Move to Heaven (2021)

A drama about listening

As I was writing the title to this review (this is my first time reviewing so I was rather lost) I was reminded of one of the repeating lines “even the deceased can speak” and generally that was what this drama showed.
Every episode showed a different story and brought light to the stories that normally would have disappeared. They touched upon disability, elderly people in society, the lgbtq community, overseas adoption, domestic abuse, suicide, industrial mismanagement and exploitation, prison, and more, I probably have forgotten some of the societal issues shown as there were so many. In showing the stories of these characters they showed the humans behind these issues, their individual stories, the consequences, and those left behind. In every episode, they not only told the untold stories of those dead but the stories of those who would not be heard even alive.
It was sad but happy at the same time. Some were more tragic than others cause you couldn’t help but think how different things could be so easily, but all of them felt heard and that was a kind of bittersweet happiness through the series.
The cast really brought to life every character within this, even outside of the main cast the level of acting was consistent which really gave depth to each story told. While I do not feel informed enough to give an assessment of how accurate the representation of autism is in this (and am aware that many people would prefer an autistic character to be played by an autistic actor), as someone likely on the autistic spectrum (undiagnosed) I thought it was reasonably well done.
Finally, the ending felt cathartic and right. It was neither happy nor sad and that really fit. It felt like the entire series had been leading to that final move to heaven which gave the entire drama a nice direction and wrapped up point to stop. We ended where we started and heard the story we started with end. Though there was a hint at a season 2 which I fully can see working and would support (with the girl at the end, and the fighting ring owner escaping arrest).
Overall, while I don’t believe this is one I would rewatch because the impact was truly in the piecing together of the story, and the finding what the dead wanted to say (I do not tend to rewatch things in any case as I remember the story enough after the first watch that I get bored). This is a must watch because this drama shows the stories of the dead (fictional of course but easily applicable with how grounded in reality the series is), but also what the alive unheard by society say.

Lire davantage

Like a Yellow Box, All of the Important and Beautiful Elements Can Be Found in this Series!

"Move to Heaven" is a little gem of a series that is fulfilling and uplifting in its short 10-episode story arc. The show is like a yellow box that has all of the important things in it, leaving nothing out, and putting no extraneous or unnecessary plot devices into it.

The story is about trauma cleaners. Don't know what trauma cleaners are? Neither did I until I watched the show. Trauma cleaners are hired to go into a deceased's dwelling and clean it. Sometimes, it is not very glamorous, especially if the body of the deceased has been there for an extended period of time. But the key element of the job is to collect those important and necessary items that the deceased has left behind and give them to a relative or someone who was important to the person who died.

Han Geu-ru--who is masterfully portrayed by Tang Joon-Sang and should win every actor award that he's nominated for--is a 20-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome who is gifted with unique and special insight. Not only is he able to remember anything with a momentary glance, he is able to piece things together in order to learn more about the person who died. Of course, Geu-ru's world is strictly ordered, and any deviation from that order brings him into hysterics.

After his father suddenly dies from a heart condition, Geu-ru is put into trial custody under his uncle, Cho Sang-Gu, a man who's just gotten out of prison and is an ex-MMA fighter. Cho Sang-Gu is rough around the edges, to say the least, and the last thing he is initially interested in, is taking care of a nephew he doesn't give a hoot about from a brother he hated and despised. Part of the beauty of the story is in how these two grow closer together.

Move to Heaven reminds me a little bit of "Highway to Heaven." It seems like the kind of show Michael Landon would have done. The show runs much deeper than two men packing up items. In each episode, we learn how the deceased lived. There are some truly though-provoking stories of people--who may seem unremarkable--but end up being remarkable in their own, unique ways, that in real life, might not garner much attention. But we quickly learn the invaluable truth" Every life is precious. And every life has a story to tell.

Don't be surprised if a number of episodes has you reaching for a tissue or a hanky. There are many beautiful moments that will have you doing just that!

