Three Stars

First watched when it came out last November.I downloaded the ten episodes and so I watched it again this week> I couldn't believe that the subject matter would be covered in such a matter of fact and convincingly real manner. However Kenichi's character does not stand up to careful scrutiny. From the off he acts in a high handed way towards Kumiko. Helps himself from her fridge and assumes she will sleep with him. He does not associate sexual activity with love ( as things develop we see he craves hard sex with prostitutes) The title is more than a little misleading implying as it does that Kumiko is deficient. In fact discussion of size leads Kenichi to admit his first encounter was with a prostitute who suggested his member was large. He seems surprised Kumiko would be upset by his admission and says "it was only one time".His familly undulge him and he has an inflated idea of his value as a teacher. He quickly persuades Kumiko that they love each other and don't need sexual gratification... though she clearly does ... and he resorts to regular visits to prostitutes. He claims he wants Kumiko to know, but cannot bring himself to tell her honestly. He preferes to leave evidence of his illicit behaviour where she may easilly find it. He acts as an otherwise thoughtful, caring husband.I think he is an egotist who uses a girl who is reticent and defferential to massage his ego. The truth about "it not fitting" is hard to be certain about but from what unfolds it would appear that Kumico finds the answer in the opening scenes of episode 2, as she searches online ... 'lack of foreplay'. As the episodes unfold some sory lines make me squirm Kumico ia so lacking in confidence and too ready to accept she is deficient, not just at home but in school. When finally things come to a head between the two it is clear that Kenichi has double standards, it's fine to use call girls but when he learns that Kumiko was not a virgin and has slept with other men he is offended and runs away. Assuming he will not return she sums @up what am I without him" causing her to search their university lodgings where they are reunited and to a point reconcilled. This is all meant to be based on a true story. I find it sad and frustrating. They are not being entirely straight with each other or their parents. I think this should have been 8 episodes.

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Torment

This began with Ha-Na learning the truth about her mother and the identity of Joon's father: so understanding what had driven the lies Joon made pressuring her to accept a breakup. It was perfectly written to make crystal clear that neither hereo nor heroin stopped loving each other for a heart-beat. Indeed Joon loves both Ha-Na and his mother so much he is devastated! Ultimately he loves Ha-Na most (even though he implies he doesn't when he tells her he thought, since everything was her first, she could put him first) so, realizing his mother hates Yooh-hee and not wanting her to hate Ha-Na, BUT wanting her wish - that her mother's happiness should come first, even at her own expense - to come true, he makes a terrible sacrifice. Only a bit later does he seem to offer another way than break-up.

I found this episode strangely satisfying as it was so well written. It seemed very long, still bitter/sweet but leavend by touching, even humorous moments. Hye-yung is still the ruthless ****h she was in 70's and we can have little sympathy for her. The timing of the first meeting - our two couples together for the first time - is painful, only tempered by the fact Joon and Ha-Na are covering their hurt out of consideration for In-ha and Yoon-hee. I didn't cry too much through this but had to take several breaks to escape the misery. Overall this only confirms for me what a wonderful drama LR is and how excellently Yoona and Jang Keun-Suk transition between the two eras. They are actors with a great deal to offer!

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Tipping point

I got into LR because I love Yoona and had finished The K2, so did't read anything about it being split between 70's and 90's. The transition between the two felled me as I was a sucker for the first love story and wanted to see it resolved: the same actors playing different characters was hard to understand at first but even though their personalities are so different they are a perfect couple. This episode like the preceding one was hard to watch because they are bitter-sweet but its ending seems to offer hope that this time Joon will not try to hide the truth from Ha-Na. Thus there is a chance that with understanding In-Ha and Yoon-Hee, Joon and In-Ha can all have their heart's desire.

Joon's friends, especially the Dr so complement the pair's relationship and balance Tae-Sung/Ha-Na axis - which I hope is just a side issue. Why oh why do some people keep saying Joon and Ha-Na are step brother and sister? They do not have even one parent in common. I now realise why I find this drama so compelling: the same person made Summer Scent. I found that so beautiful and so tragic I was unable to watch the final episodes. I have them downloaded to watch if I can ever bring myself to try.

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