Melancia Cintilante (2023)

WATERMELON SUGAR!!! ?✨

Ah, I’m sad I finished this show… The characters were so fun, to see the band practices and the friendship tighten throughout the show was just so ???. Eun Gyeol’s unconditional love for his parents and how he tried so hard to make their lives brighter?. Personally, I think they focused too long on Yi Chan’s crush on “Se Kyeong” (even though eventually they strangely made it seem like he knew for a while that “Se Kyeong” actually liked Eun Gyeol – I wished we would have gotten more of Yi Chan and Cheong Ah). I also think that Eun Yu and Eun Gyeol should have found out about each other’s identities a little earlier. But overall, this show made me cry, laugh and was a lot of fun?.

Leia Mais

Across the board, outstanding!

Time travel that works?
Amazing music?
Brilliant cast?
Amazing story?
Great Humour?
Life lessons?

Not all in one drama at the same time, right? Yep!

Bottom line, ya just need to watch it, brilliant.

OK, Mr/Miss/Mrs Sceptic who is still here, why...

First up - time travel stories are hard to do well and this one nails it. It doesn't go overboard, and its respectful of the timeline. Is it perfect? No, because it's never going to be - time travel doesn't exist right? - but it feels right and not over done.

There's some great humour here, a towards the start (and a little again at the end) there's these fun little riffs on the Back to the Future sound track and some familiar facial expressions and reactions from Eun Gyeol that you might recognise from it too. But - true to everything else, they don't overdo it. Get it out of the way, have a quiet chuckle with the audience, and move on. This isn't back to the future, it has its own story to tell (probably a more meaningful one, if we're honest here - and I'm a BTTF fan).

The cast are utterly brilliant in every respect, different characters portrayed really well. I loved the deaf angle on this one, it makes it stand out - who'd have thought to make a heavily musical story, about musicians, and then make key characters deaf? Takes a bold team, and Jin Soo Wan (writer) and Son Jung Hyun (director) pulled it off.

The music, throughout, is fantastic. I'll be getting some of these on my spotify play list as soon as possible. Fun, upbeat, something to sway to.

Broadly, the main character is the only hearing-able person in his household and this weighs on him constantly, his passion is music but he's afraid to share it because it's something the others can't do themselves so it feels selfish. After his dad discovers him performing in a band and careless heated words are spoken in both directions, the main character finds himself wandering into a music store to sell is beloved guitar and give up on his dreams. The owner of the store takes the guitar and after they talk for a while, the main character leaves - and finds himself back in 1995, where he soon meets up with his younger father - who can hear just fine.

OK back to the waffle / gushing...

I really enjoyed the storyline elements involving Cheong-ah (main characters mother) and the journey that, in particular, her father took. There's a moment where the main character says to him something like "I really want you to see your daughter smile, she has the most beautiful smile" and later when he does see it, it pays off big time, Kim Tae Woo who plays her father nails the scene perfectly.

Our two main characters learn and grow through this journey in different ways, they each get different things out of this but they get what they need to put themselves back on the right track.

Enjoy it, the title is wacky, the drama is a bit wacky, the characters are completely wacky, the music is fabulous and the end result is one of the most fun dramas of the year in my view.

Leia Mais

A Time-Traveling Melody of Love and Nostalgia

oh my! "Twinkling Watermelon" is a time-travel love story that hit me right in the feels. Picture this: Eun Gyeol, a high school whiz by day and a guitar-wielding maestro by night, accidentally stumbles into a 90s time warp. Yes, you heard me right, time travel!

Now, this isn't your average time-travel tale. It's a heartwarming blend of laughs, romance, and music. Eun Gyeol's meet-up with his young dad, Yi Chan, is like a comedy goldmine. Imagine trying to play matchmaker for your own parents while your future dad thinks you're a lunatic. Hilarious, right? But the twist? Yi Chan ends up falling for a cellist, not Eun Gyeol's future mom. Talk about turning the love story playbook upside down!

