Eighteen Again (2020)

Overhyped for the right reasons - Could have been better for the "wrong" ones.

This is a drama I personally couldn't bring myself to finish.

I understand why it gets good reviews...but what's really special about it? This drama had a concept that could go to many places, story-wise and character-wise, but the writers chose the "safest" route...for both?
It works for those who haven't seen many family k-dramas, but for me who has already seen this kind of scenario thousand of times, it's nothing new. It became boring eventually.
As you can already tell from the synopsis this drama is going to focus a lot...A LOT....on the main married couple's lives and how they eventually got divorced...but something is quite strange. What in the world was turning 18 again supposed to prove here?
Honestly, if turning 18 meant for the character to chase after his ex-wife, then this whole concept was wasted. Yes, it is still well written as a story, but it's just boring, not entertaining.
That's because the writers wanted to give a message or follow the original which is, again, acceptable, but not satisfying enough.
Call me weird, but I think the romance was also wasted and at moments the relationship between the former 37 year old husband who is now on the 18 year old body and the almost 40 year old wife is just plain AWKWARD.
Obviously, they attempted to show that but quite failed at it since they were still pushing it for the sake of the "safe" route they wanted the plot to take.
If I was the writer, and I had full control over the scenario, I would have completely abandoned the family story and went straight ahead into the school life, having the 18 year old Woo Young achieve his dreams he couldn't achieve, find an awkward yet intriguing love interest, and develop a different kind of drama that wouldn't depend on the concept of marriage and it's many subplots which ended up being overused. A complete reset, a completely new life.
I just abhor the fact that so many kdramas with supernatural elements just waste EVERY potential the story could've taken. But the writers must be all a bunch of cowards who can't bring themselves to write something more...spicy.

Anyways, the drama wasn't unwatchable neither too boring. It's just that, it could've taken a different, more spicy route. Not this repetitive safe nonsense you see on almost half of family dramas. Stop recycling stories ffs.

Lire davantage

sad, heartwarming, and relatable drama! MUST WATCH!

This kdrama is basically about a man turning back to 18 years old to get a second chance to be with his wife again (since they both got divorced).

I recommend this kdrama to any divorced couples out there because this kdrama has a lot of relable things that real life couples struggle on or need help on getting back together EVEN if you have little kids/teens. Who knows? you might regret getting divorced.

The cast are pretty attractive, their actings are top NOTCH, the music in this kdrama warms your heart like the morning sun. This Kdrama is one of the best of the year no CAP!

What i like about this drama is the PURE Romance, the plot twists at the end of every episode, the regrets, the flashbacks, literally Everything!

The endings were good, all the people in this kdrama has their unique endings towards the end of the kdrama.
The Scenery was also beautiful, and very heartwarming, and touching!!

The only question is...
How did Hong Dae-Young turn back to his regular self?

I don't think there's one single thing i dislike about this apart from this question above me.

Anyways this is my first review so please respect my opinions, thanks.

Lire davantage

I didn't expect it that I am going to love it.

I had in the slum for Kdrama recently, and pick this one by chance looking for cheese school romance, but found gold, if not diamond instead.
And this drama made me obsessed with Lee Do Hyun. I have never put any thought about this guy before, damn don't even realize he was Mr. Butterfly in Hotel de Luna up until I search him up.

The soul of the drama is Ko Woo Young played beautifully by Lee Do Hyun. I sometimes forget that he is THAT young and yet he can materialize the character of a 36-year-old protective father who loves his children more than everything in his life. By the way, he is 25 yo but he played both roles perfectly (an 18 yo student outside and 36 yo father inside).

The best parts of the drama are the flashbacks of how the struggles of these young parents and how Woo Young tried his best to be close to his children. All these heartwarming scenes made me grabbed more tissue than I should. And the scenes with their respective parent in-law broke me into storm of cries.
I was a little thrown out by the 'love story' tho. How ironic, I came to watch romantic drama and yet find the romance in this drama has less value than the main idea of "love your family".

And the OST, gosh... This drama is about finding yourself back. More than often things in life don't go as we planned them to be and the hardship that we went through made us forget. We often forget the person that we are used to be, forget the reasons why we love our loved ones. AND everytime the song HELLO came out in the background, I felt the pang of pain. As if the song tries to say "hello again" to the old us that we have often forgotten. The old us who love everyone and was loved by everyone.

Would I re-watch it? Maybe not. I will remember (and probably go to Youtube to watch) those scenes that Lee Do Hyun brought to screen on what truly a father love is.

Lire davantage

Heartwarming

A really nice show that melts your heart away.

The story flows really well and the casting is really great.

Got to give props to Kim Ha Neul, her acting was amazing and she was the MVP for me.

