Máquina de Escrever Chicago (2017)

I’m not a fan of the crossover between the past to present being intertwined via incarnation but the way this drama delivered that kind of plot was really interesting that’s why I watched along. However, that interest did dwindle as I passed through episode 10 when things started becoming cheesy, but it did redeem itself at around the last two episodes where everything became clearer.

This drama has its own target audience and maybe they would be up for the popularity of the actors, it did highly market the actors for me, but aside that… something just felt missing. You know that feeling when you’re watching a drama and you can’t just get enough of it? I didn’t really feel it with this one, hence I got really disappointed because I was expecting so much from it.

Aside from my above rantings here are the following elements that are worth mentioning: actors, cinematography and OST.

Let’s start with the 3 lead roles:
Yoo Ah In as Han Se Joo, I felt like he was over the top for this particular character. He could have downgraded it a bit and at least acted as how most authors really lived. It felt like he was a top actor instead of an acclaimed writer who was supposed to be eccentric, in this drama he came across as a guy straight out of a magazine who lived in Beverly Hills. Don’t get me wrong, I love the actor himself but I’m not a fan of his Se Joo character. I do admit that he has a complex role since he had to have the weight of his past character and his present one, but still... it could have been better. However, even though that’s the case for his present character, I couldn’t say the same to his past one, Seo Hui Young because he really nailed that bad ass role. I love how charismatic he was as the writer during the 1930’s and being in a covert rebellion at the same time. He was witty and stuck with his own principles. That’s the kind of character I love rooting for, the lonely-brooding kind of guy who believes he can make a difference in the world despite sacrificing himself and everyone he cares about. Nuff said. Im Soo Jung the female lead who acted as Jeon Seol/ Ryu Su Hyeon, she was a sniper in the past with the alias “Anastasia”. I definitely like the fact that she’s a strong character, not just in the past but as well in the present. She can still pick up a gun and kick ass despite her traumatic visions. The fact that in the present, she’s also an avid fan and at least knows her limitations… its makes her more amusing. As for the last character Go Kyung Pyo as Yoo Jin Oh/Shin Yul is such a charismatic guy. He also has this cool relationship going on with Yoo Ah In’s character in which they have some sort of unspoken bond. The bromance was palpable I could certainly compare to the Goblin and Grim Reaper’s relationship the Goblin Drama. Aside that, another thing that I find interesting from his character is that during the past and the present he had that appealing aura in his stature all throughout the drama. I find him both cute and endearing at the same time. Oh, and kudos to his stylist too because he dressed up oh so damn well!

The cinematography for the drama is breathtaking. I think the fact that this was shot during the spring, it made everything look so colorful and vibrant. I just loved it. Even the indoor shoot of interior was wonderful, I love how the director was able to capture those lines of books, arches of windowsill and the nook and crannies of Han Se Joo’s house. It was really pretty to look at. Lastly there’s the OST. It was memorable and did pull my heart strings at the right moment particularly during those heart-racing-revealing-moments of the show. I like how the melody can stir emotions out of me.

Overall it was interesting enough to sit down and watch through but not really something I would go on to enjoy and binge watch with in one go. I may not re-watch this again but I would recommend it to the fans of the actors and those who like the type of story with twist and turns along the way.

Leia Mais

This was a magical journey. A very captivating interwoven story between 1930's anti-Japanese liberation movement and present day (80+ years later).
I really like the way the story is told -- with every episode, we get to learn a little bit more of what happened in the past, then at the end everything comes together. The 1930's arc is super well-done -- I may even like the characters there more than their present-day counterparts.
Plot-wise, the only thing I wasn't a fan of was the later villain arc. It was kind of unnecessary?! Oh well; it didn't take away from the main story that much.

