Crash Landing on You (2019)

I know I'm late to the party but I must write about my star-crossed sweethearts ♡

I must say, this drama had it all. I think there are several factors that made it as good as it was. For me, my main points are:

- the element of North and South Korea. It almost feels like a parallel world (maybe just because I’m watching ‘The King: Eternal Monarch’ right now) but they are both so different, and the North gave it that element of danger but also innocence (since they don’t have access to much and it’s very backward)
- the brotherhood with the 4 soldiers, each with their own personality (hello 'found family' trope because se-ri's biological brothers are human garbage)
- the age of the leads: in their mid-late 30s rather than in most dramas it’s 20s, gives it a more mature feel
- stunning cinematography and soundtrack
- star-crossed lovers trope
- the plot is v good

+ one of my favourite intros ever.

But I must say, one thing I found so funny in this were these Trucks of Doom™. Like why did the villains have to go through All. That. Trouble. every time they needed someone killed. There are so many other methods to make it look like an ‘accident’ why do they do they same M.O. every time???

And even 'I' think that this show has too many coincidences, even for kdrama standards. The amount of times they had a ‘chance encounter’ in the past is crazy lol

Even so, this drama is such high quality. So glad I finally got around to watching it.

P.S: Ri Jeong Hyeok has set the standard impossibly high, sucks for all the guys who aren’t him because he has just raised all our expectations by 847%

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synchronicity comes full circle

This drama is outstanding and has earned its place as one of the greats. It is incredibly rich, incredibly layered and ultimately incredibly satisfying.
It showcased all the typical kdrama tropes while still remaining fresh and addictive; the tropes I identified are: impossible love, chaebol family, cohabitation, a past, barely remembered meeting between the leads, arranged marriage, fake engagement, truck of death, riches to rags, adopted love child, sibling succession wars, fate or destiny; I'm sure there are many others.

This is a story about love in all its different facets, romantic love, familial love, love between friends, love between co-workers, love of your immediate community, love for your country and finally love for oneself. On the flip side the drama also explores destructive love for example the love of money, power or revenge.
Ultimately the drama strives to portray a love that is protective, selfless, healing, enduring, patient and a love that seeks to build it's object up rather than tear it down.
Jung Hyuk and Se ri's love and to a certain extent Seo Dan and Gu Sung Jun's love shows that as long as your heart is open and you're looking outward toward the object of your affection and putting them first, then your love will be rewarded, it will continue to grow and your life will be enriched as a result. I also particularly loved how Gu Sung Jun found his humanity in North Korea and I applaud the writer for not romanticising him by allowing Seo Dan to fall in love with him just as he was.

The cast and acting are what makes this drama special, not just the leads ( who are truly outstanding) but the entire cast kept this drama exciting, relatable and so heartwarming to watch; there is a commitment to the narrative that is evident in this show, each actor is so diligently and charmingly immersed in their role that as a viewer you cannot fail to be captivated.
The village ahjummas and the lovingly dubbed 'ducklings' literally steal this show with their sometimes hilarious and other times poignant and heart tugging performances, I truly adored this aspect of the drama and was never impatient to get these characters off the screen.

The treatment of the North Korea aspect was handled in a very sensitive manner, I appreciate that the writer depicted North Koreans as normal people who live their lives working hard and loving their friends and families just like any other people on this planet, this is important because oftentimes North Korea is caricatured and stripped of any normal commonplace attributes.

I also enjoyed this drama because I could always make sense of what I was watching, and all the nods to other kdramas and kdrama characters in the form of cameos, guest appearances or references were truly appreciated.
Although this is a drama with many goodbyes, each goodbye led to another level of love where the characters discovered more of themselves and what they are capable of enduring.

I do have a small criticism to make, I personally think that the synchronicity of the main couple's story regarding their first meeting in Switzerland and how this plays out throughout the drama is a little too neat and pat in the way it all just falls into place at the perfect moment. I don't know that's just me, kdramas love their fated love stories.

