Doona! (2023)

REFRESHING!!!

First of all, let's just say, I'm surprised!!! Why? Because I thought that this is going to be a typical fairy tale drama, but no, it isn't!!! Let me say one thing for those who want to watch this show, and they have huge expectations. FORGET THEM ALL! It's not a typical love drama, and it's not even a feelgood drama. IF you watched 'Crash Landing on You', you will have almost the same experience, and it's not a coincidence because both show made by the same director! This is not a fantasy where everything is good and there are rainbows and cute puppies.😅 This drama is REAL as it gets. If you hate one or more characters because of their decisions, I'm not surprised. BUT if you ever loved someone, especially when you were young, you will understand why this show is a fantastic representation of “young love” and young people in general. Sure, we could say, Doona sometimes willful, violent or just don't care about anyone else but herself. That's only the surface! This drama showed us how fame can ruin a person's life, and not everything is as it seems, and maybe you want to watch TV shows because you want to escape from reality. If you want to do that, DON'T WATCH THIS DRAMA! Like I said, this isn't a fairy tale!

The characters are real, Doona too. The whole Idol part of the show just scratched the surface, to be honest, because being a celebrity is way worse than we have seen in this show. So, I'm not that surprised that the ending wasn't a typical Disney fairy tale. BTW, the ending. If you want happy ending, you have to pay attention!!! Again, YOU HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION, because the director purposefully blended every scene together perfectly, so you have to think twice or even more if you want to know what happened, especially in the second half of the season. He sprinkled a LOT of info and little scenes in the intro and in the episodes where you can find clues how the show really ended! Honestly, I bow down for the director because in my lifetime (36 years) I didn't witness a creative directing like this too many times!

My only problem with the show, is that it's too short, 9 episode nothing. I could watch 9 more. I hope there will be a second season, because if we don't count the minor issues and the short season, this show could've been perfect.

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SUPERFICIAL IDOL PLOT

If you've read mangas and seen various anime or even some J-dramas, this plot wouldn't be anything new for you.
It's your typical ' A depressing broken Idol lost singing plot where the most normal/bland MC appears, blooms her life and she goes back to her routine life. That's it. '

Now where this drama loses is, Suzy's character lacks depth.
All she did was make a sad face and smoke cigarettes for 80% of her screen time.

Perhaps that's why they cast her, she fulfilled her character's personality. xD

Everyone else was good.

It was a one-time watch
Oh, I still think the manhwa writer stole this plot from a Japanese manga, usually, Koreans don't write/draw in such a setup.

This was definitely a Japanese idol theme rather than Korean.
For someone who's read and seen numerous J plots such as these, you can easily tell.
They even had a dating simulation scenario till episode 5, which was fun to explore.
You root for one girl and the writer, in the end, tricks us, after all the drama is named ' Doona '

The theme had various elements similar to ' A Star Is Born ' as well.

The SFML was the best character in this drama, played by Ha Young. (The girl is really talented)
She's worth looking forward to, the manhwa writer has focused on her in 2 episodes particularly, and she outshines the FML.

Apart from her, in the end, this drama felt superficial.

Now if you want to drown yourself in melancholy for no reason, and be sad, then you might find this drama a bit to your liking.
But that's superficial, there are many more better plots than these.
My suggestion is to avoid watching this sh8t .

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DOONA! - A Satisfying Yet Not Exceptional Drama

DOONA! is a series that undoubtedly has its charms and qualities, making it an enjoyable watch. The well-written characters and a fantastic cast contribute significantly to its appeal. However, it's clear that while DOONA! has its strengths, it falls short in certain areas, particularly when it comes to the plot.

The characters in DOONA! are undoubtedly one of the series' standout features. Each character is well-crafted, multifaceted, and brought to life by a talented ensemble of actors. The cast's performances are outstanding, and they manage to create a genuine connection with the audience. The characters' development and interactions throughout the series are truly engaging, drawing viewers into their lives and making them care about their fates.

Unfortunately, where DOONA! stumbles is in its plot. While the story is serviceable and keeps the audience engaged to a certain extent, it lacks that extra layer of depth and complexity that could elevate it from being merely enjoyable to being truly exceptional. The plot feels somewhat predictable and falls into the realm of familiar storytelling tropes. It doesn't take as many risks as one might hope, and this can leave viewers wanting more.

