Soula
I had interest in watching 18 Again because of my entertaining experience with the movie 17 Again with Zac Efron. The ratings were so high that I figured I just NEEDED to watch this, but unfortunately, I am dropping this.
My biggest gripe with this plot is how unrealistically marriage (or simply being dedicated to a significant other) is being portrayed here. A marriage does not simply crumble due to 1 nasty thing said, especially not when OBVIOUSLY inebriated and upset. Especially not a couple who have been together for nearly 20 years. At this point in your relationship, you know each other. Situationally, you would know that your spouse is upset AND drunk and therefore, while they might be embarrassing the crap out of you both and saying something hurtful, after things settle down, you would be able to process and address the root of the cause.
18 Again uses the reasoning that the main couple don't *communicate* and that's why their marriage fell apart, but let's be honest - if you didn't communicate as a couple, you would have broken up many many MANY years ago, with or without kids, so making it seem like they broke up over the 1 situation is just ridiculous (and while the writers allude that there were other things that contributed to their break up, it's weak and lacks substantial elaboration). *SIGH*
Further, I have real issue with everything being Hong Dae Young's fault. What about the fact that he gave up his dreams to make his wife and twins his new future? Yes, he made that choice, but it doesn't seem to matter to anyone that he lost his dream career and source of income as a professional athlete and just had to figure out how he would support his family (which would obviously leave him feeling unfulfilled, bitter, and depressed, which is ALSO ignored *huff*). So what, Jung Da Jung is allowed to keep her dreams, but Dae Young has to suck it up because...?
Additionally, to solely blame one individual in the relationship is to neglect the fact that there are indeed two factors the relationship depends on. I see this flawed perspective over and over again in entertainment and I find it infuriating. We all play a part in our relationships and dynamics. We are not perfect. Painting Da Jung as flawless and the *perfect* wife is so unrealistic and frustrating. It implies that only one partner needs to take responsibility for the outcomes of a relationship.
Also, what was with the creepy side-character plots? (The sinister teacher and the stalker) Bleh.
What made this drama worth watching was seeing Dae Young's beautiful memories with his children. I think the drama should have spent less time on Da Jung's career and Dae Young's flaws and more time on the dynamics between this family. What could have Da Jung done to support Dae Young's dreams and/or career? How could Dae Young be more involved with his high school children and be a better support at home? And the root issues of the arguments between Da Jung and Dae Young really needed to be addressed, not just the 1 moment Da Jung was embarrassed and hurt. *sigh*
I would also like to note that the OST for 18 Again is really beautiful. Very pretty, melodic music.
My biggest gripe with this plot is how unrealistically marriage (or simply being dedicated to a significant other) is being portrayed here. A marriage does not simply crumble due to 1 nasty thing said, especially not when OBVIOUSLY inebriated and upset. Especially not a couple who have been together for nearly 20 years. At this point in your relationship, you know each other. Situationally, you would know that your spouse is upset AND drunk and therefore, while they might be embarrassing the crap out of you both and saying something hurtful, after things settle down, you would be able to process and address the root of the cause.
18 Again uses the reasoning that the main couple don't *communicate* and that's why their marriage fell apart, but let's be honest - if you didn't communicate as a couple, you would have broken up many many MANY years ago, with or without kids, so making it seem like they broke up over the 1 situation is just ridiculous (and while the writers allude that there were other things that contributed to their break up, it's weak and lacks substantial elaboration). *SIGH*
Further, I have real issue with everything being Hong Dae Young's fault. What about the fact that he gave up his dreams to make his wife and twins his new future? Yes, he made that choice, but it doesn't seem to matter to anyone that he lost his dream career and source of income as a professional athlete and just had to figure out how he would support his family (which would obviously leave him feeling unfulfilled, bitter, and depressed, which is ALSO ignored *huff*). So what, Jung Da Jung is allowed to keep her dreams, but Dae Young has to suck it up because...?
Additionally, to solely blame one individual in the relationship is to neglect the fact that there are indeed two factors the relationship depends on. I see this flawed perspective over and over again in entertainment and I find it infuriating. We all play a part in our relationships and dynamics. We are not perfect. Painting Da Jung as flawless and the *perfect* wife is so unrealistic and frustrating. It implies that only one partner needs to take responsibility for the outcomes of a relationship.
Also, what was with the creepy side-character plots? (The sinister teacher and the stalker) Bleh.
What made this drama worth watching was seeing Dae Young's beautiful memories with his children. I think the drama should have spent less time on Da Jung's career and Dae Young's flaws and more time on the dynamics between this family. What could have Da Jung done to support Dae Young's dreams and/or career? How could Dae Young be more involved with his high school children and be a better support at home? And the root issues of the arguments between Da Jung and Dae Young really needed to be addressed, not just the 1 moment Da Jung was embarrassed and hurt. *sigh*
I would also like to note that the OST for 18 Again is really beautiful. Very pretty, melodic music.
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