STORY
The story of this drama feels very realistic and unique. The cinematography was beautiful and I enjoyed the aesthetically pleasing scenes more than it's even possible. You could see that every character was actually very deeply developed and the creators really made an excellent work concentrating on small details. It was amazing how you could feel all the emotions coming from the characters and you could easily empathise with them. There weren't really any "good or bad" characters. They were only people struggling with life and their fears and it made an incredible impression on me. The connection was also definitely very strong between the main leads and not to mention the chemistry between them! Oh boy, my heart is thanks to this drama really heart-broken and overwhelmed at the same time.
ACTING/CAST
I have legitimately no words. The acting was incredible. I’m so proud of the whole cast for doing such a great job. The main leads really killed it. Lee Kang Doo portrayed by Lee Jun Ho is a character who I would protect at all costs. He suffered so much and I still can't believe that Lee Jun Ho was able to portray him so realistically. He didn't have to say anything and you could already feel the character's emotions through his eyes. The same goes for Won Jin Ah. She also did an incredible job and the fact that she's a starting actress, wow. Lastly, I have to mention the chemistry again. Their relationship was obviously very important in the storyline and I loved the story behind their connection. I couldn't be more satisfied with their passionate performances.
MUSIC
I always forget to notice music in dramas but this was so painful to watch that I heard the music in my ears louder than ever. The songs definitely made a big impact on the scenes and also on my weak heart.
OVERALL
Honestly, I don’t have all the proper words to fully describe my thoughts about this drama. It was so tragically sad and realistic and I’m so amazed by this. I’m amazed about the plot, about the cast, about everything. How I said before, the acting was in my point of view incredible and the characters made the plot even more unique. Even though I emotionally suffered so much, I'd love to rewatch this when I get the chance to.
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The story revolves around a Mall's tragic collapse 10 years ago, and the plans to rebuild a new mall in the same spot. In the beginning I thought I would get bored by that plot pretty quickly, but the real story is all the characters directly or indirectly affected by this tragedy. Yes, it's also a great love story, but there are so many other interesting characters besides the main couple with their own struggles, romances, and personal battles. The characters are also extremely diverse as far as their circumstances (age, status, abilities...), but they all deal with their own frustrations, and self realizations. The cast is basically perfect.
Lee Jun Ho and Won Jin Ah were amazing together. I was impressed by how realistic their pain, angst, and chemistry felt. They never felt melodramatic or over the top, no matter how heavy the story got. Moon Soo has a cool no matter what personality, while Kang Doo has a dangerous charm, and both are frustrating at times, and heartbreaking at other times, but also incredibly cute together. I will say that Jun Ho was exceptionally good, and I was extremely impressed by his range. Whether he was tough, sensitive, smirking, crying, sickly, seductive, or just charismatic... he nailed every single emotion. I guess this proves once again that you can't underestimate someone by their past boyband status. I look forward to seeing many more awesome roles in his future!
This is the kind of drama where it's hard to pick out a few members of the cast because the whole cast is stellar. This review would be pages long if I tried to mention all the reasons why, just know that they are all realistic, sympathetic, imperfect, and that I genuinely cared about all of them. I will mention one MVP of the cast, which is saying a lot considering how good everyone was, and that's Kim Kang Hyun as Sang Man. There were many times that I thought his humor, wisdom, and emotional observations stole the show. It may be a stereotype to have the slowest person be in many ways the smartest, but he executed it so well. I loved Sang Man way too much not to mention him specifically.
I know I keep giving a lot of credit to the cast, but the writer and director deserve much of the credit too. The whole story feels extremely intimate. We get a sense of the Mall collapse's impact without it becoming too melodramatic. The images were also more haunting than gruesome, which gave them a stronger impact. The writer also avoids having everything work out perfectly, or making everything doom and gloom, which is part of why it all felt so realistic. Even during moments where the story felt a little slower, everything still felt connected, and necessary. There was one point where a character kept repeating the same frustrating action, and just as it was about to drive me crazy, they explained why they kept doing it and it all made sense. There's also enough balance in the story where it's never too sad, or too happy, for too long. If you like character driven stories, you will definitely not be disappointed.