That said, the plot is not without its merits. It manages to hold the series together and provides a platform for the characters to shine. It's clear that the creators have put thought into the story, but it doesn't take as many innovative and unexpected turns as some other dramas might. The potential for greatness is present, but it doesn't fully realize it.

In conclusion, DOONA! is a series that, while thoroughly enjoyable, falls short of being exceptional due to its somewhat lacking plot. The characters and the cast are undoubtedly the series' strengths, making it worth a watch for fans of character-driven drama. However, if you're seeking a truly groundbreaking storyline that breaks away from traditional narrative conventions, you may find DOONA! somewhat disappointing in that regard. Nevertheless, it's still a good series, but it might leave you wanting a bit more in terms of plot complexity and originality.

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Such a Disappointment……

Ranted in the comments, making it into a review. After reading the Webtoon since its very beginning, I’ve been waiting for a drama adaptation for years. Although the ending may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the rest of the story and plot had such good potential for one of the best rom-coms/slice of life’s this year. Completely ruined the drama with Ira being Joon’s childhood friend, and just not including so many important and memorable scenes like the school festival or Kook Su Jin fanboying over Doona at the shared house. No dream trip to Hawaii either? Wasted cast too, Suzy was the perfect actress for this role, her acting has improved so much over the years and gets dealt a terrible script and story. Ending was terrible too, just let Joon and Ira end up together, why leave it open-ended? Satisfies no one. Only positives are the cinematography and OSTs, great work there.

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Open Ending not a sad Ending

The ending of "Doona" left me emotionally stirred and profoundly moved. As I watched the final moments of the series, tears welled up in my eyes, and I found myself weeping unabashedly. It was a testament to the storytelling's power to evoke genuine emotions and the connection I had developed with the characters.
This visceral reaction mirrored the deep empathy I had cultivated for the characters throughout the series. It wasn't merely a drama on a screen; it felt like a part of my own experiences. Their struggles, hopes, and unyielding love resonated with me on a profoundly personal level. I wept not out of sorrow but out of an overwhelming sense of connection and understanding.

The denouement of "Doona," the beloved Korean drama, has sparked spirited debate among fans. Some have lamented what they perceive as a melancholic conclusion, but I submit that the series indeed culminates with an open ending, an artistic choice that leaves the door ajar for myriad possibilities. It invites us to ponder the power of unwavering love and the ongoing journey of the characters.

In this denouement, it is crucial to recognize that the story does not merely come to a close but rather leaves its protagonists at a crossroads, poised to embrace the uncertain but hopeful future. Far from a sad ending, it is a testament to the intricacies of human relationships, where the road ahead is obscured, and the outcome remains hidden, much like life itself.
The central theme of "Doona" is the resilience of love, an enduring emotion that defies temporal constraints. The two main characters are seen diligently striving to be together, reminiscent of the struggles that unfold in real life. The beauty of this open ending lies in its mirroring of the authentic human experience, where the culmination of our journeys is yet to be unveiled. It is a reminder that love is an ongoing, dynamic force, an ever-evolving narrative that continues to unravel with each passing day.

To label this ending as sorrowful would be a myopic assessment, for it captures the essence of the human condition. The uncertainty it encapsulates is not merely a narrative device, but a reflection of life itself. As long as the enduring flame of affection remains ablaze within their hearts, there exists the promise of a future replete with possibilities. Thus, "Doona" concludes not with a finality, but with the ever-present potential for a beautiful, unwritten chapter.

The ending's poignant beauty, with its open and uncertain nature, struck a chord deep within me. It made me realize that life, just like this story, is a mosaic of emotions and experiences, often leaving us teary-eyed, yet profoundly appreciative of the journey. As the credits rolled and my tears flowed, I found solace in the notion that "Doona" had, in its own unique way, mirrored the complex tapestry of existence, leaving me with a heartwarming and tearful reminder of the power of love, hope, and the ongoing nature of our own stories.

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Why this drama is one of the best of the year, and it's not an exaggerated thought!

I have never written a review but I felt the need to do this one today. I hope to do fairly well.

I think it is the perfect drama for the rainy season that is going on right now.

