One Spring Night (2019)

A more mellow but more polished product from the director of Something in the Rain

Don't mistake the slow pace of the series as boring since the writer and director duo intentionally slow the series down to focus on the raw emotion and interaction between the characters. In that sense, this kind of series might to be everyone's cup of tea.
The series presents the story in a very organic and natural manner, without too many lazy writing (as in forcing stuff happens that conveniently benefit the story in the name of fate). The acting of the main cast is good.
However, there is one big blunt that might annoy you quite a bit. Somehow, all the romantic scene is accompanied by 1,2 songs. The repetition is quite annoying after a few first time and greatly diminishes the wathching experience

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The Perfect Everyday Kdrama.

I watched this after trying to watch Something In The Rain without knowing that it was the same director and I can definitively tell you that One Spring Night is much better. There are not as many scenes that drag on uselessly (walking down the street, eating, things like that) and useless conversation. The flow of the show, the character development, the acting was all wonderful. All of the actors were terrific in this drama. Eun-u was so adorable. Every scene with him in it made me melt. Definitely worth a watch if you're looking for something with not a whole lot going on and easier to relate with but also something that doesn't drag on. I probably won't go seeking clips of it online or rewatch it right away like I did with many of the other dramas that I watched, but maybe in the future if I'm watching a really heavy drama like Itaewon Class or Goblin I'll turn this one on as a palate cleanser.

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NOT YOUR AVERAGE DRAMA

Do you know when I knew that I was going to like this drama?

When I saw Kim Chang Wan. Just kidding, but it`s becoming a habit to like everything this man picks, I don`t think I saw one bad project of his. On a serious note, it was when I skipped over to the last shot of the last episode, hearing Carla Bruni sing "Spring Waltz" and seeing a couple go in and out of the frame, laughing and kissing.

In a pharmacy of all places. If I had to use one word to describe this drama, it would be `natural`. Just most things about it feel natural. The music choices(even though I adore all the songs they used and have them on my phone as I type this, they do get repetitive), the acting, the way almost every shot is composed, even down to the actual locations, which are set up perfectly and when you see dramas with such fake sets, you come to appreciate this attention to detail a lot more. I went into this drama not knowing nor expecting a whole lot, since I haven`t seen "Something in the Rain". I also couldn`t draw any conclusion from the poster alone. The title sounds unassuming. In fact, I didn`t even read the synopsis. And in hindsight, I think that`s the best way to approach this drama. Let me warn you first though, it`s SLOW. Locations rarely change, there`s no exciting actions nor dramatic revelations. Which can turn off some, but it was such a welcomed change of pace for me. After a slew of dramas incorporating memory loss, childhood friends finding each other again, stupid, easily solvable misunderstandings and more, seeing actors portray characters that act like PEOPLE, like you and I and many others off the street, was borderline exhilarating.

And I didn`t even start talking about the actual show yet. First off, the acting. What acting?These actors ARE their characters. The things they talk about, the way they make small gestures, it all counts for something. If you can`t find anything else to enjoy in this drama, be assured that you`ll at least love the acting, because it`s that good. I`ve skimmed through some of the reviews for this drama, and while some are more than valid and helped me understand why it`s(in my opinion) underrated, some were downright confusing, citing lack of chemistry and acting. Let me elaborate. With a script and pace like this, you have no other alternative but to depend almost exclusively on the chemistry and banter between your actors. To put it bluntly, had that really been the truth, this drama, with all its potential, would have gone down the drain. In fact, someone used this as a negative but I would wholeheartedly use it as a positive. They wrote:"This whole thing feels like an improvisation."And I agree. It feels real, not clumsy. Even when some questionable plot points are brought up, the way characters react to them is not good or bad, it`s just real. And they all have flaws that can sometimes even be glaring, making you forget that hey, they do have some merits as well. Jeong-in is smart and cunning, but she`s also overbearing and rash. I heard that this role was first offered to Son Ye-jin, and boy, am I ever so glad that she turned it down because this is Han Ji-min`s character through and through. She plays the jaded, at time lifeless, drudging along life Jeong-in like a pro. Same goes for Jung Hae-in, whose Ji-ho unanimously reminds me of "It`s Okay to Not be Okay"`s Gang-tae. He suppresses his thoughts and feelings for both his child and to not be hurt emotionally again. It`s believable, frustrating and, at times heartbreaking. Their relationship isn`t perfect either, like they usually are in dramaland, until some big twist occurs.They don`t agree on things and argue, but they do it in such a way where you almost want to be like: "Hey guys, it`s fine." And they`ll reconcile. I`m a big fan of such portrayal. I really connected with them and am so glad that they got their happy ending. It almost felt like bidding goodbye to good, old friends, knowing that they`ll be happy for sure. Don`t be mistaken however, the rest of the cast does its job exceptionally well. Especially Lee Moo-saeng, whose role of an manipulative and abusive husband of Seo-in, Jeong-in`s older sister, is so convincing that I felt creeped out. The way he changes his tone and facial expressions from pleading, affectionate to pure, white rage, is beautiful, in a twisted sense. It`s disgustingly realistic. Same goes for the character of Gi-seok, who started off as someone worthy of some sympathy and ended up being someone so calculating and pathetic, that you just wanted to squash him. Bottom line is, all of these characters feel alive and like someone you know.