A lot of people have expressed some dissatisfaction with the ending, but in my opinion the writer and production team were probably very conscious of giving us a politically correct resolution which didn't appear to advocate anything illegal or insensitive. I think as viewers we are free to flesh out how our main couple navigated the rest of their lives.

The music is great in this drama, I think the placement of the music improved as the drama went on, especially with regard to the tracks with lyrics, not the instrumental pieces.

Overall 9.5 out of 10

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Crash Landing on You was another one of these dramas that have been coming every few years and that I consider classic korean dramas. They are highly enjoyable, not too deep but with an innovative script; they have a seemingly impossible love story, some action but most of all, great chemistry between all the characters.

First, I would like to say that before watching it I was slightly apprehensive of the way North Korea was going to be portrayed. I feared it would be too cliché and without nuance. Now that I have finished it I am glad to report that it did not feel that way to me. The inequalities between Pyongyang and the countryside, the instricacies of power in the society and every day life were portrayed in a believable way. Rather than provoking pity for the North Korean it shows them as ordinary humans evolving in a society that is vastly different from what we know.

The appeal of this drama rests on its cast and the characters. Every actor did a great job but especially Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin. I liked Ri Jung Hyuk's subtle expressions of amusement and love throughout the episodes. I felt that Se Ri was really relatable even as she went through improbable situations (that tornado...).
The female characters were also something that I loved, I liked that Se Ri was strong and brave but sometimes unsure. I liked the mothers : often in dramas they are either too nice or absolutely horrible. Here, they feel real : they love their child without smothering them; they want to help them without deciding every details of their lifes.
I loved how the relationship between the second leads evolved and even how it ended (obviously I wasn't super happy but felt that it somehow made it more beautiful and meaningful) and how Seo Dan grew because of it.
I loved the camaraderie between Ri Jung Hyuk, his subordinates and Se Ri but also the friendship between the women in the village. They brought the funny moments.

And finally, I really really liked the ending. I haven't been so moved watching the end of a drama for a long time. The fact that it is not a simple happily ever after is refreshing and keeps it more real.

If you want a drama with heartwarming love stories and frienships, a bit of sadness but lots of laughs, great scenery and acting, this one is for you.

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I watched "Descendants of the Sun" and wondered if I'd see another series that could match it. Then, I watched "Mr. Sunshine," and thought, "there's no way I'll ever see another series like this." Imagine the joy of being wrong twice! Along comes, "Crash Landing on You," which may end up being my favorite of all of them. It's a toss-up between this and Mr. Sunshine. In short, this is one of the best series I've ever seen, and for me, the Korean Dramas I've watched have not disappointed at all as most are character and plot driven. In fact, overall, I've seen better quality shows out of Korea and Japan in the last several years than I have with American shows.

The writing, and especially, the editing is some of the best I've ever seen. The plot is intricately weaved, not using some of the typical cliches and devices as some shows do when trying to get the two main characters together. In this case, we're given the beautiful wise lesson on screen: happiness is in the journey. Not the destination.

Seri is a woman who owns her own company and is part of an extremely rich family. Her world, despite the money and success, is cold and empty. She sits alone in a massive penthouse. She has all of the luxuries that one could ask for. However, she has a family, especially her half-siblings, who are about as cut-throat as anyone could imagine. She doesn't realize what is missing in her life until a storm, while para-gliding, blows her across the border into North Korea.

Ri Jeong-Hyeok is a North Korean captain who comes across Seri. At first, he and his unit of men aren't sure who Seri is and why she's there. Ri Jeong-Hyeok was a master pianist before joining the military, and intent on solving the mystery of his older brother's death. At first, he seems very straight-forward and unassuming, while underneath is a man full of life, passion, and love.

The first set of episodes of Seri trying to adapt to life in a North Korean village are especially hilarious. Imagine a pampered woman suddenly having to go without electricity? How to take a bath...how to cook, etc. As a former Peace Corps volunteer, I know full well what this adaptation feels like!

