Sparkling Watermelon (2023)

The time travel logic may be shaky, but you won't care

TL;DR at the end with no spoilers.

I actually started writing this review half a year ago. I don't like the idea of leaving it unfinished, but I've already forgotten too much about the show so what you'll read below is my attempt at piecing together whatever I can remember. Let's get into it.

Maybe it's just me, but each time I watch a show where time travel is a plot device I give up a little more on trying to make logical sense of it. Having time travel live up to our standards of how it should work just sends you into an endless pursuit of causality that may not even benefit the story. Don't get me wrong: if the point of the plot is to explore the internal logic of time travel, by all means go for it; I'm not advocating uncritical thinking or brushing off blatant plot holes. It's just...you know, sometimes you're better off not aiming for realism. Settling instead for convenient magic with just enough common sense sprinkled on top allows the writer to focus on the message. It may pain you if you like hard sci-fi like I do, but I'm willing to concede that people can very much enjoy a story that isn't 100% scientifically accurate. There's enough proof out there.

Why am I saying all this? Because I'm not rationally on board with the plot conveniences. Even the characters openly call out how arbitrary time travel is, both in the timing and in the way it works. If you think hard enough about how the events play out, the cracks in causality start to appear. However, attempting to patch them would only add unnecessary complexity while probably making the ending less satisfying. This show is trying to make you feel something, and to achieve that it has decided to make sacrifices. Now, I'd be upset if it wasted the chance, but the show is great at getting you invested in the main characters and how they evolve. The ultimate inevitability of the event the ML desperately tries to prevent with his actions in the past, though sad, wraps it up nicely for the sci-fi elitist in me. If my vague memories of watching this are anything to go by, I feel like I successfully brainwashed myself into enjoying this more.

On a related note, going back in time and changing the past meant that the ML didn't solve the problems he originally ran away from—his family being poor and his father not approving of his music career: he just wiped that timeline out of existence. I guess it's okay because the good guys ended up better off, but I just wanted to point that out.

To conclude this review, I'll mention the clinginess of the ML towards the younger version of his father. I get wanting to prevent an incident with irreversible consequences—his father becoming permanently deaf—but the constant overprotective nagging and imposing on him is kind of irritating at times. For me, anyway.

TL;DR:

Just go watch it if you like the premise. I binged it in three days.

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Arguably the best Drama of 2023

Twinkling Watermelon is one of those dramas you stumble onto because you either saw it pop up on your feed or you saw your mutuals whispering about it on their social media pages.

What happens when a son ends up going back in time and meeting his 18 year old parents? How does he interact with them? How does he change their lives?

This story is everything we want to be able to do and experience by going into the past and leaves you feeling so many emotions - love, happiness, hope and even helplessness.

This is a story that will make you laugh, cry and get up and live your life. Go watch it. Every second of it is worth it.

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Twinkling Watermelon: A Radiant Ode to Life's Resilience & A Undeniable Work of Art

"Twinkling Watermelon" is a poignant exploration of life's challenges, seamlessly interweaving the themes of disability and the often-overlooked struggles of parents. Parents experience parenthood for the first time in their lives, and they are constantly learning how to be good parents as they navigate the journey. Despite being human and prone to struggles and mistakes, they remain open to hearing our voices, driven solely by their heartfelt desire for our ultimate happiness. The show masterfully delves into the delicate tapestry of human emotions, portraying a narrative that encapsulates the essence of perseverance, resilience, and the undying spirit of life.

"Twinkling Watermelon" goes beyond the typical portrayal of disability, skillfully integrating the narrative with the intricate dynamics of familial relationships. The portrayal of disability is not merely a plot device but a central aspect of character identity, fostering a deep connection between the audience and the protagonists. The storyline delicately addresses the theme of arguing with parents, shedding light on the often-misunderstood struggles that precede parenthood. The narrative unfolds with a focus on the main characters, each facing their unique set of challenges. The characters' emotional journeys are portrayed with authenticity, capturing the unspoken sacrifices and hardships parents endure, subtly urging the audience to empathize and appreciate the depth of a parent's love.

What sets this drama apart is its unwavering commitment to delivering a message of hope and resilience. The main characters serve as beacons of inspiration, demonstrating that life, no matter how challenging, is a constant twinkle that should never be extinguished. The narrative encourages viewers to recognize the struggles inherent in existence but emphasizes the importance of finding happiness amidst the difficulties. The drama's core message resonates powerfully: "Never give up on your life, give up only on giving up on your life because you can't wait until your life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy." This mantra becomes a guiding light for both the characters and the audience, urging everyone to find joy in the midst of adversity and to embrace life's challenges with courage.

To sum up, I believe that "Twinkling Watermelon" stands as a testament to the beauty of the human spirit, skillfully addressing the topics of disability, familial relationships, and the indomitable will to find happiness. Through its exceptionally talented cast member, well-developed characters and profound storytelling, the drama leaves a lasting impression, reminding us all that life's journey may be tough, but within the struggle lies the opportunity to discover the true radiance of existence. Let's all Twinkle every single day of our life and never forget that life is a gift no matter how hard living is.

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We all deserve a twinkling life!!!

Starting off with one of my favourite lines in the show;

“Here is a thing about life
It may not give you everything you want..
But it does hide a little present for you from time to time..
I hope you can endure
The cruel hardship life throws your way...
So you can receive the present life tucked away..
To you and every one you want to protect..
VIDA LA VIDA...LONG LIVE LIFE”

- MASTER

Twinkling watermelon was a beautiful and heartwarming and heart wrenching coming of age drama about youth friendship love music family time travel bromance acceptance trauma parental love and understanding ..all of this can be used to describe this drama.

