I couldn’t agree with you more about this show. It’s so much more than a romance. I personally loved it and understood that Jin-a saying goodbye to her mom (and everything she represented in terms of societal expectations) was what the show was building up to. Moving to jeju island was the figurative coming of age for this character. She was only able to have a relationship with Jun-hui after she left her oppressive world behind. This story is telling us that patriarchal pressure could drive children into forsaking their parents. It’s a cautionary tale of sorts.
Something In The Rain and One Spring Night were made back to back by the same director with some actors playing similar roles but both series are excellent complicated modern romance stories. Both tackle difficult societal issues within Korea. Amazingly well written, directed and acted. I first watched Crash Landing on You and "discovered" the incredible talent of Son Ye-Jin (one of the finest actresses in the world) and then watched SITR and it just reinforced my original opinion. She is phenomenal in this role. Pretty much all western romance dramas look fake. They are poorly written with little character development and awful plotting. The romances develop too quickly and without any subtlety. And the surrounding characters are poorly drawn archetypes. It's like paint by number romances. With SITR it's completely different. Jun-hui comes into Jin-a's life at such a critical time. She's aging and living at home. Controlled by her mother. Her boyfriend has cheated on her and she breaks up with him but he still feels entitled to her. Her mother views him as her best catch so she doesn't understand why Jin-a would break up with him. In her job she is sexually harassed by the men in the company, viewed as an easy mark and her female co-workers resent her compliance and lack of defense against their harassment. Jun-hui shows up and changes that. He stands up to her ex boyfriend for her. He values her as a person and not just as some sexual object. He shows her how she should be treated. He values her and respects her and wants to protect her. Things which she has never had in her life. And this is just the start of it. Every episode takes you on their journey to self discovery and finding true love. But even saying that is too superficial to describe what happens in this series. You have to watch it not with western eyes and impatience for a quick and easy satisfactory answer. It's not like that. If you are patient you will become completely absorbed in their story and feel for them like a friend of theirs. Wanting them to overcome their difficulties and be together in the end.
The female character shows real growth over the span of the show. She was Ms. tambourine, very compliant, put up with sexism and sexual harassment in the beginning . Then she became stronger voicing her concerns at work and resisted unwanted sexual advances from male co- workers and bosses. At home, she disagreed with her mom’s class theory. In the end, she defied the societal expectations of women’s role only as mother and wife. She did not let her relationships be the only factor for her decision about moving. She lived independently on her own and moved when she decided to do it. This will make her an equal partner and in my opinion a better partner in life for Jinhui.
this movie is so psychological and I love it, and people who can't relate with Jin‑ah, have never come across a narcissist person (aka jin ah's mom). as a child with a similar parent, it's very difficult to get free from the controlling and micromanaging of a narcissistic person. throughout the movie you see how mom keeps violating jin ah's privacy over and over again, she opens the bathroom door and nags at her, she never ever knocks on her door when she comes to her room, she constantly keeps her wrist and forces her to sit and when she doesn't listen to her she gets angry and nags and nags till everyone agrees., her dad on the other hand, always keeps quite he never opposes the mom (especially in the beginning) and when he doesn't, he brings out more pain and argument to rest of the house that they preferred if he was quite. and her brother constantly provokes her and makes fun of her. these are all bullying and therefore she's always in a relationship with a horrible man who never values her and when she is loved by Seo Joon‑hee, she gets stronger and realizes she hasn't had time to find herself out, she has always been described by her mother and lived the way her mom wanted. whenever she wanted to break free she was shout at and shut down, so she wants to find out how is it to live on her own and not be carried by another person, that's why she doesn't go to America because if she did she would have fallen into the same loop, but again even from another house her mom still controls her and manages her, please watch this movie with a more open mind
Hi there. I really enjoyed your review. I can't stop thinking about this film and thought it was so beautifully made. I myself was frustrated with the ending, but after thinking about it and rewatching it a second time, I noticed that in the first few episodes of the series, the theme of timing in a relationship was brought up a few times, and I would like to tie that in to your review of jeju island, nice research btw, because it makes a lot of sense now that Jin-A would choose to go there. She quit her job, left her family and just basically took off to another island. But most importantly, she still loved him. He came back to her because he still loved her. Jeju island perhaps represented a place where they can start over or continue where they left off and love at another place and time, because now was the right time. Also, the saying....when you love someone let them go, for if they return, they were always yours....comes to mind. Although I would love to see them redo the ending...I thought this couple deserved a few more episodes just to satisfy the viewer. My other criticism is the repetitive music, which I didn't mind, but thought they can use different songs. Overall, what a beautiful film and I really hope these two collaborate on another melodrama together....they have amazing chemistry.
Your observation is good. This drama is complicated. That's why it wasn't so popular like CLY etc. I have watched it more than 5 times now I can confidently say the more you watch it, It more becomes crystal. It's more about two people journey. Jin became independent in true sense and Junhi learns how to forgive. The recording has a meaning to....
Spoiler ahead, PSA: If you're dating someone and they have a volatile relationship with a parent especially a father figure do not force a reconciliation between them I beg. You are literally forcing a person to their primary source of anxiety and depression. Chosen families are there for a reason
“Sooooometimmeeees it’s haaard to beeee a womaaaan” - if I hear that song one more time 😂 but can someone pls talk about how frustrating the mom was in this show?!?
@@LexyMackailiaThis is my opinion alone....all the songs weren't bad. In fact "Stand by Your Man" isn't necessarily a "bad song". I don't like that message it gives plus it didn't fit most of the scenes. Especially the first few and to overuse it the way they did. Tammy Wynette co-wrote the song and released it in the late 60's. When it was used in this movie after abusive behavior towards the female characters... It made me sick inside and wishing they tried harder with the music choices in 2018. I still loved the series and think it would be even better with different music.
--- spoiler warning --- The ending was wonderful. The show worked very very hard to establish just how much they cared for each other and how they couldn't be kept apart no matter what. When he comes back from the US at the end (the part that frustrates so many people) they do an excellent job of getting across how badly they want to be together again and how much they missed each other. If they had ended up not together that would have been unrealistic. They were angry with each other and yelling at each other because they were disappointed with each that they had let themselves be apart for so long. But in all their arguments the subtext is precisely how they cannot let go. It's a typical "old married couple" argument where two people yell at each other about how someone forgot to buy milk on their way home from work when in actual fact the conversation is going on at the level of subtext and they are actually "talking" about something completely different or often the exact opposite of what they are saying. People upset about the sexual harassment case being dealt with off camera or the fact that they only officially got back together in literally the last scene are missing the subtext. Whatever happens at the end, it has to be earned by the writers, the actors, etc. Do we believe that this is what would happen? If they had not gotten back together it would have been a terribly cruel and depressing message. If the show was going to "break expectations" it needed to earn that too. They needed to have made it believable that they would have fallen out of love or that simply too much time had passed and it was all now in the past. But they establish from the very beginning when Jun-hui sees her on the stairs that they both longer for each other deeply.
I'm reading this late but had a very deep experience with the show. I think your comment articulated best why the show did it the way it did, that everything must be earned, and thats why the development was so credulous and real. Most other romance shows are fantasies and trained people to romanticize, when in real life one does not make perfect decisions even most of the time and stagger our way through it all. Incredible insights❤
OMG, I really loved your review!! Some other things I want to add (sorry for my bad English). At the end, the two girls live and work together, away from the oppression of their male bosses; also, they have a lot of space compared to the tiny apartments they had in the city. There’s a scene where they play with water in the garden, and I really loved it, because it portrays not only their friendship, but also their freedom and how close they are to the nature now. The other thing I want to add: Jin-Ah discard the two umbrellas before moving out, and, at the very end, they have only one, a new one, a better one, because they are better persons now than they were before :)
I loved this show.. seriously. In my opinion, there should be another season. The finale is so disappointing, in The first part of The episode... Great chemistry, great story. Nothing to say. Btw.. i know i’m not The only one, but, i Cried a lot ahaha
Most of the audience of this show totally detested the FL of the show but in my opinion she had a lot more on her plate than the ML. She a 35 year old woman still living with the protection of her family was judged for getting in a relationship with a younger guy, had the overbearing parental pressure, that when will you get married societal pressure, was always dissed at whenever anything bad happened to her, and most importantly was facing sexual harassment for 5 plus years and what not... thinking about all this she did a really good job going on and learning when the ML came in her life. The last episode was commendable as although she had regrets about her past actions as all do, she still after suffering for the mistake of the her life (i. e. leading a miserable loveless life) which was not standing up for her best friend and boyfriend, she ultimately forgave herself and moved away.
@@kathpaliarashi true and she was 35 when they started dating but it's not mentioned that how many years passed after joon hee-ssi left also his age wasn't mentioned....
@@kathpaliarashi was it??? I recently finished it.. But may be I didn't noticed... I searched in google... And it was written 20-something or 28.... But I am totally curious to know how many years jin a-ssi stayed alone
I was able to relate to this show in more ways than one. I also fell in love when I was young with a slightly older girl, with no strong family background, not much money, had to suffer the emotional abuse from her parents even though they had loved me before the whole relation debacle. The only difference was, she gave into their emotional abuse and that was it. This show showed me my alternative (what could have been) ending. Even though most of the finale was disappointing, but the last few minutes offered some closure. I wish there was more to it then just that but amazing show nevertheless.
I just finished this drama after mos. of not wanting to start one after CLOY. I love SYJ and she's the reason why I watched this one. Glad I did because now I'm more obsessed with this love story that I want the leads to marry already. It's crazy, I know! JYI portrayed the love sick younger lover very well and being eye candy helps a lot. The majority of the reviews can't stand Jin-ah's character. I totally get her as I've had been in relationships with younger men before (10 yrs. the most). I understand how they fell apart and chose to deal with it. Timing is definitely everything. I knew that bday dinner date was essentially goodbye as he was rushing to leave for the US. One should not expect to just pack up and leave especially with her family background and wanting to deal with the job harassment. It was easy for Jun-hui to be that spontaneous because his only responsibility is to himself. For the most part, Jin-ah seems the immature one per most people but she is really just submissive and strives to avoid conflicts. Then along came Jun-hui who shows hers to lighten up, be strong and break taboos like drinking during lunch. Jun-hui, to get to Jin-ah, has to be the mature one but in the end, his immaturity showed with his work decisions. That's when we can see that Jin-ah was showing signs of maturity first by getting her own place instead of moving in with Jun-hui or leaving for the US. Yes, she got herself into another worthless relationship but seeing Jun-hui after a long time, she finally stood her ground and freed herself from her bf, family and work. I also commend her for trying to reconcile with her bff before leaving. The symbolism of the umbrellas, as one reviewer pointed out, is brilliant. It definitely makes sense that the yellow umbrella means a new beginning for both of them. I probably would've thrown something at the tv and cursed like hell if the ending didn't show them getting back together. Lol. I actually panicked at the scene where Bo-ra got the wedding invitation. I thought Jin-ah was getting married to someone else. Hahaha. Being a Kpop fan, I know about Jeju Island which I can compare to HI. It's so peaceful, serene, laidback and a world away from the mainland. So although a ton of viewers prefer something heavier for the ending, I don't mind it at all. I like the fact that we can only speculate that given that Jin-ah separated herself from everything, perhaps when Jun-hui asks her again to go to the US, this time she's more than free and willing to say yes. I also like your take on the gates, doors and borders that are constantly separating them. Glad the writer chose Jeju Island as the perfect finale which showed that their undying love overcame those barriers (nevermind what the mother thinks). Lol. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'm watching it again to catch whatever else I missed and also satisfy my hopelessly romantic self. Besides, JYI is swoon worthy. Lol.