From my point of view, it makes you meditate, it is simple, but at the same time, it leaves you with a feeling of heaviness in your heart and you can't stop turning it over in your head.
For some reason I have felt comforted myself when I listened to Won-jun speak, and in some way, it has made me reflect as a person because of the character he has.

I think the story is perfect, I would not change anything, because I really liked how they developed it. The only reason this drama is not a 10 for me, is because I would have liked them to delve more into Doona's life before meeting him, otherwise it is perfect.
And for the detractors of the ending, I have to say that I think that what they wanted to tell and how they did it, was phenomenal. If you remember, Doona explained to him that only when her career stabilized could she be with him and he knew that for society to "accept" him he had to be an "adult", that is, graduate, settle down and get a job, as it is dictate on the standard that exists in society. That is why I think the ending has accurately captured how they have fought and achieved the "requirements" to be able to love each other.

I also want to emphasize that both the cinematography and the soundtrack of this drama are exceptional.

We must also talk about the level of the performances of both Bae Suzy and Yang Se Jong. She has never seemed like a bad actress to me, but I think she nailed it this time. And what can I say about him, I have been eagerly awaiting his return.

I hope this simple, although a bit short, review helps you.

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Don't Watch this if you have read the Webtoon, If Not You are good to go.

As someone who has read the Doona Webtoon I can clearly say this is nowhere near the Original work. The whole freakin story has been changed.

But if you watch this as a independent story this is quite good till the last episode.

The Drama is hugely dependent on Suzy and Yang Sejong who did their part of the job brilliantly. You can just watch this drama solely for their chemistry.

Another good Thing about the drama is the Visuals they left no frame incomplete, every frame was like an artwork.

But if you really want to know about Doona and Won Jun just read the Webtoon it's just on an another level of storytelling and characters just make sense.

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Disappointing End!!!

I really expected more from the end it started pretty well i knew it would be the typical haters to lovers streak and i was completely fine with that they fell in love so passionately that i thought Won Jun's decision to let it all go just like that was a bit fake she held onto him and even took the courage to come and appear before him once again after gaining an established career she wanted him back they both missed eachother and where obviously still in love so WHY?? just why didn't they end up together??? Or is it just an open ending is there perhaps a SEASON 2??? cus i don't know about anyone else but i need MORE!!!!!

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A fail romance story, that's way too unbelievable technically

Fantasy romantic dramas are a dime a dozen in the Korean TV landscape, and while Netflix’s latest love story, Doona!, isn’t in the least bit supernatural, the story is every bit as fantastical as the time-travel or superpowered romantic sagas we’ve grown accustomed to. As  we’ve come to expect from Netflix dramas, which benefit from the streaming platform’s deeper pockets, Doona! looks the business, with hazy visuals and atmospheric lighting blanketing each frame, but it’s superficial to a fault. The leads were shabbily written and it was hard to root for them, albeit the ending was anyways not pleasing as well.Supporting characters don’t get much of a look-in – not that they are a particularly exciting bunch. I have seen better romance dramas of this year, period.

My Rating : 5/10

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Doona! A Introspective Review

Doona! felt like a perpendicular line at the moment the lines cross.

I think the story was woven amazingly and felt realistic enough compared to other romantic dramas. The ending while sad and unfortunate felt more real. I know a decent size of people watch dramas as a form of escapism, I do to, but the show made me confront some feelings of reality that was hard to ignore.

Ultimately if I could point anyone to a poem that could capture this show I would point towards 'By Chance' by Xu Zhimo. I won't copy it here because that would spoil the show but feel free to read it yourself if you don't mind.

To conclude, I highly recommend you watch the show but if you can, make no real expectations or assumptions, so that the story can be appreciated more.

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A flame that burns twice as bright makes everything else seems dull

Doona is my definition of a Traffic Show. Bae Suzy has the titular role and all the marketing is focused on her. It is to be expected if you need to generate as much traffic as possible. This it succeeded, but it also sabotage itself.

Doona is a difficult person to deal with because she has little life experience. She has questionable interpersonal skills and has no filters. Knowing the idol industry, the bulk of her young life would be consumed by training and “being” an idol. This exerts a heavy toll on her health, both mental and physical. It is no surprise that she feels like she is drowning just before her breakdown.

