and absolutely the best historical drama for me. I would really love to have a second season but since it’s been six years it’s probably not going to happen.
Sorry for this mess of a review – I just wanted to share my thoughts with you. Have a great week ♥
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Why I'd recommend this hidden gem to anyone who loves a good romance and hates love-triangles
Since this is my very first review I apologize if it's a bit out of order and while I try to remain spoiler free in the beginning as good as I can as I'll continue I'd also like to add spoiler for those of you who watched the drama or want to go back to this review and know why I ranked it so highly.[SPOILER FREE PART] I watched "Longing Heart" first some years ago (I think around 2019) and I absolutely loved it from the beginning. It became one of my favorites and let me just say: it never gets boring and every episode is absolute perfection. To me this is how a drama should be. From the cast (or most of them, although many are not that well-known which is a shame imo) to the OST which is absolutely amazing! (Especially "엇갈린 사랑" by Lim Ha Young is so inspiring and beautiful, everytime it played I was captivated ♥).
The story is about a 28-year old teacher Kang Shin Woo who never got to confess to his first love Jisoo but he also could never forget her. When he meets her 10 years later it doesn't go quite well. He soon finds himself back in the past 10 years ago in the year 2007 where he meets his younger self to whom I simply refer as Shin Woo from now on to avoid confusion while I'll refer to his older version as Kang Shin Woo. But of course time travel always involves much confusion and everything is turned upside down when he becomes his own enemy and he has to compete against himself?
Simply the idea of it fascinated me back then. I went into this with zero expectations after stumbling across some recommendations. I had never heard about it before and I couldn't find out much bout it except for the synopsis and some negative reviews. But since it sounded interesting I wanted to give it a try and I didn't regret it! It was different from any time travel drama I have heard of before in the sense it was unique Kang Shin Woo was send back in time as his present-self, being confronted with his younger version. This is not the approach I was used to from other series, movies or books because it would not only mean he could change his own actions but rather have an impact on them by the way he acted (which he wouldn't have done if he didn't go back in time but I will get there). It seemed to be a rather simple drama in terms of production and setting but it was perfect for its purpose and it caught the atmosphere perfectly. And can I just mention how much I love the vibe it gave of the year 2007? I'd have loved to visit South Korea during that time!
As for the cast I was sceptical about Lee Jung Shin as Kang Shin Woo. I didn't know the actor but I though he looked a bit strange but this changed as I kept watching and he is such a great actor that he really managed to win me over. From beginning to the end he did a perfect job and that's all I can say about him. And I know this might be an unpopular opinion but I really don't know why they choose Seo Ji Hoon as his younger version. don't get me wrong, he is a great actor but they could have found someone who resembled him more imo. That's the only kind of criticism I have on this drama if it could be called this at all. Because his acting made totally up for this little discrepancy in terms of looks and I appreciate they didn't cast one actor for both versions since then it really would have messed up this whole story (and others around him not noticing). There wa,s however, a very questionable choice among one of the students who looked even older than Kang Shin Woo and I kow he was supposed to look a little bit more rough but the way he even looked older than Kang Shin Woo made it even more unbeliveable he was in High School. And now to Jisoo who to me stood out as a female lead. I can't explain why but maybe it's because we got to know her more as Kang Shin Woo returned to the past.
From beginning to the end this drama was well written. Was I confused at times? Yes! Did it take me longer to figure out how complex it is and it what sense the events and time line added up? of course but that what makes every good time travel story. Did I find plot holes at my first watch? Yes, but I do have to take this back after my last re-watch and if you finished watching I can also explain why so just return to my comment then. Because I'd definitely recommend this sweet and yet dramatic love story to anyone who is a hopeless romantic and who doesn't like love triangles since this drama is the counteract (at least in my opinion). And now to the SPOILERS!!!!!:
[SPOILER FROM HERE] Some people take issues with the fact it's kind of a romance between a student and her teacher but it's not. Keep in mind that Kang Shin Woo (while a teacher and even becoming her teacher) experienced this time already and he fell in love with her as a teenager. And I know this might be another unpopular opinion but I can't even blame her for falling for him. Think about it: she had fallen for him the first time when both of them didn't know any better but the second time he did and all he wanted was to try to help his younger self and Jisoo to make it better. Not even once did he think about the time he would miss out with her, being aware it would be him and their experiences together. And while Kang Shin Woo and Shin Woo BOTH (or rather one) got jealous of each other at times they are still the same person and Kang Shin Woo was aware of that and therefore when thinking about returning to the present he didn't take any issue with it since it was what he wanted to begin with. Jisoo's feelings complicated things. The way he acted was not to blame because he hold back himself a lot. And remember: for him they were both aroung the same age so now try to imagine you'd suddenly consider your friend or even your first love as so much younger than you. Even the way he turned out her confession when it was the least thing he wanted to do and as he said in the end... for him it has always been her. He waited for her for ten years and then again when he knew it wasn't his time and even more complicated due to his position. There were moment of affections they shared but I think they were on a deeper level and while yes, it wouldn't be normal between a teacher and his student, it never went too far.