I really love this movie. I keep watching this movie every time I don’t feel watching any movies. The intense emotion, of how Juni-a and Juni-e brought, is so lovable. I love their chemistry. I hope to see them again in their next movie.
Your review is awesome! 😊 The part about the door and elevator I didn't even think about the symbolism of the physical separation. There were so many of those scenes too of him just watching her move farther away😂😆 😊
I just finished watching this drama and I must say that I got so attached to the emotions and it made me feel what love feels like. The last time I felt this way was when I watched "My Queen", a Taiwanese drama. My only disappointed was the last two episodes....damn those eps made me feel like I was having a heart attack. As soon as they revealed their relationship (ep 7 I think?), everything went downhill. I thought it couldnt get any worse until my anxiety was like at worst and didnt get better until the last 20 minutes. There were so many unresolved issues and I honestly expected more from Jin-A. I feel like the guy put way more effort since the beginning, and Jin-A's character was really disappointing from ep 7 until the end.
@@aaravtamrakar4988 right and whats worse is Jun Hui was the one who had to put effort to get back their relationship at the end and telling her that it's his fault. It's definitely Jin-A's fault since the beginning. From making her parents overly control her (like dude she's almost 40 years old), intentionally making lies and always cares about what the society, her friends and family's friends would think of her
Yeah, totally the same... I really think the last 2 episodes could have been resolved so much better and differently. And I hate those endings that end in the same reconcilating scene, like Pretty Woman movie. I prefer endings like Notting Hill much much more, where you see them in different situations a little more.
Thank you for this review. I just finished watching this series yesterday, and your analysis was excellent. I think you missed the point on how classism and family are tied together, which helps inform the monster mother's motivation. In Relation based society, family ties can help get jobs, promotions, getting away with stuff, etc. Think how the show pointed out that a new store owner had some family connection, and the company would send senior executives or prioritize that store. Joon-hee has no family, so he can't provide this privilege to Jin-ah or their offspring. Therefore he wasn't a suitable candidate for her daughter. I wasn't put off by the ending. The island presented an escape to societal pressure to Jin-ah. She cuts (or limits her ties with family and job) and escapes on her own accord (she has ultimate agency). Joon-hee learns to forgive and not to run from conflict. I think they did show progression.
You’re on point right there 👍 I enjoyed the series, after watching CLOY which I thought is the cutest love story, then I came upon this gem, Something in the Rain! I decided this is better than CLOY cuz it’s relatable, realistic and kinda universally themed! All society be in Asia, or the Western world, all these social issues still exist, I believe!
It's not necessary to insist on the incredible quality, intelligence and sensibility of this series, it has been said already. But let's say first one thing : the near-perfection of the acting, essential for the achievement of the whole thing, and specifically, of course, the overwhelming talent of Son Ye-Jin, who is bringing at least 80 percent of the emotionnal power of the show. Let's notice too the intense quality of the cinematography, with a work on the lights very realistic and subtle at the same time. Many of the comments are totally WRONG about the music. The songs were very well chosen to emphasize the character's feelings and emotions, and who cares if it's not the music we're listening to everyday : these songs are not there to make the perfect playlist of your next party ! (Let's be grateful to the director for having ignored the last K-pop hits !!). The only thing is that we hear specifically Stand by your man a little too often, that's true... He should have replaced it at least 4 or 5 times by some of the other songs. But the entire mood created by the soundtrack is not just fine : it's absolutely GREAT !! Besides, I think this so-called "frustrating" end that so many dislike is much more realistic than what we can usually see. Yes, we're not absolutely sure that it's a REAL happy ending, because they don't insist on it with a lot of romantic shots, and violins, and all... Like in almost every crap. But instead, it seems still fragile and even uncertain, and thus much more REAL (key word of this show), but obviously more difficult to accept by a large part of the audience... That's what I call artistic daring (i.e not always giving the audience what it demands) and it's just one of the multiple qualities of this GREAT series. We're not a hundred percent sure about this ending and that's precisely the point (the final one) : letting us with some doubts and even some sentimental insecurity, like it happens very often in REAL life, even if it hurts a little bit...
really appreciate your review. This love story really moved me. thank you so much for expanding on the finale as it did seem incomplete. The idea that they have other conversations we are not privy to, has grown on me. Wondering what you think the timeframe is between Jun-hi going to the USA and returning for the wedding- the whole 3 years, I read 5 years somewhere and the episode summary says a few months- I think it is about a year, enough time that he "didn't date anyone for more than 3 months in the states". love son ye-Jin and the male lead was great- soooo youthful at times and sooo mature at others. Thank you again for this thoughtful review.
Fun fact this series was based on a case that really happened to a female prosecutor in Korea that sparked the me too movement there . Her superior tried to silence her but j.t.b.c ran the story the same company that aired this drama
Totally love your review of this show! One thing I wanted to point out was: it's less about classism and more about the taboo of absent parents. In Asian culture, it's traditionally very important to parents that the parents of their kids' significant others not only come from a good background but that they are present in their kids' lives. So with a mom who passed and dad who pretty much didn't want anything to do with Kyung-seon and Jun-Hui, they're seen as "damaged" to their potential in-laws. Sometimes just having divorced parents puts you at a disadvantage with future in-laws who have this thinking.
Things that made me happy in this drama: the way it handled issues like sexual harassment, age gap, double standards, solid friendships (being not so solid, sometimes, but tested the same way as they are in real life), oh and the way Jung He-In could love unconditionally. By the way, I was initially watching coz I love the actress, but her character kind of annoyed me near the end. The problem with this drama is that even with the happy ending (which seemed like some candy bar handed over to kids to shut them up "here's your happy ending, ask no more"), the viewer would probably not be able to trust this to be the end of it, not after the way we've seen the characters make poor decisions over and over again. The show is still good. It just could use some improvement. Oh, and that music... it killed me. :D
I totally agree with this review. The ending was frustrating to me but also leaning functionality of the Korean society ( which is a lot similar to mine) and how well it was portrayed in the show left me amazed. In conclusion I would say it’s one of the best kdrama I have watched with the strongest storyline
Ngl, I cried the entire last 8 episodes. The headaches I got from this show were insane, but it was just too good to stop watching. I gotta say tho... Since I cried so much for it, I feel like they needed a better happy ending. It was so rushed that it seemed like there was a different director or the writers couldn't figure out how to put it together
Amazing show. Spoiler alerts comment now. I think as a woman I realize the guy didn’t deserve she was so unpredictable and unreasonable. I hate that HE seems to be the one that make a mistake . And run for her . All the time he felt and shows how mature and well builded his mind was. For a moments I felt the woman is an vampire energy stolen ... the man could be better without her . I love all the story .. y laugh cry everything ... and ash you said the final episode and the way they turn upside down the distance it wasn’t enough for me
3 роки тому+9
The mistake was he planned the trip to US without saying anything to her, and she planned to move out her parents' house without saying a word to him. None would compromise and they broke up. The final episode is a master piece on its own. This series depicts perfectly Korean society. It's not by chance that it has the highest rate of suicide by teens and young adults. Parental expectations are completely insane. I can't move on from this show...
Thank you for taking the time to review and post your thoughts. Just finished it and processing it. Appreciate your insights and perspective, definitely helping in processing the ending.
100 years from now we won't be writing a english report on Shakespeare. It will be something I the rain instead. We will use cliff notes to understand the symbolism, methaphor etc. Anywhos this is a Great realistic drama.
I watched this show a couple of weeks ago, and I did not like it at the beginning. Hated the song and the overall feel. But I tried binge watch. After a couple of episodes, I started liking it a little. (sorry my memories of the show is pretty vague bc I watched this at night) The show has this sort of old, mature feel for me. I am a teenager but somehow I felt connected to the show. Just that feeling of having no choice, suffocating while many things close in on you. I feel like Jin-a in a way, where I don't have much time to do what I feel like I have to do. I am suffering from many conflicts and I bottle it all up. Overall, I think I just connected with the sadness. The sadness in trying to accept reality. Because, unlike the show's ending, not all of us can just run off. Expectations and responsibilities are burndening us in some type of way - may it be that someone directly assigned to you or just your inner self taking it upon you. Basically, to me, the show is kind of a projection of what I (think) lies beyond for me. A place where I just have to endure, just keep going for the high bar expected of me, the choices I will no longer have in the near future, and just becoming an adult in general. Also, for some reason, the soundtrack grew on me. I listen to it when I feel sad. Not essentially for the song or its lyrics but because of that sensation of recalling the show - a hope that tells me that maybe I could also be free from the pressure.
Don't forget that she wanted to see the whole harassment thing through. That was one reason she gave to her boyfriend for not going with him. When she finally leaves for Jehu island, it's after that's resolved and she feels she can quit. Plus, he was gone for 3 years. i was glad they came back together. He was able to overcome his desire to run away (like his dad) and she seemed content if a little sad.
I think the problem is the mother!!!! The mother made the show way too complicated and unnecessary. Saying that this is one of my favourite show. I have watched it like 5 times. I only watched her mum the first time rest I got her cut in all the scenes. I just couldn’t stand her and her mind. This show is sooo good minus the mother... Loved the love that is between the leads the feel and the chemistry ⚛️
I loved this show so much and i could really feel their chemistry! it made me love "love" lol I finished the series so fast and so recent! At first i hated the ending because it was underwhelming! after being so realistic like you said it felt like they just put a bandaid over their problems LOL but this is also realistic! as someone who got back with an ex that something similar happened where we loved each other but no decision to move to the same country happened and then got back together (similarly to them we didnt need to go thru a fine tooth comb through the reasons why we broke up because the love was always there but the decision to travel wasnt until it was) so in a sense you could say the ending was realistic.... lol at first i did watch this bc i wanted a romance fix but as someone who studies sociology i did appreciate that these social factors were put out there and explored because ultimatley we as people are a product of our environment. the last thing i want to say lol since this post is getting kind of long, at first i was so mad with jin-a for not leaving with him to the US but then i thought about how proud i was for standing her ground and not doing something she wasnt 100% on board with because it meant that she valued herself and was strong enough to own it even though it was so hard to see him suffer but i'm happy that she grew into herself and loving herself enough to know what she wants to do and not do. lol ugh so long lol anyway loved the video!!!!! thanks for the review!!
There are two dialogues between Jun-Hui and Jin-A which impressed me a lot. One is Jin-A refused Jun-Hui to go with him to America. She tried to be herself out of the limit in her society, culture and her dominant mother. To be herself will be the important factor of mature love in marriage which as a matter of fact, Jun-Hui affected her. The other one is when Jun-Hui said that Jin-A was "mean" in Episode 16. Jin-A made clear later that Jun-Hui "escaped" himself to America because he was sick of everything happened to him at that time. Jin-A faced the difficult situations then which could have made better for their getting together and would have been blessed by their families especially. In addition to these two dialogues, another one is between Jin-A and her mother when Jin-A was going to move to Ji-Zhou Island. Her mother said sorry to her about not considering what Jin-A thought about. It's not easy for the mother to say that. And owing to the face-loving, it's hard for her to apologize to Jun-Hui and his sister for her previous bad attitude and fault. About the love, what Jun-Hui said "...because it's Jin-A" twice touched me most.