The story implores people to think about how they treat others. To think about what is really important. We see our share of greedy, selfish, and vindictive people who clearly don't give a hoot about their fellow man. Even when that fellow man is a relative. The story begs us to prioritize and remember, not only WHAT is really important in life, but WHO!

I was more than happy to see that the writers seemed to leave the door open for a second season. Ten episodes went by a little too quickly for me. But it's also a series that I loved so much that it invites repeated viewings.

In short, the world desperately needs more shows like this one!

Lire davantage

one of my favourite dramas!!

wow, just wow.

this drama was just amazing. i would 100% recommend if you are thinking of watching. i am glad tang joonsang got the major role in this, i am happy he is getting the recognition he deserves.
the story line was just on point. i enjoyed how every episode is a different story, i feel it gives you a chance to relate and connect with every character. i like how this drama deals with real-life issues.

i really liked geuru's childhood friend, namu. she was just so amazing, and understanding of geuru.

this is one of the best tearjerker dramas, i have ever watched!

<3

Lire davantage

OMGoodness this was so sad. Does this job really exist in South Korea? I mean this brings awareness of what a person goes through when they pass and all the things that might be important to them. Lee Je Hoon who plays the character of Cho Sang Gu did very well. This is a hard part to play and the way he performed this character is very believable. In the Drama, they mentioned that Cho Sang Gu has Asperger's syndrome and the description says Autism. There is a difference between both diseases. I have two grandsons with Autism. Tang Jun Sang who played Han Geu Roo, I loved his role as uncle and how the uncle was defiant in the beginning and learned by the end of the story. Hong Seung Hee who played the cousin of Cho Sang Gu was adorable as Yoon Na Mu. I loved her character. Thanking all the writers, directors, producers, and supporting actors/actresses. I know it was hard to play someone who was deceased. I was really happy to Lee Jae Wook played someone who died. A lot of deaths throughout the story but a nice ending. Thank you.

Lire davantage

Touching stories

I loved the different story lines and the back stories they told about the deceased. There was something so sad about each story - life circumstances, dying alone, that really got to me. I do wish they had covered a more diverse socioeconomic aspect of the deaths, they all seemed to have died in squalor, which made things even more sad.

Lee Se Hoon as Cho Sang Gu was believable as someone on the spectrum, though I felt he made more eye contact and was more engaged than people with Asperger's are usually. I do wish they had tried to figure out a way for us to get to know him better. We got to know his story, which I loved, but I didn't know him any better at the end than I did at the beginning.

Ji Jin Hee as Sang Gu's father was wonderful. The character was well-written, and he played him with such love. I enjoyed their scenes together throughout the whole series. Maybe that was the only way we could get to know Sang Gu, to see his interactions with his father even at the end of the show.

Tang Jun San as Sang Gu's uncle was excellent. A man with a violent, lonely and troubled past is thrown into a family and he doesn't quite know what to do. His character arc was wonderful, and for the most part, he played him in a very understated way, letting us feel his emotions through his body language, his facial, and his eyes. That tough guy exterior with the squishy inside is so fun to watch, especially when that person has no idea what to do with those emotions.

My complaints? 1) Is there a reason to drop the F bomb so much, especially when the guy is saying "Aish". We get the idea. I know that most people don't seem to be bothered by language, but I don't like it. 2) The cage fighting boss got away - possibly for a second season? I'm hoping not, that was my least favorite storyline. 3) Abrupt open ending. Again, possibly for a second season.

Overall, this was a quiet, emotional watch for me.

Lire davantage

A warmth teary story

Story - the story is not new to me because of the same story of Good Doctor who has Asperger syndrome acted by Han Geu Roo (Tang Jung Sang). But difference is it depicts about the death of the people maybe on traumatic case or sadden death. I like the story behind because it may be hurtful to loose someone but it gives hope and let you understand that death its just the beginning. You will cry but then it will put smile in your heart. Heart warming stories of each episode.

