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Method actor in action
Surprisingly, this drama delivers great depth in the character interactions. I mean, from the title and knowing it's based on the Hollywood movie, we already know the entire story. And despite the premise, this show doesn't overdo the silly circumstantial humor, which is something I'm not fond of. Instead, it portrays deep character interactions to make the story come to life.
Many have written about the outstanding acting of Lee Do Hyun playing a man in a teenager's body. I've read interviews that mention he is a method actor. This seems spot on considering his overwhelming intensity and charisma. He fills the screen with energy and truly becomes the father's character. He steals every scene he's in, and he makes this show what it is. He is one of the most talented actors I've seen and considering how young and new he is on the k-drama scene (he is only 25 yo in this role), it is impressive!
Some reviewers have complained about the way Dae Young is treated in the story. He shoulders pretty much all the blamed for the failure of his marriage and everything that has gone wrong with his family. I agree that the writing is lacking in this area. Dae Young and Da Jung never have the chance to deeply discuss the elements of their marriage. They also don't get a chance to heal Dae Young's feelings about giving up his dreams for his family. Where the beautiful depth of interaction lies is between Dae Young and his children. They are given many opportunities to interact with each other when Dae Young becomes their teenage friend. These moments are so lovely and well done that you almost wish they could stay friends this way forever. Roh Jeong Eui and Ryeoun play Dae Young's children so well. They are a joy to watch.
There are a few other flaws as well. The biggest are the distracting sub-plots that go nowhere: the stalker, the internet troll, the car crash, and the corrupt coach. These events are silly, brief, and pointless. I believe it's mostly a writing issue, but Kim Ha Neul as Da Jung comes off as too pouty. She isn't given much to do, other than switching back and forth between strong reporter/mother to pouty woman. And disappointingly, there is a scene where a character is at a cosplay event dressed as Aladdin with slightly darker face make-up. It's racist even if the intent wasn't there.
Despite the silly sub-plots, I was OK with the tiny love triangle where Da Jung is wooed by the baseball player Ji Hoon, and supports him as he navigates issues of raising a kid on his own. However, this could have been done with more meaning and deeper conversations between the two of them. And speaking of lacking meaning, I also thought that the treatment of Da Jung as a divorcee who was a teen mom was heavy handed. It's a big missed opportunity to truly deal with the issue beyond simply going with what public opinion of her was from day to day.
I must end by mentioning Lee Mi Do who plays Da Jung's lawyer friend, and Kim Kang Hyun who plays Dae Young's friend who pretends to be his father. Both have amazing comedic talents and despite the over-the-top situations they find themselves in, they never lose empathy for their characters or go overboard with the hysterics. Instead, they balance their characters out really well. And finally, if you've seen the show, you will have noticed the set and costume designers' love of pastel colors. It was fun to see them throughout the show in the school, the office elevator, and in Da Jung's wardrobe. I'm not sure what it was meant to symbolize, but it was a fun addition.
All in all, this was a treat to watch because of Lee Do Hyun's complete transformation. Even though we know how it ends, it was a fun ride getting there.
Many have written about the outstanding acting of Lee Do Hyun playing a man in a teenager's body. I've read interviews that mention he is a method actor. This seems spot on considering his overwhelming intensity and charisma. He fills the screen with energy and truly becomes the father's character. He steals every scene he's in, and he makes this show what it is. He is one of the most talented actors I've seen and considering how young and new he is on the k-drama scene (he is only 25 yo in this role), it is impressive!
Some reviewers have complained about the way Dae Young is treated in the story. He shoulders pretty much all the blamed for the failure of his marriage and everything that has gone wrong with his family. I agree that the writing is lacking in this area. Dae Young and Da Jung never have the chance to deeply discuss the elements of their marriage. They also don't get a chance to heal Dae Young's feelings about giving up his dreams for his family. Where the beautiful depth of interaction lies is between Dae Young and his children. They are given many opportunities to interact with each other when Dae Young becomes their teenage friend. These moments are so lovely and well done that you almost wish they could stay friends this way forever. Roh Jeong Eui and Ryeoun play Dae Young's children so well. They are a joy to watch.
There are a few other flaws as well. The biggest are the distracting sub-plots that go nowhere: the stalker, the internet troll, the car crash, and the corrupt coach. These events are silly, brief, and pointless. I believe it's mostly a writing issue, but Kim Ha Neul as Da Jung comes off as too pouty. She isn't given much to do, other than switching back and forth between strong reporter/mother to pouty woman. And disappointingly, there is a scene where a character is at a cosplay event dressed as Aladdin with slightly darker face make-up. It's racist even if the intent wasn't there.
Despite the silly sub-plots, I was OK with the tiny love triangle where Da Jung is wooed by the baseball player Ji Hoon, and supports him as he navigates issues of raising a kid on his own. However, this could have been done with more meaning and deeper conversations between the two of them. And speaking of lacking meaning, I also thought that the treatment of Da Jung as a divorcee who was a teen mom was heavy handed. It's a big missed opportunity to truly deal with the issue beyond simply going with what public opinion of her was from day to day.
I must end by mentioning Lee Mi Do who plays Da Jung's lawyer friend, and Kim Kang Hyun who plays Dae Young's friend who pretends to be his father. Both have amazing comedic talents and despite the over-the-top situations they find themselves in, they never lose empathy for their characters or go overboard with the hysterics. Instead, they balance their characters out really well. And finally, if you've seen the show, you will have noticed the set and costume designers' love of pastel colors. It was fun to see them throughout the show in the school, the office elevator, and in Da Jung's wardrobe. I'm not sure what it was meant to symbolize, but it was a fun addition.
All in all, this was a treat to watch because of Lee Do Hyun's complete transformation. Even though we know how it ends, it was a fun ride getting there.
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