Chicago Typewriter (2017)

Messy and unsatisfying

This show had an interesting premise with people trying to figure out who they are and how they are connected over lifetimes. The real-life historical incidents could have given it some interesting and valuable dramatic aspects as well as relational intersections between the characters.

However, the show just didn't deliver. The beginning was littered with silly, over the top misunderstandings that lead all the characters to dislike each other. Furthermore, the characters are one dimensional and flat. They never share enough with us through dialogue or action, about who they are, what they think, and the challenges they face. Then suddenly, all the characters start to care about each other but we're not sure why. At this point the baddies start doing bad things, but we never really figure out the depth of why either. And then finally, there are a bunch of melodramatic scenes as they sacrifice for each other, in sort of a love triangle version of Romeo & Juliet.

The relationships between the characters never solidified. The historical story could have been so much richer, depicting the danger and risks they were taking and the suffering they were living. And then in the present day, we could have seen the characters overcome their personal challenges and grow their relationships and support each other.

Instead, there is not much for us to care about because there is so little depth. It was a waste of time.

And finally, the most memorable thing I have to comment on in this drama is that Yoo Ah In's super short haircut in the present day was completely the wrong style for him. His longer style in the historical scenes was spot on.

Leggi di Più

what I liked;
+ the ost, it was beautiful
+ the bromance/friendship
+ the past outfits and past Yoo Ah In's hair
+ Yoo Jin O
+ the past story before the end

what I hated;
- the romance.. it was creepy how she was a "fan" and she'd always made excuses for him when he yelled at her ;/
- the not real love triangle and their fights
- Han Se Joo. he was loud, rude, selfish, he'd always yell, and sure some of it was really directed at Yoo Jin O but he never learned from it ;/
- Jeon Seol... she fainted in the 1st eps, she always cried. she was too obsessed with Han Se Joo that she was ok with how he treated her, and she cried when she thought he'd leave her.
- they randomly added that driver as conflict and JS was always the damsel in distress
- the future story was worthless they should've focused on the past
- Ma Bang Jin was another annoying character

Leggi di Più

"Let's meet again, someday"

Chicago Typewriter is one of the best dramas I came across and I didn't regret a second of it.
Starting from the unique plot of the show, I mean who wouldn't love new ideas delivered in the perfect way? a drama about books, writers, country defenders and strong friendship bond? and Not to speak of that bromance, its just GOLD!!

The cast choice is just amazing and I don't only speak about the chemistry between the leads but every single cast that participated made this drama quite complete.

Aside from the plot and the actors, the cinematography, direction, sequence of events, and that OST all gather up to deliver a great show to the audience grabbing their attention along the way making this drama in my opinion a memorable one.
I would recommend this drama to anyone without a second thought that's how much i loved it and it left an impression on me.

Leggi di Più

I am almost at a loss for words after watching this gorgeous show. Chicago Typewriter is just beautiful - the cast, the story, the music, the cinematography....every note is golden. The whole production was swoon-worthy, and I would sit right down and watch it again in a heartbeat. Someone commented about the show that it felt like a novel, and it does unfold exactly that way. The show seamlessly blended the past and the present timelines into something stunning. The love and friendship between the three main characters and how they reconcile their past lives under a Japanese controlled Joseon with their present day lives in liberated Seoul (Joseon) was handled expertly. The pacing of the story was slower, but steady, keeping viewers wrapped up in the tale. I eagerly awaited each episode, and was never left disappointed - save wanting more right away. :)

Yoo Ah In, Im Soo Jung, and Go Kyung Po were all amazing in their dual roles, both past and present. I was captivated by them instantly and was sad to let them go as the credits faded away. You know the writers have crafted something great when you are reluctant to see the end. Yoo Ah In and Im Soo Jung had a sizzling chemistry together and enacted one of the best kissing scenes I've seen to date. (Toe curling would be an apt description!) Go Kyung Po was the master of the puppy eyed looks that twisted my heart in sadness for him. They all three wrung tears from me during the course of the show. The love, the comraderie, the longing, their happiness and sadness - I truly felt them all. The acting from everyone was impeccable. I'd also like to mention that Kwak Shi Yang, as the antagonist, did an especially good job as well. He was very convincing in his role and was able to somehow portray both innocence and evil in turn.