Perhaps for the first time in her life, Seri not only finds a connection with Ri Jeong-Hyeok, but also with the village women and also with the members of Ri Jeong-Hyeok's unit. It's ironic that she had to cross the border to find a group of people who were more like family for her than her real family back home!

The best plots are ones that aren't forced or contrived, and this one doesn't use either one. We are taken effortlessly from North Korea into South Korea as Seri and Ri Jeong-Hyeok find themselves at the center of two sinister plots, each one contrived by people on either side (North and South Korea).

Of course, the biggest question is: despite the situations they must survive and unravel, can they spend a life together? Is it feasible for two people, from the only divided country in the world, be able to have a relationship? North Korea might as well be the darkside of the moon, as communications between the people of the two countries is non-existent. Finding the answer to this question is the beauty of the journey of this series.

The entire cast is simply terrific. They meticulously and effortlessly give us endearing characters who are absolutely hilarious at times and heartfelt at others. All are also able to deftly convey a range of emotions, especially the two leads in Hyun Bin and Ye-Jin Soon whose chemistry is much of what makes this series so incredible.

The editing is some of the best I've ever seen in a movie or series as we are given scenes in one episode, only to realize that we were only given a partial look at the whole. Each time, we are given a joyful surprise and many, "Ah-ha" moments when we realize what really happened!

Apparently North Korean defectors served as consultants on this series to try and make life in North Korea depicted as accurately as possible.

Some might feel that the ending isn't the most ideal, but that's why I like it. It's realistic. They end up making the absolute most of the time that they have. These contrived, formulaic "happy endings" simply do not reflect life or relationships themselves.

I have been watching movies and television series for over 45 years, and frankly, this series absolutely blew me away. It captured my imagination and my heart as I see a veritable "Romeo and Juliet" struggling to find ways to connect, love, and protect each other. They are such a short distance away from each other across the border, but as I stated before, the distance might as well be from the earth to the moon. I love stories about relationships, where the two people have to find a way to overcome the obstacles and pitfalls laid out before them. Two people with enough love and determination will always find a way. And that is why the joy of watching this series is in the journey and not the destination! And this journey was simply sweet, magical, and joyful. What more could you ask for in a great series?

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It was so hard to get over from this drama!

This drama has a different aspect and it makes u blind to the plot...I was so addicted to this drama and no lie, the day I watched the first episode of this drama, I ended up on finish watching the whole drama within one day.. This drama lets u believe in true love and the comedy in this drama also significant... Mostly as a military lover.. this would give u butterflies in ur stomach or makes u scream with joy and excitement... Also, the pure friendship also conveyed this drama.... also the beauty of nature!! Music is also good ..... No more words to describe how much I love this drama... It's unbelievable that how amazing the plot is.... Watching this drama is worthy... but so hard to get over it... suffering is soo bad.

