My Mister (2018)

After Just Between Lovers ended, I didn't think I would find another story that could hit me right in the feels like this drama did, at least not that fast. I wasn't even sure I wanted to because it takes some time to recover from such an emotional ride.
But then I started My Ajusshi, which portrayed - once again - messed up characters and unbearing pasts, though in a very different way.
What is truly wonderful about this drama is the realistic way everyone is described. The point isn't to simplify or beautify, but rather to show us raw emotions. People in their weakest moments to understand how they're inclined to react differently or where their strengths and weaknesses are coming from. There is a darkness lying deep in each character, being intensified by equally gloomy environments, and that's what I love about it. The conflictual thoughts and desperate actions. The will to help and protect facing the sense of self-preservation. This is partly what human nature is made of, and it's good to be reminded of that once in a while.
The most faithful representation of this idea in this drama would be Kwang Il. The duality in this character made him one of my favorite protagonists in this show - maybe even of all dramas combined. He truly was a captivating character, conflicted between his old memories and his current situation. The way he found to cope with this duality was wrong in so many levels, and made me wonder even more what he could have been.
As the story goes on, we learn more and more about the characters, pieces of information being given to us progressively until, getting deeper into the story, we finally grasp the whole picture.
This is why IU has done such a great job portraying Lee Ji An. We knew very little about her in the beginning and her repulsive actions could have made her really dislikable. But somehow she managed to pique our interest. And there was so much more to this character than her cold demeanor. Constantly trying to push people away, she conveyed such strong emotions while maintaining her blank face, I could never understand it. Whether it be an attempt to appear strong or to hide the feelings or thoughts tormenting her, we could almost always see past the surface and perceive the purpose of her actions.

All the characters influence each other at one point or another, and the relationships forming are so complex that it wouldn't be right to try and put a label on it. Lee Ji An and Park Dong Hoon have had a rough start, but their strength is that they understand the other and recognize the purpose in each of their actions.
In the end we're left to feel like we've grown along with the protagonists, and it is one of the main reasons why I would recommend this drama. Well, along with the beautiful OST and the unique characters depicted.
This drama is definitely worth it.

Lire davantage

My Ahjussi got me hooked since the first episode. It might not favor everyone’s taste, but it was one of the best drama I have ever seen. Perhaps you might be wondering what is appealing about to see the roughness and truth of life, but in this drama, it will lift and encourage you to choose a life according to your own definitions of living and happiness.

One of the strengths of this drama is the characters portrays each of the protagonists. The way the emotions and frustrations executed are all flawless. It was so deep that you will cry and sympathize with them. All the supporting characters steal some moment too, the sense of community and loyalty has been build up to make the story warm amidst the struggles.

The plot is so well-written, the story is consistent and unpredictable. The relationship between the two leads is extraordinary, nothing is overdone and offensive. The concepts of love, family, and marriage depict the sense of reality in a very delicate matter, and that’s what I really like about.

While watching this drama, I realized that my life is somehow far better to compare, and I am thankful for that. Yes, it’s okay to be lonely and pitiful, everyone has this dark hour of battle. And when we fall into the hard time sides of our life, let’s think, “it’s okay, it’s no big deal, hang in there until I’ll find comfort for myself.”

Lire davantage

Best. Drama. Ever.

It would be an understatement to say that I loved this drama. It's just...WOW.

Story:
I enjoy stories that explore the hardships of life, but it usually comes with the price of something being portrayed inaccurately or unrealistically. This is usually fine, but let's face it - sometimes you want a story that truly embraces the themes of reality: love, loyalty/disloyalty, honesty/dishonesty, true friendship, depression, loss, betrayal, poverty, overall humanity (or lack thereof) in someone, and so on, without the coat of sugar. This drama explored all of these so perfectly that I can't describe it. I was expecting at least one cliche or a predictable ending - but I didn't get any of those. And just as an aside here: the Psych. major part of me LOVED this, too.

Also, this is probably the first drama I've watched where I was heavily invested in the side stories. I was eager to know how they all ended - and I wasn't disappointed in the end.

I don't think I've ever cried so much over a drama.

Characters:
I'm not one to get super attached to characters, but my gosh I got attached to these so quickly! I even felt bad for characters I wouldn't usually care for, which is a difficult thing to achieve in a story for me. The backstories are unique and I felt like there was a twist to some of them that made them feel a bit original. Also the relationships/connections between characters are some of the best I've watched in a while and they really tug at the heart strings.

I always like to find that one extra favorite thing in dramas, and in this one it would have to be the relationship between the two leads. It's hard to find people who truly care about you in the way that is portrayed here. I like the beauty of it.

Acting:
No complaints!

Music:
Outstanding and emotional - one of the best drama OSTs

Wrap-up:
This turned out to be more of a thought piece than a thorough review, but hey some things are too extraordinary to explain. If you're putting off watching this, WATCH IT NOW.