The main characters' chemistry is fabulous. The only thing I was concerned about is, since a lot of the story depends on their past lives, the present-day chemistry might be lacking a bit. But the past life makes up for it I promise! I got (good) goosebumps all the way!
Everyone's acting was also on point. Especially the way 1930's Yoo Ah In looked at his comrades -- best. His eyes would tell you everything.

If you just listen to the OST you'd feel it's a bit dull -- but when paired with the key emotional scenes, it really adds to the story. Yes, the story is a bit dark and stays pretty dark (with really rare comedic relief), but it's a beautiful ride that I hope everyone would attempt taking.

I think it will take a while for me to get over this drama. My heart <3

Leia Mais

A melancholic tale of friendship, regret and redemption

I write this review nearly two years after I first watched Chicago Typewriter - on second viewing, and as I mulled over the show for these years, I find that the drama still retains its powerful emotional core. With the second viewing the tears are stronger, because I know where it is headed and what all the pieces of the puzzle mean. Despite some flaws (is anything really perfect?) Chicago Typewriter is, at its heart, a story of friendship and love that traverses two lifetimes. There is longing, and for one character the journey towards redemption is marred by his own deep regret. Indeed for all the three characters, they find themselves when they find each other - this is such a deep, unwavering friendship and love. The present only makes sense when we know who we have been in the past, and yet as Se-joo reminds Yoo Jin-Oh, he is not Shin Yool. One can look at the past and the present as two halves of the story, and yet never live in the past, the story tells us. Acknowledge it, accept it, learn from it and move on. I loved Se-joo’s last meeting with his foster brother- he had emerged in the end a fully developed person, who was kind, considerate and self-aware. Undoubtedly his two friends made him thus. He learned to trust again, to love wholeheartedly and without fear. You don’t need too many people- just one or two who truly understand you. This was a complex story- weaving of pasts and present, and what wonderful characters! Even if not through reincarnation we all change, and both Hwi-young and Soo-hyun are examples of this.

This series, in my opinion, stands as one of the greatest, whether English, Korean or otherwise. Truly an outstanding show that will stay with you for a long time. Deep, philosophical, poetic, meaningful, and I must say, melancholic. Excellent performances by Yoo Ah-in (Han Se-joo/Seo Hwi-young), Im Soo-jung (Jeon Seol/Ryu Soo-hyun) and Go Kyung-pyo (Yoo Jin-oh/ Shin Yool), and all three shine in their emotional moments. Kwak Si-yang and the other supporting actors were excellent too. Outstanding cinematography, excellent direction, and oh, what a fantastic soundtrack. Just listening to the songs, particularly ‘Satellite’, ‘Time Walk’ and ‘Writing Our Stories’ takes me back to the series, and I realise that as a viewer I am pulled into the story, and it feels nostalgic, and melancholic: sitting with friends you love and doing something meaningful. Unlike other shows, this has very few people on whom the three leads can depend upon. This one isn’t about boisterous appeals of humanity but subtle ones. Highly recommended, but be patient, as everything makes sense when the show is over.

Leia Mais

A very unorthodox plot. What genre does this drama exactly fall into? I don't know. It consists of mystery, romance, comedy(?), time-travel and supernatural. I enjoyed watching the plot but a more mind-blowing ending would have made the drama better in my opinion. It was all good until the ending which was a bit bland and predictable. The drama had a good start and a good idea, the romance and chemistry between the main leads was so-so but cute nonetheless. If you are looking for something new and exciting but still romantic? You have found the perfect 2017 drama right here.

Leia Mais

Starting off I would say the storyline for this drama is quite intriguing. I have never watched anything that is based on the liberation of Korea from Japanese rule. Its always way far back or way into the future. I liked the change. The drama is set in two timelines the 1930s and 2017, where 3 people re-encounter to solve the mystery of their past lives that have haunted them in the present. The characters were quite interesting to watch and I loved the way the story evolved.

