This review may contain spoilers
"Even if it breaks my heart because it's a dream that can't come true, I'd like to sincerely dream of the future."I finished this Drama an hour ago and I am still just sitting here, not knowing what to do,..or to write, for that matter.
I am floored. My heart aches. I am happy and sad and amazed and grateful to have been able to watch this masterpiece. I honestly don't know where to begin. My heart is so full.
"Crash Landing On You" is a master class in screenwriting. The pacing, the revelations through flashbacks and unlinear storytelling, the perfect balance between tragedy, romance and humor,...and God, the characters!
How is it possible to make each and every character of such a big ensemble so complex, relatable and loveable? Apart from Se Ri's middle brother and his wife, and Cho Cheol Kang, which were obviously villains we were supposed to hate, I loved every single side character to bits and pieces. The village ahjummas who band together and protect each other, the "duckling" squad who are all so adorable and supportive of Jung Hyuk and Se Ri, Seo Dan and Seung Jun and their own tragic story, even Dan's mother and uncle, god, they are hilarious. The oldest brother's wife is also super funny and cute in her own way.
I was so attached to every single character, that at some point I basically cried through entire episodes, because even when there were happy scenes, I kept thinking that things will probably not stay like that for all my poor babies. At any given time, while watching CLOY, I just had to think of the whole South Korea - North Korea predicament that they are all in and that will probably destroy everything, and the tears started flowing
The scenes between Jung Hyuk and Se Ri are so raw and real that I often cried, as well. They say crying doesn't necessarily mean you're sad, it just means you are overwhelmed with emotion - no matter which emotion. And that's exactly how I felt. I was so overwhelmed that I cried when it was sad, romantic and funny.
I cried buckets and buckets of tears but I also laughed so hard that my stomach was sore the next day. There are so many funny moments in both, North and South Korea, but I think my favorite was the ducklings in Seri's department store, trying to flee and wake Eun Dong. I almost died laughing.
As an aspiring screenwriter and filmmaker, I am deeply humbled by the masterful stroytelling and breathtaking cinematography. There are so many gorgeous settings, such as all the snow scenes, the night of the train break-down and all the scenes in Switzerland.
I am Swiss and I've never seen Switzerland portrayed so beautifully. It made me fall in love with my own country, again. It was strange to see the tram I take every week in a K-Drama. It was strange to see the place I spent vacations as a child. It was strange to see the sights I walk past every day, and have them shown in a new light, looking at them through the eyes of these characters to whom Switzerland represents happiness and their own little paradise. Somehow, seeing some of these incredibly emotional scenes against the Swiss backdrop, made them even more emotional for me.
I can't mention the Switzerland scenes without mentioning how perfect the OST is, especially "The Song For My Brother", "Flower", "Sunset, "Here I Am Again", "The Hill of Yearning" and "Photo of My Mind", which are the perfect musical expression of the Drama's atmosphere and emotions.
The Production design is amazing. There are so many details in every set, you can tell how much heart and time went into it. Furthermore, there are plenty of pop culture references and even a delightful "Secretly Greatly" cameo by Kim Soo Hyun. I feel like you could watch this Drama 15 times and still discover new details and references.
Last but not least, the acting is brilliant! I've loved Hyun Bin ever since "A Millionaire's First Love", and his on-screen chemistry with Son Ye Jin is out of this world. I am also very happy to have been introduced to Kim Jung Hyun, Lee Shin Young and Seo Ji Hye through this Drama.
(My only criticism: They can't have looked very hard for actors in Switzerland cause that guy in the last episode is absolutely horrible! Omg I was so embarrassed for my own people! Has he ever even acted before??)
I know this review is pretty incoherent and probably full of typos and grammatical mistakes but I am still so emotional, I really don't know what to do with myself.
This drama touched the deepest parts of my soul and will forever stay with me!
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The two main leads were phenomenal together and I was so in love with their relationship in this drama. They were perfect.
I loved everything, the cast, the story, the chemistry between the two leads, the music, all of it. I laughed, I cried and I swooned. You get a little of everything, drama, romance, comedy, tragedy, action, etc.
I could watch it over and over and over.
