don't blink

This screenplay has to have the most diverse story line I have ever watched in an Asian drama. The story twists and turns from present to past to present and has strong story lines for supporting characters in addition to the the two main leads, who are actually four different people themselves (two each). This drama is only on episode 8 but is revealing some pretty heavy secrets already. The writer wittingly keeps us guessing the true identity of the two leads, especially the male. They both have a pseudo identity who is a mix of past and present identities. There are many deep topics covered in the drama such as same sex attraction, suicide and murder. The murder has not happened in real time as of yet and the culprit has not been truly revealed only suggested. There is innuendo at every turn but I have learned not to take anything for granted. If you like mystery, romance, time travel, teen love, and a complicated plot, you will enjoy this one. I am so in love with the main OST as well. The song Last Dance by China Blue is the vehicle that spurs the time travel by the way, but this is not realized until episode 8 by the actors. Alice Ke and Greg Han are both adorable in this at times. I have to say that although it is deep frequently, do not give up on it after a couple of episodes. It gets better and better. As you can see I am totally enjoying this drama so far. I do have a bit of trepidation of how it is going to end though. Of course, I always hope for a happy ending. But, no mater I am loyal until the end! I am watching it on Viki

update! I just finished episode 13 without subtitles and let us just say, I didn't see that coming. I am so in love with this couple and their romance! They left it open ended so that there could be a season two which would be a dream come true. Pun intended! Wow! I just finished watching this drama and I feel no written review can do it justice, simply because the level of writing in this drama is the best I have ever seen. It can not compare with my little review. The plot is so in depth. It has so many layers that twist and turn and often overlap that it is difficult at times to sort it all out! But you do in the end! The plot revolves around the two main characters, which actually are four (two each) as well as a well developed second layer of active characters whose roles are recurring. The four main characters are played by Greg Han and Alice Ke, each playing double roles. The romance factor is a 10 and the mystery/suspense factor is also a 10. I guarantee once you begin watching, you will not be able to stop until the end so plan accordingly! This no light drama. The plot includes murder, suicides, a love triangle and even a wonderful second lead. The music became my favorite song as well. There are some sexual undertones so this is not recommended for younger viewers. A 10 overall. I will not give away the ending! But, lets just say, I didn't see that one coming! This is a hidden jewel! I can see it becoming a cult classic in the future!

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I just discovered this in 2020! Such a gem. I could not stop watching it! the story has all the feels. I cried! I laughed real belly laughs more than once! And there is some serious kissing! Loved the personalities of the main characters. The disappointments were gentle enough not to take away from the feel good! great script. Yoon Shi Yoon is adorable and I loved how he emphasized his emotions! It became fun toward the end and I believe the rest of the cast joined in copying his expressions! Loved this one! highly recommend it! it will forever be in my rewatch category!

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You know how we all hold out hope for that last episode? I am there. I have had some very clear realizations while watching the final 16th episode. It starts out terribly in my opinion, with the ML lying, which has been a problem with the FL the entire season. This drama has been full of secrecy in the name of protecting other people or denying their own feelings from the get go. It has also been full of false guilt, followed by apologies for things that were not actually their fault. I know that in some Asian cultures this is considered a virtue, but I despise it. Clearly it is the writer's theme for this drama. I appreciate when a cast gets to be adults and actually discuss their emotions, deal with facts and work things out. No one in this entire drama does that. It has been frustrating for me, but the main story line has been compelling enough to hold my attention. The recently (like 2 episodes ago) paired main couple did not build a truly romantic relationship early enough to support their intimacy in this last episode in my opinion as well. The ML lead feels more like a friend or a pal than a boyfriend honestly. The side stories took up a lot of air time and were well developed, but that actually took away from the core romantic aspect of the drama. The backstory and flashbacks were well done and intriguing leading the viewer to believe that the final result would be emotionally comparable, but the ML has hardly cracked a smile the entire drama, so now that he is relaxed and smiling at the end it seems contrite and unnatural honestly, out of character. In this entire last episode, his denial that his mother was the person who gave the FL chocolate when a mall collapsed trapping them both, loomed over the joy of their relationship in my mind. He surely can not keep that a secret forever and when the FL finds out he lied what then? But, that was not revealed before the drama ended. I haven't mentioned that the drama was set in a hospice and patients do die in every single episode, which was ok emotionally, since that was the theme, and it was never overly dramatized. The ending was understated and sweet, and did get more believable in the last few minutes. I would still recommend this to be watched, but it is not one I personally will re-watch later. I enjoyed Kim Won-Hae's role in this as he is an eternal treat for me anytime he is in a drama, but even his character speaks of death and has false guilt. I give this an 8 which is low for me. I believe the true moral of this story is, do not take life for granted and appreciate what life you do have. A worthy message.

