My Mister (2018)

Words can't do justice to how great this drama is - just watch it!

Quite possibly my favourite drama ever. Not being hyperbolic - it’s seriously excellent - and bring tissues. Make space and time for this drama it isn’t easily binged as it’s a bit heavy for that but it will totally reward you for that time.

Spoiler free summary - my words can’t really do justice to this drama it’s that good. You just need to watch it - persevere through the initial bleakness - and you will be rewarded by wonderful drama on the heart in humanity, what it is to live, the power of making a connection, community and the kindness of strangers.

The cast are amazing, most especially the main leads - I’ve seen and loved both IU (Hotel del Luna) and Lee Sun Gyun (Coffee Prince) but they are both on another level here. The direction is deft and the writing assured and subtly brilliant. The characters are so wonderfully rounded and authentic, it’s practically trope free for a KDrama and the OST is just top notch.

Please just watch this - it’s a total masterpiece.

Longer spoiler filled review.

Things I liked:
IU as Lee Ji An. I loved her layered performance. She managed to be so dead in her eyes when we first meet her and we know she’s telling us the truth when she says she can’t wait to die. But she’s also scrappy and strong and in those moments she gets a real fire. In later episodes when she cries, when she tells the selection board what it’s meant to have been noticed and treated well by Dong Hun, when she says sorry 10 times, when she thinks Park Dong Hun is mad at her for wiretapping, she shows such emotional vulnerability and her journey from making herself invisible to growing to love and care for Dong Hun is beautiful.

Lee Sun Gyun - he is such a fantastic actor - this role gives you the whole gamut of his range. He basically was Dong Hun. He inhabited that man of deep emotions and not very many words. His voice, so deep and sonorous was like another character in this drama. I absolutely loved the last part when she picked it out in a cafe and was drawn to it. But even his breathing and his footsteps were marked in this. I love how Ji An said they moved her when she heard them.

Them together - I loved their undefined relationship. I loved how they conveyed how special they found each other’s company, how they could be authentically themselves with each other but so subtly. We see how he’s only really able to be himself in her company rather than the guy who doesn’t answer questions of his wife, Mum and brothers. They know each other and they recognise they know each other. It’s the kind of relationship that I know exists, but so rarely gets portrayed. As someone who spiritually believes in a reincarnated life I think these two have deep relationships in the past and in this life they were brought together to heal each other. I loved that she was so frank with her emotions but despite it, it didn’t need to then turn into a mawkish unrequited love or romance, as it wouldn’t fit right.

The brothers - I don’t have a lot of experience of brother only relationships but to me this was such an authentic trio. I loved how different they were, how fiercely they loved each other, faults and all - and most of all like their mum said - when a bad thing happened to 1 of them they were all depressed. They bought some much needed levity to the drama and again these actors just inhabited their respective characters.

The villain - firstly I just love Kim Yeong-Min as an actor - and he made this wholly unlovable character so believable. Rat-like and such a jerk, but a bit menacing with it, we know what Yoon-Hee means when she says she is embarrassed she fell for him. I like that we didn’t need flashbacks to see what kind of person he was at college and how he came to be CEO.

Gi Hun & Yu Ra - they really grew on me and in my own continuation of this drama they get back together again (though they will probably split up and get back together..) I love how they made Yu Ra, this seemingly ditsy character have a lot more depth and some of her lines were some of the most profound in the entire drama. I loved the scene where he broke down and explained why he’d been so awful to her in their movie. Amazing. (I didn’t like this actress Kwon Nara in Suspicious Partners so am glad I’ve seen this performance from her)

Special shout outs to Dong Hun’s Mum - the ever brilliant Go Doo Shim - to an evil but vulnerable Jang Ki Young (giving us glimpses of the man he could have been without the abusive dad) and to Ji An’s grandmother, who made me cry so badly in so many scenes.

Things I didn’t like - nothing. Really nothing. Everything was just pitch perfect.

In fact for me, the writers got everything right in this drama including the bittersweet ending. The only thing I was missing was an explainer on Ji An’s relationship to Ki Bum - I assume he was her childhood friend in the one flashback they had with all 3 of them after one of the times she’d been beaten up. But it s a tiny minor quibble.

And the OST. This is amazing. It’s on repeat. Even if it does make me want to curl up in a morbid ball and sob. Thanks Viki translators as ever but especially for the lyrics of the songs which went so well with the drama.

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wahhhh...by far the BEST drama I have watched...it was a nice way to end my kdrama 2018 journey. The writer deserves recognition and the cast was superb! IU was phenomenal in this and I think she should continue her acting career because she is so talented. The cast had perfect chemistry! At first, I laughed at the concept of this drama but for some reason, I just decided to watch it. I always find the dramas that I overlook and revisit several times turn out to be THE BEST!!! I highly recommend. I cried, laughed and truly learned so much through the story. It really made me reflect upon my own life and to be thankful. These kinds of life lesson dramas are what make KDRAMAS totally worth it to watch. I ditched the Western dramas because they are all garbage and they make everything so dirty and perverted and they all have no substance or value. THIS IS A MUST WATCH!!!! You will be captured by the first until the last episode!