Lire davantage

It would have been an amazing movie didn't need 16 episodes for such small story

I've watched this drama after a lot of recommendations from my friends and others ,, they said it's the best
and I had high expectations then it let me down
The story itself isn't bad , it's kind of realistic not romantic or fantasy but it's not actual reality story
Yes ,, there are girls similar to the female lead in real life and there are few good men such as the male lead also but even a righteous man has his breaking point not that passive about every thing happening to him ... the writer didn't bother to give more effort on the story and add more details about every character ,, she just focused in few characters then put them in a bar and repeated the scenes of drinking , eating , sulking and crying hours and hours through the episodes
we didn't get to see the Ajussi's son at all or how he feel about his parents ,, we didn't ge to see the older brother's family and how they treat him ,, we didn't get to see more details to the cooperate corruption of the company ,, we didn't get to see what happened to the gangster who bullied the female lead all the time ,, we didn't get to see more of the happy ending if we can call it that
she just stuck with the most boring annoying scenes of drinking and eating at the bar most of the time wasting hours not minutes ,, they were too much ,, I skipped a lot
I've pinged watched this so I've noticed that a lot
all I've said after finishing it ,, that would have been great movie ,, why did I waste hours of my life watching grown men repeatedly crying ,, drinking and eating at a bar sulking about their Misérable lives
Over all for me this was a boring drama with nice sad story stretched out

Lire davantage

It truly moved me to tears at the end, because it was such a beautiful story and journey to go through. I 100% recommend this, without a doubt.

There is no need for more words so explain the greatness of this drama because it will do it injustice. Just watch it yourself and enjoy every minute of it while it lasts.

I would like to add that the acting was great, and the music especially brought out the exact emotion from me as it was expected to, which is something that one should always appreciate. There wasn't any unnecessary drama and it does not feel elongated at all; it was quite the contrary, you would want to stay going on for longer. The last words at the very end also console the watcher, pulling you into the depths of its story-line, making you an intrinsic part of its very core. It is very real and rooted in reality, making it a great watch because you can ultimately relate to it as a human-being and the moments where there would, in reality, be no music to mask the awkwardness or the tension, there isn't. It shows you real life in the surrealistic nature of a TV show. And at the very end, you truly feel happy for everyone, as though they are real people.

I know this might be too much but it truly touched my heart and I thank everyone who worked on this drama because it has made me happier than I have been in a long while.

Lire davantage

There are great dramas, then there is "My Ahjussi"

After finishing “My Ahjussi” (My Mister/나의 아저씨, 2018), I’m certain there are no words that can possibly do it justice, but I owe it to this absolute precious gift of a drama to at least try. First of all, I hesitate to even refer to My Ahjussi as a K-drama because it doesn’t feel like one; it’s more like a movie in 16 parts. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen and I agree with the K-drama sunbaes who say there may never be anything like it ever again. It’s that rare of a gem.

It took me a while to build up the courage to revisit this — I watched just three episodes a few months ago and paused — because I thought it might be too depressing. I’m glad I listened to my friends who said that despite its heaviness, it’s actually uplifting and satisfying. They were absolutely right: in my eyes, My Ahjussi is THE definition of a healing drama. Its message is simple, clear, and beautiful: that kindness has the transformative power to heal even the most wounded among us, that relationships are precious and amazing, that love in any form–even in ways that are hard to label or define—can help us get through the struggles of life.

Every aspect of this wonderful story came together beautifully to deliver that message: the thoughtful direction, the lighting which is a character on its own, the delicate OST, the insightful script, and the powerful, career-defining performances from its leads and supporting cast.

Lee Sun-kyun inhabited the character of Park Dong-hoon, a kind, upright, and compassionate structural engineer who quietly bears the burden of middle-age, with dignity and strength. Although he may be extraordinarily kind, he is no pushover and will not hesitate to defend those who need defending.

Lee Ji-eun (IU) is breathtaking as Lee Ji-an, a cold, hard, and cynical young girl who carries the weight of a “30,000 year old soul” in her diminutive frame. A temporary office worker at the same company as Dong-hoon, life’s unjust cruelty towards her keeps forcing her hand, driving her to cunningly manipulate people and situations in order to survive, regardless of who gets hurt.

I also grew attached to Dong-hoon’s family, especially his two brothers whose constant misfortune burdens their mother, and his tightly knit neighborhood community. All the characters are sad and broken in their own way, but the middle-aged antics and drama of his brothers and the rest of the Hugye ahjussis and ahjummas, their habit of ruminating over their troubles over soju, provide levity and comic relief. It never feels like you’re laughing at them, but with them.

I think what sets My Ahjussi apart from the rest is its realism, rawness, the melancholy that runs through it, its “flawless depiction of the human condition”-- in the words of Paulo Coelho. For those who are interested in Korean culture, look up “han” and “jeong” — two uniquely Korean concepts that are perfectly embodied here.