I like it very much..and even the songs..thank you for making this..so wonderful....Jin Ah so pretty and they have a good chemistry...Jung Hae..so handsome..My only comment is the mother..she doesn't have any concern with her daughter's feelings..the most important in a relationship is true love and happiness regardless of age.. and nothing can replace that with any material things. Expecting for more projects to both them. I like the ending anyway ..😊 its 9/10.
THANK YOU so much for your analysis. After completing this show last night, I could not sleep. So many of the themes were troubling me. Loved the show, but I just knew there were deeper meanings. Seeing your short video analysis this AM is a huge help to seeing these themes. I really appreciate the time you spent putting your thoughts together, and sharing. Especially your analysis of the ending and it’s tie to Jeju Island, as well as the closing doors between them concept. I actually really appreciate the art and poetry of this show much more now after listening. And on a side note, I’m one of the ones who absolutely LOVED the music, as repetitive as it was. To each his own I guess...! Thx much!
This show gave me a manic depression disorder! Third act, lost a lot of momentum with a rushed ending and so many unresolved issues. Acting was amazing all around.
I just finishes watching this show and was completely confused with the ending. I came searching for an explanation and found your review. I feel better now after watching your review. Makes more sense now. Thanks for your research.
Stand by your Man seemed like it was for dramatic irony. Great review, thank you. I'm surprised you didn't mention the sexual harassment ending. I guess the fact that no one really got in trouble is more realistic historically? It just seemed crazy for that to be the ending after all the screen time they spent on it and how many times we watched that video at the karaoke bar
The thing that almost stopped me from watching this was the soundtrack and the fact they played two songs over and over that I really couldn't stand. ..apart from that I really like this miniseries
The ending seems like an "odd on" and I was very frustrated at how "bad" the female protagonist treated the male character for no reason during the episodes leading to the end. He was such a sweet loving and Hot guy who have saved her life and stood by her side thru thick and thin!! Her behavior during the episodes leading to the end did not make any sense!
Every time I watch this it's always the same characters that grinds my gears... I get that it's a social commentary on Korean society but my days a simple slap to jin mother or her 2 male superiors would've sorted them out
Thank you for your review and analysis. I also noticed how the Korean culture (very filial - mom's "traditional" view on women/daughter, elder sister's over protectiveness of kid bro) and current issues (sexual harassment) is tackled in the show and how these play in their personal lives and weaved into the development of the romance. I like what I heard in this review and analysis.
This one was soooo good! And thank you for the untapped insight on the ending. Your analysis made me re-think the initial disappointment I felt at the end. 😁😁
Thank you, thank you sooo much for this review that meets my opinion and my judgement so perfectly. 🏆 I‘ve seen that drama end of 2021 for the first (and only) time and starting from episode 9 it became sooo frustrating!! As a Gernan female viewer of 39 years of age it was almost unbearable to watch this. The first 8 episodes were nice to watch and fulfilling in respect to romantic scenes. But, that mother, the Western music and Korean society made this kdrama so hard to watch! We almost quit. Even that kind of ending did not make up for the suffering we lived through all episodes till the end. 😫 Sorry, but I cannot relate to all those people celebrating that drama and calling it the best. I was suffering while watching it and it never seemed to stop or get better. 😵
I stopped watching after ep 12. I physically couldn't handle the mother anymore 😬. I get it had good points and stuff worth mentioning. However my brother told me to stop because I was only getting angry and not enjoying it anymore. Also on the reddit there were a lot of people warning to stop after ep 8 🤣. So I decided to listen and honestly I am glad. It is really not satisfying.
I love this show because of how realistic can be. Thirst of all i liked the colors and the lighting they are so real not so bright. The thirst dialog that i said oh God that's so real, it's between Jin Ah an her best friend after her boyfriend left her. We speak like that with our best friends. That's was 100% real. I liked Jin Ah clothes because they were not so coloured but neutral colors. She was just a normal woman, a nobody.I think that shows a lot of Psychologie in this show. The subject with the office problems starts because of her mother. She tried her like a child, she never ask her what she want only saying do that and why you did that. If you don't have confidence because your family don't appresiate you that's the way you act at your work. You don't believe in you, you think you have to be always nice and not saying want you want or don't want. That's happend with so many woman out there. The moment she stand up for her because someone believe in her und she saw that she is also important, they did'nt like it. I don't know about the other people but i saw many scene from me in a relationship in that show. The thirst time i watched it, i saw the last scene i was what the fuck where is the ending, And now? But the important thing that the writer wanted to say it's that's they just changed and now they are better people. What her mother is gona say it's not important for nobody because now there are stonger than before.
I agree with everything that u said, except for the songs. 😂I love them. And, true enough, by the last episode I've learned the words to every single songs on the drama.
You should have a discord server for your channel and also for your fans, if you would make one i would join it immediately. Anyways just finished the drama and saw your analysis, keep up the good work!
She did absolutelly nothing for him hole series (she only sucked all love he gave her - boosted her confidence and give nothing back or tell me someone what he got from their relationship ?seem to me only pain and misery) and i dont understand how can anyone understand her (especially because she ended up with basically same stupid guy only change was she didnt live with parents anymore ..... ending was salt in the wound i understand that female viewers will probably like this ending more than males because it shows - that woman can take so much and give so little back and still get her men crawling to her in the end (where she did absolutelly nothing only give him her back on the stairs and cried with her friend privately... she didnt tried go back to him nothing if he didnt tried talk to her and find her in the end she would simply live her live without him.....she would probably get other useless corporate boyfriend or died alone which she deserved ..... in my opinion majority of female viewers will love this show with this one sided ending majority of male viewers not so much because its nothing to love about it ...
Thank you for this! I think this show has so many things to analyse. I loved it but I still have things I didn't like tho. The soundtrack is not good and it doesn't set the mood, definitely, and the ending, him going to the island without asking, gave me the same creepy vibes of the ex-boyfriend. Besides that, the storyline of them being extremely happy at the begging, making the audience part of the relationship and then seeing how they start filling with sadness and negativity because of others (not the typical k drama) so sad and frustrating. He was perfect in all the ways possible but not yet fulfilling the stereotypes of a villain (the mom). "How one person can destroy so much and affect so many lifes?" That was my outcome from this show. I hated the mom so so bad, I still have that feeling in me!
This drama frustrated me, as well. The OST was terrible! But, I became addicted to watching this couple building their relationship, her relationship with her mother(Ugh!) and the situation on her job, regarding the sexual harassment of Ji Ah. I hated it! I wanted justice for her. Her mother drove me absolutely crazy! I just wanted her to be brave and take control of her own happiness/life. I wanted her to see her finally stop being a "pleaser" and grow up! I got through the entire series but, I was glad when it was over. It was torture. It was hard to keep cheering for this couple and to be honest, I wanted the male lead to meet someone else, and move on, because her baggage was so incredibly huge. He wasn't perfect, but he fought for her/them. It was very real. I won't be watching it again. Once was enough. Great review! One of the best!
Many of the comments are totally WRONG about the music. The songs were very well chosen to emphasize the character's feelings and emotions, and who cares if it's not the music we're listening to everyday : they're not there to make the perfect playlist of your next party ! (Let's be grateful to the director for having ignored the last K-pop hits !!). The only thing is that we hear specifically Stand by your man a little too often, that's true... He should have replaced it at least 4 or 5 times by some of the other songs. But the entire mood created by the soundtrack is not just fine : it's absolutely GREAT !!
Thanks a lot for the analysis. One of the most movie style k drama I have ever seen; almost felt like watching a BBC series. Since you have already reviewed Sth in the Rain, I was wondering if there are any plans to review two other masterpieces from Director Pan-suk Ahn: One Spring Night and Secret Affair.
yes! One spring night IS happening. Just giving myself some space in between seeing Yoo ji-ho as his character in this show, so i can go into OSN without feeling like im just seeing him as jung hae-in whole time haha. looking forward to it though.
@@TwoTenEast Thanks. Some said that OSN is better; though the major consensus seems to be that Secret Affair is the best among these three. One thing for sure: Director Ahn is not going for those superficial chickflick type of kdrama.
Thank you for this review. I finished this series a couple days ago at 3am and was like..What the what??!!! So I went on a search looking for others who understood and someone who could explain... Why did they rush the last few episodes. I kept going back thinking I missed something. Plus the music ....WHY?!!! I was ready to turn the sound completely off since I was using subtitles anyway. I didn't but..I also would love to see them re-release this with a new soundtrack. Maybe they wanted to totally frustrate us because it leads to us looking deeper into all the underlying meaning. Idk I think they could have done that without "Stand by Your Man" ... blech.
I never really cared for the original artist of Stand By Your Man. Her voice was typical of female country singers back then. Too whiney. yech. However, I do like this female singer. She makes the song more sensible. Anyway, I agree with you about the music in most Korean and Chinese dramas. I have told my friends that I think the Asian Music Industry owns the Asian film industry, and uses them to sell their music. smh I like 'back ground music' when no one is talking. But too many times I find that the music will follow a 'silent' scene until the music track ends. NOTHING was happening. Just staring at the river, at the snow, at the trees. No memories. No flashbacks. Just music. So. My theory seems to have substance. Like you I don't want to silence the video because, for me, I enjoy hearing the spoken language. With certain performers, it is almost lyrical - musical in itself. As to the rushing through the last few episodes, I find this to be typical of dramas that I like. It seems they have run out of time and must make up for the wasted time with the long musical episodes that had no substance. So now, their contract is up. No sign of a next season, and the writers are flustered. smh Until this review I looked forward to the last episode. Expecting a happy ending. My younger sister went through a thirty year separation with her 'first love'. They got back together in their sixties, and he died after three years of marriage. So, I'm not a fan of romances with long separations. "IF" I see this is the substance of any romance that I'm considering, I usually avoid them. I will watch a few more episodes. I'm at ten now. Or I might just skip to the end, and get it over with. Then I'll go back and re-watch a rom/com that makes me feel good. And, maybe, in the next six months, I might come back and finish watching it. Hopefully, as you said, with a new sound track with less music.
Many of the comments are totally WRONG about the music. The songs were very well chosen to emphasize the character's feelings and emotions, and who cares if it's not the music we're listening to everyday : they're not there to make the perfect playlist of your next party ! (Let's be grateful to the director for having ignored the last K-pop hits !!). The only thing is that we hear specifically Stand by your man a little too often, that's true... He should have replaced it at least 4 or 5 times by some of the other songs. But the entire mood created by the soundtrack is not just fine : it's absolutely GREAT !!
I was frustrated too with the lead female always stupidly putting herself in harm's way (her ex-boyfriend's company) and also What's the problem with them dating? Why does his sister have a problem with her brother dating her friend and her friend dating her brother. What's the big deal? Why is she considering that a betrayal - Is that her girlfriend? Does she not want the two people she loves to be happy together? I think she's the one who's being selfish by her wanting to keep them separate. They can be a closer family instead since they three like each other's company. Scenes are dimly lit. Would be better to have better lighting. I agree with you about the annoying repetitive songs (I actually lowered the volume since I read the captioning anyway). The brother and the female colleague who have a crush on the lead guy are in the Better Netflix show titled "Romance is a bonus book" - better lighting, better story, great songs (I want the album!), that makes more sense, smarter cast, and that made me laugh and cry. Check "romance is a bonus book" instead. More enjoyable, no annoyance factor.