The OST was amazing. If you've read many of my reviews, you will notice that the music is often something peripheral to me. There have been rare exceptions, and this is absolutely one of them. The song Satellite, by Saltnpaper, is stunning and they used it so effectively in several scenes. In fact, all of the music almost seemed to be written specifically for these characters and this story. There have been many theme songs that were only moving to me during the story and not on their own, but Satellite is a great song even separate from the drama. (I've noticed that Saltnpaper is the performer of many drama songs that have caught my attention.) The music director did an outstanding job choosing effective mood-setting music.

Rewatch? That is a given. This story stole my heart and feels like a favorite book now that I want to go back and revisit from time to time.

You should absolutely give this show a chance and you will almost certainly fall in love with the characters and the story as I have. :)

Leggi di Più

“No matter which era you live in, life is an agony. There’s no such thing as perfect world”. Indeed life is inevitably a trajectory of agony. So “seize the day!!!” – Carpe Diem. That’s what these hot-blooded youth of ‘30s have done. During the period of convulsion under Japanese colonialism, forgetting everything they jumped into the lion’s den without thinking twice. Revolution is only possible by the youth. This drama is indirectly a wonderful tribute to the martyrs in general. I could feel the selfless strive of these rebellious young people through the depiction of their gallantness. It helped me honour our own national martyrs who sacrificed their precious lives to gift us an independent nation, free of oppression, subjugation and despondency. Chicago Typewriter ignited my ignorant heart to have some realization for those, who gave us this worry free future, for those, we’re breathing free air under this open sky since the country I belong to was under another country’s rule just 45 years ago. I’m utterly grateful towards those brave hearted freedom fighters.

These whole 16 episodes did not seem like any drama. It was like an epic elegy which I finished reading with complete satisfaction. I was in a daze for the entire time. The background score and correct blend of beautiful OSTs along with the story gave me a feel of reading an ode. An ode can be classified into three segments: strophe, antistrophe and epode. If CT can be divided into these three segments: strophe (1-5 episodes) produced an excellent feeling; antistrophe (6-11 episodes) produced a neutral feeling and lastly epode (12-16 episodes) produced the most resonant experiences.

The story is nothing new. I remember once Daesung (a member of BigBang band) said in an interview that there’s nothing new under the sky in this era of globalization. We remake it, reproduce it or at best represent in a completely different way with our creativity. Each and every word this singer said is applicable for this exceptional drama. Although story is nothing new but the representation is entirely new. Both 1930 and 2017 scenarios are well construed for the viewers. Having the discernible feature, no confusion is created with the plot.

For instance, if we taste a piece of red velvet cheese cake it might happen that initially the delicate taste doesn’t hit immediately but once swallowed the heavenly taste lingers for long. So, my point is the whole story has an enigmatic texture leaving a palpable aura which may haunt for a longer period of time.

Many attributes of this drama is top-notch, especially acting by the trio ensemble: Yoon Ah In, Im Soo Jung and Go Kyung Po. Their portrayal of every emotion is mesmerizing, especially YAI, this man never seizes to amaze me. Day by day he keeps getting better and better. As a leader he was charismatic and as a modern day writer he was smart, dashing, talented and elegant. ISJ, this lady what can I say ‘bout her? Words fall short to describe her mighty acting skill. Thanks to the writer team who again wrote a valiant woman character. I think no one could live up to the expectation of Jeon Seol character like ISJ did. And GKP, I’m shocked, literally shocked by his power packed performances. He seemed like a cute, lost, adorable and innocent ghost like Casper and at the same time he managed to pull the passionate hot-blooded young rebel, an elegant chaebol of 30s and also a compassionate comrade. Again salute to the casting director who selected these young actors for such roles meticulously. I laughed and cried with the trio’s struggles, happiness and sadness. Kwak Shi Yang did a tremendous job as well as a villain. I pitied his modern antagonist character but had zero tolerance for his character portrayal as “chinilpa” (Korean for traitor). I abominate any traitors in general.

