Hotel Del Luna is a beautifully told story. Some will say that this show is slow after some point in the middle episodes. It does slow down I will agree with that, but the slowness feels and adds naturally to the story. No, I won't rewatch this because of my tendency of not to rewatch things I've already seen unless it's with someone else. So if I find someone to rewatch this with me, I'll do it but not just by my lonesome.
Story:
The story starts almost abrasively but mellows out which I think leads people to believe it slows. But the story becomes more intense and lays out an intriguing world. By far, one of the most intricate storylines that has a bigger cast but still manages to address each and everyone's back story. From 1,300 to 500 to 200 to 70 years ago. Each story has its own unique feel making each more precious. Death is also a giant theme in this story, no surprise when writing about Grim Reapers, Ghosts, and the like. However, this intense subject matter is shown in all lens of life. With many different perspectives in which to believe.
Acting:
The chemistry between our main leads was one of the things that made this story breathtaking. After watching my fair share of dramas, I can tell you that these two are nothing like any other couple I've encountered. They have cute, funny moments that make you smile or giggle. While also having a very significant outlook on the life they share, if only for a brief time. Jan Man Wol and Ku Chan Sung are an alluring coupling that does nothing but enhances the characters and story told.
IU and Yeo Jin Goo give such power and prowess to these characters. The casting for this lead couple was perfect. I was worried about Yeo Jin Goo because of his recent Absolute Boyfriend series which I didn't like and barely finished. But this was so a much better fit. He did a heartfelt job when portraying Ku Chan Sung — as for IU, even more, impressing that her precious works. She tends to get sweeter and better the more she acts. By far the most dazzling character, Jan Man Wol's outfits were over the top.
As for the rest of the cast, Shin Jung Keun who plays Mr. Kim was a crane who put just the right amount of funny into each moment as well as having some tearful moments. Bae Hae Seon as Ms. Choi felt at first like a very flat character, and it wasn't until almost the very end that she grew. I hoped for more, but I think this was just the right amount. Plus that hug, tearjerker. Pyo Ji Hoon as Ji Hyun Joong surprised me; I honestly loved his character way more than I had thought, and his character development towards the end was astonishing as well as it just felt right. Not like a last-minute addition but a natural arch. Kang Mi Na as Kim Yu Na fit perfectly with Ji Hyun Joong. I loved how we experienced love in it's purest form, first love.
Music:
The music most definitely sets the mood in each of the scenes it was assigned. I loved that IU even sang a song wishing for Man Wol and Chan Sung to have a happy ending. They used powerhouse singers like Ben, Gummy, Taeyeon, and Punch, to name a few. The songs are so sad, touching and powerful that sometimes they took over. But I was grateful because then I couldn't hear myself sobbing. I honestly can say this collection of songs will stick with me even if I forget the story which is unlikely to happen.
Hotel Del Luna is by far one of my favorites of this year and maybe even my drama watching career. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.