The Science of Love and Marriage
How many plays, books, songs, TV shows, and films have been made about love over the centuries? Too many to count, I'd wager. Some have given us exceptional and even beautiful depictions. Others have been incredibly superficial. Love is like the wind. You know it's there, but you can't really grasp it. There is a reason for this. Love is never about holding on. It's always about letting go. And true love is completely unconditional.I personally believe Shakespeare described love the best when Juliet states, "My bounty is as boundless as the sea. The more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite."
It is highly likely that, as a viewer, you will be able to relate with one or more of the characters of this drama. Most everyone has been in similar positions: getting together out of convenience, loving someone whose ambitions are greater and perhaps even different than your own, or loving someone who doesn't share the same feelings that you do. We also have characters who are too afraid to love for fear of being hurt.
This K-Drama works well because it doesn't get bogged down in needless melodrama, and it presents six characters that--on some level--nearly everyone can relate to. It is also fairly light without any big emotional twists that, too often, are typical of these kinds of shows. Instead, the writing is crisp because it stays true to the natural course of events rather than forcing them.
Along the way, the narrator, often Ji-ho and sometimes Se-hee ponder what love and marriage are, what their purpose is, and how to best make it work. Is it enough to marry only for love? Is it foolish to marry without any compatibility or shared interests? Sometimes, they resort to quotes from famous authors, and other times, they speculate on their own.
Too many people, due to the pressures of parents, society, and religion (sometimes all three!) believe that marriage is the only way to be happy. Marriage is not for everyone, and too often, couples treat it as the Finish Line rather than the Starting Gate. Yes, marriage is the beginning, not the end. And, yes, it IS work!
People also marry for the wrong reasons: to prevent having to be alone, to feel a sense of completion and well-being by being with someone. Happiness in marriage can never be found in your partner. It can only be found if you already have that happiness, and you are ready to share that with someone else. You cannot give what you do not have, and too often, we unfairly and unrealistically make our partner responsible for our happiness. Any relationship that takes on this idea is already doomed to fail.
These are topics, themes, and even questions that are addressed throughout the run of this series. Perhaps that is why it is a series that can be enjoyed by young and old alike, as well as people in/out of relationships as they address questions regarding love and marriage...topics that have been talked about since the beginning of time.
There are many cute, funny, and even ponderous moments. And in my book, that makes this a true treasure of a series to watch and enjoy...perhaps even with your partner!
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The acting is phenomenal. I've been brought to tears several times, laughed plenty, and was touched from the music playing at just the right moments. The two main leads aren't the only ones the show focuses on, but other side characters/friends that really bring all sorts of real life aspects we've all have to deal with or know someone who has in some sort of way, in such a realistic light. I loved the TASTEFUL feminism touches in these subjects.
The only issue I had during this entire show was the last two episodes. I was a bit confused for some of it, but after watching the ending it began to make sense to me once again, why characters were doing certain things, and it was again back to smooth sailing.
I definitely recommend this show to anyone who likes not in your face humor, real life topics and issues, realistic romances, and not your typical perfect male lead. I will definitely be re watching this one in the future.
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Anyway I would always recommend this drama to anybody; in my opinion it's underrated. The cast is incredible, put together with good ost's and a well written story line it's a drama that I plan to rewatch many times in the future.
You should do yourself a favour and stop reading this review, go watch the drama instead :))
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MY MOST FAVORITE K-DRAMA EVER!!!
I'm in shock! Like, seriously! Gosh! Why did it take 3 years until I finally found this drama? I wish I run into this drama earlier! Because This Is My First Life is seriously no joke! With no doubt, no hesitation, no second thought, I will award this K-drama as the best K-drama ever!It's so relatable (as for engaged 30th woman like me), realistic and not exaggerating in every aspect! I learned a lot, yes, A LOT, from Because This Is My First Life. From the first until the last episode, everything is captured beautifully. Fun fact: all I can remember after finished watching this drama was the gloomy feeling and an urge to I saying "I love you" nonstop to my fiance. Lol!
The drama shows us 3 relationships from 3 mature couples. Every couple has their own battles and problems, ups and downs, see how normal it is right? And in the end, true love wins! What destined to be together will be together no matter what.
What stole my attention the most is the superb acting of Jung So Min. She's a goddess in acting! I can't describe how excellent her acting is into words because she's that good! She's the real definition of actress to me. She can deliver all the emotions to her audiences perfectly and I respect her for that.