Instead of giving her help and guidance, her manager dumped her in a share house full of college students. This is particularly heartless because he knew she has a crush on him. Is this tough love or punishment, you be the judge.

The start of the show sees our ML moving into the same share house. The ML is stoic and studious. Dull to be honest but he is just the rock Doona needs to anchor herself at this point in time. The start of their relationship is certainly tremulous. Doona holds all the cards. Teased and played him mercilessly. However, over time, she accepts his presence and let her guards down bit by bit. It took a while, but they sort out their confused feelings eventually.

All is well until the manager re-enters the scene. This is not a total surprise because the show hinted strongly that Doona needs to perform to feel alive. She has been channelling her energy into her love life but it is obvious that she can't be a housewife nor hold down a desk job.

I must admit I was worried about the manager’s role as she still has a crush on him and his influence on her is overwhelming. This was confirmed by the scene at the grandmother’s house. I understand why the writer-nim wrote it that way but I do wonder if it can be done better. I'm glad that Doona soon realised that the manager was only using her and ended her crush. However, more storm clouds are gathering.

For a nine episodes run, you would think that there is no shortage of plot materials but the A-plot is so focused on Doona that everything else seems to pale by comparison.

For instance, the ML has 3 separate romantic entanglements in three different stages of his life. The show managed to get all 3 girls to live in the same share house at the same time. You would think that there will be fireworks, but it is quite the contrary.

Both SFL’s have their backstories but they have very little impact on the A-plot. His high school crush should play a key role but by the time we find out about her troubled upbringing and her eventual confession to the ML, it was all too late. She just can’t compete with Doona. Ditto, the other housemates did little more than move the plot along when needed.

That is a shame because Doona is not as captivating as the show would've liked. Yes, Bae Suzy owns the role but her performance can be a bit stilted at times. She has her moments and some scenes are artsy and beautiful, but I won't call it a breakout role.

The same goes for the ML. He is laser focused on his studies and entering the coveted public service. He loves on cue and cries on cue. He plays the noble idiot card and made both of them suffer for years. He even acknowledged that. It is not a strong role. His delivery can feel flat at times. More than once I was willing him to do more, anything.

Now we arrive at the tricky part, the ending. There has been some chatter about whether the OTP reconciled or are they estranged? The show did not give us a definitive answer. However, the following is my take and I’ll die on that hill. ;)

Before I watch the last few minutes of the finale, I would've said that they are done. Both are in pain, but they are getting on with their lives. HOWEVER, after watching the emotionally charged scene in his room my view changed. He apologized without hesitation. He said everything she wanted to hear and more. They both knew that their love each other hasn’t changed. They hugged it out like desperate people clinging to a life preserver. You can't tell me that they walked away as strangers after that.

Yes, of course, anything is possible, but I would prefer to believe that they have learnt their lesson and reconciled. I'm not sure if it is all hush-hush but they can pursue their own goals and live parallel lives like some celebrities and their SO's. They love each other dearly and they will make it work.

BTW, the last scene is ambiguous but it is literally a chance meeting. She looked back because she knew he will be in Japan (as couples do). It wasn't a wistful look. The nonchalance could signal a deliberate separation of their public and private life. It is a "I see you" moment and that’s enough.

I have no doubt it will be the trending show for a while, the hype around Bae Suzy will guarantee that. It is watchable but not amazing. The swoon worthy moments are worth the price of admission. Peace out.

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Fallen star done right

This is another one of those dramas that just draws you in and before you know it it is over...

To be honest we have seen this type of story before in several dramas, all rated highly by me, and all loved in their own little way. This drama does not have a lot to add to the lot of dramas of this type story wise even if it does have a slightly different angle and has the star fall a bit deeper than most other dramas do.

HOWEVER it does have Suzys amazing acting, singing and all round awesomeness.

It also has really beautiful cinematography a bunch of lovely friendships and extreamly few moments of annoying.

The biggest downside of this drama is it leaving me wanting more, as well as the high age of the actors supposed to play 21 yearolds (not very believable, sorry). However the acting, chemistry, kissing, emotions are all spot on and I loved pretty much every second of watching the interactions between the leads and the second female lead.

Definitely a drama worth watching for all those who can appreciate watching falling star dramas and can handle some darkness and spunk.

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