To be honest, I really couldn`t shake the feeling of being a voyeur almost, spying on these people and their conversations in secret, feeling the spring air envelop my body in a comfortable cocoon. The shots breathe, they are handled with care and are sometimes impressive. The writing is rather average, but there are some notable moments, like the "Don`t cross the street" scene and such. Also, and I didn`t see anyone else mention this yet, but the humor in this drama is spot on. I would by no means call it a comedy, but the lines of dialogue that should be perceived as funny, are, in a realistic, dry sense that I find amusing. Again, this is my review after all. And the jokes that land, do so on the back of relatability. We`ve all gotten drunk when we shouldn`t have and we`ve all been teased by our friends for our dating choices. And it still comes off as funny, that`s what I like to see. Now for the drawbacks.

I have to thread lightly here, as many people have so many cons when talking about this drama, but I only have two. Characters won`t get as much character development as you think they would, and the things you want them to solve, probably won`t be solved conclusively. What I mean by this is that we love to project our hero complexes and like to expect positive results from drama characters, stemming from expectations we imprinted upon them. It`s inevitable and we all do it. So don`t be disappointed when things don`t go your way, even though they should. I won`t spoil anything, but you`ll know what I`m talking about when you experience Seo-in`s storyline. Also, and I can`t stress this enough, be prepared for a lot of lingering shots of people doing everyday things. Be prepared to see a lot of mundane activities displayed and, even though you may think that they are showing you something pointless, this is also how you can let your audience in the minds of your characters.

In the end, "One Spring Night" is definitely not for everyone and you do have to be in a certain mood to enjoy it, but at the same time, I feel like this is one of those dramas which will get more recognition as time passes by. I eagerly await that spring day when I can recommend this drama to someone and to hear a reply like "Oh yes, I watched it. It`s a classic."Because I think it just might deserve it.

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Heartwarming to the core

This drama was so heartwarming that I could not put it down and was up till 03:30 after beginning it just so I could finish it in one setting! I was skeptical at first to start this as I find young child actors can ruin a drama due to inexperience and it also seemed a bit cliche but after the first couple of episodes it blew all my worries out of the water, it was amazing.

The story at first seems a bit cliche but it varies quite a bit with all the sisters stories, even having the male have the child instead of the female is a refreshing change. It shows you some of the struggles a single parent can have trying to find love again and how situations can make you a lot more skeptical.

The romance between the main characters was cute! The way the female lead was so warm towards the son just made my heart melt. I enjoyed watching the younger sister for her spunkiness and the older sisters story was very interesting but also very saddening with the situation she had gotten herself into. The were so caring and worried for their son and how they did not want him heartbroken again and the typical parents dictating the females romance life for the daughters that is found quite common in dramas.

I would recommend this to anyone and everyone! Its too beautifully done to miss!

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Magic with Real Spark and Melodies to Melt Your Heart!

