Marriage Contract (2016)

I usually watch melodramas when I want to watch something more mature and serious or when I feel like I need something that might be more solid and when I heard about this drama coming out on dramabeans I was all for it. The synopsis had all the elements of a good melo and despite people being uncomfortable by the considerable age difference of the leads I just didn't mind (or care) and wanted to see if it was good or not, and BOY it was good past being good.

Story:
Something simple where a mother is dying and needs someone to watch over her daughter and enters into a contractual marriage, but we enter into Hye Soo's life when she really doesn't have that except in her friend Joo Yeon. Cue in Ji Hoon who plays the time adage of a rich chaebol playboy with more enough money in his pockets and enough girls in his bed that he doesn't have time to be serious or particularly nice to anyone around him. Despite the expectancy of knowing that the main lead character will change the main male character as understanding that he isn't all bad, Ji Hoon represented a character i haven't seen in a drama in a really long time. A character knowing he is flawed, knowing and believing he is the worst human being and not seeing himself as being redeemable. He didn't believe he was any good, he didn't get the love nor care and wasn't seen as being redeemable by his family or in his own eyes so for a woman that he barely knew, a stranger such as Hye Soo to point it out that he was a good person and with such firmness .....it just got to me that he wasn't such a simple character and there were layers in this jerkish playboy and they were nice layers and just needed tender loving care and someone to actually stick around but not wanting to take advantage or use it against him.

Acting/Cast
Ever since the first drama I seen Uee in(which was You're Beautiful....she made me truly hate her character as a second lead female that just dripped two-faced and a bitch all at once), I had a feeling this girl could act but it was just the lack of a really great drama to pull it out of the ballpark to show everyone that she could. I knew she could meet the challenge and wasn't surprise that her and Lee Seo Jin had chemistry. But WAS surprise by how HOT that chemistry was!!!!

The two of them complimented one another, whether they spoke or not you got what you needed from their eyes, they portrayed their characters longing, their passion, their fear, worry, confusion and it all with just their eyes....they fitted completely together like pieces in a puzzle

The child actress Shin Rin-Ah or the little Eun Sung who seemed more like a brat in the beginning (in all honesty I wouldn't dare run off when my parents told me to stay put or ignore when my parents told me not to do something) but in all honesty she is just a child and is naturally going to be defiant. But this little girl was just so freaking adorable, sassy, and fiesty. Eun Sung was smart, knew when people were lying, considerate, and importantly her interaction with her mother, Hye Soo was just at times adorable, cute, and heartbreaking. That a mother would go above and beyond her ownself to secure her child's future and at the same time Eun Sung went above and beyond in loving and protecting her mother in the only way she knew how as a child. Also her interactions with Ji Hoon was just freaking adorable of being able to finally have a father of her own and no matter what happened to her mother she would still have someone that she will love and be by her side.

The Supporting Character such as the chef Hyun Geol, the manager, and even Hye Soo's best friend were so wonderful, funny, and were able to add comedic relief during times when shit was getting serious and you wanted to cry (which happens ALOT in this drama so have some Kleenex nearby).

Music:
I love me some music, but I HATE it when dramas use it as a filler in trying to bring out an emotion that actors or actresses cannot effectively convey. This drama didn't use music for that AT ALL. Instead the music was simple when it came to soft humming (don't know the singer's name) to small little instrumentals it only helped amplify the emotions whether it was pain, passion, or the confliction of the characters feelings that they couldn't put into words but we knew as viewers that they felt, the songs just amplified them ten times more. Instead of the music carrying the drama, this drama and music worked hand in hand in making scenes even sadder, or more upbeat, and etc...

Overall:
After successfully waiting weeks for this drama to finish airing this has to be one of my top five best dramas that i have ever watched. Aside from the romance, this drama showed that its never too late to seek forgiveness for our sins towards the people we've wronged. Whether its family or friends, we have a second chance to make things better which was evidenced by Hi Joon's mother and his uncle and Hye Soo mother in law. This drama also displayed that realizing what is truly important in life, realizing that family is everything and chasing after idealistic and materialistic items will only leave you at alone at your dining table at the end of the day; valuing life, taking up for our errors and trying to be a better person, and just simply appreciating everyday and not take it for granted. To love ourselves and one another but importantly don't take life for granted. This drama breached on so many things we sometimes forget in the repeated cycle in our lives and it takes a drama like this to remind us that we shoud appreciate the people that we have around us. If it was possible I would rate this drama more than a 10, but since I can't I give it a 10/10!!!

Leggi di Più

Promising story but failed to live up to the idea

I just finished watching Marriage Contract, and I'm honestly not sure how I feel about it. The emotional rollercoaster this drama takes you on is both compelling and frustrating.

Let’s start with the lead male. At first, I absolutely hated him. His actions seemed inhumane, making it hard to root for him. However, as the story unfolded, my feelings shifted. I found myself pitying him for the way he genuinely cared for the lead female. His complexity as a character added depth to the narrative.

Then there’s the lead female. I initially felt sympathy for her; her life was so miserable and desperate. But as the plot progressed, I started to dislike her for being so clueless and stubborn with the male lead, especially when it came to accepting his love and care. It was frustrating to watch her struggle.