I am heartbroken it's over, but it was a beautiful treat to watch every weekend. :'l
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Right from the beginning this drama got me hooked. A beautiful love story. The second leads were amazing, sad that Dan and seung-joon didn't get their happy ending.
I loved how his company helped se-ri even though at the beginning it was for other reasons she grew on them. The love story between se-ri and captain Ri is tear worthy. I laughed, jumped clapped my hands and cried, especially last episode.
"I got on the wrong train, and that very train brought me here. It brought me to the place I've yearned to come every morning and night. It brought me to my destination." —Captain Ri, Episode 16
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A very well-rounded drama that made me feel wholesome by the end of it. The reason it deserves a high rating is the fantastic acting, excellent OST, and interesting plot premise. My main complaint is that the main plot could have more depth or be explored more instead of spending so much time on the side plots. However the chemistry between main and supporting characters enabled flaws to be overlooked so I still thoroughly enjoyed it. The drama deserved the high viewership ratings it got which I couldn't say the same about some other highly rated dramas I watched.
**I recommend this drama to those that enjoy a wide variety of drama genres. Also to those that could appreciate the director’s / writer’s choices in seemingly trivial details. Certain phrases that are repeated, props that are chosen, among other details show the depth of the relationships, so if you were to pick up on that the drama will be much more enjoyable. There are parts that are unrealistic but needed to move the story along so not being too nitpicky on those can also improve the viewing experience.
|| DETAILS ||
= Story =
*Premise - Given the inaccessibility of North Korea, the general idea of the drama to begin with is quite interesting as we get a glimpse of what their lifestyle is like. There is also an even split of showing how South and North Koreans cope in each others’ cultures which was interesting.
*Genre – Excellent balance of romance, comedy, action, melodrama in each episode. Whatever drama you like, each episode will have at least one scene that caters to your tastes. Even in the most serious and sad episodes there are still elements of comedy. However, this could also be seen as a flaw as scenes in the genre you prefer less may seem boring, so you might enjoy the drama less if you have very specific preferences.
*Main Plot / Love Line – To enjoy the drama, it is important to realize and accept that there will be unrealistic parts. Otherwise, the main plot was quite good. The romance exhibited was very mature and straightforward which was very fitting. Each episode had a romance scene that was touching / cute which catered to what I like in a drama. The only comment I have would be that the main plot could be explored or explained more, as some parts seemed rather shallow and progressed way too quickly just to give time to side plots.
*Side Plot / Love Line(s) – The main plot was shared with quite a lot of other characters (second love line, JH’s infantry, North Korean villagers, SR’s family, among others) which could be good and bad. Good in the sense that in certain scenes they really add to the main plot whether it be humour or just to move the plot along. A flaw in the sense that there were times when I wanted to just skip the side plots. Personally, I’d prefer less scenes of the second love line, North Korean villagers, and SD’s family after JH went to South Korea as I think it took away from the main plot.
*Additional features – Haven’t seen this in other dramas but the epilogues were excellent as it gave sort of a behind the scenes to the character’s life. If you are an analytical viewer, you would also really enjoy this drama as there are many small details that allows you to appreciate the relationships a lot more. When rewatching scenes, you could pick up on details you didn't notice before which added flavor to the plot.
*Ending - Dramas could be excellent throughout but if the ending is not well justified, that single episode could drop the rating of the whole drama. Not a lot of dramas achieve this but the final episode was very well executed, reflecting the quality of this drama from the beginning until the end. Each decision or plot progression whether it was a happy or sad resolution was justified and made sense to me.
= Cast =
*Acting – I personally felt Son Ye Jin’s acting was the best followed by Hyun Bin. They both were able to show a lot even when they were just looking at each other in certain scenes. Their acting made me feel as if they were together for real on multiple occasions. For supporting cast, Yang Kyung Won (Pyo Chi Su), Oh Man Seok (Cho Cheol Gang), Kim Sun Young (Na Wol Suk), and Kim Jung Nan (Ma Young Ae) stood out for me. I haven’t actually watched Korean dramas that much to know lots of actors / actresses but I think the abundant cameos also added a lot of buzz to the drama.