Let's talk tunes. Oh, the music! It's not just a soundtrack; it's a time-traveling jukebox of 90s hits and soul-soothing originals. Eun Gyeol rocks out with his dad's band, trying to play cupid through melodies. It's like a musical journey that transports you to the good old days.

The characters are the cherry on top. Eun Gyeol's struggle to keep his parents' love on track while navigating the awkwardness of time travel? It's relatable, and you can't help but root for the guy. The band members add spice to the mix, making you wish you had a gang like that in your own life.

Well, the pacing hits a few bumps, and some story bits could use a little more TLC. But who cares when you're swept up in a whirlwind of laughter, romance, and sweet tunes? This series hooked me with its charm and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

"Twinkling Watermelon" isn't just a show; it's a time-traveling symphony that'll make you laugh, cry, and maybe even dance a little. It's a sweet escape into nostalgia, exploring the messy business of changing destiny. Trust me, you're in for a treat – a watermelon-flavored treat that'll leave you smiling and maybe a little teary-eyed. ??❤️

Leia Mais

Refreshing like a watermelon

I have no words to express how much I loved this drama. This was like a breath of fresh air for me. The characters are well-written, and the story is so emotional and enjoyable and has so many lessons and emotions carved into it. At the beginning of the last episode, I was destroyed emotionally and cried a lot, but the ending made me so happy T^T.

My only complaint, and also the reason I don't give this drama a 10, is that I would have liked to see more of their lives in the future, both Eun Gyeol with his family and Eun Yu with her mom. Also, Eun Gyeol and his father playing the song they wrote together would have been nice.

This is my first time doing a review, and I'm glad it's about this story. I'm so grateful to have watched such a great drama. It was just perfect. I'll miss them so much T^T.

Twinkling watermelon will always have a special place in my heart.♡

Leia Mais

"Maybe a little more to the ending?"

"Twinkling Watermelon" started as a time-filler, but it ended up tugging at my heart. Viva teaching Eun Yul guitar was sweet, and the drama between the father and son had me on edge. The "Master" twist and the 19s lifestyle kept things interesting. Ha Yi Chan's romantic story was a highlight.

But, man, the feels hit hard when Eun Yul couldn't dodge the accident, and Yi Chan lost his hearing. Why didn't they spill the tea on Choi Se Keoung and her dad's story? Yoon Cheung Ah's happy ending was a win, but I needed more deets in the finale. Overall, emotional ride, but give me a fuller ending, please!

Leia Mais

A Refreshing Delight: Twinkling Watermelon Review

Twinkling Watermelon, the latest drama to hit screens in 2023, is a true gem that offers a refreshing and delightful viewing experience. The combination of a well-crafted dialogue, a compelling plot, and an exceptional portrayal of deaf characters sets this drama apart from the rest.

One of the standout features of Twinkling Watermelon is the commendable representation of deaf characters. The depth and authenticity brought to these characters showcase not only the dedication of the actors but also the nuanced understanding of the writer and director. It's truly incredible to witness a drama that goes beyond the surface, capturing the essence of deaf culture with respect and accuracy.

The characters in Twinkling Watermelon are undeniably the heart of the drama. The chemistry among the cast members is palpable, creating a genuine and engaging atmosphere. Shin Eunsoo and Ryeoun's performances deserve special mention, as their acting prowess shines through, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. The cast as a whole delivers a fantastic performance, contributing to the overall success of the drama.

The music in Twinkling Watermelon deserves its own applause. The soundtrack complements the narrative beautifully, with each song leaving a lasting impact. The carefully chosen tracks not only enhance the emotional depth of the scenes but also succeed in creating a memorable musical backdrop for the entire drama. The incorporation of music adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the viewing experience.

However, no drama is without its flaws, and in the case of Twinkling Watermelon, the only drawback seems to be the ending, which some might find a bit rushed. While the overall pacing of the drama is well-maintained, a more gradual conclusion could have allowed for a more satisfying resolution. Nevertheless, this minor hiccup does little to diminish the overall quality of the drama.