The story introduces a flawed but endearing single dad and a woman in a frustrating relationship contemplating marriage. The narrative delves into the challenges faced by the couple, from societal judgments to family complexities, especially considering the single dad's past. The contrast in parental challenges adds depth to the story, with the FL's mother's evolving and supportive role standing out.

You got Jung In, our independent girl, and Ji Ho, the down-to-earth single dad, making their love story feel all grown-up. At first, I was like, "Why isn't she breaking up with her not-so-great boyfriend?" But as the plot unfolded, I was like, "Ah, got it!" It made the relationship changes more valuable. I appreciated the gradual transition, making the eventual changes in the relationship more valuable. The nuanced approach to addressing the complexities of infidelity and its impact on the new relationship added depth to the storyline.

Together, Jung Hae-In and Han Ji Min create a harmonious and electrifying dynamic on screen. The chemistry between their characters evolves organically, reflecting the challenges and joys of a mature and realistic romance. Their interactions, whether filled with tender moments, laced with tension, feel authentic and draw the audience into the emotional journey of the characters. The success of their on-screen chemistry can be attributed to the actors' ability to internalize their roles, bringing depth and authenticity to their performances. Their shared scenes, marked by subtle glances, genuine smiles, and heartfelt dialogues, contribute to the overall appeal of "One Spring Night" as a love story that feels real and emotionally resonant.

The supporting cast plays a crucial role in enriching the overall narrative, contributing to the depth and authenticity of the story. Each member of the supporting ensemble brings a unique and compelling element to the drama, going beyond the typical secondary roles seen in many shows. The bond between the three sisters adds another layer of warmth and support to the narrative. Unlike some dramas where supporting characters may serve primarily as plot devices, the supporting cast in "One Spring Night" is seamlessly integrated into the narrative. Their stories, challenges, and growth arcs feel organic and contribute to the overall realism of the drama. The characters, whether parents, siblings, or friends, are portrayed with nuance and depth, enhancing the viewer's connection to the broader world of the story.

The OST of "One Spring Night" plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. While not numerous, the selected songs are carefully curated to complement the scenes and contribute to the overall atmosphere of the drama. One standout track is Rachael Yamagata's "No Direction," which left a lasting impression on me. The song, with its melodic and evocative qualities, seems to seamlessly blend into the story, creating a memorable auditory experience. The use of music in this drama is not just about catchy tunes; it's about selecting pieces that evoke the right emotions and enhance the viewer's connection to the characters and their journey.

In summary, "One Spring Night" stands out as a multifaceted and emotionally resonant drama, skillfully balancing a mature romance, a rich supporting cast, and a thoughtfully curated OST.

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Do not miss out on this drama, it's pure perfection

It's a drama but not to dramatic, it feels like your friend telling you her love story

The cast has played their roles v well and they make you care for them. It's a simple love story that delivers deeper message with respect to society.
It's beautifully writen and even more beautifully narrated .

The male lead makes you yearn for him by his sincerity and love. The female lead is an epitome of a modern women.

I absolutely fell In love with kdrama thanka to this gem of a show. I am constantly on lookout for more such drama "s.

Ps this may not be for those who enjoy tooo dramatic shows, it's a simple slice of life drama

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Do you ever feel that you don't want a kdrama to end, like ever? You feel satisfied by just watching the show characters going by their life with no sophisticated plots and events worth mentioning. This kdrama gave me these feelings. A huge part of it was the chemistry. Not only between the FL and the ML but between the sisters, friends, and parents as well.

At first, I was afraid that this is going to become a cheating/affair kdrama. And as many see it this way I don't. Yes the FL did have some curiosity towards the ML while being with her boyfriend. But this doesn't mean that she was emotionally cheating on her boyfriend cause she did tell the ML about her boyfriend and offered him a friendship instead. The second thing is that the intimacy between her and her boyfriend was already fading away and it had nothing to do with the other guy, she was going to leave him sooner or later.

What I liked about the FL is that she didn't settle just because she had to. And as she mentions multiple times throughout the show, "I don't want to marry someone just because I'm a suitable age for marriage" and as a woman, I couldn't agree more. She made it clear that she wasn't thinking about marriage and didn't manipulate her partner.

