Chicago Typewriter (2017)

Criminally Underrated

I will keep this short- If you have doubts whether to watch this one or not, don't waste time thinking, Just go for it!

I was wowed as the concept that they had was not easy to execute but they did an exceptional job at it. I had read somewhere that the past life storyline is far more interesting than the current one. I would disagree here and say that both were equally interesting but the present day storyline takes time to grow on you as you really have to be invested in the characters to truly enjoy this drama.

The cast nailed each role and showcased the emotions of the characters with utmost nuance and beauty. A special shout-out to Yoo Ah In who nailed his role and looked absolutely gorgeous while he was at it.

The story takes time to develop- but that's exactly what I like about it. The initial 4 episodes might seems slow but they are necessary for us to understand the male lead's actions and emotions and for us to connect with them. I was hooked since the start to the ending and after a very long time had a drama got me this invested.

The focus of the story is around the main leads and the 'villain' here also had a compelling storyline and it is always nice to see a well-written villain that has motive.

The leads had great chemistry and their storyline was also written well. Even though you feel bad for the parallel lead (whose character is extremely likable), you are still super satisfied with the main couple's journey and ending. Even the dynamic of all the 3 leads is fun to watch and the Bromance is strong in this one which is one of its many positives.

The concept was delivered beautifully and the OST really went well with the vibe of the show.

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Watched it the second time around today, and I still ended up harboring the same intense feelings of pain that I felt the first time I saw it. Love under the wrong circumstances, I’m always a sucker for these stories.

I love everything about this drama that I’m even having a hard time putting my love for it in words. Where do I even begin?

The plot was genius. Reincarnation stories are common in the world of kdrama, but wow, this one was really well thought of. You obviously have a writer who knew what kind of story s/he wanted to share since episode one, and she managed to connect both the past life and present life in such a clean manner that would leave you wanting more of the story after every episode. The characters and how they each played a role in each others’ lives both in the past and present was stitched too well. God, I can’t get enough of this brilliance.

The writing and pace was perfect. Truly appreciated the subtle hints they gave of how explosive the revelations from the past would be in the end. From the very first episodes, I loved how the characters used their past lives in passing for their present day dilemmas (ex: “i must have been a traitor of our country in my past life”) . Never knew these harmless comments would actually take a whole new meaning once the whole story would be revealed.

The acting... they were too good. All the actors gave so much life to the characters that I found myself being attached to them and thinking about how painful their pasts could have been.

The OST. Omg the OST. The songs were perfectly used during the right moments. I found myself listening to some of them weeks after I finished the last episode, and I’m always drawn back to the pain I felt while watching this drama. Sometimes, I even pause whatever I’m doing just to feel the pain that comes along with the songs.

The setting. The show managed to give us a peek into the life of Korea under the Japanese rule. The costumes and places truly gave off a nostalgic feeling, and it left me wondering about what kind of life they had back then.

There are too many other things to compliment about this show. It’s perfect for someone who loves sad stories like me. Haaaay ❤️

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Interesting concept but fails to deliver

That was kinda boring. We are barely given information about the mystery, it's mostly a slice of life with loads of repeated scenes. The actually story is no bigger than a 2-3 hours movie. Almost nothing happens in the first 5 episodes, the story starts at episode 6 with tiny bits of small teasers every now and then. Most of the "previous life" story is condensed in episode 15 and half 16. At least it was nice visually.

On another note, I prefer to see Yoo Ah In in movies rather than long format dramas. He was also the main and the only highlight of this drama.

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I love this show dearly. I think it will always remain in my top 10 kdramas. One of the things that makes it stand out to me is the themes that it meditates on, particularly the theme about the gift (and cost) of freedom

It’s something I haven’t thought much about, freedom. I suppose I’m fortunate enough that freedom isn’t something I have to worry about. But this show made me think about and deeply appreciate freedom. It does this by juxtaposing two very different time periods, modern day and in the past during the Japanese occupation of Korea, in which our same set of characters live. In the past, these people are fighting for freedom from their unjust situation, under the constant threat of discovery and death, and are sacrificing their livelihood and even possibly their lives. And for what? A freedom that they themselves are unlikely to ever experience. Then, we switch back to modern day, where these characters are together, laughing, able to love each other, able to not be living under fear of discovery. It’s beautiful. It’s amazing. It honestly makes me emotional even writing about it.