By the end of the series, I was left in a state of confusion about my overall feelings. Did I like the drama? I’m still not sure. The characters had their moments of growth, but their flaws made it hard for me to fully embrace the story. If you’re ready for an emotional journey, Marriage Contract is a must-watch—but keep the tissues close!

Leggi di Più

Tearjerker

The ending of this drama is both beautiful and frustratingly sad, but it is sad in a happy way.
Recommend this only if you enjoy getting your heart torn out of your chest.


One thing that wasn’t the best was the sometimes poor explanation of characters and open ended threads, but i did rate this highly due to the absolutely great way they showed the relationship between the main leads.
For example, why did Hye-su’s mother in law blame her for the death of her son? Why does she suddenly have a change of heart?
WhT happened to the plot line with Seung-joo? It was completely abandoned, and not to mention the head chef, who was a great character, just extraneous.

We all need a friend like Ju-yoon but honestly have no idea why she suddenly changed her mind about Mr. Han’s subordinate in the last episode.


Just little holes in the plot, otherwise great, but can get a little repetitive. This would have been better as a 12 episode drama rather than 16.

Leggi di Più

Extremely sad but beautiful show, nothing prepared me for this

I was not ready for this because none of the comments or reviews here prepared me for this. This has impacted my mental health and while this is a very well-done show and beautifully narrated and enacted, it is WAY TOO sad, like EXTREMELY sad. So I feel it is important for me to say that out because every good show is not meant for you like this was clearly not meant for me. and it's not even like it's just a sad end, because technically it's not, it's just that it's sad throughout. I can't recall one episode where I'm not crying or one whole episode that is just happiness and all smiles. The show is INTRINSICALLY sad and it is okay to accept that it is not meant for you. Like I acknowledge it was not meant for me.

Having said that, I do agree that it's a wonderful storyline with top-class acting by Seo Jin and Rin Ah. For me, Uee did not shine and I felt like she had no expressions most of the time but I had no time to focus on her with the spectacular skills shown by Seo Jin. I'm so so surprised because I was not expecting much of him going into the show. The story, though sad, is well-written and equally well-portrayed. The actors have done justice to the role and the story and delivered it so well.

I also like how they show the reality. They do not find some magic cure out of the blue making it an unnecessarily happy ending. And how spectacularly they have portrayed some semblance of happiness even with that open ending, it's amazing. Absolutely loved these aspects of the show. It's just how heavy it is, that is does not sit well with me. I was not in the correct mental space to take on this show right now. And hence, it leaves me with more sadness than happiness.

Leggi di Più

Tell your heart to buckle up for this one!

Started watching Marriage Contract as a filler in between Reborn Rich and Summer Strike episodes.
I'll start with the negatives!
1. Lee Seo Jin's character's family on his father's side are THE WORST!! I just wanted someone to kick the dad and brother in the nuts!
2. BMW badges are missing for half the series. Nitpicking here, but it's probably the easiest car brand to identify.

OK, now that's out of the way - on to the positives. This was a rollercoaster of emotions and if you like that kind of thing, then please watch it. I does have a bit of a daytime soap feel but unlike something like Young Lady and Gentleman, it's only 16 episodes and the production value stays consistent throughout.
The real stand out was the girl who plays the daughter, Eun Sung - an incredible actor. I was really impressed with Uee and having not watched anything with her or Lee Seo Jin before, I'd be tempted to watch some of their other work following this.
The main characters have a real developmental arc which makes you get sucked into the emotions and really feel for our leed, Uee. Like I said if you like that (and getting your heart ripped out and put back again) then watch this drama. I stuck it on 1.5x speed and binged it in a few days.

Leggi di Più

This drama is a special gem and one of the best Korean dramas ever crafted. This drama has something other Korean dramas lack, and it is that heart warming quality. The characters are very genuine, and have things to lose unlike a lot of shallow surfaced romantic dramas. In no point does this drama drag; yes, it follows all the cliches but put its own spin on it and makes them genuine to the point where they're fresh. Marriage Contact will steal your heart, by how cute and loving the characters are in this drama. For a drama about tragic situations, its probably the happiest/cutest drama I have ever seen; however, don't worry, there are moments that want to make you cry!