The main role Han Gae Roo who portray his role very well. It convince me to the syndrome he has. But of course the uncle Lee Je Hoon (Cho Sang Gu) of course we know how great he is with his acting. Yoon Na Mu (Gong Seung Hee) was really funny in the drama that make it more lighter in the story.

Lire davantage

A heartbreaking show about life, death, and everything in between!

Move to Heaven is a beautiful, well-written show about death, grief, and regrets that’s well worth the watch. I am a sucker for Slice of Life shows done right, and this one hit all the right spots for me.

Before I delve into all the positives, I must say that I did expect a bit more of an emotional impact after reading the synopsis. I thought the show would give us something truly heartbreaking and healing, which I did not get to the extent I was anticipating. I also wanted to see more of the uncle-nephew interaction. I wanted to see them meld and fit with each other like a family jigsaw, but somehow I was slightly let down with the dialogues, scenes, and interactions we got. Also, the side characters were pretty one-dimensional, like the neighbor girl and the fight ring boss lady. Maybe my expectations were sky-high after reading the positive reviews this drama was getting. My advice would be to go in expecting nothing, and you will be moved to tears by this drama.

Coming to the positives of the drama -

The various stories are the best part of this show. They are beautifully written, realistic and heartbreaking. Within the span of one episode, you get to experience how one of the clients lived their lives, what really mattered to them, empathize with them, and grieve for their death. The stories are real enough that you might easily know someone like that in your life, and it makes you reflect on how you have been living your life and who you might want your box to go to, and what might be in it.

The show also shows a lot of respect for death and life. The parts when they bow to the deceased before the start of their job and the care they show to the belongings that might not mean much to anyone else was respectful and nice to watch.

Move to Heaven also explores and handles several different controversial social and societal conditions ranging from domestic abuse, child abuse, mental health, overseas adoption, care for the elderly, working conditions of low-wage workers, same-sex relationships, etc., with realness and delicate sensibility.

Sang Gu - the uncle’s story was the most interesting to me. His history with child abuse, his relationship with his brother and the betrayal he felt, the backstory of his cage fighting days and his relationship with his young apprentice, and how he began healing piece by piece after living and working with Geu Roo at Move to Heaven. I also felt that throughout the show, Sang Gu was the only one who didn’t treat Geu Roo as a child and expressed himself without holding back anything he felt. Sang Gu got mad at him when he was pissed off and didn’t treat Geu Roo like he was breakable. I felt that some of the other characters, including the father, at times were coddling Geu Roo to some extent just because of his autism. In that sense, the Uncle-Nephew relationship was refreshing and wholesome to watch, and I only wish that there was a lot more of it.

Lee Je Hoon is, as usual, brilliant in his role as Cho Sang Gu and brings to life a complex character who’s been repeatedly hurt by life but is pure, simple, and golden at heart.
I recently finished watching Taxi Driver, and this man’s acting range is no joke.
I only have praise for him and Tang Jun Sang - who at only 17 did a commendable job. He has left an impression on me, and I will be looking forward to both of their future projects.

Overall this drama was very touching, comforting and though sad, also uplifting and inspiring. It makes you wonder about your own life, what might go into your box, and who you would want your box to be sent to.

9/10 Highly recommended

Lire davantage

Interesting concept and lovable characters

Oh my! My eyes are puffed after watching this.

Move to Heaven revolves around a special kid who works with his dad's. Unfortunately, his dad passed away leaving him with his uncle and his friend next door. The series also tells the stories of the deceased which will give heartache and will burst you into tears. Huhu!

Anyway, I loved the concept of this series as it shows the realities of life. I think it is still a taboo for us to talk about the life after death or what will happen to the people that will be left once we died. Maybe we have wishes that we want to achieve, regrets that we want to change, or things that we want to do with our loved ones but cant. This is the reality, we all gonna die. But we dont want to die unprepared, right?