The question of whether I would watch this again is tricky. While it's certainly good enough to watch again, you have to definitely be in the mood for this kind of story. Some of the suspense in wanting to know what decisions characters would make would be gone, which may make some episodes feel slower. Still, the cast is so phenomenal that I would enjoy watching these characters again even knowing the outcome.
I also really enjoyed the soundtrack. It was mellow, and moving, without being too distracting. I though that was perfect for a drama like this.
Overall, this is a must see drama, but be prepared for some tears... or many tears if you are a crybaby like me. With a story surrounding so many different characters, know that the ending is extremely satisfying (which I was worried about), as far as not leaving any characters hanging or forgotten about. I expected to be depressed when it was over, but instead I felt inspired to appreciate each day, even when life isn't exactly what I want it to be. From the beginning until the end I was totally invested in "Just Between Lovers", and I'm so glad I took a chance on it when I had no idea what to expect.
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Story:
A boy and girl meet during an accident where a building colapses and the two are buried underneath the concrete. Both are rescued in the end, but this incident leaves them, and also many others, with different levels of struggles and pain.
A very sad story with a lot of struggles that turns into a beautiful life lesson. Seriously, I haven't come across a drama where such a sad begining turns into a wonderful peace of art, like it did here.
Acting/Cast:
All the cast members do a splendid job here, they depict their characters perfectly so you love and hate them in all the right places. Actually, there is no character that I hate in the end, although I hated him or her inbetween. Everything is resolved in the end. And then there are the main characters Moon Soo and Gang Doo, who are the above mentioned boy and girl. Moon Soo is played by Won Jin Ah and although she seems a little reserved in the beginning, she really did a great job overall.
And now, let me come to the star of this show. Lee Junho (of 2PM) as Gang Doo. GIVE THIS MAN AN AWARD! His acting is so perfect, so real that you can't help but fall in love with Gang Doo. Every little emotion Gang Doo feels is visible thanks to Junho - wow, wow, wow! I didn't know him before, as I didn't watch Chief Kim, but now I've become a sucker for Junho (and 2PM xD) thanks to his acting here.
Music:
This drama has another great feature that lies in the music. Or rather, the lack of music. There are moments in this drama were there is no sound at all and you have no choice but to immerse into the emotions the characters feel. And that are the moments where it gets reaaaaally intense. Great! Also, if there is music, it always fits and is never too much. Another good point: Junho himself sang one of the songs of the OST and it's just beautiful!
Rewatch Value:
Yes, will definitely rewatch this at some point in time. Even if it's only to see Gang Doo's emotions!
Overall:
This drama deserves an award. Or better, a lot of them. It is really amazing and took my kdrama experience to a whole new level. An emotional rollercoaster that is worth all the ups and downs! It's simply a masterpiece. I bow my head to the writers, directors, actors, and all the other people who worked on this. Thank you!
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That's the best way I can describe it. After I'd finished watching this drama, I remember feeling satisfied but somewhat confused. No matter how much I wanted to write a review, I refrained because I was uncertain what the point of the story was besides getting the main leads together.
If you've read the synopsis, you know the protagonists survived the collapse of a shopping mall. So at first, I thought the story was about the leads working to make sure a tragedy like that didn't repeat. Except the story moved into a different territory, exploring why the mall collapsed in the first place. So then I assumed the plot was about finding out who was really responsible for the tragedy... only to realize that was barely touched upon. So next I wondered if it was about building the memorial for the victims' families and, in so doing, allowing our leads time to accept what happened and heal... But by the end of the story, none of those things mattered. In fact, some of those plot points were left completely unattended or brushed over.
So what was this story about?
It took me a bit of reflection to find the common thread that wove everything together. This is a story of hurt and comfort, simple as that. All the characters, each in their own way, were hurting. And, as the story progressed, they each found some measure of comfort and peace. But despite the heartwarming story, some plot-points did drag the narrative and bogged it down, extending the plot unnecessarily. That is not to say the story isn't good, but that is exactly the problem. If it had had a clearer plot, it would've elevated this story to greatness.
MAIN CHARACTERS: Sensitive & emotional
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The strongest point of this drama is probably the main characters, their acting and their chemistry. It's also worth noting that the characters stay very consistent, growing with each episode in a believable way.
