1
Klio
Bosnia and Herzegovina
"Survival is both an exalted privilege and a painful burden."
Begins Youth is a drama inspired by BU (BTS universe), a fictional storyline that spans through one webtoon and several music videos, short films and books created by BTS. To watch it you don’t have to be familiar with BU, though. The drama version can stand on its own.
STORY – 9.5/10
It’s a compelling story of 7 boys who live miserable lives, but find comfort in each other after becoming friends. It’s a story full of pain, pain and more pain. Saying their lives are hard would be an understatement. They all suffer either because of their abusive/controlling/uncaring families, harsh living conditions or past traumas and mental health issues caused by those traumas. They’re victims of adults who control their lives and their struggle to survive in that bleak environment is painful to watch. When they get together, however, they can forget about their worries and act like teenagers that they are. Those moments of beautiful friendship in between constant suffering and pain are what makes watching this drama worth it. The conflicts they get into with each other are also gripping because nothing about the bond they share is ever bland. If you’re a sucker for angst, found family tropes and plots centered on strong friendships without unnecessary romantic interferences, there’s a good chance that you’ll love this. One of the important aspects of this story is also time travelling. It doesn’t happen in the beginning, but certain elements of the story, and the last two episodes in particular, cannot be understood without the knowledge of it. The ending leaves space for another season, but we don’t know if there are any official plans for it.
ACTING – 10/10
Aside from Seo Ji Hoon, whom I watched in several other dramas, I wouldn’t say any of these actors are famous. They certainly are underrated though, because they can ACT! This story is challenging and playing characters who have so many issues and who carry so much emotional baggage can’t be easy. Despite that, all 7 of them shine. They did justice to every emotion and their portrayal of emotional breakdowns was painfully realistic. It felt like watching veteran actors in action! Their comedic timing and delivery were also impeccable.
ALSO, there is another aspect of their acting that makes people like me, who are ARMYs, so enthusiastic about the drama. Their portrayal of BTS members’ mannerisms were flawless. It’s actually quite creepy (in a good way) how much Haru, Cein and Hosu (in particular) remind me of Jimin, Yoongi and Hoseok. They really did their homework!
MUSIC – 10/10
Most of the music used in this drama is by BTS. Two other OST songs are also good. “Take it all” by JEMMA is beautifully haunting and it’s probably one of the most beautiful OSTs I’ve ever listened to.
REWATCH VALUE – 10/10
Considering the source material (BU) famous for its fan theories, this drama blends in perfectly. I see myself watching it multiple times in an effort to find more clues about the time travelling. Also, I can never get tired of the bond these 7 share.
STORY – 9.5/10
It’s a compelling story of 7 boys who live miserable lives, but find comfort in each other after becoming friends. It’s a story full of pain, pain and more pain. Saying their lives are hard would be an understatement. They all suffer either because of their abusive/controlling/uncaring families, harsh living conditions or past traumas and mental health issues caused by those traumas. They’re victims of adults who control their lives and their struggle to survive in that bleak environment is painful to watch. When they get together, however, they can forget about their worries and act like teenagers that they are. Those moments of beautiful friendship in between constant suffering and pain are what makes watching this drama worth it. The conflicts they get into with each other are also gripping because nothing about the bond they share is ever bland. If you’re a sucker for angst, found family tropes and plots centered on strong friendships without unnecessary romantic interferences, there’s a good chance that you’ll love this. One of the important aspects of this story is also time travelling. It doesn’t happen in the beginning, but certain elements of the story, and the last two episodes in particular, cannot be understood without the knowledge of it. The ending leaves space for another season, but we don’t know if there are any official plans for it.
ACTING – 10/10
Aside from Seo Ji Hoon, whom I watched in several other dramas, I wouldn’t say any of these actors are famous. They certainly are underrated though, because they can ACT! This story is challenging and playing characters who have so many issues and who carry so much emotional baggage can’t be easy. Despite that, all 7 of them shine. They did justice to every emotion and their portrayal of emotional breakdowns was painfully realistic. It felt like watching veteran actors in action! Their comedic timing and delivery were also impeccable.
ALSO, there is another aspect of their acting that makes people like me, who are ARMYs, so enthusiastic about the drama. Their portrayal of BTS members’ mannerisms were flawless. It’s actually quite creepy (in a good way) how much Haru, Cein and Hosu (in particular) remind me of Jimin, Yoongi and Hoseok. They really did their homework!
MUSIC – 10/10
Most of the music used in this drama is by BTS. Two other OST songs are also good. “Take it all” by JEMMA is beautifully haunting and it’s probably one of the most beautiful OSTs I’ve ever listened to.
REWATCH VALUE – 10/10
Considering the source material (BU) famous for its fan theories, this drama blends in perfectly. I see myself watching it multiple times in an effort to find more clues about the time travelling. Also, I can never get tired of the bond these 7 share.
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