This show probably has the most realistic approach to characterisation and dialogue that I have ever seen in a Kdrama before. On the face of it, the plot and characters are quite standard. But the execution is just so nuanced and thoughtful that the show transcends the limitations of the genre.

Story: This isn't just a thoughtful romance drama. It's also an excellent meditation on the human condition. You get a real sense of just how lonely it can be out in the modern world. How sometimes individuals are trapped into actions and choices because of their upbringing and personality, and how difficult overcoming that can be.

Acting/cast: All of the characters felt authentic and had a real dignity to them. Nothing felt phony or forced. There were no times where I felt that the heavy hand of the writer was guiding the character into some stupid situation or action. All of it was rooted in a reality.

The two main leads are fantastic. The chemistry between them is magnetic, exciting, and tragic.

Music: Great music. Stylish, sexy, and totally not cheesy.

Rewatch Value: It was made in 2007 and yet it still seems very, very cool. A lot of this has to do with the cast and acting but the themes dealt with are also quite timeless. I can see myself rewatching this a few times down the track.

Overall I give this a 9. It was a mark short of a 10 because it became a bit dull around the middle for one or two episodes. I wouldn't say it was boring but the show definitely could have done with a shorter episode order. That's a minor quibble, though. All-in-all this is an excellent must watch drama.

Leggi di Più

Wow, what a ride. To all of those who are turned off by the length of this show: don't be. The show starts to fly by once you get into it. And I would have hated it if this show was any shorter. Smile You's length allowed for the writes to really showcase all of the characters and the actors playing them. Every single family member has a voice and a substantial plotline. And all of these threads come together in a really effective, and frankly heartwarming way.

If you're looking for a funny and dramatic family story with great acting, snappy dialogue, and terrific pacing then this is the show for you.

Leggi di Più

I'm only 20 episodes through this but I thought it was time that this show got another review. I watched this in the hopes of finding a Smile You 2.0. which Cheer Up, Mr. Kim definitely is not. While it certainly has some of the elements that made Smile You special (families from different backgrounds jutting up against each other, big company politics), but it lacks the comedy and wackiness that I loved from that show.

However, that doesn't mean that Cheer Up is somehow substandard or bad. This is just a different show. And I instead fell in love with it for an entirely different set of reasons. I mean, I'm really hooked on this show at the moment.

This show is cute. And not in a icky sort of American cheese way. Cheer Up is cute in a "god damn, some of these people have it tough but they're still lovely" sort of way. You will fall in love with pretty much all of the characters, especially Mr. Kim and his three wards. All of them are well written and well acted. The child actors are some of the best I've seen so far in dramaland.

I won't go into the story at all as it still has about 80 episodes to go and it really wouldn't be fair to review. All I can say is that so far I found all of the stories told in the show riveting. None of the plot-lines are particularly grand or extraordinary. They're just executed in an efficient and entertaining way.

This is must watch television.

Leggi di Più

All of the reviewers were right. This show really is that good.

Story: Awesome. One or two heart wrenching relationships mixed in with a ton of funny characters. Like most Kdramas the story is earnest but here it manages to also be quite cool. My only criticism is that its' a tad disjointed at times. And a few of the flashbacks and time-jumps didn't make total sense.

Acting: THE BEST ACTING I'VE SEEN IN A KDRAMA. FULL STOP. PERIOD.
Seriously, the two mains in this are just so damn good. Their facials, their delivery, their chemistry. Everything was just perfect. All of the supporting cast were great as well. Shi Woon's parents were so damn funny.

Music: A great showcase of western and Korean music. This is probably the first show where I've gone out of my way to get the OST. There are just so many great tunes, and it all fits in so well with the mood.

Rewatch Value: This feels like The Wire of Kdrama for me. I just know that I'll be pulling it out every year to spend more time with all the funny and loveable characters.

Answer Me 1997 is a fabulous must watch show.

Leggi di Più