My only problem with My Ahjussi is that I’m afraid it’s going to ruin everything I watch from now on. I’m just going to have to keep reminding myself that it would be unfair to judge other shows by the impossibly high standards this has set — otherwise I won’t be able to enjoy anything else.

One of my greatest simple pleasures from the past months is getting personal messages from friends who’ve enjoyed the dramas they watched upon my recommendation. Because it brings me so much joy to share my happiness, I've made it my personal mission to get as many people as possible to watch this masterpiece, my new favorite show (not just Korean, but of any origin).

Lire davantage

ENGROSSING

This drama is a wonder due to its exceptional writing and direction.
It's not your normal drama but so much engrossed and focus on each element, which takes over your attention slow and steady.
The depth of each character is enigmatic as they reveal it slowly which makes it more exciting.
The drama is slow and gets dragged towards the 2nd half, particularly the last 4 episodes.

What makes this drama distinctive is the realism with which it tackles human nature, difficulties, relationships b/w people, corporate hierarchy and how a family plays part in your living.
That misery brings misery and your company matters.
The side character story was pure BS as I didn't like the brother's struggle at all.
It was pure incompetency but still, the characters are characters and the focus was to highlight the what-if situation

The ending is on a positive footnote which is overwhelming.
The most important aspect that many would ignore is the relationship b/w the Husband and Wife that improves as the drama progresses coz initially many people think that in these types of dramas you'll encounter a typical love story which is not the case.
This drama also represents what unrequited love feels like, how it goes and how it ends as well .

Overall, they could've made it 12 episodes and been done with it.
Hence it's an 8.5/10

PS: To me, Lee Ji Ah stole the limelight with her acting skills instead of IU despite having a side role.

SPOILER POST THIS SO DON'T READ :









This drama had such a great ending, I'm glad they didn't show and forced a sh*8ty love story b/w Ji an and Dong Hoon and shifted their focus to progressing the relationship b/w Yoon Hee and Dong Hoon which was wonderful to watch and as real as it could get.
How the affair happened and whatever reasons were given felt so genuine that for the first time you could understand why She did what she did and how both of them were equally responsible for it.
Brilliant writing I must say.

Lire davantage

The Best Drama I've Seen So Far

I normally don't write reviews, but now I'm compelled to because of how amazing and breathtaking this drama was.
I'm glad I watched this drama after all this time. I found this drama awhile ago, but I never watched, it probably wouldn't have suited my tastes when I was younger. But, when I started watching it recently I was hooked. I binged watched it in a few days.

This is by far the most realistic show I've ever watched. Each character you can feel their emotions perfectly that's how good the writing and acting is. I never related to the main leads in a drama as much as I did in this one.

If I had to describe it briefly, it's about humans and their emotions.

The music is also fantastic, my favorite song from the OST being There's a Rainbow. With the rewatch value, I can see myself watching this again sometime which is huge for me since I rarely ever rewatch dramas.

I recommend that everyone gives this drama a chance. It's truly brilliant.

Lire davantage

It took me a long time to come and watch this show. I knew it would be good so I wanted to give it the respect that it deserved by slowly watching it ,savouring every moment of it. This drama is a treat for the soul. It's so deep, nuanced and meaningfull that it has climbed on top of my favourite dramas if all time list .It has been a week since I finished it , and I wouod still think about this drama and tear up as a mix of emotions roll inside me. There are not enough words to describe how i feel about this drama but I'm gonna try.

One of a kind story of how two depressed leads find comfort and assurance in each other. Tagged as a non romance story,it was he most romantic non-romance i have ever watched. It was a romance of the soul for it didnt even need a touch to make it real. It felt real ,and that's all that was needed.

IU's depiction of JiAn who somehow survives everyday ,her despair ,her pain was so perfect ,it felt like she was born to do it,like she didnt even act,it was all so real. JiAn felt like someone walking in a deep dark tunnel without an end at sight,who is completely exhausted but must keep on going. In her smallest movements and in her eyes you could feel the struggle she has endured and her scars that she she keeps hidden with her silence.

Lee Sun Gyun as the ahjussi shined in his role as kind and gentle person who bears through life while being hurled into a cruel mix of betrayals and politics. At times it felt like all thats helping him keep his head above water is the knowledge that it would all be over someday and his brothers and friends who make it all more bearable.
The music is melancholy and sweet. Its bittersweet vibe goes well with the washed out and mesmerising cinematography .
The hardest part of this drama is to describe why watching two people struggle through life is so wonderful. Its wonderful because its not. Its real and thats where its true beauty is. If i could describe the vibe and mood , it is like sitting on an armchair,watching the fire burn and feeling warm,safe ,comfort ,almost happy even ,while a storm brews outside.
It is how some people bring a warmth and glow to each others lives simply by being there ,by listening and understanding in a world that is cold and harsh.
I cried as much for the charachters as i did for myself as their warmth comforted my lonely heart just as they comforted each other.
Please give this gem of a drama a chance . Its beautifully captivating and heartwarming.

Lire davantage