Totally agree with your review. How did she get that insecure. I do hate how the K dramas I’ve watched the women seem so noodle backed. I do like how they discussed a lot the issues but in the end it would’ve been nice to see the girl have a little more back bone and courage.
You miss the point completely since she actually shows that courage at the end by quitting her job, her family, her apartment and her sentimental AND material security (if you really watched it ?). Besides you have to open your mind a little bit : the characters have a KOREAN culture and way of life, and that can explain a lot what you didn't understand in the plot. Talking about the music, many of the comments are totally WRONG about it. The songs were very well chosen to emphasize the character's feelings and emotions, and who cares if it's not the music we're listening to everyday : they're not there to make the perfect playlist of your next party ! (Let's be grateful to the director for having ignored the last K-pop hits !!). The only thing is that we hear specifically Stand by your man a little too often, that's true... He should have replaced it at least 4 or 5 times by some of the other songs. But the entire mood created by the soundtrack is not just fine : it's absolutely GREAT ! Like the show itself, one of the best EVER made, particularly with THAT incredible acting ! Long life to the wonderful and unique SON YE JIN !!
I just started watching K-Dramas. Something in the Rain is my 3rd one...after Crash Landing on You and My Mister. I am now more satisfied having stayed up late at night to watch this series after your analysis of it. Thank you. I wanted to know if you did reviews of the other 2 K-Ds that I have seen, CLOY and MyMister. Thanks again, I am now subscribed.
The mother of the lead female character should be shut down and told to shut up. She hits everyone. She's snobbish even though she has NO class at all. She is the worst character.
Hated the ending, there wasn't enough build up of how they worked out their issues. No in-depth conversation. On the other end, just love their chemistry and the support characters - mum, dad, brother and sister and how these characters represent different voices. And yes, I am one of the rare ones, who loved the sound track. Thanks for another great analysis, especially about Jeju Island
Good thing that i found this review. Honestly, i wasn't even planning to finish watching the series and it was months ago since i left it on the 5th episode (i think?) because i find it dragging and boring (?) but when i watched your review i think i might give it a go and finish the series all throughout till the end. Thank you for a very informative review! 😊
I really loved this drama. I love jung hae how mature he was in this drama. I think sometimes yoon being selfish And tbh i don't like ending(last two episodes) My Heartbeats are high in last two episodes overall it was worth watching. I can watch it again for the relationship they had. For the facial expressions of son ye jin and for the acting level of all of the cast. ♥
Son yen jin character pissed me off, she’s very selfish and at time I believed she doesn’t deserve the love he offered.. I’m not sure, but at the beginning I really enjoyed it but towards the end I was very disappointed
i 100% agree!! she was sooo annoying and only cared about herself, honestly it felt like she didnt love him or even have strong feelings, maybe more like a crush. but at times it felt like she didnt give a crap about him.
Am I the only one who felt weird ? Like you see your sisters friend time and again since you were little she is also his bestfriends sister. You see her in family gatherings, meetings with your sister.You grow up and have an opportunity to go to States for business trip and you return to your homeland after 3 years. You meet her as usual and suddenly you fall in love ? Does that really happen?( its just my opinion) The beginning was sweet and slow tbh. The relationship between the main leads were good. But it all started to crash once they went public abt it. Jin ah mom overreacting irritated me so bad that I start hating her really i didn't care whether she did for her child's "BETTER FUTURE" . Like they both had good jobs to earn their living. They were adults she literally had no point. So many cases are unsolved and what makes me more hanging is that jin ah mothers doesn't apologise to Joon hae and kyung seon. The way she treated them was so heart breaking. They weren't in fault. Being abandoned by their father after their mom dies they really struggled a lot. As the story goes what upset me more is jin ah character literally I felt so bad for joon hae. He always kept her 1st against himself. But she always acts like she's the one who's hurt more. At times joon hae was also at fault. But it felt like the story was falling. Since the start of epi 6 or 7 the case of sexual harassment started. But still it didn't solved till the end. That was quite disappointing. It felt like the cast who were for office roles only existed to play the harassment case their was nothing new. I found Boo-ra is the coolest character among all. I really liked her. Overall it was okay drama for me. We still don't know if joon hae decides to stay korea or not. Even if they start dating again jin ah mom will again throw the same tantrum. If they really want to be together running away is the only option see 👀
I think that what you dislike or what upsets you in this show is precisely part of the best elements of the show : it's what makes its originality and the diference from most TV shows. Yes, not EVERYTHING is solved and yes, people don't act every time like we would want them to act, and yes, some individuals are sometimes getting on our nerves, and yes, the issue of a love story can be uncertain, etc... Exactly like inREAL LIFE. That's all the point. And that's what makes this show one of the greatest ever made...
I loved this show and literally their connection and emotions were amazing. Their chemistry was amazing! But the last two episodes literally were as if someone else directed them and they annoyed me so much!!! The show gave me so many feelings, but the ending was disappointing. Happy ending, but I just couldn’t deal with the last two episodes!
I dont really feel like she had strong feelings for him, it seemed like she didnt SO many times. He was so sweet all the time, but she mostly acted like he is just some temporary boyfriend or a convenience like he called it. She doesnt deserve him at all.
Hola ,reci....gracien termino este drama y debo comentar que lo adore,todas y cada una de las aristas sociales que trata..son muy bien manejadas..por el hilo conductor de estos doas personajes principales ......cuyas actuaciones son realmente muy convincentes......cuantas realidades sociales tan bien tratadas...sin dudar lo recomendaría,gracias por el analisis que utd realiza ......me paraece justo.
Great review and I agree with the conclusion, its more of a commentary about role of the society. If I may suggest, please do a review of Dr Stranger..see if the show or characters deserve the ending. Thanks
I watched SITR & I stuck with it b/c I LOVE k-dramas. After listening to your commentary - I will watch it again & tune out the songs (mute will work for me b/c I have to read what they are saying anyway- right? Thank You! I love your commentaries. ♥
Many of the comments are totally WRONG about the music. The songs were very well chosen to emphasize the character's feelings and emotions, and who cares if it's not the music we're listening to everyday : they're not there to make the perfect playlist of your next party ! (Let's be grateful to the director for having ignored the last K-pop hits !!). The only thing is that we hear specifically Stand by your man a little too often, that's true... He should have replaced it at least 4 or 5 times by some of the other songs. But the entire mood created by the soundtrack is not just fine : it's absolutely GREAT !!
tbh I didn't really care about them reuniting at the end. Now that I saw your video I can think about it more clearly. But even if Jun-hee didn't go to Jeju, seeing Jin-a living happily and free of judgement was already a happy ending to me. And with Bora! She's great
Seriously, when they break up and I realize at next scene it has been 5 years since the break up... I started to cry... It was too sad for my heart...! 5 years of painfully.... unresolving things??? And it didn't stand with the characters: it could have been 3 months, but not 5 years!!!!! Yes, the last epidosde was rushed and yes, gave a feeling of a different drama... Not so good. But the tenderness of the couple : wow! Their acting was A-1 !!!
I would like to know how did u discover they have been separated for 5 years? As Jin-A also said she is nearly 40 when she was still dating Jun-Hee (while they have couple date with his friends).. so I don’t think it can be a definition of their separated years from the 2nd time she mentioned it..
@@tracysoon2226 Oh! It must have been my mistake then... I would have sworn she was 35 at the beginninn of the drama....? So I did a little bit of maths and ended up thinking they had been separated for 5 years. VERY GLAD if I was mistaken! :) Thank you!
@@tracysoon2226 There's a way. When they gave Jin-Ah a promotion, you can see in the screen that it is 2015... Then, 3 years later (2018) they meet again. I think the "3 years later choice" is important because that's the minumun time he must stay in America. So I think that now he's able to stay with Jin-Ah: they are both free.
@@tracysoon2226 Al principio se dice que ella tiene 35. Durante la trama hay un día que es su cumpleaños, así que 36. Al final ella dice que va a cumplir 40, así que 39. Pasan sobre los 3 años que él tenía que estar en EEUU por contrato. No sabemos si le falta algún mes todavía. Yo ni siquiera me enteré de cómo es que aparece en la boda del hermano si no le habían invitado 😅😅
![Every Kissing Moments in [Something in the Rain] | Something in the Rain](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/F9dL0kV-BDs/mqdefault.jpg)
![Every Kissing Moments in [Something in the Rain] | Something in the Rain](/img/tr.png)
![Something in the Rain Korean Drama MV ♪♪♪ [ Seo Joon-hee & Yoon Jin-ah ] [Their Story Part ---1]](/img/n.gif)
I couldn’t agree with you more about this show. It’s so much more than a romance. I personally loved it and understood that Jin-a saying goodbye to her mom (and everything she represented in terms of societal expectations) was what the show was building up to. Moving to jeju island was the figurative coming of age for this character. She was only able to have a relationship with Jun-hui after she left her oppressive world behind. This story is telling us that patriarchal pressure could drive children into forsaking their parents. It’s a cautionary tale of sorts.
Something In The Rain and One Spring Night were made back to back by the same director with some actors playing similar roles but both series are excellent complicated modern romance stories. Both tackle difficult societal issues within Korea. Amazingly well written, directed and acted. I first watched Crash Landing on You and "discovered" the incredible talent of Son Ye-Jin (one of the finest actresses in the world) and then watched SITR and it just reinforced my original opinion. She is phenomenal in this role.
Pretty much all western romance dramas look fake. They are poorly written with little character development and awful plotting. The romances develop too quickly and without any subtlety. And the surrounding characters are poorly drawn archetypes. It's like paint by number romances. With SITR it's completely different. Jun-hui comes into Jin-a's life at such a critical time. She's aging and living at home. Controlled by her mother. Her boyfriend has cheated on her and she breaks up with him but he still feels entitled to her. Her mother views him as her best catch so she doesn't understand why Jin-a would break up with him. In her job she is sexually harassed by the men in the company, viewed as an easy mark and her female co-workers resent her compliance and lack of defense against their harassment. Jun-hui shows up and changes that. He stands up to her ex boyfriend for her. He values her as a person and not just as some sexual object. He shows her how she should be treated. He values her and respects her and wants to protect her. Things which she has never had in her life. And this is just the start of it. Every episode takes you on their journey to self discovery and finding true love. But even saying that is too superficial to describe what happens in this series. You have to watch it not with western eyes and impatience for a quick and easy satisfactory answer. It's not like that. If you are patient you will become completely absorbed in their story and feel for them like a friend of theirs. Wanting them to overcome their difficulties and be together in the end.
Great comment ! You said perfectly what has to be said on this show. I agree with you at 200 per cent !
Long life to SITR !!