Many people thought that the drama started very slow and complicated, but this is how adult relationships are like, you don't just meet someone, and boom you're dating and they're your soulmate. When you're mature enough you'll know that even when it comes to love and relationships you'll have to do some thinking.

For the ML, I did like his personality as well, he was nice, caring and, understandable. However, what I didn't like that much about him, is that he wasn't being completely true to her. When he got drunk and expressed his fears that was the moment when he was fully honest. I know it's difficult to talk about your fears especially in front of someone whom you admire, but still, in order to have a healthy relationship, you should express your fears and let your partners become aware of them, which eventually did happen so I have nothing to complain about regarding the flow of the show.

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One Of My Fav

Watch it at leat 5-6 times and thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

Solid story telling of falling out and into love and fighting for relationship against odds.

Subplots added realism and blend well to show relationship amongst sisters.

It showcase very real life situations and expectations like a retiring father looking to a position, societal pressure on divorce, single parenthood etc.

I enjoyed the support and fight lead couple had for each other. Their friends also provide support and it was gratifying to see them together.

All casts portrayed their characters solidly and as one reviewer mentioned, there is no real evil characters.

One of the best.

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I love this movie. The scriptwriter portrayed very well the anodyne things in life. In both of her movies, she wrote stories that are fresh and very different from the boring copycat nowadays productions. One spring night storyline in the ending is better than something in the rain, but both are very good movies.
The soundtrack in this movie is great and fits so well in the different scenes. I especially love the scene where the music fits so well when the ML is walking in the library. ..The director did a very good job in editing, etc...
The ML is so good. hopefully we will see him again with the same scriptwriter and director. The actors are so good and fits so well in their respective role.
Overall I gave it a 10/10 as the scriptwriter and director did a great job in describing an everyday life with all the normalities and abnormalities in life. It felt like a prose when watching it.

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Great!

I loved it too much! I felt really sorry for Jung Hae in's character, because of the prejudice that he was a single father. How come this still exists, Korea? The boy is a great person, hardworking, a good father and son, and they played in the face that he is a single father! It doesn't enter my head. It's very 60's! Other than that, prejudice, her boyfriend is unbearable! I want to hit him! haha Jung-In, how cute, asking if the boy wanted her to be his mother. Wow, even I cried at this part, because Hae In cries and hugs her. The series rolls a little, but it's beautiful! Hae-yeon Gil is forgiven after this series, as in Something in the rain she is unbearable, but in this one she is a loving mother! The entire cast of Something in the rain is in One Spring Night. All of you are wonderful!

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A calm redemption

Oh Jung Hae-In, I love you so much.

If you've seen Something in the Rain, it is impossible not to draw comparisons. The team clearly learned their lesson: we got wonderfully empowered women this time, as well as the mom's big redemption (I like to pretend this actress is playing the same mother... haha!). At the same time, this show continues to deliver behaviour in line with my expectations — artsy cinematography (tbh sometimes too much division / foreground-background nonsense), a slow pace, super realistic / relatable scenarios, and the same few English songs on loop (but at least I like the one about seasons changing, albeit it's a bit on the nose). It doesn't quite reach the heights and chemistry of Something in the Rain though, unfortunately. The highs aren't as high, but the lows CERTAINLY aren't as low. Thank goodness.

Top highlights: Eunwoo, the giggly cute lovey-dovey scenes, the emphasis on books!, the wonderful friendships and strong sisterly bonds. I really enjoyed Seo-In's situation, and I wish we got a bit more detail there. I'm glad we got to witness Ki Seok's slow descent into madness. He started off as a bland, inoffensive guy and turned into a stalking monster with a vendetta. This got old pretty fast; at some point he was more like an annoying gnat that I wished just went away. The eventual soju/restaurant scene was sad, but HECK, THEY DESERVED IT.

The show unfortunately dragged in the middle. I think a 12-episode format might've worked better, or a couple of additional plot points would've made things more interesting (like a direct confrontation with the mother). Still, the writing didn't fall off a CLIFF in the second half, and I got the chance to stare at Jung Hae-In a bit longer, so that made it a win for me.

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