In conclusion, Twinkling Watermelon is a standout drama of 2023 that effortlessly weaves together a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and a stellar musical score. The respectful portrayal of deaf characters sets a commendable standard for representation in the entertainment industry. Despite a slightly hurried ending, the drama remains a must-watch for its engaging storyline and exceptional performances. Twinkling Watermelon is, without a doubt, a delightful addition to the world of Korean dramas.

Leia Mais

Doubtful beginning and amazing ending

First few episodes made me doubtful and I was thinking about dropping this drama, but I'm glad I didn't do that and chose to watch further. The actors were amazing and the soundtrack was strong, it kept me going.
The strong meaning of the main idea was portraid so beautifully and interesting. The relationships between son and father, grandmother and grandson were so important and pure and growing connection between father and daughter made me happy.
Although ending still left so many question, that I tried find the answers online, little details that were shown answered some of them. The last episode made me weep, it was so emotional and strong. This is by far the best Kdrama I had ever seen. I wish I could watch this drama again as new.

Leia Mais

CODA: Get ready to wrap it up beautifully

CODA, a word that is linked to two major topics.
While it has a place in music, where it means to conclude the song nicely, it also has a meaning in society, where it means child of a deaf.
Combining those two topics was a great idea and holds a special meaning storytelling wise.

Story:
The story itself is great and somewhat new.
The usual time travel dramas are dealing with a main lead, that is traveling back in the past to investigate, or even change their future outcome.
While this is partially true for Twinkling Watermelon too, it has more depth to it.
Ha Eun Gyeol was unintentionally sent back in time and Choi Se Kyeong got there to just have a wholesome last time.
One is trying to prevent the dad from a great misfortune, while the other is trying not to get born at all.
While both don't know why they are exactly there, their futures are more intertwined than they assume at first.
Linking light events like first love, family matters, but also deals with more in depth topics such as abuse, abandonment and many more together.

Casting:
The cast in Twinkling Watermelon is so phenomenal.
I can't think of better main roles.
Ryeoun and Choi Hyun Wook were absolutely astonishing in how they portrayed Ha Eun Gyeol and Ha Yi Chan.
Their bromance, the laughter and their relationship of friends/ father son is one of a kind.
It makes you wish to have this kind of relationship too.
Both did amazing in how they brought the complicated characters of them to life.
Seol In Ah did a fantastic job portraying Choi Se Kyeong.
Her character brought a cheerfulness and easiness into the drama.
But my highest respect goes to Shin Eun Soo who is portraying Yoon Cheong Ah.
Acting itself is hard as it is, but portraying a character, with no lines and purely throughout facial expressions and actions is top tier acting.
You could literally see the character development of Cheong Ah through the screen.
Hands down, my highest respect.

Music:
The OSTs as well as the songs played in the drama itself were nice.
"Higher" perfectly describes a spirit that is free.
Nothing can stop you, while you are trying to reach your dreams.

"Shining" is more of a motivational song.
It describes a feeling of Not giving up.
Forget about the past and start again. There are always opportunities for it.

Overall, Twinkling Watermelon is a must watch.
If you haven't seen it yet, you are missing out.
You'll feel all kinds of emotions while watching.
I caught myself cheering and even shedding tears several times.
The director did really great in directing the drama and the actors did fantastic in portraying the emotions.
Well done.

Leia Mais

Heartwarming time-travel story

This show had everything: the sad backstories that make us empathize with the characters, beautiful redeeming arcs for the 2nd generation, as well as some amazing high school friend group scenes! Absolute must-watch for anyone wanting to relive their high school days.
When I initially started watching this, I thought it was a similar concept to a Bollywood movie from 2010 called Action Replayy since it involves the son going into his parents' past to make them fall in love. But as the episodes went on and Choi Se Kyeong's character was shown more (+her and Ha Eun Gyeol's relationship developed), it reminded me of A Map Of Tiny Perfect Things because of the similarities in the main characters stuck in the same "time loop" and needing to help each other to get back to the present. If you liked this drama, I highly recommend these two movies!
The last episode was probably my most favourite, seeing the positive implications of the changes that happened due to the time-travel instead of things going bad because of what was changed.

Leia Mais