The best of the best!

THIS DRAMA IS A MASTERPIECE. I've seen so many c-dramas that I loved, but this one really takes the crown. This is proof that you do not need love triangles, second leads, infuriating misunderstandings, toxicity, messy drama, or breakups to make a well-written and captivating show. Other dramas in recent years also accomplish this, but the way WIFTY does it is just so perfect and magical. It may seem like a typical coming-of-age youth drama with a basic plot in a cliché setting, but it’s actually special in a lot of ways, and it's also executed SO WELL that it doesn’t matter. There are so many valuable lessons to learn from this drama that are beautifully interwoven into the characters’ lives as they navigate adulthood, and it is so healing. Every part of the story is meaningful and the delivery is on point. I’ve seen a lot of dramas that fall under this genre/concept or use similar themes, but this is easily my favorite. (Warning: long review ahead.)

The character development is incredible. The relationship progression between ZLR and SZZ, in particular, was so natural. I loved that they were kinda together even way before they were actually together lol, like it was so obvious they liked each other and there was never anyone else. It felt like they were already committed to each other before they even came close to confessing and becoming official, but it wasn't some corny, lovey-dovey thing – it felt very genuine and realistic, and it happened gradually but not like a slow burn (they managed to achieve the perfect balance). ZLR wasn’t the cold, tsundere type you would expect him to be. He’s quiet and introverted, but not mean or aloof. He’s quite clear about his feelings and intentions and he reciprocates the things she does for/with him. He is kind, he looks out for her, he notices her, he’s attentive, he shows he cares through small gestures, he always responds to her messages/calls/letters, he speaks to her gently, the list goes on and on. It is such a breath of fresh air to not only see an FL who is super active but to also see an ML reciprocating and not ignoring or dismissing her or finding her annoying. I feel like it’s so rare to come across this type of relationship dynamic in dramas – it’s always one chasing and the other rejecting, but that doesn’t happen at all here. He doesn’t really hide his feelings about her (he did shy away sometimes at the start or pretend like he wasn't doing anything special for her when he obviously was, but it was charming and she can always read him like a book – and he knows she can), and she definitely never hid her feelings for him. This is the first drama I’ve seen that depicts this pre-relationship phase so well and takes its time with all of the subtle-yet-obvious actions, hints, and glances between them as well as the teasing, jealousy, cute interactions, and candid conversations. And it never got boring, the pacing was really good and every episode was interesting and entertaining.

And once they actually started dating, their relationship was literally everything I ever wanted. They actually communicate and talk to each other. There are no fights or misunderstandings. They unconditionally support each other and are always there for one another. They wholeheartedly trust each other and never let anyone or anything interfere with their relationship or get between them. They are thoughtful, considerate, and understanding toward one another. They are both the greenest flags and bring out the best in each other. Undoubtedly one of the healthiest relationships I’ve ever seen in a drama, especially in a youth drama. I just love them so much, they're so sweet together and are absolute couple goals. I felt so single watching this drama.

I really felt for ZLR when it came to his individual arc about his backstory, family, and academics. There were a lot of things I could relate to, and you can see how his upbringing shaped him and affected his self-esteem. It's a tough story with complex emotions and feelings involved, I could understand him on a deep level and my heart really hurt for him at some points. I am so glad he opened up because of his friends and that we got to see him smile and talk more as the drama progressed, and I like that his demeanor changed gradually while still staying true to his reserved nature and personality. It felt very natural and authentic. It was wonderful to watch him develop into a more confident person, and I really admire him for being well-disciplined, persistent, determined, and resilient. And as for SZZ, I love how she knows her self-worth. She is the cutesy type of FL like we’ve seen many times before, but her character is actually different and refreshing in a lot of ways. She has a backbone and stands up for herself and for what’s right. When she is wronged, she will defend herself and make a good argument, and she doesn’t back down when challenged. I like that they didn’t reduce her to the typical dumb, poor, helpless, naive FL. Her femininity and vulnerability are portrayed very well, and her confidence, eloquence, and tenacity really shine too. SZZ has her own strengths, she has so much to offer and I'm glad they highlighted that. For example, ZLR and SZZ tutored each other since ZLR was better at math and SZZ was better at English. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, like we all do in real life, and can help each other improve. And when pursuing ZLR, she valued her friendship with him above all and never begged him with the whole “pick me, choose me, love me” thing. SHE chose him. She believes in him. And as good as he was for her, she knew she was good for him as well whether it be as friends or more – and they really are the best for each other. She may have been the clingier one in the beginning, but she would never let him or anyone walk all over her. She showed that she would never chase after a man who doesn’t like her or doesn’t want to be with her. She is strong-minded, smart, brave, courageous, and also highly emotionally intelligent. She is adamant about pursuing her own goals, and I completely agree with her that we should not sacrifice or give up our dreams for others – we should focus on ourselves and become better together. I love that they are strong as individuals and even stronger together. And I enjoyed watching the rest of their friend group grow as well.

All in all, I loved the whole storyline and all of the main/side characters. Everything just felt so real and organic and human, and this drama really teaches you a lot about life, school, family, work, and relationships. There is nothing I would change. I could nitpick and say I wish we got to see just a little bit more of ZLR and SZZ's married life at the end, but I was totally fine with it (after all, this was a youth drama so the focus was on that). Honestly I'm grateful they even included those extra bits, the finale was beautiful and really wrapped up the show nicely. The kiss scenes maybe could have been a little better but they were fitting for the setting and characters so I was also ok with it, they were still decent and did not take away from the show by any means. With how amazing the writing, acting, and production is, I can't bring myself to criticize this drama very much, it was flawless to me. I am so happy I have found my ultimate comfort show. I’ll definitely be rewatching this one often. 10/10!!!

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