Just Between Lovers (2017)

High Caliber, unique drama

I already knew I loved this drama, but upon rewatching it I realize that this is truly one of my favourites. It's getting knocked down from being a perfect 10 because there are a few moments when the plot gets a bit too melo for me, but on the whole it's a minor quibble. This drama is wonderful.
Where to begin? I love the tone. It can be bitter and dark, but also hopeful and fun. I think that dramas like that get the closest to describing life how it really is. Even though it is heavier than the average romantic drama, it doesn't feel oppressively grim like it could have under different direction. The drama focuses on overcoming trauma, and all the suffering and joy that can come from that.
It's also interested in the real world -- I love how much is set in dockyards, back alleys, and on the construction site. This drama is so unglamorous. Its characters wear regular clothes and live in regular houses, and the leads are rough around the edges even at the end. I love when dramas that do this! There are so many dramas where everyone feels like they're living in some kind of dream world, whereas this feels so grounded and it makes me more invested.
The leads are also fantastic. There are few couples that I feel more passionately about than these two. They both feel like real people, and are flawed and three dimensional. I can understand why they fall in love because I was falling in love with both of them while watching! Their relationship is a real slow burn, but I think that makes it even more worthwhile. It builds over time in a really natural way and the obstacles they face and overcome feel earned. On top of all that, they have great chemistry and they have great conversations. I love how open and frank they are with each other.
Overall, what a great drama. So balanced, so heartfelt, so moving and so well paced. I feel like this makes me emotional in the same way Reply 1988 does -- I am so attached to the characters and their journey. I can't recommend it enough.

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WOW AMAZING!

All you have to do is read the first review by @hardpliers and that's exactly what I think!
Although Netflix (in America) names the series "Rain or Shine" and others call it "Just Between Lovers" it's the same series.
I have to say I came close to dropping it a few episodes before the end because I was worried about the ending, but it all came together in a happy way, I was doubtful of that!
But it touches LOVE in an awesome way and really makes you think about what's important in life.
Still a little too emotional for my taste, but still loved it, and was a huge roller coaster ride for sure!
I must say, Lee-Jun-Ho was fabulous (he looked totally different from the series "Kind the Land" which was wild).
I'm truly a fan of his now, great actor! And Won Jin-ah played a great part, such a sweet adorable actress.

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The story, even if the core of it isn't something new, but the way it unfolds and connects those who are affected by the main event is believable and very very humane.
I loved the script, not too much nonsense going on and the characters don't really talk much most of them, there are few talkative ones, few serious ones, few depressed ones, few carefree ones, There is no Evil [erson in this show, just some people who are way too selfish with more flaws than the others.
The Soundtrack is insanely good, hypnotizing, quiet, thoughtful and touching without big ballads or forced emotions, loved the genre they used and how long the song is played whenever it comes on the show, never too much, just a few seconds to set the mood right. I am in LOVE with all the songs.

I gave it 9/10 because there was a lot of flashbacks in the first few episodes, and the lead actress was the only one who fell short as EVERYONE WAS SUPERB that she, unfortunately, paled in comparison, despite her good portrait of Min-soo and the fact it's her first Drama ever! Jun hoo was GREAT! Loved him in all his previous support roles but this time I can say they cast him right despite him being an idol, he deserves it fully. and the fact that e is not the obvious choice (from marketing point of view) nor the lead actress, gave the show much more depth and humanity

They hose veteran actors to play the older people, the Grandma, Min soo mom and dad, and so on. and boy didn't they do a superb job experience s really fascinating.

I strongly recommend this show, it couches you and you get connected to the characters without being too painful o tear-jerker, I will be certainly watching it again!

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Slow burn

I am a Lee Jun Ho fan so obviously i am going to watch it. Story is based on the traumatic experience of ML and FL. This is very much a slow burn and the pacing is very slow but good plot with good acting cast. All the actors did wonderful job in this drama. All the characters had such strong and powerful presence that it didn't feel like they are supporting cast except of course less screen time.
Character development for ML from violent to taking care of himself has been very slow but it happens. FL is strong with good head on those shoulders. Story is very emotional so get ready with tissue box and it is heart breaking at the same time. Just hang in there it is a good one. As usual i binged watched it but i hardly fast forwarded any scenes. I loved the value of relationship for ML and how human values are important no matter what.
It kind of instill a good faith in new though you are going to experience range of emotions while watching this show but at the end of it's still worth it.

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This show is totally different from the other dramas, it's a really sad drama but the way they made the show, including plot, couple dynamics and characters is very interesting. Starting by the plot, is something I've never seen before for a k-drama, and considering the other dramas I've watched, this one had the best rollout for a couple who have met when they were kids/teenagers, like it had a purpose and consequences in the drama. What I liked the most about the show was the main couple dynamics, the female lead was actually the one pushing for the relationship and she wasn't afraid to show she was interested on the male lead, but also he always cared for her and he was actually the one to be more affectionate when they started dating. The only thing I have to complain about the show is how they handled the last episodes, they didn't show how the memorial which the main characters were working on during the whole show turned out and they came with a whole disease for the male lead that it felt like an excuse for him to get back with Moon Soo. It's still one of my favorite dramas because the story was great and the couple had a great chemistry

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One of the greatest dramas that could have been even better than it was

Just getting it out there that I love this drama. It's one of my favorites, and I've even rewatched it. It has lots of pros, such as:

- Amazing acting. Junho quite literally carries this show on his back with his acting chops. This is his best performance to date IMO. Watch it for that reason alone.
- Great story that blends a true tragic event seamlessly and respectfully with a beautiful and tension-filled romance.
- Beautiful cinematography.
- Quality writing and direction. A lot of good qualities and obvious talent went into this drama.