About the technicalities of the drama, cinematography was similar to Goblin which means its extremely wonderful giving a feel of watching cinema. Ambience was on point, based on the necessity of the scene and stories proper lighting and filter has been used. Direction is commendable otherwise CT wouldn't be loved by so many. None of the scenes seemed out of place or just appeared out of nowhere, all of them were well connected. So editing was also good.

On another note, I think CT has also brought out a message on increasing our interests in reading books also. Because of too many distractions in our daily lives, many people are destroying their habit of reading books. So it can be a small showcase to raise our enthusiasm towards reading real pages rather than reading mere virtual pages.

Among the many good points of this drama, I loved the warm friendship, dauntless comradeship and beguiling romanticism among the trio. The relief comedy displayed through the bromance of YAI and GKP is another most amazing thing.

In conclusion, it is an utter satisfaction that their past tragedy did not continue to follow them in the modern time. A small surprising revelation at the end episode was also quite interesting.

I want to keep on writing but it may create disruption as I might give you spoilers unknowingly. So go and watch it without any single doubt. You may not love it like us but you may not regret watching it.

Leggi di Più

This drama is sublime! I don't know why I was putting Chicago Typewriter off for so long. I just saw the poster art and read the synopsis and decided that it wouldn't be my thing. I was SO wrong!

Chicago Typewriter is a love story, but it is also a beautiful story about friendship. Often, its themes on friendship are much more provocative and moving than its love story. Its discussion on loyalty, betrayal, forgiveness and redemption is so beautiful and poetic. The drama collects a strange ensemble as its cast: the snob of a writer, his number one fan turned anti-fan and a mysterious ghostwriter. These three leads have such interesting character arcs.

Intertwined with the main present day timeline is a parallel story about an Independence Fighter Group during the Japanese Occupation in the 1930s. This story is just as intriguing if not more than the main arc. The 1930's story adds depth and a poetic tone throughout Chicago Typewriter. Through the drama, the characters in the 1930s showed amazing strength and restraint which was often palpable. In contrast, sometimes the modern day story was not always able to deliver on the character depth to the same extent. Again and again, the 1930s storyline kept me hungry for more.

Chicago Typewriter is certainly one of the best dramas this year. In all honesty, what are you waiting for?! You should start this drama now!! No time to lose!

Leggi di Più

Chicago Typewriter (2017) - "To protect the love I couldn't protect in my past life. To meet again in a liberated homeland and love freely."
I could totally relate to other viewers and reviewers of this drama. It has that nostalgic feeling into it. The story about past life is presented beautifully and the characters are really well written. The cinematography is one of a kind, one of the best so far. Other dramas would really have to step up since this become a standard. It really is at the high level, and it can't be compared. It is a whole new genre of historical. It will always stay in the hearts of those who have watched this. Beautiful. Worth it.

Leggi di Più

I’m not a fan of the crossover between the past to present being intertwined via incarnation but the way this drama delivered that kind of plot was really interesting that’s why I watched along. However, that interest did dwindle as I passed through episode 10 when things started becoming cheesy, but it did redeem itself at around the last two episodes where everything became clearer.

This drama has its own target audience and maybe they would be up for the popularity of the actors, it did highly market the actors for me, but aside that… something just felt missing. You know that feeling when you’re watching a drama and you can’t just get enough of it? I didn’t really feel it with this one, hence I got really disappointed because I was expecting so much from it.