I wouldn't go and say that the show was amazing, it had some issues, for example:

* 2-5 minute repeat of the previous episode that included one or two new lines to make it feel new was kind-a of useless, I always skipped the start of each episode
* some scenes that didn't add to the story or plot but were added for some reason
* the daughter love triangle or in this case the love arrow... which didn't make a lot of sense
* the basketball cringe when they were purposely missing the basket by a huge margin

Nonetheless each episode felt fresh and I couldn't wait to watch the next one.

So I can definitely recommend it to anyone who looks for comfy show that you can snuggle and watch comfortably until the end.

Lire davantage

Heartwarming and Fun Story

Actually i'm planning to skip this drama because reading from synopsis, I thought it's gonna be simple predictable story. But after watch a clip spoiler from instagram, when Lee Do Hyun scold the girls taking taxy to school, it so funny and I start watching it..

The first half of story actually really good and heartwarming, but the later half they kinda run out ideas, so many filler story and unnecessary scene..
But it's still fun drama to watch, superb acting from lee do hyun, funny friend go deok jin and chu ae rin, love triangle jiho-shi a-ja sung, and i like deok jin love line with the teacher@..

I recommend it if you are looking for light and fun drama.

Lire davantage

great potential

I'm a fan of Kim Ha Neul and Yoon Sang Hyun so that is why I started watching. Most of the dramas I watch are before 2018 because I'm not into the zoomer ones like the ones on netflix. Getting straight to the point, the first 4 episodes were S tier. The next 12 episodes were snoozers for me because I have a short attention span so I need every second to matter in a drama. The main problem in this drama is that there are too many scenes that are replays and too many sleeper flashbacks.
The acting in this drama was really good because Lee Do Hyun did an outstanding job in the first couple of episodes and the other two main are veteran actors. But there were still scenes where you would cringe because how cheesy the acting is.
The story in this drama had good potential but after the 4th episode, the plot watered down really hard. But I was never bored when watching the drama. I usually don't finish dramas if they get too sleeper but I finished this one.
Overall a decent drama that I wouldn't watch again. Although the quality of the drama is good, I just cannot rate it higher than a 7.8 because too many replays and slow motions that make me angry. And the underwhelming 12 episodes.

EDIT: I'm currently watching this again with my mom and I realized that I haven't really appreciated the acting, small details, and the music very much. Story is still quite underwhelming but the acting and comedy makes up for it. The fact that I am also re watching this is also proof that this drama is a fun experience overall. I can proudly say that this is an 8.5 worthy drama and is a good watch for anyone especially if you are a father.

Lire davantage

TRY 18 AGAIN!

Okay, let me tell you one thing : like a lot of viewers, I began this show with no expectations. At the beginning I even wanted to avoid 18 Again, I though it would be impossible to do a good 16 hours drama based on the American movie 17 Again. BUT I WAS WRONG aha. I just loved this show so much, even if it's not perfect. Yes it can be a bit slow, yes there is a love triangle, yes I didn't like the secondary couple (their story wasn't enough credible, it was a love at first sight pretty creepy but whatever). But overall, 18 Again is such an heartwarming and emotional k-drama fill of love (family love, romance, friendship) and comedy. I you like rom-com, If you like family drama, this one is for you. There are a lot of beautiful life lessons in this show.
PLUS: There is Lee Do Hyun in it. God, I didn't know this actor but he manages to be one of my favourite since the first episode. I'm impressed by his acting, he has a bright future ahead if he chose the good projects :) The others actors are great too, the music is very beautiful (Hello hello will make you cry for sure).

Lire davantage

I mean, there's nothing I will say that hasn't already been said by the millions of reviews that came before me. It was a solid romance with just the right balance of fluff, angst and heart. Its my first time watching Lee Do Hyun and I absolutely ADORED him and his character- you bet I'll be checking out everything else he acts in! I see a very promising future for him. The cast is nothing to laugh at, yet he absolutely stole the show- if this character wasn't written exclusively for him, I'd be damned to find anyone else who would have been able to do as well or as much justice to the character as him.

Lire davantage

Como uma grande de fã que sou do filme Americano 17 outra vez, tenho que dizer que fiquei super animada quando soube que a Coreia faria uma adaptação dessa história no ano passado.

Afinal essa história é muito divertida e tinha potencial para ser ainda mais interessante já que teríamos uma experiencia de tempo muito maior com 16 episódios ao contrário das poucas horas de um filme.

No entanto, sinto dizer que não foi bem assim. A versão coreana ficou bem aquém do esperado e não conseguiu chegar nem perto do filme. É uma pena que tenham desperdiçado uma oportunidade tão boa quanto essa.

Ainda me pergunto porque transformaram um enredo tão leve e descontraído em um dramalhão cheio de idas e vindas.

Se você for um grande fã do filme pode se sentir decepcionado, caso esse seja seu primeiro contato com a história acredito que possa ter uma experiência melhor já que não acabará fazendo essa comparação.