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Watch the series, and you'll want to watch it all over again.

While the rich chase the best positions in companies, the downtrodden try to survive. This series focuses on the latter screaming from the depths of humanity.
Screaming and being heard.
JiAn is a young outcast ready to do anything to get out of debts imposed on her by creditors, who conveniently "forgot" that she had no duty to accept the debt.
While working in a company she experiences what had eluded her until then: falling for someone.
Towards the end, DongHoon locates JiAn on the run to make sure she won't have to testify and reveal humiliating details in the life of DongHoon and his wife. DH locates her and enters's JiAn's small room. The scene is akin to a human feeling like a worm when Divine Grace presents Itself (I am unworthy, don't come close to me ...). She got saved!
The wasn't the only one, who bettered her life. Her paralytic and mute grandma died in peace, her accomplice GiBom escaped prosecution, her abuser KwangIl redeemed himself, couples were saved, people found jobs, ...
Watch the series, and you'll want to watch it all over again.

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Peace

"Every relationship is precious"
A story that I could only describe in one word:
"Perfect" (10/10)
The title itself "my mister (ajusshi)" describes the setting of the story where a young girl meets a middle-aged man and throughout the story, formed a relationship that would further shape the world around them.
Each character has depth, each dialogue has weight, each scene has significance to the story. I love how natural things appear as I watched all 16 episodes of this series. It felt as if I was watching a real person, not a Drama Series, but a real life of a real person. Ji Ahn being this precious little girl, Dong Hoon being the kind & ideal adult, and the good friends that surround the two of them, creates this wonderful world found in their small neighborhood. The story and characters are so well written that it can easily be relatable to any demographic.


The Cast made a really amazing job at portraying to us the characters of this story. The acting was superb and was accompanied by the music that could make your heart melt or make you feel good depending on the scene. The lines were delivered with power and emotion that could make you cover your face and try not to cry, and the scenes were played so well that even when they just stood or walk or even breathed had made me feel the EMOTIONS of each character. The cinematography and the direction of each episode is not of the ordinary Dramas out there, this really gets you immersed to the story and attached to the characters.
Acting/Cast (10/10) , Music (10/10)

This is definitely one of the best Drama series out there. And simply one of my most favorite stories. I would definitely revisit each of my favorite scenes in the future. Rewatch Value (10/10)
As a friend of mine convinced me to watch this drama, I would also highly recommend this anyone interested in watching Dramas that are worth your time and has the good story.
Overall (10/10)

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One of the best show

"My Mister" is a remarkable Korean drama that delves deep into the complexities of human relationships, highlighting the power of empathy, kindness, and resilience. With its exceptional storytelling, nuanced characters, and thought-provoking themes, this series stands out as a masterpiece that leaves a lasting impact on its viewers.

The drama revolves around the lives of Park Dong-hoon (Lee Sun-kyun), a middle-aged man dealing with personal and professional struggles, and Lee Ji-an (IU), a young woman burdened by a difficult past. Their paths intersect, leading to a transformative connection that becomes the core of the narrative. As the story unfolds, it unravels the layers of pain, hope, and redemption, showcasing the profound impact a single act of kindness can have on someone's life.

One of the greatest strengths of "My Mister" lies in its compelling and well-developed characters. Lee Sun-kyun delivers a breathtaking performance as Park Dong-hoon, capturing the essence of a man carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders with subtlety and depth. IU shines as Lee Ji-an, showcasing her versatility as an actress by portraying the complex emotions of a vulnerable yet resilient young woman. The chemistry between the two leads is remarkable, evoking a deep sense of empathy and understanding.

The writing in "My Mister" is exceptional, offering a raw and honest portrayal of life's struggles and the power of human connection. The drama tackles a range of themes, including loneliness, family dynamics, societal pressure, and the pursuit of happiness. It delves into the depths of human emotions, exploring both the darkness and the resilience that resides within each character. The narrative unfolds gradually, allowing for a deep exploration of the characters' journeys and providing moments of introspection and contemplation for the viewers.

Visually, "My Mister" is beautifully crafted, with its subdued color palette and atmospheric cinematography perfectly capturing the somber tone of the story. The directing and editing choices enhance the emotional impact of the scenes, creating a sense of intimacy and immersion that draws the audience further into the characters' lives.

Moreover, the drama's supporting cast deserves applause for their compelling performances. Each character is intricately woven into the narrative, adding depth and authenticity to the overall storytelling. The relationships and interactions between the characters are profoundly moving, reflecting the complexities and intricacies of human connections.

