Namnam (2023)

I enjoyed this drama!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This drama skillfully navigated the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship, portraying the evolution from the challenges of teenage pregnancy to the shared experiences of navigating adulthood. The dynamic of Jin Hee still living with her mother adds a realistic touch, and the constant bickering provides a relatable and human aspect to their relationship.

The introduction of Dr. Park Jin Hong and the workplace dynamics with Eun Jae Won added a mix of personal and professional challenges for the characters. This blend of storylines adds layers to the overall plot and enhances the viewing experience.

The successful balancing of various genres, including mystery, comedy, romance, and drama, is a commendable aspect. Achieving this balance make this drama appealing.

This drama delivered on its promises and provided a well-executed exploration of family dynamics, personal challenges, and professional relationships.

Leggi di Più

My Mom who chose me

This drama is for those who are looking for a comedy that's not all romance... but rather an almost healing (surprisingly), yet enjoyable relationship of a family and their friends who are not your traditional pairings or tropes.

Don't come into this looking for your usual romantic development and fluff - you'll get very little of that. Why? Because this isn't a story about a mother and daughter finding their partners. It's about a mother and daughter learning about one another, growing with each encounter and conflict, and about the world of non-traditional families and just love as it exists.

I love that the characters in this drama reflect the reality of many situations - not everything is selflessness and 'strong & independent'. Each character has their flaws and strengths, quirks and stories. Each relationship built itself differently, and developed at its pace.

The timing of some of the relationships (romantic, friendships etc) can be confusing and there might be tiny plotholes because of how the focus is on the mom-daughter, but its easy to let go since it wrapped up the same way its relationships were meant to be - you can't assume what is to come! You can only hope and continue on with what you have now.

I do agree the ending is not the easiest to figure out, but I just had my understanding of it, and hope you do too!

A definite recommend from my side to people looking for a non-cliché driven drama that doesn't follow your usual formula with wonderful acting and interesting character dynamics.

Leggi di Più

Watch it to see the 'friendship' bond of a mother and her daughter.

This drama was good.

First part of the story revolved around how Kim Jinhee and her mom lived throughout her childhood as a single parent and a daughter who learned to keep herself out of her mother's dating life. I loved the way how they were more like friends than mother and daughter, I adored their relationship.

But as soon as the Jinhee's biological father came into the picture, it went downhill for me, the bond that I adored so much. Jinhee particularly said hurtfully that she didn't want to become a burden to her mother's lovelife, she kept it to herself as a child so that her mother could still date peacefully without her being an 'interruption' and nuisance, and yet, her mother was annoyingly insensitive towards her own daughter's feelings, her insecurity, and continued to bring her current boyfriend over and over, trying to force her relationship to Jinhee.

The unique plot for this drama, that makes it so different from other dramas is that, it focused not only on the hardship of a single parent, but also to the hardship of the child in the society. Her fear of being abandoned by her parent, the helplessness towards being a burden to their parent's life.

Later in the series, at least she acknowledged that Jinhee is only her daughter, and didn't make Jinhee to accept her boyfriend as her father. The way she fought with her grandparents for her daughter's freedom and wishes. I loved it all. This mother and daughter duo could fight blood for each other and I loved it.

And the ending, it was just lovely. Watch it for a light-hearted drama, if you're looking for one.

Leggi di Più

Mother and Daughter Dynamic Duo.