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We all want an Encounter like this!

This is a review of a re-watch of Encounter, which allowed me to notice things I did not the first time around. The scenery and cinematography are out standing. The scenes shot in Cuba, paired with fabulous songs created a canvas my imagination could build on. I was captivated at all the sights and sounds. It was like a mini vacation for me. The story line that was developed in episode one became a central theme that was used masterfully to recreate romance in almost every episode. Park Gum Bo shone as Kim Jin Hyuk who was strikingly contrasted by the typical uptight role played by Song Hye Kyo. Her character, Cha Soo Hyun, appeared to be more mature on the surface but in reality , it was she that needed guidance of how to have a relationship in the end. There were many familiar stereotypical undertones of false guilt, parental control, over reacting to society, and social mishaps that brought tension. I will have to say that I found the role that was developed for Kim Jin Hyuk's mother extremely irritating. She definitely over steps her boundaries and is forgiven, of course, in the end. The OST is wonderful! I highly recommend this drama to anyone who needs a break from the heavier dramas. There is plenty of drama in this one but it is a lighter fare than most.

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frustrating love triangle still at episode 9

The story line has shifted back and forth between two brothers that love the same woman. I honestly do not know which brother to root for. As the storylne has progessed I have been been on each brother's side at different times. I am a fan of Im Soo Hyang and Ji Soo so of course I have an affection for them. The oldest brother does have his sinister side, but at this point it has been revealed he may be otherwise. His motives may have been misunderstood. After episode 9 the story is at a very pivotal point. I will not give spoliers but episode10 it is definitely going to be a decision moment. I want to seriously know when is Ji Soo going to be the lead?! This is not a fluffy love story by the way. It does have the cliche kdrama types. It has false guilt, it has rivaling siblings, it has the over bearing MIL, it has the gentle father figure, it has the victimized female lead (who drives me crazy every once in a while with all the stereotype KDrama plots), it has the crazy ex-girl friend, it has the mob, it has classism, (should I go on? ) I am not overly fond of the female lead at this point. She has treated Ji Soo horribly in a couple of episodes, perhaps justifiably so. And he has shocked us in an episode as well. His character is soft one moment and stern the next, which makes the writer seem a bit schizophrenic. I will say there was an ah - ha moment in episode 8 when we were given insights into the older brother's behavior. This is definitely not a boring drama, and there are a lot of tense moments. One treat in this drama is the supporting role played by Kim Mi Kyung. And I dare say, it is a very different role for her. This drama is by far not my favorite, but I will watch it to the end , and hope for the best for everyone involved! Now is still a good time to hop on because there is still a lot of intrugue left. Not for those looking for light romance. Mature story line. Definitely drama, drama, drama.

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rewatch value a 10 of 10

I am always so blessed by rewatching this sweet drama! The current trend of death , split relationships and sad endings is not my cup of tea. While this does have its fair amount of drama and tense situations, they are balanced with moments that keep them from being overwhelming. I truly wish K-Drama would get back to the basics. The back and forth pulling between the FL and the two male leads in this keeps things interesting, while there is a clear good guy versus bad guy. This is well rounded with the other characters and story lines as well. I appreciate the actors and I will forever be a fan of Ju Jin Mo.

tags ~ Childhood love, first love, lost love, parental abuse, kidnapping, doctors, famous celebrity, amnesia, stolen romance, lying parents, poverty, true love, romance, spousal abuse, trapped FL, breakout of trapped situation, sports, comedy, suspense, adultery, flash backs , faithful partner, scheming second female , scheming second male, skinship

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