*Chemistry – Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin had great chemistry, I don’t think I need to elaborate further. For the supporting characters, the different groups had a different vibe from each other which was very refreshing. Even within each of the groups, each supporting character had their own personality which added a lot to the colour of the drama. In other words, chemistry between the supporting characters and between the supporting cast with the main actors / actresses were excellent. However, in all honesty, I wasn’t too absorbed in the Seo Ji Hye and Kim Jung Hyun relationship (though I quite liked Seo Ji Hye’s character), maybe because Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin’s chemistry was too overpowering.
= OST =
My favourite soundtrack so far. There was great variety and the songs were very fitting. The OST is suited for those that enjoy mellow and slower music that portrays deep feelings which is the type of music I enjoy.
|| A LESSON ABOUT FATE ||
Perhaps we are only fated to love one person. Some date around wondering why they never work out, some long to be in love, some have given up on love, some might not have ever planned to be in love. However, this might just be part of waiting for the fated one to show up. When they do, everything you thought you knew about love changes. You would be willing to do drop everything and do anything for them. In the end, the fated one may or may not be by your side, but either way, there is beauty in dedicating your life to that one person no matter how brief your paths cross.
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This review may contain spoilers
First of all, I'm not one to give more than 8.5 as rating for a rom-com but CLOY is one of a kind imo and will probably stay with me for a very long time. Some may think it's overhyped/overrated but same can be said about Goblin, DOTS or even Mr Sunshine. But unlike those dramas, CLOY has made me warm up to all its characters and care for them deeply. That's a winner in my eyes.Story:
The premise hooked me up from the get- go. Yeh, it's cliché, cheesy and borderline ridiculous but believe me it's super addictive. It reminded me of those old school rom-coms and I loved it! A forbidden and implausible love story between a North Korean soldier and a South Korean heiress. There's fate involved, dangerous situations at every turn, lives at stake, heartwarming and hilarious moments, sadness, undying love, beautiful friendships..... Ending was fitting despite my initial disappointment (where are my wedding and twins, chaka-nim? And the fact they can only meet for two weeks a year is so very sad and bittersweet...I understand that it was probably the best ending they could come up with given the circumstances but still it has dampened my enthusiasm a bit:/ This and the anti-climatic death of Go Seung Jun are the biggest letdowns of this otherwise lovely show (Was that really necessary?!?)
Acting:
The top-notch casting is definitely this drama's strength. Hyun Bin beautifully portrayed this at first aloof yet warm and devoted North Korean and Son Ye Jin totally nailed her role as the badass heiress. Second leads were also a treat to watch (so glad to see Kim Jung Hyun back in action)
Main couple ooze chemistry in spades, they are a match made in heaven...the best I've seen in ages.
Ducklings squad is another highlight...their antics were gold and the strong bond they shared with our heroine was so precious and fun to watch (her constant bickering with Pyo Chi Su was one of my favorite things about this drama)
Music:
Beautiful OST. It suits the mood perfectly. I might listen to it from time to time. IU's ost being my favorite.
Rewatch Value:
I will probably rewatch some scenes...mostly to keep fangirling over Hyun Bin until his next project ...I'm so thankful to this drama, it rekindled my love for him...swoony Captain Ri is perfect boyfriend material. I've lost count of how many times I wish I was Yoon Seri lol
Did I already mention how dreamy Hyun Bin is?!?xD Ok I stop.
Final Rating: 9/10
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Story:
Se Ri (Son Ye-jin), a wealthy South Korean fashion business owner, finds herself in North Korea and has a chance encounter of Ri Jeong Hyeok (Hyun Bin), a North Korean military captain. The drama may start off slow to you, but the way their relationship unfolds is really what pulls the drama together. We see Se ri and Jeong Hyeok grow to rely on one another, despite coming from different realms. The supporting leads, Seung-jun and Seo Dan are an integral part of the drama as well, and their relationship develops over the course of time. The ahjummas that live in Jeong Hyeok's village and Jeong Hyeok's comrades liven up the story and support the main characters.
Acting/Cast:
10/10 all around.
Hyun Bin's character won me over. He portrayed the courageous, loyal, soft-hearted, Jeong Hyeok so well. Hyun Bin's facial expressions were spot on, whether he was supposed to appear jealous, heartbroken, or smitten. I can't say enough about how much I loved Hyun Bin's role and the way he portrayed it!