I really enjoyed this drama. I watched this for Sooyoung but I became a fan of everyone! I appreciated that all the romance majorly took a backseat to the core plot and motivations of the drama, which mostly was about chosen family. A lot of people found the mom annoying, but I think Eun Mi is meant to be frustrating as someone who lives for her inner child — something she didn’t get to experience due to life circumstances. I appreciated her free-spiritedness and how much she challenged her daughter and social norms. Jin Hee, on the other hand, is very straight-laced and strict (especially towards her mom) as someone who had to grow up pretty quickly too and also wanted to be a source of strength and support for her mom. Their chosen family — a first love/estranged father, a chosen sister/aunt, and an adoptive mother/grandmother — round out the spirit of the drama, which is to challenge the typical tropes and cliches. I wish we got to experience more of the grandmother but I appreciated how much we got to see the aunt; and even the other aunt made an impression on me with proving how characters/people can grow in the right circumstances. I was surprised that Ahn Jae-wook was in this with a pretty significant role; I hadn’t looked at the cast list beforehand but thought he did a great job as someone who was dorky and lovable. I liked that his character was satisfied with as much as he was given and he prioritized the women’s needs since their relationship came first. I also wish we got to see just a little more of Jin Hee’s romance subplot, but maybe that’s because I am so conditioned to watching romcom dramas. For instance, the ending was a little weird and confusing to me, but the more I think about it the more I believe it fits the show well, and I can’t really imagine another ending that would be satisfying. Maybe I would’ve liked a little more explanation on why Jin Hee decided that trip specifically (as well as Eun Mi), but I actually enjoyed the fact that they just up and decided to leave and do their own thing without any worry for people (especially the men) in their lives. Over the course of the drama, you’re always rooting for them and realizing how many times they’ve been knocked down, but you come to love how much joy and persistence they have against all odds.

Leggi di Più

stands out for its genuine portrayal of love, growth, and the intricacies of family ties

Not Just Others is a captivating Korean drama that unfolds its heartwarming narrative across twelve engrossing episodes. The series beautifully delves into the intricate dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship, showcasing a bond that's more like friendship – one built on unwavering reliance and shared experiences.

The story's foundation is set in a pivotal moment: the mom's life-changing discovery of her pregnancy during high school. Her courageous decision to raise her child alone laid the groundwork for an extraordinary journey. Through the years, we witness the profound growth of both characters as they navigate life's challenges side by side. Now, with the mom in her forties, a skilled physical therapist, and her daughter a dedicated police officer at twenty-nine, their closeness remains strikingly palpable.

The series masterfully juxtaposes love with bickering, portraying the mother-daughter duo as they grapple with their contrasting personalities under one roof. Jeon Hye Jin, portraying the mom, delivers a stellar performance, capturing the essence of her character's strength and vulnerability. Choi Soo Young, as the daughter, shines brightly, embodying the complexities of her role with finesse.

This drama masterfully blends moments of laughter and tears, evoking a rollercoaster of emotions. The finale provides a satisfying resolution that left me both elated and moved. The credit undoubtedly goes to the adept writers, talented cast, and the entire production team for creating a touching and memorable series. In a world of numerous dramas, it stands out for its genuine portrayal of love, growth, and the intricacies of family ties.

Leggi di Più

Give it a try.. its nice

I started watching this after accidentally seeing one of the short video. Initially when I started i wasn't having much of an expectation, but after watching the 4 episodes I can say that THIS ONE IS A MUST WATCH. Story wise it hasn't progressed much as its only on the 4th episode now. But we could actually feel that yes, there is space for growth. There is a bit of mystery and a lot of fun for 4 episodes. The mother - daughter duo is really cool. And the fellow officers are good.
When it comes to casting, I think Park Sung-hoon as Eun Jae-won is overall a different experience. Its a complete 180° turn from what we have seen in his previous drama.
Jeon Hye-jin as Kim Eun-mi and Choi Soo-young as Kim Jin-hee as the mother -daughter duo is really nice.

Waiting for next episodes to air..

Leggi di Più

A good show about mother/daughter relationships in adulthood

PLOT: The FL, only daughter of a single mother, is a police inspector, demoted, and sent to a small police station. There she finds her sunbae, the ML, also a disgraced police officer.
The FL's mother had difficult times, as a pregnant high school student, she was abandoned by her boyfriend et had to face theis difficult situation alone. She became a Physiotherapist, yet still has the soul of a teenager. But later FL's father reappears in their life...

PROS:
+ the series is mainly focused on the mother-daughter relationship, played by 2 great actresses.
+ the 2dary characters are well developed, and all the actors are excellent.
+ The story tells the daily life of ordinary Koreans (no Chaebol or CEO with succession conflicts)
+ The production is dynamic, without length

CONS:
- this series is about family relationships (biological or not) and family ties,....... Therefore there is little romance, but really few sweet scenes. i was disapointed !