Lire davantage

A Heartwarming Journey of Redemption

18 Again is a remarkable Korean drama that takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster ride, exploring themes of self-discovery, second chances, and the power of family. The story revolves around Hong Dae Young, a middle-aged man who wakes up one day to find himself transformed into his 18-year-old self.

The plot immediately captures attention with its unique premise, setting the stage for a nostalgic and heartfelt journey. As Dae Young navigates the challenges of high school once again, viewers witness his struggle to balance his youthful energy with his responsibilities as a husband and father. This premise not only provides moments of humor and lightheartedness but also creates a rich canvas for exploring deep emotional connections.

The performances in 18 Again are truly exceptional, with each actor delivering a standout portrayal of their respective characters. Yoon Sang-hyun brings a perfect blend of vulnerability and maturity to the role of Dae Young, effortlessly transitioning between the older and younger versions of the character. Lee Do-hyun shines as the teenage Dae Young, captivating audiences with his authentic portrayal of youthful exuberance. Kim Ha-neul delivers a compelling performance as Jung Da-jung, powerfully conveying the complexities of her character’s journey with grace and authenticity.

What sets 18 Again apart is its exploration of universal themes that resonate deeply with viewers. The drama delves into the idea of regret and the desire for a second chance, prompting reflection on one’s own life choices. Through Dae Young’s journey, the series encourages viewers to seize opportunities, chase their dreams, and find redemption even in the face of past mistakes. Additionally, the importance of family bonds and forgiveness is beautifully emphasized, reminding audiences of the enduring strength and power of love.

The character development in 18 Again is truly remarkable, with each character undergoing growth and transformation. Dae Young’s children, his high school friends, and those he encounters along the way add layer upon layer of depth to the story. Through their personal struggles, viewers gain valuable insights into societal issues such as bullying and teenage relationships, fostering empathy and understanding.

Visually, 18 Again excels with its stunning cinematography. The vibrant colors and well-composed shots effectively convey the emotions and nuances of each scene, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The well-curated soundtrack further elevates the storytelling, punctuating poignant moments and evoking a range of emotions.

This is a remarkable Korean drama that captivates viewers with its unique premise, outstanding performances, and heartfelt storytelling. It delves into universal themes, leaving a lasting impression on viewers long after the final episode. With its powerful

Lire davantage

Mi hermano descargó 2 dramas: Vincenzo y 18 again, decidimos empezar viendo Vincenzo y luego ver 18 again el cual queríamos ver por Hwang in Yeop (quien hace de Han Seo Jun en True Beauty). Imagínense en mi situación: ver 18 again luego de Vincenzo, ver "basura" luego de una obra de arte, realmente tenía buenas expectativas de este drama, así que el hecho de que no me haya gustado no tiene que ver con que yo tuviese mente negativa, aunque es cierto que estaba triste por haber terminado un super drama como Vincenzo, pero además de hwang in yeop (quien casi no salía) y el amigo de Shi Ah (quien por cierto me encantó y me pareció super lindo) no había motivación alguna para ver este drama, aproximadamente los últimos 4 capítulos tuvieron escenas emocionantes, o sea, no es que los últimos capítulos hayan sido buenos, solo tuvieron mejores partes que el resto de los episodios las cuales no se pueden negar que fueron emociones pero inmediatamente al siguiente segundo de terminar la escena volvía al ritmo normal de aburrimiento de la serie.

Antes de escribir esta reseña revisé otras y me di cuenta que 18 again tiene muy buenas opiniones y comentarios muy positivos, me quedé muy sorprendida porque aunque yo quisiera decir lo mismo realmente no me gustó, incluso, lamentablemente se encuentra entre los dramas que menos me han gustado de los que he visto. Al ver tantos comentarios positivos talvez debería darle una segunda oportunidad porque la verdad es que no lo disfruté.

Llegué a este drama porque estaba viendo True Beauty y me recomendaron que viera 18 again diciéndome que estaba muy bueno y gracioso y además aparece Han Seo Jun, sin embargo no me pareció bueno ni gracioso, pues si me reí pero no creo que lo suficiente para ser considerado una comedia. Obviamente a la persona que me lo recomendó le encantó y creo que por eso yo tenía altas expectativas, sin embargo, lamentó no poder decir lo mismo hasta el punto de opinar exactamente lo contrario.

La protagonista no me gustó (me parece que fue muy mala con su esposo) y el protagonista tampoco sin embargo creo que él si hizo un gran trabajo al interpretar su papel, es decir, aunque no me gustaron los protagonistas acepto por parte del personaje masculino una buena actuación (el joven) y hwang in yeop hizo un papel con una personalidad muy similar a la de True Beauty.

Estoy un poco triste porque creo que mi reseña será la única negativa en medio de tantas buenas opiniones y realmente quería que este drama me llegara a gustar pero nuevamente digo que no se porque el drama no se me hizo entretenido ¿será el efecto Vincenzo?.

Lire davantage