I finished watching Because This Is My First Life months ago but every time I got back to rewatch, the feeling didn't change! I still laughed and cried over the same scenes like it was my first time watching it.
Long story short, Because This Is My First Life has left a special mark in my mind and heart. I'm so grateful!
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Cute & Light
This drama isn’t something that has so many twists and turns and keeps you on your seat.It’s a very light and cute drama that had mini lessons in the middle. Kind of like a slice of life.
Were there cringey/awkward moments? Of course! It’s a romance drama after all, but that’s what made this drama adorable.
This drama just featured a daily couple’s life with a tiny twist to it.
The story’s smooth and isn’t very rocky and the romance is ADORABLE.
There is slight talk of s*x and sexual activity, but it’s all covered up. The kissing scenes tell you how single you are in like 24 different languages and they are cute!
I would recommend this drama to many people, especially if they wanna take a break from suspense or steamy dramas ^^
There are pieces of comedy that tie this drama up and the male and female lead was amazing! They had great chem <333
I didn’t rate it a full 10 only for the reason that there are better romance dramas which I enjoyed better~
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This review may contain spoilers
This story is pretty light but very enjoyable. I especially liked the characters and how they were all independent but are aware that no man is an island. Each of the six main characters were relatable at one point and you could really understand where they were all coming from. Their maturity and individual decisions were also well thought of and contributed greatly to their character development. The friendship stories in this drama were definitely worth exploring more though. It's what made me want to know more about the characters themselves. As for the love stories, I loved 2 out of the 3 of them. The three couples had very different stories from one another - one from a long term relationship moving on to the next step, one evolved from a physical relationship to a romantic one, and one developed from an arranged marriage to a natural one. I loved the ending of the main leads' love story because they were very character-like of them so the consistency was pleasing. They were able to be individuals and a couple at the same time which really reflects the generations now as well. I also liked how each of them made the other develop more as a person. The second leads also had a sweet ending because they both excelled in their respective fields while supporting one another and thus becoming more successful. It was with the third leads I was not so satisfied with. I understand their sacrifices with one another but I guess for me the relationship didn't seem healthy for the both of them anymore. It must be the strong feelings and loyalty they had for one another that made the relationship work so I'm still happy for them.
Overall a light drama that will open your eyes to different types of relationships and make you reflect on the idea of openness and communication when in a relationship.
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Very good side characters which provided some additional dimension to the show. Having these characters made you root for some, hate some, commiserate with some and empathize with some of them.
I am partial to Jung So Min as she is one of my favorite actresses. I think she is a very good, natural actress who can do justice to her roles. She's not very over the top. And I disagree with those who said she is so stiff in her role in this show. The role calls for some stiffness, she had to be stoic in certain situations. She is guarded, not stiff.
Loved the secondary couple - Mr. Ma and Soo Ji. Ho Rang was okay and their couple story-line also showed some other aspect of a relationship . LOVED Bo Mi! She is hilarious with her deadpan delivery.
And the Mom's wedding letter will forever be the most touching Mother-Daughter scene for me.
There were a lot of quotable quotes that I will definitely jot down once I re-watch, so yes to re-watch value!
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Even with a few cliches here and there, it was one of the few dramas that actually talks about how marriage is in Korea, and how women are treated in society, especially at work.
Story: (9.5/10)
OMG, I LOVED THIS DRAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even with a few cliches here and there, it was one of the few dramas that actually talks about how marriage is in Korea, and how women are treated in society, especially at work. It's very different from what I usually see and it's quite different from the k-drama standard.
Ji Ho and Soo Ji were the queens of this drama. They have been able to show how women can be strong, independent and self-owned.
Ji Ho faced a lot of problems during the drama but never kept silent about them and especially Soo Ji, she was a REAL QUEEN.
Acting/Cast: (9.0/10)
They chose the cast very well. I felt that every actor and actress was the perfect choice for their prospective characters. The main actress who played Ji Ho knew how to demonstrate every emotion of the character, we could feel everything she felt. She wasn't too slow or too crazy. She had a really nice balance that made all of us like her, which is sometimes,difficult in k-dramas. The main actor was perfect too. I loved his character. Ji Ho and Se Hee were very cute together. I loved their partnership, their support to each other, their "freedom", because yes, even married, they weren't in a jail. I loved that they were totally against what korean society expects of them.