Lee Kang Doo (male lead played by Lee Jun Ho): His character kept me engaged. He's not an unusual character, but I've more often than not seen his type in a supporting role rather than a lead. Kang Doo is a character who's hurting but he doesn't know how to ask for help. In fact, at his core, he doesn't think he deserves to be helped. He clings to life by sheer force of will, hiding his insecurities behind a wall of impatience and anger. But his bark is louder than his bite and, though he's rough, his true gentle heart shines through his every action.
Ha Moon Soo (female lead, played by Won Jin Ah): Her character is a perfect balance for Kang Doo. If he's like fire, she's like a gentle river. She flows calmly, abundantly and consistently. She's almost always in control of her life and emotions, which allows her to help those around her. She's a good person through and through, and a nurturing one at that. I really enjoyed her character, especially when her control broke to let out her real feelings and, with it, give us a glimpse of the pain she's been hiding. She was the most balanced and emotionally intelligent character out of the entire cast.
ANTAGONIST: None
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Although there are characters that act antagonistic, their role wasn't really that impactful. So I'd call them blunders more than antagonists.
SUPPORT CHARACTERS: Sympathetic
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Seo Joo Won (second male lead played by Lee Ki Woo): He was a complex character, presented as someone who wanted to move forward, but who couldn't let go of the past because he was still very much hurting. He was also a likable character from beginning to end.
Jung Yoo Jin (second female lead played by Kang Han Na): She's Seo Joo Won's former fiance who's still in love with him. Despite Joo Won not reciprocating her feelings, she was a strong, dignified, intelligent and sympathetic character. Unlike the standard second lead female, she never once tried to force her love upon Joo Won, nor did she blame Ha Moon for being the recipient of Joo Won's affections. Another thing of note is that she becomes friends with Lee Kang Doo.
PORTRAYAL OF ROMANCE: Sweet & tender
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The relationship between Kang Doo and Ha Moon is tender and nurturing. As I stated, this is a story about hurt and comfort, so we got plenty of that. There was a lot of chemistry between the characters, which allowed the progression of their relationship from strangers to co-workers to friends to lovers to feel organic and natural.
The pace was well maintained. It was a slow burn, but when it burned, it did so brightly. Sadly, it did sizzle in the middle (lost some momentum) under an overdose of unneeded drama. It's worth noting that I'm not a fan of getting a couple together, then tearing them apart unless there's a believable reason for it. In this case, I do question at least one of the reasons towards the end because it felt very out of character. That aside, the overall romance is heartwarmingly sweet.
Here are some of the highlights:
1) I enjoyed the transition from friends to lovers and appreciated that Ha Moon Soo was an active participant in that. In fact, I'd say she was perhaps bolder than Kang Doo, which is always refreshing.
2) I love the balance of the relationship. They were almost always on the same page and it never felt like one of them had the upper hand.
3) Their relationship was very healthy and based on mutual trust. Which means that both characters were there for each other at their lowest point and, in so doing, demonstrated that they were comfortable being vulnerable in each others' arms.
OVERALL: Low rewatch value, but definitely recommended
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This is a tender story about bringing two characters together to help heal their emotional wounds. Even if the plot had its flaws, the characters and their excellent portrayal made up for it. If you're looking for a sweet romance, then you should give this a shot. If on top of that, you're into stories of hurt & comfort, then this story will definitely satisfy you.
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Both characters in the story were such pro, that I never felt that I was watching a drama. Even the side cast was amazing. It was more like a depiction of real life story of 2 people who conquered their sufferings through love. Best features about this drama being:
-No cliche
-Realistic plot
-Amazing cast and their acting
-Chemistry b/w the leads
-Every emotion will make your heart skip a beat
Worst features being:
-Zero
-Nil
-basically nothing
-still nothing
-Im running out of synonyms of nothing so someone need to help here.
Things I learned from this drama:
Laughing is happiness,
Shouting is madness.
Sharing is kindness,
Loving is affectionateness,
Crying is sadness.
A human being has bundles of emotions, how can u expect someone to suppress them and remain expressionless?Always smiling doesn't heal things, but expressing them do ????????
