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