The female character shows real growth over the span of the show. She was Ms. tambourine, very compliant, put up with sexism and sexual harassment in the beginning . Then she became stronger voicing her concerns at work and resisted unwanted sexual advances from male co- workers and bosses. At home, she disagreed with her mom’s class theory. In the end, she defied the societal expectations of women’s role only as mother and wife. She did not let her relationships be the only factor for her decision about moving. She lived independently on her own and moved when she decided to do it. This will make her an equal partner and in my opinion a better partner in life for Jinhui.
this movie is so psychological and I love it, and people who can't relate with Jin‑ah, have never come across a narcissist person (aka jin ah's mom). as a child with a similar parent, it's very difficult to get free from the controlling and micromanaging of a narcissistic person. throughout the movie you see how mom keeps violating jin ah's privacy over and over again, she opens the bathroom door and nags at her, she never ever knocks on her door when she comes to her room, she constantly keeps her wrist and forces her to sit and when she doesn't listen to her she gets angry and nags and nags till everyone agrees., her dad on the other hand, always keeps quite he never opposes the mom (especially in the beginning) and when he doesn't, he brings out more pain and argument to rest of the house that they preferred if he was quite. and her brother constantly provokes her and makes fun of her. these are all bullying and therefore she's always in a relationship with a horrible man who never values her and when she is loved by Seo Joon‑hee, she gets stronger and realizes she hasn't had time to find herself out, she has always been described by her mother and lived the way her mom wanted. whenever she wanted to break free she was shout at and shut down, so she wants to find out how is it to live on her own and not be carried by another person, that's why she doesn't go to America because if she did she would have fallen into the same loop, but again even from another house her mom still controls her and manages her,
please watch this movie with a more open mind
Hi there. I really enjoyed your review. I can't stop thinking about this film and thought it was so beautifully made. I myself was frustrated with the ending, but after thinking about it and rewatching it a second time, I noticed that in the first few episodes of the series, the theme of timing in a relationship was brought up a few times, and I would like to tie that in to your review of jeju island, nice research btw, because it makes a lot of sense now that Jin-A would choose to go there. She quit her job, left her family and just basically took off to another island. But most importantly, she still loved him. He came back to her because he still loved her. Jeju island perhaps represented a place where they can start over or continue where they left off and love at another place and time, because now was the right time. Also, the saying....when you love someone let them go, for if they return, they were always yours....comes to mind. Although I would love to see them redo the ending...I thought this couple deserved a few more episodes just to satisfy the viewer. My other criticism is the repetitive music, which I didn't mind, but thought they can use different songs. Overall, what a beautiful film and I really hope these two collaborate on another melodrama together....they have amazing chemistry.
Your observation is good. This drama is complicated. That's why it wasn't so popular like CLY etc. I have watched it more than 5 times now I can confidently say the more you watch it, It more becomes crystal. It's more about two people journey. Jin became independent in true sense and Junhi learns how to forgive. The recording has a meaning to....
Spoiler ahead, PSA: If you're dating someone and they have a volatile relationship with a parent especially a father figure do not force a reconciliation between them I beg. You are literally forcing a person to their primary source of anxiety and depression. Chosen families are there for a reason
exactly! and i hated how she completely disrespected his boundaries and when he got upset about it, started to victimise herself in the situation
“Sooooometimmeeees it’s haaard to beeee a womaaaan” - if I hear that song one more time 😂 but can someone pls talk about how frustrating the mom was in this show?!?
Lol, I am crying.
😂😂😂 seriously!!!
I know! That song just kept playing and playing over and over. Finally, I just turned the sound off and read the captioning instead.
Ok but why do I like the songs from this show. La La La is good
@@LexyMackailiaThis is my opinion alone....all the songs weren't bad. In fact "Stand by Your Man" isn't necessarily a "bad song". I don't like that message it gives plus it didn't fit most of the scenes. Especially the first few and to overuse it the way they did. Tammy Wynette co-wrote the song and released it in the late 60's. When it was used in this movie after abusive behavior towards the female characters... It made me sick inside and wishing they tried harder with the music choices in 2018.
I still loved the series and think it would be even better with different music.
--- spoiler warning --- The ending was wonderful. The show worked very very hard to establish just how much they cared for each other and how they couldn't be kept apart no matter what. When he comes back from the US at the end (the part that frustrates so many people) they do an excellent job of getting across how badly they want to be together again and how much they missed each other. If they had ended up not together that would have been unrealistic. They were angry with each other and yelling at each other because they were disappointed with each that they had let themselves be apart for so long. But in all their arguments the subtext is precisely how they cannot let go. It's a typical "old married couple" argument where two people yell at each other about how someone forgot to buy milk on their way home from work when in actual fact the conversation is going on at the level of subtext and they are actually "talking" about something completely different or often the exact opposite of what they are saying. People upset about the sexual harassment case being dealt with off camera or the fact that they only officially got back together in literally the last scene are missing the subtext. Whatever happens at the end, it has to be earned by the writers, the actors, etc. Do we believe that this is what would happen? If they had not gotten back together it would have been a terribly cruel and depressing message. If the show was going to "break expectations" it needed to earn that too. They needed to have made it believable that they would have fallen out of love or that simply too much time had passed and it was all now in the past. But they establish from the very beginning when Jun-hui sees her on the stairs that they both longer for each other deeply.
I'm reading this late but had a very deep experience with the show. I think your comment articulated best why the show did it the way it did, that everything must be earned, and thats why the development was so credulous and real. Most other romance shows are fantasies and trained people to romanticize, when in real life one does not make perfect decisions even most of the time and stagger our way through it all. Incredible insights❤
OMG, I really loved your review!! Some other things I want to add (sorry for my bad English). At the end, the two girls live and work together, away from the oppression of their male bosses; also, they have a lot of space compared to the tiny apartments they had in the city. There’s a scene where they play with water in the garden, and I really loved it, because it portrays not only their friendship, but also their freedom and how close they are to the nature now. The other thing I want to add: Jin-Ah discard the two umbrellas before moving out, and, at the very end, they have only one, a new one, a better one, because they are better persons now than they were before :)
I loved this show.. seriously. In my opinion, there should be another season. The finale is so disappointing, in The first part of The episode...
Great chemistry, great story. Nothing to say.
Btw.. i know i’m not The only one, but, i Cried a lot ahaha
amen!
Exactly how i feel about the show. So i totally agree.
What is it's ending be like? I'm scared to watch end. DAre they not together in the end?
@@SwetaTanzil go on with the show... ☺️ it was just my opinion.. eheh
Are there news about a 2nd season? I think this needs another season
Most of the audience of this show totally detested the FL of the show but in my opinion she had a lot more on her plate than the ML. She a 35 year old woman still living with the protection of her family was judged for getting in a relationship with a younger guy, had the overbearing parental pressure, that when will you get married societal pressure, was always dissed at whenever anything bad happened to her, and most importantly was facing sexual harassment for 5 plus years and what not... thinking about all this she did a really good job going on and learning when the ML came in her life. The last episode was commendable as although she had regrets about her past actions as all do, she still after suffering for the mistake of the her life (i. e. leading a miserable loveless life) which was not standing up for her best friend and boyfriend, she ultimately forgave herself and moved away.
Can you tell me... They reunited after how many years???
I think she was 40 when they met again.
@@kathpaliarashi true and she was 35 when they started dating but it's not mentioned that how many years passed after joon hee-ssi left also his age wasn't mentioned....
@@eshaeva7606 he was 29 i guess when they met and started dating as i vaguely remember this being mentioned at some point in the show
@@kathpaliarashi was it??? I recently finished it.. But may be I didn't noticed... I searched in google... And it was written 20-something or 28.... But I am totally curious to know how many years jin a-ssi stayed alone
I was able to relate to this show in more ways than one. I also fell in love when I was young with a slightly older girl, with no strong family background, not much money, had to suffer the emotional abuse from her parents even though they had loved me before the whole relation debacle. The only difference was, she gave into their emotional abuse and that was it. This show showed me my alternative (what could have been) ending. Even though most of the finale was disappointing, but the last few minutes offered some closure. I wish there was more to it then just that but amazing show nevertheless.
I was so affected by their relationship, like if they weren't going to reunite in the end i would've lost my faith in love.
the titanic had a happier ending and they all died.
I just finished this drama after mos. of not wanting to start one after CLOY. I love SYJ and she's the reason why I watched this one. Glad I did because now I'm more obsessed with this love story that I want the leads to marry already. It's crazy, I know! JYI portrayed the love sick younger lover very well and being eye candy helps a lot.
The majority of the reviews can't stand Jin-ah's character. I totally get her as I've had been in relationships with younger men before (10 yrs. the most). I understand how they fell apart and chose to deal with it. Timing is definitely everything. I knew that bday dinner date was essentially goodbye as he was rushing to leave for the US. One should not expect to just pack up and leave especially with her family background and wanting to deal with the job harassment. It was easy for Jun-hui to be that spontaneous because his only responsibility is to himself. For the most part, Jin-ah seems the immature one per most people but she is really just submissive and strives to avoid conflicts. Then along came Jun-hui who shows hers to lighten up, be strong and break taboos like drinking during lunch. Jun-hui, to get to Jin-ah, has to be the mature one but in the end, his immaturity showed with his work decisions. That's when we can see that Jin-ah was showing signs of maturity first by getting her own place instead of moving in with Jun-hui or leaving for the US. Yes, she got herself into another worthless relationship but seeing Jun-hui after a long time, she finally stood her ground and freed herself from her bf, family and work. I also commend her for trying to reconcile with her bff before leaving.
The symbolism of the umbrellas, as one reviewer pointed out, is brilliant. It definitely makes sense that the yellow umbrella means a new beginning for both of them. I probably would've thrown something at the tv and cursed like hell if the ending didn't show them getting back together. Lol. I actually panicked at the scene where Bo-ra got the wedding invitation. I thought Jin-ah was getting married to someone else. Hahaha. Being a Kpop fan, I know about Jeju Island which I can compare to HI. It's so peaceful, serene, laidback and a world away from the mainland. So although a ton of viewers prefer something heavier for the ending, I don't mind it at all. I like the fact that we can only speculate that given that Jin-ah separated herself from everything, perhaps when Jun-hui asks her again to go to the US, this time she's more than free and willing to say yes.
I also like your take on the gates, doors and borders that are constantly separating them. Glad the writer chose Jeju Island as the perfect finale which showed that their undying love overcame those barriers (nevermind what the mother thinks). Lol.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'm watching it again to catch whatever else I missed and also satisfy my hopelessly romantic self. Besides, JYI is swoon worthy. Lol.
Oops, I meant JHI instead of JYI. Not sure what I was thinking there. Lol.
How perfect comment! Thank you.
I watched this one RIGHT after I finished CLOY. The latter is perfect! But the former is a pain in the ass, especially the ending!
I really love this movie. I keep watching this movie every time I don’t feel watching any movies. The intense emotion, of how Juni-a and Juni-e brought, is so lovable. I love their chemistry. I hope to see them again in their next movie.
Your review is awesome! 😊 The part about the door and elevator I didn't even think about the symbolism of the physical separation. There were so many of those scenes too of him just watching her move farther away😂😆 😊
I just finished watching this drama and I must say that I got so attached to the emotions and it made me feel what love feels like. The last time I felt this way was when I watched "My Queen", a Taiwanese drama. My only disappointed was the last two episodes....damn those eps made me feel like I was having a heart attack. As soon as they revealed their relationship (ep 7 I think?), everything went downhill. I thought it couldnt get any worse until my anxiety was like at worst and didnt get better until the last 20 minutes. There were so many unresolved issues and I honestly expected more from Jin-A. I feel like the guy put way more effort since the beginning, and Jin-A's character was really disappointing from ep 7 until the end.
yesss!!!! very true. joon hee is such a sweetie bt jin ah is always provoking him and making the dumbest mistakes.
