gia
a cup of tea
this film was definitely thrilling. from start two finish it was unpredictable, suspenseful, and often even terrifying . there was no dull moment. it keeps you guessing. i was very confused in the first half - only for the pieces to masterfully fall into place in the second half.
the performances from the cast were haunting and moving. i quickly became invested in the two brothers, so the events of the film shocked and upset me. the plot and the backstories really make you feel strongly, and the ending was heartwrenching but it was necessary for the story.
i loved it, but i wouldn't really want to rewatch it. maybe once to notice any clues i missed? but the tone is very dark and the first half might lose it's charm when you have watched the entire film. i would recommend this to everyone though.
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The characters are strong, though. Gong Yoo as always does a great job as the distant father, but Kim Su-an is definitely the star of this movie. Their relationship is the best part of the film and it’s best scenes are focused around them. The rest of the cast do a great job too. I especially like the zombies: the way they move and behave is super cool and grotesque to watch. The cast seems very human, too. I like how each character has a different reaction to the zombies.
There are a lot of emotions in this film. I think one of the reasons it’s ratings are so high is the character’s relationships with each other and the tragedies that ensue because of them. There are some striking moments that are moving and the ending scenes are definitely the strongest of the film.
I will repeat though that it’s a straightforward zombie movie and I didn’t find it particularly special. It was enjoyable and I liked it, and I’ll probably rewatch it if I’m ever bored, but I don’t think it’s a film that’ll stay with me for a long time.
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Because This is My First Life
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The plot was pretty basic, an arranged marriage where the two leads share a house and fall in love. The romance in this drama is pretty unique. It’s awkward, stilted and slow but very sweet and believable. The similarities between the two main characters worked really well; unlike other dramas, they complement each other really well because of the ways they are the same, not the ways they are different. They did have really really good chemistry, I think, and some scenes were very well delivered. They have such lovely moments together that I love to rewatch them. I especially loved their kissing scenes, it was the perfect demonstration of tension building up and up and finally reaching a peak. This slow burn is actually so good. Their relationship was often frustrating just because it’s more about the things left unsaid, rather than the huge romantic gestures we’re used to. But this actually fits the character’s personalities well, and to be honest they’re a perfect couple. People who watch this drama for the first time just have to be wary of the fact that this isn’t a dramatic relationship or a relationship based on large gestures. It’s just home.
The secondary couples were good too. I think Soo Ji and Sang Goo stole the show and were at times a more interesting and loveable couple than the mains. Their romance is literally so funny and they actually seem to genuinely like each other, which the other couples don’t express as well... plus Soo Ji was such a strong character and Sang Goo was so funny and sweet that there was no way they wouldn’t have worked well together. Many people have complained about Ho Rang and Won Seok but I did like them sometimes, plus it was refreshing to have an established relationship in a drama. I liked the message of healing and nurturing a relationship a lot and their emotional scenes were strong, though their storyline was dragged out massively and feels a little pointless at the end because they literally just go back to how their relationship was before.
The cast itself was overall pretty good, Jung Simon is a very strong actress and, though I know a lot of people dislike Ji Ho (especially towards the end of the drama) I actually really loved how she represented a complex, strong, adorable and interesting female lead. Lee Minki played a pretty average role, but there were definitely some points where he shined too. Definitely Eom was the best in this drama; the character of Soo Ji was amazing and so so refreshing, she was the perfect mix of strong, adorable and interesting, especially for a side character. Overall the cast was good and the characters were fun enough to keep the drama interesting, while having touching and meaningful backstories/storylines. I liked the friendships between the female characters so so much; solidarity between women is hard to find sometimes and it was so nice to have those healthy female relationships.
I’m a sucker for OSTs and I really really loved this one. So fun and sweet, totally fits the atmosphere of this drama. I listen to it a lot, actually. The atmosphere of this drama in general is really lovely, actually. The whole show is about making a home and finding a place to belong... the scenery, music and mood of the show fit that very well. There are a lot of silences and awkward moments in this drama... it really is realistic. I think that the whole vibe is just slow and homely.
If you’ve looked at this page even once you’ll know that people have a major issue with the last two episodes... I agree with this. Episode 15 in particular is just so weak? It’s boring, flat and there’s so much angst that it doesn’t have the same vibe as other episodes and just features stilted conversations. It was basically a filler and could’ve been left out if I’m honest... it just put me in a bad mood and left a bad taste in my mouth for an hour and fifteen minutes. (apart from the last scene, of course, which is so good (kudos to Lee Minki)). Episode 16 was marginally better, not as strong as other episodes but at least an attempt at a satisfying conclusion that wraps up the storylines. It is so much less realistic than other episodes, very idealistic and rushed. Seeing as the show deals with such serious issues and is so realistic, it does feel like a very typical happy ending and the catharsis therefore just isn’t as strong as it really could’ve been... there was so much potential for the last two episodes that just really fell flat? Plus the two couples getting back together was really bland, nothing really happened Like I said, there was potential there that was wasted and if the rest of the drama hadn’t been so excellent I wouldn’t have been as unsatisfied as I am. To be honest, I would’ve much preferred an open ending. I do feel like I might be being too harsh though; I did love some moments and I did enjoy it still!
What also bothers me is the representation of Ji Ho in the last two episodes... all through the drama she’s literally called transparent, and she never hesitates to talk about her feelings, so why make her into this secretive woman who leaves for no reason... the Ji Ho I loved was honest and kind, and that’s lost in the finale.
