This review may contain spoilers
Cliched but engrossing drama with surprisingly good acting
Six years after the air date, here is me take on the show (for those who have been waiting with baited breath):It is surprisingly engrossing!
Yes, it is filled with cliches, but they are handled well; it has some very bad relationship dynamics (lots of grabbing and manipulation and emotional cruelty) -- and that is NOT OK -- but given the heightened emotional stakes and the overall melodramatic tint of the show, it's less atrocious than it would otherwise be; a lot of the story is not realistic at all, but it is relatively logical and it actually flows at a reasonable pace. In all, its weaknesses can be overlooked because it's fun!
The acting in the show took me by surprise, truly. I have seen some reviews criticizing the female lead for some "shouting" and such, and there is some of that, but it looks like a sizable proportion of it was written into the script. I am basing this on the fact that the show cuts to people's reactions to the character's loud behavior -- so this was asked for, and delivered as asked.
Will not be rewatching it because it is simply too long for that, but I do not consider it time wasted.
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It's not the best melodrama, I must say, but it's not that bad either.
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I don't know why it has so less rating, but from my personal point of view it was all good..
Just the ending was kinda short like nothing surprising... Could have been better..
But other than that it is one hell of a drama which will make you smile and cry over and over again :)
P.S: The Story was kinda different than other stories, so worth it.
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Simply boring!! No Romance, No Comedy, Just a dumbu Melodrama!!
Based on the summary I was expecting RomCom with several fun scenes and puns. However within the first three episodes it was clear that it will be nothing mor than just a depressing melodrama.In terms of acting, both the leads felt as if they were just trying too hard to convince of their hardships and background, which impacted the overall presentation. I have watched other dramas by these and they simply stand-out well compared to this.
In terms of storyline it was boring and depressing, and this comes from a person who grew-up in India watching hardcore melodramas such as "Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki", "Kuinki Saas be kabhi Bahoo Thi" and "Kasauti Zindagi Ki". The story didn't portray the comic moments well enough, making it quite bland. I actually lost interest when watching this and even fell asleep while watching. (I guess I had a bit too high expectations).
The story isn't worth re-watching atleast for me(who isn't even planning on finishing this).
Overall there should have been more comic moments to make it more captivating.
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A Tear-Picker
This series truly had me addicted, I started with one episode and could not do anything else, I watched it to the end. I laughed, got mad, and cried enough in this series. I truly felt drawn into the story-line. I am only sad for the ending though, I felt like their story should have been longer, I wished with all my heart he got treatment for his illness. Although I wished for a better ending I respect the cast and production for not trying to get a few more episodes out of it."The series focuses upon successful superstar Sin Joon Young ( Kim Woo Bin) who awkwardly meets his old flame from his youth, No Eul ( Bae Suzy), a producer of documentaries. When their respected careers awkwardly make their paths cross once again, No Eul is surprised to learn how much Joon Young has changed into a shallow and materialistic individual, rather than the kind-hearted person she once fell in love with, however, Joon Young also begins to stumble upon a life-changing truth which may finally ruin his relationship with his former love...
Undeniably, Uncontrollably Fond isn’t the type of drama to watch if you’re looking for something” fun and fluffy” ; the focal point of the series centralises upon terminal illness, tragic love and angst with Lee Kyung Hee’s ( The Innocent Man, Chocolate) screenwriting hoping to tug at heartstrings of viewers , rather than relish in a sweet romance tale (as shown in his more light-hearted works). The show is certainly effective within inflicting heartache onto viewers towards the particular fate of our characters, however, it is still certainly problematic when it comes to characterisation, as well as clearing up the evident inconsistencies which arose in this angst-ridden ride as well.It is important to note that the acting in the show is certainly quite good. Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy are undeniably brilliant actors, however, it is fair to say that their characters are tackled interestingly, to say the least.
Bae Suzy’s character, No Eul is undeniably a kind-hearted soul who is passionate about her work and desperately tries to make amends with Joon Young over the course of the series . On the other hand, No Eul often felt too dormant within her actual role and presence as a fleshed-out individual onscreen. Whilst it is important to stress that a show doesn’t necessarily need to go into a whole life story upon a character in order for viewers to “ get to know them personally”, it’s hard to really distinguish or get a grip upon No Eul as a character outside of her “ necessary flashbacks “ and past relationship with Joon Young. Even minor details such as her interests, interactions outside of her workplace and reactions to prominent obstacles over the course of the story , often felt passive and lacking in emotional depth to truly portray her as a well-written female lead.
Then of course there is Kim Woo Bin’s role as Joon Young. Undeniably Joon Young goes through several terrible ordeals even before the main events of the series, which fundamentally shapes his certain outlook upon life, relationships and characters (No Eul, being the evident subject of Joon Young’s changed interactions and feelings). No Eul’s entry into Joon Young’s life again comes nearly simultaneously with his life-changing news. This consequently causes him to try pushing No Eul away, as she becomes his saddening and haunting reminder of a past that he’s tried to reject, and he can never return to.