The show also has other themes that it touches on, such as the pen is mightier than the sword, a theme embodied by the Chicago Typewriter itself. Gosh, this show is just so good. Just watch it.

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STORY
I would like to thank the writer to write such a beautiful and real story of friendships, now i know that k-drama writer can write not only about romance, but also friendship and difficulties during wars. Why is this friendship so beautiful and heart touching? It's because the relationship last for a century, it's talking about forgotten past, bittersweet memories. Especially when they can be happy and content through tough times, during Japanese occupation period. There is no real evil villain in this story either. Their conflict is not human-made but more of the condition of the wars.

I like all the phrases that the writer wrote, especially in the ending when Hwi Young said "Please write our story on my behalf, Please write that we had lived through these rough times, Even when we were faced with a dark reality, We all lived diligently, and absorbed the pain, We found hope in despair. We found happiness in danger. We all loved and fought to our utmost ability”

I felt goosebumps when i heard that phrases, i mean, i can never imagine how to live in a country where a war happened and even during tough times, human can stay together and bond deeply with each other. It's really our privileges to live freely like now and we should respect people who fought for our freedom in the past. They have sacrificed so many things for us, although they are not perfect.

This kind of story really touches my heart, i always like the story that's related to history especially wars. Such as Schindler's list, life is beautiful, gone with the wind, etc. It's just very nostalgic. I feel like i can relate to all of them in the past.

Although this is a story about revolutionist, it doesn't talk too heavy on politics and wars. It focuses more on relationships and how human can thrive despite of difficulties. That makes me appreciate this more. It also has many humors, it's not heavy, this is one of the rare k-dramas that i am really looking forward to finish it without getting bored at all. I never skipped even one second, honestly I keep repeating the scenes and the phrases that i like. It also teaches me a lot of stuffs. Kudos to the writer, u have written a story that i will still remember until a very long time.

ACTING/CAST
What can i say? THEY ALL BRILLIANT!!! I mean, it's very seldom to watch a drama that all the casts have been delivered such a top notch acting skills and Chicago Typewriter nailed it BIG TIME! From Yoo Ah In, Lim Soo-Jung, Ko Gyung-Pyo, Kwak Si-Yang to all of other casts, they all amazing! Can stir up emotion in me. Okay, I admit it that i cried a lot when i watched this show towards the ending, the only other k-drama that made me cry was signal hahaha. They all amazing in delivering their emotion in their scenes so i caught off guard and cried like hell.

Music
10/10!! It perfectly sync with all their scenes in the past, it just makes me more emotional by listening to the song, even now when i am listening to the ost, the scene is still replaying in my mind.

Rewatched Value
I swear i never re-watched any TV shows before coz it's time consuming, but i re-watched this hahahahahah, because somehow i still miss them and i want to go to that 30's era again. The backdrop is gorgeous, the costumes, the musics, ahh i miss everything .


Maybe it's just me, i don't know, maybe i am biased, i don't know, but i like everything in the drama.
The story, the casting, editing, music, EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING!

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Chicago typewriter is the name of a gun that makes the sound of a... you guessed it: typewriter.
That's probably why it felt like I was being hit with bullets of emotion throughout this drama.

I felt humorous, I felt sadness and at the same time- my heart ached. The bond of ones previous life and the strength of a promise. The fight for freedom and the barriers of love. This drama reminds me of Mr. Sunshine and I enjoyed that aspect of it. After watching that drama and seeing the ending of it, I thought I would never find one that would have such an impact on me. And here we are.

If you liked either of these drama's, you should watch the other one for sure. If you are doubting whether or not you should watch this drama: please do.

I personally enjoy a story with a lesson and I felt like I learned a lot. That being said, I need happy endings... so here's the little spoiler you might need...: don't worry, the ending won't rip your heart out of your chest.