Going back with the story, I love every stories shown in the series. I felt the emotions of the characters. The pain, grief and sorrow. The longing and any kind of emotions a human might felt when someone has gone in their lives.

The characters really are very great. They portrayed their roles well and they are all lovable. I just love everyone of them although some of them arent given justice. SAD. BTW, I knew geu-ru from the CLOY and I just love his acting hehe.

There is no much memorable music in this series though. But it is fine because I can still feel the emotion in the characters. Great job!

Overall, it is a must watch for people looking for some heart-aching, heart-warming not so long drama series. I am sure you will not gonna missed any part and that you will enjoy watching til the end. Some stories are really sad but it is okay, you can bear it. Just prepare tons of tissue with you. :))

Lire davantage

Get the tissues ready

This drama was absolutely heart wrenching!

The drama definitely gave me a mix of so many emotions. It had some humor, with beautiful and meaningful stories in each episodes that were very touching. This story brings awareness that life isn't all about life alone, but also about what you will leave behind after you die. Such a different and refreshing kind of drama that I haven't seen in such a long time.

The cast in this drama did such an amazing job portraying their characters which made it easier for viewers to connect with the story and had me crying nearly every episode. The acting was jus absolutely superb!

The writing, the casting, the cinematography, just mind-blowing. I loved it. I would love to watch it again, but not sure my heart can take the rawness of it.

Lire davantage

Whew

I don't think ill ever be the same after this drama. Real tasteful, well crafted work of art. Probably the best thing to come out of Netflix in the last few years. Was not prepared for the breakdowns every episode. I will have to see my psychiatrist after this. No but really I haven't cried and laughed the next second just to bawl in my mother's lap the very next while watching a kdrama ever. This made me do that! So! Yeah! Don't know about the re-watch value maybe if I wanted to off myself I'd watch again. Anyways, i think every single person should watch this atleast once — if you can stomach it.

Lire davantage

DO NOT forget the tissue box *writing this with red eyes*

Already watched a good amount of series and never wrote a review, but could not go without writing one for this one.

First off, I'm being completely honest, did not expect to cry THAT much. :')

The story really catches you and doesn't let go. From the first episode to the last I could not drop this series until I finished it (it is 3 a.m. btw :') thank god it's Saturday). Every episode gives you a new story but at the same time all of them tell you the story of Geu Roo.

For sure the favorite thing was the development of the relationship between the uncle and the nephew.

I don't know if it was the stories that got me or what but I cried my eyes out in EVERY episode. Every story in this series has a meaning and somehow wrecks your heart. Not only does it give you a new perspective towards the people who passed away but it also kind of introduce you to autism and makes you understand people with autism better. Most importantly it remind you to be grateful for people around you, to not waste time, as well as to not hold grudges and remember that the perspective that you see things from it might be completely different from what the truth actually is.

I'm quite mad at myself since I had this series in my list for a long time but for some reason always pushed it away. DO NOT do that. This drama is worth every second. If I could I would love to watch it again without knowing the story.

Lire davantage

The Final Move

What story would your possessions tell upon your passing?

The characters in this drama attempt to answer this question in their jobs as trauma cleaners when they are hired to clean up a site after someone passes. Han Geu Roo unflinchingly like a detective gathers clues to answer those questions and helps bring some kind of closure to the deceased unresolved issues. Juxtaposed to some of the deceased lives and what they experienced while they were living, the cleaners treat each of the deceased possessions with care and compassion. The stories are heartbreaking, the team behind this drama deftly handle it delicately and with humanity. For some of the deceased, there's quite a bit of bitterness in their lives before their passing; the final moments of their lives were punctuated with loneliness and callous treatment by society. The drama was inspired by Kim Shae-byeol's essay Ddeonan Hooe Namgyeojin Geotdeul The Things Left Behind. It is a well written and acted thoughtful drama on what it means to be a family, friendships that goes beyond society's label of disabilities and difference, and a reflection on the worthiness of each person's life no matter where they fall on the social status ladder.

Lire davantage