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The Invention of Love

Deciding to finally watch this show was probably one of my best Kdrama related choices this year. I'm not very good at writing reviews (although I keep doing it because who cares) and I feel like I always say the same things but I just want to say that this drama is worth all the hype it got, every award it got, every recommendation. I didn't give it a chance when it was airing and I think it was both a mistake and a smart move, because had I watched it airing I wouldn't have been able to wait every week for the next episode considering all the cliffhangers they gave us; but it was a mistake because it would've been so cool to share everyone's emotions while it was airing. Nonetheless, no matter when I decided to start it, it was absolutely worth it. I took like 2 weeks to finish it because I work a lot, but I put 2 all-nighters and had strong headaches the next day, but again, it was definitely worth it.
Ri Jeong-hyeok and Yoon Se-ri are the definition of love. I can't get tired of saying they invented love. I have watched many dramas in the past 9 years but not many manage to deliver the strong 'in love' feeling that these two had. Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin did an incredibly amazing job at everything, every scene with them together was full of different emotions, happiness, sadness, pain, joy, distress, and everything that was supposed to produce. I don't think anyone can see them together without thinking they're the most lovable couple ever. Their chemistry as actors once again proved how amazing these two are. One thing that always makes my heart flutter is the way actors and actresses are able to look into each other's eyes and look so happy, like they actually love each other. I know that's the point of acting, but it always blows my mind to think how they're able to deliver those emotions, and Ri Jeong-hyuk and Yoon Se-ri were pros at doing this.
"I have no regrets, you came to my life as a gift. I'm just grateful for that." This is probably one of the most beautiful lines ever.
Their undying love is one of the purest demonstrations of love I have ever seen, because not once did they try to hold the other back, not once were they selfish to ask for the other to stay with them despite the circumstances; instead, they always let the other go, despite knowing how much it would hurt them, how much they would miss the other, they knew they weren't in a position to ask for more. The way they appreciated every second, every extra minute they got together makes me really think about how we should appreciate the little things and short moments we have with our loved ones before they leave our side.
I can guarantee myself that I'll have a long crush on Ri Jeong-hyuk for a long time, so I know I won't get over CLOY so soon. He was such a kind and giving person, I need a man like him in my life. I think we all do...
Yoon Se-ri is also one of the strongest FLs I've seen, as she went through so much with her disgusting family, yet she build a company by herself and became the No. 1 female CEO for several years in different competitions. She never let anyone get in her way, always knew how to handle every type of person. She was cold because she was forced to live a tough life, but deep inside she simply wanted to be heard, to be loved, to have someone on her side. And she found that person that came to her as a part of her destiny. Meant-to-be love is such a huge cliche but CLOY did it in the best way, I believe. Se-ri found the happiness she always looked for and was finally able to open herself up to someone who could handle her. I really love the balance between an outgoing, yet prudent FL, and a quiet, yet outspoken ML like Se-ri and Jeong-hyeok. Definitely go down as one of the best couples in Kdrama history.
I have written so much and still haven't talked about anything or anyone else but the main couple, when there's still so many things to appreciate about this masterpiece. Even though the MC was more than capable of carrying the whole show without any secondary characters, every side character on this show had their own story and their own development, their own little moments that made you smile or cry and they didn't have to necessarily be related to the MC to have a meaning for themselves and that's something that not every drama can do, because in many cases the side characters are just accessories to the MC or main plot, but I don't think it was the case here.
Of course, Jeong-hyeok's troop was a huge part of the MC story, but they still had their own stuff to deal with and the show gave them all a proper development and closure, making sure the viewer connected with all of them and was happy for their own success. I really loved that at the end, Pyo Chi-soo became the Captain, as he always mentioned that he was alone and had nothing to lose, so it's heartwarming to see him succeeding in life. I love all of them, but Chi-soo inadvertently stole a special spot in my heart.
I can say the same thing about the ladies from the military village. I thought they would be this gossiping old ladies that hated the FL with no reason at all, but they were absolutely the opposite. They were so caring and protective of each other, making my heart soft every time they were on screen. I loved how they protected Man Bok's wife when Cho Cheol-gang's men were going to take her. They all went with their house tools to defend her and her son and protect her at all costs! So beautiful. The way they loved and cherished Se-ri was so cute and how they even welcomed Seo Dan's mom and were all very understanding, they were really such beautiful old ladies. I loved them so much.
Now, about The Unspeakable, Gu Seung-joon. I think it's a popular feeling that he deserved to be happy and to have someone by his side who would love him until the day he dies, like Seo Dan, but also, he literally had that person at the very end so it's not like he was never able to feel happiness... Still, he deserved to live a long life with a loved one. And Seo Dan most definitely deserved so much better! Seeing her cry at the bridge broke my heart so much. I even cried (again) when telling my sister about how Gu Seung-joon dies because Seo Dan was such a sweet woman, smart, strong and driven. She deserved to be happy with the man she loved. I am glad to know she decided to live her life her own way, keeping Gu Seung-joon in her heart and loving him deeply, but I still hoped she would be happy with him. Also, when her mother was calling off the wedding with Jeong-hyeok's mom and she said "my daughter has a man in her life that she loves so much, and he loves her very much too" GOD, tears are forming now on my eyes as I type this. They deserved so much happiness!
I don't want to get in detail about Cho Cheol-gang because he was a very good villain, as he made me despise him a lot and even find him gross and disgusting, I believe the actor did a great job, but I don't really want to get into the villainous part of the show. What I did find funny was the way the NIS took everything so lightly and made it look like the South is so compassionate and kind with the North and only the North is the one that hates them. I know this may be like that at some extent, but I just find the propaganda very particularly funny.
Either way, I enjoyed this drama way too much and I'm going to miss it a whole lot, every single one of the actors did a great job and produced so many emotions on me. I really thank them for working on this wonderful show and giving me such a happy time while watching it. Unapologetically rating it 10/10.