I believe my review would encourage viewers to watch it, I'm sure people won't regret their decision. If you like it plz let me know how u felt????????????, in case u don't, I'll take the blame so u can curse me too????????????.
CAUTION: as explained earlier too that I seriously don't write fake reviews. I really had hard time in start, because of those sugar-coated sweet reviews from users on other sites, while in actual the drama was complete sh*t. The writers ain't giving me money to write good reviews or else my reviews list and my bank account both would had been full????????????????. M just helping sensible users and MDL people????????
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The biggest danger of being on this platform (or any similar site, really) is getting swept up in the mob mentality that is a high rating. Time and time again, I begin watching a drama with high hopes just because so many other people loved it. Sometimes, I agree. Other times, I find that I have basically scammed myself through other viewers' preferences. One of those other times was my recent experience with Just Between Lovers.
Just Between Lovers is, by far, not a bad show. I completely understand why so many viewers fell into it. The casting choices, the cinematography, the soundtrack. There’s a lot to brag about. The plot choice is a challenge, but one I commend the writer for choosing. PTSD, survivor's guilt, depression; these things are incredibly difficult subjects to put into a drama without being insensitive, inaccurate, or both.
While I’m not entirely dissatisfied with how the writer depicted these mental conditions, I do feel that she should have gone much further. I didn’t really get into the heads of the characters as much as I expected; so my heart didn’t hurt for them at all.
For Just Between Lovers, the characters should have been the main point. We can understand the technicals of what they went through just by reading a synopsis. In that case, it’s the show’s responsibility to show us more about them; not merely history, but who they are down to every nerve in their body. Okay; maybe that's pushing it for a 16-episode drama, but you understand what I mean? I want to relate to them on some level. Instead, the writer relied too much on the fallacy that “tragedy” automatically equates to a sympathetic audience. In trying to make us viewers feel sad with a truckload of melodrama, we end up not feeling too sad at all.
While I admit that I'm frequently too much of a stickler for well-written characters, I firmly believe that this oversimplification of characters was what failed this show. There were just too many characters to deal with effectively and all at once. The writer was trying to show that everyone is dealing with their own inner demons, which is fine; but then why do I not feel anything for any of them except for the smallest shred of pity? The experience was very similar to when you watch news broadcasts about car accidents: you might wince, feel bad because of what happened. But you most likely don’t have a great enough connection with the victim to truly feel bad for him as a person. That’s a big issue for a drama in which it’s all about seeing the characters as real and human.
Amongst everything, I think that the writer wasted the most time on the romance aspect. (The irony of naming a script “Just Between Lovers” and have a viewer hate the romance. Ouch.) This might’ve just been a trickle-down effect of me not liking the character development enough to appreciate the relationships. I tried to like it, and the pairing was cute; but not anything groundbreaking. It seemed as if the romance was an excuse for more melodrama that the show didn’t need.
The saving grace for Just Between Lovers was the acting. I may have felt lukewarm toward their characters, but I’d be spitting lies if I claimed I wasn’t immersed by Junho and Jinah in each of their more intense scenes. I only completed this show because of them. The amount of emotion that these two harbor in their eyes, namely when they’re crying, is appallingly wonderful. Especially Junho; the amount of acting talent that this singer has is unfair. It’s a real shame that their characters weren’t written better, otherwise the acting would have been explosive.
Altogether, the writer could have done more with the characters instead of focusing on the story alone. Had there been more focus in the character department, I would hardly have any complaints.
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I don't usually write reviews but this drama has being such a disappointment that I want to spare you the pain and boredom of watching this. Along with mafia K-Dramas, my favorite genre is drama/romantic, but this drama is just so incomplete and it lacks argument and emotions.