This of course leads us down two routes of “ problematic” characterization; the first within Joon Young’s behaviour, and secondly towards this behaviour is inflicted towards the female lead No Eul . It’s important to say that Joon Young’s reactions and attempts to drive No Eul away by flirting with other women, did add a slightly realistic reaction towards the male lead’s scenario. Joon Young is supposed to be only human and naturally intrinsically driven like most people towards rash decision-making.
However, Joon Young’s often anger-driven emotions and reactions towards his situation by throwing things or beginning a screaming match, soon became both frustrating when he began to lash out at times upon No Eul. A lot of fans of Uncontrollably Fond’s pairing often seem to gloss over the fact that ,for the majority of the series, Joon Young was emotionally abusive and physically harassed the female lead upon several occasions ( not least throwing her out of the car in the middle of nowhere, grabbing her arm often without consent and often manipulating her feelings rather than merely being honest).
Again, this is not saying it was “ wrong” for Joon Young to have feelings anger or for the show to touch upon emotional abuse or physical harassment, but it was concerning that the drama neither raised this up prominently as a terrible issue or relationships, and suddenly tried to “ sweeten” this by Joon Young and No Eul’s more “ romantic” feelings before the finale. This sudden transition from Joon Young tossing No Eul out of a car to hugging her several episodes later, wasn’t just nonsensical, but ridiculous in terms of character and relationship progression.Nevertheless, despite the questionable relationship between the two characters, the finale did leave a sucker- punch for viewers’ feelings. Without spoiling too much, it is fair to say that upon reflection the ending isn’t “ sad” per say because of the fate of our characters, but rather the blinded acceptance towards what is happening in their present, rather than their pasts or futures.
Overall Uncontrollably Fond wasn’t a bad show with some well-written qualities of the psychological complexity of coming to grasps with terminal illness, relationships, love and an emotional ending. On the other hand, Uncontrollably Fond had little greater character depth, straying away from cliches and explanations ( not least the “ unexplained illness”) ,a healthily progressive portrayal of relationships and problems of sugarcoating issues of emotional abuse and physical harassment within the main couple as well. As a drama to pass the time and as a tearjerker , Uncontrollably Fond is undeniably a good-binge watch, however, if you’re looking for a show with genuine depth and a well-written relationship between our leads, then look elsewhere because Uncontrollably Fond certainly isn’t the one that you’re looking for. "
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What to do, If you are sane you can't give this drama <9 stars anyway
im not talking about those pushovers who are degrading this already underrated great drama in purpose,There is no thing such as feeling good if you can't make that thing feel good on eart,and so kdramas,this kdrama needs a sane brain and patience to enjoy,so if you want to enjoy this drama,dont waste your time reading those nonsense reviews here ,and go right way and watch this drama ok hitv or netflix or something,"you will definitely enjoy the most and remember the most"-i can certify this
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I will see again.
This was a great story and Kim Woo Bin did an excellent performance. I would definitely watch again. It was entertaining, funny, sad at times and I cried my eyes out at the end.My only dislike was the noisiness of Bae Suzy but I truly loved Kim Woo Bin's performing a main role. I have seen him in other dramas where is in a support role. I am a new fan of his and will be following his dramas to see what new roles he does.
I am fairly new to Korean dramas which have become my sole entertainment.
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Mesmerising
LIKEWhen Joon Yeong confessed his actions to Noh Eul during one of his interviews
When Joon Yeong told Yeong Ok the reason why he did not pursue his dream career
When Yeong Ok lamented in front of Hyun Joon
When Noh Eul cried in front of Yeong Ok but couldn't specify the reason
When Hyun Joon said he was the one who made the decision for fame
DISLIKE
Nothing to dislike - just shocked as UF was one of the first few dramas after DOTS that made me switched from HK to SK. Totally dropped HK as their storyline are too predictable.
MUSIC - personal fav
My Heart Speaks - Kim Na Young
From When and Until When - Tei
REWATCH VALUE
Yes someday I'll add to my list
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Yeah the writer did a good job in executing the inevitable, they could have been cruel but this is acceptable even with a broken heart.
When he fell asleep on her shoulder something happened to my heart for all I know dramas are gonna be the end of me. So yeah that's that this is a beautiful drama with realistic ending which will fuck up your feelings , bring out the demon in you, question your masculinity, I don't blame really blame people for dropping the ratings for this drama because some episode of this drama was really hard to watch not because it is bad but because it is sad and not everyone has the maturity to go through it i guess.
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Mid episode review
This is my mid review of drama Uncontrollably Fond:Post 6 episodes :-
Sin Joon Young (Main Lead) 's mom is still pissing me off. I don't know about you all but I am annoyed by her attitude towards her son how she treats him who only wishes to see her and be loved by her.
(ps. I have not completed it yet and will continue watching it.. I will update my review after watching further.. Byee till then :)
Post 8 episodes :-
I am heartbroken seeing Sin Joon Young s efforts to gain the love of his mother and No Eul leaving behind all his pride and jealousy he is chasing her. Still she ignores him and throws him away. It hurts :(
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