This review may contain spoilers
StoryThe story is actually very simple and realistic, and I think that is the charm of the whole series. I won't go into detail with the story, but I think "Something in the Rain" is a good example of how an adult relationship works. I think I have watched this at a right time in my life because if I watched this as a teenager, I will just keep questioning the motives and actions of each character and not understand the perspectives of the characters.
Basically, episode 1-3 is the build up of the relationship of Jin-A and Jun Hui. Episode 4-9 are the sweetest moments of their relationship and then it goes downhill from episode 10 and it surely is an emotional roller coaster. If you are only here for the love story, just watch until episode 9, but if you are here for the growth of Jin-A and her journey as a woman then watch until episode 16.
Something in the Rain is not just a love story, it is also about a woman who follows the culture and norms of the society of South Korea then breaking away from those. The story also has some office drama which gives a slight focus on feminsim. What I like about the theme of feminsim here is that its subtle and not the shove it in your face type of feminism. Its more of how men in their office should face the proper consequences of their actions whenever they are not respectful of their female colleagues.
Their love story may have started the plot, but Jun Hui was actually the catalyst for Jin-A's character to evolve to the point that Jin-A was willing to let him go so that she could stand her ground with what she was fighting for. A lot of people may say that Jin-A was spineless for letting their relationship get ruined by her mother, but it was not the only problem that the character was facing. She was dealing with a lot of problems to the the point it was overwhelming for her. Jun-Hui's solution by running away to the states was very ideal for their relationship to be saved. However, this was actually selfish of Jun Hui because he did not think of what Jin-a is going to leave behind. For Jin-a, she wanted to keep fighting because she was into deep with her sexual harrasment case that she would sacrifice her pride if she ran away. At this point of the story, Jin-a already grew a spine and Jun Hui may have missed that part about her. Even Jin-a stated that if it was the old her, she would have agreed to elope with Jun Hui. However, she did not want to depend on Jun Hui as a solution to all her problems.
There was also a time skip which fast forwarded to three years. I think during this time, the dust has already settled for Jin-A's predicaments. I think it only made sense for me that the character was ready to leave everything behind becuase there was a resolution to each problem that she faced before. She won the case against the sexual harassment in the workplace even though it was not shown in detail. Even though she had a new boyfriend, she fully accepted that she can't love someone that does not treat the way Jun Hui does. She also accepted that her mother will never change and confronted her mom about the way she felt during the past few years which also served closure for their problem in her relationship with her mom. She was able to confront Jun Hui with how she felt about him for the past three years. She really became indepent and headstrong after these events in her life and thats what I appreciate about this show to the point that I was willing to accept that she will not end up with Jun-Hui.
Even though the plot was simple, it was very honest and truthful about the realities of having an adult relationship and the external forces that hinder us to enjoy those relationships. For me, it was handled very well.
Acting/Cast
I actually have no problems with the cast and I think everyone gave their best in playing their own roles. There is no denying that Jung Hae In and Son Ye Jin has a great chemistry to the point that you'll even wonder if they have a relationship offscreen. Both actors knew how to act in love without it being exaggerated. It will really make you believe in love. (Lol cheesy) I also love the long somber moments when they are just alone and thinking. That is actually where they really shine and make them more realistic as characters.
Music
The music may actually come off annoying as first since it is repetitive, but once you get used to it. It actually adds charm to the overall experience of the series. Surely, the viewers will remember " Stand By Your Man," since it keeps on repeating over and over again. The song actually serves as a central theme to the series. The lyrics to the song starts with "Sometimes its hard to be a woman." For Jin-a's situation, it was hard for her to be a woman. The other jazz/soul songs by Rachel Yamagata made the show relaxing to watch and really gave the right mood to the show which makes you actually want to watch in on a cold rainy night. The music may not have been perfect, but it was fitting for the show.
Rewatch Value.
To be honest, I may only rewatch it from episode 1-9 because that was the best moments of their relationship. I'm not sure if I want to experience episode 10 onwards all over again since it was emotional torture, but maybe it depends.on my mood.
Overall
In my opinion, its a great story about a woman who learned to stand on her own and what pushed her to do that was because of love that was pure.
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