Aside from my above rantings here are the following elements that are worth mentioning: actors, cinematography and OST.

Let’s start with the 3 lead roles:
Yoo Ah In as Han Se Joo, I felt like he was over the top for this particular character. He could have downgraded it a bit and at least acted as how most authors really lived. It felt like he was a top actor instead of an acclaimed writer who was supposed to be eccentric, in this drama he came across as a guy straight out of a magazine who lived in Beverly Hills. Don’t get me wrong, I love the actor himself but I’m not a fan of his Se Joo character. I do admit that he has a complex role since he had to have the weight of his past character and his present one, but still... it could have been better. However, even though that’s the case for his present character, I couldn’t say the same to his past one, Seo Hui Young because he really nailed that bad ass role. I love how charismatic he was as the writer during the 1930’s and being in a covert rebellion at the same time. He was witty and stuck with his own principles. That’s the kind of character I love rooting for, the lonely-brooding kind of guy who believes he can make a difference in the world despite sacrificing himself and everyone he cares about. Nuff said. Im Soo Jung the female lead who acted as Jeon Seol/ Ryu Su Hyeon, she was a sniper in the past with the alias “Anastasia”. I definitely like the fact that she’s a strong character, not just in the past but as well in the present. She can still pick up a gun and kick ass despite her traumatic visions. The fact that in the present, she’s also an avid fan and at least knows her limitations… its makes her more amusing. As for the last character Go Kyung Pyo as Yoo Jin Oh/Shin Yul is such a charismatic guy. He also has this cool relationship going on with Yoo Ah In’s character in which they have some sort of unspoken bond. The bromance was palpable I could certainly compare to the Goblin and Grim Reaper’s relationship the Goblin Drama. Aside that, another thing that I find interesting from his character is that during the past and the present he had that appealing aura in his stature all throughout the drama. I find him both cute and endearing at the same time. Oh, and kudos to his stylist too because he dressed up oh so damn well!

The cinematography for the drama is breathtaking. I think the fact that this was shot during the spring, it made everything look so colorful and vibrant. I just loved it. Even the indoor shoot of interior was wonderful, I love how the director was able to capture those lines of books, arches of windowsill and the nook and crannies of Han Se Joo’s house. It was really pretty to look at. Lastly there’s the OST. It was memorable and did pull my heart strings at the right moment particularly during those heart-racing-revealing-moments of the show. I like how the melody can stir emotions out of me.

Overall it was interesting enough to sit down and watch through but not really something I would go on to enjoy and binge watch with in one go. I may not re-watch this again but I would recommend it to the fans of the actors and those who like the type of story with twist and turns along the way.

Leggi di Più

This was a magical journey. A very captivating interwoven story between 1930's anti-Japanese liberation movement and present day (80+ years later).
I really like the way the story is told -- with every episode, we get to learn a little bit more of what happened in the past, then at the end everything comes together. The 1930's arc is super well-done -- I may even like the characters there more than their present-day counterparts.
Plot-wise, the only thing I wasn't a fan of was the later villain arc. It was kind of unnecessary?! Oh well; it didn't take away from the main story that much.

The main characters' chemistry is fabulous. The only thing I was concerned about is, since a lot of the story depends on their past lives, the present-day chemistry might be lacking a bit. But the past life makes up for it I promise! I got (good) goosebumps all the way!
Everyone's acting was also on point. Especially the way 1930's Yoo Ah In looked at his comrades -- best. His eyes would tell you everything.

If you just listen to the OST you'd feel it's a bit dull -- but when paired with the key emotional scenes, it really adds to the story. Yes, the story is a bit dark and stays pretty dark (with really rare comedic relief), but it's a beautiful ride that I hope everyone would attempt taking.