=> We let ourselves be carried away by this mother-daughter duo, a little too close-knit at first to life their life separatly...
**********************************************************************************************************
Un bon show sur les relations mère/fille à l'âge adulte

PLOT : La FL, fille unique d'une mère célibataire, est inspectrice de police, rétrogradée, et envoyée dans petit commissariat. Elle y retrouve son sunbae, le ML, lui aussi policier en disgrâce.
La mère de la FL a eu des moments difficiles, qd, lycéenne enceinte, elle a du affronter la situation. Elle est devenue Physiothérapeute, mais garde une âme d'ado. Le père de la FL réapparait dans sa vie ...

PROS:
+ la série est surtout centrée sur la relation mère-fille, interprétée par 2 grandes actrices.
+ les personnages 2daires sont bien développés, et tous les acteurs sont excellents.
+ La story traite de la vie quotidienne de coréens ordinaires (pas de Chaebol ou de CEO avec conflits de succession)
+ La réalisation est dynamique, sans longueur

CONS:
- une série qui traite de la famille (biologique ou non) et des liens familiaux.
- un peu de romance, mais vraiment peu de sweet scènes.

=> On se laisse porter par ce duo mère-fille, un peu trop fusionnel...

Leggi di Più

Not (an)other drama - but a masterpiece

This will be my first review, something I thought I will never do. But I am just so impressed that I need to share my experience of this show.

First of all this is the first drama recently that I was able to connect to - it is super relatable.

Characters are not some crazy chaebols or unique geniuses, but your next door neighbor type of people. With their highs and lows. People with struggles, but still pushing through life.

The show was EXTREMELY FUNNY, but not cringey like some sitcoms tend to be. It was romantic, but no one lost their identity or themselves due to it. It was thrilling and suspenseful, but it wasn’t dark or depressing. It was just a perfect amount of everything you need to stay focused and involved with the narrative.

It is an ode to women and mothers. How to respect and love yourself first as only then we can share it with others. By loving ourselves we will know our strengths that will help us push further in life.

Also it got me thinking about my mom so often and it made me so grateful! We should never forget who loves us the most. And it had an amazing message as it has pointed out that there are BOTH biological and chosen mothers. It is not only about the blood we share, but it is about the love we receive and give back. Just beautiful!

Show was progressive! It tackled some basic things we do or feel in our everyday lives, but TV makes it almost like a taboo. Single parents, s*x, hygienic “topics”, same sex relationships and free speech.

Please disregard people saying it was “too much”, as it wasn’t. They have never - ever crossed the line of good taste. It can be only too much for people who come from censored countries and social backgrounds.

All in all, it is one of the most thoughtful and comprehensive stories with well developed characters. It is a healing show as not even a single episode ends with a negative feeling or bad energy. So please give yourself a break during a weekend and take a look, it is well worth it!

Leggi di Più

Amour vache entre mère et fille

Ce n'est pas un thriller ni une comédie romantique à proprement parlé. Lee Min Woo jongle continuellement en ajoutant du drame familial, mais ne reste jamais sur un seul genre à l'écran.

Tout en offrant une dynamique forte à son duo principal, Eun Mi (Jeon Hye Jin) et Jin Hee (Choi Soo Young), le drama explore la relation entre une mère et sa fille alors qu'elles n'ont que seize ans d'écart. L'une est une quadragénaire kinésithérapeute, l'autre est à une année de la trentaine et policière rétrogradée. Dès le premier épisode, le ton est donné quant à la dynamique du duo.

Au fil des scènes, on voit le scénario se renforcer car il s'intéresse principalement aux deux femmes. Les autres personnages sont clairement secondaires et n'ont que pour utilité de faire avancer l'intrigue. Pour ces raisons, la romance est boudée et n'apporte que peu d'intérêt au personnage de Jin Hee. En parlant de Jin Hee, si elle est la plus jeune, elle est pourtant celle qui tient les rênes. Cela dit, Choi Soo Young assure jusqu'au bout avec son style décontracté, mais intense (et voir ses personnages péter les plombs m'amuse toujours). Et c'est là qu'un autre problème se pose, Eun Mi.

Eun Mi est une femme dans la quarantaine qui agit comme une ado rebelle en permanence. Comme si défier sa fille était un jeu. Crise d'ado ou de la quarantaine, chacun son choix. Cependant, il est difficile de voir Eun Mi autrement que comme une femme capricieuse et égoïste qui, malgré elle, prive sa fille de sa liberté. Même le final laisse un goût amer quant aux chemins qu'elles empruntent. Jusqu'au moment où elle doit changer, mais le processus s'inverse d'un épisode à l'autre nous faisant ainsi perdre tout l'intérêt du personnage de Eun Mi au départ.