Cons:

- Pacing. Although the story flows exceptionally well, I felt it did struggle with slowness.
- The OST here didn't do it for me. There were 1 or 2 songs I liked, but for the most part, I felt the music and instrumentals didn't match the vibe and quality of the rest of the drama.
- The special effects of the disaster could have been better, but they weren't bad for 2017.

Definitely watch it, especially if you're looking for a low-key melodrama.

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ES PRECIOSO

SON LO MÁS BONITO DEL MUNDO, HE LLORADO MUCHÍSIMO PERO ES EL AMOR MÁS PURO Y SINCERO Y REAL QUE HE VISTO NUNCA, DESPUÉS DE CLOY PERO AL FINAL LO DE CLOY ES UNA SITUACIÓN MUY ÚNICA Y DIGAMOS MENOS IREAL O FACTIBLE PERO ESTA SE VE TAN REAL QUE DUELE, PORQUE DUELE PENSAR QUE PODRÍA SER REAL Y NO LO ES, PERO SON TAN LINDOS, OSEA HA SIDO TAN BONITO VER LO ROTOS QUE ESTABAN ELLOS, LA MIERDA DE VIDA QUE TENÍAN Y VER LO PRECIOSO QUE ES TENER A ALGUIEN A TU LADO, NO PARA CURARTE LAS HERIDAS PORQUE NADIE PUEDE HACERLO PERO SI PARA DARTE LUZ, PARA ACOMPAÑARTE CUANDO ESTÉS EN LO PEOR Y DECIRTE AQUÍ ESTOY, EN LA MIERDA QUE ESTÁS AQUÍ ESTOY, TE QUIERO AÚN CON TODAS ESAS CICATRICES???? he amado como han reflejado que el amor no lo cura todo, no por tenerlo pasas de estar fatal a ser la persona más feliz porque no, los problemas siguen estando pero aún así todo cambia,no estás solo, tienes a alguien que te va abrazar cuando llores, que te va a coger la mano cuando tengas frío, que te va a llevar helado cuando estés costipada y no tenga ningún sentido ?amo de verdad, todo ha sido horrible, doloroso y aún así había algo, ellos juntos, que hacia que no todo fuese horrible y doloroso, hacían que todo lo malo se convirtiese en la razón más bonita por la que están juntos, no puedo, en fin, los amaré por siempre

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Winter is the perfect season for a melodrama.

Story.
The story was great. Two kids who lived a perfectly normal life end up as victims due to a collapse and ending up having scars for the rest of their lives. The writers did a great job. Everything ran so smoothly and everyone was connected somehow. What I really loved about this drama was that everyone had a backstory, the writers didn't just give you a "best friend" without giving that bestfriend a story as well. Furthermore even the evil guys were not actually evil, you can't really hate anyone in this drama but before I give out spoilers if you want to watch a great melodramatic story this drama is for you. Grab some tissues, a blanket and you are set.

Acting/Cast.
Could not have asked for better actors. Everyone and I mean every. one. did a great job. You could really dwell on their sadness. What else can I say, I was impressed.

Music.
Okay I gotta admit, the music was unique it fits really well to the drama and it was the first time I've heard this kind of music in a drama overall. Especially the main ost, I bet everyone loved it and its a worthy one to be on someone's playlist in their phones. But I can't lie that some songs were kinda off at some scenes especially in the beginning but I guess it was just the uniqueness of it. 

Overall.
At times I felt like this drama was going slow but it always managed to make me want to see what's next. Especially in the end. One thing for sure. It ain't boring. I recommend you watching this 100%. It's totally one of the best dramas of 2017-2018 and if this doesn't win an award I'm going to be disappointed. So go for it you really do not wanna miss it.

'Don't say "what if"... there is no end'

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A cute, fluffy romance that quickly became a favorite and comfort of mine. The drama follows 2 people who were caught in a tragic mall collapse years ago, each losing someone important to them and being trapped themselves, dealing with the rebuilding of a new structure on the same land. If you're looking for a slow burn, a troubled male lead who comes to terms with his emotions, and a great female lead then this is for you.