A More In Depth Review:
From a filmmaking stand point, this drama makes me love it more. There is a distinct color scheme (try to figure out what it is!), the lighting is beautifully done, THE SCORE!!, scenes are writing to reveal genuine themes (no pandering!), and the editing is also extremely effective as it utilize moments of silence and it also doesn't cut away at the most rawest moments of the characters.
Speaking of characters, the main actors freaking nailed it! This drama is beautifully acted, and I feel as though this drama was truly Uee's baby! She portrays a role I have never seen her in and really meets its challenge! When I previously stated this drama not cutting away on the character's rawest moments, it's usually Uee's character, Kang Hye Soo. Lee Seo jin did fantastic as well but lets be honest the real star is that cute little girl, Sin Rin Ah that plays Uee's daughter in the drama, who gives Marriage Contract this heart warming quality. Very fine acting from supporting cast as well.
One critique about this drama is the end, which ends abruptly and with a cheap voice over; however, it is still a great end as the main character's goals are met with and every character have their own resolution that is meaningful, psychically and emotionally. There are no lose ends.
Another critique is that I wish they explored some character's relationship a little more, the ones I mean are Ji Hoon's mother and her brother; also Ji hoon and So Na Yoon's relationship. They go into them quite briefly and that is why the character development of Ji Hoon's Uncle and Na Yoon's are so sudden and leave's you going 'wait how did they come to that resolution?' so abruptly. However for me personally I like that there wasn't that much of a focus on Na Yoon, as no one likes to hate the second leads because they steal too much spotlight from the main characters (which Na Yoon doesn't!). There is absolutely no second lead syndrome here, another reason why I love this drama!
Overall a 10/10 (which is high as I usually drop Kdramas at episode 7 as they tend to drag on, but not this one!)

Leggi di Più

I never binge watch dramas in one day and I readily drop them if I don't like any of the actors or where the story is going. With this drama, I binged watched all the episodes in one night and couldn't stop. This should tell you a little bit about how special this drama is. to me.

I knew Marriage Contract was worth watching based on the rave reviews I found online but it exceeded my expectations. The main thing that makes it special in my eyes is the chemistry between Hye Soo and Ji Hoon and not to mention the performance of Eun Sung. Although there were some typical Kdrama machinations (I especially disliked the chairman's useless legitimate son), I loved how Ji Hoon slowly fell for Hye Soo and Eun Sung (and vice versa!). It was a delight seeing them as a "family." They fit perfectly together.

Fair warning to all: I had to have a box of tissues beside me as I watched this. Hye Soo's breakdowns and carefully concealed tears at her life going up in flames and her not being able to be there for those she loves me tear up. The relationship between Ji Hoon and Hye Soo in the last 6 episodes is especially touching. I have an aunt who recently died of cancer, so death and saying goodbye is still a raw subject for me.

Leggi di Più

This is favourite drama of year 2016 without a doubt together with Signal. The story is very engaging from first episode until the last episode and I thought the writer did a very good job in telling the story of a contract marriage that eventually turn into love and how that love effects everyone around them.

Lee Seo Jin has always been one of my favourite actors. And he reminds me again and again in this drama how good he is in emotional scenes. I always love his speaking voice and even when he’s jerk, I find myself rewinding his scenes just to hear his voice lol. And UEE really outdid herself in this role – I thought she is really amazing. It seemed like she truly become Hye Soo and completely transformed herself into the character by the time the drama reached the end. And the girl who played UEE’s daughter in the drama is so cute! I thought how that little body can cry so well? I’m very impressed.

And the chemistry between Lee Seo Jin & UEE is just magnificent. They really look like a couple and all their heartbreaking scenes are very good. I find myself keep watching the last 2 episodes over and over again since it is full of their scenes together. And the scene where UEE sit on the floor after she burnt her hand while cooking is just very well done.

I give this drama 9/10. The leads are beyond awesome and I love the story, acting, pacing, editing, directing, basically everything. The ratings were great and it really shows in the drama.

Leggi di Più

Pulls the heartstrings!

First off... if you are not wanting a tear jerker with almost every episode, don’t watch this show. I am not one to watch them much but for some reason I had to see what this was all about. It was not what I expected but it was a really good show.
I marked “rewatch” down some because I would personally not watch it often because it is a sad heartwarming show. I do like that it teaches us that money and power is not everything. Love and family is.❤️

Storyline - well written and well acted.
The father is a jerk! I felt bad for him because, even up to the end, he still could not see past his money! Even after his entire family left him. I really REALLY wanted to beat him to death when he told the FL to take all responsibility for the contract and organ issue! He told her she was going to die anyway so just do it! I really hated him then and realized he was not going to change even in the end!
This story was kind of close to my heart in the fact that she had a brain tumor. Been there, done that, and deal with it everyday of my life. I am thankful mine was operable. So I can relate to the FL. I think she did an awesome job. And I love that the ML stuck by her no matter what anyone said! I also am thankful it was a somewhat happy ending in that they did not show her dying. They left it up to us to imagine how long they were together. It ended just right.

Acting/Cast - I have seen Kim Yong Gun in many dramas. He really pulls off his acting for a mean guy lol. He did a great job making me hate him!😂 The ML and FL did an awesome job in their roles. They had me crying half the time.

Music - was really good. Hope I can find it to listen to.

Rewatch - when I want a tear jerker, then yes! I would watch it again. It is good enough to see at least once. Just make sure you have a box of tissue handy.😉

Leggi di Più

Seen this drama more than twice. very touching, i laugh, cried all in all best drama hands down. the lead actress did what she was paid to do, in all her drama that i have seen this is her best. The emotional and the love of a mother keep me coming back to watch again. the writer did a great job in writing this drama. The story really touches your ????.. the little girl actress is so cute and she really can act..no wonder this drama won many awards.. until the ending, I was hoping there was a cure for her cancer..
The underlying message of this drama is that money and fame are meaningless when it comes to attaining happiness, and love is the only salvation for people.

Leggi di Più