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Things I loved about Chicago Typewriter:

1. Great casting. Yoo Ah In is amazing in whatever he does. Doesn’t hurt that his megawatt smile can light up a whole city and his voice can melt even the coldest of hearts. It’s my first time to watch Im Soo Jung; now I understand why she’s an award winning actress. Go Kyung Pyo really improved since his Reply 1988 days. These three had amazing chemistry; it felt like they’re friends in real life. Not sure which one I enjoyed more, the romance or the bromance.

2. The story and its amazing use of alternating timelines. Its fresh plot combines different genres (romance, comedy, fantasy, historical) into a masterpiece. Chicago Typewriter is a story of a love and friendship that surpasses a lifetime but it also gives a vivid picture of the struggles of a novelist, or a writer in general. I love that it reminds viewers that the pen is still mightier than the sword and that freedom, whether for the country or for an individual, has a cost.

3. The setting and the wardrobe. When your lead actor is a writer, you can expect that locations will be filled with books. Shelves upon shelves of books! And that 1930s fashion! Cozy and vintage settings amplified by superb cinematography. I can’t praise it enough.

4. Haunting soundtrack. The songs support the nostalgic and heart-wrenching scenes of the show. I am in love with Saltnpaper’s Satellite; I’ve been listening to it on repeat.?

Chicago Typewriter is what kdramas, or any TV show / film, should be — well-written, piercing, mesmerizing enough to make one dive into a fictional world. It’s a surprisingly underrated gem and I don’t know why I delayed watching it.

P.S. Hats off to TVN for producing fresh, experimental pieces like this one. My top 3 for this year (Because This is My First Life, Chicago Typewriter, and Prison Playbook) are all from TVN.

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A K-Drama with some of the best OST

I loved this drama, Best K-Drama of 2017!

At first I thought the story was nothing special, but it was amazing after the drama started picking up.
The story is original and set in the 1930's. The sets and costumes are amazing. Very well done!
The story that was set in the past was more interesting with the action and everything, but the present was also mysterious. The going back and forth between past and present was very well done.
The ending of the drama was concluded with satisfaction and many emotions I experienced.

The actors did an amazing job. The Male Lead and Female lead fit in their roles and gave a spectacular performance. The third male lead was great! The bromance was Amazing between Han Se Joon and Yoo Jin Oh. The romance was also Great.

The OST makes this drama even better, the song Come With Me is a Masterpiece. I loved it when it came on the Drama. Probably my favourite song out of all the K-Drama OST. Also Satellite and Time Walk is Superb, the other ones are great too.
I love that the songs are in English, makes it amazing.

This Drama is one of a kind, as I am having withdrawal feeling right now.
I will definitely re watch this drama in the future.

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honestly, i enjoyed this drama way more than i expected to! when it comes to period dramas i tend to either hate them or love them and in this case it's definitely the latter, partly because not all of the story takes place in the past.

what i like the most about this drama is the way it pulls you in. once you finish watching episode one, you can't wait to watch the rest. the mystery of the three main characters' past is very interesting and very beautifully written, @ the writers: chapeau! i love the little hints of their past lives and how they're connected to the future here and there, it kind of gives you the feeling of being some sherlock ahahah i watched every episode with a sharp eye, trying to pick up new clues to unravel the storyline!!

chicago typewriter was surprisingly funny too. the characters' reactions + actions are hilarious and unexpected at times. i really appreciate the fact that the writers made a show with such a heavy (dark?) storyline a bit more light-hearted. also, the characters are very likeable. shinyul (yoo jinoh) is so adorable, his puppy eyes get me all the time! and i loved his dog plushie doppelgänger, it was so cute. one of my favourite moments is in episode 13 when seju wants to ask him why he wants to return to chicago, he practices on the dog plushie first before asking jinoh fghjdg cute!!!

this drama doesn't really focus on romance (something i normally enjoy very much ahaha). though there is some rivalry between the two guys about who gets the girl and we do get some romantic scenes, it's not at all what the story is about and that's mainly why chicago typewriter is so refreshing. it's a whole new genre of its own. the show mainly focuses on the friendship of the three main characters and the history of seoul in the '30s.

so if you're looking for something new and exciting yet nostalgic and sentimental, search no longer: chicago typewriter is the show you're looking for!

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