The cast was spot on ( I love how each of the actors managed to make their roles shine)

The characters were all written beautifully..I loved the imperfect setting for the characters which made them relatable and also made their characters growth and development natural and beautiful...they also each had their charms which added to the beauty of the story and the characters them selves.

The story was a roller coaster of emotions....I found my self laughing alot and crying alot most of the times but I loved how it had this aspect of consistency hence remaining to what it was originally set out out to be...a beautiful and heartwarming drama about healing friend ship youth family music and many more.

The acting was AMAZING, I think this was the dramas greatest weapon....the actors and actresses had a natural potrayal or emotions it almost felt real at some point...the acting was the kind that could move you in an instant and make you feel the characters pain and happiness.

The chemistry between the couples was undeniably good...I loved both and hoped to see more of them...one couple being calm and beautiful and the other being chaotic and fun.

The osts were beautiful and nostalgic.

The dialogue was well thought out educative and relatable..there were many life lessons thrown in both directly and indirectly through the different scenarios the characters go through...I loved how the drama tried it's best to potray disabilities as a gift that should be appreciated and something you can feel proud of rather than a burden or something that can make you feel insecure about your self.

This drama managed to touch various sensitive topics that kept me invested considering the fact that they were things that happen in out actual lives and things that we could all relate too in one way or another....which I definetly loved so much.

The ending was heartwarming and heart wrenching yet beautifully captured...I hoped it was a bit longer since I wanted to see more but either way I felt satisfied to some extent.

Do I recommend this drama?

Definitely....if you want a drama with amazing casting, acting, a consistent and beautifully written plot, with well thought out dialogue, life lessons, music friendship, growth, family, love then this is exactly what you should be watching...and you can thank me later.

EASILY ONE OF THE BEST DRAMAS OF 2023

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a really fun, feel-good drama

Twinkling Watermelon was nothing like I expected — its heartfelt in both writing and performance, and is an enjoyable story with a happy ending.

Of course there are flaws, but none that completely overshadowed the story. Some things that I wanted more from were (1) the inconclusive way they handled Eun Yoo’s anxiety and (2) somewhat of a lack of acknowledgment that what they went through is what made them who they are in 2023, but these are rather minor things compared to what this drama brings.

As far as I know, the people behind the production are able-bodied, but this was a positive, warm, and non-exploitative representation for people with disabilities. The show treated each character with fairness and didn’t dish out pity or over-emphasize what they lacked.

There’s also something so warm and tender about the the whole concept of the drama, which is the guilt and love we feel towards our parents, and the outpouring of empathy, grief, and protectiveness we feel when we realize they were once our age too. I love this concept. Though it’s more fairy tale than science fiction, it’s healing and speaks to how much we wish we could could’ve protected our parents once we’ve seen them as human beings.

Great cast, fun writing, and good music!

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VIVA LA VIDAA!!

In love with this kdrama, it was beautiful from start to finish, a good message about love, family, friendship and our dreams.

Excellent cast, the music, the performances, everything was perfect.

tvn excelled with this drama, keep making dramas like this, dramas that you don't want to stop watching, dramas that touch your heart and soul, dramas that are good from the beginning.

I'm still crying with that perfect ending.

The best drama of 2023, I want more episodes, I don't want to let go of the watermelon sugar, I will miss you too much, my Mondays and Tuesdays will not be the same

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My standard have been raised now my drama life is ruined

if I had to summarise this series in one word it would be either perfect or a masterpiece I can put it with boys over flowers and say it is better…

it was based around music so I loved it anyways… the acting… the casting and even the plot and story were amazing I mean they could do a little bit more with the step mother fiasco but all is well that ends well and the ending was satisfying

many things still remained unexplained because of the abrupt end but the whole story had a grip

it was fast paced and had no nonsense in it I must say they sped up the ending a little but common not everything can be perfect but it is a masterpiece

I must say it is the first series after love between fairy and demon that made me think wowww I am in love.

I can bet 10yrs of my life that it is the best series of 2022 and 2023 because I didn’t find anything this good in these 2 years


Thank you so much for making such an addicting and amazing series
You have successfully ruined my karana life by raising my standard

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Amazing storytelling, i sobbed

The whole thing was so heartwarming and beautiful. It was aggressive when needed and extremely realistic in every way except for the magic time-traveling part. Everyone's lives, experiences, and feelings were explained and well represented, and I felt that nobody was left behind. The four main actors did an amazing job; they're so good. I loved that they were completely different and unique in their own way. The way it's written! Omg, I loved that we could see the parents in many different scenarios: how they were there for each other when things were tough in adulthood, how they met and fell in love, and how they continued to love each other when their lives were better financially and socially in the end. We don't usually get to see these many dimensions in a couple's relationships in series. I loved seeing them grow up together. The only thing is that I wish the ending was a bit longer, and we could see how On Eun Yu's life changed too, and how her and Eun Gyeol's relationship was now that they got back, her dynamic with his family, and all.

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top kdrama of this year!!!

I loved everything about it. This 2023 gem quickly catapulted itself to the top of my kdrama favorites, and trust me, it's worth watching! The characters are the heart and soul of the show. Eun Gyeol's earnestness and unwavering love for his family will make you root for him, while his teenage father, Yi Chan, offers a charmingly clueless counterpoint. The supporting cast is equally captivating, from the enigmatic bandmates to the sassy best friend. The series effortlessly portrays the power of love in its many forms – filial, romantic, and platonic, it celebrates family bonds, second chances, and the pursuit of dreams, all wrapped in a heartwarming glow. Whether it's a tender moment between parent and child or a tearful scene of first love, the show tugs at your heartstrings without resorting to a full melodrama. And also the soundtrack is a vibrant pop-rock symphony that perfectly complements the on-screen action. Each song feels organic to the story, adding layers of emotion and energy to every scene.

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