I think it will take a while for me to get over this drama. My heart <3

Leggi di Più

A melancholic tale of friendship, regret and redemption

I write this review nearly two years after I first watched Chicago Typewriter - on second viewing, and as I mulled over the show for these years, I find that the drama still retains its powerful emotional core. With the second viewing the tears are stronger, because I know where it is headed and what all the pieces of the puzzle mean. Despite some flaws (is anything really perfect?) Chicago Typewriter is, at its heart, a story of friendship and love that traverses two lifetimes. There is longing, and for one character the journey towards redemption is marred by his own deep regret. Indeed for all the three characters, they find themselves when they find each other - this is such a deep, unwavering friendship and love. The present only makes sense when we know who we have been in the past, and yet as Se-joo reminds Yoo Jin-Oh, he is not Shin Yool. One can look at the past and the present as two halves of the story, and yet never live in the past, the story tells us. Acknowledge it, accept it, learn from it and move on. I loved Se-joo’s last meeting with his foster brother- he had emerged in the end a fully developed person, who was kind, considerate and self-aware. Undoubtedly his two friends made him thus. He learned to trust again, to love wholeheartedly and without fear. You don’t need too many people- just one or two who truly understand you. This was a complex story- weaving of pasts and present, and what wonderful characters! Even if not through reincarnation we all change, and both Hwi-young and Soo-hyun are examples of this.

This series, in my opinion, stands as one of the greatest, whether English, Korean or otherwise. Truly an outstanding show that will stay with you for a long time. Deep, philosophical, poetic, meaningful, and I must say, melancholic. Excellent performances by Yoo Ah-in (Han Se-joo/Seo Hwi-young), Im Soo-jung (Jeon Seol/Ryu Soo-hyun) and Go Kyung-pyo (Yoo Jin-oh/ Shin Yool), and all three shine in their emotional moments. Kwak Si-yang and the other supporting actors were excellent too. Outstanding cinematography, excellent direction, and oh, what a fantastic soundtrack. Just listening to the songs, particularly ‘Satellite’, ‘Time Walk’ and ‘Writing Our Stories’ takes me back to the series, and I realise that as a viewer I am pulled into the story, and it feels nostalgic, and melancholic: sitting with friends you love and doing something meaningful. Unlike other shows, this has very few people on whom the three leads can depend upon. This one isn’t about boisterous appeals of humanity but subtle ones. Highly recommended, but be patient, as everything makes sense when the show is over.

Leggi di Più

A very unorthodox plot. What genre does this drama exactly fall into? I don't know. It consists of mystery, romance, comedy(?), time-travel and supernatural. I enjoyed watching the plot but a more mind-blowing ending would have made the drama better in my opinion. It was all good until the ending which was a bit bland and predictable. The drama had a good start and a good idea, the romance and chemistry between the main leads was so-so but cute nonetheless. If you are looking for something new and exciting but still romantic? You have found the perfect 2017 drama right here.

Leggi di Più

Starting off I would say the storyline for this drama is quite intriguing. I have never watched anything that is based on the liberation of Korea from Japanese rule. Its always way far back or way into the future. I liked the change. The drama is set in two timelines the 1930s and 2017, where 3 people re-encounter to solve the mystery of their past lives that have haunted them in the present. The characters were quite interesting to watch and I loved the way the story evolved.

The storyline was set in pace but there were areas that I could have agreed with less. A lot of holes were in this drama. Some characters were without detail and understanding. I believe they would have spent their time trying to see where they want each character to go and how they would like to translate that to their audience.
They were also many areas lacking concerning the main roles, some scenes were not given as much attention and in some episodes, they would present some kind of epiphany within the cast and never lead up to it leaving the whole concept dead in a careless manner.

I do however applaud their chemistry not only the love interests but as friends, it quite heartwarming. This was my first time seeing Yoo Ah In on-screen on television and maybe I set my expectations too high as I know he's quite acclaimed with burning. Overall, it was quite interesting to a point, the performances were also thrilling and its good content to get in to, I just feel with such an acclaimed cast and storyline, the screenplay would have been a tad better. Watch it!

Leggi di Più