I loved all!!!!
Music: (9.0/10)
Loved the soundtrack!!!!!! Each song fit the scene and made everything exciting. I downloaded two.
Rewatch Value: (9.0/10)
It's so good that i'm watching again. I think everyone will want it too.
Overall: (9.0/10)
It was one of the best k-dramas of the year, brought a great story, wonderful characters and left a huge void in me after I finished. It's a must watch drama!!!!!
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The plot was simple and straight to the point, however, I like how the three sub-plots were simple yet the relationships and friendships had some much depth. I like that the show explored various important themes like sexual harassment and stereotypes. The way that the show explores how the idea of marriage varies from person to person was very interesting. I think people liked this show because it related to them and their situation as many people in their adult life have financial struggle and difficulties in long-term relationships. I did relate to some of the characters issues, however not much as I am still a teen, but I loved the show none the less.
I liked that all the characters were so realistic and relatable it made me really empathize with them, the character that I most related to personally was Se hee as like me he is a person who has a hard time voicing his feelings and is very introverted. As for Ji ho, i liked how intelligent she was, she knew what she wanted and went after it. I also really liked Soo-ji as she dreams big and much like Ji ho went after what she wanted. She teaches us to follow our dreams and stand up for what's right. I liked that Sang goo supported her in her endeavours and was with her the whole way. What I really enjoyed was that the characters all progressed through the drama, they all learned something about love and life and had time to truly find themselves.
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Because, I Love it !
Sweet, Simple, bEAUTIFUL drama. An original script that was done Justice w/d caliber of Actors involved.U have 2b a gr8 actor if even d simplest of script’s are given such character & life that it doesn’t appear simple at-all. It can be overdone or watered-down if d Actor can’t handle d storyline Written.
A lot of times d Supporting Cast’ story is barely one 2 talk about, however, this drama gave almost footing 2ea. of d other storylines. They were w/ substance & not just ther 2b there.
Finally, d OST was awesome ( I Shazamed Away - a lot made my main Playlist ). Also d way d Director inserted a band from d OST, in a scene was creative, and was a nice surprise - cute!
? ~ Oops, too much, Sorry !! Well, can u tell I Love it ?!
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This review may contain spoilers
What's more sacred, love or marriage?
Do we love with our head or heart?A heart isn't something you can fight for or win, it just comes to you.
These are the themes that this drama explores, amongst others...
The drama crossed genre boundaries, at times romcom and other times drama and slice of life. It's an excellent portrayal of familial relationships and how they can shape a young adult's life and choices. This drama is tightly and so beautifully scripted, the writing is thoughtful, thought provoking relatable and peppered with cultural and literary references.
I enjoyed the way the drama explored all three couples more or so equally, cleverly juxtaposing the main issues in one relationship with issues in another relationship, there is a painstaking attention to detail that is evident in this script and screenplay. Overall the story is very well developed with outstanding plot exposition, development and resolution.
The cast is excellent. The two leads give stellar performances; Lee Min Ki is so consistent in his stoic and awkward portrayal of Se Hee, even when he's acting cute with Ji Ho he still maintains the essence of his stiff demeanour, it's the almost imperceptible changes in his facial expression that give an indication of what's going on in his head.
Jung So Min is wonderful in her contemplative turn as Ji Ho, her narration is filled with nuggets of useful and fascinating introspection.
The rest of the cast was amazing and did such a wonderful job one and all, it's a well chosen cast.
The reason I didn't give this a 10, which I intended to all along was because the 3 or 4 penultimate episodes were a bit draggy and disappointing; first of all the plot started to drag with Ji Ho's sometimes overly contemplative and nitpicky approach to life; secondly given how the story had been told so far, her departure towards the end seemed out of character for the story up to that point, and also she was coming across as passive aggressive in the final episodes, she inexplicably lost the ability to discuss issues with Se Hee; thirdly the product placement was so noticeable towards the end it was off putting; fourth I wasn't sold on the way Ho Rang and Won Seok's story was wrapped up, it just seemed a little convenient and didn't resonate with their previous story arc.
At the end I felt as though the writer just gave us a stock ending which was a bit rushed and included unnecessary angst just for some drama in a show that was hitherto refreshingly free of drama, so for all the above reasons I removed 1 and a half points because I legit wanted to give this drama a 10.
Music is great and matches the wistful yet peppy atmosphere of the drama.
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