The storyline was set in pace but there were areas that I could have agreed with less. A lot of holes were in this drama. Some characters were without detail and understanding. I believe they would have spent their time trying to see where they want each character to go and how they would like to translate that to their audience.
They were also many areas lacking concerning the main roles, some scenes were not given as much attention and in some episodes, they would present some kind of epiphany within the cast and never lead up to it leaving the whole concept dead in a careless manner.

I do however applaud their chemistry not only the love interests but as friends, it quite heartwarming. This was my first time seeing Yoo Ah In on-screen on television and maybe I set my expectations too high as I know he's quite acclaimed with burning. Overall, it was quite interesting to a point, the performances were also thrilling and its good content to get in to, I just feel with such an acclaimed cast and storyline, the screenplay would have been a tad better. Watch it!

Leia Mais

This is a story about love and friendship, where the characters are given a chance to reconnect in a second life as they were separated in the first.

Pros:
1. The plot is unique and not something you see in every other drama.
2. Characters are all fun and interesting. Even the FL who is a fangirl never puts up with mistreatment from her idol. No super annoying airheads here.
3. The story has some supernatural elements and two timelines, which are well put together and doesn't get messy.
4. Acting is top notch. Our leads are experienced and wonderful actors who really brought the characters to life.
5. The friendship between the three MCs was so true and heartfelt.
6. The sacrifice of love the leads had to make the first time around is heart wrenching and its so good to see them get a second chance.
7. Best kiss scene in Kdrama history. I haven't seen anything better and I've watched a LOT of dramas.
8. The ML is just way too sexy.

Cons:
1. The FL is much older than the ML and 2ML, and she is portraying a person much younger than them which seemed odd to me.
2. Although I had a pleasant time watching the entire show I didn't feel the suspense or thrill elements from the flashbacks. The story was nice enough but I wasn't ever too invested in it.

Overall I'd recommend you watch this if you want to watch something new and interesting which still features love and friendship.

Leia Mais

This is storytelling, or rather, story-"showing", at its best.

What a wonderfully shot drama with a winning cast and tight knit storyline.

Story: Every episode builds upon the last. I was never bored. The use of humor in this drama is also on point. Instead of the common "trolling" often employed by writers in dramas these days, the humor is unique and refreshing. The way the past life story is unraveled also fits very well with the character and story developments. In all, a very well executed drama.

Music: AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL OST. One of the songs is in English, which made it all the easier to relate to as a English-speaking viewer. A great choice of the songs used in this drama. Made the drama so beautiful and easy to be immersed in.

Acting: Yoo Ah In is in this. Need I say more? All 3 of the leads were able to infuse layered acting into this so that the characters embodied their roles perfectly, whether that was helplessness, confusion, paranoid, etc. The ending was perfect and poignant, and only because the leads' acting was able to pull it off. Some people criticized that the main lead was too insensitive and a jerk, but as you keep watching the drama reveals why he is that way, so have some patience.

I cannot say enough good things about this drama. While Legend of the Blue Seas (which is also about past and current reincarnated lives) is a romance story, Chicago Typewriter is instead a story about patriotism and friendship. The past life motif is strong this year (i.e., Goblin, Legend of the Blue Seas) but Chicago Typewriter has the best story.

This drama is so underrated, I honestly don't understand why this drama doesn't have as many viewers as the other two above. Don't be put off by the "literary-ness" which put me off initially but instead expect a very intriguing period drama x fantasy/supernatural aspects. The bromance is strong in this one. Instead of rooting for the love line, I rooted for the bromance all the way.

Definitely worth the watch! (and perhaps staying up late for!)