I could probably write tons of stuff about each and every episode and analyze it but I don't want this to be to long so I will stick to the parts that could considered to be a plot hole. One main issue I had after watching it for the first time was: why did his mom go on the ferry although she knew she would be going to die? And I'm still certain she knew the moment she found out who Kang Shin Woo really was. She could have simply got the ticket from Jisoo but not entering the ferry. Well, when Kang Shin Woo asked her not to visit her sister when she would call her his mother didn't know what would happen. If it would be a ferry sinking or maybe any other accident that could happen on her way or even while being with her sister. It could have been anything (even choking on somehing). Of course the fact she took Jisoo's ticket kind of goes to show that she at least figured it had to do with the ferry or leaving the island and maybe it was her intuition wanting to keep Jisoo from being there and maybe dying (both times but the second time she knew because of Kang Shin Woo). Now remember she had met Kang Shin Woo as her son's teacher and all the events prior to it, how he proved Shin Woo's innocence over the fire (which happend in his past too except for he took the blame - we could argue about the reason but he was self-aware but even then capable of doing of what he thought was right). If his mother figured he came into the past and it had to do with her and now even Jisoo came into the play maybe she thoght her not dying could have an impact on their future or Kang Shin Woo never coming to the past because it would change his future too. I'm not sure about the reason she had the first time but given the fact it's a time travel story and how Shin Woo changed some thing later on we don't know what parallel it was or if his mother had experienced something similar in her past, maybe connected with her husband. Because while she was surprised when she found out she then took it as natural. She would not have expected it but she also didn't deny it which every other person could have done. Leading me to the conclusion maybe she knew more. And she also was aware of what kind of man he had grown up to be and thought since it had already happened to him she had to let it happen again. Which would be sad and not necessarily true but the more I thought about it the more I was convinced there was more to his mother and her figuring out.
Now to the anti love-triangle which is the part I love most about this series. I'm usually very irritated when a female lead acts as if she doesn't know her feelings and is torn between two men (really, I dislike love triangles and to me they are not romantic at all). Except this isn't one and Jisoo was never confused about her feelings. She didn't know who Kang Shin Woo was when she fell in love with her teacher and also she didn't know Shin Woo when he came into the future/presence. Yet it was as if her heart would always tell her the right thing too. And maybe Kang Shin Woo changed the way she fell for him because he met her first and he didn't (recalling the cliche bus scene :D). But it never really mattered: because they were the same. Shin Woo complained about how she would always fall for Kang Shin Woo and he did the other way around once they were together. Looking back it might not only be a time travel story but also a story about people loving each other in different phases of their lifes and simply knowing them well enough to always recognize them deep down even if it leads to confusion. Once Kang Shin Woo retunred to his time Jisoo was aware he was the one she loved but she also never stopped to love her teacher. They are the same person, there's no difference except for the phase they are in. It was mind-blowing the first time but the second time even more because I realized... when Kang Shin Woo and Jisoo were locked in the school at night and she asked him about his first love and he said he couldn't tell her now (which he did at the end) it was the same when Shin Woo revealed his real name before leaving back to 2007 but mirrored. Which means Kag Shi Woo from the future fordeshadowed in the past how she would be his first love. Also the way she could not be with him until the final truth about what had happened to his mom was revealed and she felt guilty... although even if his mother didn't know I think it wouldn't have been her fault and I'm sure Kang Shin Woo realized it too but he didn't want to burden her. He never blamed it on her. And he was always kind and loving to her from start until the end.
As I said there might be more to say about this amazing drama but I will leave it at that. In my opinionit's an underrated drama and it deserves so much more love ♥. When I first watched it I gave it a 9.5/10 but I think it's a 10/10 for being a masterpiece and so complex you can still think about the events and they all make sense. It's a drama that could give you a headache thinking about it. But it's so well-done you can overlook this because it's simply beautiful. It had suuch an impact on me to see this strong love that endured time and trauma. And on top of that both protagonists were not perfect and you could really understand the reasons why they fell for each other and even how difficult relationships can be at times. It was full of cliches and sometimes even cheesy. But it fitted in there so perfectly and was so well done. I'd recommend, I'd rewatch and while it used to be my second favorite drama of all time I think it deserves a special place in my heart too, catching up with my other number 1 spot (which is more or less there because of nostalgia). I love "Longing Heart" and I'm grateful someone came up with this amazing idea. And I'm happy they casted it so perfectly ♥
Edit: Another additional thought I had on why Jisoo fell for Kang Shin Woo the second time but the teacher. We know why in the future she uses these harsh words on him, telling him that if they were supposed to meet it was for a bad reason which would naturally lead to conclude she doesn't have feelings for him anymore (until we learn the truth about her ring) but the fact Kang Shin Woo could not let go of her for 10 years is then reflected on young Jisoo who without knowing falls for him as he would be in the future. I was thinking it would make their love story full circle because if not she would have fallen for Shin Woo with the same outcome and the reason why Hang Shin Woo travelled back in time. It also amazes me every time how strong her feelings are in all cases.
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