I'm not going to lie, the 7-8 first episodes are very good, the plot is well thought, the photography and the OST are fantastic -it actually reminded me a bit of Goblin (a true masterpiece), the characters are interesting and it looks like is going to be a love-triangle with heartbreaking moments, but non of that happens... Let me explain:
Eventually the whole story of the trauma because "we were in an accident together 10 years ago gets worn out", is just not enough to keep the rhythm through 16 episodes each one more than 1 hour long, so the script stops making sense and a loop of "angry female lead and stubborn bad guy who is not that bad eventually, and ends up only needing love from an extraordinary girl who underestimate herself but everyone falls in love with her, but they're always fighting because they don't want to hurt each other" is just such a cliché that we got over it already in the Twilight movies... And with this the rest of the characters don't really fit in the story; the story of the manga drawer best friend in a wheel chair it's absolutely pointless and irrelevant, the chief architect ends up being just insipid guy with typical inner demons and an undeveloped background.
On the other hand I just can't stand the female lead, Won Jin Ah, she's so damn irritating, the character is just plain dumb and she's suffering all the time with any type of justification. The chemistry between Jun Ho and her was non existence, the kisses were chaster than usual, and she has the cringiest cry. Honestly the K-drama would have been a lot better if the female lead was different.
The worst part is probably towards the end where they end up making up a desease for the male character to justify three more episodes, but at this point I was just like, whatever I don't care if he lives or die.
The only good thing is obviously Jun Ho who is wonderful, I'm surprised at how good he is at acting, Kim Kong Hyun who is adorable and so soft and convincing in his acting, and the Madame Yoon Se Ah.
This is by far one of the worst K-Dramas I have ever watched and I don't really understand how I didn't drop it, so if you're planning to watch it have it mind that IS NOT THIS GOOD and if you love dramas with a lot of emotions and you enjoy suffering with the terrible lives of the characters and you like a good session of ugly crying and sobbing THIS IS NOT YOUR CHOICE. Seriously, go watch Goblin, Age of Youth, Incomplete Life or Moon Lovers instead, even Prison Playbook that it's a black comedy has more emotion.
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I thought this was going to one of those well-written, heartwarming dramas, until I reached the last quarter of the series. When the "Push-and-Pull-romance game" began, then a scenario of dreadful terminal disease came up and lastly everything was wrapped up in a "miraculous" conclusion.. I felt like I have wasted 16 hours, and I felt like I want them back.. Not to mention the female lead seemed too nervous and stiff when it comes to romantic scenes and kiss scenes.. Oh well, I'm sure she'll improve after a few more dramas.Esta resenha foi útil para você?
If you love characters with heavy pasts, and a future that you cannot wait to see change, then this is a drama you absolutely have to watch.
I've always thought that a good drama must play with your emotions to the extent that it makes you feel like watching the end first just so you won't be miserable waiting for it, and even though you know what's going to happen, you still feel your heart ache with joy or pain, you still feel frustrated, excited and eager to watch the next episode. Just Between Lovers hits all those emotions for me.
This drama tells the story of individuals sharing a tragic event in their past and what kind of people it turns them into. The past connecting to the future is an element that when used well, can become an explosive and beautiful story.
It is amazing to watch something that is so real and makes you feel all the raw emotions that the characters are feeling. All the characters were well played and important on their own. This drama shows you that no matter what you may be feeling, you're not alone. All of characters have their own losses of the accident and their own pain, granted some of the sorrows are greater than the other, but that doesn't mean that they hurt the person any less.
The main characters didn't have a hot and happening love story, albeit they had a realistic romance, one, that is worth so much more than the skinship and the kisses, which is another reason that I fell in love with this drama. The natural chemistry that came from their glances, or the way they spoke to each other was a whole lot better I could imagine.
The OSTs makes you feel so many more emotions when combined with the parts that the different songs play at. The songs complemented the parts so well and effortlessly that they implant themselves into your head and remind you of the beauty they are.
In conclusion, this makes you want to binge it to no extent and wish it didn't end within only 16 episodes. With some really great dialogues, and lovely acting, Just Between Lovers is a drama that has made it's way into my heart, and will probably do the same to you.
I leave you with one of my favorite lines from this drama so that you have something to look forward to when watching this show :) :
"You said this before, "Don't be relieved thinking that this is the rock bottom. If this is not rock bottom, how many more underground levels are there?" - Lee Gang Doo <3
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In a world where money is the number one influence in creative production, we strive more than ever for a feeling of sincerity. If you're looking for a breath of fresh air, this is definitely for you.
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