The final episodes kind of affect my view of the drama. Overall though it was funny, touching and I loved the characters. I love rewatching some moments, and the messages will stay with me for a long time (and I’ll definitely listen to the soundtrack a lot). The characters became a sort of family together and I have a lot of affection for them.
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Ah this was really cute and entertaining. It's just an hour of fun really, basically an advertisement mixed with comedy and fan service. The plot is basic and satirises a lot of drama tropes in a short space of time. The cliches actually work out really well and end up being hilarious. I think many people miss the message of the drama - the point is to make fun of fantasy and represent a more accurate (and, I think, a much warmer) reality that is awkward and doesn't always go to plan. Many people talk about how there are no kisses in this web series despite it's name - but that's literally the point. It's a subversion of the happy ending trope, where the big dramatic kiss at the end doesn't necessarily turn out as you expect it, and the 'dream man' who you want to be an actor, or a rich heir, or a secret agent is actually just an ordinary travel writer. I think the ending is good, actually. Without that final episode, the message of this series would be a lot more subtle.
The cast was sweet - but they weren't cast for their acting, they were cast because they're celebrities. It was mostly just fanservice and that's fine, it works well and it was cute in general. Cho Hee was great as a timid, clumsy lead who is meant to be relatable; her awkwardness was genuine and funny.
I actually really liked the music here too, it fit nicely. The whole atmosphere of the show was just fun and enjoyable. I'd definitely rewatch this whenever I'm in a bad mood or need a laugh.
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As a history student, I have to admit that I’m a little biased towards any storyline related to the past. This drama strikes the perfect balance between the thrilling, nostalgic sights of the 1930s and the modern present day. There is an acute nostalgia and yearning for the past in this drama; though the history we are given is dark and painful, it is also homely.
As well as this, the storytelling is very clever. The slow unravelling of the past which is contrasted against the present is so smart and well done. As the series goes on, more and more parallels are drawn between the characters, their relationships and the storylines. It’s a very satisfying feeling and as a result is very nice to watch. If I’m honest, the first half isn’t as gripping as the last half, but there is a pretty good set up and if you stick with it everything is revealed so perfectly.
The narrative itself is a little slow and, as a lot of people have said before me. is full of filler. Yet the cute and funny scenes give depth and sweetness to the characters and help you get to know them better. The slow and often silly tone of the story adds to the general feel of the show, and therefore I don’t really see the pacing as a flaw. Giving the characters time to interact with each other and have fun together makes the heavy parts of the show (which are excellent) a lot lighter. Generally, the shows atmosphere is moving, funny, and painful, which is coupled with the most perfect soundtrack that is so lovely to listen to and definitely adds to the scenes.
It’s clear though that, other than the atmosphere, the characters in this drama are it’s strongest area. The casting is perfect. Im Soo Jung is particularly strong here, and delivers a complex, hilarious depiction of both a fangirl and a sniper, who are so different and yet so similar. The other lead, Yoo Ah-In, is spectacular in presenting two tortured and interesting characters who are both lovable and irritating. And of course, Jin-oh’s actor is incredible at giving us our perfect second lead, and the other members of the cast are just so good at presenting characters which are morally grey and a delight to watch. The antagonist, Baek Tae-min, is someone who I hate very much, yet he was still so fascinating and complex that I couldn’t look away in his scenes.
What’s interesting about this drama is the flaws it gives it’s characters. It doesn’t shy away from messy personalities, painful backstories and questionable motivations; every character is interesting in their own right. The relationship between them is what drives the story - the main trio are a heartbreaking representation of immortal friendship and their love for each other is so, so heartwarming and at the centre of this story. It will be with me for a long time - I’m not usually a fan of dramas surrounding friendship, but I think I’ve been converted.
The romance was so lovely. Very tender and very heartbreaking. Every romantic scene between the leads was delivered perfectly and always made me either squeal or cry. Definitely a good slow burn. I also like how Yoo Jin was never selfish and always loved Jeon Seol wholeheartedly, and this never ruined any friendships... it’s a more mature take on romance and a love triangle that isn’t suffocating. Plus, the prioritisation of friendship over romance in this drama works so well! I’d say there are many tropes and cliches, which are sometimes a little over the top, but they don’t take away from the story and are super cute.
The ending itself was moving and a good way to wrap up the show, but admittedly I liked scenes prior to the finale a lot more (most notably the goldmine that is episode 15 and some parts of episode 16 were strong). The ambiguity, which is also at the heart of this show, means you can basically form your own ending in your head. Either way, I wasn’t disappointed and I wouldn’t say it was unfulfilling. Each storyline is basically resolved, although some are left untied, but like I said ambiguity is central to the show and you can come to your own conclusions. Most character arcs were well developed and I especially loved the development of Han Se Joo! This show is so good at character development.
Another striking thing about this drama was it’s use of places. Carpe Diem and the writing room are key examples of the use of scenery to add to the story, to the point where they feel like characters. The subsequent use of these sceneries throughout the show just really gives them a sense of familiarity and it’s really nice to watch the characters interact and push forward in the places they call home.
Music, scenery, atmosphere and the characters were all put together perfectly to create a drama with it’s own personality. It isn’t perfect by any means, but it has its own spirit, moving characters and the most heartbreaking of stories that will be so hard to forget.
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