Le reste des personnages étaient excellents. De Park Sung Hoon à Ahn Jae Wook ainsi que Kim Hye Eun et le reste du poste de police. À la fois drôle et mignon.

Malgré ses défauts, Not Others est un drama coloré avec des personnages décomplexés et sympathiques ainsi qu'une jolie morale sur les valeurs et l'importance des liens (de sang ou de coeur).

Leggi di Più

Funny and lighthearted

Tl;dr - A good light hearted and funny drama - Recommended watch if you are into this type of genre.

For starters, I didn't read the story summary or synopsis anywhere prior to starting it. So, when I started watching this movie, I expected it to be a lot heavier and emotionally draining. But to my surprise it was pretty light hearted and conveyed the emotions pretty well.

The story has a perfect blend of humor, emotion, and lightheartedness, this story captures the essence of a unique bond formed against the odd. The relationship between the mom and daughter and the people around them is pretty well written. The humor is spot on for me and helps pace the story well. For me, the witty dialogue and amusing situations not only make us viewers chuckle but also underline the incredible resilience they both have. The story will tug at your heartstrings while leaving you with a smile on your face.

The cast is apt for the role too. Both Jeon Hye Jin (the mom) and Choi Soo Young (the daughter) portrayed the roles very well. Their characters had a decent depth but they portrayed it very well. Though Ahn Jae Wook and Park Sung Hoon are integral part of the story, their screen time were less compared to the other two. I felt Park Sung Hoon's character was a bit of a snooze fest and they could have added a bit more flavor to that.

Cast - 8/10
Story - 7.5 / 10
Writing - 9/10

Leggi di Più

Finding Your True Family

Heartwarming to the last second.
Eunmi and Jinhee are the definition of Ride or Die. That was evident from the start, but we got closer to the characters as they cleared their misunderstandings. While Eunmi and Jinhee's relationship was goals for most of the time I did find it a teensy bit toxic sometimes. But you'll get what I mean when you watch!
It showed us the reality of teen pregnancy (well, one reality ig) without glorifying it (see what I mean in ep 16)
Touched on gay relationships
2 (separate) AMAZING besties for our FLs
A lovely hate-to-love relationship between our police officers <3
It mentioned how blood relations can potentially, truly mean nothing at all but it's the relationships YOU choose. And I loved that.
Flaws -
More Jinhee and Jaewon pleaseee
Didn't like how their love story was so short.

Leggi di Più

I watched this show on going since the very start. I watched it for Park Sunghoon, so I didn't think much of it, but somehow this made it's way into my 10/10 rate list. I had a break from watching any dramas for the past few months until around last month when i picked up this drama along with two others. And out of all that I've watched recently, this really takes the cake. I was abolutely invested in this, I kept thinking about this, I felt every single scene. This drama hurt me, and made me giggle like a high school girl.

The drama I think is pretty realistic in a way, at least to me. The mother-daughter's relationship that had a lot of misunderstandings, the two being stubborn and having their own views, the two keeping things from each other so they won't be hurt. And I think the way the drama is written shows that quite well. In a way that every scene, my emotions were like roller coaster. I would side with a character on one scene, and then a few scenes later, I would understand the other character's perspective too. Of course, other dramas do this too, but I don't know why this is just so perfect for this drama specifically.

Personally, the ending is very different from what I imagined and from what I wanted. I do feel a little disappointed that there weren't as many jinhee-jaewon flashbacks as much as eunmi-jinhong. And it's a bit sad that their relationship only bloomed in the last two episodes, but even then, they're not officially dating and they even barely have any scenes together as a couple in the last episode. But, at the same time I can't really get mad because their slowburn is what made me love jinhee-jaewon so much. Any scene together at some point made me excited and happy for what their next step as colleagues or couple would be. I loved overanalyzing their every move, their stares, their words towards each other. It was the most exciting part whenever I wait for the new episodes each week. And just for that, even if it wasn't what I wanted exactly, I'm happy enough like this.

Leggi di Più