@@aaravtamrakar4988 right and whats worse is Jun Hui was the one who had to put effort to get back their relationship at the end and telling her that it's his fault. It's definitely Jin-A's fault since the beginning. From making her parents overly control her (like dude she's almost 40 years old), intentionally making lies and always cares about what the society, her friends and family's friends would think of her
Yeah, totally the same... I really think the last 2 episodes could have been resolved so much better and differently.
And I hate those endings that end in the same reconcilating scene, like Pretty Woman movie. I prefer endings like Notting Hill much much more, where you see them in different situations a little more.
@@jam3279 totally agree! She was so noodle backed it was so difficult to watch at times. She’s a grown women, She’s lucky Joon Hee wanted her 🙄
Just finished this and went to search for comments to validate my feelings. Lol. Couldn’t agree more with what you’ve said
Thank you for this review. I just finished watching this series yesterday, and your analysis was excellent.
I think you missed the point on how classism and family are tied together, which helps inform the monster mother's motivation. In Relation based society, family ties can help get jobs, promotions, getting away with stuff, etc. Think how the show pointed out that a new store owner had some family connection, and the company would send senior executives or prioritize that store. Joon-hee has no family, so he can't provide this privilege to Jin-ah or their offspring. Therefore he wasn't a suitable candidate for her daughter.
I wasn't put off by the ending. The island presented an escape to societal pressure to Jin-ah. She cuts (or limits her ties with family and job) and escapes on her own accord (she has ultimate agency).
Joon-hee learns to forgive and not to run from conflict. I think they did show progression.
You’re on point right there 👍 I enjoyed the series, after watching CLOY which I thought is the cutest love story, then I came upon this gem, Something in the Rain! I decided this is better than CLOY cuz it’s relatable, realistic and kinda universally themed! All society be in Asia, or the Western world, all these social issues still exist, I believe!
It's not necessary to insist on the incredible quality, intelligence and sensibility of this series, it has been said already. But let's say first one thing : the near-perfection of the acting, essential for the achievement of the whole thing, and specifically, of course, the overwhelming talent of Son Ye-Jin, who is bringing at least 80 percent of the emotionnal power of the show.
Let's notice too the intense quality of the cinematography, with a work on the lights very realistic and subtle at the same time.
Many of the comments are totally WRONG about the music. The songs were very well chosen to emphasize the character's feelings and emotions, and who cares if it's not the music we're listening to everyday : these songs are not there to make the perfect playlist of your next party ! (Let's be grateful to the director for having ignored the last K-pop hits !!). The only thing is that we hear specifically Stand by your man a little too often, that's true... He should have replaced it at least 4 or 5 times by some of the other songs. But the entire mood created by the soundtrack is not just fine : it's absolutely GREAT !!
Besides, I think this so-called "frustrating" end that so many dislike is much more realistic than what we can usually see.
Yes, we're not absolutely sure that it's a REAL happy ending, because they don't insist on it with a lot of romantic shots, and violins, and all... Like in almost every crap. But instead, it seems still fragile and even uncertain, and thus much more REAL (key word of this show), but obviously more difficult to accept by a large part of the audience...
That's what I call artistic daring (i.e not always giving the audience what it demands) and it's just one of the multiple qualities of this GREAT series.
We're not a hundred percent sure about this ending and that's precisely the point (the final one) : letting us with some doubts and even some sentimental insecurity, like it happens very often in REAL life, even if it hurts a little bit...
really appreciate your review. This love story really moved me. thank you so much for expanding on the finale as it did seem incomplete. The idea that they have other conversations we are not privy to, has grown on me.
Wondering what you think the timeframe is between Jun-hi going to the USA and returning for the wedding- the whole 3 years, I read 5 years somewhere and the episode summary says a few months- I think it is about a year, enough time that he "didn't date anyone for more than 3 months in the states".
love son ye-Jin and the male lead was great- soooo youthful at times and sooo mature at others.
Thank you again for this thoughtful review.
Fun fact this series was based on a case that really happened to a female prosecutor in Korea that sparked the me too movement there . Her superior tried to silence her but j.t.b.c ran the story the same company that aired this drama
Totally love your review of this show! One thing I wanted to point out was: it's less about classism and more about the taboo of absent parents. In Asian culture, it's traditionally very important to parents that the parents of their kids' significant others not only come from a good background but that they are present in their kids' lives. So with a mom who passed and dad who pretty much didn't want anything to do with Kyung-seon and Jun-Hui, they're seen as "damaged" to their potential in-laws. Sometimes just having divorced parents puts you at a disadvantage with future in-laws who have this thinking.
thanks for that explanation and contex! I remember being a little unsure of that part and this definitely clarifies that.
Things that made me happy in this drama: the way it handled issues like sexual harassment, age gap, double standards, solid friendships (being not so solid, sometimes, but tested the same way as they are in real life), oh and the way Jung He-In could love unconditionally. By the way, I was initially watching coz I love the actress, but her character kind of annoyed me near the end. The problem with this drama is that even with the happy ending (which seemed like some candy bar handed over to kids to shut them up "here's your happy ending, ask no more"), the viewer would probably not be able to trust this to be the end of it, not after the way we've seen the characters make poor decisions over and over again. The show is still good. It just could use some improvement. Oh, and that music... it killed me. :D
The music killed you.... Like positively or negatively?
I totally agree with this review. The ending was frustrating to me but also leaning functionality of the Korean society ( which is a lot similar to mine) and how well it was portrayed in the show left me amazed. In conclusion I would say it’s one of the best kdrama I have watched with the strongest storyline
The only reason i was able to watch till the end was due to my love for Son Ye-jin
I love her but jin Ah was so annoying. It got difficult to separate the two
the only reason i watched to the end was that i was hoping the father was going to put a pillow over the mother's face while she was sleeping.
@@riphaven I chocked when I read this 😂 exactly how I felt she was so annoying in the show but it added to the drama
Ngl, I cried the entire last 8 episodes. The headaches I got from this show were insane, but it was just too good to stop watching. I gotta say tho... Since I cried so much for it, I feel like they needed a better happy ending. It was so rushed that it seemed like there was a different director or the writers couldn't figure out how to put it together
I honestly don't think they should have gotten back together, she doesn't deserve him at all. She never even apologized
Amazing show. Spoiler alerts comment now.
I think as a woman I realize the guy didn’t deserve she was so unpredictable and unreasonable. I hate that HE seems to be the one that make a mistake . And run for her .
All the time he felt and shows how mature and well builded his mind was.
For a moments I felt the woman is an vampire energy stolen ... the man could be better without her . I love all the story .. y laugh cry everything ... and ash you said the final episode and the way they turn upside down the distance it wasn’t enough for me
The mistake was he planned the trip to US without saying anything to her, and she planned to move out her parents' house without saying a word to him. None would compromise and they broke up. The final episode is a master piece on its own. This series depicts perfectly Korean society. It's not by chance that it has the highest rate of suicide by teens and young adults. Parental expectations are completely insane.
I can't move on from this show...
I totally agree with you...
Thank you for taking the time to review and post your thoughts. Just finished it and processing it. Appreciate your insights and perspective, definitely helping in processing the ending.
np, It's definitely a show you need to sit back and let sink in and settle after finishing it.
One thing that frustrated me and that i've seen no one mention was the way Jin-A treated her lifelong bestfriend.
100 years from now we won't be writing a english report on Shakespeare. It will be something I the rain instead. We will use cliff notes to understand the symbolism, methaphor etc. Anywhos this is a Great realistic drama.
I can watch this again and again
I watched this show a couple of weeks ago, and I did not like it at the beginning. Hated the song and the overall feel. But I tried binge watch. After a couple of episodes, I started liking it a little. (sorry my memories of the show is pretty vague bc I watched this at night) The show has this sort of old, mature feel for me. I am a teenager but somehow I felt connected to the show. Just that feeling of having no choice, suffocating while many things close in on you. I feel like Jin-a in a way, where I don't have much time to do what I feel like I have to do. I am suffering from many conflicts and I bottle it all up. Overall, I think I just connected with the sadness. The sadness in trying to accept reality. Because, unlike the show's ending, not all of us can just run off. Expectations and responsibilities are burndening us in some type of way - may it be that someone directly assigned to you or just your inner self taking it upon you.
Basically, to me, the show is kind of a projection of what I (think) lies beyond for me. A place where I just have to endure, just keep going for the high bar expected of me, the choices I will no longer have in the near future, and just becoming an adult in general. Also, for some reason, the soundtrack grew on me. I listen to it when I feel sad. Not essentially for the song or its lyrics but because of that sensation of recalling the show - a hope that tells me that maybe I could also be free from the pressure.
Don't forget that she wanted to see the whole harassment thing through. That was one reason she gave to her boyfriend for not going with him. When she finally leaves for Jehu island, it's after that's resolved and she feels she can quit. Plus, he was gone for 3 years. i was glad they came back together. He was able to overcome his desire to run away (like his dad) and she seemed content if a little sad.
I think the problem is the mother!!!! The mother made the show way too complicated and unnecessary.
Saying that this is one of my favourite show. I have watched it like 5 times.
I only watched her mum the first time rest I got her cut in all the scenes. I just couldn’t stand her and her mind.
This show is sooo good minus the mother...
Loved the love that is between the leads the feel and the chemistry ⚛️
Also the prejudice against females on the Job dragged too long
Absolutely the best review I’ve read on this series, and I appreciated the depth and thoughtfulness in your perspective!
I loved this show so much and i could really feel their chemistry! it made me love "love" lol I finished the series so fast and so recent! At first i hated the ending because it was underwhelming! after being so realistic like you said it felt like they just put a bandaid over their problems LOL but this is also realistic! as someone who got back with an ex that something similar happened where we loved each other but no decision to move to the same country happened and then got back together (similarly to them we didnt need to go thru a fine tooth comb through the reasons why we broke up because the love was always there but the decision to travel wasnt until it was) so in a sense you could say the ending was realistic.... lol at first i did watch this bc i wanted a romance fix but as someone who studies sociology i did appreciate that these social factors were put out there and explored because ultimatley we as people are a product of our environment. the last thing i want to say lol since this post is getting kind of long, at first i was so mad with jin-a for not leaving with him to the US but then i thought about how proud i was for standing her ground and not doing something she wasnt 100% on board with because it meant that she valued herself and was strong enough to own it even though it was so hard to see him suffer but i'm happy that she grew into herself and loving herself enough to know what she wants to do and not do. lol ugh so long lol anyway loved the video!!!!! thanks for the review!!
Great review Jennifer!
There are two dialogues between Jun-Hui and Jin-A which impressed me a lot. One is Jin-A refused Jun-Hui to go with him to America. She tried to be herself out of the limit in her society, culture and her dominant mother. To be herself will be the important factor of mature love in marriage which as a matter of fact, Jun-Hui affected her. The other one is when Jun-Hui said that Jin-A was "mean" in Episode 16. Jin-A made clear later that Jun-Hui "escaped" himself to America because he was sick of everything happened to him at that time. Jin-A faced the difficult situations then which could have made better for their getting together and would have been blessed by their families especially. In addition to these two dialogues, another one is between Jin-A and her mother when Jin-A was going to move to Ji-Zhou Island. Her mother said sorry to her about not considering what Jin-A thought about. It's not easy for the mother to say that. And owing to the face-loving, it's hard for her to apologize to Jun-Hui and his sister for her previous bad attitude and fault. About the love, what Jun-Hui said "...because it's Jin-A" twice touched me most.