"My Mister" is not without its moments of darkness and sadness. It tackles heavy themes and portrays the harsh realities of life. However, it is through these challenges that the drama finds its beauty, as it reminds us of the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion.

In conclusion, "My Mister" is an extraordinary Korean drama that transcends the boundaries of conventional storytelling. With its powerful performances, poignant writing, and profound exploration of human emotions, it leaves a lasting impression on its viewers. This series is a must-watch for those seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant drama that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of human connections.

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FROM NOW ON, LET'S BE HAPPY.

Watching My Mister was the equivalent of waking up early in the morning while it's raining or snowing outside and curling up beneath the warm sheets, knowing you won't have to get out of bed for a little while longer and you can just enjoy this moment of peace. (I'm not joking when I say that this drama is probably best enjoyed during the months of December and January — at the very least I'm glad I was able to watch it during the month of November.)

There is a lot going on in this drama but at the very heart of it, you have a story about humans. Just humans. Humans eating, humans drinking, humans dying, humans hurting, humans loving. Humans going through the cycle of their everyday lives. Old humans, young humans, rich humans, poor humans, successful humans. Pitiful, pitiful, and yet very nice humans. I'm repeating the word human a lot because quite frankly, that is what this show is about (If you're looking for romance, you might be disappointed, but if you're interested in office politics, I would definitely give this drama a try).

Humans are delightfully messy and sometimes we hurt each other and break beautiful things, and My Mister definitely acknowledges & portrays that side of humanity, but there is a kindness here, too. We live in a very interesting age where it's easy to lose sight of what is important because of the difficulties we face, and we also live in a time where human connection is now more important than ever. We all need people like that in our lives, someone who reminds us to eat and asks us if we want anything from the grocery store or someone who will come to your grandmother's funeral and tell you that if you want it to be nothing then it can be nothing. Watching all of these characters, all of these humans connect with each other, crying for each other, fighting for each other, helped to remind me of that, and I just know that I'm going to be thinking all of these characters and their stories for a while.

Also, as someone's who's struggled with depression and anxiety for several years now, I was pretty astounded at the way My Mister represented these struggles with mental health. I've never seen a piece of media before handle this topic in such a gentle way, and yet at the same time, they also didn't hesitate to show all of the less-than-pleasant parts, too. This was a very honest show; no romanticization whatsoever. They didn't hold anything back, and for that, I really appreciate it.

Overall, if you are perhaps looking for a story centered around the aspects of humanity that often get overlooked in other pieces of media, and if you're in the mood for a good cry, I would definitely recommend My Mister. I fact, I would probably just about recommend this show for everyone in need of something healing to watch.

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It was a bit complicate in the beginning since I watch sub because no translate. But i did not give up then I started to understand from episode to episode. Started to understand how broken the girl is and how she surviving. Another interesting point was how she hacked his phone so she knows every moves of him. That's so touching my hearts. then she changes from ignorance to love & care for him. The characters are all amazing in role themselves and it made me very heartbreaking in most scenes and it's also encourage at same time. I do love the both main characters, their facial expression are real. I cried so bad in 1 or 2 episodes before the end. The first most emotional drama i ever watch. It is worth to watch.

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I don't even know where to start with this drama. My Mister is simply a masterpiece of a show. From the story, the characters to the OSTs, everything was done perfectly.

First off the story is one of a kind, it's an obvious but this drama expresses love in a way i haven't seen before, it isn't the normal love as in a relationship that we normally see in kdramas but it's the kind of love for humans have and the respect that comes with it. I loved the dynamic between Ji An and Dong Hoon becasue they both had pitiful lives but they brought eachother up and essentially saved eachothers lives. If they didn't meet one another, I really think they wouldv'e died an early death and that breaks my heart. I loved the ending to this show as it showed that they are both living thier lives well and also they both said hi to eachother with a smile on thier faces showing they are keeping to thier promise they made to eachother as in when they bump into eachother on the street they will smile and say hi.

Literally all the characters in this show had a distinct purpose to fulfill in the story.

With Lee Ji An, I personnaly think the casting of IU was perfect and she did amazing expressing the character for Ji An. In the first few episodes I cant lie to you I wasn't fond of her character becasuse of the things she did but the more I saw her I could understand her actions and empthasise with her. I even said to myself that the more she listens in to Dong Hoon's life she will feel for him and see that there is another person like him in the small world she was living in. I really loved how she ended up adoring Dong Hoon and just wanted hom to be happy even though her life was far from perfect.