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It's easy to see why this is such a hit. It has the winning formula that made "My Love from Another Star" a phenomenon mixed with a twist on the North and South Korea's "it's complicated" relationship. Not to mention the two gorgeous leads that act well, oozing with chemistry and charisma. The second Otp though kind of feels forced.

I find myself more invested in the side characters, esp. the North Korean village ahjummas (who are a hoot) and of course Captain Ri's fun troop of soldiers, maybe include Rat there (another amazingly written character). And Captain Ri's dad, he is badass and kind of saved the day.

In other dramas it will all be about the hero and his awesomeness, but I love how writer Park Ji Eun writes her heroines, and puts her in centerstage where she belongs, and not as a side character or love interest only. Seri is not the typical sunshine heroine, she's smart, kind, but she's not perfect and it's ok to be complicated as real people are. She can be boastful or full of bluster, and was also depressed. I'm just disappointed that almost 3 eps are spent on her being sick, but that's probably due to real life circumstances?

The writer also did her best in balancing aspects of North and South Korea. North Korea may be way different from what we're used to as the capitalist way of living, but it's not that North people are all bad or South are all good. Even if I was not head over heels with this drama, it's a satisfyingly good watch, and will certainly go down as a kdrama romcom classic that can be recommended to all fans and newbies to k-ent out there.

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This drama is so unique, you fall in love with all the characters. Although you're focused on the two leads, the side characters have just as much personality and backstory. Everything that went into this drama is spectacular, including the music and when It came in. This drama had me laughing, crying, and everything in between.

You won't regret watching this drama at all! I'm usually very picky when it comes to dramas, so when I say that this one is a top scorer, I mean It.
The scenes were excellently shot, and the actors fit into their roles perfectly. The chemistry between the two leads is off the charts. It isn't a steamy romance or anything like that, but there are several kiss scenes. But the drama is more focused on emotional appeal I think. Because even when there isn't a lot of physical aspects of it, there are tons of emotional situations.

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I can't remember the last time I've cried so much while watching a drama. The story is extremly well-written, it was hard not get attatched to the characters. The actors did a great job, honestly this could be Hyun Bin's best performance in my opinion. Somehow I also find this drama a bit realistic and maybe that's why I liked it a lot. Also one of the male support character is only 16 years old, I'm still amazed by that he did such a good job as well! I'm already looking forward to re-watching this drama and if you're reading this you should definitly give this drama a chance. It's rare that you come across a drama so perfect.

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I have watched a lot of SK dramas and this is in my top 5. From the very start till the ending it never lost it's pace. Stroyline was so strong. Writer did a good job.
Most importantly Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin had an extreme chemistry. They did soooo well while portraying the chracters. It just feels so real.
I feel like watching a real love story.
Excellent and amazing drama :) I just feel sad for Gu Seung Jun and Seo Dan they deserve to be happy :(
very well recommended to everyone ! this type of drama which has strong storyline do not come every time !

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