Can you tell me... They reunited after how many years???
@@eshaeva76066years i guess
I like it very much..and even the songs..thank you for making this..so wonderful....Jin Ah so pretty and they have a good chemistry...Jung Hae..so handsome..My only comment is the mother..she doesn't have any concern with her daughter's feelings..the most important in a relationship is true love and happiness regardless of age.. and nothing can replace that with any material things. Expecting for more projects to both them. I like the ending anyway ..😊 its 9/10.
THANK YOU so much for your analysis. After completing this show last night, I could not sleep. So many of the themes were troubling me. Loved the show, but I just knew there were deeper meanings. Seeing your short video analysis this AM is a huge help to seeing these themes. I really appreciate the time you spent putting your thoughts together, and sharing. Especially your analysis of the ending and it’s tie to Jeju Island, as well as the closing doors between them concept. I actually really appreciate the art and poetry of this show much more now after listening. And on a side note, I’m one of the ones who absolutely LOVED the music, as repetitive as it was. To each his own I guess...! Thx much!
glad you enjoyed!
i was frustrated with this Kdrama but you made everything clear now.
great job with review!
This show gave me a manic depression disorder! Third act, lost a lot of momentum with a rushed ending and so many unresolved issues. Acting was amazing all around.
Same here bro I hated the second half of the series
Love love love your analysis!
I just finishes watching this show and was completely confused with the ending. I came searching for an explanation and found your review. I feel better now after watching your review. Makes more sense now. Thanks for your research.
Can you tell me... They reunited after how many years???
Stand by your Man seemed like it was for dramatic irony.
Great review, thank you. I'm surprised you didn't mention the sexual harassment ending. I guess the fact that no one really got in trouble is more realistic historically? It just seemed crazy for that to be the ending after all the screen time they spent on it and how many times we watched that video at the karaoke bar
correction: there are 16 episodes not 15, i'm an idiot :)
Great and really comprehensive review :)))
The thing that almost stopped me from watching this was the soundtrack and the fact they played two songs over and over that I really couldn't stand. ..apart from that I really like this miniseries
I liked this drama. Son Ye Jin and Jung Hai-on acted credibly and superbly. I also liked the music and songs that were used.
The ending seems like an "odd on" and I was very frustrated at how "bad" the female protagonist treated the male character for no reason during the episodes leading to the end. He was such a sweet loving and Hot guy who have saved her life and stood by her side thru thick and thin!! Her behavior during the episodes leading to the end did not make any sense!
At my first viewing of the drama, I was also disappointed with the ending. I had to watch the drama the second time around and I got the message.
Great ! Excellent analysis. Thanks for posting this video.
Every time I watch this it's always the same characters that grinds my gears... I get that it's a social commentary on Korean society but my days a simple slap to jin mother or her 2 male superiors would've sorted them out
I just loved this drama, I can watch it as many times ❤️
Thank you for your review and analysis. I also noticed how the Korean culture (very filial - mom's "traditional" view on women/daughter, elder sister's over protectiveness of kid bro) and current issues (sexual harassment) is tackled in the show and how these play in their personal lives and weaved into the development of the romance. I like what I heard in this review and analysis.
This one was soooo good! And thank you for the untapped insight on the ending. Your analysis made me re-think the initial disappointment I felt at the end. 😁😁
Thank you, thank you sooo much for this review that meets my opinion and my judgement so perfectly. 🏆 I‘ve seen that drama end of 2021 for the first (and only) time and starting from episode 9 it became sooo frustrating!! As a Gernan female viewer of 39 years of age it was almost unbearable to watch this. The first 8 episodes were nice to watch and fulfilling in respect to romantic scenes. But, that mother, the Western music and Korean society made this kdrama so hard to watch! We almost quit. Even that kind of ending did not make up for the suffering we lived through all episodes till the end. 😫 Sorry, but I cannot relate to all those people celebrating that drama and calling it the best. I was suffering while watching it and it never seemed to stop or get better. 😵
I stopped watching after ep 12. I physically couldn't handle the mother anymore 😬. I get it had good points and stuff worth mentioning. However my brother told me to stop because I was only getting angry and not enjoying it anymore. Also on the reddit there were a lot of people warning to stop after ep 8 🤣. So I decided to listen and honestly I am glad. It is really not satisfying.
If you love this show, you should definitely watch 'One spring night'.
This is a good breakdown of this beloved series.
I love this show because of how realistic can be. Thirst of all i liked the colors and the lighting they are so real not so bright. The thirst dialog that i said oh God that's so real, it's between Jin Ah an her best friend after her boyfriend left her. We speak like that with our best friends. That's was 100% real. I liked Jin Ah clothes because they were not so coloured but neutral colors. She was just a normal woman, a nobody.I think that shows a lot of Psychologie in this show. The subject with the office problems starts because of her mother. She tried her like a child, she never ask her what she want only saying do that and why you did that. If you don't have confidence because your family don't appresiate you that's the way you act at your work. You don't believe in you, you think you have to be always nice and not saying want you want or don't want. That's happend with so many woman out there. The moment she stand up for her because someone believe in her und she saw that she is also important, they did'nt like it. I don't know about the other people but i saw many scene from me in a relationship in that show. The thirst time i watched it, i saw the last scene i was what the fuck where is the ending, And now? But the important thing that the writer wanted to say it's that's they just changed and now they are better people. What her mother is gona say it's not important for nobody because now there are stonger than before.
The most realistic romantic Korean series out there. I'll say it's just more than a movie.
Very interesting review! I was wondering if there is a season 2
I agree with everything that u said, except for the songs. 😂I love them. And, true enough, by the last episode I've learned the words to every single songs on the drama.
Ilov the song sang by bruce willis save the last dance for me esp when they re hapi together..lovlovlov🎉😍
Great analysis!
You should have a discord server for your channel and also for your fans, if you would make one i would join it immediately. Anyways just finished the drama and saw your analysis, keep up the good work!
I will keep that mind! Maybe when the sub count gets a little higher i'll give it a shot. Thanks for the support :)
thank you very much for the detailed review, I will pass too much going on and I just wanted something simple to watch. I will keep searching ......
I think the point of being "lower class" is more like a "he has no parents lower class" so he's not like "properly developed" as a person
This is my all time favourite she because of the acting and quirks in it.
I love this show dearly !! I watch this millions times already 😂😂😂😂😂
Still waiting for season 2 a peace 🤘
Me too..
She did absolutelly nothing for him hole series (she only sucked all love he gave her - boosted her confidence and give nothing back or tell me someone what he got from their relationship ?seem to me only pain and misery) and i dont understand how can anyone understand her (especially because she ended up with basically same stupid guy only change was she didnt live with parents anymore ..... ending was salt in the wound i understand that female viewers will probably like this ending more than males because it shows - that woman can take so much and give so little back and still get her men crawling to her in the end (where she did absolutelly nothing only give him her back on the stairs and cried with her friend privately... she didnt tried go back to him nothing if he didnt tried talk to her and find her in the end she would simply live her live without him.....she would probably get other useless corporate boyfriend or died alone which she deserved ..... in my opinion majority of female viewers will love this show with this one sided ending majority of male viewers not so much because its nothing to love about it ...
Thank you for this! I think this show has so many things to analyse. I loved it but I still have things I didn't like tho. The soundtrack is not good and it doesn't set the mood, definitely, and the ending, him going to the island without asking, gave me the same creepy vibes of the ex-boyfriend.
Besides that, the storyline of them being extremely happy at the begging, making the audience part of the relationship and then seeing how they start filling with sadness and negativity because of others (not the typical k drama) so sad and frustrating. He was perfect in all the ways possible but not yet fulfilling the stereotypes of a villain (the mom). "How one person can destroy so much and affect so many lifes?" That was my outcome from this show. I hated the mom so so bad, I still have that feeling in me!
This drama frustrated me, as well. The OST was terrible! But, I became addicted to watching this couple building their relationship, her relationship with her mother(Ugh!) and the situation on her job, regarding the sexual harassment of Ji Ah. I hated it! I wanted justice for her. Her mother drove me absolutely crazy! I just wanted her to be brave and take control of her own happiness/life. I wanted her to see her finally stop being a "pleaser" and grow up! I got through the entire series but, I was glad when it was over. It was torture. It was hard to keep cheering for this couple and to be honest, I wanted the male lead to meet someone else, and move on, because her baggage was so incredibly huge. He wasn't perfect, but he fought for her/them. It was very real. I won't be watching it again. Once was enough.
Great review! One of the best!
Spot on
Many of the comments are totally WRONG about the music. The songs were very well chosen to emphasize the character's feelings and emotions, and who cares if it's not the music we're listening to everyday : they're not there to make the perfect playlist of your next party ! (Let's be grateful to the director for having ignored the last K-pop hits !!). The only thing is that we hear specifically Stand by your man a little too often, that's true... He should have replaced it at least 4 or 5 times by some of the other songs. But the entire mood created by the soundtrack is not just fine : it's absolutely GREAT !!
Thanks a lot for the analysis. One of the most movie style k drama I have ever seen; almost felt like watching a BBC series. Since you have already reviewed Sth in the Rain, I was wondering if there are any plans to review two other masterpieces from Director Pan-suk Ahn: One Spring Night and Secret Affair.
yes! One spring night IS happening. Just giving myself some space in between seeing Yoo ji-ho as his character in this show, so i can go into OSN without feeling like im just seeing him as jung hae-in whole time haha. looking forward to it though.
@@TwoTenEast Thanks. Some said that OSN is better; though the major consensus seems to be that Secret Affair is the best among these three. One thing for sure: Director Ahn is not going for those superficial chickflick type of kdrama.
I can hardly imagine that it could better than this one, and particularly because there won't be SON YE JIN in it !!
Thank you for this review. I finished this series a couple days ago at 3am and was like..What the what??!!!
So I went on a search looking for others who understood and someone who could explain... Why did they rush the last few episodes. I kept going back thinking I missed something.
Plus the music ....WHY?!!!
I was ready to turn the sound completely off since I was using subtitles anyway. I didn't but..I also would love to see them re-release this with a new soundtrack. Maybe they wanted to totally frustrate us because it leads to us looking deeper into all the underlying meaning. Idk I think they could have done that without "Stand by Your Man" ... blech.
I never really cared for the original artist of Stand By Your Man. Her voice was typical of female country singers back then. Too whiney. yech. However, I do like this female singer. She makes the song more sensible. Anyway, I agree with you about the music in most Korean and Chinese dramas. I have told my friends that I think the Asian Music Industry owns the Asian film industry, and uses them to sell their music. smh I like 'back ground music' when no one is talking. But too many times I find that the music will follow a 'silent' scene until the music track ends. NOTHING was happening. Just staring at the river, at the snow, at the trees. No memories. No flashbacks. Just music. So. My theory seems to have substance. Like you I don't want to silence the video because, for me, I enjoy hearing the spoken language. With certain performers, it is almost lyrical - musical in itself. As to the rushing through the last few episodes, I find this to be typical of dramas that I like. It seems they have run out of time and must make up for the wasted time with the long musical episodes that had no substance. So now, their contract is up. No sign of a next season, and the writers are flustered. smh Until this review I looked forward to the last episode. Expecting a happy ending. My younger sister went through a thirty year separation with her 'first love'. They got back together in their sixties, and he died after three years of marriage. So, I'm not a fan of romances with long separations. "IF" I see this is the substance of any romance that I'm considering, I usually avoid them. I will watch a few more episodes. I'm at ten now. Or I might just skip to the end, and get it over with. Then I'll go back and re-watch a rom/com that makes me feel good. And, maybe, in the next six months, I might come back and finish watching it. Hopefully, as you said, with a new sound track with less music.