Leia Mais

I don't think words will ever be enough to describe the journey I went on while watching this drama. It was a beautiful, sad, happy and hopeful one, all wrapped into one bittersweet masterpiece. This story left me speechless.
I will not go as far as to say that this drama was perfect, but it was so wonderfully close to perfection, that I am willing to look past its small flaws and call it what it is : a masterpiece. No drama has ever made me feel this way before. I felt deeply connected to the characters (especially those of the 1930s era) and around the final episodes, I had to remind myself that these are fictional characters. I was so invested in this story that it felt like it was real and I felt every emotion that the characters felt.
I went in this drama knowing a few big plot points (and by that, I mean episode 15 and 16 major spoilers), so I sort of knew how this story would end, but I was still caught off guard by the way this story unfolded. Starting episode 10 or 11, I think I cried at least once every episode. Sure, I am a sensitive person, but there was something so beautifully tragic about this story that made my eyes water and my chest tighten in a way they had never before in front of a drama. Even now that I completed it, I still feel the emotions rushing back to me when I think of the 1930s story. Truthfully, the only reason I didn't put 10 as a rewatch value is because this story touched me and made me feel so many things that I'm not sure I could go through that again in a near future. However, I can easily see myself watching it again after a little while has passed.
Our main cast truly shines in this drama and I felt especially drawn to Yu Jin Oh and his growth throughout his story of acceptance and moving on from the past. His character was at times comedic, at times tragic, and Go Kyung Pyo truly let the character shine. Im Soo Jeong shined as Ryu Soo Yeon and I was so impressed by Yoo Ah In's skills, making the past and present day characters seem like totally different people. I kept forgetting that they were both played by the same actor !
Like many other people, I do wish we saw more of the 1930s timeline, as it was for sure more interesting and poignant then the present day one, but I honestly don't think my heart could've endured more of the emotionally charged 1930s scenes. To me, it was satisfying and somewhat comforting to watch the present day romance evolve in a free manner and let those two souls love each other without the 1930s context being in the way. The simplicity of the current relationships (when compared to 30s ones) gave more depth to the sad-yet-beautiful story of our past characters. It made it more interesting, and the contrast between the two romances was so beautiful to witness.
I never expected that I would ever feel so connected to a drama, but here we are, and I regret nothing. It will take a long time before I move on from this drama and I think its life lessons will always stay with me, in a way.
Here's one of my favourite quotes of this drama :
"Tomorrow might not be yours. Your loved ones won't always be by your side. If you want to say "I love you", say it now. If you want to smile, do it now"

Leia Mais

Je l'avais gardé de coté durant trop longtemps sans raison.
Il m'intéressait mais je ne faisais pas le premier pas. Puis après avoir vu une photo de Yoo Ah-In en Seo Hwi-Yeong je me suis lancée.

D'ailleurs en parlant des acteurs, franchement tous on fait un travail remarquable. Du casting je ne connaissait que Ko Kyung-Pyo que j'avais adoré dans Strongest Deliveryman et j'avais rapidement vu Im So-Jung dans Reserch WWW (avant de le stoppé mais c'est une autre histoire XP). Et qu'elle découverte je fis. Yoo In-Ah vient d'etre propulsé dans très grand cercle de mes acteurs préférés.

Le scénario est original. Je n'ai jamais vu ça dans un drama. C'est rafraîchissant. Un très bon dosage entre l'action, la romance et l'histoire qui d'ailleurs est intéressante et bien amenée. Et franchement les flashback durant les années 30 étaient mes moments préférés. Le style des personnage était juste magique. La romance était pleine d'alchimie et je l'ai trouvée plus realistes que dans des drama classique. Elle est amenée en douceur ce que j'ai grandement apprécié.

Et petit passage sur les ost qui sont vraiment sympathique. Elle ne sont extraordinaire comme dans Doctor John ou Graceful Family mais vraiment en accord avec le drama ceux qui rend les émotions transmises beaucoup plus forte. Apres le seul petit point qui m'a embêté c'est que malgré le bon jeu de Im Soo-Jung depuis le dernier drama ou je l'ai vu je n'ai pas une bonne relation avec elle on va dire donc j'ai un peu rechigné au début Donc je conseille vraiment Chicago Typewriter.

C'est une pépite trop méconnue a mon gout.

Leia Mais