With Dong Hoon, his character was just perfect, it showed us a raw dipitction of man whos had enough of his life and feels worthless. After meeting Ji An he starts to see the good in life after talking to her more and more and helping her with her issues. The scene that impacted me the most with him was when he was talking to Jeong Hui saying that there is someone that gets him and his pain, also the scene where he went to the loan shark and fought with him. These 2 scenes really just shows how much Dong Hoon respects and treasures Ji An as a human being.

Even though this show wasn't a romance, the bond that the two leads shared will probably be the most precious one they share in life even though they will both have different lovers and this shows that every relationship you have in life is precious and you are meant to treasure them no matter the age becasue there was a 20 age gap but they related and conversed even with that gap.

The side characters did thier jobs perfectly as they all had thier own little story to tell in the big picture which only expanded the story. Dong Hoon's 2 brothers are literally amazing, thier relationship shows what a brotherly relationship can be and how precious they are. One thing I dont understand in this story is the Wife that had an affair, she was so addamant on getting Dong Hoon to quit his job and marry the CEO but when everything got found out she began to pity Dong Hoon and helped him in the end in which i'm telling you if I was in Dong Hoons place I wouldv'e got a divorce straight away becasue it went on for a month and if Ji An didn't expose it then they would of gotten a divorce in the end and she wouldv'e betrayed her son and husband.

The OST in this drama was just simply amazing, every song had meaning to the story and just added to the feels and made me enjoy the story that much more.

Before I watched kdramas and when I started watching kdramas I rarely cried at TV shows that I watched becasue I didn't feel a connection with the shows I watched. But in the past half year, I have cried more than I have in my life from my memory, theres something about kdramas that just bring the soft side out of me and teaches me so many life lessons. In My Mister, I learnt that I should treasure all my relationships and be kind to anyone that needs a helping hand.

Overall, If your looking for a romance this is not the show for you. If your looking for a raw dipiction of life and the hardships that life comes with and to see the bond 2 people can share without it being romantic then i reccoment this show to you 1000% because this show will not disspoint.

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Lets Live Happy Life!!!

I know small things matter in life but I never knew it can have a huge impact on a person...This drama taught me why small bits of hope can change a person's life...If there is only one person by side you can live and survive…
I want the drama to continue but I don't want it at the same time...The drama is so satisfying till the end and the drama knows how to end an episode…
The journey our characters go on in this drama is so real and believable it feels like seeing real people living their lives...This drama is so mature in how it handles things...Things I can understand but I don't know how it will feel if it happened to me…
Our main lead is not a “K-drama male lead” he is a middle-aged man making millions who want to die but can't because of this family, there is no one who can understand him until one person enters his life...Her name is Ji Ahn played by IU...she is a cold character who does not get along with anyone and can do anything for money...as you watch the drama you will see why she is this way and you will cry for her…
Every character has something in the show that has layers to them...The male lead in this drama is my fav lead in any Kdrama (Park Dong Hoon played by Lee Sun Kyun)...and If I watch his drama when I am in my 40’s...I may cry even more for him
I love this drama...I am writing this after re-watching it...Saying small things like "Hang in there", "You are a good person". "Its not a big deal", "Want me to get you something" can really help a person live

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I was moved to tears by this movie

It's such a humane story and delves into the thoughts of the normal everyday man trying to make ends meet and the the trials and tribulations they go through. The story was impeccable and showed that even if you fail there is still hope.
It just allows you to see human beings as beings and empathize and even recognize yourself in them.
This is definitely a learning experience and I highly suggest that it's very much worth watching
The actors we very good in their ability to interpret how they were feeling and it showed how people view grief, success,failure and happiness and the emphasis places on trying your best to find comfort in your life no matter what life throws your way.
I was a bit hesitant about the story in the beginning because I thought it would be another cliche of a story but it ended up being so deep and pensive that I found myself weeping alongside these characters. I guess you could say they really do hit the nail on the head with regard to they tell the story of the every day man

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everyone needs this Ahjussi in their life !!!

I'm cursing myself right now for having put off watching this for so long even when it was in my watchlist for ages.....i feel i'm not worthy to rate this show...perfection is an understatement for how comforting, healing and overall amazing this piece of art was...rarely has anything on screen moved me so much ...every character was so beautifully written and had such layers...the screenwriters deserve every accolade possible for crafting this tale which depicts the power of vulnerability and kindness and how a small gesture from your end could mean the world to someone going through a tough time...in terms of acting everyone brought forward their A game..i really liked Lee Sun Kyun in Coffee Prince but his performance here was so meticulous that he made me feel everything that his character was feeling..and IU ..ohhh IU ...where do I even begin...one of the best acts ever..the amount of emotions she portrayed while keeping a straight face as required by her character was tough nd she nailed it so well...
My most favorite part of the show obviously were the interactions between the leads and the beautiful relation they had ..I also loved the scenes with the 3 brothers hanging out together...
Overall if i have to rate this - 100000/10....i feel even this is less...

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