Many of the comments are totally WRONG about the music. The songs were very well chosen to emphasize the character's feelings and emotions, and who cares if it's not the music we're listening to everyday : they're not there to make the perfect playlist of your next party ! (Let's be grateful to the director for having ignored the last K-pop hits !!). The only thing is that we hear specifically Stand by your man a little too often, that's true... He should have replaced it at least 4 or 5 times by some of the other songs. But the entire mood created by the soundtrack is not just fine : it's absolutely GREAT !!
@@loon1506 you're entitled to your opinion but I still feel the same
I was frustrated too with the lead female always stupidly putting herself in harm's way (her ex-boyfriend's company) and also What's the problem with them dating? Why does his sister have a problem with her brother dating her friend and her friend dating her brother. What's the big deal? Why is she considering that a betrayal - Is that her girlfriend? Does she not want the two people she loves to be happy together? I think she's the one who's being selfish by her wanting to keep them separate. They can be a closer family instead since they three like each other's company. Scenes are dimly lit. Would be better to have better lighting. I agree with you about the annoying repetitive songs (I actually lowered the volume since I read the captioning anyway).
The brother and the female colleague who have a crush on the lead guy are in the Better Netflix show titled "Romance is a bonus book" - better lighting, better story, great songs (I want the album!), that makes more sense, smarter cast, and that made me laugh and cry. Check "romance is a bonus book" instead. More enjoyable, no annoyance factor.
Totally agree with your review. How did she get that insecure. I do hate how the K dramas I’ve watched the women seem so noodle backed. I do like how they discussed a lot the issues but in the end it would’ve been nice to see the girl have a little more back bone and courage.
You miss the point completely since she actually shows that courage at the end by quitting her job, her family, her apartment and her sentimental AND material security (if you really watched it ?).
Besides you have to open your mind a little bit : the characters have a KOREAN culture and way of life, and that can explain a lot what you didn't understand in the plot.
Talking about the music, many of the comments are totally WRONG about it. The songs were very well chosen to emphasize the character's feelings and emotions, and who cares if it's not the music we're listening to everyday : they're not there to make the perfect playlist of your next party ! (Let's be grateful to the director for having ignored the last K-pop hits !!). The only thing is that we hear specifically Stand by your man a little too often, that's true... He should have replaced it at least 4 or 5 times by some of the other songs. But the entire mood created by the soundtrack is not just fine : it's absolutely GREAT !
Like the show itself, one of the best EVER made, particularly with THAT incredible acting !
Long life to the wonderful and unique SON YE JIN !!
Another weird subtle thing is all the Cuban revolutionary imagery inserted randomly.
They look good together.. one of the best kdrama.. realitistic approached..
I just started watching K-Dramas. Something in the Rain is my 3rd one...after Crash Landing on You and My Mister. I am now more satisfied having stayed up late at night to watch this series after your analysis of it. Thank you. I wanted to know if you did reviews of the other 2 K-Ds that I have seen, CLOY and MyMister. Thanks again, I am now subscribed.
my mister will definitely happen eventually, it's one of my goals to really dissect. glad you enjoyed 🙂
The mother of the lead female character should be shut down and told to shut up. She hits everyone. She's snobbish even though she has NO class at all. She is the worst character.
Most Fav to rewatch!!!!
You should review One Spring Night and compare with this. Anyway good review done
Rewatching . Again! For the 9th times
Hated the ending, there wasn't enough build up of how they worked out their issues. No in-depth conversation. On the other end, just love their chemistry and the support characters - mum, dad, brother and sister and how these characters represent different voices. And yes, I am one of the rare ones, who loved the sound track. Thanks for another great analysis, especially about Jeju Island
Me too i loved their soundtrack 😂😂
Good thing that i found this review. Honestly, i wasn't even planning to finish watching the series and it was months ago since i left it on the 5th episode (i think?) because i find it dragging and boring (?) but when i watched your review i think i might give it a go and finish the series all throughout till the end. Thank you for a very informative review! 😊
Warning for you : there will be no more ACTION in the following episodes. This is NOT a Marvel movie or stuff like that...
Love. This drama! One of my favorite!
Wow. I loved your review. I am going to rewatch the series.
I really loved this drama. I love jung hae how mature he was in this drama.
I think sometimes yoon being selfish
And tbh i don't like ending(last two episodes)
My Heartbeats are high in last two episodes overall it was worth watching. I can watch it again for the relationship they had. For the facial expressions of son ye jin and for the acting level of all of the cast. ♥
Son yen jin character pissed me off, she’s very selfish and at time I believed she doesn’t deserve the love he offered.. I’m not sure, but at the beginning I really enjoyed it but towards the end I was very disappointed
i 100% agree!! she was sooo annoying and only cared about herself, honestly it felt like she didnt love him or even have strong feelings, maybe more like a crush. but at times it felt like she didnt give a crap about him.
I love it !!! The chemistry between #SonYejin and HaenIn is amazing !!!
Am I the only one who felt weird ? Like you see your sisters friend time and again since you were little she is also his bestfriends sister. You see her in family gatherings, meetings with your sister.You grow up and have an opportunity to go to States for business trip and you return to your homeland after 3 years. You meet her as usual and suddenly you fall in love ? Does that really happen?( its just my opinion)
The beginning was sweet and slow tbh. The relationship between the main leads were good. But it all started to crash once they went public abt it. Jin ah mom overreacting irritated me so bad that I start hating her really i didn't care whether she did for her child's "BETTER FUTURE" . Like they both had good jobs to earn their living. They were adults she literally had no point.
So many cases are unsolved and what makes me more hanging is that jin ah mothers doesn't apologise to Joon hae and kyung seon. The way she treated them was so heart breaking. They weren't in fault. Being abandoned by their father after their mom dies they really struggled a lot.
As the story goes what upset me more is jin ah character literally I felt so bad for joon hae. He always kept her 1st against himself. But she always acts like she's the one who's hurt more. At times joon hae was also at fault. But it felt like the story was falling.
Since the start of epi 6 or 7 the case of sexual harassment started. But still it didn't solved till the end. That was quite disappointing. It felt like the cast who were for office roles only existed to play the harassment case their was nothing new.
I found Boo-ra is the coolest character among all. I really liked her.
Overall it was okay drama for me. We still don't know if joon hae decides to stay korea or not. Even if they start dating again jin ah mom will again throw the same tantrum. If they really want to be together running away is the only option see 👀
I think that what you dislike or what upsets you in this show is precisely part of the best elements of the show : it's what makes its originality and the diference from most TV shows. Yes, not EVERYTHING is solved and yes, people don't act every time like we would want them to act, and yes, some individuals are sometimes getting on our nerves, and yes, the issue of a love story can be uncertain, etc... Exactly like inREAL LIFE.
That's all the point.
And that's what makes this show one of the greatest ever made...
the only reason i could cmplete this was because of my love for Jung He-In
I couldn't she was killing me
Hae-in is bae. Sigh! His eyes... Urgh!💕
I loved this show and literally their connection and emotions were amazing. Their chemistry was amazing! But the last two episodes literally were as if someone else directed them and they annoyed me so much!!! The show gave me so many feelings, but the ending was disappointing. Happy ending, but I just couldn’t deal with the last two episodes!
Karoly Coll is it happy ending?
beng Beng the ending is happy, but I was expecting better...
Agree
Completely agree with you, he deserves a better girlfriend because he’s such a loving and caring boyfriend..
I dont really feel like she had strong feelings for him, it seemed like she didnt SO many times. He was so sweet all the time, but she mostly acted like he is just some temporary boyfriend or a convenience like he called it. She doesnt deserve him at all.
Bravo 👏🏼
Hola ,reci....gracien termino este drama y debo comentar que lo adore,todas y cada una de las aristas sociales que trata..son muy bien manejadas..por el hilo conductor de estos doas personajes principales ......cuyas actuaciones son realmente muy convincentes......cuantas realidades sociales tan bien tratadas...sin dudar lo recomendaría,gracias por el analisis que utd realiza ......me paraece justo.
Great review and I agree with the conclusion, its more of a commentary about role of the society.
If I may suggest, please do a review of Dr Stranger..see if the show or characters deserve the ending. Thanks
thanks for the suggestion ill check it out!
I loved the music
I watched SITR & I stuck with it b/c I LOVE k-dramas. After listening to your commentary - I will watch it again & tune out the songs (mute will work for me b/c I have to read what they are saying anyway- right? Thank You! I love your commentaries. ♥
Many of the comments are totally WRONG about the music. The songs were very well chosen to emphasize the character's feelings and emotions, and who cares if it's not the music we're listening to everyday : they're not there to make the perfect playlist of your next party ! (Let's be grateful to the director for having ignored the last K-pop hits !!). The only thing is that we hear specifically Stand by your man a little too often, that's true... He should have replaced it at least 4 or 5 times by some of the other songs. But the entire mood created by the soundtrack is not just fine : it's absolutely GREAT !!
tbh I didn't really care about them reuniting at the end. Now that I saw your video I can think about it more clearly. But even if Jun-hee didn't go to Jeju, seeing Jin-a living happily and free of judgement was already a happy ending to me. And with Bora! She's great
"seeing Jin-a living happily and free of judgement was already a happy ending to me.' - yessss totally agree
Same, I like bora more then her other friend
Seriously, when they break up and I realize at next scene it has been 5 years since the break up... I started to cry... It was too sad for my heart...! 5 years of painfully.... unresolving things??? And it didn't stand with the characters: it could have been 3 months, but not 5 years!!!!! Yes, the last epidosde was rushed and yes, gave a feeling of a different drama... Not so good. But the tenderness of the couple : wow! Their acting was A-1 !!!
is it happy ending?
I would like to know how did u discover they have been separated for 5 years? As Jin-A also said she is nearly 40 when she was still dating Jun-Hee (while they have couple date with his friends).. so I don’t think it can be a definition of their separated years from the 2nd time she mentioned it..
@@tracysoon2226 Oh! It must have been my mistake then... I would have sworn she was 35 at the beginninn of the drama....? So I did a little bit of maths and ended up thinking they had been separated for 5 years. VERY GLAD if I was mistaken! :) Thank you!
@@tracysoon2226 There's a way. When they gave Jin-Ah a promotion, you can see in the screen that it is 2015... Then, 3 years later (2018) they meet again. I think the "3 years later choice" is important because that's the minumun time he must stay in America. So I think that now he's able to stay with Jin-Ah: they are both free.
@@tracysoon2226 Al principio se dice que ella tiene 35. Durante la trama hay un día que es su cumpleaños, así que 36. Al final ella dice que va a cumplir 40, así que 39.
Pasan sobre los 3 años que él tenía que estar en EEUU por contrato. No sabemos si le falta algún mes todavía. Yo ni siquiera me enteré de cómo es que aparece en la boda del hermano si no le habían invitado 😅😅