-- Spoilers Below --

Lee Kang Doo is a young man who has a trouble streak and an "I don't care" attitude. He doesn't have any close family, just his sister who he financially supports to be a doctor, and lives with a friend he had made. His father was in the mall collapse years ago and ended up losing his life, which his dad was not even supposed to still be in the structure. They were supposed to go to a soccer game after, but work got in the way. He was waiting in the mall and got trapped with Ha Moon Soo and a boy she was supposed to meet at the time. As he learns they are rebuilding a new structure on the same plot of land, he begins obsessing over what happened again and begins working for the construction company. There he begins having PTSD flashbacks of the boy who was trapped and struggles with being a survivor of the tragedy while others died. Kang Doo falls hard for Moon Soo and they eventually begin a relationship. It is one of the most obvious things in the drama, but I loved them together regardless. Towards the end though, I felt that the drama was just pulling him through the ringer for no real reason other than drama itself and to keep the storyline going. After dealing with the loss and grief of losing the grandmother figure in his life, we learn that Kang Doo's liver is failing and he needs a transplant or he will die. This leads to them realizing that they can't live without each other and ends happily with him alive and well.

Ha Moon Soo was also in the mall collapse years ago, leaving her star sister on the lower floor as she went to meet a boy. Her sister ends up dying in the collapse and Moon Soo holds a great deal of guilt over this because she feels she is partially at fault for leaving her sister. Her mom and dad separated after the death, grieving in their own ways, and Moon Soo grows up isolated. She has a best friend who she met in the hospital while recovering and spends most of her free time with her. She works as an architectural builder. Making models of structures that are going to be built and making sure they are up to safety code. Moon Soo is one of the people working on the project for the new structure where the mall once stood. Instead of working on the actual structure itself, her and Kang Doo are put in charge of making a memorial for the collapse victims. This brings her and Kang Doo going door-to-door to victim's families and loved ones, gaining memories and pieces of them along the way. They design a beautiful park and together learn how to deal with their grief of losing loved ones and surviving themselves.

Seo Joo Won is Moon Soo's boss, and although he was a huge side character, I didn't care for his story line as much. His father was involved in the building of the mall and he was the one who was blamed for the collapse and deaths of hundreds. Due to being the companies scapegoat, he ends up taking his own life and leaves behind Joo Won. He follows in his father's footsteps and becomes a builder as well and is taking on the task of building the new structure where the mall once stood. Joo Won struggles with the grief and secret of losing his father and this comes out in many ways of him being extra cautious with every part of the building process. One of the things I didn't care for was his liking of Moon Soo. It added in a drama element of a possible love triangle, but wasn't needed because he knew Kang Doo and Moon Soo liked each other and he had his own girlfriend on the side. He eventually learns to get over his grief as well, accepting that his father's death was not his fault, but due to the negligence of the company.

All in all, I loved this drama from start to finish and a huge part of that was the 2 main leads and their friends. The story line with Lee Jae Young, her webtoon best friend, and her enemy to lover boyfriend. Plus you cannot forget about Kang Doo's wonderful "brother" Sang Man. Every character has such a good side to them that makes it hard for you to not like them in some way. A great romance drama that can quickly become a comfort/binge show.

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Omo omo omoooooooo... everyone who wtchd this drma feel like this no... i feel like dancing ??.. he is alive wow wow wow i just end watchd it and few minutes before actually my tears did not stop i cried lot ah... i did not thought there will be miracle.. ha ha ha i am so happy... ok ok now lets go to review actually this drama is not too perfect to me.. i feel like some scenes r not line up. They should have show us correctly what happend in past... actually story line is bit messed up..

As for actors really they did great job. This is a not perfect drama becoz story line was messed up but beacoze of this cast members it become worth watching drama.. all of cast members are too good i love them.. and i really do love main couple ?❤️❤️ specially kangdoo he is really cool and cute hehe i fell in love with him ?? when i watched him sometime i feel like im watching actor rain' s drama... dont they look alike..

As for music after long time heard some music in drama.. i really not remembering music.. there r only few dramas in my list that have great ost..

Overall good drama

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Thought-provoking

This was an unusual story, with many layers of depth and meaning. The guilt, pain, suffering, and trauma experienced by so many characters was sometimes almost too heartbreaking to watch. The responses to trauma and loss, both big and small, were varied and realistic - and that made the story both poignant and beautiful.

The OST is beautiful, I'm sure to be listening to it for a very long time.

Incredible acting throughout, Lee Jun Ho and Won Jin Ha were perfectly cast and played their roles as survivors of a major tragedy well. Kang Han Na absolutely shined in her role as the conscience behind her brother and her ex-boyfriend - she kept them both doing the right thing even when they wavered. All the support roles were well-played, but I have to say that Na Moon Hee actually stole every scene she was in . Granny was one of those characters that will stay with me for awhile - which also tells just how good the writing is.

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Amazing and Impactful drama

I almost gave this a 10 and feel that it probably deserves it but, because I was left wishing they’d included a couple of things in the finale I couldn’t give it a perfect score. I wanted to see the main couple get married, or at least engaged. A proposal should have happened. Also, I wanted to see the memorial they designed and corresponding ceremony to see how the families felt about the result. That work was so critical to the story, it made no sense for us not to be allowed to see it to fruition.

Otherwise a deeply moving and beautiful story. Great acting. Awesome OST. And impactful visuals. Will definitely watch again.

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