I had never watched a kdrama with Son Ye-Jin before, but I have become a fan of hers after Crash Landing on You. Her voice was soothing, and she delivered her lines with conviction and emotion.
The lead characters were perfectly casted in my opinion. Their chemistry was believable and their acting is clearly seasoned.
Music:
I've had the OST on repeat since I started watching the drama! Almost all of the songs are ballad-like, but they paired with the scenes well. Like the one campfire scene.
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Firstly, all hail to the actors. I think, I have never been so hooked up into literally ALL of the characters. Each one of them (leads, seconds and supports) did an excellent job. I always take care of not doing any sounds when everyone around me sleeps and I am watching dramas, but they made me laugh as hell even at 2AM, made me cry (it is true that only for a few seconds, but I have not cried for 15 years) multiple times and made me totally fangirling over them.
Secondly, the story was really well written. Not even a single scene was a waste of time (what, in my opinion occurs quite often in other series), the story let you nervous almost whole the time and you never know what will happen next. The only one thing which was not perfect was the totally last scene (about the last one or two minutes). I think, the end without that scene would be much more satisfying in my opinion.
Lastly, I have never really been into re-watching any series (expect a few favourite moments), but I am definitely for watching this k-drama one day again.
And here, there is some final sum of the points.
Actors: 20 Hyun Bins from 10
Story: 9.99999999 flying tractors from 10 (sorry last scene)
Music: 10 downloaded albums from internet cafés from 10
Would I go through this emotional hell again? Definitely YES!
Overall score: 85648356187451 bugs from 100
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The chemistry between the Main leads as well as the second leads were perfect. Aaah how can I forget the breathtaking beautiful swiss scenes! The supporting characters couldn't have been better than this. I loved almost everything of this drama it was beautifully and ended without haste.
One thing which I personally would have loved would have been more OSTs something which clings on to your mind, Sejeong and IU have done a wonderful job but I think it needed some more punch. Most of them were female sung I would have loved to see a male singer too.
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I saw almost all of their dramas and they were amazing ambitions and I wish them success
All episodes were beautiful but when i watched episode 15 and 16 I felt sad for Seo Ji Hye and Jung Hyun their acting was so beautiful I was hoping it would be a happy ending between Seo Dan and Seung Jun But I felt sad for them i hope to meet on another project will be better to them
It was a wonderful and nice story. I thank all the actors and actresses for their wonderful and amazing acting and I thank the director and screenwriter I hope that the upcoming projects will be more beautiful like that and more better.
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Where can I find a Captain Ri in my life? Hahaha...
THIS KDRAMA IS JUST DAEBAK!!
kay makasakay jud ang mga TITAS ? hahaha!! And almost all of the TITAS I know is watching it. I will remember this drama forever. I laughed and cried so hard because of this fascinating drama and it made me truly truly happy week after week. The lead actors are so bagay and grabe makakilig and all the people behind it deserves the highest award possible for doing such fabulous work. Every single little thing and detail in this drama is so beautiful and very touching and I am just speechless.
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The chemistry between Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin was EVERYTHING and it literally just made the show how it is; SO SHOVE IT YOU NEGATIVE NETIZENS THAT WE'RE GIVING THIS SHOW HATE!!! It's just a show and if you take it out of context, you ruin it for everyone else. -_- But I'm glad this show has such a high rating because it's definitely worth it all.
This show is about a rich heiress that has a freak accident and ends up in North Korea which is a huge fight all on it's own. So you're taking this woman trying to escape but she's caught by the Army and now what do you do? She's from the South. OMG. But who would've know that when she was trying to figure out her life and how to survive; she was going to find love and love she definitely found. Along with great relationships; even though her family isn't the best, she made her own family with the rest of the guys and they made this show amazing as well.
The acting was amazing, from every single person. From the army, to the family, to our MAINS of course. The chemistry between every person was just settling, god even the friend and the brother. My heart.
The OST Amazing. Definitely worth the download and keeping on repeat.
I laughed, cried, smiled and spent my life attached to this show and it was absolutely everything to me; I would watch this show 10,000 more times if I could and I can so I will.
WATCH THIS.
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